What little tension remains drops out of him when he's pulled close in turn. HE cares and is cared for, holds and is held. It's all equal across the board, how they feel. How they treat each other. It works.

They're partners and-

That word he doesn't look at too hard warms him right through, nosing into Sam's shoulder. "I know you won't treat me like that. I know you won't hurt me in ways I don't ask for."

And that's worth so goddamn much. "I trust you, Sam."