Telumë shows off all their new construction, he's very proud of the city and he knows Maitimo is too, and then he can drop them off at the guest-house set up for them. 

Do you want to come over, he asks Maitimo. If you would prefer some time alone that is also fine. 

I'll come over. And he does, quite quickly. - I did not expect that conversation. Maybe Mandos is not totally atrocious at his job.

Telumë holds out his arms as soon as Maitimo arrives. I was not expecting it either! It seemed - good, at the end. But it must have been very stressful during. Your father is so, he stumbles over and rejects half a dozen adjectives, incredibly himself. 

He really is. He likes you, though. Hug. I think - I think if I hadn't lost everything already I wouldn't've had the courage to say any of that.

That makes sense. I think it was very good that you said it, though. I - am proud of you. He hopes that isn't going to come across as condescending, he doesn't mean it that way at all. 

I am glad I said it. Hug. 

My mother says I should keep in mind that you lost a lot of things too and might be inclined to less assertiveness about needing them.

She asked me if I was doing all right, it was very kind of her. I - hmm. I think it is hard for me to figure out what I need in general, in the context of relationships, because - I tried not to need anything at all for such a long time. That still feels like a bigger piece than - any of the specifics of what happened between us, before. I am not sure, though. 

Nod. Hug. 

Well. All the time in the world.

Telumë rests his head on Maitimo's shoulder. I love you so much. Also, it is a very weird thought that your parents think I am part of your family now! I do not think I have ever truly had that before. Certainly not in a way that I expected I could hold onto...

You were so lonely when I met you. Vanyel commented on it too. - and Urtho, too, actually, in those notes -

It is - really nice, to see that start to change. I cannot promise my parents are the best at parenting but they'll have a good try.

I like them both! That seems like a good start. 

And they like you! Flash of complicated feelings, again.

There are probably going to be complicated feelings for a long time. Telumë lets it pass and just hugs his husband, then stretches up on tiptoe to kiss him. Thinks for a moment. Right now, I would like it if you carried me to my bedroom. And then I suppose you can do what you feel like from there.