Broken Boulder used to know

Hearing his name was— it was too much. A weak shudder ran down his spine, and involuntarily he pressed a bit closer. Alarian had noted in himself time and time again a tendency to fall into these things too quickly; he had never been able to fix this particular flaw. A pretty face, a few kind words— god forbid anyone give him any attention. He might have worn his heart on his sleeve if it ever stayed in his possession long enough.
And just like that, he was drowning again in feelings that were familiar but always so strange to him. It was different— but the same, somehow. The same flicker of infatuation, but as with every individual who caught his eye, he saw different things in Ulf than in anyone before him.I— Whatever he had been about to say melted away before he could begin. He sucked in a breath, suddenly feeling vulnerable and afraid, but was rooted to the spot.
His only comfort was in the warmth of Ulf pressing against him.