Don't Touch Me

Ren knelt before Sildis. He untucked his gloves from his belt and slipped them on, before reaching out and taking Sildis' hands. He could feel the man's hands tense at his touch, then slowly relax. "I'm saying this with my own free will, Sildis." Ren said softly. "My travels with you have given me a life I never knew I wanted. I mean it when I say that I'm thankful for your mercy, and grateful that you decided to take me with you. There is nothing that I want more than to be by your side for eternity."

Sildis sneered as he looked down upon the other undead, disgusted that the lesser creature would dare touch him. "You do not mean this." Sildis said. Molten gold welled up from his eyes and streamed down his face, gathering at the tip of his chin. A droplet fell on Ren's forehead. It shimmered once, then turned clear.

Unflinchingly, Ren replied. "Then compel me to tell the truth. I will say it all the same."

Sildis' lip quivered. "I won't do that to you, Ren."

"Then believe me."

With a snarl Sildis bared his teeth and gripped Ren's hands tightly, the leather of his gloves squeaked from the sudden friction. Sildis opened his mouth, ready to tear Ren down and apart, and put him back in his place. But, the words caught in his throat. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't. Not after everything the man had done for him. Angrily, Sildis looked away. Then, with a sigh, his grip softened. Gradually, Sildis' throat cleared enough for him to speak, "I believe you." His illusion flickered, then shattered. The molten gold that streaked down his face revealed to be only regular tears.  His dark eyes met Ren's once more, "Now get off the ground. It's unbecoming."

Ren gave Sildis' hands a gentle squeeze before letting go and standing back up. He took his black gloves off, tucking them once more around his belt. Bits of debris from the forest floor clung to his knees. Ren brushed them off and moved his hands up to adjust his cape, but before he could, Sildis pushed his hands away. Their bare skin touched briefly, eliciting a small grimace from Sildis.

Sildis tugged at the heavy, woolen cape stiff with old blood till it sat square on Ren's shoulders. "I do not know how many times I have had to tell you this. You're disgusting. Do not touch me again unless I give you permission or it's absolutely necessary. " Carefully, as to avoid coming into contact with Ren's cheek, Sildis tucked a loose strand of hair behind Ren's ear.  "Do not make me tell you again."

Ren gave him a small smile. "I'll try to remember it this time."