Mihhaelo :
(*nervously*) Oh, I didn’t know anyone was in here. I’ll just… leave you alone.

Amar :
I was only doing some light meditating. If you want to use the television, I can blank it out easily enough.

Mihhaelo :
(*shyly*) Some of it is silly, isn’t it? But I like watching it when… I mean…

Amar :
With Wynn?

Mihhaelo :
Yes.

Amar :
Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?

Mihhaelo :
(*defensively*) What do you mean?

Amar :
He loves you – you do know that, don’t you? – and we would all have to be fools not to see that you reciprocate the sentiment.

Mihhaelo :
I…

Amar :
Surely you must know that you love him as well?

Mihhaelo :
(*embarrassed*) I don’t… I’ve never felt this way before… I don’t know what it is! (*doubtfully*) Am I supposed to feel like this?

Amar :
I’m the first to admit that my direct experience of relationships is somewhat limited, but I do know people like to be told how their partner feels about them, and whilst verbal communication might not be as direct as physical, it is far more nuanced.

Mihhaelo :
How would you know? You’re…

Amar :
Asexual? Yes, I knew you would notice that quickly enough, but that doesn’t mean I can’t love someone, or know what it entails. I’m also apolitical and atheist, but I can still understand the need for those things. I realise that defining myself primarily by what I am not rather than by what I am might seem rather negative, but to anyone like me that is in itself a negative viewpoint.

Mihhaelo :
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. I… I’m just so confused.

Amar :
I think that you only think you are, or perhaps you want to be, so you don’t have to acknowledge your feelings and so not think about what it all means. Given that Wynn loves and trusts you, why do you not feel those things about yourself?

Mihhaelo :
What?

Amar :
Don’t let whatever you’re frightened of – or running away from – prevent you from doing what you want to, or blind you to what’s in front of you. A part of you must have already recognised that fact otherwise you would not have come here with Wynn and allowed him to set you up in a nice home, and no, I’m not accusing you of exploiting him or us – I know more than enough to recognise that isn’t the case here. I don’t want to overstep the mark – though in truth I don’t know you well enough to know where that is – but if being with Wynn makes you happy, and you enjoy doing things to make him happy, never mind making love to one another for the sheer pleasure of it or as a reinforcement of emotional comfort, and you worry about him when he’s not here whilst trying not to want him worrying about you even though you feel nice knowing that he does… I can think of many less rewarding definitions of ‘love’ than that, and people have stayed together for far less. I haven’t known Wynn for as long as Miyu, but I can assure you that he is even happier now than when he first moved in, and that is because of you.

Mihhaelo :
(*faint smile*) I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say so much all at once.

Amar :
I say what I mean and mean what I say – which many people find incredibly annoying, even rude – but I consider subterfuge and prevarication an insult to my intelligence… rather like the programs on television.

Mihhaelo :
So much of this is still so new to me – I suppose that’s rather obvious? – but being here means more to me than you’ll ever know, and… and I’ll never take advantage of Wynn, he means so much to me it almost hurts.

Amar :
I think that’s how it’s supposed to be, especially at the beginning.

Mihhaelo :
(*quietly*) Thank you.

Amar :
(*puzzled*) For what?

Mihhaelo :
Not treating me like a child.

Amar :
You have never given me reason to.

Mihhaelo :
I don’t think I’ll ever understand you.

Amar :
(*smile*) I’m used to that reaction, but I will be your friend if you want me to. Here is the remote – enjoy whatever it is you watch, and forget I’m here.