He takes a taste of mine, and says he likes it. I can't help but beam at him.

"Oh! Oh, that's what you meant. Okay, thanks!"

I take his, and start alternating licks. He's thinking, and I give him the space to do it. I'm peaceful enough eating! This is really nice sitting here with him.

(Almost like we can just be friends, and that's all.)

"It shouldn't be," I say softly, but with a flash of the anger I feel on his behalf.