(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{From here}

Sinric leans Athelstan into their rooms. It's clear he hasn't slept there either. Even the mead cup sits on the table when he left it.

He draws Athelstan towards the bathroom. "Will you bathe with me?" His voice is soft and gentle. "Your clothes smell rather strongly of goat."

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric makes a soft sound, pleased and content. He reaches up to rest his hand over Athelstan's heart, his eyes heavy. Someone else hasn't slept much either.

[athelstanthescribe]

And that just adds to Athelstan's self-inflicted guilt, but he says nothing.

"Sleep", he urges.

[thewidewideworld]

"Only if you will stay with me?" Sinric begs softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

"If you want me to", he promises, "I will. Until you go back to your world."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods. "I will go back when you do."

There's something small and young in his voice as he goes on. "But I don't want to sleep alone again."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I won't make you."

He didn't really want to either, which is why he was with the goats. Their company was better than none.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric pulls the blankets up and snuggles close, his head still resting on Athelstan's chest. "Wake me? If you wake before I do, please?" Waking up alone might undo him tonight.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I won't leave you alone", he says quietly. "Even if I wake, I'll stay."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sits up to kiss him properly, pouring his love into it before laying back down. He's asleep, almost at once.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan takes longer, even with the relaxation Sinric gave him, but eventually he does go to sleep.

[thewidewideworld]

But for the odd whimper as Sinric dreams, he sleeps soundly enough, having worn himself out with worry.

[athelstanthescribe]

And so does Athelstan... to begin with.

Eventually, though, the darker things rise up again.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wakes at the first sound of Athelstan's distress, shifting away to the edge of the bed just in case. He watches Athelstan with care in the dim room, waiting to see if he can be of help.

[athelstanthescribe]

The dream holds him in a tight grip, and he thrashes against it, but eventually it wanes and he starts to wake up.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sings him the Northumbrian lullaby, his voice soft and gentle.

[athelstanthescribe]

He turns his head, eyes still half-closed.

"Sinric."

[thewidewideworld]

"I am here." Sinric calls, moving closer now to take Athelstan's hand. "You're safe."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Did I wake you?"

His fingers twine through Sinric's.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric draws close to tuck himself against Athelstan's side. "My dreams were unsettled too. It is for the best that we both woke."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I've brought you such distress these last few days", he murmurs. "I'm so very sorry for it."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric shakes his head. "There is nothing to forgive. It is done and past. We are together now, let us enjoy it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I still can only give you my presence", Athelstan says quietly. "My company, no more."

[thewidewideworld]

"I ask for no more than that." Sinric assures, drawing Athelstan into a very soft kiss.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan kisses him back gently.

"I don't know what to do."

[thewidewideworld]

"Hold me close and let me sing us both back to sleep. Or else send me to the bar for something light to eat."