"I understand," he says, gently, thumb stroking against the side of Laurence's neck, right against his pulse. A shiver goes down his spine. "But...I have spent my whole...life, Will, reading signs and hoping that I've read them right. Hoping for the best."

He shakes his head.

"I won't here. Not with you. Not with...this." He leans in, lips grazing against the corner of Laurence's mouth. "I wish that this was easier."