"For science," he repeats with a chuckle. "And because I'm as curious as you are."

The sensation of her fingers in his hair is soothing, and closing his eyes, he relaxes his head fully against her for those seconds of quiet. His head stays there as she speaks, listening as she expresses how much their relationship means. Given what Sadie has already faced, it is no small thing. Lifting his head slowly to peer up to her with a shy smile, he reaches his other hand up to her as an anchor for her to grasp as he slowly bends his knees to lower into a half kneel to bring her back to the ground.

"I feel the same way, Sadie. Knowing you're with me, I don't feel scared of it like I used to."