“We can’t,” said Will. He was breathing unevenly. “Why not?” said James. “Because I’m—” “No. That isn’t why. I— After,” said Will. “When this is all done. Come to me after.” He saw James realize that it wasn’t rejection: it was an offer, a desperate hope for the future—a future in which they might be just themselves, if that was even possible. James’s lips curled, his lashes lowering. “Is that an order?”
