Dean swallowed hard and exhaled, trying to find purchase in his thoughts to make any sense of this. There was still that dull ache in his chest and he hadn't quite been able to get rid of it. He knew why, despite the months and the decision being his, he still loved Dempsey and it was killing him slowly.

All he could do was shake his head. "I don't think of it that way." Was the only clear thought that poked through and he meant it.