{SEASONAL EVENT} down and dirty

ABASI

Abasi listened quietly to the history of Loren and Remi's relationship, being careful not to react until he had the whole story. He knew that relationships, especially ones in as hard a world as it sounded Loren and Remi's had been, could be complicated. But still, he could not help distaste in his expression as Loren spoke of what Remi had done. "I do not care for those that play games and use confusing tests to prove points. If he had a problem, he should have simply said so and let you both deal with it."

It seemed with Phoebe the situation was a little more complicated, at least to Abasi. "I understand why a young girl would like to think you were interested in her. You are handsome, a man of means. It was likely inevitable."

The kiss made him smile, Abasi marvelling at how something so simple could so effectively wipe away the pain of the sadness in Loren's voice. But there was more to come, it seemed.

Abasi blinked a few times, unsure of quite what to say. On one hand, they had not at that point established themselves as anything, Loren had made no commitment. On the other, he still felt horribly betrayed and jealous, a hot pain hitting his chest that made him shuffle away. "...Who? Who were they?"

Do not raise up intimate companions

For nothing is to be gained from them

Let your own heart be watchful over you