...I know what you mean. But no one should have to feel that way. That includes you, too. You don't have to be. Not when so many of us are right here, going through the same things.

[How long has it been since someone touched him like that?

He knows the exact answer, and it makes his chest clench and twist painfully. He wants it... even though he's aware that he probably shouldn't. It feels dangerous. And yet--]

--don't. [...] Don't stop.