We're... giving this—us—a shot. A real one. Not I'm next door or you're across the way, but, for real. All in. I'm betting on you.

( forever. but since that feels like an out of place amendment, archie ducks his head. shirtless, cold in the heat of the night's events, chilled but not shivering, because he's thinking about her hands upon him. how she cradles his face, the way she grazes his cheekbones. )

You were coming over tonight, which is not specific? We were- maybe not living together, because I hadn't asked, exactly, I don't think? But- I wanted you to. I wanted you at my house all the time. After Polly, and your mom, and Veronica. ( because ronnie is a specific nickname. ) But whether you want to or not, that still matters.

Is this okay?