[ it is unfair, really, how very easy it is to fall into closeness and affections with her, how all of these kisses and touches come so simply, thoughtlessly, and it certainly does little to ease the tangled knot between their hearts. to allow them to discern what is real, between them, and what exists only due to the past. hythlodaeus suspects that there will always be some remnant of his relationship with azem, that both of their tender souls will feel it until the end of her days, or his, for he has no idea how long he has to linger on this star.

but that does not mean that he cannot come to love her for who she is. for all the differences that he has already come to appreciate. for all the ways she is like azem, there are equal ways she is not, yet hythlodaeus is fond of her all the same. ]

.. perhaps it is.

[ he answers, truthfully, his violet gaze fixed on hers as he reaches with his free hand to tuck her dark hair back, his fingertips brushing the soft fur of one of her ears. ]

But in the end, I think, doing what feels natural is our best course. All else will work out in time.