Disclaimers/Warinings:Don't own it, not making money offa it, only wish I was. Ummm...this is me...yaoi, light lemon SAP (I am now the self declared Queen of Sap all challengers may come forward...actually, there are people who are worse than me...they take themselves seriously (gasp! God forbid) Anyhow, here's the fic. And forgive the horrible pun.
Sword play

"Goddammit, Narsus, we can't do that! We don't have near the men to take them!"

"We don't need the men, Darun. We merely need the impression that we do."

"Can't you use plain language for once in your life?"

"I am not being that subtle."

"Yes you…oh forget it!"

"I plan to. Now, if we just…"

Darun almost growled. The man was so aggravating! So snide and arrogant and…well, and usually right. He wasn't really listening to Narsus anymore, not a good idea but…

"Darun, you…Darun are you even listening to me?"

"No." He wasn't and he wasn't planning to. He shook himself, that wasn't fair, it was Arislan that was going to get in trouble if he didn't listen, not himself. "What did you say?"

"I said maybe we should forget the move for awhile. The other army is resting, but not even remotely depleted as of yet. So it might just be pointless to attack. Thus maybe it is a good idea to let the army rest for awhile?" "Aa." Yes-good idea, maybe if they rested he wouldn't get aggravated as easily…wait, no. This was Narsus. He was always aggravating.

"So we'll rest for a few days then?" Arislan asked, clarifying.

"Yes, your highness."

"Good." The comment came from a laughing Geive. "I think some of us could use the extra sleep." He shot a significant glance at Darun. "In fact," he continued. "I think if some of us don't go take a nap blood might be spilled, war or no war." He paused, his gaze shifting to Pharangese. "Though…I'm sure there are a few of us who could be conned into other types of entertainment."

"It would be kind of you to play for us, Geive," Pharangese said, coolly ignoring the innuendo. Geive's face fell, but not to the extent that anyone noticed. Darun was still glaring at Narsus, who was calmly studying the map while Arislan looked at the two of them, his delicate features set in a worried frown. Pharangese noticed it first.

"Is there something you would like to talk about, highness?" He looked up at her, relief shining through those bright eyes.

"Thank you, Pharangese. The garden maybe?"

"Certainly highness." She waited while Arislan pushed back his chair and stood. He looked back to be sure she followed before he headed out the door and down into the palace gardens, where he settled himself on the edge of a fountain, she sat next to him.

"Your highness?"

"It's Lord Narsus and Darun," he said softly. "They…what is happening with them?"

Pharangese shook her head. "They're children," she sighed. "More so in some ways than you. Prince…if you loved someone, regardless of who they are…what would you think you were supposed to do?"

"Regardless of gender, you mean?" He said, with a slight smile. She nodded. "From what I know…"the fourteen-year-old sighed. "Court them, I think. Bring them nice things, talk to them, and take them places. Why? Do you think Narsus and Darun are in love?" He looked at her. "I mean…they always sound like they're ready to murder each other. I've even heard Narsus call Darun a barbarian."

"I think," she said carefully. "I think that Darun is in love with Narsus and doesn't know what he's feeling. So he replaces it with something easy, aggravation. He doesn't realize because, according to his code not only is love not his job, but woman are for desire, not men. And the fact that Narsus' beauty gets to him bothers him. As for Narsus… Narsus' trust was betrayed, he finds it hard to trust again. So he thinks he can push Darun away. It bothers him that he even trusts you. Yet that he loves Darun…he thinks he knows that Darun will push him away. So he hides it."

Arislan sighed. "I hope they're happy eventually. They both mean so much to me…it hurts to see them fight."

"Yes," Pharangese agreed. "They belong together."

Arislan smiled at her. "I think you and Geive belong together too."

"That may be taking it a bit far, your highness."

"I don't think so. He loves you…he doesn't stick around other women half so long, and he always comes back to you. And…and I think you like him. Otherwise you wouldn't have put up with him courting you, after all, you've never actually said no, so far as I know of."

"No…I've never said no." She smiled. "This was about Narsus and Darun, right? I am not going to kill Geive, nor he me…so it's not an issue."

"What do we do?"

"We don't do anything, your highness. They need to go at their own pace, this rest should be good for them both."

"Alright."

They got up and Pharangese reached down to touch the boy's cheek. Knowing if she asked the answer would be from someone far older than a fourteen-year-old boy was supposed to be.

"Do you love them, Arislan?"

"Yes, Pharangese, I do."


Relaxation? These days had been meant for relaxation? Darun groaned, running a hand restlessly through his dark hair. No relaxation. Narsus had been everywhere, and-what was worse-he was beginning to understand the real cause of his frustration with the strategist. 'I can't be lusting over him! He's…he's Narsus!' His mind argued. But the facts were there. Narsus' taunting mouth intrigued him as much as it exasperated him. The lithe, tanned body seemed to be purposefully put so tantalizingly out of his reach. 'Goddamnit, if it was anyone else…even another man I would have screwed him by now…why Narsus!?' He knew why though, it had always been there. Narsus was his opposite in so many ways, but the few similarities drew them to each other, along with the phenomena of the opposite that they wished-somewhat unconsciously- to breach. Besides that, Narsus was absolutely beautiful. There was no denying that. But he had no interest in Darun. And Darun wished he had no interest in Narsus, but he did. And nothing was ever going to happen. He wold go crazy with sexual frustration before he would endanger Arislan by screwing up and making Narsus leave, which was what would probably happen if he tried anyway. With a moan he sat back against the castle ramparts. Geive knew, he was sure of that, and also thoroughly thankful that the minstrel was so wrapped up in Pharangese that he was unlikely to do anything with the knowledge. He wondered who else knew…

Narsus watched Darun's dark form go back and forth as the warrior paced the castle, totally unaware that he was being watched from a bedroom window. Narsus sighed. It was harmless enough, he supposed, to allow himself a few minutes to watch the man that was becoming a growing obsession-along with a growing aggravation. Darun was so thick skulled! He never saw Narsus' looks, or caught his comments. What was his warrior so frustrated with now, he wondered, that caused him to pace like that? A fleeting thought crossed his mind that it might be himself, causing the frustration, but he passed it off as arrogance. Some woman, perhaps, or the need to be peaceful. Darun was no good at sitting still. One of those things he had picked up about the man over their years as friends. Friends…the one reason he was terrified to make a more blunt move. He liked having Darun as a friend, even if they did argue a lot. The man was someone he could be honest with, not have to play stupid court games around, confess worries to. Besides that, he didn't really think he wanted to deal with rejection, much less deal with the gossip a blunt move would create throughout not only the court, but also the whole army.

He was pulled out of his reverie as a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Arislan, Lord Narsus. I need to talk to you. May I come in?" The prince's light voice sounded highly uncertain. Need to reassure him flew like a whipcord through Narsus, but he was loath to leave his watch point.

"It's open, come in."

The young prince slid into the room, and his blue eyes fastened hesitantly on his advisor.

"Narsus, it's about Darun…" When Narsus remained silent the prince plunged on. "He seems so withdrawn. Do you…do you know if something's wrong with him?"

'Ah, the prince cares for his loyal subjects.' "Darun has been avoiding me," Narsus explained out loud. "And I him, we seem to aggravate each other. But he's just out there if you want to talk to him."

"I…thank you Narsus." Arislan nodded and left the room, his mind whirling. Narsus' out of it too. Did something…? No, nothing happened. That's probably the problem. I wish…I wish…goddess damn it I wish I could do something! A peculiar grimace crossed the young prince's face as the rare curse sped through his mind. They…they've both had it so hard. And, at this point he blushed, warmth pooling in his stomach. And…well…Since I know I'll never have either of them I can at least make sure they have each other. Arislan laughed lightly. I think I'm a bit young for them both anyway. And they would be happy together. They had to be! Arislan stopped when he realized he was a mere five feet away from the still pacing Darun.

"Darun?" he asked hesitantly. The man's dark head snapped up to look at him.

"Hmm?"

"Are…are you alright? You seem so uptight."

"I'm sorry, your highness," Darun sighed. "I just, can't seem to keep myself still. That's all."

"Perhaps," Arislan suggested softly. "To spar with someone would help you get rid of some of your energy."

Darun let out a harsh laugh. "Who, pray tell?"

"Narsus is at your level, isn't he?"

Gods. Darun could swear he heart stopped. Narsus. To see that smooth, lithe body moving with the rhythm of swordplay… He needed an excuse, badly. And for once one came easily.

"Narsus and I have not been getting along. That might not be a good idea."

"It might be even better, work off some frustration. I can send someone out to make sure you don't hurt each other."

Frustration. The kind of frustration that Darun needed to work off was not going to be cured by a sword fight with Narsus. If anything it would be inflamed further, and he did not need that.

"I do not think…"

"Come now, Darun," Arislan scolded lightly. "It can't be that bad an idea, can it?" There was a slight catch in his voice that Darun missed entirely. "I'll even go get Narsus for you."

"Your highness…" Darun doubted Arislan needed his most trusted advisor raped. But the young prince was already dashing off back up to Narsus' room.

"Narsus?"

The strategist sighed; Darun had just collapsed, leaning back against the battlement wall. "Yes, your highness?"

The prince slipped back into the room. "Darun needs someone to spar with."

"Why do you tell me this?"

"You are the closest to his level, aren't you?"

"Yes, but…"

Arislan pouted, entirely loosing his princely demeanor. He looked for all the world like a sullen child, not a prince trying to take care of his subjects.

"You're going to give me the same excuse Darun did, aren't you?" He complained. "You'll say you're not getting along and might hurt each other. What if I said it was because I wanted to watch the two of you? Would you then?"

"Anything your highness wishes."

"Fine then, I wish to watch you and Darun spar."

Narsus sighed and moved to pick up his sword from where it rested against a desk. "Very well, your highness, lead on." He chuckled slightly when a bright smile lit Arislan's face.

"Thank you, Narsus," he practically sang, dancing out of the room. Narsus followed, worry building in the pit of his stomach worry and…anticipation. To watch Darun fight, see him work, hot and sweaty. Hmm, that could fuel enough fantasies for a month. Perhaps that was Arislan's reason too. It was impossible to miss the blunt adoration on Arislan's face when he look at or spoke of his champion. But then Arislan's abrupt stopping cut off his thoughts.

"Darun! Good. I brought Narsus." The boy's voice was well neigh jubilant. Darun winced. Did Narsus really have to look so casual, as if he had not a care in the world?

"The prince has requested to watch us spar, Darun," Narsus said, almost tauntingly. "I don't think we should displease him."

Darun nodded. "As long as you don't blame me if you wear out too fast."

That was unfair. Narsus had as much, if not more stamina than he did. Interesting images that provoked…but there wasn't time to think about that as the two men followed their smiling young prince over to a small courtyard. They stood in the middle as Arislan settled himself on the ground, leaning back against a pillar, something funny gleaming in those innocent eyes while the two men stripped off cloaks, armor, then-after a moment's hesitation-shirts.

Both men were having trouble keeping from staring at one another. Narsus merely wanted to jump the other man while Darun was having rather mixed reactions. 'Do I want to fuck him or kill him?' Both he realized. 'He really does make me feel like that doesn't he? Gods damn. Stupid strategist.'

The clash of swords filled three sets of ears. The men had begun.

Arislan let out a little worried gasp, his teeth digging nervously into his lower lip. They had been right. There were huge amounts of anger and frustration built up between the two. The hacked at each other with nearly unskilled eagerness, a fierce gleam in amber and blue eyes alerting him to the fact that they might actually hurt each other if now stopped in time. He sighed. For now it was ok. It was probably a good thing to allow them to vent some of their frustrations like this. Though the others would probably not leave till they had spent a good time in bed…together. Arislan blushed at the image this conjured. His hormones just had to start waking up in the middle of a war. Granted, no matter when they had woken he suspected his choice in desires would be the same. He knew he was what some would call effeminate, certainly very much so compared to these two, especially Darun. Narsus had some of the same qualities, same list of features he did. Darun was just so…masculine. The type any woman would easily fall for, or a man of the right persuasion.

Narsus' thoughts were trailing on somewhat the same line as Arislan's. 'Oh, sweet Ashi, that build…No man should be that handsome. It's unfair.' He snickered slightly. ' What a couple we would make, the brawn and the brains. How cliched.' He flipped his hair out of his face; almost getting it chopped by Darun.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid!' Darun berated himself. He didn't want to touch Narsus with the sword, much less cut off his hair, but the way Narsus had looked as the tossed his head…hair flying, eyes slightly closed, neck exposed, the graceful lines of his neck, his collarbone…He was off balance now damnit! Then again, from the way Narsus moved, so was he. If he could only get him down…gods! Just to see Narsus sprawled on the ground in front of him, sword point at his throat or not, would be enough to fuel months of fantasies, if not cause something more drastic.

Suddenly Narsus seemed to regain something. The swordplay lost some of its franticness and became more of its usual dance. They used other, older tricks, the ones that proclaimed them the best of the best that they were. Darun had Narsus bending back under the weight of his blade one moment and the next Narsus was behind him holding him against his chest with one arm, the other holding the sword to his throat. Darun couldn't help but let out a slight groan as Narsus' chest came in contact with his back. Narsus let out a slight laugh.

"Fantasizing, Darun?"

"You wish."

Their first truly flirtatious words. Neither missed it, but Darun still wanted to win, to see Narsus sprawled on the ground. In a lightening move Darun had grabbed Narsus' sword arm and pulled the blade away from his throat. Then, with a heave of pure muscle he flipped the man over his back, landing him on the ground with a thud and brushing the tip of his own sword over that tantalizing throat.

Arislan stared at the two men. They looked almost murderous but…had they been flirting there for a second? They sure as hell are now. Not that either man was talking but that wasn't necessary, sparks were passing between them, neither moving so much as an inch. Finally Arislan sighed and stood up, his movement causing Darun to drop the blade away from Narsus' throat so that the other man could get up.

"That was beautiful." Arislan couldn't help himself; the wide smile had already spread across his face. He had to admit the first few minutes had scared him somewhat, but after they had pulled it together…

"It was a good match, Darun," Narsus agreed, nodding slightly to the other man.

"Hn." Darun was sure his short answer had offended at least one of the other two, but it was all he could manage.

"See, don't you feel better now?" The young prince asked, an 'I told you so' tone hiding in his sweet voice.

"Yes. Thank you, Narsus." Goddamnit! He couldn't ignore Arislan. And he did feel better. Sort of. The ache threatening to manifest itself between his legs wouldn't go away. And the mental image of Narsus spread out in front of him wasn't helping. Ashi! Did the man have any clue as to how attractive he was! Wait…this was Narsus. Of course he did.

"I'll see you later then, Darun." Narsus said smoothly, bending to pick up his discarded cloak and shirt from the ground, giving Darun a perfect view of his backside. He slid the shirt back on, letting the cloak merely hang over his arm. "You too, your highness."

"At supper, Narsus."

Narsus nodded and walked out while Darun was pulling his own shirt back on. He got it over his eyes just in time to see Narsus disappeared around a corner and something blazed into life. Gods damn it! Narsus had been flirting with him! He strapped his sword back around his waist and-with a quick 'excuse me, your highness'-ran off after the strategist. He missed Arislan's sweet smile as the young prince watched his warrior run off.

'Well at least now something's bound to happen.'


Darun caught up with Narsus quickly and grabbed the man's arm, spinning Narsus around to face him, causing him to let his sword and cloak fall to the floor.

"Goddamn you, Narsus! How do you manage it?"

"Manage what, Darun?"

"To make me feel like this, you annoy me, frustrate me, gods…" Darun moved, and suddenly Narsus found himself pressed up against a wall.

"Darun…"

"Just shut up for once in your damn life." Darun hissed, before claming Narsus' mouth in a rough, needful kiss, his hands holding the other man tightly against the wall. But there was something…Narsus was responding?! It really couldn't be anything else. The man's arms had slid up around his neck, that sharp tongue tangling with his own, kissing him just as urgently but somewhat more tenderly. He realized his own kiss was growing gentler, his grip loosening. He pulled away. Damn that man! He was manipulating him again.

"Damn you!"

"You seemed to be enjoying it," Narsus said smoothly, shooting a pointed look at the bulge in Darun's black pants.

"You don't get it do you?" Darun snapped. "You manipulate me, make me feel things. Why can't you just stop?"

"You think I do it on purpose?" Narsus whispered. "Damnit Darun, you do the same to me." With a snarl he grabbed the bigger man, holding harshly onto the black tunic. "And if you leave now I will never forgive you!"

Darun was nearly stunned. 'That's right,' a part of his mind reminded him. 'You forgot that Narsus is an equal partner. He'd never be that submissive. He…'

"Fine!" Darun grabbed Narsus again, hauling him up against him, tangling his hands in that long, soft hair, kissing him as if his life depended on it. They stayed like that for several minutes, trying to devour each other without moving their mouths apart. Too long…they had waited too long… Darun had Narsus backed up against a wall, grinding his hips against the other man's.

"Perhaps…the hallway isn't the best place for this," Narsus murmured, tearing his mouth away from Darun's with obvious reluctance. Darun growled lightly.

"I wish I could say I didn't care," he muttered. "But god damn you I do. Lead on."

"Darun," Narsus said quietly, gesturing the warrior into his room. "I want to get one thing straight before you screw me into next week. Are you just horny, or have you actually been lusting after me like it sounds?" He didn't even bother to pause.

"You're the smart one, Narsus. You guess," Darun growled. "I've never been attracted to a man besides you, and do you see women other than Pharangese running around here?"

"You're not after me because I look effete?"

"Gods damn it, Narsus, you're stalling! And no!"

The brunette shrugged. "I was merely inquiring, Darun."

"Narsus," Darun stood right in front of the other man. "If I was just horny I damn well wouldn't go after someone as fucking impossible as you, Gieve is just sitting there you know!"

"True."

"Shut UP, Narsus!" Darun grabbed Narsus and pulled him forward, plastering his lips against the smaller man's. His hand found it's way under Narsus' silky tunic, pulling open the sash that held it together in the process. Narsus' hands were at his sword belt, busily sliding it off him then slipping slim hands under the black tunic and pulling it off, breaking the kiss for a mere second before diving back into it. His own shirt was sliding off his shoulders, with just a little assistance from Darun. With a slight grin he broke the kiss and began trailing his lips down the warrior's broad chest, lapping and nipping at it experimentally, his tongue swiping over the dark nipples. Darun's hands were shifting through his hair grasping so tightly it was almost as if he was massaging Narsus' scalp.

"I want you inside me, Darun. Now."

"Oh." With a slight push Darun sent Narsus sprawling onto the large bed. "Then you're gonna get that, godsdamnit."

"I better." Strange, even about to make love they were still bating each other. Somehow it felt…right. Heightened their senses. Pants were kicked to the bottom of the bed; sheets were thrown off the edge to avoid getting tangled among the long legs.

"Narsus…" Dark, tan skin against golden.

"Ssshh, Darun." Brown gold hair splayed against the pillowcase as positions were reversed yet again.

"Darun…Darun…please! Love, please!"

"Shush," Fingers where they hadn't been before. Stretching, preparing. Then something else, thicker, longer, filling. Perfection.

"Ashi…Narsus…so tight…"

"Shut up and fuck me, Darun."


"You know…we really should go down to dinner." Narsus sighed.

"Hmm." Darun didn't even bother looking up from where his head was nestled in Narsus' shoulder.

"Arislan will know something's up."

At this Darun opened his eyes. "Give me a minute."

"We still have a little time I just thought that you might not want to get too comfortable."

"Too late."

Suddenly Narsus leaned over Darun, his arms resting firmly on the other man's broad chest.

"What was this about anyway, Darun? I know you wanted me…but well…will it happen again?"

Darun sighed, staring up into those demanding golden eyes.

"Are you asking me if I'm in love with you?"

"In a rather round about way, yes."

"No, I'm not…at least I don't think so." Darun sighed again. "But that's a not yet, Narsus, not a never. I'm really not sure. And as to it happening again, if you're willing, yes, I should hope so."

"So we're lovers then?"

"If you must put a name to it."

Narsus grinned. "What would you call it, oh intelligent one?" Darun's eyes narrowed playfully when he realized Narsus was teasing him. "I'd…" He realized he didn't really have any other way to put it, so, with a growl, he flipped himself on top of Narsus and started kissing a nipping at the man's sensitive chest.

"D-Darun…" Narsus giggled slightly. "Darun stop it, we have to get up." He dragged the larger man up and kissed him firmly on the lips. "After dinner, love."

"That's the second time you've called me that," Darun mused aloud.

"Hm, maybe because I mean it?" There was something odd softening the sarcastic reply. Darun was somewhat…stunned, and Narsus smiled at the slight disbelief in the warrior's eyes. "I'm not so harsh on my own emotions as you are, Darun. I may hide them from others sometimes, but never from myself. It's a mistake to do that," a shadow passed over his eyes. "It hurts too much."

It took Darun a minute to process that little speech. It was true, he did tend to hide his emotions, from himself as well as from others. It made it even harder to read his own emotions when he finally decided to dredge them up, still, Narsus saw a light flicker behind those blue eyes.

"Why are you always right?" Darun murmured, leaning down to kiss the other man. Narsus merely smiled at him.

"We need to get up."

~~~There! There! That took me long enough! Was it any good? I'm thinkin' I shoulda gone on a bit farther maybe, but oh well~~~

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