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[bardische]

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[massochism]

Basch...

[he squeezes the other once more, tilting his head back against the blond's shoulder.]

It makes my heart race that you feel that way... but I misspoke slightly—I didn't mean that the discontentment is still so strong, exactly. More, it was a part of my life for so much of it, given my relative isolation, that I need to learn how to set it all aside.

[a hand reaches up to brush against the scruff at his jaw.]

You are all of those things for me. And the last thing I want is to lose you ever again.

[bardische]

But it's there [ Basch murmurs, wishing he could roll Olivine to him and cup his face. Instead he nestles against his hair, still holding him tightly. ] I will follow your wishes, but your happiness and wellbeing will always be more important to me than anything or anyone else, duty included.

[ He freezes at the hand on his jaw, then melts into it, turning to kiss whatever ski he can. ]

As long as you want me, I will be with you.

[ It's occurring to him, too, that he was Wolf, and Olivine was better with him than without. That there was mating, but there was no aggression. ]

I -- next month, I can try staying. So long as we have a safety plan.

[massochism]

[It's... unbearably sweet, hearing that. The idea of someone putting him above all else, and the tears he abruptly ends up blinking back are sweet ones. Lips find his palm, gentle and loving and warm.]

In that case, you may be with me for a very long time.

[It's not a warning or an offer of an out, just the reality of how deeply he cares for Basch. He finds himself surprised by the offer then, overwhelmed by relief to hear it. It's true—he's bruised and the few bites that had drawn blood are scabbed over now, but they clearly don't bother him.]

I would like that. We can make preparations from now until then for a safe place for you to stay, should something go wrong.

[He'll be the one putting him there if he has to, of course. The priest promised him that much.]

[bardische]

I have been starting to hope that will be the case [ Basch admits, low and tender but for once not embarrassed or ashamed. It’s clear Olivine wants him, maybe more importantly needs him.

Still the reminder that something could go wrong is enough to make his grip tighten and nearly enough to rescind his offer. But he doesn’t. Olivine proved himself strong, and with their mate bond, Basch does not think he would be able to truly hurt the other. It would be the townspeople who could be in danger. ]

You make me break my own rules, but I am not sorry for it.

[ the knot had finally loosened enough that he sighs, but used the opportunity to slide from olivine and roll the other toward him, gathering him in his arms and tucking his head under his own. ]

Thank you, Olivine.

[massochism]

[that comment earns a little laugh, followed by the soft sigh as Basch slides out of him. rolled easily over, he nestles into the taller man's arms and smiles, fingers tracing idle patterns over his side.]

You make me do the same, you know... [letting him be a real person and all.] you're welcome, and thank you too.

Mmn... I'm tempted to make an excuse so I can stay here instead of working, tomorrow. [that's muffled contentedly into his chest. also, given the run Basch gave him, there's a not insignificant chance he'll be a little weak on his feet come tomorrow. if only he could have that more often.]

[bardische]

Stay with me.

[ the order comes easy. He tells himself it’s because of the mate bond, because he can feel how badly olivine wants another day off, together, because basch is protective.

But it would only be half the truth. ]

I was away too long, and there is not harm in a leisure day.

[massochism]

Alright... I'll have to speak to someone tomorrow, but it shouldn't be any trouble. But I don't want you to feel like you've done anything wrong, Basch.

[His eyelids drift as he speaks, fatigue from everything catching up again.]

You did what you felt was necessary, and I supported that. Mmm, I'm looking forward to just laying about, though. I rarely have the time.

[bardische]

We’re both learning [ he murmurs, shifting around Olivine as the other nestled into him. He may no longer be a wolf, but if someone were to come in right now, he knows he would defend olivine with his entire being. Would even kill some one if it was necessary — gods let it not be. ]

We will teach each other to rest.

[massochism]

That's true. I think we both deserve it. Rest well, Basch.

[Olivine is never worried with Basch near him, but tonight... tonight he feels completely secure. Warm and comforted. It makes drifting off easy, the worry of tomorrow's aches and conversation distant and fragile at best.]