nealuchi | you could be my laurel tree

Title: you could be my laurel tree
Fandom: Fate/Grand Order
Character(s): Asclepius
Pairing(s): Asclepius/Ritsuka
Genre: Angst
Word Count: 200
Rating: PG
Warnings: References to mythological non-con
Summary: Asclepius, on the love that gods (and demigods) have to give.
Notes:

Gods are, above all else, creatures of entitlement. They deserve to be worshipped by mortals because they are gods. They are permitted to end humans' lives at will because they are gods. To have the affection of a god is a curse, because their interest in a mere mortal should be received with gratitude even if it brings nothing but misery.

Asclepius is not a god, but he is not a human, either. When he loves, it is a heavy thing. He watches Ritsuka among other Servants, Servants who take any excuse to fawn over him, and his soul burns to snatch what is his away from would-be thieves.

He is not Apollo, he reminds himself. There is no worse fate for him than becoming like his father, to use the same words for love and possession. Ritsuka is entitled to speak to whomever he so chooses, and Asclepius does not doubt his faithfullness.

All the same, if his grip on Ritsuka's shoulder is too tight, if he leaves too many marks on him when they're alone, Ritsuka doesn't scold him and Asclepius doesn't apologize. That is the shape of the love of the divine, at once terrible and beautiful.