(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sin leads Athelstan outside, hand in hand. The sun has just set and the first stars are coming out. Sin draws him gently to an out of the way corner where the grass is soft and there's a view of the sky over the lake. "Here, lay down with me."

He stretches out on the grass, his white blouse riding up to reveal creamy flesh framed by his low slung jeans.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"Everything happens for a reason. Beginnings and ends." He pulls Athelstan close and kisses him. "You know you're the first person I've told that story to."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not even Ragnar?"

He presses a kiss to Sinric's jaw.

[thewidewideworld]

He shakes his head and strokes Athelstan's hair, head tilted back to offer Athelstan his throat. "He hasn't asked and I haven't told. Ragnar is a wonderful, caring man. For all he might come across as a scoundrel, he likes to protect people, more than he lets on. If he knew, he'd want to shelter and protect me. And I'd end up hating him for it."

[athelstanthescribe]

That lovely throat is very tempting, and for once he doesn't resist.

"Because he'd want to keep you with him?"

[thewidewideworld]

Sin nods, moaning softly as Athelstan kisses his neck. "I can't be kept. I won't be kept, not again."

[athelstanthescribe]

He pauses, lips still on Sin's neck, then asks very gently, "Again?"

[thewidewideworld]

"I was owned once. Never again."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Nobody should be owned", he says with uncommon fierceness. "Not ever."

[thewidewideworld]

Sin guides him up to look him in the eye before kissing him slowly and deeply. "Thank you."

[athelstanthescribe]

When the kiss ends, he makes a sort of 'think nothing of it' gesture.

"Look what you've done for me."

He still can't quite verbalise the fact that he's gay - or bi? Who knows, he certainly doesn't yet - but they've made a start.

[thewidewideworld]

Sin laughs and hugs him. "Oh beautiful Athelstan, I didn't do this to you. I've been accused of turning men queer before it was never than for you. All I did was open the cage. Flying free is all your own doing."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I never met anyone before tonight who tried to - open the cage." He smoothes his curls down again self-consciously. "Or thought I was beautiful."

[thewidewideworld]

"You are beautiful. So very, very beautiful." He kisses Athelstan again.

"The trouble is most people don't see the cage because it's here." He presses a gentle hand over Athelstan's heart. "And here," He smoothes the soft curls at his temple. "Those locks are open now. Freedom can be terrifying at first but it's so much better than the alternative. And with Ragnar watching over you, you won't have to face it alone."

[athelstanthescribe]

Even with his shirt off, he hasn't let Sinric see his back. This is for a reason. The marks are old and fading and don't feel like much, to a hand touching without looking, but they're there.

"He can protect me, if... if they try to bring me back in."

[thewidewideworld]

Even without seeing the marks, Sin seems to sense the anxiety in and behind Athelstan's words.

His eyes blaze hotly. "Him, me and the armies of people we know between us. No-one will take you anywhere against your will." It's a promise and a solemn promise.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Thank you", he whispers. "If they knew I was giving in to these sinful feelings... they might just cut me off."

[thewidewideworld]

"Athelstan, look at me." He waits till he had Athelstan's eye. "Tell me, does this feel wrong?" He cups his cheek again and kisses him sweet and slow.

[athelstanthescribe]

He makes a soft sound into the kiss, and shakes his head.

[thewidewideworld]

He smiles and brushed his thumb over Athelstan's cheek. "The only sin I recognise is doing harm, to others or to yourself. Nothing that brings joy without harm should ever be called sin."

"And if they cut you off, I can help you find work. A lot of people in a lot of places owe me favours."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It's not about the money. I'll still have my writing, I can do that... and it might be good to work casual jobs, to see the world."

It's about the loss of all he's known.

[thewidewideworld]

"Second hand book stores. There are always jobs going in second hand book stores and I'm on a first name basis with owners," He chuckles, "Literally the width of the globe. The one thing I struggle without is access to books."

He smoothes Athelstan's hair back. "That's what I mean, about freedom being frightening." He says softly, as if he can read Athelstan's thoughts. "But once you seen beyond the bars, you can't go back to living in the cage."

[athelstanthescribe]

Even though they've tried to beat the differences out of him, it's what he knows and he is afraid.

"And at least... at least I do have something new to go to."

[thewidewideworld]

Sin gathers him up and holds him again, rocking him gently. "It's going to be okay. We'll help you get through it."

He kisses Athelstan sweetly. "Come on, lets go inside. You need water and well lit places. It's easy to let the dark thoughts get to you out here." And Ragnar's smile when they go back inside will help.

[athelstanthescribe]

"All right." He takes Sin's hand, stirring as if to get up.

[thewidewideworld]

Sin helps him to his feet, holding him for a moment just in case his knees are still a bit wobbly, before reaching for his clothes. He forgoes the bra for now, just pulling the top on.