Claude can't deny the way his heart skips a beat at that kiss, the touch to his temple, and he closes his eyes to lean into him once more. It seems Lorenz is able to get a better read on him than he thought. Certainly more than he used to be able to.

"Never is quite a tall order," he says with a small smile. It's not that he wants to doubt him -- more that in that cautious way of his, he's prone to testing the waters, even now of all times.

"But I know you're serious. I suppose... I'm just surprised, that's all."