（ he nods, and then cups sasuke's cheeks, thumbing at the sharply defined bones. ）

I'm not asking because I want to diminish your power, or take something away from you. It's about the trust.

（ he knows sasuke knows that — but he still wants to say it, to make it plain and clear. communication is king, here. ）

And I would never in a thousand years feel at risk of you lashing out at me. It's okay if the scene needs to end, or with whatever you need to be okay with it.