Brahms held them tightly within the firm embrace of his strong arms, refusing to let go. Anxiety gnawed at him, fearing the possibility of their departure, an unbearable thought he dared not entertain. Nuzzling his face into the comforting curve of their neck, a slight whimper escaped him, his heartache painfully evident. "I'll behave, please don't leave," he pleaded softly, his breath catching, its rhythm disrupted by the surge of emotions. He clung to them desperately.