[The smile he gives Dorian is one of those that says anything other than happiness. Regret, apology, sadness - and a hope to avoid pain. A little like a cringing dog, trying not to get hit again.]

Dorian - really, it's okay. I... I said too much. I got too personal, and we're... what, friends at best? And I started airing my past and ... let on a little too much.

[That he'd be more than happy to have Dorian spend the night wrapped up in his arms if he could just be sure he wouldn't hurt him - but that had been reason enough for Dorian to turn away and break the intimate moment that had hung between them for...

For long enough that Alistair had been fooled into thinking that maybe it was one he could hold on to. His own fault.

Dorian's hand on his arm really only made it worse. Like it was a mockery of what had been there before. Dorian trying to soothe hurt feelings. He really was a good person. A good friend, Alistair reminded himself, and he'd do well to keep that in mind. He'd keep the talk light from now on.

So he patted Dorian's hand in a way that said no harm done and started to stand.]

Go ahead and rest. I'll make sure nothing gets too close.

[After he said it, he realised the irony, and winced on his own behalf.]

...Not like that.