[he doesn't really require an answer. he knows Minuet's listening; sometimes that's all that's needed.
he takes one more deep breath -- the reality of Minuet back home and as whole as he can be in all his senses -- and relaxes further on the exhale, deliberate. smooths his thumb over Minuet's brow, a firm little gesture.
love's still such a difficult concept for him to recognize in himself, to conceptualize apart from devotion. peace is almost as rare, but it's easier to see. there's a measure of it in this room, this bed, this man.]
[ Without meaning to, he thinks about the days Charon was missing. The empty kitchen at 4am. The cold wash of dread at seeing Lily's shepherd staff transferred to someone else. Being nearly helpless to find him or even ascertain whether he was still alive.
... It really adds something, being thanked for simply being present. An understanding, heavy weight.
His arms envelope him again, but this time a few feathery tendrils join in as well. ]
[ It's only after he says it that he realizes what a bizarrely intimate sentiment that is. "See you in a bit" to someone falling asleep in your arms. Feels kind of unsteady, but not in a bad way.
[maybe Charon catches the sentiment. maybe he doesn't. but he does catch something, because that bizarre softness flickers in his eyes and expression again. candleflame in a breeze.]
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featherduster) wrote2023-06-15 02:30 pm
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
he takes one more deep breath -- the reality of Minuet back home and as whole as he can be in all his senses -- and relaxes further on the exhale, deliberate. smooths his thumb over Minuet's brow, a firm little gesture.
love's still such a difficult concept for him to recognize in himself, to conceptualize apart from devotion. peace is almost as rare, but it's easier to see. there's a measure of it in this room, this bed, this man.]
. . . thank you for being here, too.
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
... It really adds something, being thanked for simply being present. An understanding, heavy weight.
His arms envelope him again, but this time a few feathery tendrils join in as well. ]
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
of course he turns his face into them, his quiet mouth. of course.]
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
Sounds like we can both finally rest easy. At least for right now.
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
[finally drapes his other arm around him, so he's holding him close with both too]
We're long overdue, I think.
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
[ It's only after he says it that he realizes what a bizarrely intimate sentiment that is. "See you in a bit" to someone falling asleep in your arms. Feels kind of unsteady, but not in a bad way.
It's... novel. Good, even. ]
Re: [day 56, shepherd power hour]
I'll be seeing you. Good night, Minuet.