"...Rach."

And he can't stop himself from pressing a kiss to her forehead. To her cheek. To her temple and her brow and the corner of her lips. Can't keep himself from trying to bridge this gap in a way he still doesn't fully understand.

"If it's... not what you want," and the words are easier when they're interspersed with delicate kisses to her face, "then... it's not. But if it... if it is, Rach, if... this will make the world a little... easier to bear, please-- please let us be this for you."