Matthew, when he saw Rowan growing tired, didn't say a word. Instead, he moved to scoop the man up, and it was clear he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"You did good today," he offered instead, kissing Rowan's head.
Rowan sighed softly and rested his head against Matthew's chest, closing his eyes. "It feels like it hasn't even been that long, though…"
"It's longer than you were able to before," Matthew pointed out. "And since you didn't push yourself, you'll be able to try again sooner." Matthew offered a small smile, patting Rowan's back.
"Mm…" Rowan huddled a bit closer to Matthew and sighed. "I guess so… it still doesn't feel like I accomplished much, though."
"Well,' Matthew said after a moment, "The more we do things like this, the sooner you'll be able to walk for longer! And then it'll feel like a lot more."
"Yeah, I suppose… being patient sucks, though…" Rowan fidgeted with his sleeves, keeping his eyes closed for the time being. "Sorry for complaining so much…"
"Yes, I know… And it's okay, I'm perfectly fine with you complaining! Vent your frustrations all you want, Rowan, if it helps." Matthew offered a small smile, hugging Rowan close with a gentle kiss to the cheek.
"Mm…" Rowan flushed lightly at the kiss and buried his face in Matthew's chest. "Okay… I'll probably keep quiet for a bit, though…"
"Are you sure?" Matthew blushed softly himself, resting his head on Rowan's affectionately.
"Mhmm…" Rowan yawned and relaxed a bit in Matthew's arms, just allowing the other to carry him for now.
Matthew was glad when he felt Rowan relax. He smiled a touch, thumb rubbing small circles in Rowan's back as they continued on.
Rowan didn't fully fall asleep for a while, mostly just relaxing, but eventually drifted off into a light sleep.
"That went better than I expected," Matthew admitted when Rowan fell asleep, looking over at the woman.
"Yeah… I told you he's stubborn." She laughed softly, looking up at Matthew and Rowan. "How's he doing?"
"He's asleep right now," Matthew said, chuckling. "And he is indeed. I'm glad he's accepted doing things this way, though."
She nodded a bit. "That's good. And yes, definitely. He definitely cares about you if he's willing to compromise. He's even fought with me on things before."
"Mm…" Matthew let out a small breath.
"Oh, wow…" Matthew felt a small blush come to his face as he smiled.
"He doesn't like to compromise. He likes to be right and to do things his way." She smiled gently up at Matthew.
"I see, I see." Matthew looked down at Rowan, gently kissing the man's head.
"Would you- would you approve of me being with him? Like that?"
"Yes, of course. You're definitely much better than some of his previous partners." She laughed softly.
Matthew nodded a bit, looking quite happy with the news.
"I'll ask him, then," he said softly, "If he would be willing to be my partner."
"I'm sure he would. He definitely likes being around you." She continued walking, humming softly to herself.
"I hope so…" Matthew blushed softly at the thought of actually bringing this up with Rowan.
Rowan yawned a bit and huddled closer to Matthew in his sleep, seeming content. "Mhmm. When do you think we should stop for the night?"
"I think so, yes." Matthew let out a soft breath, preparing himself for when Rowan woke up. He helped to set up camp, humming.