Just that Simple

For all you Raoul and Buri shippers out there. Just some short and sweet fluff.

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It was a mere whisper, so quiet that she may have missed it if it were not for the fact that her breathing had slowed faster than his after their lovemaking. She was about to tease him about growing old.

"Marry me," the voice has said. It was that simple. No fancy explanation, nothing else. Just those simple words.

Buriram Tourakom rolled over onto her chest so that she could look at him properly. She grinned at him through the partial darkness and purred, "Well, you see, Giantkiller, that would depend." Even at a time like this she couldn't help but tease Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak just a little.

A large hand found its way to the small of her back and pulled her protectively closer. "Depend on what, my love?" The voice was husky and quiet albeit that it was broken up by shallow breaths.

"Well, you see," she began quietly. "I might need to be persuaded."

"I see." Raoul paused and added with a smile, "And if I were, let's say, particularly good at this persuasion you speak of, you would say yes?"

"Yes to what?" Buri said full of a feigned child-like innocence.

"You know what I said Buri."

"Marry me?" she teased. "I'm quite sure I'd make a terrible wife Raoul."

"Wife?" he scoffed. "I don't want a wife," he said. "I want a friend, a comrade, a lover, a woman who understands more than anyone else I've ever met. I want you Buri, and not just when his Majesty is feeling generous and posts the Seventeenth and the Third Company together."

Buri had to grin. The last couple of years had been like that – rushed love making in wooded clearings, stables, barracks, offices and cramped tents when time allowed such pleasures. Otherwise, it had been a mere nod of acknowledgement in passing or a stolen kiss. They both knew they needed more than that. They needed something lasting. They needed to be together.

Raoul smiled pulling the love of his life closer. "And besides, just picture Jon's face. The famed court 'Bachelor' finally getting married. How perfect his that?"

"And marrying the Rider Commander besides? I can just see Thayet now." Buri laughed. "Priceless."

"So that's a yes then, beautiful?"

As she leant closer into his embrace she nodded vigorously, "I'd be honoured to be your wife, my lord."

Raoul pulled Buri on top of him and kissed her passionately. "Though," Buri began thoughtfully. "I could still do with some persuasion."

"Persuasion, eh? I think I could manage that."

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Please do review, I'd love to know what you think.

- Gen