[IC] Misc. Open Post

[curriculum_fictae]

For various overflow, misc. threads that don't fit on the comms they're for, etc.

Comments

[curriculum_fictae]

... And. Ah.

Am I the first person to hold you like that since you left?

[hijoperdido]

...You're the. The first person to ever hold me like that. Not since Abuela said I was too big.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Oh. Oh no. God, why is every new piece of information always a new heartbreak. Martin just aches looking at him. ]

Then I'm glad I did it.

[ He offers an arm again? ]

[hijoperdido]

[He doesn't look for a second, but then does when he hears the quiet. His breath catches.]

I-i shouldn't, you got your husband, and you know, i-I'm uh. I'm me, so.

[curriculum_fictae]

My husband will completely understand.

[ He waves his hand a bit, beckoning. ]

[hijoperdido]

[There's the smallest noise of "unsure" in his throat as he looks around, hears the quiet whispers of breakfast gathering happening. Then takes a deep breath and slowly climbs back into that arm.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Good. Good. Martin gathers him up again, then, tucking Bruno's head gently underneath his chin. ]

Much better.

[hijoperdido]

And this is just... Something you do?

[Holding, being close like this. He has so little frame of reference from watching his sisters and their husbands.]

[curriculum_fictae]

All the time. Whenever we feel like it? Whenever I can get away with it.

[hijoperdido]

Hm.

Lucky guy.

[curriculum_fictae]

We are both very lucky.

[ He leans his cheek down against the top of Bruno's head. ]

[hijoperdido]

[He freezes again at that. And then slowly fitting into the position, curling into him a little. Just nervous and unsure.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Oh, poor Bruno. Of course Martin will disengage if Bruno seems legitimately uncomfortable, but... ]

It's okay. You can't hurt me. Just tell me if I'm making you uncomfortable.

[hijoperdido]

[While he doesn't seem uncomfortable, he doesn't seem to know what he's supposed to do.]

Um. Sure, all right.

[And settles into him a little more.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ That's fine too. Martin is content to just hold him. And ... ah. He glances over at the rats. ]

You can come too if you like. Plenty of room.

[hijoperdido]

[The rats look up at him trying to figure out what the human is saying. But Bruno looks at them and nods, so they skitter up and curl into Bruno.]

[curriculum_fictae]

[ There we go. There's enough warm and soft to go around for everyone. ]

Comfortable?

[hijoperdido]

Um. Y-yeah. Better than my chair even.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Martin laughs gently at that. ]

"Better than a chair." I'll take it.

[hijoperdido]

I- look, I don't exactly have a good frame of reference these days.

[curriculum_fictae]

No, no, I get it. And that chair is the most comfortable thing in here, so that's quite a compliment.

[hijoperdido]

Hm.

[For now, he settles like this. Warm and soft, listening to his family out there talking and chattering at breakfast. A couple of the rats not bundled up come back with some food, enough for the both of them.]

...Your husband really is a lucky guy.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Oh, thank you rats. Martin will take a bit for himself. ]

I mean - I try. It's even nicer with a proper house and the bakery.

[hijoperdido]

[He holds some food carefully, not wanting to move now that he got comfortable. It's nice. It's too nice.]

I'll bet. Must be warm and loving there.

[curriculum_fictae]

It really is. I love being there with all my heart.

[ He ... pauses, hesitating. ]

I know - I know you want to stay. I won't argue that. But - ah, when I've gone there and come back, it's instantaneous? No one even realises you've left.