"Uh, hey," Carmy responds, a little unsure but in the same quiet tone. His own eyes going soft at this treatment, melting easily for Richie, all over again.

"Love you, cuz," he says, trying to make it sound the way it always does instead of like, a huge deal just because they got each other off. Another little kiss, Richie's lips all red. "You wanna come swim?"