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A mix of writer's block and not getting enough sleep has resulted in the writing process not going as smoothly as I'd like.

I mentioned in my last blog that I wanted to get a scene absolutely perfect, and I have half of it done, hit a snag with the second half however. And since this chapter will probably be a long one, I thought I would at least show that I've made some progress.

Enjoy some aromantic rep.

Ghost walked over and looked out the rather large window. From their vantage point on the second floor, they saw the form of a familiar blue beetle standing just outside the front door, a bouquet and a letter held in her arms.

They felt annoyed and guilty all at once. As Hollow floated out of the room and down the stairs, Ghost took a moment to put their feelings into words, to try and unpack them so they could explain it to Hearth properly.

They kept their gaze firmly on the street below as they formulated their response.

That’s Bretta. She’s a friend of mine.

I saved her life a few months ago, and she likes me, a lot.

I know she does, and I like her too.

But not in the same way she likes me. She’s a very kind person, sensitive, and I’ve tried to tell her that I don’t, I can’t feel the same things she does.

Here they paused and looked over at Hearth. The mothling was giving them her undivided attention, there was no judgement, no disbelief in her expressive features.

Only calm, and a willingness to understand. That alone gave them the courage to continue.

I like romance, I think it’s nice and wholesome and have nothing against her or her feelings for me.

But I can’t reciprocate. I just… I see people as friend shaped, or family shaped, or I-think-they’re-pretty-to-look-at-and-that’s-it-shaped… Not nestmate or lover shaped.

She’s my friend, I care about her, but I feel bad for not being able to share in her romantic feelings for me.

“So, you’ve tried to explain it to her?” Hearth asked and Ghost shrugged.

It’s hard with her. I get my words all muddled because I don’t want to hurt her.

Quirrel does a better job at explaining this stuff. But I don’t want him, or anyone else coming in to speak up for me.

This is my fault for not being able to sort this out sooner.

Silence stretched on as Hearth looked at them, the desire to help written plain as day on her face.

Eventually she sighed, wings and antennae drooping. “I’m sorry… This sounds horrible. I wish I could help but I’ve never really dealt with… anything involving courtship.”

Ghost nodded to her, grateful that she understood. They weren’t really expecting her to do anything, in truth they just wanted someone to talk to in the hopes it would help.

And it did, somewhat.

Just understanding is enough. They replied and headed to the stairwell. I may not like this, but I’ll sort it out.

They descended the stairs and reached the front door all too soon. Nervousness bubbled in their chest, they were conflicted, but they did cherish Bretta as one of their friends.

The dread of losing a friend over something they couldn’t change hung in the air as they opened the door.