Chapter Text
Clothes clung uncomfortably to the bodies of the eight travelers in the thick desert heat. None of them had quite adjusted to the climate like the Gallopolitans, least of all Erik, whose body was accustomed to the freezing Snifflheim winters.
He grimaced, wanting nothing more than to strip off his Corsair coat, which was grimly plastered to him. Pride got in the way, however, as he knew that the outfit looked much better with the coat. Besides, he really didn't want the others to see his ugly sweat patches. Well, one person in particular. He also knew said person was very fond of this outfit, him being the one who had bought it for Erik. His self-preservation and need to please El triumphed over his own discomfort.
The temperature wasn't the only cause of uneasiness. There was a lingering awkwardness between El and Erik- little had happened since the events in the forest. The events that had ended so passionately.
They slept next to eachother every night, but they always had, ever since the day Erik broke him out of jail. They'd kissed a handful of times, quick, light kisses, nothing compared to that morning in the tent. Both were hesitant and afraid, it being uncharted territory for the two of them. El was still the largely inexperienced boy from before, while Erik had the opposing problem of being well experienced, but not knowing exactly how to deal with romantic encounters that lasted more than a night.
Though the thief's arm was no longer in a sling, the mild throbbing in his wrist was a constant reminder of the experience they had shared together.
How El had painstakingly cared for him with his self-inflicted injuries. How El blushed furiously when he pulled him on top of him. How El had fearlessly kissed him in front of all of their friends.
He'd made no such bold moves since.
El stole glances at the boy walking next to him. He knew he was too hot but also way too stubborn to remove his thick coat.
He also knew that Erik loved him, though he hadn't told him he knew this. He wasn't supposed to have read the note from Sylv, which had stated in black and white that Erik really did love him. He had to wait until Erik was ready to open up. He hadn't told Erik that he loved him either, so he couldn't really blame him for withholding this deep confession.
Maybe he's fallen out of love with me? I need to do something, anything...
He forced himself into action.
"You not gonna take that off?" He tugged at the embroidered sleeve.
"Why would I?" He defended, lifting his chin up indignantly, not wanting El to uncover his secret vanity.
"Because you're clearly too hot." He gave him a wry smile.
In more ways than one.
"You know what they say? Beauty is pain." He replied, flipping his hand dramatically whilst trying to keep a straight face.
El laughed breathily, amused by how ridiculous Erik could be. Why wouldn't he just take it off!
Unthinkingly, he linked his arm in Erik's, gently pulling him closer as they walked through the giant stone gates. He smelt like dusty air and stale sweat, which would be unpleasant if it wasn't so comforting. So Erik. It wouldn't be right if he smelt like roses or sandalwood.
Erik flinched back, shook by the unexpected contact. Panic ran across his face as his eyes darted between the townspeople and El.
"You can't just do that! You don't know what folks are like round here..."
He could sense the other party members' eyes on him, judging him harshly.
I bet they think I'm an asshole.
El looked down glumly, hurt by the blatant rejection.
"Oh."
Was Erik ashamed of him?
Once his breathing began to slow, Erik placed a calming hand on his shoulder, saddened by the abject pain on El's face.
"Sorry, I--" he struggled to get his words out.
"I can make it up to you... Later?" He grinned cunningly, hoping it would both cheer him up and elicit a satisfying reaction.
El could feel his face heat up. Later? Did that mean him and Erik, in their own room at the inn, doing things? The idea both excited and terrified him. Erik had told him his inexperience wasn't a problem, but deep down El feared disappointing him. If Erik saw how sexually awkward he was, maybe he'd stop being interested.
But, there was no privacy in the communal tent, so while they were in town seemed like a perfect opportunity to make up for lost time. He couldn't pass up the chance to spend some quality time with Erik in case there wasn't another convenient moment- crippling anxiety, or not.
Later.
The word caused his fingers to twitch in anticipation.
Erik drank in the flustered look on El's face, thoroughly enjoying his reaction. Slowly, he leant towards him to whisper softly, out of the earshot of the others.
"You don't know how much I wanna hold you right now, but it's... dangerous. Especially considering that, you know, you're the Luminary, saviour of all Erdrea, and I'm, well, common as fuckin' dirt." He kicked at the dusty ground to emphasise his point.
"The Luminary and the criminal, huh? Don't think the Gallopolitans would be a fan of that one." He shrugged dismissively, trying to downplay his self deprecating comment.
El's brow furrowed.
Erik was worried about making him look bad?
He hated Erik putting himself down, especially when he used it as an opportunity to elevate El above him. All he wanted was Erik to see himself as his equal. To see his true worth. To see the shining light that El saw every time he looked at him. The beacon of hope.
"What's wrong?" Erik asked worriedly, sensing El's unhappiness.
El hastily shoved his hands in his pockets.
"I--- I don't feel like we spend enough time together, you know, alone." He bit his lip nervously, suddenly realising how suggestive that sounded.
"Ummm, I-- I don't mean bedroom stuff, just, you know, hanging out. Sometimes I almost want it to be like old times, us on the run, you know, hiding from Hendrik." He confessed, the words tumbling from his mouth clumsily, face reddening.
"Hmm, okay." Erik tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"We could piss off Hendrik then he would probably chase us? I dunno, like, pinch his sword?" He reached out into El's pocket and lightly retrieved his hand.
El gave a half hearted laugh.
Erik cocked his head to the side sympathetically then continued.
"Seriously though, you want some alone time? I can give you that." He added with a wink, closing his hand tighter around El's.
El let out a muffled squeal as he felt himself being dragged by the arm by an overexcited Erik.
"See you guys later!"
He gave a comically big wave to the rest of the group then proceeded to tug El further into the town. El could feel his heart beating hard against his ribcage.
Alone time, with Erik? He wanted nothing more.
Sylvando watched them disappear into the throng of people.
"Finally! I was beginning to worry that our boys weren't getting anywhere..." he exclaimed joyfully.
"Poor El, when Erik told him off he looked like a puppy who'd just been kicked..." Veronica sighed.
"Yeah, poor thing." Serena agreed sympathetically.
Hendrik looked away, concern even more present on his face than usual. Jade raised an eyebrow at him, noticing that he clearly had something on his mind. He quickly avoided her disarming look and turned to Rab.
"Lord Robert, may I speak my mind?"
"Of course, Hendrik! You dinnae need to ask, son."
"Forgive me, I won't do it again." He dutifully held a hand to his chest and bowed his head.
Rab sighed, you could take the Knight out of Heliodor...
"I do not wish to cause unrest but I'm concerned that the two of them could... make a scene."
"Ah, I see. I wouldnae worry yourself about it, they're smart lads." Rab comforted gently.
"Quite right! You need to loosen up Hendrik." Veronica rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, I've got a real problem."
"What is it Veronica?" Serena queried, mildly concerned.
"When are we going to get lunch?! I'm starving." She patted her grumbling stomach.
"Oh Veronica honey, you're so dramatic, you know that? And those two? They'll be just fine. If the past month is anything to go by, it's unlikely we'll be seeing any PDA anytime soon." Sylvando added.
Hendrik narrowed his eyes in confusion and placed a hand to his chin.
"Public displays of affection." Jade quietly supplied.
He nodded gratefully.
"I'm just thankful they're not being so awkward near us. It was unbearable!"
Veronica paused, shielding her eyes from the blazing desert sun as she looked for the nearest restaurant. She pointed firmly.
"There! Let's go get lunch!"
The others nodded in agreement, and headed towards the pale building.
"Where are we going, Erik?" El couldn't stop his eyes darting around excitedly as the other boy directed him through the thick crowds.
He paused and turned to face him.
"You'll see." He replied, lazily flashing his lopsided grin.
How El loved that grin. It made him, feel things. Things that perhaps he shouldn't feel. He relished every second of that smile.
His vision blurred as once again he was pulled through the crowd, giddy from the heat and the excitement.
"Ta-daaa!" Erik gestured ahead.
Suddenly, there were no longer surrounded by people and El could make out the intense scents of horse poo and body odour. He looked up, and to his dismay, noted a ticket booth.
"The races?" He had little energy to hide his disappointment.
"Aw, don't look so sad. It'll be fun, I promise."
He jokingly put out his pinky, which El twined with his own then shook weakly.
"Okay." He sighed.
"Well don't sound too pleased!" Erik replied in a light, faux exasperated tone.
"I thought we were gonna be alone..." He closed his eyes sadly.
Erik reached out to delicately move a strand of hair from El's face. El opened his eyes to a soft look on Erik's face.
"See, I'm one step ahead of you there." He withdrew his hand slowly, grazing his cheek.
"Crowds are great to hide in, trust me. We won't draw attention to ourselves. Anyway, it's much classier than snogging in some dingy alleyway; I mean, first off, they'd probably arrest one of us for solicitation." He gave a nervous smile.
Has that happened to him before? El wondered.
The alleyway currently seemed more appealing than being stuck in another crowd, though, even with the looming threat of jail. Maybe if they both got arrested, they could recreate their great escape-
El broke free of his irrational thoughts, unsure which part of Erik's sentence to respond to. He simply nodded, understanding his reasoning. He should know to trust him in his ability to lay low, with his previous lifestyle. Well, apart from him getting caught for the orb theft. El mentally glossed over that one.
They walked through the gate to stadium and took their seats. El felt a comforting arm around his shoulders.
"What about-" he looked at Erik anxiously, remembering his earlier reluctance.
"They'll be too fixated on the races, don't worry." He seemed completely at ease. This put El at ease. Erik rarely let his guard down, so when he actually did, it was probably safe to do so too.
"Okay." He smiled and leant into him.
He was filled with warmth as he relaxed into the embrace and closed his eyes. This was perfect. He could feel Erik's steady breaths against him, a constant reminder of his current safety and their closeness.
"You alright there, partner?" Erik asked, stroking his hand through El's hair.
"More than."
Erik looked down at the boy lying against him and smiled, this was the closest they'd been in ages: physically and emotionally.
Unfortunately, the scarce moment of contentedness was shattered by a familiar grating voice.
"There you are!" It declared emphatically.
El's eyes flew open.
Erik groaned, not Faris. He could feel El stiffen against him. He could see the prince had badly attempted to disguise himself with a heavy cloak.
"If it isn't my best friend!" He kissed both of El's cheeks, who looked visibly uncomfortable.
"And, er, you!" He awkwardly glanced at Erik.
He scowled. "It's Erik."
How he hated that gutless prince. They'd still had no reward for doing his dirty work- competing in the Sand National and defeating the Slayer of Sands.
Stupid, ungrateful prick. How dare he have the audacity to call El his 'best friend.'
To add insult to injury, he couldn't even be bothered to remember his name. Surprising, considering he seemed very interested in Erik the night the Slayer was defeated. Well, maybe interested wasn't the right word. More like obsessed.
Erik realised the prince was looking at him again. There was something weirdly intense in his gaze. It made Erik uneasy.
"What is it that you do again... Oh, yes, a thief! How's that going for you, my friend?" He leant down so only Erik could hear his next words.
"If I catch your hand in my coin purse, I will have to execute you! Cute or not." He poked Erik's cheek then laughed at his own joke, obnoxious as ever.
Erik growled, unsure if it was more humiliating if he was mocking him or if he was serious. Execution would at least be a way out of this horrific situation.
He knew rich types well- they believed they were entitled to anything or anyone they wanted. Faris was no different.
And what he wanted was something Erik was decidedly not willing to give him.
He clenched his fist, only managing to cool off a little when El touched his hand reassuringly.
Faris stretched back and sighed, noting Erik's annoyance, but not particularly caring.
"I trust you two are having a good time?"
He leant forward and squashed himself between the two, causing Erik to squirm as his arm was removed from El's shoulders.
He'd better not start on me again. Or El for that matter.
"I was until you came along..." He muttered, a little too loudly.
"Hey, now, that's not very nice. Behave yourself." He pointed his finger at him accusingly.
Erik averted his gaze, knowing Faris was playing a game, one he was not happy to play along with. He couldn't give him the satisfaction.
"Erik..." El looked at him pleadingly. He hated confrontation. The last thing he needed was Erik starting an argument with the prince in front of the whole of Gallopolis and ending up spending the night in jail.
"Fine. Stay." He relented wearily.
"Yay! I can't wait to hang out with you guys!"
Erik slumped in his chair, feeling defeated.
"So, what brings you two to Gallopolis?" He asked enthusiastically.
Erik remained silent, not wanting to humour the irritating prince.
"Just taking a break, we've been on the road for ages. Haven't we, Erik?"
He gave him a look that Erik read as please save me.
"Uh huh."
Sorry El.
"Really? You don't have to lie to your old friend! We all know you both came to see me." He chuckled.
He then reached out his arms and pulled them both into an ungracious hug, causing El and Erik to gasp collectively. Erik could feel Faris' hand slip a little lower than he was comfortable with. As he drew back, his hand shifted firmly onto Erik's thigh.
Gross.
There wasn't much he could do, though, considering Faris was the prince of Gallopolis, and he was just a common thief. The prince held all of the power and Erik had none.
He just had to grin and bear it.
Besides, while traveling by himself, he'd had far worse encounters.
He reckoned Faris was just misguided, rather than genuinely perverted, his main issue being that he was so damn annoying.
It could be worse. He repeatedly told himself, despite the fact that in that moment, it couldn't possibly feel worse.
El noticed the placement of Faris' hand out of the corner of his eye. He grimaced. Erik detested being touched by people who didn't know him, let alone by people he vehemently hated.
Erik fought to distract himself by watching the race, trying to swallow down the unpleasantness of the current situation.
Well this plan couldn't have backfired any more.
Not only were him and El not alone, but they were stuck with Faris.
"What's his problem?" Faris asked dumbly, turning to El.
"He's just tired, I think." El lied, knowing full well the cause of Erik's discomfort.
"I'm right here you know." Erik muttered, at his wit's end. He hated people talking about him as if he wasn't there.
"Sorry..." El mumbled.
"S'fine." He crossed his arms protectively across his chest, hoping Faris would take this as a signal to retreat.
"Erik..."
"What!" He uttered a little more aggressively than he intended.
El's mouth hung open briefly before he limply shut it, eyes falling to the ground.
"Let him sulk." Faris interjected,
"Erik doesn't want to play today, huh? That's okay. We all have bad days, though yours seems to be a little bit of a bad year!" He guffawed, once again finding himself hilarious.
This angered Erik further, who firmly closed his eyes and willed himself away from the stadium.
He pictured himself lying in the tent, El next to him, sleeping peacefully. He desperately held onto the image for as long as possible. His frazzled mind struggled against the heat and his discomfort, intensely not wanting to rise to Faris' behaviour.
Faris slid his arm from Erik's thigh to around his back and pulled him closer.
"Isn't he just so cute when he's angry!" He pinched his cheek.
El laughed awkwardly, uncomfortable with the amount he was touching Erik.
Surely, he wasn't, flirting? Not with Erik. His Erik.
El was frozen to the spot.
"Cheeeer up, it might never happen!" He stroked Erik's back, hand gradually reaching further down until it rested on his hip.
His eyes remained shut.
Well it's already happened, and it's still happening right now.
Faris leant in again, unpleasantly sweet breath grazing his face.
"Playing hard to get, huh?" He giggled.
"I do like a challenge."
Something inside him snapped. He opened his eyes to glare at his harasser.
"I'm not interested in you Faris! Never have been, never will. I am not playing hard to get!"
"Not so loud..." Faris was taken aback by his sudden defiance.
"What? Am I embarrassing you?!" He replied, even louder and more furious than before.
"Sh, sh, sh. We could... come to an agreement. I am very rich, you know. I could give you whatever you wanted!"
Exhuding smugness, he examined Erik as if he were a prize racehorse.
El's jaw dropped.
"You're really tryin' to buy me now? That's pretty fuckin' low. There's only one thing I want, and that has nothing to do with you."
He glanced at El, who was relieved that Erik had finally fought back, even if it meant trouble down the line.
He'd cross that bridge when he'd come to it.
He couldn't bear seeing Faris so blatantly act like he owned Erik, and was grateful that his entitled behaviour was being challenged.
Faris was shocked into silence, unsure how to respond. Erik continued.
"Ever since I turned you down on the night of the Slayer, you've been acting like I owe you something."
El gasped.
So that's why he hated him. Wait- why hadn't Erik told him?
"Which, for the record, I don't. Please, just go, before I make a scene." He waved his hand dismissively.
Faris huffily withdrew his hand from behind Erik.
"Hm! No such thing occured, you are simply delusional." He folded his hands behind his head, trying to put up a relaxed facade to hide his faltering sense of calm.
"Uh huh? You sure?" He shifted towards him began to imitate Faris' thick accent.
"Ooo Ereeek, why don't you come back to my room, hm? I can make you feel... special." He smirked, locking eyes with the agitated prince, happy with his newfound power.
Faris appeared visibly shaken.
"I didn't- Pfft. Please, do not flatter yourself, thief. I probably mistook you for a whore." He managed to delivered the scathing dig semi-casually, knowing it would infuriate him further.
The power balance had shifted back. Erik shot up, trying to hide the shame spreading across his face.
How dare he-
"Seriously? That's the best you could come up with? Insulting me yet again isn't gonna get me into bed with you, dumbass." He replied defiantly, his voice somewhat shaky.
This is probably the first time anyone's told him no, Erik figured.
"I am Gallopolitan royalty, you will show me some res-"
"You're a royal ass."
El tried to suppress a laugh.
"You insolent boy, you should be grateful-"
"Yeah, whatever. I'm goin' now. You comin' El?" He turned around, expecting El to follow him immediately. He didn't get up from his seat.
"Actually..."
Erik whipped his head around.
"Actually, what?"
"There's... some important, er, business I need to attend to with Prince Faris. I.... Might be some time."
The prince looked at Erik triumphantly.
"You'd rather stay here, with that?!" He yelled, his voice almost breaking in distress.
"Erik, wait, let me explain-"
"Hmph, forget it."
He turned away and blindly pushed his way through the stadium, fighting the urge to burst into tears.
"You want me to send the guards after him? They'll be gentle, if that's what you want." He said the last part a little too gleefully for El's liking.
"Don't touch him." His tone became brisk. "There's something I need to make you aware of."