[ Jesse rests a hand on her forearm, holding her there with a grip both firm and loose enough to for her to pull away if she wants. He really hopes she doesn’t. He’s gone so long ignoring his need for touch, for even non-intimate physical connection, that having it now… well, it’s just another one of those things she’s afraid of wanting too much. But he also can’t get enough, and just her being there close to him is incredibly comforting.

He leans his forehead back against hers, taking a deep, steadying breath in at the same time. He never thought he’d get this lucky. Especially not here of all places. ]

Yeah, well. It’s big. One of the biggest things there is. Though you’re right that we’ve gone plenty on our plate right now.

[ Like the fact that he is completely and utterly in love with her. Even if he wouldn’t have admitted to it before, he would have to now. ]

But that’s fine. Everythin’ we’ve got, I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. I want that too for us. [ He reaches up to brush his other hand back through her hair. ] Somethin’ that lasts.