Skater Prince

"Mom can I go now?" Rick asked with a sigh.

"It's please may I and no dear, you may not, you still have a fitting for your costume."

"But I've already been prodded and primped and powdered all fucking day."

His mother froze. "Warwick, what kind of language is that for a prince to use?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just tired of this."

Her expression softened. "I know you are dear, but this is your birthday ball and we have to make so much effort to make sure you look even remotely presentable. This is important to me Warwick, please be patient."

"Yes mother." Biting the inside of his cheek so he didn't swear again, he daydreamed about the skating he'd hopefully get in the next day, no doubt ruining whatever they were doing to his hair and probably leaving his mother hysterical. It was almost worth enduring the primping sometimes just for that.

When he was skating and away from the palace, Rick was glad of what his parents called 'The Curse' in hushed whispers when they thought he wasn't listening. To him, being different from his six brothers, having fun, going out and skating was a blessing. But there were times, usually when his mother spent hours trying to straighten out his curls and lighten his skin so he looked more like his brothers and less like the changeling the staff whispered that he was, he did wonder if maybe it was a curse.

He had been a shock when he was born, unexpected because his mother had had complications giving birth to her sixth son and was told she could have no more children, and even more unexpected because he didn't look like a prince at all. Unlike like his pale, perfect brothers with their pure-blond or raven-black, iron-straight hair and the royal family violet eyes, he looked, well, common really. His hair was brown and curly and no amount of serum and hair straighteners could change that, his eyes were blue and his skin was constantly tanned from being outside all the time.

He'd never been bothered growing up, his brothers were all perfect examples of courteous princely virtue. They did things like dance, fence and play polo, none of which Rick was interested in so he'd taken to sneaking out of the palace as soon as he was old enough to climb out of his room.

At first he'd played in the woods a lot, then at the age of eight, he'd discovered the skate park and he'd been obsessed ever since.

With an immense amount of sneaky finagling, he'd managed to get hold of a deck and some ordinary clothes and had spent every spare moment he could find practising and practising until he was actually very good. He knew a couple of the local kids to talk to a little but mostly, Rick kept to himself not wanting to risk giving himself away. He didn't want to lose the ability to sneak out and skate.

He'd got away with it for years but unfortunately since he'd turned eighteen, he'd had fewer and fewer opportunities as his parents tried to marry him off, taking him on state visit after state visit trying to persuade princesses that a seventh son who looked as common and unprepossessing as he did was actually a good catch.

He didn't understand why it was necessary. After all, he was the seventh son, five of his six brothers were already married, three even had children. He was already down to thirteenth in line so it wasn't like he'd ever need an heir and besides, he didn't really like girls, especially princesses. They were so fragile and delicate, he was terrified of even taking their hands in case he hurt them. Even his sixth brother was engaged, he didn't understand his mother's insistence that he get married too.

Finally his ordeal was over and his mother let him go to his room where he collapsed on the bed with a sigh.

"Stupid masquerade," he muttered. He hated balls, hated dancing, hated stupid, dull, prissy princesses. There was a tap on the door and he looked up. "Come in."

"Good evening Warwick."

"Hey Bertie." He smiled at the brother closest to him both in age and friendship. Albert was almost normal sometimes, for a proper prince. "What's up?"

"I... I shouldn't... it's just," Albert stopped and sighed.

"Spit it out dude."

"I just think you should know, about the ball."

"I know about the ball," Rick snorted.

"No, War, the real reason the ball is being held," Albert sighed again.

For his brother to have abbreviated his name it must have been serious. "Tell me man."

"Mother has despaired of you ever marrying a princess so she has devised an alternative."

Rick frowned in confusion. "What do you mean an alternative?"

"She has invited all the ladies of noble birth in Koloros to this ball and declared that you will marry one of them that night."

"I'll do what?"

"You will be married at midnight." Albert patted his arm. "I am sorry brother but I felt you should at least know."

Rick wasn't sure what to think, fury and horror, despair and dismay warred inside him. He couldn't get married just like that to some girl he didn't even know.

"Thanks for telling me Bertie," he murmured, hugging back distractedly when Albert wrapped his arms round him quickly.

"Well, I should go."

"Okay." He barely noticed his brother leave the room, his brain speeding through desperate plan after desperate plan to get himself out of it.

@>*~

By morning, he'd come to the unshakeable conclusion that he had to runaway. He had no other option.

After writing a couple of letters, one to his parents and one to Albert, saying goodbye, he packed a change of clothes and some underwear into a backpack, strapped his deck to it and climbed out of the window. He walked away without a backwards glance.

@>*~

Rick had spent months on the road after leaving Koloros, following skate tours and competitions, making money where he could helping out crew and even skating. Sometimes things had been good and he'd earned or won enough money to eat, sleep in a motel, catch the bus. Sometimes things had been terrible, no food, sleeping in parks and a couple of close calls from perverts he'd hitched with.

More recently, he'd won enough money to buy a car which had helped a lot. At least he could sleep in the car when he couldn't afford a motel and didn't have to worry about hitching with creeps and for the first time in his life, he owned more than one skateboard.

He didn't miss home, didn't miss being a prince. It had been hard but it was worth it to be free and to be able to skate. But the car had brought an entirely different set of problems into his life as it wasn't as reliable as it could have been and broke down often. Now he had it though, he couldn't do without it.

So when it really died as he was driving through the kingdom of Huneredinn, he really had no idea what he was going to do.

The mechanic who had picked him and the car up watched him pace with a frown. "What's the matter man?"

"I can't afford to get it fixed."

"I could give you a bit of money for it for scrap."

"No good," Rick sighed. "I need a car."

"The new parts are going to be worth more than the car is."

"Shit," Rick murmured.

"How quick do you need it?"

"What?"

"How quick do you need a car, I mean you could get a job or something."

Rick shrugged. "I could if I had a work visa."

The mechanic smiled. "It just so happens I can help you with that. You work and save up, I'll keep the car until you can pay me to fix it, deal?"

"Deal," Rick exclaimed. "Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome, you kind of remind me of my boy, I'd like to think someone would help him too if he was in trouble."

@>*~

The job turned out to be long, long hours for very little pay but without a work visa he didn't have much choice. At least board and lodging were included although it was both strange and ironic to be working in the royal palace, home of King Henrik Wilhelm the 1st of Huneredinn.

He also was lucky enough to get one afternoon a week off which he spent down at the park, skating as best he could. There was nowhere local to really skate and he didn't have the time to travel across town to the actual skate park in one afternoon. But it was better than nothing.

One of the reasons he'd got the job so easily was the state visit of the King's aunt, Queen Henrietta of Pousteria and her daughter, Joanna. A state visit meant a lot of extra work and working in the palace was considered an honour, something the supervisor in charge of kitchen porters, Jeff Tully, cousin of the mechanic who'd got him the job and all-round bully, constantly reminded him.

He was usually run off his feet from early morning to late at night, his brief breaks were a true relief and he would go sit outside and just breathe.

"How long are they going to stay?" he asked one of the other porters.

"Could be forever."

"Forever?" Rick exclaimed. "But don't they want to go home?"

"Go home without a wedding?" He laughed and shook his head. "Have you been living under a rock?"

"A wedding?"

"Queen Henrietta wants her daughter to be queen of course."

"Oh." Rick nodded in understanding. "Does the King want..."

"I don't know but they might just wear him down," he said with a laugh.

"Hey fuckwits, break's over," Tully yelled at them. "Get a fricking move on."

Rick bit back a venomous reply and just nodded, heading back into the kitchen to fetch and carry.

@>*~

That night seemed to last forever, a massive banquet had been thrown for various visiting dignitaries and all the kitchen and waiting staff had been run off their feet for hours.

Finally, they were allowed to leave and go to bed. Rick had the following afternoon off so he decided to sneak into the banqueting hall, which wouldn't be cleared till morning, to see if there was any bread he could take to the park to feed the ducks.

He pushed open the door and snuck in, then jumped when he saw a young man sitting on one of the tables, licking chocolate syrup off his finger.

They stared at each other in shock for a moment, the man's vivid green eyes fixed on him. He was tall and slender with pale skin and shoulder length, dark hair, maybe a couple of years older than him. He was very beautiful which made Rick feel oddly shy. Dressed in smart pants and a white shirt, he guessed he was a footman.

"Um, hi."

The man smiled, eyes lighting up happily. "Hello. What are you doing here?"

"Oh um." Rick scuffed the floor with one foot a little nervously, wondering if he was in trouble. "I'm going to the park, I just thought I'd see if there was..." He stopped, scratching his head awkwardly. "Man, it sounds really lame."

"I'm sure it's not," the man said softly. "Would you like some dessert?"

Rick smiled. "That would be great, thanks." He sat up on the table next to the other man, who gestured at the dishes he'd gathered by him.

"Just dip your fingers, there's no bowls and I couldn't find a clean spoon."

"That's cool." Rick dipped his finger in some ice cream and licked it with a sigh. "I'm Rick, I work in the kitchen," he said, holding out his free hand.

"My name's Will," the older man said, shaking it.

"Nice to meet you. So, are you a footman or something?"

Will looked startled. "Um, or something really. I do different things depending on what's needed."

"Like a jack of all trades or something?"

"Yes, I suppose."

"Oh well that's cool," Rick said, eating some more ice cream.

"So why were you sneaking in here?"

He paused in his eating, hand hovering just below his mouth as he felt his cheeks flush in embarrassment. "Oh um, well I get an afternoon off each week and I always go to the park." He looked up, smiling ruefully. "I was going to feed the ducks."

"That sounds nice," Will sighed. "I never get a chance to take a break."

"Really?" Rick gasped. "That's not right, I mean I'm only a kitchen porter I would think that if I an afternoon off, you should get at least that!"

"You're right," Will said softly. "But I, well I wouldn't know what to do with any time off."

"You could come to the park with me," Rick said impulsively. "I mean, if you wanted."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you know, if you don't mind me skating."

"You skate?"

"Yeah, it's what I really love to do but I need to earn money to fix my car before I can get back to it."

"Why do you need a car to skate?"

"I try to follow the tours around, compete if I can."

"Do you win?"

"Sometimes, yeah." Rick grinned. "It's how I got the car."

"You must be pretty good."

"I try."

Will smiled at him. "Modest too."

Suddenly feeling a little warm, Rick looked away. "I uh, I guess I should go. I still have to work in the morning."

"Oh right. Didn't mean to keep you up." Will grimaced and Rick reached out to squeeze his shoulder.

"You didn't. Listen, I know it's short notice but I'm off tomorrow afternoon so, if you can, meet me by the South Gate at one o'clock."

"I'll definitely try," Will said, smiling shyly.

"Cool, well, goodnight." He got up and headed for the back stairs that led up to the garret where his room was.

"Hey wait."

He stopped and looked back. Will had run after him and was a little flushed. "Yeah?"

"You forgot to take anything to feed the ducks." Will held out a couple of bread rolls and grinned.

"Thank you," Rick said softly, touched that the other man had thought of it, let alone run after him.

"You're welcome. I uh, I hope to see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, me too."

@>*~

He found himself waiting eagerly by the South Gate at precisely one o'clock with his deck, a small bag of food and the two bread rolls Will had given him, wearing the very same t-shirt and jeans he'd left Koloros in. He'd been mostly alone for so long now and Will seemed kind of lonely too, it could be good to have a friend. He had been so used to keeping his distance from people, he hadn't even made friends with the other kitchen staff.

Several minutes passed and Rick sighed in disappointment. Well, it had been very short notice after all, maybe Will just couldn't get the time off. He started to walk slowly to the park.

"Rick, wait up!"

Stopping in surprise, Rick turned, grinning at the sight of a flustered looking Will running after him. He looked less formal than he had in the banqueting hall, dressed similarly to Rick in jeans and shirt.

"Thought you weren't coming."

"Took me longer than I thought to get this." Will held up a bag.

"What?"

"Picnic."

"A picnic? Really?"

"I thought it might be, you know," Will said with a shy smile.

"Are you kidding, it's great."

"Good." Will grinned.

"Shall we go?"

"Yeah okay. Lead the way."

@>*~

Rick tended to skate in an area of the park that was quite deserted so there was less chance of getting into trouble and he took Will there, showing off just a little as he skated. Will was an appreciative audience, watching avidly and clapping his tricks. When he'd finished they went and sat at a little out-of-the-way picnic table to eat.

"This is so lovely," Will sighed, lying back on the bench once they'd finished eating. Rick lay back on his side so he could see the older man under the table. They grinned at each other.

"Yeah, it's cool. I just wish I could get some proper skating in sometimes."

"Why don't you go to the skate park?"

"It's too far away," he sighed. "Even if I could afford the bus, it would take too long to get there and back."

"Oh yes, I suppose," Will grimaced. "I didn't think of that."

"It's cool. Once I've saved up enough money for the car, I'll be able to follow the tour around again, skate properly."

"Oh, of course." Will stared up at the sky. "Will it take you a long time?"

"Months probably. I don't make much money."

"Really?"

"No. But at least I get food and a place to sleep. Sleeping on park benches isn't much fun, or very safe."

"You've slept..." Will turned his head to look at him again. "Sounds like you've led an interesting life."

"I guess," he said with a shrug. "Sometimes it was really bad, scary you know? But it was worth it."

"What was?" Will asked softly.

"Running away from home."

"You ran away?"

"Yeah, nearly a year ago."

"Why?"

"My family wanted me to be something I'm not. The final straw was them trying to marry me off to some girl I didn't even know."

"Sounds familiar," Will sighed, looking away again.

"Really?" He stared at the other man curiously.

"Yeah. I do what my father did, what his father did before him, tradition, expectation, you know?" Will shook his head and turned to meet his gaze. "And I'm expected to marry, probably some girl I don't know either. If they don't make me marry my cousin of course."

"Families suck," Rick said firmly. "I don't even like girls. I've never met a girl who wasn't prim and delicate. And boring." Will blinked at him, his expression a little odd. "What dude?"

"Nothing," Will said, smiling again. "Just, you're completely right. I wish I had your guts."

"What would you do?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"If you were free, I mean, you know, to do want you wanted."

Will frowned at him, green eyes suddenly clouded. "I... I don't know."

"Oh man." He sat up, feeling bad for him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's okay," Will said quietly, sitting up opposite him. "I suppose I've never even thought about it before."

Propping his chin on his hands, he contemplated the beautiful man in front of him. "When you were a kid, wasn't there anything you loved to do, or dreamed of doing?"

Will grimaced ruefully. "I was always training to take over from my father."

"And I thought my life sucked," he exclaimed. "You should think about it you know."

"Yes, I just might actually," Will said, looking happier again.

It was getting dark and Rick checked his watch with a sigh. "Damn, we should head back."

Looking disappointed, Will nodded. "Oh okay."

"Would you like to meet up again next week?"

"Yes," Will said quickly, then he flushed. "I mean, if you're sure I'm not disturbing your alone time."

"Oh fuck no, this was really great."

"I'm glad," Will said softly. "I had a really good time."

"Cool, it's a date." Rick stopped abruptly as Will flushed again. "I mean um, well anyway, let's go."

They got up and gathered their things, then walked slowly back to the palace.

"Wednesday afternoon, one o'clock?" Rick asked quietly.

"I'll be there," Will said with a soft smile. "And I'll bring the picnic."

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

Rick grinned. "Okay cool, well, see you next week."

"Yeah."

@>*~

He looked forward to his next afternoon off even more than usual that week. Will was really lovely, very sweet and shy and, Rick thought, as lonely as he was.

Will met him at the gate precisely on time.

"Hey."

"Hi." Will was carrying a basket this time and Rick raised an eyebrow.

"Um, I was thinking," Will said hesitantly. "There's this place I used to go with my mother sometimes, maybe I could show you."

"Sounds good."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean, I only went to the park because I don't really know the area. I'd love to go somewhere new."

"Okay, good." Will cleared his throat. "It's not far but it's really, um, really private."

Rick blinked. "Okay."

"I mean, so you can skate if you want."

"Cool. Lead the way."

Will smiled and nodded, starting to walk. He led Rick round the palace wall and through a small patch of forest to another wall. They walked a few more metres and came to a door which Will unlocked, leading him through it and locking it behind them.

"Wow." He stared. It was a large walled garden with paved paths forming a cross over the lawn, and an enormous fountain in the centre surrounded by stone benches. It one corner there was a small summerhouse and Will walked towards it.

"Are you sure it's okay to be here?" he asked, following the older man a little hesitantly.

"Yes. No one ever comes here, it's okay."

"It's really cool."

Will nodded. "One of the few places I can remember being happy."

A little saddened, Rick patted his new friend's shoulder. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"Oh well." Will looked down and shrugged, putting the basket down on the porch of the summerhouse. "I thought maybe you could get a bit of skating done here."

"I can definitely practice some tricks." He smiled. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Taking a blanket out of the basket, Will lay it out on the grass, sitting down with a sigh. "It really is good to take a break."

"Yeah," Rick agreed. He dropped his bag and stripped off his jacket, grabbing his deck and skating along the path towards the fountain.

@>*~

When he'd finished, he was hot and sweaty, so he peeled off his t-shirt and stuck his head under the spray of the fountain, splashing his face and chest to cool off. Walking back over to Will, he was surprised to see the older man staring at him open-mouthed.

"What?" he asked hesitantly.

"Oh um, nothing really, just you're very uh..."

"Very what?" he asked in confusion. He wasn't sure why but he suddenly felt very self-conscious.

Will cleared his throat, cheeks pinking lightly. "Fit."

"Well, I do get a lot of exercise," Rick said with a chuckle, feeling less uncertain.

"Didn't do anything for me."

"What do you mean?"

Looking embarrassed, Will shrugged. "At one point my father decided I wasn't 'manly' enough and made me work out but it didn't do anything."

"Well of course not," Rick snorted. "You're naturally slim, you wouldn't be able to do much more than tone up. I think you look great."

Will's cheeks darkened. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He sat down on the blanket next to the older man.

"Hungry?"

"Starving."

"Oh good, I brought lots today. I had more time to plan."

"Oh Will, you didn't have to, last week was already more than good of you."

"I wanted to," Will said, smiling shyly at him. "I mean, I wanted to do something to thank you."

"Thank me? What for?"

"Inviting me to the park last week, and again this week."

"Well I, you're welcome I guess," he said with a smile. "I've never really met anyone I felt so comfortable with like you before."

"Me neither." Will smiled and looked down at his hands, clasping them together. "I've never met anyone who looked past what I do before, nobody wants to ever just..."

"Just what?" Rick asked softly.

"Well I don't want to presume."

"What Will, just tell me."

"Just be friends," Will said with a sigh.

"You really want to be my friend?" Rick said with a shy smile, his heart speeding up a little, hopefully.

"Yes," Will whispered. "I would really like us to be friends."

"That'd be great," Rick said happily. "I've never really had a friend before."

"Me neither."

"Friends then." He held out his hand and Will took it, shaking it.

"Friends."

"Cool, let's eat."

Will chuckled and opened the basket, setting it between them so he could have a look. "Help yourself."

Grinning, Rick grabbed a sandwich and a piece of chicken. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

@>*~

After stuffing himself a little stupidly, Rick groaned and lay back on the blanket.

"You okay?"

"Overdid it."

"You think?" Will snorted.

Pouting, he sniffed. "Well, I don't get a whole lot to eat normally."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Hey it's okay," Rick interrupted him quickly. "I wasn't being serious."

Will looked relieved. "I didn't, I mean, I wasn't sure."

"Sorry, you'll get used to me."

"I look forward to it," Will said, smiling shyly. "Do you really not get much food?"

"It's okay, it's just," he sighed, "it's never really enough considering how hard we work."

"Have you tried complaining?"

Rick grimaced. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"I... I can trust you, right?" he asked seriously.

Will stared at him equally serious. "Yes, you can. I wouldn't risk losing my first and only friend by being untrustworthy."

Smiling, Rick took him at his word unhesitatingly. "I haven't got a work visa."

"And you got a job in the palace?"

"Well, yeah. It's not like I'm the only one."

"Really?" Will frowned. "I didn't realise."

"Yeah, it means they can get away with not paying us much and making us work long hours." He shrugged and sighed. "But you know, it's a job and it's not like it's a sweatshop or anything."

"It's still wrong though."

"Don't worry about it."

"I hate to see people getting taken advantage of that's all." Will looked sad and Rick reached over to pat his leg.

"Seriously, don't worry. I'm just glad I could get a job at all and working in the palace isn't so bad."

"Maybe if you didn't grow up in one."

"Maybe," Rick said, looking away and up at the sky.

"Maybe I could do something."

"Oh I, I don't know Will," he started worriedly.

"I wouldn't get you into any trouble, Rick, I promise." Will rolled onto his side and looked at him earnestly.

"Or anybody else?"

"Or anybody else," Will said softly.

"You could do that?"

"I can try."

Reaching over impulsively, he touched his friend's chest gently. "Thank you."

"Oh um, I well." Will's breath hitched and he looked flustered. "I mean, I can't guarantee anything."

"That doesn't matter, it's the thought that counts," Rick said quietly, pressing his fingers into Will's chest before pulling his hand back. He settled back on the blanket, crossing his arms behind his head and just enjoying the sun and the company.

He must have dozed off because the next thing he knew, it was dusk. Sitting up, he glanced over, smiling softly at the sight of his new friend curled up on his side, fast asleep. Will really was very beautiful. It was odd to think of a man that way but he was, there was no other word for it really. And he seemed as sweet as he was beautiful and hopefully would be less shy once they knew each other better.

Gently, he prodded Will's shoulder and the older man stirred, rubbing his eyes as he sat up with a yawn. His hair was a little messed up on the side he'd been lying and Rick couldn't quite help carding his fingers gently through it, then smoothing it down.

Flushing and touching his hair, Will cleared his throat. "Thank you," he mumbled.

"No problem." He smiled. "It's getting late again."

"Already?"

"'Fraid so, yeah." Grimacing apologetically, he helped Will put a few bits and pieces back in the basket. "Sorry I fell asleep on you."

"That's okay, after all, I fell asleep too."

"True," he said with a laugh. "Well it was so peaceful and relaxing. I really like it here."

"I'm glad," Will said softly. They stood up, folding the blanket between them. "Would... would you like to come here again next week?"

"I'd love to," Rick said immediately.

"Oh good." Will picked up the basket and they left the walled garden behind, walking slowly back to the palace.

"Same time, same place?"

"Yes," Will said with a bright smile. "I'll see you then."

"I look forward to it." He grinned at his friend and waved as they went their separate ways.

@>*~

The next week Rick was even more eager to meet up with his friend. A whole week of work had been tedious and frustrating and Tully had been particularly vicious in his taunts and bullying. He was really looking forward to seeing a friendly face and just being able to talk to someone understanding.

Will veritably bounced towards him, smiling widely. "It's so good to see you!"

"You had a tough week too huh?"

"Oh you have no idea. I thought I wasn't going to make it today but I think I would have gone mad if I hadn't."

"I know that feeling," Rick said with a nod.

"Well come on then, I know you're dying to skate." Will nodded his head towards the path and Rick slung an arm round his waist. Will looked startled for a second but then he smiled and they walked slowly to the garden, the older man letting them in with his key and locking the door behind them.

"I was thinking about what you said."

"Oh? About what?"

"What I'd like to do if I wasn't a... a jack of all trades."

"Oh cool," Rick enthused. "Have you got any ideas?"

"I, I like to draw."

They stopped by the summerhouse, putting everything on the porch before laying out the blanket and sitting down.

"I think people."

"You think? Did you draw when you were younger?"

"Yeah."

"And you drew people?"

"Mostly my mother really, sometimes my father. He didn't like me to draw."

Rick frowned. "Why? Too girlie or something?"

Will flushed and snickered. "Yeah something like that."

"Well I don't think it's girlie. And I bet you're great."

"I don't know," Will said modestly. "Okay maybe." He pulled a notepad and some pencils from the basket. "I've even made a start."

"Can I see?"

"Not yet," Will said, looking shy again. "Sorry."

"Don't be," Rick said quietly. "Whenever you're ready. At least you won't get so bored watching me skate." He grinned and picked up his deck.

Smiling, Will shook his head. "It's never boring watching you skate."

Feeling oddly self-conscious again, Rick looked down at his feet. "Thanks," he murmured.

"Go skate Richie, you know you want to."

"Richie?" He raised an eyebrow and snickered at Will's expression.

"Oh I um well..."

"Will, chill out," he said softly. "I just didn't expect it, that's all."

"It just came out."

"And it's cool. I kind of like it."

"Really?"

"Yes really."

"You wouldn't mind if I call you Richie sometimes?"

He crouched down and tipped Will's chin up to make him look at him again. "No, I wouldn't mind."

The older man smiled at him and he felt a shiver of happiness tingle over his skin. He cleared his throat, getting to his feet again. "Right well, I'll go skate then."

"Okay," Will said softly.

@>*~

He skated for longer than usual, feeling a slight tension he wasn't used to that he needed to burn off. Every time he looked over at his friend, Will was watching him and for some reason, while it made him feel good, it was also making him feel self-conscious again.

But Will's green gaze was so intense, like he was totally absorbed, it was almost hard not to be. Will watching him wasn't like being watched by a crowd it was one person, someone he knew, focused entirely on him. It was exhilarating and unnerving at the same time.

Eventually, he stopped, stripping out of his t-shirt and dunking his head in the fountain again to cool off. Wiping himself off with the dry patches of his t-shirt, he wandered back over to the summerhouse and flopped down on the blanket next to Will still breathing a little heavily.

Whilst he'd felt the pressure of Will's eyes on him throughout his skating, he was very conscious of the lack of it since he'd stopped and he stared at his friend until he looked up again.

"You okay?"

Will cleared his throat and flushed lightly. "Fine."

"Really?"

"Yes really." Will nodded firmly but he still wasn't looking at him properly.

"Okay," Rick said softly, feeling a little hurt even though he was entirely sure why.

"I just..." Will paused, scratching his head awkwardly. "I didn't want to seem rude."

"Rude? Rude how?"

"Stare."

"You were staring when I was skating."

"I was watching you skate."

"You can't look at me when I'm not skating?"

"Yes but..." Will stopped abruptly, looking a little frustrated. "I wasn't sure if you'd feel comfortable that's all, I mean, you don't have your shirt on."

He was confused but he shrugged. "I wouldn't have taken it off if I felt uncomfortable dude."

"Okay," Will said quietly. "Are you hungry?"

"You know it." He grinned, glad of the change of subject.

"I took your appetite into account this week."

"Is that right?" he snorted.

"Well, I might not eat much, but I would like some."

"Are you implying I'm pig?"

Will quirked a smile at him. "I'm not implying anything."

"Oh really?"

"Really." Will's lips trembled and Rick rolled over, grabbing the older man's arms and holding them out of the way, running his other hand down Will's ribs. His friend's eyes widened and he squirmed. "No!"

"Oh yes." Rick laughed. "You're for it now." He dug his fingers in and Will squealed and giggled, pushing at him helplessly, wriggling and struggling under him.

"Please oh," Will gasped. "Please stop, I'm sorry."

"You take it back?"

"Yes!"

Grinning, Rick sat back, straddling Will's legs as the older man panted for breath. His heart tightened a little, warmth for his friend filling him suddenly. He patted his chest gently and shifted off him. "I'm sorry, that was mean."

"No, it was..." Will frowned thoughtfully. "Fun, in a really strange way."

"You've never had a tickle fight before?"

"No."

"Wow. Well, I'm glad you thought it was fun then."

Will sat up. "You have."

"I have what?"

"Had a tickle fight."

"Oh. Yeah." He nodded slowly. "One of my brothers was kinda cool, we played together some when we were younger."

"One of your brothers?"

"I have six."

"Six? That must have been great."

"Not really," Rick said with a shrug. "I was only close to Bertie and even then... well, they're all perfect, I was a disappointment." He laughed and little bitterly.

"I doubt it," Will said softly.

"What?"

"I doubt you were a disappointment Richie." Will reached out briefly, his fingertips barely brushing his knee."

"How would you know?" he said with a snort. "All I ever got was my parents trying to 'better' me."

"Parents are like that. But you know, if they didn't care, they wouldn't have tried."

Rick blinked, suddenly feeling a pang of regret in the way he'd left. "You think?" he whispered.

"Yes. Despite everything, the pressure of expectation to be more and better, I knew my father loved me."

"They had a funny way of showing it."

"But they did," Will said firmly. "I mean, you are so..."

"Don't say nice," Rick interrupted with a laugh.

Smiling, Will shook his head. "I wasn't going to."

"Oh good, nice is such a terrible word."

"You think so?"

"Yeah. It's like a... a word you use when you can't think of anything nice to," he stopped abruptly and laughed. "See?"

Will's smile widened. "I guess so. Sweet."

"What?"

"I was going to say sweet."

"Oh." He felt his cheeks heat up. "You think I'm sweet?"

"Yes, and kind."

"Oh well, thank you." He managed not to stumble over his words. He'd been thinking of Will as sweet, it had never occurred to him that his friend might think the same about him. Will looked down, still smiling softly.

"Shall we eat?"

"Please."

Will shoved the basket in his direction and he had a look through, making appreciative noises as he picked out grilled chicken, salad and some chips. Then he spotted the bottles.

"Beer?"

"Yeah. Well, I managed to get hold of some this week, I thought it might be nice."

"There's that word again," Rick said with a quiet laugh.

Chuckling, Will nodded. "Yeah, sorry. You know what I mean though."

"Yeah. Sun, great company, a picnic and beer." He sighed happily and grinned at his friend. "Perfect." He twisted open a bottle and handed it to Will then opened one for himself and held it up. "Cheers."

Will smiled and clinked the necks of their bottles together. "Cheers," he said, taking a swig.

He swallowed down a large gulp and started to eat. It really was a perfect afternoon now they'd stopped talking about family, even watching Will pick at very little food.

"I know you said you don't eat much but dude," he said quietly. "Are you sure that's enough?"

"Yes," Will replied. "I do eat, just not so much during the day."

"You sure?"

"Yes, why?"

"I don't know, I guess, well, I think I feel a bit worried. I mean you are very slim."

"Always have been," Will said softly. "Thank you but please don't worry, I do eat enough, more than enough."

"Well okay, if you're sure."

"I'm sure. Now you eat, I know you don't eat enough."

Rick smiled. "I'm not going to say no." He helped himself to more chicken then a couple of apples, swigging his beer slowly. Will ate an apple too, finishing his beer with a sigh.

He leaned back on his hands, turning his face up to the sun and closing his eyes. Rick stared unashamedly. The light made Will's skin glow, he really did look lovely. Moving the basket out of the way, he reached over to touch his shoulder. The older man twisted his head to look at him and Rick smiled, tugging at him gently.

They lay back on the blanket, Will's head resting on his chest, his arm round Will's shoulders. Feeling warm and happy, he closed his eyes and relaxed, letting himself drift under the sun.

@>*~

Rick woke slowly, pulling the warm body lying half on top of him closer, sighing happily at the tiny murmur and shift of hair against his neck. Opening his eyes, he sank his fingers into dark hair and rubbed gently.

"Hey sleepyhead."

"Hmm?" Will's head tipped back a little.

"Time to wake up."

Green eyes peeled open, blinking at him incomprehensibly then suddenly, Will sat up quickly.

"Will? What's wrong?" he asked, feeling oddly hurt.

"I uh, nothing," Will breathed. "Sorry for lying on you."

"I don't mind Will, I hugged you first remember?"

"Yeah." Will frowned. "Why?"

"Why not? We're friends aren't we?"

"Yes."

"So why not hug?"

"I, well, I..."

"I won't if you don't want me to," he said quietly, looking down at his hands.

"No," Will sighed. "I mean, yes, I do want you to."

"But..."

"But nothing, it was really..." Will stopped, grinning suddenly. "I nearly said nice."

Snickering Rick shook his head. "You wound me, my hug was only nice?"

"No." The older man smiled a little shyly again. "It felt wonderful, I haven't had too many hugs before, except from my mother."

"Me neither," Rick said. "We'll just have to make up for lost time with each other."

Will flashed him a tiny, pleased smile. "Okay."

They stood and gathered everything together before Rick slung his arm round his friend's waist and they left the privacy of the garden to walk back to the South Gate of the palace.

"See you next week?"

"Oh yes."

"Great." On impulse, Rick wrapped both arms round his friend and hugged him tightly. Will stiffened for a moment, then slim arms slipped round him and his chest tightened happily as Will hugged him back. He pulled away a little reluctantly and squeezed Will's shoulder.

"Bye Will."

"Goodbye Rick."

@>*~

Over the next couple of weeks meeting up with Will had been both fun and frustrating. The more he got to know the older man, the more he wanted to know. As well as being sweet, Will was intelligent and thoughtful and, as his shyness eased, was displaying a sharp sense of humour.

They'd had a lot of fun in what he thought of as Will's garden, enjoying the sunshine and just talking, usually after he had skated to his heart's content and Will had spent that time drawing.

Only getting to meet up once a week was what frustrated him. It didn't really give them enough time together and he wanted a chance to spend more time with Will because he was starting to really love it.

He was waiting by the gate, looking around for Will anxiously. The older man was late, the first time since they'd first met up and he was starting to worry. Was Will okay, was he just running a bit late or was something wrong? Or worse, what if he'd decided not to come that week? He just couldn't bear it, the thought of not seeing Will on his afternoon off, even after only a few weeks, left him feeling sad and lonely in a way he'd never felt before he'd met him.

He just liked Will so much, spending the afternoon on his own wouldn't be the same anymore.

Not really sure what to do, he sank down to the ground and clutched his deck tightly. He couldn't go to the garden without Will but he didn't want to go to the park in case he was just late.

Another ten minutes passed and he was about to get up and maybe go to the park when he heard the sound of footsteps.

"Rick!" He turned and Will half-ran, half-stumbled towards him carrying a large box. "Oh Rick, I'm so glad you waited," Will gasped, panting heavily as he stopped and put the box down. "I'm really sorry I'm late."

"What happened?"

"I had trouble getting away," Will sighed. "I really thought for a while I wasn't going to make it."

"I'm glad you did," Rick said softly. "I didn't really know what else to do other than wait."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I'm happy you're here." Will smiled at him and he stood up to hug him.

"You know, I should give you a key so if I don't manage to meet you, you can go to the garden anyway," Will said, hugging him back. "Or if I'm late, I'll know where you are at least."

"You sure?"

"Yes of course. It's our garden Rick, our place."

Smiling, he kissed Will's cheek impulsively. "Thank you."

"Oh I." Will pulled back, flushing lightly and touching his cheek. "Well, I, it's true that's all."

"But still, thank you." He looked down. "So what's with the box."

"Oh right." Will grinned at him. "It's a surprise."

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

"For me?"

"Yes."

"Cool. Need help carrying it?"

"Oh would you?"

"Sure." He put his deck on top of the box and lifted it with a grunt. It was heavier than he'd expected. "What is in here?"

"It's a surprise, remember?"

"Right sorry." He followed Will into the garden and put the box down on the summerhouse porch. There was a pile of wooden planks by the fountain and Rick raised an eyebrow at his friend. "What's going on?"

"Hang on a moment." Will opened the box, taking out the picnic basket. "Couldn't forget the food."

Rick grinned. "Of course not. So, what's the surprise?" Will dug in the box and pulled out a hammer and a set of screwdrivers. "You brought tools?"

"I thought um, well I thought maybe we could..." Will hesitated, looking nervous.

"What is it Will?"

"Well, I just, you mentioned doing some ramp building and stuff before. I just thought maybe we could build you a ramp so you could practice more skating."

Rick stared, surprised and touched by the thought. No one had ever done anything like that for him before.

Looking down, Will shrugged. "Or not," he whispered.

"Oh Will." Rick grabbed his friend and wrapped him in a tight hug. "You're the best, you know that? Thank you!"

"You're welcome," Will whispered, face pressing into his neck briefly. He shivered and eased back, smiling shyly.

"So um, build?"

"Well, I can't say I'm much of a builder but I'd like to try."

"Cool, well, I'll teach you."

"I'd like that."

Figuring the easiest thing to build between the two of them was a quarter pipe, he started by making measurements for a frame.

"Tape measure?" he asked Will. The older man handed it to him and he measured the wood to see how big they could make it. "Are you sure you want to ruin the garden?"

"It won't ruin the garden," Will said firmly.

"And we won't get into trouble?"

"No. No one ever comes here Rick, honestly, not ever."

"Okay. Can I use some of your paper?"

"Yes of course." Will flipped over to a clean page and handed his notepad over to him. He took it and quirked a smile at his friend. "Pencil?"

"Oh right." Will flushed and held out his pen.

"Thank you." He drew up a sketch quickly, double checking his measurements. "Okay, I think that'll work."

"If you say so."

"I do." He grinned. "Come on then."

@>*~

"Crap!"

Rick looked up in surprise. "What's wrong?"

"I messed it up again," Will sighed.

Getting up, he went over to his friend. The plank Will had been sawing was a complete mess and he couldn't help laughing.

"That's amazing."

"Don't laugh," Will said, looking hurt.

"I'm sorry," he said, still snickering. "It's just, I've never seen anything like it."

"It just won't stay straight," Will said, a slight whine to his tone.

"Maybe you should try something else." He put an arm round his friend's back and hugged him.

"Maybe we should call it a day and eat," Will suggested, briefly resting his head on his shoulder.

"That is an even better plan."

"Good, I'm tired."

"Yeah, me too." He pulled back and stripped off his t-shirt, splashing himself with the cool water from the fountain. "That feels good. Will aren't you going to cool off?"

"Um." Will flushed, only half looking at him in a manner he'd become familiar with over the past few weeks. "No, I'm fine."

Rick frowned but didn't push. Maybe Will wasn't as comfortable as he was with his body. "Okay, you should dunk your head at least, it really helps."

In the end, Will did rinse the sweat from his face and they headed back to the summerhouse to sit on the blanket. Swapping water for beer, Rick grabbed a sandwich, taking a large bite with a happy sigh.

"Hungry today?"

"Aren't I always?"

"Things haven't improved then?"

"Not that I'd noticed."

"Damn," Will said, looking down.

"Will, don't worry so much. I appreciate anything you might have tried but I doubt there's much you can do."

"But I..." Will sighed. "Doesn't it bother you that you work in the palace and you get taken advantage of?"

"Not really, it's not like kitchen staff are a high priority especially to royalty. The King probably neither knows nor cares."

"He'd care."

"You think?" Rick raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure he's far too busy entertaining his aunt and cousin."

"You're being a bit judgemental aren't you?" Will asked stiffly.

"Just my experience." He frowned in confusion at his friend's reaction.

"What do you know about royalty?" Will snapped.

"Well, what do you know?" he snapped back, anger filling him. "I grew up in a palace too okay? And in my experience, royalty barely even notice their servants exist unless something isn't ironed properly or something stupid like that."

"The King isn't like that," Will whispered, looking hurt.

"Well whatever, if you say so. It doesn't change the fact that I usually work twenty hour days for fuck all food or pay and a lumpy bed so you'll have to excuse me if I retain my opinion of royalty." He put down his beer and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Will asked, looking panicked.

Anger fading, he crouched down, cupping his friend's cheek gently. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "Listen, I just don't have a very good opinion of people in higher stations, I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"I did realise you grew up in a palace too," Will said, green eyes flicking up to lock with his. "I guess I understand what you mean but... have you even seen the King?"

"No and I'm not likely to being a kitchen porter, Will. Nor do I particularly want to," Rick said with a shrug. "I'm not interested in royalty. Why do you think I have no other friends? Everyone in the kitchen just talks about the King all day and whether or not he'll marry Princess Joanna. It's so boring."

"So you're my friend because I don't talk about the King?"

"I didn't say that, did I?" Rick sighed. "We're friends because I really like you and we talk about everything. I love spending time with you, okay?"

"Okay." Will's gaze dropped again but he was almost smiling. "I'm sorry too. I hope he gets a chance to change your opinion."

"Maybe."

"Will you stay?" Will asked hesitantly.

"I wasn't going to leave, Will, I was just going to skate for a bit to calm down."

"Oh, okay. I'm glad."

"Well, I shouldn't really have lost my temper with you, you know. You really like the King, huh?"

Will blinked at him and flushed. "Well, yes, I suppose so," he said slowly. "I think he's a good man."

Rick's stomach tightened, a slightly sick feeling that was completely unfamiliar. "Then I'm sure he is," he said quietly. "I think I might still skate for a bit." He stood again, needing some time to just chill out and regain his composure.

"Okay." Will bent his legs and wrapped his arms round them, resting his chin on his knees.

Feeling a little uncertain, Rick grabbed his deck and skated down the path to the fountain. Even though he'd apologised and they seemed to have made up, he still felt like things weren't quite right between them. How much of that was due to his own sense of unease at their conversation, he wasn't sure.

He should never have admitted to growing up in a palace for a start, should not have given away such an important part of his past but he'd lost his temper. And why had he lost his temper so quickly? Because Will was defending some faceless King?

Why had it affected him like that? It wasn't just because he knew royalty, knew what they were invariably like. Even Albert had never paid a blind bit of attention to anyone below their station. It was Will's reaction, defensiveness and he didn't understand why that was still making him feel bad.

He skated until he was exhausted and really hungry then stopped, glancing back at the summerhouse. Will was drawing something frantically in his sketchbook and Rick sighed. While he was glad that Will had found something he loved to do, he wished he trusted him enough to show him some of his drawings.

Washing away the sweat of exertion, he put his t-shirt back on before he walked back over to try and minimise any awkwardness. Will shut his sketchbook and looked up, smiling shyly.

"Feel better?"

"I think so." He sat down. "Are we, you know, okay?"

"Yes of course, why?"

"I don't know, just things felt a bit..." he stopped and shrugged.

"I was worried that you were still angry with me," Will said softly.

"I wasn't angry with you," Rick sighed.

"Really?"

"Really. It was just a sore point and I got pissed that's all." He reached out, stroking his friend's hair. "I'm sorry."

Will looked at him and smiled brightly. "That's okay. You should eat," he said, looking regretful. "It's starting to get dark already."

"Afternoons just aren't long enough, are they?"

"Not at all." Will lay back on the blanket, pillowing his head on one arm and looking up at him, expression rueful. "Not even a bit."

"I'm glad you made it today though, I was kinda worried."

"Me too. I guess it might happen sometime but I'll always do my best to get here, I want you to know that."

"I do." He ate quickly, wanting a chance to lie down with Will for a while. He put his head on his friend's stomach and sighed happily as Will stroked his hair gently. "I don't want to go to work," he sighed, "I want to stay here with you."

"Me too," Will whispered, looking down at him with such warmth in his eyes that it made his stomach clench. He caught Will's hand, impulsively kissing his palm before he forced himself to sit up. His friend looked impossibly shy, cheeks flushed pink, simply beautiful. Chest tightening with regret at having to part ways so soon, he helped the older man put everything away and carried the picnic basket for him back to the palace.

At the gate they stopped and he put the basket down, reaching out a hand. Will took it, threading their fingers together and gently pulling him into a hug. He slid an arm round Will's waist as the older man wrapped his arm round his neck and they clung together, faces buried in necks for a long, strangely desperate feeling moment.

He let go reluctantly, he was really starting to hate Wednesday evenings almost as much as he loved Wednesday afternoons, hated walking away from Will knowing it would be another whole week till he saw him, another week till they could be together for too short a space of time. Sometimes it sucked how fate worked out.

Will didn't let go of his hand straight away, stared at him, eyes huge and sad. "See you next week," he whispered, squeezing his fingers.

"Yeah," Rick breathed. He let go and hurried away quickly before he did something really stupid like cry. He couldn't help it, he really missed Will during the week and it was getting worse after every Wednesday they spent together. What would happen when he eventually made enough money to get his car back?

Making his way down to the kitchens, he shook his head. He didn't want to think about it. He put on gloves and apron and started to collect the trash, ignoring Tully's usual jibes and insults.

@>*~

A couple of weeks later and they were progressing well with the ramp, once Rick had taken over the sawing and Will had started measuring and marking the planks and boring holes for the screws instead.

He looked so sweet focusing so intently on his tasks that Rick couldn't help watching him far more than he probably should have. He'd caught himself doing it a lot the previous week and had tried to stop but it was no good, he was just so lovely. Every so often, Will would look up and catch him looking and he'd flush, smile shyly and look away. It made him a little breathless and his stomach flutter.

This week was no different except maybe a little more intense.

They were starting to put together the frame, Will holding planks while Rick hammered and screwed. It wasn't easy to concentrate when he had to keep bending over and leaning round Will. It was hard to resist stroking his hair or kissing the top of his head when he was so close he could feel his body heat, smell his shampoo. He was starting to wonder if it was normal to feel like this about a friend.

Finally, he gave up, crouching down behind the older man and wrapping his arms round his chest, dropping his forehead onto his shoulder. Will made a little pleased noise and clutched his arms gently.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just needed a hug."

"Oh good."

"Good?"

"Yes," Will said softly. "I've been waiting all afternoon for one."

"Why didn't you just hug me?"

"Oh well I, I don't know. Would you mind?"

"Of course I wouldn't mind," Rick said, lifting his head and leaning forward to press his cheek to Will's.

"Maybe I will then."

"Good."

"Good?"

"Oh yes. You ready for a break?"

"Definitely."

Kissing Will's temple, he let go and got up, holding out his hand to his friend. Will took it and let him haul him to his feet with a grin.

"I need to cool off."

"Yeah."

Will followed him to the fountain and half watched him as he stripped out of his t-shirt and dunked his head before splashing his chest. Clearing his throat and flushing a little, the older man slipped off his own shirt. He was slender and pale and unexpectedly, Rick felt his groin tighten and his heart start to pound.

Will rinsed his face and, as he bent over to dunk his head, Rick snuck up behind him and tipped him over into the pool of the fountain, needing something to distract him from his inappropriate feelings. Splashing and gasping, Will turned over, staring at him wide-eyed and open-mouthed. His hair was dripping over his bare shoulders and Rick realised the prank had done nothing to help, his groin aching and heart clenching at how beautiful Will looked.

"What... why did you..."

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have done that."

"Why did you?" Will looked a little hurt.

"It was a stupid prank."

"A prank?"

"Not a very good one." He held out his hand to help his friend from the fountain.

"No, it wasn't." Will took his hand and suddenly yanked him forward and into the fountain with him. Spluttering in surprise, Rick pushed himself up and stared down. Will chuckled at him. "That was a prank."

"Yeah," he whispered, feeling breathless again, watching drops of water from his hair splash onto pale skin and pink lips. Will stopped laughing, eyes widening and his tongue slipped out over his bottom lip. Following the movement helplessly, he swallowed and leaned down slowly.

"I um." Will turned his head away, blinking rapidly. "We should get out, dry off."

Disappointment tasted bitter in the back of his throat and he nodded, sitting up. His friend climbed out of the fountain, grabbing his shirt from the ground to scrub at his hair. He levered himself out of the pool slowly, wondering if Will realised what he'd been about to do. What had possessed him to even think about kissing him? Had he ruined everything?

"Come on," Will said, not quite looking at him. "Let's eat."

"Okay." He followed the older man back to the blanket a little stiffly, uncomfortable in wet pants. The sun would probably dry them off quite quickly though. They sat down and Will hauled the basket over. Somehow, he had lost his appetite so he cracked open a beer.

"Aren't you hungry?" Will asked.

"Not yet." Rick managed a smile, trying to act normally. "Food's been a bit better lately."

"Really?" Will smiled happily. "Oh I'm glad."

"Yeah, it's good." He picked at the label of his bottle feeling awkward. The trouble was, now that he'd realised that he was attracted to Will, he still wanted to kiss him but his friend either didn't feel the same or was clueless.

"You should still eat though."

"I will." He smiled more genuinely at Will's look of concern. "Don't worry."

"I can't help it, I... you're my friend."

"Yeah." Rick drank down his beer and forced himself to eat.

Their clothes seemed to dry quite quickly and they put their shirts back on before lying down on the blanket. Will put his head on his shoulder and Rick wrapped an arm round him, his throat tight. It felt good, Will's warm body against his, and he sighed, stroking dark hair gently.

All too soon it was starting to get dark and he shook Will gently to wake him.

"Hey," he said softly. "Time to go."

"Oh." Will pulled a face and nodded. "Yeah okay."

Putting everything away, he picked up the basket for his friend, carrying it as they walked silently back to the palace. At the gate, he put the basket down.

"So I uh, I guess I'll see you next week?"

"Yeah." Will shuffled his feet and scratched his head.

"Okay well, goodbye." He turned and hurried away.

"Bye," Will said softly after him.

@>*~

He'd spent the rest of the week worrying and dreaming. Worrying about whether or not he'd ruined things with Will and dreaming about green eyes and pink lips until he had no idea what to do. As usual, he'd missed Will terribly, couldn't wait to see him but at the same time he wasn't sure how he was going to react after such a restless week.

He sat on his deck by the South Gate to wait for his friend, feeling nervous and uncertain. Nervousness turned to sadness as minutes passed and an hour later, he was still waiting.

Even though Will had said he might not be able to make it sometimes, he couldn't help feeling that he really had managed to alienate the older man.

Making his way to the garden, he let himself in with the key he now kept round his neck. He took one look at the ramp and sighed. He didn't have the heart to skate, instead, he sat on the step of the summerhouse to wait. Maybe Will would still come.

@>*~

Will hadn't met him that afternoon and after his evening's work, Rick knew he either wouldn't be able to sleep or he'd sleep and dream again and he didn't want to dream about Will, not that night.

Instead, he slipped out of the palace and walked to the garden, letting himself in and locking the door carefully behind him. He stopped in surprise, the sight of Will sitting on a blanket in front of the summerhouse took his breath away. The older man looked amazing in the moonlight, skin ethereally white, eyes dark pools almost black, his hair glowing, so beautiful Rick had to bite his lip for control.

What did he do? Did he stay or go? But if he left now, what if Will never met up with him again?

Taking a deep breath, he walked quietly over to the summerhouse and sat on the blanket.

Will gasped, eyes snapping open. "Rick! You scared me."

"Sorry."

"Oh Rick," Will said softly. "I'm so happy to see you."

"You are?"

"Yes of course! I'm so sorry about today," Will sighed, reaching out to touch him. Rick let him, leaning into his friend for surreptitious comfort. "I just couldn't get away, I thought I was going to have to wait another whole week to see you."

"I thought you were... that you might be..."

"What Rick?"

"Upset with me."

"Why would I be upset with you?"

"I don't know, things just seemed a bit strained maybe last week," he said hesitantly.

"Because of the fountain?"

"Yeah."

"I was a little upset I suppose," Will sighed, "but I thought you might have been a little upset too, I did prank you back after all."

"Oh, oh right, yeah," he said with a shrug, somehow not quite relieved that Will wasn't referring to the almost-kiss. "I suppose so."

"I didn't really know what to say, I don't ever want to upset you." Will slipped an arm round his shoulders slowly as if he was expecting him to pull away. Instead, Rick lay his head on his shoulder and sighed, breathing in deeply to catch the scent of skin and hair. His spine tingled with the urge to nuzzle Will's neck, taste that soft musk and he closed his eyes, straining for control.

"I'm glad you wanted to come."

"If there was any way I could have made it this afternoon I would have," Will whispered, "I swear."

"It's cool," he sighed, lifting his head again. "I know it's going to happen sometimes."

"Maybe..."

"What?"

"Never mind."

"Will, come on what?" He couldn't help touching his friend's cheek, trying to encourage him.

"I just thought, well maybe," Will sighed. "Maybe if I don't make an afternoon, we can meet up later... like tonight."

"I well, I don't get a lot of sleep..."

"Never mind Rick, it was just a thought, it doesn't matter."

"Yes it does," he said hurriedly. He didn't want Will's feelings to be hurt, besides it was a good idea. "I love spending time with you. I can always sleep in the afternoon, then I would be able to come and meet you."

"Really?"

"Really. You have no idea how worried I was that you didn't want to meet up with me."

"You never have to worry about that," Will whispered. "Our time together is all I have to look forward to."

Feeling his chest tighten, Rick nodded and hugged his friend close. "Yeah, me too. I really missed you today."

"I missed you too." Will hugged him back, sighing. "What made you come out here tonight?"

"I don't know really. I knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep so I... well, I ended up here."

"Yeah," Will said. "I always end up here if I can't sleep."

"Does that happen often?"

"I don't know," Will said softly. "Often enough. I suppose I have some problems sleeping."

"But not with me?"

"No," Will chuckled. "You're right, I don't."

"I'm not sure I shouldn't be insulted," Rick said, stifling a laugh and pretending to pout.

"Don't be," Will said, laughing quietly. "I love sleeping with you."

Rick felt his jaw drop and he stared at his friend. He could see Will's flush even in the moonlight.

"I... I mean falling asleep with you. I... I..."

"Easy Will, I know what you meant," he said, swallowing back disappointment. He also knew what he wished Will had meant.

"Yeah." Will's smile looked a little forced but Rick just hugged him again.

Now he wasn't worried that he'd alienated his friend, tiredness struck him full force and he yawned helplessly.

"Come on Rick," Will whispered, stroking his hair gently. "I think you need to get some sleep."

Leaning on the older man, he shook his head. "Just a bit longer," he murmured. "I don't want to leave you."

"I know Richie, I don't want you to go either," Will said, holding him closer. He pushed Will down onto the blanket, half lying on him as he closed his eyes.

"Let me stay with you," he breathed. As he drifted to sleep, he could have sworn he felt the soft press of lips against his. He sighed happily, snuggling closer.

@>*~

"Rick wake up."

"Huh?"

"Wake up," Will said urgently. "We fell asleep."

"Oh crap." He lurched upright and checked his watch. "Oh crap. Will, I gotta go or I'll be late."

"Go," Will said. "I'll see you next week."

Rick smiled and hugged him quickly. "Definitely. Bye Will."

"Goodbye Rick."

Running full pelt to the palace, he made it to work with a minute to spare and quickly bolted down some breakfast.

"Where the hell have you been fuckwit?" Tully yelled at him. He shrugged but didn't answer. "Any repeat of this and you'll be out on your ass."

He turned away and got to work, he didn't care, he was just so happy Will was still his friend. Even if was just his friend.

@>*~

This time, Will was waiting for him by the gate.

"Hi."

"Hey you're early."

"Yeah, I wanted, well, I wanted to make sure I got here so we had as much time as possible, you know..."

Rick's stomach fluttered. "Together?"

"Yeah." Will smiled shyly.

"Let's go then." He held his hand out and Will took it.

They walked slowly to the garden, setting everything by the summerhouse before making a start on the ramp.

@>*~

Things were progressing well, the next couple of weeks had been almost back to normal. They'd worked on the ramp, talked, cuddled and dozed together. More and more Rick treasured every moment they spent together. He was both thankful for and a little frustrated by the physical comfort they had with each other. While he was pretty certain friends didn't normally touch and hug they way they did, he couldn't bring himself to back off. Even when each touch, each hug left him longing, aching for more, for a chance to clutch Will close and kiss him, taste soft lips.

His dreams came every night, more intense each day they were apart, more intense each day they spent together. He wanted more but he'd take what he could get because he liked Will too much to do anything but be his friend.

@>*~

They were still working on the frame and as usual, Rick couldn't stop watching his friend, even when he should have been watching what he was doing because he was sawing.

"Ow fuck!"

Will looked up, startled. "What is it?"

"I cut my fucking finger," he groaned, squeezing it tightly.

"Let me see."

"It's fine," he sighed, gritting his teeth and sitting down.

"Let me see Rick," Will said firmly, kneeling next to him. With a sigh, he held out his hand and Will took it, looking at his finger. "Poor baby," he murmured, lifting his finger and gently sucking it into his mouth.

All pain disappeared and his breath hitched as he stared. The sight of pink lips round his finger, the feel of wet heat sucking gently was too much for him. Heat shot through his groin and he pulled back, fighting the desperate urge to drag Will into his lap, kiss him hard and deep and rock him against his sudden, straining erection.

"I should," he cleared his throat, getting up quickly. "I should rinse it out."

"Yeah," Will breathed, looking a little shellshocked as he stared up at him. "Um, I'll get you a napkin." He stood and they slowly backed away from each other.

"Okay, thanks." He turned and walked over to the fountain, holding his finger under the flowing water. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, trying desperately to regain control. It might have been the single most erotically charged moment of his life but Will had just been trying to help.

"How is it?"

"Huh?" He almost jumped. "Oh, it's okay I think. Should probably go and get it bandaged or something though." He didn't want to give up any of their time together but at the same time he almost needed to get away, gather himself so he didn't do anything stupid.

"Oh." Will's face fell. "I suppose, yes I suppose so."

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "You know I don't want to go so early but..."

"I know," Will said softly. "But you're right and it's still bleeding, you might need stitches." He leaned in and hugged him, kissing his cheek quickly. "Go and take care of it."

"Yeah okay," he sighed, hugging him back. "I guess I probably won't make it back."

"No." Will sighed, resting his head on his shoulder.

"I'll miss you till next week," he whispered.

"I'll miss you too Richie."

Pressing a kiss to the top of Will's head first, he reluctantly pulled away. He wanted to stay, wanted the warmth of Will's body against his but unfortunately he was still bleeding and his finger was aching.

"Goodbye Will."

"Goodbye."

At the door, he turned back. Will was leaning over the fountain, head bowed, shoulders hunched. He looked sad and dejected and it took every ounce of strength he had not to run back over to the older, hold him close and kiss him. He forced himself to walk back to the palace, holding his hand up by his chest as he made his way to the staff doctor.

@>*~

After eventually getting a couple of stitches and having his finger bandaged, he had had to go back to work. It just didn't feel right to have missed so much time with Will, how was he going to wait another whole week?

By the end of work, he knew there was no way he was going to get any sleep. He slipped carefully out of the palace to head for the garden. Maybe if he was really lucky, Will would have felt the urge to go back to the garden and they would be able to spend more time together.

Locking the door behind him first, he looked round, heart sinking when he saw the garden was empty. He paused, thinking about leaving when he suddenly noticed a flickering light from inside the summerhouse. He crept over and pushed the door open quietly.

The light came from a fireplace where a small fire was burning and across the room, on a large couch, Will was curled up under a throw, fast asleep. He looked so peaceful and beautiful, Rick's heart stuttered and he walked quietly over, drawn to the older man, almost against his will. He knelt in front of the couch and reached out, tentatively stroking a lock of hair out of his friend's face.

Will snuffled quietly and a wave of tenderness seemed to overwhelm him. He quickly pushed off his shoes and jeans and lifted the throw, climbing onto the couch with his friend. Immediately, Will pulled him close, spooning up behind him and hugging him tightly.

"Rick," he murmured, sighing quietly. Smiling, Rick took Will's hand and kissed his palm gently. Everything felt better when they were curled up together, he felt accepted, happy and whole, like Will completed him somehow.

Blinking in sudden realisation, his chest clenched and his breath hitched, tears pricking his eyes. He turned over carefully and stared at the pale, perfect sleeping face of his beloved friend.

"I love you," he whispered, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to soft, pink lips. With a quiet sigh, he pulled Will right up against him and buried his face in his neck, closing his eyes to try and sleep.

@>*~

"Rick?"

He opened his eyes, blinking sleepily. Then he jumped. He was nose to nose with Will, green eyes staring widely at him.

"Will," he breathed.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh well I, I couldn't sleep so I came here and you were here and..." He trailed off, feeling his cheeks heat up in a flush.

Will smiled. "I'm glad but why didn't you wake me?"

"You looked so peaceful, I didn't have the heart to disturb you."

"Well, I did have a lovely dream," Will sighed. "It would have been nice to know that you were here though."

"I guess but if you have trouble sleeping sometimes, I don't want to make it worse."

"Lying here with you wouldn't make it worse," Will said softly. Smiling, he reached up to stroke Will's cheek gently.

"But still, I couldn't disturb you."

"Thank you." Will smiled back, nuzzling into his hand. "It was nice to wake up with you though."

"Nice?" Rick said with a mock pout.

"Oh sorry," Will said, chuckling. "It was really lovely waking up with you."

"Really?"

"Yeah," Will breathed, looking shy again.

"I just wish I didn't have to go to work."

"Yeah me too." Will took his hand and kissed his fingertips. "How's your finger?"

"Achy but fine, I had to get a couple of stitches though."

Will frowned in concern. "You're sure it's okay to work?"

"Yes but it's not like I have any choice, I can't afford to lose my job."

"You're still definitely going to move on when you make enough money?"

"I..." Rick paused and swallowed. "I don't see what else I can do. I'm still working illegally after all and I can't keep working as a kitchen porter anyway, it would drive me insane."

"No, of course," Will whispered, untangling their legs and arms and lying back on the couch. He stared up at the ceiling and sighed heavily. "I don't know what I'm going to do when you go."

"Don't think about it," he said quietly. "It'll be weeks, months yet."

"I suppose." Will sounded despondent and Rick shifted closer, tilting his face towards him.

"Don't be sad," he whispered. "It'll be okay, we'll work something out. Maybe... maybe you could even come with me."

"Rick," Will started, shaking his head.

"Don't," he said quickly, putting his fingers over his friend's lips, trying not to remember how warm and soft they'd felt against his. "Don't say you can't, not yet, please? Please at least wait until we need to worry about it?"

Will's expression saddened and he pressed Rick's hand against his mouth, nodding slowly. He slipped closer, put his head on Will's shoulder and hugged him tightly.

"I'd better go to work."

Will nodded again and let go of his hand. Rick lifted his head and moved his hand to stroke soft, dark hair.

"I'll see you next week," he whispered, pressing a quick kiss to Will's temple then forcing himself to get up. He pulled on his pants and walked to the door. Glancing back, he met beautiful green eyes and smiled softly. "See you."

"Soon Richie," Will said, managing a smile.

@>*~

That week, work was harder than usual, he was so distracted. It was one thing being attracted to his friend but he'd never expected to fall in love. He didn't know what to think, he felt wonderful and desperate at the same time.

Will was beautiful, smart, funny, made him feel good, happy but at the same time he felt despairing about the future of their relationship. What would happen when his car was paid for, what if Will ever found out how he felt about him or worse, what if he somehow found out who he really was?

But what could he do really? There was no way he could stop seeing him, not now.

@>*~

It was with a little trepidation that Rick made his way to the South Gate the next Wednesday. As soon as he spotted Will, his heart flipped, his belly started to flutter and he was filled with warmth. Striding forward, he pulled him close and hugged him tightly.

Will made a slight noise, dropped the basket and slipped his arms round his waist.

"I missed you."

"Oh Richie," Will sighed, cupping one cheek and kissing the other. "I missed you too." He held on for a long moment before reluctantly easing back.

Will smiled at him, his cheeks a little flushed. "How are you?"

"Okay now," he sighed happily, picking up the basket and putting an arm round Will's shoulders. Will put an arm round his waist and they walked slowly to the garden.

"Your finger?"

"Much better. How have you been sleeping?"

"Okay I suppose." Will shrugged and glanced at him. "I guess I sleep better when someone's cuddling me."

It was Rick's turn to flush and he cleared his throat. "Yeah," he murmured. "Me too."

Looking up, Will sighed. "We might end up taking advantage of that today, the weather doesn't look good."

"True. Well I'm sure we can get some work done."

"Oh definitely."

After setting their things in the porch of the summerhouse, they got to work finishing off the frame.

@>*~

They'd almost finished when the heavens opened, floods of rain hitting them so heavily that by the time they'd run to the shelter of the summerhouse, they were both soaked through.

"Crap!" Rick gasped, wiping his face.

"Yeah," Will laughed, raking his hair out of his face. "Come on, let's get inside."

They hurried into the tiny building and Will quickly lit the fire while he watched, wrapping his arms round himself as he started to feel cold.

"Maybe we should..." Will stopped and flushed.

"What?"

"We should get out of these clothes."

Rick swallowed hard. "We didn't last time."

"It was hot and sunny last time," Will said, pulling off his shirt and turning away as he stripped out of pants and underwear. He tried not to look, really tried but there was so much beautiful, pale skin on show, it was all he could do not to walk over and touch.

Grabbing the throw from the couch, Will wrapped himself up and sat in front of the fire. "Rick come on, you're cold."

"Yeah okay." He took a deep breath and pinched his leg hard to discourage his burgeoning erection. He stripped quickly whilst standing behind Will, then moved to sit next to him. Will lifted a fold of the throw and pulled him close.

With a soft sigh, he snuggled in, shivering a little both as the chill left his body and from the press of naked skin against his side.

"Okay?" Will whispered.

"Yeah."

"Let's warm up a bit then move to the couch. That way we can lay our clothes out to dry."

"Good plan," he agreed, biting his lip to resist the urge to kiss his friend. Will really looked far too good when he was wet.

Between them, they laid out their clothes in front of the fire and cuddled up together on the couch. Will half lay on him and Rick wrapped an arm round his shoulders, stroking his hair gently.

"This is lovely," Will murmured, snuggling closer.

"Yeah," he said softly. It would have been better if he either, hadn't had a hard-on, or could have kissed the older man.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes. Why?"

"You seem quiet Richie, that's all."

"Just thinking," he said.

"About what?" Will tipped his head back and looked up at him, eyes warm and expression soft.

"About..." He sighed and Will gently cupped his cheek.

"What Rick?"

"About you."

"Me?"

"Yeah." He reached up and stroked Will's hand, smiling a little ruefully.

"What about me?"

"I..." He swallowed nervously, he didn't really know what to say. "Well it's just, we, I..."

Will shifted up a little, thumb stroking his cheekbone. "Richie, just tell me, you're worrying me."

"I'd never want to do that," Rick sighed. "I just, you're my friend but I want, I want..." He didn't get any further. Will leaned in and gently brushed soft lips over his mouth.

"Oh Will," he gasped, hands sliding up to clutch his friend's face as green eyes stared wide and a little scared. "Will," he repeated quietly before he tilted his head and kissed him, a gentle press of lips against lips. With a quiet moan, Will's eyes slid closed and he kissed back, lips sliding over his then parting slowly, a tiny hint of tongue feathering over his mouth.

Groin tightening, he pulled his friend closer, sucking on his bottom lip before he slid his tongue over it and into his mouth, tasting the older man with a groan. Will whimpered, tongue entwining with his, their lips moving together. He clutched his friend tighter, kissing him harder until they were panting for breath and still they didn't break apart, kissing open-mouthed, clinging to each other desperately.

Eventually, Will pulled back with a gasp, eyes dark and wide. "I..."

"Don't say you're sorry," he breathed. "Please don't."

"I'm not. I've been wanting to do that." Will stopped and flushed.

"Me too."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah," he whispered, stroking Will's face. He kissed him again, soft and sweet and Will moaned, fingers sliding into his hair to clutch him closer, licking his mouth, kissing him back. Then he pulled away again, dropping his forehead onto Rick's shoulder with a sigh.

Stroking Will's neck, he held him close, wondering what to say, what to do. He didn't want to push, not when he didn't really know what Will wanted. Kissing him had been so amazing, he didn't want to risk ruining the moment.

"Richie?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you mind if we just cuddle for a while?"

"Of course I don't mind," he murmured. He shifted, drawing Will down with him to stretch out on the couch. They lay together, wrapped in each others arms under the throw, staring at each other. He couldn't help stroking his fingertips up and down Will's spine. He needed to touch his friend's beautiful skin.

Will's fingers were still buried in his hair, rubbing his scalp. It felt so good and yet he still felt so uncertain.

"What happens now?" he whispered.

"I don't know," Will sighed. "What do you want?"

"I want you," he said, kissing Will's forehead. "And I want to spend more time with you."

Will smiled, shy and happy at the same time. "I'd like that. I wish we could."

"There's night," he suggested hesitantly.

"Yeah," Will started, then frowned. "But Rick you hardly get any time for sleep as it is."

"I know but..."

Will kissed him. "I know," he said, "but I'd worry about you."

"You would?"

"Of course I would, I... you're my friend and I l-like you." Will licked his lips and looked down. "Really like you."

Elation and a small amount of disappointment filled his heart and he kissed Will's forehead. "I really like you too," he breathed. "And I want to spend more time with you, don't say no, Will please?"

The older man tipped his head back again and smiled up at him. "One night."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Which night?"

"I don't mind," Will said, stroking his lip.

Shivering, he sucked Will's finger into his mouth, flicking his tongue over the tip. Gasping, Will pulled his hand back and stared at him, eyes wide and dark. He tightened his grip in his hair and kissed him, hard and quick. Whining quietly, he tried to kiss Will again but the older man shook his head.

"Will?"

"We, I need to slow down."

"I just want to kiss you."

"I know, me too but..." Will smiled even as he looked down, cheeks pinking.

"But what?"

"It's hard to just kiss you when we're lying here um, well um..."

"Naked?"

Will flushed darker. "Yeah."

"Yeah," Rick sighed. "I can't help it though, you're so beautiful."

"Oh no, I..."

"Yes you are," he whispered. "Oh man, please Will, can I kiss you?"

Swallowing visibly, Will met his pleading gaze and made a tiny noise. "Yeah," he breathed, fingers clutching in his hair.

His groin was tight and aching but he ignored it. If Will wanted slow, he would strive to take it slow. Even if the warmth of Will's body, the silky smoothness of his naked skin filled him with a desperate need that tested his control.

He slipped his hand down to the small of Will's back, splaying his fingers possessively, then leaned forward again. Licking his friend#s bottom lip, he groaned at the taste and moved closer, kissing him gently. Moaning, Will opened to him, sucking on his tongue, then licking over it to flick against his mouth. It felt like he was going to explode and he knew that if he was going to stay in control, he had to stop.

"Fuck," he gasped, pulling back quickly.

Will breathed out heavily then darkened green eyes opened to stare at him. He shivered, still overwhelmed with need.

"Thank you," Will whispered.

"What for?"

"Stopping." Will blinked at him and sighed. "I'm not sure I could have."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Aw damn it," Rick said, laughing when Will slapped his chest. "You're welcome I guess."

"You're disappointed."

"Yes and no."

"Yes and no?"

"Yeah." He shifted back slightly and smiled at his friend. "Yes because I really want you and no because I like you too much to push you. I want you to really want me too."

"I do really want you," Will said softly, stroking his hair. "But I, I just need to get things straightened in my head."

"I understand." He leaned into his friend's touch. He should be thinking about things too really. There was still the question of what he was going to do once the car was paid for and whether or not he should tell Will the truth about himself.

"You're very sweet, thank you."

"Sweet?" He twisted his mouth ruefully. He didn't feel sweet, he felt like a liar. "Not really but I appreciate the sentiment."

Frowning, Will propped his head up on one hand, the other tracing random patterns over his chest.

"What?" he asked.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just have some things to think about too."

"Really?" Will looked uncertain.<./p>

"Nothing bad Will, I just." He stopped and sighed. "There's just something I haven't told you and..."

"Shh." Will kissed him. "It's okay, you don't have to tell me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Will said with a small nod. "Whatever it is, I can wait. I don't want you to tell me because you feel you have too. I trust you, I l- care about you, I can wait."

Even though he felt bad still not telling his friend, he didn't feel quite ready and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you Will," he whispered, kissing him, gently sucking on his lips and opening to the probe of tongue. He moaned quietly, clasping the older man closer again.

They hugged tightly and Will pulled his head back with a sigh. "Sorry."

"Right." He swallowed back renewed desire and cleared his throat. "Cuddling."

"Yeah, thank you." Will rested his head on his shoulder and Rick sighed, stroking soft skin as he tried not to think about how much he wanted the older man.

@>*~

They must have dozed off because the next thing he knew, soft lips were moving over his mouth and the warm weight of Will's body was resting on top of him, the heat of his erection searing into his hip. His eyes sprang open and he grasped Will's hips, gasping into his mouth.

"Will?"

"I'm sorry," Will groaned, rocking against his hardening cock. "Can't st-, sorry Richie, want..."

"Fuck." Want and need surged through his body and he captured Will's mouth again, tongue plunging deep. His friend tasted wonderful, felt amazing against him and he gripped his hips tighter, bucking up against him. Will groaned, jerking hard into him, precome and sweat easing the movements, their erections sliding together as they moved faster, need and urgency building.

Lips clung together, tongues twined and he whimpered, lightning streaming down his nerves, gut clenching as he started to shake. Will lifted his head, staring down at him, dropping his legs to the side to straddle him, rocking frantically.

"Oh please, Richie, need..." His back arched, head thrown back as he cried out and wet heat spurted over his stomach.

"Oh fuck," Rick gasped. Pleasure exploded through his body and he bucked up, coming almost painfully hard. "Will, oh Will."

The older man flopped back down on top of him, panting heavily. "I'm so sorry."

"Why?"

"I... I woke up lying on top of you and I, well I, just couldn't help myself."

"Will, it's okay," he sighed, kissing his friend's temple.

"But I..."

"Did you miss the part where I said I really wanted you?"

"Yes but," Will lifted his head, brow creased, eyes over bright. "We agreed..."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, easing out from under the older man to sit on the edge of the couch.

"I... what?"

"I let you down."

"What?" Will exclaimed, sitting up and grasping his shoulder.

"We did agree and I didn't... I should have stopped you."

"No, Rick, I didn't mean it like that, you didn't let me down." He knelt up behind him, wrapping his arms round his chest and hooking his chin over his shoulder to kiss his cheek.

"But you didn't want to..."

"Yes, of course I did," Will said, hugging him tighter. "I've wanted you for weeks. I just, I haven't told you everything either and I don't know..."

"It's okay Will," he whispered, sliding his arms along Will's slowly. "I trust you to tell me when you're ready."

Will breath hitched and he kissed him again. "Thank you," he gasped. "Oh Richie I..." he stopped and sighed. "Thank you."

"I don't want to leave you today," Rick whispered, clutching his friend closer. "Will, when can we meet up again?"

"Any night you choose Richie, I can't wait another week to see you again."

"I want to say tonight but then we'd still have to wait a week," he sighed, leaning back against Will's and twisting his head to kiss soft lips.

"Yeah."

"Saturday is too much work, I'd be too tired. Sunday?"

Will nodded. "I'll be here."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Good. I feel a bit better about going back to work then."

Sighing, he got up, wiping his stomach half-heartedly. He pulled on his clothes and looked back at the older man. Will just took his breath away, sitting on the couch, throw pooled in his lap, pale skin glowing in the faint light from the fire, long, dark hair cascading round sloping shoulders.

"Fuck," he breathed, completely transfixed. How was he supposed to tear himself away? How was he supposed to wait four more days to see, to touch?

"What?"

"You are so beautiful." He crossed the room in one stride, cupped Will's cheek and kissed him until they were both breathless.

"Rick," Will gasped. "Rick I... I'm going to miss you till Sunday."

"Aren't you coming back to the palace with me?"

"I just want to stay here a while longer."

"Okay." He sighed and pulled back again, walking reluctantly to the door. "I'll miss you too. Sunday."

Will nodded. "Sunday. Rick?"

"Yeah?"

"You didn't eat, take some food with you please?"

"Okay." He grabbed a sandwich and smiled. "Bye Will."

"Bye Richie."

@>*~

By the time Sunday came round, Rick was excited, eager, nervous, horny and very slightly terrified at the same time. He was distracted at work, had been shouted at all day but all he could do was count the minutes until work was over and he could go and meet Will at the summerhouse.

"Hey, Dick," Tully said with a sneer, cornering him in the pantry.

"Yeah?"

"I need you to do overtime."

He froze. "When?"

"Tonight."

"I can't tonight."

Tully laughed. "Can you say that again, because I do believe I just heard you say you couldn't."

"Please, Sir, any other night just not tonight, please."

Tully raised an eyebrow. "Do we have other plans?"

"I..." He hesitated, there was no way he was going to let Tully find out about Will. "I'm exhausted."

"Let me put it to you this way asswipe, work two hours overtime tonight or collect your final paycheck tomorrow, that clear enough for you?"

Biting back anger, he nodded. "Crystal."

What the hell was he going to do now? Will might think he wasn't coming and even if he waited they were still losing two whole hours of only five they would have had together.

@>*~

Time had never dragged on so long and when he'd finally finished, he didn't even stop to shower or change. He ran full pelt to the garden, heart pounding with exertion and anticipation. He let himself into the garden. There was no light on the summerhouse and his heart sank, gut roiling sickly. He didn't know what to do, he didn't even know how to find Will to tell him what had happened.

With a sigh, he climbed the step, opened the door and jumped. Someone was lying in a ball on the couch, completely covered by the throw. Hope tightening his throat and he crept into the room. He bent over the couch and eased the throw back.

"Will," he whispered, happy and relieved that his friend had waited but a little concerned by the lack of fire and the way Will was curled so tightly round himself. He lit the fire to warm the place and moved back to the couch. Now there was some light, he could see Will's eyelids were reddened and puffy and tracks of dried tears stained his cheeks.

Sorrow weighed on his heart and he knelt down, stroking dark hair aside so that he could brush his knuckles down one smooth cheek.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, bending over to kiss him gently. "I love you."

He made sure the throw was tucked round Will then he turned and sat in front of the couch, resting his head back on the cushion with a sigh.

@>*~

"Rick."

"Huh?" Rick woke with a start, blinking sleepily, turning his head.

"Where were you? Why didn't you wake me when you got here?"

"I'm sorry," he said. "It was, I had to do overtime. I got here as soon as I could but you were already asleep and I couldn't bear to disturb you."

"You had to do overtime?"

"Yeah."

"When you only get five or six hours a night to sleep as it is?"

"Yes." He sighed. "I tried to get out of it but my boss is kinda malicious, I didn't want to let on that I was meeting someone, you know?"

"Really?" Will frowned. "Who is this guy?"

"His name's Tully, he's a kitchen supervisor or something, why?"

"No reason." Will sighed and pulled at his shoulder. "Come up here, please?"

Smiling softly, he stood up, toeing off his sneakers.

"We've still got a little time to... sleep," Will said, blushing fiercely. "You could uh, get undressed."

Feeling his cheeks heat up and his tiredness disappearing, he nodded jerkily. Looking down, he quickly stripped down to his shorts and stopped uncertainly.

"Come here," Will whispered, holding up the throw. He could see Will was also in his underwear and he breathed out, both relieved and disappointed. He climbed onto the couch and slid under the throw, cuddling up to Will immediately.

"Oh man, you feel good," he sighed, sliding his hands over warm, soft skin. "I missed you."

"I thought you weren't coming," Will whispered, starting to sound upset. "I thought maybe..."

"Maybe what?" he asked softly when Will didn't continue.

"Maybe you'd changed your mind."

"Never gonna happen," he whispered, cupping his friend's cheek and leaning in to kiss him tenderly. Murmuring against his mouth, Will kissed back, lips moving and parting over his, encouraging him deeper. Now they were curled together, touching, kissing, he felt so much better, so much happier. He really did feel complete when he was with the older man. Warmth and love overwhelmed him, closing his throat and he pulled back with a gasp, forehead dropping to rest against his lover's as he panted for breath.

"Will, I would rather go without any sleep than miss out on time with you."

"I'm sorry," Will sighed.

"What for?"

"For thinking you might have changed your mind."

"That's okay."

"No it's not," Will sighed. "I should have trusted you."

"Well, yes." He smiled and ran a finger down the side of Will's face. "But if you'd been late I'd have been scared you'd changed your mind too."

"Really?"

"Yeah." He smiled ruefully. "We took a pretty big step on Wednesday, I've been terrified that you might come to your senses ever since."

Will laughed quietly. "I came to my senses when I finally kissed you."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure it was really that sensible?"

"Rick, shut up and kiss me."

Smiling, he nodded, leaning in to slide his lips over Will's mouth, licking slowly between them, tongue pushing into wet sweetness as his friend moaned quietly. Will shifted closer, leg sliding over his hip to clutch at him and Rick gasped as he felt his lover's groin pressing tightly to his. Want shivered through him, a warm ache spreading through his groin and hardening his cock.

"Will," he breathed, holding onto his control by a thread. "Do you want to slow down?"

The older man drew in a shuddering breath, staring at him with huge, lust-filled eyes. "No," he whispered. A hand slid down from his hair to his chest, scratching lightly and Rick moaned, arching in closer as Will's hand stroked over his stomach and down along his waistband.

"Will?"

"Do you want to slow down?"

"Oh fuck no." Shaking his head, he stared pleadingly, waiting, hoping.

"I want..." Will flushed and stopped.

"Tell me."

The older man flattened his hand on his stomach and he leaned closer, nuzzling his nose against his cheek. "I want to touch you," he breathed.

Urgent lust shot down his spine, cock jerking needily and he nodded, catching Will's lips in a quick, fierce kiss. "Please Will."

Tentative fingers slipped under his waistband and stroked down his belly and groin, sliding over his balls and then up the length of his erection. Lightning seemed to slam through him, hot desire clenching muscles and burning through his nerves.

"Oh fuck Will," he groaned, pushing up against his lover's touch urgently. Strong fingers wrapped round his shaft tightly and he gasped, bucking helplessly.

"Richie," Will sighed, kissing him again, tongue urging his lips apart and plunging deep as he started to stroke, fist sliding hot and tight up and down his dick. He'd never felt anything like it, ecstasy and happiness and love combining to drive him straight to the edge.

Kissing his lover harder, he slipped his hand between their bodies and under Will's shorts to grasp his straining erection. It was hard and hot and dripping precome and he stroked quickly as Will groaned and thrust into his fist, sucking on his tongue and lips desperately.

Pulling his head back, he panted for breath. He wanted to watch again, wanted to see his lover's face when he came.

"Rick," Will whimpered, rocking against him harder and faster, his grip tightening round his cock convulsively.

"Let me see you," he whispered. Darkened green eyes locked with his and Will stared and panted and thrust, so beautiful, so sexy that Rick couldn't hold back any longer.

"Fuck," he gasped, thrusting frantically into Will's fist, pleasure exploding through him. He arched, biting his lip to keep from crying out as he came, spurting over Will's hand as his lover gasped. Thrusting hard into his grip, Will stiffened against him, hips jerking, cock pulsing and coating his hand with wet heat.

Shuddering, Will collapsed against him, hugging him tightly, whispering something he couldn't quite make out.

"Will," he murmured, kissing dark hair and stroking his neck. "You are so beautiful."

Will buried his face in his neck and shook his head. "No."

"Yes." He eased his hand from Will's underwear, wiping it before wrapping his arm round his lover's waist. The older man moved his hand as well and snuggled as close as he could get.

"That was..."

"Don't say nice," he joked quietly. Snickering lightly and poking him, Will shook his head.

"I wouldn't," he said, sighing happily. "That was amazing Richie, seeing you, feeling you, I can hardly explain."

"Yeah," he whispered. "I know what you mean." He smiled a little tightly, biting back the words of love he desperately wanted to express, too uncertain still to tell Will how he felt. While he knew his friend cared about him, he didn't know how far that went and he didn't want to scare Will off. He kissed the top of his friend's head and sighed.

"Rick?"

"Yeah?"

"Are... are you okay?"

"Yes of course."

"It wasn't too much, too fast?" Will asked, sounding anxious.

"No. Will, no of course not." Sighing, he tipped Will's chin so he could see his beautiful face. "You have no idea how much I..." He stopped abruptly, realising how close he'd come to blurting out his feelings.

"How much you what?" Will asked softly, his expression earnest.

"How much I want you, how much I love being with you."

"Rick," Will whispered, kissing him urgently. "I love being with you too."

"Yeah?" He smiled. It wasn't quite 'I love you' but it still made his heart flip in his chest.

"Oh yes." Will snuggled into him again, face buried in the crook of his neck. Rick wrapped him in a tight hug and closed his eyes.

"Richie, don't fall asleep," Will said, stroking his chest slowly.

"But I want to sleep with you," he murmured, nuzzling into Will's hair.

"I want to sleep with you too but we haven't got time."

"We haven't?"

"No Rick," Will sighed, "I just saw your watch, I didn't realise what time it was."

"Crap." He breathed in deeply and pushed himself up to sit on the edge of the couch. If he stayed lying in Will's arms much longer he wouldn't ever move and screw the consequences. "I really wish we'd had longer tonight Will."

"Me too Rick." Will sat up and curled round him, kissing his neck. "But at least we'll have all afternoon on Wednesday, we can..."

"We can do what?"

Will dropped his forehead onto his shoulder and shivered against him, "We can do more."

"Oh," Rick squeaked, the thought of what more they could do together making his belly tighten with desire. Swallowing hard, he nodded, squeezing his lover's arm gently. "Yeah, that would... yeah."

Chuckling, Will kissed his neck again before pulling back. "Rick please, you should go."

"What?"

"You'll be late, because I want to keep you here."

"But I want to stay."

"What if you lose your job?"

Rick sighed, torn between not caring about his job if it meant spending more time with Will and knowing that he needed the money to get his car back. And that was just another thing he didn't want to think about. What would happen once he got his car back? With another sigh, he twisted his head and kissed his lover.

"I guess I'd better go then."

Will's expression saddened and he nodded. "I'll miss you till Wednesday."

"Yeah." Rick got up and pulled on his clothes. He walked back to the bed and cupped Will's cheek, bending to kiss him, slow and thorough, needing as much contact as possible to get him through till Wednesday. "I'll miss you too." He pulled away regretfully and walked to the door.

"Rick!"

He looked back." Yeah?"

"I..." Will sighed. "Never mind. Bye Richie."

Frowning slightly in confusion, he nodded. "Bye Will."

@>*~

By the time Wednesday came round again, Rick was aching to see his lover. Work had dragged, dreams had haunted him every night, disturbing his sleep and leaving him exhausted.

But one o'clock found him bouncing in anticipation by the South Gate. Seeing Will was everything, the only thing that got him through the week and as soon as he saw the older man walking towards him, he hurried over, tugging the basket out of his hand and wrapping him up in a tight hug.

"Fuck," he whispered. "You have no idea how good it is to see you."

Will pulled back slightly, clutching his neck and jaw in both hands. "Yes I have," he murmured before leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "I missed you," he whispered against his mouth. "I couldn't stop thinking about you, dreaming about you..." Pausing he drew in a shuddering breath. "Richie." He kissed him again, pressing harder, tongue flicking against his lips to encourage them open.

With a groan, Rick clung to his lover, Will's words and kisses tightening his groin with a warm ache. He opened his mouth eagerly, sucking on lips and tongue, kissing back urgently. He sank his fingers into soft hair, sliding his other hand down to grasp a slim hip, pulling Will as close as he possibly could, rocking up into his groin, his cock straining already.

The length of Will's erection rubbed against his, hot and hard and Rick gasped, suddenly realising that they were still in a semi-public place.

"Will, slow down," he whispered. Panting for breath, Will nodded, eyes wide, cheeks pink and mouth swollen and reddened.

"Garden?"

"Yes, fuck yes," he replied, grabbing Will's hand and bending to pick up the basket before dragging his lover to the privacy of their garden.

He barely had the basket down before Will pulled him close again, burying his face in his neck, arms sliding round his waist, with a heavy sigh.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly in concern.

"Yes, no. Rick, I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"I only seem to be okay when I'm with you nowadays and I." Will stopped, shaking his head slightly, nose rubbing against his neck.

"Don't you think it's the same for me?"

"Is it?"

"Yes, Will, of course." He sighed. "I thought I was lonely before I met you but nothing compares to how I feel when I'm not with you." Stopping, he kissed Will's temple. He wanted to tell his lover how much he really felt but he still didn't have the courage, especially when things were still uncertain about what would happen when he paid for his car. "And how much better everything is when I'm with you," he finished quietly.

"Yeah, that's it exactly," Will said, lifting his head and meeting his gaze. "I want to be with you all the time, the time we get together just isn't long enough."

"I know." He cupped his lover's cheek. "Let's take advantage of what time we do have Will. I want to do more than touch you, I want to feel you."

"Feel me?"

"Make love to me."

"Oh Richie, are you sure?"

"More than I've ever been sure about anything. I want you so much."

Taking his hand, Will kissed his knuckles then pulled away. He laid out the blanket, toed off his shoes and sat down, holding out his hand.

Quickly kicking off his sneakers, he took his lover's hand and let him draw him down beside him. Will kissed his hand again and tugged him closer, stroking up his arm to clasp his neck, thumb smoothing over his jaw.

"Rick," he murmured, leaning in to kiss him, soft and deep, tongue sliding over and between his lips, licking slowly into his mouth.

Chest and stomach clenching with desire, he whimpered and kissed back. He moved, climbing over his lover to sit in his lap, needing to be closer, needing to feel the warmth of Will's body against his. He wrapped his arms round the older man's neck and his legs round his hips, leaning against him and kissing him harder. Will felt so good, soft lips moving over his, hands slipping down his back and sliding up under his t-shirt to stroke his skin.

Love and lust heated his groin and hardened his cock. He groaned quietly, rocking his hips, the feel of Will's hot erection against him filling him with desperate need to feel more. Will eased back slowly, dotting kisses on his lips. He tugged at his shirt and Rick smiled, pulling it off over his head.

"You too," he murmured.

Smiling shyly, Will took his shirt off then grasped his hips, rolling them over and pushing him down onto the blanket. Staring up at his lover, Rick lifted a hand to stroke the smooth skin of his chest, down to his waistband. He pulled open his pants and slipped his hand inside to palm the silken hot skin of his cock. Will shivered, staring down at him, eyes darkening, lips parted, so beautiful he had to lean up and kiss him desperately as he stroked over his erection.

Moaning, Will pulled back long enough to push his pants down and off and Rick followed his lead eagerly, kicking off his pants and underwear and tugging his lover back on top of him so he could feel that hot, soft skin against him. They kissed again, soft and sweet as they rocked together, cocks sliding against each other easily as precome spread over their stomachs.

"Please Will," he gasped, touching his lover everywhere he could reach. He needed more, needed to feel as physically completed as he felt mentally and emotionally when he was with the older man.

Biting his lip, Will nodded and he knelt up, reaching over to the picnic basket and taking out a tube and a small foil packet.

Sitting up, he plucked the condom from his lover's hand, ripping it open and rolling it carefully down Will's shaft.

"Oh Rick," Will whispered, kissing him quickly.

"Please Will," he repeated, stroking lubricant over his lover's cock then lying back. Will drew in a long, slow breath and moved back over him, staring down at him with warmth and tenderness. He pushed his cock down and Rick reached down to guide him to the entrance to his body.

"Oh Rick I..." Will pushed into him and they both gasped.

His lover filled him, hot and thick, stretching him until he was panting and groaning. It was a little painful but at the same time felt so good he wrapped his legs round Will's hips to pull him deeper, sucking in a sharp breath.

"Are you okay?"

"Oh yes," he whispered. "Just, hold my hand, please?"

Nodding, Will clasped his hand, threading their fingers together and holding it up to his chest as he eased back then thrust slowly into his body again.

Pleasure flooded him and he moaned, his cock pulsing against his stomach needily. He rocked into Will's thrusts, fingers clenching against his lover's, his other hand moving to wrap round his aching cock, stroking himself hard. Will pushed himself up and watched him, still holding his hand against his heart as he moved faster, thrusting deeper, hitting a spot inside him that electrified every nerve, every muscle, pleasure shooting through him. He jerked up, coming hard over their stomachs.

"Rick!" Will gasped, dipping his head to kiss him, hard and deep, as he bucked into him, stiffening and shuddering over him. Hands still clasped, Will dropped on top of him, face burying into his neck with a murmur he couldn't quite hear.

Humming with sheer happiness, Rick stroked his lover's neck and kissed his temple. "You complete me," he whispered.

Will lifted his head, eyes shining wetly. "Rick..." His lips trembled and tears started to flow, down off the tip of his nose onto Rick's mouth.

"Will?" He frowned in stunned confusion and terrified concern. Reaching up, he wiped at his lover's cheeks. "What... oh please don't cry. What's wrong?"

"I c-can't," Will sobbed, dropping his forehead onto his chest, tears dripping onto his skin and sliding down his ribs. "You are... and this was... and I haven't... and you." He stopped abruptly, breath hitching, body shuddering.

"Will, I don't understand, please." He held his lover tightly, stroking his hair, trying desperately to comfort him even though he didn't know what was wrong.

"Rick I... I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to ever leave me."

"I'm not..."

"But you will and you don't know."

"Don't know what?"

"That you complete me too," Will whispered, breath hitching.

"Will," he sighed, holding him. "My plans were made before I met you, before we became friends, before I f- I mean before we became more." He shook his head. "Plans can change."

"Promise me you won't leave," Will said, lifting his head slowly.

"I can't promise that Will," he said regretfully.

Will's jaw trembled again and he sniffed, "Can you promise that you won't ever leave me?"

"I..." Rick reached up to stroke Will's lips gently, love and tenderness overwhelming him. He couldn't help it, couldn't stop the words even though he knew it might end up a lie. "I promise."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Rick." Sighing, Will leaned down and kissed him. Then he eased back, softened cock slipping from his body. It felt like losing a part of himself and Rick pushed up a little so he could watch his lover slide the condom off, tie it and carefully put it in the bag they used for trash.

He tugged Will back down onto the blanket and hugged him tightly, hands stroking soft and slow over his lover's back, trying to soothe them both.

"Everything will work out."

"Yeah." Will lifted up to look at him again and Rick carefully wiped the tracks of tears from his cheeks. Smiling weakly, Will kissed him a little urgently then pulled back with a sigh. He kissed his neck and chest and lay back down on top of him, stroking his cheek against his skin.

"I love lying here with you," Will whispered.

"Yeah. You feel so good." He sighed, wrapping both arms tightly round his lover's slim waist. "You know, that was the most amazing... I've never felt so." He stopped, he couldn't seem to express himself adequately, find the words to tell Will how much he'd loved having him inside his body, how happy he'd been to feel him, to have him, to love him.

"I know," Will whispered. "I know Richie."

Nodding, he closed his eyes, his exhaustion starting to take over.

@>*~

Gasping, Rick snapped awake, thrusting up helplessly into warm, slick suction. Looking down, he groaned, breath hitching, stomach clenching with urgent desire at the sight of dark green eyes watching him, pink lips wrapped round his cock, sliding tightly up and down the length of his shaft, tongue lapping around the head endlessly.

"Will, oh fuck," he whimpered. His lover's fingers dug hard into his hips then slid down the insides of his thighs, pushing his legs apart. One hand cupped his balls, the other stroked down to the entrance to his body and pushed inside him.

Belly and groin tightening with hot pleasure, he groaned and rocked desperately, sensation overwhelming him until he was desperate to come. Then Will's finger hit that spot inside him and he cried out, exploding into his climax, the feel of his lover's throat swallowing around him wringing waves of pleasure from his body.

Slowly lifting his head, Will smiled shyly. "I... I couldn't resist." "I'm glad," Rick murmured, panting for breath. "Come up here please." He tugged at Will's shoulders, pulling his lover up and over him so he could kiss him deeply, thoroughly, tasting him urgently, tasting himself in his mouth. He stroked both hands over smooth shoulders, down his lover's slim chest and flat stomach, skin hot and velvet soft under his fingertips. The older man groaned into his mouth, arms trembling with the strain of holding himself upright.

Rolling them over, he pushed Will onto his back and lay on his side next to him, still kissing his lover, warm and tender as he slid his hand down to wrap round the soft skin of his erection. Moaning, Will arched up into him, hands clasping his hair to kiss him harder as he stroked tightly up and down his shaft. He slid his fingers over the head to spread precome as his movements speeded up and Will panted and writhed against him.

"Richie!" he whimpered, bucking up suddenly, liquid heat splattering his hand and wrist. "Richie I..." He shook his head and kissed him.

"I couldn't resist either," he whispered, resting his hand over Will's groin and snuggling close, burying his face in his neck. "I love you," he mouthed silently against smooth skin, tears pricking his eyes painfully. He needed so desperately to tell his lover how he felt and he just couldn't.

"Rick?"

"Yeah?"

"This has, I mean this was the best day of my life."

"Me too."

@>*~

They had got up eventually and washed themselves off in the fountain before getting dressed and sitting back down on the blanket, cuddling close. He didn't want to move his arms from round his lover's waist so he let Will feed him, gently sucking on his fingers with every mouthful, kissing his lips between every mouthful, saying 'I love you' in his heart with every kiss.

When Will had finished feeding him and actually eaten a little himself, they just went back to cuddling silently, Rick hooking his chin over the older man's shoulder so he could nuzzle his neck and kiss his cheek. Neither one of them seemed able to speak even as the evening drew in and he knew they'd have to leave each other again. It might have only been till Sunday this time but it was still too long.

"Will?"

"Yeah?"

"We are still meeting Sunday night aren't we?"

"I had hoped so yes," Will replied, twisting his head to smile at him.

"Oh good," he sighed. "I definitely can't wait till Wednesday to see you again after today."

"Oh I see."

"See what?"

"You just want me for sex now."

"I do not, I..." He stopped when Will started to grin and he poked him. "Jerk," he muttered. "It isn't, is it... just sex I mean."

"Of course not Richie," Will whispered, kissing him. "Amazing sex but never just sex."

"Have you..." He hesitated a little nervously. "Have you ever, you know, before?"

Flushing, Will shook his head. "Never, you?"

"No."

"Really?" Will sounded surprised and he drew back.

"Yes really." He frowned indignantly at his lover.

"I'm sorry it's just that you, that you're..."

"I'm what?"

"So... you've actually done things with your life, travelled, I just thought you might be more experienced that's all, I didn't mean to insult you."

"Oh." Sighing, he pulled Will close again. "I never met anybody I wanted before I met you."

"Me neither," Will whispered, kissing his cheek.

"So I guess um, maybe we, you know..."

"What Rick?"

"Well if neither of us have... before, maybe we, maybe we could you know, not use condoms."

Will's lips parted and he stared at him unblinkingly for a long moment. "Really?"

"Yeah," he whispered, feeling his cheeks flush.

"You trust me?"

"You know I do."

"Richie," Will breathed, reaching round to clutch him close, kissing him soft and sweet. "Okay," he licked his lips and nodded, "no condoms."

"Great." He smiled at his lover and kissed his cheek. "I suppose we should probably go."

Will nodded, turning and kissing him again before kneeling up to clear everything away. They folded the blanket between them and put it in the basket. Rick picked it up and held out his arm. With a slightly sad smile, Will cuddled close and they walked slowly back to the palace.

"Sunday night, right?"

"Oh yes Rick, if I can wait that long my l-, I mean." Will flushed and sighed. "I'll be counting every minute."

"Me too." He put down the basket and hugged his lover, kissing him softly before forcing himself to pull back. "Until Sunday. Bye Will."

"Bye Richie."

@>*~

He walked down to the kitchens so lost in thought that he didn't notice his supervisor until he walked into him.

"Watch it douchebag!"

"Sorry," he said, blinking in surprise.

"You're back then."

"Uh, yes."

"I followed you to the gate today," Tully said with false casualness.

"Oh." He frowned warily, wondering where this was leading. "Um so?"

"How much did you make?"

"I... what?"

"Money, whore, how much did you make?"

"Fuck you I'm not a whore!"

"Oh please, don't give me that, whatever you made, I want a cut to keep my mouth shut."

Stepping right up to his boss, Rick sneered. "I am not a whore," he growled. "And Will is not the kind of guy who would use one so back the fuck off!"

"Will?" Tully frowned at him.

"I thought you said you followed me."

"Yes but you met the... oh Will." Tully sneered maliciously at him, a gleam in his eye that made him shiver. "Get to work asshole, you're late."

"Okay." Frowning suspiciously, he hurried away. The less time Tully had to pick on him, the better.

@>*~

Saturday night was driving him insane. It was only one more day till he saw Will again but he was starting to wonder if he was going to be in any state to see his lover. Everyone was run off their feet, working another important state banquet. Just when he thought the night couldn't get any worse, Tully cornered him, shoving a black jacket into his hands.

"What's this for?"

"You're going upstairs."

"What? Why?"

"They're short-staffed upstairs and you drew the short straw."

"But I'm not trained..."

"All you have to do is hold the serving plates, keep your eyes down and your mouth shut."

"Fine," he sighed, slipping on the jacket and making his way up the back stairs. A serving dish was shoved into his arms and he followed one of the lower footmen into the hall.

He hadn't been in the hall long when he felt a familiar pressure, the intensity of a focused gaze and he looked round surreptitiously. He met green eyes that were wide with shock and horror. Rick dropped the serving plate, not even noticing the crash and the silence that followed. Will wasn't serving, he was sitting at a table... the head table... on the throne.

"No," he whispered, shaking his head. He backed away, breath shuddering in and out of his lungs as he tried not to cry. Will's eyes brimmed and he pressed his hand against his mouth. He didn't say a thing, didn't try to stop him as he turned, so he ran.

He didn't look where he was going, couldn't see through the tears that wouldn't stop. Dashing at his eyes, he realised he'd run to the garden and he collapsed in front of the door, resting his head against the wood. Will wasn't Will, he was Henrik, King Henrik. That wasn't just a lie, that was betrayal.

He couldn't really care about some lowly kitchen porter, royalty would never sink so far.

Pain ripped through his chest and he hit the door hard, head sliding down the wood as he sobbed until he was curled in on himself. He didn't know how long he'd been sitting there but suddenly, arms wrapped round him.

"Rick, I'm so sorry."

He yanked himself away from the older man, jumping to his feet. "Get away from me."

"Rick please..." Will reached out to him and he flinched away.

"Please what?" he snapped. "Please listen to more lies?"

"Richie..."

"Don't you fucking dare call me Richie."

"I know I lied to you but, but when I first met you and you didn't recognise me, I just wanted a chance to make a friend who might like me for just me." Sighing, Will looked down. "And then we got closer and I didn't know how to tell you when you were so disdainful of royalty."

He stared at the older man uncertainly. "Really?"

"Rick of course." Will looked up again. "I was attracted to you from the start and I liked you so much but then I... I fell in love you," he whispered. "I was so scared of losing you, I didn't know how to tell you."

"You fell in love? With me?" He laughed bitterly, heart pounding. "A king in love with some ordinary servant. This isn't some fairy tale."

"Not ordinary, never ordinary, Rick, I love you, please." Will lifted his hand slowly, reaching out to cup his cheek. Rick let him, torn and uncertain, he wanted so desperately to believe the older man. "You're so beautiful Richie."

Yanking himself back with a gasp, he felt his heart breaking. "You almost had me fooled," he spat. "Beautiful? Fuck you Will, Henrik, whatever the fuck your name is." He yanked his key from round his neck and threw it at the older man then started to stalk away.

"Rick please don't go, I mean it, I love you."

"I never want to see you again," he whispered, trying to hold back more tears.

"No Rick." Will grabbed his arm.

"Don't touch me!"

"If you won't listen to me, at least take this, please, if you cared about me at all."

He snatched the piece of paper his former lover held out to him and shoved it in his pocket. "Let go of my arm."

Breath hitching, the older man nodded, dropping his hand. "But you promised you'd never leave me."

He paused for a split second, the breath ripped from his lungs. "I promised Will, I don't know who you are," he whispered before he walked away.

@>*~

Back at the kitchens, Tully fired him with a gleeful maliciousness that barely affected him. He felt like he'd been ripped apart and he headed for his room, putting his meagre belongings into his bag. He was so uncertain, so devastated that he didn't know what else to do but go home.

He hitched to the airport and, using all the money he'd saved up, he managed to buy ticket, heading back to the life he'd tried to escape because he didn't care about anything anymore.

@>*~

It had been a long couple of days, he hadn't been able to sleep, not at the airport waiting for his flight, not on the plane and definitely not during the rides he'd hitched when he'd reached Koloros. When he finally reached the palace, he snuck in his usual way and climbed up to his bedroom, exhausted and numb. Stripping out of his clothes, he fell on his bed and cried himself to sleep.

@>*~

The next morning, he got up, dressing in his old clothes with a sigh before he made his way down to the small informal dining room where they ate breakfast as a family. He took his old seat, barely noticing the utter silence and stares.

"Warwick!" His mother shrieked, getting up and running over to him, hugging him tightly before she burst into tears.

"Mom?" he gasped, clutching her close in shock.

"Oh Warwick, we were so worried, where have you been? Are you okay?" She straightened and smacked the back of his head. "We thought you were dead!"

"I... I didn't think you'd care," he whispered.

"How can you say that?" she gasped. "You're my baby."

"Mom, I'm sorry," he said softly. "I just couldn't... I can't get married."

"You don't have to, I promise," she said hurriedly. "Just don't ever do that to us again."

"Okay." Rick sighed and hugged her again. Will had been right, his family did care about him and he didn't know if that made him feel better or worse.

@>*~

After a very long breakfast where his family had told him everything that had happened over the past year and he'd avoided questions about where he'd been. Rick went back to his room to hide out for a while.

The clothes he'd stripped out of the night before were gone, his wallet and chain laid out on the bedside table along with a crumpled piece of paper.

Breath catching in his chest, heart pounding, he sat on the edge of his bed and picked up the paper. He should just throw it away, he shouldn't torture himself but it was all he had left of the man he still loved so desperately. Hand trembling, sick with nerves, he unfolded it.

The bottom dropped out of his world and he curled up on the bed, clutching it to his chest.

Will had drawn him, drawn a picture of him, asleep, half-naked and somehow beautiful. Was that really how Will saw him? Did the older man really think he was beautiful? And if so, had he been telling the truth?

Rick felt his heart break all over again and he screwed up his face against the pain. What did he do now?

He'd left because he'd been heartbroken but also, if he was honest, because Will was a king. A king. That was so much more responsibility than being a prince, he could barely imagine. He couldn't have stayed, couldn't have been some dirty little secret because a king could never be with a common kitchen porter in any other way. And he couldn't be with Will any other way. He just couldn't.

@>*~

Weeks passed and he sank further and further into depression. He never left the palace, didn't have the heart to skate, didn't have the heart to do anything except miss his lover. Every day without Will tore him apart and every night dreams came that left him crying and he couldn't bear it.

Something had to change, something had to give because he was starting to realise that he couldn't live without Will.

The only way they even had a chance to be together was if he accepted that he wasn't just Rick, he was Prince Warwick too.

Being Prince Warwick was something he'd never wanted, had avoided for his whole life. It was boring, stuffy, suffocating but just maybe it could be a means to an end, after all, if he was right and Will did love him, then he loved him as Rick so he wouldn't want him to be Prince Warwick when they were together.

Of course all this depended on Prince Warwick being able to meet King Henrik and getting Will to forgive Rick. So how the hell did he persuade his parents that they should go on an official visit to Huneredinn?

There was a quiet knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Good evening Warwick."

"Hey Bertie, what's up?"

"Well, I, it's the pre-wedding banquet tonight."

He couldn't help pulling a face and Albert sighed at him.

"You know, my fiancée's family were very understanding about the delay, I just want everything to be perfect, War, please? It'll look odd if you're not there when I postponed the wedding for you." Albert moved over and sat down next to him, clasping his shoulder. "I know you've been a little..."

"Depressed?"

"Well yes." Albert sighed again, shaking his head.

"I'll go."

"Really?"

"Yes," he said quietly. He had to suck it up sooner or later, he might as well start by helping out his brother.

"Oh that will please mother, she's been very worried about you."

"I know, I know." He forced a smile. "And I'm sorry."

"We just want you to be happy Warwick."

"Yeah."

"Oh and we have extra guests so um, try and dress nicely."

"Yeah okay." He hugged his brother quickly and then forced himself up out of bed to have a shower.

@>*~

It was nearly time for dinner and he stood in front of his closet, trying to decide what to wear that would be acceptable to his family but wouldn't make him feel like he'd lost Rick. He compromised with formal pants and shirt, just plain black and white, and his least annoying royal robe which conveniently hid his skate shoes, the only item of clothing he refused to compromise on.

Running a comb through his unruly curls, he tried to tame them with a little gel but quickly gave up when he realised how late it was getting. He forced himself from his room and ran downstairs to meet his family.

His mother beamed at him and hugged him close. "Thank you Warwick."

"You're welcome Mom."

"Shall we go then?" his father said. "And meet our guests."

They walked in a line from King Philip and Queen Catherine, through each brother and his wife until Rick brought up the rear, walking with Albert. They positioned themselves in the banqueting hall ready to greet each guest as they were announced.

It seemed to go on for ages and Rick barely managed to stop himself from yawning as he shook hands with each royal idiot that filed past him.

"His most Royal Majesty, King Henrik the 1st of Huneredinn."

Spine snapping straight, he glanced down the line, panic and joy, fear and hope making his heart pound, his stomach churn and his knees go weak. Will almost didn't look like Will in all his finery with his hair primped and tied back.

Looking down at the floor, he swallowed hard. What the fuck was Will doing in Koloros? What the fuck was he going to say to the older man?

"Prince Warwick, your Majesty."

"Nice to." Rick looked up and green eyes widened, Will choking halfway through his greeting. They stared at each other until the butler coughed discretely and Will jerked, eyes narrowing at him.

"Nice to meet you Prince Warwick," Will said with an angry sneer.

"I..." He didn't get any further, Will turning and stalking away. Sighing, he followed with his family, sitting down at the large table.

As the highest ranking visitor, Will was placed to his father's right, opposite his mother. Although almost at the other end, he could still feel the intense green gaze of the older man burning into him. And yet every time he looked up, Will wasn't looking at him.

It was pure torture, so close and yet so far, no way to explain himself or tell Will how he felt. He couldn't eat, just picked at each dish and tried not to stare at the man he loved. The hours dragged on and on and even after the meal, he couldn't seem to get close to Will. Not that he'd have been able to talk properly anyway but he wanted a chance to at least be near him, maybe even catch the beloved scent of shampoo and soft musk.

@>*~

It wasn't to be, they all retired in the early hours of the morning without Rick having any chance to get near Will.

He went to his room, stripped out of his uncomfortable formal clothing, dressing in a t-shirt and trackpants before slipping quietly back out and down to the guest wing. Will would most likely have the grandest suite so he crept to the door and opened it carefully, just a crack to peek inside.

The door was suddenly pulled out of his hand and yanked open and Will stood in front of him.

"Get. Inside," Will gritted out harshly. Nodding, he scurried into the room and waited while Will closed and locked the door. "I knew you'd come down here."

"Well I..."

"I wasn't finished," Will snapped. "I don't fucking believe you, after what you said to me, after how fucking bad you made me feel and you're a Prince?" He started to pace, arms waving angrily. "Do you have any idea what I've been through? How many state visits I've been on in the past few weeks to try and find you? You son of a bitch 'Warwick', I'd have done anything..." His voice broke suddenly and he just seemed to sag.

Pain and sorrow filled him and he blinked back tears. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I freaked out, I thought you were using me and I... I..."

"You what?" Will asked softly.

"I couldn't be with a king."

"Oh." Will looked down. "So it's, it's really over?"

"Rick couldn't be with a king but," he took a deep breath and licked his lips. "But well maybe, um maybe Prince Warwick could, well could be with a king."

Will looked up and stared at him. "What?"

He smiled hesitantly. "I ran away to escape my heritage. I hated being Prince Warwick so much that when I found out you were King, I couldn't deal with it, but I..."

"But what?"

"But I can if it means I get to have you."

"Wh-what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'll do anything to be with you, Will, I love you."

"You..." Will swallowed hard, eyes shining. "Really?"

"Yes. I love you so much, I've missed you so much, Will just please, please forgive me for lying and breaking my promise."

"Promise?"

"That I'd never leave you."

"That hurt me so much," Will whispered. "It felt like you'd ripped my heart out and skated over it."

"You think I didn't feel the same?" he said, reaching out slowly.

"Did you?" Will stared at him for a long moment, then took his hand.

"Yes. When I saw you sitting on that throne I felt like my legs had been kicked out from under me. I didn't think anything could hurt more until I saw what you'd drawn and I realised... Will, you did mean it, didn't you?"

"I love you more than life," Will whispered.

"Oh Will, I love you too, so fucking much." Tears started to flow and suddenly, strong arms wrapped round him and he was enveloped in familiar warmth and beloved scent. Clinging on tightly, he buried his face in his lover's neck.

"I forgive you Rick, will you forgive me?"

"Of course I will." He sank his fingers into thick soft hair with a happy sigh and eased back so he could see the older man's much missed face. "You feel so good," he murmured, smiling at his lover. "I missed you in my arms, missed being in yours."

"I know," Will whispered, stroking a finger down his cheek slowly. "I missed it too, holding you, lying with you, kissing you."

"So kiss me," he said, feeling a little breathless.

Making a tiny groaning noise, Will cupped his cheeks and kissed him, a softly urgent, sucking kiss that filled him with love and need and he parted his lips, inviting his lover deeper, flicking his mouth with his tongue.

"Rick," Will murmured against his mouth before his tongue lapped over and between his lips, the slick slide sending a shiver of lust down his spine. His groin ached, the warmth of desire spreading through him, tightening his balls, hardening his cock.

"Will," he gasped, pulling back. "Will, can we... please can we..."

"What my love?"

Flushing lightly at the endearment, he met his lover's beautiful emerald eyes. "Can we do, more?"

Will inhaled sharply and licked his lips. "Are you sure Richie, you don't want to wait?"

"Do you?"

"No. Rick, hours are too long to wait to touch you and I've been waiting weeks. I want you so much."

"I want you too," he said, smiling up at his lover, kissing him hard and quick.

"Lie down with me?"

Nodding, he let Will take his hand and draw him over to the bed. They climbed on together, arms and legs entwining immediately as they lay facing each other. He clung close, the warmth and feel of his lover's body against his was almost too much already. He'd been longing, aching for this since he'd been stupid enough to leave.

Will kissed him again, sliding his lips slow and soft across his mouth then repeating the action with his tongue before licking into him harder, needily, with a whimper that made Rick's cock pulse.

Kissing his lover back urgently, he slid his hands down Will's slim back and up under his shirt to feel perfect smooth skin, fill as many senses as possible. Lifting up slightly, still kissing him passionately, Will managed to rip his shirt off and he pushed Rick's t-shirt up under his arms before yanking him as close as he could. The heat of Will's bare skin against his burned lust through his nerves and his cock jerked needily, starting to leak precome into his pants.

Fingers caressed his skin endlessly up and down arms, chest and back, almost tickling, making him shiver with need. He touched and kissed, groin pressing harder against Will to feel the hot, solid length of his erection rubbing against his. With a groan, he slid his hands down Will's back and under his waistband, stroking over firm cheeks and sliding fingers between them to stroke over the entrance to his body.

Will shuddered and pulled his head back with a quiet moan. "Rick that's, oh that feels good," he breathed, pushing back into his touch.

"Yeah," Rick said with a soft smile. "I want you Will, I want you to feel what I felt when you were inside me, when you completed me."

"Oh Richie yes, please yes," Will gasped, rocking his erection up into his hip then pushing back against his fingers.

A jolt of lust and tenderness shot through him and he moved his hands, pushing Will onto his back and moving to kneel between his legs. Bending forward, he kissed him quickly then stared down at the older man seriously.

"Have you got anything we can use?" he asked quietly. Will's face fell and he frowned. "What is it?"

"You want..." Will hesitated. "You want to use..."

"I want to use lubricant so I don't hurt you," he said with a soft smile. "Condoms are up to you but no, I don't want to use one."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Sighing, he leaned down to kiss Will gently. "I'm completely sure. I love you, I trust you. Do you trust me?"

"Yes I do," Will whispered. "And I love you too."

"Good." He brushed another kiss over soft lips. "So have you got anything we can use?"

Will flushed and nodded. "In my washbag, in the bathroom," he whispered, looking impossibly shy.

"Okay." He couldn't resist another kiss, he'd been without for too long not to take every advantage. Clutching Will's face, he kissed him deeply, slowly, their tongues tangled and lips moved together and Will tugged at him, trying to pull him back down.

"Will, wait," he gasped. "Let me get the stuff."

"Okay." Will let him go reluctantly but lay back on the bed, undoing his pants and shoving them down.

He gulped at the sight of his now naked lover, all pale creamy skin and slim lines, his cock hard and dripping onto his stomach. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, backing away slowly then turning and running for the bathroom. He was aching for his lover now, desperate to feel and touch and kiss but most of all to make Will feel as good as he had made him feel.

He found a tube of lubricant and hurried back to the bedroom. At the foot of the bed he stopped, smiling nervously at his lover. He pushed his pants down, his cock springing out to slap against his belly then crawled onto the bed, stroking his lover's legs all the way up, smoothing his thumbs up the creases of his groin and bending to kiss his cock gently. Will gasped and reached down to pull him up the length of his body, wrapping arms and legs round him and kissing him hard.

"You... that... Rick, I want you, please."

Sliding slightly to one side, he kissed Will's neck and shoulder as he slid his hand down velvet-soft stomach, running his fingertips over his lover's cock.

"Richie, my love please, don't tease me."

"I'm not trying to tease, I just love you to touch you so much."

"I know," Will said softly. "But I need you inside me right now."

"Oh fuck," he groaned, want and lust coursing through him, cock jerking against Will's side. "Okay." He moved up between Will's legs again and opened the tube, stroking the clear gel over his erection quickly. He pushed Will's thighs further apart and slid his slick fingers between his cheeks to rub gently, spreading the lube and pushing his finger gently inside, stroking slowly in and out of Will's body. The tightness and heat of his lover made his gut clench and breath hitch with desire.

Gasping and writhing, Will reached for him again. "Rick I need you."

Nodding, he eased his finger free and held himself up over Will, pushing his cock down to replace his finger, eyes locked with darkened green as he slowly pushed into his lover.

"Oh Will," he groaned, stopping immediately and biting his lip. It was so intense, he felt complete in a totally different way. Will hooked his legs round his hips and pulled him deeper, fingers sinking into his curls.

"Feels so, oh so good Richie."

"Yeah," Rick grunted, smiling down at him. He was surrounded by heat, the slow clench and release of his lover round his cock was straining his control. He eased back, rolling his hips to thrust into the older man.

"Yes!" Will gasped.

"You okay?"

"Yes, oh yes. Fuck Rick, please harder."

"Oh fuck," he breathed, rocking his hips, thrusting in and out of Will's body, moving faster and harder as pleasure started to overwhelm him, the sensation of being inside his lover, arms and legs wrapped tightly round him, all that gorgeous, soft skin and hard cock sliding against him. It was too much. Dipping his head, he kissed Will, tongue plunging into his mouth as he thrust deep into his body. He came with a stifled moan, filling his lover.

"Oh Rick," Will gasped, rocking against his belly harder and faster until he arched up, shuddering against him, come splattering their stomachs.

"I love you," he whispered, kissing Will softly.

"I love you too," Will sighed happily. "That felt amazing Rick, you really do complete me, my love."

"Yeah." He smiled and carefully eased back and climbed off the bed. "I'll be right back."

He went to the bathroom and washed himself, grabbing a washcloth and rinsing it out to carry back to the bed. Crawling back over his lover, he gently wiped his stomach and groin then down between his cheeks.

"Thank you."

"You're more than welcome." Rick threw the cloth towards the bathroom and lay down next down the older, sighing happily when Will immediately snuggled close. They shifted to pull the covers out from under them and cuddled up together, warm and comfortable.

"Oh this feels wonderful."

"Yeah it does," he murmured. "I love lying with you."

"And we can sleep a whole night together."

"Oh yeah." He grinned widely when he realised that Will was right. "Oh that's fucking awesome."

"Yes," Will said with a chuckle. "I do love you."

"Yeah?"

"Of course, I didn't spend weeks searching desperately for you because I just quite like you, you know."

Rick propped his head up on one arm to look at his lover. "You said something about state visits."

"Yeah, every kingdom I'm on friendly terms with," Will sighed. "You said you grew up in a palace, I had to hope you'd gone home."

"But if you thought I was a servant, how did you expect you find me?"

Will's mouth twisted ruefully. "I've spent a lot of time in skateparks recently."

"Poor baby," he laughed, stroking back dark hair and kissing his forehead.

"I wouldn't have minded if you'd been skating," Will said with a soft smile. "I love to watch you skate, you're so graceful and passionate and just beautiful when you skate, Rick, it's breathtaking."

Feeling himself flush, he buried his face in Will's neck. "I haven't skated since I left y-, Huneredinn," he murmured. "I just didn't have the heart."

Kissing him, Will sighed softly. "If I'd told you the truth instead of you finding out, would... would you still have run away?"

"Probably," he admitted with grimace. "It wasn't till I was away from you that I realised how much I love you and that..."

"That what?"

"That I needed to grow up and accept that I'm not just Rick, I'm Prince Warwick too. I don't think I'd ever have accepted that if I hadn't run away and missed you so completely."

"Oh my love, I know. I didn't know exactly what I was going to do when I found you but I think I might have offered you anything."

"Anything?" He lifted his head and arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"Hmm, so many possibilities!"

"I have a suggestion."

"Oh really?"

"You could make an honest man out of me."

"Oh I could, could I?" Rick snorted. "Is that your way of proposing?"

"No, it's my way of getting you to propose," Will said with a mock pout.

"You outrank me, don't you think you should propose?"

"Well, you did technically just take my virginity," Will pointed out, lips curling up and jaw trembling.

"You took mine first," he exclaimed, trying not to laugh.

"Are you saying you don't want to marry me?"

"What was that last bit again?"

"Marry me?"

"Yes!"

"You tricked me."

"I did."

"But you said yes, right?"

Grinning widely, he nodded. "I did."

Reaching up, Will stroked his hair gently. "Then you made me the happiest man in the world."

Heart swelling with emotion, he leaned over the older man and kissed him. "Not as happy as I am Will, I love you."

"I love you too Richie." He pulled him back down next to him and they wrapped themselves up in each other, kissing softly until they fell asleep.

@>*~

The scent of soft musk and the feel of warm body against his made him smile as he woke and he kissed the part of his lover next to his mouth, which turned out be his nose. Will chuckled and twisted up to kiss him on the lips. He hummed happily.

"Morning Will."

"Good morning my love."

"Remarkably."

"What?"

"A remarkably good morning."

Will smiled, stroking a finger down his cheek. "Yeah."

"I don't want to get up."

"I know," Will sighed. "But it wouldn't be seemly for us to found in bed together."

"Fuck seemly Will, I don't want to get up."

"You think your parents would approve?"

Rick grinned. "I think my parents would make you marry me."

"Aren't we getting married already?"

"Maybe just to make sure..." Grinning wider, he pushed himself up and kissed his lover, then slowly slid down the length of his body, kissing his chest, his stomach, licking his navel and chuckling when it made Will squeak and squirm.

Smiling up at his lover, he kissed the hollows of his hips and moved down to press his face into the crease of his groin, inhaling the heady musk of arousal.

"Richie," Will moaned, hands sliding into his hair, finger rubbing his scalp.

Lifting up slightly, Rick stared at his lover's cock. It was gorgeous, long and thick, straining and dripping and he licked a stripe from root to head, curling his tongue over the tip to catch the dribble of precome. Shivering as the taste exploded on his tongue, he groaned and sucked the head of Will's cock into his mouth.

"Rick yes," Will moaned, hips rocking against him. Sinking lower, he slid lips and tongue over silken skin. It was amazing, he tasted wonderful, felt soft and heavy against his tongue. He swallowed awkwardly and Will gasped, bucking up. Even though it nearly made him choke, it filled him with happy pride to make his lover react like that and needy lust hardened his cock.

Pushing Will's hips down, he sucked slowly up the length of his cock then sank back down, tongue lapping eagerly for more taste.

"Richie, Rick please," Will sighed, clutching his hair, hips straining against his hands and he sucked harder, swallowing, licking, sliding up and down faster. Will panted and writhed and Rick's groin got tighter, cock hard and pulsing. Reaching up, he grabbed one of Will's hands, clasping tightly, fingers interlinking.

"Fuck," Will gasped, rocking up harder. "Rick I'm going..."

Sliding down as far as he could, he swallowed hard and Will cried out, bucking into his mouth, shooting down his throat. Groaning Rick swallowed him down, sucking till his lover stopped jerking and shuddering. He lifted his head and licked his lips, crawling slowly over his lover, straddling his hips and not letting go of his hand.

"I love you."

"I love you too," Will whispered. "Can I touch you?"

"Can you?" Chuckling, he shook his head. He moved their joined hands down to his cock and wrapped them tightly round his shaft.

"Oh yeah," he murmured, leaning down to kiss his lover deeply, sucking Will's tongue into his mouth so he could taste himself, salt and sweet with a bitter tang. They stroked his cock hard and fast between their hands, kissing urgently, pleasure jolting through his body until it overwhelmed him and he flung his head back, calling his lover's name as he came, shooting hot seed over their hands and Will's stomach.

When he looked back down, Will was staring at him with a soft smile, eyes warm.

"What?"

"You are beautiful," Will said quietly.

Smiling shyly, he lay down on top of his lover and nuzzled his neck. "Thank you," he whispered.

"No one ever told you that before, did they?"

"Um no. Compared to my brothers..."

"No offence to your family, my love but your brothers are clones, you are unique and that's only part of what makes you beautiful, Richie. I love you."

Warmth filled his heart and he lifted his head to kiss his lover, sliding down to one side, one arm and leg slung over Will. "No offence taken. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now my love, I think you should go back to your room and change before luncheon."

"But I don't want to," he whined. "I want to stay here with you."

"I want you to stay here too," Will sighed. "But the sooner we get down to lunch, the sooner I can talk to your father."

"Talk to my father about what?"

Will snorted. "Well, King Henrik can hardly marry Prince Warwick if he hasn't formally asked for his hand now, can he?"

"Oh right." He flushed lightly but grinned. "So Henrik, where did Will come from?"

"It's my name. Sort of... better than Wilhelm anyway."

"Oh, I see."

"What about Rick, how on earth did you shorten Warwick to Rick?"

"Well I needed to call myself something at the skate park, it just made sense to have something that sounds close enough to my real name that I would answer to it. It just kinda stuck."

"Ah. I suppose calling you Richie doesn't really make sense now."

"Don't stop though, Will, I love it."

"Really?"

"Yeah." He sighed. "Do I really have to go?"

"Yes my love." Will smiled sadly. "But we'll only have to do this for a while. Once we're married, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks."

"Why does it matter now?"

"It doesn't matter to me, Rick but I'm a king, I know how these things work."

"Are you saying I don't?"

"No, I don't think you do." Will frowned, his expression saddening. "Rick, you've always rebelled, done your own thing. I barely even knew what I loved to do before I met you and had never taken time to just be myself. You gave me my freedom, Rick but I am still a king and you are still a prince and that means sometimes you're going to have to do things you don't want to."

"But it's not fair."

"I know it's not fair." Will shifted out from under him and rolled onto his side, propping his head up to look at him with a frown. "Rick are you... are you sure you're ready for this?"

"You think I'm not?" he asked, quietly hurt.

"My love, if you don't like the thought of even this much duty, how are you going to cope when we're married and you're going to have to attend court, state banquets, parliament."

"I'm going to have to?" he exclaimed, torn between hurt and defensive anger. He pulled away and sat up.

"I want us to have an equal partnership, Rick but I don't want you to end up resenting me for it."

"I won't!"

"Are you sure?" Will looked so sad, it tore at his heart.

"If I have to choose between losing some freedom or losing you, well," he sighed and lay back down next to his lover, stroking his cheek. "There is no choice, Will, losing you would mean losing everything."

"I love you," Will gasped, leaning in and kissing him hard and quick.

"I love you too." He kissed back and sat up again. "I guess I'll see you at lunch then."

Will sat up and got off the bed, holding out his hand. "Yes."

Taking his lover's hand, he got up, kissing his knuckles before he let go to pull his clothes on. Will smiled, putting his pants back on and walking to the door to unlock it.

Reluctantly, he followed him to the door, wrapping Will in a tight hug and kissing him, deep and soft. His lover held on, kissing him back even as they moved through the frame into the hall. Will pulled away with a moan, cupping his cheek and stroking a thumb across his cheekbone.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Rick said softly. "Don't be too long."

"I won't."

Forcing a smile, he backed away slowly, then turned and hurried back to his room. He stripped, showered and changed as quickly as possible then ran to the main stairs from the guest wing so he could meet Will on the down. Surely his lover couldn't consider that a breach of etiquette?

When Will saw him, he smiled and shook his head.

"Your Majesty," Rick said with a tiny smirk as he bowed.

"Your Highness," Will said, inclining his head and making a noise suspiciously like a laugh.

"May I accompany you to luncheon?"

"I'd like that," Will said with a nod.

"Good." Rick dismissed the footman accompanying Will with quiet thanks and, stifling giggles, they walked together to one of the formal dining rooms and into screaming chaos. He stared in surprise, his mother was in hysterics, his brothers all talking at once, his father looked worried and resigned.

"What's going on?" he asked loudly. Silence descended for a second then his mother let out an ear-piercing shriek.

"Warwick, oh Warwick, you're still here!"

"Well," he frowned in confusion. "Of course I am, why would you think I wasn't?"

"Albert found your room empty, your bed still made," she said with a sigh. "I thought you'd run away again."

"Oh I didn't think, I..."

"Where were you?"

He glanced at Will wide-eyed. He had no idea what to say. "I um, well I..."

"Philip," Will said softly. "I think we need to have a word."

"We need to?" The King frowned at them both.

"In private if I may?"

Rick frowned at his lover. It may have been the proper thing but he wanted to be there. His father's eyebrows raised and he stared hard at them, crossing his arms over his chest.

"No, I think I would like to hear what you have to say right now."

Will flushed and Rick couldn't help shifting closer to his lover.

"What's going on Philip?" Queen Catherine asked in confusion.

"I'm sure His Majesty will explain," Philip said with a sneer.

Will sighed and glanced over at him.

"Go on," he whispered softly, mouthing 'I love you' at the older man.

"Philip I, I would like to ask you for your son's hand in marriage," Will said softly.

Several of Rick's sisters-in-law fainted dead away and his mother went very pale.

"Pardon me?"

"I would like to marry your son."

"Warwick?"

"Um, yes," Will said slowly.

"Warwick?" Philip repeated, looking shocked. "You want to marry him?"

"Yes I do."

"But you're a King."

"Yes I am."

"Warwick is a man."

"I know." Will glanced at him and leered and Rick couldn't help a giggle.

"But what about an heir?"

"My cousin is aware of my uh, preference and has expressed an interest in surrogacy."

"Oh. Well." Philip blinked. "Well I suppose..."

"No," Catherine said suddenly.

"What?" Philip asked in surprise as Rick stared at his mother in shock and confusion.

"We promised dear, we promised Warwick we wouldn't make him get married."

"But Mom, I want to marry him."

"You do?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Mom, I love him."

"And you, young man," she said to Will. "Do you love my son?"

"Yes I do," Will said firmly.

"Well," she said, smiling broadly. "Well then, I suppose that's all right then."

"Thank you so much for your approval," Philip snorted. "Very well Henrik, you have my permission."

"Our permission," Catherine said firmly.

"Yes dear," Philip sighed as Rick smothered a snicker and slipped an arm round his lover.

"I still don't understand what this has to do with Warwick not sleeping in his room though."

Flushing Rick turned to his lover, burying his face when Will cleared his throat nervously. "It's okay Will, you're making an honest man out of me remember?"

Chuckling, Will tipped his chin up, stroking his thumb over his lip gently. "I thought you were making an honest man out of me, my love."

"You did the proposing, you're doing the making," he said with a soft laugh.

"Is that right?" Will asked, lips trembling slightly. Rick smiled.

"Shut up and kiss me."

Smiling back, Will bent his head and kissed him, soft and sweet, sucking gently on his bottom lip. Moaning quietly, he kissed back for a moment, drawing back shyly at the sound of gasps and whispers. He cleared his throat and glanced at his family.

"What?"

"Nothing Warwick dear." His mother smiled softly. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Thank you."

Will sighed. "There is a small problem."

"There is?" Leaning back, he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes love," Will said softly. "I have several more state visits scheduled. It'll take weeks and I don't want to wait that long to marry you."

"Will," he murmured happily, leaning up to kiss his lover's cheek.

"I have a suggestion," Albert said, smiling at them. "There's going to be a wedding later anyway, why don't we make it a double one?"

"Bertie, are you sure?"

"Yes of course, I mean, if you don't think it's too soon."

"It's definitely not too soon," Will said hurriedly. "As long as you're sure we wouldn't be taking away from your day."

"You wouldn't be."

"Thank you Bertie," he said, moving to quickly hug his brother.

"You're very welcome."

"What about your people, Henrik?"

"We'll have an official celebration when we get back, as long as there's a huge party, everyone will be happy."

"A double royal wedding it is then."

Rick wrapped his arms round his lover and kissed his cheek. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too."

@>*~

Rick held on tightly to Will's arm, smile plastered on aching cheeks as they walked past the cavalcade of staff lined up to greet them on their return to Huneredinn. He was exhausted; state visit after state visit, being Prince Warwick for hours at a time, he couldn't wait till it was over... or rather that they were home and could be themselves and alone far more often.

Will squeezed his hand gently. "Not long now."

"Thank fuck," he whispered with a quiet snort.

"Hush my love."

"Yeah, yeah."

Smiling fondly at him, Will patted his hand and led him into the palace.

"You Majesty."

"Warwick, this is Stefan, our Majordomo, he runs the palace. Stefan, my husband, the Royal Consort, Prince Warwick."

"Your Highness," Stefan said with a low bow. "We have prepared the Queen's old suite for his Highness's use. If I may." He gestured at the stairs.

"Lead on Stefan." They followed him up the stairs towards the royal wing.

"What did he mean the Queen's old suite?"

"Your rooms."

"My..." He felt a little sick. "We're going to have separate rooms?" he whispered in horror.

"You don't have to use them," Will said. "It's tradition that's all."

"Screw tradition Will, I don't want my own rooms, I want us to have our rooms," he hissed in annoyance.

"But..." Will blinked at him. "It's tradition, what would people think?"

"Uh," he raised an eyebrow at his lover. "Maybe that we love each other?"

Smiling Will nodded slowly. "That's true. I suppose it's not as though I'd ever let you use them anyway."

"Excuse me your Majesty," Rick snorted. "Let me?"

"Richie," Will started with a chuckle. "I didn't mean it like that." He moved closer and whispered, "I just meant I wouldn't be able to let you leave my bed."

"Our bed."

"Right, our bed."

"Well, come on then."

"Yes dear." Will snickered quietly then cleared his throat. "Stefan, we will not require separate suites, would you please ensure His Highness's belongings are transferred to my rooms tomorrow."

"I..." The majordomo blinked but then bowed quickly. "Yes your Majesty."

"We will be retiring for the evening, please ensure we are not disturbed."

"Yes of course. Your Majesty, your Highness, good evening."

Smothering a laugh, he followed his lover quickly, holding onto his hand, to their rooms. Will closed and locked the door behind them and Rick pushed him up against it.

"Hmm," he sighed happily. "Alone at last."

Laughing, Will wrapped him tightly in his arms and kissed him, tongue licking straight into his mouth, making him moan needily.

It had been a long day, travelling back to Huneredinn, making an official appearance at the end of their wedding celebrations, not having been alone together for hours, it all meant he was aching to touch and kiss the way they definitely couldn't in public. He sucked on Will's tongue, pushing his thigh between long legs and rocking up into Will's groin, rubbing his burgeoning erection against a slim thigh.

Groaning, Will kissed him harder, grabbing his hips to pull him harder against his cock. Rick leaned against him, rocking into him, sinking hands into soft, dark hair and kissing him hard and deep. It felt so good, his husband so hot and hard against his body, warm and wet against his mouth, silken soft against his fingers and yet, not quite right.

He pulled back with a gasp even as Will's fingers clenched into his skin. "Will?"

"What is it love?"

"I... well, I want to go to the garden."

"You do?"

"Yeah." He kissed his lover. "It's our place, where we first kissed, first made love. I want it to be the first place we make love now we're home."

"Sounds perfect my love," Will whispered, stroking his curls back to kiss his forehead. "Let's go."

They quickly changed into more comfortable clothing, got ready for bed, grabbed a blanket and lubricant then snuck out of the palace. Letting themselves into the garden, they carefully locked the door behind them.

The ramp was exactly as they'd left it and Rick's heart tightened. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, pulling his lover into his arms.

"What for?"

"Being such a dick."

"Rick..."

"No, I was." He kissed Will gently. "Even if I couldn't accept you being a king, I should never have doubted your feelings for me."

"I understand," Will said. "When I saw you in that line, when I realised who you were, I didn't know what to think, if you'd meant anything that you'd said to me."

"Yeah I guess." Sighing, he slid a finger down Will's cheek, leaning close to kiss him, licking slowly over his mouth then between his lips, caressing him with his tongue reverently.

Moaning softly, Will clung to him, one hand splayed in the small of his back, the other sinking into his curls, both arms pulling him closer, right up against his body.

"I love you," he whispered almost desperately, kissing him again, harder, backing them slowly towards the summerhouse. Not breaking the kiss for a second, Will turned and sat on the step, pulling Rick with him to straddle his lap. Rocking hard into his husband's groin, he wrapped his arms round his neck, twining their tongues together as their lips moved and sucked and kissed. Will's hands slid down to his hips, gripping tightly, pulling at him harder.

Groaning, cock hard and aching, he pulled back and licked his lips, meeting his lover's intense green gaze as he rocked against him urgently. Need made him whimper low in his throat and he thrust harder, kissing the older man again quickly.

"I need you," he whispered, moving harder and faster against his husband, the feel of his erection straining, rubbing against his own just filled him with desperate lust. "Complete me."

"My love," Will whispered, voice shaking, fingers clenching briefly, almost painfully, into his flesh. "Get up."

He forced himself out of his lover's lap and stood up, waiting, staring, needing.

"Get undressed Rick," Will said, shifting to push his pyjama pants down. Breath hitching with need, he hurriedly stripped, watching his lover take off his clothing and stroke lubricant over his beautiful, solid erection.

"Fuck," he whispered, stepping forward again.

"Turn round."

"Will?"

"Turn round Richie, I want to hold you in my arms, touch you," he breathed, sliding his fist up and down his cock.

"Yes." His groin was aching now with the need to be filled, completed. He turned round and let his husband guide him down until he felt the press against the entrance to his body. Groaning with the stretch, he pushed down, sinking onto the thick length until he was sitting in Will's lap again.

"Oh that feels so good, Will," he gasped.

"Yes," Will groaned. "Lean back my love." He slid his hands slowly over his chest, rocking into him as he leaned back against his lover. Fingers burned need into his skin and he reached up and back, clutching his lover's neck, twisting his head to kiss him, hard and desperate. He rocked with his lover, pushing back hard into every stroke to get Will's cock even deeper into his body, to press against his prostate and electrify him.

Will's hands caressed his skin, moving lower until they slid down his hips, across his thighs then up, one cupping his balls, the other wrapping round the length of his erection tightly. Groaning, he pulled his head back so he could lean against a strong shoulder, arching to rock himself between Will's hand and cock urgently.

It always felt so amazing, he was completed and every jerk, every thrust, every moan that resonated against his skin increased his need, his pleasure until he was desperate to come.

"So beautiful, my Richie," Will whispered, thrusting up hard and twisting his fist.

"Oh. Fuck. Will!" He bit his lip so he didn't scream with his release, pleasure exploding through him as he flooded his lover's hand. Will groaned loudly, bucking up into him, arms tightening around him as heat filled him.

Panting for breath, he turned his head and kissed Will's cheek. "Let's spend our honeymoon here," he whispered.

"Oh Rick, are you sure?"

"Yeah," he said, stroking his lover's arms. "Besides, we've got my ramp to finish."

"Oh really?"

"Well yeah." Nuzzling his lover's neck, he took a deep breath and continued, "I want you to promise me something."

"Anything my love."

"You sure about that?"

"Rick, just tell me," Will said softly.

"Promise me that we'll always have Wednesday afternoons."

"Ah my love," Will whispered, kissing his cheek. "I promise."

"No matter what?"

"As long as we're in Huneredinn Richie then I promise, no matter what."

"Thank you Will," he whispered, kissing his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too, my Rick."

and they lived happily ever after...