#i got like 80% through this and realized i could have done a smol reg but i had too much fun to erase it sdffgdhgf

[cursedfortune]

012.   piggy back ride

Touch. @fallesto

What had gotten into Regulus she couldn't say. He tended to pluck her up bridal style (how fitting) on a whim when he so wished, not that she'd ever complain given the fact she enjoyed being carried. Especially by him. Perhaps it was her telling him more about her mother and the way she'd behave similarly; snatching a once nameless witchling off the ground to be carried this way or that way. Whatever her mother deemed convenient - like upon her back. Or them speaking of mortals and their love for one another, for Regulus certainly had opinions on such. She remember mentioning acts she had witnessed couples did with this very thing included.

Truthfully, Mortem should have expected him to experiment. He was Greed, after-all, and wished to know all he could. And yet she still hadn't expected this. Normally she was the one to carry others, either due to her slightly above average height or inhuman strength despite how ridiculously slim she was. And, of course, because no one would dare to try and hold a witch. But he dared and always sought what he wanted-- and these days did so with consideration in mind.

The times he chose to walk instead of instantly transporting them were some of her favorite, in all honesty. There was something about the way he chose to be mundane alongside her that made moments like this ones she'd keep forever fondly within her mind. He had returned to find her laid out in the grass far from their home and humored sitting along with her. Only when he had enough did she not find them suddenly back inside. Which was how she ended up held by her husband in a way that was new to them both.

Sometimes she wondered if he did this sort of thing because he was hungry for praise, always surprising her with being stronger than he looked. Whether it was an outright compliment or, quite commonly, her uttering a small sound that was indictive of being pleasantly surprised. She hardly felt worried she'd fall with his arms hooked around her legs to keep her held against his back. Mortem's own limbs wound loosely around his neck, hugging herself close as her face rested against the crook of his neck.

He always seemed to seek being in as close to a perfect state of being as possible and at times like this, she had to agree he was as close as one could get - if only due to how he made her feel.

The witch had seen everything she needed to this day. Scenery be damned for now, her eyes were shut as she simply enjoy the way his pale locks tickled her face. He always had a particular scent about him-- no, not the one shared between them as Archbishop and Witch. He smelled like fresh air. It reminded her of hanging freshly laundered clothing up to dry upon the line. But somehow better. Despite her knowing it was all thanks to his ability to stay removed from all things, a man existing in a state of stasis, she was still always so easily impressed by it all. Anytime she laid her hands upon his clothing, or like now how she rested her cheek against the high collar of his overcoat, it always felt immaculate - like what he wore was brand new.

It made it all the clearer how untouchable Regulus had made himself for centuries. Which was why she cherished slowing down to be mundane. To walk with him, to sleep side by side, to wash his hair in that glorious bath he kept frozen in time. It was also why, beyond her own selfish reasons, she desired to make up for all the lost time he spent waiting to have his hand held, to be kissed and loved in all the ways both emotional and physical that she could give.

Did he know? Whether partially or fully just how much thought and feelings went into her actions and words, or how easily he provoked them in her when he made decisions to do things like this? Something as simple as a piggy back ride was enough to nestle her close and feel... happy. His heart within her chest beating ever fondly as her bones cradled it protectively, forever trying to make it stronger with her love.

Words were not needed at this time; made content by his warmth, by the gentle sound of the wind stirring the grass and leaves around them. Wasn't it amazing how one could miss something they never knew they had wanted? Made whole by the little gestures consciously made that made life worth living.