"Uh. Sort of," Eli admits, but it's whispered as though someone might overhear them. He seems pleased all the same, like what he's saying has no consequences.

Eli loves Noah's touch and leans into it. He doesn't even mind the reminder that Noah isn't his and never will be. "I worry about it with everyone. That's why I told you early. To see if it'd scare you away, or make you think I wasn't your thing anymore."