Two thoughts on how to respond warred in her head. On one hand, she thought to argue that if they both loved one another intimacy was an inevitability, not something to be feared. Eventually, they would find a way to make it work (for she had lost any thought of that being tonight) and discussing intercourse would merely be yet another private dinner conversation. On the other hand, she thought to comfort him about his embarrassment. Elsie had warned her that was likely what Nemo was feeling, and still Penny didn't stop to consider it. Mainly because she didn't understand why he was embarrassed by a natural situation.

Men had erections, women bled for a week every month. Such was the way of the world.

A third shyer thought made itself known then. If Paris wasn't how he envisioned waking up together, what did he picture then? Did he dream of them having intercourse? Was that something she was now allowed to fantasize about? Penny bit the inside of her cheek to keep from rambling her long list of thoughts. Nemo couldn't answer her questions, and dhd had to respect that.

"If it matters, I don't believe you ought to be embarrassed," she eventually replied in a gentle tone. Again, Penny thought to remind him it was a natural response to external stimuli and beyond his control, but Nemo didn't seem to much appreciate that view. "If anything, I ought to be embarrassed for having put my leg on you like that."