Had she? Yes, perhaps so. Probably at the haydance, when she really thought about it. It was right in that category of sentiments that threatened to have her weep with an odd kind of joy and delight. And to be honest, she was rather relieved she had yet to do that in front of anyone. Vaike hadn't been completely understanding of it, and the academy seemed to full of a few types who were like him.

"Don't die," she argued. "That'd defeat the purpose." Even though she knew it was a saying, Henry seemed like the type who'd take turns of phrase too literally if given the opportunity. "But I'll make sure you're not lonely, too."

Her fingertips wove between his with a gentler version of his squeeze. She was the delicate one. She was the flower and he was what, the stem? Her support, so yes, the stem.