Neither can I, [he whispers, lowering his face to the crook of Felix's neck and inhaling deeply. Dimitri presses a light kiss to the corner of his jaw, not yet bold enough to kiss his neck despite wanting that very much. He strokes Felix's back, careful to avoid his injury.]

I cannot promise you the things I did as a child.

[It was so easy then. He knew he wanted to always be with Felix, so he just said that they should get married without hesitation. Now, he knows how impossible that is.]

Even so... would you let me stay by your side, Felix?