The Tangle Meet me out by the fire escape

Another pang. He wondered if he would regret this. But he couldn't regret choosing the Rise, choosing his family.

You can tell them. If you want. He said quietly, looking down. He didn't want her to think he did not want them to know anything. But he wouldn't force her to do this, not if she thought it best they know nothing. But I won't make them know me. They could choose how important he would be in their lives. He would leave it to her, to them, to define his place.

If he could not prioritize them, this was what felt right. And he could not.

Her words made it harder. He didn't know if that was her intention, but his stomach dropped, and he wondered again if she judged him. A pity. His throat caught, but he chose to remain silent. He'd decided. He had to stand with this, hold to what he felt needed to be.