I guessed as much. I still would have liked to have given you a slightly gentler introduction to it.

[not guilt, per se, but empathy. his fingers squeeze gently as they walk, humming softly at the question. at this point... he's not surprised Basch asks it, actually. because of that, he can let himself lean in a little before he speaks, to remind the blond where he wants him to be.]

If you'd like, you can. But it could be... our little secret that it's not prepared yet, too. I just don't want to spend too much time away from you, right now.

[God, he feels so selfish just uttering the words.]