It both helped and hurt, hearing Edmund say he trusted him. Al was acutely aware of the desire, dizzying and sick, that brewed inside him. He knew Edmund shouldn't have that faith. At the same time, hearing it made this easier. A little.

"No, just -- just do what you need. I'll stay." Edmund's touch intensified his own want, but it relieved Edmund's panic, and that, in turn, cleared Al's head enough for him to think. He'd done this before. He could do it now. For Edmund. He had to.