Re: [Island to Shore: Dami & Misha]
[Misha, he wasn't real sure what the night before had been. He was too snagged on how being mad hadn't felt real mad, and he hadn't plumbed past that any. He knew he should, but there was too much going on just then, and he reckoned he might go even madder if he thought on it too long.] I ain't sure. I wanted to know what it felt like, dying, but it wasn't 'bout wanting to be dead. I don't reckon there's much sense to it. I thought there was a boat on the lake, and that it was filled with dead folk. And I know that sounds mad as hatters, but my head don't feel much different. I kept thinking folks were lights and I could hear them. [He said it embarrassed some, on account of it did sound just mad as could be. But Damian saying he'd thought serious 'bout dying, that made Misha frown.] When? Why? Do you want to now? [He knew it was too many questions clustered, but each felt important as the one come before it.]
You ain't your granddaddy. You're Damian. [He knew Damian believed what he said, 'but every soul was different. Misha believed that real entire.] You're just as bad as me, you ken? You won't hold me responsible for whatever happened last night, but you'll hold yourself responsible. [He brushed thumbs 'gainst Damian's cheekbones.] You just let me be good to you, just like you are to me.
[Course, Damian was sitting on his lap next, and Misha understood that irritation real crystal. Yes, he slid his hands 'neath Damian's shirt, up over shoulder-blades and down. When his hands rested, he rucked fabric up real quick and brief, cold air fanning 'gainst Damian's back as Misha ducked his head to press a kiss there, to the boy's spine, and then he waited 'til Damian leaned 'gainst him and asked after going to the Capital. His arms wound themselves 'round Damian's belly, and Misha talked firm:] You turn and look at me once this is docked up.
And he waited 'til Damian did.] You asked me what my God would think 'bout you, and I said my believing looks kindly on everyone. I meant my God, my religion, my faith. I wasn't saying I reckon you're like everyone. To me, you ain't anything like another person in this whole damn world. [If he could, he touched fingers firm to Damian's chin, held the other boy there looking at him, and he spoke real soft in contrast:] When we're all done with this, I'd be real pleased to go to the Capital with you.