Locked Jaw, clenched fists, the knight of flowers pushed his king aside and made to tie the laces of his breeches.
'No' he repeated, fingers funbling slightly as he felt his lovers finger trailing along his spine. Loras shrugged it off, standing and making his way to the tents entrance, collecting stray bits of clothing as he went. He heard movement behind him and knew that he had but moments to think up an argument. he turned back to the bed with a look of pure annoyance and disdain on his face. He watched his king spread out topless and lustful on the bed, that winning sneer spread across his features. In any other situation, that look would have made him hard in an instant. now, however, things were different.
'Renly…you have never been in a true battle before and the vanguard…' he sighed, looking away.
'I know what im doing Loras' Renly replied, moving to slip his feet onto the floor 'now come back to bed, this is ridiculous…'
'no, this is exasperating Ren, and i'm getting tired of it-'
'but you said, to be a good king…' he struggled for a moment before finding the words. 'you said i had to prove myself, and how else do i do that but by showing i can be as couragious as everyone makes out to be! you're the one being exasperating!'
'No!' he burst out angrily 'Renly, no! you do not know how you're life would be in danger, you can't possibly-' he paused, swallowing, letting the wave of knowledge of what could happen wash over him. He lowered his voice, looking the man straight in the eyes 'i cannot lose you Renly, i cannot'
Renly's face softened, seeing the concern on Loras' face. He stood, walking slowly toward his knight. When the stood but a foot apart, he slipped a hand up his lovers bare arm and let it rest around the back of his neck. He sighed.
"Loras, my love, you cannot protect me forever. I am a King and I cannot hide forever"
A light kindled in Loras' eyes at his words, as if a fire had been lit behind them. He plunged forward, pressing his lips eagerly into Renly's. Renly tried to push him away, stopping Loras in his tracks. There was heart warming fervour on his face.
"that's it, you have found the answer! I am one of your Kingsguard am I not?" hi grabbed the man by the shoulders and shook him. Renly's heart dropped as he realised what his knight was planning on doing. He groaned.
"no, Ren, listen! I can be placed in the Van, your very own" he kissed him again "Personal shield" he grinned happily at him, and it was all Renly could do to pull him back to the bed and tuck him gently under his arm.
"You don't have to do this, you said yourself, you cannot keep me safe, and what if something happens to you?" he twisted his head to look down, finding the hair atop his head close to his face. He nestled his face into it, taking in the scent and feel of it. This could be the last night they had chance for anything. After a moment he pulled away and sighed. he was resigned.
"Alright' he said reluctantly, waving his hand and looking up at the roof of the tent. "yes, you can follow me in the Van" Loras rolled over on top of him, unexpectadly, pulling his face toward him and kissing him with such enthusiasm it almost rolled them off the bed. He pulled away, sneering.
"I knew you could never resist me. Nobody ever can" He kissed him again, their passionate embrace bringing them through to the rising of the sun, and what could possibly be their last day they both spent on this earth together.