[ a playful lift of the eyebrows as if to say "a little?" but he nods to that anyhow. ]

I know. I remember we talked a little about this, and...I won't lie and say I'm not happy there was an alternative. [ considering. ] You're brilliant, obviously everything else you might need to fix you can fix yourself.

[ he does seem curious at the mention of lucien though because yes, he'd been wondering. ]

I got that impression from the minute we met. [ vaguely fondly. ] But I think that's good for both of you. He needs someone like you, and I think he's been good for you, too. Just from an outsider's perspective. [ hah. ] ...knowing what we know, you won't have to rush it at least. You can take all the time you want, and...even if you do decide not to it's like you said. Jayce has everything. I think it's about what will make you happiest.