(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sinric waits quietly in the light of the doorway, his eyes down until he heard Athelstan's footfall on the stairs of the veranda. He rises to offer Athelstan his arm. "You should come in where it's warm."

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

He sets down the cloth and gathers Athelstan into this arms, holding him close, his face presses into Athelstan's neck.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Sinric." He tilts Sinric's chin up and kisses him, very gently. "I give you my word."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric return the kiss, not so much passionate but needy, wanting to keep the taste of Athelstan on his lips.

[athelstanthescribe]

"When we go to bed", he murmurs, pulling back only far enough to speak, so that his lips still brush Sinric's, "I'll see what might be done."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric pulls back at that and shakes his head. "No, you must not trouble or hurt yourself for me. My desire is not important."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I beg to differ. But", he adds, "I promise that if it hurts me, I'll stop."

[thewidewideworld]

"As long as you don't hurt yourself." He stokes Athelstan's cheek. "I'm not worth you hurting yourself over."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not this way, perhaps", Athelstan says softly. "But if it served a real purpose, Sinric, you're worth anything."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric kisses him again, slow and lovingly this time. A handful of people in his whole life have seen him as worthy but those few mean the world to him.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan kisses him back, his bruises and small cuts healed enough that it causes only the slightest twinge of discomfort that he can easily ignore.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric eases back a touch, realising he's pushing too hard. "My Athelstan."

[athelstanthescribe]

"My Sinric." He cups Sinric's face. "I love you, and your constant care."

[thewidewideworld]

"As I love you for seeing my heart, and not just my body." He kisses Athelstan again and goes back to washing him carefully.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan turns carefully in the water to let Sinric get at every part of him.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric is thorough and gentle, making sure Athelstan is as clean as possible before kissing him again. "Let me take you to bed and see to your legs?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes." He shifts again to get his legs under him, taking Sinric in his arms. "They feel a little better today, but it's still needed."

[thewidewideworld]

"I am sorry I can't relax them more permanently. I fear the relief I can bring will only be short lived." He helps Athelstan to a stool and starts toweling him down with the same infinite care.

[athelstanthescribe]

"One day the cause of the discomfort will be gone", he reminds them both. "As far as it will ever be."

[thewidewideworld]

"And you will be healed and whole and back in your home with Ragnar." Sinric agrees, kissing Athelstan's shoulder and toweling his hair dry.

[athelstanthescribe]

He tilts his head back into Sinric's hands.

"It's what I live for."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric kisses the top of his upturned head and swiftly strokes Athelstan's hair back into a soft braid.

"Come," he offer Athelstan his arm and helps him to the bed, spreading out the furs and lighting a few candles in their little glass bowls. He fetches the oil and starts to warm it between his hands.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan lies comfortably on his front, stretching himself out.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric works slowly, carefully, giving the utmost attention to every knot and ache. It may be some time before he has the chance to do this for Athelstan again so he gives it his all.

He sings softly as he works, a soft, sweet song full of longing and love.

[athelstanthescribe]

It gets groans of relief from the pain out of Athelstan, as well as a kind of bittersweet pleasure.

[thewidewideworld]

"Tell me if I hurt you, please?" Sinric asks in the pause between verses, still working his thumbs deep and steady.