runningred | (no subject)

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!"

He pulls his shirt back over his head, accidentally exposing his back to Jay for a moment as he does.

"You tested it on yourself, alone?"

"That can't have been much fun," Ragnar says. "Thank you for that."

Jay shrugs. "I had the drones monitoring. Needed to be sure it would work first."

He spots Athelstan's back but doesn't mention it. All three of them have scars, both good and bad.

"I can pop the receivers in now if you like? That way you can get out of here and be alone if you want to." He doesn't want to intrude on their time together.

He grabs a small injectors, something like a handheld surgical staple gun. "Just roll up your sleeve to where you want it.

Athelstan looks at Ragnar.

"You first again?"

Not quite letting go of Athelstan, Ragnar holds out out his arm and turns it so Jay can easily get at the inside of his biceps.

Jay holds the injector against the skin in the right spot and pulls the trigger. There's a small, sharp pinch that might ache like a bruise and a feeling like these's a splinter under the skin as he pulls back.

He rubs gloved hands over the area, making sure the receiver is in the right spot sub-dermally and cleans the little cut. "There. Just give it a day to knit and it'll be fine. Athelstan?" he swiftly cleans and reloads the injector.

Athelstan nods and holds out his arm as Ragnar did.

"Such a little wound, I can hide easily."

Nevertheless, Ragnar still holds on to Athelstan's shoulder, even for this small thing.