[He really hadn't needed to hear it a second time. Once was enough. Rejection is difficult at the best of times, but he really didn't need to hear it again from Bruno of all people. It hurts more, somehow, with Bruno. Maybe because he's the only guy he's ever tried it with. Maybe because Bruno reminds him of other people.

He's Jean again, he notices. He's Jean, and that was in the present tense, and it most assuredly wasn't an answer.]

I'm not asking you to be.

[God, no. God help him if he were to make an even bigger fool of himself than he already has. Polnareff's breathing has gone a little harsh, his eyes narrowed. Bruno looks ragged, wrecked, a cold counterpoint to Polnareff's hot hurt, and that doesn't make sense either. Rejection means repulsion, or worry, or regret; it isn't grief. It isn't this worn-out exhaustion.]

I'm asking why it hurts you for me to joke about it.