"but they're tender," Burr says, and it's true--they feel bruised, cracking, overfull. Stiff, with liquid. "And Theo won't be hungry for a while yet. I don't think he would begrudge me these comforts, though if you are uncomfortable, I can't attempt relief myself." Not that he knows how, or has tried it before.

"And I am sore," and Laurens is very beautiful, soft hair and skin wet with sweat, from pitching their tent and making their bed, though it is chill outside. But this isn't about sexual relief, or attraction, though that exists there, still. But more intimate comfort--sore, pains, loneliness. Things Hamilton has charged Laurens with before.