Dakin smiled at that, pleased with himself, but nowhere near as smug as he usually was when he did something worthy of note. He loved the way that Irwin responded, he loved knowing that he was the one causing it, he loved the praise. But it was getting fucking difficult. He didn't want to let Irwin down, but, at the same time, he really just wanted to come.

"Close," he got out, sounding strained