It's startling how they've come nearly full circle - the scene almost a copy of how their relationship started. But this time Gideon isn't pulling away. He isn't the touch-starved and lovesick man he's been before. More apt to push back than yield to Felix's desires. All of which is just as well. It was different this time because it had to be. Because he had no wish to repeat the past, but mend the wounds that stemmed from it. His own emotions are turbulent and bittersweet, but he can't deny how gratifying it is to feel it. How right.

Felix turns his hand to meet the warmth of Gideon's fingers - the ones he remembers so well - and clasps his own lightly around them. He licks his lips to get out the next words, his mouth suddenly having gone dry at the answer which was - at the moment - the closest he was going to get to assent.

"Very well. After. Soon," he said, knowing it was useless to lie. He would not be able to walk directly back to his suite and deliver the news of his decision. It was not that easy.