Greetings, Jededaiah,

You...ah...I mean...I haven't seen you near your diorama since...a few mornings ago-I apologize we parted ways in such a crude manner. Regardless, my soldiers claim you'd been out of sight from that time on, and Larry claims he hasn't heard tale of you-in fact, your entire diorama seems to have become discreet.

Well, it's not that it bother's me-what you do with your time is surely no business of mine, as I, too, have been absent of late, but...

Well, in honesty, I think you should know...

I suppose what I'm trying to say would be that...

I hate to interfere, but, honestly...

Well...

Ah...

I...

...I don't mean to object to your personal decisions or actions, truly, I don't! But...perhaps we can reunite and play that "fetch" game with Rex? I again do apologize for my absence and barbaric exit from your presence those days ago, and hope you will not hold it against me.

I simply had things I needed to figure out, and believe that we need to talk soon.

...We are, after all...best friends, correct?

-Octavius

-o0o-

Jededaiah...?

...You're upset with me.

I can understand that, and I would not hold that against you, not for a second. I must have done something that has offended you dearly, and I am deeply sorry.

Your men refuse to let me anywhere near your diorama-stating that the "momentary truce" has been recalled.

Surely they've misunderstood your orders.

You wouldn't have called off our...truce. We're still friends, Jededaiah, aren't we?

This couldn't be because you've...

...Have you found it out? Larry did mention this was a possibility, but...

Ah...no, it couldn't be.

I wouldn't put such a reaction past your culture, but you are above that. There is so much more to you than just your western upbringing.

I know it.

-Octavius

-o0o-

Jed, please.

Let us be reasonable.

I cannot well apologize for upsetting you so greatly if you refuse to come into sight and allow me to know what I've done! You'll find I'll be quick about making things up to you, as I am truly, truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.

Your men have been strictly denying me access to your diorama; I'm not suggesting this is a new behavior, but this is the longest you've waited to call them off...

They suggest it is about my absence. If such is true...

...It's simply the fact that I was absent, wasn't it? It was, correct?

You wouldn't have so strong a reaction to...the questions I left for, in search for answers. I know you, Jededaiah. I'm positive you're beyond that.

Please, tell me you're beyond that.

Your men assure me you've been receiving these letters, but I'm not positive in the slightest, as your men have never been terribly reliable.

I'll be visiting again tomorrow. I do hope we may settle this then.

You are my best friend, after all. Be expecting me?

-Octavius

-o0o-

Jededaiah Smith.

I've been informed-rather impolitely, I might add-that I am no longer welcome near you or your home place at anytime, or for any reason.

I suppose my letters and apologies weren't enough.

And, don't mistake me for bitter or noncompliant, Jededaiah. I can accept that choice with grace, and I will act accordingly. If you can make such a serious decision so easily...if such pleases you...then I truly hope you find your happiness.

I obviously couldn't hold it for you.

I'm quite alright with that. I'm not daft, Jededaiah. Not only did I assume as much, but Larry warned me well that in your time, people were less accepting.

I suppose...I thought you were more than just that vague outline of 'people'. I'm so sorry for that grave, grave mistake.

Because that is it, is it not? I can't say I have any idea what else it would be.

You learned. I suppose...someone must have told you. No, perhaps not. You're more intelligent than most give you credit for, Jededaiah. I realized that. I would like you to know that, above all else. It was because I knew you for you. I was enemies with the barbaric cowboy. I was acquaintances with the proud leader of your ranch. I was friends with the kind fellow I met with in your saloon. I was the best of friends with the courageous, gallant man I went on adventures through the museum with. I fell in love with the soul behind all of that, the well-meaning, eager man who would drive with me, and the curious and intelligent man who listened as I named constellations and we gazed at the sky before morning came. It wasn't gender. It wasn't desperation for fellow contact.

It was admiration for you; who you really were.

Or, who I assumed you were.

-Octavius