A Terrible Twist: Part Three
AN: Don't go loving Peter just yet... And don't go hatin' him totally either. I want to show that there's still layers of the man he was once to him, and that Caspian doesn't see him as just some villain who needs to be vanquished. Because if Peter was truly that - no matter the necessary evil of keeping him alive and well, I doubt Caspian would be able to handle it. It'd drive himoff the deep end and force him to rid Narnia and Susan of the High King. Also - did anyone ever notice that General Glozelle always seemed so reluctant? Like he not just didn't want to follow his orders, but like he was dragging his heels wherever necessary, like some kinda saboteur? It comes to the fore the most in the very beginning when Miraz reminds him of his orders, and Glozelle looks stony-faced like he's steeling himself against what he must do, and when he looks at Caspian's bed there's some twitches that make it even more apparent. And of course there's the part where he stays his weapon though he's got the clearest shot anyone ever was going to get at dispatching Caspian when he falls in the big hole at the How. While true Caspian looks worried, and scoots away from him it's almost as though Caspian's got this look of "Oh shit... Teacher, will it be you? Will you recognize me? Am I still your student? Shit shit shit..."
Then of course there's Glenstorm - whenever Peter contradicts Caspian in the movie (most noticeably when they're making the plans for the Night Raid), it's like the centuar glances at Caspian then to Peter and says "Well crap - I prefer the level-headed one better... But dangit - this blond guy kinda outranks him... but I did pledge my swords and my son's lives to Caspian... (8)sigh(8) I suppose rank is what I have to obey." Okay I shut up now.
How must I earn your love again Susan? Peter frowned watching as Susan stormed off. Why won't you love me anymore? Why do I have to force you to talk to me? To hold me? Feeling eyes on him, Peter glanced over remembering Caspian's presence. With a frown he accepted Caspian's wordless thanks. But there was a spark buried deep in those dark eyes that unsettled Peter. Ignoring the prince as he left, Peter stared up at the relief of Aslan, Why didn't you show yourself to me? Don't you know I needed you? That we needed you?
Disheartened, Peter sat, wishing that it was Susan and not Lucy who came to stay with him. Aslan, your people need you. There's only so much I can do alone... I'm so divided. We're going to die - the Narnians and my family. Must I prove myself to you as well as Susan? There's no time though! None! Haven't I done enough? I can't protect them on my own Aslan. I just can't.
Coming to a decision Peter got up, giving Lucy a one-armed hug, before trying to find a last quiet moment with Susan before their eventual deaths. Finding her surprisingly alone, Peter was sure that Caspian would have been with her, he approached quietly. She was fletching arrows frantically, bundling them together, as though a few extra shafts would make all the difference in the world. His fingers ached to twine through her hair, run over her breasts and touch her wetness. But most of all he hurt, he wanted those happy days back when they ruled. Where she smiled for him shyly when he kissed her. When she'd come to his bed at night from a bad dream for comfort. The first time he'd kissed her, the first time he'd touched her, Susan had blushed, unsure. He'd been unsure too, he just knew he wanted to make her feel good, to feel better, to ease the memories of the White Witch. And he almost brought her back! Ugh.. not that I wasn't tempted too. Oh god Su, I'm so sorry. I know how much she scared you, never want you to be unsafe.
Swallowing, Peter cleared his throat, "Su?"
"I so do not want to talk to you right now Peter! I don't want to hear it!" she snapped.
Flinching, Peter looked down at the ground, "Please," saying the one word he knew would always soften her.
Watching as she pressed her hands to her face, elbows on the table, "What?"
Making himself comfortable next to her, tugging one of her hands into his, so he could look at her, "I love you."
"Prove it," and she got up leaving him without a look, and Peter realized - he didn't know her anymore.
Fine. I will. I'll do what has to be done. I'll save you, Lucy, Edmund, the Narnians - and I'll see that damned upstart on his throne. That should do, shouldn't it?
Susan was angry, enraged, beyond belief. How could they?! Peter should have known better, but at the same time Susan understood that Peter could have been tempted easily - there were many things he wanted and he wasn't as strong of morals as most thought. But Caspian? You're supposed to be stronger than that! Better...Struggling to regain her calm as she vaulted into Destrier's saddle, while Caspian lifted Lucy up behind her, Susan couldn't even look at him. They were going to die, the hope that Lucy would make it in time slim. She would have wanted to spend her last time with Caspian, to find out finally how he would treat her as he bedded her, but now that opportunity was gone. Which was another thing that upset her to no end. I wanted to tell you... But she couldn't not with Lucy there, not with the anger burning in her breast still, and not with the minutes ticking by, trickling away too fast to catch.
His hand on her ankle was gentle as he adjusted the stirrups, "Destrier has served me well, you are in good hands," the faintest of tremors in his voice. Begging, begging her to look at him.
"Or hooves!" Lucy giggled.
Glancing down, she saw everything there, the remorse laying thick enough to cut settled over his features. Susan could tell he just wanted to make it right, and that cooled the fire down some. He couldn't hold her gaze and looked away, trying to find more to say. She just wanted to reach out and touch him, run her fingers through his hair one last time. To feel how silky the curls were, to kiss his neck once more, to be safe for just a moment longer.
Watching as he fumbled at his hip, holding up her horn in his long dark hands, cradling it securely there as loving with it as he was with her, "I should give you back your horn."
"No, you keep it," this was all she could give him - her forgiveness and a token to keep safe, a piece of herself that would stay with him even though they would most likely not survive, "You may need to call me again."
Understanding flashed over his face - that and hope. Kicking his beloved horse into a canter, she sped away with Lucy clinging to her waist.
"You may need to call me again? What kind of response is that?!" Lucy said derisively, the sound echoing down the stone halls.
"Shut up Luce!"
And they broke into dappled sunlight, racing as fast as they could, darting between trunks, Destrier's legs stretching out far with each gallop, thrusting them into the air, and ever forward. Forward to some slim hope, some tiny chance that Lucy could find Aslan. Susan needed that hope more than anything, she needed Caspian to live. A tiny voice in her heart also reminded her that she wanted Peter to be safe as well. Edmund was the only one she didn't worry about - he was the biggest survivor of them all, no matter what, he'd crawl to the top of the mountains of dead, alive and well.
She didn't have time to think too long, keeping her seat in the smooth rolling run, heading into the darkest parts of the forest, because no - oh no, they weren't alone. Hooves thudded, pounding louder than her heart if that was possible. Keeping an eye out for any kind of clearing where the boughs were close together at the edges so the Telmarine cavalry had to approach in a knot or single file, Susan knew she'd have to let Lucy go on her own.
Hauling on Destrier's reins, Susan slid nimbly from the saddle, "Take the reins Lucy."
"What? What are you doing?!"
"I'm sorry Luce - it looks like you'll be going alone afterall," swatting the beautiful black horse's rump, Susan stared for just long enough, watching her little sister flee. Be safe Lucy, please. Please be safe. Aslan, please, protect them...
And she turned, becoming the warrior Queen she was known as, softness dropping from her face as she took careful aim. The bow quivered in her hands eagerly knowing it was to be put to use, the arrow flying free with deadly accuracy. One down. Two down. Three down. Thrown to the side as they crowded her, Susan tried to get back up, to fight, You won't have her!
An arrow was in her fist, and she tried to punch it into a soldier's leg, but was tossed to the ground. Sword raised high overhead, and Susan could do naught but stare, knowing that she would die alone, with no comfort at all. Caspian and Peter were safe though, Lucy looking for Aslan, and Edmund just waiting for the battle to begin. There was a battle cry, and clanging, her assailant hacked to pieces before a bay horse swung around, shouldering into another mount, blood flying from a flashing sword. Dizzy from the adrenaline, the battle fever pounding in her veins it took her a moment to realize it was Caspian. Oh god what are you doing here?!
He was grinning as he came closer, hand out, "Sure you do not need that horn?"
Unable to help herself, Susan returned his mirth, he looked so gorgeous even covered in blood, a little splash of it on his cheek, "I'd rather you keep it close." Clambering to her feet, forgetting about skinned palms, taking hold of Caspian's hand, shoving her foot into the stirrup he freed so she could swing behind him. "And I'd rather you keep me close too," whispering into his ear, not even caring where she got the boldness to say so.
His sharp intake of breath, looking at her over his shoulder, "Always." Eyes twinkling, "Hold on to me."
"Always," she mumbled as she wrapped her ams around his waist, clinging for dear life as the horse lurched forward.
I don't think I ever could let go again, I can't face knowing I'm about to die without you... But with you, I'm fine, alive, even if I'm breathing my last breath... So many things she thought, felt, but never would say to him, knowing he needed hope. For some reason his every laugh as they rode back to the How was joyous, vibrant and full of life, as though he was sure that everything would be well.
His gut twisted seeing Peter so battered, frantically searching behind him to see if Susan was unhurt, if Lucy was safe. Do not look at her like that! Like she is your world! You are hurting her every time you look at Susan like that, it makes her soften to you... Thief! Unworthy! Even though Caspian hated Peter, he could see the man he once had been - they could have been friends, if Susan hadn't been an issue. Heart flipping in his throat as Susan hugged Peter, checking him over, concerned. The way Peter's eyes lit up at the touch despite the pain from his shoulder being wrenched was hard to see. But Caspian wasn't a cruel man, he was learning what love was like, and could notice it in others. No, I must steel myself. He is not worthy of it any longer. Though it saddens me on some level.
Having acknowledged the sympathy in his oft times too tender heart, Caspian tried to do his best to tend Peter's wounds. It would harm Susan if she lost Peter, her soul so full of love for others that she could love her abuser even though she wasn't inlove with him. Edmund waved Caspian away, taking over in the care of the injured High King. He should warn Peter of Miraz's weaknesses, his strengths, but couldn't find it in himself to do so despite the very grudging desire to keep him alive. Brushing his fingers over Susan's horn at his hip, Caspian smiled - knowing he was the ultimate victor so he could spare some care for the vanquished who was willingly putting himself on the line.
The duel was both long and short, and if either man had been lesser they'd have long since fallen. In his mind he was quite aware that even Miraz's death wouldn't stop the battle that loomed darkly on the horizon. Conserving his energy in a loose parade stance, calculating the odds, the plans he, Edmund and Peter had concocted, he was far from sure of survival. But he would live, and he would throw aside all comers, cutting a swath to guard these wronged Narnians, fighting until the Telmarine Lords leading this war realized it was no use in standing against him. And then he would court Susan, showing her all the choices available to her, that he loved her with everything he had and more. Eventually she may even consent to be his wife, but either way he'd respect her wishes. Having faith in Susan, in himself, in the Narnians, Aslan - and even Peter - Caspian knew no matter what - loosing was not an option to even be considered.
"It's not my life to take," the voice broke through the fog of his mind.
Surprised, Caspian eyed the hilt of Miraz's sword presented to him by the High King. His uncle on his knees, resignation and fatigue moulding his face, sure that there would be no quarter given. Taking the sword, walking as though through a dream, Caspian locked eyes with Miraz. Once this man had carried him on his broad shoulders, thrown him in the air until he was breathless with laughter. When his father had died, Miraz had comforted his crying, telling him that he had to be strong. Even knowing that Miraz had killed his father, it was hard to forget the good times. The times when he loved this man on his knees awaiting death. Caspian could feel Susan watching him, measuring his actions. Who was he? Can I kill my blood? Am I that man? Oh Susan I wish I could speak of this with you... I need your counsel. Desperately... oh please...
The weight of Glozelle's gaze was just as heavy, another man who had cared for him, and Caspian was sure the Professor had been slipped information from some source the general had sent of the plans of the night of his cousin's birth. He had been the harshest task master, pushing Caspian to be the best, no matter what, and each time Caspian was to have an 'acident' the blows delivered were always just slow enough, just this side of not fatal so that he was spared. What would Glozelle tell him? "Always keep your honour my Prince, it is the one thing no one can ever take from you," that is what you would say my teacher. It was the only advice he had at his disposal.
Peter was just to his side, urging him without words to do the right thing. The just thing. A thing a king would do. To be strong. But Edmund was behind him, the Just King, only urging to do whatever he felt was right. Glenstorm waited with that eternal patience, always loyal to Caspian even though High King Peter outranked the prince.
"I was wrong - you do have what it takes to be king afterall," Miraz looked down, and in that moment that was the man who had slipped him chocolates before bed. It was the man who gave him Destrier, helping him into the large horse's saddle the first time with a proud smile when he was eleven.
Pain shattered his heart, he knew Miraz needed to be punished, for all the crimes against the Telmarines, the Narnians, against his father, against him. But it hurt, oh it hurt. Feeling the tears well up, Caspian brought the sword up, preparing to kill this relative, his hand shaking so bad Caspian had to steady the blade against his injured palm. Quickly! I must do it quickly.. What of my aunt? What of my cousin? What do I do?! Must I kill him to be king? Screaming, Caspian brought the blade down, only shifting it at the last second so it was buried in between stones, quivering.
"Not one like you," saying goodbye to his childhood. "You may keep your life, but I am giving the Narnians back their freedom."
Was that pride in Miraz's eyes? It was definately satisfaction from Glozelle as though he was saying Caspian had learned his lessons well. Peter was disappointed, disbelief bordering on rage - Stow it for later boy-king. Glenstorm simply nodded as Caspian walked away, Edmund clapping him on the shoulder, but it was Susan's eyes he held - they were happy. Tilting his head back, Caspian basked until he was pulled from it by Lord Sopespian's shout.
Springing into action, Caspian vaulted to his horse, Glenstorm on his heels, racing into How.
If he had just killed Miraz this wouldn't be happening! Damnit! Why did I have to let him have a choice?! Peter cut through another soldier, hacking each one as though it were that idiot Caspian. Imagining that the steel faces were Caspian's, taking his anger out on anyone hapless enough to stumble into his path. But the honourable man in Peter wouldn't take someonelse's kill from them if it was their right. And Miraz had done enough ill to Caspian that I had to. Damnable ethics. Sometimes I hate them. Large round boulders soared high over head, killing griffins, Telmarines, and Narnian's indiscriminately, Seems no matter where one is - war is war. I hope Susan's watching, knowing what I'm doing for her, for us.
Caspian tore through the crowd of soldiers with the larger Narnians following him, easing the pressure on Peter's forward line, as they took down a regiment in a pincher attack.
A thrill went through Peter when he saw Caspian unhorsed, but the prince recovered quickly, fighting with as much ferocity as Peter, and he had to admire his abilities a touch. If only I could go head to head with you, I wonder how long you'd stand against me?But Susan wouldn't approve, and after the incident with the White Witch, Peter was on shaky enough ground to know that he had to tread impossibly cautiously. His shoulder was an agony but at least it was usable.
Caspian was almost back to back with him, "We need to retreat - buy time!"
Nodding, Peter yelled, "Fall back to the How! Fall back!"
The cry spread, Narnians running back, while Peter, Edmund and Caspian along with thirty or so Narnians used delaying tactics covering their backs from attack. That was when the trajectory from the boulders changed, taking out chunks of the How in thundering cracks. Eyes wide, Peter turned, terrified for Susan. His fears proved founded when the doorway was destroyed, crushing his people, and Susan fell.
Susan! Nooo!he couldn't scream it was lodged in his throat, unable to escape. But she was caught by Trumpkin, the dwarf swinging her to a ledge that she tumbled down, landing heavily.
Caspian was speeding past Peter as he stared, held immobile, Move move damnit! She needs me!He couldn't though. Susan was lifted to her feet, and Peter couldn't watch anymore, turning and continuing to fight - there was no choice. Peter could feel it though when she was beside him, so that she was between he and Caspian. Her presence was a welcome balm and fueled his battle frenzy. All the while red fletched arrows sped past him, taking out soldier after soldier.
Stamping and whirling the trio were seperated and reuinted throughout the battle and seperated again. Trees came, great roots plowing through the earth throwing enimies this way and that, tearing them to shreds. Aslan! relief washing over him, We'll live. Thank you Aslan, thank you.
Susan was in Caspian's arms, listening to his heartbeat, reassuring herself that he was there, that he was real and that he was alive. I almost lost you... He seemed to understand, just hugging her to him, his face pressed to her neck in what had to be giving him a terrible crick. Dirty, covered in sweat and blood, some of it his, most of it others, Caspian smelled of security and home. She buried her hands in his hair, doing what she'd wanted so desperately to do earlier, kissing his throat, ignoring the coppery taste in favour of the musky male sweat that was drying there.
"I need you," Susan pullled back, staring into his eyes.
Nodding, Caspian only looked around to find a likely place. Dragged behind some bushes on the outskirts of the forest, far enough away that no one would hear or notice any rustlings, but close enough to call for help if they needed it for any reason, Susan started tearing at her battle harness. Calloused hands landed over hers, stilling their movement, long enough for Caspian to drag them up to his lips.
"May I assist?" the way he was staring at her so intently making her feel as though she were the most desirable woman he'd ever seen in his life.
Nodding, she set to relieving him of his pauldrons, steel studded jerken and vambraces. Clanking as their armour hit the ground in metallic thuds, Susan tried to get Caspian free as fast as possible. It wasn't that she was seeking pleasure, just closeness, needing it like air after the last while's events. Raising her arms as directed, her chainmail tunic dragged straight up, his greater height making it easier to remove. Jangling and wiggling a few curses uttered that made him laugh at her irritation with the metal in her hands, and finally they were both reduced to everyday wear.
His linen shirt clung to his chest, soaked still and then it was gone, spread on the ground followed by his boots kicked next to their gear. Caspian's hands paused at the ties to his pants, and Susan could see the first spark of worry enter his beautiful chocolate depths. But Susan hadn't been still as he worked and she was down to her shift, her fingers twisting in the material. Gathering her courage, Susan yanked the underdress over head, letting it drop atop his shirt. Blanking her mind she then took hold of her undergarments, the chemise that protected her from being marked by her corset, and the little bloomers, now naked and waiting. Do something... Please? I can't do anymore... I... I need you Caspian...
"You leave me... breathless..." the awe in his voice, and how he was drinking her in, shook Susan to her core.
Blushing, Susan made herself take a step to him, to unlace his trews, and taking a deep breath, she pushed them down his narrow hips. Fingers traced her collarbone drawing her eyes up to his from where she'd was staring fixedly at his navel - neither looking higher nor lower, unprepared for seeing what was awaiting her or what his face was saying. Emotions were chasing one another through his eyes, hunger, surprise, uncertainty, wonder, and... something that Susan was fairly sure was love.
Swallowing, "Do I?"
He nodded pulling one of her hands to his chest to rest over his heart, "It beats so very fast, but when I realize that this is real - it stops for a moment. Can you feel it?"
And she could, his heart drummed against his breast and her hand, thudding at breakneck speeds and then it would stutter to a stop for the briefest of seconds then pick back up. Biting her lip, "What now?"
"Now? Now I would like to kiss you if I may," Caspian leaned down but came no further, waiting for her permission, not touching her anywhere other than the hand he still held to his heart. Nodding her assent, Susan decided to try something when his lips moved over hers. Tangling the fingers of her free hand in his unruly mop of wavy chestnut hair, keeping him locked to her, Susan took the last step, bringing herself flush with him, standing on her toes to reach him properly. The move unbalanced her, but Caspian's arm came around her back, supporting her.
Every lean line of muscle was against the softer ones of her body, and Susan could feel the thatch of curls between his thighs where his manhood lay heavy with blood, ready for her. The thought was frightening but with how her own body was feeling - achey and needy - she craved the closeness of him being inside her. Seperating from his mouth long enough to kiss burning trails down his neck, making Caspian moan her name, and then Susan realized she was straddling him as he sat on their clothes. Hands traveled her back, touching, stroking as he panted her name over and over again, never demanding a thing in return even though Susan felt how hard he was.
"Caspian," laying a kiss to his shoulder where a large bruise was still forming.
"Yes, my Queen?" sucking in air as though it were a struggle.
"Um.. how.. don't you need to be ontop?"
Kissing her chin, "No. You just... may I show you?" Trying to be brave, Susan smiled, which he took for what it was - consent. He directed her to lean up, with soft touches, then to guide him to her entrance, which throbbed with something wilder than it ever had before. His hands on her hips, "Do you feel me?"
"Yes," It tickles, balancing on her knees while using his shoulder for stability. Caspian's throat was working and she watched as he visibly contained a groan when she squirmed against him, And it really tickles when I do that! unable to contain a giggle at his reaction and to the stimulation. His cock hadn't quite entered her, and she thought staying like this was silly. Before Caspian could tell her what to do, Susan decided to figure it out for herself - especially since Caspian was having a very hard time speaking. Sighing, Susan sank down, eyes widening from how he stretched her, his girth more than she realized as she was filled to capacity. Throwing her head back Susan let out a shameless moan, hair falling down to touch his knees, leaning back so far. Oh god...
A strangled cry issued from Caspian, his head falling to her upthrust breasts, mouth working over the sensitive globes, his breath hot on her skin. With his arm wrapped around her waist allowing Susan to stay arched, each of her gasps pushing him deeper inside of her. Writhing in his arms, Susan could feel a familiar tingle start, but this was no mere 'tingle' - it was an inferno, a twisting and pulling at her, something that resembled neither pleasure nor pain, yet it was both, as it coalesced. It was only heightened further, when Caspian flipped his hand over and slid it down to where they were joined, stroking at the nubbin that was a hereto unexplored center of ecstasy for her. Crying out Susan ground against Caspian, frantic even as this thing was boiling from everywhere up and out and she was soaring. Wrung limp from the sensations Susan looked at her dark haired lover, how he was struggling so hard to maintain control. All of this took only minutes, seconds, but seemed as though she'd escaped reality for hours.
Draping her arms over his shoulders, "Um.. hi."
"And hello to you," he chuckled, and she could see him momentarily forget his need.
"So um.. was that supposed to happen?" blushing, and wriggling her hips against his.
"Well I was not expecting it to occur so quickly, but, then again the body is an amazing thing," laying down, the sound of leaves rustling as he planted his feet on the ground. "Ride me like a uh," Oh god I can't believe he's blushing!
"Like a what?" feeling wicked and wanting to see if she could make his dusky skin pinker, asking innocently.
Coughing, Caspian blushed deeper, whispering, "Like a horse. Just.. rock your hips like - uhn..!"
"Like that?" moaning along with him as she moved slowly trying to find a rhythm that made his neck arch and his teeth clench.
"Yes," hissing, his hands going to her breasts, fondling them. "You can, uhn, lean against my hands, yes like that... just like... Susan!" experimentally she circled her hips on a downstroke. Caspian's voice was hoarse as he murmured encouragements, hips grinding upwards to meet hers. Faster and faster Susan rode him until the joy started to come again, It can happen more than once?! until it crashed over her.
"Caspian!" and then his hands were on her waist, as he thrust faster from beneath her, his thickness twitching until his eyes scrunched closed a ragged shout torn from his lungs that may have been her name.
Shit, was all he could muster for thought, as he lay spent holding Susan crushed to his heaving chest. Looking over her shoulder to the curve of her back to where it narrowed to her waist then flared fully into those round hips and her heart-shaped bottom. Running his finger along her spine, loving how her skin felt beneath his touch, The first time I get to truly touch her, I wind up making love to her? I hope this was okay for her... I hope it was the right thing... Remembering the look she had given him when he'd followed her, and when he'd spared his uncle, or just a little bit ago - the need was there, but it wasn't lust. It was a need for intimacy, to know that he was there and real. Caspian could understand, it had been a near thing when he'd rescued her - some insane voice in his head had told him to jump down and ravish her then and there while he still had a chance.
Thankfully that desperate voice had shut up with little urging from his more sensible side. Running his hands over her back and shoulders, "Susan?"
"Mph?" moving her face just enough to blink at him owlishly, Oh you look beautiful as nothing else in any life could look right now, and.. surprisingly cute.
Smiling, his ministrations turned even more languid, simply wanting to reassure himself, though she seemed perfectly content, "Is it alright that I am touching you like this? I am not... scaring you?"
"I'm okay, just sleepy," her chin rested on his chest, hair hanging off to the side of one alabaster shoulder. "Can we just stay like this forever?"
"I would like nothing more, well... Other than a bath, possibly one with some company, if I may be so bold? Afterall I am quite sweaty, and probably quite offensive to your nose."
Susan took a deep inhale, her eyes closed, and smiled, "Nope, you smell good." Then her nose wrinkled, "But me on the other hand... I'm a bit fragrant..."
Laughing, Caspian managed to sit up despite how battered, bruised, worn, and sated he felt, with Susan in his arms, lounging on him like a piece of furniture. Curling his fingers around the back of her neck, tilting her head so he could kiss her deeply with tenderness that she returned with a heat he hadn't expected. He had quickly decided that he could survive on her kisses alone, so full of life and thrills that he wouldn't need food or air outside of what she gave him. Susan grumbled at him when he heaved to his feet, keeping her plastered to him, her legs wrapping around his waist.
"Well I feel rather ripe and you feel a bit scented, and there is a handy little creek not too far..." it was a lucky thing to him that they'd wound up near their usual place, with it's little sand and pebble stream, something he planned on taking full advantage of. Susan squealed when he shifted her over his shoulder, as he laughed jogging the few meters to it, running in splashing while hands smacked at his backside in mock fury.
"Oh you oaf!" but she was giggling and far more awake at the touch of cold water that he was kicking up.
Letting her slide down his front, grinning ear to ear, "Well I certainly smell like one..." darting away from her.
"I'm so going to get you!" sputtering, trying to splash him.
The water wasn't very deep, just to mid-thigh on Caspian, but it came up almost to Susan's waist, making it hard for her to maneuver as quickly as him. Squeals and chuckles echoed around them as they played like children, drenched in the cool water that eased the aches in their bodies.
"Ah ha! You got me, you got me! Alas for I am caught!" Caspian laughed, letting Susan tackle him into the water.
"Damn right you're caught!" Susan's chest was heaving and her cheeks were flushed, hair clinging to her in wet curls.
Caspian's mood softened at once, taking her face in his hands, "Aye, well and truly you have ensnared me, and I am helpless in your arms... To your laughter... To your smiles... You are the most beautiful woman anywhere."
Susan's eyes widened, and he could see fear flash uncertainly in their depths, "What if I wasn't pretty?"
"You will always be pretty, no matter the incarnation," rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks, "You could look like a Black Dwarf - and you would still be the most lovely woman of all time. It is not your physical assets of which I speak Susan." A rock was digging into his knee but it was ignored in favour of easing Susan, "Though those are truly great, do not mistake me there. It is your heart that makes you so. The strength you possess, the love you have - I have told you of it before, and I will tell you again and again until you believe it, for it is true."
Oh how he wanted to tell her he loved her, but something always stopped him from saying those words, the memory of a husky voice telling her that over and over again as it violated her. Caspian wanted nothing they did together to remind her of that. Ever. Though at times it was so very hard to not utter what felt as though it was bursting from his insides, warming a cold world with a gentle steady force. Susan had become his life in so little time, so easily, giving him a purpose beyond duty, and he would do what had to be done to keep her safe. Even against her will? that thought was quickly shoved aside, but it still whispered darkly. Silencing it with, I am not Peter! But what was worse... was the argument that Susan may not always do what was right for herself in the long run, but what was familiar. None of it showed on his face, this conflict, or so he hoped, as the fear eased away from Susan's bottomless pools.
Her lips parted to speak, then things happened too fast. Terror filled her face, a masculine roar, and Caspian was shoving her aside, out of the way, as Peter came charging in, his sword flashing. Everything froze as Caspian had risen to meet him - unarmed and nude - and just before he could be spitted on Peter's blade... Susan was there, with an agility that no one would have expected... She hung there from the cruelly sharp weapon even as Peter couldn't stay his thrust, and then it was punching into Caspian, horror on the High King's face coupled with possessive rage. Sound was gone, but for the rushing in his ears, pain a distant thing that beat against his mind, and then the sword was torn free, Peter throwing it aside, trying to catch Susan as Caspian fell back, floating in the water. So cold...as he was being swallowed up, only vaguely aware of Susan struggling, bleeding out her life's blood, tearing free of Peter's arms to cradle him. Looking up at Susan, blood running down her side, painting her in wine red, his head pillowed on her breasts, and he was warmed by the loving waters of her eyes, blazing hot silver drops landing on his face.
He had to say it... had to... "Susan... I wanted to... make you happy..." a last act of strength, "I love you always..."
AN: Hmmm Well how Susan acts is definately alot better than most abused women, but I wanted things to move along smoothly. A magic wand can't just be waved in real life, but the fic's angsty enough without making her perminately damaged. So - some love and kindness heal her up pretty good, pretty quick. I decided to have her hang onto her innocence to a degree, so that it'd be more believable as to how fast she's healing emotionally. Though - having the man you're in love with dying in your arms, after the other man you love (who just so happens to be the jealous possessive older brother... who's kinda nasty to you...) has just stabbed you in an attempt to kill the man you're IN love with... It might kinda damage you, don't ya think?
kimidragon: Well as to why Susan's never preggers with Peter's child... all will be explained shortly. And yes of course Caspian and Susan would make good babies. Hell Anna Poppewell would make good babies! And so would Ben Barnes! Hmm... two good baby makres squared equals... huh - well sometimes that makes not so great babies now that I think about it... What if it was a girl and it got Ben's huge hands and ganglyness and then Anna's mouth and eyes? Poor little girl... But! In the land of fic we can make them absolutely perfect, no? Curly brown hair with dark Telmarine skin and either striking blue eyes, or hazelly... Or light brown. With perfect little bowshaped mouths, and little chins... and oh no... damnit. Stupid ovaries. Does anyone want a pair of overactive ovaries that make my biological clock pound instead of tick? (And what's worse is all my friends are having babies... yeesh.. most of them don't even like kids... Me on the other hand could live in a house full of them. So long as Ben was around so I could keep him barefoot and in jeans... Fighting a hose... or some yummy sauces...mmm...)
mars'mallows: Don't worry you won't hafta share Ed with Lucy, no more Peven'cest for me after this fic... Unless I get another evil bunny... Hopefully I'm not speaking too soon. And if so - it wouldn't be Lucy and Ed... It'd be Peter/Susan - I mean lookit him, he's got that whole possessive protector thing going for him, so it definately makes for some believability on the 'cest stuff. And as for Susan enjoying Caspian - well this is me we're talkin' 'bout here. Smut Princess Extrodinare. So no worries. And sorry to disappoint as to what Peter does to Caspian... well the aftermath is coming up next part.
SubOrbital: Well I'm glad you like Caspian in this. And as for it ending badly I suppose it's all up to one's pov. Peter in this does love Susan, you're right, and I've very much tried to show some of the man he once was. But Susan was never really a willing participant, just an unsure bystander, not knowing or understanding what was truly going on. Sure she loves Peter, very much so, and intellectually she understands what's going on, but ultimately she never wants to hurt Peter, and so she never siad no, no matter how uncomfortable she was with his actions (she is the Gentle Queen afterall). So of course when she does fall in love on her own, everything sorta changes for her. And of course those are the things that have pushed Peter over the edge. It went from a fairly 'pure' love (if one could call anything with lust in heavy doses 'pure') on Peter's part, to something warped and twisted by jealousy and possessiveness. But even if Peter was nicer, Susan would still not be happy with him - she just doesn't love him the same way he does her. It's not less love, it's just different love. Never at any point was she really 'in love' with him, nor did she have any true physical desire for him - which seems contrary because she does achieve orgasm with him, but it's a mechanical kind, and quite normal for those who've been 'trained' over time to have happen to them. Gah - okay sorry, rambling, shutting up now...
So - does it disgust you? Do you wanna boil me in a vat of boiling oil? Tell me if you do, or don't, by pushing the little button on the corner of your screen, and giving me a piece of your mind!