runningred | (no subject)

"And now, you can feel my heart beat," Ragnar says. "Do we put the receiver in place now, or only after the thing on Athelstan's heart has gone in?"

"Let's do me first", Athelstan decides. "Get it over with."

"The receivers won't hurt more than a moment's discomfort. Like stepping on a tack."

"Athelstan, if you're ready?" He washes the mouth-guard and preps the second needle as Athelstan gets himself comfortable.

Ragnar stands, then pulls up a chair and sits behind the head of the massage table so he can put his arms firmly around Athelstan, to hold him close during the terrible seconds of the device going in.

Athelstan prepares himself as much as he can, slipping the mouth guard into place and taking Ragnar's hand to squeeze.

He nods to Jay.

Jay nods in answer and repeats the process, very careful to make it as swift and easy as he can.

Once for needle is out, he helps Ragnar hold Athelstan through the moment of pain.

Ragnar holds Athelstan firmly, murmuring reassurance into his dark hair, momentarily not caring at all what Jay sees or hears, only that Athelstan knows that he'S there, and with him.

Jay is already a trusted person, and Athelstan's fingers dig hard into whatever's under them as he tries and fails not to scream, muffled by the mouthguard.

Jay isn't one to judge. After all, he won't do this to them if he didn't know they loved each other. Anyone with eyes can see that.

He counts off the seconds, waiting for Athelstan feel the returning jolt.

Ragnar holds him and murmurs quietly, soothing, or praying.

He's trying to count as well, fingers tapping on the massage table, but it's difficult to focus through the pain.

"Hang in there, Athelstan. Almost there." Jay adds, letting Ragnar hold him. "Just breathe."

"Breathe," Ragnar echoes, stroking Athelstan's shoulders with warm, calming hands.

He nods very briefly, trying to concentrate on Ragnar's hands and his own breathing.

And then it's over.

Jay steps out of the way and pours him some water, waiting till Athelstan's ready. And giving them space.

"Athelstan," Ragnar is murmuring. "Athelstan. It's over. All is well."

"I know", he manages, trying to force his breathing back under control.

Jay presses the water into his hand and pours a glass of soda to follow it.

"The receivers will be a hell of a lot easier." He promises.

Ragnar stands again, and puts a warm hand on Athelstan's back as he drinks.

"So the worst is over."

He finishes the water and reaches for the soda.

"For both of us."

Jay tidies up, pressing a small bandaid over the needle's small cut.

And backs off to give them both time and space, letting them say when they're ready for the next step.

Ragnar is stroking Athelstan's shoulders. "It was a bit odd, wasn't it?"

"You and your understatements."

He leans into the touch, shivering.

"I'm glad it's done with," Ragnar adds, quickly dipping his head to kiss the nape of Athelstan's neck.

Jay perch himself on a bench, gesturing for Athelstan to put on his clothes if the warmth will help. "Hurt like a bastard when I tested it. A bit odd doesn't cover it!"