Felix turned away from the window, surprised by the edge in Shannon's question, and then doubly surprised by his lover's request for closeness. They had never been shaken quite like this before, and Felix did not know how to comfort -- either to provide it, or receive it. He only knew how to protect himself.

Not knowing exactly what Shannon wanted, Felix rose from where he had been sitting, and came around to Shannon's side of the bed to sit beside him. Obedient, quiet, like he was following an order.

Once seated again Felix lifted his gaze to look into Shannon's eyes, beautiful and clear blue even first thing in the morning, surrounded by that tousled blond hair. "You don't know why we chose that, last night," he said softly, with only the barest hint of a question at the end. "You don't know why we suddenly wanted something we've never even discussed before."