Even now, he could tell that Crane wanted to hide himself away. It was all the more reason for Malachi to hold steady where he was, to hold firm the covered hands that sought to cover ever more.

"No, it isn't fair," he agreed. He let his head fall to the side slightly when Crane lowered his own, to keep sight of the constable's frown.

"But it isn't fair to spend your life like this, drowning yourself in shame and self-hatred, either. The man you love -- it is not your fault that he can't allow himself to love you. Someone will. And I can't imagine you would want them to feel this same kind of hatred you feel for yourself."