Oh. [It seems to be a vast understatement, because nothing about that makes sense. The fact that he isn't dead yet doesn't make sense, actually. Nothing about Bruce does -- he's huge and powerful and looms over Miyano like a vengeful god. But he's impossibly gentle, careful, every touch softer than anything the young man's ever known.
He takes the cloak without thinking, almost dropping it when he actually feels the weight. The cloth is richer and more ornate than anything he's ever touched, and it feels comforting around his shoulders, chasing off some of the chill. Miya fastens the cloak, tugs up the hood, one hand staying in place to keep it from covering his face entirely. He means to ask something about where he should travel, if there's a wagon or if he should walk, but instead what comes out is:] You'd want me? To -- be that? Me?
( The cloak might as well weight nothing in Bruce's hands. He lifts his quickly and pulls it across his shoulders smoothly, does the ties up in the front to keep it from loosening. All the while, he keeps his gaze on Miyano, watching the way the dark fabric seems to engulf him.
It'll definitely be enough to hide him on the ride home and keep him warm the closer they get to the kingdom.
He steps closer to Miyano, reaching out to put a hand on the small of his back to urge him forward with a small push. )
Is there a reason why you think I shouldn't?
( Reaching out, he pulls the flap of his tent open to lead the other out. He steers them in the direction of his horse - the large, dark steed standing taller than the rest of the horses and soldiers gathered near it. )
[Miyano stumbles a little at the push, gentle as it is, then instinctively leans against Bruce as they step outside. He's anxious about the soldiers -- or even other captives -- seeing him and musing about why he's wearing the king's clothing. Sort of a strange thing to worry about, considering they're talking about him becoming the man's bride.
Swallowing hard, Miyano glances up sideways at Bruce, feeling how warm and solid and immovable he is. Even if he tried, would he truly be able to resist? Would he truly want to?]
W-Well, I'm not...very impressive to look at, a-and I can't really do anything. I don't really know how, um...how useful I'd be.
( Bruce steers Miyano towards his waiting horse, and the soldiers around them barely glance at the pair of them. Some of his own sons had been in Miyano's position before - welcomed into the kingdom after the fall of their own. The idea isn't quite so strange to them, after all.
Though he supposes propositioning an Acolyte is much different than adopting them. )
You were useful enough to be kept as an Acolyte. ( Once they reach his horse, he turns to face Miyano. ) You were impressive enough for me to make the offer, Miyano.
( He offers a small smirk before he reaches out, easily lifting Miyano to help him onto the large horse. )
[Miyano shrugs a little, ducking his head unconsciously as they pass the soldiers, hurrying to keep up with Bruce's strides.] I suppose. I was a foundling, though, they were sort of...duty-bound to keep me? I guess?
[Then he wonders, frantically, if this counts as arguing, looking up at Bruce for a moment, eyes wide and earnest.] N-Not that I'm, um. Questioning your judgement, sir. If that's what...what you want, then I'll do my best, I promise. [He's about to say more, but then he's very, very easily lifted onto a horse, and he clams up immediately, clinging onto the horse's mane for dear life.]
( One dark brown goes up curiously as he watches the way Miyano clings to the horse.
The horse doesn't seem particularly concerned with the attention, standing tall and looking forward with nothing more than a twitch of one dark ear.
For a moment, he simply watches Miyano before he moves to pull himself easily onto the horse's back, settling into the saddle and taking the reigns. )
It's your decision. ( He leans forward, reaching around the teen to curve his hand carefully around the smaller one to ease it out of the dark mane. ) Don't make it because you think it will make me happy. Make it because you think it'll make you happy.
-- ah, sorry. [Miyano is blushing now, both from the realization that he's been clinging to the horse, and from how big and warm and solid Bruce is behind him. He quickly lets go of the horse's mane, looking down at the huge hand covering his.] I'm not used to, uh...riding horses.
[Obviously.
Nor is he used to being asked what he wants. That much is evident in the confused way he glances backwards at Bruce, from under the edge of his hood, head tilted.] You...want me to be happy?
( Slowly, Bruce pulls his hand away, instead moving to wind his arm around Miyano to tug him back and against the solid weight of his own chest. )
You'll get used to it.
( His attention is pulled towards the sound of another horse trotting past them, one of the soldiers with a dark helmet that gleams red pulling in front of them. There's a quick exchange between them before the soldier pulls further in front of them to wait. )
It'll only be for a few hours. I'll be here with you the whole time. ( His hands move, carefully arranging the cloak around Miyano to ensure he's covered and safe from the cold before properly wrapping an arm around him and giving the reigns a tug. The horse makes a soft huff before he starts forward, a few other soldiers on their horses walking alongside them as they go.
Once they're on their way properly and the soldiers around them have spaced out around them, he turns his attention back to Miyano. )
We're not the monsters most people seem to think we are. If I wanted you to be unhappy, I would have left you to die back there.
[Part of Miyano is glad that Bruce is distracted by speaking with the strange soldier, because the instant he's pulled back against the king's warm, firm chest, he sort of forgets how to breathe. Which is absurd, he's still in the company of the enemy, he shouldn't be anything but terrified and uneasy.
It's just -- Bruce is huge, every breath rippling the muscles of his chest, and Miya fits so neatly against him, enveloped in his presence. Like nothing and nobody could ever tear him away. It's safe and dizzying and Miyano finds himself gripping tightly at the robe wrapped around him to keep from holding onto Bruce instead.
Still, there's no harm in leaning back into the warm, protective embrace, right? Right. Miyano keeps his head ducked a bit, voice soft.]
I think I'm realizing you aren't, at all. It's...not what I was taught, but...I can't deny it, either.
( Having Miyano sitting so close, pressed against him, is distracting. Bruce can't help but think about how easily Miyano's small frame fits against his own larger one, what it might feel like to run his hands over the planes of his body. Only he reminds himself now isn't the time or place for such thoughts.
The journey home might not be a long one and made safer with some of his knights and soldiers surrounding him, but he's learned never to take silence and short journeys for granted. )
Fear is a strong weapon against others. Gothamites have learned to use it well.
( He tugs just a bit at Miyano's hood so he can try and find his face. )
Commander Todd ( he motions towards the knight with the gleaming dark red helmet ) was like you once, the last one standing among the ruins. I brought him home, and he's lived as my son and now one of my commanders since. It's been almost a decade now. There are a few others like you and him.
Oh! [Miyano turns to look at the soldier, impressed that someone not from Gotham had not only been raised as a son, but risen so high in the army's ranks. Then he ducks away, a bit shy still at the fact that he's held so close to the ruler. What must everyone be thinking? Did everyone else know Bruce's intentions for the acolyte?
Swallowing back his nerves, Miyano looks upwards again, pink-cheeked and doe-eyed.] But you -- want something different for me? Unless, um. You have other...consorts. [Not that the thought makes him jealous!!]
( The cool blue stare follows Miyano's attention to Jason, watching his adopted son for a moment before turning his attention back to the teen in his arms.
He takes in the sight of those big eyes and pink cheeks before he lifts his hand, gently tipping the other's chin up further. ) You would be the only one, Miyano.
[The rush of heat that coils low in Miyano's stomach, then rises up through his chest, making his heart go staccato-quick, knotting in his throat and making it hard to breathe -- it isn't unfamiliar, exactly. He's felt it before, a couple times, towards other acolytes or regular worshippers. He's always been taught that it was something he should ignore, some sort of sin that he had to transcend, somehow. It wasn't befitting of someone promised to the temple and the gods.
But it's never been this intense before. It's never made his whole body go hot and shivery and weak. It's never made his head spin so hard that he instinctively grabs onto Bruce's cloak to steady himself, heart racing so loud he's sure the man can hear it.]
Oh. Okay. [It comes out hoarse, a whisper. Miya isn't sure if it's agreement or permission or -- something like that. Or if it's just the only thing he can verbalize just then.]
( There's a world of differences between them. Everything from their homes and their sizes to their ages. It doesn't surprise Bruce that Miyano seems so blindsided by the seriousness of the request. He doubts such things have ever been offered to the acolyte before.
And to have it offered now, when he's already been shaken by the kindness of the man who led the charge that wiped out his home... It's a lot to process. So it doesn't worry Bruce to feel the grip on his cloak, to hear that hoarse whisper. He doesn't take it as an agreement.
Instead, he reaches up to curve his hand around Miyano's, holding it gently. )
You have time to think about it. You'll have plenty of options if you decide against it.
( Carefully, he adjusts his hold around the teen to gather him close, holding him against his chest. )
[There's is, in fact, plenty of time to think about it. They ride all day, the motion lulling Miyano into a doze, curled up against Bruce's chest, lulled by the steady rhythm of his heart. It's comforting, in a way. More so than almost anything the temple acolyte had ever experienced.
Normally horseback wouldn't be the best place to sleep, but Miyano sleeps clear until they stop to camp, curled up in the warm cloak, sleeping too deep to even dream. He stays asleep up until the tents are pitched -- with Bruce's, as the commander and king, the most luxurious and well-furnished. He even stays asleep once he's placed in the large bed that had been made up in the tent.
In fact, it's only when he hears Bruce return, late in the night, that Miyano sits up, sleepy-eyed, hair a mess, the too-big shirt falling off one pale shoulder. He blinks upwards, drowsily.]
( It's been too long since Bruce has had someone in his arms. It's strange in a way to have it now with an acolyte they'd pulled out of the rumble. But it feels... nice.
He's mindful not to disturb the teen in his arms, but he manages to carry on with business as usual as the day goes on. And once the tent is ready, he's careful in the way he strips off the borrowed cloak before tucking Miyano into the fine silks and furs of his temporary bed. There's a thought as he leaves the tent to attend to other manners that it would be such a beautiful sight to walk into his bedroom back at the manor to see Miyano nestled into it.
When he returns to the tent later in the evening, he raises a curious brow at the sight of Miyano sitting up, the soft glow of the lantern he'd left alight casting it's light on the soft features. His gaze is drawn to the slip of fabric from that pale shoulder. )
If you have space for me. ( He replies easily, one corner of his lips curving upwards as he slides his cloak off his shoulders. )
[Still half-asleep, Miyano doesnt realize how intently he's watching Bruce undress -- not for a few moments, at least. Once it hits him, he immediately turns redder, turning away quickly in favor of running his hands over the furs on the bed.]
Well it's -- your bed, after all. [His voice goes high, a little squeaky, and he swallows hard a few times.] A-And it's pretty big, so...so of course there's room.
( Bruce can see how intently Miyano is looking at him, but he continues stripping off his layers as he normally would. The layers of leather armor, gauntlets and shin guards. Too many weapons than are immediately obvious.
When he's finally done, he's in just a pair of pants. He leaves the lantern he'd lit for Miyano burning in the center of the tent before he makes his way towards the bedding. )
Good. ( It's all he says before he moves to peel back some of the layers of furs and silk to slide into place. ) Get comfortable.
[Miyano doesn't do a great job of pretending to avert his eyes, mostly settling for frequent sideways looks that just serve to intensify the blush rising up his neck. By the time Bruce actually gets into bed, the teen's so red he's surprised he doesn't glow in the dark.
For a moment he considers just curling up and going back to sleep -- there's enough trust built that he isn't afraid Bruce will hurt him, or even try anything untoward. But after a pause, Miyano rolls to his side, shirt falling off both shoulders now. The lantern is just bright enough for him to see Bruce's face. He looks tired.]
I was...thinking about what you said earlier. Um, before I fell asleep, I mean.
( While Miyano might be embarrassed to look, Bruce doesn't give another thought to modesty. He's a warrior and the number of people who have seen him undressed or completely bare on and off the battlefield only continues to grow. Still, he doesn't comment on the brightest of those cheeks. He doesn't expect different from an Acolyte, after all.
His own attention is caught by the way the top large top only slides further off those narrow shoulders, and he lets his gaze linger for for a few seconds. He settles on his back, tucking his arm opposite Miyano under his head as he turns to glance at the teen. )
Is that so? ( He wonders, brow going up slowly. He's tired, of course. Days of riding, of fighting, and the safety and comfort of home still another day away. And even at home, it's difficult to find time to rest. Always too busy with nothing to draw his focus towards the idea of something that isn't work or duty. )
Y-Yeah. [Miyano swallows hard, feeling the heat from his blush on his cheek and neck and ears. He must look ridiculous, but he has to see this through, now. He'll seem like even more of a fool if he stops.
So he looks down at his hands, knotted in the shirt across his thighs and says as quickly and smoothly as he can:] A-And if you really meant it and don't mind that I might be bad at it at first I'd be willing to give it a try if you still want that of course.
[Then he clamps his mouth shut, peeking up at Bruce from under his shaggy hair.] D-Do you? Still want that?
( The way Miyano flusters as he tries to speak is cute, and his nervous gestures are met with an arched brow and a low, amused sound. But he doesn't press the teen to continue, only watches him patiently.
He hums softly at those words, his lips curving just the slightest bit as he reaches out, brushing the messy bangs from Miyano's eyes. )
I do. ( Reaching out, he catches the small hands in one of his own, lifting it to his lips to press a soft kiss to his knuckles. )
We have plenty of time for you to get better at it.
( It's not like he's been good at any romantic relationship he's ever had, but Miyano doesn't need to know that. )
I-I can be romantic! [Miyano blurts this out mostly because the gentle kiss to his hand is the most romantic thing he's ever had happen to him.] Definitely, I could d-do that. If, um. If you'd like me to...to be. I'll try and be whatever you'd like.
[Ears flaming red, he looks down at his lap and forces the next words out.] It's the, um. Other stuff. I've never -- I might be bad at it. I-I learn fast, though, I promise.
[Miya coughs a couple times, looking up at Bruce.] I know what it is, though. What -- what happens in, um. In bed with...with brides. [He's read...a lot. Still, it's one thing to read about such things and another entirely to say it.]
( It's easy to see how little involvement Miyano's had with others in this sort of capacity. The stuttering, the outbursts... It's cute in a way. Curious in others.
Bruce shakes his head, trying to dismiss any concern about some of the more intimate details. )
[He's definitely smirking, and Miya's ears are bright red as he covers his face.] Doooon't laugh at me! I'm trying to be serious!
[But it's sort of nice. The attention. He'd never gotten this much attention back in the temple. Honestly, he'd gotten used to being ignored, had resigned himself to it. This is -- new. Strange. Kind of addictive. Miyano could get used to having Bruce's attention on him.
Peeking through his fingers:] I understand the basics. You won't have to worry about that. Whenever, um. Whenever we. You. When we.
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He takes the cloak without thinking, almost dropping it when he actually feels the weight. The cloth is richer and more ornate than anything he's ever touched, and it feels comforting around his shoulders, chasing off some of the chill. Miya fastens the cloak, tugs up the hood, one hand staying in place to keep it from covering his face entirely. He means to ask something about where he should travel, if there's a wagon or if he should walk, but instead what comes out is:] You'd want me? To -- be that? Me?
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It'll definitely be enough to hide him on the ride home and keep him warm the closer they get to the kingdom.
He steps closer to Miyano, reaching out to put a hand on the small of his back to urge him forward with a small push. )
Is there a reason why you think I shouldn't?
( Reaching out, he pulls the flap of his tent open to lead the other out. He steers them in the direction of his horse - the large, dark steed standing taller than the rest of the horses and soldiers gathered near it. )
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Swallowing hard, Miyano glances up sideways at Bruce, feeling how warm and solid and immovable he is. Even if he tried, would he truly be able to resist? Would he truly want to?]
W-Well, I'm not...very impressive to look at, a-and I can't really do anything. I don't really know how, um...how useful I'd be.
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Though he supposes propositioning an Acolyte is much different than adopting them. )
You were useful enough to be kept as an Acolyte. ( Once they reach his horse, he turns to face Miyano. ) You were impressive enough for me to make the offer, Miyano.
( He offers a small smirk before he reaches out, easily lifting Miyano to help him onto the large horse. )
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[Then he wonders, frantically, if this counts as arguing, looking up at Bruce for a moment, eyes wide and earnest.] N-Not that I'm, um. Questioning your judgement, sir. If that's what...what you want, then I'll do my best, I promise. [He's about to say more, but then he's very, very easily lifted onto a horse, and he clams up immediately, clinging onto the horse's mane for dear life.]
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( One dark brown goes up curiously as he watches the way Miyano clings to the horse.
The horse doesn't seem particularly concerned with the attention, standing tall and looking forward with nothing more than a twitch of one dark ear.
For a moment, he simply watches Miyano before he moves to pull himself easily onto the horse's back, settling into the saddle and taking the reigns. )
It's your decision. ( He leans forward, reaching around the teen to curve his hand carefully around the smaller one to ease it out of the dark mane. ) Don't make it because you think it will make me happy. Make it because you think it'll make you happy.
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[Obviously.
Nor is he used to being asked what he wants. That much is evident in the confused way he glances backwards at Bruce, from under the edge of his hood, head tilted.] You...want me to be happy?
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You'll get used to it.
( His attention is pulled towards the sound of another horse trotting past them, one of the soldiers with a dark helmet that gleams red pulling in front of them. There's a quick exchange between them before the soldier pulls further in front of them to wait. )
It'll only be for a few hours. I'll be here with you the whole time. ( His hands move, carefully arranging the cloak around Miyano to ensure he's covered and safe from the cold before properly wrapping an arm around him and giving the reigns a tug. The horse makes a soft huff before he starts forward, a few other soldiers on their horses walking alongside them as they go.
Once they're on their way properly and the soldiers around them have spaced out around them, he turns his attention back to Miyano. )
We're not the monsters most people seem to think we are. If I wanted you to be unhappy, I would have left you to die back there.
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It's just -- Bruce is huge, every breath rippling the muscles of his chest, and Miya fits so neatly against him, enveloped in his presence. Like nothing and nobody could ever tear him away. It's safe and dizzying and Miyano finds himself gripping tightly at the robe wrapped around him to keep from holding onto Bruce instead.
Still, there's no harm in leaning back into the warm, protective embrace, right? Right. Miyano keeps his head ducked a bit, voice soft.]
I think I'm realizing you aren't, at all. It's...not what I was taught, but...I can't deny it, either.
Even if it scares me a bit.
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The journey home might not be a long one and made safer with some of his knights and soldiers surrounding him, but he's learned never to take silence and short journeys for granted. )
Fear is a strong weapon against others. Gothamites have learned to use it well.
( He tugs just a bit at Miyano's hood so he can try and find his face. )
Commander Todd ( he motions towards the knight with the gleaming dark red helmet ) was like you once, the last one standing among the ruins. I brought him home, and he's lived as my son and now one of my commanders since. It's been almost a decade now. There are a few others like you and him.
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Swallowing back his nerves, Miyano looks upwards again, pink-cheeked and doe-eyed.] But you -- want something different for me? Unless, um. You have other...consorts. [Not that the thought makes him jealous!!]
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He takes in the sight of those big eyes and pink cheeks before he lifts his hand, gently tipping the other's chin up further. ) You would be the only one, Miyano.
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But it's never been this intense before. It's never made his whole body go hot and shivery and weak. It's never made his head spin so hard that he instinctively grabs onto Bruce's cloak to steady himself, heart racing so loud he's sure the man can hear it.]
Oh. Okay. [It comes out hoarse, a whisper. Miya isn't sure if it's agreement or permission or -- something like that. Or if it's just the only thing he can verbalize just then.]
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And to have it offered now, when he's already been shaken by the kindness of the man who led the charge that wiped out his home... It's a lot to process. So it doesn't worry Bruce to feel the grip on his cloak, to hear that hoarse whisper. He doesn't take it as an agreement.
Instead, he reaches up to curve his hand around Miyano's, holding it gently. )
You have time to think about it. You'll have plenty of options if you decide against it.
( Carefully, he adjusts his hold around the teen to gather him close, holding him against his chest. )
lil timeskip if thats cool~~
Normally horseback wouldn't be the best place to sleep, but Miyano sleeps clear until they stop to camp, curled up in the warm cloak, sleeping too deep to even dream. He stays asleep up until the tents are pitched -- with Bruce's, as the commander and king, the most luxurious and well-furnished. He even stays asleep once he's placed in the large bed that had been made up in the tent.
In fact, it's only when he hears Bruce return, late in the night, that Miyano sits up, sleepy-eyed, hair a mess, the too-big shirt falling off one pale shoulder. He blinks upwards, drowsily.]
Are you coming to bed?
works for me~
He's mindful not to disturb the teen in his arms, but he manages to carry on with business as usual as the day goes on. And once the tent is ready, he's careful in the way he strips off the borrowed cloak before tucking Miyano into the fine silks and furs of his temporary bed. There's a thought as he leaves the tent to attend to other manners that it would be such a beautiful sight to walk into his bedroom back at the manor to see Miyano nestled into it.
When he returns to the tent later in the evening, he raises a curious brow at the sight of Miyano sitting up, the soft glow of the lantern he'd left alight casting it's light on the soft features. His gaze is drawn to the slip of fabric from that pale shoulder. )
If you have space for me. ( He replies easily, one corner of his lips curving upwards as he slides his cloak off his shoulders. )
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Well it's -- your bed, after all. [His voice goes high, a little squeaky, and he swallows hard a few times.] A-And it's pretty big, so...so of course there's room.
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When he's finally done, he's in just a pair of pants. He leaves the lantern he'd lit for Miyano burning in the center of the tent before he makes his way towards the bedding. )
Good. ( It's all he says before he moves to peel back some of the layers of furs and silk to slide into place. ) Get comfortable.
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For a moment he considers just curling up and going back to sleep -- there's enough trust built that he isn't afraid Bruce will hurt him, or even try anything untoward. But after a pause, Miyano rolls to his side, shirt falling off both shoulders now. The lantern is just bright enough for him to see Bruce's face. He looks tired.]
I was...thinking about what you said earlier. Um, before I fell asleep, I mean.
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His own attention is caught by the way the top large top only slides further off those narrow shoulders, and he lets his gaze linger for for a few seconds. He settles on his back, tucking his arm opposite Miyano under his head as he turns to glance at the teen. )
Is that so? ( He wonders, brow going up slowly. He's tired, of course. Days of riding, of fighting, and the safety and comfort of home still another day away. And even at home, it's difficult to find time to rest. Always too busy with nothing to draw his focus towards the idea of something that isn't work or duty. )
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So he looks down at his hands, knotted in the shirt across his thighs and says as quickly and smoothly as he can:] A-And if you really meant it and don't mind that I might be bad at it at first I'd be willing to give it a try if you still want that of course.
[Then he clamps his mouth shut, peeking up at Bruce from under his shaggy hair.] D-Do you? Still want that?
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He hums softly at those words, his lips curving just the slightest bit as he reaches out, brushing the messy bangs from Miyano's eyes. )
I do. ( Reaching out, he catches the small hands in one of his own, lifting it to his lips to press a soft kiss to his knuckles. )
We have plenty of time for you to get better at it.
( It's not like he's been good at any romantic relationship he's ever had, but Miyano doesn't need to know that. )
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[Ears flaming red, he looks down at his lap and forces the next words out.] It's the, um. Other stuff. I've never -- I might be bad at it. I-I learn fast, though, I promise.
[Miya coughs a couple times, looking up at Bruce.] I know what it is, though. What -- what happens in, um. In bed with...with brides. [He's read...a lot. Still, it's one thing to read about such things and another entirely to say it.]
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Bruce shakes his head, trying to dismiss any concern about some of the more intimate details. )
You'll get plenty of practice.
( He might be smirking. )
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[But it's sort of nice. The attention. He'd never gotten this much attention back in the temple. Honestly, he'd gotten used to being ignored, had resigned himself to it. This is -- new. Strange. Kind of addictive. Miyano could get used to having Bruce's attention on him.
Peeking through his fingers:] I understand the basics. You won't have to worry about that. Whenever, um. Whenever we. You. When we.
You know.
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