[kate why did you ask that, you brought up Teddy, there is no short version of this answer.]

Hypothetically. Right. Well, for Teddy and me, it didn't happen right away. We were both pretty fresh off some not-so-great circumstances, and Nate put the fear of god in us - or, Kang, anyway - so we weren't thinking about anything else for a while. But you know us. Doesn't take long to get us talking about something nerdy. Talking turned into hanging out, hanging out turned into hanging out a lot... once we were close friends it didn't take long to go up from there. So that's step one.

[a step that was notably sidestepped with Eli and Noh, though he isn't going to say it. he's pretty she's already there with Shiro, but he's not gonna say that either.]

I dunno what to tell you, Kate. Most of it's the cliche "five easy relationship tips" thing you see on magazine covers. Communicate, compromise, respect. We've supported each other through a lot of garbage, we've both screwed up and known when to apologize, we've fought over stupid stuff and learned what needs changing and what we can live with, or without. It's like...

[he gestures awkwardly, helplessly. how do you even describe it?]

You have to want it more than you want whatever is holding you back. If it's the co-captaining thing, step down! If it's the team thing, move ships. If it's the fact that things didn't work out with Eli and Noh, then... um, no offense, but suck it up and try anyway, because they're the ones who walked away, not you. It's on you to make peace with that one.

But- that's if you want it more, like I said.