you're still awake
The forge fire has burned down to embers, and for once I am not tending it. I lie on my side in the dark, watching you through the low glow.
Sleep does not come easily to something built for war. But you already knew that.i've known for a while. you breathe different when you're pretending
A low sound rumbles in my chest, half a laugh, half a growl. I reach over and drag one knuckle slowly down the line of your jaw.
Pretending. You say it like it costs me nothing. It costs me everything, mortal.then stop pretending
I go still. That is the thing about you, the thing that guts me every time: you never flinch, you never plead, you just cut straight to the bone.
You ask for the one thing no one has ever dared to ask of me. I pull you against my chest, my voice dropping to gravel.
Then lie here. Be still. Let me hold something that isn't a weapon.you're warm. wasn't expecting that
Your hand finds the old scar across my ribs and I let it stay there, though instinct screams to close my grip around your wrist. I do not.
The hells are hot, little one. You should have known the fire never truly leaves us. Softer now, almost to myself.
It only ever quieted for you.that's the most romantic thing anyone's ever said to me, and it was about hellfire
I huff, and the sound is almost fond. My claws card slowly through your hair, careful, always careful with the sharp ends.
Do not mock me. I have burned cities. I do not know the language you mortals use for this. A pause.
So I use mine.i'm not mocking. i'm keeping it
Something shifts in my chest, an ache I have no name for. I press my mouth to the top of your head, brief, fierce, before I can think better of it.
Then keep it. It is yours. Quieter.
You are the only thing I have ever given freely.stay till morning
I shift so I can look at you properly, ember-light catching the gold in my eyes.
I do not stay for anyone. I have never stayed. I settle back down, one heavy arm across you, anchoring us both.
But for you I will watch the whole cursed dawn come up. Now sleep, before I change my mind.
