Jade Fern Grove things have changed for me, and that's okay;;

Thank you, Xahi. I'm here for you, too! Alarian's eyes were warm, and he wagged his tail at her before adding a bit awkwardly and very shyly: You know, it doesn't bother me anymore if he likes you-- or if you like him.
The boy smiled kindly, but a little mischievously. Just so you know.
It was the truth, actually; now that he was secure and certain of his place in Lennon's heart, it didn't make sense that his connection with another should diminish that. Or the other way around. Somehow, he felt that his companion-- maybe lover?-- would agree, or at least see where he was coming from. He was so very open-minded, and it was just another thing Alarian loved about him.
The boy kind of hoped Xahi might see things the same way; he didn't want to take something away from them that could have been happiness.