His answer isn't shocking exactly, but it does surprise me. Even back at Samwell, I was pretty much surrounded by straight guys and, while none of them had ever said a single mean or homophobic thing to me, I'm not sure many of them would've been too happy about being mistaken as my date.

But I still don't know if Simon's straight, of course. Maybe I'm just too used to hoping for the best and assuming the worst.

It's encouraging though, as is the tight grip he still has on my hands. Though that could just be self-preservation. I lift my head to look at him and his eyes are kind, his expression nothing but curious. He definitely doesn't look like he's accusing me of anything even if maybe he should.

"It doesn't have to be," I finally respond, still watching him carefully as I slow to a stop on the ice. I'm still holding his hands. "It's. I mean, I've done this with friends before so it's not..." I trail off, grimacing as I realize I owe it to him to be honest. "I guess I was sorta hoping it could be. But it doesn't really count if both parties aren't aware. I'm sorry. I should've said something or at least told you, uhm. Told you that I'm gay. But I really like you and I didn't want to scare you off and it's okay if you're not into guys or, if you are, it's okay if you're not into me, I just really like hanging out with you. This... this doesn't have to be anything."