Big Salmon Lake hateraid

Why was it that he always seemed to dump his problems on strangers, rather than talking it out with his own family? He knew it was not the most condusive thing to making friends and, more likely than not, it was helping to push those who could be close to him further and further away. It was vicious cycle, one that Rian had yet to realize was his own doing. But Hydra didn't leave. She claimed a hesitant step, and extended her kindness to him once more. His own sienna ears flattened and he tucked his chin to his neck, but he didn't retreat. 

He shook his head quickly. No, he didn't. He didn't want to talk about it. He never wanted to talk about it, but somehow all these little snippets of sadness always escaped and soured everything. But to his immense surprise, she suddenly offered him an alternative and he snapped his gaze back up to seek her own but she'd looked away to give him a bit of privacy. The O'Malley boy exhaled and spoke: "Yeah, I'd like that." His tone was measured, and his voice soft as if he feared spooking himself out of the committment. 

He stepped forward, glanced away, then back again. "Maybe we should, uh... get off the ice first. Might not be safe." He turned a fraction to head back the way he came but paused to glance over at her, waiting for her to join him.