"What if we don't like what we find?" she whispered. "Or, more likely, what if you decide that it's not worth dealing with the fact that I'm emotionally stunted? Because I can't-I can't lose you, in whatever capacity, if this goes sideways. And yeah, that sounds sappy and dramatic and whatever, but you've been my constant for nearly a decade now."
She drew in a deep, shuddering breath. "So you might have to hold my hand, in more than one capacity. And remind me that total withdrawal from society isn't a healthy way to deal with things. And remind me that 'not actually human' isn't going to work forever as an excuse." She threw up her hands. "If we're gonna kick the rock, we're gonna do it all the way."