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The bravado, every single ounce of over-compensation, began to shed with each step away from the grand halls of Wyrm's Rock. Enver Gortash was a lot of things, gentle or caring was not one of them. At least, not until Tav started to break down those walls.
She followed him step for step up to his personal living quarters, his offer to give her someplace to clean up seemingly genuine. They've been working closely since the fall of the Netherbrain, a choice that many in Baldur's Gate, and definitely the bulk of her companions, had not agreed with. The choice was one of necessity, and in recent weeks, it has become one of comfort.
“Mind the step.” His voice pulled her from her thoughts as he guided her into the room. She had been in the meeting area before, but never back to where he truly lived.
“This is a lovely space.” She said, eyes scanning the room and realizing that the entrance is hidden behind a pillar. “Why keep such a grand thing hidden away?” She ran her fingers along the spines of books, noting a lot of fanciful fiction amongst them.
“If just anyone knew I had it, there would be the opportunity for them to take it from me.” He avoided her gaze as she nodded, understanding why he's so protective of what's his. He had shared his past with her, late one evening after work had ended and perhaps one too many glasses of wine. He hated that she felt for him, he had always relied on the strength, the power, the tyranny, to pull him from that pain. She is the first one that encouraged him to actually feel it, to recognize what it did to him, how it shaped him. He may never admit it, but that changed him. She knew, though, and she'd never force him to acknowledge it.
He allowed her to explore the space as he removed some of his things, the gauntlet, the jewelry, all of the things that demand attention, but keep the attention off of who he really was.
“There is a basin and mirror through there.” He pointed her into the wash area, silently hoping he had left nothing embarrassing about.
“Thank you.” She said, watching him relax and shed the layers he was always forced to carry. “I'll be right out.” She stepped inside, appreciating the bit of luxury to the space. The gold on the mirrors, the extra thick towels, the seemingly enchanted fireplace that gave the space warmth and a soothing glow.
She took herself in, hair disheveled, bits of grime and a small amount of blood on her face. A lingering cultist had made their way into Wyrm's Rock and in the scuffle she and some Fists had taken a roll down the hill under the bridge. Enver was quick to collect her, ensuring her safety. Some wandering eyes had taken note at how swift he was to pull her close to him and look her over. She was fine, of course, she had faced much worse, but she could use the clean up.
She emerged from the wash room, seemingly back to her polished self, to find him leaning against the wall just outside the door.
“Good as new.” She smiled up at him, letting herself indulge in the warmth he gave off and the soft spiciness of his scent.
“I beg to differ, darling.” A soft laugh escaped as he placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her around.
She began to inquire until she felt him pull something from her hair. She held out her hand as he placed a leaf in her hand.
“Perhaps that was decoration, what do you know about fashion.” She laughed, twirling the leaf in her fingers.
“Oh yes, this too?” He asked, placing a couple of twigs in her hand. “All the rage, I'm sure.” He couldn't help but watch her lips as she turned back towards him, amusement all over her face. “Beautiful.” His voice was just above a whisper as he smoothed the last bit of her hair.
“Why are you so good to me?” She tilted her head, watching his face as she leaned into him. They both knew that whatever had been building between them was threatening to spill over. They didn't dare speak of it, for now they just relished in the closeness they never got to indulge before now.
“I have to be good for someone.” His voice had an edge of melancholy to it as he took the risk and wrapped his arms around her, the type of embrace he didn't think he deserved.
“Have you considered being good for you?” She let her head rest on his shoulder and her arms wrap around his waist.
He huffed out a small laugh, pressing the lightest kiss to the top of her head. “I hardly think I'm worth it, you are far more deserving.” He reached to her face, using a finger to tilt her chin up, allowing their eyes to meet. He regretted the sadness that he saw in her eyes.
“Well.” She fought the emotion that threatened to emerge from her throat. “I will just have to give you the goodness that I think you deserve.” Her eyes bore into him before she turned, pressing a kiss to the inside of his wrist.
“Is that a threat, hero?” He feigned offense as he fully cupped her face, his thumb gliding over her cheekbone.
“A promise.” She pressed to her tippy toes, sealing her pledge with a kiss.