It takes Merrick a little longer than he'd wanted to open up--he keeps tensing up because of the cold--but it happens, slowly but surely, long moments spent with his arm locked around Metaari's neck, breathing against him. He's already covered in sweat, already trembling, and they've only just begun.

"Now," he gasps out, and wraps both arms around Metaari, anchoring himself as much as clinging for comfort.