genessia | [V i d e o]

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[V i d e o]

[While Genessia has more than its share of benevolent dragons, leave it to Gellert to find a truly vicious one. The crack of what sounds like a whip accompanies the bellowing roars of the beast well. Gellert might look like a hero, silhouetted as he is by the dragon's flame, and he certainly seems unfazed by all the fuss.

But then he laughs and the sound is unnerving.]

Now, now, is that necessary? I just need a little blood. You won't miss a vial or two.

[He brings out the Elder Wand and he raises it, slashing it viciously through the air and...

Through the dragon's hide. Any blood spilt is drawn, with another quick spell, into a waiting flask. Of course the dragon doesn't like that at all. Gellert Apparates, bringing his audience along on a dizzying ride over the treetops, with the dragon in hot pursuit.

He shifts towards the mountains, where the cold air leaves frost on his audience's view. Then the communicator turns and Gellert is grinning wildly, madly, diving down into what looks like a mountain cavern.]

Wasn't that exciting? [With his feet on the ground, he ducks into the cave and brings out the spoils of his battle.] It is so very hard to acquire dragon blood.

[There follows an audible thump and he looks up.]

Poor thing. They want to bury me in here, is that it?

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[Something deep within him aches and he shifts uncomfortably at the sensation. Color leaves his face and he feels cold.]

I'm used to looking out for myself; I can block the world from my mind and from my emotions if I wish. Or, at least, I could before I met you. Now I don't like the idea of you feeling fear because of me.

[He wears a sad smile at that, reaching to trace his fingers over Gellert's face, watching as he grows more solemn.]

It's the curse of caring. Whenever you feel anything for someone, there is always the possibility of losing them.

But I do not regret caring for you even if that possibility remains.

You say that now... [He strokes his hand down Albus's arm.] How will you feel if you are filled with nothing but regret? The world needs one of us to succeed.

[He catches that hand in his, entwining their fingers.]

Regret is already my faithful companion. I have my share of shames and mistakes. But caring for you is not one of them, nor is it my hindrance.

[The worlds might feel differently, but Gellert relaxes upon hearing those words.]

It almost wouldn't be worthwhile if you regretted being with me. I could selfishly enjoy us being together, but it would ruin what we have.

Our bond would not be the same if only one of us wished for it. Half of its strength comes from being shared.

[He smiles sadly at that, before bringing Gellert's hand up to his mouth, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.]

Even if something were to happen to you, or to me, I could not regret it.

That does make sense. [Gellert shifts closer and slips an arm around Albus's waist.] I wouldn't regret it either. I have memories because of you - sweet memories.

Good. [He feels somewhat more at ease with Gellert's arm around him, their hands clasped, even if the fears running through him are not gone. They won't ever truly go away, not really, not while they both live.]

You are precious to me, Gellert. I don't know that I will ever not fear losing you. Even if we were to split apart once more, I will fear it.

[Their hearts beat in unison, a reminder of their bond, and Gellert watches Albus intently. He can sense the fear and he wants to dispel it, but how?]

Do you have a gilded cage for me? Will you keep me like a bird?

[He wears a melancholy smile at that, shaking his head softly.]

No. In some ways that would be worse than harming you.

[There is the thought then of the other Gellert, the older and crueler one, the one he may one day need to imprison or kill -- but he forces that aside, stamping it down.]

[He gives a small shiver, feeling cold. Instinctively, he reaches out to Albus, brow furrowed.]

I can't be someone I'm not. I am...reckless.

[This is the first time he has wished he wasn't.]

I know. And I am not asking you to become a hermit for my sake.

[He doesn't know what he is asking. He's not sure he meant to ask for anything, really. All he knows is that he will fear harm to Gellert as long as there is the real possibility of it, and he knows that that will hang heavy over him.]

I might end up being one for other reasons, but let's not see to it too prematurely. [He strokes down Albus's arms, trying to give comfort, but he is very ill-equipped.]

[The words settle a heavy weight on his thoughts, and the image of Gellert locked away floats through his mind. He pushes it away, nestling in closer and taking warmth from the presence of Gellert against him, free and living and well.]

Just let me look after you injuries for now.

[He closes his eyes at Albus's warmth, wrapping the man in his arms snugly. This is such a nice way to end every day. If only...]

You've done an admirable job. I just need to rest.

All right. But if you feel worse for any reason, you are to tell me.

[It's a weak command and he knows it. But it's all he has, as he feels utterly helpless to the emotions rolling through him and the fears that worry the back of his mind.]

I wasn't bitten; the claws are less filthy and you have seen to cleansing me. [He lays his head down and watches Albus, resting a hand on the other man's cheek.] You need rest too.

You're still to tell me if you do.

[Because even if he has taken thorough care of him, if something were to grow worse, he will be furious with himself if it goes unattended to. At the touch, he does grow slightly less tense, with Gellert's hand warm and reassuring on his skin.]

I can rest while staying right here.

Understood, Professor. [Gellert traces along Albus's beard, gazing at him with a faint, tired smile.] Relax. I'm not going anywhere without you.

Good.

[He reaches up to mirror his touch, palming Gellert's face, reassuring himself with the warmth of his skin beneath his hand.]

You should sleep. I can stay here with you while you do.

[He holds the hand against his cheek, relaxing against the bed. His eyelids droop and his voice is muffled:]

I'll sleep well, then. [His grip slackens as he drifts off and it's true, he does seem to sleep deeply and well, free of nightmares. He is surrounded by Albus's scent and the other Wizard is nearby. Gellert needs nothing more.]

[Albus does not sleep as easily, not then. Even with his eyes closed, he lays there with his mind whirring, his adrenaline still flowing as every worst-case scenario plays out in his thoughts. But eventually, sleep overtakes him, and he drifts off while still securely at Gellert's side.]

[Hours later, Gellert wakes to find Albus slumbering beside him. He gently brushes back the other man's hair, observing his features. After a moment, he pulls the other man into his arms and settles back against the pillows.]

[His sleep is not entirely restful, and it feels lighter and more uneven than most nights. The feel of Gellert's arms are warm and reassuring, but also enough to pull him awake easily, and his eyes slip open as he nestles into the embrace.]

How are you feeling?

[He rubs over Albus's back, pressing a kiss to his cheek before he answers.]

Sore, but much better, thank you. [Healing is a painful process, yet it is not nearly as painful as being clawed by a dragon.] How are you feeling?

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