A unit. It's true, that's what they are. Two parts of one thing larger. It's not like Howard hasn't had intimacy before, but it was different then. That was Orc, and that wasn't romantic, and this is Cedric and it is. And Cedric's smart and capable and most of all, upbeat. Someone who pulls Howard further away from the depressed end of the spectrum instead of dragging him that way.

"You know, if I actually do get sick, I'm totally going to be a backseat doctor. And demand so much homemade chicken soup." He grins. "And now you're going to be the one responsible for me getting better. You're sure you're up to the challenge?"