"Can you live without me?"

Silence, but he's staring at me hard.

"Answer me - can you live without me? Without me in your life?"

More silence, more staring.

"Not talking? Fine. I'll talk. I can't live without you. I can't breathe when I think about you not being in my life. I can't."

More silence, more staring, but his eyes have softened.

"I want you. I want you to be with me. And I don't want to hear that your life is dangerous and doesn't lend itself to relationships. I don't care. We've been in one since we met, circling each other like dogs in heat for two years, and today - now - I'm telling you we are together. Officially. Exclusively. Together."

"No."

"Yes."

"No, I can't live without you."

"And?"

"Okay. You're bossy today, Babe."