Chapter Text
Jeremy walked up to the familiar house amongst the trees and saw that ginger cat again, watching him. The lantern threw unnerving shadows on the walls as Jeremy knocked on the door. He had walked the entire way here so he prayed she would answer the door.
No one could know he was here, so stealing another horse was out the question.
The cat slinked inside and the door opened. Lindsay looked like she did; wearing the same dress that she did the last time he visited her.
“Jeremy.” She said, stepping aside to let him in. “What can I do for you?”
“I still need help.” Jeremy said. Lindsay raised and eyebrow and beckoned for him to sit and to continue. Jeremy sat on the hard wooden chair and Lindsay sat opposite him. “I need something to change my father’s mind. Anything to make him think this marriage is a bad idea.”
“Even though there is no wedding, I have the thing you need.” Lindsay said, moving and rifling through a large chest of potions. She looked for a few minutes before she made a noise of accomplishment and stood up, holding a bottle filled with a clear liquid. It looked a little iridescent in the light of the fireplace and Lindsay held it out to him proudly.
“What is this?” Jeremy asked, taking the bottle and holding it up to the light to inspect it.
“This will stop the pain.” Lindsay said gently. “You’ll know when to give it to the one you’re thinking about.” She promised, looking at him almost knowingly.
“And how will this change my father’s mind?”
“It won’t. It’s for the war.” Lindsay repeated.
Suddenly all Jeremy's frustration rose to the surface and he didn't try to stop it.
“Would you shut up about the war! I came to you for help and you gave me this!” Jeremy shouted in frustration, brandishing the bottle she had gifted him angrily. “Nothing you’ve given me can help me get out of this marriage!”
“That isn't for the marriage. It’s for the war.” Lindsay repeated patiently.
“There is no war!” Jeremy started pacing the length of the small hut, his grip dangerously tight on the bottle. “What I need help with is how to tell my father that I’m not ready to get married. Or better yet, make the bride not want to get married either.”
“You still think that he’ll have enough time to plan a wedding with all the war preparation going on?” Lindsay asked, genuinely surprised. Jeremy made another noise of frustration and practically fell into the hard wooden chair he had risen from. “Jeremy, tell me what you’re really frustrated about.” Lindsay’s voice was softer now and Jeremy just sighed.
“The last time I came to my Uncle’s estate, you told me that the next time I saw you, I would either find the one who I’d fall in love with or I would die.” Jeremy said, staring at his hands in a sullen manner. “And I haven’t fallen in love yet.”
“But you haven’t died either.” Lindsay pointed out.
“Yet.” Jeremy muttered. “But now I know that I’m not going to be able to love anyone my father tries to arrange for me to marry. I don’t want that. I don’t want to die not knowing love.”
“Who said you will?” Lindsay asked. “I said the next time you saw me, you would have met the one you’ll love. I think a part of you already knows.”
Jeremy was silent. He couldn't meet Lindsay’s gaze so he kept his eyes on his hands.
“Jeremy, go to your father and tell him the truth. Tell him you don’t want an arranged marriage.” Lindsay said.
“It’s not that easy!” Jeremy exclaimed. He held his head in his hands for a moment, still clutching the bottle.
Lindsay crouched beside him and out a comforting hand on his shoulder. She rubbed small circles into his shoulder blades and slowly he relaxed.
“Then tell Matt how you feel.” Lindsay said softly. “Someone should know.”
“But what if he doesn't feel the same way?” Jeremy said, turning his head to look at her. “Or what if he does feel the same way, but I have to go through with this wedding anyway?”
“Jeremy, I promise you that that won't happen.” Lindsay promised. A clock chimed and Jeremy’s head snapped up.
“I have to leave.” He said, pocketing the bottle as he stood. The other gifted bottle was in his pocket and tinkled against the other glass.
Lindsay stood with him and suddenly pulled him into a fierce hug. It was unexpected but Jeremy still returned it.
It seemed like an eternity later when Lindsay let go of him, her eyes suspiciously wet.
“Go.” She urged, tapping the lantern so it illuminated to it’s full brightness.
Jeremy gave her one last look and turned away. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach and he couldn’t tell why.
***
Matt saw Jeremy standing between the trees and walked towards him slowly. He held the lantern high so the light shone out in all directions. Jeremy watched him approach and twisted his hands behind his back nervously. Was he really doing this?
“Prince Jeremy,” Matt said, lowering the lantern now that he was closer and holding it by his side. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong.” Jeremy promised. He took a short breath and calmed his nerves. “I just- I just wanted to talk to someone I can trust.”
“This far away from the castle?” Matt asked, glancing behind them at the looming monolith in the distance.
“I don’t want to have anyone overhearing us.” Jeremy admitted. He took another breath and formed the sentence in his head “I-”
A sharp snap echoed over them and they both froze. Something wasn’t right.
“Who’s there?!” Matt shouted, reaching into his pocket but not withdrawing his hand. Jeremy saw the motion and suddenly remembered the breakable bottle of the mysterious liquid that Lindsay had given. He clutched it loose enough in his grasp so that it didn’t break.
The air was tense and they were poised, waiting. A snap slip the air and suddenly an arrow stuck out of Matt’s shoulder. He let out a gasp of pain and the lantern shattered against the forest floor.
Darkness shrouded them and Jeremy reached out for Matt with his free hand, pulling him close.
“Are you alright?” Jeremy hissed, keeping Matt close to him. There was someone here that wanted to hurt them.
'When you absolutely have to, throw this potion at the person’
Lindsay’s words came back to Jeremy and he felt a calm take over him.
“Come out now and we won’t fight you.” Jeremy said, his royal side taking over and moulding his voice into something commanding. Matt’s breathing was laboured and he began leaning against Jeremy as his strength seemed to fade.
Another arrow snapped out of the darkness and Jeremy felt a sharp stab in his pelvis, knocking him back far enough to stumble. Another arrow hit his ankle and Jeremy fell on his knees, the impact sending a jolt of pain through his body. He went limp, letting himself fall to the ground.
Jeremy saw an arrow strike Matt’s leg and heard him fall to the ground beside him. He clutched the bottle a bit tighter and lay still as he heard footsteps approach them. The footsteps stopped in front of him and Jeremy held his breath. He threw himself upright and aimed the bottle. It crashed against the attacker and Jeremy didn’t know what to expect but the screams of pain weren’t it.
Something blunt smashed against the back of his head and the word snapped to black.
***
“Matt! Kdin! Have you seen my nephew?” King Geoff asked, sounding a little panicked as he strolled into the stable. His eyes landed on Kdin and he dimly realised there was only one person in the stable.
“I haven’t seen Matt since two nights ago.” Kdin admitted. “He hasn't come into work yet. And I haven’t seen Prince Jeremy since last week.”
“Well if you see anything, can you escort them to the castle?” Geoff said, a bit distracted. Something seemed to click and Geoff suddenly frowned at Kdin. “Wait, Matt is gone too?”
“He hasn’t turned up for work yet. None of the horses are missing, so I know he hasn't gone for a ride. And it’s not like Matt to oversleep.” Kdin admitted, stepping away from his current chore to face the King properly. “Your Majesty, what’s going on?”
“I’m not sure yet.” Geoff said slowly. “But Jeremy’s room is empty and now Matt is missing.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.” Kdin promised, feeling his own dread begin to set in.
“And if either of them turn up, you have permission to abandon your work to bring them to the castle.” Geoff added.
“Your majesty, do you think this is something bigger?” Kdin asked, lowering his voice, even though they were alone.
“If you were anyone else, I wouldn’ tell you but…” Geoff met Kdin’s eye and he suddenly looked tired. “The negotiations with the Dragonface clan aren't going well. I wouldn't put it past them to do something like this.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for them, your majesty.” Kdin promised. He would never admit it but a seed of fear had settled firmly in his chest.
“Good, good.” Geoff nodded and turned to leave. “Stay safe, Kdin.”
“I will, King Geoffrey.”
***
Jeremy was roused from his unconscious sleep by the weight of someone's foot on his hand. He heard two voices taking around him but kept his body as still as possible. A strip of material was tied around his eyes and he felt the tightness of a bandage around his hip and ankle. The voices came closer and their conversation became clearer.
“I just don’t think this is such a good idea.”
“Moon, be quiet.”
“I’m just saying that this is Ramsey’s nephew. Going against a King in the Alliance is suicide-”
“Moon! The Leader knows what he’s doing. You questioning that isn’t going to change anything.”
“Don’t be stupid, Fish!”
“Both of you, be quiet!” A third voice interrupted, sounding from directly above Jeremy and Jeremy felt his throat close up. The pain was removed from his hand and he heard the person walk away from him. “Don’t you realise that this is our chance? This will show the Alliance that we are powerful.”
“Kerry, this is an act of war. We’ll lose much more than we’ll gain if you go through with this.” The voice belonging to ‘Moon’ said, a note of fear in his voice.
“Moon, you underestimate our tribe. With Mogar’s clan still loyal to us, we stand a good chance of winning.” The voice known as ‘Fish’ said proudly.
“Don’t be arrogant, Fish. It will take some convincing for Mogar to abandon his Alliance, especially since he’s so infatuated with Ramsey’s son.” The last voice said.
“Then why are we attacking Ramsey’s family! Shouldn’t that just push Mogar away?”
“Leave that part of the plan to me, Moon. I’ve known Mogar longer than his Alliance.” The third voice said. “And his people are already practically loyal to us.”
“But what if Mogar’s people join him ? What then?” Moon said.
“They we’ll fight and die with more honour than those Kings will ever know.” Fish said proudly.
Jeremy heard a groan of pain right next to him. Matt! It had to be him! It needed to be.
He gently reached out for Matt and felt his fingers brush the bare skin of his fingers. Matt made a small noise of surprise and Jeremy clutched his hand like a lifeline. Matt’s grip was weak but he could feel his pulse increase out of fear of the voices.
“Matt, I love you.” Jeremy whispered, never knowing if he'd have another chance. Matt’s breath hitched and his grip tightened slightly.
“I think I love you too.” Matt whispered back, his fingers moving to twine with Jeremy’s. “We were both idiots to wait to say this.”
Jeremy shifted ever so slightly closer and heard a small ‘clink’ from his pocket. He inched his free hand down to the source of the sound and closed his fist around the second bottle Lindsay had gifted him with. Jeremy very slowly pulled it out of his pocket and he pressed it into Matt’s hand that he was holding.
“Drink this.” Jeremy whispered. “Trust me, please.”
He heard the almost imperceptible sounds of the bottle being uncorked and Matt drink whatever was in the bottle as quietly as he could.
Jeremy leaned towards Matt and rested his head on his arm. At least whatever was going to happen to them now would be painless for Matt. That’s what he wanted his dying wish to be.
Matt’s lips pressed against the top of Jeremy’s head. The people arguing had stopped for the moment and Jeremy heard footsteps coming towards them.
Hands grabbed him and pulled them apart before Jeremy could do anything about it. He felt ropes wind around his wrists and legs, binding him to a cold slab of stone.
Tears pricked his eyes and Jeremy just wanted it over.
His eyes screwed tight under his blindfold and he let his last moments be filled with the memory of Matt’s hand in his, of Matt’s lips, of laughing together, of hunting with Gavin, of large meals with his small family, of the night of the ball, of all the happiest memories he could muster as he felt the tip of a blade against his abdomen.
‘Goodbye’ He thought desperately as his mind pulled him into the dark.
***
“Geoff? How are you?” King Jack asked, walking up to his old friend and wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulder.
Geoff leaned into the weight and his hand gripped the soft material of the tunic Jack wore. He was well aware that the others were behind him, but he had long since stopped caring.
Everyone in the castle had donned black and it felt like the kingdom was mourning. Geoff gazed out the window that overlooked the stables and saw Kdin exercising Mystery’s new foal, MJ. He knew Kdin was mourning his friend just as much as he was, but he had refused Geoff’s offer for paid leave to grieve privately.
Their bodies had been found that morning just outside the gates; tied up and cold, with old words carved into their stomachs. It looked like someone had just dumped them there to be found. Matt was already dead when the guards had found them. But Jeremy…
Jeremy had been crying out for someone, anyone, to help them. He was bleeding heavily from his stomach and two wounds on his hip and ankle. The guards had barely managed to carry them up to a doctor before Jeremy’s injuries became too great and...
Preparations were already being made for the funerals. Gavin wanted them both to be buried on the castle grounds, and Geoff had ordered a sculpture to be made in their honour. It was to be displayed in the middle of the orchard.
“I’m barely keeping myself together.” Geoff admitted. He wouldn't have said it to anyone else but Jack. “He was under my protection. My own nephew-”
Sobs racked through the King’s body and Jack held him tightly. He let him grieve, never once being anything but supportive and comforting.
“I'm sorry,” Geoff mumbled, detaching himself from Jack and wiping his face of tears. “I should be stronger than this.”
“Geoff,” Jack said softly, his arms going back around Geoff as Geoff gripped him like a vice. “It hasn't been a day. Give yourself time to grieve and time to heal. Time heals all wounds, even ones that scar.”
“I let them down.” Geoff said, his voice muffled by Jack’s shirt material. (Geoff was glad now that Jack refused to wear armour in his kingdom). “Matt- I promised his father I’d take care of him. And Jeremy… The poor kid only came here to escape my brother and his wedding. They didn't deserve this.” Geoff’s voice cracked as he spoke but Jack never mentioned it.
“We can't change what's happened. The only thing we can do is honour their memory.” Jack’s words were quiet but Geoff felt them as loudly as if he had shouted them from the rooftops. Those where the words he said to Jack when his mother died. And the same words Jack had told Geoff after his first battle as a King and Geoff mourned for his soldiers.
Geoff buried his head into Jack’s shoulder, just wishing that once it could all just go away. All the bad, all the death; that it could just leave them be for a moment so he could enjoy his friend’s arms around him and the feeling of the soft fabric under his fingers.
The doors to the War Room opened and Geoff felt Jack pull away. They separated as familiar faces settled around the table in the middle of the room, showing the Kingdoms in relation to each other. Jack’s arm stayed around Geoff’s shoulder and he was never more grateful for the contact.
“So what happens now?” Ray asked, breaking the silence. It looked like he didn't sleep well last night and Geoff wondered what must have been on his mind.
“This was a declaration of war.” Geoff said. His voice cracked but it still sounded strong enough to echo.
“Geoff-” Ryan started but Ray’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. His whole posture was sombre and he had a black rose clipped to his lapel.
“Matt and Jeremy were found dead today, Ryan.” Jack’s arm retreated and Geoff faced the other Kings and Gavin. “They knew what they were doing. You don't have to join me, but I am not going to stand by and let them get away with this.”
Jack’s hand rested on Geoff’s arm for a moment and Geoff looked to meet his eye. It was touching that his oldest friend was also wearing full mourning attire from his own Kingdom.
“You have my Kingdom’s support.” Jack promised.
“And mine.” Mogar chipped in. His hand was on Gavin’s back, who’s tear-stained face mirrored his father's almost perfectly. Gavin’s green was swapped for simple black clothes, but his scarf was still wound around his neck for comfort. Mogar had painted some dark symbols onto his chest, clearly displaying his grief for the loss of a friend.
“My army is at your command.” Ryan swore, standing tall and determined. “Whatever you need.”
“I’m in as well.” Ray said. Geoff looked at the others and didn't bother to wipe his face clean.
“Then we’re at war.”
--------------
Matt looked up as someone slid into the seat opposite him at the table he was sat at in his local bar. He put his phone away in his pocket and looked over, not surprised to see a young man smiling at him.
The man looked around his age but probably much shorter.
“Hey Jeremy.” Matt greeted, keeping one hand around his beer bottle. “Congrats on the job.” He lifted the bottle and Jeremy clinked his own beer bottle against his.
“You’re looking at the newest bouncer at this city’s hottest club.” Jeremy said, proudly taking a swig of his drink. “Of course this means our constant partying will have to take a hit.” He teased, smiling as Matt laughed.
“I think it can take it, to be honest.” Matt said, placing his bottle on the table. He reached over and placed his hand over Jeremy’s. “Seriously, I’m proud of you.”
“I’m proud of us.” Jeremy said, twisting his hand so he was holding Matt’s. “We’ve got stable jobs, we’re on our way to a really nice apartment. Look at us, we’re being real adults!” He gestured between them and Matt smiled at him.
Jeremy squeezed Matt’s hand and leaned across the table. He kissed Matt’s lips and leaned back. It wasn't a long kiss, (not like the long, passionate kisses that used to run into the night when they were teenagers, desperately hiding themselves from the world) but it said everything Jeremy couldn't find the words for.
Every time they kissed, every time they held hands, Matt always knew that he never wanted to be the one to lean away. It always felt right, for reasons he could barely formulate, let alone say.
Matt squeezed Jeremy’s hand and lifted his drink again.
“To being functioning adults.” He toasted, making Jeremy laugh as he lifted his own drink.
“To being functioning adults.”
Matt watched as Jeremy almost spilled beer down his front and they both laughed. Jeremy quickly tried to clean himself up with a stray napkin and Matt felt happier than he ever had.
Maybe this was the world’s way of throwing them a bone. Of doing something nice to make up for all the inherent bad in the world. Jeremy had always just called it a blessing and then kissed Matt again, reminding him of why he fell in love.
Neither of them had any way to understand that finding each other in this life was more of an apology.
An apology and a reparation.
They were robbed of each other in their last life, so it was only fair that they were allowed each other in this one .