It wasn't... dating--we were...Like I told Qubit, it was FriendDates. And you were my exclusive FriendDate and. ALRIGHT. I was starting to think of it as kind of dating you. I liked you. I was attracted to you. You were NOT attracted to people like me. And taking you out for coffee and lunch and stuff meant we got to spend time together PLATONICALLY and argue--our favorite past-time--and hang out and be friends--still a revolutionary concept for us then, you may recall!--and sometimes you'd just... [Deep inhale, exhale.] ...smile, or get this look in your eyes that was better than a smile? like you were excited to talk to me even if I was pissing you off a little...like the debate was fun, the sport of it was fun. It was like our letters, before we fell out.

And maybe I tried to make myself your exclusive coffee and lunch date. I wanted you to notice me more than anyone else, you know? And so, yeah, I kind of did date you. I didn't expect anything of it. Just--wanted to call dibs on all of your time and attention.

[He gives a breathy sort of laugh into the receiver.] I had it bad for you--Hiro knew before I did. It's kind of embarrassing. REALLY embarrassing.