[ So it would seem that Percival shared the same concerns. That was comforting, in a way. ]

We are in an unprecedented circumstance. Perhaps we shouldn't worry too much about it.

[ He sighs. ]

I trust in you, Percival. I know that you would never let anything personal get in the way of your goals. And I can only speak for myself, but I will do my best to ensure that we remain comrades-in-arms, no matter what happens here.

[ Honestly, he doesn't know if this could have ended any other way. He doesn't know if Percival having sex with a stranger or near-stranger would have been better than with someone he was close to. But this is the route they've taken, and there was no use dwelling on what-ifs.

He has rely more on what he's feeling than reason. And right now, what he's feeling is that he wants to kiss Percival again. So he does. ]