... candlelit birthday dinner planned by one who wanted everything to be just perfect ...

... being on the receiving end for once ... being the one he looks forward to seeing at the end of hard times ...

... the hope of reconciliation ... taking it one day at a time ... forehead to forehead ... the mystery of a gaze held in the dark ... the unwillingness to leave each other ... a good read ... giving rest ...

... little kisses that can't be helped or kept in ... a needful nuzzling ... the determination to be free and clear of muck ... honesty ... the easy exchange of thoughts, opinions, views, learnings, insights ... when the undeniable instinct and need is to be close ... a good hearty meal ... new friendships with really amazing women ...

... being irresistible ... nursing the sick back to health ... nuzzling ... regression with my brother ... a peaceful meal ... efficiency ... growing up and becoming friends with my parents ... when staying together is more valuable, warmer, more loving, more stable, more cozy, funnier, more passionate, truer than being separated ...

... warm breath on bare skin ... the instinctual "don't leave me" clutch ... watching him play ... the promise of next week ...

... reconciliation ... when he remembers ... soy chai lattes from Starbucks ...