"Don't be sorry," he said softly, merely tucking himself in against Ash when he got scooped up like he didn't weigh anything. He only wrapped his arms around his love's shoulders, fingers fisting tight in his shirt. Ganymede had hated being picked up with Armarus, even if logically he'd known the man wouldn't drop him. But he hadn't trusted it innately, not in the very core of his being like he did when Ashley touched him. He was solid, warm, so easy to love it felt effortless.

"I'm not sorry. I'm not sorry it's you, and it's been you since we stayed up all night and watched the stars." He took a deep breath, tightening his hold on Ashley and squeezing with his whole body. He lifted his head not caring about the half-dry tear tracks down his face, resting against Ash. His love, his lover, his anchor in a rough sea. "I'm not ready yet. But my choice is you, Ashley Ira Cromwell Savery."