"I had to be," Miles murmured quietly. "You don't remember doing the same for me, but...you did. And going after you and making sure you were safe..."

He pulled Phoenix closer, rubbing his shoulder lightly and kissing the top of his head. "I promised myself that night that if anything ever happened, I'd do the same for you. I meant every word. You went through a lot more that night; a monster that was out of one of those movies we watched when we were kids was in the hall, and they'd dumped me there waiting for the thing to get me. But even if that had happened to you - and don't get me wrong, I am very glad that it didn't - I would still go. And I'd be here now."

He paused, just long enough to tilt Phoenix's chin up. "Because...I don't want to lose you a second time." He didn't let Phoenix respond, instead leaning forward and kissing him.