The Rusted Sword (7 page)

Raleigh could still feel the pain emanating from his knee, but it almost felt like a challenge. Moshe's words about Raleigh regaining his pride each time he had to rely on Moshe's care seemed enticing, if he really thought about them.

He brushed a hand through Moshe's hair. "I am so sorry for my foolishness."

Moshe didn't reply for a moment, and then he shifted around until they were facing each other, curling up against Raleigh's broad chest. "I will never leave you, Raleigh."

"Are you lonely at Chaylain?"

Tilting his head thoughtfully, Moshe frowned. "I was lonely because you were shutting me out. But I must admit, I wish we would travel here more often. If only to have some new sparring partners once in a while."

Raleigh petted him, instinctually concerned that Moshe appeared so unhappy before even fully admitting that it was his own fault. "We will visit, Moshe. Twice a year at least."

Moshe's expression lit up. "You would come?" He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Raleigh's, who paused with surprise at the sudden outburst of affection, so unlike Moshe. Raleigh rested his hand at the small of Moshe's back, letting him lead the kiss, indulging in the soothing feeling of Moshe showing his love for Raleigh.

Moshe's cupped Raleigh's cheek with his palm, and slowly kissed his way to Raleigh's ear. "Listen to me," he whispered, "I blame you for all this horseshit we've been through for the past few years."

Raleigh dropped his head somewhat. He couldn't even bring himself to argue that point.

"I was serious before, Raleigh. I will eviscerate you if you do this again. If you turn to stone and do not tell me what's wrong." He pulled back and stared straight into Raleigh's eyes. "I will believe you have no strength or want to keep us together. That your faith has been broken."

Exhaling, Raleigh mirrored Moshe's actions by placing his hand on Moshe's warm cheek. "And I would bow my head for your blade. Please forgive me for leaving you alone, Moshe."

Moshe nodded, his expression softening. He returned for another kiss, this time only pressing his lips gently against Raleigh's, waiting for Raleigh to take control. Raleigh circled his arms around Moshe, pulled him in close, and kissed him hard. He had severely failed Moshe by succumbing to the weakness of his ego, and he would be forever grateful that Moshe had tolerated his idiocy. "I love you," he murmured almost desperately.

He felt Moshe shiver against him. He dragged the blankets over the both of them, settled around so that he could keep Moshe cradled close. Moshe mumbled something sleepily, but didn't seem too hard-pressed for a response.

Soon, the rhythm of his breathing evened out.

Exhaling a long sigh, Raleigh smiled, feeling far more content than he had in a long time.

*~*~*

"Hm."

Looking up, Raleigh found Frederick standing overhead. They were in the great hall for breakfast, although it was far too early for many people to be awake.

Moshe was sitting on Raleigh's lap, keeping one arm anchored around his neck, and the other hand occupied in lifting grapes to Raleigh's lips. He too looked up at Frederick, an innocent smile on his face. "Good morning, Frederick."

"Good morning, Moshe," Frederick said, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he pulled a chair out and sat next to them. "I see you've been put in your place."

Moshe merely dropped his cheek against the crook of Raleigh's neck, and Raleigh answered for Moshe, "Yes, he has."

"We've decided to stay for the winter," Moshe said.

Frederick actually looked surprised at that, and then he smiled. "I am so glad. I missed you both, you know."

"We missed you as well," Moshe replied, and Raleigh grunted his objection. Moshe elbowed him, and then said to Frederick, "Do not think I missed how you watched that knight I fought yesterday."

"Oh?" Frederick said, attempting to hide his grin behind his cup. He looked to Raleigh. "Speaking of fights, can I count on you two to continue with the games tonight?"

"Not me," Raleigh replied.

Frederick nodded, with a small frown. "I see, but you are scheduled—"

"Moshe will be fighting mine for me."

Pausing, mouth still open, Frederick considered them. "Really now? Just going to sit back and watch?"

With a nod, Raleigh shifted a little so that Moshe's weight did not rest on his bad knee, and cradled him even closer. He felt Moshe's light sigh against his neck. "Yes," Raleigh said, "I believe such a sight will be quite pleasing."

Frederick leaned back in his chair, and snorted. "Indeed."

R.D. Hero lives a life completely dedicated to m/m. When she isn’t spending time sifting through multitudes of yaoi looking for the rare perfect one, she’s writing slash online. Once in awhile, if she has to, she goes out into the real world to do unsavory things like “college” and “socializing”. Mostly though, she prefers to stay in her cave with her boxer, Brandy. You can find her at
www.rdhero.com
.