[For now, he was content with what they had. He hadn't considered dating since his wife had passed, too intent on his work and all the time that sucked out. Now that he only had a single company to manage, there seemed to always be time to meet with other people and TJ filled some of that time nicely. He was a curious young man and the similarities between him and the Soldier were rather uncanny.

He raised his eyebrows at that excuse, aware that it was one.]

No? I can arrange for that situation to change. I can even offer you someone who greatly wants to hear you play as well.

[Pierce knew that situation very well. In the political circus, life was stamping out scandal to be used against them in the media. He leaned back in his chair, smiling knowingly.]

That's quite the stress to live under. It must be so nice to be away from all that here, yes? I too value some of the anonymity with the freedom that it gives me to simply be myself.

[He reached across the table a moment later to touch TJ's hand, stroking his thumb over soft knuckles.] Don't do that, TJ. Don't shut me out. I want to provide for you what you need, and I can only do that if you tell me what that is. It won't ruin anything we have here. I'm happy you are willing to open yourself up like that.

[Yes let him in. Surely nothing bad could happen.]