For a split second Ned contemplates willfully misinterpreting Dirk's question. It's a sign of just how much he's changed being here, how accustomed he's become to everyone knowing about his powers, that it seems the less socially awkward option to reveal them, talk about how he can bring the dead back to life. But in the end, he decides not to feign ignorance. What is going on between him and Daneel isn't a secret, and he's not ashamed of it. He's just... shy, when it comes to discussing it, particularly with someone he doesn't know all that well. What finally convinces him to do it is the fact that Dirk spoke of Jane so fondly, seemed almost completely without prejudice in that matter.

"He and I are... we're..." But what word to use? Dating seems silly, frivolous, not really suited to being trapped in a science experiment where the closest they can come to a normal date is a walk on the beach, where there are at least not that many cameras. In love is too intense, too revealing for a casual conversation. Living together might be misinterpreted as nothing more than housemates. "The two of us, we're... well I guess you could say I'm his boyfriend."

It sounds ludicrous, but at a certain point it is better to just spit out something stupid than keep stammering over himself and drawing out the awkwardness.