Archive of Our Own

Gideon wasn’t sure when Kremy’s issue started. The little growl he had back when Gricko retold a joke for the fifth time, or how his grip tightened when Torbek stood a little too close to him for comfort. Frost pointing out an inconsistency in a plan of his, or Twig coming deliriously high off of frogs. He’d glare at the bog water splashing up at him, disdain in his eyes. The quiver in his maw or just distancing himself from them. Something bothered the man, and it irked him more by each day spent in the fey wild. 

It hasn’t helped Gideon had come to a conclusion about himself. 

He loved Kremy. He’d follow that man to the ends of the Earth and fight the gods if he so thought of it. He came to realize, after a not so awful faecurse which had him utterly smitten with Kremy, that the feelings never went away. The feelings were not new with the fae curse. Just confidence to act on them, which surprised him. Confidence was never an issue for Gideon Coal. But when it came to Kremy? He felt himself melt, completely unsure and waiting on the other’s words. 

He never thought he would so desperately want to stick by someone’s side ever again. After he had escaped, he couldn’t imagine having friends or anyone last longer than a few months. It was too risky. 

And then there was Kremy. The moment he caught a whiff of his cooking that idea was blown away. It didn’t help that the lizardfolk was fun . Over time of fun and food, other factors piled on. How Gideon found Kremy utterly gorgeous as days passed, unsure where his ‘thing’ for lizardfolk came from. The quick smiles Kremy would give, before knowingly scamming people out of several hundred gold pieces. And his nicknames, oh, Kremy’s nicknames.

Everything about Kremy was enrapturing and he didn’t want to look away. He had a fire burning in his heart and determination in his eyes. A guy made of fire can’t look away from that. He just couldn’t .

So he stayed. And it led him to where he was now. Utterly in love with a cranky lizardfolk.

Kremy’s attitude only worsened since they were entrapped in a rebel camp to organize a federal body of government for a kingdom. It only stacked from there. After finally settling that political situation Gideon could not give two shits about, they filed out of the house, the king and rebellion leader heading to the castle to conclude whatever the hell they were doing. 

Gullup offered a ride back to the court, and none were in a mood to decline. It had been too many hours of sitting and doing nothing. Gideon wasn’t sure the last time he felt so bored. He expected Gricko to be in the same boat, but was surprised at the other’s knowledge in political strategies. Guess that’s what schooling did for people. They found themselves in a wagon trailing the main succession, slightly weighed down by the weight of the very much non-bullywog people. Gideon took a glance around.

Frost and Gricko seemed to still be talking about it, much to Frost’s barely contained joy. It wasn’t often that they could have a discussion that wasn’t led astray by Gricko’s antics. Twig had fallen asleep clutching Hootise close, who curled up next to Torbek. He seemed to be stretching and releasing something in his hand. A hose? Couldn’t tell.

He then glanced to Kremy, his body turned to look outside the wagon to the swampgrounds. Gideon couldn’t see his face, nor did he need to. His shoulders were tense, those claws gripping the crystal skull as if he was attempting to break it. 

Best to leave him to it, as much as it bothered him. If Kremy was in a sour mood, Gideon was probably not going to make it better. He had a sorry streak of that, and thought it better to let the lizardfolk come off of it on his own.

As they returned to downfell, they were delivered behind Gullup and Illig. It was clear to any observer they were in cahoots. The King and Rebel leader gave a turn to them, a nod, as they started their walk to the castle, clearly done with their business. The small gator gave two little mouth snaps and a small yip at them, probably at Kremy, before scurrying behind the king.

Gideon couldn’t help but snort at the little thing and risked a glance at Kremy. His hand raised a soft wave of his claws at the small creature. He looked content. Gideon looked away before Kremy could catch him. Or at least before he made it obvious to Gideon he knew. 

Groups of townsfolk looked on, completely in awe. The king and the rebellion leader side by side? It was unheard of. The image of those foreign seven being acknowledged quickly spread. 

Did they do that?

Is Gullup going to kill the rebel leader?

No, I doubt it.

An odd group, aren’t they?

Do tigers eat bullywogs?

Forget tigers, what about crocodiles?!

Kremy let out a groan under his breath, that look of content wiped away in an instant. He gave Kremy a quick pat on the back before quickening his pace to avoid a stern look.

In avoiding Kremy’s look he got a new type of look. It wasn’t something Gideon was used to, to be looked on with awe instead of fear. Not just the guy that punched things hard enough that they didn’t stand again. He didn’t mind the groups of women looking on at him with batting eyelashes. The occasional guy too. 

Gricko and Hootsie revealed in the spotlight, signing autographs and playing songs for people. Torbek was like a standing amusement for the bullywog children, looking at the tubes in awe as if they were lava lamps. Frost was happy to be gifted trinkets, bits of yarn and the occasional book.

Kremy fared the worst. When offered gifts he would distract them, attempt to locate the nearest alley to slip down, or awkwardly offer them to give them to his ‘employees’. The only gifts he took in stride were in compliments to his newly acquired Electrum Chef title. He would refuse to take anything in regards to being friends with the king and fostering a ‘new environment’. Part of Gideon pitied the man in every encounter and other part of him found it amusing. He wasn’t sure the last time Kremy was given anything from someone other than Gideon.

Gideon felt himself pity the other more, and decided to intervene in one of the awkward encounters. Kremy was attempting to distract them with small feats of prestidigitation. They were distracted briefly before re-offering the gift. Gideon could see it was a small souvenir lighter, downfall written on it in that off putting bubble text carnivals and tourist shops had a horrible tendency to use. He felt more defensive of his role as Kremy's permanent cigarette lighter. Gideon took a slight step to the side of Kremy, putting a hand on the warlock’s shoulder, lightly guiding him away. He heard the other’s slow exhale as the confused fan walked off after being met with Gideon’s kurt “thank ya’, we’ll be walkin’ long now”.

He turned to face the saved lizardfolk and was met with an expression he least expected. He felt himself melt just seeing that look.

A soft gaze looking back at him. Shoulders loose, those gray eyes gazing at him like there was something much more of importance in front of him. Gideon turned around, expecting to see some grand affair but found nothing.

Confused, he turned back to Kremy, whose expression had turned back to his normal, hardened poker face. Gideon could tell he was put a bit more at ease. He wanted to take Kremy away from all these eyes, all the uncomfort.

Gideon cleared his throat, slowing his pace to match Kremy’s.

 Kremy shot him a quick glance noticing the change but did not comment. He cleared his throat

“So fellas! What do we think about setting up for the night?”

The rest, turned. Something was in his voice. Hootsie lay flopped on the ground, happily having her stomach rubbed from children of the court.

“Setting up…now? It’s just about midday. That’s wasting time”, Frost countered. 

“Fine. Y’all do whatcha want. I’m settlin’ in. I’ll get rooms for ya”, Kremy snapped back. He turned on his heel, seeming to almost run to the nearest inn. Gideon narrowed his eyes at Kremy and then the inn. “ The Royal Ribbit”. 

Yeah, something wasn’t right with that gator. But that was his gator damnit!

“What was that all bout?”, Gricko questioned, standing up to look towards the disappearing Kremy.

Frost shook his head, unsure.

“Mr Kreeemy isn’t haaapppy?”, Torbek drew out.

Gideon cleared his throat. “Why don’t ch’all head on out. Have fun an’ all? I’ll see his deal”. 

Frost narrowed his eyes in suspicion, a smirk creeping on the corners of his lips.

“Totally.”

Gricko nodded absent mindedly, “You do that big red!”

Gideon only murmured a half-spoken response as he hurried behind the path he saw Kremy sneak through the crowd. It took him much longer. They were both decently tall compared to the average height of the downfall individuals, but Kremy could sneak his way through a crack in a wall like he was missing bones. Maybe he should get him to eat more. 

The thought of letting Kremy ‘figure it out on his own’ disappeared, Gideon intent on finding the reason for the crabby behavior. 

He finally reached the door, pushing it open with ease, having to duck slightly. He took a glance around, desperately looking for the sheen of scales. There was clearly no gatorfolk here, at least not anymore. He saw liquor glasses reflecting a shine into his eye. Wouldn’t hurt, and it could help. Gideon’s words could be useless but a nice glass of rum? He found himself walking to the bartender, the nicely dressed Bullywog glanced him up and down with intrigue. 

“How may I help you sir?”

“Uh, ya’ got rum?”

The man moved to the side, gesturing to the wall of alcohol. Shit. This was feywild shit, damnit!

“Something the matter?”

“Er-nah, just gimme up top”. The more expensive bottles always caught Kremy’s eye. 

That reminded him. How was he supposed to pay? They didn’t take money, and even if they did-he could not afford something like that. Worst comes to worst he steals the bottle, runs for his life and leaves the bottle as a peace offering to Kremy.

The bartender had to get a stool to get to the top shelf to retrieve the bottle, placing it on the counter in front of Gideon.

“Whad’ I owe ya?”

The bullywog tapped a bulbous tipped finger against his chin, thinking. Gideon had leaned against the countertop, slightly anxious to get to Kremy, and slightly more now wondering what part of his soul he’d be wagering away. 

“Just tell me what’s gotcha in a rush.”

“Wh-what? Nah, it’s-”

“I ain’t gonna try hag magic. Truth be told- no one drinks this stuff. Tryin’ to empty stocks don’t hurt no one.”

Gideon narrowed his eyes, unsure, but not one to refuse free alcohol.

“Uh, my partner-er-business partner, Kremy, gatorfolk if you’ve seen ‘im. He’s outta sorts. Not sure why, but this won’t hurt, I think”. 

“That's all?”, the bartender narrowed his eyes, looking at Gideon as if there was a fly stuck to his forehead.

“Yeah? Reckon so”. 

“Alright. I think you should be takin’ this as well.”

The bartender disappeared below the counter, reappearing with a small glass vial. It made the ‘ top shelf ’’ glass look like Gricko’s dirt cheap beer. 

“M’ not gonna refuse”. 

The bartender placed it alongside the other bottle, looking at Gideon again.

“Hope all goes well with ya partnah”. 

Gideon gave a small huff, easily holding both bottles by their necks in one hand. He made his way over to the main desk, looking desperately over to the attending employee.

“Hello sir, how may I assist you?”, the young Bullywog woman croaked.

“Uh- a friend of mine jus’ came through ‘ere. moody gator folk?”, 

He held up the bottles, in an attempt to explain himself.

The woman looked clearly taken aback for a second before clearing her throat.

“oh. Oh! You must be part of Mr Le Croux’ party?”

Gideon nodded anxiously.

She fished behind her desk for a set of keys and handed them over.

“Room 204. Please be courteous”,

Gideon grabbed at the keys with his empty hand, grumbled a thanks and moved along.

He seemed to walk faster before realizing there truly was no reason to. Kremy wasn’t going anywhere.

His pace’s speed slowed as he got closer to the room. He looked at the fancy glass in his hand. A sip wouldn’t hurt. Especially if Kremy was being sour.

Gideon popped the top and took a quick swig. He expected a strong flavor to kick at his lungs but found the taste of nothing but what tasted like honey, sticking to his throat. It was thick and sickly sweet.

He shook his head. Some faywild shit. It’d probably help sometime soon. Probably.

 He flipped the keys in his hand, already getting them prepared to open the door. 

As he got closer to the door, he listened and heard nothing. 

The fighter continued to the door, walking up to it and fumbling with the lock with a key that was barely the size of his thumb. He swung the door open and looked around the room quickly, spotting a mound on the room’s bed. 

He narrowed his eyes at it, before shutting the door behind him and locking it again.

He placed the bottles and keys down on the small table nearest the door. 

“Hey, Kremy?”, he called out quietly.

He heard a grumble from the bedsheets.

“Krem”, Gideon tried again, walking across the room to the bedsheets. He noticed the other’s suit had been hung over a chair, his top hat and other accessories lazily thrown as well. Strange. Kremy always neatly folded his garments or hung them..

He wasn’t met with a grumble at the second response and decided to lift the sheets on his own merit.

As he lifted the sheets, he felt his breath taken away.

Kremy laid curled on his side, the end of his tail curling back up to his face. He looked exhausted, sickly even. His eyes were shut tightly, his claws balled into something small. A small rabbit stuffed animal with a large horn. The almiraj Gideon had gotten for him. It brought momentary comfort before he looked back at the gator.

He seemed to be getting worse by the second, his mouth open as his unconscious self seemed to take shallow breaths. 

“Kremy! Shit, what’s tha matter? Ya cold? Sick?”, he desperately spilled out, dropping to the side of the bed to get a closer look at the man.

Gideon reached a hand over to the other, and without a word, Kremy grabbed at it, pulling it forward, nestling into it. Gideon had not expected such strength, being grabbed and pulled into Kremy’s reach. What had just been his hand was now his arm, Kremy grabbing at with shivering claws, moving the top of his head up and down Gideon’s arm. The scales on the back of his neck slightly scratched Gideon’s arm. He felt himself warm up, the sudden closeness making his heart beat in his ears. He saw how his arm slightly seemed to light up under his skin, only the parts Kremy touched.

In response to the gained heat, Kremy slowed his head movements, letting a soft purr escape from deep within his throat. 

That was definitely something Gideon had never heard before. If they were in any other situation, Gideon was sure he’d begin to warm up in places other than his arm. Unfortunately for him, Kremy lay there unconscious, desperately soaking in any of Gideon’s radiating heat.

“Kremy, say somethin’ man, ‘m beggin ya!”, he pleaded, half not wanting to wake him, but still utterly concerned about his well being. 

As he spoke, he placed his other hand on the top of Kremy’s head, placing a thumb slightly behind Kremy’s eyes, placing the rest of his fingers on the top of his head, trying to desperately raise the other’s temperature. He was cold blooded, sure, but he wasn’t ever this cold, not unless it was snowing.

Gideon knew for a fact it hadn’t been cold at all the whole time they’d been in the feywild. If anything, it’d been warm, remembering the slight steam he’d occasionally get on the long treks.

On one particular ridge of Kremy’s head, he massaged. The scales were soft, much softer than he expected. It was a feeling he’d never felt before, despite having lovers of any and all species. He wondered if Kremy felt different elsewhere before desperately trying to stow away the thought .

He watched closely as he massaged the soft tissue, the one of the gatorfolk’s eyes crept open slowly, and then opened suddenly as he made eye contact with Gideon.

“Gid?! Wher-why-what’re you doin?” Kremy stuttered out, desperately moving his eyes around, slightly flinching his head, but did not take any motion to remove his head from Gideon’s reach. He stopped gripping the other’s hand like he would die without it, but held onto it nonetheless. Gideon paused in his gentle circles. 

“Uh-er, you were freezin. Shakin an’ all. Wasn’t sure what else I coulda’ don”, Gideon replied honestly. He started to very slowly resume the circles, moving past Kremy’s soft patch of scales. His chest felt tight, terrified that he’d push away the other out of reach. 

“Oh. Sorry about that. Haven’t been feelin’ too well lately is all”, he murmured. His eyes moved away from Gideon’s, looking at the ground behind Gideon.

Gideon’s eyes narrowed, curious. He tried to get a better look at Kremy. His tail just barely touched Gideon’s wrist, snaking up between his legs. Moving to the other’s torso, he saw the other’s pants left on, his normal three piece suit having been neglected to be left in a half buttoned shirt. Gideon forced himself to breathe normally, to focus for the other’s sake. He could think about how this made him feel a different time.  He noticed the shakes had mostly left Kremy by now, and a quick shiver made Gideon’s train of thought get back on track. 

“An’ how long you been feelin that way”, gently articulating as he felt the underside of a scute.

Gideon and his blabbermouth. Kremy wasn’t having this. Any moment he’d push and crawl away, throw on his jacket and act like nothing had ever happened.

“Oh ya know. Must’ve been that political shit, ya’ know I’m not fond of diplomacy ” ,

Kremy responded, taking a break halfway through as air shook out of his breath. Gideon tried to read him.

The other’s eyes avoided him, barely blinking. He kept shifting his head in Gideon’s gentle caresses. 

“For bein’ so good at lyin’ to everyone else, ya’ suck lyin’ to me Krem”, Gideon whispered back. His eyes didn’t leave the others as he watched those silver crescents meet his. 

“I-I’m serious Gid! Don’t like non that…”

“I believe that .”

Gideon knew better than to question Kremy. Especially on his lies. So why was he-?

Kremy groaned, barely squirming in Gideon’s grasp. 

“Con men ain’t supposed to be caught lyin’ Gid.”

Yes, he knew this so why was he pushing him-

Gideon hummed in response, his curiosity turning into slight frustration. Kremy got like this sometimes, and Gideon always thought it was over silly things. The worst of it was when he found out Kremy wasn’t actually from Agwe, but a small fishing town of Whipoorwallow. He couldn’t look Gideon in the eyes for a week. Gideon wasn’t sure what Kremy expected him to say. That he hated him? He very much didn’t, nor did he care where the lizardfolk came from, just that’d he stay. It was moments like this that scared Gideon the most. When Kremy was backed into a corner, he’d do just about anything to get out.

“I-”, he started and stopped. He exhaled slowly. 

“Gid- I’m not like the rest of y’all, you know?”

Gideon only tilted his head in curiosity.

“The water here- the air- it’s all so…thick. It feels like it weighs me down, I suppose”,

Gideon nodded. “I get it. Swamps always seem to dampen my flame a bit-”

“Don’t have no issue with swamps, Gid”, 

Gideon silently cursed himself. 

“It’s just the feywild, ‘m guessin. It feels like every poison and toxin seeps into me. It’s the worst, here..”

He moved his one claw to gesture around his jaw, and Gideon silently moved his hand towards it. 

With one hand paused on massaging the back of his head, the other reached alongside Kremy’s jaw, laying featherlight touches to where Kremy gestured.

Kremy’s maw slightly opened, a slight gasp releasing from him.

Gideon startled, starting to move his hand away from the sensitive scales.

“No!- er- Don’t stop”

A beat passed in silence as Gideon returned his hand, unable to hear anything outside of his own heartbeat, the gentle scraping of Kremy’s scales to Gideon’s calloused hands and what seemed to effect Gideon the most, the gentle bellows Kremy desperately tried to swallow down.

“It’s alrigh’ to make those sounds. Feels good.”

Normally Gideon wouldn’t push this, especially when Kremy was like this. This is how Kremy gets away. Runs away as far and as fast as possible.

In a small whisper, a voice barely articulated,

“no, it ain’t.”

Gideon paused, using his hand instead to move Kremy to look at him.

Kremy tried to look anywhere but, so Gideon only moved closer. It was easy enough to take up Kremy’s vision. 

He had two choices. To look at Gideon or to scrawl away. Gideon was prepared for the latter.

It caught him off guard when Kremy met his gaze.

“Why not?”

Gideon, trying his best to be gentle, softly resumed the circling of his fingers.

“It sounds… wrong . Like somethin’ feral outta swamp. Like I’m just some…primal thing.”

Gideon couldn’t help but smile, giving a reassuring graze of his fingers against the back of Kremy’s head.

“So?”

Kremy’s eyes narrowed.

“Whatcha mean so?”

“You could be the most prude business man in Agwe, or a feral swamp creature. Who gives a shit? I get ya don’t wanna make those sounds to people ya tryin to trick, but that ain’t me. Is it?”

Kremy’s eyes were softer from the look of scrutiny as he blinked a few times and thought.

“Ya seriously don’ mind them?”, his voice barely a whisper.

Gideon smiled, shaking his head. He could feel heat rising to his cheeks.

“Naw, I mean it. They’re part o’ you, and I mighty like ya”.

If Gideon had a blabbermouth before, he wasn’t sure what level this would be considered.

“I-uh-I-!”

He desperately tried to think of something, anything to back pedal. Lies after lies came to his tongue and none would come out. What the fuck was his deal?

“Oh.”

Kremy’s slightly closed and lidded eyes jumped open, his head barely tilting.

“Shit- man, i’m sorry- I just-“

“I like ya too, Gid.”

Gideon blinked, trying his best to process the words out of his mouth. 

“I mean-non ironically, Kremy- I wanna stay with ya. Hold ya like this an’ all”,

The words slipped out faster and faster.

“Good, I hoped that’s what ya’ meant”, Kremy chuckled, moving a hand over to Gideon’s cheek. He seemed to stroke the fire in his beard. Gideon could tell from his own temperature his head was probably engulfed. He couldn’t help it, leaning into Kremy’s touch. 

He watched his own fire reflected in Kremy’s eyes. The gatorfolk looked entranced, pupils blown up, orange dancing in the void of color. 

As they sat there, unsure what to say next, what to do , Gideon felt his heart calm. He felt like it was some nice dream he was going to wake up from. There was always something to take away the nice things Gideon had. 

“Well you just gotta kneel ova’ me or you gettin’ in?”, Kremy slurred, his voice soft and sleepy.

“I’d like that”

He took his hands off of Kremy, using them to lift himself to his feet to crawl in.

Kremy moved to make room, holding the sheets up. Gideon went to move to go into the sheets but got a quick ‘tsk!’ and pat on the thigh with a tai.

He looked towards tail, caught off guard, before looking to Kremy with confusion.

“Shoes off . Ya ain’t getting muck in here”

Gideon huffed a small laugh, moving down to remove his shoes. He removed them lazily, trying his best to kick them off before having to use his hands to pry them off. 

He glanced at his manacles. He didn’t want to make Kremy uncomfortable but it disturbed him to remove them. His mind started to race before a gentle drawl reached out to him.

“Ya’ don’t have to take ‘em off Gid. C’mon now my hand’s gettin cramps.”

Kremy seemed to read his mind, and without a second thought he slid in the open space Kremy had gestured for him. As soon as Gideon was through, Kremy dropped the blankets, his reach unable to drop them behind Gideon.

Gideon moved the sheets to keep the warmth in. As much as Kremy could hide it, he could tell pain resided within. Gideon would try his damnedest to relieve it.

Kremy moved closer to Gideon, moving his head underneath his head, rubbing gently against his beard.

Gideon assisted, putting a hand on Kremy’s back to pull him closer.

He listened intently as Kremy let out a soft rumble, the sound seeming to shake Gideon to his core. It felt like his heart shook with the sound, his breath briefly catching as he registered it.

He wasn’t sure what had happened in the last five minutes. Less than ten minutes ago he was outside in the streets with the rest of the group accepting gifts and compliments. It was nice, but truly incomparable as Kremy partially laid on top of him, and occasional rumbled. 

Gideon moved his hand up the other’s shirt to reach scales and scutes. He was immensely curious, wanted to know every nook and cranny of Kremy- but he’d have to be patient. This wasn’t something he’d ever want to mess up. 

He felt something cold slip near his leg, gently nestling alongside his calf. Kremy’s tail. He tried to slow his breathing, focusing deeply.

He couldn’t help it and let out a small gasp.

He noticed Kremy’s eyes open and shoot up to him.

Gideon glanced down, giving an embarrassed look and chuckle.

Kremy returned a smile, moving a hand over to Gideon’s resting arm, gently running his knuckles against his skin, his hair.

Gideon knew that Kremy’s claws would probably hurt if he ran them down him. He desperately wanted it, but reason tried to quiet that thought. It was a time for gentle touches, soft voices and tenderness. It was new for Gideon, and no shot it wasn’t for Kremy as well.

Gideon glanced back down at Kremy, the other’s eyes wide in shock? He tried to quickly reread the expression, unsure. He seemed surprised, shocked at something, but made no new movement.

“Kremy- what’s that look for?”

“Ya’ glowin Cher.”

Gideon glanced to his arm that reached to Kremy’s back. A noticeably brighter flame seemed to shine from inside his skin. Same with his other arm. Even from above the sheets, he could see the outline of his body through the sheets, just barely. 

Kremy’s eyes relaxed.

“Ya looked like this once that I remember, ya know?”

Gideon returned his vision to Kremy, who stared intently at the arm of the fighter who he continued to gently run his hand down.

“Oh yea? When’s that?”

“First time ya’ had my cookin. You burst out inta’ flames real quick. Then they died down into that lil’ light o yours…Ya coughed up chunks of potato trying to get your next bite before ya’ were done with the first”

Gideon laughed, remembering the memory fondly.

“Damn right I did. Ya’s cookins still the best I’ve eva’ had”,

And he meant it. 

 The way Kremy remembered how Gideon sneezed and wheezed with the type of mushroom he used to cook with. He couldn’t remember the last time Kremy had bought that type of mushroom. 

“I’m glad.”

Gideon gave a reassuring circling motion around the scute had been gently scratching. Then it clicked. 

What had Kremy called him?

Gideon felt his flame sputter, the flame growing hotter in a quick motion.

“Ya’ alrigh cher?”,

The flame sputtered again, Gideon unable to make eye contact. His cheeks felt red, unable to make coherent thoughts or speech.

Kremy let out a low chuckle, circling along the inside of Gideon’s arms gently with a claw.

“Ya’ like that cher? ”

Another quick burst of flame which made Kremy laugh. Gideon felt like his body was betraying him, but enjoyed the joy it seemed to bring Kremy.

Kremy readjusted his head under Gideon’s head, Gideon leaning into the touch.

The verbal silence was comfortable, the sounds of gentle fire crackling and the gentle scratching of scales filled Gideon’s ears.

And he fell asleep. He didn’t dream. He didn’t need to.