check my pulse and if I'm dead you owe me

SUNJATA

the flood

you killed a man there, and i cried
but the rain masked the hurt behind your face

Despite Nate’s awkward movement, it doesn’t feel that way for Sunjata as he presses himself in close just as much – letting the spiked coffee of the morning warm him and alleviate the initial sting of pain. His hand slips from Nate’s hair to his shoulder, wrapping around his back to the other side as he keeps him close, breathing him in, listening and feeling the vibrations of his voice. “I made him a deal with the Advocates that I wouldn’t stick my nose into his business if we got some shit to spread through the guild to Halo and the Grounds. But… I’ll hazard a guess and say that’s probably off, hm?” He mumbles against Nate’s skin, despite the slight shrug that’s granted from broad, pain filled shoulders.

But then, he realizes it too just when Nate says it, and he shifts his head to press a kiss to where the Ascended’s shoulder and neck meets. “Gods willing.” He hums, shifting a bit to settle back into the pillows a bit, taking Nate with him if he can. “I… I think at some point this season I’m going to see Safrin and try to get the daggers done.” He pulls away a bit, letting his steel gaze flicker along Nate’s face for a reaction. “Should I go before or after?” The quiet question is aired, before or after the wedding, wondering deep down if it’ll change anything.

by the way, dear, we're alive
and it hurts 'cause we survived it