the way we work is masochistic

the evidence is on my body
but I never complain

It’s a companionable silence that the butcher packs up his things, fitting the bedroll into the pack amongst Danta’s own, and while he draws their little campfire down into nothing but embers, he finds himself glaring at the puddle of metal that’s hardened from the spike when Danta snags him. It draws him out of the dark trails his mind has gone, slowly wrapping his arms around his lover as he feels the press of his words against his neck.

Curving into the embrace and giving him a short but tight squeeze, trying to relay all of his appreciation for this in the swift and quick touch, the butcher nods. “I love you too.” He murmurs softly before they withdraw, easily letting his hand be taken, and perhaps it’s a touch too tight for the walk but he really does need it this morning.

He’s silent on the walk back, though he takes the moment to appreciate everything about the sun rising in this corner of the Climb, to relish in the fact he’d made it without any new physical scars, and with someone who understood intimately what kind of feelings he was dealing with. So much so, that the butcher does have an appetite by the time they make it back to the Grounds and to that breakfast space the Maverick had suggested.

- FIN

Astaroth

i wear it as a lesson, a curse, and a blessing