How sweet it is to be held in Verin's strong arms, even now. He misses it when they are apart, so much that it is easier not to think about it. Light, the certainty of Verin's love fills him with a depth of emotion he normally finds inaccessible. It hurts, but he prefers that to the--
No, no. He likes being alone. Verin is an exception.
"I love you," Essek echoes, softer but no less sure. His nails scratch gently and affectionately through Verin's hair, and his lips find his ear, brushing against it in a featherlight kiss. "Anything that you need, I will do. Anything within my power."
And there is much within his power. He is already considering what may come next, where the balance at court will swing and how he can use it to his advantage. But for now, his priority is caring for his brother, who has lost so much. (It proves to him, in a way, that he is right not to let others in. He will never know devastation like this. He is protected from it.)
"Let's get you clean, first," he suggests quietly, not moving from their embrace yet. "Shall I remain?" He would like to wash Verin's hair, but hesitates to suggest it himself. He wants to offer comfort, not make his brother feel like a child. But he will be glad to grant him anything he asks.
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No, no. He likes being alone. Verin is an exception.
"I love you," Essek echoes, softer but no less sure. His nails scratch gently and affectionately through Verin's hair, and his lips find his ear, brushing against it in a featherlight kiss. "Anything that you need, I will do. Anything within my power."
And there is much within his power. He is already considering what may come next, where the balance at court will swing and how he can use it to his advantage. But for now, his priority is caring for his brother, who has lost so much. (It proves to him, in a way, that he is right not to let others in. He will never know devastation like this. He is protected from it.)
"Let's get you clean, first," he suggests quietly, not moving from their embrace yet. "Shall I remain?" He would like to wash Verin's hair, but hesitates to suggest it himself. He wants to offer comfort, not make his brother feel like a child. But he will be glad to grant him anything he asks.