"But you don't trust me to listen," Glory pointed out. "You're always keeping things to yourself, and you're not letting me in." She could definitely feel the distance between them, and it bothered her that he still wouldn't talk to her.

Léan wrapped his arms around himself, and lowered his head a bit. His bangs had fallen down to cover his eyes. He stayed like that for a few minutes, and then his shoulders slowly elevated upwards, to his chin.

"Ask anything you want, and I will try to answer," he said, finally. "I don't think I'm going to be able to freely speak on my own."

"Tell me what's wrong," Glory said. She hated seeing him so upset, and hated even more not knowing how to help.

Léan was silent for a few moments, and then he began to chew on his lip. "I am frightened about...bringing up the change. My past is getting to me again. And not just what happened with Selena. There are...other things, as well..."

"What other things?" Glory asked. "Forget about what happened with Selena. It's over and done with, and there's no reason to let it keep bothering you." Was he not over Selena yet? Was he just using Glory herself as a replacement? The thought hurt, and she tried not to think about it.

"Other things...from my past," Léan replied, feeling awkward talking about it. "I fear things like...what makes the change possible. I do...and..." He was taking notice of her expression. "...I am over Selena. I no longer hold any feelings for her. I...I'm very insecure...you already know this. I'm afraid I am going to hurt you, or vice-versa, or someone is going to end up hurting both of us..."

"You know I would never hurt you," Glory said. "You know that." She hesitated a moment. "I love you too much for that." There. She'd said it.

Léan clammed up at once, flushing a bright shade of magenta...which quickly shifted to a healthy, blood-like red. His voice caught in his throat, but his eyes--soft, overjoyed, and loving--said it all. He would have to un-clam in order to say it, but he very much looked like he wanted to say it. And would.

Leaning up, Glory gave him a kiss, trying to show him that she meant what she said.

Léan, who was shaking a tiny bit, was still for a moment before responding to her kiss, tail swishing back and forth nervously for a bit and then curling around him.

"I do love you," Glory said. "I love you very much. And it kills me to see you so upset and unhappy when I can't do anything about it because you won't talk to me."

Léan lowered his face into his hands, and fell silent for another minute. He was still shaking. "I'm sorry...I just...I have problems talking...I just...I'm afraid everything is going to go wrong...I'm afraid..." he trailed off.

"Don't be afraid," Glory said. "I'm not going anywhere. If I was going to leave, I would have done it a long time ago."

Léan gave a great sniff before slowly lifting his head. He was crying, and he didn't seem to notice. "I know. It's an irrational fear, but I can't get rid of it..." He stared at the sand, running his fingers across it absently. "I'm sorry...I feel better, now..." Besides his tears, of joy apparently, he looked happy...like a giant weight had been heaved off of his shoulders.

"Don't be sorry," Glory said, cuddling into his side. "I'm glad you're feeling better." Reaching up, she used the sleeve of her sweater to wipe away his tears.

Léan noticed then that he was crying, and looked embarrassed. He rested his head on her shoulder, closing his eyes. He felt much better...but...he still hadn't really talked to her about the change, just about his fear.

"You're quiet," Glory murmured as they cuddled. "Is there something else on your mind?"

"...The change...that is all," Léan admitted, finally. He didn't say any more on it. He was sure she knew what he meant, and that he was still a little apprehensive about it.

"If you don't want to, then say so," Glory said. "I can wait." She'd already decided that she would change for him, so to her it was just a matter of time. She didn't mind waiting.

"No, no...I...I want to..." Léan admitted, biting his lip. "I'm just...I have never..." He paused, and cleared his throat. "...Not...not consensually...anyway..."

"I've never at all," Glory admitted, "so neither of us really know what we're doing, it seems."

Léan sighed softly. "Yes...I suppose that's true..." He smiled, finally letting go of his stress. He was perfectly relaxed, now.

Glory leaned against him, laying her head on his shoulder and pulling her coat around her a bit more. It was cold out, and she'd been sitting on the ground for a while.

"If you are ready to change...when shall we do this?" Léan asked, awkwardly. He had yet to say he loved her, but for now, he felt the look on his face had been enough. He would work up the courage.

"Probably a weekend," Glory said. "When I don't have school the next day to worry about."