Statuesque: Brom and Leik

AN: This is a story featuring two of the ancillary characters that appear at the beginning of the third chapter of my other Original story "Statuesque". I suggest you read that one before this one. But it doesn't really matter.



Brom left the throne room shaking, his hands unsteady and his legs feeling weak. What had that been back there? The King telling him to not let chances go by? And the look in his eyes, so...sincere. Perhaps he was speaking from experience.

It was no secret about the King's lover, Elliot. And the Queen's lover, too. Aimery, his name was, if Brom could remember correctly. Though, unlike Elliot, Aimery wasn't often seen in the barracks or training grounds.

Perhaps with Elliot, the King had almost let him go. No one really knew about their past together. Or how they ended up with one another.

Elliot, being the King's lover, had many advantages in his life. If he'd wanted to, Brom was certain Elliot could coerce King Tamrin to make him the captain instead of himself. But, thankfully, Elliot was a good man. One who didn't feel the need to rise through the ranks of the royal infantry just to sate his ego. Elliot was merely a guard, one permanently stationed at the castle, as ordered by the King, despite that wily brunette's vehement protests.

Brom had great respect for that man. Elliot spent his days down in the barracks, amongst the other soldiers, befriending them, learning about them. Each soldier knew who Elliot was, and it was a great comfort to see someone so friendly and approachable being that close to the King. It made His Highness seem more human. Though, through no fault of King Tamrin's, once the boy had been crowned King, he'd changed in his people's eyes. No longer was he the sweet-tempered boy-child of the King, but the King himself. And that made him different. A figure not to be trifled with. But Elliot provided a safe link between the King and the soldiers, maintaining unity and happiness.

Brom felt no fear or unease around the King, though. He was one of the few people who could talk to the King without fear of stepping over his bounds. Just now, in front of the throne room, even when His Majesty had earlier reprimanded him, Brom hadn't been too afraid of punishment. His Majesty was a gentle man, not capable of harsh treatment. Especially not to those he held as friends.

Brom was honored to be considered a friend. And he figured it was best to listen to such friends.

Which was why he was steadily making his way towards the barracks, where Lieutenant Leik's own private room was.

The soldiers had the barracks to themselves, many large rooms with multiple bunks for all the men. There was a separate semi-private room located adjacent to them reserved for the man who was second-in-command, and Brom had a private suite off on it's own, a few yards away.

Coming into the barracks, Brom witnessed soldiers running about, obviously getting ready for the journey. The flurry of activity was watched with interest by those who were not on duty and resting in their bunks.

Brom directed his attention to a small group of men to his left, who were scrambling to pack their knapsacks with supplies. “Hey, have any of you seen the Lieutenant?”

But their focus was elsewhere as no one answered him. He frowned, stepping closer and asking again, once again ignored as furious chatter bounced around the room, making it hard to be heard.

Brom grit his teeth, not willing to deal with this right now. He stepped to the middle of the room, clearing his throat. “Atten-huh!” He bellowed, standing straight and his hands folded behind his back.

At once, all the men in the room, even those in their bunks, rushed to stand in neat, organized lines in front of him. They all stood straight, their heels together, and their hands at their foreheads in salute.

With a sigh, Brom tried once more. “I will ask again, since none of you saw fit to answer me...” There were panicked looks between the soldiers, of those who wondered if they'd been the one to ignore their Captain. “Where is the Lieutenant?”

“Excuse me, sir?” One man saluted again, down to Brom's right. “I know where he is.”

“Yes, Soldier?”

“Just a few minutes ago, he was heading towards his quarters to look for a map of the Northern Kingdom.”

Brom nodded in gratitude. “Thank you.” Turning back towards all the others, he saluted them once more. “Dismissed! Back to your previous duties!”

At once, everyone returned to their places, those who'd been resting now helping instead, and the room was much noisier.

Brom left them, stepping out to the long hallway that stretched past each of the soldier's rooms, and seeing that all were filled with activity, men who were getting ready to leave. It seemed that Leik would be taking them all tonight after all, instead of the morning. Which made Brom all the more nervous. He'd have to do it. Take the risk. Because he was certain that the troops at their borders had no intention of peace. That they were in fact hostile. Though, if he were wrong...

Brom hoped, for once, that he was wrong.

But he rarely was. Leik, on the other hand, though intelligent, clever, and strong, had a tendency to be quite wrong. He did think the best of people. Of everyone. It was his only downfall. His only weakness. But Leik hadn't become the second-in-command for no reason. He had, in fact, earned it.

Having joined at the age of 17, as did many of the young men throughout the Kingdom, Leik had quickly showed just how capable he was as a soldier. He'd scored highest on his squads intelligence tests, as well as receiving high marks for tactics and morality. And his score was still among the highest as compared to previous squads. Not to mention he was also very physically fit. All in all, a very capable soldier. A capable Lieutenant. One Brom was proud to have at his side.

As a Lieutenant.

But he couldn't help but want more...

At Leik's door, which was slightly ajar, he hesitated. He couldn't do this. He couldn't. To take this chance was just too...It made his hands shake again, just as they'd been as he left the throne room, hearing those hauntingly accurate words from his King.

“If you let chances like these slip through your fingers, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.”

Of its own accord, Brom's hand rose up and rapped quickly, three times, against that wood, and a voice from inside told him to enter. Pushing it open, he stepped though the doorway, noting how Leik turned to him in surprise.

“Captain Crewe? What are you doing here?”

He almost flinched at the title, realizing that Leik was none too happy with him. Though, why would he be, considering their little spat just minutes ago. They'd both said horrible things. Things that neither of them meant, to be sure.

For a moment, he almost decided not to do it. Not to tell the younger man how he felt. Leik was just so young, Brom thought with difficulty, feeling like an old geezer. What would he want with someone like him?

“So, he's old enough to kill, but not love?”

The King had been right, of course. Age didn't really matter. Or, it shouldn't. Brom couldn't let his perceptions get in the way of Leik's right to know. So, he took in a deep breath.

“I...need to speak with you about something.” Great. Be as vague as possible. Brom fought to keep from hitting himself.

Leik turned completely towards him then, a question in his eyes. “Alright. What about?”

The noise from the soldiers in the adjacent rooms was loud and intrusive, and even if the door was shut, Brom knew he'd still hear it. And there was the chance someone would hear him. What he had to say was for Leik's ears alone. So, he made a decision.

“I'd rather not discuss it here. Please come to my quarters. We can talk there.”

Leik's expression turned sullen. “I'm a bit busy, sir. Can't you just tell me here?”

Alright, so he was going to be difficult. That was fine. Brom could be difficult too. “No, that's not acceptable. My quarters is preferable.”

With an angry clenching of his mouth, Leik turned away. “I'm sorry, Captain, but I've got my orders from the King and I have work to do. You can tell me here or not at all.”

Brom lifted an eyebrow, surprised at the younger's insubordination. “Lieutenant, I'm still your superior. The King also ordered you to respect me.”

Leik shook his head. “I'm not being disrespectful, I'm merely unable to do as you say.”

Brom seethed, knowing Leik was being insubordinate on purpose. He crossed to the desk Leik was leaning over. “I'm not kidding, Leik. I am giving you an order!” Brom growled, banging his fist down upon the table in anger. “Do not disobey me!”

For a moment, the other said nothing, showing no reaction to Brom's outburst, and he regretted it. But then Leik exhaled angrily, turning stormy eyes towards him.

“Yes, sir.” He breathed, making the title sound almost like a curse. “May I have moment to put away my things?”

Feeling abashed for shouting, Brom nodded quickly. “Yes, of course, I...I'm sorry about that. I'll...I'll be waiting.”

Leik seemed almost surprised by the apology, for Brom didn't often apologize, but it was quickly gone as the other turned away.

“Yes, sir.”

If Brom didn't know any better, he could have sworn that Leik suddenly sounded worried. Leaving the younger man to his packing, Brom exited the room and made his way back down the hallway, leaving the barracks and retiring to his own suite.

The building housing his room was small, having only his personal quarters inside. A bedroom, a den for meeting people, and a washroom. That was all. Enough for him, and enough for all the Captains who served this army before him.

He exhaled nervously as he entered, shutting the front door behind himself and taking his cloak off. He left his leggings and boots on, but took off his ceremonial tunic, revealing the more casual shirt beneath. There was no need to be so dressy.

Though too casual might give the wrong idea. Brom didn't want to cross any lines of propriety. Tiredly, he felt his face. Sort of scruffy. And now that he focused on it, he felt a little grimy. The day had been long, and before he'd been summoned by the King for the report on the borders, he'd been training new cadets. So, he he probably didn't smell too great.

A quick trip to the washroom, where he washed his face, applied some deodorizing powders, and even used a dab of cologne, made him feel much better. Calmer now, he regarded himself in the mirror hanging above the sink basin. His beard could use a trim, but not too seriously. And there was a bit of gray in his hair at his temples, but he couldn't do anything about that. His hair was halfway messy, and he took out the cloth string to retie it. Much better. He looked more put together now.

But at the realization that he was preening for Leik...

It made him feel like a courting teenager again.

A knock sounded at the front door, followed by a gruff, impatient voice. “Captain? I'm here. Can we get this over with?”

One last mental shake and then Brom exited the bathroom and met the Lieutenant in the den. He could do this. This was Leik, the young boy he'd met five years ago. Brom had been Captain then, like he was now, but he'd been much more involved in the training aspect of new recruits. Upon meeting the tenacious and committed young man, Brom had been immediately impressed. He'd seen a drive and determination much like his own when he'd first joined the royal army.

That was how Brom had taken Leik under his wing and become his mentor. Leik had only ever idolized him, and last year, when the younger man had become Lieutenant, Brom had been very proud.

Though, try as he might, he just couldn't figure out when his feelings had changed into what they were today.

Leik was waiting in the den, his arms crossed and his foot taping impatiently on the floor. At the sight of Brom, his face registered a moment of surprise, noting the change of clothes.

Brom took a stand by his desk, leaning backwards and casually crossing his arms. Now that he had Leik alone, he was at a loss for what to say. “Do you have any idea why I asked to see you?” He queried, not knowing how else to start.

Leik had an idea, apparently, and he nodded once. “I need to be punished for my behavior in front of the King.”

That had Brom blinking in surprise. “Punishment?” What behavior was he talking about? Their bickering? They always fought like that, though Brom could see how their normal behavior wouldn't be exactly appropriate for royal meetings. “I'm not going to give you a punishment, Leik.”

“You should.”

Brom blinked again. “What? Why should I?”

Leik altered his stance, standing with his head hung and his arms loose at his sides, with hands fisted. “Because I let our...I allowed our familiarity with each other to overrun proper rank behavior. You are my Captain and I merely your Lieutenant. Nothing changes that, and nothing allows me to disrespect you like that.”

Brom sighed, rubbing at his face. That was pretty much what the King had said to them and Brom knew that Leik was most likely just feeling guilty. “This isn't about that, Leik. It's something more important. It's...” He breathed deep, steeling himself up. To take this leap. “I...I...” But Brom faltered, watching the other pointedly avoid his eyes.

“If you let chances like these slip through your fingers, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.”

Fuck it. Brom took a deep breath and crossed the room between them, noticing how the other tensed up at his approach, and then, before Leik could react, he threw his arms around the other's shoulders in a tight embrace.

He would have liked to have kissed instead, but at the last moment, he'd lost his nerve.

Instead, this closeness was nice too. They'd never been this close before. Not once. Not even during many years of training, or a bout of wrestling. That always involved too much movement and thinking involved in that sport, in learning how to protect yourself and take down an opponent with just your body.

Though the few times Leik had beaten him, Brom had failed because he'd allowed himself to linger on a touch.

“What if it truly is an enemy camp out there? And tomorrow Viram's men find them, they have a battle and Viram is killed? He'll have died never knowing what you felt. And you will grow old and die without ever telling him.”

“I need to tell you something.” He managed in a whisper, his face growing hot in embarrassment at his actions.

Leik briefly struggled to push him away, but quickly gave up, growing still in his arms. “...Brom?”

“I need to tell you...That I...” His words stumbled, making organized speech difficult, and he fought for the correct way to express what he was thinking. “I care about you.” Was what he finally settled on.

In his arms, Leik was still standing motionless. “...I don't...”

“Shut up.” Brom snorted. “That's an order.” He could almost feel Leik furrow his brow and frown at that, but he continued before the other could verbally protest. “I really care quite a lot. More than...I should.” How could he possibly convey what he wanted to say, when a part of him didn't actually want to reveal this at all? “More than...you might think I do. And even though I know you're convinced, convinced that these trespassing soldiers aren't a threat, that they are sneaking into our Kingdom to hunt or gather food or whatever...Leik...” Brom took a deep breath. “You're wrong.”

The smaller man bristled at that, tensing once more and showing signs of impending struggle, but Brom shushed him.

“Let me finish.” He reprimanded softly, taking a chance and carefully brushing his palm down Leik's spine a few inches. There was no sign of rejection, or acknowledge of his slight touch either except for a slight shiver. “I'm not doubting your instincts, I'm not challenging you. Nor do I think you're a...” He reddened at the cruel words he'd spat earlier, remembering how nasty he'd sounded. “A child. Or wet-behind-the-ears. I was speaking out of frustration. And I'm sorry.”

Brom couldn't resist, since Leik wasn't actively trying to escape his embrace, tilting his chin down ever so slightly and breathing in his thick, masculine scent. It made his head spin to be close enough to do that.

Awkward hands rose to press lightly at Brom's shoulders, not really pushing him away, but noticeably firm. “Brom...” His voice was unsure now, slightly full of concern.

He ignored it and continued on, moving his hands again and hugging the other tighter, forcing them close as possible. “But I've been in this army for 23 years. Since I was 15. And I've seen a lot of things in that span of service. I didn't become Captain for nothing. It took hard work and dedication and more battles than I care to remember.”

Those hands at his shoulders began to push. “Look, I don't-”

“No, I'm not done. What I'm trying to say...Very evasively, is that I know you're going to meet trouble tomorrow. Maybe not a full blown battle, I hope, but those soldiers are going to give you trouble. And though I know you're more than capable as a fighter, I'm very worried about the outcome of this trek.”

Leik was quiet. “Then I'll bring more men.”

“You're damn right you will.” Brom muttered fiercely. “I'm going to go talk to the King about this, first thing tomorrow morning. When are you leaving?”

“I was going to leave tonight...”

“No, leave tomorrow instead.”

Another quick struggle, which only lasted a second. “Is that also an order?” There was sarcasm there.

Brom let out a small laugh. And squeezed again. “Yes.”

Leik also laughed, though very quietly. “Fine, sir.”

“Don't. Just call me Brom.”

Leik's answer was a sigh, but also a nod. “Okay, Brom.”

“Thank you.”

Suddenly sighing with obvious annoyance, Leik shifted on his feet, making Brom tighten his grip in concern. “So...Brom. You're worried about me. Okay, thanks, I understand. Can I go now? I've got to get ready.”

“No, that wasn't what I wanted to say.”

“Well, for the lord's sake, Brom, I wish you'd hurry up! Listening to you yammer on is like listening to the wind for answers!” The frustration in Leik's voice was sharp and rushed.

Not that Brom really minded. He did have a tendency to ramble, something that he knew always frustrated the younger man. So, for once, he decided to cut right to the chase.

“I'm in love with you.”

The sound that emanated from the younger man could only be described as a choking squeak.

But Brom continued. “I just wanted you to know that before you left, if something should happen, how I feel. I didn't want this to never be spoken between us.” There was a fierce pounding in Brom's chest, making him unsteady, but after a moment, he realized it was matched by the very same pounding in Leik's chest. And the younger man still wasn't trying to get away. “Leik...” He murmured hopefully, taking a chance and nuzzling the side of his Lieutenant's face. “You haven't exactly protested my holding you like this.”

The cheek pressed to his suddenly grew very hot and Brom felt Leik start to actively struggle again, sputtering at him.

“I...Uh, I, just...You...”

Brom realized that Leik hadn't protested because he'd been enjoying it. He had to of been. Why else would a man allow another man to touch him so intimately? So close? That made Brom more confidant, and he chuckled. “Perhaps you feel the same? Perhaps all those times I caught you looking at me, you were thinking the same things I was thinking?”

Leik was pushing him more forcibly, shoving at his chest and his face averted, though very red, and he was still shaking his head and muttering nonsense protestations.

Brom took that as an affirmative and he smiled, feeling all the weight that had been on his chest, disappear, because Leik felt the same. He obviously felt the same, and now that there was nothing hidden, Brom could do what he wanted.

He leaned in and captured Leik's mouth with his own, a soft, sweet kiss.

There was a moment of stunned silence between them, Brom at his own bold move, and Leik most assuredly astonished by it too.

But then to Brom's own astonishment, Leik kissed back. Hard.

Leik, for all his pacifism, didn't kiss like a pacifist. His mouth was rough and hot, his teeth sharp as they nipped back at Brom's lips, and his body hard and forceful, abruptly pushing Brom backwards against his own desk, the pointed edge of it digging into the backs of his thighs.

He grunted at the feel, slightly surprised by the other's assertive actions, trying to keep up as best he could with the kiss.

It was hot. Almost too hot, and making Brom's head burn straight down to his groin, a heated trail that threatened to overtake him. To get some semblance of control back, he pushed himself up, away from the desk and straight into the other's body, sending them both stumbling back, and Brom took advantage to force Leik against the side wall, crushing him into it and gaining the upper-hand once more.

Leik resisted, still kissing but trying to get Brom off.

Their brief fight for dominance faltered for a moment as Brom skillfully slipped a thigh between the other's parted ones, taking advantage of the Lieutenant's wide stance for balance, and pressing hard into the juncture of Leik's legs.

“Ah, Brom!” The smaller man cried, face tightening and his head falling back heavily against the wall.

A heavy heat spread through Brom's chest, fanning out to his arms and down to his stomach, making him slightly light-headed. Seeing such a look like that...It was enough to make him feel weak. To know that he was causing this. That helpless, vulnerable expression that hadn't been there just a moment ago, just before Brom's leg pressed right where it counts, was almost overwhelming, and it softened him.

He ground his leg harder, watching a shudder run through the other's frame. “Leik...” He whispered, inching himself closer and closing his body over the others to the surface behind them, his chest aligning with the other's, and his arms coming up to frame Leik's head, forearms flat against the wall. “Leik...I...” The coward in him wouldn't let him finish his thoughts, and instead Brom tucked his chin down to nestle his face in the open space of Leik's neck and collarbone exposed under loose tunic.

As his lips met that sun-darkened skin, the other jerked against him, hips bucking into his thigh where it was rock-still and not moving. This wasn't nervous kissing anymore, this wasn't either of them unsure how to react to their new situation except for rebellious domination. It was now merely two people reacting to each other's touch.

Brom relished it, dragging his lips across the other's flesh and dipping his tongue out to taste that salty skin. Leik tasted like he'd always imagined. Perfect. And it made him hungry for more.

Hands fisted in the back of his shirt, tugging at it as he kissed along Leik's neck, biting lightly everywhere he could. Bringing in his other leg, he spread Leik's legs even wider, hiking him up the wall so the Lieutenant had to brace himself on his toes.

The move brought their groins tight together, both of them breathing fast because of it, though Leik seemed to be fighting it. He groaned softly, voice full of restraint, when Brom sucked at his pulse point. Brom didn't want restraint. What he wanted was Leik, all of Leik, unashamed and open.

Unsteady legs threatened to make Brom topple backwards, so he pulled off of the other, taking him along, and twisting them so Leik's back was now to the long lounge chair at their side. He forced him back, following as they landed heavily on that giant chaise, Leik arching up as their hips collided.

“Brom...” He wheezed, shuddering since Brom's mouth never left his neck. “What...?”

“You know what.” He countered, reaching between them to tangle his fingers in the laces closing the front of Leik's leggings. He swiftly untied them, slipping his fingers into that now open front, blindly searching for the other man's cock.

“Brom!” The younger cried, throwing his head back against the chaise and shuddering.

Brom panted, carefully palming the other's growing erection. He was relieved to feel he wasn't the only one in this state, and he untied his own laces, exposing his own leaking arousal.

Leik's eyes were wide, watching him from lowered lashes and lips red from kissing. Brom couldn't resist swooping in again for another kiss. Leik was putty in his hands, completely pliant and willing, and Brom moaned into his mouth. This was bliss. Finally being able to touch Leik like this, to feel his trembling like this beneath him. Such a strong, competent man reduced to this because of him. Intoxicating. Brom pulsed all over, unable to handle such feelings so soon. Just minutes ago, this was only a heated dream, and now it was actually happening.

As Brom lowered himself down, his cock met Leik's, eliciting gasps from both of them. He wrapped his fingers around both their lengths, subtly shifting the skin in a quick stroke. The sensitive spot by the head of his cock was pressed to the mirror image on Leik's, giving both of them the same rush of blood.

“Ugghh...B-Brom...I don't....” Leik whimpered, stomach flexing and fingers digging into Brom's back. His hips thrust up slightly, making their cocks rub together in Brom's grip.

“Shhh...I'll take care of us...Just relax...” He whispered, moving a hand to the back of Leik's neck, gripping him and pulling their foreheads together, kissing every few minutes as he stroked them in tandem.

The sharp edge of release was right there on the horizon of his vision and he didn't know if he could hold it off. Seeing Leik like that, cheeks flushed and hair sticking to his temples from sweat, was enough to make Brom tense up, his fingers closing over them and choking out a rough orgasm.

Thankfully, Leik followed in moments, shuddering as he came and coated Brom's finger's with his seed, mixing with Brom's already there.

Releasing them carefully, Brom wiped his hand on the back of his leggings, then collapsed dazedly onto the younger man, sighing at the contact.

Tomorrow, he would call on the King and explain his fears to him. Maybe even let His Highness know that he'd been right, about him and Leik, and that his advice had been much appreciated. Hopefully, His Highness would understand and allow Brom to organize a larger squad of soldiers for the march to the northern borders.

For now, Brom just lay where he was, the younger still panting beneath him and still grasping at his back, as if never wanting to let go.

And later, once they've both calmed enough and caught their breath, Brom would move them to his bedroom.

THE END