"What I meant to ask is, is this...usual? What it is between us, when I touch you, when you...lie with me? Is it always so between a man and a woman?" In spite of his difficulties, I knew exactly what he meant. His gaze was direct, holding my eyes as he waited my answer. I wanted to look away, but couldn't. "There's often something like it," I said, and had to stop and clear my throat. "But no. No, it isn't--usual. I have no idea why, but no. This is...different." He relaxed a bit, as though I had confirmed something about which he had been anxious."