"Ah, come on, you know your peace and quiet is overrated, old man," Barrett pouted, settling back into Elias's embrace, a position that was becoming natural when Barrett managed to convince Elias to take a break from painting, usually by just interrupting the older man. "You love the excitement I bring to your life." He said, confident. Barrett couldn't help but feel a quiet sort of confidence in their relationship. It wasn't a perfect journey to get here; they'd both hurt each other along the way, but, this now, the comfort of Elias's arms around him in the studio, paintings that always seemed to somehow allude to their connection adorning the walls-- this was everything he'd every dreamed about having his mate. Maybe, Elias wasn't who he expected. And Barrett definitely wasn't what Elias expected. But there was a balance to their bond. Something about their two discordant personalities, balancing out to something beautiful and healing and rejuvenating. It was the perfect match, just like the soulmate bond should be.