[His chest pangs like a dry-shot bowstring. He can feel his fingers curling, his arms pulling Claude in closer even while his mind is screaming at him to beat a getaway. Part of him is already certain he's doomed, with those green eyes trained on him with that look in them. He swallows again, heavily.]

Goddess you make it hard to think... Even without whatever influence this has- [His hand lifts to trace the sting on Claude's chest.] I've wanted you since we were both at the academy... [He admits it breathlessly, a puff of air like a laugh.] But I'm... a long five years older, and... Well, I'm sure you've heard some of the things I've been accused of. [He says it with a wry smile, but his eyes betray just how deep some of those words cut. Being called unfaithful and a slut, whatever, but the other things... they hit on something deep and broken.] Being manipulative, coercing things out of people they didn't intend to give. I don't want to risk doing anything like that to you.