"I guess it comes down to, would it be the best thing for you to do," Nickolai added."I guess it comes down to, would it be the best thing for you to do," Nickolai added. "Think about it, Garth. What are the benfits and disadvantages?" Garth propped his head up in his hand, chin to palm. "Hmm. We've been over this before. About the only disadvantages I can think of are that I would need more to eat. That and I'd lose a couple of days of vacation time." Nickolai laughed. "You're always so practical, Garth. Think about it that way. You were good to me two years ago. I guess it's time you thought about what was good for yourself." Garth nodded. "I'm trying not to add in all the little things about Kiza and Skii and Pendor in general that bother me. From an external view, I can't see a reason not to." "Tell Ken," Nickolai said. "He'll want to know. You're his guest now." "And what are you?" Nickolai looked out the window. In the reflection, Garth could see he was smiling. "I'm family." "You're what?" "I guess I'm family. I... " Nickolai sighed, looking abashed but still smiling. "I'm accepted here. And you know what? It doesn't mean anything to me. It makes me feel good to have a place to go to, but it's not really the important part. What is important is that I have Furry." She turned and smiled at him as he said it. "Thanks." "What?" he said. "It's true. I used to think, a long time ago, that I wanted you. Then I realized Ken Shardik wanted to know me and I got all starry-eyed and... and it took me a long time to realize that doesn't matter nearly as much as you do. I love you." She slid an arm around him and pulled him to her. "I love you too. And I'm glad you feel that way." She turned to Garth and held out one hand, gesturing in a 'come hither' sort of way. He rose and fell into her arms, and she hugged him tightly, holding him against her and Nickolai, and then she kissed his nose. "You're neat, Garth. I won't tell you to never change, but when you do, try and retain your neatness. Surprised, he took a moment to find something to say. Finally he settled on the familiar. "Thanks, Furry. |