A/N: Here's another chapter! Thanks for all the reviews so far, they are much appreciated!


"Uh, Sam, where are we going?" asked Nicola, whose arms were now lazily lassoed around Samuel and whose behind was sore from endless horse riding.

"Well, I'm not quite sure," Samuel replied, holding the reigns of his horse, Tanner. "At the time we just needed to escape the guards, I didn't really know where to escape to…I guess it just depends on what you want to do for the rest of the day. How about we actually do something manly? You know, instead of cuddling in a tent?" he chuckled.

"W-we were not cuddling!" Nicola said fuming, "Besides, the tent thing was your idea, and you were the one holding me close in my sleep, cazzo!"

"Ah, so you noticed that after all, did you?" Sam smiled while using his reigns to slow down his horse in order to hear Nicola better.

"Indeed I noticed, you pervert," criticized the prince.

"Pervert?! How am I a pervert?"

"Pulling me close and hugging me while I'm sleeping doesn't sound a bit strange to you?" the Italian raised an eyebrow.

"Strange maybe, but it was completely innocent I swear! There was nothing inappropriate about it! Are you saying you didn't like it?" Samuel argued.

"No!" Nicola immediately replied, "I mean, you were keeping me warm…so it's fine."

"So, you liked it?" Samuel smirked.

"Si," was the only word Nicola revealed to Samuel. Of course Nicola loved the thought of Samuel holding him close. Samuel may have said it was innocent, but that didn't mean it wasn't peculiar. What would be his reasoning for it? Only spouses sleep together that way after all. Samuel was naturally flirtatious, but his actions were making Nicola more and more curious.

"Alright then. Now, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, something to do today. Just us two guys, y'know? How about hunting?" suggested the taller boy.

"Hm, interesting choice. I happen to be very skilled in hunting, I'm an experienced archer. I bet I can skin any animal in these woods," stated Nicola arrogantly.

"I'd hold that bet to you if we had all the time in the world to go skinning animals, but we don't. Where did you learn how to hunt anyhow? Aren't you not allowed outside the castle?" Samuel interrogated.

"I can go outside the castle, as long as I stay on Florenshire grounds. Besides, I'm with guards when I go out hunting and the woods are just behind the palace," answered Nicola.

"It's good that you're not entirely coddled and that you at least get out and get a breath of fresh air," replied Sam, "So, hunting it is then. Fortunately enough there's a small town about a half hour away where a guy I know works. He sells hunting equipment and the like, and he lets me use his merchandise for free! Well, it's basically free; I just have to share some of what I get."

"Ah, that's understandable," the prince nodded, "So you spare him some of the meat or something?"

"No, no, parts that are useful to him. Like, he can make weapons with the antlers of an elk or create leather hides from skins and such. Speaking of meat though, I do know a butcher back in Reginashire who cuts me all sorts of deals when I bring in huge kills."

"Hm, I see. I think that's how it should be for a prince. You seem to have such a healthy relationship with your townsfolk and merchants and you know so many people. I wish it was that way for me," Nicola commented.

"Yeah it comes in handy having connections. You know it's not too late for you to get to know your citizens," Samuel smiled reassuringly even though his back was to the prince.

"Si, you're right Sam," the brunette smiled against the horseman's shoulder blade and sighed. Samuel was so good at boosting his confidence.

"Here we are," Samuel announced after a little while longer of riding, "Told ya it was small didn't I? It's just the blacksmith, the inn, the garment shop, and a little chapel."

"That's it? Under which kingdom does it belong?" queried Nicola as he scanned the area.

"That's a good question. I'm sure even these people have no idea. Nobody really visits around here besides me and some wandering travelers every so often. Even the guards don't bother to venture all the way out here. Waste of time for them I guess, since it's such a quiet little place."

Samuel parked his horse in front of the inn since it had a fence he could tie him to.

"Where do they all sleep?" asked the curious red-eyed boy.

"Well the innkeepers sleep at the inn, obviously. The blacksmith must have a room in his shop because I never see him at the inn, and as for the tailor, he rents at the inn. The tailor is also the one who runs the chapel. I mean, if you'd even call it 'running the chapel' since only four people occupy this God damned village," chuckled Samuel as he lowered himself off the horse and helped Nicola down.

"Quattro?" the prince questioned, "The tailor, blacksmith, and…."

"Two innkeepers—an old man and his wife. She's one crazy old bat."

Nicola laughed, "Don't poke fun, one day your future wife will be a 'crazy old bat'!"

"Ugh," Samuel nearly cringed, "Nicola…ah, nevermind," he waved his hand as if shooing a fly away and made sure Tanner's rope was secure around the fence post. "Let's go see what we can borrow eh?"

"Sure, Sam," Nicola gave a nod and followed Samuel to the blacksmith's shop. The shop owner was currently forging a wooden and steel shield.

"What's this?" said Sam as he stepped inside, "Making a shield? I've only seen you make weapons before."

"Samuel Williams, is that you? Where have ya been?" the man behind the furnace exclaimed excitedly.

"You mean since the past week? I was just here buying arrows not a fortnight ago!" Samuel chuckled.

"Well it's been too long! And yes, this is my first time making a shield for merchandise. I figured I should start making armor too—broaden my inventory so there're a bigger variety of customers," said the man.

"You do know you live in the middle of nowhere right?" laughed Sam, "If I was you, I'd just stick to selling in bulk to passing-through huntsmen. Speaking of which, my friend and I stopped by to grab some things. We're goin' hunting!"

"You have friends?" The shopkeeper laughed.

"Just this quiet guy," Sam nudged Nicola with his elbow and smiled warmly.

"Well what kind of equipment are you looking to borrow lad?"

"His preference is archery," Samuel said referring to the prince, "So a bow and some arrows will do just fine. It's just for sport, so I'll take the cheap stuff," he requested.

"Sure thing," the blacksmith nodded and brought out a quiver of iron arrows and a standard wooden bow, "What'll you bring me this time?"

"Nothing, we're just looking to have a bit of fun, not a meal. Just take this instead," Samuel offered some gold in return for the weapons.

"Thanks Williams, hope you have some good fun. And careful with the bow," he cautioned as the teens headed out the door, "The wood isn't the best. Don't want it snapping on you!"

"Advice taken!" Samuel replied.

Good game wasn't far, since the small town was in the middle of the woods. They rode for about twenty minutes and then walked for a small while, deciding they would be easily detected by potential prey if on horse.

"Hey, look," Sam pointed to a deer as he whispered, "Think you could hit that? How many shots till he's down?"

Nicola scoffed quietly, "Uno, watch."

The prince held up the bow as he crouched and skillfully drew back the arrow. With only a moment of concentration he locked his aim and released with confidence. It was headed right for the skull of the buck, when suddenly the target had turned its head and the arrow narrowly missed. The deer leapt off.

"Better luck next time eh?" Sam shrugged and they moved on until soon spotting another creature.

"Ooh a raccoon, that'll be an easy shot," the younger smiled. Nicola nodded and squatted on the ground, quietly removing an arrow from the quiver and pulling it back on the bowstring. He let go and sure enough, hit the target.

"Oh great shot!" Samuel exclaimed.

"Shh; you'll scare everything else away stupido!" Nicola chuckled.

"Sorry," Sam shrugged.

"How about you have a go this time?" suggested Nicola.

"No way, Nic. I'm no good with a bow and arrow. Besides, this is for you. To help you have fun and relax and not think about anything but hitting your target."

Or maybe it was because Samuel loved seeing Nicola's toned arms in action, but he wouldn't admit it.

"Alright Samuel, have it your way," Nicola replied. They walked until creeping upon another victim.

"Aha, a deer. Now's your chance to redeem yourself Nic," said the criminal.

"And I will," Nicola said proudly and readied his bow and arrow as he crouched behind the shrubs. He concentrated on his target for a while before shooting. To his misfortune, the arrow ended up in a tree and the startled deer escaped.

"Must've been the wind," Samuel laughed.

"What's so funny, stronzo?" the fiery-eyed teen stood and frowned.

"Nothing, nothing," Samuel's laughter calmed to a chuckle.

"Then why are you laughing? Do you think I have bad aim?" accused Nicola.

"Are you kidding? Hey, don't feel so sore about it; sorry I laughed. You're aim is a shit ton better than mine anyway!" Sam said encouragingly.

"You're lying."

"No, I'm being an honest! You're aim is so great you could shoot an arrow right through my heart~" the blonde smiled affectionately.

Nicola's heart leapt, "D-Don't play games with me, bastardo."

Samuel took note of the way Nicola was red-faced and stuttering, clearly flustered, and decided to act on it.

"I'm not playing games, Prince," he kneeled and kissed the blushing brunette's hand tenderly, "Your handsome face and romantic accent would make me fall in a heartbeat," he said, looking up to Nicola with a devilish purple gaze.

Nicola didn't know what to think or say. This isn't what it seems, he told himself, He's just joking, just flirting and teasing. He's not serious; it's too good to be true.

"S-Such a flatterer aren't you Samuel? You must have all the ladies swooning at your feet," the prince chuckled sadly.

Samuel scoffed and stood, "The ladies? I don't care about the ladies. I'm…" he sighed uneasily, "I'm not into that."

"Not…into that?" Nicola questioned aloud.

Despite his composure, Samuel was nervous. He had completely forgotten about the fact that he still needed to come out to Nicola before they could form a relationship.

"Yeah, I'm not interested in women," he shrugged, trying to keep a cool head.

Nicola's heart beat hard in his chest almost loudly enough for Samuel to hear, "You mean, you're not interested in any girls right now?" he asked. He needed Samuel to be clear. He needed to be sure.

The need to go into further detail was stressing Samuel out, "No! Do I have to spell it out for you?! I like men, okay? I've never bedded with a woman before, only with men. Do you fucking understand? Does it bother you?"

Nicola's lips twitched into a small smile, "No, Sam; not at all. Hey, I didn't mean to frustrate you. Mi dispiace. I just wanted to know." I needed to know.

The taller man sighed, "It's alright, as long as it doesn't bother you. I mean, we slept in the same bed before and I held you while you slept and I even kissed you when we were drunk…. Now that you know that I'm…y'know…you're not disgusted, are you?"

"Sam! Of course I'm not! I could never dislike you over something like this. No matter what, I'm here for you," Nicola smiled.

"Yeah?" Sam smiled sheepishly.

"Si," replied Nicola supportively. He tried hard to suppress joyful laughter as he smiled back at the blonde. Samuel likes men too. It really did seem too good to be true.


A/N: Now Nicola knows Samuel likes guys! :D Don't forget to review c: