"That sounds very inconvenient," Tarantulas says sympathetically. "Especially if you were ostracized for it...my poor surprise..." There's an additional ironic edge to that nickname now, but he hopes hearing it will help Ryja feel better. Remind her of what was, so they can build a better will be.

"I have...well. 'Female parts' sounds crude, but it's not inaccurate. But yeah, it doesn't matter to me. I --" His voice wobbles. "Would it be too soon or too cliche to say I love you for your mind, not your body...?"