...you don't have to thank me. [Pain was proof he was still alive, scars both visible and otherwise a tangible reminder that he could survive even the impossible. Even when he didn't survive, apparently.]

[...He really didn't want to think about that right now. If Waver let himself dwell on how absolutely terrified he actually was to know he was about to die, it would invalidate the reason he'd done it at all. Frightened or not, there was no reason to regret the action. He'd die a hundred times over if it meant sparing Diarmuid, or anyone else he cared for if that was what it took.]

[The real trick was trying to stop his hands from shaking as he took Diarmuid's in his own, squeezing gently to reassure them both.]

...I understand now. There were days I wished you hadn't protected me back then, but...you really couldn't do anything else, could you?