thewidewideworld | (no subject)

Athelstan takes it, leaning both on his crutch and a little on Sinric.

"Let's go and sit by the fire", he agrees.

Sinric helps him to the couch, fetching a tray of tea from the bar for Athelstan. He kneels at the little table, pouting with care. He says nothing about Eric, focusing on seeing to Athelstan's needs.

Athelstan reaches out to stroke his hair as he works.

Eventually, quietly and with no anger, "I know you were watching."

Sinric pauses to lean into the touch, his eyes low. "I just wanted to be sure you were safe. I'm sorry to have pried."

"Oh, my Sinric, I didn't mean to make you apologise. I know why you did it, and it was hardly prying at all."

"I moved away as soon as I saw you were content and willing." He bites his lip. "He frightens me but I know you have an understanding with him."

"I do. And I do get something in return - and all the good feeling I can have, these days, I will take."

Sinric nods, offering Athelstan a cup of tea to refresh him. "I'm glad he was able to help you feel good. I'm sorry if I intruded on that."

"I promise that you didn't." He takes the cup with another gentle touch to Sinric's hair. "I didn't see you there until the end."

He nods and sits back on his heels, pouring his own tea. "Then I'm glad. I just want you to feel better."

"You make me feel better far more consistently than Eric does", Athelstan says quietly. "His is ecstasy, but fleeting."

"I'm not envious," He starts, a little defensively. "I just worry for you, that's all."

"I know", he says softly. "And you aren't wrong to."

Sinric sits at Athelstan's feet, sipping his own tea.

He's silent for a long moment before he says softly. "I feel responsible, for what happened to you."

"...Sinric." That's shocked. "Why in the world should you? My being injured was no fault of yours at all, and if you mean wandering off... no great harm came to me by it, and you were seeking help for me."

"I left you alone." He whispers, his eyes on the floor and his hands tight to the mug. "When you needed me most, I left you."

"For good reason - Sinric, look at me."

He looks up at Athelstan, his eyes a little reddened.

Athelstan reaches down to cup his face and says slowly and clearly, "I blame you for nothing. I'm only sorry you suffered pain trying to help me."

He shakes his head. "It was my own fault." He kisses Athelstan's palm softly.

"Is there anything I could get you?"

"I have this tea, I'm content for now. But come up here, I want you closer to me."

Sinric nods and folds himself onto the couch next to Athelstan, his feet tucked under him.

"I love you still", Athelstan murmurs. "None the less for these failings you perceive."

"As I love you." Sinric whispers, tucking his head against Athelstan's shoulder.

"And I thank you for it. For loving me though my failings have caused far more harm."