"Yeah," Wash says, almost before he realizes he has. There's a faint pink dusting on his cheeks, but now that the words are out and said it's like the weight that's been pinning him down all these weeks has lifted. Like he can breathe again. And even though he's still nervous as fuck, he knows what he wants. He can face it, too.

"If you want to. I mean, this. I want to try. Just-- whatever happens, I don't want to lose you, okay?" He has to try harder to hold the smile, but Wash reaches out to touch her shoulder, gentle. "You're still my best friend. If you don't-- I understand. But I care about you, and I wanna try." His lips quirk back up again, hopeful, but unsure. "Okay?"