"No, I --"

Romeo faltered. This wasn't easy, but he had to try, and if he failed, at least there would have been the attempt.

"I fucked up," he said, bluntly. "I did something unforgivable, and I know it, and I know you're being generous to even speak with me. But I love you, and I don't want to spend the rest of our time here without you, the way we were. Is there any way you could grant me that?"