Barcus is quiet, tapping the edge of his glass thoughtfully. "I don't...think I do casual. I mean, I've tried, when I was younger. Pick-ups at taverns, that sort of thing. It was confusing. The degree to which I get invested in people--not just lovers, but friends--seems to be higher than some other people. Maybe there's something wrong with me."

Like moss on a stone. "What I mean is I already care about you, whether we sleep together or not. If we become lovers or friends with benefits, or just spend one night in bed and that's it, it's not going to be casual because you're already important to me. I'm not going to make demands, and we both have other lovers, but I'm also not going to pretend I don't feel something when I do."

"If that doesn't scare you, then, please. Kiss me. I'd like that."

"And then we'll get out of here and go back to the house, because we've clearly had enough."