Forced Emotions

Chapter 17 - The Date

A/N: GOMEN!!!!!! *begs everyone for forgiveness* I'm so sorry to make you guys wait! And, I'm not gonna complain anymore about why I haven't updated, (I bet you people are getting tired of me doing that.) Well, this is what you've all been waiting for! ^_^ Rue and Mint's big date!!! Enjoy!

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"WOULD YOU SLOW DOWN ALREADY!!?" Mint yelled down the hallway to Rue, who was laughing as he slowed his pace to a slow walk, waiting for the demanding princess.

"Heh, you've seemed to have gotten slower," Rue commented as Mint came to his side, whacking him upside the head on her way. "Ow!"

"Well," Mint started, grinning, "your reflexes seem worse than they were when we first met!"

Rue just smiled at her, rubbing the back of his head. "So, we're going fencing first, right?" he queried, changing the subject.

"Yup!" Mint came back with happily. "Do you prefer the arena or training room?"

"Arena? You mean, like other people could watch us?" The royal nodded at his question.

"That's right. On the first day of the first month of a new year, we hold competitions there to see who's the best fencer," Mint made clear to Rue. "I always participate, but I don't always win, which is hard to believe!" She gave a chuckle, Rue just shaking his head with a small laugh of his own.

"East Heaven holds a lot of physical stuff," Rue stated. "But, I thought your kingdom was known for its sorcery and magic?"

"It is," Mint agreed with a nod as she placed her hands behind her head. "There's certain times of the year where we use magic in contests. Though, the majority of the people here are both good at some magic and regular combat."

"I never heard of that before," Rue commented as Mint turned down yet another long hallway. "Gosh! This place is so big, it's a wonder I don't get lost!"

"Hehe, after living here your whole life, you learn your way around," Mint said with a giggle. "Oh, so you wanted the training room, right?"

"If that's what you want," Rue confirmed.

"Then it's this way." She opened a big oak door, revealing a very large, gray-stoned floor. There were fencing suits and masks, as well as sabers and foils lined up against all four teal walls on shelves and cases. Metal benches were placed about the room, forming a square around open space. Mint grinned. "This is one of my favorite places in the castle."

"I can see why," Rue alleged, taking a step forward and looking about the exquisite room. He turned to the ginger-haired girl by him and smiled. "You ready to lose?"

"Ha! I NEVER lose when it comes down to fencing!" Mint retorted confidently, flipping her hair out of her face. "Hm… Hey, could I borrow the ribbon on your hat?"

"My ribbon..?" Rue looked confused, not knowing why Mint would need a ribbon.

"Yeah, for my hair," Mint explained. She hadn't had the time to put up her hair when she had finished her bath, so it was slightly wavy and in her face a little.

"Oh, sure!" Rue answered, taking his hat off and starting to untie the long piece of dark yellow cream cloth.

"Thanks!" The princess gave him a smile, where their eyes met for a second as he looked up at her with a smile of his own before continuing to unwrap the fabric.

"Here you go," Rue said, holding out the ribbon to her. Mint gave him a nod and took it from his hand, then running her hands through her hair hurriedly and securing the ribbon in it firmly.

"Let's get dressed!" Mint jogged over to a mantelpiece and picked up a luminously red-colored suit, and a mask to go with it. The helmet had one long, horizontal opening for sight, (covered by crystal clear glass,) and in the middle, (above the 'window',) was a golden crest in the shape of a jackal. "This-(she turned around on her heel and tapped the jackal)-is East Heaven's symbol. He's on flags, wall rugs, shields… He's our protector."

"That's neat," Rue said, walking up to her, Mint holding it out for him to look. It was greatly detailed, but no bigger than one-fourth of the palm of his hand. "Wow…"

"Pretty cool, huh?" Mint, (setting down her stuff,) grinned at Rue. "…Go on!"

"Huh?" Rue looked back at Mint, not understanding her statement.

"What, have you all of a sudden turned perverted and wanna see me naked that badly!?" Mint blinked at him, looking slightly embarrassed.

"O-Of course n-not!" Rue claimed without hesitation, his face getting flushed with discomfiture as well. "I-I'll just be g-going, uh, over there!" He pointed to the corner at the opposite side of the room from Mint's dressing area, and quickly strode over to that area. (Idiot! Now she thinks you're a complete and utter pervert!)

The princess giggled at how much she humiliated Rue, then turned around to change into her suit. She took off her dress and tossed her shoes to the side and into an open-door floor locker, setting her attire onto a shelf, then began to put on her fencing ensemble.

Rue was changing as well, although he had grabbed an indigo-colored suit instead of a crimson-colored one. He sat his hat on top of where he had placed his boots, (also in a little floor 'cubby,') before removing his regular tunic and assembled it in a standing, open locker. Situated there with just his undershirt and boxers, he stepped into the suit and fastened the buttons, it fitting with comfort.

"You ready?" Mint called over to him, Rue turning around. His ruthless friend stood in the center of the room, (her mask on,) her left hand on her hip, and the other grasping the saber that rested on her shoulder. Her scarlet-bronzed eyes were fixed on him, looking excited, threatening, and babyish, all at once. "Or, should I say, ready to LOSE?" Under her facade, the princess smiled, feeling confident on prevailing as the winner.

Rue gave her a quick smile and took hold of his mask, then brought a saber to his possession like Mint. Trotting over to face his opponent, the doll put his visor on his head, (his sallow-colored ponytail sticking out,) before saying, "You shouldn't be so certain about winning." He pulled his disguise over his face and took a ready position.

"Oh, is that so!?" Mint grunted with a side chuckle, spreading her legs apart slightly as she raised her saber up in front of her and Rue.

"Yes," came Rue's calmed voice, bringing his saber up as well to rest the tip against Mint's.

"En garde…" Mint affirmed, giving Rue an immediate nod. He returned it, them both, (at the same time,) crossing their right foot over their left. They brought their left back out, and continued this circling a few times, lowering their weapons as they went along, them barely touching the other and staying off the ground.

Mint lunged forward with great agility, Rue hardly getting a chance to parry to the side and swing his saber around, going up to meet with Mint's. She pushed back and twirled around once, taking Rue's saber around as well before crouching close to the ground as the two allies' weapons were pressuring each other, shaking slightly, clanging together.

"Humph, don't you dare go easy on me, Rue!" The princess let out that muffle, courtesy of her mask.

"I won't!" Rue declared, his legs spread out some number of inches, his non-sword arm, (gloved palm to the front of him,) to the side of his face in a ready arrangement. The doll took a quickened step back and Mint stumbled forward to some extent as Rue swung his sword down and around, going for a cut. Having as much experience as she has, Mint knew the ways of fencing a great deal. So, she held up her blade and the two weapons clashed together, the sound echoing about the room. Then, she did what was called a croisè, which is when one opponent stops his attacker's weapon by hitting back and forcing their weapon from a high point to a lower point.

Rue was pleased at seeing how seriously well Mint fenced, and took a jump back from her defensive attack. He let out an unfamiliar and amused chuckle as the two took in silent breaths.

"Why are you laughing!?" Mint demanded with a huff, rotating the hilt of her saber to get a better grip on it.

"I didn't expect you to be this excellent at fencing!" Rue admitted with the smallest of shrugs.

"Believe it, then!" Mint called out, springing towards him again, her blade extended. Rue did what is called deception, (or derobement,) and went for the princess' side, but Mint rolled forward and over his blade, using his evasion as help and easily dodging his flick attempt.

The one in blue did a glide as the red one turned around to face him, allowing the glide and the two ending up in a clinch, their bodies pressed against each other, their swords yet again reverberating together up by their masked faces.

"You're…pretty good yourself," Mint complimented through half-gritted teeth, focusing all her strength into putting strain on Rue's saber.

"Th-thanks," Rue whispered in the same way, the two taking turns and pushing the other farther away from them, although their feet did not move in the least.

"But…" Mint continued, grinning inside her mask, her eyes showing the gleam of something that Rue did not know of. "You aren't be good enough..!" With that confirmed, the teenaged princess pushed off into a back flip and making an unwell charge at him again, Rue eluding her attempt. "False attack!" again came from the princess, making Rue speculate long enough for her to try a jump-lunge technique, her blade going for her challenger's ankle.

Shakkt!!! Mint's blade cut into his shin guard, the tip of her saber rubbing up against the cloth of his sock. It was the perfect time for a final hit from Rue, since Mint's weapon was stuck in the armor. He did a moulinet, coming down hard on…the floor. The agile princess had released her weapon, and was now on his other side, and slid down by his feet with a running hit, the two of them skimming across the floor. In the process, Mint managed to snatch up the hilt of her blade and give it a good yank out before taking a stand up and over Rue, bringing her weapon down to where the end was resting on his mask, right where his nose was.

The two were wheezing, out of breath, although that didn't change the position of Mint's sword.

"W-well…what…do you think of…that..?" Mint asked huffily, her shoulders moving up and down as she continued to take in gulps of air.

"It was…v-very well thought…" Rue answered, his back insignificantly off the floor, being propped up by his hands and arms, a leg of his in the motion of getting up, although it didn't move much prom its current pose. His chest rose as he inhaled the much-needed oxygen. "…Want to…go another…round..?"

"If you can get up,"-Mint took in a deep breath-"sure." Rue gave her the best nod he could muster up without making the princess' weapon go through his facemask. He scraped up his saber with a better clutch than he had when he was catching his breath, and swung it good and hard over to collide with Mint's, going to one knee as he held her saber to the ground.

Mint pressed up but Rue pinned her back down again in an instant, struggling to stand while still confiscating her blade. Gratefully, Mint shuffled backwards as Rue came to his desired standing place, the two of them both bringing their weapons to engage in battle for another time. They kept at it, keeping the deathly conversation in tact for quite a few minutes, somehow the two of them starting to laugh, the bout becoming more fun as they went along.

"Here!" Mint said joyously, backing up some to try a flechè, (running attack,) where Rue caught on and did the same. They were both at the opposite sides of the training vicinity, and were springing forward with increasing speed. Inside, they were both beaming warm smiles, looking at nothing but the other's eyes: either a pair of deep chocolate, or ones that were happy-rubies.

Their blades hanging before them, the kind-hearted man and the brisk princess' sabers took action, an ear splitting jingle coming from the blow and spreading to the walls and back.

They both let out their laughs of playful competition, and were acting juvenile in a way, pushing off of each other and chasing the other around until the they almost got poked with their friend's saber.

At last, the two slowly ceased their measures, both taking a seat on one of the four benches at hand. They were both out of breath, but grinning nonetheless.

"That was…incredible…" Mint commented, pushing her mask up and on top of her head. "Wonderful…"

Rue agreed with a nod before taking his mask off completely, holding it with his hands, them resting on his lap. It looked like a giant blue egg to him.

"Well…" the doll finally said, leaning forward, legs spread apart, and looking over to Mint, "at least we did some training before the tournament."

"Yup!" shouted Mint, her voice full of stimulated joy. "We should do this tomorrow, too. That way, I know that there'll be nobody who can beat us!"

"Why don't we invite everyone else, so they'll have a fighting chance as well?" Rue suggested, taking off one of his gloves and rubbing the back of his neck. It was covered with sweat. Blissful sweat.

Princess Mint shrugged with both of her top limbs, doing a weird shake with her head. "I don't mind at all! We could maybe even have a warm-up tournament!"

Rue chuckled and set his mask on the bench so he could grip onto the bench and lean even farther. "You're never one to miss a chance to fight with somebody, are you?"

"Nope!" Mint replied happily, beaming an effective grin. "I'll take on anyone, any time!"

"How about me?"

"Huh!?" Rue and Mint both turned their heads to see who the new voice was, Mint being a klutz as usual and falling backwards on the bench, making a loud clang boom through the room.

In the doorway rested a very broad smiling teenaged girl, her two brown, gloved hands proudly placed on her hips. She had exceptionally dark hair restrained in a muddled ponytail that could've passed for black, but she was really a brunette. Wearing a tight, white T-shirt, tanned shorts, and ginger lace-up boots, she seemed to be as tall as Rue. Her eyes were a pretty, excited russet color, making her pearly white teeth stand out.

The new person didn't even try to muffle her chuckle, and walked towards the couple as the princess jumped up.

"Sarai!!! What are you doing here!?" Mint insisted, blinking at Sarai as her cheeks took on an almost unnoticeable pink color.

"Heh, likewise!" Sarai chortled out. "I know you like fencing, but you usually go to the arena to show off!"

"I don't show off!" Mint stated tenaciously, tensing up and giving her a small glare.

"Sure, sure! Yes, of course!" Sarai stepped over to one of the cabinets that held the sabers, taking one out just to mess around with it; practicing was more like it. She checked Rue up and down with her russet eyes, and then clicked her tongue, pointing the tip of her saber at Rue's face. "I get it! This sexy, good-looking chap is your new boyfriend! Am I right!?"

"What!!?" Rue and Mint questioned loudly in unison, both of them turning bright red, staring bashfully at one another.

"It's so evident! Anyone would notice that you are!" Sarai insisted. "But, there's no need to be shy!" She paused to grin at them. "Lovers should express their feelings whenever they choose to!"

Mint hurried up beside Sarai and, (her face now to its reddest color,) said: "S-Sarai!!! Why is it that every time you see me with a hot guy that you criticize him of being my boyfriend!!?"

Sarai tittered and smiled at her friend, waving her hands in front of her to calm Mint down. "Well, it's usually true! Like when you were with that nobleman or whoever!"

That pushed Mint a little too far…

"WHAT!!? THAT BASTARD!!? I NEVER LIKED HIM!!!" the princess boomed, her voice shaking the room. Rue blinked, his eyes wide, his embarrassment and blush not going away.

"Yes you did! Remember? I caught you and him mak-" Mint jumped on Sarai, covering her mouth.

"S-Stop it with the lies!!! I never liked him, nor did I ever mak-"

Now Sarai covered Mint's mouth, laughing like a crazed woman. "Ha-ha-ha!!! You almost said it too!!"

The princess stumbled back as Sarai continued to roll around on the floor, hilarity ringing through the room.

"Um…" Rue sweatdropped a great deal, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Sarai said through her many giggles, standing up, bending down a little to wave a hand at Rue. "I'm Sarai, the nunchaku master at East Heaven!" The hyper girl twirled around once and brought out her weapon while doing so, whipping it a few times in Rue's face.

"I-I'm Rue…" the doll mustered out, quickly giving her a small smile. She made him feel insecure…very insecure…

"I'm privileged, really!" Sarai said, her broad smile making Rue even more timid. The nunchaku expert turned to Mint.

"Hmph, and you said I was a show off!" Mint mumbled to herself, arms agitatedly folded under her breasts.

"Heh, that's just how I introduce myself!" Sarai answered simply, shrugging. "Well, I best be on my way!" She started towards the door, but stopped next to Mint, grinning, though Rue couldn't see. Sarai whispered into Mint's ear: "You should thank me for covering your big mouth, or else that probably would have bothered him, knowing that you made out with that other jerk. I can tell, in actuality, that you like him a lot."

"Yeah, uh-huh, whatever…but…" Mint tugged at her gloves, turning her head to face her ally. She smiled at her. "…Thanks…"

"Anytime, anytime!" Sarai said loudly, making Mint wince a little. "Whenever you need more guy turn-on tips-"

"SARAI!!!" Mint yelled, hitting her playfully hard on the shoulder, Sarai chuckling as she ran out the door. Miserable. That's the first word that came to the princess' mind as the nunchaku handler went out of sight. Miserable………Okay, fine! Happy-miserable!

Rue sat still, giving Mint a strange and discomfited look. Now he felt even more attracted to Mint now that he heard Sarai's 'terms of love,' that he shouldn't hold back his affection.

"…So…are…you hungry?" Mint questioned deliberately. She shook her gloves off and held them in front of her, head down, her eyes darting from the floor to Rue rapidly.

"Y-Yeah…" Rue gulped and slowly stood up. "That, um, practice was very draining…"

"A-Alright then! Let's go get some lunch!" Mint said, lifting her head up to give Rue a quick smile. Their eyes locked again, the princess smiling sweetly down upon the blushing doll.

Rue nodded and stood up; turning around so he could blush more to himself, (already embarrassed enough,) courtesy of Sarai. He walked over to his locker, setting his mask to the side and began to remove his suit.

Mint, (now over by her locker,) glanced over at Rue. He had just taken the shirt part of his suit off, and the princess had a clear view of his back. Just to see him half naked was enough to make her heart speed up, her fingertips tingle, and her mind to race on about how one day she'd tell Rue her real passion for him.

Shaking her head, Mint immediately turned back around, blushing to herself again. Still quivering her head, the princess began to undress herself, grabbing her dress and forcing it over her head in disgust at how much of a coward she was when it came to feelings.

~Some time later…~

"Yummy! -^__^- This is really good for once!" Mint exclaimed as she shoved yet another sugared strawberry into her mouth. Her and Rue were sitting out on a bench with platefuls of their lunch, which consisted of club sandwiches, strawberries & sugar, East Heaven's own special potato chips, lemonade, and some apple crepes. "Not mushy at all!"

"This is…a lot!" Rue exclaimed, still surprised that this small feast was only for the two of them. Taking one of the triangle-shaped sandwiches in his hand, he took a bite out of it, and nodded to himself, his taste buds liking it. "Do you always eat this much?"

"Mm-hm!" Mint answered, her mouth full with at least another five strawberries, nodding.

"It seems like this meal could serve at least four people instead of just two!" he added.

Swallowing, Mint went on to answer his curiosity: "Well, it's probably just because my family has a very fast metabolism, especially when you're our age. That's all."

"Oh, yeah," Rue said in agreement as he put his sandwich on his plate, reaching for his lemonade. "That makes sense to me. It's just, Claire, me, and Ruenis don't even eat this much when we're all together."

"Heh, you should start eating more," Mint said, snatching up a sandwich herself and grabbing some chips & putting them on the slice as well. She munched on her food loudly and with pleasure, her elbows on the edge of the table like a slob. "Get some more muscle on you."

Rue couldn't help but laugh, seeing as Mint's cheeks were chock-full of food. "Hehehe… I wouldn't want to overeat and become unhealthy. If that happened, I wouldn't be up to fighting in the tournament."

"Oh, good point!" Mint choked out through her chewed up food, spitting a few minuscule pieces out on accident. "That'd be bad. Then there'd be no one worth fighting if you didn't show!" The princess started laughing, and abruptly stopped as she really did begin to choke. Worried, Rue immediately stood up and leaned over the table, stretching his arm out to where he could give Mint's back a good smack.

Gratefully, the seemingly starving princess coughed up her already been chewed foods and slowly reached for her lemonade glass, guzzling some down. She let out a sigh of relief as Rue sat back down. Mint smiled over to him, and he returned it.

"Thanks… " Mint uttered out, looking exhausted.

"No problem. I just did what I did since I was here," Rue stated openly, shrugging.

"Well, still…" Mint's smile grew. "I'm glad you were here. This is really fun, just getting to hang around you like before…"

"Yeah… But, we are having quite a late lunch," confirmed Rue, looking around for a clock. He found a giant one on the front of a tall tower to his right, golden hands saying it was almost five. "We don't have that much time to do anything else."

Mint spent another minute or so stuffing her face again, though more carefully this time. Rue continued eating at a slower pace, and then almost gagged on his crepe as Mint sprung up from her seat.

"That's okay! We don't really need light to go horseback riding!" the princess said cheerily, walking out from behind the bench. She twirled her head to face Rue, her hair waving a bit from her movements. "Come on, let's go already!" Her nonstop whining went on until Rue decided to cease his chuckles and get up.

"Okay, okay, lead the way," he said in defeat smiling at Mint. She beamed with happiness and darted off for the stables, Rue catching up to her in a flash.

Arriving at the stables, Mint slowed down, her silly grin still not wiped away from her lips. Rue kept on a toothless smile, though his couldn't compare to the fighting princess'.

"Alright!" Mint said noisily, spinning on her heel to face Rue. "Where do you wanna ride? The trail, through town... Where?"

"Uh, the trail sounds fine!" Rue said, not really caring where they went.

"Good choice! The trail it is!" Mint squealed, jogging towards the stable. It was a good twenty feet high, and was painted all white with dark doors and a brown roof. Rue followed her, though not as hyper.

"Take your pick! Oh, but I always get her!" Mint reminded herself and Rue, walking over to one of the pens. The one she had stopped at had a beautifully black, mysterious looking horse with glassy coal eyes. The princess unlocked the gate and took a few steps inside, the horse whinnying with Mint's arrival. She giggled, petting the horse's muzzle. "This is Pearl, the most treasured horse in all of East Heaven!"

"Wow…" Rue blinked, astonished at Pearl's muscular body and sleek coat. "How did she get her title, 'most treasured horse'?"

"…" Mint continued stroking the horse, her smile weakening. "She…she was my mother's horse…"

Rue bit his lip, regretting his question. "I'm, I'm sorry for having you bring that up…" he managed out frailly.

"It's fine, really… I love this horse, and so did my mom," Mint insisted, turning her head to look at him. "Now are you going to choose one or not?"

Instead of a verbal response Rue gave her a nod, gazing around at his choices. The horses and stallions were mighty and strong, standing very tall. One, however, caught Rue's eye. It was a dark, dark brown-eyed one, with a lustrous coat the same color as its captivating eyes. He strode over to it, and it snorted quietly to itself, looking over to Rue on the other side of the gate.

"Who's this one?" he asked, looking curiously over to the horse. It snorted again and seemed to give him a large nod.

"Him? That's Slash," Mint answered. "He can be a mean one, so watch it. If you know how to handle horses, you'll be okay…unless you give him a reason to buck you off." She grinned naughtily over to them both, and Rue gave her a crooked smile in return, opening the pen. Slash stepped around, making his reigns swing a little. Rue reached out to them and took hold, being sure not to make him angry when they hadn't even left the stables.

Slash gave out a low-pitched shrill of approval, leading Rue out of his pen. Mint nodded with a toothless smile as Rue and herself situated the saddles onto their horses' backs. In no time they were all outside, the doll and the princess already mounted and ready to go.

Mint let out an energized, big sigh, more than ready to set out to the trail.

"C'mon, Rue! The trail's awaiting us!!" she said most cheerfully, Pearl whinnying as if doing the same.


Rue barely got to give her an acknowledging nod; the princess and her horse were already up ahead with speed to burn.

"H-Hey! Wait up!" the doll cried out, getting a grunt from Slash. The horse obviously didn't like being last, so, (without Rue's consent or order,) sprinted forward into a gallop, going just as fast or maybe even quicker than Pearl and Mint. "Whoa!"

You could hear the horses' hooves trample the ground, the two riding them either giggling (Mint) or panicking (Rue) from the swiftness of his horse.

"What's the matter Rue!?" Mint called over her shoulder as the two were closing in on their destination. "Can't keep up!?" The princess let out a laugh of triumph after her sentence, putting on an amused yet wicked expression on Rue's face.

"No way! We're only warming up!" he shouted back, grinning as well. He whispered this in Slash's ear: "You're not going to let two girls be ahead of you, are you?"

The dark brown horse made a shrill howl, shaking his head in response. Rue nodded, and tugged on the reins a bit to get Slash started.

They entered the trail shortly after this, Mint thinking that she and Pearl would always lead. Well, that's where she went wrong; as soon as Pearl slowed down on the speed for Slash, (feeling confident that she and Mint had to wait for the two slowpokes,) her head up high with dignity…just as Slash and Rue flew by them, Rue giving Mint a wave as if to say 'tah-tah for now!'

"What!!?" Mint hollered, Pearl getting startled from the air that ran by them. "HEY!!! Rue!!!" The princess didn't even need to tell her horse to start running; Pearl was already dashing through the trail, Rue and Slash's laughs falling back on them. Squinting her eyes, Mint grunted under her breath, Pearl doing a similar action. Visible air left Pearl's nostrils, going back onto Mint. "No!! Pearl, we're not gonna teleport ahead of them, alright!? I like winning fair and square!" The stallion shook her head, rolling her eyes and the steam vanishing. "There! Now! Let's catch up to those guys!!"

Rue and Slash were having fun, weaving through all the trees, and occasionally jumping over rocks as well as other obstacles. The two were happy, Rue still laughing at the steed's speed, never going quite that fast before in his life.

Pearl ran on, catching up to Slash in due time. Mint and Pearl knew where mostly everything was on the trail, boulders, ponds, and all that, unlike Rue and Slash, (who never really rode on trails, but was usually in races,) who only knew the things they saw around them, making them vulnerable to things like almost undetectable holes and low tree branches. This really made Mint go on edge, and she was probably getting worried, not wanting Rue to get injured.

"R-Rue!! Slow down!!!" she shouted, her voice shuddering a little. "Rue!!!"

"What, can't keep up!?" Rue hollered over his shoulder, grinning. Mint gave him a small glare.

"You idiot!!! Keep your eyes on the trail!! There's all sorts of ways you can just crash, even with Slash looking instead of you!!" Mint barked out.

"I'll be fine!! Don't worry!!" was the reply the princess got.

"Argh… Okay!!! Pearl," Mint grunted, moving closer to her horse's ear, "now you may teleport in front of them!! There's that giant ditch up ahead, so go there!"

Pearl nodded her head and blew out more of the smoke from before. She kept at it, the smoke not moving past them in the wind, but forming around them completely, the magic as thick as fog.

As soon as this was finished, you could hear Pearl's high-pitched shriek, the smoke seeming to jerk a good five feet away from them, then, just as rapidly, came back to make an impact with the princess and horse. Then, it was swept away by the breeze, Mint and Pearl nowhere to be found.

Of course, all this noise made Rue turn around, a look of confusion spreading on his handsome face.

"W-Where did they go...?" he asked, though the wind made it seem quieter than a whisper. "They were there a second ago…"

Slash's whinny threw Rue back into action, him jerking his head around. Maybe ten feet ahead of them (after the clearing of glittery, gold-tinted smoke disappeared) stood Pearl, with Mint huffily sitting on her saddle. Now, ten feet isn't really all that much room for a speeding horse to just stop, but Slash started right away, Rue kind of in a daze. Well, goes to show you to keep your eyes on the road, because the doll was sent flying over the horse's head, the reins snapping behind him.

As Mint had said, there was a pretty deep ditch behind Pearl, which was exactly where Rue was headed for.

Fawump!!! Something with a tight grasp caught Rue's wrist, the doll slamming into the side wall of the ditch.

"Ugh…" he groaned, wincing a bit from the crash. There he was, dangling in the air, his side aching from his collision, blinking, finding nothing else he could do.

"I…told you…to keep your eyes…on the trail…" came Mint's voice. Rue looked up to find Mint on her knees, both of her hands grasped around Rue's wrist. She was gritting her teeth, finding it hard to steady herself and Rue over the edge of a ditch.

"S-Sorry…" Rue said softly, blushing a little from embarrassment. "I, didn't know this was here…"

"Well, of course…you didn't," Mint stated. "This is your first time here, but I did expect you to be…well…err, more, cautious?" She smiled sheepishly.

"Um…could…I perhaps…get up now?" Rue asked slowly, seeing how much his weight was straining Mint.

"Oh, right!" the princess replied, giggling a little. Mint started to rock back and forth a little as she counted to three. On three, she pushed herself back with her feet, taking Rue with her, though he had a rougher landing than she did.

"Whoa!!" Rue managed out, going up and over Mint, who had now released his wrist. He tumbled forward, rolling for a while until Slash's strong legs stopped him. Rue blinked up at Slash, who looked down at him. He snorted in his face lightly, inspecting to see if Rue had any injuries. Then, surprisingly, he gave Rue a lick on the cheek, making him chuckle. "Heh, it's good to see you, too!"

On her back, everything she saw upside-down, Mint smiled. Slash was now giving Rue more licks, liking the sound that came out of him. After a while, Mint rose, brushing off all the bark, twigs and leaves that found their way onto her back. Rue was now laughing, Slash starting to nibble at his ear affectionately before moving to his hat, finding it softer and easier to chew.

"H-Hey! Slash! That's my hat!" Rue chortled, the horse lifting his hat up and off his head, making his hands clumsily try to take it back.

Mint giggled by Pearl, really enjoying the little scene. Remembering some of the stories her mother used to tell about her dad, Rue was starting to remind her of that. The king, (well, before the king was king,) he and that same horse would always do silly things, like what Rue and Slash were doing right then.

(Gosh, he reminds me of so much…) the princess thought, turning to pet Pearl's nuzzle.

(Is that why you like him?)

Mint nodded. (…Yeah… That's why I like him…)

(Does he know that?) This other thought was not her own, but Mint didn't seem surprised.

(No… A-At least, I don't think so…) A light blush crept upon her cheeks.

(…You should tell him.)

(But-) Mint started, but stopped as Pearl snorted loudly.

(No buts. I think you should tell him. If you were like this your whole life, not telling people the truth, hiding your true feelings…you'd be living a lie. No one should live a lie.)

(…Thanks…Pearl…) Mint said through her mind, closing her eyes and smiling at her advice giver.

(Okay, okay! I'll give you your hat back if you don't make a noise!) At the same time as Mint's little conversation with Pearl began, Slash and Rue started their own dialogue.

Rue's eyes just went wide, and he didn't move on inch, actually holding his breath.

(Did…you just..?) He blinked as he asked the unfinished question in his head.

(Yeah, that's right, I can talk!) Slash seemed to chortle, letting Rue's hat fall back to him. (Surprised?)

(A little…) Rue shakily thought. (Oh, did you have something to tell me?)

(That's right. I do have something to discuss with you,) Slash stated, starting to lay down beside Rue. (Mint… You like her, right? More than a friend?)

Rue's cheeks and across his nose changed their color. (I do…a lot more than a friend…)

(I can't help but wonder if you two both know that you like her. Have you told her?)

(Of course not!) Rue said quickly. (I know for a fact that she only sees me as a friend!)

(…Are you sure?) That question made Rue look into the horse's eyes stupidly.

(Um…maybe… I don't know… I've never brought it up with her…) the doll said bitterly, looking down at the ground. (…I kissed her once, and she didn't do anything…)

(You should start talking to her about it,) Slash suggested, going on. (Or you'll never know for certain if she wants both of you to stay friends, or to become more.)

(Th-This is embarrassing!) Rue said finally, his face turning more like a cherry.

(Yes, I guess it is, for you,) the horse chuckled, making a light snort. (But you really should confront her, before the tournament that is.)

(Why before the tournament?)

(Why? So that if she says that she likes you back, you can thrive on that newfound love during the tournament. That way, you'll fight for her feelings, and perhaps win. And,) Slash continued; (even if Mint beats whoever got to her, she'd most likely want to rule the throne…with you.)

(Do…do you think so?) Rue asked, still embarrassed on the subject.

(I know so. Now, you go and carry on your date with her. This might be the only chance you get to tell her how you feel.) The horse gave Rue a nudge in the shoulder, wanting him up. He nudged him again, Rue giving him a nod and rising. As he rose, Pearl sat down, seeming to snort over to Slash, who gave her a nod.

At the same time, Mint and Rue turned around, meeting the other's strong gaze. Mint was still slightly flushed, but Rue's was more visible.

"Did…you talk with Slash?" Mint asked, noticing Rue's color right away.

"Yeah… Did Pearl speak with you?" Rue questioned.

"Just a small one, not that important," Mint said as if it were really no big deal. That drew a snort from Pearl, and Mint smiled out of innocence. "So, I guess we're taking a break?"

"They seem to be taking one," Rue replied, referring to their horses. "Uh, how is it that they can talk?"

"Pearl and Slash? All of the horses can communicate telepathically with us, though they rarely ever do unless the person and horse really get along," she answered, shrugging. "Slash just must've really liked you if he talked with you."

"He just had a question," Rue said, some sweat coming off the back of his neck.

"Question? About what?" Mint asked, walking over to the ditch and taking a seat, her feet dangling over the edge.

"I-It's really not that important…" Rue said weakly, taking a seat next to her.

"If it's not that important, then you can tell me," Mint insisted, being persistent again.

"Really, it's not important or all that interesting," Rue confirmed, his back hunched over and his arms resting on his legs, his eyes looking down at the darkness of the ditch.

"Figures…" Mint sighed out, making Rue turn his head. "You always have boring conversations…"

"…" Rue didn't have anything to say, and grew more confident that Mint wanted to be his friend and nothing more. "What did Pearl have to say?"

"Um…well…" Mint began slowly, "She…just wanted…to see how I was holding up! Yeah! Y'know, with the tournament and all. Really no big deal!" The princess seemed to force a laugh out, scratching the back of her head with her hand.

"…You're lying," Rue said, making Mint's laughs die immediately.

"What? No I'm not!" Mint protested stubbornly. "Why would I lie about something like that!?"

"I don't know… Maybe you don't want to say what you were talking about," Rue murmured.

"Argh…. Fine! You caught me! But that's just 'cause it's embarrassing to say! Otherwise, I would've told you the truth!" Mint grew redder in the face, starting to fidget.

"…Well? Come on, let's hear it," Rue urged, looking at her for an answer. "It can' be that bad."

"I…okay…let's see…it's like…ah Hell!" Mint screeched out, finding it hard to explain. "Argh… I just asked Pearl if she knew anything on human puberty, alright!!?"

Rue turned crimson, sweatdropping. "…O-Oh…S-Sorry about that…"

"Forget it, it's out and down with," Mint snapped. (Hehe! Genius! Pure genius! Nice cover up, Mint!)

"Gosh, now I'm really embarrassed…" Rue admitted, looking back at the ditch.

"I just gave you the truth," Mint said, shrugging. "Do you prefer my lie now?"

"Yeah…" Rue said without doubt. Mint giggled, trying to muffle herself with her hand. "Right, go ahead and laugh, like you always do!"

"It's not that!" Mint assured. "It's just…you look really cute when you're red in the face!"

Rue gulped quietly and looked back over to Mint, who was smiling toothlessly with a blush of her own. He smiled back. "You look cute, too…"

The comment made Mint giggle a little more, and darken some, too. Suddenly, Slash and Pearl got up, making Mint and Rue turn their heads.

"Are you two ready to go?" Mint asked, still grinning. Pearl and Slash nodded at the same time, smoke coming from their nostrils. "!? Hey! Where do you think you're goin'!?" Too late; the smoke gathered around the stallions, and they disappeared before Mint or Rue could stand, which they did.

"I guess we'll just have to walk back," Rue assumed.

"Hmph, I guess…" Mint mumbled, her and Rue starting back for the castle.

"Unless you know a teleporting spell, we'll probably run into night," Rue offered, seeing as Mint didn't sound that pleased.

"Me? Teleportation spells? Nope! I never mess with those! If you don't concentrate hard enough and put in the extra effort, you'll end up in who knows where!" Mint said matter-o-factly, crossing her arms and holding her head up. "They can be dangerous, and I should save all my concentration and effort for the tournament."

"Heh, you should, since you run low on both of those…" Rue chortled quietly, giggling as Mint threw him a glare.

"What was that!? Mind repeating it!?" the princess growled, only making the doll chuckle more.

"Nothing, nothing! I didn't say a word!" he insisted, thought he continued to chuckle.

"Argh, do I need to get you a muzzle!?" Mint snarled hastily.

"Not if we kiss, no!" Rue said without thinking. They both stopped walking, an awkward silence arising. Rue had his eyes closed shut with ignorance, bringing one of his hands up to cover part of his face with humiliation. "...Sorry, I was thinking of something and my words came out all wrong…"

"S'okay…" Mint said bluntly, staring at her open side to avoid Rue. "We've had that happen to us before…"

Rue looked up and over to her, perplexed. "…Come again? What do you mean 'we'?"

"…You don't remember?" the princess asked, biting on her lower lip a little with what looked to be sadness. "You're the one who did it, and you don't even remember…"

"Remember what, Mint? You're confusing me," Rue asked, really stumped.

"…To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind having it happen again…" Mint said, not paying any attention to Rue's query.

"Oh Rue… If only you weren't so blind sometimes…" Mint sighed out, letting her shoulders droop over her body, her back arched over as well. "…When we get to my room, you can tell me what you think I'm talking about, okay?"

"…" Rue frowned; he really wanted to know what in the world Mint was talking about. "I guess? Sure?"

"Okay, now take my hand," Mint ordered, throwing Rue off guard again.

"What?"

"I'm tired of walking, so I'll teleport us to my room," Mint sighed.

"I thought that-"

"I lied again," Mint said, smirking at her friend. "Teleportation is the easiest of magic to use!"

"Then…why did you lie this time?" Rue asked, a little less tense as he moved his hand into hers.

Mint shrugged, smiling still. "I like going on walks with you, that's all. Honestly."

Rue blushed again, and Mint had to laugh another time before she threw her other hand in the air, the same smoke coming from her open palm and engulfing them.

"Vervoer nu!" Mint called out, they smoke expanding and then seeming to crush Rue and her, thought they just vanished, and reappeared shortly after, right outside of Mint's bedroom.

Rue looked around, blinking, his mouth opened and in a smile. "That was incredible! And so fast!"

"What, you expect magic to be slow?" Mint asked sarcastically, releasing Rue's hand and placing her hands on her hips and grinning.

"I don't know, I'm not a magician!" Rue spoke, holding his hands up and kind of shrugging.

"Hehe, so, did you think about what I said?" Mint asked, eager to find out if he remembered.

"Oh…" Rue gave her a crooked smile that made her chuckle. "Um, not really… I didn't understand what you had said!"

"Do you need a hint?" Mint said, leaning over and moving her hands behind her back. She looked funny in that position, and childish as well.

"That would help, yes," Rue said, nodding.

"Alright," Mint said, straightening up. She took a step or two toward Rue, making his smile fade a little. She smiled just to assure him she wasn't going to hurt him or something, though she moved her hand to the collar of his shirt, which she clutched and slowly pulled down.

Rue's mind was spinning, thinking wildly. (W-What kind of hint is this!?)

(Well, that was a good excuse to get closer to him…) Mint thought happily. For once, she didn't blush when she was this near to the one she loved. He, on the other hand, had some redness swiped across his face.

Mint pulled Rue down a little more, him being taller than she was by several inches.

(Oh God…is she going to..?) Rue thought, shocked that this was all happening, sweat starting to spurt from his neck and back. Indeed, it did. This was no dream, no longer a fantasy.

Mint pushed her lips gently against his, their noses rubbing against each other. It was a quick kiss, but it was worth the wait for Rue.

"Do you know what I'm talking about yet?" Mint whispered, her hand now resting against Rue's chest. She could feel his heart beating so quickly, that it was just like hers.

Rue barely moved his head left and right, making it look like he was paralyzed. This time, Rue leaned in more, kissing her back in the same manner. His right hand twitched a little as he moved it slowly up to Mint's cheek. His eyes were open, but he just couldn't help himself: he didn't want her out of his sight. He loved her too much.

Mint moved her left hand up and touched Rue's hand that was on her cheek, wincing at first but resting in on his hand anyway. He was warm; the kind of warmth you feel when someone gives you a big bear hug.

(God…this is really happening…) Rue thought, Mint having similar notions. (Just…don't lose her…or…control…)

(He's kissing you…you're kissing him… Woo-hoo!!! He likes you!!!) Mint thought, overjoyed so much that she kissed him harder, her tongue flopping impatiently, wildly around in her mouth, though Mint kept it encaged. She walked backwards, taking him with her, using the hand that had been on Rue's chest to find her doorknob. It did within seconds, and she opened it, both of them stumbling inside. Rue steadied himself and held onto Mint with his right hand, using his left to shut and lock the door. By the time this was done Mint had moved her hands up  to his neck. Rue didn't object, and he went along with it.

(Thank you…Slash, Pearl… Thank you so much…) Rue thought gratefully, knowing that he wouldn't even be in Mint's room if it wasn't for their going away.

Again, they broke apart, panting, both of them starting to sweat more from the rush. Rue's hands both went off Mint, and they trembled again. He was starting to lose control; he didn't notice his hands shoot out to Mint's hips, them locking her in place and moving around to her rear in due time.

Mint kissed him again, this time both of their mouths opening out of their urge to taste the other. This moment recharged them both from their fun-filled day of laughter, and Mint wanted to sit down. Her feet took her and Rue back until then touched the side of her bed, the princess falling back and taking the doll with her.

Her hands had the desire to touch him all over, and Mint let them do just that. The rolled off his neck and went down his shoulders before crossing over to his chest and moving down to his abdomen. Now she for surely knew he had muscles.

Rue didn't care what happened. As long as he stayed with Mint he could care less about anything else. His mind was blank, allowing his mouth to move down to her neck. She smelt so nice, and her skin was so soft… He was lucky to even know Princess Mint.

"Rue…" It was Mint's quavering, panting voice that made Rue shiver as her hands moved to his back, rubbing it with unleashing tension and pleasure. "I…I love you..!"

Right then Rue's heart seemed to stop beating, time stopped. She had said it. After all this time of thinking she just wanted them to be friends, Mint said she loved him. Those were the most heavenly and treasured words anyone could ever hear and say.

"I love you too, Mint!" Rue shuddered out in her ear. She made a squealing noise and pushed up, rolling over on top of him, kissing him with glee.

"..? Mint? You're…crying?" Rue stated after the kiss broke, puzzled. "Did I-"

"No, you didn't do anything!" Mint interrupted, her voice really happy. "I'm crying because this is the best day of my life!"

"I, I thought you never saw me like this!" Rue cried out, now tears forming in his eyes. Mint couldn't help but life, half of her tears rolling down her face and the rest falling onto Rue.

"I thought the same thing about you!" Mint choked out. That one made Rue laugh like Mint had. "I thought that you liked Claire!"

"She's practically my sister! It's only sisterly love I feel for her! But you!" Rue pushed himself up and hugged Mint into a kiss, both their tears flowing into the others river of happiness. They pulled apart on Rue's command so he could finish. "But you, I love more than anything in the world!"

Mint's bottom lip trembled, trying to stop her crying. But she couldn't help it; she was just so happy that Rue felt the same way for her as she did for him.

"I'm sorry!!" Mint sniffed, rushing into Rue's arms and sobbing in his chest. "I made you wait all this time! I-I'm so sorry!"

"Don't be!" Rue said, bringing her up to look her in the eye. They were both smiling. "I would wait forever just to hear you say you love me!" They both just laughed and cried their hearts out right then, embracing so tightly that if they let go, wither the princess or the doll would leave.

His fists tightened so much that they grew white. This was just his imagination playing a trick on him. Rue was not in Mint's room, on Mint's bed…with Mint.

(That bastard…… I will kill him!!!) he thought, enraged so much that he needed to do something to let out his anger. He whirled around yelling, cursing and punching the wall of his room directly across from Mint's end of the castle to his. He could see everything, and it was driving him nuts. Being able to  look through your window and see the person you want with another drives you crazy…mad.

Troy crumbled down to the floor of his room, his tears burning in his eyes. (I swear… I will kill that Doll of Valen..!)

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: …Well? You all liked, right? Hehehe! -^_______^- I love this chappy! Review if you have a heart, and definitely if you love Rue and Mint!