Name: Blunt As An Axe

Rating: K+

Characters: Boyd and Nephenee

Summary: PoR setting. A bout of boredom leads to Boyd attempting to befriend a shy soldier. Unfortunately, his mouth tends to move faster than his brain. A look at what could have been a set of support conversations between Boyd and Nephenee.

C Support Conversation

Boyd groaned as he made his way the the top deck of the ship. After being called off-duty by Ike, the green-haired mercenary had tried to take a quick nap but found he couldn't bring himself to sleep. He'd roamed around to find something to do other than train by himself but Titania had been giving him the evil eye and both Oscar and Rolf were currently on duty. He considered talking to Mist but she had started to shack up with the Daein girl that had recently joined them and her presence still made Boyd uncomfortable.

He soon found himself on his way to Brom's room. While he'd promised the large farmer he'd get him into shape, there wasn't really much to do when on-board a ship. However, he figured a spar would be a good way to work up a sweat. When he turned the corner, however, he found a sea-green haired girl clad in blue armor retracting her hand from Brom's door, mumbling to herself. "Guess he ain't there..."

Boyd grinned as he recognized her. "Hey! Imprisoned Girl! Your name's Nephenee, right?"

The girl let out a squeak and turned around quickly. Even with her helmet covering most of her face, it was obvious she was nervous.

"I'm Boyd! Bet you're nervous about being surrounded by so many new people, huh? Don't worry, we're all friendly."

"...?"

Boyd frowned. "Did you say something?"

"..."

He cleaned out his ear with a finger. "Huh?"

"...ne...ous..."

He rolled his eyes. "Come on, lady. You're gonna have to stop mumbling if you wanna answer me."

"I ain't that nervous," she repeated, sounding like a shy kitten.

"Well then you're made of some strong stuff! I'd be shaking in my boots. Only for a little though. Then I'd let my axe do the talking in the field," Boyd boasted. He strained his ear when he saw her lips move.

"I ain't that good with a lance though. Not to let it talk for me."

"Well then I'm the answer to your prayers. I've been looking for a sparring partner all afternoon. What do you say?"

"...alright," she replied quietly.

"Alright, let's get our stuff then. By the way, you're also from the country, right? Brom mentioned it."

She nodded and Boyd found the sight of her helmet shifting slightly humorous, leading to a few snickers. He failed to notice her stiffen slightly at the sound of his laughter.

"I've only been there a few times," Boyd continued conversationally. "I did have some beedle nuts when I was there though. They really left an impression. Ever had any?"

Boyd could have sworn the girl's eyes lit up as her whole demeanor brightened.

"I sure have!" Nephenee said excitedly. "Just 'bout everyone in the village likes 'em. Why, Ma makes me look for 'em almost everyday for my brothers and sister. They're dead useful for their oil but they're just as delicious to eat. I love 'em!"

She suddenly paused midstep, seeming to realize that she'd spoken more than one sentence and in regular volume. Boyd couldn't help but let out a laugh at her enthusiasm and mannerisms.

"Man, and here I thought Brom had a thick accent!" Boyd said in mirth, grinning at her. "I'm glad you like them as much I do, though. They're...really.."

He watched as Nephenee's face reddened and a look of mortification overtook her features. She turned around abruptly and fled, a choked sound escaping from her throat.

"Hey, what's the deal?" Boyd called after her. Then his eyes widened as he made the connection between his words and her reaction. "Shoot! Wait, hold on a second! I wasn't making fun of you or anything! Nephenee!"

She ignored him, disappearing around the corner and leaving him standing alone in the hallway.

"Darn! Way to look like a jerk Boyd..."

A/N: A couple of years ago I wrote "The Cat And The Knight" after finding out that Kieran and Lethe were originally supposed to be support partners. After writing it, I began to think of different combinations. Boyd and Neph are my two favorite characters and I've been wanting to write this forever but never had the time. However, I've run into writer's block regarding my other works so I thought, "Why not?"

Review please! It motivates me. Constructive criticism is also welcome. If I'm doing something wrong but be afraid to tell me!