Brothel AU for draconita

[darotisentys]

[It's only been a day, but he is anxious to get back to her. He won't say he's desperate to go to the brothel, because that's not the case. He would want her no matter where he found her.

The brothel is it, however, and once he's gathered with his men and orders given for the day, meals taken and a bath, he manages to sneak out once more and go to where he knows he'll find her.

His Alys.

He doesn't take his time. He's at the door as soon as he can and enters as quietly as possible, not wanting to draw a scene. He doesn't stop until he's found her.]

Comments

[darotisentys]

This is not why I asked you to stay.

[But he remains seated.]

[draconita]

[ Her hand grabs his chin, lifting it as she descends towards him. ]

This isn't the brothel. And you do not lord over Harrenhal so much as you're allowed to reside in it - this, you know it in your heart.

[ Oh, her breath warm over his lips. ]

You're sick and malnourished, and you'll do and take everything I give you without complain. You'll be good for me.

[darotisentys]

[He sighs, pushing her hand away.]

Get it over with.

[draconita]

Is it effective?

[ She remains where she is, looming over him with an unimpressive look. ]

Punishing yourself like this.

[darotisentys]

Does it appear to be effective?

[There's no point in denying it. Not that he had started it on purpose.]

[draconita]

... Will you keep at it?

[darotisentys]

I should do better at eating.

[draconita]

Yes, you should.

[ Something in her softens then, her hand moving to touch him--

So of course that's when the servant comes.

Her hand moves away to take the bowl of nourishing broth, putting it in front of him while she places her box on the table, dismissing the girl. Carefully, she takes back to bowl to check the temperature, blowing on it a few times before offering it to him. ]

There's already medicine mixed in it, for your appetite. You must drink all of it tonight.

[darotisentys]

[It looks more appetizing than the porridge, so he takes a spoonful right away. Not the best broth he's ever had, but it will do.]

Sit.

[draconita]

[ She gives him a look but obliges, picking up the porridge to avoid letting it go to waste.

Sitting together in silence... It is a ridiculous thing indeed, the relief it brings her. ]

[darotisentys]

[Just her presence is enough to calm him. The broth may be helping as well, but he thinks it's more her.]

Do you forgive me?

[draconita]

What do you want me to forgive?

[ She takes a few more spoonfuls before pushing the plate away, leaning on the chair as she crosses her legs. ]

[darotisentys]

[His eye follows her movements.]

You never accepted my apologies.

[draconita]

And you still haven't answered my question.

[ And her eyes, settling on his.]

[darotisentys]

[He glances up to meet her gaze.]

For leaving.

[draconita]

Men leave. Why should I hold it against you?

Besides. You have tortured yourself enough since then.

[darotisentys]

[He doesn't want to be just another man. Not to her.]

My suffering pleases you?

[draconita]

You want me to be pleased by it. But it doesn't.

[ She does not reach out for him, but her expression trembles. ]

It breaks my heart.

[darotisentys]

I can feel it. I do not feel anything else.

[He sighs softly, done with his broth.]

You should not even care.

[draconita]

You're doing it again.

This time, if you persist, I will leave.

[darotisentys]

What am I doing, Alys?

[draconita]

Answering softness by rebuking it.

[ She makes to stand, moving towards him. ]

For every one comfort you allow yourself, you refuse the next two. Craving, and then censoring yourself.

[darotisentys]

[Like ramping up his libido and then refusing release?]

I do not deserve softness.

[draconita]

But you want it. So what does it matter?

[ Hands, finally cupping his face. ]

If it's forgiveness you want, I'll give it to you.

[darotisentys]

I want you.

[A hand comes up to rest over hers.]

Stay with me?