[ there's a moment where he remembers a conversation that went simply "it's my fault" followed by "of course it is" from the thing wearing branlon's face he'd gotten so used to, but that's not here. branlon is, genuinely, and winslow needs to get used to that again and quick. he doesn't need to hear all the horrible details about what the false version of himself did either. or know it existed at all.

so he does snap to attention when he's told to stop apologizing, nodding. it's nice to hear, and he'll need to hear it many more times before it sticks for real, but it still makes him happy. ]

He's younger than me and I called him that, darling. Old has nothing to do with age. [ wry. but still, he's mollified by the returned kiss, eyes lidding. ] You're the one that pretended you couldn't see me, so that's what you get.

[ he hops to his feet by tugging himself up via branlon's hand, only letting go so that he can do a cat-like stretch before looking up at him, hands coming to rest at his shoulders and drumming against them. ]

I think I wouldn't be myself if I said no. I'd love to go on an adventure with you.