[ Goodbye his freedom as he is laid to rest by their furry caretakers. Not that he's even tired but dogs simply don't care about trivial reasons such as those.

He doesn't answer right away, too busy scrutinizing her sleepy expression. Maybe now isn't a good time and he should just let her sleep. Or maybe now is the perfect time, as Ema drifts in and out of sleep and Sorbet threatens to cut off the circulation to his right foot. Time is the one thing they have both too much of and not enough. ]

You could date anyone you wanted. They would have to be an idiot not to want you back, even if you were busy.

[ He is also a colossal idiot, because that is truly the only reason that could possibly explain why he leans forward to kiss her. Chastely, because she is drunk, but still on the lips, because he is an idiot. But also because she could be gone tomorrow, and if the only answer she ends up getting to I really like you is deafening silence then he really will hate himself. ]

I did hear what you said.

[ For the record. Every single word. ]