It Takes Three

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero had no idea what to do. He was still trying to process his conversation with Savannah. He had been avoiding her. Part of him in his overly emotional and thus irrational state wanted to leave. Afraid of lashing out at her, or Kia. History had shown his tendency to do that when his emotions got the better of him, and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt either of them. But this . . . arrangement was difficult to take. It would have been so much easier if he could hate the woman who was not titled Empress. If he could despise her, and not want anything to do with her. But, it just so happened that Savannah was one of his closest friends.

Which made things even more uncomfortable. Especially after the conversation he had just had with her. He took several hours to let it sink in, returning to training others but his mind was not in it. It was in nothing for the rest of the day until he decided he could put it off no longer. It was inevitable: he needed to speak to Kia about this. Vero often vowed that he was willing to do anything for Kia . . . but this was . . . not something he ever thought he'd need to do. But he couldn't and considered it.

Because the sooner Savannah was pregnant, the sooner she could give birth, and the sooner this joken arrangement was dissolved. Taking a deep breath, he lightly knock on the doors of their shared chambers, before going on in. He closed the door behind him, trying to figure out how to bring this up. Then again, blunt statements were not exactly foreign to Vero. This was just of a more, delicate nature. When he saw Kia he took a few steps toward him. "Do you have a momnent?" It would take longer than a moment, but it was Vero's way of asking if Kia needed to be somewhere right now.

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Things were... strange. Kia had been married a bit over two weeks now, but had only attempted to sleep with Savannah recently. And it had been maybe one of the most embarrassing things in his life. He couldn't even become excited enough to... perform. He hadn't told Vero. How could he? Vero was uncomfortable with the entire arrangement, so he certainly wouldn't want to hear about anything regarding what he'd done with Savannah. Or anything he didn't do. Kia was doing his best to keep things between himself and Vero as casual and normal as they could be when they were alone. It was no small task, but he thought he was managing it.

So when Vero came into the room they were now sharing together and moved toward him, Kia did the same, closing the distance between them and wrapping his arms around Vero's waist. He look up at him, his gaze warm. In spite of the awkwardness, it still felt wonderful to be able to be together finally. "I always do for you," he said, pressing onto his toes and leaning up for a kiss.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero titled his head downward to meet Kia's lips in a light kiss. This was not going to be an easy conversation. Vero didn't know how many times they had . . . tried. He didn't want to know. He didn't want to hear it and preferred it happen when he wasn't anywhere near it. At least they had nights together and that eliminated any other possibility. Yet now, he would be forced to have a discussion about the very thing he had forced himself to live in ignorance about. Then again, the strong emotions he felt about it were . . . hardly nonexistant. Merely contained. For as he had previously established, he did not want to lash out at the two people he cared about.

That being said, there was a strange sort of undeniable satisfaction and pride that Vero held, in knowing that Kia could not . . . perform with Savannah. Perhaps it was selfish, petty and inconsiderate of him, but he couldn't help it. When he drew his head back, Vero looked at Kia and debated whether to just hold him for the night, or bring up the subject. No. He should bring it up before . . . things took a more physical turn.

Otherwise, he would put it off. And, Savannah had told Vero for a reason. Vero inwardly cursed, having no joken clue how to say this. "I spoke to Savannah today." Kia's wife. Jok of that was agitating to think of. "She told me of both your . . . unsuccessful attempts." Yes. Very awkward, and just to add more meaning to what he was referring to, Vero's eyes trailed downward on Kia, resting on the required area before slowly raising his gaze up again to meet Kia's face. Vero's own expression holding clear discomfort and annoyance that he had to talk about Kia and Savannah's sex life.

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Kia's smile grew a little at the kiss Vero offered, but when he rolled back onto his heels to look at Vero, he noticed Vero didn't offer a smile back. Vero's words of speaking to Savannah caused Kia's smile to fade slightly, his eyes widening in curiosity... and then his smile slid off completely when Vero finished, looking down at the offending appendage before looking back up. Sudden embarrassment and shame swept over Kia and he leaned away from Vero a bit without letting him go, his head turning to look away past Vero's body.

"It's... unfortunate that having children requires a woman," he commented, clear discomfort in his words that might have been a joke in another context. There was a slight hurt creeping in under the shame and embarrassment that Savannah would tell Vero this. "I.. we will... find some way. You don't need to think about such things," he added, finally looking back at Vero, hoping the sincerity of those words came through.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero noticed Kia's reaction, but then of course, it wasn't subtle. And understandably so. It was an uncomfortable subject, more so that they had to have this discussion. Vero couldn't agree more though; it was indeed unfortunate that a woman was required. Vero shared this exact thought when they had initially spoken on the subject of this entire arrangement. When Kia met Vero's gaze once more, it was with his words of Vero not having to think of this. How he wished he didn't.

But Savannah had come to him for a reason, and it wasn't to gossip about the Emperor. It was about trying to find a way to resolve it. "The longer it takes, the longer this marriage will be forced to last." And Vero longed for the day they could be together. While they were now, he still hated that Kia was committed to another in the public eye. Even more so that it was because Vero could not give him what he needed.

A child. Vero braced himself, eyes raising to the ceiling for a moment as he spoke the next words. "Would my presence be helpful?" He asked, before his gaze lowered back to Kia. Savannah had mentioned the option of having Vero there to help . . . faciliate things. Vero was curious to hear Kia's thoughts on the possibility. Because Vero would do anything for the man he loved . . . even potentially this.

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"I know; I'm sorry," Kia said quickly to Vero's first words. This was not a comfortable arrangement for any of them, and Kia felt added guilt that it could be his fault if they had to drag this out for longer than necessary. He just wasn't sure what the solution was yet. Savannah was the ideal candidate for this arrangement. Someone who Kia was usually comfortable with, outside of the more intimate things they'd done recently. Someone who would not get attached or grow too fond of the lifestyle of an empress. The solution could not be to simply try again with another woman.

Kia watched as Vero lifted his gaze, then asked a question... Kia wasn't ever expecting to hear. He felt his expression fall into confusion immediately, his lips curving into something mocking a smile because if Vero didn't look so serious, Kia might have laughed at the idea. "What?" he blurted, before he could stop himself. "You don't want to do that," he said. Vero was already uncomfortable enough without being involved. And he was closer to Savannah than Kia was. "Surely Sav doesn't want that either," he added.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero didn't want Kia to apologize for this. It wasn't his fault what family he was born into; that he was a man that would lead the entire clan one day . . . and now did. Vero had always told himself that they could never be together, and while they went against this . . . the struggle now came to find ways to ensure they stayed together. Vero may not like what it involved, but there was no alternative. He continued to look at Kia, the shock at the idea to be expected. Vero had been surprised to hear it suggested to.

But, there was sense in it. And Vero would do what he could to speeden this entire process. "It was her joken suggestion," Vero explained when Kia said that Savannah wouldn't want this either. Vero somehow managed to maintain eye contact with Kia as he continued. "Besides, none of us want this." The marriage. Vero, Kia, Savannah . . . none of them actually wanted this arrangement. "It was born out of necessity." Because Kia was Emperor and Savanah was a joken good friend. Vero clenched his jaw a little . . . knowing that he was trying to convince himself fo this as well. He hadn't exactly fully accepted the idea. "Perhaps, this is too." Maybe it was necessary for him to be present. Just another necessity that they would have to endure.

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Kia blinked in confusion when Vero stated Savannah had suggested it. But the expression slowly faded as Vero went on, saying none of them wanted this, and that maybe her idea was born of ot necessity just like Kia's marriage was.

Oh. Ohh. Kia hadn't considered why Sav might tell Vero about what happened, but this was why she'd told him. Savannah had thought of a solution to their problem, one that had never occurred to Kia, nor would he ever have suggested it if he had. For a moment, Kia lowered his gaze, his frown thoughtful as the idea sunk in. It... sounded incredibly awkward. But could it work? And would it be worth it if it made things more uncomfortable with Vero.

Kia looked up at Vero again, his gaze somewhere between concerned and sympathetic. "You would do that for me?" he asked softly, lifting one hand from Vero's waist to cup his cheek.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero continued to watch Kia, letting the idea properly sink in . . . seeing that the shock of it was subsiding and perhaps, actual consideration. Vero as doing the same, otherwise he never would be bringing this up to Kia. But he was doing it, to see if that was something that Kia would prefer to try. Vero wasn't going to risk this awkward conversation for nothing. There was a very distinct purpose to it. When Kia looked at him, he then asked whether he would do this for him.

Vero felt the comfort of his touch, practically warm his entire body as he cupped his cheek, instinctively leaning into his touch. Vero's own eyes locked onto Kia's. "I would do anything for you." His words filled with the utmost sincerity. He would do anything for the man he loved. "I only wish I could do the impossible and give you a child." That a woman was not truly needed. Words coming from jest but the joviality lacked on Vero's features. "But if I can't, and this is all that I hold power to do . . . then I would. For you." He wanted to make that abundantly clear. That he was willing to do any joken thing for Kia.

[Deleted]

Vero stated he would do anything for Kia, and Kia did not doubt it. Vero had, after all, done everything Kia had ever asked of him, even long before Kia was Emperor, or before Vero knew that he would be. Still, knowing it and hearing it were two different things, and in this context, Kia could not help being overwhelmed by the words. Kia asked Vero every day to fight and die for him as his general, and yet this ask seemed far greater still.

His lips curved into a small, sad smile at Vero's words of wishing he could give him a child. It was a silly wish, but one Kia had thought of may times himself. He listened as Vero finished, his smile fading, his thumb moving to stroke Vero's cheek. "I do not wish to bring you distress," he said softly. "I know this... arrangement has been difficult for you." As it had been for Kia and Savannah as well. But if this could work, they could end it sooner, and Kia couldn't help but feel slightly relieved at the idea of Vero's presence in a situation he had felt so lost and inadequate in without him. Still, concern for Vero was forefront in his mind. "If this could cause any distance between us, I would rather continue attempt alone." Though the thought was daunting.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero listened as Kia spoke of not wanting to case him distress, acknowledging the difficulty of this arrangement. Something that could be said for all. And then stating that he'd rather not do this if it would cause any distance between them. Vero took in his words, aware that him agreeing to it was just words . . . until actually put in action. And truth be told, he had no idea what it would result in. "Would you rather make attempt alone again?" He asked, only somewhat rhetorically . . . for Vero had a feeling he knew the answer to that question.


"I feel what has happened, caused you distress as well." Something that Vero did not want. Besides, Savannah would not have come to him if she thought this a problem that was easy to overcome. Vero hadn't asked the details of what had happened when they tried but he could imagine. Not that he wanted to. "If my presence will help . . . then do not concern yourself with distress it may cause me. Prolonging this will only make worse." For all of them. This arrangement was temporary and the sooner it ended, the better it was for everyone.

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Kia's lips pulled to the side a little when Vero asked if he would rather attempt it alone again, his answer clear on his face. It was easy to remain stoic, to hide his feelings when it came to matters of politics or dealing with other leaders, but when he was alone with Vero, it was impossible. He lowered his gaze between them when Vero spoke of feeling as though what happened caused him distress, a frown forming on his face as he listened to what Vero said as he continued. He considered Vero's words for a moment before sighing and lowering his hand from Vero's cheek. He wrapped both arms around Vero's middle and pulled him into a hug, pressing his cheek to Vero's shoulder.

"I fear asking me not to concern myself with your level of discomfort is an impossible request to fulfill." When it came to personal matters, anyway. They both knew that on some occasions, Kia would have to put their people over Vero, as he'd been forced to do when Vero's brother was taken by the Mountain. But in personal matters, and any others where Kia was able, Vero's comfort would always be a priority. "You are my priority in all things where I can make it so." This insanity they were living right now would not even be happening if Kia did not wish for them to eventually be together fully, publicly. "It was always going to be distressing to me," he added, going back to Vero's earlier words. "If that was not the case, I would not have delayed marriage as long as I did." He could have taken a wife almost immediately upon taking the throne. He was young, immediately popular, and attractive enough, he thought. There was no shortage of women available to him. But it was now four years into his rulership, and he hadn't so much as considered marriage until he and Vero had confessed their love for one another, even when his advisers encouraged it. After a moment, he smiled faintly and pressed his lips to Vero's neck. "I did have offers," he said, his words teasing, because... well, they both knew there were plenty of women who would have happily taken the title of Empress. But he'd refused them all. "But the only person I ever wanted was already standing by my side."

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero could see by the expression on his face, that he'd rather not try attempt alone again. Though Vero felt he knew Kia well enough to say that, his reaction only reaffirmed his position on the subject. When he wrapped his arms around him, Vero returned the gesture, moving his own arms to wrap around Kia, holding him agains this body, moving one hand to casually and gently rest on the back of Kia's head. Vero couldn't help but feel the honor of Kia's words, hearing him say that he would always be concerned about his comfort. Vero knew that through Kia's actions but seeing it, hearing it, was never something he took for granted. Especially after how long it took them to actually allow themselves to be together.

Vero smiled, drawing his head back a little so that he could look at Kia, his hand moving from the back of his head to his cheek, gently caressing it with affection clear in his gaze. "As are you." Though, there was not a great deal of exception in his voice. After all, Vero did not have limitations to how he would prioritize Kia. Though Kia was Emperor and that position could not be forgotten by either of them. Vero listened to Kia's next words of how it was always going to be distressing, teasing him over the idea of getting proposals. It was not something that Vero had no knowledge about. Others who would advise Kia often asked Vero why he would not accept. You know him better than most they would say, in attempt to convince Kia to wed. The irony of it often casting a glaring, murderous look from Vero that eventually convinced them to drop the subject with him; and never broach it again.

Fortunately, the reason as to why was not quite known. "And I had always braced myself that you would have to soon accept one of those offers," Vero told him, having had tried to convince himself that it was what was needed of an Emperor. If it had actually happened though, Vero doubted he would handle it well. His smile grew hearing Kia tell him that the only person he wanted, was always standing by his side. He couldn't help but lean forward to kiss Kia's lips in how the sentiment of his words affected him. Easing out of it, his hand remained on Kia's cheek. "This . . . arrangement--" Which was the best thing he could phrase it as. "Is perhaps the only option we had." To be together. "So let's get it joken overwith. So that I can proudly stand by your side, as someone apart from a general." As the man who loved him.