Redtail Rise other loves, other vices

she knew. the realization hit him like a blow to the stomach as he saw the acceptance, the utter lack of shock, flit over her face. the blood pounded in his ears, almost blocking out completely the sound of her voice--so different!--as she corrected him. blackbear. blackbear. he would do his best to remember and honor it.

her request took him even farther aback, and adi gaped at her like a fish out of water, perplexed. "you're not coming home?" he asked, trying to keep the note of pain from his voice. "eas--sorry, blackbear. . ." he sighed, not yet used to the new name. he went for his old name for her, instead--even if it didn't apply anymore. it was familiar. comforting. "chhoti behen, we've missed you so."

he went on, the lump in his throat pitching his voice down to a whisper. "of course i love you. i always will. for that, i won't tell a soul." aditya swallowed, blinking mournfully at her. "but why?" the last word hung in the air between them, waiting for an answer. the air was thick as fog with tension.