Phew! That was a close one, Lanyon! You almost experienced a genuine moment of emotional vulnerability there! 

It was commented upon last week that Lanyon looks a lot more suave and confident in this flashback than he does in the present day comic. I can indeed confirm that Lanyon is a LOT more relaxed when his BFF is not on the verge of a mental breakdown. He's also more confident in private, sexually charged situations where he can comfortably take control. And he's perceptive enough to know that Henry is the sort of person who would let him do just that.