Trust is more specific. It's possible to not trust a friend, but there's a hell in that, an unpleasant one where you've let yourself get close to someone you know can hurt you and you're not sure what will come of it. [She made a face at that, almost as if she were speaking to multiple issues he'd addressed at once in saying that one declaration.]

I prefer trust, though it's nice to also have someone who understands. ...And you're right. Lovers are easy, and you don't have to be in love to be them despite the term. It's just our bodies. [Then again, considering her needs, it was easy for her to conceive of a purely physical relationship, whatever she wanted otherwise.] I... think a romantic relationship that avoids sex almost says more in a way.

[sigh] But neither of us is really in a place to judge. We're both monsters, aren't we?