For a second, all Thomas did was stare. He was racking up firsts today, firsts that he never thought he'd have and hadn't started wishing for until he'd gotten to Darrow. Now, Krem was sitting on him, hand his hands on him and Thomas couldn't form words.

"I - I can touch you?" he asked, looking for permission this time, this first time. Thomas hadn't done this kind of touching before and while he wasn't exactly sure where to touch and what would feel good, he knew he wanted to try. If he did it wrong, he hoped Krem would tell him, at least, and nudge him towards better touches and pleasures.