I am still not convinced that we could realistically make it into a romance, though.

Do you want to start aiming at that AU after Vegnagun adventure with Nooj and Paine instead? We really should reconcile them - yes, I know you did it in an Epilogue - but they still have a lot of baggage to sort out. And we have time to turn over a lot of rocks before either of us is done with our current commitment. I am enjoying the contact with your thoughts again. ;-)