#kotor2

Atton squeezes him tighter in spite of the pain, “Stay with me, Tae. I don't want to see anyone else, but I don't want to be alone.” Kartaelin slides carefully onto the bed next to him, holding him close, “I’m not going anywhere, Atton. The only thing that matters to me right now is your recovery. We have a long road ahead, but I will be there every step of the way. I love you, Atton Rand.” “Tae,” Atton whispers, tears streaming down his face again. He can feel the warmth of the Exile's love and his relief that he is alive, awake and aware flowing through the bond they share. He reaches for him through it, his emotions a muddled mess of pain, fear and uncertainty, but also gratitude and love. He doesn't know why it's so hard for him just to say it out loud, even now, after he spilt everything to him with what he thought would be his dying breath. But the bond conveys the message and he's met with a feeling that everything will be alright, an unspoken comfort that's echoed in his partner's embrace. The tears keep coming. How can any man be so kind, so encouraging of others and yet carry so much pain and sorrow? He wants to crawl into his lap and just be completely surrounded by him. He might have done so if it weren't for all the monitors and IVs he's hooked up to.