Fair

Gwydion groaned as he walked into the room, being lectured by a princess was not how he wanted to spend his day.

“What’s wrong?” Taran asked as he sat up to get a better look at his friend. He’d noticed the two fighting lately, but didn’t know why.

“You needn’t worry about…” Gwydion murmured, trying not to worry the other. He was almost fully healed and would be on his way back to Caer Dallben. Taran rolled his eyes.

“It’s Eilonwy again, isn’t it?” he asked as he moved his wounded arm. He winced slightly but continued. “Why can’t you two get along?”

“She’s angry that I won’t let her in here,” Gwydion stated easily, “she will only get you wound up and you will-”

“My arm’s fine Gwydion,” Taran replied with what he hoped was a stern look. He didn’t like when Gwydion treated him like a child. He wasn’t like Eilonwy.

“Then perhaps I have no choice,” the other let out a sigh as he walked to the door. “I guess I just find it unfair. You’ll be leaving when you’ve healed completely, the princess must accompany you of course; the odd man out is me.” Before Taran could reply he walked out, closing the door quietly. Taran shook his head. Deep down he thought the warrior was amazing, but when it came to simple things he would give in like it was nothing. Just once Taran wanted…

“It’s about time!” came Eilonwy’s voice from outside the door. In all reality Taran would rather spend his time with the warrior than the ditzy girl. “How are you feeling?” she called out as she ran in, “Gwydion is finally letting me visit you again, he can be so stubborn sometimes. He’s like a-“ Taran let himself lay back down, realizing the bad choice he’d made. It wasn’t that he hated Eilonwy, she was just an annoying girl sometimes. “Are you even listening to me?” she said, slightly annoyed.

“I get it,” Taran waved the question off with his good hand, “he’s stubborn, but he’s still my friend.” Eilonwy nodded and to Taran’s dismay kept on talking. The conversation was easily switched to what she’d been doing the last few days and how she’d missed the other. Taran sighed as Gwydion’s earlier words flowed through his mind. He didn’t expect Gwydion to talk to him like that, but he was right. “Eilonwy?” he asked as he heard her grow quiet for once, “are you planning on living at Caer Dallben with me?”

“Well of course!” she started quickly, “you know, for an assistant pig-keeper you sure do ask silly questions. You’re like-”

“Then isn’t it unfair for you to take up all my time here?” Taran cut in. He opened his eyes to see a puzzled, if not somewhat offended look from the girl. “If you’re going to live with me shouldn’t I spend as much time with Gwydion as I can now? When I go back home I won’t be able to see him as often or at all anymore.” Eilonwy bit her lip as she nodded slightly.

“I guess you’re right…” she said quietly, “now I sound like the selfish one. He did seem upset… Perhaps I should ask him back in.” As her sentence finished the doors opened, Gwydion strolling in with a couple glasses of water.

“Is anyone thirsty?” he said as Taran sat up and stretched a little, nodding. Eilonwy walked over with her head down and grabbed the glasses.

“I was thinking maybe I should go fix up my bed,” she said as she handed one to Taran and set the other on the table. “It is getting late, and we must all be well rested for when Taran is feeling better.” With that she walked out of the room, leaving Gwydion slightly surprised.

“And after getting so worked up…” he mumbled as he sat down on the bed beside Taran, “perhaps she only wanted to check up and see if you were alright.” Taran nodded and took a few sips of his water, trying to keep quiet. “You like her, don’t you?” Gwydion asked suddenly.

“Of course I do,” Taran said after swallowing the water quickly, “she’s like the little sister I never had.” Gwydion let out a rich chuckle along with a few words Taran couldn’t quite catch.

“And what of me?” Gwydion asked , “I suppose I’d be an uncle or something.” Taran shook his head and set the water down.

“You don’t drive me crazy like Eilonwy,” Taran said easily, “we fight like siblings all the time.” Gwydion nodded his head, he knew the girl would fight with anyone though.

“I’m actually somewhat relieved,” he said with another small laugh.

“What do you mean?” Taran asked as he met Gwydions eyes. They normally looked a cold, now they were compassionate.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Gwydion replied as he fluffed the pillows and went to stand up, “certainly not something for an assistant pig-keeper to worry himself about.” Taran felt flustered.

“I’m not a kid you know,” he said as he tried to cross his arms. Gwydion put a hand to his chin and pulled him close.

“It would seem you’re right,” he said silently as he pulled the boy closer for a small kiss. Taran quickly blushed, but couldn’t find the will to pull away. It was like he’d been waiting for this to happen. As soon as it had happened Gwydion leaned back up and turned around. “It seems I’m being too familiar…” he said stiffly as he grabbed the second glass of water and began walking from the room. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.” Surprised, Taran couldn’t find the words to reply with as the other left the room silently.

“What was that?” he finally whispered as he held a hand up to hover just near his lips. His hero just kissed him, the man he’d looked up to, wanted to be like for years. He didn’t know what to think, was it bad? It didn’t feel the part… In fact it left him feeling relieved.