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[ More radio silence for a time. Miles should let it go too. Don't set that spark, don't even give it a chance ... That's better for both of them, right?

But all he can think about is how Bel was just a few months too late. That seems a cruel reason to not even permit something minor and temporary like this.

He sits up for this next text, fully awake now. ]

No. Let's do it.

[There is enough time between Miles' text and the reply that it might honestly seem that Bel had gone to bed. Of all the answers. Of all the answers.

In a way, Bel HAD gotten what they wanted in the first answer. But the second...

If it wasn't for the absolutely Milesian nature of the impulsive yes, they'd be sure they were dreaming.]

Talk first. Get back to me.

[ It is two in the morning. And Miles does plod up to bed during that time, though he hasn't fallen asleep yet. Waiting for the reply, wondering if he's made the right decision ...

Hopefully so. ]

Right. If Gregor and Kitty don't like it then no. I can't do that to them.

Even if it's a no,

Thank you.

[ Another long pause as Miles considers what to say. ]

You've liked me since we first met, right?

[Miles had barely hit send when the reply dings.]

Yes.

[ Gosh. Miles ducks his head over his comm a bit. ]

And here you missed me by a matter of months. That seems ... unfair. To leave it at that.

I'm a little shy about chasing 'fair' right now.

[Which is only partially a lie, really. That mission.. which may not even happen if Miles changes history... weighs heavily.]

How about want? I know I do.

[ He won't pretend he's anything but deliriously, ridiculously happy with Gregor and Kitty. Curls up a bit closer to his boyfriend even now ... ]

I think ... I wish I had had you here, those few months ago. When I was trying to figure things out.

I wish I was too.

Years and years of stodgy cultural repression. It must have been impressive.

[ Hm. Miles makes an amused noise. ]

Utterly, ridiculously panicked. I didn't know what to do with myself.

And the only Betan around to ask was your mother. I'm now also sad I missed it for the entertainment value.

You wouldn't have been able to ravish me for laughing, I'm sure. I was utterly pathetic.

If you look carefully, the network surely still has some evidence on it.