A tightening of Louis' fingers around Daniels. Uses their fingers as a link, levering himself closer, head shaking.

"You aren't bogging me down."

No hesitation. Firm over the words, intending to dispel any instinct Daniel might have to withhold.

"I want to be here with you."

Even when here required them to be there. Who else had this perspective? Who else could understand even a fraction of what Louis is struggling with? Pieces of him, missing. Pieces of him simply gone, excised over decades. He'd never known. He wants to know now.