And Clef was of course in there, working on his studies whenever he was unaware of others in there, fighting the urge to go out and find people. Thankfully people generally came in often enough that he was able to resist so far.
But then Shadow was the one who came in. And everything flared forward. Shadow was outlined in the same light as the pen. He still loved the boy, of course, probably always would. But he'd been doing his best to be cautious in his speech around him. Trying to get a sense of what Shadow thought of him, what was safe to say.
Which was why he was shocked and horrified at himself as he blurted out "No matter what else happens or is said or what we decide... I will always love you, Shadow." And he wished at once he could claw the words back. Nit because he didn't mean them, he did mean them. But because he was sure they were the words that Shadow very much did not want to hear.
Re: 3
But then Shadow was the one who came in. And everything flared forward. Shadow was outlined in the same light as the pen. He still loved the boy, of course, probably always would. But he'd been doing his best to be cautious in his speech around him. Trying to get a sense of what Shadow thought of him, what was safe to say.
Which was why he was shocked and horrified at himself as he blurted out "No matter what else happens or is said or what we decide... I will always love you, Shadow." And he wished at once he could claw the words back. Nit because he didn't mean them, he did mean them. But because he was sure they were the words that Shadow very much did not want to hear.