"And you're going to stand here and tell me that this changes nothing?" I ask, incredulity pushing through in the tone of my voice, arms crossing over my chest. I find it impossible to believe that this doesn't complicate matters. Being able to reconcile one's emotions with one's actions may seem easier in the moment, in a place like this one.

But we're not looking to live as civilians, are we?

"Or that you would compare this to how I engage with the others. With how our relationship has worked, no less."