"I was talking about the more immediate future," he replied, raising one eyebrow, "Though I never expected you to 'play' anything."

In truth, 'business as usual' is a relationship he had always been denied in the past. They usually required more of his time than he was prepared to sacrifice, more accomodation of others than he was capable of. More flexibility and more selflessness.

No, this was preferable. She would do what she wanted and he would do the same, and hopefully they wouldn't kill each other in the process.