"Point is, Regulus was nineteen, ended up in Milliways. He's made a new life for himself there, and not all of it because he met me."

Desire pinches his own cigarette out, playing with his lighter rather than starting a new cigarette. Shh-click, the heart snapping open and shut.

"Meg's been nearly able to pick up nearly where she left off. Her boyfriend waited for her, you see."

Shh-click.

"Now. Was there something you wanted?"