(no subject)

[hiswifeahorse]

WHAT An autumn day in the park
WHERE The park, or out & about
WHEN Day 57, probably

[It's a bit chilly, but the air is crisp and leaves crunch underfoot if you're making your way through the park—on an #aesthetic walk, maybe, taking pictures for Instagram.]

[There . . . was a 20-year-old farmhand hanging out on a bench playing around with an acoustic guitar, occasionally working up to a melody. But now there's an older-looking gentleman wearing the same clothes, with mostly-white hair and looking, uh, very confused.]

[. . . after a moment he just haltingly finishes off that song. Because what else do you do in this sort of situation.]

[Vanyel, previously twicebonded is All Aged Up. Feel free to recognize him, or not. Stats here.]

Comments

[hiswifeahorse]

If you're sure . . .

[abardacttofollow]

Vanyel, you...died. You died, and I... [swallows] I love the smaller you, I'm so glad to get to know you at different parts of your life I could never have experienced otherwise. I don't have a single regret for these weeks, and for loving you like that, but I also wasn't sure I would ever see the man he becomes again.

[hiswifeahorse]

[he tightens his grip on Stefen, a spasm of grief crossing his face]

. . . I know. I'm sorry.

[abardacttofollow]

No, I don't....! I don't hold it against you. Honestly. Honestly. It's just a lot to... process?

[hiswifeahorse]

[a gentle touch of Vanyel's presence, loving and reassuring]

And that's why I was asking.

[abardacttofollow]

I, need to hold you again?

[hiswifeahorse]

. . . I'm yours to hold.

[abardacttofollow]

[wrinkles his nose and hugs him]

[hiswifeahorse]

[kisses the top of his head]

[abardacttofollow]

Can you tell me what you're thinking?

[hiswifeahorse]

I've . . . gained some space, I think. From—. . .

[abardacttofollow]

[puts his face in Van's shoulder]

[hiswifeahorse]

From everything.

I don't know if there's more I'll need to . . . deal with. Later. But for now—I think it's alright . . . not to?

[abardacttofollow]

If you do, and if you need anything, I'll do my best.

[hiswifeahorse]

I know you will.

[abardacttofollow]

I don't want you to feel you have to ... give me anything right now except your company, love.

[hiswifeahorse]

Kisses?

[abardacttofollow]

I DO love kisses.

[hiswifeahorse]

Somehow I'd gotten that impression!

[abardacttofollow]

I can't imagine how.

[hiswifeahorse]

Mm. And more than that?

[as they head into the elevator]

[abardacttofollow]

Have you gotten that impression?

[hiswifeahorse]

You've been dropping . . . hints. Here, and . . .

There.

[abardacttofollow]

Oooh, where and where?

[hiswifeahorse]

I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty. You might have to remind me?

[voice going softer]