Why Did I Get Mated? (Riordan and Colan)

[praiseofblood]

Colan smiled. "It's good that you're passionate about it."

[ode]

"then you understand why I'm dont want to give this life up," he.said, turning to face.the man.

[praiseofblood]

Colan blikned. "And I don't want you to give up. My job is such that I can work anywhere I please--if there's a Fleet ship to be maintained. I wouldn't dream of making you give up your dream or your life."

[ode]

"And I appreciate that. But I just don't understand. I know we're mates but don't you htink its a little drastic for both of us to give so much to someone we just met?" he asked seriously.

[praiseofblood]

"No." Colan said plainly. "Where I'm from, the whole point of growing up is the hope that you'd find your mate. And when you do, you move heaven and earth to give them everything they want, no matter if you've known them for ten years or ten days."

[ode]

"Thats the way I was raised to," Riordan said with a sigh. "But sometimes it's still a shocker."

[praiseofblood]

"It can be, but once you decide to love someone, what else can you do?" Colan asked.

[ode]

"What if I'm not any good at this?" he finally asked, stating his biggest fear aloud.

[praiseofblood]

"We can be not good at this together," Colan smiled. "I'll help you."

[ode]

"Even if I'm terrible at it?" he asked, serious.

[praiseofblood]

Colan nodded. "I'll be there to help you."

[ode]

"Then we'll try this thing," he said with a nod.

[praiseofblood]

Colan nodded. "Alright," he said with a smile. "We'll do our best."

[ode]

As they headed back to the housing deck, he asked, "So... we need to inform the captain of our mating... so they don't keep up seperated."

[praiseofblood]

Colan nodded, "How about we do it tomorrow, since it is rather late?"