[it's been eight years, janus has had to tell themself lately, more than once. i got over it, and so has he. it's a little foolish, they know, to worry about this sort of thing when you've already ejaculated all over a man's chest in semi-public beach sex and declared yourself responsible for him in this strange new world.

long short: they're creepily staring at ezekiel from across the fair, and have been for the past ten minutes. all right, all right. no need to be dishonorable. they start toward him now, readying a smile, only to see the dessert in his hand. and just like that, they feel the smile stumble and falter-- and then go straight to their eyes with a funny breath of genuine laughter.]

Are you trying to embarrass someone? [they ask.] Flatter? After all our old conversations about healthy eating, I'm not sure what to think. You betrayed the mission.