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Grunting at the freezing grip digging into his skin, he forced himself to relax his tight grip. Spook continued to struggle, so he stifled a sigh, waiting for the thief to finally wear himself out.
"I can give you so much more than just a place to live, little thief," he murmured after the younger man slumped against him. "Regardless, the vow is not making you a servant. It’s just a sign, a show of promise that we can and will work together. It’s not much, so please?" He asked in a faint tone, tipping Spook’s chin up.
As much as he would love to close the distance, the vow had to freely given, openly offered without a single shred of coercion. Else it would mean nothing and ultimately bring more harm than help. Loosening his grip once again, his hands dropped to his back, curving lightly against the stiff leather armor. Throwing caution to the wind, he shifted closer, the soft exhale of his name fanning across the boy’s cheek.
Mazhar’s persistence made him weary. Despite his claim the vow did not mean servitude, the fact that Spook still lived proved that he was going to be used. He tried his best to provoke the man, but he never even raised a hand against him. Even as Spook weighed his options, the other shifted closer continuing to cling to him.
Closing his eyes, he took a moment to silence his anxiety before slowly nodding his head. “What do I have to say for this stupid vow of yours?”
All the while, he plotted out how to gain the his confidence so he could skip town as soon as it was safe. Mazhar may use him in whatever way he wished, but it would not be for very long.
A faint smile curved the corners of Mazhar's mouth as the younger man finally gave in. Suspicion still lingered, but if he concentrated enough, he could feel just the slightest bit of softening in the rigidity of distrust. Shifting his stance, he cupped the thief's cheeks.
"All you have to do...is kiss me." He answered, purposely keeping his voice low and his tone light. He may have already gotten him to accept the necessity of the vow, but the actual action of it still remained up in the air. His eyes closed for a second before opening back up, catching the ridiculous blue of Spook's own.
"Nothing major. Just a simple show of faith, remember?"









