I don't really know much about love. [ he's just going to call it that, for lack of a better word. if the man has shared his dream and work with him, then flat sees little reason to call it anything else. he's read, watched, and played enough to understand the metaphors and subtext for love. ] But if this person is like home to you, then isn't that all that matters?

[ flat understands the idea of caring about others, because it was taught to him by someone that he respects greatly. he knows that an average mage would sacrifice anyone and everyone for their work, their legacy, their future. but he also knows that such a life isn't sustainable. it's miserable! ]

I mean, don't get me wrong! I'm not saying that you should go and forsake everyone. Buuut I'm sure you can take this time to think about it a little more, right? Maybe there's a way that you can have this person and be able to fulfill your goal. You seem super smart, so I'm sure you could do it!