[He savoured the contact to a cheek that had all of its nerve-endings still intact and functioning. He mused that he had given up sleeping in a bed for decades before Richard, and he had never been much of a close contact person either. He supposed having a barnacle for a bedmate left him with little options, and he slowly warmed up to the idea to keep the younger man content.

Yet, the warm moment was soured with his words, and he wished he could regret them. He couldn't though, aware that he and Richard were wise enough to understand that they had lost control of both their 'secret' and the narrative that went with it. That was dangerous to them both.

He pulled his face away and rolled onto his back so he too could stare at the ceiling. And perhaps to give Richard distance if the younger man would prefer to be away from him.]

I don't know what exactly occurred between the two of you, but it appears she has the same sentiment about you. I have an idea based on the fact that you've openly stated that you're married. [Richard came from a time period that did remind him of the books he read about Piltover's upper class.] It will only grow worse from here. We've lost control of any peace or secrecy we may hope to have about this.