"Zenith's dating Al" was not the text I expected to see first thing in the morning.

I nearly forgot to brush my teeth because of the hurry I was in to call back, knowing well that Audith was waiting for my response.

"Hey girl!" she picked up one ring in.

"Zenith's dating Al. Al as in Alistair Woods. That Al."

"The very one."

"Wow," was all I could see as I leaned against the couch, freshly brewed coffee in hand. "I did not see that coming."

"I sorta did to be honest. According to my brother Al has been in love with Zenith since forever!"

"And who'd he heard that from? Neo?"

"Obviously." We both shared a laugh, Neo was known for his accurate information so this wasn't to be doubted.

"Al and Zenith huh? I can see it."

"Same," I nodded along, "Al would treat her right."

"Right!? Though I feel sorta bad for Miere."

"Miere? What'd he do?"

I could almost hear Audith's eye roll, "Keep up Ziria! Miere likes Zenith!"

I put my coffee cup down, not wanting to spill it from shock. "What!? No no no that's not possible."

"No you're like, the only person who doesn't know."

"No Audith listen, he's gay."

"Pardon?"

"He's gay."

The conversation paused for a short while as Audith processed my words. She then burst into exclamations of disbelief nothing but gibberish in her sentences.

"No that's not...why didn't he tell me?" She sounded meeker now, slightly hurt. I couldn't help but sympathize. Lumiere wasn't keeping it a secret from tohers, he had told me that he didn't mind people knowing as well, but he only confirms it only once he's asked. Like I had done so.

I had expected Audith to know as well, them being a closer pair than I.

"Maybe he wanted you to ask?" Was all I could say as comfort.

Audith sighed and the sound made my heart squeeze as well. I hated hurting her feelings, someone as sweet as her. "Come on Audith, you should talk to him about it. You know Miere, he never says anything unless he's asked."

"I know but...I don't know. Did you ask him?"

"I did, to be honest I thought you already knew." I admitted to her, taking a sip of my coffee.

Audith was silent again, prompting me to speak up. "Do you...want to go and talk to him?"

"I..."

"It's going to be worse if you stay quiet, no need to marinate in your sadness."

My wording finally got a chuckle out of her, "you're right. I'm sure he'd tell me everything if I ask. I...should apologize too, I feel like I've been ignorant of him lately."

"You know he'd never think of you like that."

"Yes but he deserves the apology...uh...do you want to come too?"

"Do I?" I got up from the couch, empty mug in hand. "You think he knows about Zen and Al?"

"Girl I bet he was the first to know."

We both laughed again, hearts much lighter as we made plans to meet up in an hour.

As I got ready I thought back on our conversation, realizing things that are such simple facts.

Love derives from the courage to communicate. Whether it was sharing your troubles so you don't fall apart, or confessing your feelings to become something more. To maintain a relationship with a loved one, you need to become brave.

I couldn't help but smile as I promised myself as well, to become someone daring enough to take the first step when needed. To be someone who can dare to love.