That gets a disbelieving stare. “Everybody has something to say. That includes you. Don’t ever believe that you don’t.”

He smiles then, a little sheepish, and rolls his eyes at himself. “I have plenty, though, so, you know, I can ease us into it. Like, okay, remember when Bruce and I weren’t talking because he hated me? Turns out, not really. We’re talking again, and we’re also sort of…”

It feels kind of like asking someone’s father for permission to date, and he can’t help the goofy way he grins at the thought. It also helps him cut to the chase. “Do you mind if I date him? Not that there’s really anywhere around here to go on a date. But, more like, make out, have sex, that kind of thing. Would you mind? If it was me that he was with?”