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[knowledgeordeath]

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[samahl]

[Cyril sits with him and gets comfortable. His hand lingers for a moment on Kolivan's arm, almost the same spot he had touched in their shared dream.]

You know, the way my people greet one another is a saying from our lost language. All we have is bits and pieces of what was once ours, and it was one of the things we've recovered.

'Aneth ara.' It basically means "my safe place" or "welcome, you are safe with me."

[A pause, as he lets that sink in.]

Aneth ara, Kolivan. How are you today?

[knowledgeordeath]

[He looks over at him, listening to him. It's...a kind saying. And to have it be in a lost language as well.

Kolivan becomes more surprised when he greets him with it. He's...safe with Cyril. Eyes wide, he lets that sink in before lowering his gaze again.]

I am well. Though I doubt you are considering my physical condition.

[samahl]

Are you kidding? I love considering your physical condition. I'm considering it plenty right now. [He means that in the dirtiest way you can imagine, Kolivan.]

But also, everything else too.

[knowledgeordeath]

I have to wonder when you are not considering my condition in such a fashion.

[He shakes his head a little but he's not trying to discourage Cyril in his flirtations.]

I will be fine. You don't need to be concerned about me.

[samahl]

I can't think of any moment when I'm not. [Cyril teases lightly.]

And I will be concerned about you, because I have a habit of worrying about my friends.

[knowledgeordeath]

I see.

[Cyril is truly...a good person at heart. It becomes easier for him to see why he's not sure if he deserves it.]

As you saw, I have survived worse. I will be fine.

[samahl]

I don't doubt that you'll survive, Kolivan. What I want is to make sure you have a good time while you're doing it.

[knowledgeordeath]

I'm still adjusting to you caring so much about my well being.

[samahl]

I've heard that before. It's in my nature to want to make people comfortable. So really, by going along with it you're doing me a favor.

[knowledgeordeath]

I see.

[He knows it isn't something people are fond of but he offers the protein for Cyril to have some.]

Make sure you are eating.

[Apparently that looking out for people thing goes both ways in this relationship. Even if it's only at the friendship stage.]

[samahl]

Ah, yes. We should remain fed and well slept while they mess with our heads.

[He seems grateful for the attention though and takes the ration with a nod.]

[knowledgeordeath]

It is all we can do now. We will need our strength should it become necessary to use it.

[That's what he's learned during his time alive. And he knows from personal experience what happens when his body is weakened and worn down to basically nothing.]

[samahl]

[Cyril nods, and eats, though he seems thoughtful as he does.]

Have you visited anyone's dreams so far?

[knowledgeordeath]

I have. The things they are exposing about us...

[He frowns.]

It makes me wonder how deep in our minds they can reach.

[samahl]

I don't think there's a place they can't pull out into the open.

It's... troubling. [And he does seem legitimately disturbed by all of this.]

[knowledgeordeath]

That is something I am discovering.

[His largest regrets pulled to the surface in so painful a manner. The sadness of doing all he can while knowing that he won't be accepted by the world.

Well, Cyril has seen these things now. At this point there is truly nothing to hide.]

You are permitted to stay near me when we are not having to deal with these rooms.

[He's attempting to offer comfort.]

[samahl]

[He sighs, the sound of it relieved.]

And you me.

But then, I've made my desire to have you near pretty clear by now.

[knowledgeordeath]

[His lips actually twitch a little. An almost smile. A sign of how relaxed Cyril is beginning to make him feel. Whether Cyril realizes it or not, this is actually a good sign.]

You have. One should give you credit for not being subtle about what you long for.

[samahl]

You seem the type of person to appreciate honesty. I find myself being more honest with you than most.

[knowledgeordeath]

Have you?

[He looks to Cyril curiously at that. It's not something he expected to hear.]

Why is that?

[samahl]

I'm not sure. [Cyril admits, after a moment.]

I've met men before I felt instantly attracted to, and they usually only got the flirtation and coy remarks. Some of them bedded me, and then we parted ways.

With you... I suppose I think I'd like you to be more.

It's strange. And only seems to get worse every moment I spend with you.

[knowledgeordeath]

[He watches him as he listens, taking in what Cyril has to say. Because he appreciates the honesty so he wants to hear the words from him. Especially since Cyril is offering them freely this way.

It's been a long time since anyone has said words like that to him.]

I see.

[He studies him a moment more and then...]

Your honesty keeps me interested. I can say that much.

[samahl]

[Maybe that's what keeps Cyril from going back into old habits.]

You've been honest with me. I should return the favor.

[And now he's been forced to share even more than he'd like. Sharing in return seems like the least he could do.]

[knowledgeordeath]

[There's a very long moment of silence. However, it likely isn't for the reason that one might think. Largely because the reason? Well...]

You are more attractive when you are honest.

[That's why.]

[samahl]

[A smile spread across Cyril's face. Hearing Kolivan call him attractive almost makes him feel giddy.]

Oh, then I'll keep at it.

Any idea what else you find attractive?