That makes sense. That's why we're taking it slow. But - I'm proud of you, and I'm glad you can do things, even if it's a little scary. Even if they're not objectively very dangerous things.

It feels warm and safe and also confusing, that Maitimo is proud of him. Leareth tries to bask in the positive aspects of it. He's surprisingly tired, too. 

Sleep song?

It's still the middle of the afternoon so he shouldn't sleep too long, but a nap would be nice. :Yes, please: 

So he will sing Leareth down for a nap and then go catch up on work.

That seemed - okay? They should definitely, definitely be taking this slowly but Leareth seemed happy at the end of it. And maybe it really is just one of those things that improves with practice - though actually he should also recommend Melody, he makes a mental note to do that.

"Are you sure you do not mind?" Leareth asks, when Maitimo brings it up. "I know you feel very private about this." 

"I feel scared that several people know. It feels like it will get out at some point. But Vanyel was very sure of Melody and I think it'd be really good for you and -" shrug. "If it does get out I will see whether I can weather it. I think my father will back me, if it's you. People will think very poorly of my character but -" Shrug. It's a very tense shrug, though.

"...I am sorry. I do think talking to Melody would help, and I would trust her discretion, she has a lot of practice with that." Hug?  

Hug. "It's worth it - you're worth it - I just - spent so long not caring about anything more than I cared about keeping this secret -"

"I know." He doesn't really know what else to say about it. "Maybe it will change how the Noldor think about it, eventually, that there are other worlds, and all of the Valdemaran leadership think it is fine. And then maybe you will not need to keep it secret in general forever." 

"That would be nice."

"...You know this is not a thing about you that is intrinsically bad, right? Just because of how your people feel about it?" 

" - I know that people can be wrong about things. I don't think you are doing anything wrong, and I don't think less of you for - wanting this."

"Well, I do not think less of you either. I think you are very good." 

"But what if the whole war against Melkor was just my evil plot to get the most impressive person in all the worlds to pay attention to me."

Leareth pretends to look thoughtful, peering at Maitimo. "...I am dubious that you could have pulled it off," he says, smiling a little. 

"What? Surely if anyone could pull it off it would be me."

"I suppose it would be even less plausible for anyone else. That is true." Leareth leans his head on Maitimo's shoulder. 

"Should I ask Melody to come over tomorrow?"

"Yes, I think that would be good." 

Melody would be happy to come over tomorrow and check up on how Leareth is doing. 

Maitimo kind of feels like he should - explain? Or something? Maybe he should let Leareth do that?

Leareth takes a deep breath and tries to say something but his mind is refusing to give him coherent words. :Maitimo can you please tell her: 

"Leareth told me a couple of days ago that he wants to pursue an intimate relationship and thinks it will be good for him," he says. "We would like your advice. And your help, if your advice is not 'absolutely do not do that', which would be reasonable advice."

"Oh." Melody blinks a few time and her hands go more still than usual; other than that, her reaction is impossible to read. "I - hmm - let me think about that for a moment, please." She falls silent.