Herbert opens his eyes too as Alfred gasps, reaching up to wipe the blood away. "Please -- don't push yourself too hard. It's buried deep, whatever it is. I don't want you to hurt yourself trying to get at it, my love. My stars.

Please." It's a soft request. One that's cracked around the edges as he reaches out to stroke Alfred's cheek. Whatever it is that's hurting him, he doesn't want it to hurt Alfred, too.