Sterling hadn't the faintest idea of how his compromise would so work out for them, if it even would and yet, in truth, he trusted the man in front of him entirely. Hell, he wanted to be with Henry in every way possible. It certainly wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if his goal, no matter how pure, had failed. After all, the finish line still included his lover, did it not? He appreciated, however, how much Henry was willing to put off his own wants in order to comply with Sterling's desire to ensure their relationship was even so much as capable as remaining in tact without that sex that took up so much of their previous lives. Still, here and now, with Henry's lips upon his skin, Sterling quickly found himself caring very little for his concern on the future of their relationship, that groan so reverberating on his lips. All that mattered in that singular moment was the present. His own lips gingerly pressed against Henry's, so willing to relinquish that lead that he had so futilely tried to take within the first place. In this, it was plain to see that Henry would always be far more masterful then he could ever hope to be, not that he terribly minded.

What he was aware of, however, was his boyfriend's fingers so brushing along the band of Steling's waist, so furthering his own arousal if only for the simple knowledge of what could come if he let it. He could feel Henry's thumb lingering ever so teasingly just inches above where his body so desperately wanted that touch. Sterling hardly stopped him as his fingers drifted lower still, his lips otherwise preoccupied as those delicate caresses were so given, his own body reacting to push back against that touch in what friction he might so be able to receive. He could feel Henry pulling back from him ever so slightly, his own blue eyes fluttering open to eye his companion as those words so fell with a husky want from his companion's lips. He knew very well what Henry wanted in that moment and yet, Sterling found himself simply hesitating. It wasn't because he didn't want it, no, he definitely did but rather, when it came down to it, Sterling found himself almost timid to step over that line. Still, Henry had seen all of him before. They had slept together before. Hell, they'd done this in a closet at his work once - the memory of that so immediately bringing a blush to his cheeks. Why was he finding himself so shy now? Slowly, he nodded, shifting ever so slightly back from his companion so he was no longer upon Henry's lap, entirely willing to give Henry access to whatever he so wanted in that moment.

STERLING TENEMBRAGE