(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sinric carries his bundle upstairs, side by side with Athelstan. They slip through the new invisible door into the solar, it's lighthouse like windows looking out onto the bar's forest and grounds.

The Bar has read their minds and set the room up accordingly - with a long low padded bench for Athelstan to lay on while Sinric massages him. The lights are low, the glass tinted to give the room a warm, protective feel.

And a basket in the corner for Athelstan's dog and his bone.

Sinric sets up the incense the bar gave him - an eastern blend that Sinric has always found deeply soothing. He plugs his little music player into the speakers and sets it to play the soft chanting music of the Buddhist temple in the Sinese Empire.

He holds a hand out to Athelstan and draws him close, offering him a warm hug if he wants it before gesturing for him to undress.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

He doesn't like to look at his own body any more, even the unscarred parts.

"You always are. Even when you aren't."

[thewidewideworld]

"As you are with me." He promises, covering the tattoo over Athelstan's heart.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And Ragnar is with both of us." He lays his hand on where he knows Sinric's tattoo is, in turn.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric's body is warm through the fine cloth over his tattoo and he hums softly. "Yes, and will always be."

He cups Athelstan's cheek and kisses him very softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan kisses him back as gently, leaning into the hand on his face.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles, his eyes loving. He keeps his kisses light and soft, glad just to feel warmth of Athelstan's lips, the gentle bristle of his beard.

[athelstanthescribe]

His lips are warm, at least, even if his hands and skin tend to the cold side these days. He lifts a hand in turn and strokes Sinric's cheek.

[thewidewideworld]

He purrs softly, his own cheek smooth as a woman's to the touch and warm enough for them both.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan gives him another soft kiss.

"You and Ragnar with the purring."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric giggles warmly. "I have no defence. It's just the sound you bring out in me when I'm happy."

[athelstanthescribe]

"The wild cat and the house cat", he says with love.

[thewidewideworld]

"Ah, but which of us is which?" Sinric grins, running a gentle hand through Athelstan's hair. "And does it all depend on how we're petted?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Most of the time, Ragnar is the big wild cat. But I suppose, yes, it depends on that."

[thewidewideworld]

"I think I could be pretty wild." He smiles, stroking Athelstan's hair. "Given the right incentive."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'm quite sure you could." He turns his head into Sinric's hand. "Properly encouraged."

[thewidewideworld]

He gives a playful little yawl and plants a sloppy kiss on Athelstan's cheek. "Or just one of those kittens that thinks it's a lion."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Every kitten is a lion in its heart." He steals another kiss.

[thewidewideworld]

There's no stealing what's freely given and Sinric returns the kiss with love and joy.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan strokes his face again.

"My loving Sinric."

[thewidewideworld]

"My beloved Athelstan." He looks deep into Athelstan's eyes, nothing but love reflected in his own.

[athelstanthescribe]

"What am I going to do", he murmurs, "back in England with no one I love?"

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric shakes his head, kissing Athelstan deeply as if to steal the thought away. "We'll be with you. Here." His hand rests back over Athelstan's heart.

[athelstanthescribe]

"That's going to be the only strength I have." He lays his hand over Sinric's.

[thewidewideworld]

"You are stronger than you think." Sinric whispers, cupping Athelstan's cheek. "Trust yourself and trust that Ragnar is coming for you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I trust in him." And he does. But he doesn't trust fate not to throw things in his way.