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It was many years since Finan had proclaimed that he and Uhtred were “bound”. He had known even then that their paths would be forever entwined.
It had been the right word to use at the time and it was just as true now. Even more so now. Over the years, the fiercely loyal Sihtric had become the third member of their close group and it had been the three of them together through countless battles and missions that Uhtred was forever getting them tangled up in.
They weren’t brothers like Uhtred and Ragnar had been. Their bond was was more, different, even stronger. Siblings grow apart as they weave their own paths through life. Finan, Uhtred and Sihtric just grew closer as the years went by. Each knew the others better than he knew himself. Each would protect the others in a shield wall, knowing that they were doing the same for him. And even though they each supposedly lived alone in their own homes in Coccham, they were forever seeking out the companionship of the other two.
This day was no different. It had been a long, warm summer. The harvest was going to be a good one and the alehouse was loud with good natured, raucous joke-telling and teasing. Uhtred was in good spirits and made sure the ale was flowing all round. The three of them sat at their usual table, as comfortable in each other’s company as it was possible to be.
Finan knew these two meant everything to him. He’d never needed anyone else. Their lifelong friendship was enough.
Or was it?
As the evening drew on, couples started pairing up and disappearing into the shadows. Finan wondered why it was always just the three of them left finishing their drinks at the end of the night. He never sought out anyone else’s company, and if the other two did, he certainly wasn’t aware of it.
They had all drunk too much. Not enough to prevent them from finding their way to their homes, but enough to leave any inhibitions behind. As they stumbled out of the alehouse and breathed in the cool air, Uhtred slumped back to steady himself against the wall. Without understanding what compelled him to do it, Finan stepped towards him, into his space. He leaned forward and instinctively pressed his lips hard against Uhtred’s mouth. Uhtred gasped, surprised at what was happening, but not offended. His mind was clear as he relaxed into the kiss and he brought his hand up to the back of Finan’s head to hold him there and let him know the embrace was welcome as he kissed him back. The rush of blood through Uhtred’s veins, the thump of his heart and the overwhelming desire he felt right then was unexpected but not unwelcome. As they drew apart, Sihtric was at their side, wide-eyed. Uhtred smiled, as he reached out with his other arm and pulled him close against them, where he belonged. The three of them. It was enough and it was everything.