"I know."

Kassian glanced down, brushing off the front of his uniform, absently.

Part of him still wondered if he was a passing fancy as well, something that Andrei tasted and touched and slummed with until his interest waned. But at the same time, the thought seemed at odds with all he had known and experienced during his time in Andrei's company.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to be home," he said, thoughtfully. "I imagine it'll take him a while to decide what he wants to do."

Andrei had no need to hit the ground running, once in Leningrad. He already had a home waiting for him. A job - a profession, or occupation - could come later, at his leisure. It was a different sort of mindset than the one Kassian knew.

The more they talked about it, the more real it became to him, the idea of Andrei out of the military in Leningrad. Wearing civilian clothing. Socializing with friends.

"What about...boxing?" he asked, frowning. "I know he loves it, but he said he was banned after that incident with the Frenchman."

Kassian paused for a second, realizing he needed to clarify what he'd said, given who he was talking to.

Andrei had told him the whole story. In detail.

"Not for an occupation. But I have the feeling he'd like to fight again, in some capacity."