Chapter 25: Piece By Piece
Uhtred sank down on the bench heavily beside Clapa and shook his head. What the fuck did he just agree to? An Ealdorman? For Alfred? In a town so close to Winchester? Was it some sort of trick? A way to keep an eye on him? Keep him close so Alfred could call on him whenever he wanted. Honestly, it probably was. Alfred didn't exactly beat around the bush when he said he needed Uhtred. He wouldn't put it past Alfred to be purposely keeping him close. Uhtred was certain Alfred was only giving him Coccham because of its proximity. He sighed and shook his head as he leaned forward on the table. Sihtric and Finan sat down on either side of him. Finan pushed himself between Clapa and Uhtred and the larger Dane moved to allow it. Uhtred sighed again as both of his boys leaned on the table and he could feel them boxing him in. He felt both their legs brush against his and their arms on the table touched his as well and they both calmed him. He reached for the cup that was set in front of him with both hands and didn't look up at the barmaid.
Clapa had turned more fully towards Finan and there was a chasitizing remark on his lips for his new friend. But then he caught Uhtred's demeanor and he frowned as he set his cup down on the table. He leaned forward, over the table more to peer at them. He glanced at Finan and Sihtric before his gaze fell on Uhtred. "Lord? What's wrong? Did the meeting with the King not go well? Has something happened?"
Uhtred sighed out dramatically and looked up at Clapa. Then his gaze shifted across the table where Hild and Thyra had just joined as well. Father Beocca had joined them and appeared at some point in the last few moments, sitting on Thyra's other side. Uhtred hadn't even known the priest was in the alehouse. He looked at all their expectant faces and he sighed and shook his head again. He lifted his cup to his lips and took a drink. Another shadow fell across the table and Uhtred looked up to see Steapa. He nodded his head as he continued to hide behind his cup, taking comfort in wrapping both of his hands around it.
The guard's lips twisted into a weird smirk. The man attempted a smile but such an expression was a rarity on the stoic man's face. It looked odd and out of place. Almost sinister in a way Uhtred knew it wasn't meant to be. Steapa continued his weird not-smile as he tilted his head and stepped closer. He leaned over the table a bit as he sat down on Hild's other side. "Do not look so miserable, Lord. This is a good thing. Unless you are rethinking." He settled against the table, leaning heavily on it. "I can tell the King you've changed your mind."
Uhtred pulled the cup away from his lips and shook his head. "No, Steapa. I haven't changed my mind." He sighed deeply and set his cup down. He stared at the rim for a moment and sucked in a sharp breath. "Alfred… gave me… Coccham." He said softly.
The weird smile fell from Steapa's face at Uhtred's lack of titling the King. His eyes narrowed and he leaned back and shook his head. But he said nothing.
"Coccham?" Beocca repeated, his eyes wide. "He named you the new Ealdorman?"
Uhtred nodded his head slowly, still not believing it. "I'll be meeting with the Witan tomorrow morning. And then we are to leave for Coccham."
Thyra tilted her head curiously and leaned on the table. "Who is we, brother?" She asked softly.
Uhtred turned to her and shrugged. "Whoever wants to come with us. Finan and Sihtric will be going. My uh…" He cleared his throat and looked away. "My wife and children will be as well." He added softly.
Thyra's eyes widened. "You are married, brother? With kids?" Her eyes went to Sihtric and the younger man nodded stiffly.
"It is a marriage of convenience only, Thyra." Uhtred shook his head and reached across the table to touch her hand. "Only to protect her and the kids. She became pregnant before I was sold. Her brother is King Guthred and he was trying to marry her off to gain allies. To my blood uncle, actually, who tried to kill me and stole my birthright."
Father Beocca gasped rather dramatically and leaned closer to Uhtred. "You lied to me?" He hissed, keeping his voice low.
Uhtred frowned and shook his head. He pulled his hand back from his sister and leaned back a bit. "I did not, Father. I spoke the truth. She got pregnant before I was sold and gave birth while I was away. Guthred was still looking for her, to use her. That is all true. You married us to keep her and my children safe and I told you exactly that." He tilted his head and reached for his cup. "I did not lie." He repeated as he brought the cup to his lips.
Beocca opened his mouth and sputtered for a moment. "But… but I… I thought… I thought you loved her."
Uhtred shook his head after he took a drink. "I do not." Beocca opened his mouth again and Uhtred raised his hand as he set his cup back down. "It is done, Father. You cannot take it back or change it. We are married in the eyes of your God, she is mine, and she is safe. She will be the wife of an Ealdorman and no one will be able to touch her. Her brother, my uncle, or your King as well." He said, glancing at Steapa. He couldn't help the smirk on his face as the guard glared at him.
Finan nodded his head curtly. "Aye. Safe while ye leave t' cater t' Alfred's e'ery fuckin' whim." He mumbled under his breath, speaking for the first time since he sat down. Uhtred smiled and shifted slightly, pressing his leg harder against Finan's. Finan pressed back as Beocca scowled at him. Finan lowered his head and looked at the table. "Sorry, Father." He mumbled.
"So we have a home?" Thyra asked softly. She paused and looked at Hild. She was sitting rather close to the nun and she pressed even closer to the woman's side to ask. "Are we going?"
Hild nodded her head. "Yes, we will go with your brother."
Thyra smiled and looked across the table at Sihtric. "We have a home, my Little Raven." She said, barely able to contain the excitement in her voice. Sihtric smiled at her and nodded. Thyra's eyes widened and she looked back at Uhtred. "Brother! Does this mean I can have all my dogs?"
Uhtred opened his mouth slowly. Then he sighed and shook his head. "Not now, Thyra. Give us all time to settle in and we will discuss it again, okay?"
She pouted for a moment and then she nodded and smiled again. She looked at Sihtric again and leaned on the table. "We will settle into our new home and then we will work on what we talked about, my Little Raven."
Sihtric's eyes widened and he clenched his jaw. He opened his mouth but his words died on his tongue. There was a commotion at the table next to them and a young woman was thrust towards him. Sihtric turned in time to catch her before she fell against the table. He stood up and she smiled at him and opened her mouth but they didn't have time for introductions. A man was moving towards them and pointing a finger at Sihtric.
"The whore is mine!" The man snapped.
She shrunk back and shook her head. "I am not!"
Sihtric glared at the man and pushed the young woman behind him. Then he drew his dagger and gripped the sharp weapon tightly. His lips curled into a snarl and he shook his head. "She's not yours anymore." He snapped.
The man laughed and shook his head. "You think you can take me, boy? I will have…" Sihtric moved before the man even finished. He held his dagger against the man's neck and growled at him, daring him to speak more.
"Alright, alright." Uhtred lifted his hand and stood up. Finan quickly followed and both men stepped closer. Clapa, Hild, and Thyra stood up as well, leaving just Father Beocca and Steapa sitting at the table. Uhtred kept his hand raised as he and Finan moved closer. "Ease up."
The man's eyes were wide as his gaze settled on Uhtred. "I-I… I am sorry, L-lord. If she is yours, I didn't mean to interfere. Take her. I didn't know."
Uhtred glanced sideways at the young girl, now standing with Hild and Thyra and he nodded. "Yes… well… now you know." He said, turning back to the man he didn't recognize at all. But he saw the way the man looked at him and maybe they had met before. Or else his reputation preceded him. "Sihtric. You may release him. We uh… we will be leaving for the night. Come on." He gestured to Hild and Thyra and turned. The three women followed close behind him and Finan and Clapa fell in step behind them. Sihtric smirked slyly at the man and then was quick to pull his dagger away and push the man to the ground. Then he ran to catch up.
Once out in the street, Clapa folded his arms and smiled as he turned to Uhtred. "Don't tell me you actually bought a whore, Lord." He paused for a moment and tilted his head, grinning ear to ear. "Do you not have enough to entertain you already?"
Uhtred frowned up at the giant and scowled. "No, I did not buy a whore! And you hush!" He snapped, raising an accusing finger at the man.
Clapa just laughed and backed up a step. "Goodnight, Lord. And good luck. I think you will need it. I will see you tomorrow. I am looking forward to this new town of yours." He turned and walked down the street, laughter lingering in his voice. Uhtred glared at the laughing Dane for a moment and scowled again. But then he smiled and shook his head and turned.
The young woman was moving closer to Sihtric. She smiled and batted her eyes and moved right into the boy's space. "Thank you." She said softly. "I am in your debt." She moved even closer and touched her hand to his belt.
Sihtric's eyes widened and he shook his head. He stumbled back a step, nearly tripping over himself, and looked at Uhtred. "Lord!"
Uhtred watched the exchange, both in amusement and a hint of something akin to jealousy. He wasn't exactly happy to see the young woman touching his puppy so blatantly. But, he supposed, if Sihtric really wanted to bed the whore, Uhtred had no place to object. He didn't own the young man. "You are free for the night, Sihtric. You may do as you please."
Sihtric's eyes widened again and he shook his head. "No, no, no! I didn't… I-I… d-d-don't…"
Uhtred felt a momentary flash of relief and he felt Finan shift closer to him and he imagined the Irishman was having similar thoughts as him. He nodded and looked at the young woman. "What is your name?"
"I am Ealhswith, Lord." She said softly, turning more towards him. "I am in your debt as well. All three of you. You may… take turns with me. Or if you wish, all at once…"
Uhtred shook his head quickly and raised his hand. "That will not be necessary. We are much too tired from our travels tonight and we will be leaving tomorrow. You do not owe us anything. You may go."
"Oh…" She looked away and bit her lip. "I cannot… be of any service to you tonight? In any way? Any of you?" She asked softly.
Uhtred was quick to shake his head. "No. You are released from any obligations to us."
Hild moved closer to him and stared at him. "Lord, you just laid a claim on her in front of everyone inside. It isn't right to turn her away."
Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. Why did this keep happening to him? He honestly wasn't trying to collect people. "I did not mean to! I was simply trying to stop that drunkard from touching her. This is all the boy's fault!" He snapped, pointing at Sihtric. "He started it!"
Sihtric's eyes widened and he shook his head. He held up both his hands. "Lord!"
Hild continued, moving closer to Uhtred and poking a finger at his chest. "And what do you think will happen if she is seen tonight without you?" She asked. "She will be hounded more."
Uhtred sighed and nodded. He glanced at the young girl and nodded his head. "You may be right, Hild. Maybe she can stay with Gisela for the night. I haven't been to see her yet and do need to speak with her about Coccham."
Hild nodded her head. "Then we shall retire for the night. We will see you tomorrow."
"Wait!" Thyra shook her head and looked at Uhtred. "Gisela… is she your wife?" Uhtred nodded and Thyra bounced on her heels for a moment. "Can we go, too? Please?" She looked at Hild. "I want to see the babies!"
Hild shook her head. "I think this is a conversation he needs to have with her alone. He doesn't need us in the way."
Thyra stuck out her lower lip and pouted. "But Hild…"
Hild shook her head, interrupting her accidental charge. "You can meet the twins tomorrow."
Thyra gasped. "Twins?"
Hild nodded again and grabbed Thyra's arm. "Come. I promise, you can see them tomorrow. We will be traveling with them and living in the same town as them. You will get to know them well, I promise you. I bet Gisela will be happy of it."
Thyra continued to pout for a moment longer but she let Hild drag her away. She turned and waved and smiled. "Good night, brother! I will see you tomorrow! Have fun with your whore, my Little Raven!"
Sihtric's eyes widened again and his face threatened with coloring. He opened his mouth but stumbled over the words and shook his head. He sucked in a sharp breath and ducked behind Finan, attempting to hide behind the man's bulk. Finan stepped back, shifting closer to him and the boy let out a soft whine that only the Irishman heard.
Uhtred smiled and shook his head, glancing between them all. His eyes settled on Finan and his hiding puppy and he couldn't help the laughter bubbling up from his throat. The boy shifted again behind Finan and Uhtred did feel bad for his embarrassment for a moment. He longed to grab the younger man and hold him tightly between him and Finan but he resisted. Uhtred breathed out and turned back to Ealhswith, smiling at her. "Come on. You are safe with us, I promise. No one will harm you tonight."
"But…" She said softly and tilted her head. "You are taking me… to your wife?"
Uhtred nodded and waved. He started forward and she hurried to keep step with him. Finan and Sihtric fell in behind them and Uhtred continued as he guided them through the streets. "It's… complicated. But yes. She is staying in the church at the moment, back in the priest's room. Tomorrow we are set to leave for Coccham."
Ealhswith slowed for a moment and reached for him. Her fingers twisted in the fabric of his sleeve and she pulled on him. "You are taking me to the church?"
Uhtred paused and glanced over his shoulder at her. He nodded and pulled away from her and continued. They reached the church without further delay. He opened the door and led them inside. It was empty, the low light from the torches along the wall dancing across the benches. "Gisela?" He called as he stepped deeper into the church.
Finan pulled the door shut and quickly crossed himself. Sihtric smiled at him and the Irishman pushed around him without a word and followed. Ealhswith moved closer to Sihtric and they followed as well.
"Uhtred?" She stepped out from the back of the church and smiled warmly at him. There were dark circles under her eyes, obvious signs of her lack of sleep. But other than that, she looked fine. Very much still safe and alive and Uhtred breathed out happily as he moved closer and drew her against him in a hug. She wrapped her arms around him as well tightly before they pulled apart. He placed a kiss on her cheek before stepping back. Gisela smiled at Finan and held her arms open towards Sihtric. The boy didn't hesitate to hug her, a wide smile on his face. Then she stepped back and eyed Ealhswith for a moment. "I had heard you returned." She said, turning back to Uhtred. "I was wondering if you would see me before you left again."
Uhtred smiled and crossed his arms. "I will always see you when I am near, Gisela."
"Good." She nodded and looked at Ealhswith again. "And who is this?"
"My whore." Uhtred answered with a smile. Finan moved closer to him and smacked him in the arm while Sihtric just rolled his eyes.
Gisela raised an eyebrow at the younger woman who promptly looked at the floor and stepped back. "Uhtred… seriously…" Gisela sighed deeply and shook her head.
Uhtred let out a laugh and shook his head. "I am joking, Gisela. Well mostly joking." He added, tilting his head. "I seem to have accidentally claimed her for the night. But it wasn't my intention and I was hoping she could stay here with you tonight."
Gisela sighed and nodded. "Sometimes, you amaze me, Uhtred. Come here." She waved the younger woman forward. "What is your name?"
"Ealhswith, Lady." She answered softly.
Gisela nodded again. "Okay. Do you like children? Because both of them cry all night long. I swear, they are more whiny than their father."
Sihtric let out a lighthearted chuckle. "I can't even imagine that." Uhtred raised an eyebrow and Sihtric quickly ducked his head. "Sorry, Lord." He mumbled.
Finan stepped closer to him, smiling as well. "Ye ain't wrong."
Uhtred crossed his arms and glared at them both. "Gisela." He tore his gaze away from his amused boys to his wife. "I do have a matter to talk with you about."
Gisela stepped around Ealhswith and moved closer to Uhtred. "What?"
Finan cleared his throat and they all looked at him. "I t'ink it best if we leave ye alone t' talk." Uhtred frowned and opened his mouth but Finan continued. "It's only polite, Lord."
Sihtric nodded and smiled widely. He stepped closer to Finan, rubbing his shoulder against the older man for a moment as he bounced lightly on the balls of his feet. "Can we check on the twins?" He asked, looking at Gisela. "I promise not to wake them if they are asleep. And I won't let Fin touch them."
"Oy!" Finan turned and pushed against Sihtric. Sihtric let out a giggle as he grabbed Finan's arm and started tugging him.
Gisela smiled and she nodded. "Go ahead."
Finan scowled at Sihtric before he looked at the young woman. "Ealhswith." He said her name and waved her forward. She nodded and followed and the three disappeared into the room.
Uhtred sucked in a sharp breath as Gisela turned and stared at him expectantly. He wasn't exactly nervous about telling her. The worst she could say was that she didn't want to go. She could remain in Winchester if she really wanted to. It might cause people to talk, asking why the married couple lived in two different towns. But they weren't really far from each other and Uhtred never cared what others thought. He was certain he could spin a tale if needed.
"Uhtred." She stepped closer and touched his shoulder. "Is something wrong?"
He shook his head quickly. "No… not wrong. Just… how do you feel about leaving?"
"Leaving?" She repeated. "The church?" She paused dramatically and tilted her head back. She stepped closer to him and grabbed his shirt. "Please say the church because Uhtred, this is not a place to take care of children in! I will go anywhere else in Winchester! Beocca is..." She sighed and shook her head. "I know he is important to you and you guys are family but… he is rather insufferable."
Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her closer. "Yes, out of the church." He nodded his head. "But also, out of Winchester."
She tilted her head. "Yes." She nodded emphatically. "Yes, Uhtred. Anywhere. I will follow you anywhere to get out of this church and away from Beocca and Alfred both."
He chuckled lightheartedly at her reaction and smiled. "Alright. Good." He nodded and leaned back a bit, watching her. "Tomorrow I am leaving for Coccham."
"Coccham." She repeated and he nodded again. "Why Coccham? If I can ask."
"Alfred has named me Ealdorman. The town is mine." He answered with a smug smile. She raised an eyebrow and he continued. "You will be the wife of an Ealdorman. Everyone will know you and your brother will never be able to touch you again." She smiled and sighed and laid her head down on his shoulder. Uhtred hugged her tighter and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "I will always take care of you, Gisela. For as long as you want me to."
"Thank you, Uhtred."
Sihtric pulled Finan into the small room, still bouncing with each step. He let go of the man the second his eyes settled on the crib. He sucked in a breath and held it, not daring to make a sound as he tiptoed closer. He stopped and leaned over and he smiled. Stiorra was sound asleep but Young Uhtred was awake. He blinked his bright blue eyes and Sihtric smiled. He leaned over the crib and gently tucked his hands under the baby boy. He picked him up and lifted him slowly. Young Uhtred let out a soft, bubbling, gurgling giggle and reached his chubby hands out to Sihtric. Sihtric smiled down at him and pulled him closer to his chest, holding him tightly against him. Then he turned and stepped closer to Finan.
Finan smiled, watching Sihtric. When the boy came closer, his smile widened and he looked down at Young Uhtred. "Hey dere, 'lil one."
Sihtric frowned up at him and shook his head. "Shhhh!" He hissed softly, keeping his voice low. "Stiorra is asleep. Do not wake her up!" Finan stepped back and held up his hands. He didn't say anything and Sihtric nodded, looking pleased. He leaned closer again and smiled as he cradled Young Uhtred against him.
Ealhswith stepped closer almost timidly. She tilted her head and reached out to touch Sihtric's shoulder.
The boy spun around a bit too quickly and Young Uhtred let out a little squeak. Sihtric quickly pulled the infant against him and rocked him gently. "Shhh." He cooed softly and smiled down at him. "Sorry, little one. I didn't mean to startle you." He had honestly forgotten the young woman had followed them in. He looked up at her and tried not to grimace and forced a smile on his face.
Ealhswith didn't seem to notice his stiff posture or she ignored it as she stepped closer and smiled down at the baby in his arms. "This is the Lord's baby?" She asked softly, keeping her voice barely a whisper.
Sihtric nodded stiffly and tried to step back but Finan was suddenly right behind him and he bumped into the man. He glanced over his shoulder at the Irishman and wanted to glare at him. But he didn't and turned back to Ealhswith. She was looking down at the baby still and Sihtric cleared his throat and nodded again. "Yes, his son." He said softly. "This is Uhtred. Young Uhtred. And his daughter, Stiorra, is asleep."
Ealhswith looked back at the crib for a moment before turning towards Sihtric again. She tilted her head curiously. "You seem very comfortable with him." She said, nodding towards the baby.
Sihtric nodded his head quickly. "I uh… I was uh… with them when they were born… I helped take care of them for a time."
"Do you like children?" She asked, pressing closer.
Sihtric swallowed and shrugged. "I uh… I guess so… I like these two."
Ealhswith hummed and nodded her head. She stepped back and breathed out. "I am not a fan." She admitted softly. "They are cute and maybe fun to play with sometimes. But they are loud and gross. I will not have kids. I had to help my mother take care of my younger siblings and they made me certain I never wanted my own." She said, shaking her head. She tilted her head and turned towards the crib again.
Finan pressed even closer to Sihtric and touched his lips to the back of the boy's ear. Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath and bit his lip. Finan smiled against his skin. "Ye are adorable wit' 'em." He whispered, keeping his voice low and for the boy only. "So gentle an' sweet. Makes me want t' hold ye jus' like yer holding 'im, baby boy."
Sihtric leaned back against Finan and felt himself blush. He breathed out and swallowed and tried hard to keep his composure. Finan pulled away from him and he almost stumbled. Finan's arm touched his back and Sihtric righted himself and adjusted Young Uhtred against his chest again.
Ealhswith turned towards him again and smiled. She stepped closer, once again ignoring the way Sihtric stiffened. She practically leaned against his side as she attempted to get a better look at the baby he held. She lifted her hand and waved her fingers in his face. Young Uhtred let out an excited squeal and reached for her fingers. "He is very cute." She glanced up at Sihtric and her smile widened. "And so are you."
Finan smiled as he heard Sihtric sputtering. He laughed and stepped back farther away from the boy. He stepped around them and crossed the small room towards the crib. He leaned over and Stiorra was awake and staring up at him with wide eyes. His smile widened. "She's awake." He leaned over and touched her. His fingers barely brushed against her arm and the shift was sudden and almost violent. Her face scrunched up and her lips quivered and then she was wailing and crying at a volume that shouldn't have been possible with her tiny lungs.
"Fin!" Sihtric snapped the man's nickname and shook his head. He pressed Young Uhtred towards Ealhswith and the young woman quickly took the baby into her arms and held him against her chest with practiced ease. Sihtric watched her for a moment, making sure she held him correctly. Then he nodded and turned sharply. He stalked across the room and pulled Finan out of the way and pushed him roughly. "Move!" He snapped and bent over to pick up Stiorra.
Uhtred held Gisela close and tight as she rested her head against his shoulder. She sighed deeply against him and hugged herself closer. She closed her eyes and Uhtred couldn't help how much he enjoyed the feeling of her against him. He fleetingly thought about the handful of times he had held her under him and he smiled. While yes, he was currently more interested in getting his hands on Finan and Sihtric, he would be lying if he said he found the idea of her body against his again as abhorrent. A sudden baby cry forced the thoughts from Uhtred's mind and Gisela sighed deeply as she pulled away from him.
The door opened and Finan framed the doorway, holding his hands up. "I swear! I didn't touch 'em!" Sihtric appeared behind him, holding a still sniffling Stiorra against his chest. He glared and slapped Finan in the side of his head. Finan ducked down and stepped out of the door. "Okay… I did." The Irishman said, rubbing his head sheepishly.
Gisela sighed deeply and pushed away from Uhtred. She shook her head as she stalked towards them. She glared at Finan and stepped into the room. Finan held up his hands and backed away. Uhtred smiled as he followed. Sihtric stepped out and Uhtred moved closer. He smiled and waved his fingers in front of Stiorra's face. She let out a giggle and reached for his fingers with her chubby fingers. Gisela got Young Uhtred settled back down to sleep and Sihtric helped with Stiorra. Then Gisela shooed the men away and pulled the door shut.
Finan sighed deeply and crossed his arms. Uhtred moved closer to the pouting Irishman and wrapped his arm around the man's shoulders. Finan sighed again and shook his head and Uhtred just laughed and pulled him closer. Sihtric moved in on Finan's other side and leaned over to kiss the man's cheek. He circled his arms around the older man's waist and pressed against his side. Finan scoffed and pushed them both away. "We're in a church!" He hissed and stepped away from them. He touched his cross and held it for a moment as his eyes darted around.
Uhtred chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Sihtric's shoulders. "Come on. It's bedtime for us too." He leaned closer and licked at Sihtric's neck.
The boy let out a soft moan and Finan spun around. He shook his head and stepped closer again. He grabbed Sihtric's hand and pulled him away from their handsy Lord. "Not in the church!" He snapped again and hauled the boy down the aisle of the church and towards the door. Uhtred smiled and followed behind them.
Finan kept hold of Sihtric's hand almost until they were back at the Inn. He didn't slow until the building came into view and he stopped completely. His eyes widened and he let go of the boy immediately, as if just then realizing how tightly he'd been hanging onto him. He cleared his throat and his eyes darted around the dark street. But it was dark and it didn't seem like anyone had seen them.
Uhtred rolled his eyes and smiled. He stepped around them both and headed for the door. "Come on. I am exhausted." He opened the door and held it open. Sihtric followed quickly and Finan sucked in a sharp breath and glanced around once more before he hurried inside. Uhtred pulled the door shut behind them and Finan was already gone, half down the hall towards their room. Uhtred rolled his eyes again and grabbed Sihtric's hand and the two hurried to catch up with him.
When they were finally back in the safety and privacy of their room for the night, Finan sighed dramatically and ran a hand over his face and through his short hair. Uhtred smirked and stepped closer. He leaned against Finan's back and kissed the man's neck. Finan scoffed again and pulled away from him. Uhtred frowned as Finan spun around towards him and Sihtric both. He crossed his arms and glared at them both. "I know ye both ain't Christians an' that doesn't bug me. But what does piss me off is pawin' at me in a church. A church!" He ground out, stepping closer.
Uhtred rolled his eyes and Sihtric shrunk back. The boy stared at the ground and Uhtred bumped into him, brushing their shoulders together. "We were just playing around, Fin."
Finan's glare only seemed to intensify and his lips twisted into a snarl. "No fuckin' 'round in a church!" Uhtred rolled his eyes again and opened his mouth but Finan stepped closer and uncrossed his arms. He pointed an accusing finger at each of them in turn. "No fuckin' in church!" He repeated.
Uhtred sighed deeply and held up his hands. "Fine, sweetheart. We won't do anything in a church. I promise." Finan continued to glare and point accusingly at him and Uhtred smiled. He stepped closer, opened his mouth, and quickly sucked the Irishman's finger into his mouth. He closed his lips around the digit and licked him. Finan huffed and pulled his hand away. He wiped his finger on his shirt and shook his head. Uhtred smirked and shrugged. "Fine. Pout, Fin." He turned sideways and grabbed Sihtric's hand. The boy had been watching the display and he sucked in a sharp breath and looked at Uhtred. The Lord tugged on him and walked around Finan. "We're going to bed. I have to be up early for Alfred's stupid Witan."
Sihtric attempted to look back at Finan but then Uhtred tugged harder on him. The boy stumbled and turned and Uhtred pushed him down on the bed. Sihtric giggled as he bounced for a moment. Then he scooted back and held his arms out to Uhtred. The boy yawned and giggled more as Uhtred quickly kicked off his boots and crawled on the bed. He pulled Sihtric's boots off as well before he crawled closer to the boy. Sihtric giggled again as Uhtred flopped down on the bed beside him. Sihtric rolled on his side, closer to his Lord, and wrapped his arms around the man's neck. He started to pull him closer and then stopped. Sihtric breathed out and bit his lip. He looked nervous for a moment and swallowed.
Uhtred leaned his head on the pillow and sighed deeply, sinking into the mattress. "What, baby boy?"
Sihtric's eyes widened. A blush spread across his face and he bit his lip. Uhtred smirked and leaned closer. He tilted his head back and batted his eyes at Sihtric and said nothing more. Sihtric opened his mouth slowly and licked his lips. "Can I… do I…" He faltered and sighed. "Do I have to ask each time… if I can kiss you?" His voice was soft and timid.
Uhtred's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No, Sihtric, you do not have to ask each time. You never have to ask me. You can always kiss me, whenever you want." He added softly.
Sihtric smiled and looked at Finan, who had stopped his glaring and stepped closer to the bed. The Irishman was watching them curiously. Sihtric breathed out and swallowed. "Finan?" He said the man's name softly.
Finan stiffened a bit and stepped even closer to the bed. He crossed his arms and looked away. A sigh heaved his whole frame and he shook his head. "Ye dun 'ave t' ask… but…" He looked back at them. "No churches…"
Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. "We get it, Fin. Move along."
Finan rolled his eyes as he crawled onto the bed. "Scoot over." He said, pulling on Uhtred's legs. Both men moved until Finan could lie down on Uhtred's other side. "I jus' ask fer ye t' respect me."
Sihtric gasped and nodded his head. "We do, Fin. I respect you."
Uhtred was quick to nod his head. He rolled over until he could see the Irishman and he nodded again. "I do, too. Always, Finan."
Finan nodded and grunted as he sighed. "That means respectin' me religion an' privacy. This… this is between us… I… I dun…" He sighed again and looked away. "Jus' not in public." He said softly.
Uhtred rolled over fully towards the older man and nodded his head. He wrapped his arms around Finan's chest and pulled the man against him. "I'm sorry, Fin." He said softly. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Sihtric moved closer and half leaned over Uhtred. He reached over the Lord and grabbed one of Finan's hands. He laced their fingers together and the Irishman squeezed him. "I am sorry, too." He said softly.
Finan sighed and turned back to them. "It's fine… jus' tired. Can we sleep, please?" He asked, his voice soft and timid, sounding very unlike himself. Uhtred nodded and leaned closer to the man. He kissed Finan's forehead and the Irishman sighed deeply and closed his eyes.
Sihtric kept his hand intertwined with Finan's as he pushed off Uhtred's side and snuggled up against the Lord's back. He tucked his chin against the man's neck and kissed his skin. "Good night." He said, his voice barely a whisper. Finan's breathing had already slowed and Uhtred hummed and leaned back against the boy as he closed his eyes as well.
