His lips part but no words come. Instead they chase after Hythlodaeus' mouth, trying to seal them into a passionate kiss. The sentiment warms him in ways he still feels guilt for but it stokes his latent desire as well. It's this sort of loving gesture that he responds to far more strongly, far more deeply, than any crude temptation of the flesh.

"Please," he says quietly. "I neither want nor expect forgiveness for what I've done. But if I can have you then I shall want for nothing else." He rests a hand over Hythlodaeus' own, staring unwaveringly into the other man's eyes. "I love you."