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He wasn't used to affection just yet. Years of hard labor, lashes, and pain lead Osvald to have to build a wall around his heart, one that took time to melt. He didn't mean to be like this, but even when Rita and Elena had been alive he hadn't exactly been one to initiate much PDA.
He hadn't been completely cold to them, of course. He'd hold his late wife's and daughter's hands when they walked throughout their hometown together. He'd occasionally press a chaste kiss to Rita's cheek or lips when he was home with her. He'd cuddle his daughter when she had a nightmare or when reading her a story or helping her with her studies. He'd hold his wife at night as they slept together. It wasn't as if his body had been completely devoid of affection, a feeling he thought he'd never experience again if he was being honest, it's just compared to what he was used to, the five years of hardness and cold, Partitio was a very VERY different experience as a lover.
Their first night as a couple together hadn't been as Partitio wanted, Osvald could tell. Then again Osvald should have been used to Partitio cuddling up to him at night, even before they'd gotten together Osvald always woke with the other snuggled up to him. But trying to fall asleep in the other's arms? Osvald hadn't meant to initially flinch away, he really hadn't, and the frown Partitio held when he had nearly broke the scholar's heart as they re-adjusted and slept with a space between them. The next time Osvald didn't flinch from the other's touch, but it was clear he wasn't exactly comfortable.
"I'm just a bit of a snuggle bug darlin'~" Partitio explained as he held a stiff Osvald in his arms. "I'm sorry if it's too much for ya..." Osvald felt Partitio's grip begin to loosen.
"It's fine," Osvald quickly said, much to Partitio's delight. "I just... need time, to adjust," Osvald said, slowly relaxing Partitio's hold.
"We'll go at your pace, ok hun?" Those words soothed Osvald, maybe ho. Appreciate that along with being incredibly loving Partitio was also incredibly understanding. But some nights they'd still sleep separately, and Osvald knew it hurt Partitio and he wished he could just go back to as he was an adjust to all of this. But Partitio would always gently, remind him it was OK and he would still be there in the morning, likely clinging to Osvald. He was a snuggle bug, and always would be.
It got easier, and slowly Osvald got used to their private times and the amount of PDA Partito liked. The merchant always wanted to be touching in some way. Holding hands, his arm slung around Osvald's shoulders, Partitio didn't care if it was public or private, he wanted to show affection. And the kisses, at any moment Osvald had to grow to expect Partitio to lean over and press his lips to Osvald's cheeks, lips, or forehead. Even his nose a few times, and in private? Osvald was quite positive at this point Partito had kissed nearly every inch of him, or at least was close to doing so. And the pet names too, sugar, hun, sweetheart, Ossie, and on and on. Partitio loved to get Osvald flustered and blushing as if he was a love-struck schoolgirl, and well… it wasn't as if Osvald completely minded it. In fact, it was that he reluctantly enjoyed the attention which was one of the reasons he grew to love Partitio. Maybe he wasn't used to all of this, but he wanted to be. And while he'd never admit it out loud,d he enjoyed the sensation of being flustered, surprised, and kept on his toes by Partitio. And the look Partitio gave him, somehow the Merchant just knew despite the words never being said out loud.
And over time Osvald got used to the PDA, the snuggle-filled nights, and he loved them. It made his heart full, it made him feel worthy of love again, and it made him feel human. He no longer flinched nor shirked away when Partio touched his hand to hold it or to rest an arm on his shoulder or lean against him. He didn't back away from the surprise hugs or kisses. It took time and patience, but one night as they bid a good sleep to Cassti and Ochette it was Osvald who first cuddled up against Partitio.
"...'s cold," Osvald said as he rested his head against the other's chest.
"You don't gotta make excuses with me hun, you know that," Partitio said with a soft chuckle, stroking Osvald's hair gently. "But you got it, I'll warm you right up. Looks like you're turning into a little snuggle bug to sweetheart~"
"Perhaps... and perhaps it's not so bad, as long as it's with you," Osvald said looking up at his partner, satisfied that Partitio was the one blushing for once as he settled back in against him. Maybe he wouldn't ever be as snuggly and affectionate as Partitio, but if he could keep the merchant on his toes then who wouldn't also take joy in that?