There it is. That spark of intelligence, that flicker of curiousity even now, even here. It's what draws Tom to Darling every time, every moment, and he leans over to carefully adjust his bowtie as he smiles softly, drinking up every single word.

Doctor Casper Darling is trying to puzzle things out, even now. Even here. It's comforting. It's familiar in a way that grounds Tom just as much as that arm behind him does.

"Dream up your theories," Tom encourages, and the hand touching the bowtie comes up to touch the other's chin, index finger tilting him up and towards him. "I'll help in any way I can."

Like now, as he leans close to press his lips against Darling's again.