Not everything we dreamed felt true, even within the dream itself. There were things that unsettled, that pushed us toward realizing. But you and I together wasn't among them, for me. It didn't seem anything but natural, that we should be content together. And I don't wish to presume on something neither of us was in a position to consciously choose, but ... if it were possible. All three of us. I think I would like it very much.

[Talking about his own feelings when he's not sure of someone else's is among Julius's least favorite approaches. But in this moment, whatever Marcus wants, Julius feels the other man deserves honesty, even if offering it makes him much more vulnerable than he'd like. Had he been so frank, even with Petrana, early on? They'd allowed attraction and friendship to grow into something deeper so organically that he can't even remember which of them started using the word "love" first. But in this situation, waiting and suggestion won't serve.]