Over breakfast, the two easily convinced me to stay. I promised to remain until the first signs of spring, but only if they would let me help around the house, something they both happily agreed to. 

Later, Elio rummaged through their closet and pulled out a small stack of pants and shirts he said I could wear. I could tell right away that the clothes didn’t belong to either of them, as they fit me perfectly. Anything of Zale’s would have been far too big, while Elio’s would have been the right length, but too narrow in the waist and shoulders. 

Zale gave Elio a curious look when he pulled the clothes out, but after a brief silent exchange, Elio just shrugged and said, “What? They're the right size.”

I glanced between them, a quiet question forming on the tip of my tongue. I wondered who those clothes had belonged to, but something told me it was better not to ask. 

The first day was spent learning the area and their daily routines. They showed me where to find the river, their main water source. Every day, Zale filled those two large buckets and carried them back to the cabin for cooking and drinking. A couple of times a week, he’d make enough trips to fill the large tub they kept in the kitchen closet for hot baths. The rest of the time, they simply used the river.

Over the next few days, I helped chop wood and tended the garden, a simple task in the winter months, since little could survive the cold. I joined Zale on his rounds to check the traps, and helped Elio with mending clothes and washing linens. 

At first I thought I would get in their way, but I quickly found that my skills were a welcome addition to their routine.    

Elio, it turned out, was completely helpless in the kitchen, and while Zale could manage the basics, his meals were more edible than enjoyable. As the youngest child in a large family, I’d spent much of my early years trailing after my mother while my older siblings took care of the chores. She had me help with the family meals each day, always promising me that my future wife would thank her for it. I learned a lot from her, and over time, I’d grown into a pretty decent cook. So when I offered to help with the meals, they gladly accepted.

Before turning the kitchen over to me, Zale made sure to teach me how to make flatbread, a staple in the Beastlands that didn’t exist in Vrayna. Unlike the fluffy loaves we bought from the baker back home, flatbread was dense, chewy, and grilled over an open fire. It took me a few tries to get it right, but once I had the hang of it, it was surprisingly simple to make.

On the second day, I discovered they had potatoes in the garden, miraculously still clinging to life, despite the frigid conditions. Hearty and resilient, they thrived in the harsh climate of the northern Beastlands, just as they did in northern Vrayna. It surprised me when the beastmen said they didn’t use them much.

Since the spices found in the area were nearly identical to the ones I’d grown up with, I was able to adapt my usual recipes with only a few minor adjustments. With each meal, I showed the two beastmen different ways to prepare potatoes, as well as how to grow them inside the cabin. 

Life with Elio and Zale was more pleasant than I could have imagined. My fear of growing attached to Zale now extended to his beautiful mate, and had long since become more than just a fear. I had to admit it, I liked both of them a lot more than I should have. 

And part of me wondered if maybe they liked me too. They were very affectionate with each other, and it wasn't long before they started sharing little bits of that affection with me. 

I quickly learned that Elio could be rather shameless, deliberately making me blush whenever he could, teasing me, touching me, and driving me crazy in the best possible ways. Zale was more reserved in his attentions, but that didn't make him any less dangerous. The way his fingers trailed down my arm, or how he brushed the hair from my eyes like it was the most natural thing in the world; his subtle gestures felt far too intimate.

Between the two of them, it was a wonder my heart hadn’t given out.

But each night, I retreated to the rug by the fire alone, while they shared a bed without me. It was fine, though. I didn’t mind. I had my little nest of blankets, the warmth of the fire, and I could fall asleep feeling content, safe, and not the least bit jealous.

Yes, I was definitely not jealous. I had no right to be. I was an intruder and they were happily mated. No good could come from wanting more. I just envied their happiness. That was all. 

It wasn’t as if I lay awake at night wishing Zale would pull me into his big arms while Elio curled around my back, trapping me between them. No, I didn’t want that at all. 

I definitely did not want to climb into bed with the two beastmen I was staying with. 

So, instead of thinking about things I definitely didn't want, I would close my eyes and try to sleep, pretending I couldn’t hear the low laughter and casual intimacy they shared without me.  

On the fouth night, like every other night so far, I climbed into my makeshift bed by the fire. But unlike the other nights, when Elio followed Zale into the bedroom, he didn’t close the door behind them.

“Zale baby, I’ve been thinking,” Elio whispered, his voice easily carrying through the open doorway, “We both like Bryn, right? So why is he still sleeping out there? We should go get him and bring him to bed with us. I bet he wants to join us too.”  

Elio had told me before that he knew I was awake from my heartbeat, so I had a feeling he knew I was awake now. He knew I could hear him. More than that, I was pretty sure he wanted me to hear him. Why else would he have left the door open? 

Zale sighed, “You know we can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Elio pressed, “We both feel it. Don’t even try to deny it. I’m certain he feels it too. It’s been long enough, and I’m ready to move on. He fits.”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m saying we can’t,” Zale replied, his voice flat with defeat, “Yes, he fits, but it’s a bad idea for either of us to get attached to someone who won't be sticking around. Bryn's made it clear that he plans to go home, so there’s no point in even considering it. Let’s just go to sleep and forget about it.”

Not bothering to whisper anymore, Elio pouted, “But I don’t want to forget about it.”

Zale didn’t respond other than to sigh.

It took me a moment to fully comprehend what I had just heard.

Was there really a chance? Could the tenderness I envied somehow include me? 

No, it couldn't. Not if I was leaving. Zale had made that much clear. 

I didn’t sleep well at all that night.