That vagueness - it’s the drugs. He’s unexpectedly a little offended by that revelation - is he really so vain to have hoped Suzaku might have held just a little torch for him since they’d first met? That he’d fallen for Euphemia because there’d been something in her that had reminded Suzaku of his first friend?

Yes, he is that vain, he is that possessive and unreasonable and demanding and it makes him feel dirty to be taking the lead and taking advantage of Suzaku this way. He feathers his kisses up Suzaku’s jaw and over his cheek, keeping up the affection so Suzaku doesn’t give him that sad wilted look once more.

“I’m your elder and your leader.” He murmurs between those nuzzly kisses as he lets his grip relax in Suzaku’s hair. “It’d be so very easy for me to take advantage of you. I want you to lead, Suzaku, I want you to set the pace. However much you want from me, I give it freely.”