So, this one is basically a snippet bit of after Itisha finds out about Ash's past. Does a time hop to the time his Uncle Jackass died anyway, and she drags the guy off, tortures him, and drops him back in his time dead as though his heart just failed.
Aaaand Ash was a little upset at her methods.
So, she went and found every written account she could (Barring a few important copies that a certain Tory finds) about his past, as he wants NO ONE to actually know about it. Which may have led to her bartering her body in the sexual sense and the pain/whipping/beatings to get them. So. MORE ADVENTURES.
Despite her brave face, he could feel her tense for the briefest moment his hand traced her back to make sure everything was alright. Then she remembered herself and would relax into his side as they poked at the crackling fire. By now it was all ashes and wood, "Who healed you?" Acheron asked softly.
"Apollymi. I thought she was going to rip her way out of her prison for how bad I looked. I explained to her why and…" And the goddess wept. Not that she told her the details. Just that she had done this for Ash. Maybe his poor mother already knew, "I think she is somewhere between placated and angry. For now, the world is safe."
Eyes closed and he kissed the top of her head. One of his hands came to collect hers. He remembered wishing for someone who would love him openly. Who would hold his hand without fear of being seen with him. Whose eyes lit up when they saw him. The insane woman in his arms had done just that. He felt his eyes burn and he closed them tightly to banish unshed tears. He didn't at all feel worth the pain she just endured.
"It is going to take me a while to come to terms with the fact that you did this." He admitted quietly.
A snuggle against him and she felt safe. Content. Her hand gave his a gentle squeeze, "Would you have done the same for me? I know you've gone to great lengths to get the souls of your hunters back."
Acheron realized he would have. He paid in flesh and blood for his hunters. To him, they were all worth it. For her…. He would have done just as much, "I cannot possibly be worth that." He whispered, "Loving someone should not end to you being in pain."
"I've had worse days. Love is both a weapon and a comfort. Right now, I am accepting it as a comfort. Knowing I could help you made me able to grit my teeth and take it." Knowing there was possibly a soft place to hide and let the nightmares run their course made it easier, "I love you, Acheron. With every piece of my body and soul do I love you."
And she had proclaimed it to any god and being that had held a piece of his past. There was no ducking or hiding. She made sure her affection was known. It no doubt put her and her family in danger but… well already being his friend did that. Pulling her into his lap, he cradled her against him as though she would vanish, "I love you too, Itisha. Thank you for what you have done for me. Try… try not to do it again any time soon. It kills me to know that you know my pain a little more literally than anyone should know."
"Damned if I do and damned if I don't. I am trying really hard not to hurt you. I keep doing that." Itisha whispered. He would be better off with Tory in the future. "I am sorry you hurt, Ash."
"It is alright. I think I was always damned to hurt. I am just not used to this. Also, Miss Rapunzel, you could apologize like a normal person when someone is angry at you." His tone was teasing. At least he attempted it. He had been angry with her for what she had done to his uncle. Not because he cared about the man, but because of her methods. Yet the dark part of him had some small relief in it. Of course she had tried to apologize to him, but he had not wanted to speak to her at all lest he said something he would regret. So she went to this extent.
"Sorry, Hot Topic. Remember, I am not good with anyone over three foot tall and beyond a two digit age under 18. You have at least five digits in your age. Extra challenging for the social impaired." She missed that soft teasing. There was an exhaustion hanging over her as she cuddled against him, "May I please fall asleep here with you, Ash?"
Frankly she was doing better with her social skills than a lot of people he knew. There was a kiss on her forehead and he nodded, "Of course. Get your rest."