Swiftcurrent Creek the pointy end

His reaction to her question caused October to almost regret asking him. Snowy brows furrowed lightly with concern and she gazed toward him even as he looked away. Concern for her friend panged her heart; she desperately hoped that she hadn’t pried too deeply and stirred up unpleasant memories for Rickon.
 
But then he spoke of an experience he had once believed to be love, only to realize later that it had been far from it. October shook her head. “I think your mom was right about that one,” she assured him. “And that belle, whoever she is, has no idea what she missed out on.” An encouraging nudge to his dark-furred shoulder was offered.
 
It seemed that wasn’t the end of Rickon’s experience with affection, though. October’s ears perked interestedly as he spoke of another gal who had him aflutter. The female felt her stomach twist sickeningly, although she couldn’t fathom why. “You are not a loser,” she growled at him, grinning brightly through the bizarre disappointment and bitterness she experienced at the idea of him having feelings for someone.
 
“I can’t speak from experience, but I think that when somebody feels that way about you, you shouldn’t have to second-guess it. I think… you should just be yourself around her and if it’s meant to be, it will.” Because Rickon was a great guy, and October couldn’t stand the idea of him not being true to himself for the sake of someone who probably didn’t deserve him, anyways.