[SE] the feel of coldness only water brings

you've long seen your downfall, spelled out in another's bones

Ronin wishes he could say something to tie it all in a neat little bow, to fix the loop they're talking in and to find the exit for them to skip down like some yellow brick road. Alas, all he can do is offer his husband a gentle squeeze of his hands and a sad smile. "I do feel better for having this conversation with you," he mumbles, though the words are said mostly to the Bastion's knees. "I'm sorry it took so long to say." And he always would be, despite the justifications (some of them very arguably valid) for keeping quiet.

Who knows - maybe this is the first step towards healing that last chip on his shoulder, though it'll be a long time before Ronin even realises he's taken it, if so. "You know I still love you though," he says after a few beats of silence, his right? unspoken but there in his tone. "That hasn't changed. It never will."

RONIN

REMI

the alchemist

& my heart ran away with me

Feeling the same way as his husband, Remi squeezes the Knight's fingers a touch tighter before letting them grow soft. "I do too." And he did, only Remi wouldn't recommend this particular feeling of better to anyone who wanted to feel good afterward.

Lifting his gaze as if surprised to hear Ronin needing to reaffirm his love, Remi stared silently for a moment before letting his lips curl into a slow smile. "Well I should hope so." He chuckles before using his husband's hand as an anchor and pulling himself onto his knees. "I'm sorry for all the mistakes I've made and the things I've done that have hurt you." The Bastion says as he places one hand on Ronin's cheek to draw the Knight's lips up towards his.

"It's still only you for me, and it always will be."

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

you've long seen your downfall, spelled out in another's bones

Surprised by his own laughter at Remi's comment, the immediate thread of gold that washes through their bond ought to be more than enough, at least, to absolutely reaffirm his love, even if the other man hadn't needed it. Allowing Remi to draw himself up onto his knees, Ronin's lips offer a warm welcome, his arms slipping around the Bastion to hold him close. I've made plenty of mistakes and hurt you as well, he reminds him softly. And I am sorry for all of them.

Drawing back so he might get them both on their feet, Ronin spends a few sun-bright moments simply holding his husband, as if to relish the easy way they can still stand in each other's presence, even after such a tumultuous conversation. Eventually - and only when they are good and ready - does the Knight turn to lead them back onto the Northaven, his fingers entwined with Remi's, as they should be.

~FIN

RONIN