"I was okay living like this before you went and ruined it," Howard points out. And yes, he is a little angry at Cedric. He misses the routine, the status quo, already.

"I just..."

He sighs so hard his shoulders slump, as if he's completely deflated. "I'm sorry, Ced. I didn't want it to go like this. I figured if you ever decided you liked me back it'd be simple or something."

And it should be. It would be, if not for his stupid head getting in the way. All those neuroses and baggage that Ced's going to have to deal with if they go through with this.

He wants to sink into the couch.

He reaches a hand out to take Cedric's.