He goes a little limp at the touch. It's so much. Even if some of this is retreaded ground, it's still a lingering chain he still has to break. "If it's you... it'll be all right. I can reclaim the part of me that was tainted by everything that happened when I was so small. We can make it our own. Because I love you so much, Ren... and that means all of you."

Right. Food. He should... take a few more bites. The talk is helping. Communication is important.

"But I'm sorry if I'm coming on too strong. It's that damn gay chicken game. I felt so ashamed. Nothing happened, and rationally, I know it was just my body reacting to evocative words. I just hated that it happened when I missed you so much... but that doesn't mean we need to rush. I suppose I'm just anxious."