i already noted that wheeeeeee sound you made up there: that same one from waaaaaay back when alastair was being a stand-offish dick, and had wound up with leaves in his hair and a chill in his cybernetic spine for his troubles.

additionally, i feel comfortable co-sponsoring the theory that al had dabbled in some “not masculine/gender-appropriate” activities in his youth, which had eventually led to his estrangement from his parentals.

it pains me to see that mr. sterling “doesn’t want to talk about it,” since bren-bren obviously want to know more about al: and it can be really freaking hard to continue maintaining a loving connection with someone who is wont to be distant or secretive instead of open!

of course..
..when you have Trust Issues, like alastair, it’s not entirely unreasonable to expect him to be more reserved about his troubled past, as he continues feeling his way around (non-sexual): why open yourself up like that to a person whom you don’t even know will be around for the long haul?

It’s nice to learn a bit about Al’s backstory… even if it’s only a teensy bit for now. I’m Really in love with this story and characters.

(Belated, I realize. Anyway–) Thank you for sharing this awesome story and artwork with us! Like a reverse birthday present, or something…