It's hard to reconcile in his mind, that difference in time. Hard not to act as if it were ancient history for both of them, and he'll need to time as much as Gideon does to recognize that. He reminds himself he's selfish and the barb isn't entirely undeserved.

Still, he takes the hand, an action as much instinct to him as it is to Gideon. Something not too long forgotten (and again, more for Gideon than for himself). And because he's selfish he wraps both his hands around it, holding it tight, desperate for this little memento of the past. He touches his lips to his own fingers, as close as he can come - a safe enough gesture at the moment for the both of them.

And that's when his calm cracks open. Just enough to let out a shuttering half-sob, a few tears falling onto his own knuckles.