Disclaimer- I still don't own them... and the onl profit I make out of writing this is getting lovely reviews which make me happy. That's a hint, by the way. Review!!!

Chapter 3- Peter and Lucy

The trouble with younger siblings was the way they could somehow manage to make their older siblings do their bidding. Peter found this out at a young age; having three younger siblings, he was the prime target for the puppy dog eyes, the pleading looks, and the innocent voices. And in the end, it was usually Peter who ended up being right.

It was during the 4th year of the Golden Age. Narnia was a prospering land, having forged alliances with their neighbouring lands. The occupants were happy, and nature seemed to be smiling down upon all, blessing Narnia in a glorious summer. The days were bright and cheerful, the nights warm and enjoyable. It was one of these nights where Peter once again experienced the charm of a younger sibling.

Queen Lucy the Valiant had been missing for quite some time. Her siblings had assumed she would be off somewhere, enjoying the company of one of Narnia's many creatures. However, it was getting very late, and although Lucy was getting older, the 13 year old still grew tired, especially with her bubbly personality, which often wore out after being in use for a whole day. It was because of this that High King Peter, the Magnificent, found himself wandering the halls and grounds of Cair Paravel, searching for his young sister. He had been looking for quite a while, going to all Lucy's favourite places, but with no success. It had been a long day, and Peter was growing tired himself. As he wandered rather aimlessly through one of Cair Paravel's many gardens, he heard the quiet voice of someone coming from nearby. Curious, he headed towards the cluster of trees and peered through. There, perched one a log, was his sister Lucy, surrounded by a mother racoon and five baby racoons.

Peter felt his previous frustrations melt away at the sight of his sister listening intently to the mother racoon, who was discussing something with her. The baby racoons were frolicking around them, obviously enjoying the warm night. Peter stepped in the small area, clearing his throat. Both the mother racoon and Lucy turned to look at him, the latter grinning broadly at Peter.

"Peter! Just the person I need; this lovely racoon tells me that her home is now too small for her family, and-"

"Lucy, have you been here this whole time? You're meant to be getting ready for bed."

There it came. The dreaded puppy dog eyes, the slightly pouted mouth.

"Oh but Peter, please let me stay for a while? This poor racoon needs help. Pretty please?"

And that was how Peter found himself giving into his sister's wishes. He listened to the complaints of the mother racoon with one arm curled around Lucy's shoulder. After a while, he felt her slowly begin to lean into him, her head lolling slightly onto his shoulder. Glancing down, he smiled, seeing her eyes begin to flutter close before flicking over again. It was time for bed.

"I'm sorry to have to cut this conversation short, my good racoon, but I'm afraid we must go; it is getting late, and my young sister is beginning to fall asleep. The racoon glanced at Lucy, and then at her own children, who were all curled up against each other, fast asleep.

"Oh, King Peter, I'm sorry for taking up your time," she replied, but Peter waved off her apology.

"There is no need to apologise. Rest assure, we will find you a bigger home for you and your family."

The racoon looked so happy that Peter felt the last 20 minutes or so had been worthwhile. She gently woke up her children, and ushered them away, towards their home. Peter looked down at Lucy, who was now asleep against his shoulder. He grinned slightly at her peaceful face before reaching down and placing one hand under her knees, and the other against her back. He lifted her up gently, and headed back towards Cair Paravel.

As he walked, Lucy stirred, and blearily opened her eyes.

"Peter? What's happening?" she asked sleepily. Peter just smiled down at her.

"Shh, Lu. It's alright, just go to sleep."

Lucy did just that, finding the evenly paced footsteps of Peter lulling. Her head fell against the crook of his neck, with her breath blowing lightly against Peter's neck. Eventually Peter reached Lucy's room, where the door was luckily ajar. He pushed it open with his foot, and headed towards her bed, where he lightly placed her. She stirred again as her body sunk into the soft mattress, and her head turned towards Peter's direction.

"That you Peter?" she asked, squinting in the dark. Peter pulled the sheets over her, tucking her in.

"Yeah, it's me Lu." Lucy gave him a small smile, which he returned. As he moved to go, a hand gripped his own.

"Can you… can you stay with me Peter? Only I feel safer if you're here…" her voice trailed off uncertainly, not sure if it was too much to ask after her previous request which ended up in Peter carrying her to bed. But Peter merely smiled, before gently taking a seat at the edge of her bed, running his thumb over her knuckles.

"I'll stay as long as you want, Lu," he promised. And he did.

A/N- hmm, well, that wasn't really how I planned it to go... my hand seems to have its own mind. But anyway, please review, I love feedback, whether it be good or bad (well, I prefer good, but... bad is better than none)
By the way, for those of you thinking "she's left out Susan', rest assured i have NOT forgotten Susan. I'm just having a difficult time trying to write her character because she's so much more complex to write for me.