Hearing it back isn't like saying it. It takes him a second or two to find his voice, a second or two to do anything but stand there and let it wash over him. The fact that he can have this. That it's not a lie. That it's not out of reach at all. It's right here.

It's been right here.

"Good," he murmurs finally, managing a weak smile. "So I don't look like a total asshole."