“When you say ‘trained for it’…” Murph began before pulling the other man to a stop, “Fanish. We don’t have to do this right now. If you’re not ready. Just…” He patted the naga’s chest fondly, “Know I’m here to listen when you are.” His hands ran easily over Fanish’s shoulders, one of his own lifted into a half-shrug.
“We’ve all got… stuff.” A snort, “You know I do. But the difference between you and I is I’ve got a big mouth and very little control of what comes out of it anymore.” That wasn’t necessarily fair. Murph tended to be what other people wanted him to be – He couldn’t even be his full self with his ex-fiance, the person he almost married. So maybe they were both helping each other be more open. “…This is the easiest relationship I’ve been in. – I mean I’m sure we’ll get on each other’s nerves eventually but I don’t really have to think about this. Before, well, Wildemount, I remember putting on such a character back in New York and London and wherever. It wasn’t me. I don’t think I was very happy. At least, I don’t remember being. But what do I know, I remember so little.” A pause, “Feels so far away now… But a wee couple of years for me is probably nothing in comparison, is it?”
Fanish looked down at the hand against his chest, “I know.” he nodded, “and thank you” There were things Fanish wasn’t sure he’d ever be ready to talk about, but he was grateful to have someone like Murph who would be there to listen if and when he did.
“It is?” he asked as the other admitted this was the easiest relationship he’d been in. It was a sentiment that he was glad to hear. “and you’re happy now?” he asked, moving to take his hands, giving them a squeeze. From the younger man’s words it seemed to be what he was saying, but he still wanted to know that he was happy. Happy in this place and happy with him. “You make me happy” he added, giving his hands another gentle squeeze “I think that depends on who you ask. Yes, a couple years is nothing for someone like me, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel far away for someone who hasn’t lived as long a life.”