He was silent a moment, but there was just that gentle smile.
"Oh, Twinkletoes," he said, softly. "I'll always be there for you. Reminding you to eat your ice cream after your vegetables. And, making fun of your hair. As long as I have, you'll always have a bed to sleep, and a haven to go to."
He sighed. Picked up his paperback novel, turned it around. "But... there's no longer any passion I feel for the work. I feel no particular urge to marry, to have children. I wish to only have these moments, with you. To enjoy quiet nights, reading until daybreak. And, I have been doing that, more and more. But, the work will always be there. So! I propose a compromise, of sorts."
Brother Thomas pulled back the sleeve of his jacket to glance at his watch.
"In two minutes," he said, "A man will come running through here. It's his usual route, and today, he will be wearing a blue jumpsuit. Either you will break his neck, or I will. But, I'd much rather it were you, Sabbah."