I smile, tentatively reaching out to pet Yummy with careful, easy fingers. "Cats... do what they want, and sometimes, if you're lucky, or they like you, it's what you want, too. Right?" Try as I might, I can't help but be fascinated. I wasn't lying when I said I missed him. I missed--them, I missed... even being near.

Honestly, as long as I'm even peripheral--it eases the confusion, and bolsters my spirit. I don't pity myself--I never did. I can't help who I am.

I can't help who the others are, as well. But... so long as I'm even allowed this much? It's been worth it. I still... want for my other half, or maybe it's more than half to me, or less than that.

But--my impulse is no longer one to consume and meld. I feel self-indulgent, presumptuous, and uncaring about this feeling, but honestly? I deserved two lives. I only want ... to know this other me, and to be near 'me' in some ways.

But my own personality tells me that's not... likely.

"Mm." I nod, to both questions. "There's so much to learn."