Anatoly blinked at him in surprise, his brain taking a few moments to shift gears. "I'm sure," he said without hesitation. "This might be the only thing I feel sure about right now."

He knew that if he put deep thought into it, he'd hesitate and the moment would be lost. Maybe this was for one night only, maybe it was would be for me and the only way he'd know is if he took a chance.

He'd been so careful, and had gotten nothing but loneliness and grief. So he'd be reckless - what was the worst that could happen?

"Please Roger," he said, locking eyes with him. "I don't want to be alone. I want - I want this. You. Please."