[ It's not what he wants, at all, that crumpling and tightening of Jacob's expression, the drawing in of something that's usually so free and easy for him. It seems to run through the younger man like he's the one with the mortal wound, like something vital is draining out of him, leaving raw cold pain behind. It feels like a loss, even as it's a clear indication of something being built.

Heart aching in sympathy, emotions knotted in his chest, Hellboy holds his gaze. He recognises the core of loneliness that has appeared in small ways during their time together, the grief that keeps Jacob fighting when he'd otherwise give up, the sorrow that had brought him to tears when he'd told him he was worth more than a fuck to be thrown away. It reminds him of being a kid again, always on the outside looking in, gripping so hard to what little he had that the thought of letting it go was impossible. ]

Hey. Jacob. [ He reaches up to set his palm against Jacob's cheek. ] I'm not going anywhere if I can help it. I'm gonna fight as hard as I can so it doesn't have to happen.