"Th-that's terrible!" Israfil said, getting a bit angry on Mike's behalf, "How could he be so insensitive?" Israfil suddenly stopped for two reasons, the first being that he was surprised that he had gotten so worked up, and the second being even if Mike was no longer in a relationship with the man, Mike may not want to hear unkind things said about him.  "So, you're homosexual?  That's pretty rare for an Ascended," Israfil said.  He had no issues with it himself, but due to their low population, Ascendeds generally had a policy to push for 'breeding'.

[hr]
Tera realized the futile sentiment in what she had said.  How could she console someone else when she didn't have her own philosophy on mortality?  "I didn't mean to dredge up any bad memories," Tera said, "and I appreciate your willingness to share this with me."

[hr]
"Y-you're right," Maya agreed, "I thought by not telling her, I was protecting her.  But how can you guys trust me if I keep secrets from you?  Thanks, Claire," Maya said, dropping formality and calling Claire by her first name, "If she's not busy, I might go let her know right now, it might even help to have RHS be present."