"And all of that is heterosexual and old fashioned," Adam concluded, nodding his understanding. The Codex rules didn't matter if they didn't take Adam or Alec into account.

"I grew up in rural Virginia," Adam said, shy and halting as he confessed his own history. "My father was racist, sexist, homophobic..." Adam wondered if that was part of why he'd never let himself consider liking guys. It would have been suicidal to do so while he was still living in his father's trailer. "I don't agree with any of that."

There was probably more of it in Adam than he wanted, but he was aware of that, and desperate to root it out.

"How long does it take to dry?"