Sunset Valley don't sweat the technique

The love he felt for Kitimat could never be diminished, of course — but he was jealous, sometimes. He was jealous, now.

"Me too," he said, feeling helpless and frustrated at this strange gap between them. Katmai wished he could be happy back at home, that he could be as responsible and steady as his brother. He missed their parents and their sisters already, but he could not bring himself to return to the suffocating atmosphere from which he'd fled.

"I'm glad you came," he said, his heart still heavy despite how earnestly he meant these words. "I — " I wish things were easier. "I'm glad you're here."

He knocked his head into Kitimat's shoulder.

"You're not going home yet, right?" he asked, trying for nonchalance. He didn't want to keep his brother from their family — their parents could surely use his support — but he wanted Kitimat's company for himself, too.