Redhawk Caldera Exes and ohs

He didn't catch the hurt look on Pan's face, though he heard it in the male's crestfallen tone. Again, Peregrine didn't answer right away. Somewhere along the line, he had ceased in even mentally pursuing a more physical relationship with Pan. He hadn't even been aware of it until now. Fox did a good job of keeping him satisfied in that sense, so he had never worried too much about pursuing it with Pan. Now, he honestly felt like he could take it or leave it. That realization struck him and wounded him in a way. Of course, he wouldn't say that out loud.

"I'm fine with the way things are," Peregrine said in what he hoped was a reassuring tone. "I'm not wanting for anything with you, Pan." He paused, considering his lover's small refutes. "You can still love me and I can still love you. We can still sleep close together. None of those things has to change, really." Because none of those things were strictly reserved for romantic relationships. "We'll still be family—if that's what you want—no matter what."

There was a part of Peregrine that wondered about that, though. If Pan either came to the realization on his own or else Peregrine forced him away, would he eventually decided to cut himself loose, like Lasher had? Would they end up on horrible terms like the two of them? Peregrine's insides quivered at the thought, though he reminded himself that Lasher's hatred for him had a lot more to do with Junior than their actual relationship.