"You make it sound like I wrestled dragons for you. Or climbed a tower," he laughs. He feels all jittery and excited, like he's sixteen instead of a few months shy of thirty. It's ridiculous. Then again, it is kind of new and exciting, if he's getting the right idea. And it's been a very long time since he's felt for anyone what he feels for April.

And knowing that there's hope, no matter how small a glimmer? That's enough to have his heart beating faster. He's not sure how all this works, or if it even can, but he's going to go to this dinner and find out.

He wants to touch her so badly, but he can't, so he practically sits on his hands as he leans over to look at her ankle. "How are you feeling, by the way? Do you need more ice? Maybe a glass of wine?"

He scrunches his face up in a smile as he laughs and reaches up to grip the back of his own neck, looking at her and then away again. He could probably use the alcohol.