The change in Liam's expression is subtle. A slight dimming of the light in his features, barely noticeable in the night. He had been very drunk the last time they'd had a conversation like this, a mess, and Marty had been the one to hold him together. Always the one keeping him from going to pieces. Even with the roles now reversed, it's still Marty who feels like the stronger of the two of them. Because Marty's words, his tone, pull Liam's heart in too many directions. Because there's always so much danger. Because he knows, he could never be okay.

But he'd also made his own promises—to his squad, to himself. They would get through. They wold hold together until they could all begin to mend. Losing Marty is not a wound Liam could heal from, but Liam also knows that he wouldn't — couldn't — let it stop him. So, no, if something happens to Marty, he'll never be okay, but, "I'll keep going." He says against a growing tightness in his throat.

Liam wraps himself around Marty, drawing him close again. They fit, seamless; two puzzle pieces, damaged but matched. Marty is always strong, and Liam is always soft. Always vulnerable. But maybe it's not a bad thing, being the one who needs to believe that everything will be okay. "I'll keep going," he repeats into Marty's ear, holding him tight, concentrating on the words. Making them real. A prayer. A spell. A promise. A shield. "I'll keep going, and you will, too."