Chapter Text
Petalled truths should not wither while hidden in pain. And being strong sometimes meant to handle what made one weak. Through his apprentice he learned of vulnerability. Through his cats he learned of softness. Through his allies he learned of trust. He is not alone; so no such man must continue on the lonely lone-wolf paths.
Kayden finds his sweetheart on the balcony under a starry night sky. He sidles up, elbows set upon the handrail, blazing eyes intent and lips in smile. His sweetheart looks closer, squints, asks why he came— a faint ember of hesitant expectation trembles under the intensity of his gaze.
Kayden embraces the words of his wanting, speaking them aloud. Roots pause their growth in his lungs; flowers freeze and await a reply. Red lips open, close, the weight of new possibility upon cream-coated shoulders. The faint ember pulses, peeks out of the layers of doubt and mistrust built over bitter years. His sweetheart looks closer, seeing vulnerability, seeing softness, seeing a man forged anew with the love of many— a man who knew trust. But trust came in pairs; both must step in. And Kartein steps up. Willing pale-blue meets eager grey-blue; he no longer desires one-way.
Kartein caresses his cheek, manicured hands gentle on skin, and petals melt in his throat. Kartein leans closer, breathes the same air, and roots shrivel in exhale. Kartein kisses him tenderly, entwining fingers through his hair, and death becomes no longer his fate. Kayden kisses back, warm palms on trim waist, the taste of sweet red lips on his tongue.
Before, Kayden expected (sought, resigned) to die alone.
Now, Kayden lives— with friends, with felines, with family.