[ Even with a gentle as Csevet's words are, Maia feels a rising panic in him. And yet, underneath that fear, there is a kind of nervous excitement, too. Csevet is the closest thing he has ever had to a friend - a best friend, in whom he could confide things he dared not tell anyone else.

It takes time. Despite his trust in Csevet, Maia has many long years training to be cautious. He has no practice, speaking honestly about himself. So, at first, he only gives a very small nod. Answering would be easier, if he were totally ignorant. But the truth is, some part of him has been wondering for longer than he can say. ]

There was... Min Vechin. I knew she was merely... flattering me, but I still let her, because I found her very beautiful.

[ But that was something Csevet already knew. Everyone had seen that well enough. Maia had not thought to hide his attraction to her, his awkward schoolboy crush. Maia's ears dip low, and his voice sinks to a mere whisper. ]

And- for a brief time... I no longer do but at one point I felt... I would not allow myself to put words to it, yet- yet I... uh. I- very much liked... spending time with Nurevis.

[ His face feels as hot as a stove, and he doesn't want to look at Csevet, but cannot stop himself from glancing up, expression half terror, half relief over his confession. He had not said it, even to Csethiro as they made their arrangement. He hadn't even let himself really think it, properly, until this moment. His stomach feels as if it has been twisted into knots. ]