What men do in private is only the business of them and those they trust with it [ Basch murmurs into Olivine's hair. ] Your piercings are beautiful, and they hurt no one. Most other tastes are the same. I...have bedded other men who needed release but were too under scrutiny to find it themselves. It isn't all that uncommon, and taking care of their needs helps them do their work better.

[ He wasn't sure how Olivine would feel about that, or about how little Basch wasn't willing to do for those he served, but it was the truth, and the other deserved that.

The glisten of tears, though, break his heart again, and if he were willing to move either of his hands, he'd cup the other's face. It's not the first time he's heard a story like this, but somehow this time it guts him more. At least the princes and general's children had others who understood. ]

I'm sorry you've been so alone. I will be here, so long as you want me to be. [ It feels important to offer again. He can tell this was a lot for Olivine to share, even if it changes nothing for Basch. If anything, it makes him feel more protective.

He may be a monster, and socially mediocre at best, but he can protect, and he can mentor, and he can love, and if that's what Olivine needs, then maybe this was a kind twist of fate to put them together. ]