Like miles between us.

 

Giles watched the face of the other man, emotions whirling furiously within him as his eyes registered the subtle changes in the once well-loved face. Lines of hardship, and determination creased the corners of eyes and mouth. Their presence did nothing to mar Ethan’s inherent beauty; the slight imperfections if anything enhancing rather than detracting. 

Giles tried to focus on the other man’s words, fighting all the time the urge to reach out and trace gently across each new line; to feel the subtle differences in texture that time had given to the once soft, smooth skin. His heart filled with longing, aching to accept the forgiveness seemingly being offered; the hint of new beginnings reflected in the warm eyes and the gentle, caring touch of the man he had forsaken so many years ago. His mind, however, spoke clearly, overruling the foolish longings of a lonely, battered heart. There was no such thing as a clean slate, no new beginnings.  The events and years between them had changed them both so dramatically from who they had once been and the distance between them, despite all intentions and desires, was surely insurmountable.