I'm afraid texting's not quite my strong suit, not unless it's an emergency.

[ he laughs a bit, and it's pained, a little tight and high in the throat. ] You don't have anything to apologize for, Jiuqing. Whatever you've been through, whatever was done that's touched these memories, well...

[ he looks down at their hands, gives hers a very soft squeeze. ]

I would be... honored to make more with you. We have a lot of books we still have yet to read, after all. [ a nod at the shelves for days here! ] And perhaps you can help me work on my bandaging technique.