[Eliot's arm comes up around Caleb easily when he moves in closer, tactile as always and happy to have someone to pet and cuddle up with. He kisses back and smiles a little.] I appreciate the sentiment. And he does care, he does love me. He just loves me like a best friend he flirts a little with, not the way I love him. Maybe he could love me, but there were triggers that led us there last time that aren't here. And he shouldn't have to know all of them if he doesn't have to when he's got a second chance here. [He pauses and then adds] Also, a moment of appreciation for how many times I've said the l-word, that would have given me an aneurysm a few months ago.

[He snorts, ducking his head to nip at the shell of Caleb's ear.] It's a little more complicated when there's multiple timelines, a wife, a son, a girlfriend, a different lifetime, possession, and death involved. And because I am forever the weakest link, I did already cave and offer to tell him just so he would stop being pissed off and disappointed in me. He decided he was better off not knowing on his own. And he's not wrong.

[Eliot smiles at that, squeezing Caleb lightly.] My own ridiculous bullshit aside - I'm happy you're happy. I'm glad if I can help with that, whether it's a contract, many blowjobs, or making sure there's a cute sweet blond around for you. I'm glad Margo's happy and I want Q happy too, whether or not it's with me. I've seen things end badly so many times - you got the gist of my groundhog day adventures I think. That's honestly mostly what I want now. My people safe and happy and zero chance of me housing any kind of god monster. The rest is a bonus round.