James Baldwin

"So what can we really do for each other except − just love each other and be each other's witness ? And haven't we got the right to hope for more ? So that we can really stretch into whoever we really are ? Don't you think so ?" And, before Eric could answer, he took a large swallow of his whisky and said in a different tone, a lower voice, "Because, you know, when I was in the bathroom, I was thinking that yes, I loved being in your arms, holding you" − he flushed and looked up into Eric's face again − "why not, it's warm, I'm sensual, I like − you − the way you love me, but" − he looked down again − "it's not my battle, not my thing, and I know it, and I can't give up my battle. If I do, I'll die and If I die" − and now he looked up at Eric with a rueful, juvenile grin − "you won't love me any more. And I want you to love me all my life."