Booker felt his heart crack open and it hurt a little to hear such tender things. He knew that Nicky meant every single word with absolute sincerity. How many times could he apologize for his own broken heart and soul?

"I should thank you for not giving up on me," he said, his voice a little heavier with emotion, accent a little thicker. "And for welcoming me back... for wanting me back after all this time and all the pain I caused you."

He hadn't been unaware of what his pulling away did to the rest of them but... he had thought it was better for them all. Booker could be very stupid. He kissed him tenderly, slowly, just... kissing him like that could communicate how much Nicky meant to him.