You have nothing to apologise to me for.

[it's only that there's... propriety to consider. life is complicated, far too complicated sometimes. a hand rises up as Dohalim pushes himself up, to cup his chin and stop him from turning away yet. he didn't say it to make him feel guilty, especially with how badly he wants to stay...]

I want to stay. I just... don't want to make things difficult for you later. If you want to continue this way, I won't refuse.

[ultimately, his reputation is... only so endangered. no matter how highly Dohalim is regarded, people attack the highest ranks first, and between a guard captain and his Lord...]

Maybe... there's somewhere we could set up for... times like these. That won't raise suspicions for either of us. Something like it.

[exhaling a sigh, he shifts to sit up - and can't stop the sharp inhale of breath as he does. that... that's unexpected. his whole lower body feels... weak, aching. was it really that much exertion?]

Ah... haaah... it may take me a moment.

[he definitely has every intention of powering through it, but it does dawn on him just how much they've now done, in the most tangible way.]