Redtail Rise Neath the Halo of a street lamp.

Someone who understood. Ashlar’s tail waved behind him hearing this, displaying the grateful emotion he couldn’t really contain. He appreciated knowing he wasn’t alone.

Love isn’t something for comparing. He said softly, ears turning back a bit at the memory of last year. I shared it with some, but I didn’t want to hide it. I was honest and they were upset. They wanted me to choose. Only Ratio hadn’t, but then Ratio disappeared. And Ashlar had been alone again.

He always had Avicus, and Avicus would always have him, but she too had been unhappy to share. Yet she shared her own affections freely. It confused him in a manner he hadn’t wished to approach yet.

I’m still glad I didn’t hide it. Even if most don’t understand. His smile to Alaric was warm, clearly indicating he was one of the appreciated few who could. Restlessly, he ached to push himself forward into an embrace with the man, spurred by this sharing. Instead he refrained, shyly unsure.