Herelies: Just so you know, the DA2 thing was when Vincent was harassing Vilkas about 'brooding'. A very Fenris thing. I never romanced Merrill either. At first I was like, Ohh she's cute…and then BLARGH, BLOOD MAGIC BLARGH! I'M RIGHT ARE YOU'RE WRONG, BLARGH. Yeah. That. Well, most of your questions will be answered in this chapter. Unfortunately I had no plans to bring in Ulfric. He will have a HUGE part in the sequel planned but no so much in this story. Sorry. Thank you as always for sticking by me dear.

Nori-239- Oh yeah? Well, you'll find out this chapter. Hee, thanks for commenting on another chapter, girl. Made my day.

Chapter dedication is to 'Herelies'. You are my Aela, girl!

Mature content warning folks!

Chapter 26- Already falling

The world is coming down on me

and I can't find a reason to be loved.
I never want to leave you

but I can't make you bleed if I'm alone.

You put your arms around me
And I believe, that it's easier for you to let me go.

I hope that you see right through my walls.
I hope that you catch me
Cause I'm already falling.
I'll never let a love get so close.
You put your arms around me and I'm home.

-By Christina Perri 'Arms'

By the end of the week, Vilkas had what he needed…but it would need to wait. The arch mage had replied to Vincent's summons and would show up sometime today. Vilkas stalked through the halls of Jorrvaskr, scaring Athis with a particularly aggravated growl as he walked past.

Mages were coming into his territory. GODS THRICE DAMNED MAGES. Vincent was that rare exception to his strict, 'no mages allowed' rule. Now more were coming. Vilkas was not a pleased Nord today. No he was not.

Despite Vincent's reassurance that nothing bad was going to happen, Vilkas was not convinced. He practically demanded to be present at the meeting and Vincent seemed wise enough not to argue. He did, however state that Vilkas had to be on his 'best behavior'. Vilkas assumed that meant, no telling her that 'mages are all evil and will use their gods forsaken powers to kill people and get what they want'. He could handle that. Maybe.

Vilkas Headed out to the front of Jorrvaskr alone to greet the…traveling dignitaries? Guild master? He wasn't sure and the thought of that mage in his home made him not care WHO the hell they were. He just wanted them to leave and leave quickly. He saw two figures approaching Jorrvaskr and instantly got into his stiff militaristic stance. His sword was openly displayed on his back, a quick and very precise warning that there would be 'no funny business'. He kept his face blank and tried not to look aggravated at their approach. He may be failing in that slightly.

The first figure that caught his eye was in the one in front. She was an imperial woman with black hair and tan skin. A standard imperial in Vilkas' opinion. She was pretty, he supposed but she couldn't hold a candle to Vincent. He almost smiled at the thought. Vincent would have hated being called 'pretty'. He managed to keep the smile from his face. The woman was dressed in expensive looking robes of a deep blue, brown and gold color. He saw the staff on her back and almost cringed. He let his gaze quickly dart to her companion.

A Khajiit male in Novice robes stood beside her. So not only was he a mage but he was one of the cat folk too. Wonderful day this was tuning out to be. Vilkas personally had nothing against the Khajiit, but old prejudices in Skyrim die hard.

"Ah, Greetings." The woman was first to speak and extended her hand for Vilkas to take. "I am Arch mage Cassandra. You must be the Harbinger. It is a pleasure."

Vilkas glanced at her hand and then back to her. He stayed in his stiff posture and ignored the offered hand. "I am the Master at arms of the companions. I am not the Harbinger."

She blinked, slightly surprised. "Oh…I thought the Harbinger would be greeting us."

"He got tied up with last minute paper work. I am to bring you to him."

"Oh." She said again. She didn't sound disappointed, just slightly put out.

Vilkas turned heel and walked casually inside without another word. Vincent would be waiting in the practice yard for the visitors and that was where Vilkas was to lead them. Part of him felt like a glorified messenger boy but then again he was doing a favor for the man he loved so it wasn't so bad.

He led them through the mead hall and it was lively this time of day. All eyes turned on them as they made their way past the table and through the doors on the other end. Torvar blinked through his drunken haze at the newcomers and Nadia stifled a cruel chuckle as they passed. Farkas and Aela just regarded them with slight suspicion, while Ria and Athis openly gawked at stared at the pair. Vilkas risked a glance at the mages and found them uncomfortable from the stares they were receiving. He almost smirked. Good.

"Stay here for a moment." Vilkas announced once they got outside to the training yard and he approached Vincent who was standing with his back toward them, inspecting one of the practice dummies. He approached the redhead and sighed. "Your…'guests' are here."

"Don't sound so happy, Vilkas." Vincent smiled at him and touched him on the shoulder before turning to face the new company with a brilliantly dazzling smile. Vilkas scowled at the physical contact. That hand had meant to comfort and soothe but it just set Vilkas more on edge. He wanted those gloves off…to feel Vincent's skin against his…to inhale his scent and bask in his warmth. Vilkas huffed and gestured for the mages to come over.

Cassandra's reaction was instant, much to Vilkas' chagrin. Her mouth hung open slightly and she looked like she almost tripped over herself. Her eyes were glued to the redhead and Vilkas could see a mix of emotion dance across her brown eyes. Confusion. Curiosity. Surprise. Happiness. Awe. All of them led to something Vilkas didn't like. Something he held very close to his own heart.

Vincent was the first to extend his gloved hand this time. "Hello. I'm Vincent Renalt, Harbinger of the companions. I believe you've already met Vilkas, the Master at arms and my second in command."

It took her a moment but she grasped his hand and shook it, the look on her face was still startled. "Cassandra, Arch mage at the collage of Winterhold…"

Vincent nodded politely. She continued to stare at him in silence which seemed to make more then just Vilkas a bit uncomfortable. Vincent cleared his throat. "Your…companion?"

She blinked, seeming to snap out of her daze. "O-oh! This is one of our apprentices, J'zargo. He'll be accompanying me throughout our visit here…is that alright?"

"That is fine. Make yourselves at home during your stay here." Vincent's words made Vilkas want to cringe, but he held firm. He let his hand fall back down at his side and smiled a bit shyly at the arch mage. "Care to walk with me while we talk?"

Vilkas could have sworn he saw color rise into her cheeks but it was gone as soon as it had come. "Uh…Yes. Absolutely." She stepped beside Vincent and they began a light stroll around the grounds.

Vilkas stayed a few steps behind with the unfortunate J'zargo who was doing his best to not look terrified at Vilkas' murderous expression once the leaders weren't looking.

"I'm surprised…" She began when they started their stroll.

"What?" he tried not to laugh. "That I'm not a Nord?"

"Actually…yes." She sounded slightly exasperated. "You're a Breton…and a mage."

Vincent stopped walking for a moment and glanced at her curiously. Vilkas was ready to draw his sword in in a heartbeat if need be. "How'd you know I was a mage?"

"I can feel the magic pouring off of you." She replied somewhat breathless. "It's…powerful. More so than I've ever felt in someone. It's almost like you are what magic is. Sorry…that must sound strange to you and I must be coming off like a foolish girl."

Vilkas grunted a bit too loudly in agreement. Vincent shot him a stern glace before smiling kindly at Arch mage. "I take no offence, my lady. You are correct. I am a mage but I've earned my place here and I'm sure any one of the companions will defend that."

"I will not argue about having another Mage in Skyrim." She smiled and linked an arm with his. Vilkas could feel his pulse race and he wanted to interpose himself between them. He wanted to get her away from what was his and his alone. Acting like a jealous child would currently get him nowhere though. Vincent needed something from her and until he got it Vilkas would have to keep his anger and jealousy in check. So he grit his teeth silently and watched the conversation like a good bodyguard.

Arch mage Cassandra looked much more comfortable with her arm locked with Vincent's. "You have a beautiful Hall, Harbinger."

Vincent smiled. "Yes, I think so too. I have not been the Harbinger long, but I hope I'll have many long years here."

"I haven't been Arch mage long either." She sighed. "The world just seems to be falling apart around us."

Vincent blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Surely you've heard?" She gasped and gripped his arm tighter as if fearful. Vilkas swallowed the growl threatening to erupt from his throat. "The emperor was assassinated here in Skyrim! Killed, right under the nose of all his guard! The killer got away too…they say it was the Dark brotherhood."

"That is truly unfortunate."

"Not only that, Harbinger. They say the Thieves guild now has a grip in all the Holds! Can you believe it? More reason to lock your doors at night. Then the business with our Collage and the announcement of my place as Arch mage… We had also heard word of the new Harbinger…though I admit you were not what I expected."

"Well, hopefully I can meet your expectations."

"I'm actually delighted!" She beamed.

Vilkas felt his fists tighten at his side. She was obviously flirting with him and it was driving Vilkas crazy. Or maybe she wasn't and it was just Vilkas' overactive and often possessively jealous brain playing tricks on him. Could be…Either way, he didn't like her. AT ALL.

"The world needs strong leaders, Vincent Renalt." She smiled. "I'm sure you'll lead the companions wisely."

He nodded, seeming grateful for her compliment. "I appreciate it, Miss Cassandra…."

"Just Cassandra." She waved it off. "I was disowned by my family long ago and I ran here to Skyrim to make a name for myself."

"Arch mage, hum? Mission accomplished."

She laughed behind her hand and Vilkas fought the urge to roll his eyes. He glanced at the Khajiit beside him to find him in a similar disposition. At the sound of his boss' giggle, he seemed to sigh in an annoyed fashion and roll his eyes. Maybe the large feline wasn't so bad for a mage…Vilkas still didn't trust him though.

"Now, I'd hate to ruin such a lovely visit with business but I did ask for you here for a reason." Vincent spoke carefully. "Shall we retire to my office?"

"Absolutely. Lead the way, Harbinger."

Vincent led her back inside and down the stairs toward the living quarters. She seemed to be able to march through the hall with more confidence, now connected to the Harbinger. Maybe her intentions were innocent but Vilkas had almost wanted to push her down the stairs. He didn't for a few good reasons. The reason he tried to convince himself of was that she was just some silly girl that he had nothing to fear from. Vincent was a good man and wouldn't stray from Vilkas' side for such an addle headed wench. That and Vincent would be furious if Vilkas intentionally harmed their guest without hostile action being raised form said mages in the first place. That's the reason Vilkas wanted to believe…The real reason was that she was gripping Vincent's arm so tightly that he would probably tumble down the stairs as well. Not worth hurting his mate just to hurt her.

Vilkas felt ashamed in a way. Almost as if his wolf was still there inside him. He was still just as possessive…just as territorial… and now he had no excuse and nothing to blame it on. He'd drown himself in blood to keep Vincent safe; even though he knew the mage was perfectly capable of defending himself. He'd felt like he'd told himself this a million times already. He told himself to relax, to not worry…but he couldn't help it. Gods he was trying so hard to meet Vincent on even ground but the terrain seemed to keep warping and fluctuating around them. That, or someone or something would come between them. How he wished he could just rip the barriers down and hold Vincent tight against him. There, he'd never let go and Vincent wouldn't have to be afraid anyone…. Vilkas…wouldn't have to be afraid anymore…

"Take a seat, Miss Cassandra and we'll get started." Vincent spoke, sitting in his own seat behind his desk. Some of the clutter and books had been cleared away for company but he still had a map of Skyrim across his desk. Vilkas leaned against the wall slightly and folded his arms over his chest. J'zargo leaned against the wall opposite him but with less intimidation. He was not here as a bodyguard…Vilkas could tell that right away. More like a witness perhaps?

Cassandra took the seat offered and folded her hands politely in her lap. Despite her smile, Vilkas could see the rigidity of her posture. She must have been raised in a 'proper' family. Probably very strict by how straight she was sitting. Vilkas ferreted that information away for later use.

Vincent leaned forward, suddenly all business. "What can you tell me about Morokei?"

She hesitated for a moment. "I'd be easier to show you. Can I?"

Vilkas saw Vincent's eyes flick up to meet his before shooting back down to Cassandra. "Yes. Okay."

Cassandra gestured to J'zargo to come over, which he did without a word. Vilkas instantly stiffened, ready to strike like a cobra if the mages tried anything funny…but J'zargo simply pulled out a strange, ugly looking mask from the leather bag he had at his side and handed it to his superior. He then re-took his place near the wall.

"This…" Cassandra spoke placing the mask on the table. "..is Morokei."

"A…mask." Vincent seemed confused. He ran his gloved hand along the strange downward arrow shape on it's brow. "An obviously magical mask…but just a mask."

"Not just a mask." she corrected. "A dragon priest."

Vilkas perked up slightly as did Vincent. "Dragon priest?"

"Well…yes. His mask anyway. He, himself is just a pile of ash now."

"You killed it?" Vincent seemed surprised.

She shifted a bit uncomfortably in her seat. "Well…yes. I suppose I did. I mean…I used the elevation to my advantage and he had his weaknesses…" she shook her head but Vilkas caught the slightly haunted look in her eye. "It's over now…he's dead and this was all that was left. That and the staff of Magus…which is currently locked up at our Collage. You understand."

Vincent nodded and picked up the mask. Vilkas could tell by his body language that he was clearly frustrated. This seemed like a dead end and Daric's last words were making less sense. "Morokei…how did you come by it?"

"Hun?" She asked, seemingly not understanding the question.

"Where did you find this? The mask…? The Dragon priest?"

"The Labyrinthian." She spoke softly.

"Labyrinthian?" Vincent set the mask aside and almost glared down at his map. "That isn't marked on any map of Skyrim I've seen."

"There's no need for it to be." Cassandra informed him. "It's a cursed place. I was only there on orders and if I have any wish it's to never go back, Harbinger."

"Where is it?"

She blinked. "Beg pardon?"

"Where on the map is the Labyrinthian?"

"…" She had back for a moment and eyed him somewhat warily. "Why do you want to know?"

"I need to…follow up on something. Something important. Can you tell me where it is…?"

Cassandra seemed suspicious and almost narrowed her eyes. "No offence, Harbinger but I really don't want you to send your men to their deaths. That place is evil."

"No offense to you, Arch mage…" Vincent countered in his most authoritative voice. "But I can decide that for myself. I mean no disrespect to you nor the memory you clearly hold of such a place but it is of the utmost importance that I find it." His eyes softened and he relaxed slightly. "Please."

"…" She sighed again. "Hjaalmarch. Near the center of Skyrim." She pointed to the map. "It sits astride a pass through the mountains southeast of Morthal. You can approach from the north or south end of the pass."

"Thank you." Vincent replied with somewhat visible relief and marked the place she pointed out on the map with a quill and ink.

"It's not that easy." she shifted uncomfortably. "You need a special key to get inside."

"What key?"

"You need the Torc of the Labyrinthian."

"Ah. You have this key, yes?"

"Back at the Collage. Yes. I did not think to bring it with me."

Vincent tapped his fingers on his desk rapidly. "It is a lot to ask, Miss Cassandra but I need that key. May we borrow it?"

She glanced back at J'zargo who made a face and shrugged in a clueless manner. She turned back to the Harbinger, her shoulders squared. "I…yes. I suppose you can. When we return to the collage I will have it arranged to be brought to you.

"Thank you again."

She stared at him almost sadly. "You won't be thanking me later, Harbinger. Not after you've been inside that place."

"Are you sure I can't talk you out of this?" She smiled slightly strained. Vincent and Vilkas accompanied the mages to the town entrance and down to the stables.

"No, Ma'am. I'm sorry." He smiled back, a little more lighthearted. "I may not be a Nord but you'll find I'm stubborn enough to pass for one."

Finally her smile seemed genuine. "Ah. I suppose so."

"If you don't mind me asking, how long as it been since you've been there?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment. "About a two months ago? Honestly it feels like longer but it hasn't been."

"I see."

"I'm glad we had the time to talk, Harbinger." She'd been clutching his arm the whole walk and finally let go. Vilkas felt his posture relax just slightly. "The Eight know it's been a long time since mages received a good reception in a place like Skyrim."

Vincent seemed slightly started for a moment but quickly recovered. "Y-yes. Well…they have their reasons for treating mages this way I suppose. We'll have to do our best to change their minds, right?"

"Right." She beamed.

"Mistress…" J'zargo spoke in a tone that Vilkas found to be slightly sarcastic. "The carriage wants to be off soon. We should disembark."

"Ah, time flies." Her eyes locked with Vincent's and she looked like she wanted so desperately to say something. Her mouth opened and closed three times before she laughed nervously and just shook her head. "I look forward to future dealings with the Companions. " She seemed to settle on.

"As do I. Safe journey, Ma'am." He turned away without another word and back up toward town. Vilkas followed instantly without a passing word to the mages, relived this was over.

"Two months." Vilkas was the first to speak however once Jorrvaskr was back in sight.

"Yeah." Vincent replied numbly. "Plenty of time for Cadrian to sneak in and set up shop."

"Do you really think he's there? Hiding in the Labyrinthian?"

"Where else?" Vincent huffed. "I don't know how he got inside without the 'key'. Maybe he knew another way in or he followed Cassandra in. It's the only lead I have right now Vilkas and it's the only reason I can gather about Daric's last words. He said Morokei and Morokei was a Dragon priest in the Labyrinthian."

"So what now?" Vilkas asked, holding open the door for Vincent.

"As soon as we get the key, we head off to the Labyrinthian. The less time we give Cadrian to think the better." Vincent nodded to his companions in the hall and they all raised a glass at his passing. Vilkas followed the redhead downstairs and back to the office.

"Is it wise?"

Vilkas saw Vincent's shoulders visibly slump. "Is what wise, Vilkas?"

"Everything." he crossed his arms. "Trusting Daric's words…trusting Her. Why believe it?"

"Neither had a reason to lie to me."

"Daric had EVERY reason to lie to you Vincent." Vilkas uncrossed his arms and invaded his mate's personal space. "And her…" he scoffed. "She obviously doesn't have her head on straight."

"Is this about the Eight comment she made?"

"Her faith has nothing to do with it."

"Was it because she's a mage?" Vincent rolled his eyes looking slightly irritated.

"I won't lie. It's part of the reason but not the whole thing."

"Then why, Vilkas?" Vincent asked raising his voice slightly. "Why try to disprove the only lead I have?!"

"Because someone has to keep you on the straight and narrow."

"Oh please." Vincent snorted and crossed his arms. "Like you're one to talk about not being impulsive and not loosing control. You looked like you wanted to murder her Vilkas."

"I didn't like her." He hissed, feeling his blood begin to pump faster.

"Because she was a mage?!" Vincent pried with a sneer. "Not all mages are bad Vilkas! How many times do we have to go over this?!"

"I just didn't like her!" Vilkas un-strapped his sword and dropped in harshly on Vincent's desk.

"Give me one good reason Vilkas! One! Beside the fact she's a mage, give me a reason you didn't like her!"

Vincent found himself pushed into their room and practically thrown on their bed. Before he could sit up, Vilkas' weight was atop him, pinning him down and capturing both his wrists with one large hand. Their faces were inches from each other and Vilkas could feel the adrenaline coursing rapidly through his body. Vincent stared back ay him with steely determination. He wanted an answer. By the nine he'd get one.

"You want a reason why?" Vilkas growled and watched his mate waver slightly as a shiver passed through his frame. "Fine. I'll tell you. I hated how she looked at you…how she touched you…how close she got… She intruded into my home and touched what was mine." He leaned down and breathed in Vincent's intoxicating scent. He let his stubble brush up against the fragile skin on Vincent's neck and relished in Vincent's full body shutter.

"Vilkas I…" Vincent stopped, pulling against the grip that Vilkas had on his wrists. Vilkas didn't want to release him but the look in his lover's eyes convinced him otherwise. Vilkas pulled his hand away and sat up slightly. Vincent sat up only for a moment to remove his coat and place it aside. Then he lay back down and folded his now free hands around himself.

"I've upset you." Vilkas stated his voice almost deadpanned.

"No." The redhead instantly responded. "I'm…okay. I'm not mad."

Vilkas reached down and pulled one of the redhead's hands away from his body. He slowly pulled the leather glove off and set it near his discarded coat. His eyes slowly ran across the mage from head to toe, drinking in the form of his lover. Clothed, the mage appeared slender and fragile. Vilkas knew better. He'd seen Vincent naked enough times to know differently. His mouth and hands had traced Vincent's wiry muscled frame before.

He reached down with his spare hand and rested it on Vincent's bent knee. Slowly, his hand moved up over the leathery fabric. His rough hand rested on Vincent's inner thigh and he almost smiled at the obvious tensing on muscle and the visible shiver. Vilkas continued upward, ignoring the part that Vincent probably wanted him to touch. His hand flattened against the black vest and white undershirt the mage usually wore before moving up and cupping his lily white neck.

Vilkas took a moment, just to look into his eyes before flicking his vest and shirt open. He hefted Vincent's torso up for a moment to pull him out of the fabric before laying him back down again. He took off Vincent's other glove while he was at it, and then worked on the claps on his own armor. He noted that Vincent stayed silent, just watching him undress with a softening look in his copper eyes. Vilkas rid himself of his armor and stood up to rest it on his armor rack.

Vilkas sighed for a moment before turning back to the bed. His eyes drank in the sight of his mage again and caused him to swallow a bit thickly. He took his boots off as well before returning to the bed and pulling Vincent's boots off as well.

"You're mine." Vilkas finally spoke; his voice was thick with arousal and possessiveness. It wasn't meant as a question. He let his hand rub against Vincent's clothed calf, hoping the redhead understood. Luckily for him, he seemed to.

"Yes." He responded simply. Vilkas glanced up at his mate's eyes and saw understanding in them. He thanked the Gods for that. Vincent held out his arms for Vilkas to come and occupy which he gladly did. Vilkas leaned up to kiss Vincent's lush bottom lip and moving away before Vincent could kiss him back. He heard the mage huff and grip his shirt, trying to pull him back down but Vilkas resisted. Instead he grabbed the mage's wrist and brought it to his lips.

He left a butterfly kiss upon the tender skin before kissing up and nipping at the scars on the inside of Vincent's palm. He felt Vincent's fingers twitch and flex against his cheek as Vilkas' tongue prodded the scarred flesh. He glanced down at the mage and met his eyes. Vincent's lips were slightly parted and a delicate blush had formed up onto his cheeks. He looked beautiful…but Vilkas kept the comment to himself. He knew if he said it, those plump lips would turn pouty and he'd huff, indianite at being called 'beautiful'. Usually in the throws of passion, Vilkas could get away with calling him such.

Vincent sat up and slowly moved his hand from Vilkas' grip. He grabbed the hem of Vilkas' shirt and hoisted it over his head. Vilkas' lips curved up slightly when he saw those copper eyes roam over his freshly exposed torso. Vilkas decided to pull his pants and small clothes down as well, giving the redhead more to look at. As predicted, Vincent's gaze shot appreciating downwards and a delicate red blush came to his cheeks. Vincent managed to tear his gaze away to rid himself of his own clothing before reaching into the bedside table to get 'Aela's gift'.

Vincent coated his fingers in the clear liquid before hiking his legs up and slipping his fingers down his torso and into himself. Vilkas watched; his throat going slightly dry as his eyes locked on Vincent's thrusting fingers. Vincent had bitten his own lip to stifle any noises he was making as he set about his task. It was Vilkas' turn to pry his eyes away from a rather pleasing display so he could lean in to kiss Vincent's mouth. Vincent mewled against Vilkas' parted lips and seemed to work his fingers faster; his soft moans and gentle cries, no longer pained.

"Enough?" Vilkas asked softly.

Vincent nodded and pulled his fingers out with a groan. He then took more liquid from the jar and smoothed it over Vilkas' erect manhood. Vilkas bit back the loud growl that almost erupted from his throat and grabbed Vincent's leg instead. He pulled the sitting mage in close, until he was almost seated in Vilkas' lap. He lifted Vincent's legs under his arms and pulled him in closer. Vincent smiled, getting the idea and lifted his hips.

Vilkas didn't rush him and let his smaller lover set the pace. Vincent gripped Vilkas' shoulders for leverage before lowering himself slowly onto Vilkas' hard cock. They both moaned as Vilkas sank, inch by inch inside, until Vincent was fully seated and gritting his teeth in slight discomfort.

"Too much?" Vilkas hated how he sounded so breathless.

Vincent shook his head. "No…Just… Give me a moment…"

Vilkas made a soft noise of confirmation, wanting so badly to move but resisting. After what felt like an age, Vincent shifted his hips slightly and let out a lusty purr.

"A-alright."

Vilkas helped Vincent lift off him slightly before gripping his legs tightly and guiding him back down, harder and faster then the first time. Vincent's hands threaded in Vilkas' hair and held tight as their lovemaking grew faster. Vilkas gripped him tight and rested his head in the crook of the mages neck. There, he left feverish kisses and nips that were sure to leave marks. He latched on to the old scar he had put there and licked the sensitive skin. Vincent's heat around him was driving him crazy and his scent was so strong and sweet that Vilkas felt he could drown in the ecstasy of it.

He felt Vincent's hips snap quickly and erratically. He wouldn't last much longer, Vilkas knew. With one last nip at the old mate mark, Vilkas pulled his head away to stare deeply into those copper orbs.

"V-Vilkas…!" The redhead managed to cry before he rolled his hips just the right way and exploded between them without being touched.

And there they were. Beautiful, endless blue behind fluttering curtains of fragile black lace. Vilkas growled loudly at the tightening of Vincent's passage and emptied himself inside with a deep husky growl. Vincent's eyes fluttered shut at the feeling, letting a soft "ooh…" pass his lips before sagging exhausted, against Vilkas' body. Vilkas lifted Vincent's hips slightly so his now softening cock could side out of him, and then gently held him in his strong arms. He idly stroked the mage's hair, waiting for them both to come down from the high…knowing when Vincent next opened his eyes, they would be copper again.

"It's not my birthday." Vincent stated, looking at the now half dressed Vilkas.

Vilkas had thrown on his pants and pulled something out from under the bed, claiming it to be a 'gift' for Vincent. "I don't need an excuse to get you something." Vilkas paused. "When is your birthday, anyway?"

Vincent rolled his copper eyes. "The 20th of Evening star."

Vilkas paused. "…About that date…It-"

"-should be familiar, I suppose." Vincent smiled and rolled over on his back, keeping the covers up to his stomach. "It's not exactly a happy date."

"Why's that?" It did sound familiar but Vilkas couldn't put his finger on it.

"Well, two reasons." Vincent stared at the ceiling. "One, it's the date of the Invocation of the Daedra Prince Molag Bal. Second, my mum was murdered."

"On your birthday?" Vilkas blinked, now feeling horrible for asking.

"Yeah." Vincent met his eyes. "Don't give me that look Vilkas. It was a long time ago and you couldn't have known."

Vilkas sat on the edge of the bed, taking his gifts with him and keeping them in his lap. "Doesn't stop me from feeling bad now."

"Well, you'll just have to make my birthdays much better from now on, right?"

Vilkas allowed himself a small smile. "Right."

"Soooo, what'd you get me!?" Vincent flipped like a switch and sat up like an excited child.

"Thought you didn't want them."

"I never said I didn't want them. I just said it wasn't my birthday."

"Should I wait to give them to you then?"

Vincent pouted. "No."

Vilkas couldn't help but chuckle. "Fine. Here." He handed Vincent the first one.

It was large and slightly heavy. The mage blinked and unwrapped the cloth from the gift, eyes scanning it once it had been relieved. It was a beautifully crafted blade, obviously Skyforge steel from the look of it. It was longer then a long sword but shorter then a two handed one. The hilt was adorned with a stylized wolf with icy blue stones for the eyes.

"It's beautiful Vilkas." The redhead marveled. "What kind of sword is it though?"

"A bastard sword."

Vincent's lips pulled into a mock pout. "Excuse me."

"You know what I mean. Don't tease."

The pout went away and the mage's face brightened. "Thank you love…are you sure I can wield something like this, though?"

"It can be wielded two handed…in fact you will most likely need to. You were doing so well in your training; I figured you should have your own blade."

Vincent's smile turned coy. "I like practicing with your blade, Vilkas."

Vilkas coughed and rolled his eyes to try and forget the image that put in his head. "Do you want it or not?"

The mage smirked again, still taking the statement dirty. "Always."

Vilkas face-palmed. "Vincent…"

"I know what you mean, love. Relax. Yes. I love it. Thank you. What should I do with my mace, though? I don't want to carry both around."

"It's from Cadrian." Vilkas growled. "Throw it into the sea for all I care."

"It's ebony, though." Vincent protested weakly. "We could sell it."

"I don't care. Do what you'd like with it."

Vincent nodded and ran his fingers along the hilt, smiling fondly. "Okay."

Vilkas quickly thrust the other package in Vincent's lap and resolutely faced the wall. Vilkas could see Vincent give him a curious stare out of the corner of his eye and put the blade aside. Vilkas shut his eyes as he heard the mage opening the gift and the deafening silence that followed.

After an age, Vincent finally spoke. "Vilkas…is this…?"

Vilkas took a deep breath and turned to face the mage. He saw that Vincent had slung the gift on and was now alternating between staring down at it and back up at Vilkas. So Vilkas steeled himself and took a deep breath.

"An Amulet of Mara?" He feigned surprise as if he'd never seen it before. "You're not married? Surprising."

He saw Vincent's lips twitch as he gained the mage's full attention. Vilkas wasn't sure if he was about to laugh or cry. "I-Interested in me, are you?" Seemed the mage decided to play along.

Vilkas let a warm smile come to his face, one that only Vincent ever got to see. He scooted a bit closer on the bed and took Vincent's hands in his own. "I am." He began resolutely. He'd already come so far and there was no backing out now. He knew they were already mated and this whole thing was unnecessary. He knew this and Vincent knew this. They were already married in their hearts. Now all that was left was to make it official in the eyes of society…not that Vilkas really gave a fuck what anyone thought of them.

"Vilkas…"

Vilkas tightened his grip on Vincent's hands and looked deeply into his eyes. "I'd be glad to stand at your side until the Divines take us…If you'll have me."

Vincent almost choked back a cry as a tear leaked free. He smiled though and took a hand back from Vilkas' grasp to wipe it aside. He chuckled and smiled brightly despite the tears. "Sure as hell trumps my birthday."

Vincent smiled too, finding his smile infectious. "well…?"

Vincent nodded. "I will." He laughed. "Together, then."

"Together." Vilkas echoed.

"We'll…sort it all out after this whole…mess…is cleared up."

Vilkas nodded, knowing exactly what 'mess' it was that needed tidying. "Aye."

"So…you're sure?" Vincent pressed. "No going back once it's done Vilkas. You'll never be rid of me."

"Amulet or not, I wouldn't let you go." Vilkas stated firmly.

Vincent nodded, satisfied with that response and he pulled Vilkas into a kiss. There he whispered two soft words against Vilkas' mouth…The exact same words Vilkas had used only an hour or so before.

"You're mine."

Vilkas couldn't help but chuckle. "Aye."

Author's note: Vincent's birthday translates out to December 20th. That is also MY birthday. Seemed approprate.