A/N – my apologies to Shakespeare. I'd make a complete mockery of your language if I tried to use it. So, I haven't.
This is based on a personal opinion of the 2011 Catherine Tate/David Tennant production. From the way a certain scene is played out, I believe the prince's feelings for Beatrice were a little stronger than just friendship.
The credit for this goes to thenoblelark (go look her up. She's amazing). The idea had been circling in my head for weeks, and I struggled to bring it to life properly many times (which she patiently read through and gave valuable feedback on). No matter what I tried, it just wasn't working. Then she, forever beautiful and ever more resourceful than I, suggested the setting. Once established, this practically wrote itself. So for that, and for countless other reasons, I am in her debt.
"Half Myself" (Beatrice/Benedick/Don Pedro)
Marriage had not lessoned Benedick's skills as a swordsman. Don Pedro was learning this the hard way as he was once again put on the defense as the Signor easily spotted his turn, deflecting the blow and returning it with unexpected speed.
The prince waved in surrender, smiling good naturally as he wiped his brow and studied his friend. Benedick had always been merry; so much so that people often misjudged him. No one expected the "prince's jester" to be the most ferocious fighter in the fleet. When he challenged, he did so with deadly force and when he fought, it was with focused strength.
Their company's latest battle was nearly a year gone. Their journey to Messina, the entertainment provided therein, and several months since had been kind to one of the prince's greatest champions.
Don Pedro had little wonder as to its cause.
"I see that your wife has not dulled your sword, Benedick," the prince joked.
"Nay, my Lord," the other answered. "She has sharpened it to be a danger even to myself."
"That I can attest to," Claudio ventured from the side, watching the sparring with amusement and eager to have his own turn.
Downing a glass of water with one long gulp, Benedick wiped his mouth. "And she has requested that I teach her the art of swordplay," he said offhandedly. "Not now, of course. Not in her condition."
"You've taught her how to fight?"
At their surprised reactions, Benedick's eyebrows rose. "Her reasons were just: what should she do to protect hearth and home if her husband be called off to war?"
"What did she do before your marriage?"
Benedick grinned. "As mistress of her own house, she didn't want to continue to do nothing but rely on the drunken guard for protection."
"You are an unconventional husband," Don Pedro observed.
"I admit ours is not what others have," Benedick said. But grinning in a private knowledge, he met his friend's eye. "I feel it is well suited for us."
Claudio chuckled and nodded at the prince. "My Lord, would you have taught Beatrice to wield a sword if she'd married you?"
Shocked, Benedick turned to Don Pedro. "What?"
The prince blinked at the surprised reaction. Claudio, too, looked at his kinsman. "Did you not know the prince had proposed to Beatrice?"
Benedick stared at his leader as if he had never seen him before. "No, I did not know that."