[ dave kisses back. it's easy and simple and sweet and he's used to these moments, now. the only times he ever froze up, really, were...well, the first time john ever kissed him.

he's more used to it now than he was then, eight months or so ago. ]

No, I know. I mean, I think I know. It's - I'm not sure you ever get over it, but I'm doing okay. Like, I. [ he hesitates, then figures he may as well try to explain why he's been weird which he's been trying to do? sort of. ] I haven't really done it a lot, but like...taking off my shirt with you, or whatever. Is okay now? I'm okay with that. I don't know, I wasn't really comfortable with it for a while, and I didn't really think about things like -

[ he pulls back, a hand running through his hair. ]

I only brought up the thing the other month. Because I do think about it now and I, I dunno, want you closer. I guess. Is what that was about. It's kinda transferrin' over to other people too - I mean, not the sex bullshit, just, I dunno, I'm more used to it again. People touching me or whatever, it was just a little much for a long time and I still don't like it as a surprise if it ain't you, but like.

[ this sounds so confused. ]

I don't know, I feel better lately.