While Thomas was in the bathroom, Krem got them water from the kitchen. The soft smile he'd given had settled some of the worry and doubt in Krem's chest, had helped to pull at the worried knot in his ribs.

When he came back, Thomas was already finished in the bathroom. Krem set the waters down on the bedside table and climbed onto the bed with him. He closed the laptop and set it down on the floor, then stretched out on his side, unconcerned with his nudity.

"Did you...like it?" It seemed a silly question to ask, but now, worried, Krem couldn't help it.