Ruddy pale arse had nearly been kicked and not kissed once single-syllable reply cracked through the air fast and furious as a whip. And not at all the sort of limp-wristed, consensual slap on the bum with bedroom grade cat-o-nines lads usually enjoyed, but a strict and bloody lashing. The kind which harkened back to a time of thieves and vagrants put to place by the cruel, faceless hand of government wielding "God's" justice. Only Jon hadn't stolen any grain. Nor had he dared to cross the borders of the realm into what properly constituted begging. Yet, he thought, still reeling and flapping, Given time I would have, Christ knows I'm capable of being that pathetic.
Luckily, Robb hadn't let doubts creep quite so far, highlander ways proving true with eloquent delivery of lengthy and descriptive narrative. Coming hot on the heels of perceived rejection ensured Jon's only crime worthy of the thick, red welts layered over scarred heart was his own lack of patience and trust.
Jon felt appropriately cowed in the silence to follow. Amongst a tornado of other emotions: elation, guilt, pride, affection, devotion, arousal, sadness and fear, to name the obvious. All present and accounted for viewed through Dorothy's window on the trip from Kansas to Oz.
Arrived now in a land where black and white met colour and darkness gave way to enlightenment, Jon found sturdy footing; a place of serenity after living repressed by the mounting insecurities of the past week. Lead by partner's gentle touch and confidently spoken professions, lost soul made his way down the path, through the woods to find he'd all the smarts, love and courage necessary for the journey all along. They'd hid deep down inside him afterall.
"You're a complete prick, you know that?" Scolding was just the beginning of Jon's retort delivered lip-to-lip once initial shell shock wore off and bodies repositioned. Squirming onto prop of an elbow, Jon cradled Robb in the safety of those big arms apparently so very wonderful indeed and added, "Only loving me for my body."
He was of course teasing, with rare as unicorns smile plastered across his face matching inch for inch Robb's own wide-brimmed gob.
Brown then locked to blue; noses bumped.
"I'm sorry to be so difficult lately. You've the patience of a saint with me-" compliment quantified with a snort before any commentary could be inserted, "-hot-headed, mind, but patient. I want you to know I appreciate that, and this, everything you just said, I love you too. Ever so much."
"I think if we can just remember that, remind one another through the weekend, yeah?" Rhetorical question rightfully unanswered was the perfect place for dramatic lad to place a tender kiss, so he did just that. "We'll be alright. Don't you think?"