Too Busy

Maybe a few years after LWW. Golden Age. :)

"Hey Ed," Peter walked in to Cair Paravel's library where his younger brother was sitting at his desk, hunching over scattered books and papers.

"Hey," Edmund replied still reading and writing down a few things not even looking at him.

"Are you busy?" Peter said awkwardly. Since when did Ed always "hunch" over this paperwork and stuff? He hated working long hours, but then again, he was a king... Still... something wasn't right.

"What do you think, Pete?" Ed asked sarcastically before letting out a sigh. "I really am busy."

"But its almost dinner time. I think you can come to dinner with us."

"Sorry, but can you ask to bring it up? I'm way too busy."

"Oh," Peter scratched his forehead unsure what to say. Was this how Ed, Susan and Lucy felt like when he ignored them? Come on, I'm High King of Narnia, Peter the Magnificent! I should know what to say! Peter thought irritated. But then, of course Ed's the one with words.

"Come on, don't you want to spend some family time, Ed?" Peter asked weakly. Whoa, that sounded a lot weirder. He closed his eyes when he heard awkward silence.

A laugh pierced the silence. Pete opened one eye to see his younger brother laughing in his chair.

"Peter, where did you get that from? Its the most ridiculous thing I have ever, and I mean ever, heard you say." Edmund said grinning teasingly.

"Susan. I heard Susan say it a few weeks ago." Peter mumbled.

"Oh, right, when you didn't come down for dinner."

"Ed, stop it, seriously. You've been so busy I..." Peter stopped looking at his brother who was staring at him like he had grown horns.

"Why don't you just stop it, Pete. Don't you understand? I guess you don't." Edmund sighed, pushed back his chair and got up. "I think I'll go have my dinner in my room." Peter bit his lip, confused. He was surprised and mostly confused.

Today had been different. He barely had anything to do - he tried to make lunch but the fauns and Mrs. Beaver wouldn't let him - he tried to help in the stables - but every single time he asked if he could help the Narnians would say, "No Your Highness." It was getting overly boring.

"You mean, our room." Peter protested dumbly.

"Actually, I was thinking of getting my own room."

"Wait - what?"

"Yeah," Edmund sighed. Peter stared at him. Edmund rolled his eyes at him, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Wait... you're joking, aren't you?"

"Pete, what's wrong with you? You do know what today is... right?"

"What day is it?" Peter asked. Ed laughed.

"Its your birthday." Peter felt his jaw drop open.

"I... whaa...? I can't believe I forgot!"

"I was trying to get my work done so I'd have more time to spend with you, Pete."

"Oh, and that's why no one let me in the kitchen."

"Yeah, Lucy was baking with Mrs. Beaver."

"Happy Forgotten Birthday, Pete!"

"Aw, shut up!" Peter said wacking his brother on the head.

THE END

I just love those two! Please review! It would mean a lot to me if you would! - Nessa