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Renewals (Captive Prince, Ancel/Berenger)
Title: Renewals
Fandom: Captive Prince
Characters: Ancel/Berenger
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Word Count: 2,659
Additional Tags: Domestic Fluff, Reunions, Bathing/Washing, Late Night Conversations, Banter, Marriage Proposal, Post-Canon
Challenge: Fluffity Fluff Exchange 2024
Summary: Ancel liked to be pampered. Berenger liked to pamper him. It was an arrangement that worked out well.
Notes: A pinch hit written for![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fluffityfluffexchange, for chalk on AO3. I tried to squeeze in as many of the suggested prompts that would reasonably work together!
Read on AO3.
Waiting for Berenger to return to Varenne put Ancel in mind of his first weeks as Berenger’s pet. The Prince had won, which was all well and good, but why it required Berenger to spend so much time in Arles—without him—was beyond Ancel’s comprehension. And it smarted a little to think that he might not be wanted at court, where he knew he could be helpful. But according to Berenger, the court as Ancel had known it did not currently exist. As much as Arles loved its distractions, the Prince was busy bringing changes. There was even talk of moving the monarchy’s seat south, near the border with Akielos.
The details mattered little to Ancel. Mostly he just hated the waiting. At least this time he didn’t have to pretend to care about Isagoras.
It was late one evening, already past supper, when Parsins informed him that Lord Berenger had returned home. Ancel leapt to his feet, instructed Parsins to get a hot bath going and have some food brought up, then rushed out of the room to find Berenger.
Unlike the first time Ancel had prepared to greet Berenger upon his return to Varenne, Ancel was dressed as he liked, comfortable silks for lounging about the house, hair tied up in an intricate series of braids. Yet he didn’t even care that Berenger was dusty and dirty from the road, throwing himself into his lover’s arms as soon as he saw him.
“You smell like horse,” he said without hesitation, looping his arms around Berenger’s neck and pressing kisses to his face.
Berenger wrapped his arms around Ancel and held him close. “I missed you too.”
Ancel kissed him on the lips then, in lieu of a response. Berenger cupped the back of his head and returned the kiss with vigor. Months after the first time, and it was still wonderful.
“I’m having a bath drawn up, and food,” Ancel finally said after putting some distance between their mouths, just enough for him to talk.
Berenger smiled and brushed his thumb over Ancel’s cheek. “For me?” he asked knowingly.
“Of course not,” Ancel said with a chiding flick of his fingers against the back of Berenger’s neck. “Come and relax.”
Ancel liked to be pampered. Berenger liked to pamper him. It was an arrangement that worked out well.
Berenger followed him upstairs, where the bath had already been readied and a tray of food left on a table. The servants all seemed to share their master’s love of efficiency, Ancel had found. Berenger removed his jacket, one of those hideous brown affairs that Ancel still couldn’t convince him to give up, and Ancel plucked it from his hand and tossed it over the back of a chair before pulling him by the wrist into the bathroom.
While Berenger washed away the worst of his travels in the small basin of water by the mirror, Ancel slipped out of his clothes, taking much more care with the delicate silks than he had with Berenger’s jacket. Once naked, he stepped gingerly into the bath, sinking down into the hot water with a sigh. The porcelain of the tub was cool against the back of his neck, and he closed his eyes while he waited.
Berenger appeared at his side a moment later, stripped down to his undershirt and trousers, his bare feet silent on the tile. He knelt by the side of the tub and reached for the pins that held up Ancel’s long hair, taking them out one by one and setting them aside. With rough fingers not used to delicate work he undid each braid, and once that was done he gently dragged his fingers through the red locks, untangling Ancel’s hair.
“I still don’t know why you couldn’t bring me with you,” Ancel remarked while Berenger worked, glancing up at him without moving his head.
“You would have been bored.”
Ancel huffed. “I was bored here.”
“I wouldn’t have had time to entertain you. Too many meetings.”
“Just another reason you need me there, to make sure you don’t work too hard.”
Berenger’s fingers paused only briefly. “I needed to make sure you would be safe. But I am happy to report I believe we’ve rooted out the last of the Regent’s men at this point.”
Ancel had no quip to reply with this time. Berenger’s tone was serious, firm as the steady fingers carding through his hair. Ancel knew he had only done what he thought was necessary to protect him.
“Next time then,” Ancel mumbled, the only indication that he would concede to Berenger on this.
“Next time,” Berenger agreed. He finished unbraiding Ancel’s hair and kissed the top of his head. “Do you want me to wash your hair?”
Ancel hummed his assent. “Get the food while you’re at it.”
Berenger only smiled and stood, going to fetch the tray that had been left in the bedroom. Ancel turned his head to watch him go, the ends of his hair sliding off the rim of the tub and into the water. Berenger returned shortly, picking up the small stool from the vanity and sliding it closer to the tub before setting the tray on it.
The tray held a mix of the simple fare Berenger preferred and the delicacies that Ancel liked, and Berenger selected a slice of sweet apple from the assortment. Ancel tilted his head up, expecting to be fed, only to see Berenger take a bite of it instead.
“Tease,” Ancel said without enmity, pouting.
“Not used to being on the receiving end?” Berenger asked with some amusement, kneeling back beside the large tub. He leaned against the edge and held the other half of the apple slice to Ancel’s mouth.
Ancel frowned at him but took the apple between his teeth, lips ghosting over Berenger’s fingertips in the process. “You treat your horses better than me,” he replied after he finished chewing.
Berenger laughed, low and easygoing. “Only because they bite if you try to tease them.”
“That can be arranged here,” Ancel said, pursing his lips.
Berenger just smiled and picked up one of the sweetmeats from the tray, a bit of candied fruit, and offered it to Ancel. Raising an eyebrow at him, Ancel leaned forward slowly and ate the confection from his hand, making sure to lick Berenger’s fingers clean of any remaining sugar. Berenger sat back on his heels when Ancel was done, discreetly clearing his throat as he tore off a piece of bread and cheese for himself. He took a moment to eat while Ancel settled back against the tub wall and watched him with a smug expression.
When Berenger finished, Ancel held out a bottle to him, the smell of roses wafting up from inside. Before Ancel had joined the household, Berenger’s toiletries had been devoid of any pleasing smells, just the scent of plain soap and clean linens. Now Ancel’s luxurious soaps and perfumes overtook the space, but Berenger never complained.
Berenger took the bottle, pouring some into his palm, and Ancel slid forward so he could lean back and dip his hair in the water. The long strands floated around him like a glowing halo, and Ancel stayed like that for a moment before sitting up, his wet hair clinging to his elegant neck. He closed his eyes as Berenger worked diligent fingers into his hair, gently massaging his scalp and working up a rose-scented lather.
Berenger spoke of his time at Arles while he worked, more so Ancel could just listen to his voice than to convey any important information. He scrubbed Ancel’s scalp clean, fingers digging in just right, and he was careful not to break any of the long strands as he worked the shampoo into his hair from top to bottom. When he’d finished lathering up all of Ancel’s hair, he rinsed his hands in the bathwater, then dried them with the hand towel hanging off the side of the tub. Ancel had nearly been lulled to sleep by the feeling of Berenger’s hands in his hair and the soothing sound of his voice, and he cracked an eye open to look at him when nothing more seemed forthcoming.
“Rinse off,” Berenger told him, a hungry glint in his eye that Ancel recognized easily.
He grinned and reached for Berenger’s arm before he could stand up, not caring that he got the thin white fabric of Berenger’s shirt wet. He tugged Berenger in close, crushing their mouths together as they kissed over the edge of the tub.
“I’ll be right there, darling,” he said once he broke off the kiss, letting go of Berenger’s arm to wipe away a smudge of shampoo that had landed on Berenger’s cheek due to their proximity. Berenger didn’t even seem to notice, transfixed by Ancel’s mouth, and Ancel smirked as he shooed Berenger away so he could finish washing up.
Berenger stumbled to his feet, running a damp hand back through his hair as he threw Ancel one last look before retreating to the bedroom to wait. Ancel made a pleased noise once he was gone and ducked down under the water, quickly rinsing the lather from his hair.
Sitting up, he squeezed out as much of the water from his hair as he could, then stood carefully and got out of the tub, snatching up a large, fluffy towel to dry himself off. He patted his hair dry a little more, snatched another pastry from the tray, and paused to spritz a little perfume over himself while he chewed, a soft musky scent that wouldn’t clash with the florals in the shampoo. Forgoing his clothes, he slipped into the nearly sheer blue robe he kept in the bathroom, knowing Berenger would just demand it be taken off as soon as he saw him.
Hair artfully messy from the bath, he slinked back into the bedroom with the robe half off one shoulder. Sure enough, Berenger was tugging it from his other shoulder and throwing it to the floor in no time at all as he pulled Ancel into their oversized bed. Their hands met, and as Berenger pinned him to the bed, stealing nearly ravenous kisses, their fingers entwined against the soft sheets, Ancel decided he could live with a short time apart if it meant he could have Berenger like this when they reunited.
Afterwards they lay together, Berenger still draped over Ancel. They had reclaimed the food tray from the bathroom, fed each other little morsels between kisses, and now Ancel gently carded his fingers through Berenger’s neatly trimmed hair as they rested together. He was a little surprised Berenger lasted this long, given how tired he likely was from the long hours at Arles and then the ride back to Varenne.
“Your contract,” Berenger murmured out of nowhere. Ancel startled, half thinking that Berenger had already fallen asleep.
“What of it?” he asked, keeping his voice soft.
“It’s due to end soon,” Berenger said, still stating simple facts. Ancel silently waited for him to get to what he really wanted to say. “I was thinking I wouldn’t renew it.”
Ancel tensed beneath him, barely able to breathe—they’d already gone through this song and dance once before and Ancel couldn’t help but remember how he felt, back at Arles, when Berenger had tried to end his contract early to keep him safe—and Berenger lifted his head from Ancel’s chest to look up at him. His face was sleepy, sated, but his eyes were clear.
“Only if I can get you to stay without it.” He freed his hand from where it had been tucked under Ancel’s shoulder, reaching up to cup Ancel’s cheek. “I want you to stay with me.”
Ancel stared at him, his whole body taut. No one had ever asked him to stay and meant it. Not the way Berenger meant it. Everyone knew what he was at the end of the day. A contract. A business transaction. What he had with Berenger surpassed anything he’d had before, he knew that, but being confronted with the fact that Berenger felt the same way was enough to throw him off balance.
“I can renew your contract, of course,” Berenger said, mistaking Ancel’s silence for his answer, his hand falling away from Ancel’s face. “If you’ve been thinking of finding a higher bidder—”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” Ancel interrupted, raising a hand to press a finger to Berenger’s lips. “Do you really think after all of that I would just leave you?”
“Anyone would be lucky to have you,” Berenger murmured against Ancel’s finger. “You’re the best pet in the business.”
That same sentiment that Ancel had told him back at court felt like so very long ago. It was still true, of course. He was the best. But now it didn’t feel quite so important.
“Eh, I hear there’s no point aiming for higher anymore,” he said flippantly, as if he’d considered it yet discarded the idea. “The prince may be permanently off the market, if rumors are to be believed.”
Berenger laughed and shuffled forward so he was nose to nose with Ancel, supporting himself on his elbows on either side of him. “I don’t think he was ever actually on the market.”
“Minor details.” Ancel cupped Berenger’s face with both hands, holding his gaze with a firm look. “I have no intention of leaving you. If it would please you to keep this arrangement, to renew my contract, I will accept.” He paused, taking a breath before continuing. “But if you wish to let the contract come to an end, and for me to remain here with no promise of payment, then I would gladly accept that too.”
Eyes fixed on Ancel as he spoke, Berenger was wide awake now, watching as he laid out his answer. Then he smiled, pressing forward to kiss Ancel on the mouth, before he pulled out of his grasp entirely and climbed out of bed. Flummoxed halfway through trying to return the kiss, Ancel stared at Berenger’s retreating back, not expecting him to flee the bed at such a pronouncement.
“I had planned to save the gift-giving for tomorrow,” Berenger said, digging through one of his bags from the trip. “But perhaps just one…”
He returned to the bed with a small box in hand, which he offered to Ancel without fanfare. Ancel sat up, curious, and opened the box with equal practicality. Seeing what was inside, a nervous laugh bubbled up the back of his throat, escaping before he could clamp down on it.
Inside the box was a ring, a golden band adorned with multiple rubies. Berenger had gifted Ancel jewelry before (or Ancel had used his money to gift himself, more often than not), but being given a ring like this right on the heels of that conversation…
Berenger gently plucked the ring up from its plush cushion, taking the box from Ancel’s unresisting hand and setting it aside. Still holding his hand, Berenger met his gaze once more as he slipped the ring onto his finger.
“Stay with me,” he said plainly, a quiet imploring in his otherwise even tone. He brought Ancel’s hand up to kiss his knuckles just below the ruby ring that now adorned them.
Not trusting himself to speak, Ancel nodded, and Berenger pulled him into his arms, holding him tight. Ancel instinctively looped his arms around Berenger’s neck, eyes wide as he looked at him, and when Berenger smiled, loose and relaxed, Ancel smiled too.
“You couldn’t be rid of me even if you tried,” he finally responded, a slight hitch in his voice.
Berenger dipped him low, pressing him back against the pillows as he kissed him then, and Ancel grasped for his hand, the ring shining between their interlaced fingers. A promise of the future to come for the both of them, together.
Fandom: Captive Prince
Characters: Ancel/Berenger
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Word Count: 2,659
Additional Tags: Domestic Fluff, Reunions, Bathing/Washing, Late Night Conversations, Banter, Marriage Proposal, Post-Canon
Challenge: Fluffity Fluff Exchange 2024
Summary: Ancel liked to be pampered. Berenger liked to pamper him. It was an arrangement that worked out well.
Notes: A pinch hit written for
fluffityfluffexchange, for chalk on AO3. I tried to squeeze in as many of the suggested prompts that would reasonably work together!Read on AO3.
Waiting for Berenger to return to Varenne put Ancel in mind of his first weeks as Berenger’s pet. The Prince had won, which was all well and good, but why it required Berenger to spend so much time in Arles—without him—was beyond Ancel’s comprehension. And it smarted a little to think that he might not be wanted at court, where he knew he could be helpful. But according to Berenger, the court as Ancel had known it did not currently exist. As much as Arles loved its distractions, the Prince was busy bringing changes. There was even talk of moving the monarchy’s seat south, near the border with Akielos.
The details mattered little to Ancel. Mostly he just hated the waiting. At least this time he didn’t have to pretend to care about Isagoras.
It was late one evening, already past supper, when Parsins informed him that Lord Berenger had returned home. Ancel leapt to his feet, instructed Parsins to get a hot bath going and have some food brought up, then rushed out of the room to find Berenger.
Unlike the first time Ancel had prepared to greet Berenger upon his return to Varenne, Ancel was dressed as he liked, comfortable silks for lounging about the house, hair tied up in an intricate series of braids. Yet he didn’t even care that Berenger was dusty and dirty from the road, throwing himself into his lover’s arms as soon as he saw him.
“You smell like horse,” he said without hesitation, looping his arms around Berenger’s neck and pressing kisses to his face.
Berenger wrapped his arms around Ancel and held him close. “I missed you too.”
Ancel kissed him on the lips then, in lieu of a response. Berenger cupped the back of his head and returned the kiss with vigor. Months after the first time, and it was still wonderful.
“I’m having a bath drawn up, and food,” Ancel finally said after putting some distance between their mouths, just enough for him to talk.
Berenger smiled and brushed his thumb over Ancel’s cheek. “For me?” he asked knowingly.
“Of course not,” Ancel said with a chiding flick of his fingers against the back of Berenger’s neck. “Come and relax.”
Ancel liked to be pampered. Berenger liked to pamper him. It was an arrangement that worked out well.
Berenger followed him upstairs, where the bath had already been readied and a tray of food left on a table. The servants all seemed to share their master’s love of efficiency, Ancel had found. Berenger removed his jacket, one of those hideous brown affairs that Ancel still couldn’t convince him to give up, and Ancel plucked it from his hand and tossed it over the back of a chair before pulling him by the wrist into the bathroom.
While Berenger washed away the worst of his travels in the small basin of water by the mirror, Ancel slipped out of his clothes, taking much more care with the delicate silks than he had with Berenger’s jacket. Once naked, he stepped gingerly into the bath, sinking down into the hot water with a sigh. The porcelain of the tub was cool against the back of his neck, and he closed his eyes while he waited.
Berenger appeared at his side a moment later, stripped down to his undershirt and trousers, his bare feet silent on the tile. He knelt by the side of the tub and reached for the pins that held up Ancel’s long hair, taking them out one by one and setting them aside. With rough fingers not used to delicate work he undid each braid, and once that was done he gently dragged his fingers through the red locks, untangling Ancel’s hair.
“I still don’t know why you couldn’t bring me with you,” Ancel remarked while Berenger worked, glancing up at him without moving his head.
“You would have been bored.”
Ancel huffed. “I was bored here.”
“I wouldn’t have had time to entertain you. Too many meetings.”
“Just another reason you need me there, to make sure you don’t work too hard.”
Berenger’s fingers paused only briefly. “I needed to make sure you would be safe. But I am happy to report I believe we’ve rooted out the last of the Regent’s men at this point.”
Ancel had no quip to reply with this time. Berenger’s tone was serious, firm as the steady fingers carding through his hair. Ancel knew he had only done what he thought was necessary to protect him.
“Next time then,” Ancel mumbled, the only indication that he would concede to Berenger on this.
“Next time,” Berenger agreed. He finished unbraiding Ancel’s hair and kissed the top of his head. “Do you want me to wash your hair?”
Ancel hummed his assent. “Get the food while you’re at it.”
Berenger only smiled and stood, going to fetch the tray that had been left in the bedroom. Ancel turned his head to watch him go, the ends of his hair sliding off the rim of the tub and into the water. Berenger returned shortly, picking up the small stool from the vanity and sliding it closer to the tub before setting the tray on it.
The tray held a mix of the simple fare Berenger preferred and the delicacies that Ancel liked, and Berenger selected a slice of sweet apple from the assortment. Ancel tilted his head up, expecting to be fed, only to see Berenger take a bite of it instead.
“Tease,” Ancel said without enmity, pouting.
“Not used to being on the receiving end?” Berenger asked with some amusement, kneeling back beside the large tub. He leaned against the edge and held the other half of the apple slice to Ancel’s mouth.
Ancel frowned at him but took the apple between his teeth, lips ghosting over Berenger’s fingertips in the process. “You treat your horses better than me,” he replied after he finished chewing.
Berenger laughed, low and easygoing. “Only because they bite if you try to tease them.”
“That can be arranged here,” Ancel said, pursing his lips.
Berenger just smiled and picked up one of the sweetmeats from the tray, a bit of candied fruit, and offered it to Ancel. Raising an eyebrow at him, Ancel leaned forward slowly and ate the confection from his hand, making sure to lick Berenger’s fingers clean of any remaining sugar. Berenger sat back on his heels when Ancel was done, discreetly clearing his throat as he tore off a piece of bread and cheese for himself. He took a moment to eat while Ancel settled back against the tub wall and watched him with a smug expression.
When Berenger finished, Ancel held out a bottle to him, the smell of roses wafting up from inside. Before Ancel had joined the household, Berenger’s toiletries had been devoid of any pleasing smells, just the scent of plain soap and clean linens. Now Ancel’s luxurious soaps and perfumes overtook the space, but Berenger never complained.
Berenger took the bottle, pouring some into his palm, and Ancel slid forward so he could lean back and dip his hair in the water. The long strands floated around him like a glowing halo, and Ancel stayed like that for a moment before sitting up, his wet hair clinging to his elegant neck. He closed his eyes as Berenger worked diligent fingers into his hair, gently massaging his scalp and working up a rose-scented lather.
Berenger spoke of his time at Arles while he worked, more so Ancel could just listen to his voice than to convey any important information. He scrubbed Ancel’s scalp clean, fingers digging in just right, and he was careful not to break any of the long strands as he worked the shampoo into his hair from top to bottom. When he’d finished lathering up all of Ancel’s hair, he rinsed his hands in the bathwater, then dried them with the hand towel hanging off the side of the tub. Ancel had nearly been lulled to sleep by the feeling of Berenger’s hands in his hair and the soothing sound of his voice, and he cracked an eye open to look at him when nothing more seemed forthcoming.
“Rinse off,” Berenger told him, a hungry glint in his eye that Ancel recognized easily.
He grinned and reached for Berenger’s arm before he could stand up, not caring that he got the thin white fabric of Berenger’s shirt wet. He tugged Berenger in close, crushing their mouths together as they kissed over the edge of the tub.
“I’ll be right there, darling,” he said once he broke off the kiss, letting go of Berenger’s arm to wipe away a smudge of shampoo that had landed on Berenger’s cheek due to their proximity. Berenger didn’t even seem to notice, transfixed by Ancel’s mouth, and Ancel smirked as he shooed Berenger away so he could finish washing up.
Berenger stumbled to his feet, running a damp hand back through his hair as he threw Ancel one last look before retreating to the bedroom to wait. Ancel made a pleased noise once he was gone and ducked down under the water, quickly rinsing the lather from his hair.
Sitting up, he squeezed out as much of the water from his hair as he could, then stood carefully and got out of the tub, snatching up a large, fluffy towel to dry himself off. He patted his hair dry a little more, snatched another pastry from the tray, and paused to spritz a little perfume over himself while he chewed, a soft musky scent that wouldn’t clash with the florals in the shampoo. Forgoing his clothes, he slipped into the nearly sheer blue robe he kept in the bathroom, knowing Berenger would just demand it be taken off as soon as he saw him.
Hair artfully messy from the bath, he slinked back into the bedroom with the robe half off one shoulder. Sure enough, Berenger was tugging it from his other shoulder and throwing it to the floor in no time at all as he pulled Ancel into their oversized bed. Their hands met, and as Berenger pinned him to the bed, stealing nearly ravenous kisses, their fingers entwined against the soft sheets, Ancel decided he could live with a short time apart if it meant he could have Berenger like this when they reunited.
Afterwards they lay together, Berenger still draped over Ancel. They had reclaimed the food tray from the bathroom, fed each other little morsels between kisses, and now Ancel gently carded his fingers through Berenger’s neatly trimmed hair as they rested together. He was a little surprised Berenger lasted this long, given how tired he likely was from the long hours at Arles and then the ride back to Varenne.
“Your contract,” Berenger murmured out of nowhere. Ancel startled, half thinking that Berenger had already fallen asleep.
“What of it?” he asked, keeping his voice soft.
“It’s due to end soon,” Berenger said, still stating simple facts. Ancel silently waited for him to get to what he really wanted to say. “I was thinking I wouldn’t renew it.”
Ancel tensed beneath him, barely able to breathe—they’d already gone through this song and dance once before and Ancel couldn’t help but remember how he felt, back at Arles, when Berenger had tried to end his contract early to keep him safe—and Berenger lifted his head from Ancel’s chest to look up at him. His face was sleepy, sated, but his eyes were clear.
“Only if I can get you to stay without it.” He freed his hand from where it had been tucked under Ancel’s shoulder, reaching up to cup Ancel’s cheek. “I want you to stay with me.”
Ancel stared at him, his whole body taut. No one had ever asked him to stay and meant it. Not the way Berenger meant it. Everyone knew what he was at the end of the day. A contract. A business transaction. What he had with Berenger surpassed anything he’d had before, he knew that, but being confronted with the fact that Berenger felt the same way was enough to throw him off balance.
“I can renew your contract, of course,” Berenger said, mistaking Ancel’s silence for his answer, his hand falling away from Ancel’s face. “If you’ve been thinking of finding a higher bidder—”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” Ancel interrupted, raising a hand to press a finger to Berenger’s lips. “Do you really think after all of that I would just leave you?”
“Anyone would be lucky to have you,” Berenger murmured against Ancel’s finger. “You’re the best pet in the business.”
That same sentiment that Ancel had told him back at court felt like so very long ago. It was still true, of course. He was the best. But now it didn’t feel quite so important.
“Eh, I hear there’s no point aiming for higher anymore,” he said flippantly, as if he’d considered it yet discarded the idea. “The prince may be permanently off the market, if rumors are to be believed.”
Berenger laughed and shuffled forward so he was nose to nose with Ancel, supporting himself on his elbows on either side of him. “I don’t think he was ever actually on the market.”
“Minor details.” Ancel cupped Berenger’s face with both hands, holding his gaze with a firm look. “I have no intention of leaving you. If it would please you to keep this arrangement, to renew my contract, I will accept.” He paused, taking a breath before continuing. “But if you wish to let the contract come to an end, and for me to remain here with no promise of payment, then I would gladly accept that too.”
Eyes fixed on Ancel as he spoke, Berenger was wide awake now, watching as he laid out his answer. Then he smiled, pressing forward to kiss Ancel on the mouth, before he pulled out of his grasp entirely and climbed out of bed. Flummoxed halfway through trying to return the kiss, Ancel stared at Berenger’s retreating back, not expecting him to flee the bed at such a pronouncement.
“I had planned to save the gift-giving for tomorrow,” Berenger said, digging through one of his bags from the trip. “But perhaps just one…”
He returned to the bed with a small box in hand, which he offered to Ancel without fanfare. Ancel sat up, curious, and opened the box with equal practicality. Seeing what was inside, a nervous laugh bubbled up the back of his throat, escaping before he could clamp down on it.
Inside the box was a ring, a golden band adorned with multiple rubies. Berenger had gifted Ancel jewelry before (or Ancel had used his money to gift himself, more often than not), but being given a ring like this right on the heels of that conversation…
Berenger gently plucked the ring up from its plush cushion, taking the box from Ancel’s unresisting hand and setting it aside. Still holding his hand, Berenger met his gaze once more as he slipped the ring onto his finger.
“Stay with me,” he said plainly, a quiet imploring in his otherwise even tone. He brought Ancel’s hand up to kiss his knuckles just below the ruby ring that now adorned them.
Not trusting himself to speak, Ancel nodded, and Berenger pulled him into his arms, holding him tight. Ancel instinctively looped his arms around Berenger’s neck, eyes wide as he looked at him, and when Berenger smiled, loose and relaxed, Ancel smiled too.
“You couldn’t be rid of me even if you tried,” he finally responded, a slight hitch in his voice.
Berenger dipped him low, pressing him back against the pillows as he kissed him then, and Ancel grasped for his hand, the ring shining between their interlaced fingers. A promise of the future to come for the both of them, together.