"Surprised? I'm pretty sure we own mirrors," he teased, before pressing his forehead against John's temple. "You argue, because it sounds like you're finally letting go of that man. You're finally ready to live your life and you're trying to convince him to do the same, and I understand why you're doing it. How many times did I try to convince you? And how well did that work? You weren't ready to let go this image of the future you had. I'm assuming that it's even harder for Derek, because for him, it's his past and his future. He's also been here less and has even fewer connections. You made friends, even when you didn't really understand them, you had them around. Derek... he doesn't. They might think of him as a friend, but the reverse isn't true. He wouldn't even know I was alive if you weren't around, and I know that for a fact. The only one is Nell and even there, there's a wall. I know you're trying to help him, but you can't push him, and talking will never help you figure things out. He will when he's ready, if he's ever ready. He might be too damaged, John."
Brian cupped John's face, smiling. "I'm surprised you even remember Catholic vows. Fuck, I'm surprised that I remember them," he said, laughing. "I don't need words, John. Never have. The other ways... now that's a very good alternative." He hugged John "Neither one is asking the other to change, but we're still changing," he whispered, before pulling back. Brian laced their fingers together, the rings clicking against each other. "This would have never happened before. It wouldn't have happened with someone else." He matched John's smile. "We are going to drink champagne, eat dessert and then we're going back to our room and we can see just how much you can say without words. Sounds like a plan?"