Rictor's kiss felt like a blessing, and Star leaned and almost bent over following those warm lips when the other man came up for air. Between that and Ric's words he could not help but feel validated, like he had somehow done the right thing, even thought it went against everything he thought he knew. He still felt raw, and unsteady. Star understood what Ric was saying, and he found himself agreeing. Perhaps this was what people in love did? He wouldn't know. This man was his one and only love, so he truly had no frame of reference whatsoever. He gave Rictor a helpless look, and his offer to shake the world apart to keep Star safe moved him close to tears.
Star lifted one hand and sank his fingers into chocolate curls that were bouncy and beginning to look healthy again. He didn't have long to ponder the answer this time. His voice was steady and unhurried.
"I cannot in good conscience be on a team right now. I must strengthen my mind and learn to shield my thoughts from intruders, as the professor was teaching me, before I even think of being of service again. Besides, all I want is to be with you, to see you healthy and whole again, friend," he said, switching to the Cadre word that defined what they were to each other better than any earth language they knew. "I cannot do that and be on a team. I have already proven that much."
There was a slight pause, and Star narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Ric's face. "What do you want to do?"