"I like that too." Hartley's voice was quiet and he kept a tight hold around Axel's hand, moving it to his lips to press them against his knuckles. His eyes were closed and he looked sad, because he knew Axel wouldn't let himself actually express how he felt. Might as well do it for him. He knew he ought to be scared to go out with Axel, hell, he'd been threatened, he always got solicited, one very memorable and terrifying occasion had combined the two before he'd kicked that asshole in the balls.

He finally looked up at Axel and there might be a wetness to his eyes, but he was smiling. "You called me your boyfriend."