Like a garden. [he repeats it because there's something soft about it that's so unlike either of them but it feels fitting anyway.] Our own garden, just for us. [a personalized feelings garden that no one else is allowed to see. they can water it when necessary and plant all kinds of flowers.] We are just sorting through the weeds along the way.

[she frowns, and he does too. he lets go of one hand, so he can cup her cheek.]

I do. [it's instant forgiveness, because they were both being disasters. he's not sure he believes her that he's the greatest thing in the galaxy, but it's a nice warm thought anyway.] I should not have waited until now to bring it up either and made it worse for myself. It was disingenuous to pretend I was fine, and I don't like that with sex. I don't like that with you.

[honesty! the honesty house.]