In some ways, yeah. Freeing, really. Just letting go. It hurt a bit, but... everything good always does, doesn't it?

[Love. Birth. Sex. It all hurt just a little, or sometimes more than a little, but it was always worth it.

He heard the change in tone, didn't turn away when he saw that bit of a notch in John's armor. They all had it. All the broken types like themselves. Nothing to be ashamed of.]

I could, if you wanted. Doesn't have to be now. Or tomorrow. But if you want to let go... I could take you.