Edmund followed Francis without hesitation, stopping only when he did and listened to him speak with a soft but growing smile.  He took Francis' hand.

"Then you have this," he said.  "You have this for as long as you want it.  For - for as long as I can give it to you.  It's yours."

He stepped closer to Francis, emboldened now that they were away from the street.  They were nearly nose to nose before he stopped, unable to move any closer.  His cheeks were red as he looked up at Francis, asking him for something he didn't have the courage to say out loud.