He didn't really expect to care about his shirt being off. Jude clearly wanted it that way, and it opens up possibilities, sure. He certainly doesn't want to take it back, but he's surprised at how much more vulnerable he feels. Jude first saw him half dressed, after all, in the midst of that punishing summer torment, and he's never really been more nervous just because he's showing more skin. Kriff, he tends to hit the human maximum of self-consciousness earlier in the proceedings than this.

It's because he cares what Jude thinks, he realizes. This isn't just the next step, not a performance he'll inevitably be mediocre at where he can only try his best. Jude's patience, Jude's gentleness with him deserve a better payoff than going through the motions. His best and hope it's good enough won't cut it.

Hoping his nerves aren't showing, he covers Jude's hands with his own again, first the one at his hip, bringing it slowly to his chest. That's good, right? Trying not to make it obvious that he's lost his confidence, he takes the other hand and twines their fingers together, then eases it back against the couch beside Jude's head, and follows the briefly interrupted kiss.