The Dragon Master and the Frost Queen: A Frozen-HTTYD Crossover

The week had passed by rather quickly. Work for the forge was steady, and Hiccup had garnered two new projects from Valdor. He had a couple of projects in mind also, but would have to work on them in private. The princess came by the day following their tour. She was still somewhat apologetic. She brightened quickly as Hiccup assured her he wasn't upset. She stayed for an hour, chatting and asking questions about the forge and what he'd been working on.

Two days later, she showed up again at lunchtime and dragged Hiccup to one of her favorite restaurants. They talked and ate. Anna seemed a bit distracted, she was a bundle of energy. It probably had something to do with her fiance returning. By the time they were done, half of the customers were laughing, the other half were giving looks of shock. They parted company with Anna promising lunch at the castle gardens, and a meeting with Kristoff.

He was surprised a day later at another visitor. He had finished working on one of his projects for the day, and had cleaned up the shop. While writing some ideas down in his journal, he heard the door open and close. He was very surprised to see the queen herself! He quickly got off the stool he was sitting on, and straightened his tunic. He bowed.

"Your Majesty! How, how nice to see you! H-how may I help you?" She was wearing an elegant light blue dress, dusted with ice crystals. Her hair had a single braid that was draped over her shoulder in front. A simple gold circlet sat atop her head. She was beautiful, Hiccup had a hard time breathing.

"Hello Hiccup!" She frowned, and turned her head slightly. She straightened, facing him again, "-Master Hiccup err, Haddock!" She took a breath, "I've come to see how my sisters' gift is coming along. I know it has only been a week, but I, I… wanted to see… it, the gift that is…" She was frowning again, it was difficult to see with the firelight but her face appeared flushed.

"Well My Lady, as fate would have it, I was just sketching some ideas I had for it" He said. Her eyes widened.

"Really!? May I see?" She looked very eager. She took a few quick steps away from the door then slowed, looking for, -something on the floor. He remembered their first meeting, a small smile crept across his face.

"Don't worry, I've thoroughly cleaned it!" He said. She looked at him again. They way she bit her lip did both terrible - and wonderful - things to his insides. Her expression changed slightly. She was trying to fight the smile sliding across her face… she wasn't successful.

"Yes! We… we wouldn't want a repeat of our first meeting, would we?" She said demurely. As she came closer, he could see that she was indeed blushing. He found it very endearing.

"No, ahhh not at all, -would we?" Their eyes met at that moment, holding each others' gaze. There was mirth, and also, -a challenge? Elsa didn't stop moving toward him until she was nearly in his personal space. She blinked, then realized where she was. She didn't back off.

"You know, I was thinking, that could be a good way to start negotiations… Especially between rivals! You tackle them to the ground, and then give them your terms!" He said. She looked at him incredulously, then a smile bloomed across her face. She started laughing. A sweet and melodious tune that sent his heart soaring…

After a minute, she gained a small amount of control and said, "Well, at least it would set the mood! Probably save time too!" Her statement had them both laughing again until their eyes were wet. After a few more moments she was down to a few soft giggles, covering her mouth. He knotted his brow slightly, Such a beautiful smile! Why cover it? but took the cue to get back to showing her his ideas.

"Yes, well, Valdor gave this to me. Said his old fingers were not quite up to this task. I had actually started thinking about it when you mentioned it to me, but I hadn't even met Anna yet… and now, I have so… I wanted to make it extra special, you know, for the both of you…" It was then he noticed the look on her face. He saw it before, as someone was getting ready to softly chide a child…"Aaaand I'm rambling, aren't I?" She was then looking at him, a small smile on her face, she stifled a giggle. Shaking her head slightly, she said softly.

"May I see them?"

"Y..yes, of course!" He opened the book on the table, flipping through pages until he found the one he was looking for. She leaned in to get a closer look at his sketches.

"They're not much, just, ideas… Valdor hasn't gotten the stones yet, so I'll have to make adjustments for those as well." She straightened, not taking notice of her closer proximity.

"I'm sure it will be amazing, Hiccup." She frowned, but didn't turn away. "I want to show her my appreciation for, for everything! For taking on more responsibility, for cheering me up, for… understanding." She looked askance, lost in a thought or memory it seemed.

"Anna, -the Princess! Told me about, your childhood. I would have handled that… differently… especially after your parents were lost. I know when my father died, I needed all the support I could get!" He knew, Gods help him, he knew. He closed his eyes against the memory. He'd said goodbye to his father, and accepted his death. It still stung a little.

She sucked in a breath, bringing her hands to her mouth. "I'm sorry Hiccup! How, -how did it happen?" She unconsciously laid a hand on his arm to comfort him.

"It was about five years ago, we were in a battle against a madman. Who wanted to conquer all the land he came across. He was ruthless, he, he killed without conscious. He was forcing a… a friend to… strike me down. He nearly succeeded, but… my… father…" He closed his eyes again, they were stinging this time. He HAD accepted this…

Elsa gasped, she was now gripping his arm tighter. " NO! Your,… your father took the blow meant for, -for YOU? " He nodded and winced slightly. Elsa brought up her other hand, and placed it on his cheek.

"I'm so… sorry Hiccup, I didn't mean… to… to-" He brought up his hand, and rested it atop Elsas' on his cheek, leaning slightly into the contact.

"It's… alright…" He took another moment to squash the lump in his throat. "I,… I like to think he made it to Valhalla, He's up there now, drinking and feasting… probably mostly drinking… with all of our ancestors, and the heroes of Midgard!" It helped, just a little.

"I didn't get to attend my parents… funeral." She said, "I, I was lost in my, my grief. When I loose control of my feelings, my emotions… I, -I loose control of… my… powers. I had already hurt Anna once. I couldn't let it happen again-" She had closed her eyes, it was coming back to her. Her pain, her anguish, "I, I-wanted to hold my sister, -but it was too much to risk… I was taught throughout my childhood to not feel, don't let my emotions show. To always be in control…" Hiccup took Elsas' hand from his cheek, and held it lightly.

"You lost control again, -anyway, didn't you?" He asked.

"Yes, during the coronation ball. Anna and I argued, and I, I released my powers against my will… I, I'd almost hurt her again. I was so frightened! I… I ran away, so, so I couldn't hurt anybody…" A tear fell from the corner of her eye. Hiccup felt for her, understanding more about her. He placed his hand on her cheek, wiping the tear away with his thumb.

"Anna came after you, didn't she…" He said softly.

"She did! She sacrificed herself for me. It, it made me realize love was the one thing balancing all of it out. The pain, the fear, all of it. The love of, and for my sister balances out he fear of, and for my powers…" Hiccup considered this, it was quite the revelation.

"So, you, -fear, your, your powers?" He asked gently,

"Well, no, -I don't fear them. I fear losing control of them. Most of the time, I use them to create good things. But after my Coronation, I was forced to use them defensively. I could feel the power flowing through me. And when I, -get angry, or upset too. I can feel it. This immense power… I, I can't help but feel, -one wrong turn, one bad decision, -I could be lost to it…" She closed her eyes tightly. Another tear leaked out.

His other hand moved of its' own accord, cupping her other cheek. Gently wiping her tears away. He wasn't sure what he felt for her, but it grew in that moment. He realized how special she was. She had come through trials and adversity, only to become stronger. He did feel a little sad. Some small part of her, -always holding back. Never realizing her full and true potential. He held her face gently in his hands, getting lost in her eyes. He barely registered her hands on his arms, rubbing, then squeezing them lightly. He could stay like this forever.

The fire gave a few pulses of flame before it was extinguished, leaving the room in almost total darkness. He was an idiot. He should have been paying attention. But then again, there was great reason for his distraction. Part of him didn't mind being alone in the dark with a beautiful woman. But if they were caught, It would be scandalous. He didn't want to put her through anything like that.

He rose from the stool, knocking it over. "Sorry, jus, -just wait a moment." He kept a hand on the workbench to keep a reference.

"Hiccup."

He took a half-step back, and almost tripped. He got himself turned around and lost his reference. It's so dark! "It's OK, Just let me find that…" He put his arms out try to find… his hand came in contact with something warm and soft. "Ahhh, h, hold on!"

"Hiccup!"

"S, sorry! Sorry! Uhhmm, Let me… ahhh" He heard something hit the floor just to his side. He bent over before he realized he couldn't see anything anyway, when his head hit something solid.

"Owww! Dammit! Wait, just… wait…" He closed his eyes, it really smarted…

"HICCUP!"

He stopped at the command. He brought his hand up and started massaging where the lump would surely form. Sweet baby Thor! He had to find that flint! If they were caught, -if someone walked in right now…

Just like that, there was light. But he didn't make it… He opened his eyes to a snowflake. It was about four inches across. Floating in mid-air, spinning slowly. "Wwwoooaaahhh!" He was mesmerized. It was perfect, and beautiful… His eyes flitted from it to her face. Her eyes glowed slightly. But in this particular light, her could see her true beauty. The bluish-white light made her stand out in a most stunning way. Her nose, her lips, her chin… He couldn't form a coherent thought. -She was, just, so, -lovely! His eyes went back to the snowflake. His hand moved of it's own accord. It cupped underneath hers, holding the glowing crystalline flake.

Her hand twitched slightly. The snowflake rose slowly to the ceiling. He watched it for a moment, then dropped his gaze to her face. She was looking at him, at his eyes. Her eyes then made a turn about his face, then returned to his eyes. He couldn't discern what he saw there. He looked down. His hand still cupped her left, but somehow, she was holding his left hand. She blinked, then shrugged her shoulders shyly. When she bit her lip, his insides twisted and flipped all at once.

The rest of the darkness revealed the lateness of the hour. They separated, but not quickly. They both stood a moment or two before he spoke.

"It's getting late, I, -I… really ought to get you back to the castle…"

"Yeah… You're right… I, I should. be. getting… back…" She seemed lost in her own thoughts, or at least, terribly distracted. He was nearly sure she felt the same as he, but it was foolish to think he knew at any point in time what a woman was thinking.

"May I, umm, May I,… walk you back to the castle? I, uhhh, wouldn't want anybody to speak ill of you…"

" YES! I, Ahhh, that is…" She cleared her throat, and drew a breath, calming herself. He wasn't fooled. "Yes you may, Hiccup! And… don't worry, my people trust me. The guards will be discreet." Hiccup could buy that, he could see how the people reacted towards her.

"I guess it helps being Queen, AND the Snow Queen!" He quipped. She started laughing once more.

"You'd better believe it Mister!" She glared, and her eyes flashed for a second. A half-comical, half-ferocious sneer on her face. Hiccup nearly tripped on his own feet, and burst forth laughing. He stumbled over to the hearth, lighting a candle. He put the forge fire out, and raked the coals. He grabbed his journal, then walked her to the door.

Opening it with a flourish, and a deep bow, He said, "My Lady!" She nodded her head at him and walked through, acting like the Queen she was.

"Thank you, Master Haddock!" He frowned at the use of that gods-forsaken title again. But he caught her glancing at him sideways, a slight curl to the corner of her mouth. He was equal parts relieved and chagrined, upon seeing the guards at the door. He guessed she couldn't be too careful…

After locking the door to the shop, he walked alongside Elsa, and offered his arm. She took it with a smile, and they both started the trek back to the castle. He noticed it was a slower pace than his usual, faster pace, but he didn't mind. No Sir! Not. one. bit! They talked along the way, Elsa gave a little information and history of the festival starting tomorrow. She would be very busy in the coming week, he understood. He thought the look in her eyes was a plea, maybe for him to come? To seek her out, perhaps? He was definitely coming, he assured her. Her face brightened considerably, and he thought he felt a slight tug on his arm? Hmmph! women!

They reached the castle gates. Anna was there along with another couple. The woman was slightly taller than her, with short brown hair. She was wearing a stylish pink dress, and there was a circlet on her head. The man was slightly taller than he. He wore a white military style tunic, with epaulets. A red sash bordered with blue stripes was draped around him, finished off with red pants with a dark blue stripe going up each side. He had black hair, and was sporting a stylish goatee.

Upon seeing them, Anna crossed her arms, and stomped right up to him. Right up into his face, a scowl on hers, that would make a dragon cringe in fear. "And just WHAT, in Gods' name were you DOING out there with my SISTER! MASTER Haddock!?" Looks of shock were on everyones' faces, including his!

"Ahhh, Well I, you know… showing her how to start a forge fire, proper -ummm, tool selection, you know, the aaaah, finer points of blacksmithing! Quite the handy… skill to ummm have!" He was shocked! This was Anna, bubbly, always happy, Anna, wasn't it? It started with her eyes, her scowl lessened. The corners of her mouth rising. He knew he'd been had. Her laughter burst forth like a tidal wave. They were all laughing after a moment, when they realized she was teasing. Hiccup glanced at Elsa, she was trying to hide her laughing again, but doing a rather poor job at his expense, shaking her head. Typical Anna…

"Oh! Hiccup! -your, your face!" She was trying to catch her breath. It was comical, and he couldn't help but chuckle. She was certainly something else…

Elsa cleared her throat, redirecting the conversation, "Hiccup, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Princess Rapunzel, and her husband, Prince Eugene!" He was taken aback by her name. He bowed, and she held out her hand. He took it, and planted a peck on her knuckle.

"Rapunzel? That's quite an unusual name." He said. She gave him a flat look.

"That's quite the accusation, Master HICCUP! " He realized his mistake too late…

"Ahhh, Yeah, ummm, Touche! Princess, touche!" She beamed at him. She didn't take it badly, and wouldn't hold it against him. He was relieved.

"So! A traveling blacksmith huh?" Prince Eugene spoke up. "Where are you from?" He looked at Hiccup. He had a piercing gaze. Hiccup couldn't help but feel he was being weighed. He didn't like it.

"I'm from an island far to the north, pretty much on the edge of the civilized world." Hiccup answered.

"Hmmm, Viking lands?" The prince was stroking his beard thoughtfully. He was sure of it now, he was being interrogated, politely yes, but still interrogated. He liked it even less.

"Yes…" He drew out his answer a little, hoping he would catch on. He would be disappointed.

"Interesting! We haven't heard much of them for quite a while. We hear reports of raids along the Anglish coast. Long ago, it was said they terrorized the whole northern sea! We had thought they had died out, or simply moved on…" He was being led on, but he could humor him for a while still.

"Yes, our ancestors raided and pillaged along much of the northern coasts. There are still a few tribes who practice this still, but are discouraged from doing so. We pretty much keep to ourselves any more. Trading, and fishing, and farming too. That is what we do now…" Hiccups' ire was growing.

"I see! You know, there have been vague, very vague, stories of a viking tribe that has tamed or trained… dragons…" That was it! he wasn't giving another inch to this prince! He was practically glaring daggers at Eugene. Thankfully, the girls picked up on it.

"Dragons! Come now Eugene! REALLY? I mean dragons have been extinct for over a hundred years! No one has even seen a dragon for at least a hundred fifty years!" Anna was looking at the prince incredulously. Hiccup was glaring, but Eugene seemed nonplussed.

"It's just what I've heard…" He said in dismissal. Hiccup had a good mind to give this insolent… pup… a large piece of his mind! Leave it to Anna to save the day. She took the prince and princess by the arms, and herded them towards the palace.

"Well, we really should be going now, we have dinner waiting on us! Wouldn't want the cooks upset with us! Goodbye Hiccup! It was nice seeing you again!" Rapunzel had barely enough time to wave apologetically before she was dragged off. Before they got too far, they were spun around by Anna, who threw a wink and a smile their way. He could see Elsa from the corner of his eye shaking her head. Oh Anna…

Elsa looked at Hiccup and drew a calming breath, "You must forgive Eugene, he can be a bit… abrasive, at times."

"Abrasive!? I feel thoroughly polished right about now! In fact, you may not be able to look at me in the sunlight!" Her words calmed him a little, her giggles even more so.

"Oh, shush Hiccup! He was just, curious, and maybe a little protective… I'm sure he didn't mean anything." Now he was being shushed! If it was anyone but her…

He drew a deep breath, "Fine, fine! For you, -anything!" He was a bit surprised at his response, but at this point, he didn't care. He turned and faced her, and looked in her eyes. She was looking up at him, taking in his features, as if committing them to memory. He didn't remember taking her hands, or maybe she took his? All he knew was that he was holding them, he didn't want to let go.

"Hiccup, I'm sorry if I upset you earlier, prying into something so, so personal. Please forgive me!" She was looking at him earnestly. When she bit her lip, his insides turned to jelly.

"Please, Milady! There is nothing to forgive! You, you told me of your troubles as well, so that makes us even doesn't it?" Her expression changed to one of relief, or joy? Maybe both. She tilted her head slightly, and leaned towards him ever so subtly. She stopped and cast her eyes to either side, then back to him. She took a half-step back not letting go of his hands. "Hiccup, I…" She appeared to be trying to find words to put on a thought, but could not.

"Maybe I'll see you at the festival tomorrow?" He asked. She nodded very enthusiastically. There was also…"You know, Anna promised me lunch in the gardens… Maybe you could be there as well?"

"I'd like that very much Hiccup!" She said smiling widely. He was pretty sure that's what Anna had in mind anyway, it wouldn't hurt to mention it either way. They stood there for a moment longer, looking upon each other. They both sighed at the same time. It was enough to elicit a laugh from them both. Elsa spoke first…

"Hiccup… I, I'll see you tomorrow?" Her tone was hopeful, maybe a request?

"I'll be there Elsa, every day!" He brought her hands up to eye level. Looking deeply into her eyes, he kissed one hand, then the other. Not a short kiss, but one he hoped would convey his feelings for her, and a promise to her. By all the Gods, he hoped he would be able to spend even a little more time with her.

"Good, goodnight, Hiccup." She gave his hands a squeeze.

"Goodnight, Elsa…" They released each others' hands, then Elsa turned to go. She took a few steps, then stopped and turned back halfway towards him. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She smiled and turned back in the direction of the palace. He watched her go, and noticed three figures over her shoulder. They were standing on the topmost step of the entrance looking their way. He couldn't tell who they were in the fading light, but he would bet a bucket full of dragon scales it was Anna, the prince, and the princess. As she reached the top step he saw Elsa turn her head back in his direction, briefly, then the four of them entered, the door closing behind them. Hiccup sighed, then headed towards the cave.

Toothless was happy to see him of course, when he got back. His human only patted the his head when he arrived. Hiccup went about his routine mechanically. Saddling him, donning his own scales… not saying a word. His rider seemed unharmed, he couldn't understand why his human was acting this way. There was a strong scent of a female he recognized. He continued nudging him, trying to get him to speak, or at least change his mood. He only let the heavy breaths escape, ones he recognized when his rider was distressed. Or was it some difficulty he was in? He didn't know, he was only a dragon. He couldn't speak to him as they did. They were about to go flying, and that always seemed to make him happier. The prospect of a belly full of fish made HIM happier. He just didn't understand humans…

They walked out together towards the clearing. His rider resting his hand on his head. After waiting and listening, he felt the humans' weight on his back. He spread his wings, and took off. He headed straight up, towards the clouds. This usually made the rider shout with happiness, but not today. After reaching the clouds, he rolled over on his back. Straightening once he rolled completely over… He knew he liked that too… only, He still seemed sad. He turned his head to look at him, giving a concerned warble. He felt the riders' hand on his head, then his neck. "I'm sorry, Bud! I haven't been paying attention to you… That was great! A great takeoff!" He was satisfied for now. After he filled his belly with fish, he would take them to one of their roosts. He knew just where…

Mmmm, Fish! So sweet, and salty, and crunchy! He didn't know why humans preferred the land animals. He liked them too, especially the short, fat ones that roamed their home territory. -But they weren't Fish! He'd nearly gotten too much, he found it hard to stay in the air. His human was still mostly silent, although he did make the noise of joy a few times, when he accidentally… maybe, splashed the wet stuff on him.

He spotted the roost in the distance. The rider wasn't trying to change his flight, so he turned in the direction of it. He hoped the rider was paying attention, he was working hard to fly, and he knew it was going to be a rough landing… -but ohhh the fish! He landed hard. The human got off, speaking to him, "Whoah Bud! You… you ate too much again, didn't you?" HE wasn't going to apologize, it was the fishes' fault! He made a sound of happiness, and started running his hands all over his head. -And would he possibly? Maybe? Ohhhh YES! That spot behind the ear! oHHHH, he rubbed his head against the human, He thought at that moment, that every dragon should have a human. He stuck his tongue out and wiped riders' face in appreciation. "Ahhh! Toothless! That's… You're welcome Bud, anytime!" The rider rested his head against his own for a moment, then walked to the edge of the roost, Hanging his, his feet, over the edge.

He sat there for a moment watching the light circle sink into the water. He stretched a little, then laid his head on his paws. He would need a nap before he could fly properly again. He awoke to a scent carried on the wind. It was familiar, but different. His human was speaking again, "I. don't. know. Bud… Elsa, she's… she's wonderful, and, -amazing! And I, I think I've fallen for her! But, A -Astrid… I'm not sure…" He recognized that name. It was the riders' mate. He hadn't seen her for a long time, her nor her dragon. She always showed her teeth when she met him. Her hands were strong and soft. She would give him extra fish! He had grabbed her out of the air a few times, but it wasn't a game. He liked her, and her dragon. They would play chase, and hunt, also pulling and pushing each other. He wished they would return soon. He was sure his mate would make him make the happy noises again…

His rider stood up and spoke, "Well, I think we should be getting back yeah? Got rid of some of that extra weight did you?" He huffed, indeed! He could carry forty humans, barely flapping his wings! He climbed on and they left the roost. He flew slowly at first, then did a loop, then some fast, swooping turns. The rider made the happy noises, patting him on a favorite spot on his neck. He was happy rider was feeling better. They returned to their roost on the ground. Rider then took off his saddle, and the flying things. He heated his bed, he could now rest. The rider removed his human scales, then sat down next to him. He was quiet for a moment, then spoke: "I'm going to have to tell her… Elsa! I'll have to tell her everything… even about, you. I, -I think I can trust her, but it means risking your life as well. That's not something I'm willing to do… for anything!" He huffed, humans made everything complicated! He didn't understand… He felt the riders' weight against him, keeping him warm, then closed his eyes, and sleep took him.

"I don't know, he seems like a good guy, but he's definitely hiding something. Definitely a leader. Royalty? I don't think so, but a leader of some sort." He said.

"It takes one to know one, Eugene?" He turned to the source of the voice, and was stopped in his tracks. He thanked every god out there at that moment, for having him make the choice to climb that tower, those many years ago… There was a smile on her face that reached all the way to her eyes. Those beautiful green eyes. Framed by her short brunette hair… Aaaand he was getting sidetracked…

"We should find out what it is he's hiding. Maybe he's been exiled or something? He's on the run for some reason? Maybe looking for new trade partners in advance of something more official?" He said. He was pretty sure of his ability of reading people. Something didn't fit about this man. After the cousins' trouble those years ago, they were being cautious. Rightly so! Poor Elsa was quite stricken. It was easy enough to see. She was just sitting there picking at her plate, staring at, I don't know… the table?… her fork? He was fond of them, especially Anna. Maybe he would take it upon himself to talk to him. For their sakes.

He voiced the idea, directed towards Elsa. It took some effort to finally grab her attention. Poor thing! This may be her first experience with this.

"I, -I'm sorry, Eugene! Wh, what was it you were saying?" She reached up behind her ear to tuck a stray hair or two back.

"I was saying, maybe I should talk to him, man to man, you know, see if I can find out more about him." Her brow furrowed in thought, considering his words.

"I, I don't. know. You didn't make a very good impression on him when I introduced you…" A small smile came to her lips, and a giggle. She drew a hand up to stifle it.

"What Elsa? What did you do?" Anna spoke up, brimming with curiosity.

"I shushed him! I, I told him Eugene was just being protective!"

Anna squealed at this, all three girls burst forth giggling. He just rolled his eyes. Hummph -women… He would never understand them.

After they had settled, Elsa cleared her throat, "Thank you, Eugene. I, I feel I can trust him… it's just, -just…" She trailed off, thinking.

"It's just a new experience for you, isn't it?" Rapunzel said. "Confusing, and terrifying, and wonderful… all at the same time!"

"But what Eugene said is right." Anna said, "While I feel I can trust him too, some things don't add up. If he is royalty, or some kind of foreign official, why doesn't he declare himself? If he was 'on the run' as Eugene says, he wouldn't be open at all, or at least not as much as he has been…" All good points. He remembered what it was like, being on the run. Always hiding who you were, lest you be found out and thrown in a dungeon somewhere. Never being able to stay in one place for very long. One of the hardest things was keeping his story straight. Remembering names and places and dates. It always seemed that a pretty face would trip him up, causing him to leave. Until, that is, he met a beautiful young woman with incredibly long, blonde hair.

A little more discussion was had, until they realized the hour was late. They all had duties to perform tomorrow, indeed, the whole week would be very busy. He and Rapunzel bid their good-nights to the cousins and retired to their quarters. They drew a bath, and after washing each other, sat there enjoying the last of the warm water and each other. He had his back to the side of the tub, she was against him, her back to his front. they both spoke at the same time.

"I was thinking…" She leaned forward, half turning to look at him, she smiled and bit her lip. It was funny how they seemed to be thinking the same thing, frightening sometimes. He nodded, having her go first.

"I, I know how she must feel, it reminds me of when a girl met a certain ruffian one day." She poked him in his side teasingly, smiling coyly at him.

"Really? How did that turn out?" He cocked an eyebrow, smiling.

"Well, they had an adventure together… got themselves in a pretty bad situation, once or twice…" This caused his eyebrows to head straight for his hairline.

"Wow-sounds like a great time!" She giggled, looking upon his face, she continued.

"She was very confused, because she had never felt this way… ever!" He nodded thoughtfully, he'd play along. He liked this story. "… and before he realized, he fell in love with her…"

"Well, what happened next?" He brought his hand slowly up her back, making lazy circles with his fingers.

"He died trying to save her! -But-she saved him right back!" She was relaxing to his ministrations, laying her head on his chest.

"Sounds like a lucky guy! Sooo, how does the story end?" He said. A fond smile on his lips.

She looked up at him and kissed his jaw. Her hands tracing a now familiar path from his shoulder, across his chest. She lifted herself off his chest to look him in the eye. She furrowed her brow in thought. Her hands moved from his chest to his stomach, then lower.

"I don't quite remember…" She was looking at him through half lidded eyes, a smug smirk on her face "Why don't you remind me?"