[It's funny. Giorno is quite used to touch now, even if he's still more comfortable when he's the one to initiate it. Carlos touching him is startling, though, simply because it's never happened before. He remembers months and months and months ago, when he reached out excitedly and grabbed Carlos's arm, and Carlos flinched, shied away. How every time he does something that upsets him, he makes a note never to do it again, never ever, because upsetting Carlos is the worst thing in the world.]

[But Carlos taps his hand, and then rests his own over top of it. Giorno looks up at him with wide eyes, uncertain and searching but not afraid. He's never afraid of Carlos, because Carlos is afraid of too many things, and he doesn't need one more person added to that.]

[For a few moments he's quiet, just thinking. Turning all these words and opinions over in his head, trying to make them make sense. Then, gradually, he nods. Although it must be qualified.]

I think . . . if it was me and someone was upset and they didn't tell me, I'd hate it. No, I know I would. So I don't think it's ridiculous. I just don't think I'm good at being honest.

Do you think it's okay if I—

[God, he hates this. But—]

Do you think it's okay if I try, and I mess up sometimes? I want to do it right. But if it's not right right away, is that bad?