It would be borderline cruel, unacceptable if it were anyone else, and even as is it’s not comfortable. Not the stretch, of course, but the fact he’s been laid bare with no method of concealment. Phillip hasn’t really been able to hide from him for a while, but Gustavain being who he is has never drawn attention to that and let him claim his relative safety wrapped up in clever words and outlandish mannerisms. That has all be stripped away in this moment, and Phillip can honestly say he’s never felt more exposed.

The gentle touches may well be the only thing keeping him from full on panic, reminding him that however much Gustavain has seen of him, he still wants. It does not stop his face from being red or his limbs from shaking, but it gives him enough to not move and try to relax into being known, being seen.