"You know what I want to do." And if Claude isn't going to continue to pull away from him Lorenz dares to stand as well, barely resisting the urge to wrap his arms around him as though he might vanish before his eyes.

"That doesn't mean it's not still frightening." Maybe that makes him weak, being scared of foolish things like this. Worrying so much about what will change because of others' opinions. But public opinion can make or break a man and they both know it. "I don't... know how to be like you, to just let things go."

He finally gives in, pulling Claude into an embrace at once apologetic and desperate. "You are the one thing I refuse to let go of."

That, at least, is said with conviction, not a trace of hesitation. "Illogical though it might be, I still... feel guilty for allowing-" All of this. Just the fact that he's not wearing a shirt is enough for a scandal, never mind that he'd let himself climb into Claude's lap. "Which is not something you should have to deal with, I realize. I- Please, I don't mean for it to sound like I don't want... Didn't enjoy..." But he can't even bring himself to say it, something sick and shameful weighing down his tongue.

"I'm sorry."