Yuuto nods hearing Shouta apologize again.  Shouta doesn’t have to apologize but he clearly feels the need to.  Yuuto is fully aware that Shouta is not being honest.  He may tell him the truth one day or he may never say what is fully going on.  Regardless Yuuto can’t force him.  Shouta has to be willing to speak when he is ready and on his own accord.  He took notice that Shouta didn’t call him Yuuto.  He decides not to address it.  One must pick their battles.  It is clear that Shouta is uncomfortable using his first name.  It hurts him a little on the inside.  Yet again Yuuto is wondering why does he care so much.

He watches Shouta kill his water.  He was sucking it down like he couldn’t get enough.  Yuuto hopes the surprised look he feels internally is not reflecting on his face.  At this point in time, he doesn’t believe there is much more he can say to Shouta.  It is best to move in silence.  Yuuto can feel himself becoming reserved a bit.  He doesn’t want to do that to Shouta.  Shouta deserves to see the real him, especially after what he did to him all those years ago.

“That female alpha would have certainly taken you if I wasn’t there,” he replies walking into his kitchen.  He grabs another water bottle for Shouta.  He is clearly thirsty.  “Being an alpha, at that moment I couldn’t sense if she was a threat or not.  I wasn’t going to chance it.”  He opens the bottle handing it to Shouta who is listening closely to every word he is saying.  “Sadie is a smart woman and a very good friend.  I understand more than you know about those mating houses.  No need for me to go into details.  I think we can both agree on the obvious.”  Yuuto is wondering what does Shouta means by he generally doesn’t feel anything?  That could mean so many things.  In Yuuto eyes, Shouta hasn’t met the right alpha for him.  As he tells his stepfather finding a mate can take time. 

“I do care for your well being Shouta,” he says confidently. There is so much more Yuuto wants to say but he feels like he has said enough.  Besides, he is beginning to struggle to form thoughts.  He sighs glad to know now his thoughts have drifted far from mating.  He has a project to complete.  “If you would like to rest some more that is fine.  I can also take you home if you prefer.  Just let me know.  In the main time, I’m going to get started on the work for your comic since I am taking the rest of the day off from work.  Please don’t think you had anything to do with it.  I’m simply more focused on getting your comic out on time.  Plus, I needed some time off from work.”  Yuuto walks back to his chaise sitting down grabbing his computer. He puts on his glasses before unlocking his computer to get started until Shouta lets him know how to proceed.  Part of him is hoping the other will take the opportunity to rest until it is safe for him to travel.  However, the choice is all on Shouta.