He doesn't particularly like Athelstan's very delicate plan, but he understood it.

A soft, tired smile tugged at his lips for a moment when Athelstan asked for clarification. He thought that part was fairly clear.

"Yes. You are so you. You are so... -I can't imagine anyone not wanting you," Telling Athelstan he was perfect didn't even start to do him justice. Perfect sounded boring and Athelstan was endlessly fascinating to Ragnar.

"I do not tolerate you, priest," He sighed, again falling into a long stretch of conflicted silence, "I need you. I want you here with me. Always."