He knew he shouldn't allow himself to indulge in it, but there is nothing in Jacob that wants to pull away in that moment. Wrapping his arms around Altair's waist, to press in closely and rest his cheek against the other man's shoulder. Closing his eyes to fight back words, desires that he hadn't realized until now were perhaps unwanted.

Frowning though as he shifts, leaning back to meet that sharp, beautiful gaze with a furrow on his brow.

"I'm not certain I understand. I made choices, and I acted on desires, and you're being kind in letting me know your affections lay elsewhere, Altair. I'm not sure where this has been manipulation or selfish," he notes.

"I understand you all see me as rather young, but I know my own mind and my own desires. You didn't manipulate me. I acted without thinking. It's one of my best qualities," he says, making a joke to hide everything else he's feeling the best he can.