"Most people are idiots who won't notice," Hamilton points out. "Or they'll pretend not to. It's not polite to point out a man's swellings." He yawns, luxuriously, and only with reluctance feels himself go down enough to slip free.

He does feel a bit bereft as Burr starts to pull away -- but then he's distracted just by watching Burr, the lean lines of his body as he starts to clean himself up. He can look now. If he was allowed to touch, he has to be allowed to look his fill.

It's a pleasant surprise when Burr ducks to kiss him, and Hamilton opens to him, meets his tongue.

"And if Hercules does find out?" Hamilton asks, returning to the previous topic. "You shouldn't be ashamed." He hesitates, and presses on: "General Montgomery was a hero, too. His reputation is honorable."