HeidiFox: Oooh. Stories? What kind of stories? I'm glad I'm forgiven for my bratly state.

TeB360: Yes… Indeed you do. I love that old bastard.

Ghostanimal: Agreed. After re-reading the chapter myself, he did seem a bit OOC. I'll chock it up to Vilkas not being a very good caretaker and I'll take the precaution to see it not happening again. Glad you still liked it.

Guest: Uhhh thanks and I'm working on it. Glad you like it though. On another note I should probably stop watching slender man series then answering my reviews. Creeping myself out.

Nevara1013: Ha, I'm glad you love it so much. I like the possessiveness too. I'll work on getting more chapters out faster.

Animeaddicted4life: Lol, right to the point.

Shrimpeater: I wondered when you were going to show, lol! Good to hear from you. Kodlak IS the man! Yes!

On another note, I'm back in love with Molag Bal. Looked up some stuff online and remembered how much I love him. I'll have to draw my take on him soon.

Chapter 9- As your shadow crosses mine

Shine a light through an open door

Love and life I will divide

Turn away cause I need you more

Feel the heartbeat in my mind

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny

But I've gotta let it go

-Rihanna- We found love

Vincent's coronation loomed on the horizon. All of the companions had been warned that Vincent was to join the circle and instantly a banquet was planned. Usually there was not a huge display for someone being initiated in but Vilkas had heard that Skjor was the one organizing it. Surprising for someone who rejected Vincent's entry. He must have been trying to make up for his behavior and decision. Aela however had shown no signs of trying to make it up to the mage or even remotely feeling sorry for what she'd done. She had, however stopped by to check on how Vincent was recovering. That would have to suffice. Regardless, Vilkas had not said a word to either of them since that night.

Vincent was up and walking around by day two. Vilkas was secretly proud of him. The small man had more stamina and vigor than Vilkas ever gave him credit for. He did almost die and yet he looked now as if he had never come close to the edge. On the third day, his skin color was it's normal creamy white palette and his copper eyes had the light back in them. Vilkas watched him now, slightly distracted, from the chair in his room. Vincent was sitting on Vilkas' bed, back in his traditional garb and drinking that foul smelling medicine of his again. He then capped it like always and put the empty vial in his knapsack. Vilkas still wanted to ask what he took the medicine for but it was clear Vincent was not keen on talking about it.

The thought still made Vilkas' mind into a jumble of anxiety. What was Vincent hiding and why couldn't he just come out and tell him? Vilkas wasn't one to dwell on such things but no matter how hard he tied he couldn't help but feel he was being deceived in some way and the thought actually hurt him deep down. He'd finally gotten close to someone and marked him as a mate and everything… yet he still felt like he couldn't trust the mage somehow.

"Thank you…"

Vilkas blinked, his eyes refocusing on the mage. He'd been lost in thought and almost hadn't processed Vincent's words. "Uh…what?"

Vincent smiled kindly and fixed the top of his knapsack. "Thank you. For letting me stay here, I mean."

"It's fine." He wouldn't admit it out loud but he enjoyed Vincent's company. He'd always kept to himself, despite having a brother he was close to. His eyes traced over the mage and he felt a bit of satisfaction when he saw his markings were still all over his neck. Though, they were beginning to fade…

"I'll move back to my other quarters today, if you want."

"Not necessary." Vilkas replied keeping an even voice. He did NOT want Vincent staying in that place with Torvar. "Come here for a moment."

Vincent cocked his head to one side but didn't disobey him. He walked over and stood by the base of Vilkas' chair, waiting for him to stand up. Vilkas didn't move however and somewhat awkwardly pat his own lap. He felt stupid even motioning it and really hoped Vincent wouldn't make him say it out loud. There was a pause…a moment of hesitation, but lucky for him it didn't seem to be an issue. Vincent got the hint easily enough and with a slightly nervous smile, sat down on Vilkas' lap. He wasn't too much shorter then Vilkas so he had to adjust his legs when he sat to make himself comfortable. Vilkas slung an arm around his waist to keep him steady and looked slightly upward to meet the mage's eyes. Those copper eyes starred back into his blue ones, unsure yet contented.

Vilkas had to admit he felt slightly awkward doing this with Vincent and not just because he was a man. He wasn't the type to dote or coddle a lover. Snuggling really wasn't Vilkas' style…Only usually after sex did it seem even somewhat appropriate. This felt…slightly outlandish. They hadn't slept together yet…and the most they HAD done was kiss and rub against each other fully clothed.

'Yet it was enough for you to decide to mark him.' The wolf chipped in a reminder.

Yeah. He remembered all right. He couldn't even look at the mage the same way anymore. Now, he didn't see a blasted magic caster with a slightly arrogant air about him. Now, all he saw was his mate. It finally sank in. It sank in to how much he cared and how much he'd be broken without him. It sank in to how much Vincent could hurt him by deciding to walk away… That's why he needed Vincent in the circle. Not just because the mage deserved it or that he almost died trying to enter. No. He needed Vincent in the circle for his own selfish reasons. He needed him in the circle so he would stay.

"Vilkas..?" The redhead pulled him out of his own little world once again. He looked down at Vilkas' slightly concerned. He'd laid his hand somewhat awkwardly against Vilkas' back and rubbed his hand in slow comforting circles. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." Vilkas nodded. "I'm fine."

Vincent nodded and to Vilkas' apparent relief, he did not stop rubbing his back. Vilkas found the motion soothing to his nerves. "You seem distracted."

"I suppose I am a little." He let his eyes roam over Vincent's body before they fell upon his pale throat. "Does it hurt?"

Vincent tilted his head to the side again. "Does what hurt?"

Vilkas moved his free hand to the base of Vincent's neck without thinking. Vincent instantly flinched and tensed up so Vilkas pulled his hand away quickly. The reaction was slightly alarming to Vilkas and he tucked that knowledge away.

"Sorry."

"I-it's fine. You just surprised me is all." Vincent grabbed his hand quickly, as if to make up for his behavior and placed it back at the base of his neck. "I also told you not to apologize. It just doesn't suit you. To answer your question, no. It doesn't hurt."

Vilkas eyed him, slightly wary but Vincent simply smiled and gently rubbed the top of Vilkas' palm with his thumb. Vilkas cautiously moved his fingers to caress each mark, taking in Vincent's reactions. To his pleasure he saw Vincent lean into his touch instead of recoil. He was inwardly relived at this, especially after the flinching display.

"This is okay?" He still felt the need to ask.

Vincent nodded. "Yes. I trust you."

He was glad to hear that. Much more glad he thought he'd be. His thumb gently touched the biggest mark and he heard Vincent hiss slightly at the contact.

"Doesn't hurt, hun?"

"That one does a bit…but you did draw blood."

"Right." A moment of silence filtered between them. Vilkas felt the need to explain himself…to explain to Vincent what he had done. They were to be mates now and he didn't even think the mage knew it. If he found out…would he run away? The thought actually scared Vilkas but he couldn't keep something so major to himself. "Listen, Vincent…about this mark…It's-"

"I know what it is." Vincent cut him off.

Vilkas blinked slightly surprised. "You do?"

"Yes. It's a mate mark. You've marked me to be your mate. Right?"

"Well…yes…but how did you know this already?"

Vincent looked at him seriously. Vilkas tried to ignore the obvious, Are you stupid, look that came to the mage's features. "I read a lot of books, Vilkas. I've read quite a few on wolves and werewolves. I know what you've done."

Well…shit. Vilkas bit back the apology that was forming. He'd already been reminded about it once today. "Are you mad?"

Vincent thought for a moment, tapping his chin with a gloved hand as if thinking hard about his question. "No."

Vilkas inwardly relaxed and bit back a sigh of relief. "Good."

"Why did you do it, Vilkas…?" The redhead's smile became slightly coy. "I thought you didn't like me or my magic."

Vilkas huffed. "I still don't like your magic."

"But you like me?"

"Aye."

"Say it then."

Vilkas rolled his eyes. "Do I really have to?"

Vincent chuckled and wrapped his arms around Vilkas' neck. "No, but I'd like to hear it."

Vilkas grumbled under his breath. "I'd rather not. You already know so there's no point in me saying it."

"Such a wet blanket, Vilkas."

"What?"

"Never mind. It's good enough." Vincent leaned in and gave Vilkas' lips a soft kiss before pulling back. When Vilkas gave a soft growl in annoyance, it made Vincent laugh. Then his laughter faded and his smile became slightly somber. "You really want to be mates with me?"

"I don't really have a choice now."

Vincent frowned slightly. "Vilkas…"

Vilkas rolled his eyes. "No. I'm not sure Vincent. I did what I did on instinct. My wolf wanted you to be my mate and so do I…doesn't mean I'm sure I made the right decision."

The frown slid from his face and was replaced with a neutral look. "Okay, I can understand that." He rested his cheek against the side of Vilkas' head and sighed. "You'll protect me right?"

Vilkas paused for a moment. It was an odd question seeing as the mage could clearly take care of himself. "What do you mean?"

Vincent raised his hand to run it through Vilkas' hair and almost made the other man purr. Almost. "If I'm in trouble…you'll protect me right?"

"As my mate, yes. I'd protect you even if you weren't though, seeing as the companions look out for one another. However since you're mine, I'd hold your safety a lot closer then others."

"I'm yours, hum?"

He could hear slight amusement in Vincent's voice when he spoke so he growled and held Vincent possessively. "Aye. You're mine."

"I can deal with that." he giggled and threaded his fingers through Vilkas' hair. "I'll do my best to be a good mate then."

Thanks the gods. Vincent excepted this. He wasn't going to run away. Now Vilkas could finally relax. He felt his wolf also subconsciously relax and let out a contented growl. He shut his eyes and decided to enjoy the feeling of Vincent's fingers running through his hair.

"You like this?" Vincent asked wrapping his fingers around Vilkas' ebony colored locks.

"Aye." He let his hand slide down from Vincent's back to his hip. "Feels good."

"Ah, yes…it felt good when you were petting me a week ago…remember? The day you marked me…"

"Aye."

"Hmmm…well…except you did this."

A sudden sharp tug to his scalp caused a rather loud growl to erupt from his throat and he cast a glare in the mage's direction. Vincent smiled innocently although his hand was still tightly coiled in Vilkas' hair. His fingers tightened on Vincent's hip in slight retaliation.

"That hurt."

"It did when you did it to me too." Vincent retorted. "If I remember correctly though, you near tore my hair out."

"That was an accident."

"You kept pulling it."

"You liked it."

Vincent shrugged. "It's an interesting feeling when you're in the heat of it."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yea-AHHEH!" Vincent yelped as Vilkas' hand shot up like lighting and grabbed the back of his head and pulled his hair.

Vincent huffed and swatted at him. Vilkas took the blow in favor of pulling again and shoving Vincent against him. Their bodies fused together and no space could be seen between the seam. Vincent tried to retaliate by pulling Vilkas' hair again but it didn't seem to be affecting Vilkas in the same way. Vilkas parted his legs just slightly under the redhead's weight and shifted his hips. The rough housing was starting to get him a bit excited…

"Vilkas, is Vincent u- oh."

Vilkas' eyes snapped open to address the intruder in the doorway. Skjor stared back at him slightly embarrassed at the sight before him. Vilkas supposed he couldn't blame him. Vilkas was not known as an affectionate person, so to witness him with a grown man in his lap in a rather intimate position would embarrass anyone. (Maybe not Aela) Vilkas could feel his own embarrassment starting to rise but Vincent hadn't moved off his lap yet and he was currently resisting the urge to shove him off to regain some composer. He did however take his hands out of the mage's hair in favor of gripping the chair he sat in instead.

"Yes, Skjor?" Vilkas attempted to keep a tone of indifference.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting. I wanted to check on Vincent."

"He's fine." Vilkas' voice had a sharp edge to it but he tried to keep the hostility from it. You have the worst timing Skjor….

Skjor coughed awkwardly. "So I see."

Vincent detangled himself from Vilkas carefully and stood up. He straightened out is coat, possibly to hide his front. He walked up to Skjor and smiled politely at the older man.

"I'm well. Thank you for checking up on me."

"Yeah…about that. Can we talk, Vincent?"

"You ARE talking." Vilkas interjected, keeping his seat but placing his hands covertly in his own lap.

"Privately."

Vilkas almost growled but swallowed it. He looked to Vincent with a slightly sour look on his face. Vincent's lips thinned out into a straight line but nodded to Vilkas. Then turned back to Skjor.

"Sure."

Skjor nodded and showed himself out. Vilkas stood instantly when he vanished from the door frame and grabbed Vincent's arm before he could follow.

"Vincent, are you sure this is wise? Do you remember what happened the last time he talked to you alone?"

"Don't worry, Vilkas." The mage soothed. "He's on thin ice with Kodlak and you…" he paused at the look Vilkas was giving him. "…okay, more then thin ice with you. Just trust me…okay?"

Vilkas sighed and loosened his grip. "Okay."

Vincent smiled like the cheeky bastard he was. "If he tries to talk me into anything, I'll scream really loud like a girl and you can come rescue me. Okay?"

Vilkas raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Joking, dear." He patted Vilkas' arm. "But seriously…everything will be okay. I'll call for you if there's trouble. Alright?"

"Alright."

"Thank you." Vincent leaned up to place a caste kiss on his lips. Before Vilkas could lean in, Vincent put his gloved fingers between their mouths and halted him. "Later…I promise." Then he followed after Skjor. Vilkas leaned on the doorframe with his arms crossed and watched him go. His lips still tingled from the innocent peck, as he recalled Vincent's words. Gods save you Skjor if you hurt him again. Gods save you…

"Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Vincent." Skjor began when they were up in the main hall.

Athis and Ria were setting up for the coronation party tonight. They waved at Vincent when they came topside and the mage had politely waved back. Athis had come over to shake his hand and congratulate him on his new promotion. Everyone knew he was secretly a little jealous though. Ria gave him a quick hug, happy that he was feeling better from his fever. (After all, no one but the circle could know.) After they went back to work and left the two men to their business.

They sat on a bench near by so they wouldn't get in the way of the others working. "They are working so hard on this. Where is everyone else?"

"Njada and Aela are out hunting for meat and Farkas and Torvar are out buying the mead, Gods help us. Kodlak is having Eorlund make you something I think and I'm organizing the whole thing. We left Vilkas to care for you."

"He did well."

"Yes…" Skjor cleared his throat. "How…is Vilkas?"

"Angry." Vincent answered immediately and looked down at his lap. "He has every right to be."

"Vincent…again, I'm so sorry for what happened. It wasn't meant to be like that…You understand why I voted against you being in the circle right?"

"Yes." Their tones lowered so other occupants of the room would not over hear. "I'm not like you…so you need to protect your secret. It's easy for someone who isn't inflicted to casually drop the secret in conversation."

"…I have a feeling you're being slightly sarcastic."

Vincent shrugged. "You should have had more faith in me, Skjor. You should have told me your real motives and why you did what you had. I would have understood." His copper eyes lifted and set themselves on Skjor's face. "Skjor, I forgive you. I've said so already but I reserve the right to be a little angry at you. As for Vilkas…he…cares about me. If someone you were close to was lied to and almost died in the process, wouldn't you be angry as well…?"

Skjor sighed. "Yes. I'd be furious."

"Let Vilkas cool his head." Vincent smiled then and the tension seemed to ease from the room. "He's fiery and passionate deep down as I'm sure you've noticed. The fact that he's letting us speak alone already means he's not as mad as he was."

"You've come to learn how Vilkas ticks very quickly over a very short period of time. How long as it been since you showed up here?"

Vincent thought for a moment. "Two and a half months now."

"Yet you've risen to the circle before people who have been here longer then you."

"…You chose that for me…then almost denied me it."

"Again, I apologize. We just…have many enemies, Vincent. The silver hand, the vigilant of Stendar… if they ever found out… I was just trying to protect us. To protect ALL of us. I didn't lie when I said you would be like family. We protect one another and we would all die to protect you, circle or not."

The mage fell silent for a moment but let out a soft sigh. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now…I'm sure you want to get back to Vilkas soon…so.."

"Before we part ways…" The mage interrupted. "…I'd like to ask you a question."

"Sure…"

"You and Aela think that this…infliction is a gift."

"Right."

"But Kodlak, Vilkas and Farkas don't think that way. Kodlak told me he wants to cure himself of it. He wants to go to Sovngarde when he dies. What about you? You're a Nord and a warrior. Don't you want to go to Sovngarde?"

Skjor chuckled. "I'm being asked this by a Breton."

Vincent huffed slightly. "What race I am has nothing to do with the question. Sovngarde is supposed to be a place you can drink, feast and fight. A warrior's paradise. When I die, I am not sure I would be welcomed to such a place because of my magic. Many of the Nords and warriors consider it dishonorable."

"It has it's uses."

"Anyway," Vincent continued "Because of your beast blood you will be dragged to a Daedra's hunting ground. Is that what you want?"

"I heard it is not unlike Sovngarde. You get to run and be one with the beast and hunt beside the Daedra lord Hircine for all eternity. It is not a bad afterlife. Aela looks forward to it."

"And you?"

"…I think I would be comfortable there."

"Then I wish you the best." Vincent stood up and looked down at the balding Nord. "I respect your opinion, Skjor but if I can help Kodlak find a way to cure this, I will. He wants to be cured and I think the twins do to. I'll leave you and Aela out of it but if you change your minds…"

"We'll go to you. No worries."

"Good."

"You really care about them. Kodlak and the twins, I mean."

Vincent swayed slightly in place. "Kodlak let me in, Farkas welcomed me and Vilkas keeps me. They are all important to me…as is everyone here."

"Right and I know I don't really have to ask this, because of the 'Vilkas keeps me' part and that little uncomfortable number I walked in on, but are the two of you…together?"

"I guess so." Vincent rubbed his neck, suddenly nervous. His gloved hand grazed over the mark and he almost shivered. He could still remember the feel of Vilkas' mouth against his flesh, biting and kissing. His hands had felt like they were everywhere, touching and groping. He'd almost come undone by those hands…

"Vilkas is a good kid. Passionate as you said and quick to anger. Yet neither of us would trade him for the world, would we?"

Vincent's lips curved up into more of an easy smile. "No."

"Glad to hear it. Now go on, I'm sure Vilkas is waiting for you."

Vilkas was abruptly pulled out of the room by an energetic mage and lead down into the town of Whiterun. Vincent had held his hand the whole way down to the town center and he was surprisingly unembarrassed. Vincent hadn't explained what he and Skjor were talking about but he did seem to return in a better mood.

"What's going on?" He felt the need to ask.

"I haven't been outside in days." Vincent laughed. "I actually miss the sun."

Vilkas looked up at the sky and gave a snort. "It's grey out."

"It's still daylight."

They found themselves outside the town and down by a small creek. They had settled next to some nirnroot, which Vincent abruptly picked and stashed away. Alchemists…. Well at least the noise it made stopped.

Vilkas watched some of the local children play near the stabled and the khajiit try to peddle their wares. It was almost an eerie calm. In the back of his mind, he had that odd feeling that they were being watched but when his wolfish eyes scanned the landscape he found them ignored. No one even looked up at the pair as they went on with their day.

"I lied to you…"

Vilkas turned to the redhead. "What?"

"I lied to you…about my mother…and how she died."

Vilkas wasn't really sure what to say. Somewhere deep down he knew the fate that had befell Vincent's mother was none of his business in the first place but the mage must have thought it important to bring it up again.

"How did she die then?"

Vincent took a deep uneasy breath. "When we got to Daggerfall, we didn't really have any money left. Mother had saved just enough to get us a rundown little cottage. We didn't have enough for food or water or anything… Grace needed medicine and care…it was starting to look really bad. Then, mother would…disappear for a few hours and then come back with money. I was too young to understand how she was getting it and all I knew is that it was keeping us fed so I was happy."

Vilkas felt like he was going to regret this but… "What was she doing?"

"Whoring."

"Oh." He knew he'd regret it.

"Mother was beautiful despite her age…" Vincent rested his head on Vilkas' shoulder before continuing. " Dark red hair and blue eyes as clear as the sea… She found clients easily enough. One day though, she came home as normal. We ate, we talked and then she put my sister and I to bed. I woke up to hear her crying that night. I think she was always disgusted at herself for what she had to do to feed her children. I'm sure she thought she was betraying father's memory too. As I grew older…I just knew that's what she was doing and she knew that I knew. I think, that made her feel even more ashamed."

"Is your mother dead, Vincent? Or did you leave?" He wasn't sure how much of what Vincent had told him before was a lie.

"No. She's dead. She died only a short time after. Most of what I told you was truth. I was thirteen when it happened. I was old enough to help out on farms so I could bring in some income too. Mother was happy because it meant she didn't have to take so many clients now. Although, one day she pulled me aside while Grace slept and told me a client had gotten her pregnant. She wasn't showing yet but it was only a matter of time and she wanted to know what to tell Grace when she asked."

Vilkas sat silent and waited. The redhead looked like he was struggling with the next part so Vilkas decided to speak up. "If you don't want to tell me the rest you don't have to."

"No…it's okay. I'm just… trying to figure out how to explain this." he shut his copper eyes for a moment. "It was two months later…mother was starting to show just slightly but still managed to keep it hidden from Grace. She made me promise not to tell her because she wanted to be the one to do it. She went out…like normal that night. I was coming home around the same time she was. From a distance I saw her talking to a cloaked man. He was tall…taller then most. I thought it might be a Nord or something. Then they both walked to the back of the house. I didn't want to interrupt mother if she was…working…but a part of me wanted to investigate. Something didn't sit right."

"What happened then?"

"First, I checked on Grace. She was up, knitting a shawl for mother. I waited about five minutes before deciding to investigate. I stood at the side of the house and waited. I tried listening but I didn't hear anything. I figured that man would have to walk back this way because behind our house was just a small yard and a wall scaling over twenty feet up. He never came back that way. I eventually gathered enough courage to peek around the house and that's where I found her."

"Murdered for her money?"

Vincent's mouth tensed and his eyes clouded over with the memory. "Not quite. She had been killed." He admitted. "Her throat had been slit and her stomach cut open. They took the baby from her womb and left her lying open like that."

Vilkas' eyes widened. "W-what..?"

"There was no chance the baby could have survived. It was too young for it to even be developed yet. That man must have been the parent of the unborn child. Maybe a rich man who didn't want some peasant woman giving birth to his kid. So he taught her a lesson or…had someone teach her a lesson and disposed of the evidence."

Vilkas had a strong stomach but at that moment he felt like he could have vomited. "You and your sister…?"

"The town took the house away and shipped us both off to an orphanage near by. Like I said, the place was overflowing with kids who's parents had died or they had just flat out been abandoned. There wasn't enough beds for everyone or meals to go around so I tried to help by taking jobs around town. Grace's medicine had to be taken after all and any left over money I had went right to the orphanage to help."

"It was nice of you."

"It's where I had to live."

"When you turned eighteen did you leave?"

"I was only there till sixteen…and then…we got adopted."

"That's nice."

"…."

"Vincent..?"

The red head looked up at him. "A man named Cadrian adopted me and my sister. He was a rich man but his wife couldn't bear children. He only wanted me but I refused to go without Grace. He finally consented. Grace died a few years later and I left when I was nineteen. I've been wandering ever since."

"It was nice of him to adopt you."

"…" Vincent looked off into the distance, his mouth caught between a grimace and a scowl. "I would have rather stayed at the orphanage."

Vilkas blinked. Odd…"What?"

"I didn't like the look of him. I should have never gone with him in the first place but I was trying to think of Grace. She could benefit from leading an easy life."

"The sickness got her anyway?"

Vincent's eyes shot up to Vilkas' and the look in his eyes almost told him everything. The sound of the 'no' that echoed in Vilkas' subconscious was almost deafening. So he awkwardly pet Vincent on the back and forced an uneasy smile.

"We don't need to talk about this now. It's supposed to be a celebration tonight right?"

Vincent gave a soft look of relief and nuzzled Vilkas' shoulder. "I promise, I'll tell you the whole story someday."

"Okay." That was more then good enough for him at the moment. "It is getting late and you are the guest of honor. If you're not at your own coronation, there will be hell to pay."

Vincent laughed "yeah…everyone worked so hard."

Vilkas was inwardly relived to hear him laugh. He had told that story in such a sad tone… Vilkas stood and took Vincent's hand again. "Come on then. We're expected."

They made there way back up to the town gates and the whole way there Vilkas still had his feeling of unease. It wasn't until they passed the gates and were safely back in town, did he feel like he was no longer being watched.

"Three cheers for Vincent!" Torvar called, already plastered within two hours after the party began. He got Ria, Farkas and Athis to join him in the cheers. Vincent blushed the color of his hair and sipped at his mead. Vilkas had the feeling he was still a bit mopey from the story he'd told Vilkas earlier so he held the redhead's hand under the table. It was a small show of his affection and it seemed to make him smile. So, a little awkward attention, giggles and pointing was well worth it.

The night progressed without much issue. Kodlak and Eorlund presented Vincent with a beautifully crafted Skyforge dagger. Aela had given him a whole elk as his coronation feast. The mage's eyes widened as she slammed it down on the feasting table and made the whole thing shake. Vincent thanked her but barely ate any of it though. He offered the rest to his new brothers and sisters, much to the joy of the table. As the party went on long into the night and some people were beginning to pass out where they stood, did Kodlak announce that everyone should try to go get some rest.

Skjor leaned over to a very drunk Vincent and an only slightly sober Vilkas. "Hey, Vincent. I know you're a member of the circle and all now but we still don't have your own room for you yet. Kodlak was talking about making eventually renovations but…"

"Not to worry." Vilkas piped up. "He's staying with me."

"Ah, good, good. Listen Vincent, Aela and I would like to invite you on a hunt tomorrow night. You want to come?"

Vincent looked at Vilkas for a moment. Vilkas still had some distrust in his heart but he knew they wouldn't do anything to hurt him again…and if they did…they better not ever come back here. Vilkas nodded slowly.

"Okay." Vincent answered after.

"Alright then. Go get some rest you two. I'll see you both in the morning if I don't have a god's awful hangover."

Vilkas had to help Vincent down the stairs and the redhead wobbled with every step.

"That'll show me to drink Nord mead…" He slurred slightly and clinging to Vilkas for dear life.

"You did have ten of them."

"Ten? How'd ya know?"

"I was counting."

Vincent giggled like a drunk fool. "Spend lots of time watching' me drink?"

A nearly perverted answer came to him but he corrected himself with a, "No. Just tonight I did. You were sick before." Nice cover, Vilkas. Now lets not think of the redhead's lips on something else.

He led Vincent into his room and made the mage sit on the bed. He had pulled out a bedroll when Vincent had been sick and made for it now. Vincent grabbed his wrist however.

"Where ya going…?"

"To bed?"

"I'm sitting on it."

"Aye, you are."

His wrist was pulled and Vincent smiled coyly…something he did surprisingly well even though he was drunk. "Then come to bed."

An invitation. Clearly. His wolf wanted to pounce on him and get it over with but Vilkas hesitated. Vincent was drunk after all… "Are you sure?"

"Yes." He giggled. "I'd like to sleep next to you."

Well with an offer like that…how could he refuse? He took off his boots, sword and armor and set them up on a stand. Vincent seemed to just realize how clothed he was and removed his coat, boots and gloves. He folded the coat with care and placed them atop a table. He put his gloves on top and his boots next to Vilkas'. Then he waited on the bed as Vilkas pulled out a basin and washed his war paint off. When he came back, Vincent scooted over to make room for him. There was plenty of room for both of them however so it wasn't a big deal.

Vilkas had just got settled and laid down, when he felt a hand rest against his cheek. "Aye?"

"You have pretty blue eyes."

"Oh yeah?" Vilkas cracked a smile and decided to amuse the drunk. "I had no idea."

"Oh hush." Vincent stuck out his tongue. "I always saw you with the war paint on. The black made your eyes seem darker but now…they are like ice."

"Is that a good thing?"

Vincent shrugged. "I suppose so. It's pretty."

"Thank you then."

The red head's arms quickly wrapped around him and he snuggled in close. Vilkas looked down at him, only to meet his eyes. He watched Vincent lean up and try to press their mouths together but being as drunk as he is, misjudged distance. Vilkas chuckled and decided to assist him.

Vilkas could taste the mead on his lips but didn't find it displeasing. There was still enough of what made Vincent taste so unique, left behind. Vincent's smell had invaded his senses like a tidal wave and nearly drowned him in the sudden euphoria. His arms quickly encircled the mage and held him close while their lips pressed tightly together. It felt natural to kiss the mage and somewhere in the back of his head, Vilkas knew he'd made the right choice. Nothing could ruin this moment now…

Except for the loud yawn that erupted from Vincent's mouth and made them break lip contact. Vilkas' huffed and tried to look down at him annoyed but was really quite amused.

"Am I keeping you up?"

Vincent swatted his arm and let loose another loud yawn. "Hush. I'm drunk. I get very sleepy when I'm drunk."

"Then sleep."

"I'm ganna…" The redhead muttered and rested his head on Vilkas' strong chest. "You're probably going to have to wake me too…I sleep like a brick when I'm wasted."

"Aye, fine. Sleep." He put a hand in Vincent's hair and gently pet him until the Mage's breathing evened out into a steady soft rhythm.

He glanced down to examine the Mage's face while he slept. The past few days his cheeks had been feverish and his sleep uneasy. It was nice to see him sleeping well. Vincent didn't even stir when Vilkas ran his fingers through his crimson locks.

'He must look like his mother…all that's missing is the blue eyes. She must have been so beautiful because he's….'

Vilkas let his train of thought fade as he wrapped his arms around Vincent instead. He held the Mage close throughout the night and closed his eyes uneasily. A woman murdered, her unborn child stolen and a small traumatized thirteen year old left to pick up the pieces. There was something missing here and that man…Cadrian. Vincent had spoken his name with such ill tone. What had that man done? His mind was still buzzing with unanswered questions and he prayed for sleep.