[And there it was, the crux of the matter. He had a feeling it had to do with Phoenix. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes, and gathered his thoughts.]

Well, regardless of what I feel, what transpired between you and Phoenix, is between the two of you. I think it is not right for one party to go ahead and make a decision that involves the other without a mutual agreement. I've made that mistake once upon a time and all it did was hurt the other party.

If you and Phoenix decided to continue your relationship it is entirely up to the two of you. If not, then you'd both at least have closure.

Quite frankly I'm much too old to have a romantic rivalry as if I were some sort of teenager. It is up to Phoenix to decide how he feels, I've spoken my Truth already, why should I press him further? Moreover, why would I try to sabotage you? I respect you. And that sort of thing goes strictly against my Creed.

Either he feels that way towards me or he doesn't. I'll have to live with the outcome, regardless.

[At the end of anything, pragmatism won out with Miles.]