no subject

[ He doesn't quite follow the thought. He should, of course; how many times has he himself discussed his ability to do this or cope with everything, the vague words substituting in for the things too vulnerable to name? But Bastien is good at this. He's kind and warm and steady. The moments when things have been bad - all of this, the fight over the dogs - have been so few and far between, and only in extremity. So this can't possibly apply to their relationship. ]

Dealing with magic?

[ The water is boiling; Byerly takes over the next steps of making coffee, not wanting to turn Bastien's face away from him. ]