Chapter 21: Always Will Be

Uhtred nodded and turned. He didn't wait to see if they followed as he stalked off. "Come on, boy." He called. Sihtric was quick to follow and Finan fell in step behind him. Uhtred wasn't exactly sure where to go and he paused and glanced back at Sihtric.

The boy smiled and stepped around him, brushing against Uhtred as he did. He silently led them away from the crowd and into an empty corner, well out of eye and earshot. The boy barely stopped and turned before he was being hugged. He let out a squeak as Uhtred wrapped his arms around him, pulling him flush against the Lord. Then Finan crowded closer as well and wrapped his arms around both of them. Sihtric let out a pained groan before he could stop himself. Both pulled away from him and stepped back. Sihtric sighed and regretted making any noise. He didn't care about the pain, not as long as both of them were close. "Sorry." He mumbled, dropping his gaze to the ground.

Finan shook his head quickly. "Not if yer hurt. We don't wanna hurt ye worse."

Uhtred nodded quickly. "Never. Fuck, boy." He swallowed and stepped closer again. He didn't even ask, he just touched his hands to Sihtric's armor and started working at pulling the laces. Finan moved closer and started working at the other side. Both moved slowly and delicately as they worked the boy's armor loose.

Sihtric sighed and leaned back against the wall. He tucked his fingers into the leathers of both of them, just needing to touch them and keep them close. They worked his armor off and Finan took it. He threw it over his shoulder, not wanting to drop it on the ground. Sihtric rolled his eyes and lifted his hand from Finan to pull his leathers away from the Irishman and drop them on the floor. "It's already filthy." He said softly. "You can't mess it up any more." He felt filthy and soiled himself, from head to toe. He could feel the dirt and dried blood clinging to almost every inch of his skin and he almost felt embarrassed to be around them in such a state. But he felt their hands on him and their concern and he guessed it was okay. He sighed as he leaned forward and reached for the hem of his undershirt. But he flinched and bit his lip against the movement. Uhtred leaned closer and helped him to slowly and gently pull the shirt over his head. Sihtric breathed out deeply and leaned against the wall again. He was almost panting at the effort of just pulling his shirt off. He closed his eyes for a moment and swallowed and grimaced.

Uhtred dropped the shirt on top of the boy's armor and sucked in a breath. Finan likewise reacted, shaking his head. Both stared at the boy's chest. Uhtred slowly and gently touched his fingers to the top of the bruised skin, just under Sihtric's nipple. It extended down past his belly button and the boy shivered at the touch. Sihtric's skin seemed to be every color under the rainbow and made both men flinch.

"It looks worse than it is." Sihtric said softly as he shivered at their touch. Pain wracked him and he sucked in a breath. "Barely hurts anymore and nothing's broken." He was half lying and he was certain they could tell. But he still forced out the words and tried to make sure they sounded at least half sincere.

Uhtred raised an eyebrow, catching every little flinch and grimace his puppy was making. "Barely hurts?" He repeated skeptically.

Sihtric sighed and shook his head slowly. "I swear, Lord." He said softly. "It's not so bad. I have… dealt with worse." He said softly and looked away. Uhtred breathed out and shook his head, still not looking convinced.

Finan lifted his gaze from the boy's stomach and settled on his neck. He lifted his fingers and touched the bruise gently. "This?"

Sihtric flinched and breathed out. "That… he just did… right before." He swallowed and tilted his head back, letting them both see like he knew they wanted to. "It really hurts but… I am fine." He assured them. "I will heal."

Finan let out a low growl and shook his head. "He said he… 'e said ye were gone…" Finan clenched his jaw as he tried to control his anger at the man that was already dead. "If 'e wasn't dead, I'd kill 'im again fer touchin' ye."

Sihtric couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face, equally at the force of Finan's voice, of his conviction and tone, and at the way his eyes narrowed and he glared. Sihtric knew it wasn't directed at him even if the man was looking at him. He lifted his arm, intent on touching Finan's face. But then he saw the dirt clinging to his fingers and he quickly pulled his hand away and bit his lip.

Finan shook his head quickly and grabbed Sihtric's hand. "I dun care." He mumbled as he brought the boy's hand to his mouth. He pressed his lips against his knuckles, never taking his eyes off Sihtric's. "Touch me howe'er ye wanted." Then he brought the boy's hand to his cheek and tilted his head, leaning against his palm.

Sihtric sucked in a painfully sharp breath and blushed at the intensity and tenderness in the older man. He blinked as tears suddenly filled his eyes and he sniffed. His gaze shifted to Uhtred and the Lord just smiled and nodded at him. Sihtric brought his other hand to his Lord's face and he sighed deeply. He barely understood the need to touch them, to make sure they were real, that they were actually there with him.

Uhtred chuckled softly and leaned into the touch. "You saw me at my worst, sweetheart." He said softly, his voice barely a whisper. "You were so gentle and kind, washing me and making me feel again. It was an unbefitting task for a warrior but I appreciated it."

Sihtric's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No!" He gasped and flinched. He thumped his head back lightly against the wall and breathed out. "No." He said softer. "It wasn't, Lord. I… I enjoyed it…"

Uhtred's smile widened and he nodded his head. "Oh I know you did and trust me when I said I did as well. And I will enjoy washing you now." Sihtric drew in another sharp breath and tilted his head slightly, as if trying not to nod because of the pain. Uhtred moved a step closer, a dark twinkle in his eye. "You said you could make something to help with my torn arm." He said, tilting his head. "Can something be made to help this? For the pain? And uh…" He paused and leaned closer. "... fast recovery?"

Sihtric smiled as he looked at Uhtred. He licked his lips and nodded. "I can." He said softly, letting his hand trail down the Lord's face. He brushed his fingers across the man's neck and smiled again.

Finan pulled away from Sihtric's touch to glare sideways at the smirking Lord. "Oy!" He smacked the man in the arm and shook his head. "'ow can ye think of that now?"

Uhtred hunched down and for a moment, he did look remorseful. Then he straightened back up and shrugged. "Okay, it was half to help him and half so we could get our hands on him."

Finan rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I am more concerned 'bout 'im than I am 'bout fuckin'."

Sihtric let his hands fall from both of their faces and tailed his fingers down their arms. Finan shivered at the touch on his bare skin and turned to smile at him. The Irishman moved closer and grabbed Sihtric's hand. He laced their fingers together and squeezed the boy's palm.

Uhtred narrowed his eyes and looked at Sihtric. "I swear, I've been worried about you since we woke up yesterday and realized you didn't find us! I swear!"

Sihtric tore his gaze away from Finan and met Uhtred's. He tilted his head and blinked at him. "Find you?"

Uhtred nodded. "Finan and Clapa got really drunk and I had to scrape him off the floor." He nodded towards Finan. "I just… I thought you'd gone off somewhere for some reason or was doing something…" He sighed and shook his head. "I just figured you'd find us. I swear, baby boy, I'd never have gone to sleep if I realized you were gone. I would have slapped Finan around until he was conscious enough and we would have tracked down Sven if it ever occurred to me that he took you. I swear!"

Sihtric's eyes widened at the endearment and at his Lord's words. Both were too much. He looked away and swallowed. There were tears in his eyes again and he blinked and bit his lip. "Sorry." He mumbled and wiped at his eyes with his free hand. His other was still tightly laced with Finan's and the Irishman held tighter to him.

Uhtred frowned for a moment, thinking he said something to upset his puppy. His mind raced for a reason why. "Sorry for what? Did I say something wrong?" His eyes widened and he shook his head. "I didn't hurt Fin, I swear! I didn't hit him. I was exaggerating. I would never hit him… unless he wanted me to." He added quickly and glanced sideways at Finan. A slow smirk spread across his face. "I wouldn't say no if he asked me to spank him." He sidled closer and brushed his arm against Finan's. The older man narrowed his eyes and shook his head, rolling his eyes and sighing dismissively. But he didn't say no and Uhtred swore he could see a hint of red coloring the man's ears and he smiled. Then he shook himself and looked back at Sihtric. "I am sorry if I misspoke. I promise, I didn't hurt him."

Sihtric kept his lip between his teeth and sucked in a breath. He was blushing just like Finan at Uhtred's words and he swallowed and looked away. "No… you didn't say anything wrong…" He said softly, his voice barely a whisper.

Finan sucked in a deep breath and cleared his throat. Then he leaned closer to Uhtred. "Ye said baby boy." He said softly.

Uhtred's eyes widened and he gasped. "Oh… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I won't say it again." He shook his head. "I don't know where that came from…"

"NO!" Sihtric turned back and grabbed Uhtred's hand. He held on tightly and shook his head. "No… I…" He licked his lips and his face darkened a few shades. "I like it." He said softly.

A smile spread across Uhtred's face and he leaned closer. He touched his lips to the boy's ear and breathed out against him. "You like when I call you baby boy."

Sihtric trembled and laced his fingers with Uhtred's and held on tightly. A soft moan escaped his lips as he nodded his head. "I do." He lifted both of their joined hands to his chest and tried to pull them both closer. His gaze shifted to Finan and he bit his lip at the dark stare the Irishman was giving him. "I…" He started and faltered. He opened his mouth again and licked at his lips. "I… I… want to… I want to be your baby boy…" He whispered almost timidly.

"Good boy." Uhtred smiled against Sihtric's ear and pulled the fleshy part of his lobe into his mouth. Sihtric moaned again as he felt his Lord's teeth against his skin. Finan was trying to resist, not wanting to cause their boy any more pain. But hearing the lovely sounds Uhtred was eliciting from him were quickly breaking his resolve. And the boy was clearly enjoying the attention. Finan leaned closer and placed a gentle kiss on the boy's bruised neck. Sihtric let go of their hands to wrap an arm around Finan and he tried to pull him closer.

"Easy, boy." Finan growled out against his skin and Sihtric trembled again. Finan moved closer and wrapped an arm around Sihtric's waist, afraid for a moment that the boy might fall and hurt himself worse. Uhtred smiled as he watched Finan for a moment. Then he stepped closer and copied him, wrapping an arm around the boy's waist as well from the other side. Both held onto him as tightly and pressed as closely as they dared to him.

Sihtric was glad for their hands on him for more than one reason. He felt his head swim as he leaned back against the wall. He knew it was mostly from them, from being around them. But he also hadn't slept much the last few days. And he hadn't eaten and he could feel the adrenaline from the escape wearing off. He felt like he might actually pass out and he didn't want to. His arms shook as he lifted them and wrapped one around each of their necks. He swallowed and breathed out and tried hard not to shake. He didn't want them to stop. He didn't want them to ever stop.

Uhtred pulled away from him enough to frown at him in concern. "Sihtric?"

"Boy, are ye okay?" Finan asked softly as he pulled Sihtric even tighter against him.

"So these are your someones." Thyra's voice cut through the silence that lingered when Sihtric didn't answer. She smiled at them and watched as the three men pulled away from each other. Finan cleared his throat and looked away, still keeping his arm around Sihtric's waist, afraid he would fall. Uhtred just turned and glared at his sister, crossing his arms. Thyra smiled widely and clicked her tongue. She pointed a finger at each of them and shook her head. "Neither of you better hurt my Little Raven. Or I will have to hurt you."

Uhtred and Finan both raised an eyebrow and glanced at each other. Sihtric just smiled and shook his head. He breathed out slowly and opened his mouth. But before he could say anything, Thyra was pushing herself between them.

Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Little Raven! Your stomach! I knew you were hurt worse!" She reached out and touched his chest, above the bruise.

Sihtric shook his head and pushed away from the wall. He wavered a little and Finan tightened his arm around him. Sihtric smiled as grabbed Thyra's hands and pulled them away. "I told you, Princess." He said softly. "I am fine. I will be fine." He corrected. "I promise."

Uhtred tilted his head and looked at Thyra. "So… Sihtric is Raven?"

"Little Ra'en." Finan corrected.

Thyra nodded her head and glanced over her shoulder at Uhtred. She smiled brightly and let out a laugh. "He's my Little Raven and I'm his Princess."

Sihtric nodded and tilted his head. "Thyra." He tugged on her hands, trying to get her attention. "I seem to remember telling you to stay with Hild."

"She was." Hild appeared behind them, a little out of breath. She stepped closer, keeping her head tilted down, and sighed. "I looked away for one moment and she was gone." She reached out and grabbed Thyra's arm. She didn't look at them as she attempted to pull Thyra away.

"Hild, it is fine." Uhtred assured her, holding up his hands. "We weren't doing anything. We were just checking out his injuries."

Thyra turned to glare at him. She lifted her arm and pointed an accusing finger at him. "That better be all! Brother, I don't care if you are his someone. You will not touch him until he is better!" She turned sharply and glared at Finan. "Or you, whoever you are!" She snapped, jabbing a finger against his chest.

Finan held up his free hand and shook his head. "Aye, Lady, I wasn't. I swear. I was jus' concerned 'bout his health. I would never 'arm Sitty. E'er. I swear!"

Uhtred turned to gawk at him. "And I would?"

"Ye certainly tried t'." Finan snapped. "Ye touched 'im first chance ye got!" Uhtred opened his mouth and Finan shook his head and glared at him. "Now ye hush! Dun wanna hear no more from yer mouth!" He turned back to Thyra and dipped his head to her. "I am sorry, Lady. I will keep 'im under control until Sitty feels better. I swear t' ye. We will not touch 'im until 'e's 'ealed."

Thyra eyed him for a moment longer. She tilted her head to one side and then the other and Finan actually swallowed and leaned a little closer to Sihtric, looking a bit nervous. Then she smiled widely and nodded. "I like you, whoever you are."

Finan smiled tentatively and opened his mouth slowly. "I am Finan, Lady." He said softly.

"He was on the slave ship with Uhtred." Sihtric said, stepping away from the wall and moving away from Finan's embrace. He wavered a bit but managed to stay on his feet. And then he moved to bend over and flinched. He sucked in a breath and stilled, feeling like he was going to fall again. Finan immediately turned and bent down. He grabbed Sihtric's shirt and started to help him. He moved closer to the boy and gently pulled it on over his head. Sihtric tilted his head when Finan bent down to get his armor. "Did you… did you call me Sitty?"

Finan nodded as he straightened back up. He held the boy's armor up and helped him slip it back on. "I did. It's yer nickname." He said simply.

Sihtric raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"

Uhtred smiled as he moved closer to help Finan lace the boy back up. "Since he was too drunk yesterday to say your name."

Sihtric's eyes widened a bit and he looked at Finan. "Too drunk?" He repeated in disbelief. "To say my name?"

Finan grunted and looked away. He nodded his head stiffly. "Got a bit t' drunk wit' Clapa and... I mighta have said t' much."

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"

Finan's gaze fell on the two women for a moment before he turned away again. He felt Sihtric waver again beside him and he moved closer and wrapped an arm around his waist without hesitation but he didn't answer.

Uhtred sighed and shook his head. "Clapa won't say anything to anyone else, Fin." He said softly and glanced at Sihtric, catching the boy's gaze. Sihtric breathed out and flinched and Finan held him tighter. Uhtred tilted his head and continued. "But the man will be insufferable if he catches us alone."

Hild smiled and let out a soft laugh before she could stop herself. Uhtred glanced her way and her smile widened more. "Sorry, Lord." She said even though her expression didn't match her words. She looked rather amused and shrugged her shoulders. "It is your own fault, Lord. You aren't nearly as discreet as you all seem to think you are."

Uhtred caught the way both Sihtric and Finan stiffened and he crossed his arms. He didn't care what anyone else thought. He never did. His life was his own and that was all that mattered. He only cared about Finan and Sihtric's opinions. And maybe a handful of others, to an extent. But still, even if his brother had said he was disgusted with Uhtred, he still wouldn't love the man any less. Well... maybe a little. He would probably lose a little of respect for his brother. But the man would still be his brother. Uhtred sighed and shook his head again. "We will be more discreet, Hild. I promise."

Hild smiled and chuckled again as wrapped her arm around Thyra's shoulders. "I will believe that when I see it, Lord." She attempted to step back and pull the younger woman with her.

Thyra resisted and shook her head. "Little Raven, you need something clean to wear and you need your injuries cleaned and cared for."

Uhtred stepped closer to her and dropped his arms to grab her hand between his. He held her tightly and moved even closer, standing between her and Sihtric to get her attention on him. "Sister, do not fret. I promise you, I will take care of him."

"We both will." Finan added softly.

Uhtred nodded his head. "We will find a place to wash him in private."

Sihtric's eyes widened and he let out a gasp. "Lord!"

Uhtred shook his head quickly and turned. He held up his hands and shook his head again. "I do not mean anything by that! I only intend to wash you! I only said in private for discretion and respect."

"No, Lord..." Sihtric said softly. He shook his head and bit his lip. "No... I mean... you don't have to... I... I can wash myself."

Uhtred shook his head quickly. "No. You did it for me."

"And fer me." Finan nodded. "It's only right we 'elp ye."

Sihtric blushed and looked away. He leaned more heavily against Finan and once again felt lightheaded. He longed for both of these men to be close to him, to touch him and never let him go. But he wasn't sure how he felt about them taking care of him in such a way. He felt as if it were beneath them both and they shouldn't have to. But then Finan tightened his arm around him and Uhtred moved closer and touched his arm and maybe it was okay. As long as they did it because they wanted to and not out of obligation or repayment. He sighed and nodded his head.

Uhtred frowned, catching the boy's reluctance and hesitation still. He was determined to care for Sihtric in every way possible and every way that the boy needed. And he would make sure Sihtric knew that he wanted to. But they would discuss it more later, when they were alone. He nodded his head and stepped away again. He turned back to Hild and Thyra. "Sister, you need to wash as well."

Thyra shrank back and looked down. She lifted her hands and stared down at her own soiled skin, as if noticing her own state for the first time. But she had lived with it so long, with only being able to bathe when water was brought to her cell. Usually already dirty and cold and offering very little help in cleaning her skin. She flinched and bit her lip and looked like she might cry.

Uhtred's eyes widened and he shook his head. He stepped towards her and drew her into a tight hug. "Sister, I did not mean anything." He said softly as hugged her tightly against him. "I'm sorry for my tactlessness."

Thyra nodded and pushed him away. She sucked in a breath and looked away. "No, you are right, brother." She said softly, her voice barely a whisper. "I do need to wash."

Hild touched her arm gently and stepped closer. "I can help you, Lady, if you wish." Thyra nodded her head in answer.

"Take her to the river." Sihtric said softly.

Uhtred balked and turned to glare at his puppy. "Outside? Where anyone can see?"

Thyra's eyes widened and she let out a gasp. "Outside the walls?" She said almost timidly, looking at Sihtric. When he smiled and nodded, she let out a squeal. She spun around towards Hild and grabbed the woman's hands. "Please! Can I go outside the walls? I haven't been to the river! Ever!"

Hild opened her mouth slowly and then leaned to the side. She peered around Thyra to look at Uhtred. "Lord?"

"There is a part of the river that is shallow enough." Sihtric explained. "And the banks are high. It is private enough. Many use it for that reason."

Uhtred sighed and nodded. "If you do not mind, Hild. But... ask Clapa or Steapa or even Beocca... just someone you trust to stand on the bank and keep guard."

"We can go to the river?" Thyra asked, looking at Hild again. When the nun nodded, she squealed again and then turned to Sihtric. "Little Raven, give me your clothes. I will wash them for you at the river."

Uhtred caught the way his puppy's eyes widened and he let out a laugh and shook his head before the boy could utter a nervous response. "Sister, I told you. I will take care of the boy. I promise."

Thyra scoffed and shook her head. "Brother, he does not need that kind of taking care of right now!" She snapped.

Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. "That is not what I mean! How many times do I have to tell you all? I can control myself and I can take care of him in a…" He paused, trying to remember the right word. "... a nurturing way! I can wash his clothes!"

Hild raised an eyebrow. "Lord, do you even know how to wash clothes?"

"Yes!" Uhtred snapped indignantly. "Just go away! Both of you! Leave us be!" He threw up his arms and shook his head and watched as Hild dragged off a giggling Thyra. Then he breathed out and turned back to Finan and Sihtric. Both were smirking at him and he scowled. "Don't start!" He warned, waving a finger in their direction. Then he sighed and turned. "Come on."

They weaved through the rooms until they found a washroom with a wooden tub and a hearth. Uhtred quickly set the fire and Finan left with buckets to haul in water. It took several trips to get enough to fill the large metal pot that hung over the fire and it still wouldn't be enough to fill the whole tub but it would be enough to wash their boy. They found soap and a few pieces of cloth and a chair. Finan had the boy sit down and lean back and was just working on untangling his hair when Uhtred left to go check on his brother. But Ragnar shooed him away, saying everything was fine and he didn't need his brother's help. Uhtred found some clothes before he dipped into the kitchen. He stole a few pieces of fruit, a knife, a waterskin, and headed back.

Finan pulled the small haircomb he still carried with him everywhere through the boy's hair gently and slowly. Sihtric's breathing had slowed and he was half asleep as Finan worked on his hair. When the water was warmed enough, he set a bucket under him and grabbed a cup. He dipped it into the pot and slowly poured it over the boy's hair. Sihtric let out a long sigh at the feeling and Finan smiled. He picked up the soap and started rubbing it over his head. He worked the boy's hair into a soapy lather and scraped his fingers over Sihtric's scalp slowly. Sihtric let out a soft moan and Finan smiled.

Uhtred walked into the room at that moment and he paused, hearing the lovely sounds their boy was making. He couldn't help the wide smile on his face.

Finan glanced over and nodded. "Hey, can ye fill the cup again an' 'elp me rinse 'is 'air? Then we'll get 'im in the tub."

Uhtred nodded his head. He quickly pushed the door shut and set the fruit, knife, waterskin, and clothes to the side. Then he grabbed the cup Finan had used and filled it. Finan wrung as much of the soap from the boy's hair as he could and Uhtred lifted the cup over Sihtric's head. He slowly started pouring it and Finan worked his hands through it as he did. Uhtred filled the cup a second time and Sihtric moaned softly again when they finished. Uhtred smiled as he leaned over Sihtric, getting impossibly close to his face. Sihtric opened his eyes slowly and blinked at him and Uhtred giggled softly. "Did you like that?"

Sihtric swallowed and opened his mouth slowly. He licked at his lips and then nodded his head. "Yes, Lord... Uhtred." He corrected quickly.

Uhtred smiled and leaned forward to kiss the boy's damp hairline. "Good boy." Sihtric sucked in a breath and let out a soft whine and Uhtred just kissed his forehead again.

"Uhtred, 'elp me wit' this." Finan was standing next to the hearth and reaching for the pot. Uhtred quickly hurried over and helped him to grab the large water pot. They hauled it over to the tub and poured it in. Then they returned the pot to the hearth and Uhtred grabbed the buckets and headed out to get more water. While he was gone, Finan knelt in front of Sihtric and started pulling the boy's boots off. Then he pulled off the rest of his clothes quickly and stood. Sihtric's face was red and his hands were in his lap, covering himself as if he were shy. Finan smiled down at him, thinking he was adorable, and leaned over him. "Ain't got anythin' I 'aven't seen." He hooked his arm under the boy's legs and his other around his shoulders and picked him up. Sihtric sucked in a breath and tucked his chin against Finan's neck.

Uhtred returned carrying the two buckets and pouted for a moment as he set them down long enough to close the door. Then he emptied them into the pot and dropped the empty buckets on the floor. "You couldn't wait for me?" He whined as he crowded closer to Finan's side and peered at the still blushing Sihtric. "I wanted to help undress him!" Finan glared at him and pushed him away as he moved towards the tub. Uhtred giggled and darted around to the other side. He leaned over and helped Finan ease their injured boy into the tub.

Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath as soon as the warm water hit him. He couldn't remember ever actually having a warm bath. He'd only ever been touched by cold water or the river. He couldn't help the moan that escaped his throat and he blushed even darker and bit his lip. He slouched down and pulled his knees to his chest, feeling completely mortified. He hung his head and ignored the pain that flared in him as he moved. "Sorry." He mumbled and touched his chin to his knees.

Uhtred knelt down and leaned against the side of the tub. "Lean back, baby boy." He cooed softly. "Cover yourself if you want, that's okay. But relax, Sihtric, and let us take care of you. Please."

Sihtric gasped at the begging tone in his Lord's voice. He bit his lip and swallowed and nodded. He eased back against the tub and let his hands fall to his thighs. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the heated stare he was certain his Lord was giving him. He wanted nothing more than to have the man's hands and more on him but he knew his pained state would stop both of them. And he knew it was for the best. He breathed out and leaned his head back more heavily. Finan grabbed the washcloth and soap and returned to the tub. He knelt down on the other side of the tub and leaned over. He dunked the cloth into the water and ran the bar of soap over it. Then he grabbed the boy's arm and lifted it out of the water. He started with Sihtric's hand and slowly worked the soapy cloth over his fingers.

Uhtred tilted his head and smiled as he watched. Then he eased away from the tub and stood up. He grabbed the items he stole from the kitchen and returned to his place beside the tub. He set the fruit and knife on the floor beside him and lifted the waterskin. "Sitty." He said the boy's newly given nickname softly and brought the waterskin closer. The boy opened his eyes and smiled. He parted his lips and let the Lord tip the water into his mouth slowly. "Good boy." Uhtred cooed after the boy had taken a few sips. He continued until the boy had nearly drained the whole thing and Uhtred pulled it away when he closed his mouth and shook his head. Uhtred nodded, pleased, and bent to pick up the knife and an apple. He cut off a small piece and held it to the boy's lips. Sihtric looked up at him as he parted his lips again and Uhtred placed the apple piece on his tongue.

Finan sucked in a sharp breath as he watched Uhtred's gentle treatment of Sihtric. Both of these men were taking his breath away and he had to tear his gaze from them. Instead, he tried to concentrate as he moved up the boy's arm, from his elbow to his shoulder. He gently worked the cloth over the amazingly toned muscles and had to admit to himself that he rather enjoyed having his hands all over Sihtric. He finished and set the boy's arm back in the water. Then he shifted and moved to the boy's legs. He pulled one out of the water and started lathering up Sihtric's toes. Sihtric's nose wrinkled and he let out a breathy giggle as Finan rubbed the bottom of his foot.

They continued on mostly in silence, Finan washing the boy and Uhtred feeding him pieces of apple. Then Finan and Uhtred swapped places when Sihtric's one side was washed and Finan started on his other. The boy tried hard not to blush more when Finan's hands ran over his thighs and he had to close his eyes and concentrate instead on the way Uhtred dropped another piece of apple onto his tongue. But still, he couldn't help the moans and whines that escaped his throat.

"Fin." Uhtred held the last slice of apple to the Irishman's lips and Finan shook his head. Uhtred frowned and instead popped it in his own mouth. Then he turned and grabbed the peach next. "I have a peach, too." Finan perked up at that and opened his mouth. Uhtred smiled as he cut off a larger piece than he had been cutting for the boy and pushed it between Finan's lips. The Irishman leaned closer and closed his mouth. His lips brushed against Uhtred's thumb and the Lord smirked. Sihtric let out a soft whimper, unable to control himself as he watched, and his lips parted of their own accord. Uhtred turned to smirk down at him and quickly cut off a piece of peach and pressed it against the boy's tongue.

Finan finished, washing every part of the boy that he could. He saved Sihtric's stomach and neck for last and he barely ran the cloth over them. Sihtric let out a pained moan and tilted his head back farther. He bit his lip and sucked in a breath and held tightly to the edge of the tub against the pain. Finan's movements were slow and gentle but still pain wracked him. Uhtred leaned closer and pressed a kiss to the boy's forehead and whispered soft words into his ear, trying to comfort him until Finan was finally done. Sihtric was exhausted but he felt better as Uhtred helped him to stand and Finan poured the rest of the water from the pot over him, rinsing the soap from his skin.

Uhtred held onto the boy's hands and helped him from the tub. Then he wrapped his arms around the boy's waist and pulled him closer. He smiled and Sihtric blushed and Finan growled and pulled them apart. They dressed the boy and then sat him down in the chair again. Finan started combing through the boy's hair again, intent on braiding it, while Uhtred fetched more water to start cleaning the boy's armor.