Title: Because Peter Said So Again
Author: Rolletti
This story takes place five years after the monarch returned from Narnia
Ages: Peter 18. Susan: 17, Edmund 15, Lucy 13
No Slash What So Ever
Disclaimer: Yep, I do not own any part of C.S. Lewis' works, and I'm still regrettably poor.
Helen and Henry stepped into the quiet cabin. It was so quiet they thought everyone was in their bedrooms, until they found Lucy with her head on Edmund's shoulder.
Helen tried to put on a brave smile for them when Henry asked, "Where are Peter and Susan?
"Peter just went up to talk to her," said Lucy. Not a smile or spark in her eye.
"How about we make a peach cobbler for dessert," said Helen cheerfully as she held her hand out to Lucy. Edmund encouraged her to go with two kisses, and followed her up off the sofa.
"Dad, would you like to join me for a game of chess?" Henry agreed, grasping at anything to spend time with his son who used to be his shadow as a little boy. He glanced upstairs as he took his place in front of Edmund. "Son, I don't know how you obtained the knowledge of a superior chess player, but I believe you've met your match," he grinned.
"You do, do you. I think I fancy a wager. If I win I get your share of the peach cobbler."
"And if I win, you'll agree to go fishing with me," Henry winked.
Edmund was shocked as he looked Henry in the eyes. He didn't realize how bad things were between his father and his siblings. "Dad, you don't have to wager our time together. Just say when, and I'll go fishing with you; any of us. I'm sorry if you haven't felt included."
Once again Henry looked into the eyes of an older man, much older than he. He cleared his throat and blinked away the sting of tears and said, "Very well, I wager I not only get your desert, but your share tomorrow as well," he grinned. Everyone is well aware of Edmund's sweet tooth. "Prepare to lose your king."
Edmund had a twinkle in his eye as he said, "Never."
Peter knocked quietly on Susan's door. He turned the handle, and peeked in through the crack after Susan refused to answer. After hearing a sniffle he let himself in, heartsick with the thought of being the cause of his sister's heartache. "Hello," he said softly as he sat next to her on the bed.
Susan looked up from her tear stained pillow and returned the greeting. Her eyes and nose were swollen, and just as red. Peter leaned over and kissed both eyes softly. He held her hands in his thoroughly ashamed of himself. "I'm sorry, Susan. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. Please forgive me, love," he whispered searching her eyes. She nodded her head and he kissed her forehead. He let it linger, squeezing his eyes in such relief. He placed his forehead on hers and said, "I love you, Susan. I love you so much it hurts."
A tear escaped her eye, and rolled into her hair. "I know, Peter." Susan looked him in the eye with conviction. "I won't see him, but I want you to know I do like him. He really is a nice fellow."
"When did you two meet?" he asked as he sat up, drying her tears.
Susan was hesitant; she didn't want to pour salt on the wound.
"It's alright, I promise not to get mad."
"I was alone with a headache, but bored. So, I took Lucy's pail, and Lawrence came along…"
"The day I offered to stay home with you, because of said headache."
Susan bit her lip and looked up at him. "You promised not to get mad."
"I'm not mad. I'm sorry I'm like this," said Peter.
"Like what? A caring, loving brother, father, king? It's who you are. I don't know why I forgot that."
"You three are grown, vulnerable but not. I face a battle of indecision every waking day, trying to appeal to the adults inside of you three, yet I see the children in more ways than one. I see the excited child who has fought with the army in battle, then she plead with me to come look at newborn kittens a few weeks ago. I see a woman, a queen who has led kings and queen into signing peace treaties with their neighbors, who is now a beautiful young girl emerging into a woman…again."
Susan joined him on the edge of her bed, him pulling her closer. "I really hate going through life as a child again. It isn't easy," she said.
Peter frowned, laying his head on top of hers as he held her. He rolled Lucy's council over and over in his head. "I have a proposition. If ever that…boy, "he said reluctantly, "wants to take you for a walk," Susan launched herself at Peter embracing and squealing.
Everyone downstairs paused and listened closely. Was that a happy squeal or sad one?
"Wait, now listen," he struggled with an overzealous sister who was too busy covering his face with kisses. He gave into it. Who wouldn't want kisses from sweet Susan, especially after making her cry. But all good things must come to an end. "If he wants to take you for a walk along the beach he may, but with myself or Edmund as an escort." Her smile fell.
"Peter!" It was not up for discussion.
"I'm sorry, Su, that's the best I can do, honestly. Despite where we are, you are still a queen. If we were home you'd have your royal guards as escort."
"Peter, you're so…intense, and Edmund isn't any better about the subject."
Peter silently looked at her. "There's more." Susan groaned and fell backward on her bed. "Peter please don't say what I think you're about to say."
"Well, he can't just come over and …you're not just some…I'm talking myself out of it," he said as he stood with Susan following him.
"Peter, fine he'll talk to you first. I'll get Edmund to; oh no he might scare him away, she said to herself. "I'll talk…" she looked at Peter as he tilted his head and raised a brow."Fine," she sighed in resignation. "I'll send Ed and hope for the best."
Peter looked at her sympathetically and sweetly embraced Susan. He kissed the top of her head and said, "I promise to try, Su." Not letting go, Susan pulled back and looked into Peter's eyes. "Promise you won't beat him to a bloody pulp."
"Well, well, well, the Gentle Queen is developing quite a vocabulary," said Peter grinning.
"No, I literally mean, a bloody pulp, Peter. Promise me."
Peter sighed and said, "I promise not to lay a hand on him."
"Nor your feet, elbows, knees, teeth… "
"Alright, alright, I promise…as long as he's respectable."
Susan leaned in again, resting her head on his chest, pleased and happy not to be at odds with him, but still hurt.
tbc