<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">Asa couldn't recall the last time he'd been gripped with the fear that came with almost losing someone close to him. <br/>
<br/>
He could, actually. He just chose not to. Carter's near death experience left the vampire shaken, his fear of letting the other out into the world only reinforced by this incident. It was as he'd always known, Carter was only safe here, where Asa could keep him safe. <br/>
<br/>
Carter's words were nothing Asa hadn't heard before, and he let his hands fall away from the other's cheeks, as he heaved out an all too familiar sigh. He defaulted to the same answer he always used in response to Carter's constant questions and prodding: Work kept him busy. Carter knew that. And yes, Asa's work within the supernatural world was part of the reason he stayed away so often, but it was no where near the whole truth. But it was easier than constantly trying to protect Carter from the truth of Asa's existence. Easier than having to explain why he couldn't join a younger Carter, on his obligatory morning walks around the estate. <br/>
<br/>
And in more recent years, it was easier than having to fight the growing attraction he'd began to feel towards his charge. Anything was easier than the truth. Or it had been until now. <br/>
<br/>
Silent, he could feel Carter's growing confusion, and he let the other study his unmarred wrist, though he didn't offer any explanations. Where would one even begin? <br/>
<br/>
Asa was well aware of the other male's feelings; Carter never not taking the chance to state just as much. And not for the first time, Asa wondered if he should have taken on another child. Someone that could offer Carter the type of companionship Asa couldn't give him. Or wouldn't allow himself to give. It was safer for all parties involved that Asa keep Carter at a distance.<br/>
<br/>
Something Carter never seemed to understand. And why Asa wouldn't so readily forgive him. Not this time. "A friend. That's what you need," he murmured under his breath, as he made a mental note to look into making that happen.<br/>
<br/>
But for now, there was something far more important that he needed to sort. "Carter," he started, waiting until the male looked at him, "I need you-" he brushed away the stray tears from the other's cheeks, "-to tell me everything that happened when you went into town." While it might seem like Asa was ignoring everything that Carter had said and asked up until that point, it was just that his thoughts kept circling back to something the other male had said.<br/>
</span><br/><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">'I just went to the bar to hang with some locals.'</span></span></i><br/><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><br/>
The gears were turning in the vampire's head with a sneaking suspicion of what might have happened to Carter, "Everything that happened, exactly as it happened." Hugging Carter close, he nuzzled the male's hair, "I need you to remember."</span>