His smile disappears as she repeats what he'd told her. He rubs the back of his neck, uncomfortable. "She doesn't like the scrutiny." He says, softly. "She doesn't like being the center of attention like that. She doesn't like that she'd only be my partner, not an entity in her own right."

Which, she could have become one. She could have. Somehow, he would have made it so, but she'd decided that leaving was easier. And he couldn't fault her for it. It would be like living under her parents again. She'd hate it.

"I wouldn't have asked it of her. I wouldn't ask it of anyone." He admits, softly. "I want a partner, but someone who will stand with me and against me, when necessary."