Athelstan in contrast is doing everything he can to steer his thoughts away from any memory of Dodger and what he'd done. He's secure with Ragnar and at least physically, Dodger had not hurt him in any lasting way. He can focus on how good Ragnar's fingers feel as they press into him, quiet moans pressing against Ragnar's lips as they kiss, his nails digging lightly into Ragnar's skin. He's starting to notice the things that Ragnar likes, he's been learning for a long time now.

He tries not to think at all as his fingers trace of ridges of scars and the dips of muscles. There is no one that Athelstan more wanted to memorize every part of. For years he had drawn Ragnar, afraid to forget his face if he went too long without recreating it from his mind's eye.

"Ragnar," Athelstan whispers softly. "I want you." The words are hesitant and careful, as if still afraid of being rejected as irrational as it is when Ragnar is so clearly wanting.