[ Sturmhond smiles, just slightly. He's been working on keeping his expression clear, but he can't quite help himself now. ]

All feelings are a weakness.

[ Even when they're also useful. There's a reason he obeys his head instead of his heart. Emotions run without any sense of logic, and by definition, they do not always do the sensible thing. Of course they're a weakness. ]

You're human, Barnaby. You feel, and those feelings may serve to compromise you. That is an unfortunate fact of life, and not solely when someone is in love. I would contend that you are attached to him already. You would die for him. I know you would. That man holds your life in his hands.

Just as you hold his in yours. It goes both ways, and thus far, you have been a strength to him. It's always you who catches him when he falls. Literally, and figuratively.

[ He folds his arms, leaning back to regard Barnaby's face. ]

You're afraid he'll fall too far, and pull you with him. Is that it?