PlayerAchilles

A hidden smile creeped its way onto Erebus’ features as she shrugged along to what sounded like a jest from Achilles. “It’s just a simple board game. What? Afraid you’ll lose?” She looked through her inventory for a few before finding what she needed and pulled out a small box that held the game. It was probably the only non-violent item she held on her when she wasn’t on some sort of mission. Usually it was only pulled out when she was playing with Conejita or as a way of information gathering from specific type of people. For now the guild leader hadn’t exactly decided why she wanted to play Achilles, but she’d figure it out as they went along.

The mention of him being frustrated with tracking a player down caught her interest, and shrugged as she searched and found a stump to set the game down on. “Of course I’m serious.” The board was pulled out and one by one the pieces were pulled out until they were neatly set in their right positions. “You know, for the right price I could easily get information on your player. I’m quite good at it, probably more efficient than whatever method you’re using.”

“ No,” he chuckled taking a seat himself. As he watched the Circus guildleader set up the game. “ I’m consirned what you’ll want if you do win.” he was only partly teasing. If push came to shove he could always refuse her if it was something out landish. For the moment, Achilles didn’t mind the distractions in the least. There were to many things happening all at once, and this would be his first bit of down time in a while. Hopefully it would last,

Knowing his guild... it wouldn’t.

Giving a nod of his head, Achilles thought on the offer. “ No offense but i’d rather handle this particular player on my own.” It wasn’t that he didn’t believe Erberus when she said that should could do better. He believed that she could, maybe it was his way of looking out for the other guild leader. Not that she had given him reason to do so in the past. Not that she needed it, Achilles was well aware of the kind of ‘skills’ Eerbrus’ processed.  S was his problem and he felt it only right that he handle it himself.

Sighing he gave a shrug of his shoulders, “ It’s a problem I helped make. It’s only right that I’m the one that has to clean it up.”

Luna grimaced at the mention of his break, but didn’t interrupt, squeezed his hand back. Just because things went sideways once didn’t mean it would happen again. It didn’t mean he couldn’t step back when he needed to rest. He was going to run himself ragged, if he hadn’t already.

Many in Velia wouldn’t think it possible for Luna, but her heart breaks for him. “Hey, hey,  it’s okay, we’re all okay, we made it,” this time. It’s unspoken, but she knows he hears it anyway. Knows he’s seen more than their fair share of members fall in the field, unable to save them, unable to carry them home. “I love you too, you massive mess,” she says with something that sounds like fondness. Even the incident with Kitty couldn’t have displaced that, not even when the burning in her chest that felt a lot like jealousy threatened to rise. For a second she wonders if she’d ever voiced how she felt about him, or just expected him to know. “But you’re going to break if you keep doing this to yourself. And then what happens when we’re all healed up and you’re– not?” The word dead refuses to form on her tongue. “Take care of yourself, for us. I– I’m happy you came, and I appreciate it, but I would feel better if you didn’t look like absolute shit. You’re gonna give us a bad reputation, you know. We’re supposed to be the hot guild. With those bags under your eyes you’re going to let the Rev’s swipe our place.” She cracks a grin and uses her thumb to rub circles on the back of Achilles’ hand. “You know that’s the only reason I’m a Catalyst, right? I might go shack up with Hercules if you let yourself go.” 

He chuckled, despite the fact he could hear the word she hadn’t mention. It was one that sounded in his head every time after a battle. This time they were safe; this time, no one died; this time, he wasn’t wounded or healing or dead. Achilles own mortality was never to far from his mind.

They weren’t invincible, he wasn’t invincible. Over the last three years it was that knowing voice in the back of his head. Only getting louder and louder as time went on. Was that why he had bought those rings for Leo and Jude? Was it why he built the retreat for catalyst. Why, he ran himself ragged. Because there was a possibility that he could die. And he didn’t want to leave this place without the others knowing just how important they were to him? Maybe, it was his way of leaving something for them to remember him bye. It was a dark thought but at the very least;  it was his way of showing his affection and yes —love for all of them. Inside his guild and out of it.

“ I’m not one to tell you who you should or shouldn’t shack up with but, Hercules? You could do better couldn’t you.” he teased. Kissing the back of Luna’s hand  he held it close to his heart for a second longer before finally releasing it. Sure, she’d make a fuss about all this affection he was showering her with later.  “I’ll do a better job at taking care of my self, promise. If,” he grinned. She had to have seen this coming right?

“If you promise to be a little more... open?” he questions scratching at his brow. “I know the guild comes first but I don’t want you to think it has to be only Catalyst. And I guess if Hercules is someone you want to spend more time with,” he shrugged , “ -as long as your happy then I’m happy.” 

“Shut up.” she scoffed. Swatting at his chest. Despite the fear that ran through her. Viv did feel a little better with Ro there. The big softy; who would have thought someone that looked like he could kill you with his bare hands. Could be one of the gentlest people she ever known. The mind reels at the thought of a world with out him in it.

Releasing  a long tired breath, she shook her head.

“All my places are protected. Runes, buffs, enchantments. I’m good on that end. I… I don’t know Ro I don’t know what I want to do.” voice low, exhaustion coating each syllable.

It was a lot to take in, and she was sure it would be a lot more. Maybe she could ask Jal  for some help. They were the best at getting information, maybe if she asked them to keep an eye out— Viv shook her head at the thought she didn’t want S anywhere near Jal or Rae. She didn’t want her near anyone she cared about. In the back of her mind, Viv knew who S was really after.

“Rowan,” she called out to him. placing her small hand over one of his; currently rubbing her arms. She could feel the familar sting to her eyes as tears began to well up.

“ It can’t be like before, you can’t just up and leave like you did.”

Her voice shaky as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Not bothering to wipe them away.

“You have to promise that you won’t. Whatever happends, you can’t just abandon us again. No matter what S says or threatens. Don’t, okay?” she hiccuped.

  Above and beyond upset at the thought of what this meant. Change was in the air and it wasn’t the good kind. For the first time, since she started this game; Viv was truly terrified.

“I know,” was all Rowan said before he had Viv in his arms. Hugging her, letting a soothing hand run up and down the length of her back. He knew he couldn’t disappear like before. He also knew he wouldn’t. Remebering all the private conversations he had with Kali. Just the two of them in his office; about why it had to be one or the other? Why couldn’t they look out for their own but also others. Why were the guilds more important then the people?

He hadn’t known the answer then and he hadn’t known it now. Up until a few minutes ago. Holding Viv’s trembling form had reminded him that even she- someone so confident and vivacious. Someone that lived her life the way she wanted and how she saw fit. Someone, with hardships, fears and struggles. Still found it in her nature to nurture those around her.  She was bright and shown like a dimond surrounded by the filth that this game threw up. As powerful as she was, as strong as confident as Viv was in herself... she had needed people too.

Not to be her savior, she was her own savior. Rather, someone to fight with. That she could turn to and know they had her back. She had never asked for anything from him other then honesty. Other then his trust and in the hopes of protecting her, Rowan had broken the bond in the name of keeping her and the others safe. Kissing the top of her head, Rowan held her tighter, in the dimly lit room of the clinic he made his promise,

“A little more?” Jal asked, exasperated. “C’mon, man.”

It couldn’t always be easy, they guessed. He clearly wasn’t game illiterate, he knew his shit. With a reluctant sigh, they decided to pull out one of the big guns - something she got from her uncle. “On the first floor, every NPC whose name isn’t alliterative can give you up to one quest a week. You can get a random encounter for a relatively easy quest with a hefty payout. I can DM you the name of the random encounter after talking to my Uncle.”

After a beat, they opened their palm toward him. “The tome, please?”

“ If you really want it, then it’s the least you can do.” he grinned.

Listening as Jal spoke, Rowan crossed his arms. A plan of his own setting in motion. Most of the quest were small potatoes. If you did enough grinding you could level up modaratly and have a full coin purse. However, if what they said was true; Rowan wouldn’t have to waist his time with dozens of  quest. If Jal’s info was right then this meant shorter time needed for leveling up. Which could be useful in the future.

Clicking his toung, he reluctantly held out the book for Jal to take. He was a man of his word. And he was hoping that Jal kept theirs. “ A deal is a deal, just don’t forget to DM me.” he said placing the book in their hand.

“I’d hate to have to tell everyone that your info isn’t any good.

She shrugged with a slight roll of her eyes, a small smile on her face regardless, “Everyone else and their mother seems to be mad at me.” 

Her eyes landed on the folder he had set down, a sense of sadness laced with determination settling in the bottom of her stomach. She’d have to sit with her brother when he was of sound mind and adapt them to fit Blood Oath’s strengths, assure that her Vixen’s work wouldn’t go to waste. With a small laugh she thanked him, “I really appreciate it. I’m sure the battle strategists will be thrilled to learn I’m already giving them more work.” 

Kali smiled a little sheepishly. She was excited and maybe genuinely happy to be in the position she was in. After talking to David she had mentally prepared herself for the stress that came with it, being a person who thrives under pressure, but she still felt bad that it was so obvious she was happier in that moment than she had been in Catalyst. The way she felt now meant more to her than her old guild being upset with her for leaving. “I feel happier. No offense to you or Catalyst, but we’ve talked about this before.” She sighed lightly, setting her book down on top of the file, “How mad are Hades and Radish?”

Achilles gave her a sad smile, there were a few people that would be upset and he knew that cheif among them would have been Hades and Radish. They had been the ones to encourage Kali to join after she lost her guild. And she had been a different person at that time. Trying to figure out how to make things work, how to fit in with  a group of people that had already shared such a close and strong bond with each other. It couldn’t have been easy and though he was graitful that they had been able to bound and have their own friendship blossom outside of that of the guild and her brother. Achilles had noticed how... lost she seemed.

Kali was a leader, pure and simple. She was never going to be satisfied with just being a mentor or a battle stratagist. The proof was looking back at him now.

“We have, and no offense at all. Like I told you before, i wouldn’t blame you for doing what is best for you. I’m sorry to have lost, you don’t get me wrong. But your where you belong.”  he said giving her a nudge. “Radish is... radish. He’ll be upset for a while but he’ll get over it because your his friend. Hades,”

Achilles let out a long sigh, he knew that Hades was upset. How long that would last? Even he wasn’t sure, Hades and Kali friendship was special. “I think once the shock wears off and he thinks on it a little he’ll understand why you left. Have you tried talking to him?”

It felt as if his heart was going to burst. He pressed his lips together and swallowed down the lump that was in his throat. God he loved this man. He sniffled slightly before getting up and propping himself onto Rowan’s lap, legs on either side of him as he held on to his face. “I’m sorry I didn’t know how to love you the way I should have.” He said quietly. “But I feel I can now… I’m going to make mistakes, I know I will. But I know this time, I won’t have to work it out on my own.” 

He moved his eyes across Rowan’s face and committed everything to memory. The straight line of his nose, his sun-kissed skin, the flecks of hazel and gold in his eyes. 

Without another word, he finally closed the distance between them and captured Rowan’s lips with his, eyes fluttering closed as he felt his lungs expand as if it was the first time he could finally take a breath: by having his love take it away from him. 

“I love you, Rowan.” He murmured against his lips as he pressed his forehead against the other’s. “I’m sorry it took me a while to make this right…” 

Looking up at Leo he smiled, listening to ever syllable uttered. His heart swelled with love and pride. He said the things Rowan knew; he was going to make mistakes. They all were, they all had in one way or another. They had hurt each other, trying to figure out things on their own.

... I know this time, I won’t have to do it own my own.

Those were the words Rowan didn’t know he needed to hear. Even if they had been similar to his own words to Jude and her’s to him. If this was going to work, they had to be able to trust in each other. To lean on each other; they couldn’t carry the weight alone because they weren’t alone. Something he knew he had to continuously work on himself; given his nature.

But he could do it for them, he would do anything for them.

And then he was kissing him. His Leo, kissed him. For his part, Rowan didn’t try to hold back the moan the bubbled forth. His hands wrapping around Leo’s broad back pulling him closer to him. Savoring the moment, taking him in. The feel of him, his scent, the warmth of Leo’s lips on his. No, there was no possible way he would ever let him go. Leo was to precious not just as a lover. But as a friend, a confidant.

Rowan hummed when Leo pulled away. His grip on the him still tight unwilling to let him pull back. As his words washed over him, “ It doesn’t matter now,” he whispered. Finally opening teary eyes up towards his love, his heart, his home.

“What matters is that I have you back, that Jude and I have you back.” he breathed pecking Leo lips . “You and Jude mean the world to me. I’ve never loved anyone as much, as fearsomely as I love you both. You are my person, and I will love you till my last day.”

It was a long day, Rowan was looking forward to unwinding at home. No work, no projects due. Just a little bit of rest; turning the key to his london apartment. He was greeted by the aroma of fresh bread and sounds of laughter and cooing ; Jude and Leo no doubt. He couldn’t help but smile, it was the best part of his day, being able to come home and to his two favorite people.

“ Something smells good,” he called as he placed his bag on the rack near the door. He hadn’t noticed that their voices quited a little, as Padme rounded the corner from the living room flinging her arms around him hugging him.

“ Well this is nice,” he chuckled pressing a kiss in the mess of curls. “ What is this for.”

“What, can’t I give my boyfriend a hug welcoming him home.” her voice sweet.

Too sweet.

Here was the thing. Rowan had spent more then several years inside of a virtral reality game with Jude. It was a long time, he gotten to know her pretty well. She baked pastries and baked goods when she wanted to thank a person for helping her or her friends. How her nose scrunched up, when she was thinking about something. Her inability to wink- even though he found her attempts to be the cutest thing he’d seen.

Rowan also knew, when she was trying to butter him up. With hugs and kisses and his favorite foods. So as she pressed light kisses on his arms , arm still wrapped tightly around him holding him in place he got suspecious.

“Jude,” voice incredulous looking down at her, “ What’s going on?

A sheepish look adorn her face, “You have to promise not to get mad. Leo, tell him not to get mad.” she called over her shoulder.

“ Don’t get mad.” Leo called back still in the living room.

Yeah, this wasn’t good.

Reaching around, he gently pulled Jude’s arms from around his waist. When he heard a soft whining and something pawing at his leg. His eyes widen in surprise as very small and dirty puppy looked up at him.  “ You got a dog?”

“It’s not a dog,” she frowned kneeling to lift the creature up holding it in her arms. “-its a puppy.”

He rolled his eyes, “ Jude, this is like Baby B all over again.”

“Oh, can we name her Baby B,”

“No.”

“Why not,” she frowned

“Because naming it means we are going to keep it and we can’t”

Leo, entered the hall now, another dog- puppy in his hands. This one was black with blue eyes. “ Okay, but we might have named them already. We can’t name her Baby B. She a dog not some digital bat.”

Rowan shook his head, rubbing his forhead. “ We can’t name them anything because we aren’t keeping them.”

“Ah come on big guy,” watching as Sawyer poked her head around the corner. “This one kinda looks like Snow.” she said cuddling yet another puppy. Rowan looked between the three of them and let out a long sigh. Welp, there went his quiet night.

to be continued.

Droplets of dew clung to his skin, as he rolled over on his other side. The tiny pricks of grass, forcing him out of the dark, deep sleep he was in. Images flashed behind closed eyelids. He could remember the pain, everything hurt. Remember the distinct sound of bones breaking, the electric pain that shot through his arms and legs. Those were quickly pushed away by another set of images. Howls echoed in his head, he could see the creatures running. One, then another and another.

Fear took over him for a second before a calming presence could be felt. Soon he was running, chasing after them, passing a few of them keeping stride with the largest leading the pack. 

There was more, but as Rowan’s eyes open. The morning light greeting him. He couldn’t  recall them clearly. Even though he know what had happened… he had turned for the first time.

“ Here,” the voice came from above him.

The sun obscuring his face, but Rowan recognized the voice. Taking a firm grip of the others hand, he rose slowly to his feet. Every inch of his body was sore- but in a good way. Like he had done an extensive workout and the adrenaline was still running through him.  That feeling of euphoria only lasted a couple more seconds before Rowan started to realize he had no idea where he was.

And that he was very much naked.

Wordlessly, the man in front of him ( who wore jeans  and nothing else.) handed a pair of sweatpants to Rowan. Wordlessly giving his thanks. Tripping over his feet as he tried to put them on quickly. Where the fuck was his clothes?

“After you shift a few more times, you’ll start to remember things that happen during your phaseing.” the man; Leo said.

Right, he was a wolf now. Or, a werewolf. it was still bloody confusing and hard to wrap his head around.  “ From what I do remember I think I’ll pass,” he mutters looking around them now. Standing in an empty clearing. Trees surrounding them in a half-circle. As tall grass and the hint of honeysuckle and other wild flowers surrounded them.  It was just the two of them there, but Rowan could swear he hears laughter and music coming from somewhere.

Dark eyes were on the other man as he let out a chuckle.

“ We still have a trek before we meet up with the others,” he said clapping him on the shoulder.

“The rest of your… pack?”

“Our pack. You survived your shift Rowan,  you’re one of us now.”

Rowan didn’t know why but the idea that he had pleased this man made him… happy? Which didn’t make sense, because it was Leo who had totally changed his life and he didn’t know if he was happy about that?

Nodding his head apprehensively, he started to walk with the other man in silence for a moment.

“Where exactly are we going?”

Leo’s eyes on Rowan, his smiled growing- “ Your welcoming party.”

Part 1

Was he sure? 

Leo was not sure of many things. Back home, he hadn’t sure about whether or not his sister should go to social services or stay with him. It took him two weeks to finally realize that he could not live without her. He hadn’t been sure about his house, his bills, his jobs, his friends… 

Rowan and Jude though? This man in front of him. He was sure the moment he met him. He was sure that this man was someone he would follow through hell and back. 

He leaned into Rowan’s touch before shaking his head. 

“I’m sure about you, that was never a question for me. I will always want you, and I promise you, you won’t lose me again.” He leant his forehead against Rowan’s and breathed him in, losing himself in the man’s presence. 

“My Rowan. I’m done running away.” 

He believed him, Rowan believed that he meant what he was saying. And he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.  Eyes drifting close as he held onto him. Savoring his touch, the feel of him. Leo’s words was the savlve he knew his heart needed. Feeling it expand, welcoming Leo in.

Home.

It wasn’t a building, it wasn’t a country or city. Home, is the starting place of love, hope and dreams. Filled with the people you love, the hope for a better future for them and dreams that their greatest desires can be attained.

Catalys was home. Venus, Mars, Ares and Reverie were home; warm and familiar. Jude was his home his hearth, made complete with Leo.

For someone with such a big heart, why did it feel so full in this moment?

Cupping both sides of his face, Rowan’s nose ran along the light stuble on Leo’s cheek. Leaving soft kisses along his jaw. “ Good, because I was getting tired running after you.” he teased. His eyes meeting Leo as they shown with love. “I don’t plan on letting go of you again Leo. You are as much mine as I am yours.”

It took Leo a second before he finally took in a slow breath in an attempt to calm his heart as he slowly removed his hand from a top Rowan’s. “You always told me to use my words.” He began with a small smile. It had been something he knew Rowan wanted him to practice. He was always the type to go about life not asking for much, because he felt it led to disappointment… now though… He lifted his gaze and entwined their hands together, reveling in how his hand seemed to fit perfectly in the other’s, feeling as if it had been the missing piece that he knew he didn’t have for so long. 

“I was never good with them, words. I was never good at wanting things either…” He took another breath and reached out so his other hand could rest on Achilles’ cheek, thumb moving against the curve of his cheekbone. 

“And then I met you and I knew there was nothing in this world I wanted more. I knew I never wanted to let you go. Even when my head told me to, my heart was screaming for me to hold on tighter.” 

A small, hopeful smile tugged at his lips as he tilted his head shyly. 

“I’m tired of missing you, Rowan… so will you let me love you again? Because I never stopped.” 

Rowan swallowed thickly as he listen to Leo ‘ use his words’. His heart skipping a beat as Leo’s hands entwined with his own. Not realizing until then; how such a small act could hold so much meaning. How, he could miss the feel and warmth that radiated from him this much.

A part of him believed that this would happen. After sometime, and self reflections. Leo would come back to them he believed it more than anything. And he held onto that feeling ... but, the longer Leo stayed away. From him and Jude, form the guild. Each day slowly chipped away from that block of hope he clung to. Each day, reminding himself that they were only friends took another chunk. But he powered through it, put on a brave face and endured because he could see the changes even if they were small to others.

And it was what Leo wanted.

Leo frowned slightly before taking a long breath. “I’m not sorry for taking time for myself, you know? I think it had to happen… I had to be alone for a while. I’m just… I’m sorry for trying to push you away. For not telling you I missed you more than I should. I guess some part of me still believed that you and Jude were better off without me, and I know you and Jude have told me otherwise, but I can’t help it sometimes.” That was probably his biggest concern. It had always been a concern of his, and he was worried that that insecurity might always be there, a painful shadow that lurked in the back of his mind, just like the rest of his skeletons he’s now come to accept have been too deeply embedded in his person to dust away. 

“I guess in the process of doing so, we’ve both missed a lot.” He took another deep breath before focusing his gaze on the hand that was still on his knee. 

They shared a long silence before Leo lowered his voice. 

“And I don’t want to miss you anymore, Rowan. I’m tired of missing you.” 

“You shouldn’t be sorry,” Rowan said nodding his head. “I get it Leo, I get what you needed to do. What you were trying to do. You don’t have to apologize for taking the time to figure things out. To work on you, at least you had the forsight to do it sooner rather then later.”

Didn’t change the fact that it hurt. It had hurt Jude, it effected Rowan too. Even if he put on a smile and tried not to let it show. For this very reason, he didn’t want Leo to feel guilt or feel like he had to apologize. It wasn’t easy losing Leo but it was necessary . “Would we get alone without you? Yes, I’m sure we could have but we wouldn’t be as happy as we would with you by our side. I guess I can’t apologize for that either. ” he shook his head ruefully. “That is the problem with you  Leo, you think on an aweful lot of things that require more heart work.”

And Rowan used his heart when he should have used his head.

There really were better together, a sobering thought all things considered.

The silence was welcome because it allowed Rowan a moment. To enjoy this, them together before Leo went running away and he would have to leave him again, But he didn’t, the words he spoke had Rowan looking at him. Only to find that Leo was looking down into his lap; where his hand still lay on his knee.

“ What does that even mean,” he chuckled, his heart starting to increase in pace at the implication that he didn’t dare hope for. Rowan wanted to reach out and lift his chin to make Leo look at him. But he couldn’t, selfishly he wanted Leo to take the step on his own, to make the move first. If only for this one time. “ What do you mean , Leo?”

It was a worry that slowly ebbed away at Rowan’s words. He felt his heart beat quicken at the warmth of his hand, only to rest his own over Rowan’s, just as they had done so many times before. It was a comfort unique to the man in front of him, and it was one he treasured greatly. “Thanks, Rowan.” He said quietly, squeezing back in return. He relished in the silence they shared before he looked around at the empty war room, hand still on top of Rowan’s. 

“And I guess you’re right.” He reached out without thinking and tapped at Rowan’s forehead lightly. “The head and the heart. What would I do without you, hmm?” 

What would he have done if Rowan hadn’t been there? It was a thought he didn’t often like to think about. His smile wavered slightly as the words he had so often wanted to say danced precariously on his tongue. Perhaps it was the silence of the room, the intimacy and ease of everything, the ultimate longing he couldn’t seem to banish. 

“You know… In these moments… I miss you the most.” 

 Rowan felt his traitorous pulse jump when Leo rested a hand over his own. Having to remind himself once again that they were just friends. Leo was being friendly, that was all it was... wasn’t it?

“ Let’s not even think about it,” he said lowly. Fact was, Rowan needed Leo. His big heart was liable to get him into trouble and with things the way they were now. The thought of not having Leo next to him? Being unable to have moments like this. And even this was a treat, it had been so long and this... this felt familiar. A kin to how they used to be.

Then Leo had to go and say something sweet, that he missed him. And it wasn’t just the way he said it. It was in his eyes, how he looked at him that left Rowan speechless and breathless for a moment. Sitting there, blinking at him like an idiot.

You’re just friends Ro, he missed you as a friend.

It was a sad reminder but one that he took seriously; he didn’t want to overstep. Didn’t want to hope for something that wasn’t coming. So, he smiled nodding his head. “ I missed you too, a lot. You know, we hung out more when I was a solo player then we did once we joined Catalyst.” he rolled his eyes internally.  “What I mean to say is... you’ve been off. Mourning and making weapons and drawing flyers.” Not to mention the fact Rowan was running around on missions and his own side projects with the five. In a couple of month they both had changed quite a bit. “ Feels like I missed a lot.”

“Yes, but instead of read books, we shoot arrows at tiny targets and talk about how much we hate how our bowstrings always snap.” He said with an amused grin, going through his flyers (now with sad faces on them) before his smile grew soft. “I’ll sleep later.” He finally said, leaning back to get himself comfortable. Now, he truly didn’t want to sleep. Not if it meant being able to spend some time with Achilles. 

“We’ll have matching cloaks and go on hunts and everything.” He played along, tapping his chin lightly as he watched Achilles pull up a chair. He felt his abdomen grow warm with contentment as he nudged at Achilles’ knee in mock offense, before taking the seat next to Rowan in acquiesce. 

“You’re the artist, as you so frequently like to remind us. What should it look like?” He joked before shaking his head. 

“I don’t know, Rowan. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m doing this.” His smile wavered as he pondered over whether or not this was a good idea. “I can train our guild members, give priority to one or two archers, but… this is different, you know? These people don’t trust me. Why would they come train with me when they don’t even know me?” Now that he voiced this concern, his brows furrowed slightly. 

“I even bought welcome snacks. What if no one comes to the first meeting to eat the welcome snacks?” 

His shoulders shook with mirth as he listened to an excited Leo talk about his new ventrue. Rowan had to admit... he missed that smile. Losing Sawyer had done a number on him. He hated to admit it but, there was a small part of him that was fearful that they would lose him forever. Now, as he listened to the other man’s laughter echo around them in the war room. Rowan was happy to have him back.

“Clearly I haven’t told you enough, because you didn’t ask me in the first place.” he scoffed in faux annoyance looking towards him. Trying to ignore the familiar pull that came with Leo being so close to him.  “It’s your club, got to get a feel for what the mastermind is going for. You’re the brain remember, you tell me what you want. I give you the bigger picture.” he smiled thinking on their last talk.

Once he had left Hades hospital room. He felt the saddness cling to him, like a pile of rocks were sitting in his lower abdoman. When he got to Syphon’s room all he could do was stew and contemplate everything that happened and couldn’t help but feel some sort of finality. As if things were really over, he had barely slept. Which was silly wasn’t it, Hades had broke things off a while ago. Why had it taken so long to hit Achilles? Was he holding on to hope? Whatever it was, the energy between them now was changed. It wasn’t how it use to be, it was... diffrent but in a good way.

Hades was joking and teasing and the man he use to know didn’t really do much of that. Not on purpose.

“Don’t Leo,” he said looking over at him now. “ Don’t start off thinking the worst. Your good and there are plenty of archers that would fight along side you.” without thinking, Rowan placed a hand on Hades’s knee giving it a light squeeze. “ People will come, and eat your snacks, and wear your matching cloaks and train and go hunting. You got this.”

“How many people really live in Turkey?” she asked through a yawn. “That’s like…at least a half a percent. Maybe the other guy will only get two votes.” With the high number of healing potions she was currently taking, Jude was finding it harder and harder to keep her eyes open, though she didn’t want to miss any of what he was saying. Not when it was clearly so important to him. “Fiancee,” she repeated. It sounded good, sounded right, to hear the word in the air. “I haven’t said yes, yet. I’m going to need to see the ring first.” 

She tried again to wink–she wanted the ring, that was true, but she didn’t care how big it was, and she’d have married him without it–but it was hardly better than her last try. “Of course I do,” she said. “All us street rats have a loft. But the guards never chase me. I have a very innocent face.” 

As he finished his story, Jude kept her face buried in his chest, so when she spoke, her voice was muffled in the fabric of his shirt. “I know, Aşkım,” she whispered. He wouldn’t have been him if he hadn’t fought for the other player’s honor, hadn’t expected the best from them. She only wished she could have him from the moments when that hope was let down. She hated to see him dissapointed. “Okay,” she agreed, and this time, there was definitely a tired slur to her voice. “I’ll hold you to that. I’m…just gonna close my eyes for a second, okay?” 

Rowan pulled the covers higher over their bodies. Smiling as she burrowed closer to his chest. She must have been exhausted and here he was keeping her from getting her sleep. And as Jude yawned, Rowan let out a yawn of his own. What time was it? He wasn’t sure but it would seem that his littly nymph had gotten her aim. He was far to comfortable to move, and didn’t want to be the reason why Jude didn’t get the sleep that she needed.

“It’s always the innocent ones that you have to watch out for.” he teased. Resting his chin on the crown of her head.