09-05-2026, 01:44 AM
Gath chuckled at hearing that Keti didn't know they were twins, "Yes, I can imagine that made for a rather interesting moment. I certainly can't blame him though.The two of you are astoundingly similar and equally irresistible. I had a relationship for a couple of semesters with a woman that was in one of my classes. We shared some interests and had the same sense of humor, but we knew it wouldn't last, because we didn't feel the same about kids. The common ground there was that neither of us wanted them right then, so we simply enjoyed each other until life began to move on and then we parted on good terms. There was no implied promise of something more, but we were friends with an added physical element. I learned that I could enjoy someone's company, even in an intimate way without a permanent commitment, but the important thing was communication. The degree of exclusivity becomes an important detail that must be agreed upon. If there is any misunderstanding there, things can fall apart quickly and end poorly."
He moved closer to her, "For example, I'm not so territorial that it would upset me for you to be talking with anyone, even flirtatiously, but if we're in a relationship, certain things like kissing or deliberate kinds of physical contact would become problematic for me and that goes both ways. I hate the territorial concept of it, because you can't own someone's heart. There is a respectful aspect to it though that accompanies the idea that their heart was given to you, so you must handle it carefully or you risk damaging it, and with it the relationship. My days of meaningless relationships are behind me. If I'm in a relationship, I like it to mean something."
Handing her back the images, he shrugged, "The result of that shift in my expectations meant I had to be content with some women just being my friends. I guess I became a little too serious for them at that point. I've been fine with that though."
His playful grin appeared again, "So, where do you stand on the topic of kids and family? Family is obviously very important to you, but what is it that you imagine for your future?"
He punctuated the moment with a sip of wine and waited for her answer.
He moved closer to her, "For example, I'm not so territorial that it would upset me for you to be talking with anyone, even flirtatiously, but if we're in a relationship, certain things like kissing or deliberate kinds of physical contact would become problematic for me and that goes both ways. I hate the territorial concept of it, because you can't own someone's heart. There is a respectful aspect to it though that accompanies the idea that their heart was given to you, so you must handle it carefully or you risk damaging it, and with it the relationship. My days of meaningless relationships are behind me. If I'm in a relationship, I like it to mean something."
Handing her back the images, he shrugged, "The result of that shift in my expectations meant I had to be content with some women just being my friends. I guess I became a little too serious for them at that point. I've been fine with that though."
His playful grin appeared again, "So, where do you stand on the topic of kids and family? Family is obviously very important to you, but what is it that you imagine for your future?"
He punctuated the moment with a sip of wine and waited for her answer.