John's hesitation catches Martin off guard, a little stutter in his attempt at smoothness. He hadn't meant to imply he was going to undress John — Christ, that feels presumptuous — hadn't even considered it would be on the table at all. But the implication was there nonetheless, and now that John's seeking clarification, he finds himself caught between the automatic answer and the option he hadn't realized was there. He wants to seize that option, to take charge wherever he can; but this is all so new and happening so suddenly, without much actual forethought, that it's difficult to improvise.
"W- No, I can—" He lifts his hands before catching himself, hesitating just a moment too long. He tries to steady himself. There's been no misstep here. John hasn't resisted the suggestion; he's simply asking. Even still, it's best to be certain. Martin looks up, finding his eyes again. "Is that all right?"
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"W- No, I can—" He lifts his hands before catching himself, hesitating just a moment too long. He tries to steady himself. There's been no misstep here. John hasn't resisted the suggestion; he's simply asking. Even still, it's best to be certain. Martin looks up, finding his eyes again. "Is that all right?"