"Have a care, Erik..." Charles frowns. He wants his lover to do what is best for him, whatever will return his serenity to him. But he must think of Scott, as well, and he is not so sure that the truth is always the best policy.

"He cries when you leave for the weekend with the boys. He won't cope with knowing how long you're leaving for this time. A year is an eternity when you're as young as he is."