Thomas looked... pleased. It would be hard to put into words Maladan's relief. He was afraid his words would seem silly, or that he was pushing Thomas too hard, but it looks like it wasn't a valid concern.
What he said to him afterwards sounded very much like Latham. Actually... did he have all the time in the world? He doubted it would be that simple. Plus, when he thought about it, he realized it was a double-edged sword. He'd like to make them both happy, Thomas and Latham. They don't put any pressure on him and give him space, they're sympathetic with who he is and how he has it, which on the one hand pleases him, but on the other strongly encourages his need to reciprocate somehow.
Towards the end of Thomas' monologue, however, Maladan looked like a kid who stole a candy and started looking away, proving that he really needs to work on his poker face. He realized this and took a few deep breaths, trying to control the urge to blush, smirk, or bite his lip.
"Okay. Um... like I said, it started out as healing, but... the problem with my scars is that they're... kind of everywhere. There were hugs, touches, turned into kisses, and... that was it. It ended when my body, and probably his too, started to react and I told him I'd like to just stick with what we're already doing together and not go any further, for now. Then... we said goodbye. He left, which you know. And I played with my scars." ... until I got super tired and went to bed snuggling to his clothes he left there, unable to fall asleep continuously because how soft the bed was. Picking out words? This sounds about right. "It really wasn't more than that. It was... unexpectedly cuddly, but nothing like... sticking some body parts... into other body parts... or touching the body part mentioned... ehm.... Look, I know how to do sex... If you start over birds and bees, I am going to jump over that window." He pointed over the window, leading to the tree just outside the hotel. He had his escape routes picked. Then, he sighed: "I just lack experience and more specific and practical knowledge of the topic, and I am prone to get too nervous about stuff, you know? I want to make it right and good and normal so hard it works against me."
