The shorter man tilted his head, “Sure, but what’s this about?”


    I caught it early, and the prognosis is good but,” Starbeard bowed his head. “If there’s even a chance something goes wrong, I don’t want to waste any more time on ‘what ifs’. I want to spend however long I might have left with the people I love without worrying about distance or my business.”


    When Enrique didn’t say anything, Starbeard sat back on his knees. “Sorry, I know this is a lot to spring on you all at once. I don’t even know if you feel the same way abou-”


    His words were cut off as the dwarf sprang up from the chair and hugged Starbeard around the neck. The captain looked stunned, unsure of how to react, arms awkwardly held out to his sides. When he heard the wracking sobs of Enrique crying against his neck, Starbeard wrapped his arms around the shaking man.


    “d kissed Starbeard fiercely. “Why didn’t you say anything?”


    Enrique dissolved into tears again and Starbeard rubbed his back to soothe him. “I know. I’m sorry,” Starbeard said meekly.


    Enrique leaned back and kissed him again. He placed thick Dwarf hands on the meaty Orc face and stroked his thumbs to wipe away Starbeard’s tears. Voice shaking, he asked, “You say the prognosis is good?”Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Starbeard nodded, “Yeah. I mean there’s always some risk but I''ll be getting surgery to remove the tumor next month. I just wish it didn’t take this to get me off my fat ass and finally tell you how I feel. But I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”


    Enrique pressed his forehead against Starbeard’s and in the rainbow kaleidoscope light of the hidden cathedral, they kissed again.


    “


    The darkness pulled Orion back again, tearing him away from his lost lover.


    and I will be able to hear you.’


    could clearly see a cassette tape in the clear window of the music box, spinning away.


    in his haste to fill up on fresh water. As steam filled the room, the desire to wash up overcame his need for water. He was naked in an instant, placing the cassette player on the sink and tossing the sweaty clothes in the waste basket by the toilet.