[England sort of gathered that from America's sexual history. Or rather, the fact that he had none before England. They're separate things, for England, though they are better when they're together.

He won't mention it, to spare America the embarrassment.] We were on good terms and I'm not blind, so it was inevitable for me. [Does he realise the compliment he has just given to America's appearance? Not completely.] And I still— I mean...

[His expression becomes touched with nervousness again.] ...I always...cared deeply for you, regardless of the form it took. So I suppose I didn't entirely notice when it changed.