You hadn't taken notice of it at first, but there was something Dale has been trying to hide for a long time now.

It was the small signs that began to show. Like how he'd insist on using the bathroom only when you've left the room, spending more time training than usual, how he's nervous whenever you get too close, how his affection narrowed down to simple words rather than the hugs he'd always used to give, but worst of all -how he'd skip some meals, saying he was either too full or had already eaten.

"I had already eaten..." Dale pushed his plate away, yet again, trying to skip dinner.