[It's a relief and a sting both. Anders and Justice both work to wipe out that little twinge of pain - he would drag down anyone who was with him, or he would hurt them, or someone else would hurt them to hurt him as has been done before and so harshly. This is safer for Nate, and so he needs to be glad of it.]
What happens is that now we know the other is attracted and an option. We're friends with... additional activity options.
[His voice is light and pleasant as he works to embrace the relief alone. This is why he needs to not be so stupidly fast to start wanting things.]
Publicly nothing changes.
[Which protects Nate.]
Which means I'm still going to shamelessly flirt with you. And now you know that if you respond to the flirting, you can have me.
[Protecting Nate is good, and that helps him finally gain the acceptance he needs here. He's not losing anything. He is, in fact, gaining a lover, without endangering said lover. This is a win.]
no subject
What happens is that now we know the other is attracted and an option. We're friends with... additional activity options.
[His voice is light and pleasant as he works to embrace the relief alone. This is why he needs to not be so stupidly fast to start wanting things.]
Publicly nothing changes.
[Which protects Nate.]
Which means I'm still going to shamelessly flirt with you. And now you know that if you respond to the flirting, you can have me.
[Protecting Nate is good, and that helps him finally gain the acceptance he needs here. He's not losing anything. He is, in fact, gaining a lover, without endangering said lover. This is a win.]