Page 55 of A Winter Awakening

He studied Ori’s face. He saw nothing but brutal honesty. No anger. No blame. Just pity.

“It’s been nice seeing you with Gael,” Ori said. “You seem happier.”

“I am.”

“I’m glad. Maybe you could stop avoiding us.”

“Yes,” Orteo choked out.

“We can be a family again.” Ori smiled.

“I’d like that,” Orteo said.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Gael leaned his head against the window and stared out. His breath fogged the cold glass. His eyes searched the whiteness outside for Orteo.

Should I have left him out there with Ori?

Orteo had said it was all right. But he’d seemed so fragile and vulnerable. So different from how he usually was with Gael. Gael had just wanted to lead him to the cabin and hold him.

He wanted to look after the oread he loved.

He saw movement outside. He tried to press his face closer to the glass.

Orteo! He limped to the door and opened it. Orteo lifted his head.

Gael stepped aside to let Orteo in. “How did it go?” He couldn’t tell from Orteo’s expression.

Orteo sat on the bed, staring blankly at the wall opposite. “He wasn’t angry with me. He didn’t hate me.” His brows furrowed. “He just felt sorry for me.”

Orteo’s whole body seemed to sag. “And all this time I’ve clutched at this guilt and shame. For years, my whole life has been built around it. And he’d never even really thought about me.” He gave an empty laugh. “But he forgave me. Said he would, since he thought I needed it.” He bent over and let out a shaking breath.

Gael sat beside him and stroked his back in circles. He wanted to look after Orteo.

“I’m not sure what to do,” Orteo said. “For years, I thought he blamed me. What should I do now?”

“Maybe you don’t need to do anything right now,” Gael said. “Maybe you just need to lie down, with me, and rest. Maybe that will be enough for now.”

“Maybe,” Orteo said, giving him a smile.

Gael slid his hand into Orteo’s silver hair. The strands moved like silk between his fingers.

“That feels nice,” Orteo said.

Gael pressed a kiss to his shoulder blade. “Come on. Let’s take a nap.”

They rose, and Orteo began to unbutton his trousers.

“No! Let me,” Gael said and went to his knees. “I’m looking after you right now.”

Orteo gave him an affectionate look. He reached out and tugged on one of Gael’s curls. “Thank you.”

Gael helped him remove his trousers. Then Gael rose and began to undress himself. Orteo reached for his shirt.

“I can do it,” Gael said.

“I know.” Orteo pecked Gael on his lips. “But I want to. I want to touch you.”