Was something not better than nothing? Percy's sharp black and white perspective was going to force a repetition of their long history apart. A brief affair until the scandal broke wasn't enough for Maggie. She meant it when she said she couldn't live without him anymore. A friendship until something more (if something more were to happen) seemed like the only way to avoid any fall out. He said now that he didn't care about his reputation, but what about when he lost respect and access? What about when his future prospects dimmed because of the scandal?

But, what if by insisting upon distance now she lost him now and was left with nothing?

"We can't live in the shadows, Percy." Maggie said sadly. "I want you — Merlin knows I do — but I ..." don't want to ruin your life, again remained unsaid. Instead, Maggie leaned into his touch, desperate for whatever little left there was for them. "You would give up hope for a marriage? Children of your own? By the time we can be together I'll be well past my prime...I don't want you to sacrifice more for me."