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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 29, 2021 21:58:45 GMT -5
"Oh? Well that sounds like an exciting story indeed," Michal said encouragingly.
Parker shrugged and cast a sidelong glance in Quill's direction, not enjoying the obvious placement in the spotlight. "It's not really," he said, taking a small sip of his drink. He didn't want to be rude and not drink it, but at the same time, he wasn't about to get wasted.
Michal waved a dismissive hand. "Tell it anyway. Even if it's boring, I'll still enjoy listening fo that cute accent of yours. So go on, tell away," he said, resting an elbow on the counter and propping his chin on his hand, waiting.
Parker took another sip of his drink to both stall and find a little bit of nerve. He wasn't sure which one he preferred: Sol's subtle, almost hidden flirtations, or Michal's blatantly obvious ones. Of course, he wasn't falling for Michal in anyway, he just meant the approach of flattery displayed. After a second or two, he finally started the very cut down version of his time on the island, leaving out a lot that wasn't really anyone's business knowing.
That story then led to questions, which led to more stories. The more he talked, the more comfortable he became around Michal, from both just getting to know the man and the whiskey. He still wasn't all that sure about the situation, but he wasn't completely nervous anymore.
(Do you want Quill and Mason at the counter when Sol comes in? Or you want to move them so they have a chance to talk alone?)
~•~•~
"I believe so," Anya replied. She briefly glanced to Aidan, and her voice lowered to a whisper. "You're going to have to tell him. Or would you like me to? Since this is more my punishment than yours."
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 29, 2021 22:36:28 GMT -5
( Yep. Definitely alone time. 😏🤣 )
For the first while, Mason and Quill stood around listening and occasionally pitching in with their own questions and comments. But as Parker became more relaxed and invested in speaking with Michal, they started wandering off under the guise of browsing the shelves. Of course, the guise turned into real browsing as they noticed all the interesting things there. Their wanderings took them farther and farther from Parker and Michal.
☆~☆~☆ Seth sighed and faced the targets again. "I know," he said, equally quietly. He pulled another arrow from his quiver and set it to the string, though he didn't draw it back yet. "Thank you, but I need to tell him. I'm just..." He drew back the arrow, chose a target, and released. He frowned after it, though it hit exactly what he aimed for. "Waiting for the right time." He looked at her. "And this isn't a punishment. If you truly want to stay, we'll stay. There's really not much the elders could do about it."
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 30, 2021 14:29:21 GMT -5
Michal would glance over to the others as they wandered around his shop, but his attention was never focused there for long. It always returned to the fresh faced youth in front of him. From his initial reaction to his opening comments, the older man had learned a good deal of him. And with it just the two of them, he felt like now would be a good time for a different topic of discussion.
"So, Parker, how long have you been out?" Michal asked, keeping his voice lowered so it wouldn't be overheard.
"Pardon?" Parker asked again.
"Oh, that doesn't get old, " Michal said with a small chuckle before clarifying. "How long have you known you're gay."
Parker nearly choked on the sip of his drink. He stared at the man dumbfounded. "H-how-?"
"Honey, I've been out longer than you've been alive," Michal said, which was a stretch considering there wasn't more than a decade between them. "I've seen all kinds of people walk through my doors, some for the wares and others for advice. I've seen it all and helped with everyone of them. And your charming little blush told me everything. So, how long?"
"Um, w-well, I-I..." Patker started buy wasn't entirely sure what to say to that. He had never just blatantly told anyone about his preferences before, never discussed them. Even with Sol, he had admitted it in a round about way.
Seeing the discomfort, Michal offered a different approach. "Okay, how about how long have you been comfortable with it?"
"Um, about a month."
"Oh, sweet baby, no wonder you're all jumpy," Michal said. Then reigned in his own behavior. "I can tone it down if you'd like. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. "
"No, you're fine. I'm not uncomfortable. It's just-"
"You're not used to being able to talk about it?"
"Yeah."
"You're family know?"
"Yes, they know."
"They okay with it?"
"Yeah, they're all fine. They all support me, but-"
"Grew up in a stuffy town with prejudice and traditions?"
"Very much so."
Michal nodded and moved around the counter, taking up the spot beside the younger man. Did he get closer than he should've? Maybe, but it wasn't in a forward way.
"Like I said, seen it all," Michal said. "Now the question is, was this why Mason and Quill dragged you by to see me?"
Parker turned his head to look at Michal. "Why would they do that?" He asked.
"I have a habit of helping anyone and everyone struggling with accepting themselves when it comes to matters of attraction, " Michal said. "It's well know. Those who get kicked out of their homes for it will often find their way to me. I'll help them as best as I can and send them on their way. That's not the case here, so I'm wondering if this was merely an introduction of new friends, or if they thought there was something I could help you with."
"Oh," Parker said. A pause followed as he tried to think. Had be done or said anything that might have had his frie ds thinking he needed help? He wasn't aware that he had. In fact, he thought he had been doing fine. He had come a long way since he first started this relationship with Sol. "I honestly don't know. I thought I was was fine."
"Then perhaps I was judging the situation a bit hastily. Still, I thought I'd ask. I'd hate to think a cutie like you was having a troubling time."
And despite himself, he blushed, more from embarrassment at being called cute more than anything.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 30, 2021 17:07:59 GMT -5
Elsewhere in town, Sol was finishing his final task for the day. He stood back, watching as the last freed slave set out on his way to a new life. Sol was glad for the man, but he was more glad that this job was finally over. As much as he liked helping people, this particular job had been annoyingly long and tedious. Not to mention it had put a serious dent on his coffers.
It was a good thing he was a king and had plenty more to draw from.
With a shake of his head, Sol turned away. "Find Parker," he ordered in an undertone. Apollo was all too happy to obey. He set off at a trot, nose in the air. He moved a little aimlessly at first, seeking the scent. Then he suddenly started moving off in a fixed direction, and from there he never wavered as he trotted along. A few minutes later, he stopped and sat in from of a small shop that was unknown to Sol, though the name of the place rang a distant bell of familiarity.
Sol opened the door. After following him in, Apollo set off again, weaving between the shelves. Sol trailed him at a slower pace, so he was still a few seconds behind when Apollo found Parker. The big dog walked right up to him, tail wagging happily, and planted himself directly in front of Parker and sat on his foot. He looked up at him, tongue lolling as he awaited his pets.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 30, 2021 17:31:36 GMT -5
The arrival of Apollo surprisd both Parker and Michal. "Where the blazes did this one come from?" the sandy-haired male asked.
Parker smiled and fondled the dog's ears. "He has a knack of finding me," he answered. "Which means," glancing up, he saw Sol's head move between the shelves, "that his owner isn't far behind."
Michal, curious now, turned in the direction Parker was looking, watching as a well dressed man stepped into veiw. He eyed him both as a potential customer and appriciatively, for the man was quiet good looking. "Good afternoon, good sir. What can I help you with today?" he greeted, standing up off the counter, but not really moving from his close proximity to Parker.
~*~*~
Anya shook her head. "No, we should go. I don't want them causing trouble for the rest of my family just because we decided to trow our weight around as Riders," she murmured. "I think it's best to let things cool down a bit."
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 30, 2021 18:18:48 GMT -5
As Sol came around the last shelf, he took in the scene before him within a blink. His head tilted, just slightly, and he looked from Parker to Michal and back. The whole time, his expression didn't change and his pace didn't slow as he came to stand beside Parker. He met Michal's gaze, and a roguish smile flashed across his face. "Nothing, thank you. I've got all I need right here," he said, his head tilting slightly, but unmistakably, toward Parker.
☆~☆~☆ Seth nodded. It was the best course of action at the moment. "We'll come back," he promised. "And if the elders object, they'll deal with me."
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 30, 2021 19:29:47 GMT -5
Parker, who was silent up to this point, decided to speak up. "Would someone mind telling me what's going on?"
Michal just smiled. "Oh, it's nothing to worry about," he answer. "But I'll be sure to set them straight. Until then, would you care for aaa drink, Captain. I made a fresh pot of coffee not too long ago."
~*~*~
Anya hadn't been expecting him to put the bow in her hand, but she was here, and he was technically holding her, so she wasn't about to go anwhere. "Well if you're offering," she said.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 30, 2021 19:47:39 GMT -5
"Well, sad to see you both leave. It was good to meet you, Parker. I do hope to see you again," Michal said.
"It was nice to meet you as well," Parker replied, taking Sol's hand and lacing their fingers out of habit. "Thank you for the coffee."
Michal glanced at Sol. "Oh, could I please just steal him for a week? He's precious," he said, though only humor shone in his eyes.
~*~*~
Anya's heart skipepd a beat at the simple kiss to her head. Really, she didn't care about shooting the bow if only he would do it again. But she let him guide her hands and ready the arrow. "Ready," she whispered back.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 30, 2021 20:02:28 GMT -5
That time when Sol smiled, it was genuine. "No. But I don't blame you for trying. Until next time." He tipped an invisible hat and started for the door, taking Parker with him.
☆~☆~☆ Seth did most of the work drawing back the string. The draw weight was much higher than Anya was used to, so he doubted she would have been able to do it alone. He couldn't bring it to full draw, however, because her arms were shorter than his. So he brought it back as far as she was able, adjusted their aim slightly, and said, "Let go," leaving it up to her to release. His fingers would move with hers.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 30, 2021 22:35:39 GMT -5
They didn't get lost, but Sol enjoyed the day anyway. Reavstone was a beautiful city, with many interesting places and friendly people. When they were hungry they got food, and when it got dark they got directions to a park where they could lay in the grass and watch the stars.
A couple hours later they retired to the ship, though neither slept right away. By the time morning rolled around they hadn't gotten much sleep, yet Sol still felt rested and ready for the day.
The crew returned early, and by midmorning they were underway once more, heading down the coast to their final destination.
☆~☆~☆ He had them draw a heart with arrows, because apparently two days of kissing the girl he loved turned him into a romantic sap. He didn't care. The kiss it earned him more than made up for it.
They got the call to dinner shortly after. Aidan headed right in with the dogs, eager as ever for Maria's cooking, while Seth and Anya took a few minutes to put away the targets — and steal a few more kisses.
They were the last ones to head in, so Seth immediately got the brothers talking about anything else to keep them from commenting on it. He kept it up through most of the meal, expertly keeping their attention elsewhere.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 31, 2021 18:20:07 GMT -5
And it was the dates where they just did the simple things, like star gazing, that Parker enjoyed the most. He was sure why, but they felt more intimate than their time in the bedroom. He guessed it was because they were just stepping out of the world of the responsibilities of the ship, and they could regain a small amount of time similiar to that of when they were on the island. It was then everything between them seemed to make some kind of progress, and half of him hoped that having more moments like that would help improve things further. If they did, he couldn't tell. For he, at least, still wasn't able to fully say the words he wanted to say.
But with is time on the ship fleeting, he would never turn down any late night romps with his lover, even if the morning saw him tired and wishing dawn wasn't so hasty in arriving. As much as he longed to stay in bed, he wasn't goinng to shun his duties. After all, he had limited time with his friends among the crew as well, and he was going to make the most of the time he had left.
~*~*~
Anya had teased him for the heart, but really, she was glad to see this side of him. It was much better than his serious, self-loathing moods, and she would do anything to keep him this happy. Which was why she stayed behind with him to gather the arrows while Aidan rushed for the house at the call of dinner. And maybe it was for her own gain too, for the kisses Seth gave were quickly proving to be addicting.
Once inside, she dodged the glances her brothers sent their way, ignoring them as Seth did a wonderful job in deflecting any questions. She took her seat at the table and filled her plate, hoping to enjoy the last dinner she would be having with her family in a while. And she wasn't about to let her idiot brothers put a damper on it.
For the first half of the meal, things were fine. Ryner would try to be sneaky and slip in a prying question or two, but she always let Seth handle it. He was better with words than she was anyway. Eventually, he seemed to get the hint and resigned from the hunt for information. Conversation was going good until Felix had to pipe up.
"So, are you guys heading out first thing in the morning?" he asked. It was innocent in nature, but Anya cast himi a warning look, silently telling him to shut up.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 31, 2021 19:18:09 GMT -5
The four day trip was uneventful, though the days were suddenly becoming warmer again as they headed into the warmer climate of the south. It made for great campfire nights on the deck, though of course, there was no actual fire. Even heavily supervised, Sol wasn't about to risk flames on his ship. Still, the lantern pile they made instead was a good alternative.
With the slaves gone, Sol had more time to relax — though, in his case, that just meant he pitched in more with the everyday workings of the ship. He spent the mornings before breakfast in the training room with Parker, and the rest of the morning working, or sometimes just hanging out when the winds permitted, among his crew. After lunch he would spent a few hours at the helm, and after dinner, when there was no fake bonfire, he spent his evenings with Parker in his quarters.
It was a very enjoyable four days. Yet the closer they got to their destination, the more withdrawn Sol became. It wasn't apparent to an outside observer — even some of his crew had trouble seeing it — but while physically and mentally he was present, emotionally he was becoming more subdued. The only exceptions to this change was when he was alone with Parker, in any capacity. Sol refused to let him think it was his fault when it wasn't.
They had entered the Jiet River in the early hours on the third day. It had slowed their progress some, but the Comet was a swift and capable vessel so it wasn't obviously apparent to anyone who didn't know the ship well. There was not a lot of activity on the banks, but those few they did pass always stopped to stare when the ship sailed by.
It was midmorning on day five when their final destination, Belatona, came into view ahead. Unlike the previous ports, the Comet could not dock. The waters of the river were too shallow that close to shore. Instead, she was anchored several hundred meters away and three of the four rowboats were lowered so most of the crew could go ashore. A few were selected to stay behind, just in case.
☆~☆~☆ Seth, who had gad a quick answer or quip ready all through dinner, suddenly found himself at a loss for words at Felix's question. Seth stared at him for a good few seconds before recovering his wits, but by that time it was too late.
Aidan had looked up at the question, and now he looked at Seth, curious and eager. "Where are we going?" he asked, and Seth wasn't sure if he should feel relieved or not. Clearly the boy didn't realize they were leaving Ashborne permanently, for the time being. He thought they were just off on a day trip.
Though he wanted to, Seth didn't let himself look at anyone but Aidan. "I don't know yet," he said, answering Aidan's question and ignoring Felix's. "The opposite direction of Ilirea, to start."
Aidan blinked at him, not comprehending. Then realization dawned. "You're leaving?"
Seth flinched slightly at the shocked and hurt tone. "We have to, Aidan. Ashborne isn't safe for us right now."
"When were you going to tell me?"
Seth shot Felix a withering look, though it lacked any real heat. "After dinner."
Aidan dropped his fork on the table as a new realization hit him. "You aren't taking me with you."
Wow this hurt, even more than Seth was afraid it would. "Aidan—" he started.
But Aidan was shaking his head. "No, no, no." He pushed away from the table and before anyone could stop him he ran from the room, Star scrambling after him. The front door slammed with his departure.
"Damn it," Seth muttered. He stood quickly and set off after him.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 31, 2021 19:58:39 GMT -5
The warmer weather and smooth sailing were a good mix, and Parker found that he prefered such favorable conditions to the stormy seas they had experienced. It certainly made his last few days on the ship better and harder all at the same time. It was good for it didn't make him prone to random burst of seasickness like the choppier water caused. However, he had never felt more like part of the crew than he did during the campfire nights. That was both a good and bad thing. Good that he had finally earned a spot among the crew, but bad for it made his grief of leaving that much harder to bear.
The surge of emotions hit him harder and more visibly than it did Sol. There were moments in the day when left to his own devices and with no work to do, that the weight of reality would hit him, and it was all he could do not to lose his composure then and there. Whenever it hit, he would normally turn towards the sea, or excuse himself below deck, anything to get out of sight long enough to reign himself in. Sometimes it wouldn't be enough and a tear or two would escape before he got it together.
Like Sol, though, he tried his best not to let the growing dread of leaving show in the moments they were alone. However, he couldn't hide the frevor and slight increase of passion in the moments of the night when neither of them slept. Nor could he keep himself from clinging to the captain as if his life depended upon it afterwards. Parker had come close many times during those five days to begging Sol to tell him to stay, but he kept it to himself. They were already in the the Jeit River. Why make him have to turn around after all this trouble?
On the final day of the trip, Parker had more or less forgotten his chores as they drew closer and closer to Belatone. For a good portion of the day, he stood by himself at the front of the ship, watching the sceneary go by. A knot was forming in his stomach, one of excitement and dread. For while he was glad to be closer to his family, the thought of leaving the Comet hurt him more than he ever thought possible. When the call for those going ashore was given, he was the last one on the boats. The young man had taken one last look at the faces that would be staying behind, giving a goodbye to those he knew the best, before finally climbing into the boat that would take him to the shore.
~*~*~
Felix realized too late that the news hadn't been broached with Aidan, and guilt consumed him. He, like the rest of his family, all grew fond of the young boy brought into their home. But since he was closest to Seth, he had assumed that the boy had been the first to know of their plans to leave. Clearly, he had thought wrong. He had the decency to wait until after Seth had left to chase after Adian before speaking again. "Anya, I'm sorry, I thought he knew," he started.
His sister shook her head. "No, Seth hadn't found a good time to tell him," she said, though her voice held no anger. Felix couldn't have know Seth's hestancy to tell Aidan, and neither of them had told her family to keep it a secret. She just hoped that Seth would be able to smooth it over with Aidan. If they left with the boy mad, than she feared it would be worse on Seth in the longrun.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 31, 2021 22:00:19 GMT -5
But Sol wasn't taking Parker to prepare him for his journey home. He set off with a destination in mind, and a few minutes later they were there: a beauty salon.
☆~☆~☆ Seth couldn't see Aidan when he stepped out onto the porch, but he didn't have a chance to panic before Hero was running off in a set direction. Seth followed his dog.
He found Aidan behind the barn, sitting on a bale of hay with his arms wrapped around his drawn up knees, his face hidden. Star was laying close by, trying to comfort him with her presence. Seth quietly told her she was a good girl and asked her to move so he could sit beside Aidan. She obliged, and Seth took a hesitant seat on the edge of the hay bale.
Aidan, meanwhile, had curled himself into a tighter ball when he heard Seth's voice. But now, after several minutes passed in silence, he peeked up to see that Seth wasn't even looking at him. He was staring up at the stars, hands clasped loosely between his knees.
Sensing Aidan's attention, he looked over his shoulder. Aidan immediately hid his face again. Seth sighed. "Aidan," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I know this is hard. I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't have to."
Aidan glanced up enough to glare at him. His cheeks were wet, and his eyes shimmered with more tears he refused to let fall. "I'm not mad that you're leaving. I'm mad that you're leaving me behind!" His voice broke on the last word and a few tears slipped free.
Seth spun around, bringing one leg up onto the hay bale. He wanted to reach for him but held back. "I am not leaving you," he said fiercely. "Never, Aidan. But I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt. You'll be safer here."
Aidan shook his head, causing more tears to fall. "I'm safest with you. Seth, I don't want you to go without me." He uncurled himself and crawled across the hay to throw his arms around Seth’s neck.
A pained sound escaped Seth as his arms came around the crying boy. He stared fixedly ahead, trying and failing to stick to his original resolve to leave Aidan in the care of the Dorrehs. The idea of leaving without him was suddenly unthinkable.
"Okay," he whispered. "It's okay. I won't leave you, Aidan." He kissed the top of his head. "I promise."
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