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Emmrich holds Viago tightly. “Are you sure about this? What if something goes wrong?” Viago hits him with that wonderful glare of his. “I’m not going to lose you to something like this.”
“Viago, dearest.” Emmrich runs his fingers through his dearest’s hair in the manner he knows soothes his Crow. “I’ll make it through. I could never leave you behind.” Viago’s glare turns to something much more worried. It warms his heart. “I know you worry, and I would be a fool to claim I’m not scared, but I will come back to you.”
Viago looks down, then away. His brows furrow as he thinks, then turns back to him with determination in his eyes. “You’d better. I’m not in love with an idiot.” He reaches up, capturing Emmrich’s lips. He smiles into it, lingering in the showy act for as long as his dearest lets him. It’s warm and soft and everything that only Emmrich gets to see from his dearest.
He knows Viago isn’t the biggest fan of Emmrich’s impending Lichdom, but his dearest’s support in this matter is something he’ll cherish through the process. “I promise I’ll be back, dearest.”
“Emmrich Volkarin.” One of the Lich lords greats. “And Emmrich’s beloved: Fifth Talon Viago de Riva.” His fingers linger a moment more with Viago’s before he moves off with a promise in his eyes and love in his smile. He’ll return to Viago, no matter what.
Viago waits, growing impatient with every passing moment. This is taking too long. Emmrich should have been back by now. There’s too much unknown with this. He should have convinced Emmrich not to go through with this.
What is he supposed to do if Emmrich doesn’t come back?
The massive doors Emmrich went through hours ago creak open, revealing Vorgoth and Myrna, both carrying suspect items, before a Lich walks out behind him. Familiar height. Cheekbones of the right shape. “Emmrich?” He tries.
The Lich somehow looks fond as it stalks up to him. “Yes, Dearest. It’s me.” Bony fingers take his hands. His head cocks to the side, looking at him and through him at the same time. It’s unnerving and comforting at the same time.
As weird as it is in the moment, Viago decides he’s alright with this new development. He softens, smiling up at Emmrich with relief in his gaze. “I’m glad you made it back.” Emmrich’s eyes glow in a living green fog. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
Viago moves in for a kiss. He can feel the warmth in Emmrich’s expression despite not having skin. That… Will take some getting used to. At least Emmrich is immune to poisons now. One less thing for Viago to worry about.
Emmrich pulls back, waves his fingers, and that handsome face Viago’s so accustomed to materializes before his eyes. He feels himself relax involuntarily. “You don’t have to force yourself to be comfortable with this. I know it’s a big change.” Allowing himself to fully consider his lover’s new condition, Viago comes to his decision.
“It doesn’t bother me as much as I’d thought it might.” He mutters, looking into those eyes. “You don’t have to hide from me.” Sure, it’s weird to be dating a living skeleton, but honestly? Viago’s experienced weirder shit in the last few years. This is fine.
“You’re sure?” Viago nods, stealing another kiss.
“I am. Now, shall we return home?”
Emmrich smiles, returning the kiss and running those fingers through his hair. “Certainly.”