"It was an analogy. The Wright Brothers experiments in flight were the baby steps that later led to the aerospace industry and the space program, including the Moon landing. I was saying you're getting ready to go home already when we don't even know if we can leave this place, yet. We don't know if we can fly, let alone walk on the moon. And we shouldn't be having this part of this conversation here."
Nell wanted to bang her head against the wall. Maybe then he'd start making sense. Or, maybe she should bang his head against the wall and hope he started making sense...or understanding. "No, I told you I was teasing about the date. You're the one that's hung up on being literal. I was teasing about the date, just like I was teasing about your previous comments about celebrating. You're the one who started getting all caught up in the litany of facts and literal interpretations. Do you remember teasing, Derek? You used to be capable of recognizing it before you launched off an accusations. And maybe we haven't done something like this before, but it's hardly the first time I've suggested it. Hell, I suggested taking you out on a real date months ago. And you looked at me like I'd sprouted three more heads.
"So, no, I didn't mention the word 'date'. But, I wasn't hiding it either because it was a damned joke! A teasing comment thrown out over drinks. Okay? Are we clear enough yet? Do we get it? Calling it a date was a joke, something I guess I'll have to remember not to do anymore. And of course none of that occurred to me! Suggesting we do something normal to you is like suggesting to Sean the world could survive without music. Why would I want to do that? Isn't a great motivator. Being told you don't even want me to bake you a damned cake because memories are going to be too hard, doesn't exactly give the impression you're willing to do normal. And I would have gone along with that because you asked, whether or not I might like to have some memories of someone I care about before he goes running off to his war. But, we were here anyway. So, why not try? You could have said no, if it's that stupid."
Wrapping her arms around her waist for want of something to do with them other than hit him again, she shook her head. "Except that's not what you said, Derek. You said neither of us would be willing to stick with the other no matter what. But, it's not the lack of books and words that would hold me back from doing it. It's the fact that I honestly don't know which would matter to you more, having a friend there or having my ability there to serve your cause. You don't want to do things that build memories. You don't want to care. And, I get that you don't want to be hurt. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to make this harder for you. You made it clear you didn't want to do things like this and I shouldn't have pushed. It won't happen again." Defeated, she sighed. "I'm just around that corner. So, you can stand here and watch me get in the room and your job in seeing me safely back is done. Goodnight, Derek."