( Mishka, honestly, is more surprised that all of this is news. Has Trahearne not spoken of any of this? wonders Mishka, who has literally withheld the maximal amount of information from Adelis with a vice grip since arrival. )

I wouldn't know either; nor does he, I imagine. But not being certain did not seem to discourage him.

( At least, not with liquid courage in him - or maybe it was just seeing himself in the mirror metaphorically. )

I think you were right, perhaps, in that there are things a person ought tell you with their own lips, but - at the very least, I understand what it is to end on a note, thinking about someone else; to know someone as your bookends. I think... your time here is likely not some small opportunity for closure, for him.

( It is something you hold onto desperately, foolishly, like a child; your grip slipping, and you stumble, and you do all kinds of stupid things, because— you have never wanted, needed anything more. )

But perhaps I only speak for myself. I do hope he is earnest with you soon - he is quite the wordsmith, as it were.