Ganymede stayed standing exactly where he was, unmoving and still as stone while he watched Ashley turn and walk away, barely breathing. There were so many thoughts in his head, all clamoring to get out that it was little more than a full roaring sound between his ears. He lost all track of time, rooted to that spot until he could barely feel his legs, concentrating so much on the feel that had been Ashley's lips on his.

Walking up to the halway where he'd put Ashley's room, sinking down beside the door with Ameera and Maelie in his lap, a heavy if comforting weight.