“I guess I just think what you can do is really amazing,” Kade said. Florian blushed crimson, looking away. “To be able to shift into all those other things... You’re amazing, Florian.”
“It’s not anything I can do on my own,” Florian protested, laughing nervously. “It was just... random, pretty much.”
“Still. It’s something you can do no one else can,” Kade said, shrugging.
Florian couldn’t argue with that, so they sat in silence for a moment longer. He snuck a few glances over at Kade, but the other man was still looking up. From this part of the garden they had a clear view of the sky, hints of starlight dappling through a few clouds set against the colors of twilight. Kade’s expression was tired, almost, as he looked up at the stars, and Florian wondered what else he could be thinking.
He considered, with a slight pang of guilt, that he had been so preoccupied—what with his own thoughts and feelings about everything that had happened—he hadn’t really considered how Kade might have been affected, even though they had been together through it all.
“Um,” Florian stammered, and Kade glanced back over at him. “Are you... okay?”
“What do you mean?” Kade asked, frowning.
“I mean, like... We could stay a little longer if you wanted,” Florian said, still unsure of what exactly he was trying to ask. “I guess I’ve kind of only been thinking about myself. But I want to make sure you’re okay too... before we head out again.”
“Oh.” Kade grinned at him, seeming amused at the consideration. “I’m alright, Florian. If I needed more time I would tell you. So don’t worry about me.”
Florian nodded. Part of him wondered if Kade really would tell him if he was struggling—but the other man had always been straightforward with him before; and from what he could tell, he had always been honest. Florian, on the other hand, was more likely to hide his feelings, and the realization left a slight bitterness in the back of his throat. Kade had been so patient and gentle with him—had always been kind, even when Florian was not. Aside from their one explosive fight, of course; but all things considered, he couldn’t really hold it against Kade. He had to be better, Florian thought, because Kade deserved an equal. If nothing else, he at least owedthatto Kade.
“What are you thinking about?” Kade asked softly, bringing him back to reality. Florian shook his head, managing a slight smile.
“How greatyouare,” he said, relishing in the color that rose in Kade’s face as he said it.
