This is definitely more intimate, which is why he's having such a hard time keeping his thoughts from derailing somewhere where they shouldn't be. Because his instincts want to take over and incite Steve into rushing this, but no. He knows better. He really does.

It's just... God, the way that Steve's breathing deepens against him feels like it's undoing him entirely. Especially as he stares at him, and the desire that Steve is feeling is reflecting all too easily in his own eyes. It makes the kiss even sweeter still, and he easily kisses him back just as hungrily as he breathes him in.

When he notices the nervousness in Steve's features, he moves his hand up to brush his thumb gently against his cheek. As if reassuring him that way, to let him know that it's okay. That it's really okay, and he feels so damn strongly for him right now that he's willing to wait for an eternity if Steve were to ask right now just by how he's looking at him.

At his words, a soft smile crosses his lips even if he feels his cheeks reddening slightly. He has heard a lot of compliments in his life before, but hearing them from Steve is...entirely different, because to say he's flattered is an understatement. In a quiet voice, "You're wonderful, you know that?"