"Y-yes, but it was - it was - before we met," he fairly stammers in explanation, wrapping his arms up around Herbert. Not as an excuse...but to explain what had really stopped him. Still steeped in shame back then...mired in guilt, so much guilt, about it being Wrong -

None of that now.

He groans a little at the pressure of Herbert's shifting weight on top of him. "Yes...yes, I...I appreciate that...."