#( sleepy brain kicked in halfway through writing this so i apologise if quality is questionable here lmao apologies ! )

[rhysdasior]

Even if he’d known that the eventual confession would have been a resounding success in any context, the slip-up felt significantly poignant given the separation they’d endured. With a little distance, he knew how ridiculous it likely looked from an outside perspective: they’d been apart for less than a month, barely the blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things and yet… the pain of such a brief separation had been exquisite, more agonising than something so seemingly simple had any right to be and that in itself had confirmed it once and for all for the witch. It was love in its simplest form and no matter how valiantly he tried to dispel and disprove it to himself on the rare nights where sleep evaded him without the security of Roland’s arms around him, Rhys couldn’t deny the obvious. The earnestness of Roland’s reaction made Rhys’ heart ache anew – How I've longed to hear those words – and the witch struggled to keep his smile in place in good faith as a familiar wave of guilt began to creep its way in. Fortunately there was little time for guilt and doubt to progress further as Roland pulled him into an all-consuming kiss and the intensity of the gesture provided an unavoidable distraction. 

After basking in the outpouring of emotion for as long as he could stand to think himself deserving of it, Rhys reluctantly pulled back and took a breath to steady himself. “Sorry, sorry, all I’ve done is whine about myself– how have you been? How were things here for the past few weeks? Have I missed anything?” You’d know if you’d made an effort to contact him Rhys’ conscience politely reminded him and the witch at least had the decency to look sheepish as he pushed the thought aside. “I’m sorry I didn’t check in with you more. We can discuss that in more depth later, I know, I just– I don’t want you to think that you weren’t thought of or missed during our time apart. ‘cause you were. Daily. Hourly. You’re a distraction even when you’re absent, Ro. That’s quite the achievement.”

"It's all right." The moment Rhys' words cut off Roland reassured him, reaching a hand up to cradle the back of the witch's head, stroking his hair gently. "I'm here. I've got you." He'd hardly felt capable of taking care of himself for the last little while but the moment Rhys exhibited distress he was quick to try and look after him. It helped Roland, somehow, to be in a position where he could be there for Rhys and support him as he'd wanted to since the news had come from London. Now, finally, Rhys seemed willing to let him. Roland had been angry, of course, hurt and a whole myriad of other things and while those conversations would likely have to happen and soon he really just wanted to enjoy their reunion for now, to absorb this and treasure the moment and maybe start to feel like himself again.

The fierceness of the hug dissipated just a little as Rhys pulled back to look at him and Roland opened eyes that were still wet though the tears had yet to fall. He reveled in the feel of Rhys' hands on his face and kept his arms around him, feeling like he still needed the physical connection and might for some time yet. Roland frowned a little, concerned, as Rhys explained that he'd also fared rather poorly though thankfully he'd had help. "I'll have to send him a thank you of some sort for taking care of you." His hand slid down from Rhys' hair to cup his face, brushing his thumb gently over the witch's cheek. Roland arched a brow slightly and would've interrupted with an agreement that yes, the break had been very stupid indeed, but the next part of the sentence stole all his breath in a gasp. I love you more than I even thought possible. The words were like a balm or an elixir and Roland's whole being brightened at finally, finally hearing them. His expression became one of pure adoration and he smiled, warmed to his very core even as Rhys seemed to pause when he realised what he'd said. He didn't take it back, though, and Roland huffed a laugh, almost incredulous. "Yes, you might as well. How I've longed to hear those words from your lips, cheri. I love you too, so very much. Feel free to say it as much as you like." Roland couldn't imagine the effect it had on him, the joy it brought him, wearing off any time soon and he'd be thrilled to hear it each and every time. Roland leaned in and caught Rhys' lips with a soft, pleased sound, unable to not kiss him after hearing those wonderful, longed for words. It was slow but passionate, pouring all his own love, adoration, and gratitude into it, needing Rhys to know just how much he appreciated hearing it.