Alarmed, Damen felt his fears confirmed as Laurent pulled away from him, the comfortable relaxation exchanged for tension and separation. He nearly reached out to touch Laurent, and drew his hand back just in time.

Instead, he tucked the sheet around Laurent's back and left the space between them unbreached; a quiet but unmoving presence beside him. Laurent had promised him honesty, and in turn he had offered to listen, to respect his wishes and treat him as an equal.

"As much as you need," he promised, settling back to simply watch the curled line of Laurent's back, the barely visible contours of his face.