You've seen hundreds, no, thousands of these creatures before. You had always thought them... unremarkable. As you hesitated at the entrance of some nameless cave, you pondered just what made him different. Ever since you two met, he poured his everything into being memorable. He worked harder to build every fledgling friendship he made than you had to destroy any foe you had faced. He fought hardest of all for you.

The way his eyes lit up when you came into the room. The way he’d entice you to stay for just one more drink, a few more minutes of conversation, a space big enough for one of you to finally take the leap. The way he refused to stumble for any barrier, stood unbent to the crushing weight of stigma.

That was why you were here. Not because he had asked, although he had. Not because you wanted it, although you did. Not because it would be an easy choice, although it would. Not because you’d done it before, although you would certainly do it again. But because it meant something more. It was an affirmation of a new path, a rebellion of sorts. A promise to yourself to never again ask “what would the others think.” A proud display of the truth he had awakened in you.

Such was his path – and also yours, breaking from tattered ranks in search of a miracle. Finding acceptance in the least likely place. Everything about him had shattered your assertions, broken your black-and-white rationalizations, forced you to see beyond armor, fur, and chitin to not what but who was underneath. And what you saw stoked the hottest flames of your desire.

Just how far that desire would take you, neither of you knew. But there was one thing you did know, that right now, right here, with him… nothing was off limits. There was no hesitation as he beckoned you deeper into the dimly lit cavern. You followed.

Following in his footsteps. Following your heart.