Your NA mentioned fans who believe D keeps his distance cause he’s bothered by the gossip, and while this may be partially true, he’s shown time and again that his love for E, his desire to care for him is the one thing strong enough to overpower his fears. If he is as paranoid as most of fandom thinks he is, things like Gogglebox, head scratches at camp, and even letting E lift him off the ground and hump him never would’ve happened. He wouldn’t allow himself to give in. JMO.
Ugh, your mind! 👏 I don’t think Dele is too paranoid, either. Sure, he’s cautious, because they are two gay men in some sort of relationship in this macho industry. But I don’t think he’s paranoid; like you said, those moments you mentioned would not have happened. I’m so glad you emphasized not only Gogglebox and the head scratches, but their embrace after the Ajax semifinal…if either of them were paranoid about being discovered, there is no way in hell Eric would sweep Dele off his feet and hump him. Nor would Dele have let this happen.