All of them had lost people.All of them had learned to deal with grief and loss.If there was any way for Franklin to avoid having to do that more than he already had, then Matthew was all for helping him.He was also all for becoming his friend.Even if Franklin ended up leaving, he needed support right now.
Matthew grabbed his towel from where he’d dropped it next to the mat.He used it on his face and shoulders, taking his time.He wasn’t sure where to start.
“Alan and I haven’t talked yet,” he said.
“You’ve been spending quite a lot of time together.”
“We’ve been getting to know each other.We haven’t talked about what comes next for us, though, and that’s what scares me.He’s not from here.”
Franklin frowned.“You mean he’s not from the village?”
“Yeah.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that most of the people who live here aren’t from the village.”
“You’re right.This was initially a Nix tribe.Everyone else came later, after the tribe started rescuing people.”
“Okay, so not being from here doesn’t mean he can’t stay.”
“But why would hewantto stay?His life is out there.He can’t go home right now, but eventually, he’ll be able to.”
“And you think he’ll leave you behind.”
“Why wouldn’t he?Being with me is a complication for him.His life isn’t here.”
“But you are.”
“Would that be enough?”
“Let me get this straight.You’ve been distracted because you’ve been thinking about Alan leaving?”
“I have.”
“But you haven’t talked to him about it?”
“Not yet.”
Franklin rolled his eyes.“Then what are you waiting for?You want a relationship with him, don’t you?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“Then talk to him.That’s how good relationships work.You talk to your partner, find out what they want, and try hard to give it to them if it’s something you can do.You’re worrying that Alan might leave, but he might be worried that you don’t want him to stay.”
Matthew frowned.“Why wouldn’t I want him to stay?He’s my mate.”
“He’s also human.More than that, this situation is anything but normal.Everything in his life is a mess right now.He could use a little honesty from his mate.”
Matthew opened his mouth to tell Franklin that he’d been nothing but honest since he’d met Alan, but his phone started vibrating.He leaned down to pick it up in case it was Alan, but it wasn’t.No, it was Rikar, telling him that Morin and Nysys were on their way.
“You have to go?”Franklin asked.
“Actually, not really.What’s happening isn’t really my business.”
Franklin snorted.“And I’m the Pope.As long as Alan’s involved, you are, too.Go if you have to.”
“You’re sure?”Matthew desperately wanted to go, but he wasn’t about to abandon his friend.”
Franklin looked around the gym.“I’m sure.I’ll stay around for a little bit longer before going home.Don’t worry about me and focus on your mate.”
