Work Text:
the fire had burned down to a low, steady glow, just enough light to soften the edges of the room. around, everything was quiet. just the sound of breathing and the faint crackle of warmth.
clancy was already half asleep, curled on his side, blanket pulled up to his chin. torchbearer sat beside him, back against the wall, legs stretched out, one arm resting protectively behind clancy’s shoulders. he hadn’t meant to stay awake this long. he just liked being there, liked knowing clancy was safe enough to sleep.
“you’re staring,” clancy mumbled, eyes still closed.
the torchbearer smiled, soft. “can’t help it.”
clancy shifted closer, nose brushing against the torchbearer’s shoulder. “come here,” he said quietly, like a secret.
that was all the invitation he needed. the torchbearer lay down fully, turning on his side so clancy could fit against him. clancy immediately tucked himself in, forehead pressed to the torchbearer’s chest, hands fisting lightly in the fabric of his jacket.
“warm,” clancy murmured.
“yeah,” the torchbearer said. “that’s kind of my thing.”
clancy smiled sleepily and tilted his head up just enough to press a slow, gentle kiss to the torchbearer’s jaw. it lingered, it wasnt rushed, it was neither of them had anywhere else to be.
the torchbearer’s breath hitched just a little. he leaned down and kissed clancy back, soft and careful, like he was handling something precious. when he pulled away, he rested his forehead against clancy’s.
“you okay?” he asked quietly.
clancy nodded. “yeah. just tired. good tired.”
the torchbearer brushed his thumb over clancy’s cheek, slow and soothing. “sleep then. i’ve got you.”
clancy sighed, the sound deep and content, and curled even closer. one leg slipped between the torchbearer’s, like it was the most natural thing in the world. his breathing evened out quickly after that.
“don’t go anywhere,” clancy whispered, already drifting.
“i’m not,” the torchbearer said without hesitation. “promise.”
clancy smiled faintly, eyes fully closed now. the torchbearer held him, arm snug around his back, chin resting lightly in clancy’s hair. every so often he pressed a small kiss to the top of clancy’s head, not enough to wake him, just enough to say i’m here.
the fire kept glowing. the world stayed quiet. and wrapped up together like that, they finally let themselves rest.