Blackfeather Woods we would say anything just to hear what we want, right or wrong

The sharpness from Zephyr hurt for a moment, but it passed briefly, like being hit with a piece of gravel. Taikon nodded briefly, forgiving it easily. Much had happened. Life had happened. They had both been through things, both had been angry, and he was not there to displease his friend.
For despite all of it, Taikon wanted Zephyr to be doing well, and wanted his happiness. Regardless of the doubts and rejections and anger and mess, he wanted only good things for him. Okay, he answered softly, noticing the way that the stoney, beautiful boy wavered as he rose. Taikon swallowed and looked down, breathing in for a moment and seating himself — a silent invitation for Zephyr to feel comfortable.
He wanted to stay quiet. He knew Zephyr probably didn't want him around, but Taikon was simply too pleased to be alive and able to share the same space with the boy again. So, he filled the silence. His first instinct was to joke that it was Rowan's fault that Zephyr had to deal with him nagging him, but he licked his lips and changed the language around instead. Rowan has... helped me a great deal, he said slowly, We are.. we're lucky to have him. The statements felt rather meaningless without his usual touch of jest, but it didn't matter. He hoped that Rowan would be able to do the same for Zephyr, and that, somehow, Taikon might be able to repay the favour one day.