The Hole Inside

Zachary had spent his entire life with a hole inside of him where his God's love should be. All around him, other people lived happy, healthy lives but he had never been able to do the same. He did his best to hide it from the people around him, especially when he was young, but people noticed that he was different.

It wasn't safe so Zachary stayed quiet, tending to his tiny shrine to Illarion, the God of Light, working his pottery job and spending time with his friends. Caleb, Zachary's best friend and occasional lover, tempted Zachary to drop the masks he hid behind. The risk of being seen as Godless was too high though. His fear and nervousness didn't stop Caleb from trying nor did it stop Zachary from taking what warmth he could get from their encounters.

Caleb's easy affection and open love tempted Zachary to reach out to the one person who truly mattered despite the fear of being rebuffed or, worse, reviled for everything he lacked. But one night of sex tempted him to take the chance on the love Caleb offered.