[ He's quiet for a moment, just looking up at Alhaitham as the other tells him— sees right through him as always and tells him— not to start beating himself up over this. He laughs, a soft wet sound, and sniffles, shaking his head gently within the confines of those gentle hands. ]

Will you tell me something? How long— how long have you known you're in love with me?

[ There's a slight pause, not quite enough of one to let Alhaitham speak, before he continues: ]

How long have you known I'm in love with you?