[He wonders if this is what it's like having a lover. The easy acceptance of physical contact, without the constant focus on hold back, hold back, don't read. He wants to relax and drift in Israel's embrace, without thinking, which is a truly tectonic shift from his usual attitude, and it all happened so fast.

The attraction isn't sexual, though. He's only felt that sort of desire as a tentative, prickling thing; this is as different from that as a stream is to the Atlantic. Like watching trickling water against seeing the stretch of gray-green-blue all the way to the horizon.

He lets out a long breath and reluctantly, slowly pulls free.]

Thank you.