What We Have Means More Than Anything

[Deleted]

Kia spent the time it took to gather their warriors to leave Polis fighting his weariness. Everything hurt, and he wasn't sure how he was still on his feet, but he gave a few weak orders, and climbed into the back of the wagon their people had brought when they came into Polis, more thankful for it than he could express, because no way could he or Vero ride a horse right now. They'd lost one of their fighters, who would be honored once they were back in Yujleda territory and capable of the ceremony. Another had been injured and was in the back of the wagon, being tended to by Sav. Kia settled close enough to Vero--who he'd practically had to order into the wagon to rest earlier--that they were touching and glanced over at her. "Wake me if anything happens, should I fall asleep," he told her, then tilted his head back and closed his eyes. But after a moment, he could not stop himself from turning his body slightly toward Vero and settling against him, his face pressed to the front of Vero's shoulder. The only other person in the wagon to see was Sav, and Kia was fairly certain she would have picked up more about Kia and Vero's feeling this day than she ever would have before, so... Kia couldn't bring himself to care.

He didn't remember anything after that until they arrived in Yujleda, and he woke slumped more against Vero's body, and feeling stiffer than he had before. He groaned as he tried to straighten, part in pain and part because he didn't want to move away. After what they'd been through, he never wanted to deny his feelings again. Kia waited for the injured man to be taken to medical, and exited the wagon with Vero, standing close enough to the other man he could lean on him if needed. He ordered most of his men to rest, a few of them to make sure their fallen was properly prepared for his funeral before resting, then looked at Vero. "I would have a word," he said softly, then started toward the mansion, still keeping very close to Vero in case he needed support.

Instead of heading for their strategy room or the throne room, however, he lead them to his personal quarters, turning to gaze up into Vero's eyes, not bothering to disguise the love he felt for the man any longer. "Stay with me," he murmured. "I can't bear the thought of being apart from you any more." He started gently pulling Vero toward his bed, not bothering to change into clothes for sleeping. They were both too tired, and Vero had lost a lot of blood. "We don't have to speak tonight, just stay with me."

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

The worst seemed to be over. But the recovery from it would not be easy. They had lost one of their own in this entire ordeal and while there was some relief that the numbers were not higher, there was sadness in their fallen brother. Kia was making sure he was well honored, and Vero would do what he could to ensure it was well. But neither of them were capable of doing much else in this moment. Vero remained close to Kia, as he always did, for the man looked weak. Perhaps it was what aided in the conviction to have Vero sit in the back of the wagon. That, and Vero -- as much as he despised admitting it -- knew he could not hold the reigns of a horse. Not with two holes in his wrists. And well, he felt weak. The blood loss, injury, and physical exertion. Emotionally as well, and while he could not speak it, he felt the need to be near Kia. He needed him.

So after some convincing, he conceded and positioned himself next to Kiawah as the wagon started off. He looked at Savannah, who remained with one of their own who was injured . . . though Vero struggled to keep his eyes open. He did not miss the fact that Kia told Savannah to wake him, not Vero . . . and while the General wanted to remain awake, feeling Kia's head upon his shoulder as he drifted . . . it was impossible. Soon enough, his body protested to remaining conscious, as he quickly slipped into a sleep, his head tilting toward Kia's that rested against him, Vero's cheek now laying against the top of Kia's head. But his sleep was not without dreams. Nightmares. Images, reminders of the crucifixsion, but more disturbing yet . . . the image of a gun pointed to Kia's head. Everything flashed through his mind so rapidly, that he woke with a jolt and slight gasp, eyes flying open, and seeing as well as feeling the reminder of Kia; that he was alive.

When they got out, Kia gave the orders and then told Vero he wanted to talk. Vero gave a small nod, remaining close to the younger male, forcing each step . . . just as he was certain Kia was doing too. Vero did not fail to notice that Kia was not leading them to the usual places. But rather, his quarters. And Vero made no protest. He just silently followed him inside, as if this was so normal for them to do. Which, it was not. Vero had kept his feelings for Kia silent all this time. Not daring to speak the love he held for the man. But right now, he could not bring himself to protest. He lacked the strength as well as . . . desire. He had almost watched Kia die, because of him. He needed the reminder that he was not dead. That he was here, with him, alive. It would be the only thing that eased his heart right now. They could go back to the way things were tomorrow, but right now . . . he needed Kia.

The way he looked at Vero was returned by Vero's own gaze. Unguarded; a rarity for the general but recent events had taken their toll. His words made Vero's heart swell with emotion, knowing that the idea of being apart right now was unbearable for him too . . . just as it was for Vero. He didn't know what words could express just how much he felt this too, so he let his actions speak for it. Following him to the bed. They didn't have to speak, and Vero feared that if he tried . . . words of his love for Kia would fall from his tongue. Which, he couldn't allow. He had endured them for years, he could keep it unspoken for more time.

So to silence the threat of them, Vero leaned forward, tilting his head down a little so that his lips rest on the top of Kia's head in a gentle kiss. Letting it linger. Letting the contact warm his body. Eventually, he pulled away, sitting on the edge of the bed, belatedly realizing that he had instinctively taken Kia's hand in his own, though his grip was week, fingers barley curled around Kia's due to his injuries. "I don't want to be anywhere else." Words finally escaping him as he looked affectionately at Kia who stood before him. Eager to just hold him in his arms and let themselves ignore the world and all that prevented them from being together.

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Kia felt his heart flood with even more emotion, seeing the affection in his gaze returned in Vero's, feeling Vero follow him to bed without protest, the way Vero's hand curled around his as they moved. The press of Vero's lips to his forehead. Kia almost wanted to cry. He'd mostly managed to push down the pain of having to not act upon his affection for the other man, but what they could have lost... What they had been given by this nightmare: a reason to confront it. Kia was only able to let out a relieved huff of breath when Vero finally spoke. lifting their joined hands for moment to brush his lips to Vero's knuckles, praying the movement did not pain Vero too much. Then he let go to pull his shoes off, crouching in front of Vero after to remove his as well.

Standing again, he resisted the overwhelming urge to climb onto Vero's lap and kiss him. Neither of them were up for too much physical activity. Kia could not resist sliding both of his hands into Vero's hair, though, and leaning over to press his forehead to Vero's. For a moment he just stayed there, drinking in the feeling of being so close, breathing in the moment... until he could resist no longer. Slowly, giving Vero plenty of time to pull away or tell him to stop, his hands slid around to Vero's cheeks. Kia's breath was starting to shake as he pressed closer, feeling like sparks flew up his spine as he finally pressed his lips to Vero's for the first time in far too long. The kiss was tender, undemanding, letting Vero control how much he wanted from it.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero watched Kia affectionately as he brushed his fingers on his knuckles, his touch holding the power to heal him. Perhaps not physically, but emotionally, mentally. Healing of the heart, which Vero had needed so many times, and Kia always manage to hold that ability to do so. His affection remained, added to it was awe, as Kia moved down before him to take off his shoes. The joken Emperor of Yujleda, crouched before him, removing his shoes for him . . . but no. He was not the Emperor in this moment.

He was Kia. And Vero wanted to pretend, even just for tonight, that it was his Kia, just as Vero belonged to Kiawah. He couldn't speak, winded by the surge of emotions that consumed every part of his body, heart, mind and soul. All consuming. Which only intensified as he slid his hands into his hair, their foreheads touching. Vero felt his heart beat heavier in his chest, Kia's warm breath drawing closer. Vero closed his eyes, basking in this moment, soaking it in, pouring every thing he had into it. His lips inched nearer and nearer, and Vero could only feel his heart thud with anticipation. Until their lips finally touched.

This kiss, felt different than all the others. It did not hold the same playfulness as it might have in their early years. Not the same emotional charge when their feelings got the better of them. No. This kiss, was different. As if it held more of a promise to it. More hope. Perhaps it was naive, foolish and even dangerous for Vero to think such things . . . but he couldn't help it. It was as if this kiss, solidified everything. Knowing, they would rather die than see the other person harmed. A feeling proven through action. So how now could they continue to deny their feelings for each other? The answer was simple.

They couldn't.

Vero's hands slowly moved to Kia's hips, gently rested on each one as he parted his lips to tenderly deepen the kiss, breathing into it, soaking in Kia's taste and the emotions that came along with it. His soft hands and lips upon him . . . Vero felt alive. Truly alive. One of Vero's hands raised to brush against Kia's cheek, slowly trailing to the back of his head. His grip was practically nonexstant, still not able to flex his fingers or curl them without causing strain to his wrist.

But he could at least brush his finger tips on the back of Kia's head. Vero's body began to instinctively lean back, his hands remaining in place on Kia and hoping, the younger male would move back with him so that they could lie down comfortably; so that they could hold each other. And all the while, Vero didn't dare part his lips from Kia's . . . needing him to continue to breathe life back into him.

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When he felt Vero's hands on his hips and the way Vero invited more from the kiss, the sparks shooting up Kia's spine started to fire in all directions through his body. Somehow through his exhaustion, he felt thrills running through him. This was nothing like any kiss they'd shared before, but it somehow eclipsed them all, at least in this moment. Kia made a small noise into the kiss, something that sounded like a mix between a whimper and a sound of relief as he deepened the kiss a bit more, feeling heat flood through him at the touch of Vero's hand against his cheek and hair.

Vero did not seem interested in ending the kiss as he leaned back, though he didn't pull Kia forward. He couldn't. So Kia moved with him, climbing onto the bed straddling Vero when he had to to keep the contact of their mouths. Nothing else seemed to matter right now but the connection between them, the taste of Vero's tongue. His hands didn't roam Vero's body. Thought his own body responded with pleasure, this wasn't about sex, and he doubted either of them could truly even become aroused right now. His fingers stroked Vero's cheeks, one moving down to brush over his Adam's apple. His body pressed to Vero's felt perfect, like they fit, and he half-wished he could stay in this moment forever.

He let out a low hum of pleasure mixed with so much need, emotional need, but finally had to break the kiss to catch his breath, dropping small kisses over Vero's cheek as he did. "I need you," he panted. And whle he said they didn't have to talk, the next words came out before he could stop them. "I love you."

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero felt like he was swimming in a sea of euphoria . . . the continued touch of their lips beyond incredible. A sensation that Vero had feared never feeling again, yet that fear was being pushed further and further from his mind. When he regained any semblance of sense, he would be far too aware of how this couldn't happen. But he hoped he stayed in this madness forever. Because it felt too good to ever deny themselvs again. Once his back rested against the bed, Kia sitting astride him, Vero tilting his chin up a little, his tongue slowly pushing in between Kia's liips to explore his mouth. To coax it open so that he could quench this thirst that had been burning within him for so long. The added touch of Kia's hands on his cheeks and neck, as Vero felt his chest rise and fall with heavy breaths, consumed by all that Kia was making him feel.

Kiawah eased out of the kiss, but fortunately did not go too far, as he placed them on his cheeks. Words of need causing Vero to heavily exhale at just how much those words effected him. His hand still on the back of Kia's head, gently stroking it as he basked in Kiawah's attentions over him. He cuold lay like this forever; hold Kia forever. His next words pulled Vero out of this trance. Or perhaps, delved him deeper into it. He didn't know, nor did he care to determine it. All he could focus on was the spoken words. The decleration of love. It swelled his heart, and made his entire body flood with emotions he never thought capable of. He loved Kia, but to hear it spoken from him . . . he wondered if it was a dream. If he was just imagining it, exhaustion finally taking its full effect. Vero's hand moved to Kia's cheek, gently nudging him back so that he could look into his eyes.

His gaze did not indicate that Vero was imagining the words. No. They held emotion and Vero felt his eyes moisten. Overwhelmed, but every single thing that was happening between them. His fingers brushed against Kia's cheek, eyes glazed over with affection and . . . love. So much love. And he needed to say it. All hesitation, all denial that he'd been forced to maintain crumbled in this moment. Any rationality or forced acceptance. He didn't care anymore. He didn't want to fight it anymore. "I love you too." Words that sounded so foreign, but ones he could say over and over again with the utmost sincerity. "I love you, so much," he breathed, raising his head a little so that he could press his lips against Kia's in a passionate embrace; one to express how he felt. To pour his emotions into it and while there was always need for Kia, the kiss encompassed everything he felt for him. It held love.

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Kia pulled back when he felt Vero's gentle push, his gaze meeting Vero's green eyes without hesitation. His own expression held all the love he felt, mixed with regret that he hadn't spoken those words sooner and hope that Vero would forgive him that and they could be together. He didn't know how, but... this was bigger than them both. It felt that way, anyway. He saw Vero's eyes moisten as he gazed up, and felt his own eyes water in response, his earlier desire to cry just from how overwhelming this felt returning. The way Vero returned his gaze with such love only made him feel more overwhelmed. And then Vero returned words of love, and Kia felt like he must still be in a dream.

But when Vero's lips pressed to his again, Kia felt all the passion from Vero, and it made him feel grounded again. This was better than the City of Light. Kia's body was aching and burning, but this was still better. Not only was there no pain in the City of Light, there could be no true love either, if he could have done what he did to Vero. Their tongues slid together with so much want that Kia felt breathless, but he didn't pull away until one of the tears clinging to his eyelashes fell to Vero's cheek. Gravity was not on Kia's side when it came to not letting them fall.

He huffed am almost amused breath, pulling back to wipe Vero's cheek... and then felt suddenly strangely giddy at the ridiculousness of this, crying on Vero's face as they kissed, but also just feeling too much relief and joy to care. He breathed a more genuine laugh, wiping his eyes before more tears fell, then just gazed at Vero so a few moments, his fingers stroking Vero's cheeks, knowing the smile on his face looked pained, but also aware of the love in his eyes. "I shouldn't be on top of you like this," he murmured. Vero was still weak and did not need his weight. "We need to rest." He should slide off Vero and urge them up to the top of the bed so they could rest their heads on the pillows, but Kia was reluctant to move.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero felt the wetness of a tear, seeing more fall from Kia as he drew back. Vero's hand moved up to gently brush away any stray ones that were left after Kia's own cleansing of them. To see him overwhelmed with such emotion . . . well, it was certainly a mutual feeling. Vero had never wanted to make Kia cry, though these kinds of tears were of a different nature. One that wasn't a result of heartache or pain. Vero's soft smile slowly began to fade when Kia suggested that he shouldn't be on top of him. A fleeting thought, or fear rather that realization was starting to dawn on him, and the harsh reality of their lives was crashing onto them like a weight that they always carried. Despite tone and demeanour, the fear trumped all other indications that would have set Vero's mind at ease. This fear however, lasted mere seconds when Kia finished his words.

Saying that they needed to rest. Vero felt it nearly impossible to move from this seemingly perfect position . . . yet the temptation of resting was also too great to pass up. Especially seeing the exhaustion on Kia's features and the way he carried himself. Vero knew that he had pushed himself for his own sake, to help him with what he had been through. And he would now have the other male rest, and hold him while he did so. Vero's hand on his cheek moved to brush back a loose strand of his hair. "Yet it feels so right," he said with a smile, an almost tease, when referencing Kia's words of how he shouldn't be on him. Vero raised his head slightly to kiss Kia's other cheek before continuing to speak. "We should," he breathed in agreement. "And I would like to hold you while we do." Despite any wounds that may hinder this. He wanted to feel Kia wrapped around his arms, dreading the moment he would have to let go.

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Kia smiled down at Vero as he brushed his hair out of his face, his gaze going even warmer at Vero's words. That being like this felt right. "It feels perfect," he agreed, lowering his head to kiss Vero lips again briefly after Vero kissed his cheek. Vero then agreed they should rest, and said he wanted to hold Kia while they did. "Then I will take comfort in your arms the way I've only dreamed for many years." he kissed Vero again, slowly, tenderly, and then reluctantly he shifted off of Vero and guided them up the bed, where Vero could rest his head on a pillow.

Kia chose Vero's shoulder over a pillow and wrapped his arm around Vero's chest, his leg going to loop over Vero's leg closest him. He did not want an inch between them. He breathed in the scent of Vero for several long moments, his exhaustion and the comfort of this quickly relaxing. He would not be awake much longer. "Sleep, love. We will talk in the morning," he mumured, using what was left of his energy to kiss Vero's neck.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

Note: Lapsed it to morning! Let me know if you want me to edit anything!

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Perfect. That was the best word to describe it. To be able to lay with him here, right now, like this. Uncaring of what it meant when their lips touched. Revealing of such deeply felt words. Whatever happened in the future, in their future . . . Vero would never forget this moment. He smiled in response to Kiawah's words of finding comfort in his arms, a dream that was mutually felt, disallowing themselves the experience of it. Until now. Vero shifted with Kia, his arm wrapping around the younger male from behind as Kia nestled against his shoulder.

Vero held him close, enjoying the sensation of his leg hooked around him, arms wrapped, while Vero's own were around Kia's shoulders and his other casually draped around his front. Vero let out a slow, heavy breath, soaking in this perfect moment. The feeling of Kia in his arms . . . the incredible sensation. His words only adding to it. Love. Vero feared when the sun rose, and they may be forced to part ways. And yet, this time, he felt more set on fighting for this, for them. With all they had been through, all they had nearly lost . . . and now all that was revealed. Vero's eyes remained closed, tilting his head so that his lips were against the top of Kia's head.

"I love you," he breathed, words so naturally spoken despite their infrequency. With that, Vero drifted into a slumber. One void of nightmares. Perhaps it would not be a common thing but for now, he awoke peacefully. First, the feeling of Kia in his arms made him briefly wonder if this was an extended dream from last night. But as he slowly opened his eyes, with the morning sun peeking through the window, a small, soft smile formed on his lips, knowing that it was no dream. It was real. Vero just watched Kia sleep for a few moments, not daring to move as he didn't wish to wake Kia from his much needed rest. He just gently touched Kia's forehead with his lips in a light kiss, finding this was the most amazing way to wake up. In the arms of the man that he loved.

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Kia tried to return the words of love, but he only muttered something unintelligible as he fell asleep. It was one of the most restful sleeps he could remember having, and while that was probably in no small part due to his body's exhaustion, Kia knew as he woke slowly the next morning that the man in his arms had a lot to do with it too. He didn't move, or even open his eyes for a long time, just wanting to memorize this moment. Bask in it. They had shared a bed before, but never had they stayed long enough to be together in the morning.

He sucked in a slow breath at the feel of Vero's lips on his forehead, iindicating Vero was awake too, and he smiled automatically. "Did you sleep well?" he whispered. Judging by how he didn't think they'd moved since they fell asleep, Kia thought he probably had. He slid one hand up to touch Vero's cheek, sleepily petting it, as he wasn't ready to wake up entirely. His muscles burned more now than they had yesterday, but he tried not to think about it.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero smiled at Kia's question, takingin the beautiful sight of Kia's own smile. The unguarded, unburdened look of the Emperor. Of the man he loved. It almost felt too good to be true, and perhaps it was. But Vero would not dare ruin this moment. Vero slightly turned his head, so that his lips could brush against the palm of Kia's hand placed on his cheek in a gentle kiss, freeing his mouth only to answwer his question.

"The best I have ever slept," he admitted with the utmost sincerity. This was not the first time they had shared a bed together . . . but it was the first time they had let go of the restraints that kept them apart. And truly admitted their love for one another. The solace that brought, the comfort of Kia's arms . . . made last night, and this morning beyond incredible. "You?" Vero asked, returning the question. He leaned down, placing another soft kiss on Kia's cheek. "How are you feeling?" Vero inquired, wanting to know how his injuries were, and whether there was cause to have a healer present, or go to one.

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Kia felt his smile widen slowly as Vero kissed his palm and then answered his question. He still didn't open his eyes or otherwise move, letting his hand lower to rest against Vero's neck. He listened to Vero's questions, not answering for a moment, just drawing a deep breath and basking in this feeling. "Slept well," he said after a moment, "feel utterly terrible." His smile didn't fade, though.

He finally opened his eyes and looked up at Vero, wincing slightly at the movement. "But if I must be in pain, this is the best possible scenario for it," he murmured. "When I can move, I'll have someone draw a hot bath for us," he added, tilting his chin up for a kiss. The tub was large enough, and a hot soak might help his muscles feel less stiff. He hoped Vero would join him, as he wished.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

On the one hand, Vero was relieved to hear that Kia had slept well. On the other, he hated to hear that the man he loved was in pain. Wishing he could do something to rid the other of it. Vero's gaze remained fixed on Kia as he opened his eyes, a soft smile on the older male's face. Hearing him say that if he had to be in pain, this was the best scenario. "I wish I could make it better, and have you in none," he stated, vocalizing his thoughts. His next words sent a surge of excitement through Vero.

The thought of sharing a bath. Something that they didn't dare do . . . and yet something that Vero suddenly desperately wanted. He moved his head over Kia's so that he could kiss him properly, slowly, deeply. When he eased out of it he looked upon his love once more. "What happens now, Kia?" Vero asked as he gently caressed Kia's cheek with his finger tips, his hand and wrist still sensitive from his own wounds.

He knew that it was the inevitable conversation. They needed to figure out what came next. Both had admitted their feelings for one another, and Vero felt it impossible to go back to the way things were. He didn't want to. But then, what Vero wanted was never important. Kia was the Emperor and Vero offered him nothing, apart from his heart and the promise that no one could love Kia as much as he did.

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Kia only smiled when Vero spoke of wishing he could have Kia not be in pain. The feeling was shared, as he knew Vero's own wounds would take some time to heal. But when Vero shifted, all Kia could do was enjoy the deep kiss Vero offered, the touch of his fingers against Kia's cheek. This felt like a dream, but one Kia never wanted to wake from. When Vero pulled back and asked his question, it was a reminder that this was no dream, but Kia felt too good in this moment to tense or worry.

"We rest. We take a bath," he said softly, holding Vero's gaze, knowing the affection he often had to withhold would be evident now. "We have breakfast," he continued, a smile growing on his lips at how utterly domestic what he was suggesting was. He kissed Vero again briefly. His smile faded again at his next words, his hand moving to cup Vero's elbow. "We see you healed. We honor the dead." Another kiss. "We will figure out the rest in time."

Tag: @vero