Nathaniel rises to unsteady knees, taking a few moments to brush his teeth and rinse the sour flavor from his mouth. He quietly follows Asher to bed, his heart aching, and curls up on his side of the bed. His eyes are large as they follow every motion of Asher's in silence.

He wants to be kissed.

He wants to be held.

He wants to be promised so much, but he keeps it within himself, only seen in the shadows of his eyes.