He is not a coward. Not a warrior—he will never be that—but not a coward, either. He has faced gods and ghosts and emperors, and he has not backed down, knowing that this was what he must do.
But holding Teomitl’s hand in the sunlight, kissing his mouth in the moonlight, hearing soft and tender words and returning them, even though the sheer vulnerability of it all sends his heart into his throat—he thinks those might be the bravest things he’s ever done, because they’re for himself and himself alone. There’s no rationalization about the fate of the world, no terrible sacrifice he must prepare for.
There’s only Teomitl smiling at him as they lay together in the cool dark safety of his room, murmuring, “When I am crowned, I’ll make sure all the Empire knows I love you.”
He should be cautious. He should dissuade him. But Teomitl has inspired him to new heights, so he kisses his shoulder instead and breathes, “I can’t wait.”
Obsidian & Blood, Acatl/Teomitl
He is not a coward. Not a warrior—he will never be that—but not a coward, either. He has faced gods and ghosts and emperors, and he has not backed down, knowing that this was what he must do.
But holding Teomitl’s hand in the sunlight, kissing his mouth in the moonlight, hearing soft and tender words and returning them, even though the sheer vulnerability of it all sends his heart into his throat—he thinks those might be the bravest things he’s ever done, because they’re for himself and himself alone. There’s no rationalization about the fate of the world, no terrible sacrifice he must prepare for.
There’s only Teomitl smiling at him as they lay together in the cool dark safety of his room, murmuring, “When I am crowned, I’ll make sure all the Empire knows I love you.”
He should be cautious. He should dissuade him. But Teomitl has inspired him to new heights, so he kisses his shoulder instead and breathes, “I can’t wait.”