[He shifted easily, eagerly almost, letting his other hand slip down from Helix's head so he could embrace the boy properly. Aidan hugged him tightly to his side, bowing his head to press against the others as if there just couldn't be enough physical contact in this moment. Remaining silent and still he breathed him in, eyes stubbornly staring into the inky darkness of the room as he waited for the last few words to hit.
And then they did.
He'd known for a while now. Suspected, at least, but hearing it? It was a whole different thing. It made it real, washed away any other possibilities that may have been lurking. No more straws to reach for, and although he tried to prepare himself a little for this very outcome... he had no idea how to handle it. What did you even say? What could he do, aside from be there and hold on as tightly as he possibly dared to? ]