A/N: Day 25 honeymoon. And yes, this is a childhood AU. Don't go thinking anything wrong here!
Chapter Summary: Callum wasn't always opposed to trying new things. But, when it came to Rayla and her own tastes, he's had better luck. Childhood AU.
Word Count: 1,542
Honeymoon
"So it's a dessert?" a young Callum asked, wearing a hesitant look as he observed the liquid pour onto his pancake.
Rayla nodded, excitedly bouncing in her seat as she set the cup of syrup down beside their plates. "Yup! It's collected off saps in my village! The Moonbees stick around the bark, and leave their sap behind!"
Callum's face contorted into disgust. "And you thought moldy cheese was disgusting?"
Rayla whipped her head back in shock. "What's wrong with honeymoon?"
Callum frowned. "It comes off tree bark?"
"We clean it obviously," Rayla pointed out. "Trust me," she said with a smile, "Runaan loves this! He buys this so much and rarely lets me have it sometimes. It's his favourite syrup!"
The young prince remained skeptical. "I don't know… looks…" he poked at the liquid with his fork. It was very thick, it turned out, as it latched onto the prongs as soon as he pulled his utensil away. "Eww." He dropped his fork onto the plate. "I think I'll just ask the chef for another stack of pancakes—" he moved to hop off his chair, but was pulled back by his elven friend.
"Don't be such a baby," Rayla chastised. "Try it!"
Callum pouted as he sunk down into this chair. With reluctance driving him, he moved his fork around the syrup. "Last time we did this, it was with your disgusting Moonberry juice."
Rayla frowned. "It's not disgustin'!" she shouted, pointing her fork at him. "Ya're just weird!"
"No, you are!"
"No, ya are!"
"No you!"
"No ya!"
The two stopped at their standstill, leaning close with their eyes burrowing hard into each other. Narrowing their brows, they both remained unmoved. It wasn't uncommon for the two to have disagreements like these. Often enough, their difference in tastes and opinions were what actually connected them. Slowly, with interest, did they learn about one another's culture. It was one of their favourite things to do, exposing each other to their own interests and understanding about their homes. And like always, even with their disagreements, their compromises came through just as easily.
"Fine," Rayla sighed. "If ya don't like it, I'll ask the chef to make us another stack and ya can have it all by yourself!"
Callum's eyes lit up in awe. "Really?"
"Really," she nodded.
"But what if I like it?"
She tilted her head, confused. "Then ya get to eat it?"
"Oh, right, right," Callum nodded, lightly smacking his head. "Silly me."
Rayla giggled. "Deal?" she held out her pinky.
The young prince nodded with an eager smile, wrapping his own pinky finger around hers. "Deal."
::::
Runaan loved visiting Katolis. Ever since the treaty between their peoples began, he enjoyed coming to human festivals and most especially during the celebration of the war's end. The day it all began. The annual celebration came around, and the town was bustling with travelers and excitement. It was the very first time Rayla had ever been in the Human Kingdoms. It was the day she met Callum. He had lost her in the crowd, and soon enough, found her in the company of a little boy, laughing and running amok. It was then he realized she hadn't spent much time playing with other kids, as she devoted her determination to training and studying the ways of the Assassin.
It was then Runaan knew, how much of an importance, would a child like Callum be in her life.
Shortly after, he noticed the young boy was accompanied by the Queen and King themselves. After a short round of formalities, they evidently agreed their children should meet again. And so, Runaan visits in Katolis changed from staying at inns to staying at the castle. The tourism and usual sightseeing became replaced with afternoon chit chat with the royal family and watching their children run around and play. And he loved every second of it. Their chance encounter all those years ago, led to this beautiful bond between children.
Runaan knew Rayla wasn't his. He knew that she was merely his ward as her parents were off, guarding the King with their important missions and such. But he loved seeing her smile. And soon, he loved how much the King and Queen felt the same way. Treating her like their own daughter, like he did Callum as his own son. They were a nice family. Runaan was happy, regardless of how their years together would play out, that Callum and Rayla found each other. Even though a small part of him was on the rooting side.
"—good idea!" a faint, young voice echoed throughout the halls.
Runaan glanced up from his recollection, realizing he was nearing the dining hall. He had caught from a guard, that the two kids decided to have breakfast together without the adults. He was personally hurt by their deception, but still remarked at their chosen time spent together. He smiled as he neared the door, his hand on the handle. How sweet—
"I think I like this honeymoon!"
His hand froze as his eyes widened. He turned to the two guards stood outside, looking at their faces for an explanation. Simply enough they shrugged with wide eyes. They clearly weren't paying attention until now either. Curious, Runaan pressed his ear up against the door, whilst the guards leaned back, turning their ears toward the door as well.
"—right? It's so good!"
Runaan's eyes widened more, glancing back and forth between the two guards, who remained simply in shock.
"I wanna have one of my own!"
Runaa's mouth dropped to the floor, the guard to his left had let go of his spear and held his head in bewilderment, while the one to his right simply froze like a statue. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew Harrow had suggested arranging a marriage, but had he influenced them that much? This was absurd. Runaan held his forehead as he balanced his footing, not even realized how close he was to fainting. Surely, he was just imagining things.
" —rents don't have any?" Rayla's voice lightly inquired.
"No, I don't think so at least."
Runaan's brows coiled up in confusion.
"Hmm, I'll ask Runaan if we can have a honeymoon of our own!"
Enough was enough. Stepping back, the Moonshadow Elf kicked the door open with a fury, launching himself into the room, he shouted, "You're far too young!"
"Prince Callum wait!"
"At least consult your mother!"
The guards too had rushed in, equally as concerned as the Elf between them. Runaan scanned the scene before them. They were simply sat at the dining table, with a plate of pancakes set before them and what looked to be a jar of syrup beside them. They shot them looks of confusion.
"Consult my mom about getting syrup?" Callum asked, blinking with innocence. "I mean, I was gonna."
"Yeah," Rayla nodded. "Don't worry, we weren't just gonna take your syrup Runaan," she laughed, shaking her head in amusement.
"Wow, you weren't kidding when he said he really loves honeymoon," Callum mused, giggling alongside Rayla.
"Right?" she laughed.
Runaan's face flushed as he felt the appalled stares of the guards shoot his way. He had never said that before. "Wh-What!" he exclaimed. "I never—" his words stopped short as he noticed the jar before the plate of pancakes. Or rather, realized the colour of the liquid inside. It looked like… "Rayla…" he softly spoke, walking over to their table. "Are you talking about this?" he inquired, picking up the jar in question.
She nodded. "Yeah! I told Callum how much ya love honeymoon, and got him to try some!"
Relief washed over his body as he released his breath. "Oh thank Thunder," he whispered. With an amused smile, he shook his head. "Rayla, this is called Moonhoney syrup." The relieved sighs escaped from the guards behind him, much to his amusement.
"Ohh," she slowly nodded. "But, how's that different from what I was calling it?"
"Yeah, I think honeymoon sounds better!" Callum cheered, stabbing his fork into his food.
Runaan coughed, clearing his throat as he nervously laughed. "W-Well, uh, Moonhoney comes from Moonbees and well… a honeymoon is…" he turned back to the guards, who simultaneously shook their heads with vigor. "Something you'll have to ask King Harrow about," he finished, wearing a smug smile, "He's much more knowledgeable about that sorta of thing. He can explain it far better than I!"
Rayla and Callum shared a look then shrugged. "Okay Runaan!" Rayla chirped.
"We'll ask him after breakfast!" Callum decided.
Runaan laughed. "Please do. In the meantime, I shall be in the library if you need me." Another bonus with being friends of the Queen and King, a vast endless room of reading and a decent spot to hide. He turned back and nodded at the guard, signalling them to leave. They exited the room, and shut the doors behind them. "Good day," he departed to the two.
They nodded and straightened themselves up, ignoring the nervous sweat they had accumulated over the last minute. Runaan quietly chuckled to himself as he walked away.
Perhaps in the future.
Way, way, way, way into the future.
AN: Ahh, classic fun. The hi-jinx and goofiness involved with the Childhod AU is very refreshing... and a lot easier to write. Hope you all enjoyed it! Next prompt is Pregnancy. No twisting. It's straight up pregnancy.
Until next time,
- Bleh