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“Are you yanking my noble pizzle? I am a Lord, I do not share.”

Hans’s voice rang out louder than he had meant to, disbelief and outrage seeping through. The man before him regarded him with tired eyes. Clearly, he had known this was coming and did not have the energy or patience to deal with it. Zizka leaned back in his chair before answering.

“We’re all nobles here, Sir Hans. It doesn’t change the reality that we are besieged and there are more of us trapped in here than there are beds available. Even Pisek is sharing a bed and you’ll be no exception.”

Hans crossed his arms and glared at the captain. He didn't know how to argue against this and dread already started coursing through him as he sensed he was not going to win this. For lack of any better argument, Hans repeated himself, hoping for a different outcome. Maybe if he made enough of a fuss.

“I am the Lord of Pi…”

“Yes, yes, I know who you are for Christ’s sake," Zizka snapped. "We’re not playing a game here. I’ll make sure to assign someone of high enough noble blood not to affect your precious sensibilities, but we’re not making a man sleep on the floor for you.”

Hans pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. He could not. He could not do this. The idea of putting himself through that with a stranger yet again was unbearable. But then again, perhaps there was one person he could make it work with.

“No.”

“I said…”

“I heard you,” Hans interrupted. “If you must do it, assign Henry with me then.”

At least he could explain it to his friend and hopefully, it would not be as embarrassing. Henry was kind and understanding. He won’t laugh. Who was he kidding, of course, he’ll laugh. He'll tease Hans for days. But at the very least, he won't scream bloody murder or mock him in front of everyone. Hans trusted him.

“Henry? Really?”

Hans shifted impatiently, trying his best to remain calm.

“Yes, Henry. He is my bodyguard and friend, who else would you expect me to be okay sharing with?” Hans snapped. “At the very least, if we’re infiltrated in the night, he’ll be there to do his job. It’s Henry or no one, and that's final."

“Fair enou-Wait. Are you asking for Henry so you can order him to sleep on the floor?”

Hans snapped his head up. “What? Of course not, who the hell do you take me for?”

Hans knew he was not making a good impression. He knew that he was playing into his reputation of being an absolute brat and he didn't care. But the fact that Zizka believed he would make his squire sleep on the floor during a siege so he could have his comfort was pushing it. Hans was not that cruel and Zizka was really trying his patience by insinuating as much.

“His lord who actually has the power to order him to do so. And he would too and you know it,” Zizka insisted.

Hans sighed heavily, shifting his weight once again.

“He would. But I wouldn't ask,” he said, defeated.

Zizka regarded him for a moment as if trying to decide whether or not to believe him. Then finally, he nodded.

“Very well then. Henry, it is.”

“Now is there anything else you needed? Would you like me to sweep the floors perhaps?”

That was petty and childish. Hans knew it. Knowing it and stopping himself from engaging in the behavior were two different things, however.

“No, my lord. We wouldn’t dream of it,” sighed Zizka, accompanied by an eye roll.

Hans huffed just to really make sure his discontent was registered before turning on his heels and leaving the man to his papers.

**

Henry returned from his watch drained by his day. In truth, his watch had ended hours ago, but he had somehow been roped into helping the blacksmith, then the master guard and the list of favors people needed from him seemed to have no end. He had finally decided to resort to stealth and sneaked back into the main tower, avoiding any eye contact with anyone. Henry needed sleep, and badly.

As he walked into the tower, he stopped in his tracks, remembering they were shifting everyone’s beds around. There was a lack of space for everybody that had been trapped in the fortress when the Praguers attacked. As Henry realized he had no idea where he'd been assigned to sleep, he could not help the heavy sigh that tore out of him.

He needed to find Zizka and then pray he would not be asked to do anything else. If Zizka did, he would just have to say no. Henry was ready to drop on the floor if it meant rest and could not handle one more thing. He would say no.

Or he’d try. No, he would definitely say no, Henry assured himself. Thankfully, the man he was looking for was in the dining hall to his right, so he did not have to look around for him.

“Hi, Zizka. Where am I now?”

The man did not bother looking up from the papers spread on the table.

“You’re with Capon, same chamber he was in before.”

That gave Henry pause for a moment.

“Really?”

Henry had known that with this new development, he was no longer going to be able to enjoy the nice bed he had been given in the tower. He had been certain he was going to be given a hay mattress in the attic or the guard's tower if he was lucky. A bedroll, if he wasn't.

So as much as it surprised Henry that Hans of all people was also made to share a bed, the idea of his very soft, expensive mattress was definitely an upgrade he wouldn't spit on.

“Everyone has to share. You were meant to be with the guards, but he wouldn’t accept anyone else,” Zizka said, eyes still glued to his papers. "Spoiled lordling, I swear...” he muttered under his breath.

Henry supposed it made sense Hans would want his bodyguard close, given the situation they were in.

"Alright, thank you."

"If the brat asks you to sleep on the floor, you come to me, alright?" the man added.

Henry raised an eyebrow but ultimately didn't let any of the outrage he felt come out. He was simply too tired. He was also aware most people didn't know his lord like he did. All they saw was the spoiled lord, childish at times. In fairness, Hans did a good job at cultivating the reputation, even if it had gotten better in the previous weeks.

"He'd never do that, Zizka. Don't worry."

Henry started to turn, but he had only taken one step before Zizka called back after him. His entire body slacked under the sound as he slowly turned back around. Accepting his fate, he waited for the task that would delay his sleep once more.

“Oh Henry, before you retire, could you…”

Zizka’s words died in his throat as he looked over him. Henry's eyes burned from fatigue, and he realized he must look as tired as he felt.

“Never mind. Get some sleep, Henry.”

Henry was not able to hide the relief he felt as he left this time. He didn't dare say anything else and made for Hans's chamber as quickly as he could. Thankfully, it was only across the corridor and he didn't encounter anyone else. He hesitated in front of the door for a moment but ultimately entered without knocking. He never knocked when he came to fit Hans's armor or anything else, so there was no reason to start now.

He locked the door behind him once he saw Hans was already there. Henry never slept with the door unlocked anymore. He stood still for a moment, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. The only light was coming from the fire, still burning hot. Then he walked quietly, fearing Hans was already asleep, but he had only taken a couple of steps before he spoke.

“They put your chest in the corner over there.”

Henry followed where he was pointing with his gaze.

“Thank you,” he said and walked towards it.

“You know that it took three men to carry it down the stairs and in here? Why are you such a hoarder, Henry?”

“Can’t help it. I’m always thinking I might need it later,” Henry said as he opened it and looked for clothes to sleep in.

“And do you ever?”

“No,” admitted Henry after a few seconds of silence.

Hans’s laughter came clear and unbothered, and it made Henry smile. He changed without a second thought - they were way past being skittish with nakedness around each other - and approached. Hans scooted over without a fuss, but Henry hesitated, standing over the bed.

It had not bothered him before, but standing over Hans, it suddenly felt like quite the intrusion. He shifted on his feet for a moment, and Zizka's words came back to him.

“I can also take the bench or put some blankets on the floor if…”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Henry," Hans interrupted. "Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look awful. I’m not so cruel that I would deny you proper sleep.”

Henry nodded. Now reassured and with a clear invitation, he got under the blanket. The half-moan of pure comfort and contentment came out of him without his consent. How could it not, when the mattress swallowed his form, instantly easing all the aches in his back, and the blanket was this soft? Hans chuckled as he regarded him, his hands occupied with tying and untying a piece of string.

"Better than the hay beds you peasants love, eh?"

"I'm sure I could make the sacrifice if you wanted to give me one of these back home, my lord."

"Well, I reckon I at least owe you a couple after all the times you saved me."

Henry grinned, but any comeback he had died with a yawn that left tears in his eyes. He shifted to get more comfortable.

“I admit, I was a bit surprised when Zizka said you wouldn’t share with anyone else but me.”

“Oh? And who else but my dearest friend and bodyguard would you have expected me to share with?”

“I don't know. One of the ladies perhaps?”

"Henry!" Hans gasped with way more dramatics than was necessary. "This is highly inappropriate! I know the peasants love to pile themselves up in barns, but an unmarried lady's virtue must be preserved."

Henry would never admit it, but he absolutely adored how Hans said his name when he made a joke that definitely should not be made around nobles. He also knew, and loved, that they absolutely delighted his lord despite the false outrage he always displayed. He chuckled as he spoke. 

"Aye, I'm sure the idea of sullying a poor lady's reputation would keep you up at night."

Hans laughed and shoved him playfully, shifting on his side to look at Henry.

"Besides, I wouldn't want to give them the wrong idea. I already have one forced marriage looming over me, I don't need another, thank you very much."

“Fair enough. And to be honest, I was destined for a bedroll with the guards, so I'm grateful.”

“Glad to be of service.”

Hans's smile subsided as he seemed hesitant.

“Though, Henry, I must warn you. I …”

“What?” Henry prompted with a yawn after the silence stretched too long.

“Here’s the thing, I tend to… Well, I don’t control it, but generally…”

“I don’t care if you snore, my lord. We shared a room before, I already know this. I can sleep through anything, don't worry.”

Hans slapped Henry’s arm. “What?! I do not snore! I am a noble, I am above such things.”

Henry snorted. “If you say so. What then?”

Hans cleared his throat as he turned again to face the ceiling instead of Henry.

“Well… Let’s just say that in my sleep, I… I tend to seek warmth. It got me into a few… awkward situations.”

Henry remained silent for a moment as he turned the words in his mind, wondering if he’d heard properly. And then his laugh bubbled out of his chest before he could think to stop it.

“Stop laughing! I order you to stop this instant.”

That only made Henry laugh harder. He passed a hand on his face to calm himself. It took him longer than it should have but eventually, he managed to control himself enough to speak.

“Well, you’re going to have a field day with me because I tend to be rather warm.”

“Is that the blacksmith’s blood?”

“Must be,” Henry teased back. “It’s okay, Hans. I promise I won’t kick you if you start cuddling me."

Henry heard the groan as the lord turned his back to Henry, hiding his face into his pillow. Henry shook his head with a fond smile as he turned as well, getting ready to sleep.

“Good night, my lord.”

After a few moments, as Henry was already drifting off, he heard the voice come through the fog of sleep.

“Good night, Henry.”

** 

When Henry opened his eyes the next morning, it took a few moments for him to situate himself. It was usually the case nowadays when he tended to wake up in a different place on a daily basis.

It took a few more moments to register the warmth around him and the weight on his chest. And yet another moment to recognize it as his lord. Henry rubbed the sleep out of his eyes before he glanced down.

Hans had not been kidding. He had not simply gotten closer. Somehow, he had climbed completely on top of Henry. His arm was thrown about Henry’s chest, holding him tight, his head was resting on Henry’s shoulder, and their legs were tangled together. Henry was not able to stop the laughter that overtook him at the sight.

He wondered what kind of awkward situations he had gotten into before and was determined to find out. He knew he’d have to play the long game as Hans would not surrender that information easily.

The shake of his body as Henry laughed silently was enough to rustle Hans awake. He took in the situation much faster than Henry had. He groaned and dropped his head down, which in his position only served to hide his face into Henry’s neck. His breath tickled his skin as he spoke.

“Oh Christ, Henry. I’m sorry. I did warn you.”

“Aye, consider me properly warned,” Henry said, laughter still in his voice.

Hans untangled himself and stood by rolling over Henry. Henry braced his muscles as he took in the weight of the move. Once up, Hans used both hands to run over his face a few times, shifting uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry," he repeated.

Henry's amusement died out as he noticed how truly uncomfortable Hans was. He propped himself up on his elbows. Henry didn't fully understand why Hans was so upset about this. There was nothing wrong with it. If anything, it was only human.

"It's truly okay, Hans. I really don't mind, it's only sleep."

Hans continued to rub his face a few more times before he dared to chance a peek at Henry.

"You mean that?"

“Aye, of course. I wouldn’t lie to you. You’re not the first cuddler I shared a bed with. Though it’s usually a woman, but beggars can’t be choosers,” Henry teased once again.

He should have seen the pillow coming. Truly, he should have, but instead, he received it straight in his face as his laughter broke out once again. He pushed it aside, shaking his head.

"You never stop, do you?"

"Meh, you love it," Henry answered, calming down.

Hans shook his head with a hint of a smile as he sat heavily at the end of the bed. Henry dropped back down, looking at the ceiling.

"And you won’t go making fun of me with the others?”

Henry frowned. “Of course not! Jesus, Hans. I will tease you mercilessly but only in private.”

“I suppose that’s acceptable.”

Henry nodded as Hans got back up and busied himself with getting ready for the day. After a moment, he asked,

“Aren’t you getting up?”

Henry looked at the light through the windows. It was still quite early. The colors of dawn were still dancing in the sky. 

"No, I still have some time before my watch. If I get up now, I’ll get roped into doing chores for everyone who passes, so I’d rather get a few more hours of sleep. We’ll need all the rest we can get.”

Henry noticed Hans hesitating as he held his pourpoint.

“You have some time too, don’t you?”

“Aye, I’m on the same watch."

“Then get a few more hours of sleep.”

“I…”

Henry scooted over to the wall, where Hans had been sleeping the night before, and lifted the covers in invitation.

“Seriously, Hans. You don’t have to run away just because of that. I meant it, I don’t care."

Hans hesitated for a moment but then relented, putting his pourpoint back down on top of his chest. He climbed back in, his back to Henry.

Content, Henry settled himself in and drifted off.

**

Lies! Henry woke up with a start, hearing his own voice still echoing in his mind. He briefly wondered if he had actually screamed but his heart was racing so fast, the thought vanished as quickly as it had appeared. His mind was muddled trying to differentiate between what had been dream and what was reality. 

He looked to the window to try and ground himself, but it was too dark. He could only see the dying embers of the fire, and the sight did nothing to ease his breathing. He jerked up with the need to seek light, any light. The darkness was suffocating, and Henry felt it was closing in on him.

As he did, he heard a plaintive whine and startled once more. That's when he took in the warmth around him and the arm that had dropped to his lap when he had sat up. His lord. Hans was right here, alive and well. Whining at being woken up so abruptly, but not murdered by a vengeful Toth.

"Henry?" came his sleepy voice.

Henry relaxed upon hearing it, and he fell back onto the bed, slightly leaning against his sleepy form. He took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth surrounding him.

"Sorry, my lord. Just a nightmare, go back to sleep."

This was the third night in a row that one of Henry's nightmares had woken him. Henry had started to worry he might kick him out after all if this continued.

But Hans didn't reply, his eyes closing already. He was barely out of a sleep state, and Henry thought he wasn't even aware enough to remember this the next day.

Perhaps it was his imagination, but it seemed Hans held onto him just a little tighter as he drifted back to sleep. On impulse, Henry's own arms closed around him, seeking something to hold on to.

Eventually, his whole body relaxed except his heart. No matter how many deep breaths Henry took, it was not getting the message that he was safe. But despite his still racing heart, when he closed his eyes, sleep reclaimed him almost immediately. There was no nightmare this time.

**

About a week later, permanent hunger had started to settle in. They were all on minimum rations to make it last as long as possible. Even with the extra food Henry was getting for being one of the soldiers, he had to share his rations with Mutt and it wasn’t nearly enough food to begin with.

Thankfully, he had just learned a little trick in one of the books he had found. So, when he entered his bedroom, he was holding a teapot and two cups. He found Hans sitting at the desk, head in his hands.

“You’re alright?”

“Aye. I'm just struggling with the idea that this is already incredibly distracting and it's only the start. It's only going to get worse as the stocks get lower."

Henry set down his burden on the desk next to him and Hans looked up, leaning back in his chair. Henry poured the tea and handed one of the cups to him.

“Here, this’ll help.”

“What is it?” asked Hans.

He looked at the cup suspiciously. Admittedly, the greenish liquid did not look inviting. But then he proceeded to take a sip without even waiting for an answer, clutching both hands around the mug, warming his fingers.

Henry did not know why, but the sight tugged at his heart a little. He had seen Hans refuse a meal because the maid had "looked at him suspiciously".

Yet, he drank an unknown, visibly repulsive liquid without even a hint of hesitation because it had come from Henry. The unyielding and unspoken trust Hans gave him warmed his blood.

“Nettle tea," Henry answered, hiding his smile in his own cup. "It’ll help settle your stomach and ward off fatigue and soreness.”

Hans hummed, raising an eyebrow as if he didn’t truly believe it but continued drinking the tea anyway. 

“That’s not so bad actually.”

“Told you,” Henry said as he downed his. “There’s some more for tomorrow as well.”

He set his cup down and then moved to his chest to change into his tunic and a light pair of hose. Hans followed suit shortly after and they got into bed.

Hans lay tightly pressed against the wall. Henry thought he was being ridiculous. It had to be uncomfortable and it didn’t make a lick of a difference anyway. No matter how far the lord set himself to sleep, he would shuffle to Henry soon after he drifted off and always woke up entangled with him one way or the other. After a moment of silence, Hans spoke up.

“You’re right, I feel better. Thank you, Henry.”

“You’re very welcome. Now, come on,” Henry said.

Hans glanced at him and frowned. “What?”

Henry sighed. Somehow, as the dreariness of their situation and hunger had settled in, this was not nearly as amusing as it had been at first. Now, he only cared about both of them getting good rest. The fact that holding him close kept his nightmares at bay had nothing to do with it.

“Do you really think there's any point making yourself sore like this? You’re going to anyways, so you might as well get comfortable.”

Hans stared at him for a moment and Henry could see his hesitation and concern. It was written all over his face.

Henry beckoned again and Hans finally relented, detaching himself from the wall and slowly, hesitantly coming to settle into Henry’s open arms.

Henry could feel how tense he was holding himself. So he took a deep breath for courage and closed his own arms around him, pulling him closer. He had done that a few times now, but it had always been under the cover of darkness, while Hans was deeply asleep.

He held his breath for a moment, waiting. But then Hans relaxed and he settled himself. Henry exhaled deeply and did the same, getting comfortable. There was something oddly comforting in this that Henry could not pinpoint. The warmth of his body, the way his hair tickled his skin, and the calming rhythm of his breathing that Henry eventually always ended up matching.

There was nothing wrong with enjoying this, right? After all, they were best friends. They had even bathed together many times. This wasn't anything different.

Deciding to let it be, Henry closed his eyes, settling his head in such a way he could breathe in Hans's smell. Lavender as always. Though it was a lot more faint than usual and Henry realized he must be running low on his bathing oils. It was a good thing Henry had a large stock of dried lavender, so he could keep bathing with it while they were stuck here. He would give it to him tomorrow.

“Good night, Hans.”

A moment later, his answer came quietly. “Good night, Henry."

**

Henry woke up to pounding on the door and his name being called out from the other side. He opened his eyes, confused and sleepy, looking around for the source of the ruckus.

When he heard keys starting to turn in the lock, Henry had the presence of mind to detangle himself from Hans quickly. Though admittedly, this time he was the one wrapped around him, holding him close, his back against Henry's chest, a fact he chose to ignore. He managed to sit up before the door opened.

As much as he had kept assuring Hans this was only sleep and meant nothing, it was not anything he cared to explain to anyone else. He spared a glance towards Hans, who had moved closer to the wall but still seemed asleep.

“Time for watch, you lazy sack of shit,” came the very irritating voice of the Dry Devil as he burst into the room.

Henry groaned and rubbed his temple in an attempt to soothe the ache the too-loud sound for his sleep-deprived head had started.

“Keep your voice down, you'll wake him up!” Henry hissed. “Aren’t you here a bit early? I just lied down!”

“Don’t piss me off, Henry. If I say it’s your turn, it’s your turn. Get going!”

He looked up towards the man and noticed immediately that he was drunk out of his mind. Henry huffed. Of course, he would endanger everyone in this fortress and get drunk on watch. Henry's irritation grew, but he decided against confronting him right now. What was the point when he wouldn't remember tomorrow anyway?

“Alright, alright, geez. I’m going,” Henry said as he stood up.

He started towards his chest when he heard the Dry Devil approach instead of leaving. Henry turned back in time to see him sit down on the bed Henry had just left.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Laying down! I need to stretch a bit.”

“Not here!" Henry snapped. "Get out and go to your own bed!”

Hynek stretched, paying him no mind. “Too far, I’ll sleep here.”

“No, you will not. This is Sir Hans’s bed, you lunatic. Go to your own.”

The Dry Devil gave him a nasty look. “Oh what, so only you get to enjoy sleeping in the good beds with the lords? My arse.”

He was about to lie down when Henry crossed the room in quick strides, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him off the bed, shoving him towards the door. Hynek barely caught himself on the door's threshold to avoid falling face-first onto the floor.

“Get the fuck out of my lord’s room. Now.”

Henry could not care less about burning bridges with his own brother-in-arms. He had never really liked the devil anyway and it had only worsened after their fight at Maleshov. And by God, Henry could not stand the sound of his voice.

Besides, Hans had been very clear about his discomfort with sharing his bed with other people. It was Henry’s job to ensure his wishes were respected. His lord's orders came first and foremost. It had nothing to do with the fact that the idea of Hans accidentally touching the man in front of him made his whole body shudder with horror and his blood run hot with anger.

“Alright, Christ. Who pissed in your cup this morning?” he muttered as he left the room.

Henry huffed as he shut the door behind him, locking it once more. As he walked back to his chest to get dressed, trying to shake off the inexplicable anger that had overtaken him, he heard Hans turn around. At the sound of his voice, any remaining anger melted away instantly.

“Thank you.”

“No problem,” was all Henry said.

He made sure to keep his back turned to Hans to hide the smile that had treacherously invaded his face. Once he was dressed, he made for the door.

“Sleep well,” he said as he got out.

As he was locking the door behind him, he noticed the devil had crashed a few steps into the corridor and was passed out on the floor. He would wake up very sore the next day. Serves him right.

** 

“Will you finally tell me what awkward situations you found yourself in?” Henry asked.

Hans groaned, his face buried into Henry’s neck.

“No.”

“Oh come on! It’ll distract us. Promise I won’t laugh.”

“You shouldn’t make promises you know you won’t keep. You will laugh.”

Henry chuckled as he leaned closer to softly speak in his ear: “Yes, I will, but that does sound like your resolve is weakening.”

Hans groaned again, which already told Henry he was about to cave in. Despite the fact that coming to bed like this had become second nature now, sleep was getting harder and harder to chase. The hunger was becoming painful, even with the tea to help. So each night, it became a battle between exhaustion and starvation, waiting to see which one would win out.

Henry thought this was why they had started having daily talks before sleep. On each night they came back here at the same time, they would drink tea, settle in each other's arms, and talk. The routine really soothed Henry in the face of how difficult their overall situation was. So much so that Henry had subtly started trading watches when he could, so they could be on the same ones.

“Fine. Let’s just say, I will never go to a large hunting event again.”

“You cannot leave it at that. Go on.”

“Well, there were a lot of us. So they placed one guard per tent with all the nobles, in addition to the ones standing guard. For extra protection if we were attacked.”

“A guard?” Henry said, already fighting his smile.

“I was drooling, Henry. I woke up to a guard frozen as a statue while I drooled all over his chest.”

Henry’s laughter echoed out. He could not have stopped it if he tried.

“Was he awake?”

“Oh yes. Why do you think he was frozen? I’m a lord, he was terrified of what would happen and spent hours awake watching me cuddle him in my sleep.”

Tears ran out of Henry’s eyes and his stomach hurt, but he didn't care.

As much as Hans was mortified, he could feel his own laugh against his body as he said: “His shirt was wet for Christ’s sake. Dripping wet.”

Henry’s face came to hide in Hans’s hair, trying to control his laughter at the image. He didn’t know if it was the exhaustion or the harshness of their days, but that sounded like the funniest thing Henry had ever heard in his life.

“What happened then?” he asked through shallow breath.

“What do you think? I was so embarrassed I demanded to be taken home. Pretended to be sick. Never saw him again, thank Christ.”

Henry laughed until his face hurt, and he did not try to stop because Hans was laughing too. It felt so good to laugh. It felt even better to hear his laugh.

“Well, I’ve not had the pleasure of being drooled on at least,” Henry said when he had finally calmed enough to breathe normally.

“Don’t jinx it,” he riposted with a small slap to Henry’s chest.

Only when the silence settled over them did Henry realize he had absentmindedly been stroking Hans’s spine up and down. He stopped his hand as soon as he noticed what he was doing, pulling it away.

“Sorry.”

Hans made a dismissive noise. “No matter.”

Henry’s heart beat a little faster. After a minute, tentatively, he resumed his strokes. Henry felt compelled to the gesture and he had to admit, it felt incredibly nice. Hans must have been thinking the same because he snuggled in closer as a response. Henry smiled softly.

“Good night, Hans,” he whispered.

“Sleep well, Henry.”

**

Henry was sitting on top of his chest, busy putting on his armor when Hans came in. He immediately dropped on the bed and started removing his leg plates. 

“How did it go?” Henry asked.

“Uneventful. Are you coming in or leaving?” 

“Leaving, I’m afraid. They want me to do an extra watch.” 

Hans nodded as he removed the plate from his right leg. “You should learn to say no, Henry. It doesn’t have to always be you.” 

“I know. I can’t help it though. When people ask, I’m always thinking of their reaction if I say no and I’m just compelled to agree. Here, I’ll help you.”

Henry approached as Hans stood and started working on removing his upper armor. 

“Tell me, what do you expect would happen if you do say no?” 

Henry winced. “I don’t know. They’ll be mad at me, yell, or dislike me.” 

“Ok, and what would happen in that case?” 

“Well… It’s unpleasant,” Henry said while putting down the first part of Hans’s brigandine. 

“More or less unpleasant than running around searching for freaking nails and whatnot while you’re exhausted and starving?” 

Henry was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know.” 

“More or less unpleasant than pulling a double watch?” Hans insisted. 

“I reckon less,” Henry finally admitted as he thought of how bone-tired he was on those watches, fighting to stay awake. 

He had been so exhausted on his last one that he had fallen asleep on the outer wall the moment he was relieved. Nobody had bothered waking him until Hans found him hours later and sent him to bed. He had been sore for days afterward. 

Hans turned around to face him so Henry could work on the front part of his armor. 

“So next time someone asks you to do something, you say no. For me.” 

Henry shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know, Hans.” 

He sighed. “Fine. Then, you tell them that you are unable to as you’re already on a task for me. I’m your Lord, it should be your priority. And that’s an order.” 

Henry looked up to meet his gaze as he pulled out the last of his arm plate. 

“Alright then. For you.” 

Hans smiled. “There you go. You have full permission to blame it all on me and make it sound like I’m the worst lord in Bohemia, running you ragged if it makes you feel better. I really don’t care being painted the villain.” 

“You’re most gracious, my lord,” he teased. “I made you some more tea, by the way,” he said as he walked to the fire to pour him a cup. 

“Thank you. It really does help, you know. How much more of those nettles do you have?” 

Henry resumed putting his own armor on as he replied. “Well, I’ve already collected all the fresh ones around the fortress so I’m down to my stock of dried ones. I’ve only kept it for you and me though, so it should last us a few weeks at least." 

Hans hummed softly. He finished his cup and put it down. “Oh, that reminds me.” 

Henry watched as he walked to the desk and opened a drawer. He pulled a dry sausage and handed it to Henry. He made no move to take it, frowning. 

“For your dog," Hans clarified. "Eat your full ration today, Henry.” 

“What? No, I can’t. It’s yours, you need it.” 

Hans stepped forward and forced it into Henry’s hand. 

“It’ll all go better if we both share, trust me. You need more food, you’re washing away faster than me and that won’t do. Especially with all these extra watches and chores you're doing.” 

“Are you…” Henry started as Hans walked towards the bed. 

“Henry,” Hans interrupted. “Don’t you talk back. You feed that to your dog and eat your full ration. That's final.” 

Henry shook his head slightly with a fond smile and put the food down on the desk to finish dressing. 

“As you command, my lord.” 

“Better.” 

Henry chuckled. When he was ready, he took back the food and walked towards the bed Hans had made himself comfortable in. He crouched before it with a smile. 

“Thank you. Truly.” 

“You’re welcome. Good luck on your watch,” he said, smiling back. 

Henry would never know what on earth possessed him to do what he did next. He reached out and slowly pushed Hans’s hair away from his forehead with a soft touch. 

“Sleep well, Hans.” 

Hans’s eyes met his but his face was unreadable. Realizing what he had just done, he stood and left the room, trying to calm his heart. 

As his finger burned from the contact, a slight worry that he had taken things too far settled into him. His fingers continued to burn even when he put his gauntlets on.

** 

When Henry entered the room, he did not bother undressing or changing. He beelined to the bed where Hans was currently curled in on himself, facing away. He lay down on the covers and without a moment of hesitation pulled Hans towards him, holding him tight.

Hans didn't speak, the only acknowledgment he gave was intertwining his fingers with Henry's and holding his hand tight to his chest.

Henry had known he'd be here. As captain of their first company, they had to make the difficult choice of picking three men to send on a potential suicide mission. One of the men Hans had sent had not returned.

He had played his role to perfection out there, solemn and respectful for the sacrifice all the while being strong for the rest of his men. But Henry knew. He knew how much the fact that his decision sent a man to his early grave weighed on him. Just like Oats's and the others' deaths weighed on him.

Hans was entirely silent, not a single sound was coming out of him. The only sign of his distress was the feeling of his tears falling on Henry’s hand. Henry nuzzled the back of his neck to let him know he was here if he needed to talk. But he would not embarrass him by pointing out he knew he was crying.

They were silent for a long time. But eventually, Hans shifted on his back. His eyes and face were clear. The only sign showing he had been crying was a slight puffiness that could be attributed to exhaustion. Henry thought it was rather impressive how well he could hide his emotions. A bit scary too. How much exactly was Hans able to hide?

“I shouldn't let it get to me. I need to get used to it,” he said to the ceiling.

“I'm not sure that's something you can get used to.”

“I need to, Henry. That's the reality of a lord in wartime." Hans met Henry's gaze then and spoke with a new intensity. "The truth is at the end of the day, I'm going to have to look my men in the eyes and tell them go die for me.”

Henry paused for a moment and turned the words in his mind. It had never occurred to him in such a way. Did his father see it that way each time he sent him on a mission? Did Hans? Was he willingly sacrificing Henry knowing he'd die for him?

Henry figured it must have been on his mind before. But Henry would die for Hans. Without a second thought. So he reckoned it wasn't so bad. Especially since it was obvious Hans did his utmost to make sure Henry didn't die.

Henry thought back to a moment that had happened at Maleshov while they were escaping. Henry had thought everyone was dead, but one of the guards surprised him. By the time he had gotten his sword out, he had taken a couple of pretty nasty hits.

He would have died if it wasn't for Hans cutting him down. He could still hear his voice: Leave him alone! as he attacked the guard. Hans should have been staying behind and safe. But he had jumped in without hesitation to save Henry, just as Henry did for him so many times. The memory warmed Henry's heart, but he made sure not to let anything show on his face. It was hardly the time.

“I can't fall apart every time it happens. And I especially can't be seen falling apart.”

Henry squeezed his hand in support before he spoke.

“I can't change or ease that burden for you. But I'll stand by you. And if you do fall apart, I'll help you pick up the pieces, eh?”

Hans turned towards Henry and met his gaze once more. His face was unreadable, and Henry wondered once again how much he was hiding behind that mask. Then he frowned, ever so slightly, before he freed his hand from Henry's grasp and reached out.

His thumb landed on Henry's jaw and he brushed it alongside his jawline ever so softly. Henry's breath hitched as his heart started to race. He didn't dare move a muscle while he looked into Hans's eyes.

“Except you,” Hans whispered. “You are not allowed to die, you hear me?”

Henry exhaled as he smiled. “I'll do my best, my lord.”

Hans's hand dropped, and Henry yearned for it back immediately, still feeling the ghost of his touch on him.

"You better," Hans said.

Then he shifted once again, but this time turned towards Henry. Without a word, he dropped his face into Henry's neck and took a really deep breath, making Henry shiver with goosebumps. As a response, he settled in as well, holding Hans close and rubbing soft circles onto his back.

"Sleep well, Hal."

"Sleep well, birdie."

**

“I cannot believe we lost the outer bailey, this is getting ridiculous,” Hans exclaimed. 

“I know. I'm sorry about your horse," said Henry, slowly stroking his back.

Hans's horse had been grazing by the blacksmith when they were attacked, and he had gotten stuck on the other side. They had no idea if he had died or was taken by the Praguers.

"I barely had time to get used to him. At this rate, I'm thinking I should simply not get attached to them."

Hans sighed loudly. In fairness, this was the third horse he had lost since they had started this adventure. 

He had taken to slowly tracing shapes onto Henry's chest, and the blacksmith could feel goosebumps chasing his every touch. He was grateful for his tunic hiding them.

"You love horses too much for that and you know it. When we get out of here, I'll get you another one, and this time we'll make sure it survives our adventures, alright?"

Hans snorted. "You want to buy me a horse?"

"What's wrong with that?" Henry frowned.

"Henry, dearest," he said, laughter in his voice, "I'm a lord. You can choose it if you'd like, but I'm not letting you spend your groschen on a horse for me. If anything, I should be buying you horses."

"I've..."

"I know, I know," Hans interrupted. "You've got your nag Pebbles, and you won't hear of another horse."

Despite his mocking tone, Henry could hear the fondness in his voice.

"Actually, I was going to say I have more groschen than you think."

"Well, look at who's moving up in the world! Still, I am not letting you spend a single one on me."

Henry shook his head in fond exasperation and did not give the statement a response. He'd bloody buy something for Hans if he wanted to. As he was thinking of what kind of horse would be best suited to Hans, his voice interrupted his train of thought.

"We're going to die here, aren't we?"

Henry squeezed him harder for a moment.

"No. It'll be alright. Jobst will send reinforcements."

"Will he? We have no idea if he even knows about this siege or if he hasn't turned coat again. We're almost completely out of food, people are dying of starvation, and we've just lost half the fortress. I don't see how it's going to get better."

“Jobst will send reinforcements," repeated Henry.

There was nothing else he could say because it was their only saving grace. They just had to keep going and keep believing that their rescue was on the way. Thinking of what happens if they're not helps no one.

In an attempt to comfort him, Henry's hand moved up from his back and ran through his hair. The move had been instinct, and Henry only realized he was doing it once he noted how soft his hair was. He always thought his hair would feel like silk, and he was particularly happy to find out he was right.

“Christ, Henry. Don’t do that,” Hans said, dragging the last word. 

Henry froze instantly and removed his hand promptly, his heart dropping.

“Sorry.”

Hans looked up at him then, a frown on his face.

"But... why did you stop?"

Henry looked at him like he'd just grown a second head. 

"You literally just said don't do that," Henry explained with a tone that definitely said he didn't think he'd need to explain it.

Hans settled back in with a groan.

"Jesus, Henry. I meant it feels way too good. Do it again."

Confused but too exhausted to question the logic of his lord, he resumed playing with his hair. He ran his hand through it over and over, gently scratching his scalp. The sounds Hans made, Henry could only describe them as akin to purring. And he was absolutely melting at the sound of them. He could stay here all his life, hungry and aching, if only he could keep listening to Hans make those sounds.

Eventually, Hans's sleepy voice broke the silence.

"Sleep well, dearest Henry."

"Sweet dreams, Hans."

** 

“Wait, so you just took the lamb?” 

“Aye. Managed to hide it in the shed for three days too. Pa’s never been more furious because he had to go apologize to the old farmer, but while she tried to hide it, I heard Ma’s laughter through the walls.” 

Hans was laughing in earnest, his forehead firmly against Henry's shoulder.

“No wonder! I wish I could have seen it. Little Henry running around barely 10 springs old with a stolen lamb in his arms.” 

Henry chuckled. "Don’t pretend you didn’t get up to any mischief when you were young.”

“Aye, but I can assure you that none of it had anything to do with barn animals.” 

“No, that’s right, you prefer drooling over guards.” 

Hans promptly lifted himself up, grabbed the nearest pillow, and started hitting Henry with it. 

“Henry, I swear to Christ, I’m never trusting you with anything ever again,” he said, each word punctuated with a pillow hit.

Henry made a half-hearted attempt at defending himself, but he was laughing too much and his muscles were too weak to do anything but protect his face under the hits.

Eventually, they stopped raining down on him as Hans was overtaken by his own laughter. His face dropped onto Henry's chest as he tried to calm himself.

"Yeah, you will," Henry teased.

Hans huffed, but eventually put the pillow down and settled himself onto Henry, throwing an arm over his chest, his head coming to rest on Henry's shoulder. Without thinking, Henry squeezed him close and pressed a soft kiss on his hair.

Hans didn't even flinch. Instead, he chuckled as he started playing with the string from Henry's tunic.

"Well, aren’t you getting bold ?"

“How can I not when you're ever so indulgent?” he teased. 

“I am, aren't I? Maybe I ought to consider some ways to remind you of your place.” 

Henry snorted. “Oh please. You'd never send your favorite peasant to the pillory.” 

Hans pretended to consider it for a moment. "Mmh, I suppose not. You're lucky I'm fond of you."

Henry tried to shove him playfully, but in their current position, it didn’t result to much. It only succeeded in making Hans laugh, which in truth, was a much better win anyway.

“Well, then how was the lamb found?"

It took a moment for Henry to catch up before he continued the story. 

"Well, Pa got in the shed while I was too far to stop it. The lamb ran through the door so fast, it tripped Pa and he fell right on his arse. Which I believe is really why he was so angry more than anything.” 

Hans’s laughter came back. The sound curled warmly in Henry’s chest as he listened. Eventually, the tiredness of the day took over them and their stories became less agitated. Silence grew longer and yawns appeared.

“Sweet dreams, my dearest Henry.” 

“Sweet dreams, my birdie.”

**

Henry sat on the floor of their chamber, back resting against the bed. He downed a sip of moonshine before lifting the bottle towards Hans, sitting above him. Henry threw his head back and closed his eyes. He had found barely any food for them today, but he had been able to trade for the moonshine. His stomach was cramping badly, but at the very least, the alcohol was helping numb the feeling.

Henry groaned in pain, getting really tired of the constant discomfort in his belly. Not to mention the rest of his muscles felt so tense and raw. He was sore all the time.

Hans's hand landed in his hair and started scratching his scalp softly. Henry's groan turned into a soft hum, and he let his head fall and lean into his leg. The prickly sensation felt so good, good enough to distract Henry from his pain.

"Well, that's a better sound," Hans teased. "Do I have that much of an effect on you?"

Henry huffed a quiet laugh but didn’t bother teasing back. He'd rather keep focusing on the fingers in his hair.

"Shush."

Hans gasped. "How dare you shush your lord? I ought to reconsider the pillory after all."

"Sure, sure. You let me know when I'm due."

Hans exhaled a small laugh and handed the moonshine back to Henry. He took another sip before he opened his eyes. The bottle was almost empty. He took a second sip and handed the bottle back.

"Here, finish it."

Hans did not need to be told twice, and when he handed the bottle back down, it was empty. Henry set it down on the floor next to him.

"How much longer do you reckon?"

Henry didn't have to ask to know what he meant. And they were long past sugarcoating their situation.

"At this rate, if reinforcements don’t arrive, we’ll all be dead from starvation in a month at most. If they don't attack us first and we're all too weak to fight back."

"Lovely."

"I should probably set Mutt free, shouldn’t I? Before Dry Devil gets his hands on him."

Henry looked over to where the dog was sleeping in the corner of the room. He looked up at the sound of his name but quickly returned to sleep when he realized nothing was happening. The poor dog had been sleeping more and more lately, as they were starting to struggle to feed him as well.

If only they could let him out and back in, he could hunt and feed himself. But those damn Praguers watched the only way out of the fortress at all times. If they let him out, it would be a one-time thing. They couldn't afford to have such a blatant weak point to exploit.

"I'm just terrified the Praguers will see and grab him out of spite," Henry continued.

Hans was thoughtful for a moment. "I don’t think they'd kill a dog for the fun of it. But let’s keep him a little longer, eh? I’ll keep an eye on him when you’re busy. Nobody will hurt him, I promise."

Henry squeezed Hans’s leg. He didn't feel like telling him what he had witnessed Erik do and insist these people would absolutely kill a dog for nothing.

"Thank you."

Hans hummed in response. After a moment, he climbed further up the bed and Henry could hear him lie down. He mourned the loss of his hand in his hair but did not say anything.

"Well, since we're drunk, do you want to play a game?"

"What game?" asked Henry.

"Honestly, anything to keep me distracted. Dice?"

"Sure, if you'll bring the dice to me and lift my hand to do the throwing. While you're at it, count my score too, please."

Henry couldn't see him, but he could hear Hans's smile.

"Alright, point taken. A round of questions then?"

"Aye. But I warn you, I am way too tired to do any consequences if I refuse to answer."

"No matter, neither do I. Get up here, will you?"

Henry forced his muscles to cooperate to stand up. When he made it to his feet, he noticed his spinning head. Henry didn't know if it was the lack of food or if his tolerance was slowly dying out, but he was a lot drunker than he should have been on this amount of moonshine. He dropped on the bed, lying on his side to face Hans.

"Alright, you start."

Hans smiled and hummed. Then he smirked, and Henry sensed trouble right away. Perhaps dice would have been safer.

"How many times did you switch watches so you could be on the same one as me?"

Henry groaned. He had thought himself discreet.

"I don't know. I didn't exactly count, but I don't reckon the actual number is why you asked, is it?"

Hans let out a soft laugh. "No. But you weren't exactly subtle, Hal."

"Alright then, why did you refuse Zizka giving me a new bed last week?"

That gave Hans pause and his chuckling stopped.

"How do you even know about that?"

"It's not your turn, birdie."

"Well, fine. I got used to you now, so you know. Might as well."

Henry gave him a look. "You can do better than that. It's supposed to be truth, remember?"

Hans groaned. "Because coming back in this room with you in it is like coming back to a safe haven," Hans blurted out. "Your warmth, your laughter... This, right now even. I can't imagine coming back to a cold empty room with everything going on out there."

Henry hummed and squeezed his hand briefly.

"How do you know then?"

Henry shrugged. "He told me. Explained you said no, but I could have one of the beds in the attic if I wanted. Now that so many of us are dead."

"But you're still here."

"Aye."

Hans squeezed back, a small smile playing about his lips.

"What did you even tell him?" asked Henry.

Hans grinned and sat up. He cleared his throat while straightening, and Henry watched the shift from Hans to Lord Capon happen before his eyes.

"How very kind of you, Zizka, but I'm hardly going to let my squire sleep on hay when there's a perfectly good mattress where he is. I need him to perform at his best so he can do his job when we're ultimately attacked."

Henry chuckled. "Very convincing. Your concern for me is ever so inspiring."

"Thank you, thank you," he said with a bow and a roll of his hand.

The move was immediately followed by a grimace and his hand shooting up to his head.

"Christ, I'm drunker than I thought."

Henry laughed. "Aye, had the same. Here."

He sat up to support him while he laid back down.

"Why thank you, darling. Ever the knight in shining armor, eh?"

And just like that, Hans was back. Henry flicked his ear before laying back down himself.

"Piss off. Your turn, little brat."

Hans grinned at Henry before he turned thoughtful. Then he lit up and Henry braced himself once more.

“When you went to the Ruthard’s palace to clear it out with Rosa, did you bed her?”

Henry shook his head in exasperation. Hans had asked him before, and Henry had refused to answer. It seemed he really wanted to know.

“Yes, I did.”

Hans giggled. Actually giggled. It took Henry by surprise so much, he couldn’t help his own laugh.

“I knew it! Alright, your turn.”

Henry had to think for a long while, his thoughts coming in slowly. Then he remembered something he had always suspected Hans lied about.

“Did you or did you not sleep with Klara?”

“Alright, fine, I lied,” Hans laughed. “She was painfully faithful to her husband.”

“Thought as much. Why on earth would you even lie about it?” Henry laughed. “You almost drowned because of this!”

“I didn’t want you to know I was rejected! I am handsome and a lord. I could take anyone to bed, that’s all you need to know.”

Henry laughed under his breath. “I never doubted you were handsome, Hans. There’s no need to lie.”

That got the lord’s attention, and he perked up. “Really, now?”

He looked entirely too gleeful at the revelation. Under his stare, Henry blushed and looked away, shifting to lie on his back. Suddenly, he felt quite bashful.

“Aye, well, I’m drunk. Don’t mind what I say. Your turn.”

“How handsome do you think I am? And I want details.”

He had walked right into that one, hadn’t he? This was starting to turn a little too close to facing things he had forcefully been shoving down, and Henry wasn't sure how to proceed. He hid his face in his hand and shook his head.

“Uh-uh.”

“Oh, come on! We don’t have consequences, so there’s no choice but to answer!”

He tried a full retreat, leaning back into his squire role rather than Hans's friend.

“I don’t think it’s quite appropriate, sir.”

Hans groaned. “Oh, don’t you sir me. I told you, never when we’re alone. Now, answer your lord!”

Henry glanced at him, lowering his hands. “You realize your sentence entirely contradicts itself, right?”

“I am not backing down, Henry, so surrender to your fate.”

“Alright, fine. I think you’re beautiful. Satisfied?”

Hans toned down a bit but still spoke the next words with his usual bravado. “Details, Henry!”

Henry sighed and shifted back to face him once more. He resigned himself and looked over Hans, staring openly. His eyes were drawn to his hair first.

“Very well. For starters, your hair is radiant. It reminds me of the sun. And when the actual sun falls on it, it makes it shine in such a way you almost look like an angel. It’s blinding.”

He smiled, remembering how silky soft the strands were. Hans had calmed, laying completely still and paying attention.

“And your eyes are so blue, sometimes I’m worried about drowning in them. I think that’s what the ocean must look like. I’d love to see it one day and compare.”

Emboldened by Hans’s breath coming in faster and the way he was fixed on Henry, he reached over. He placed his thumb on the lord’s cheek and brushed it softly as he spoke.

“When you smile, and I mean a true smile, not those fake noble or flirty ones you throw around, it lights up the whole room. It’s so genuine and full of life, it can sustain me for days.”

His hand followed the shape of his cheek all the way to his lips, and very softly, barely touching, he brushed over them. He looked up to Hans’s eyes as he did and noticed his entranced look.

“And most of all, you are so beautiful when you laugh, Hans. I’d do anything to make it happen, just so I can watch it. It’s the sweetest sound in the world.”

A passing thought that he was going to regret being so forthcoming tomorrow came and went. He couldn’t bring himself to care right now. Not when Hans looked at him like that, cheeks flushed and eyes wide and wet. Reluctantly, Henry dropped his hand back onto the mattress in between them.

“There. Is that details enough for you?”

Hans remained silent for a long time. During his silence, Henry noticed something that made him think that perhaps, just perhaps, it wasn't so out of reach after all. He didn’t react to it though, just pinned the thought for a moment, waiting for Hans’s response. He never looked away from his gaze. Eventually, Hans cleared his throat.

“Well, hum. Thank you, Henry. Yes, quite. Hum. Your turn.”

And there was the time to unpin that thought. A wicked grin played about Henry's lips.

“Do you need help with that?”

Hans was still so flustered that his look of confusion almost made Henry laugh.

“Huh? With what?”

Henry grinned a little wider as he quickly glanced down and back up to bring Hans’s attention to what he had been feeling on his leg. Hans followed his gaze and, if possible, turned even redder as he quickly shoved his tunic down.

“Oh god,” he uttered as he turned around to hide himself.

Henry snorted as he rolled onto his back, eyes on the ceiling.

“Compliments do it for you, eh? Should have guessed.”

“Henry!” Hans groaned as he grabbed the pillow and hid under it with more force than necessary. “Not helping!”

“I wasn’t trying to help, my lord. Not like that, anyway,” Henry teased, still laughing.

The only response was yet another muffled groan. Henry didn’t push further, giving him space to collect himself. But after a minute, he heard him speak, though it came out too muffled for Henry to understand.

“Hum?”

Hans’s head reemerged. “I said, was that your question?”

It took Henry a second to figure out which question that was. When he did, his heart jumped. But when he spoke, his voice came out clear and steady.

“Yes. It was.”

A moment passed. Then Hans turned slightly and looked at Henry over his shoulder. He was biting his bottom lip, which Henry knew meant he was nervous.

“Then… my answer is yes.”

Henry’s breath hitched. He wasn’t sure what he had expected. It wasn’t like this was entirely out of the blue, Hans had been giving him many signs. Still, he had spent so long overlooking and ignoring those signs, convinced they would never act upon it, he wasn't sure what to do with himself now.

He approached Hans slowly, quietly. Once his back was securely against Henry’s chest, Henry sneaked an arm around him, his hand sliding onto his stomach. He hovered there, however, hesitating.

“Are you sure?”

Hans took a breath and nodded. He was still biting his lip, and god, did Henry want to kiss it. Instead, he leaned in a little closer.

“Hans, we’re both quite drunk. I’m gonna need verbal consent.”

“Yes, Henry, I’m sure. Please.”

His answer came immediately, voice low and pleading. That was enough for Henry. Without breaking eye contact, his hand slid down over his hose, circling his hardness. That was the point Hans couldn’t take looking into his eyes anymore and turned his face into his pillow.

Henry continued feeling him over his clothes for a moment, giving him a chance to back away before anything happened. He didn’t. So when he tugged at the band, Hans lifted his hips in wordless consent, letting Henry pull the hose and braies down in one smooth motion. His cock sprang free, and as soon as Henry took it in hand, a muffled moan escaped Hans.

The sound lit up something deep in Henry, and any hesitation was gone in an instant. He gripped him firmly, stroking in a slow, measured rhythm, letting instinct guide him. He hadn’t done this before with a man, so he used the same movements he would use on himself.

The sounds coming out of Hans were becoming less and less muffled, and Henry became absolutely transfixed. He was delighted to find out that they were sounds that came very close to being sweeter than his laugh. He did his absolute best to coax out more of them, and Hans did not disappoint. A voice at the back of his mind reminded him that they should be careful, and quiet. Henry could not bring himself to care.

When he twisted his wrist just right, a particularly loud moan escaped, and Henry’s control cracked. He leaned down and bit into Hans’s neck, overtaken by his own desire for him. The moan he earned in return was obscene, and Henry felt it in his spine. Greedy, he sucked and bit at the skin, soothing it with his tongue before repeating the motion, all while never faltering in the rhythm of his hand.

“Henry, god, I-”

Henry looked up and found Hans staring back at him. That look, hair wild, eyes hazy with pleasure, cheeks flushed and marked by Henry’s teeth, was enough to damn him gladly. He would do anything for the chance to see Hans like this again.

He felt the slick warmth of pre-cum coat his hand. Henry leaned in and kissed him just as he tipped over the edge, swallowing his moan and any sounds that would have escaped. Hans opened to him, melting under the kiss, and Henry took it all. Enjoyed how Hans lost track of his own movements, his kiss growing clumsier and more desperate while he rode the waves of orgasm.

When Hans went slack beneath him, Henry let him go, his hand going up his body, searching for a better grip. Hans turned onto his back beneath him, and Henry followed, never breaking the kiss. Hans’s fingers tangled in his hair and tugged, pulling Henry closer. Henry brought his own hand to Hans’s cheek, kissing him even more desperately. He feared that once they stopped, he’d never be allowed to do it again.

And so he pushed that kiss for as long as he possibly could until he was completely out of oxygen. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless. Their foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling in the quiet. Hans’s fingers did not leave his hair.

In the aftermath of what he’d done, Henry’s shame pricked up at the back of his neck. He had gone way past what Hans had given him permission to do. He slowly lifted up, but a slight tug on his tunic made him fall on his side rather than leave Hans altogether. With his new position, he looked over Hans and realized that, in his enthusiasm to kiss him, he had spread his spend all over him. Henry winced.

“Sorry. I made a mess.”

It seemed Hans’s nervousness was entirely gone because his response was to snort.

“I rather think I’m the one that made the mess, don’t you?”

Despite the prickling shame rising in him, the fear that he’d overstepped and might be chastised, Henry’s body betrayed him. A breathless laugh escaped before he could stop it, soft and helpless.

“You make me laugh.”

“What?” Hans frowned, confused.

“Earlier. I forgot to mention. You make me laugh.”

Hans’s breath hitched slightly before he gave him such a heartwarming smile. Henry nearly froze at the sight of it. Fingers still in his hair, Hans pulled Henry in for another kiss, and as soon as their lips touched, it chased away all the negative feelings Henry had. Their kiss this time was soft and sweet, almost chaste.

Not for very long. The kiss turned hungry quickly, urgency sparking beneath the surface. Hans’s hand slid downward, over Henry's own hardness that had betrayed him almost immediately once he had touched Hans.

“Can I?” Hans asked against Henry's lips.

Henry’s cock twitched at the prospect. He nodded firmly, trying to resume their kiss. But Hans backed away ever so slightly. Henry almost gave chase but caught himself.

“Verbal consent, Henry,” he said, echoing Henry’s words from earlier.

Henry had a joke on his lips. He was tempted to make it, start their usual banter. But looking at Hans now, he found that he didn’t want to. He just wanted him. Overcome with desire, Henry’s filter was rather gone when he spoke his next words.

“Yes,” Henry said, breathless. “You can do anything you want to me. I’d let you.”

Hans stilled for a heartbeat, then inhaled sharply through his mouth. He pressed a finger on Henry's chest in a please-wait gesture, his eyes downcast.

“Let me or want me to?”

“Want you to,” Henry clarified. “I want you.”

When Hans's eyes met his after his words, he found an entirely different side to him that he had never been privy to before. His eyes burned with a dark and predatory look. Henry faltered under the gaze, drawn to it but finding himself frozen under its intensity.

Then finally, Hans let out a quiet groan and pushed Henry off to flip him over, settling on top of him. When he kissed him again, there was no restraint left in Hans. He wasn't kissing Henry, he was devouring him. And Henry was all too happy to devour right back.

** 

The next morning, Henry woke up wrapped in warmth. He smiled instinctively, knowing exactly whose warmth it was, and pulled him closer before he opened his eyes. Then slowly as his mind woke up, two things started to gnaw at him. The tell-tale signs of a hungover and a headache came first. His mouth was dry. And then memories started to come in flashes. 

Telling Hans how beautiful he was. Kissing him, touching him. Hans touching Henry. The very intense look in Hans’s eyes. A deep sense of surrealism settled into Henry. Had he dreamed this? When he forced himself to open his eyes and saw Hans looking at him, he knew immediately it had truly happened. The bite he had left on his neck was incredibly visible. Hans’s face still carried the after-sex look, messy hair, and swollen lips. 

As he saw him awake, he handed a waterskin to Henry, his face unreadable. Henry took it gratefully and drank in big gulps. Hans was still staring at him when he put the waterskin down. 

Henry felt uneasy under Hans’s watchful eyes, not knowing what to do with himself. Hans’s face was still unreadable and Henry worried he might regret it. Then again, he had clearly been awake for a while and was still here. Henry tried to smile at him and it seemed to release something in Hans. The mask he had been wearing fell away instantly and a beautiful smile came upon his lips. Henry’s entire body warmed under it. 

“Are you alright ?” Henry asked. 

“Aye. You ?” 

Henry nodded. 

“Henry, Capon! For fucks sake you’re captains, you were supposed to report to the courtyard twenty minutes ago, you don’t get to sleep in! Get the fuck out here now !” 

Both Henry and Hans jumped out of their skin upon hearing the very angry voice on the other side of their door. 

“Sorry Zizka, coming !” Henry yelled back. 

He winced at the pain he caused himself with the sheer volume of his voice. He heard Zizka grumble as he walked away. Henry looked back to Hans but he was already getting up. Henry followed suit, getting ready for the day, worry all over his insides. 

When Hans appeared to be about to leave, Henry held him back with a hand on his wrist. Then he went through Hans’s chest until he found his hood. 

“You should wear your hood today,” Henry said approaching.

“Why ?” asked Hans. “It’s really hot out.” 

Henry looked upon him, trying to find a way to tell him. Fuck it, he thought. He stepped closer and pressed his lips gently over the bite, a chaste kiss. He reveled in how Hans tilted his head immediately, giving him access, one of his hands coming to fist a handful of Henry’s tunic. Hans slightly hissed and Henry softened his kiss even more before he straightened back up. 

“That’s why,” he whispered. 

Henry gently pushed the hood over his lord’s head and placed it properly. It did a good job of hiding any love marks. He met Hans’s eyes and was stricken once again by their deepness. Then Hans lifted himself on his toes and pressed a kiss on Henry’s lips. It only lasted a second before he retreated and left the room. But the feeling of it lasted the whole damn day. 

Lasted until the evening, when Henry was able to kiss him again. 

** 

As Henry entered the room, he found himself pinned to the door the second he had closed it behind him. No sooner had he registered the movement, he found his mouth invaded by another in the next breath. A thrill ran through his entire body, as butterflies danced in his stomach, replacing the usual cramps altogether. 

He sneaked his hands around the perpetrator and pulled him closer, meeting his fervor with his own. His hand snuck down to his arse and grabbed a fistful, which drew - as expected - an obscene moan out of Hans. Henry was quick to swallow it down with his kiss.

Henry had learned very quickly that Hans was particularly sensitive in that area. He had, in fact, been absolutely reveling in discovering every part of his body. He sought to find out where he was most sensitive, where he could draw the biggest moans out of him, what made him twitch. 

Hans had caught on to his quest very quickly but had just laughed. Who was he to stop Henry exploring, he said. He had not laughed when Henry had taken him in his mouth for the first time. Henry had filed that one as extremely effective in shutting his lord up. 

Hans's lips trailed off from his mouth and into his neck, leaving kisses and soft bites behind. 

“Don’t you have your watch?” Henry asked, breathless. 

“Not for another couple of hours. Until then, I’m all yours.” 

Henry exhaled a breathy laugh, drawing Hans back up for another kiss. “I’ll take you up on that.” 

As he kissed him once more, he took the lead and gently guided Hans back towards the bed. As they walked there, Henry started to shed his clothes, which Hans took as his cue to do the same, all the while stopping to kiss each other every few seconds.

Thankfully, Henry had stopped wearing armor unless he was on the outer wall. The extra weight was becoming too much to bear for his starved body on a regular basis. As an added bonus, it made the step of undressing really quick. By the time Henry pushed Hans down on the bed, they were both naked. 

Henry settled himself in between Hans's legs, enjoying how hard he already was. Instead of touching him right away, he spent some time spreading kisses on Hans's inner thighs, enjoying the muffled sounds coming out of his lord.

One day, Henry thought as he kissed the top of his cock, one day, I'll take him somewhere remote. Somewhere where the whines and moans he made as Henry slowly took his length in his mouth would not have to be muffled. He would not have to bite his own hand in an effort to quiet himself. And oh, would Henry revel in hearing those sounds unabridged. 

Hans's hips buckled as soon as Henry started a rhythm and he held him down by the hips to keep him still firmly. His hand came to fist Henry's hair as a response, and the pleasure it sent through Henry made him moan softly around him, driving his desperation further. 

He could feel Hans all around him, his taste on his tongue, his familiar scent of lavender mixing with sweat and sex in his lungs. It was driving Henry mad. Hans's hand kept tugging and pushing on his head, sending wave after wave of prickly pleasure through him. Henry became enthralled with unraveling Hans, his desire reignited every time he heard his name spill from Hans's lips like a plea. 

And then, he was yanked out abruptly. He looked up at Hans, confused. He had certainly succeeded at the unraveling part. Hans looked utterly wrecked, cheeks flushed, eyes dazed, hair pulling out in every direction. That was quickly becoming one of Henry's favorite sights. Both breathless, Henry asked:

"What’s wrong?" 

"Nothing, Henry, I... I had other..." 

When he realized he was unable to finish his sentence, his hand left Henry's hair and grabbed his hand. He slid it softly up his thigh then around to his backside. 

"Are you sure?" Henry breathed out. 

"Yes. Please. Well, only if you want to, of cou-"

Henry cut him off with a deep kiss. 

"Of course I want to." Henry cupped his cheek and looked him over, reverent. "God, Hans... I... I want all of you." 

Hans appeared rather overcome under the words and Henry kissed all of his doubts away. He kissed him until they both fully relaxed again. 

"Have you ever?" 

"No. Have you?" Hans replied. 

"Not myself. But on wenches. I'm familiar with how it works." 

Hans gasped with false dramatics. "By God, Henry, I thought you were a good Christian!"

"Look who's talking." 

Hans didn't have any retort to that and they both chuckled. 

"How did that even come to be?" Hans asked. 

Henry rolled his eyes. That tongue of his, Christ. He trailed down Hans's jaw and hovered over his ear. 

"That is a story for another time, birdie." 

Then he softly bit his earlobe, rolling it between his teeth. Hans whimpered, buckling and writhing under him. And that effectively shut him up too. Henry moved back up to kiss him as he let his hand slide down his side. Without breaking the kiss, he pushed Hans's leg up to give him access. As he moved his fingers over his arse, fingers softly teasing his entrance, Hans broke the kiss. 

"Wait, I... here," he said before shuffling about, searching for something in the covers. 

Then he found it, and when he returned to Henry, he pushed something into his hand. Upon examination, Henry found it to be a vial of oil.  

"Someone was prepared," he teased.

"Let's just say, I've been hoping." 

Henry smiled and was about to kiss him again when something gave him pause. Suddenly, he found himself to be the one wanting to talk. 

"How long?" 

"What?" Hans asked, avoiding his gaze.

"How long have you been hoping?"

"Oh, I don't know. When we kissed. Maybe a bit before." 

Henry gently grabbed his chin and pulled on his face so he could look at him and meet his gaze. 

"Hans. You would not have found oil at this stage of the siege. They searched all of our belongings when it started. How long?"

Hans exhaled and it came out shallow. He tried to fight it a tad longer, his eyes darting to the side. Then he surrendered. 

"Dreaming of it? Since the first time I took you to the baths, in Rattay. Hoping it might actually happen? Your first night here." 

Henry's breath hitched. But before he could process anything, Hans continued. 

"I mean, I completely clung to you through the night and you didn't care. We may be friends, Henry, but most men would care. And you know, as time went on, you got touchy. You encouraged it. So, I've been hoping. Terrified but hoping." 

Henry was stunned. He had never really stopped to think about what it all meant. Or rather, he did his utmost to ensure he would not stop to think about how holding Hans close made him feel. About the urge to touch and kiss. Never in a million years had he thought it even remotely possible. 

Hans was a noble for starters, so high above his station he could have had Henry hung for breathing too close. Not that he would, but Henry tried not to forget the fact it was in his power. He was a man, very interested in wenches. More than that, Hans was... And as he tried to remember the reasons he had told himself as to why this couldn't happen, only one word kept dancing in Henry's mind.

He was everything. Hans was his everything. Henry met Hans's gaze once more.

"And... are we still friends?" he asked, voice low and small. 

Hans smiled as he wrapped his arms around Henry's neck, pulling him closer.

"Best friends. Always will be, right? Promise?" 

"Aye. I promise. Always will be." 

With a small ping of disappointment, Henry leaned down softly to kiss him again, but Hans stopped him with a hand on his chest. 

"And... maybe, a bit more than that?" 

Henry exhaled a soft breath of relief. "I was hoping you'd say that." 

"I just don't know what to call it." 

Henry pressed a small kiss to his wrist. "How about lovers?" 

The grin grew slowly on Hans's face, but it didn't stop growing until he was absolutely radiant with it. 

"I like that," he said. 

Henry couldn't take it anymore and leaned down to kiss him again. It wasn't as hungry as it was moments before, rather it was deep and reverent. Hans clutched Henry's hair with desperate force. 

"Now, I believe we were in the middle of something, were we not?" Hans teased once they broke apart. 

Henry laughed and opened the vial, coating his fingers. He teased his entrance at first, letting his fingers roam. Watching Hans closely, he pushed his finger in softly. Henry couldn't help but notice how hot he felt and shuddered at the idea of taking him and basking in that heat.

He worked him open slowly, making sure not to hurt him. Hans was trembling and sweating but didn't appear to be in any discomfort. And then as Henry twisted his fingers inward, Hans twitched, arching his back violently, letting out an obscenely loud moan. Henry froze, his eyes darting to the door worriedly. As he did, Hans's eyes widened and he placed a hand over his mouth. 

They both watched the door for a moment, but when nothing happened, no yelling, no footsteps, they both relaxed and Henry's attention returned to Hans. 

"Did I hurt you?" he asked in a hushed voice. 

Hans's hand dropped away as he shook his head. A small smile appeared on his lips as he reddened even more than he already was, visibly embarrassed by his reaction. 

"Quite the opposite, Henry." 

"Go on." Henry teased, hovering over his lips. 

"It felt... overwhelming. But good, incredibly good." 

Henry laughed softly. "Well, that never happened with any wenches." 

Hans frowned and slapped his shoulder. "Any? How many times have you done this exactly?" 

Still laughing, Henry kissed him. "You're cute when you're jealous." 

And as he said that, he moved his fingers again, trying the same movement once more. Hans's reaction was immediate, so much so, he forgot to be offended by Henry's words and - this time, making sure he remained quiet - lost himself to the sensations.

Henry lost himself too, transfixed by the reactions he was inciting in Hans. Every twitch, every moan, every time he buckled his hips and writhed under Henry's relentless care. Henry came undone just by watching it.

"Henry," his voice was wrecked, breathless. "Henry, I ca... can't take much more."

Henry did not need to be told twice as he moved to line himself up with Hans. No matter how undone he was, however, he had to. Before he moved, he looked up to Hans and asked him a silent question. Only when Hans nodded, quite eagerly in fact, did Henry push himself in. 

As he moved, he never stopped looking at Hans. Even when he forcefully grabbed his hips to fuck him harder, he never stopped. As he got close, he grabbed Hans's cock and with a few strokes, Hans's release washed over him. The feeling of his muscles contracting around Henry was enough for his own release to come immediately after. 

Henry leaned down and hid his face into Hans's neck, holding him close. They didn't move for a long time, holding each other until their breathing went back to normal. Then Henry pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and got up. He went for the water basin and a cloth and came back to carefully and gently wash Hans off.

Hans didn't say anything, just watched him, a hazy smile on his face. Once Henry had cleaned himself as well, he got back into bed and pulled Hans into his arms, pressing a kiss to his forehead. He gently pushed his hair out of his face, then started scratching his scalp, playing with his sweat-soaked strands.

"How are you feeling?" asked Henry.

Hans kissed his shoulder briefly.

"Very, very happy. You?"

Henry grinned. "Something akin to that, yes. Did it feel okay?"

"It felt amazing, Henry. Strange, but good. Really good."

Henry pressed another kiss to his forehead. "Strange how?"

"I don't know, really. But feeling you inside of me like this and... the way you were looking at me... the intensity of it. I felt... cared for, I suppose? Never felt like that before."

Henry squeezed him tighter. "Well, you are."

Hans didn't respond, only snuggled in closer.

"You should get some sleep before your watch. I'll wake you."

"Aye. Thank you, Hal."

"Sweet dreams, my little birdie."

But when the time for his watch came, Henry didn't wake him. He slipped out, told Zizka Hans had a migraine, and took his watch for him. When Hans found him hours later to take over the rest of it, he called him a mother hen. Henry grinned and told him to get used to it.

**

Henry hesitated in front of the closed door. He didn't want to say goodbye. He didn't want to leave Hans behind. He knew why Hans was told to stay behind, he agreed with it. Above all, he wanted him safe. But he couldn't help being disappointed they couldn't go together. He would have felt a lot better having his eyes on him rather than not knowing. There was a chance they would be attacked while Henry was gone.

Gathering his courage, Henry took a deep breath and finally pushed the door open. He locked it behind him as he noted Hans was sitting on the bed, staring at the fire. As he approached to sit next to him, he also noticed he had obviously been crying. Henry didn't mention it.

"You're here to say goodbye, aren't you?"

"Aye, we have to leave at night."

Hans nodded slightly, then sighed. "It's not fair! It's not fair they won't let me come with you."

"Aye, I know," Henry said as he took his hand in his.

"I'm just as capable as you are! I should be able to come!" he complained further.

"I know," Henry repeated.

They both knew it had nothing to do with capabilities but rather Hans's status. He was simply too important to risk like that. Hans sighed again, then finally looked up at Henry.

"I could forbid you from going, you know."

A sad smile came to Henry's lips. "You could."

Henry waited, knowing all too well Hans wasn't going to. He knew Henry wouldn't listen anyway. He would never let Sam go alone and abandon his brother. And Henry knew Hans would never seriously try.

In the weight of the silence, Hans dropped his head on Henry's shoulder. Henry wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close.

"How much time do we have?"

"About an hour."

Hans took a sharp inhale and looked up again.

"Henry, I... I... Fuck!" he exclaimed before kissing him.

He kissed him with desperation and none of it was gentle. Henry was being pushed back as Hans devoured him and forced his way into his mouth. Henry didn't resist, met his fervor. But there was an edge to the way Hans was kissing him now.

Before Henry had a chance to grasp what he was doing, Hans was tearing away at their clothes, shoving them aside with brutal force. He guided Henry to lay on the bed and as soon as he did, took off his hose and braies. As soon as they were naked, he was back on Henry, taking him in a bruising kiss.

Henry fed off his energy, pulled him close, his hand nestling into his hair and holding firmly. He let Hans guide the rhythm. Hissed when Hans bit into his lip, drawing blood, and instantly melted as he licked away the sting.

Hans's hands were roaming everywhere, firm and solid. Henry got the feeling he was afraid he might disappear right then and there. Hans grabbed his wrist as he bit into Henry's neck and he could feel a bruise coming where Hans was holding on to him. As Hans retreated, Henry cupped both of his cheeks, brushing his thumbs over them.

"Hans, my love... Slow down. I'm right here. I'm right here."

Hans shuddered and closed his eyes with force. Henry continued brushing his thumbs over his cheeks. He could see his lips tremble, could see the tears he was fighting off.

"Hey, look at me. Look at me, Hans."

When Hans did, Henry pulled him closer and pressed a soft, slow kiss on his lips.

"I'm right here," he repeated.

Hans leaned down and kissed him again. There was still desperation in his movements but he had slowed, was more gentle. Then Hans's hand was on his entrance, brushing his fingers around it. He backed away and looked at Henry.

"Can I?" he breathed. "Please."

His pleading tone broke Henry's heart.

"Yes," Henry was quick to reply.

He didn't need any more than that and Hans was already coating his fingers with impressive speed. As his fingers returned to him, Henry braced himself. Hans had been going at everything with such force and desperation, he was worried about him going too fast and it being painful.

But when Hans played around his rim before inserting his first finger, his hand had stilled. He was ever so gentle and careful and Henry relaxed. He met Hans's gaze and as a mirror to their first time, Hans was carefully watching him. Henry pulled on the grip he had on his hair to kiss him again, deeply.

His hands trembled where they gripped Hans, overcome with the unbearable tenderness. Each slow thrust, each careful kiss felt like he was being handled like a treasure. His throat clenched. Gods, he couldn’t- he blinked hard, refusing to let go of the sting behind his eyes. Refusing to let his beloved see what swelled under the surface.

And so he kissed him, over and over again, focusing his entire attention on it. Until he could feel himself open enough.

"I'm ready," Henry whispered.

Hans moved and, watching Henry, pushed himself in gently. Henry could feel how tense his muscles were with self-control. Even after Henry's body accommodated him, he kept moving really slowly.

As Henry was about to say something, he noticed the tears falling freely down Hans's cheeks. He was not bothering to hide or fight them any longer and the sight struck Henry in the chest.

"Fuck, Henry, there's so... so many things I haven't told you."

Henry reached out, tried to wipe away his tears but Hans was too far. Henry's hand landed on his arm instead and he gently stroked it up and down.

"You said... You said... But Henry, you are beautiful. You are so beautiful. It hurts."

He never changed his rhythm, slowly moving inside of Henry. His hand was roaming over him reverently. Henry became transfixed by his words, as much as he could under the delicious torture Hans was subjecting him to.

"Your soul is the most beautiful of all. You're so kind. So genuinely kind."

And Henry lost his own battle as tears fell out of his eyes. He blinked them away over and over again, but they kept escaping. Hans leaned in and kissed his tears away. He kissed and kissed and never stopped moving excruciatingly slowly.

"Your devotion and your loyalty, it's... I find it hard to take sometimes because you deserve so much more. So much better."

Henry's hand wandered up, touched him, tried to bring him closer, deeper inside of him. Anything to escape the overbearing weight of emotions crushing his chest. But Hans was relentless and didn't let himself speed up.

He cupped Henry's cheeks with both hands and when he was sure he had his attention, he breathed out but it came out broken, shallow.

"I love you. Gods, Henry, I”ve loved you for so long. And you... you need to come back to me."

Henry tried to nod, to respond, but he was overcome with emotions and they swelled out of him relentlessly. He tasted salt and iron and everything was too sharp, too full. His grief, longing, his all-consuming love for him. He didn't know what screamed loudest. He couldn't make sense of any of it and he couldn't find his voice. His mouth opened but only a choked sob broke free. And then Hans was kissing him and he hit the right spot again and Henry's brain went entirely fuzzy.

He didn't know for how long they kissed but when he opened his eyes again and met Hans's eyes, he was stricken by them. That dark and predatory look was back. Once again, Henry found himself drawn to it, fascinated. Through a fog, he heard Hans speak.

"Are you mine, Henry?"

Henry reached up, touched his cheek. He finally recognized that look as possessive. And by god, did that do things to him. He was hit by an immediate need to surrender. Surrender his whole self to him. His lord, his love, his everything.

"Yes," he said in a breath. "Yes," he repeated louder.

Hans's excruciating pace and his gaze didn't change.

"I mean it. If you're mine, you're only mine, Hal. Mine."

Henry was having trouble breathing, he still felt the dryness of his tears on his face. But there was no hesitation in his answer. He had been Hans's for a very long time. He had belonged to him the moment their lives intertwined. It was a fate he could not have escaped any more than he would have wanted to.

"I know," he exhaled. "I'm yours, Hans."

And then finally, finally, Hans lost control. He grabbed Henry's hips, and sped up, fucking him in earnest now. Henry had been teetering on the edge for so long, it didn't take very long for him to tip over. When he did, his world went dark and he lost sense of himself as waves of pleasure washed over him again and again.

When he came to, Hans was kissing his face all over with gentle kisses. Henry sneaked his arms around him and pulled him as close as he physically could. He held him tight, burying his face into his neck.

"I love you. I love you so much, Hans."

Hans returned his hold. When Henry felt a wetness in his neck, he didn't mention it, only held him impossibly tighter.

He had no sense of time and had no idea how long passed before Hans slid off him. Lying next to him, he touched his wrist gently and Henry glanced towards it. A bruise had indeed begun forming.

"I'm sorry," Hans exhaled. "I didn't mean to take it so far."

Henry shifted on his side to face him. It was a move harder to execute than he would have thought, all of his muscles felt like mush, weak, and numb.

"Listen to me. You didn't take it too far. I loved every second of it, please don't apologize."

Hans smiled weakly but didn't offer a response.

"Hans?"

"Hum?"

He was still gently brushing over Henry's bruise, eyes fixed on it.

"Are you... are you..."

Hans looked up at his hesitation and let out a breathless laugh.

"I would have thought it was rather obvious, Hal. I am one hundred percent, unequivocally, undoubtedly, irrevocably yours. Without a doubt. Do I need more adjectives?"

Henry laughed as he leaned in for a soft kiss.

"I think you rather covered them all."

Hans's hand flew up to cup his cheek once again.

"I mean it, Henry. This Jitka girl can go fuck herself for all I care. This marriage is not happening. I am yours."

And there it was again, that swell of emotion that threatened to make tears fall out of his eyes. He blinked it away.

"Be kind, Hans. She's most likely being forced into this as much as you are. If not more."

"Aye. But I will not marry her."

Henry knew that it was not as easy as he made it sound. But he sounded so convinced, so determined, and Henry wanted to believe him. So he did, at the risk of breaking his own heart later.

"Okay," he said softly.

They spent as long as they could in each other's arms. But eventually, it was time and they forced themselves to go through the motions. Hans helped Henry put on his armor with slow devotion. And when there was nothing else that could possibly delay his departure, Henry pulled Hans into one last kiss.

"Come back to me, Henry. You must."

"I will. I promise you."

**

"It's all sorted!" Hans announced as he burst into the inn room.

Henry jumped slightly at the unexpected noise. He looked over to Hans as he locked the door behind him, holding a handkerchief filled with food. Ever since they had left Schudol, they were both still constantly hungry. A month later, they were finally starting to get back to a normal weight. However, they were still not able to have regular large meals, instead opting for many small meals throughout the day. If they ate too much too fast, they inevitably became nauseous.

Hans dropped on the bed, opened his small bundle of cheese, apple slices, and some bread, and placed it in between them. Henry sat up, pushed his book aside, and grabbed a piece of cheese, popping it into his mouth immediately, enjoying the taste.

"And? Are you finally telling me what we're doing?"

Four days ago, Hans had woken Henry from the Devil's Den at dawn and declared they were going to Kuttenberg. He had been incredibly tight-lipped as to why the sudden need for a city trip. No matter how much Henry begged or tried to trick him, the only information he got was that Hans was preparing a surprise for him.

"Food first," he replied.

Henry groaned in frustration. He had never been good with not knowing, his curiosity too big for his own good. It had gotten him into a few awkward situations before. He knew better than to try to convince Hans otherwise, so instead, he started to eat at a much faster pace. He shoved food into his throat at record speed until Hans swatted his hand away and took the rest away.

"Leave some for me, you beast."

Henry chuckled but rapidly noticed a massive flaw in his plan. Hans had known exactly what he was doing and was eating his share with extreme slowness, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Henry groaned again and let himself fall over onto the bed.

"You're going to be the death of me."

"I hope not," Hans laughed.

But he stopped torturing Henry and ate at a normal pace. Once he was done, he stood to put away the wrapping. When he came back, Henry grabbed him before he could sit and pulled him onto his lap. Hans's arms wrapped around his neck and Henry nuzzled the side of his cheek.

"Alright, alright. Well, my beautiful Henry, tomorrow at dawn, you and I are riding south."

Henry nuzzled him once more.

"South where?"

"South until we hit the ocean, my darling."

Henry looked up at that.

"What?"

"Well, according to the scribe, it's actually a sea, not an ocean. But I don't reckon there's much of a difference."

"But... What?"

Try as he might, nothing more intelligent came out of his mouth.

Hans chuckled. "We're leaving. On a trip to see the ocean, like you wanted to."

To say Henry was stunned was an understatement. His head tilted to the right before he shook it.

"I don't understand. What about Rattay? And the wedding? And Hanush? He approved this?"

Hans chuckled. "Hell no. He doesn't know yet. I sent him a letter. Instructed the messenger, by the time he gets it, we'll be out of Bohemia. I told him I'm too young to get married. I want to enjoy my life while I can. I won't sacrifice my youth to duty."

Henry did not know what to say, but Hans continued before he had to think of a reply.

"So I told him I am taking one year. One year for myself and then I'll be back. I'll do my duty and take over Rattay."

Henry's eyes widened. "But Hans... You're going to be in so much trouble! What if he refuses to give it to you after you pulled something like that?"

Hans shrugged. "It's mine by right. There's nothing he can do about it. If he won't surrender it, I'll go to the king. Surely Zizka will have freed him by then."

Henry shook his head, overwhelmed by the idea.

"What of the Kundstad and the wedding?"

"That's Hanush's problem, not mine. It'll hardly be an option once I'm back. And at the risk of repeating myself, these lands are mine by right. He has no right to force me to marry to get my own birthright. Once I inherit, no one will be able to."

"You won't marry? Don't you need an heir?"

"I don't care. We'll figure something out. Worst comes to worst, Pirkstein, Rattay, and Leipa go to a new noble family when I die. Big deal."

Henry exhaled a deep breath, unable to wrap his head around it.

"We?"

"Of course, Hal."

"Meaning?"

Hans smiled. "Meaning, we'll be together, no matter what. Just you and I against the world."

Henry's grin felt too big for his face.

"You are absolute insanity."

"Is that a yes?"

"Of course, it's a yes, you fool."

Hans squealed as Henry pushed him back onto the bed before coming down to take him in a bruising kiss. As Henry was moving his hand under his tunic, Hans stopped him.

"Oi, behave. We need to get an early start tomorrow. That means nothing but sleep tonight."

Henry groaned slightly.

"Surely..."

"Behave, you brute," Hans cut him off.

Henry laughed in surrender as he kissed him once more. As they undressed and got into bed, Hans settled himself into Henry's arms, gently placing his head on Henry's shoulder.

"You said a year... What of after?"

"Wherever we want."

"What of the Holy Lands? We could ride to Constantinople. You mentioned wanting to see it."

Hans grinned and kissed his shoulder. "Aye. Sounds like a plan."

Henry smiled, disbelief still coursing through his veins, but most of all, an overwhelming wave of pure adoration and love for the man in his arms. He kissed Hans's hair with such reverence.

"Sweet dreams, my darling."

"Sweet dreams, my love."