"No, I know that." That hadn't been the issue so much as how obvious it quickly became that Daniel was in no way suited to maintain long-term relationships of that or any nature. There's a reason he doesn't have any friends or family to call and fall back on now. "I just kind of, um. I wasn't very good at it, the relationship thing."

He winces as he says it. Oh, great, stellar thing to say to the guy he just kissed in his own home. Someday Daniel's alleged tact will come sailing back to him. That's the bitter, desperate hope.

"I was always working," he elaborates in an abashed mumble. "Always, always caught up in whatever research I was doing at the time. Probably not even all that important but, well. Eventually she decided it wasn't worth it." Not to mention the profound fumbling over physical intimacy, but Daniel doubts Seth wants to hear that. Particularly after the, well, the kissing thing.