He slipped his arm around her. This was easy; it was safe and familiar. He didn't have to think too long or too hard about how to behave. She curled up beside him, his arm went around her. She emptied her glass, he refilled it.

But what to do about Lily? How was that dynamic meant to work? Was he meant to avoid her at all costs, to pretend she didn't exist? Why was he even asking that question? Every time he came close to an answer, he showed it away. Violently.

"Not for lack of trying on your part," he replied. He gave her a side-long glance, expression unreadable, though not unkind. Better to focus on fond memories than on painful questions. "You produced a green swimsuit that never once saw use in the water."

A beat passed, and he added thoughtfully, his attention back on the glass in his hand, "We were - quite happy, you and I."