This right here, with Julian... It feels right.

Julian goes quiet after a long moment, staring down into his hands and empty plate.

Pepi climbs into his lap, purring loudly, and curls up into a little ball, blinking slowly up at him.

“I... You have a good life here, Pasha.” He makes a short glance at his sister. He shakes his head, trying to clear the thought from his face, but he only succeeds in ruffling his hair.

She rambles on about something like salt or what ever and hurries back into her cottage.

“If things weren't the way they are. If I was a free man. A better man. Could I... Have this?” Julian pauses. “It's foolish to think about. Just another pipe dream.”

“You can have this, Julian.” You respond.

He looks solemn. “Can I? Even if we clear my name, even if we spend every night together...” He trails off, then puts on his signature grin. “Something will ruin this feelling. Maybe I'll sabotage it myself, without meaning to.”

“Is it so hard to let yourself be happy?” There was slight annoyance in your tone.

He flushes. “...Yes.” He avoids your gaze.