"I haven't the faintest idea. My original proposition went along the lines of hoping I wouldn't have to tell you." Which, in retrospect, is even more naive than believing he could convince Vex of the merits of their relationship in the course of a single conversation. She has a nose for the truth, not to mention an effortless way of slipping past all his own defenses - none of which he tends to employ around her anymore.

There's no answer, and certainly no good answer, so he supposes he can tell her the truth as best he knows it and see what she thinks. His embrace never wavers: a cheek in her hair, a hand stroking her back.

"I want you to have whatever makes you happy," he starts, eyes slipping shut for the moment. "Your, er - Jordana, Sweeney, anyone else you care for. I want to find a way home, for us and for everyone else who needs one. And I'd like to avoid transforming into a beast, if I can.

"But that's where it gets complicated." His breath ruffles through her hair. "I've never wanted anyone the way I want you, Vex'ahlia. No one here, no one at home. But after all that's happened...I'm not sure I can go back to being a friend who occasionally ends up in your bed. I could say I'd be willing to leave things at that, but I don't think you'd believe me - and you'd be right to doubt."