Hugs, random touches, a pat on the back, a kiss on the nose, cheek or lips. I'd grown accustomed and quite enjoyed it. A reminder he was there, and on my side. My friend, my confidant, my hero, Then, change. Suddenly, the man I'd known was gone, though he remained in a different form. I found I had to work for what I once took for granted. No unbidden kisses, no more random hugs. Not without a price. Now, I had to earn my keep. Affection was a chore. I was at loose ends. No more reassurance he was there and on my side. There was still adventure, and eventually I found someone else to really love - a lover who would touch me as I'd come to crave, and quite possibly my future after my travels were done. If I worked it right, neither one would ever know about my other life. How could I be so stupid, to think they'd never know. I'd lost them both, in time. Until my friend came back in a dream. He'd have me back, even though I betrayed him. And I awoke to the adventure, knowing he was always on my side.