[Matt's always been the calmer, more sedate Holt sibling. He got all the poise and diplomacy, his younger sibling got the pure salty rage. But that comes in handy now, because a calm attitude coupled with the constant, nearly-scentless soothing hormones he's exuding from every inch is probably the only way to keep Lance from freaking out. He doesn't think he'll be invited back if he freaks Lance out.

And he wants to come back. He knows he's the only one on the ship -- the only one anywhere -- who can fully understand how the rebellious human mind and the easily-suggestible human body can war against each other when faced with the life of a concubine. Matt's the only one who can guide Lance through it.

He's done well so far, so he trusts himself to reach out, squeeze Lance's hand gently, once.] I'm not a prisoner here. I haven't been tortured or abused or terrorized. I'm...different now, as I'm sure you are. I can do different things, valuable things, and that's kept me and my dad safe.

I don't have anything to be afraid of. And you -- you're so much more valuable and important than I am. So you don't have anything to be afraid of either.

[He falters a little, eyes lowering, pulling back and absently toying with the end of the loose braid his hair is in.] ...I remember it's hard, though. At first. It's hard to accept.

But it's easier if you do. I promise.