OOM: Tattoos

[bigarmy_strangepants]

 Ragnar is sitting in the bar room itself, doodling on a large sheet of paper.

He's drawing stylised birds -- sharp beaks, outstretched wings, claws grabbing. A raven and a dove feature prominently and recognisably; the thirds is a songbird, rising in flight, so probably a lark.

He's not yet content with what he is doing, though.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"That doesn't mean you don't wish for it."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

No, you are right," Ragnar says. "I want the people I love to be happy."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Then I'm sorry I can't be."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric comes out of the bathroom, his eyes a little red from the quiet emotional moment he needed to have on his own. He smiles to them looking genuinely content and at peace.

He pours them each a glass of water and brIngs them over, ready to withdraw if they need more time alone.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"It's not your obligation," Ragnar whisper to Athelstans, "it's mine."

He turns to Sinric and takes the water from him.

"How is the pain now?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Don't feel bad if you can't help me", Athelstan whispers back, then looks up at Sinric. "It should be much less by now."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nod, perching on the edge of the bed to be near without troubling their embrace. "It has past, thank you. I just needed... A moment alone."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"It looks fine," Ragnar says, looking at the fresh tattoo again. "Exactly as it should."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Good", Athelstan says, a little proud. "And now it's my turn."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods, resting a gentle hand on Athelstan's shoulder. "I know you will bear the pain far better than I but may I hold you anyway?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"The pain under the needle usually comes and goes in slow waves," Ragnar says."It will be good for you to have Sinric to ho
D on to when that wave crests."

He is readying his instruments again, cleaning the awl with some strong spirit.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Of course you can." He frees a hand to take Sinric's, shifting towards him.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric moves to support Athelstan, gently pressed against his side and hands entwined.

"I should, if you'll permit, like to try adding to your mark?" he asks hesitantly. "I'm sure I won't be as good at it as you and I'll only do a small section of a line if you prefer but I... I'd like to try."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You still need to take off your shirts" Ragnar says, "before settling down."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes, we do", Athelstan agrees. "Sinric, if you would... and yes, I'd like you to. You'll only have to follow a line, so don't fear you won't do it well."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles so sweetly and so brightly, kissing Athelstan in his enthusiasm.

He holds his hands out, offering to help Athelstan out of his shirts.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar smiles, watching them.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leans forward to let Sinric pull his shirt over his head, unconsciously still hiding his back from view.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric helps him undress with a friendly air, gently without being too playful or making anything of it. He respects Athelstan's caution with his back and subtly moves to keep him covered.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar is readying his tools, and when he does look at Athelstqn, it's into his eyes.

"Where exactly do you want it?"

[athelstanthescribe]

He touches the spot on his chest where he can feel his heart beating under his hand.

"Here."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles and pressing a little kiss to Athelstan's shoulders. The idea of Athelstan carrying Ragnar over his heart seems poetically right.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar gets the stick and the paste and starts drawing the design they'd worked out for Athelstan -- crouching raven, rising lark.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan lies back in Sinric's arms to give Ragnar space to work.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric cuddles Athelstan happily, toying softly with Athelstan's fingers. "Would you like me to sing to you? Or just hold you?"