Redtail Rise other loves, other vices

it hurt--oh, did it hurt. to have easy--blackbear!--back, and then ripped away from them once again. he drew in a shuddering breath, nodding at her words. wise. . .she had become so wise. who knew what she had seen and done on her travels away from home. he would not ask, and he would never know, unless she told him. it was all up to her.

"you don't have to be," aditya argued gently, staring intently at her. "i know what it is to grow up, to leave the child you once were behind. but we didn't miss that girl--we missed you. all of you. your past, present and future." a sigh escaped his lips, and he shook his head once more, accepting the terms she had laid out. "of course i'll stay with you. as long as you'd like."

even if it meant a short absence away from morningside. whatever she needed, he would provide.