(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sinric takes Athelstan's hand and leads him through an almost invisible door and down a couple of seemingly perfectly flat hallways that somehow open out onto the rooftop and a little flat terrace with a view of the eastern sky.

Sinric clearly spends some time up here because the spot is furnished with a daybed big enough to lay on or for two to sit together comfortingly and is draped with soft furry blankets of a cloth unknown in their time.

He helps Athelstan to the daybed and sits with him, setting the flask aside for now. The stars are still clear in the sky, even as dawn smudges the horizon with warmth.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and keeps stroking Athelstan's hair. "It is a fight. Some nights are much, much harder than others." It sounds like a confession as much as an admission of understanding. "But either of us can afford to lose. We owe too much of ourselves to each other."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And to Ragnar", Athelstan whispers. "King Ecbert would like me to think he's my friend, but he isn't. In that place, I am friendless."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric kisses him softly, sweetly. "You may be alone there, but you will never be friendless. Or unloved."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And that's what I cling to, every waking moment. That the door will appear to me soon, and one day I will be home."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and pulls Athelstan close to him, holding him in his arms. He strokes Athelstan's back and kisses him again. He can give Athelstan now more hope than he already has but he can show him to love that will always be waiting for him.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan kisses him back, softly but with need.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lets the kiss go on, letting it deepen with Athelstan's budding need. As always, he lets it build only as Athelstan wishes, letting him chose the pace.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Let me hold you, Sinric", he murmurs, still not trusting his own ability there. "Just hold you and kiss you."

[thewidewideworld]

"I am yours to hold." Sinric promises, kissing him again softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Be my anchor." He strokes Sinric's face, his neck, and kisses him again.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric's breath catches and his hand flies to catch Athelstan's guiding it away from coming too near to his throat. He trusts Athelstan with all his heart and soul but there are still triggers there he can't seem to shakes.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'm sorry, my love", Athelstan says instantly, and keeps his hands well away from there. "I forgot for a moment."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric shakes his head, swallowing his panic and forcing his breathing to even. "No harm. But please, kiss me again?" He doesn't want to have ruined this moment in his panic.

He pulls at the ribbon that holds closed the neck of his shift, letting it fall open to bare his shoulders and the upper curve of his chest.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan begins to touch the newly exposed skin, fingertips skating over it, and leans in to kiss Sinric tenderly once again.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric purrs into the kiss encouragingly, shifting into his back a little to give Athelstan free rein over his chest as he stokes Athelstan's hair.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leans over him, still avoiding his neck and throat but exploring the rest of his skin as if it's new to him.

[thewidewideworld]

Then tender touches make Sinric hum happily, his large eyes half closed under the pleasure of the slow exploration. "Oh Athelstan." he sighs softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

To bring Sinric pleasure, in return for his loving help and comfort, is all Athelstan wants right now.

One hand skims over Sinric's breast.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lays back, passive and welcoming, allowing Athelstan access to whatever he desires. The touch at his breasts makes Sinric gasp, his large nipples hardening swiftly through the thin linen shift.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan shifts to cover him, making an effort not to pin him down, and follows the path of his fingers with his mouth.

[thewidewideworld]

He's easier about being covered than he is about being touched near the throat or having someone at his back and sighs happily at the kisses.

He pulls at the ribbons to loosen them all the way, allowing Athelstan to strip him to the waist with ease should he want to.

[athelstanthescribe]

He pushes the shift aside, letting his hands brush Sinric's skin as he does so.

"You only have to say", he murmurs against Sinric's shoulder, "and I'll stop."

[thewidewideworld]

"Beloved, I would not have you stop for all the world." He moans softly, his hand still brushing over Athelstan's hair. "I feel such joy with you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Then I won't." He kisses Sinric's shoulder again, trying to work himself up to more than kisses and caresses if he can.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric flexes one leg to rub his bare ankle agonist Athelstan's calf, pressing his hip gently upward in encouragement.

If kisses and touches are all Athelstan is ready for, then Sinric will take it and gladly.