Mindfreak23: Lol, glad you think so. Onward!

Voltagelisa: Ah yeah. The ooc couldn't really be helped…seeing as the whole thing with Daric and Cadrian doesn't happen in the game. I had to come up with how they would react to this threat. No easy man. Not easy. Mark 1 for thinking Daric should have died meter. Let's see how many of these I get…

Herelies: ah my dear. I honestly think I'd be disappointed without your breakdown of each chapter. It always brings a smile to my face. Where as your husband is more like Vilkas, mine is a lot like Farkas. He's strong and protective and a bit gruff sometimes but then you see he's just a big puppy dog underneath. I laughed at the part about Vilkas and his big dick. I cackled loud enough that it disturbed my husband in the next room. Things are getting intense and coming to a head in this story. Cadrian wants Vincent for different reasons then Daric and Vilkas do…but in the end it won't be pleasant. That…will all come later. I'm making this chapter ultra sweet, just for you my dear!

Chapter 21: Home

Settle down, it'll all be clear.
Don't pay no mind to the demons,
They fill you with fear.
The trouble it might drag you down.
If you get lost, you can always be found.

Just know you're not alone,
Cause I'm going to make this place your home

- by Phillip Phillips- home

Harbinger… Vilkas could barely believe it. Vincent had gone slow and explained the whole situation and what exactly had happened in that tomb. Aela had been there the whole time and confirmed his story. Farkas had turned back, halfway when they had encountered giant spider creature but confirmed that the part he was there for was spoken true.

"Kodlak spoke to you…?"

Vincent nodded. "Yes. One day, he wants me to help him retake the harbingers from Hircine's hunting grounds with him." He swayed slightly in place. "I'm…not sure I'm the most suited for this job…"

Aela and Farkas let out sounds of disapproval at his words.

"You'll be a great harbinger!" Farkas shook the mages' shoulders.

"Yeah." Aela added. "The old man felt like you could return leadership to the companions!"

"I…I don't know…" The redhead seemed conflicted. "Vilkas would be a much better choice as harbinger then me. He's a warrior after all…"

Vilkas opened his mouth to speak but Farkas beat him to it. "The old man must have seen something in you!"

"He made it sound quite clear that YOU were to be Harbinger." Aela crossed her arms. "I've seen you fight and it is as impressive as anyone else."

"I…well…"

"Vincent…"

"Come on Vincent."

"I just don-"

"That's enough!" Vilkas boomed over them. He looked down at Vincent. "The old man named you Harbinger?"

"Yes…"

"Then you're Harbinger." Vincent opened his mouth to object but Vilkas put his hand against the Mage's cheek and pressed his thumb against his lips. "No complaint. I've seen you take change and I know you can lead us. I am master at arms and I will help you learn the ropes."

"Vilkas-"

Vilkas pressed his thumb slightly into Vincent's mouth to silence him. "Hush. You are Harbinger. You have to show confidence in front of the other whelps or you will never get their respect. So no more doubt. You must be strong. We are all behind you."

It took Vincent a moment of thought but he nodded slowly, almost sucking on Vilkas' thumb.

Vilkas tensed slightly. "Understood then?"

Vincent nipped the tip of Vilkas' finger and nodded again. Vilkas couldn't help the low growl that slipped past his lips.

"Uhhh…Aela…lets wait outside." Farkas gently shoved her toward the entrance.

"Like newlyweds, I swear…" She seemed a tad disappointed about not being able to watch but allowed herself to be led outside.

Vincent cupped Vilkas' hand with his own, completely ignoring the retreating figures and gave the pad of Vilkas' thumb a soft lick. Vilkas pulled his hand away hastily and glanced up at the statue of Ysgramor. Now was really not the time to do this… Then his gaze fell back to the mage who was smiling coyly. Oh that little…

"You really shouldn't entice me in public."

"Well you shouldn't stick your thumb in my mouth."

"It was to shut you up."

"There are better things to shove in my mouth to make me shut up, Vilkas."

Vilkas' eyebrows rose up at that. His thoughts obviously shot to that special place in his head. He really shouldn't be thinking of such things now…but he couldn't help but picture the redhead on his knees with something much…bigger…shoved between his pink lips. He heard his wolf growl inside with approval at the thought. He'd have to try that sometime…

"I heard what you said earlier…"

Vilkas broke himself out of la-la-land to listen to his mate. "Hum?"

"I heard some of what you were saying before…with Daric."

Vilkas scowled at the thought of him. "Aye?"

"Did you mean it?"

He huffed. "Which part?"

Vincent shrugged. "Any part? Every part? I didn't hear it all. I arrived at the end of it…right around the time you said you'd die for me…and…that you love me."

Vilkas felt slightly embarrassed but he knew he had no reason to be. "Aye…it's true. I meant it."

"Answer me something then?"

"Aye."

"Do you really think I can be Harbinger? Do you really think I can lead these people…?"

Vilkas thought hard for a moment. When you think of the word Harbinger and what it means to be such, you defiantly don't think of the mage. He was not physically strong. True, the mage had some muscle behind his swings and punches but he could barely lift Wuuthrad. With practice, that could be remedied. He was strong of will when he really decided to fight for something though. Vilkas remembered their trip to Loreius farm and how he had put that man in his place without lifting a single finger. His will was as strong as sky forged steel…even after all the mental torture he had out up with…and yes, there were still some hurtles they needed to jump and get over but all those things could and would be improved by training and practice.

Maybe that's what the companions needed.

"Aye…I think you can be."

"Really?" Vincent seemed surprised. "You're not just saying that because were sleeping together, right?"

Vilkas rolled his eyes. He'd defiantly have to work on getting Vincent's opinion of himself back up to par. He pretended like it didn't both him but Vilkas had seen his insecurity. Vincent was used to being told he wasn't good enough…that he was stupid or useless…He'd only lived with Cadrian for two years but had been running from him for nine. A good chunk of Vincent's life had been wasted running. Vilkas wanted to make it so Vincent would never have to worry. That might be asking the divines for too much currently but he'd try his hardest to make it so.

"No. I'm not just saying that."

"…" Vincent inspected him closely. "Alright…fine. I believe you."

"Good then. Now, the others are waiting for us." He turned toward the door. "Let's go home."

"…"

He didn't hear Vincent following him so he stopped mid-step. He turned around to see the mage starring at the ground near his feet. "Are you alright?"

"Home…" Vincent spoke as if he didn't know the word. "This is it then… I'm really done running…?" Vilkas could see Vincent's lips curve upward slightly. "Jorrvaskr…It's my home."

Vilkas felt like the smile was contagious and walked forward to take him hand. "Aye." He gave his hand a squeeze and lifted Vincent's chin so he could gaze into those copper eyes. "I'm taking you home."

It was announced to the rest of the companions when they returned, just who the new Harbinger was. Nadia did not look pleased, as Vincent figured she wouldn't be. The others put on big smiles and congratulated him with heavy claps on the back and encouraging words. Vincent remained strong and upbeat in front of them although he knew more then just Nadia was displeased. Athis, for example. Vincent was the newest member and yet he had ascended faster then anyone else. The look in Athis' eyes told him the whole story, even if he spoke differently.

Athis wanted to be Harbinger someday. Everyone knew it and he made it no secret. Even though he smiled, his gaze was accusing. It was no secret that Vilkas and Vincent were a couple; not anymore anyway. Athis must have thought Vincent's quick ascendance to being in the circle and then becoming Harbinger must have had something to do with special treatment. Vincent didn't like that look. He didn't spread his legs to get to where he was. Athis and Nadia certainly must have thought so by the looks they gave. Vincent would do his best to change their minds.

Ria seemed genially happy for him and actually warmed up to him in a startling way. She offered to go hunting with him or just to generally be around him. Her excuse was that maybe she could learn from him. Vincent was inwardly honored and he did not outwardly reject the idea but claimed 'he had a lot of companion business to get in order, now that he was in change.' It wasn't a lie, really… He did have a lot to learn…And it was really for her own safety. Vilkas didn't seem to like having her follow Vincent around. He knew his lover could be temperamental and he didn't want him lashing out at the poor naive girl, when she obviously only had good intentions.

Then there was Torvar. He had congratulated Vincent with a smile and a pat on the back. Vincent felt reminiscent as they used to talk on night that Vincent couldn't sleep…that was long before he joined the circle and moved into Vilkas' room. Torvar was a good man, if not a bit misguided. Then again, who wasn't now a days? After congratulating Vincent, Torvar walked over to Vilkas and exchanged quiet words with him. They keep their voices low and Vincent wasn't able to overhear. They had locked eyes and Vilkas had looked slightly annoyed by the conversation…but soon enough Torvar had broke the eye contact, held his hands up almost defensively and went to the table to get himself a drink. When Vincent had asked Vilkas what that was all about, all he got was a gruff, 'nothing' in reply.

Eorlund and Tilma seemed ecstatic by the news. Eorlund offered to forge him some lightweight armor to fit his new station and Tilma rushed off to prepare a grand meal to celebrate. Vincent really didn't want all the attention but they seemed so happy…so he just let it go.

"I know there are some of you here, who may think I do not deserve the boon I have been granted by our late Harbinger, Kodlak." He spoke up during the banquet. He stood tall an unshaken under their glances and he could see Vilkas out of the corner of his eye, listening intently. "I am not a traditional warrior like all of you are here. I am a mage. I prefer magical arts to physical ones…that I know is something foreign in this land of Skyrim. Some would argue I'd be better off going to the mage's guild."

"Not so much boss!" Ria interrupted. "That place blew up a week ago!" That incurred some giggling and chuckles around the table.

"That's not true!" Torvar countered. "I heard it's still there."

"Torvar, you can't remember what you had for breakfast!" Aela slapped him upside the head. "Now shut it, our Harbinger is talking!"

Vincent smiled at her thankfully. "Anyway, I know some of you don't have any faith in me but I will do my best to prove you wrong. I have faith in all of you as capable warriors and fighters. I'd trust any one of you to watch my back and I hope you can look to me for the same." He glanced around at all of them before taking a deep breath. "There will be some changes coming, companions. I do not intend to lead as Kodlak did. His method worked and he turned out to be an excellent Harbinger. I however, do not intend to lead from a desk."

Slight murmurs circled around he table quickly. They all wondered what he was talking about and obviously disliking the idea of change. They had been officially leaderless since Ysgramor after all…

"Too long have the companions been without someone to truly lead them. No one in the companions, commands anyone. That is what I was told when I joined up. Part of that should be true. I will never steal your freewill or your identities from you. You are your own person and no one can tae that from you. However, we have been directionless. We solve problems, but we should not stoop to being mercenaries that are hired out at the highest bidder. For example, beating the ever living piss out of a bloke just because someone asked us to. We have no idea what that man had done and yet we still do it. That doesn't seem right to me."

"It pays." Nadia gruffed.

"Yes, Nadia. It does." he replied sharply, startling even her. "There are other jobs that pay though and pay much better then that."

"What if the guy is a complete jack off?" Torvar asked, rising his hand.

"Then feel free to accept and beat the crap out of the guy." Vincent chuckled as did most of the table. "We will be getting in-depth reports about jobs from now on. If the client doesn't like it, they are free to take their business else where." He glanced around at the collection again and steeled himself for the worst. "I know this is a lot to ask you all…my shield siblings… my family… but please bare with me. I will be a Harbinger that will make you all proud! Those not willing to stick by me may leave." Vincent pointed at the door. "None of us will stop you. I will be regretful to see you go and the fires of Jorrvaskr will burn with less intensity at your absence but I cannot force you to be a part of this family if you do not wish it."

Vincent waited. He gave anyone the chance to get up in leave…and was inwardly relived when no one, not even Nadia moved. He smiled kindly at his family. "Let us move forward together then! I may be different but I too am a warrior and I will die as I've lived-"

"IN GLORIOUS BATTLE!" All of the companions finished for him, shooting up from their seats and raising their tankards in the air. They all instantly chugged their mead in a very 'Nord-like' fashion and slammed them down on the table.

Vincent smiled and sipped his own. He saw Vilkas looking at him and if he was seeing correctly, it appeared to be with pride. Yes… he was finally home.

"We wanted to surprise you, Vincent." Aela seemed quite pleased with herself.

"I know Aela and the intention was kind…but I don't think-"

"Nonsense. You're the Harbinger now. You can't stay in the circle's quarters anymore. We prepared Kodlak's old room for you now. You need to stay there."

Vincent didn't feel right just taking over Kodlak's room. The man was not even a few days' dead and already he was being replaced. Maybe that's just how it was with the companions. They had their time to mourn at his funeral and they had saved his mortal soul from the hunting grounds of a vile Daedra. Maybe, that's all that was needed?

She led him to the room that he shared with Vilkas and urged him to gather his things and get them to his new room. Vincent noticed with slight disappointment that Vilkas was not presently there to talk him out of it… He really didn't want to leave Vilkas room…he enjoyed waking up beside him. He was Harbinger now though and now had more responsibilities. He guessed Vilkas was just right down the hall if he needed him…

Vincent packed up his few belongings and moved them into his new room. He unpacked everything quickly and hung his coat up on a rack. He unpacked all his alchemical ingredients and stored them neatly on the shelves. He'd have to commission to get an alchemy table in here or something… A few sets of clothes and miscellaneous items later, the only thing left was Kodlak's journal.

Vincent palmed the leather bound diary, remembering the old man fondly.

'My hope is that he and I can keep counsel over the coming years, that I can impart the wisdom of the Harbingers.'

He too, wishes there could have been more time. More time to talk, to learn to really get to know the old man…but that was in the past. He couldn't change time…Gods knew he couldn't change time… He gently laid it in the bedside drawer, resolving to show Vilkas someday. He was far closer to Kodlak then he was and Vilkas deserved to know the old man's final thoughts in writing.

"Vincent?!"

Vincent could hear Vilkas calling for him in the next room. He sighed and headed for the door. "I'm here, Vilkas."

Vilkas walked into the entryway where they had first laid eyes on each other and looked at the mage accusingly. "All your things are gone."

"Aela suggested I move in here to befit my new station as Harbinger."

"…" Vilkas' eyes narrowed slightly. "Is that so…?"

Vincent fidgeted and leaned against the doorframe slightly. Was he angry? "Yes…"

Vilkas was silent for a long moment. "I…see." Then he turned to leave.

Vincent's heart instantly jumped into his throat. He had made a mistake! A big mistake! He didn't want to be away from Vilkas at all! He needed to tell him that! He reached out and grabbed Vilkas arm before he could retreat. The dark haired Nord turned his icy blue eyes on him with a slightly curious yet cool, calculated stare.

Vincent's heart hammered against his rib cage. It was loud enough hat he swore even Vilkas could hear it. He opened his mouth, trying to form the right words, trying to tell Vilkas what he meant to him and how much he loved him. He'd never needed someone so much in his life and he'd do anything to make Vilkas stay. Yet all he could form was a simple phrase.

"Please…don't leave me."

It was such a weak thing to say and he instantly regretted it. He was supposed to be the harbinger. There was no room for such foolish weakness, not now. Vilkas' expression did not change and that worried him to no end. Then slowly, Vilkas uncurled Vincent's fingers from his arm and retreated to his room without a word.

Vincent stood numbly in the doorway, looking at the place Vilkas once stood. That was it then? After everything they've said to one another? Vincent backed away from the door after about five minutes and retreated back into the seating area. He stared at the chair he had first seen Vilkas sitting in and sighed. He almost feel tears well up in his eyes but he hastily rubbed them away. Maybe he was just overreacting…?

He'd played it cool but in reality he was so stressed. He wasn't used to this kind of responsibility. Kodlak's death, his new title, Daric showing up and confirming all his fears… and now Vilkas' sudden departure…

Yes. He was the Harbinger and he had to be strong…but Vincent just wanted to curl in a ball and cry.

"What are you doing?"

Vincent practically jumped at the sound of Vilkas' voice and whirled around to see him standing a bit behind him. He had a small knapsack over his shoulder, along with his sword and a heavy looking wooden shield. In his hands, he carried what looked like a few changes of clothes. He set them down on the table next to Vincent and slung off the knapsack, sword and shield. He let them stay on the floor and wrapped his arms around Vincent's frame.

"What's wrong…? You look like you are about to cry."

Vincent half choked on a laugh and a sob. He wrapped his arms tightly around Vilkas and smiled against his chest. He felt foolish now for not knowing what Vilkas had actually been up to. He really should have known better. "I'm okay now."

Vilkas ran a hand through his hair soothingly and rested his cheek against Vincent's head. "You made a good speech today. I'm proud of you."

Vincent could feel his heart beat faster but now it was for a different reason then it had only minutes before. He shut his eyes and took in the rugged scent of the man he loved.

"where should I put my things?" Vilkas asked, still running his hands through Vincent's crimson strands of hair.

"Hmmm…Anywhere…I doesn't really matter."

Vincent heard and felt the low chuckle that rumbled out of Vilkas and it made him shiver. He could stay here, contently for quite a long time but there was the world to get back to. Although…that hand in his hair, stroking and caressing, made him want to melt into a pleased puddle of goo. Maybe… Just maybe… he could stay like this a little bit longer…

Short chapter is short I know, but I have longer ones coming. Maybe I'll even add some mature content in the next one, ehhh? ;P I've been able to update so quickly because over these past few days I've been sick as a dog and haven't gone anywhere! Lol. I've been in my bed, drinking orange juice and eating soup that my wonderful husband makes for me. I've had nothing else to do but write, really. Drop me a review and tell me the business! Reviews defiantly make me update faster~