[ It would be easy to get lost in the press of Siffrin's lips, to focus on their breath mingling with his own. But as it is, his pulse remains steady, finding comfort in warm, lingering presses. Time they didn't have but have more than enough of now, as it were. ]

I would have thanked you for your sincerity and feelings towards me. I would have divulged that I was flattered.

[ He presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. ]

But I would not have kissed you, much less let my eyes linger on you for so long.