Phoenix Maplewood I don't feel connected to all of your lies.

Etienne’s next words struck Cambria like lightning. He immediately wanted to touch him again, especially when Etienne admitted he hadn’t been touched in kindness in quite some time. The yearling would happily rectify that, though he was so shocked by the other man’s blunt words, his brain misfired. And by the time he thought to make another move, Etienne began speaking of his fallout with his friend.

He revealed so much in just a few sentences, Cambria struggled to comprehend. His heart did a little leap when Etienne admitted he was gay, then dropped like a stone when he said he was in love with his friend. Oh, was pretty much the only coherent thought in the yearling’s mind for several beats.

There were so many different things he could—he should—say in reply to such revelations, though Cambria felt momentarily tongue-tied. In lieu of words, he offered his touch again. It felt so natural to reach out and replace his paw on Etienne’s shoulder, then slide it further around the muscular curve of his shoulder blades. The yearling drew himself closer, until his leg draped over his back and their sides touched.