Unaware of the fretful thoughts circulating through Darien's mind, Theryn used his own stunned silence to his advantage as he fully thought over and considered what had been said. They had not known each other long, and yet fate had thrown them together on more than one occasion and seen to it that a bond fast formed. The threat of death, and tender words and touches, did wonders toward that, it could either pull people together or thoroughly push them apart and Rin was grateful that their experience had led to the former.
He did not ever wish to relive that moment at the Sky Temple, where he sat in a circle of would be executioners and pleaded for his life, but knowing that it had led him here, to this place, and this man, did make the memories left behind tolerable. They had not spoken quite so openly before, but now that it was out there he felt as though a weight had lifted from his shoulders. The flowers spiraling around them dropped sweet petals down into the water, drifting like feathers on the breeze until they reached their wet landing, and as he finished with Darien's hair he watched their progress.
He found his word echoed back at him, and relief washed over him anew. "Darin" he teased, unable to keep the smile from pulling at his lips, "Or Therian, perhaps?" A soft frown played over his expression, before he shook his head. "Actually, I quite liked Mercurians... is that silly?"
Silly or not, it did not matter, not to Rin, he was just happy that they were being candid and sincere.
Darien's timidly uttered promise to try was met with a very small yet tender kiss to his temple, as Rin rose up and set about repositioning himself. "I know you will," he retorted softly, "I know that things can be difficult, Petal, and I am not asking for an overnight change, a miracle..." He of all people knew what it was to need time, to ease into things, after all. "Nothing you say will upset me, and you are never a bother, a bore, or a burden. I long to help you, Darien, it is all I have wanted to do since I first laid eyes on you. I can be your confidant, if you'll allow it, you can be safe with me. You can be, well, you."
Settled into his seat, he began the task of cleaning and easing the strain from Darien's hand. Hearing that small confession made his heart soar, and he nodded empathetically. "It has been a long day, Blossom... a long week." Gods, had it really only been a week? "Tonight you will rest, free from responsibility and stressors, and I will do all that I can to tend to your aches." His worries were another matter, of course, something Theryn still felt guilt toward. "The worry will pass, once the echoes of the threats are gone, and until then I will do all that I can to remind you that you are safe, we are safe."
They devolved into silence then, and soon he was on the other side of Darien, tending to his other hand. Each ended with a gentle kiss to the back of the hand, and when both were done he received undue thanks. "You are more than welcome" he assured the other man. It was, after all, the least he could do, though in the interest of keeping Darien worry free he did not say as much. There was no need for Theryn to make his own worries the center of Darien's thoughts, that would be a slippery slope for there was a great many things which needed tending to with the swollen Valkyri, bruises, cuts, aches and pains... None of these things were mentioned, no attention was given to them.
This was how Theryn wanted it to be.
Water sloshed as one foot was raised up from the water, and after looking toward it curiously Theryn felt a smile of relief gracing his lips. This was a good sign, it meant that Darien was finally beginning to relax, and more than that he was willing to have Rin further care for him. Without missing a beat he rose, lifting the stool to bring it with, and settled at the foot of the tub. His touch was gentle yet firm enough so as not to tickle poor Darien, as he set to work first scrubbing and then gently massaging his right foot.
"Thank you" the young Prince chirped, "For trusting me, and allowing me to do this for you." It meant a lot... More than he could rightly express.