Anatoly clung to Lex's hands like a lifeline, leaning his forehead against the other man's. It wasn't the time or place for such an intimate gesture, especially how things were going now, but he needed the comfort that only Lex could give.

"No, it's all right. This conversation had to happen," Anatoly murmured helplessly, drawing a few shuddering breaths as he tried to pull himself together. Left alone to their own devices, Florence and Lex would surely tear the place down. He had to try to mediate.

Hoping Lex would understand, he pulled his hands away and looked up at his second. "Please, Florence. I'm asking you to trust me. I know it's crazy and you must think I've lost my mind, but please, please trust me. You've asked me to trust you so many times, can't you do the same for me?"