just say there is nothing holding you back

Mort’s huge dark paw cupped his cheek as he spoke his name, none of the worry he carried had dissolved with Hikaru’s words. He tried so hard to encourage him, there was nowhere else he desired to be but here. There wasn’t anyone that made him feel complete like Mortis did, his life wasn’t near as warm or vibrant when he was gone. No matter what, this was where he belonged. Mortis told him that he needed more than one friend, and maybe he was right but he knew in his heart that Mortis was the one who mirrored his soul. He was the one. "Maybe I do, but there’s a whole pack of them out there.” He would go find Ophelia later, and there was always someone new to meet at the training grounds.

"You are the best out of my life, Mortis.” He tried to convince him, knowing that he wasn’t about to take his words for it. He tried so hard to stay away from the deeper feelings, to avoid what was really going on beneath the surface. The deep and all consuming emotion that he felt for just one wolf. The one who held him close at night, who encouraged him in all ways, who he could rely on without question to be there for him, or anyone he cared about should they need him. Hikaru didn’t know a more selfless man, and even now he was beating himself up over helping Hikaru make the best of his life.

"I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself. You don’t need to worry about me, I want to worry about you. I want to welcome you home after a long day out working and helping, like you always do.” He was still gazing into Mort’s incredibly blue eyes and his grip against his cheek tightened as he spoke. "I want to make sure you get a good dinner each night before bed, where I’ll always be here to keep you warm and chase away any nightmares that threaten your sleep. I want to be here for you to confide in when the world gets too difficult, I want to be a pillar to build yourself on, a strong foundation while you hold the world on your shoulders.” As he spoke his voice descended into a soft whisper and the emotions behind his words formed as tears in his silver kohl lined eyes. He meant every word, right now and forever. "That would be my best life.”

"Hikaru"