you guys alone to be as homosexual as you want.”
“So, you do think it’s a sin?” Snod pushed.
“Darling, look at me,” Rees drawled. “I’m a man in a dress. Passing judgment is not my thing. People
should be able to live the way they want as long as they’re not being shitheads. Love is love, all that.”
Snod was not convinced, glancing down at the floor as his gut flooded with shame. “It’s not that
simple. The Order taught me that what I want, that wanting Frankie, is wrong.”
“Look, darling,” Rees said, his tone surprisingly gentle to soothe Snod’s obvious distress. “I know
you’re still kinda fucked up from the Order and all their crazy bullshit. They have a very twisted way
of interpreting shit. A lot of people do, picking and choosing what parts they want to follow and
ignoring the rest.”
“How do you know what to believe in then?” Snod asked in earnest, hating how desperately lost he
was. “How do you know what’s right?”
“Follow your heart,” Rees replied immediately. “Pay attention to the good stuff. There’s a whole lot
more shit in religion about loving someone than there is about exactly who it is you should love.” He
cleared his throat, reciting slowly, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their
labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up...”
“But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up,” Snod continued seamlessly. “Also, if two
lie down together, they will keep warm.”
“But how can one keep warm alone?” Rees concluded with a smirk. “Just think about it, darling.
There’s nothing in there about whose business is what; it’s just about love. You have the chance to
have something really beautiful with Frankie. You could keep each other warm.”
Snod was surprised to feel his cheeks flushing, saying quietly, “Thank you, Rees.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Rees said with a quick wave of his hand. “Just don’t fuck this up because
your head isn’t right yet. You’ll get there.”
“Or concrete nubs are in my future?” Snod asked, unable to resist a smug smile.
“Uh huh,” Rees replied, clicking his tongue. “Bet your sweet ass there are. Hmmph. You have a good
night, darling. I’ll see you around.”
“Goodnight, Rees. And thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” Rees chucked. “Seriously, don’t. I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Wouldn’t dare,” Snod said, smiling as the door closed. He looked back to the desk, already
