A/n: This fic was originally posted on May 4, 2017. However, since the lovely LovetoRead613 wanted a continuation of this fic, I wrote this chapter as a follow up. I took the liberty to revise the first chapter to correct the grammar and spelling as well as to lengthen the fic. This was fun to revisit and anyone who read it before, I hope you'll enjoy it all over again.
This chapter takes place a few years after the events in the first chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 2: The Arrangement
As the seasons passed and the years came the change, that forsaken meeting had gone forgotten to most, except for one. Gunther, who had the most to gain from such a union, saw that one evening as his pathway to his future happiness. Had there been valleys, mountains, and holes in the said pathway? More than a man should ever have to deal with. Like now, as he stared at the sharp point of her sword. "Do you yield?" Inquired the lady knight.
"Yes, I yield, unless there is room for negotiation."
"Only you would question death if it looked you in the face."
"Trust me," He teased, "once you smell and look into a sailor's mouth, nothing scares you anymore."
This succeeded in both fascinating and disgusting her. "Do I want to know why you know that?"
"Probably not," He chuckled, "but I suppose it would be best to save that one with all my dung jokes."
"I am sure Dragon might like it, but if you ever plan to tell that story, wait until I am as far away as possible."
It had taken them a long time to come to this point, where they jested and said whatever they liked. In its own right, it was freeing, and now the lady knight could not imagine it any other way. Gunther, once he had come to trust her a bit more, had begun to show his better nature. Sometimes he could fancy himself as charming, but more often than not he was ready with a comeback; annoying her whenever he cared to. Sheathing her sword, Jane outstretched her hand towards her fellow knight. "Come on, beef brain, it is almost time for the midday meal."
Grabbing that small, but otherwise strong hand, he stood. At 20, he had long since overtaken her in height, but it did not affect her in the slightest, for although Jane was shorter, she was faster and more agile. The better to run rings around him; at least that is how the fool would have put it. "Be sure to tell Pepper that she has one less mouth to feed. I have business to attend to."
"Business with your father? I thought you said that he hired more workmen."
Squeezing her hand, he confessed, "It is not that sort of business Jane."
Confused as to his meaning, she inquired, "Then what is it then?"
"I am told it is an acquisition." He explained, "I will be adding to my property, frog rider, but surprisingly I only have to discuss this with the only person who could make that all possible."
"Is it as important as that? Will this take you away from sparring practice? I thought you wanted to try out your new sword tomorrow."
The urge to smack his forehead was strong. Could this woman be as dense as she had always been? No wonder his troubles were great. Be that as it may, that did not discourage him as it used to, for he had come to know her better; it did continue to keep things interesting. "Does it matter? If I get busy, you could always take up the fool's offer. I am sure he would be happy to act as your pincushion."
"Stop that! As if he could wield a sword well enough. Come on Gunther, what is all this? Are you trying to get out of it? I cannot help it if I bested you today."
In the back of his mind, he wondered if anything else had to change. Things could stay as they are, and they would go on as the comrades they had grown to be. He was happy, but if his father had taught him anything, it is that a high-risk investment was not always a bad idea. Cupping her warm, freckled cheek, he allowed his amusement to color his words. "Bested me? Oh please, as if I would go easy on you. Really," He softened, "what am I to do with you, Jane? I have business to attend to, and yet here you are talking about swords and sparring."
"Then get on with your business. If it has nothing to do with me," She frowned, "then go."
"You really want me to go?"
The color climbed up her neck and into her cheeks then as she retorted, "Yes, and as soon as you can if it is that important. I do not see why you are wasting your time with me."
No, if anything, he had only been biding his time. And now, as the hot sun beat down upon their heads, and being covered in dust and sweat, he thought there was not a better time than the present. "As you wish frog rider."
Leaning down, until their breath feathered each other's lips, he confessed, "You are my business, Jane. Will you marry me?"
A gasp and her lips met him the rest of the way. For so long, he had wished that she would not hate him, but he could have never imagined that he would be breathing happiness from the lips of whom he once thought of as his enemy. Placing his free hand on the small of her back, he relished in the freedom and comfort of his dearest, closest friend; disregarding the fact that if Dragon caught him doing this, that he would become charcoal. For her part, she wondered why they had not done this sooner. Truth be told, the thought of romance had disgusted her; or so she thought, but in Gunther's capable hands, they were but an extension of each other.
When they did decide to part, she smiled up at that handsome, dark face of his. How could someone so annoying mean everything to her? It made no sense, but it did not matter, because they had learned to deal with the other's ways. "As far as your acquisition is concerned," She softened, "I am sure we can come to an arrangement."
