He pauses, groaning through bitten lip as Raju’s hand snakes into his trousers. His hand holds tightly to him, his head ducking to press a kiss to his head.

“Rama,” he repeats softly, head falling back to rest against Raju’s arm. “Rama.”

It’s as though one more veil has fallen away from this man. Perhaps the last one, that final wall between officer and protector and hero and just…Rama. As himself.

“You’re so beautiful, my Rama.”