Sy let himself out onto the roof. The night air was cool for Syrecuse, but still warm compared to what Zephyr would consider winter. Sy had been to so many planets and in so many ships he no longer remembered what a normal temperature was sometimes.
Or perhaps he'd never known.
He crossed the roof and silently sat down beside Zephyr, feet hanging over the edge of the building.
For several minutes neither boy spoke.
"It's dangerous to sit like this, you know." Sy finally ventured.
"I grew up playing in the rafters of a bell tower. I'll be fine." Zephyr answered dully.
"I kinda miss that little boy." Sy leaned back on his hands, his eyes turned towards the sky. From here he could just barely see the galaxy Zephyr called home.
The galaxy Sy'd always wanted to call home.
"You taught me a lot about myself, you know. Taught me not to fear not knowing what will happen. Not to judge others even when they look scary. Taught me everyone deserves to be loved."
Zephyr signed heavily.
Sy grinned. "Yes, I know you know where I'm going with this. Let me pretend to be the wise one for once."
"Fine, fine. Enlighten me with your knowledge, oh great one."
"Zeph, I love them."
"I know, Sy. And I am trying. Matt is fine. Varian and Hogarth have potential. Jim and 628 are... redeemable."
"I love Braxton, too."
"Nah-Nah, he isn't the type of people we should associate with."
"Pretty sure there was a murderous old priest that said the same about your mother. And about uncle Quasi."
Zephyr was silent.
Sy sat up. "Zeph?"
The older Cadet didn't answer. His shoulders were hunched forward as he stared out across the training fields.
"Zephy?"
Zephyr sighed. "What, D'nahsy."
"I love you."
Zephyr broke. His composure shattered, the older boy turned on Sy, tears on the verge of spilling. "I don't get it, Sy. They aren't good for you. Why are you doing this to yourself? They'll hold you back, they'll ruin what good things you've got in place."
"This isn't really about me, is it."
Zephyr turned away. "I don't like myself when I'm around Rudforest."
"Braxton."
"I'm not calling him by his first name. We aren't familiar."
"Try."
"What?"
"If you don't like who you are with him... change it. Just try." Sy gave his friend a smile. "I know you, Zephyr. You used to be able to be friends with everyone. Be his friend. For me?"
Zephyr sighed heavily. "Fine."
"Thank you."
"You know I hate when you do that, right? It's not my fault I can't tell you no. "
"I know." Sy answered happily.
The two boys settled into silence once more, this time a comfortable companionship. Sy flopped his head over onto Zephyr's shoulder as they watched the sleeping world go by.