Five Shamus McNeil

Shamus cleared his throat as he stood outside Nina's door. He held a simple yellow flower in his hand and was at his wit's end to think of an appropriate statement to give with it. Sammy boy, you might as well give up. You aren't a poet. Shamus gave a slight shrug and reached out to knock on the door.

"One moment," came a muffled reply.

He cleared his throat again, adjusting his hold on the flower as he shifted weight from one foot to the other. I can't believe I'm doing this—

The door opened to reveal his bride. She had dressed in black leggings, a multi-colored band of ribbons in her short-cut hair, and a dark blue top that settled around her slim hips. Her eyes twinkled with her smile and Shamus' breath and words died.

"Good morning," she greeted. Her eyes focused on the flower and widened as she looked up. "For me?"

Shamus mutely nodded, sending her an uncertain smile as he presented it to her.

"Oh how lovely. Thank you." Nina took the offered flower, touching it briefly to her nose. She closed her eyes as she breathed in the aroma. Then she refocused on Shamus. "It smells divine."

Shamus swallowed hard, jarring loose the attraction and the fear so that he could speak. "If you like, I can have perfumes made from it."

Eyes wide, Nina's parted with surprise. "Could you?"

Shamus nodded, and then he smiled. "We could call it 'Princess Nina'."

Nina laughed her unique melody with a slight flutter of wingtip. "Please don't. Call it something romantic and lovely."

In for a penny, in for a pound... "I thought I did," he offered, in what he hoped to be an innocent tone.

The response from Nina was an opened mouth and a collection of blinks as she stared up at him. Then her face brightened with another smile. "Why, Mayor McNeil. You flirt."

Shamus' ears reddened, the only necessary confession, but he didn't look away from her eyes. "No, I don't," he denied with a shake of his head. At least not very well. He almost grimaced.

She wrapped an arm around his and led him toward the stairs, bringing the flower once more to her nose. When Nina lowered it, she whispered, "I remember the last time a charming gentleman gave me a flower."

Shamus looked away, and this time he did grimace. Ryu? Rei? How can I compete with them?

Sighing, Nina slightly shook her head. Then she looked over at Shamus. "Thank you for the flower," she said softly.

Shamus released a silent breath before gazing down at her. It didn't go the way I wanted, but... "My pleasure, Nina."

She looked away, absently adjusting the placement of her hand within his arm. "What do we have planned this morning?"

Racking his brain for something that would bring a smile-- His expression brightened, but he kept his tone matter-of-fact. "I need to check on the mares who are nearly ready to foal, make sure they're doing alright and things like that. I could use your help with the wee ones. They have a knack for getting in the way." Nina looked over at him with a slight smile. He intercepted it with his best attempt at innocence. I can't believe I'm doing this... "Or you can wait here," he offered, "and then we can go together to visit the different farms and ranches, so you can say hello."

She nodded. "That would be lovely. Might I do both?"

Shamus smiled. "Sure can."

"Could we take breakfast with us?"

A picnic! Shamus grabbed at the idea with a near snap of his fingers. Instead, he simply nodded and said, "I could go tell Cook right now. Did you want to meet him?" He didn't give her a chance to answer before he enfolded her hand with his and led her toward the kitchen off to the left of the dining hall. "He used to cook for Neil and decided to stay on with me once Neil left. I'm glad he did. He's a great cook."

"Yes, he is."

Shamus pulled her into the kitchen, forcing himself to continue to hold her hand once they had come to a stop. "Ed, did you want to meet my wife?" Did I just say that? "Nina," Shamus said as he looked from cook to new bride, "this is Ed."

Ed stood about 6 feet tall with the usual white 'cook' uniform. He was a hefty individual, but only because he loved food.

Nina smiled. "Hello, Ed. It's nice to meet you."

Turning from the stove, Ed doffed his white cook's cap. "Princess. What can I do for you?"

Nina met Shamus' smiling eyes, who then shifted his focus to Ed. "Could you make a quick brunch picnic? We're going to the pasture to check the foals."

"Sure thing. Will you be coming back for lunch?"

"No. We'll be traveling around the different ranches and farms. Probably stop in and have lunch with Rei."

"Dinner?"

"Maybe." Shamus smiled wider. "Sorry, Ed. I'm playing things by ear today."

Ed returned his smile. "It's okay, Shamus. I'll make some dishes that are good cold, just in case."

"Thanks. And the picnic?"

"Give me by the time your carriage is out front."

Nina's hand tightened on his. "Actually," Shamus said without looking, "we kind of wanted to walk. We'll be outside in the garden walking around. Just let us know when it's done. I'll come and get the basket."

"I'll have one of the boys bring it out front."

"Thanks, Ed."

Shamus drew Nina back out into the main hall, then they made their way toward the front entrance to exit the double-doors and descend the stairs. At a thought, Shamus' smile wavered. He looked to Nina. She quietly studied the ground at her feet. He cleared his throat. "Prin-- I mean... Nina?" She looked up to meet his gaze. "I guess I should have asked about all that stuff. The walking and the picnic?"

"It's all right," she assured, her lips tilted upward in a smile. "In fact, it felt nice to not need to think. A month of planning the wedding ceremony certainly dulled that shine."

Whew... "Yeah. I guess it would. Well, just tell me if I ever trod all over you. I've been a bachelor a while, you know."

"Yes. And Marianne says you're an oaf."

Shamus grinned at her, something he hadn't done for years. "Remembered that, did you?" Nina giggled with a slight shake of her head. Okay. This is good. She's laughing. Keep at it, Sammy boy. Keep at it.

"I'm glad she came to the reception," Nina continued. "It was great fun to meet her, though I don't believe any of those horrid bad habits she confessed of you."

"Bad habits? Like what?" He swallowed hard. When did Marianne get her alone?

"I refuse to give them the attention." Nina glanced toward him, and Shamus could swear he saw a mischievous twinkle.

"And you want to see if I actually do them," Shamus accused with a smile and laugh.

Nina giggled. "Guilty as accused."

"Well, this isn't fair," Shamus protested. "I'm painted less than charming, sabotaged by my own sister, and you're just as perfect and lovely as when I met you." Hey, not bad.

This time Nina laughed. "Please, please. No pedestal, Shamus. No pedestal."

"Oops. Sorry." Shamus grinned down at her. "Need some help getting down from there?"

Eyes crinkled at the corners with her smile, Nina met his gaze. "I'll manage. Thank you."

"Mayor McNeil?"

Shamus looked over his shoulder toward the house. "Oh. Lunch." He released her hand and stepped toward the house. "Be right back."

"That was quick," Nina said. "I hardly had time to enjoy the garden."

Uh-oh. Possible problem. Shamus halted and turned. Nina peered toward the far left of the garden. Gazebo. Right. Shamus bit his lip and looked back to their brunch. Then he rubbed at the back of his neck and shook his head. Fruit tree. Gazebo. He nodded and moved back toward Nina. She looked to his hands for the basket and then met his smiling gaze with an expression of puzzlement.

He motioned to the left. "I forgot to show you the gazebo yesterday."

The picnic was instantly forgotten.

Nina smiled and pointed to the left of the garden as she fell into step beside him. "Is that what I see over there in the corner?"

"There's a really nice plum tree beside it, too. You could have some for breakfast, if you like plums." Hopefully she likes plums.

"I don't believe I've ever tried a plum."

Shamus blinked and moved his focus to an examination of her profile. She looked eagerly ahead toward the gazebo and the plum tree beside. "You've never had a plum? How... You're a princess. How can you never have had a plum?"

Nina met his gaze, her face still bright with expectation. "I don't know. Where do they most often grow?"

"We've just recently planted a grove near Cedar Woods, and I know the soil and climate is perfect for them."

"I don't remember seeing them in Wyndia," she observed. "Perhaps it's too dry?"

Brows lowered in a frown of concentration, he looked away. "Hm. Let's see. You're on the other side of Mt. Myrneg. Maybe the soil's too sandy? I should scope it out and see if we could plant some groves or vines. That would be great... Although maybe the idea of ranches would be better? I should talk to the king about it. Seems to me I saw some prime spots." Shamus heard a slight laugh and a flutter. His ears pinked as he looked down at his bride's smiling face. He sheepishly smiled.

"I never knew such intense concentration could be so adorable," she confessed.

Shamus' face flamed, and he looked away with a clearing of his throat. Adorable? That's good... right?

"And Marianne insists your distractions to be a bad habit," Nina continued. "I don't believe her."

That's definitely good... unless she's teasing. Shamus nearly threw his hands up in frustration. He was beginning to understand why he had never married.

"Oh my goodness," Nina breathed. A flutter accompanied the whisper. "This is lovely."

The gazebo was fashioned of polished stones he had transported from Mt. Myrneg. It had taken nearly a year to have them smoothed and polished for the columns and the steps and floor. The roof of the gazebo was white-washed cedar, now more green than white due to the ivy that had spiraled up the columns.

Shamus smiled as he followed Nina up the steps to the center of the gazebo. He had always wondered why he took the time with it. Now he knew.

"Shay..." Nina breathed, slowly lowering herself onto one of the carved cedar benches.

Shamus' smile vanished as he watched Nina's expression, but she continued to view the gazebo with wide-eyed wonder.

"Shay, this is spectacular."

Shay... Swallowing hard, Shamus turned away, resting one fist on his hip while the other hand rubbed at his neck.

"Is that the plum tree?"

Shamus gave a slight flinch as he looked sharply to his right. Nina stood beside him while pointing to a tree with deep-purple foliage just outside the gazebo. "Yes."

Brightly smiling, Nina turned to hurry down the steps of the gazebo and around to the side. Shamus watched her, his lips lifting upward as he moved to lean against one of the columns. He crossed his arms, viewing each expression as she reached for a plum, plucked it free, and then examined it with sight, scent, and touch before cautiously raising the deep purple fruit to her rose lips. She hesitantly bit into the juicy meat, wrinkling her nose at the initial tartness of the skin. Then her tastebuds experienced the mild sweet of the meat within and her eyes widened. Shamus shook his head with a growing smile as he adjusted his crossed arms.

"Mmm. This is delicious. So juicy, too." Nina met Shamus' smiling gaze with a serious expression. "Could I pick some for our picnic?"

"Go ahead."

Nina smiled and then lifted the lower portion of her blue top to act as a carrier for those lucky plums chosen to grace their picnic. Whenever she reached for a plum, a hint of midriff would be seen. Shamus cleared his throat and kept his gaze carefully away; sometimes he even had to close his eyes to keep from glancing. Finally, he gave another clearing of his throat and straightened from the column to turn away.

"Ooo. These must be divine with whipped cream," Nina reasoned.

He made his way down the steps and to her side. "They make a great spread on cakes or sweet breads, too."

"I imagine so," Nina agreed, wide-eyed. She retrieved another plum for her stash before falling into step beside Shamus as he moved again toward the house. She bit into the plum with an "Mmm," and actually slurped some of the juice.

Shamus chuckled while glancing over at her. "I'll make sure you get plum spread with your breakfast every morning."

Giggling, Nina sent him a sidelong glance. "Thank you."

They made their way to the porch where Shamus took up the basket, and then they struck out down the main jog from the mansion grounds, Nina still holding her treasure trove of plums. Shamus settled into an easy pace beside her, enjoying the sight and sound of her nibbling on each one. She didn't look anything like a princess walking along with her shirt full of plums, her fingers sticky from the juice, and spitting pits a good distance off to the side. If anything, she looked at home and at ease. At total and complete peace with where she was and who she was with. Shamus couldn't help but feel his attraction grow.

Nina licked some plum juice from her fingers and looked over at Shamus with wide eyes of interest. "Did you want one?" And she immediately retrieved one from her trove.

He took the presented plum with a slight smile before tossing it up into the air and catching it in his mouth. Then he ate the meat away and spat the pit a good 10 feet down the path.

"Rei would be jealous," Nina informed.

"Nah." Shamus accepted another offered plum and did the same as before. "What's so special about having a big mouth?"

Nina's smile blossomed to a laugh, and Shamus knew he hadn't ever heard a sweeter sound. He released a slight breath as he studied the ground at their feet, hands tucked safely away from their temptation. Yep, Sammy boy. You've done yourself in good this time. A country yokel married and in love with a princess. Shamus shook his head.

"You mean you only want two?"

Shamus looked toward Nina with a "huh?"

She held out a plum. "I offered another and you shook her head." Nina smiled. "I'm afraid if you don't accept this one you're liable to miss a further opportunity."

Returning her smile, he enfolded her hand in his and gently pushed it back toward her. "I can always pick more."

"Are you certain?" she asked, eyes wide. Then her eyes crinkled at the corners and she giggled as she looked to her depleted stash. "I'm afraid I've made a glutton of myself."

Chuckling, Shamus released her hand. "I didn't notice, princess," he said gently.

Nina lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. "Shay, do stop calling me 'princess'," she said with a laugh. "It sounds ridiculous. You're my husband. You shouldn't address me by my title."

Shamus flushed and looked away, not sure how to confess that he hadn't. "Sorry."

"You don't need to be sorry," she soothed. To his surprise and pleasure, she took hold of his hand. "It'll take time, I guess. I'll try to be more patient."

He cleared his throat. Sammy boy, you know you like calling her that. You better 'fess up or you'll never get to. He cleared his throat again. "Nina, I... uh..."

"What's the matter?" Nina prompted, closely examining his profile.

He glanced toward her and immediately away. "N-Nothing. I just... I like calling you... that."

"Princess?" she asked, surprised. "But why?"

Shamus gave a slight shrug. "I just do."

"Oh." Nina changed her focus from his face to her stash of plums. "Now I feel a little ridiculous for making such a fuss."

Halting, Shamus' hand tightening a little on hers as he faced her. Hundreds of words crashed together in his brain, but he couldn't grab a complete sentence. Finally, he released a quick breath and said, "I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have said anything."

Nina raised her eyes. "Of course you should. How else are we supposed to become friends unless we talk to each other about things."

As he continued to look into her bright blue eyes, he could feel his stomach flip and his throat tighten at what she'd said and what it would mean if he confessed. Shamus swallowed hard, including the words he wanted to say, and released her hand to start walking again toward the pasture. Nina hesitated before hurrying to walk beside him.

"Do you need to talk about something?"

Words and thoughts wouldn't come as Shamus gripped his hands behind his back.

"What did I say?" Nina pressed, and her tone actually sounded concerned. "Shamus?"

Shamus halted and faced her. "Call me Shay," he said quickly. "I like it."

Nina blinked and Shamus flushed. He looked away with a clearing of his throat. Idiot...

"Is that--"

"No," Shamus said, shaking his head. Let her finish her sentence! He rubbed at the back of his neck without meeting her gaze, tightening his hold on the picnic basket. "Sorry."

"It's all right. I can be a little short myself when I'm troubled."

Does she have to be so understanding all the time? Shamus released a deep breath as he looked over at her. She blinked up at him with slightly wide eyes, and he could see the concern. Shamus reluctantly smiled. "Don't mind me, Nina. I'm an oaf."

Mouth dropping open, she sounded a slight gasp. "Shamus McNeil," she whispered, and she shielded her mouth with her free hand in mock horror. "You said a bad word."

Shamus laughed. Then he wiped the smile from his face as he glanced furtively over his shoulder. He refocused on her with twinkling eyes, noticing how hers sparkled like the best gems he'd ever seen. "Don't tell Marianne," he whispered, leaning slightly forward.

Nina slowly shook her head, and her slight flutter of wing confessed her withheld laughter.

Serious expression melting to a smile, he guided her forward again with a soft touch to her back. "Really, Nina. I'm sorry. I'm trying to figure out what's okay and what's not, and I guess it's making me a little crazy."

"I completely understand," Nina assured as she sent him a reassuring expression. "If there's any way I can help..."

Shamus' lips twitched upward. Tell me exactly when I can say— "Thanks. I'll remember that."

Nina reached out for his hand and slipped hers into it, giving it a slight squeeze. "Just promise that won't be the furthest step you take. Remembering I offered and actually asking are two different things."

"I can tell you've had this conversation before," he commented, his lips twitching upward.

Nina flushed. "Yes, well..." She cleared her throat with a delicate melody of sound. "I'm not overly proud of it, but yes."

After a moment of silent scrutiny, he carefully asked, "What happened?" while wondering if it was too much too soon.

Nina adjusted her hold on the stash of plums within her shirt as well as on his hand. "I'm afraid I acted a bit of an orc with one of my friends while not taking my own advice."

One eyebrow twitched upward. "Come again?"

Sighing, Nina finally looked up to meet his gaze, her eyes glimmering. "While paying a friend a visit, I decided that she shouldn't be alone anymore; that she must have secretly been miserable in her tower by herself. So once I arrived home, I wrote her a letter telling her that I believed it would be a good idea for her to begin dating. Without waiting for her to reply, I..." Nina looked away. "I asked... one of my other friends to help her learn how to date. She's not very socially adept." Nina sighed. "I just... I don't know why I did it. I don't know why I didn't only offer my help instead of forcing it upon her."

Shamus' throat tightened. Nina looked sincerely miserable. What am I supposed to say? Shamus cleared his throat as he gave her hand a squeeze. "Nina... I'm sure she knew you only wanted to help," he offered gently.

Nina sniffed, still staring at her plums. "Now they're more than likely together and happy," she whispered.

"Who?"

"Ryu and Momo."

Shamus blinked. "Oh." Well when in the world did that happen?

She sighed deep. "I didn't even know until our wedding. I thought he was only... Then Ryu sent the note..." She sighed again. "Ryu likely didn't want me to be hurt."

"You weren't just friends, were you?" he asked slowly, carefully.

Nina looked up. "We were, Shamus," she assured. "I still don't know whether or not I wanted something more. My feelings for him were always unique and confusing. Even now I'm happy for him, though I know he and Momo are exploring a closer relationship than what I ever had with him. I only..." She looked away again with a deep breath.

"You want what they've got," Shamus said in a low voice.

"Yes." Nina lowered her head. "Yes, I suppose I do."

And now I remember why I'm making like an idiot. Shamus gazed down at her with a slight smile as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "That's alright, princess." Just give me a little bit.