That was it, then. That was the unspoken command, and even with the low relief of finally hearing it voiced, Jack felt his breath catch and throat tighten perilously. Prove you love me. That was what he wanted to challenge them with, after every trouble and hardship. He wanted to give them one more, and he just couldn't shake the feeling he wanted them to fail one of these times. To prove his blackest thoughts right.

"It's what we claim, all right?" he countered, tone sharp and earnest, eyes level on Zevran. "We love you. End of story. You need to test it, fine. Tell us whatever you think is going to change our minds."