[How can he possibly doubt, when Hythlodaeus believes in him so completely? It is not enough to set his anxious heart entirely at ease, but the grief and guilt that have done their best to constrict it loosen their hold, ever so slightly, and he cannot help but lean into that tender kiss, his own lips parting as though they've a mind of their own, eager to taste and drink in the comfort offered.
Of that, too, he is certain he is undeserving— but that is not his choice to make.]
If anything I do makes any difference, it will be because you are here.
[Without him, he does not know that he would even have the will to try— but he does not say so. It is too much, too great a burden to put on one so close to his heart, and he tangles his own fingers in the dampened strands of his lover's hair as he closes the hair's breadth of distance between them for another kiss, heartfelt and needful, his heart's own request for succor.]
I will do as I can. I only ask that you help me to remember the importance of this new purpose.
[Because though it remains unspoken, they both know. He owes it— and to do otherwise would be to flagrantly disregard this gift they have both been offered, whether he wanted it or not.]
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Of that, too, he is certain he is undeserving— but that is not his choice to make.]
If anything I do makes any difference, it will be because you are here.
[Without him, he does not know that he would even have the will to try— but he does not say so. It is too much, too great a burden to put on one so close to his heart, and he tangles his own fingers in the dampened strands of his lover's hair as he closes the hair's breadth of distance between them for another kiss, heartfelt and needful, his heart's own request for succor.]
I will do as I can. I only ask that you help me to remember the importance of this new purpose.
[Because though it remains unspoken, they both know. He owes it— and to do otherwise would be to flagrantly disregard this gift they have both been offered, whether he wanted it or not.]