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Frowning as she pushed him away, he kept hold of her hands but didn’t push closer, afraid she was disgusted or had no desire to be with him after all. Hearing that a childhood love had become a murderer for sport wasn’t the sort of thing it was easy to take.
Dima shook his head slightly as she listed off what to her were reasons for him to reject her, almost as if she expected him to not realize what her life had been. He could see it plainly on her as she could see on him. What mattered now was not the past but the present and future, and he didn’t know what he would do without her. He’d spent sixteen years trying to find her again and without her...his purpose was lost.
”Neither am I. Things are different from when we made those promises but my love for you hasn’t changed.”
They’d already established he wasn’t the same farm boy, she wasn’t the same girl who sewed with her mother, he was offering this now as the adults they were. It didn’t have to be today or tomorrow, but he had never wanted to marry anyone else. Had never loved anyone but her. The tears in her eyes spurred him forward and he reached for her again, wiping the drops from her cheeks and taking hold of her chin. He’d been trying so hard not to push any boundaries but now he feared if he didnt show her he was telling the truth she would leave him again.
It had been years since they’d kissed, and with so much time and space between them it was so different than ever before. There was a desperation now as he claimed her lips in a way he’d always been too tentative to do before, experience and age separating them from the children they were. But to him it was no different, meant the same. That he’d always loved her and always would.
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Frowning as she pushed him away, he kept hold of her hands but didn’t push closer, afraid she was disgusted or had no desire to be with him after all. Hearing that a childhood love had become a murderer for sport wasn’t the sort of thing it was easy to take.
Dima shook his head slightly as she listed off what to her were reasons for him to reject her, almost as if she expected him to not realize what her life had been. He could see it plainly on her as she could see on him. What mattered now was not the past but the present and future, and he didn’t know what he would do without her. He’d spent sixteen years trying to find her again and without her...his purpose was lost.
”Neither am I. Things are different from when we made those promises but my love for you hasn’t changed.”
They’d already established he wasn’t the same farm boy, she wasn’t the same girl who sewed with her mother, he was offering this now as the adults they were. It didn’t have to be today or tomorrow, but he had never wanted to marry anyone else. Had never loved anyone but her. The tears in her eyes spurred him forward and he reached for her again, wiping the drops from her cheeks and taking hold of her chin. He’d been trying so hard not to push any boundaries but now he feared if he didnt show her he was telling the truth she would leave him again.
It had been years since they’d kissed, and with so much time and space between them it was so different than ever before. There was a desperation now as he claimed her lips in a way he’d always been too tentative to do before, experience and age separating them from the children they were. But to him it was no different, meant the same. That he’d always loved her and always would.
Frowning as she pushed him away, he kept hold of her hands but didn’t push closer, afraid she was disgusted or had no desire to be with him after all. Hearing that a childhood love had become a murderer for sport wasn’t the sort of thing it was easy to take.
Dima shook his head slightly as she listed off what to her were reasons for him to reject her, almost as if she expected him to not realize what her life had been. He could see it plainly on her as she could see on him. What mattered now was not the past but the present and future, and he didn’t know what he would do without her. He’d spent sixteen years trying to find her again and without her...his purpose was lost.
”Neither am I. Things are different from when we made those promises but my love for you hasn’t changed.”
They’d already established he wasn’t the same farm boy, she wasn’t the same girl who sewed with her mother, he was offering this now as the adults they were. It didn’t have to be today or tomorrow, but he had never wanted to marry anyone else. Had never loved anyone but her. The tears in her eyes spurred him forward and he reached for her again, wiping the drops from her cheeks and taking hold of her chin. He’d been trying so hard not to push any boundaries but now he feared if he didnt show her he was telling the truth she would leave him again.
It had been years since they’d kissed, and with so much time and space between them it was so different than ever before. There was a desperation now as he claimed her lips in a way he’d always been too tentative to do before, experience and age separating them from the children they were. But to him it was no different, meant the same. That he’d always loved her and always would.
She knew of his past, at least in part. From what she remembered of her past experiences with gladiators, they were used similarly to the whores in the brothels. After the victories, they were forced onto display and often had to accept whatever was offered. Money. Sex. It didn’t matter when it came to appeasing the masses. But it was close to impossible for her to picture him having anything close to that. He was strong, and a force to be reckoned with. How could he understand?
And yet, there was a softness in his expression that begged her to stop for a moment. To realize that his own pain mirrored her. That he wanted the love he remembered from their past.
Was it still there? The soft spark of young love that consumed the both of them? She had closed off her heart, had been determined to think of anything that may be love. Even her Senator wasn’t love— it had been companionship. He loved her, but she wasn’t sure that she ever loved him.
Not like she had loved Dima.
She almost argued with him more, almost pushed back to try and make him realize just how horrible she was, even if he thought his crimes were worse. And yet, as he moved closer to her, she couldn’t help but search his eyes for the truth. And she knew that she couldn’t stop him. And she didn’t want to. So she let herself press into him as his lips claimed hers. They were certainly different now than they had been. There was a confidence that had come with age, a firm pressure that showed he wasn’t going to judge her past. Wasn’t that what she needed? Not just someone who could relate to her, not just anyone but him. She let her hands, at first, stay between them, as a safety measure to be able to push away.
But then, she melted into him. Arms slowly, hesitantly moved to his neck to hold onto him, pulling him close so their bodies were pressed together. Olena wanted to feel what he felt, to be so sure of him and his love that she wanted to try.
A flash of foresight, violent and angry, invaded her head. Immediately, she froze. Pushing against him, she stepped back. ”No!” She cried out, covering her mouth with her hands. Eyes opened, she realized that the face she had seen wasn’t his. It was someone else, transporting her to a place where she felt utterly broken and abused. Tears escaped her eyes again, followed by a sob. ”I am sorry, I see… Her head shook, arms once again coming around herself as she tries to figure out how to explain.
”It’s not you. I cannot… I do not…” She couldn’t explain herself to him. Instead, her contradiction was to fall into his arms, sobbing violently against his chest as she tried to grapple with her emotions.
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She knew of his past, at least in part. From what she remembered of her past experiences with gladiators, they were used similarly to the whores in the brothels. After the victories, they were forced onto display and often had to accept whatever was offered. Money. Sex. It didn’t matter when it came to appeasing the masses. But it was close to impossible for her to picture him having anything close to that. He was strong, and a force to be reckoned with. How could he understand?
And yet, there was a softness in his expression that begged her to stop for a moment. To realize that his own pain mirrored her. That he wanted the love he remembered from their past.
Was it still there? The soft spark of young love that consumed the both of them? She had closed off her heart, had been determined to think of anything that may be love. Even her Senator wasn’t love— it had been companionship. He loved her, but she wasn’t sure that she ever loved him.
Not like she had loved Dima.
She almost argued with him more, almost pushed back to try and make him realize just how horrible she was, even if he thought his crimes were worse. And yet, as he moved closer to her, she couldn’t help but search his eyes for the truth. And she knew that she couldn’t stop him. And she didn’t want to. So she let herself press into him as his lips claimed hers. They were certainly different now than they had been. There was a confidence that had come with age, a firm pressure that showed he wasn’t going to judge her past. Wasn’t that what she needed? Not just someone who could relate to her, not just anyone but him. She let her hands, at first, stay between them, as a safety measure to be able to push away.
But then, she melted into him. Arms slowly, hesitantly moved to his neck to hold onto him, pulling him close so their bodies were pressed together. Olena wanted to feel what he felt, to be so sure of him and his love that she wanted to try.
A flash of foresight, violent and angry, invaded her head. Immediately, she froze. Pushing against him, she stepped back. ”No!” She cried out, covering her mouth with her hands. Eyes opened, she realized that the face she had seen wasn’t his. It was someone else, transporting her to a place where she felt utterly broken and abused. Tears escaped her eyes again, followed by a sob. ”I am sorry, I see… Her head shook, arms once again coming around herself as she tries to figure out how to explain.
”It’s not you. I cannot… I do not…” She couldn’t explain herself to him. Instead, her contradiction was to fall into his arms, sobbing violently against his chest as she tried to grapple with her emotions.
She knew of his past, at least in part. From what she remembered of her past experiences with gladiators, they were used similarly to the whores in the brothels. After the victories, they were forced onto display and often had to accept whatever was offered. Money. Sex. It didn’t matter when it came to appeasing the masses. But it was close to impossible for her to picture him having anything close to that. He was strong, and a force to be reckoned with. How could he understand?
And yet, there was a softness in his expression that begged her to stop for a moment. To realize that his own pain mirrored her. That he wanted the love he remembered from their past.
Was it still there? The soft spark of young love that consumed the both of them? She had closed off her heart, had been determined to think of anything that may be love. Even her Senator wasn’t love— it had been companionship. He loved her, but she wasn’t sure that she ever loved him.
Not like she had loved Dima.
She almost argued with him more, almost pushed back to try and make him realize just how horrible she was, even if he thought his crimes were worse. And yet, as he moved closer to her, she couldn’t help but search his eyes for the truth. And she knew that she couldn’t stop him. And she didn’t want to. So she let herself press into him as his lips claimed hers. They were certainly different now than they had been. There was a confidence that had come with age, a firm pressure that showed he wasn’t going to judge her past. Wasn’t that what she needed? Not just someone who could relate to her, not just anyone but him. She let her hands, at first, stay between them, as a safety measure to be able to push away.
But then, she melted into him. Arms slowly, hesitantly moved to his neck to hold onto him, pulling him close so their bodies were pressed together. Olena wanted to feel what he felt, to be so sure of him and his love that she wanted to try.
A flash of foresight, violent and angry, invaded her head. Immediately, she froze. Pushing against him, she stepped back. ”No!” She cried out, covering her mouth with her hands. Eyes opened, she realized that the face she had seen wasn’t his. It was someone else, transporting her to a place where she felt utterly broken and abused. Tears escaped her eyes again, followed by a sob. ”I am sorry, I see… Her head shook, arms once again coming around herself as she tries to figure out how to explain.
”It’s not you. I cannot… I do not…” She couldn’t explain herself to him. Instead, her contradiction was to fall into his arms, sobbing violently against his chest as she tried to grapple with her emotions.
For a moment he was certain they would be alright, that things would return to some sense of normal that he had not obtained since they were children. This was their fresh start and he breathed a sigh of relief as her arms slipped around his neck. Relief washed over him and he held her tightly to him as if he would never let go.
And then she screamed.
Releasing her as she shoved him away, Dima took several steps back and watched her wide eyed, torn between holding her for comfort and letting her have her space. In the end the space won out, and as she stumbled through tears and apology he shook his head. He’d been a fool to think after all they’d been through life would go back to being kind. They’d been too broken by too many people in too many places.
It was like whiplash when she fell against him, and he carefully held her as she cried, letting her tears fall as he settled his chin against the top of her head. This was his fault, he should have kept them hidden in the field that day. Should have been killed before he let anyone take her or harm her.
”It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have.”
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For a moment he was certain they would be alright, that things would return to some sense of normal that he had not obtained since they were children. This was their fresh start and he breathed a sigh of relief as her arms slipped around his neck. Relief washed over him and he held her tightly to him as if he would never let go.
And then she screamed.
Releasing her as she shoved him away, Dima took several steps back and watched her wide eyed, torn between holding her for comfort and letting her have her space. In the end the space won out, and as she stumbled through tears and apology he shook his head. He’d been a fool to think after all they’d been through life would go back to being kind. They’d been too broken by too many people in too many places.
It was like whiplash when she fell against him, and he carefully held her as she cried, letting her tears fall as he settled his chin against the top of her head. This was his fault, he should have kept them hidden in the field that day. Should have been killed before he let anyone take her or harm her.
”It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have.”
For a moment he was certain they would be alright, that things would return to some sense of normal that he had not obtained since they were children. This was their fresh start and he breathed a sigh of relief as her arms slipped around his neck. Relief washed over him and he held her tightly to him as if he would never let go.
And then she screamed.
Releasing her as she shoved him away, Dima took several steps back and watched her wide eyed, torn between holding her for comfort and letting her have her space. In the end the space won out, and as she stumbled through tears and apology he shook his head. He’d been a fool to think after all they’d been through life would go back to being kind. They’d been too broken by too many people in too many places.
It was like whiplash when she fell against him, and he carefully held her as she cried, letting her tears fall as he settled his chin against the top of her head. This was his fault, he should have kept them hidden in the field that day. Should have been killed before he let anyone take her or harm her.
”It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have.”
Guilt washed over her, knowing that he didn’t really have any idea what her life had been like. For him, all he could appreciate was having her back, was being with her again. But for her, affection had been forced for so long that it was hard to not associate it with pain. How often had men forced things on her she never would have done? How often had she been ashamed of her actions as soon as they were done? While life hadn’t always been horrible, the majority of it had been a struggle she had learned to numb with alcohol and opium.
She couldn’t do that anymore, and she felt guilty for wishing she could.
Olena shook her head against his chest, knowing that none of this was his fault. The sobbing continued for quite some time, still processing the fact that they were together again. That she wouldn’t have to go back to that life. None of it had really sunk in until then. And her tears took a bit to change from sorrow to gratitude. She was truly thankful for him. And perhaps, after a safe, decent night of rest, she would be able to better process everything. As her tears calmed, she took a deep breath, still pressed against his chest. Still speaking in their language, she pressed her hands to his chest. ”I will get better, Dmytros. You make me better. I just…” She glanced up at him, hand resting against his cheek. ”Be patient with me. I will not always turn into a mess.”
The last thing she wanted was for him to give up on her.
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Guilt washed over her, knowing that he didn’t really have any idea what her life had been like. For him, all he could appreciate was having her back, was being with her again. But for her, affection had been forced for so long that it was hard to not associate it with pain. How often had men forced things on her she never would have done? How often had she been ashamed of her actions as soon as they were done? While life hadn’t always been horrible, the majority of it had been a struggle she had learned to numb with alcohol and opium.
She couldn’t do that anymore, and she felt guilty for wishing she could.
Olena shook her head against his chest, knowing that none of this was his fault. The sobbing continued for quite some time, still processing the fact that they were together again. That she wouldn’t have to go back to that life. None of it had really sunk in until then. And her tears took a bit to change from sorrow to gratitude. She was truly thankful for him. And perhaps, after a safe, decent night of rest, she would be able to better process everything. As her tears calmed, she took a deep breath, still pressed against his chest. Still speaking in their language, she pressed her hands to his chest. ”I will get better, Dmytros. You make me better. I just…” She glanced up at him, hand resting against his cheek. ”Be patient with me. I will not always turn into a mess.”
The last thing she wanted was for him to give up on her.
Guilt washed over her, knowing that he didn’t really have any idea what her life had been like. For him, all he could appreciate was having her back, was being with her again. But for her, affection had been forced for so long that it was hard to not associate it with pain. How often had men forced things on her she never would have done? How often had she been ashamed of her actions as soon as they were done? While life hadn’t always been horrible, the majority of it had been a struggle she had learned to numb with alcohol and opium.
She couldn’t do that anymore, and she felt guilty for wishing she could.
Olena shook her head against his chest, knowing that none of this was his fault. The sobbing continued for quite some time, still processing the fact that they were together again. That she wouldn’t have to go back to that life. None of it had really sunk in until then. And her tears took a bit to change from sorrow to gratitude. She was truly thankful for him. And perhaps, after a safe, decent night of rest, she would be able to better process everything. As her tears calmed, she took a deep breath, still pressed against his chest. Still speaking in their language, she pressed her hands to his chest. ”I will get better, Dmytros. You make me better. I just…” She glanced up at him, hand resting against his cheek. ”Be patient with me. I will not always turn into a mess.”
The last thing she wanted was for him to give up on her.
”I know.”
It would be difficult for both of them to overcome the horrors of the past, he knew that now more than ever. They had to relearn one another, their faults and strengths, see the differences from the youths they’d been and get to know what it meant to be adults now, together. In their own way they had both been through torture, and he hated that he had ever not been there to save her from it. All he could do now was hold her tight until her tears dried and she felt able to speak again.
When she calmed, still curled against his chest, Dima took another deep breath of relief. These episodes would not be few and far between, he had a feeling. Tipping his head into the hand she placed on his cheek, he looked down at her with sadness in his eyes, regret clear though there was no blame on her. Perhaps one day they could be less afraid, but until then they would have to take one step at a time through the rough beginnings.
”I know, Lena. We can give each other time. I’m not going anywhere unless you send me away.”
This time he pressed his kiss to her forehead, holding her close for another moment before releasing her with one final squeeze. He made his way to the edge of the pool, lifting himself out and toweling off in silence before he began to dress again.
”Finish washing, I’ll take you to my room so you can rest and eat. Then I have to return to my errands for the queen. We seek news if her sister survived the uprising.”
Sitting by as she finished her bathing rituals, he glanced over with a wry smile and tried to bring back some of the lighter topics of earlier. She still hadn't really told him no to his proposal, and if he had to ask her every day for the rest of their lives, he would do as he'd promised and longed to do since they were young. No one else could be his wife but her, and now that she was back he would live every day for her, for them. They deserved so much more than what had been given to them and now that the Fates had returned them to one another he was determined to find a way to make the best of it.
"So...will you marry me then?"
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”I know.”
It would be difficult for both of them to overcome the horrors of the past, he knew that now more than ever. They had to relearn one another, their faults and strengths, see the differences from the youths they’d been and get to know what it meant to be adults now, together. In their own way they had both been through torture, and he hated that he had ever not been there to save her from it. All he could do now was hold her tight until her tears dried and she felt able to speak again.
When she calmed, still curled against his chest, Dima took another deep breath of relief. These episodes would not be few and far between, he had a feeling. Tipping his head into the hand she placed on his cheek, he looked down at her with sadness in his eyes, regret clear though there was no blame on her. Perhaps one day they could be less afraid, but until then they would have to take one step at a time through the rough beginnings.
”I know, Lena. We can give each other time. I’m not going anywhere unless you send me away.”
This time he pressed his kiss to her forehead, holding her close for another moment before releasing her with one final squeeze. He made his way to the edge of the pool, lifting himself out and toweling off in silence before he began to dress again.
”Finish washing, I’ll take you to my room so you can rest and eat. Then I have to return to my errands for the queen. We seek news if her sister survived the uprising.”
Sitting by as she finished her bathing rituals, he glanced over with a wry smile and tried to bring back some of the lighter topics of earlier. She still hadn't really told him no to his proposal, and if he had to ask her every day for the rest of their lives, he would do as he'd promised and longed to do since they were young. No one else could be his wife but her, and now that she was back he would live every day for her, for them. They deserved so much more than what had been given to them and now that the Fates had returned them to one another he was determined to find a way to make the best of it.
"So...will you marry me then?"
”I know.”
It would be difficult for both of them to overcome the horrors of the past, he knew that now more than ever. They had to relearn one another, their faults and strengths, see the differences from the youths they’d been and get to know what it meant to be adults now, together. In their own way they had both been through torture, and he hated that he had ever not been there to save her from it. All he could do now was hold her tight until her tears dried and she felt able to speak again.
When she calmed, still curled against his chest, Dima took another deep breath of relief. These episodes would not be few and far between, he had a feeling. Tipping his head into the hand she placed on his cheek, he looked down at her with sadness in his eyes, regret clear though there was no blame on her. Perhaps one day they could be less afraid, but until then they would have to take one step at a time through the rough beginnings.
”I know, Lena. We can give each other time. I’m not going anywhere unless you send me away.”
This time he pressed his kiss to her forehead, holding her close for another moment before releasing her with one final squeeze. He made his way to the edge of the pool, lifting himself out and toweling off in silence before he began to dress again.
”Finish washing, I’ll take you to my room so you can rest and eat. Then I have to return to my errands for the queen. We seek news if her sister survived the uprising.”
Sitting by as she finished her bathing rituals, he glanced over with a wry smile and tried to bring back some of the lighter topics of earlier. She still hadn't really told him no to his proposal, and if he had to ask her every day for the rest of their lives, he would do as he'd promised and longed to do since they were young. No one else could be his wife but her, and now that she was back he would live every day for her, for them. They deserved so much more than what had been given to them and now that the Fates had returned them to one another he was determined to find a way to make the best of it.
"So...will you marry me then?"
She hated that this was her reaction. All she wanted to do was want him, to be able to hold him and need him without melting down into a mess of emotions. A small part of her was afraid that she would hurt him in her sleep. She didn’t want to slip into a panicked state that could end up with her attempting to stab him or kill him thinking that he was trying to hurt her. Pushing him away was far easier, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.
She wanted him. Wanted to be whole for him.
But that seemed like an impossibility, especially after the past 2 years of heavy opium use that had numbed the majority of her pain, it was all coming back to the surface now. Now, when she wanted to be healed the most.
She made quick work of finishing to clean up, glad at least to no longer have the smell of slavery hanging over her as it had. Now, Olena at least get human again, like she could forget her past for a moment and just want him. She watching him dress, waiting until he was clothed to slip out of the water. Using a sheet to dry, she let her fingers run through her wet hair, hoping she didn’t look horrible. Slipping on the oversized chiton, she turned to face him as he asked his question.
It made her laugh, gently and lovingly, “Perhaps you should finish your duty before you worry about marriage. But either way, I am yours.”
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She hated that this was her reaction. All she wanted to do was want him, to be able to hold him and need him without melting down into a mess of emotions. A small part of her was afraid that she would hurt him in her sleep. She didn’t want to slip into a panicked state that could end up with her attempting to stab him or kill him thinking that he was trying to hurt her. Pushing him away was far easier, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.
She wanted him. Wanted to be whole for him.
But that seemed like an impossibility, especially after the past 2 years of heavy opium use that had numbed the majority of her pain, it was all coming back to the surface now. Now, when she wanted to be healed the most.
She made quick work of finishing to clean up, glad at least to no longer have the smell of slavery hanging over her as it had. Now, Olena at least get human again, like she could forget her past for a moment and just want him. She watching him dress, waiting until he was clothed to slip out of the water. Using a sheet to dry, she let her fingers run through her wet hair, hoping she didn’t look horrible. Slipping on the oversized chiton, she turned to face him as he asked his question.
It made her laugh, gently and lovingly, “Perhaps you should finish your duty before you worry about marriage. But either way, I am yours.”
She hated that this was her reaction. All she wanted to do was want him, to be able to hold him and need him without melting down into a mess of emotions. A small part of her was afraid that she would hurt him in her sleep. She didn’t want to slip into a panicked state that could end up with her attempting to stab him or kill him thinking that he was trying to hurt her. Pushing him away was far easier, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.
She wanted him. Wanted to be whole for him.
But that seemed like an impossibility, especially after the past 2 years of heavy opium use that had numbed the majority of her pain, it was all coming back to the surface now. Now, when she wanted to be healed the most.
She made quick work of finishing to clean up, glad at least to no longer have the smell of slavery hanging over her as it had. Now, Olena at least get human again, like she could forget her past for a moment and just want him. She watching him dress, waiting until he was clothed to slip out of the water. Using a sheet to dry, she let her fingers run through her wet hair, hoping she didn’t look horrible. Slipping on the oversized chiton, she turned to face him as he asked his question.
It made her laugh, gently and lovingly, “Perhaps you should finish your duty before you worry about marriage. But either way, I am yours.”
Once they were both cleaned and dressed, Dima smiled softly and reached out to touch her cheek gently. It would clearly take more time for them to recognize that they were both broken and needed to heal together. He didn’t care how long it took, if it was years or decades before they could be something close to what they were, whatever the cost he wanted to be with her for the rest of forever. Her response had him shrugging and he held out his hand for her to take whenever she was ready.
”Whenever you think you’re ready. I’ll carry out my duties, but I still want you to be my wife someday.”
He stayed silent as they left the bath and moved through the halls, mostly avoiding the notice of anyone else until they reached the room he’d been staying in. It was far better than what he’d kept for himself in Athenia, still nothing incredibly fine and fancy, but it was comfortable and larger than any he’d had. The bed would be big enough for two, but he wouldn’t ask her to share with him. At this point he was planning to sleep on the floor in front of the door to help her feel more secure, not that he would say it outright.
Everything had changed and yet they were still who they were. Somewhere deep down the children they'd been were still there, were still in love and would find one another again some way. His gaze on her was hopeful, but he was attempting to keep from overwhelming her, of asking too much now that he had some inkling of what she'd been through. He couldn't try to kiss her again like he had when they were younger, they had so much more to learn.
”You should rest, you’re safe here now, I promise.”
Every part of him was crying out to stay with her, to make sure that nothing bad happened and that she would still be there when he returned. He didn’t want to be without her now that he’d found her again.
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Once they were both cleaned and dressed, Dima smiled softly and reached out to touch her cheek gently. It would clearly take more time for them to recognize that they were both broken and needed to heal together. He didn’t care how long it took, if it was years or decades before they could be something close to what they were, whatever the cost he wanted to be with her for the rest of forever. Her response had him shrugging and he held out his hand for her to take whenever she was ready.
”Whenever you think you’re ready. I’ll carry out my duties, but I still want you to be my wife someday.”
He stayed silent as they left the bath and moved through the halls, mostly avoiding the notice of anyone else until they reached the room he’d been staying in. It was far better than what he’d kept for himself in Athenia, still nothing incredibly fine and fancy, but it was comfortable and larger than any he’d had. The bed would be big enough for two, but he wouldn’t ask her to share with him. At this point he was planning to sleep on the floor in front of the door to help her feel more secure, not that he would say it outright.
Everything had changed and yet they were still who they were. Somewhere deep down the children they'd been were still there, were still in love and would find one another again some way. His gaze on her was hopeful, but he was attempting to keep from overwhelming her, of asking too much now that he had some inkling of what she'd been through. He couldn't try to kiss her again like he had when they were younger, they had so much more to learn.
”You should rest, you’re safe here now, I promise.”
Every part of him was crying out to stay with her, to make sure that nothing bad happened and that she would still be there when he returned. He didn’t want to be without her now that he’d found her again.
Once they were both cleaned and dressed, Dima smiled softly and reached out to touch her cheek gently. It would clearly take more time for them to recognize that they were both broken and needed to heal together. He didn’t care how long it took, if it was years or decades before they could be something close to what they were, whatever the cost he wanted to be with her for the rest of forever. Her response had him shrugging and he held out his hand for her to take whenever she was ready.
”Whenever you think you’re ready. I’ll carry out my duties, but I still want you to be my wife someday.”
He stayed silent as they left the bath and moved through the halls, mostly avoiding the notice of anyone else until they reached the room he’d been staying in. It was far better than what he’d kept for himself in Athenia, still nothing incredibly fine and fancy, but it was comfortable and larger than any he’d had. The bed would be big enough for two, but he wouldn’t ask her to share with him. At this point he was planning to sleep on the floor in front of the door to help her feel more secure, not that he would say it outright.
Everything had changed and yet they were still who they were. Somewhere deep down the children they'd been were still there, were still in love and would find one another again some way. His gaze on her was hopeful, but he was attempting to keep from overwhelming her, of asking too much now that he had some inkling of what she'd been through. He couldn't try to kiss her again like he had when they were younger, they had so much more to learn.
”You should rest, you’re safe here now, I promise.”
Every part of him was crying out to stay with her, to make sure that nothing bad happened and that she would still be there when he returned. He didn’t want to be without her now that he’d found her again.
This all shouldnt have overwhelmed her as it was. The house of her Senator had been just as large, his life just as opulent and his promises to her almost as meaningful. Protection from the brothel, a small allowance to spend as she wished, and a space of her own away from the wife who hated that her her husband had brought a concubine into their home. She knew how to behave in such a fine house, and yet, she felt small next to him as they walked the halls, hands firmly in place.
She wanted to spent the next week just relearning the lines of his hands, the new marks that criss crossed his palms, the scars and calluses that now were part of his hands. There had been a time where she had put her whole world in them, trusting him to one day provide and love. If she was going to do that again, she wished to know everything about them.
And maybe learn a bit more about his past, too.
As they stepped into his room, she immediately searched for signs of anything that would have made it his. From the sounds of it, much like her, there was no much left to their names. The large bed in the middle would swallow her whole, but as soon as she noticed the fine pillows and soft sheets, exhausted won out. She was hungry, but he could bring food upon his return. Right now, she wished to sleep, no matter how restless she would be on her own.
The thought of maybe having nightmares had her wishing for something to knock her unconscious. But she had to stop relying on that to keep her sanity. But she lingered close to his side, turning to face him. Hand gently finding his cheek, her eyes met his, full of concern. ”Will you be back tonight, you think?” she needed an idea of how long she would have to wait before she worried.
Before she took off to protect herself from the demons who would hunt her.
”I am a little afraid of being alone with my thoughts.” she confessed, ”But I think I can bare it if I know when you may be back.”
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This all shouldnt have overwhelmed her as it was. The house of her Senator had been just as large, his life just as opulent and his promises to her almost as meaningful. Protection from the brothel, a small allowance to spend as she wished, and a space of her own away from the wife who hated that her her husband had brought a concubine into their home. She knew how to behave in such a fine house, and yet, she felt small next to him as they walked the halls, hands firmly in place.
She wanted to spent the next week just relearning the lines of his hands, the new marks that criss crossed his palms, the scars and calluses that now were part of his hands. There had been a time where she had put her whole world in them, trusting him to one day provide and love. If she was going to do that again, she wished to know everything about them.
And maybe learn a bit more about his past, too.
As they stepped into his room, she immediately searched for signs of anything that would have made it his. From the sounds of it, much like her, there was no much left to their names. The large bed in the middle would swallow her whole, but as soon as she noticed the fine pillows and soft sheets, exhausted won out. She was hungry, but he could bring food upon his return. Right now, she wished to sleep, no matter how restless she would be on her own.
The thought of maybe having nightmares had her wishing for something to knock her unconscious. But she had to stop relying on that to keep her sanity. But she lingered close to his side, turning to face him. Hand gently finding his cheek, her eyes met his, full of concern. ”Will you be back tonight, you think?” she needed an idea of how long she would have to wait before she worried.
Before she took off to protect herself from the demons who would hunt her.
”I am a little afraid of being alone with my thoughts.” she confessed, ”But I think I can bare it if I know when you may be back.”
This all shouldnt have overwhelmed her as it was. The house of her Senator had been just as large, his life just as opulent and his promises to her almost as meaningful. Protection from the brothel, a small allowance to spend as she wished, and a space of her own away from the wife who hated that her her husband had brought a concubine into their home. She knew how to behave in such a fine house, and yet, she felt small next to him as they walked the halls, hands firmly in place.
She wanted to spent the next week just relearning the lines of his hands, the new marks that criss crossed his palms, the scars and calluses that now were part of his hands. There had been a time where she had put her whole world in them, trusting him to one day provide and love. If she was going to do that again, she wished to know everything about them.
And maybe learn a bit more about his past, too.
As they stepped into his room, she immediately searched for signs of anything that would have made it his. From the sounds of it, much like her, there was no much left to their names. The large bed in the middle would swallow her whole, but as soon as she noticed the fine pillows and soft sheets, exhausted won out. She was hungry, but he could bring food upon his return. Right now, she wished to sleep, no matter how restless she would be on her own.
The thought of maybe having nightmares had her wishing for something to knock her unconscious. But she had to stop relying on that to keep her sanity. But she lingered close to his side, turning to face him. Hand gently finding his cheek, her eyes met his, full of concern. ”Will you be back tonight, you think?” she needed an idea of how long she would have to wait before she worried.
Before she took off to protect herself from the demons who would hunt her.
”I am a little afraid of being alone with my thoughts.” she confessed, ”But I think I can bare it if I know when you may be back.”
Dima leaned into her touch on his cheek, smiling softly before nodding. His adventures should only take him about the vicinity of Vasiliadon and therefore would not leave her alone for too long, but he was now more determined than ever to find news. With Olena at his side he wanted to get her out of the city and away from her past captors as soon as possible and he could only return after gaining some news.
”I won’t be late, maybe just after sunset. If you need anything, ask and the rest will be able to help you. These are all good people, I promise.”
And they were terrified of him. A man with so many scars and the build of a fighter showing up in their masters home meant that most of the other staff of the house tended to leave him and his things alone. They trusted the Dimitrous implicitly, that was obvious, but his reputation as a gladiator was no secret.
”From here on, I will always come home to you. I swear.”
With a kiss on the back of her hand, he turned and forced himself away, closing the door behind him. Returning to the streets, he tried to clear his thoughts that had begun utterly spinning. He’d found her again, she was finally safe in his care and he would do everything in his power to ensure that even if she chose not to marry him or leave him, she would live free for the rest of her life. Back at the dock he found some sailors recently in from Athenia, but all they could tell him was when they’d left they had heard rumors that the queen was dead and someone named Stravos had taken the throne. The names meant little to him but he filed them away to return them to the queen.
It was past sunset when he finally returned, picking up bread, cheese, fruit, and a few slices of salted meat for both of their suppers from the kitchen. The door to his room was still closed when he returned, and he opened it quietly in case she was asleep. Setting the tray down, he looked through the dim light of his candle and found no sign of her in the bed. His heart lept in panic and he strode toward it quickly, stopping just short as he saw the huddled form of Olena on the ground beside it instead. Breathing out a sigh, Dima set the candle down and knelt to touch her shoulder gently.
”Lena, the bed is meant to be slept in.”
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Dima leaned into her touch on his cheek, smiling softly before nodding. His adventures should only take him about the vicinity of Vasiliadon and therefore would not leave her alone for too long, but he was now more determined than ever to find news. With Olena at his side he wanted to get her out of the city and away from her past captors as soon as possible and he could only return after gaining some news.
”I won’t be late, maybe just after sunset. If you need anything, ask and the rest will be able to help you. These are all good people, I promise.”
And they were terrified of him. A man with so many scars and the build of a fighter showing up in their masters home meant that most of the other staff of the house tended to leave him and his things alone. They trusted the Dimitrous implicitly, that was obvious, but his reputation as a gladiator was no secret.
”From here on, I will always come home to you. I swear.”
With a kiss on the back of her hand, he turned and forced himself away, closing the door behind him. Returning to the streets, he tried to clear his thoughts that had begun utterly spinning. He’d found her again, she was finally safe in his care and he would do everything in his power to ensure that even if she chose not to marry him or leave him, she would live free for the rest of her life. Back at the dock he found some sailors recently in from Athenia, but all they could tell him was when they’d left they had heard rumors that the queen was dead and someone named Stravos had taken the throne. The names meant little to him but he filed them away to return them to the queen.
It was past sunset when he finally returned, picking up bread, cheese, fruit, and a few slices of salted meat for both of their suppers from the kitchen. The door to his room was still closed when he returned, and he opened it quietly in case she was asleep. Setting the tray down, he looked through the dim light of his candle and found no sign of her in the bed. His heart lept in panic and he strode toward it quickly, stopping just short as he saw the huddled form of Olena on the ground beside it instead. Breathing out a sigh, Dima set the candle down and knelt to touch her shoulder gently.
”Lena, the bed is meant to be slept in.”
Dima leaned into her touch on his cheek, smiling softly before nodding. His adventures should only take him about the vicinity of Vasiliadon and therefore would not leave her alone for too long, but he was now more determined than ever to find news. With Olena at his side he wanted to get her out of the city and away from her past captors as soon as possible and he could only return after gaining some news.
”I won’t be late, maybe just after sunset. If you need anything, ask and the rest will be able to help you. These are all good people, I promise.”
And they were terrified of him. A man with so many scars and the build of a fighter showing up in their masters home meant that most of the other staff of the house tended to leave him and his things alone. They trusted the Dimitrous implicitly, that was obvious, but his reputation as a gladiator was no secret.
”From here on, I will always come home to you. I swear.”
With a kiss on the back of her hand, he turned and forced himself away, closing the door behind him. Returning to the streets, he tried to clear his thoughts that had begun utterly spinning. He’d found her again, she was finally safe in his care and he would do everything in his power to ensure that even if she chose not to marry him or leave him, she would live free for the rest of her life. Back at the dock he found some sailors recently in from Athenia, but all they could tell him was when they’d left they had heard rumors that the queen was dead and someone named Stravos had taken the throne. The names meant little to him but he filed them away to return them to the queen.
It was past sunset when he finally returned, picking up bread, cheese, fruit, and a few slices of salted meat for both of their suppers from the kitchen. The door to his room was still closed when he returned, and he opened it quietly in case she was asleep. Setting the tray down, he looked through the dim light of his candle and found no sign of her in the bed. His heart lept in panic and he strode toward it quickly, stopping just short as he saw the huddled form of Olena on the ground beside it instead. Breathing out a sigh, Dima set the candle down and knelt to touch her shoulder gently.
”Lena, the bed is meant to be slept in.”
The last thing she wanted to do was watch him go, but she is the one who told him that he needed to do his duty. Coming back into her life, she wanted to make sure that she didn’t turn that upside down. But she felt like she was also going to crumble into a mess of emotions.
So when the door closed behind him, she moved to the bed, testing the softness of the material. Pressing into the mattress, Olena finally rested onto the bedding. It had been a long time since she had found herself in a situation with such a plush bed. Most of her life, she had been on hard surfaces with strange men. And she had learned to deal with it. When her life brought her a bit of comfort, it took her months to find the lush bedding of the Senator’s house to be a bit too soft.
But she got used to it.
Now, after years of hard surfaces, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the idea of such… luxury on her own.
The redhead laid back on the pillows, hoping that sheer exhaustion would help her deal with the anxiety that came with the feel of the bed. She still had nightmares about his death, about losing a baby. She laid for about an hour, tossing and turning and trying to get comfortable but it felt impossible. Grabbing one of the firmer, smaller pillows, she took to the floor.
No blanket, nothing more.
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep after that. The past few months had been limited to hard ground, so this felt familiar to her. Felt safer, especially because she was alone. The smaller space between the bed and the wall was less overwhelming for her.
She wasn’t sure how long it was before she was shook awake by him. Shooting up, it took her a moment to calm her racing heart to figure out where she was. Grabbing onto him, she buried her face into his chest. It was hard to know if she had woken up from a nightmare or not, but she knew that she needed him. Once her racing heart calmed, she pulled back enough to look at him. ”I could not relax on the bed by myself.” Her cheeks flushed at the thought, wondering if he would judge her for that. Because sleeping alone was a foreign concept, and she didn’t think he should have to deal with that either.
”Did you find what you were looking for?”
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The last thing she wanted to do was watch him go, but she is the one who told him that he needed to do his duty. Coming back into her life, she wanted to make sure that she didn’t turn that upside down. But she felt like she was also going to crumble into a mess of emotions.
So when the door closed behind him, she moved to the bed, testing the softness of the material. Pressing into the mattress, Olena finally rested onto the bedding. It had been a long time since she had found herself in a situation with such a plush bed. Most of her life, she had been on hard surfaces with strange men. And she had learned to deal with it. When her life brought her a bit of comfort, it took her months to find the lush bedding of the Senator’s house to be a bit too soft.
But she got used to it.
Now, after years of hard surfaces, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the idea of such… luxury on her own.
The redhead laid back on the pillows, hoping that sheer exhaustion would help her deal with the anxiety that came with the feel of the bed. She still had nightmares about his death, about losing a baby. She laid for about an hour, tossing and turning and trying to get comfortable but it felt impossible. Grabbing one of the firmer, smaller pillows, she took to the floor.
No blanket, nothing more.
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep after that. The past few months had been limited to hard ground, so this felt familiar to her. Felt safer, especially because she was alone. The smaller space between the bed and the wall was less overwhelming for her.
She wasn’t sure how long it was before she was shook awake by him. Shooting up, it took her a moment to calm her racing heart to figure out where she was. Grabbing onto him, she buried her face into his chest. It was hard to know if she had woken up from a nightmare or not, but she knew that she needed him. Once her racing heart calmed, she pulled back enough to look at him. ”I could not relax on the bed by myself.” Her cheeks flushed at the thought, wondering if he would judge her for that. Because sleeping alone was a foreign concept, and she didn’t think he should have to deal with that either.
”Did you find what you were looking for?”
The last thing she wanted to do was watch him go, but she is the one who told him that he needed to do his duty. Coming back into her life, she wanted to make sure that she didn’t turn that upside down. But she felt like she was also going to crumble into a mess of emotions.
So when the door closed behind him, she moved to the bed, testing the softness of the material. Pressing into the mattress, Olena finally rested onto the bedding. It had been a long time since she had found herself in a situation with such a plush bed. Most of her life, she had been on hard surfaces with strange men. And she had learned to deal with it. When her life brought her a bit of comfort, it took her months to find the lush bedding of the Senator’s house to be a bit too soft.
But she got used to it.
Now, after years of hard surfaces, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the idea of such… luxury on her own.
The redhead laid back on the pillows, hoping that sheer exhaustion would help her deal with the anxiety that came with the feel of the bed. She still had nightmares about his death, about losing a baby. She laid for about an hour, tossing and turning and trying to get comfortable but it felt impossible. Grabbing one of the firmer, smaller pillows, she took to the floor.
No blanket, nothing more.
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep after that. The past few months had been limited to hard ground, so this felt familiar to her. Felt safer, especially because she was alone. The smaller space between the bed and the wall was less overwhelming for her.
She wasn’t sure how long it was before she was shook awake by him. Shooting up, it took her a moment to calm her racing heart to figure out where she was. Grabbing onto him, she buried her face into his chest. It was hard to know if she had woken up from a nightmare or not, but she knew that she needed him. Once her racing heart calmed, she pulled back enough to look at him. ”I could not relax on the bed by myself.” Her cheeks flushed at the thought, wondering if he would judge her for that. Because sleeping alone was a foreign concept, and she didn’t think he should have to deal with that either.
”Did you find what you were looking for?”
He should have been prepared for her sudden waking, the speed with which she jolted upright and then just as quickly clung to him. Wrapping his arms around her as if he could protect her from any nightmares or horrors in her mind, Dima let her hide against him as long as she needed, reluctantly releasing his hold enough when she pulled back to look up at him. Brushing her hair from her face, he gave a shrug and tucked the strands behind her ear, trailing his fingertips along the curve and slowly along her jaw.
”It’s alright, I couldn’t sleep properly for ages once I was finally free. I kept thinking I was going to be kicked awake for resting too long.”
With a grunt of effort and strain on his wounded arm, he scooped her up against his chest and moved them to the bed, sitting beside her and keeping hold as long as she would let him. It was upsetting how light weight she felt, as if she was barely anything more than skin and bone. Gesturing to the plate of food he’d carried up with him, he dared to nestle into her hair as she asked her question. Even if she pushed him away at least he could be close for a minute.
”Not exactly, but I found something. I’ll have to stay a few more days to find something concrete. We can go as soon as I hear if the princess is alive or not.”
Dima took a deep breath before letting her go, sliding over to the tray and tugging it onto the bed between them. ”You should eat, then get some more rest. Take the bed, I’ll sleep in front of the door so you feel safe.”
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He should have been prepared for her sudden waking, the speed with which she jolted upright and then just as quickly clung to him. Wrapping his arms around her as if he could protect her from any nightmares or horrors in her mind, Dima let her hide against him as long as she needed, reluctantly releasing his hold enough when she pulled back to look up at him. Brushing her hair from her face, he gave a shrug and tucked the strands behind her ear, trailing his fingertips along the curve and slowly along her jaw.
”It’s alright, I couldn’t sleep properly for ages once I was finally free. I kept thinking I was going to be kicked awake for resting too long.”
With a grunt of effort and strain on his wounded arm, he scooped her up against his chest and moved them to the bed, sitting beside her and keeping hold as long as she would let him. It was upsetting how light weight she felt, as if she was barely anything more than skin and bone. Gesturing to the plate of food he’d carried up with him, he dared to nestle into her hair as she asked her question. Even if she pushed him away at least he could be close for a minute.
”Not exactly, but I found something. I’ll have to stay a few more days to find something concrete. We can go as soon as I hear if the princess is alive or not.”
Dima took a deep breath before letting her go, sliding over to the tray and tugging it onto the bed between them. ”You should eat, then get some more rest. Take the bed, I’ll sleep in front of the door so you feel safe.”
He should have been prepared for her sudden waking, the speed with which she jolted upright and then just as quickly clung to him. Wrapping his arms around her as if he could protect her from any nightmares or horrors in her mind, Dima let her hide against him as long as she needed, reluctantly releasing his hold enough when she pulled back to look up at him. Brushing her hair from her face, he gave a shrug and tucked the strands behind her ear, trailing his fingertips along the curve and slowly along her jaw.
”It’s alright, I couldn’t sleep properly for ages once I was finally free. I kept thinking I was going to be kicked awake for resting too long.”
With a grunt of effort and strain on his wounded arm, he scooped her up against his chest and moved them to the bed, sitting beside her and keeping hold as long as she would let him. It was upsetting how light weight she felt, as if she was barely anything more than skin and bone. Gesturing to the plate of food he’d carried up with him, he dared to nestle into her hair as she asked her question. Even if she pushed him away at least he could be close for a minute.
”Not exactly, but I found something. I’ll have to stay a few more days to find something concrete. We can go as soon as I hear if the princess is alive or not.”
Dima took a deep breath before letting her go, sliding over to the tray and tugging it onto the bed between them. ”You should eat, then get some more rest. Take the bed, I’ll sleep in front of the door so you feel safe.”
She wondered just how long it would take before she was used to having him back again. How long would she jump at the sight of him, or at the feel of a man offering comfort and not money? Olena wasn’t sure if she would truly ever be used to it, not with the abuse and history she had suffered. And yet, pressed against him, she was reminded of their childhood, of a time when he would always offer her comfort and love. Perhaps it wouldn’t take a long as she thought.
”How long until you stopped worrying about that?” She asked, genuinely curious if she would find something to make it go faster. Olena hated be the victim, and tried not to be. She wanted to recover, to be whole for him.
He wanted a wife. Not a broken fool who crumbled at nightmares.
”I will stay too, then, I guess.” She didn’t want to go anywhere without him, needing him as much as she had ever needed anyone. It wasn’t like she had anywhere else to go, anyway. At this point, she was wanted, valuable and would have to stay hidden until they could leave. ”You are important then.” Her grin was a little familiar, the corners of her mouth upturning with mirth.
Looking down at the food, she realized just how hungry she was. Her sweet tooth gave way to the fruits offered, devouring them with a speed of someone who hadn’t had a good meal in weeks. Between bites, she shook her head. ”You used to keep the nightmares at bay when we were kids. Perhaps you still have that power?” She wasn’t outright asking him to share her bed, but she hoped he got the message.
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She wondered just how long it would take before she was used to having him back again. How long would she jump at the sight of him, or at the feel of a man offering comfort and not money? Olena wasn’t sure if she would truly ever be used to it, not with the abuse and history she had suffered. And yet, pressed against him, she was reminded of their childhood, of a time when he would always offer her comfort and love. Perhaps it wouldn’t take a long as she thought.
”How long until you stopped worrying about that?” She asked, genuinely curious if she would find something to make it go faster. Olena hated be the victim, and tried not to be. She wanted to recover, to be whole for him.
He wanted a wife. Not a broken fool who crumbled at nightmares.
”I will stay too, then, I guess.” She didn’t want to go anywhere without him, needing him as much as she had ever needed anyone. It wasn’t like she had anywhere else to go, anyway. At this point, she was wanted, valuable and would have to stay hidden until they could leave. ”You are important then.” Her grin was a little familiar, the corners of her mouth upturning with mirth.
Looking down at the food, she realized just how hungry she was. Her sweet tooth gave way to the fruits offered, devouring them with a speed of someone who hadn’t had a good meal in weeks. Between bites, she shook her head. ”You used to keep the nightmares at bay when we were kids. Perhaps you still have that power?” She wasn’t outright asking him to share her bed, but she hoped he got the message.
She wondered just how long it would take before she was used to having him back again. How long would she jump at the sight of him, or at the feel of a man offering comfort and not money? Olena wasn’t sure if she would truly ever be used to it, not with the abuse and history she had suffered. And yet, pressed against him, she was reminded of their childhood, of a time when he would always offer her comfort and love. Perhaps it wouldn’t take a long as she thought.
”How long until you stopped worrying about that?” She asked, genuinely curious if she would find something to make it go faster. Olena hated be the victim, and tried not to be. She wanted to recover, to be whole for him.
He wanted a wife. Not a broken fool who crumbled at nightmares.
”I will stay too, then, I guess.” She didn’t want to go anywhere without him, needing him as much as she had ever needed anyone. It wasn’t like she had anywhere else to go, anyway. At this point, she was wanted, valuable and would have to stay hidden until they could leave. ”You are important then.” Her grin was a little familiar, the corners of her mouth upturning with mirth.
Looking down at the food, she realized just how hungry she was. Her sweet tooth gave way to the fruits offered, devouring them with a speed of someone who hadn’t had a good meal in weeks. Between bites, she shook her head. ”You used to keep the nightmares at bay when we were kids. Perhaps you still have that power?” She wasn’t outright asking him to share her bed, but she hoped he got the message.
Dima considered her question for a moment, thinking back on the time since his purchased freedom. It had only been a little over a year, well no now nearly two, and he still had nightmares. Holding her a little tighter, he sighed and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Better to tell the truth or lie and say it had only taken a little while. He had been more confident in his own freedom, he’d purchased that right. Olena had been stolen in accordance with the law, but it was not one he was keen to obey.
”A while. I’ll sleep better now that you’re here with me.”
Releasing her and taking a small portion of the bread and cheese for himself as she devoured as much as she wished, he was glad she seemed to accept that she would stay with him. He’d been afraid, no more concerned really, that she would want to flee and strike out on her own, wouldn’t want his help or time, would reject his offered love. They were different humans now, adults who had grown in different ways, and there was no obligation of love between them. If she chose to leave, his heart would break and his purpose be lost, but he would let her go without protest. All he desired now was for her to be happy.
He chuckled as she declared him important, shaking his head and moving to the basin of water he kept, splashing it over his face before drying any dust from the city streets away. His tunic was off as exhaustion rolled in before he remembered why he couldn’t just carry on with his usual routine tonight. Leaving his trousers on, he toed off his shoes before moving to the door and closing it for the evening. Her question caught his attention once more as it broke the silence and he turned, trying to decipher her request.
”I’ll always try. How would you feel safest? I don’t mind the floor, it’s better here than most. I don’t want you to fear me.”
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Dima considered her question for a moment, thinking back on the time since his purchased freedom. It had only been a little over a year, well no now nearly two, and he still had nightmares. Holding her a little tighter, he sighed and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Better to tell the truth or lie and say it had only taken a little while. He had been more confident in his own freedom, he’d purchased that right. Olena had been stolen in accordance with the law, but it was not one he was keen to obey.
”A while. I’ll sleep better now that you’re here with me.”
Releasing her and taking a small portion of the bread and cheese for himself as she devoured as much as she wished, he was glad she seemed to accept that she would stay with him. He’d been afraid, no more concerned really, that she would want to flee and strike out on her own, wouldn’t want his help or time, would reject his offered love. They were different humans now, adults who had grown in different ways, and there was no obligation of love between them. If she chose to leave, his heart would break and his purpose be lost, but he would let her go without protest. All he desired now was for her to be happy.
He chuckled as she declared him important, shaking his head and moving to the basin of water he kept, splashing it over his face before drying any dust from the city streets away. His tunic was off as exhaustion rolled in before he remembered why he couldn’t just carry on with his usual routine tonight. Leaving his trousers on, he toed off his shoes before moving to the door and closing it for the evening. Her question caught his attention once more as it broke the silence and he turned, trying to decipher her request.
”I’ll always try. How would you feel safest? I don’t mind the floor, it’s better here than most. I don’t want you to fear me.”
Dima considered her question for a moment, thinking back on the time since his purchased freedom. It had only been a little over a year, well no now nearly two, and he still had nightmares. Holding her a little tighter, he sighed and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Better to tell the truth or lie and say it had only taken a little while. He had been more confident in his own freedom, he’d purchased that right. Olena had been stolen in accordance with the law, but it was not one he was keen to obey.
”A while. I’ll sleep better now that you’re here with me.”
Releasing her and taking a small portion of the bread and cheese for himself as she devoured as much as she wished, he was glad she seemed to accept that she would stay with him. He’d been afraid, no more concerned really, that she would want to flee and strike out on her own, wouldn’t want his help or time, would reject his offered love. They were different humans now, adults who had grown in different ways, and there was no obligation of love between them. If she chose to leave, his heart would break and his purpose be lost, but he would let her go without protest. All he desired now was for her to be happy.
He chuckled as she declared him important, shaking his head and moving to the basin of water he kept, splashing it over his face before drying any dust from the city streets away. His tunic was off as exhaustion rolled in before he remembered why he couldn’t just carry on with his usual routine tonight. Leaving his trousers on, he toed off his shoes before moving to the door and closing it for the evening. Her question caught his attention once more as it broke the silence and he turned, trying to decipher her request.
”I’ll always try. How would you feel safest? I don’t mind the floor, it’s better here than most. I don’t want you to fear me.”
There was hesitation in his voice, like he wanted to make sure that he was picking the right answer that wouldn’t scare her away. And she hated how he had to tread carefully around her. That she had given him the idea that she would bolt if he said or did the wrong thing. And what was even worse was that a part of her would have. It was impossible for a part of her, deep down, not to think about an exit. Even if he was completely safe with her, one visit from an official would have her sneaking out the back and on the run.
Now that she was out, Olena was not going back to that life.
She was glad that he was at least aware of it, for the most part. It was nice to be able to eat, to have him close but not overbearing. It still felt odd that he was real, that fate had ripped them apart and had yet allowed the Gods to bring them back together again. Olena’s hope that he was dead had wholly to do with her own shame, but he did not seem to care that she had a past. Instead, he wanted her no matter the past. There was a chance that she would share her whole story and he still might leave. But, for this moment, he seemed happy to be reunited with her.
And she was starting to relax into the idea of being with him again, too.
She watched him remove his shirt, still surprised by the vast amount of scars that covered his body. It made her mad, but just as upset as hers had made him, she was sure. Watching him, she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on her hands as she stared at him. It was an action she’d done hundreds of times as a child, mostly when he wasn’t watching her. How long would it take for her to know this man again? Would she know the curves of his back with its new terrain? Would she have any idea how to make him happy?
Did she even know how to be happy herself?
When he turned, her cheeks flushed, but when she may have looked away as a child, she openly stared at him. There was no reason for her to pretend like she hadn’t been watching him. She smiled softly, ”I would rather have you closer than the floor, if you do not mind sleeping next to a former whore.” She moved on the bed, wanting to give him a space to know that she was serious about her wishes. ”Besides, the bed is large enough that we do not have to touch if you do not wish it.”
Maybe that was it. Maybe the idea of being close to her turned his stomach. If that were the case, there wasn’t much she could do about it.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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There was hesitation in his voice, like he wanted to make sure that he was picking the right answer that wouldn’t scare her away. And she hated how he had to tread carefully around her. That she had given him the idea that she would bolt if he said or did the wrong thing. And what was even worse was that a part of her would have. It was impossible for a part of her, deep down, not to think about an exit. Even if he was completely safe with her, one visit from an official would have her sneaking out the back and on the run.
Now that she was out, Olena was not going back to that life.
She was glad that he was at least aware of it, for the most part. It was nice to be able to eat, to have him close but not overbearing. It still felt odd that he was real, that fate had ripped them apart and had yet allowed the Gods to bring them back together again. Olena’s hope that he was dead had wholly to do with her own shame, but he did not seem to care that she had a past. Instead, he wanted her no matter the past. There was a chance that she would share her whole story and he still might leave. But, for this moment, he seemed happy to be reunited with her.
And she was starting to relax into the idea of being with him again, too.
She watched him remove his shirt, still surprised by the vast amount of scars that covered his body. It made her mad, but just as upset as hers had made him, she was sure. Watching him, she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on her hands as she stared at him. It was an action she’d done hundreds of times as a child, mostly when he wasn’t watching her. How long would it take for her to know this man again? Would she know the curves of his back with its new terrain? Would she have any idea how to make him happy?
Did she even know how to be happy herself?
When he turned, her cheeks flushed, but when she may have looked away as a child, she openly stared at him. There was no reason for her to pretend like she hadn’t been watching him. She smiled softly, ”I would rather have you closer than the floor, if you do not mind sleeping next to a former whore.” She moved on the bed, wanting to give him a space to know that she was serious about her wishes. ”Besides, the bed is large enough that we do not have to touch if you do not wish it.”
Maybe that was it. Maybe the idea of being close to her turned his stomach. If that were the case, there wasn’t much she could do about it.
There was hesitation in his voice, like he wanted to make sure that he was picking the right answer that wouldn’t scare her away. And she hated how he had to tread carefully around her. That she had given him the idea that she would bolt if he said or did the wrong thing. And what was even worse was that a part of her would have. It was impossible for a part of her, deep down, not to think about an exit. Even if he was completely safe with her, one visit from an official would have her sneaking out the back and on the run.
Now that she was out, Olena was not going back to that life.
She was glad that he was at least aware of it, for the most part. It was nice to be able to eat, to have him close but not overbearing. It still felt odd that he was real, that fate had ripped them apart and had yet allowed the Gods to bring them back together again. Olena’s hope that he was dead had wholly to do with her own shame, but he did not seem to care that she had a past. Instead, he wanted her no matter the past. There was a chance that she would share her whole story and he still might leave. But, for this moment, he seemed happy to be reunited with her.
And she was starting to relax into the idea of being with him again, too.
She watched him remove his shirt, still surprised by the vast amount of scars that covered his body. It made her mad, but just as upset as hers had made him, she was sure. Watching him, she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on her hands as she stared at him. It was an action she’d done hundreds of times as a child, mostly when he wasn’t watching her. How long would it take for her to know this man again? Would she know the curves of his back with its new terrain? Would she have any idea how to make him happy?
Did she even know how to be happy herself?
When he turned, her cheeks flushed, but when she may have looked away as a child, she openly stared at him. There was no reason for her to pretend like she hadn’t been watching him. She smiled softly, ”I would rather have you closer than the floor, if you do not mind sleeping next to a former whore.” She moved on the bed, wanting to give him a space to know that she was serious about her wishes. ”Besides, the bed is large enough that we do not have to touch if you do not wish it.”
Maybe that was it. Maybe the idea of being close to her turned his stomach. If that were the case, there wasn’t much she could do about it.
She looked so small drawn up on the bed as she was, and he remembered the posture from when they were children. It was easy to see who she had been, easier than it was to see the boy he was, but she was a new woman now. More than anything he wanted to start a life with her, take back what had been stolen from them and start again. And that meant she needed to feel safe and comfortable around him, so if she wished the bed to herself he would never argue.
When she moved instead and offered a not so veiled request that he stay by her side, his expression softened and Dima moved to sit on the bed beside her. The problem wasn’t being afraid or disgusted, it was being concerned his presence would make her uncomfortable. He wanted her as much as ever in every single way, but with her past and his own, there could be no rushing or wayward movements she wasn’t ready for.
”I’ve never wanted anything more than sleeping by your side. As long as you’re sure you want me there.”
The offer of not touching stung, and he hated how she saw herself. While it was clear she had been abused and wounded in more ways than one, in his eyes she was still his Lena.
”And, if you don’t mind, I’d very much like to be able to hold you tonight.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She looked so small drawn up on the bed as she was, and he remembered the posture from when they were children. It was easy to see who she had been, easier than it was to see the boy he was, but she was a new woman now. More than anything he wanted to start a life with her, take back what had been stolen from them and start again. And that meant she needed to feel safe and comfortable around him, so if she wished the bed to herself he would never argue.
When she moved instead and offered a not so veiled request that he stay by her side, his expression softened and Dima moved to sit on the bed beside her. The problem wasn’t being afraid or disgusted, it was being concerned his presence would make her uncomfortable. He wanted her as much as ever in every single way, but with her past and his own, there could be no rushing or wayward movements she wasn’t ready for.
”I’ve never wanted anything more than sleeping by your side. As long as you’re sure you want me there.”
The offer of not touching stung, and he hated how she saw herself. While it was clear she had been abused and wounded in more ways than one, in his eyes she was still his Lena.
”And, if you don’t mind, I’d very much like to be able to hold you tonight.”
She looked so small drawn up on the bed as she was, and he remembered the posture from when they were children. It was easy to see who she had been, easier than it was to see the boy he was, but she was a new woman now. More than anything he wanted to start a life with her, take back what had been stolen from them and start again. And that meant she needed to feel safe and comfortable around him, so if she wished the bed to herself he would never argue.
When she moved instead and offered a not so veiled request that he stay by her side, his expression softened and Dima moved to sit on the bed beside her. The problem wasn’t being afraid or disgusted, it was being concerned his presence would make her uncomfortable. He wanted her as much as ever in every single way, but with her past and his own, there could be no rushing or wayward movements she wasn’t ready for.
”I’ve never wanted anything more than sleeping by your side. As long as you’re sure you want me there.”
The offer of not touching stung, and he hated how she saw herself. While it was clear she had been abused and wounded in more ways than one, in his eyes she was still his Lena.
”And, if you don’t mind, I’d very much like to be able to hold you tonight.”