Hartley looked shocked for a few moments, a hand on his mouth, his eyes wide. He swallowed, trying to understand. Trying to follow what was happening and hating that it was sprung on him like this, because now he was reeling. He didn't like to be reeling. That meant there was only one way to resolve this.

Hartley leaned forward, put a hand at Bill's nape and pulled him in, kissing him in turn. Only he didn't want it to be a quick kiss. He kissed him slowly and, once he figured it out a little more, deeply. If Bill wanted to kiss him, he wouldn't let him get away with a pity kiss or whatever that was. With one that meant nothing. At the very least, he could make it last.