(no subject)

[athelstanthescribe]

While Ragnar chooses which root would be best for them, Athelstan walks slowly around the clearing, fascinated by the unfamiliar nature.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"I hope so", he says quietly. "We always took care of each other."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I hope they'll keep doing so," Ragnar says, leaning in for a warm, gentle kiss. "It would be horrible to lose everything you've known, even if your church might want to lose you. We'll find you another church. Isn't there some quote about many rooms in God's house? I'm sure they're one less drafty."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leans back to look at him, searching his eyes.

"You'd do that for me? I know you don't believe."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar is completely earnest.

"Of course," Ragnar says. "You're free to go on believing in God -- what monster would I be if I thought you shouldn't, just because of one church? Floki is a rabid atheist who thinks people ought to stop with the religions already, but I'm not!"

[athelstanthescribe]

"That might help some of them understand, if I'm not turning my back completely on God."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"There's even churches bikers go to," Ragnar says. "And churches queer people go to. We're in California, man -- there's sure to be one welcoming both!"

[athelstanthescribe]

" - does that mean you'll come with me?" He doesn't think he'll ever be a biker the way Ragnar is, even if he rides a motorbike.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"At least to see what it's like, and make sure nobody's going to scare or pressure you about anything whatsoever," Ragnar says. "I know it's important to you, and will always be."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Thank you." Athelstan kisses him. "At the right place, they'll be your friends too."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"A welcoming quiet place where we both can be ourselves," Ragnar says softly, "sounds oddly enticing."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Do you not have anywhere like that?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"No on your terms," Ragnar says. "I don't want to just throw you into my world; I'll come and follow you right back."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods.

"And wherever we go, every city's got quiet places."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Oh yes," Ragnar says. "For you to take a few moments to breathe and connect to your God, and your roots."

Ragnar kisses him again, gently.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leans into the kiss.

"And you can show me your favourite places."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"They tend to be a bit less quiet."

[athelstanthescribe]

"But they're yours. That's why I want to go to them."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I can follow you to the quiet places," Ragnar says, "and you can follow me to the loud ones."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Exactly." He smiles. "Then we'll both be happy."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar laughs, and runs his hands down Athelstan's back again.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan curls against him.

"...have you brought people here before?" he asks after a while, more curious than jealous.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"No," Ragnar says. "Not even Sinric. I've just been here to think."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Think about what?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Life," Ragnar says. "The universe. Everything. As you do."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Deep thoughts." He cranes up for another kiss.