Work Text:
In the aftermath of the reunification of Sylvarant and Tethe’alla into one world and the defeat of Cruxis, Botta had transitioned back into civilian life as the Renegades’ goals were met and there was no longer a reason for the organization to be assembled anymore. He had acquired the Sphinx Bar in Triet that many of their Sylvarant based operatives had taken to visiting during their off-shift hours. Sometimes he even had to pick up certain operatives that had gotten a little too unruly with their drinking and had to apologize to the owner for his subordinates’ misbehavior.
Botta had managed to talk Yuan out of tethering himself to the newly sprouted World Tree as its eternal guardian and encouraged him to set up special wards in addition to the protection that already existed around its sanctuary to alert him if anyone were to disturb it. However, settling down wasn’t easy for the former Renegades leader, who still felt a duty of care towards everyone that had worked under him. Even though the Renegades’ bases were now de-commissioned, Yuan permitted those that had nowhere else to go to continue living there, many of them had broken away from their family that had sided with the Desians. For others, Yuan was working towards making arrangements for employment for his former employees.
Yuan must have just finished with another long day of going all over trying to place former Renegades as he collapsed against the counter while Botta was cleaning up glasses after closing. He had many thoughts about the other man working himself too hard, even for a nigh immortal seraphim.
“How about taking a break from this endeavor?” Botta suggested as he set down a glass that he finished cleaning onto the shelf. He had already finished up his major tasks for the evening but just needed to wash the glasses and other dishes used during service.
“What...? No, not until I’m done,” he said firmly. Sometimes his lover was a little too stubborn for his own good.
“Darlin’...I know that you care about the kids and that’s something that I admire a lot about you, but you need to think about yourself as well. Working yourself to the bone isn’t doing you or anyone else any favors.” Botta reached out his hand to cup his cheek, thumb gently stroking his face.
Yuan gave him a grumpy pout, not easily deterred from his mission.
“I’m not saying to give it up. Just give yourself a small break to take care of yourself. If you’re not willing to do that for yourself, how about for me?” The raven-haired man attempted to assuage him with the fact that he was just requesting a brief respite. Yuan’s expression started to ease up a little. Most of his facial expressions were subtle and if he hadn’t known the other man so well, those changes would be completely lost on him.
Both of them had to learn how to mask their facial expressions to not betray their true emotions while working as Renegades. Yuan had faced the most danger working as a double agent deep in the midst of Cruxis, having to ensure that Mithos remained ignorant of his betrayal. Meanwhile, Botta had operated as the public face of the organization since their true leader had operated mostly in the shadows. Though, even with the fragile peace that had been brokered, it was difficult to break off old habits. However, Botta was trying to be more open with his emotions and he knew that Yuan was also trying to be less guarded.
“Very well, if that would make you happy.” Yuan finally conceded, reaching his hand up to lay on top of Botta’s that rested still on his face.
“Yes, it would,” The other half elf responded before leaning over the counter to give Yuan a deep kiss, which was quickly reciprocated.
Botta figured that he could wrap up the small amount of cleaning that remained later before opening so he suggested that they retire for the evening. Their home was just a few doors down from the Sphinx. There was a convenience in being near their former Sylvarant base of operations and Yuan had mixed feelings about his hometown of Asgard as it had changed significantly over the millennia that had passed.
They decided to unwind with a nice, warm bath. As Botta filled up the tub with water, Yuan grabbed a bottle of wine and brought it into the bathroom.
“I thought you were saving that for the winter solstice...?” Botta raised an eyebrow at him.
“Weren’t you the one that encouraging me to take a break?” He grinned then shrugged, “Besides, I can always pick up another.”
Once the tub was full, Botta submerged himself into the water, Yuan soon followed by straddling his waist and clutching the wine bottle. The former Renegades leader took a sip directly from the bottle before offering it to him.
“This is nice.” Yuan smiled down at him.
“I’ve heard about a hot spring establishment just north of the Temple of Earth. We could take a trip there sometime.” One of his spy operatives had informed him that the Chosen’s group had visited the location during their adventure. It was located on its own island and tucked away deep within a forest.
“And here I thought you were nervous to step away from the Sphinx for a lengthy amount of time?” The blue haired man wrapped his arms around Botta’s shoulders after setting the bottle down onto the edge of the tub.
“I’ve been training Bael in the management area as well. She’s reliable. I wouldn’t mind leaving her in charge for a few days for the sake of vacation with you.” While Yuan had taken charge of placing their former operatives, Bael was one of the few that he had taken directly under his own wing. She had no family left as both of her parents were Desians that died during the conflict.
“Well then, that sounds like a wonderful idea.”