Chapter Text
“Ser…” Damon hefted his bag over his shoulder, pausing where he stood. He cocked his head softly to the side. Light from the windows of the front room poured into the hallway and illuminated the slave from behind. His golden hair showed hints of ginger in the sunlight.
“You won’t be calling me that for very much longer.” Roose said evenly, realizing this as he spoke. Damon would leave this house a slave and come back indebted but no longer owned.
Damon smiled. “I know I said thank you before, but I want you to know…”
Roose waved a hand, effectively silencing him. “I’ve heard enough ‘thank you’s.” Damon had scarcely said a single word that wasn’t in gratitude since he found out he’d be leaving. “I don’t want to hear it again. Not until you come back certified. You know what your tasks are while your away.”
The seriousness of Roose’s words set in and Damon swallowed audibly. He nodded his head.
“Focus on your certification. Keep an eye on Ramsay. Keep him out of trouble.” Roose listed the three objectives. Damon did not need reminding, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to hear it all again.
“Yes, ser,” Damon nodded.
“You’ve always been good at following my orders.” Roose told him. He reached out to kindly touch Damon’s shoulder. As soft as his touch was, his words were deep and fateful. “Don’t disappointment me.”
Damon nodded again. The determination was clear on his face. He was not one for failure, and even in the impossible task of keeping Ramsay out of trouble he would do his damnedest to succeed. That was a big part of the reason Roose was allowing all of this. It was dangerous putting so much of his trust in one slave but he had no other choice.
“Roose?”
The car horn honked outside. Ramsay was out in the car, clearly growing impatient.
“…you know what will happen when he comes back, right? He’ll want the Dreadfort. He’s going to try and take it from you. Once he’s certified, there’ll be nothing stopping him.” Damon’s concern was so earnest it was almost endearing.
Roose softened a little. “I know,” He assured. “Your task is to keep him out of trouble for the next six months. Beyond that, I’ll see to him.”
Damon nodded. He shifted his bag further up on to his shoulder from where it had slid down his arm. He glanced towards the door. “Oil it for me?” He asked hopefully. “Please, ser?”
Roose nearly smiled. “It’s just a whip Damon. It needs little care. It will be waiting for you when you return.”
In an utterly impulsive moment Damon reached out and grasped for Roose’s free hand. He brought it up, threading Roose’s fingers through the golden locks of his hair. “I won’t get to hear you say it again.” He whispered. “Not ever after this.”
The horn blared again outside but for the both of them it was only a distant noise that faded into the background.
Roose grabbed a fistful of Damon’s hair and tugged lovingly. “Good,” He whispered softly. “You’ve been so good.”
Damon made a soft noise low in his throat, attempting to keep control of his emotions. It was easier said than done. He pulled away, and Roose let go of his hair. Damon turned to the door before Roose could see the big tears welling up in his eyes. “Six months, ser.”
“Six months.” Roose repeated knowingly.
Damon left out the front door. Roose closed it behind him, not bothering to watch as he and Ramsay pulled out of the driveway to leave. He had a training facility to run after all and seeing the two of them off had already made him late today. It was best not to waste any more time, he ought to head off to work.