I notice his hand scooting across the cover and I move my hand to wear he can reach it. Not real feeling, but the intent is there, and the idea behind it. Plus, with our hands clasped together like that right there, I'm less tempted to stare down at my eleven year old face.

"Don't do that." I choke out after a moment of considering the two options he gives me. "The last thing I need right now is another reminder that we're not... real people." I smirk weakly at that and shake my head. "I... I just want to know. I want to feel it. I want to feel his hand in mine, his breath on my cheek, I want..." My hand tightens on his. "What if I can't?"