To An Extent~
"And, I-I couldn't breathe, Wynne. I don't know what to do." Mikl sighed, his head hanging back, staring at the sealing. Wynne merely chuckled.
"Ah, what I would give to be young and in love again…" Wynne was looking at Mikl now, smiling. Mikl tilted his head slightly to look at Wynne.
"L-Love? I'm not in love with Alistair, I mean- we're not-I'm not- He's a guy!" Mikl practically yelled. He quickly clasped a hand over his mouth, attempting to hush himself, so other would not hear.
"It is not unheard of, for males to feel emotions for other males, my dear Mikl. And you and Ser Alistair have been through so much…" Wynne trailed off, as Mikl began to blush more. He stood abruptly, muttering a quick goodbye to Wynne, and exited the room, heading for the kitchen to find something to eat.
Alistair was sitting in the Dining Hall, munching on some of the finest cheese in all of Ferelden. He was alone, with only the sound of his thoughts, when he heard the door creak open. He looked up from his food to see Mikl. He swallowed hard, his mouth running dry. Mikl had barely stepped through the door, when he stopped in his tracks, his eyes automatically hitting the floor.
"Oh, uhm, hello, Your Highness." Mikl whispered quietly. Before he knew it, Alistair was in front of him. Mikl's heart began beating, faster and faster. They were so close; he could practically feel Alistair's breath on him. If it weren't for the small tray of food, the distance would have been even less. Mikl looked up, looked into Alistair's beautiful eyes.
"Don't call me Your Highness." Alistair demanded in a stern tone. It almost scared Mikl, how his personality seemed to had changed since they first met. But then something changed in Alistair's features. They softened, and he smiled. Mikl looked back down at the ground, and maneuvered his way around the older male, sitting as far away from where Alistair's feast of cheese's sat. Alistair let out a long, audible sigh, and returned to his seat. His eyes never left Mikl. He had ruined everything. The rest of their meal was in silence. Alistair had finished his cheeses long before Mikl had finished his food, but still sat there. Mikl finished his meal about ten minutes later, and stood. Without saying a word, he left for the door, leaving his plates for the maid's to clean. He reached for the handle on the door, but it never made it. Alistair had grabbed his wrist, whirling him around so they were chest to chest. Mikl pushed the knot out of his stomach, to keep his intense look.
"Let go of me, Alistair." He demanded. His only response was a stern stare. He could see the fire in Alistair's eyes. Before he could realize what was happening, Alistair had Mikl pinned against the door, both wrists were trapped in Alistair's one hand, and pinned above Mikl's head. This isn't exactly how Alistair wanted this to go, but he was running on instincts now. Mikl mumbled a warning to Alistair.
"Stop this, Alistair, please…" He begged, but Alistair wasn't going to hear it. Mikl closed his eyes, looking away from the older man. Alistair cupped Mikl's face in his free hand, and turned his head so they were nose to nose again. Mikl wasn't sure what would happen next, but he braced himself. He sucked in a deep breath, just as Alistair's lips crashed with his own. Mikl's eyes snapped open, widening with shock, but he didn't resist. It was passionate, and slightly rough, but Mikl didn't mind it. He could feel a low moan vibrate through Alistair's chest. Releasing Mikl's hands, Alistair couldn't help himself. Both his hands went to exploring the smaller man's body. Mikl's hand instantly went to Alistair's chest, pushing the man away; he needed to breathe. Panting slightly, Mikl glared in Alistair's direction, looking the man over. This was wrong; so, so wrong. But, Mikl found himself liking it. Alistair's face had turned a bright red.
"I'm sorry…" Alistair stuttered out. "I'll be leaving now," As he headed for the door. But there was no way out; Mikl was still against the door. Mikl's ragged breathing hadn't ceased, and as Alistair began to make his move for the door, but it was no use. Mikl's hands had gone to Alistair's waist, pulling him closer.
"Alistair…" Mikl couldn't think of anything to say, so once again their lips clashed. Mikl pushed away from the door, and they moved closer to the table. Mikl moved his hips, placing one of his legs between Alistair's legs, and pushed the larger man onto the table, enjoying the noise Alistair made at this new position. Grinding into Alistair's groin, forced the man to moan, allowing Mikl full access to the other man's mouth. His tongue explored deep into the over man, running over his teeth, his bottom lip, and tongue. Mikl pulled away, allowing Alistair to breath, when they heard voices echoing from the hallway outside. Mikl quickly regained himself, taking a seat in a nearby chair. Alistair had not recovered from the experience as quickly, so Mikl grabbed him by his shirt, pulling him into the chair next to him, as Wynne and Leliana both appeared through the doorway. Deep in conversation, neither of their companions had so much as glanced their way. By then the blush on Alistair's face had gone done slightly, but the red tinge was still visible.
"Alistair…" Mikl began. "About what just happened… I didn't mean to, I wasn't thinking…" before Mikl could stammer out another sentence, Alistair had pressed their lips together once again, before he stood, and left the Dining Hall, leaving Mikl with a content smile on his face.
Mikl hadn't seen Alistair since the confrontation in the Dining Hall. He had been too busy with all the complaints the people of Ferelden. So, Mikl decided he'd go for a walk, visit the nearly rebuilt Denerim. He hadn't been back very often. No since he left for Ostagar. He shook his head as he stood in the gateway, memories flooding back to him. Memories he had suppressed for so long. He felt the tears begin to swell up, and he shook his head, attempting to hold them back. He rubbed his eyes, and continued through the city. He knew where he was headed, the Arl of Denerim's estate. More importantly, he was headed for the Arl himself. His hand clutched his dagger tightly, as he passed through his gate. His Grey Warden armor shone brightly in the hot sun. The Guards at the front doors to the estate demanded for him to halt, but his armor soon hushed them. He pushed the doors open, stepping inside. The estate had been rebuilt, but looked exactly as it had when he had roamed the halls, cleaning every bit he could, trying to make as much money as he possibly could. And then his mother, his beautiful, sweet mother.. He closed his eyes tightly, and opened them again. He turned, to take a hallway to the throne room. Swinging the door open, he stormed in. Arl Howe sat in his chair, looking the same as he had those several years ago, when he had left that forsaken hellhole. Howe raised a brow.
"Ah, and what have we here? A Grey Warden? I should be honored." The man said, standing to bow.
"Save it, Howe." Mikl snapped, as his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Where is my father?" he demanded, taking a step closer to the man.
"Your father? Well, I don't quite know of whom you speak of. Unless, could it be? Has the young master Cousland finally become a man? My, my, this is quite a surprise." The man mused. "Ah, well your father, you see, I had to have him thrown in the dungeon. He decided he felt the need to try and steal from me." Howe grinned at Mikl.
"Release him, now." Mikl demanded. Howe shook his head.
"You would take such a tone with the man who accepted your family, after your mother's… accident?" That put Mikl over the edge. His dagger was drawn, and he was rushing at Howe. His mind was clouded, he couldn't think straight. But his dagger did not make contact with Flesh as he had hoped; instead a metal clink rang from the shield that blocked him from his blade, and Howe. The person had taken a stance behind his shield, and Mikl could not see his face.
"Whoever you are, I suggest you move. I am not here to bring any unnecessary harm." Mikl warned, never removing his blade from the shield.
"Stand down, Mikl." He recognized that voice. But how..?
"Move, Alistair. This doesn't involve you." Mikl voice was rising. If Alistair was going to stand between him and his goal, then Mikl was not going to spare him.
"Mikl, as King of Ferelden, I demand you stand down." Mikl could here the plea in Alistair's voice, but he couldn't think straight.
"Alistair.. He killed my mother…" The tears were threatening to overflow again, but he held them back. "I will kill him." Mikl went stealthy, dipping into the shadows, and out of sight. Alistair kept his shield in place, and looked around, on alert. Before anyone could respond, Mikl had appeared behind Howe, his dagger pressed against his throat.
"Mikl, stop!" Before Alistair could finish his sentence, he had already finished the deed. Howe lay at his feet in a pool of blood. The tears were streaming down Mikl's face, and Alistair was now at his side.
"Alistair, I'm so sorry… I-I wasn't thinking clearly." He managed to breath out between sobs. Alistair wrapped his arms around Mikl, not caring who saw. Mikl sobbed into Alistair's chest. The sobs began to soften into whimpers after a few minutes, and in about five more minutes, Mikl had stopped the tears altogether.
"Come now, Mikl, let us get your father…" Alistair suggested, looking down at Mikl with loving eyes. A guard from behind them cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but the Cousland servant has been transferred somewhere… He was taken away last night." Mikl fists clenched, as he stormed out of the estate. This was too much for him to handle. Plus, he had already brought enough disgrace to Alistair. Alone, he returned to the Royal Castle, retreating to his quarters. With the door locked, Mikl only wished to be left with his thoughts. But that was not the case. As soon, Alistair had returned to the castle. A knock came form the door, but Mikl paid it no attention. Alistair, being King, of course had ways around locked doors. Quickly unlocking it, he swung the door open slowly. Mikl was already in bed, curled up into a ball in the middle of the mattress. Alistair sighed, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He made his way over to the bed, sitting beside Mikl.
"You know your actions will not go without consequence." Alistair remarked after a while. Mikl didn't stir, just laid there, staring blankly at the wall. Alistair sighed, and began removing his armor to get a little more comfortable. Alistair wore no shirt underneath his armor, only a pair of loose fitting pants. Mikl rolled over, to face Alistair, although Alistair's back was to him. He began lightly tracing patterns on the bare skin of the man's back.
"I suppose…" Mikl replied. "It was something I had to do, Alistair… I had promised her that I would get revenge." Mikl closed his eyes, sighing. Alistair shivered at the touch, much to the like of Mikl. Alistair moved, facing Mikl now. He lay down next to the younger man, facing him so he could look into his eyes.
"What did happen to your mother, Mikl? And I don't want you to avoid the question like you have all the other times." Alistair said in a strong, but soft tone. Mikl opened his eyes, just staring at Alistair for a moment.
"It happened… about a month and a half before Duncan and yourself showed up at the Tavern… My family and the Arl's family were good friends… Especially Howe and my Mother. They had been friends since childhood. I'm not sure on the details exactly, maybe an affair, or my mother knew something about how that she wasn't supposed to? I don't know, but one night, Howe's men raided our estate… So many were killed…" He shivered, remember the scene he saw when he awoke. "I hurried to my mother's room, hers was closest… I found her just as Howe struck her down. The he fled. I tried to follow, but I had to find my father…" Mikl was holding back tears again. As a lone tear fell, Alistair wiped it away.
"I'm sorry Mikl, I-I didn't know…" Alistair could not thing of anything else to say. They lay there, staring at each other. After a few minutes, Mikl chuckled.
"You apologize like you could have done something." Mikl said, smiling at Alistair.
"I just wish I would not have tried to stop you earlier." Alistair replied, placing a hand on Mikl's shoulder. Mikl rolled back over, and scooted closer to Alistair. Soon, Alistair could feel soft vibrations emitting from Mikl's chest. Wrapping an arm around Mikl's waist, Alistair soon drifted to sleep also.
A quick movement had awoken Alistair from his slumber. He blinked once, to focus his eyes. Mikl was panting softly, but still asleep. His eyes were shut tight, his face an expression that Alistair couldn't quite place. Softly, Alistair shook Mikl; He was covered in a layer of sweat. Mikl's eyes flew open, and his breathing slowed slightly.
"A-Alistair…" Mikl started, before their lips crashed together violently. Alistair groaned quietly. The passion in the kiss, it was a little overwhelming. Mikl broke the kiss, allowing Alistair to breath. Quickly, Mikl looked away, his face burning red.
"I'm sorry, Alistair… I had a dream… it was- I'm sorry." Mikl sighed, still refusing to look at the older man lying next to him. Alistair merely chuckled, crawling on top of Mikl, cupping his face in his calloused hand, and turning it so he could look into the younger man's eyes. He placed one knee between Mikl's thighs, pressing slightly against the ridge that was beginning to form in his pants.
"Don't be sorry." Alistair whispered, before their lips connected again. No longer able to contain himself, Alistair's hand explored every visible part of Mikl's body, running over his well chiseled features. Mikl emitted soft moans, much to Alistair's pleasure. Pressing his knee harder into Mikl's groin, Mikl moaned, opening his mouth, allowing Alistair access. His tongue began to explore every inch of Mikl's mouth. Breaking the kiss, Alistair pressed light kisses across Mikl's square jaw, stopping to nibble at his ear lobe. Mikl squirmed underneath Alistair, his breath hitching.
"I-Is this too much?" Alistair asked softly, looking down at Mikl. All he got in response was soft nibbles along his collarbone. Alistair let out a low growl, tilting his head back. Mikl took this as his chance, flipping Alistair onto his back, as he worked at the laces on Alistair's trousers. Alistair took a sharp intake of breath, closing his eyes. Mikl's mouth never left the other man's earlobe, as he ran a finger in a circular pattern around the other man's tanned waste line. Alistair let out a soft moan, and Mikl smiled slightly, leaving the man's ear alone, to look at Alistair.
"Are you sure you want to do this…?" Mikl asked. "You are the King of Ferelden. If this ever got out…" Before Mikl had even finished his sentence, a soft knock reverberated from the door across the room. Mikl sighed in disappointment, and climbed off of Alistair, much to Alistair's disapproval. He muttered an "I'm coming, before cracking the door open slightly. Alistair could hear nothing of the conversation between the beautiful man across the room, and whoever was on the other side of the door. All he saw was a large grin from Mikl, his face turning a bright red. Alistair felt angry; he thought he was the only one who could make the younger man blush like that. Mikl disappeared into the hall, and returned a minute later, the red tinge still apparent on his face. Climbing back onto the bed, Mikl positioned himself over Alistair once again.
"Now where were we?" He purred seductively in Alistair's ear. Alistair pressed his palms against Mikl's chest, forcing him back so they were nose to nose now.
"Who was at the door?" Alistair asked, completely serious now. Mikl pouted slightly, glaring down at Alistair.
"You're no fun, Alistair." Mikl sighed, and began climbing off of the other man. Alistair's arms shot up, holding Mikl in place. His grip was rough, but gentle at the same time.
Alistair asked again; "Who was at the door?" Mikl gave Alistair a quizzical look.
"It was just Wynne. Maker, Alistair, what is wrong with you?" Alistair let out a sigh of relief. It was only Wynne, not someone better than him, that made the younger man blush.
"What did she need?" Alistair questioned. Mikl could feel his breath on his neck, and he shivered.
"She said there were a few reports of "ruckus". She came to check it out…" Mikl said, losing his train of thought when he looked into Alistair's eyes.
"And? What did you tell her?" Alistair questioned, snapping Mikl out of his daze.
"I told her nothing… She already knew." Mikl mumbled the last part, waiting for Alistair's reaction.
"She, WHAT?!" Alistair practically yelled. "But, how?" Mikl shrugged, tracing circles on Alistair's chest.
"I've talked to her a few times about… how I feel about you." Mikl said, blushing. Alistair smiled, his sweet, crooked smile, and their lips met once more.
"I should get back to my room, before anyone gets suspicious." Alistair mumbled. Mikl whimpered softly in protest. But climbed off of Alistair anyways. Alistair sighed, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Mikl watched as the man's perfectly chiseled body moved to place his armor back on. Mikl chewed his bottom lip softly, as Alistair exited the room.
Well, that's it for the next chapter. I couldn't study, I was too concentrated on this story.
Looks like I'm in trouble for Finals! Oh well. Please R&R