Guest- Omgokayagain.

Kogouma: I figured people would appreciate some quest lines overlapping. Glad you enjoyed.

HereLies: I'm not sure to even begin with you! I love your lengthy reviews and the breakdown of my story. Yes…I admit I draw on DA2 sometimes… (It is my favorite game in the whole wide world and I did draw some of Vilkas magic hate from Fenris. Woops) I believe that Vilkas and Vincent do need to take the final step with their relationship and it's only a matter of time so don't worry.

Soren Tamazki: lol, I always figured that preference for top or bottom never lied with age, height, hair color or anything that stereotypical gay parings were not true. It is a bit strange a question but not really too. The way Vincent behaves, he is most likely the bottom. Hope that helps.

Murtagh Thorn: Lol, its okay. When I first saw it I was like- whut. Then I saw this one and I was like 'ohhhh okay'. I'm glad you like the story so much! I lol'ed at wolfy sexy sex and the Vilkas always tops thing. Yesss, Vilkas and that sexy husky voice. Mmmm…Vincent is a lucky sonuvabitch in my opinion. And ah yes. We're friends…so here's a completely random gift out of nowhere. *It is a weird ass looking hat* Uhhh…Thanks. *Puts it on with derp face and walks away*

Found-in-Reverie: Glad to hear it hun. It always pleases me to hear from new reviewers to the story.

TeB360: Lol! Yeah I know funny stuff. And lol whut. That's actually not a bad idea, but I already hammered that part out. Not a bad idea at all though….

MINDFREAK23: Wrong chapter comment but its okay. I'll answer you here. Yes, I am evil. Something tons of people have come to learn on this wonderful journey with me.

Chapter 13- bring on the rain

It's almost like the hard times circle 'round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,
And I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing - but I'm not dead, no.

Tomorrow's another day
and I'm thirsty anyway
so bring on the rain.

-Bring on the rain- Jo Dee Messina.

"Well, that's another waste of a day."

Farkas looked over and him and shrugged. "I don't know brother. We did prevent a civil war within our town."

Vilkas glanced at his brother and shook his head. "It's only a matter of time before the Battle-Born's and they Grey-Mane's go at it. All we've done is put a lid on a boiling cauldron."

Farkas stopped near the blooming tree in the town square. Every year it got less and less beautiful but it was still a nice sight. Vilkas stopped with him and folded his arms.

"Well, it's over for now."

"Right."

"Kodlak has been keeping us all really busy lately." Farkas started lamely, so Vilkas knew something was up instantly. "How is everything?"

Vilkas studied him for a minute before sighing. "You mean between Vincent and me?"

Farkas nodded his head rapidly like an excitable puppy. "Yes, please."

"We're okay."

"….that's it?"

"Aye."

"Have you…talked with him yet?" There was slight desperation in his voice and it slightly irritated Vilkas.

"We've talked but not about what I'm sure you're referring to. He doesn't want to talk about it and I'm not pushing him into it. He's here with me and that's all that matters."

He saw Farkas' shoulders sag slightly and a slight droopy look come to him. "Brother…"

"No. Don't start Farkas."

"But Vilkas…"

"No." And he started to walk away but a huge hand grabbed his arm and held him there.

"You're not happy like this."

Vilkas stopped struggling and looked up at his twin. "Excuse me?"

"I can tell. You're holding yourself back. You're hurting yourself. You're not happy."

Vilkas violently pulled his arm from his brother's grasp and glared icily up at him. "What would you suggest then, hum? If I don't hold myself back, I'll hurt him. Is that what you want?"

"N-no. That's not what I-"

"Forget about it Farkas. It's no concern of yours."

"It is, brother." Farkas insisted. "If not for the fact you're my kin, then the fact Vincent is a friend. It's not just me either. Aela is involved and Kodlak is involved…The whole circle is involved in this Vilkas."

"Well it's no one's business but my own."

"Aela is close to Vincent. She voiced her concern to me the other day. We're both worried about you and Vincent."

"There is nothing to worry about."

"It's not just you holding back, Vilkas!"

Vilkas blinked confused. "What?"

Farkas looked around quickly and found the square empty, save for them. "It's obvious that Vincent is holding back too. He's afraid of hurting you or making you so angry that you send him away. It's so hard to watch you two just dance circles around each other like this. Aela and I want to lock you both in a room and have you sort it out that way."

"That's not happening."

"I know, brother but please listen…" Farkas took the risk and laid a hand on Vilkas shoulder. A look of relief crossed his face when Vilkas didn't shove the arm away. "Aela tells me something foul is on the wind. Animals have started acting weird and everything just feels colder. Every time I leave Whiterun…I feel like I'm being watched. Haven't you felt it too?"

Vilkas nodded grimly. "Aye. I've felt it."

"Something bad is coming for us, brother and we need to be there for each other. In order for this to happen…there can't be anything loose between you and Vincent. You need to trust him to watch your back and him, you. Have you told him you love him yet?"

Vilkas opened his mouth to protest but the look Farkas gave him silenced the comeback. He simply replied, "No."

"You need to."

"What difference does it make?" Vilkas scoffed. "Words are just words and don't mean a damn thing."

"I'm sure it would mean something to him."

"Why's that?"

"Well, maybe if he heard it, he wouldn't be so afraid to tell you things."

Vilkas opened his mouth to speak but shut it again. He honestly didn't know what to say. What Farkas said, did make sense and yet he was having a hard time agreeing with him. So he stared up instead at the dark grey clouds and sighed. He wondered if it would rain after all.

"Brother…"

Vilkas sighed again and looked back into the eyes that matched his own. "Fine."

Farkas instantly perked up like an excitable puppy. "Really?"

"Aye. I'll talk to him about it." Farkas instantly hugged him and Vilkas flailed slightly to keep his balance. He shoved at his brother's shoulders and let out a frustrated grunt when Farkas didn't budge. "Alright…Alright! Let go now!"

Farkas obeyed and smiled broadly at him. "Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for, ice-brain?"

Farkas just shrugged and resumed walking back to Jorrvaskr. Vilkas rolled his eyes and followed. They reached the top of the steps and Farkas moved to open the door. It opened a crack before he stopped moving. Vilkas looked at his brother curiously but Farkas put a finger to his lips in a 'quiet' motion.

Vilkas moved cautiously closer to the door and he could now hear a foreign voice speaking softly with Kodlak.

"So you will not cooperate, Harbinger, White mane?" The stranger's voice was hollow and aristocratically polite. He was also a young man by the sound of it. Vilkas could hear annoyance in that voice though and vague distain.

"No. I am sorry but Jorrvaskr is a sanctuary."

"A sanctuary?" The young man scoffed. "This place is a disgrace. A hovel of drunkards seeking swift death which we will bring if cooperation is not met."

"I am a reasonable man, lord Theodistair, but I will not take threats in my hall. I have to ask you to leave now."

"Are you serious? That's your answer?"

"Aye lad. That's my answer. Scurry back to your master."

"You will regret this." The voice came out almost like a snake hiss. The strangers' footsteps carried them closer to the door and Vilkas and Farkas backed away from it quickly.

Within moments a young, well dressed man burst the doors wide open in a visible rage. He was a Breton…that much was clear the moment Vilkas laid eyes on him. His hair was long and black and held itself back with a crimson ribbon. His eyes eerily matched the ribbon in his hair and he was adored in deep purples and blacks.

His red eyes first fell on Farkas, whom stood directly in front of him. "Out of the way, barbarian." Farkas folded his arms and scowled but moved out of his way. As the man moved past, his eyes next fell on Vilkas and it stopped him dead in his tracks.

Vilkas starred back, not liking the look of this man, nor the way he'd spoken to Kodlak and his brother. His icy eyes hardened as the man cracked a mocking grin.

"Humph. I thought you'd be more impressive up close. Pathetic."

"You look as weak as your voice sounded." Vilkas retorted.

He saw those red eyes narrow and a heated glare suddenly shot out at him. It felt…vaguely familiar. "Watch your tongue, worm…before I rip it from your mouth."

"I will not be intimidated by idle threats. You have no place here, whelp. Leave."

The young man sniggered and spit at Vilkas' feet. Then he moved past without touching him and vanished down the steps and into the marketplace.

"Who in the Gods' name was that?" Farkas moved slightly closer to Vilkas.

"That was Daric Theodistair." Kodlak spoke from the doorway, making them turn their attention on him. "He claims to be a traveling dignitary from High Rock."

"What did he want?" Vilkas asked.

Kodlak paused and looked back and forth between the twins. "Farkas….could you go inside? I need to speak with Vilkas."

"Yeah. Sure." Farkas glanced at his brother with a worried stare but did as Kodlak commanded.

When they were alone Kodlak walked up to Vilkas and put a hand on his shoulder. "Oh lads…how do I say this…?"

"Just say it." Vilkas didn't like where this was going.

"That man said he'd come on behalf of his master. He was sent to reclaim lost property."

"Lost property? The companions haven't stolen anything."

"It's not a thing, boy. Apparently that man's master is seeking to reclaim our resident mage."

Vilkas' eyes widened. "Vincent? They're after Vincent?"

"Aye lad. He demanded I hand him over of suffer the consequences." Vilkas began to bristle so Kodlak attempted to soothe him. "I said no, of course. You and Farkas heard as much I'm sure."

"What can we do? We'll fight, right? I'm not handing Vincent over to them!" His voice came out a bit louder then attended and Kodlak held up a hand to silence him.

"Vilkas. Calm yourself lad. We will not be handing over anyone. If Vincent wants to stay, then he stays. He is one of us now and we will protect him from these people…but listen boy…A storm is coming. So violent and horrible we all might not make it through. I need you to be strong. I need you to hold it together, if not for yourself, then for Vincent. He will need you in this upcoming tide, now more then ever."

"Aye…" Vilkas didn't like the sound of any of this. It was making the hair on his arms stand on end.

"Tonight, I'm sending Vincent away on a mission. I've already discussed the mission with him and what he'll be doing. For safety reason's I cannot tell you exactly where he is going but I can tell you that it is for our benefit and is nothing he can't handle alone."

"I…I don't…"

"He's not gone yet, lad. You can still speak with him…I just think it's best if he stays covertly away from Jorrvaskr for a short while."

"If…You think that's best…"

Kodlak pat him heavily on the shoulder. "Do you trust me?"

"Aye. With my life."

"Then trust me on this. When the storm comes, it is best for him to be clear of it. I will need you and all your strength in this upcoming time Vilkas. Trust my judgment. Nothing bad will happen to Vincent. I swear it on my life."

"Aye. I trust you."

"Good lad. Now go on in and spend this night with him before he leaves. You won't see him for at least a week." Vilkas moved to go past him but Kodlak stopped him. "And…don't tell Vincent that, that man was here. It's best he doesn't know for now. It would only cloud his judgment and in order for him to be save, he'll need a clear mind."

"And then, Aela punched the guy right in the face and sent him over the table, flailing like a fish!" Vincent laughed and leaned against Vilkas' chest.

Vilkas hummed in response and kept his arms tightly around the mages' middle. They were sitting on the floor in Vilkas' room right up against the bed. Vilkas had the redhead in his lap as they talked about the latest mission Aela and the mage had been on.

"He got up, and Gods was he pissed! So, he picked up a frying pan…"

"Ummmhum…"

"Are you okay tonight Vilkas?"

Vilkas looked down and saw concerned Copper eyes starring up at him. "Aye. I'm fine."

"Is this about later?" He asked gently. "About Kodlak sending me on that mission?"

"I don't know why you have to do this alone. I could go with you…"

"Kodlak has his reason's, I'm sure."

Vilkas huffed and buried his nose in those crimson colored locks, taking in that wonderful flame sent. "I know. Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Everything will be okay Vilkas." He smiled prettily up at him and turned in his lap so he could face him.

Vilkas looked back down at him and sighed. The encounter that day was still buzzing in his head. Who was that man really…? And how did he know Vincent? Why did they want him so badly…? Was this why Vincent was so worried about being protected? Such innocent questions were suddenly starting to make sense…and he would drown his enemies in blood to keep Vincent safe.

Vilkas leaned down and nuzzled the mage gently. He almost smiled when he felt Vincent respond positively to the touch. He kissed the corner of his mouth before trailing hot kisses down his delicate looking jaw. He rested a hand against Vincent's cheek but let his thumb stay gently against the mage's lips as he tilted Vincent's head to the side slightly so he could resume kissing down his neck.

He felt Vincent shudder in his grasp and overlap Vilkas' hand with his own. Vilkas attached his mouth to Vincent's mate mark to lick and bite softly at the slightly scarred skin. He heard Vincent gasp and looked up just in time to see the redhead's soft pink tongue poke through his lips and caress the pad of Vilkas' thumb. He growled against his skin as he felt the blood rush south a bit too quickly and left him a bit lightheaded. He pulled the mage closer against his body and more into his lap. He knew Vincent could feel him by the little "ooh." that passed his lips but Vilkas could feel the mage had a similar problem, so he wasn't as embarrassed as he would have been otherwise.

Vilkas could start feeling his wolf begin to stir and it almost stopped him mid motion. A low growl came from the deepest part of him and made his grip on the mage tighten. His body suddenly felt so hypersensitive and Vincent's scent made his head spin. Every breath the mage made against Vilkas' skin and every gentle caress just seemed to make things… Harder…

"Are you okay?" Vincent asked, caressing Vilkas' hair gently.

Vilkas bit back a groan at the contact and managed to nod and croak out a husky, "Aye."

"Are you holding back for my sake?"

Vilkas managed to peer up at him slightly curious at the question. "What?"

"Aela told me a few things…" He shifted slightly nervous in Vilkas' lap. Vilkas grabbed hold of the mage's hips to keep him from moving and growled. Vincent smiled apologetically. "You don't need to hold back on my account, Vilkas. I'm not made of glass and I won't break."

The wolf howled in agreement and it echoed in Vilkas' brain. "Don't….say that. I'll take you seriously."

"I am serious."

Vilkas snarled and suddenly shoved the mage against the floor and climbed atop him. Vincent looked slightly surprised but otherwise undeterred. "Do you know what you do to me? What you're doing to me?!" Vilkas snarled, gritting his teeth slightly.

He saw a soft blush come to Vincent's cheeks and he gave a half smile. "I can take a guess."

"The night I marked you was a hint of things to come." He slid his hand down Vincent's neck and rested on his mate mark. "If you think this hurt…It would only be worse."

"Vilkas…"

"I'd loose control of myself! I won't be able to stop until I…"

Vincent looked up at him sadly. "And that scares you…"

It seemed like it was the hardest thing Vilkas ever had to do but he nodded. "Aye."

The redhead held out his arms invitingly and Vilkas moved into his embrace. He tucked his head under the mage's chin and shut his eyes tightly while clinging to him for dear life. It was rare for him to show such weakness to someone, but he didn't care at this moment and all he wanted was the comfort only his mate could bring him.

After a short time, Vilkas' breathing calmed down and his death grip on the mage loosed slightly. He sat up and Vincent followed his action. Vincent's smile was sweet and held all of the understanding in Nirn. Gods bless him.

"Vilkas…" He leaned in and kissed Vilkas' lips gently. "…We'll be okay..."

Those words had meant the world and Vincent stayed close, not pulling away from their closeness. Vilkas tilted his head slightly to the side and brushed his lips softly against his mate's again. His wolf was eerily calm and contented for the moment and it blossomed a slight worry within Vilkas but also a soft relief.

"Ah. To be young again…"

Both their heads turned in direction of the door to see Kodlak standing there with a proud smile. Vilkas face palmed in slight embarrassment. "Kodlak…"

"I'm sorry to interrupt lads, but it's time."

Vilkas sighed heavily and looked at his mage, whom had a similar look to his own. This little fantasy they had shrouded themselves in had come to an end and it was time for reality to slink its ugly head back in.

"I'll be back before you know it." Vincent spoke softly and got to his feet. Vilkas followed closely after as if he was his shadow.

Kodlak smiled sadly for a moment in thought. "Vincent is going by carriage most of the way. Do you want to see him off, Vilkas?"

"Aye."

Vincent went over to his bag in the corner and shuffled through its contents. Vilkas saw Vincent pull out two vials of his medicine and shove them in his pockets. Vilkas saw he had one left over before he shut the bag and set it aside. He gathered up his mace from the rack he's laid it on and hid it safely away inside his coat. Then he put his gloves and shoes on. Vilkas felt a slight stir of pride to know the mage trusted him enough to not wear his gloves when they were only in each others company. He grabbed his sword from the stand, just in case and followed the mage and Kodlak out.

They all put on hooded cloaks for the trip down. It had began to rain, although it was still gentle. It was also dark and cold this night and the rain could possibly turn to snow if it was just a hair colder. Vilkas had wondered why this trip couldn't wait until the morning, but Kodlak had insisted in their previous conversation that morning, that it must be tonight. Vincent's pursuers would have slinked back to wherever their superiors were hiding and tonight would be the only night the mage could slip away without them noticing.

Vilkas kept a watchful eye on the dark surroundings, as Kodlak and Vincent walked ahead slightly. They spoke to each other in soft whispers, probably about the mission. Although he didn't like this and somewhere deep down he had a horrible feeling, he still trusted Kodlak. Vilkas took a moment to watch two of the three people he cared about most in this world walk ahead of him. He didn't know what he'd do without them…

Kodlak nodded to the gate guards as they passed out of town and down the steep hill to the stables. The sky was dark, with no hint of a moon anywhere in sight. The dark clouds had blocked out all light in the sky and even the stars were missing. It was…unsettling.

"Come back as soon as you've finished lad. We'll be waiting." Kodlak spoke to Vincent, Loud enough for Vilkas to hear once they had reached the carriage. Kodlak then nodded to the cab driver, who seemed to know where their destination was, without words.

Vincent nodded, a bit grimly and grabbed hold of the carriage to climb up. Vilkas walked up behind him and took his hand to help him the rest of the way in. Even when Vincent was in and seated, Vilkas hadn't let go yet. They just stared at each other like it could be the last time in utter silence.

"Vilkas…" Kodlak laid a big hand on his shoulder and shook slightly. "It's time lad."

"I'd like to be off soon." The carriage driver called.

"Vincent…" Vilkas spoke, his worry starting to seep into his voice. "Listen…I…"

Vincent let a small ghost of a smile cross his lips. "Yes?"

Vilkas looked back at Kodlak for a moment and saw the old man nod approvingly. Vilkas put a foot up on the carriage and hoisted himself up for a moment so he could brush his lips against his mates. There, he whispered softly against his mouth, all the things he ever wanted to say in a heated rush. Then he pulled away as if the words had never left him and stood beside Kodlak.

He saw the mage's face twist in a mix of emotions. He saw worry, elation, fear, confusion and panic all in one passionate rush in his eyes. Then it faded and it looked as if he'd burst into tears. A slightly small smile came to his lips, despite this and Vilkas couldn't tell if it was the rain hitting Vincent cheek or if it was a tear drop. A loud crash of thunder echoed loudly around then and the horses whinnied nervously. The cab driver soothed them and called back that he couldn't wait any lounger and began to drive off.

"Vilkas…" Vincent called out to him softly as he drove away. The rain was coming down harder now and all he could see was that beautiful smile that may have been slightly sad. "I love you too."

Then he was gone, vanished from view but Vilkas had heard him. Kodlak ushered him quietly back to Jorrvaskr without a word between them. Outside, it down poured with no sign of stopping.

Short chapter, I know but the next one will be longer. I promise. Serious shit going down next time!