Ford had just reflected that he wished the conversation was over, but when Ty suggested they part ways it sparked a sudden panic. Ford wanted the issue put to bed, not to leave Tycho alone to stew with it unresolved. If Ty was still upset and he thought Ford didn't care, that was a recipe for disaster. What assurances did Ford have that he would eventually make peace with events and forgive him? What if he came back after thinking about it a week or two and decided it was time to move on?

"Wait, Ty," he said, taking Tycho's hand in his with sudden desperation. "Don't go. I didn't mean — of course I care how you feel. I love you. I'm — very in love with you and I'm not going to let you leave me over something so — stupid. It's stupid, right? I've talked to her maybe five or six times ever. So it's nothing to do with her, and I know you're upset but just — tell me what you want," he declared. By this point he had moved a few steps ahead of Tycho and turned towards him so that he could meet his eyes, and he held them now. "Tell me what I should do to make you feel better, and I'll do it."

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