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Pike stood tall at Prince Turtle's side, trying to pretend he wasn't eyeing the prince. He had been what he thought at the time was a perfect guard to Anemone, but with Turtle he found himself loosening up and getting distracted. Turtle was taking notes on one of his enchanted slates, presumably for a story that should be a great hit.
Pike had never been that bad of a kiss up. He genuinely liked watching Turtle write with passion and curiosity. A side to Turtle he had never seen. Unbridled focus as if nothing in the world bothered him, which was far from true.
The romantic lighting too made it hard for him to focus. On the ruins of the Summer Palace, Queen Anemone had set up numerous vendors and concessions. Turtle was to be guarded and protected. The Minister of Magic as it were. Pike had no problem doing so.
“Pike, do you like your fish with tartar sauce, lemon, or just plain?” Turtle was writing something down.
“Oh! Tartar sir. Wait, I can buy my own fish, sir.” Pike sighed at what was an unexpected kindness and found himself turning red, “Please don't bother yourself.”
“Pike. This doesn't inconvenience me at all, remember? Royalty?” Turtle smiled and walked up to one of the vendors.
“Hi, could I please have one plain fish kaaba and one dipped in tartar sauce please? Oh umm if possible could the plain one be uncooked?” Turtle smiled and Pike wondered if it would be respectful to buy Turtle sushi, he was sure one of the vendors was selling them. He also was trying to get his mind off the unprofessional red forming on his face. He had a job to do, his service to the queen and his prince.
Pike took a bite out of the kaaba, feeling the deliciously cooked fish. In all honesty, Pike didn't have time to feed himself this morning. He had been preparing his weapons for the festival, for Turtle. Just in case Pike needed to defend him.
They walked around the loud streets and vendors. Bustling dragons and warm heart lights, the kind that combined with nearby alcohol, put any dragon in a certain mood. Pike blushed at the unprofessional thought. Now was not the time. He was working.
“Pike, you could go elsewhere, I mean I can't get hurt… if you want to enjoy yourself.” Turtle fiddled with his talons while avoiding eye contact.
“Don't be silly, this is my job, I'm meant to protect you.” Pike kept his voice monotone and serious.
“I can't get hurt, you don- what would you even protect me from??” Turtle tilted his head.
“Emotional damage.” Pike said in the deadest voice he could manage and Turtle laughed. Pike found himself even cracking a rare smile.
Turtle went into the future tent, supposedly it was to tell one's future soul mate. Pike followed with an eyeroll. This kinda thing was stupid, mildly entertaining at best. Really a waste of time.
Pike followed, trying to hide his smug air. What were they going to tell him that some random dragon named Lobster was his soulmate? Soul mate?! Ha! That's how it had gone when Coral hosted those events.
“Moon!? I didn't know you were working here?!” Turtle gasped with a laugh.
“Yeah. I needed the extra cash, Qibli and I are short right now, also it's a favor for the Queen.” Moon smiled and Pike started to wonder where he knew that name.
A Moon… nightwing… Turtle knew her… they weren't partners someone else was, Pike felt hope at that. Moon… oh! Of course, one of the Prince's friends from Jade Mountain. Wait. Oh no. She was the one who could read minds.
A wall, his mind was guarded. Yes. Nothing to see. He glanced at Turtle, wondering if he should allow this. His protective nature flared. He also wondered if Moon could see the unprofessional thoughts flooding his mind. He turned bright red, and by all the moons hoped she didn't say a word. He needed this job.
“I can't really control what I see but Turtle, it would do you good to stick with Pike.” Moon calmly folded her talons and both Turtle and Pike made eye contact.
“Moon, what are you insinuating?” Turtle frowned slightly, looking extremely uncomfortable. Pike got between him and Moon.
“We don't need any cryptic warnings! Come on Turtle, let's go.” Pike kept his face as stone cold as possible. Turtle seemed uncomfortable, but he could keep the prince safe from that. Turtle shot him an odd look as Pike led them out of the building.
“Pike. Moon's my friend. She wasn't bothering me at all.” Turtle sighed as Pike typed his talon.
“You seemed uncomfortable. I helped.” Pike avoided eye contact with what seemed to be an upset Turtle, who was staring at him.
“Why do you take your job so seriously!? Pike. I can't get hurt. I'll pay you even if you don't guard me. It's a holiday, let me hang out with my friends and you can hang out with yours.” Turtle sighed with exasperation, “go, have fun if you want.”
Pike growled slightly in frustration, did Turtle think he only cared about the money!? That he was that heartless!? Was he tired of Pike already, just another stupid guard he didn't need!? Of course he didn't care about Pike, who would!? Pike, almost had thought… they could be something, when Turtle had gotten him the fish and they ate together.
Clearly he was being stupid and unprofessional. He would continue guarding Turtle, but he had no need to talk to his clients. Or to make Turtle laugh, even if it had felt nice. Turtle didn't feel the same, end of story. Thought Pike was shallow and money driven. Fine. He could think what he wants.
Pike continued walking with Turtle. The warm feeling from earlier is gone. Replaced with nothing but cold. Pike sighed but remembered this was normal. His job was to protect, keep Turtle safe, ignoring any unprofessional feelings and such.
He avoided Turtle's gaze who shot him a worried glance. He felt slight guilt due to his over protectiveness. He had hurt Turtle, and the implication that Turtle thought his concern was money hurt him.
“Pike. I- I wouldn't mind hanging out with you. You're a good friend to so many dragons.”
Friend. Friend! Of course he would always be just a friend. Alone. He ignored the fluttering in his chest as he thought of how Turtle wanted to hang out with him.
“You seem kind of tense, I did want to hang out with Moon a little bit. I could have done without her… advice. I also want you to have fun, hang out with friends, that sort of thing.” Turtle shot him a concerned look, that Pike had no idea what to do with. This was a royal. A prince… who cared about him.
Then again he cares about everyone, whether or not he shows it. Worried, that was what Pike had learned about Turtle. Why would he be worried about him? He didn't know if he liked or hated the feeling.
“Thank you, Turtle. I appreciate it. Still I would focus on your own happiness, if I were you.” Pike shot a careful grin and Turtle smiled.
“Seems like you have that taken care of. Thank you Pike, just remember that I like my friends.” Turtle walked him over to a games booth.
“Uh huh. I won't bother you if you hang out with your friends. Even if Moon is upsetting you.”
“That includes you Pike, tell me if you need or want anything ok?” Turtle smiled and brushed his wing. Pike blushed and didn't even know what to say at that.
Game after game, things such as Chess, which Pike was admittedly bad at. Turtle was better due to his royal education of course. Tables around for romantic dinners, the heart lamps, various games set up.
“Turtle, I would recommend against gambling. I get that you are the Minister of Magic, but save your money.” Pike glanced over at the sandwing running the booth.
“Nah, one of our prizes is a nice getaway, great for the royal couple.” The sandwing raised a brow, as Pike was definitely about to die of embarrassment.
“No, no, no, it's not like that… Pike, a getaway would still be fun, right? I'll let you have it, so you and your friends can relax. Besides, I have plenty of royal getaways.” Turtle smiled as Pike tried to imagine why on Pyrrhia he would ever do that.
“I-I don’t think we'll win, but 10 rounds please?” Turtle slid over his coins, enough for ten rounds.
“Why would you ever do that?!” Pike spurted as his mind found no answers. None at all.
“Because, I try not to be selfish towards my friends,” Turtle gave Pike a guilty smile, “I used to have that problem with my magic.”
Pike could say he was surprised when nothing except two bracelets were won. Turtle slide one over his wrist, before sliding the other over Pike's.
Pike had never felt this.. calm before. Back when he was guarding Anemone or rising up the ranks… there was always some level of stress. Now he felt alright, focused on the moment and not the future.
Pike knew it was unprofessional, but he got them both drinks. Normally alcohol was a terrible idea for a guard. Turtle gave him a nod. They drank… as Pike called it, ‘The Anti Anxiety Juice’..
“Look, besties, Pike we match!” Turtle smiled before showing Pike his bracelet.
“How much did you have to drink?” Pike gave him a worried smile, but even then the relaxation bounded off him.
“A lot. I was nervous you would be serious the whole time, and that would be awkward!” Turtle nearly fell.
“Liquid courage. Wait. I'm not that serious. Just a respectable amount!” Pike knew how unconvincing that argument was.
“Hmm if I was, really really young… I would tell you to ‘talk less, smile more’ I tried that.” Turtle giggled and smiled.
“But talking is how royals connect? I can't… Did that actually help?” Pike tilted his head, listening as carefully as he could.
“Nah, did nothing.” Turtle smiled, grinning like an idiot, “Should have befriended you, would have scared Webs off.”
“Ha!” Pike loosened up, eating fish, enjoying the time with one of the prettiest seawings ever. He remembered how his classmates tried to convince him that he was in love with Anemone. Which was stupid and he had embarrassed himself by saying he liked boys. Firstly that wasn't their business and secondly…
They shipped him with Fin. Turtle's brother. He had died of embarrassment which is why he made sure no one knew about any feelings he did or didn't have for certain dragons.
He was laughing to himself. Turtle patted his wing. All was well with the world. Til.. Pike heard… shouting.
“What’s going on?!” Turtle stumbled to his talons looking around.
“Don't know sir. Stay behind me.” Pike rose up to the rising shouts.
They heard the sound of shattered lamps, rising panic, Turtle frowned before reaching for something in his bag. He pulled out a plain rock before heading towards the sounds.
“We need to leave, Turtle. Wait where are you going?!”
“Can help.” Turtle gripped the rock before heading towards the sounds.
Pike felt cold anxiety shake through him, no. He would not be doing that! What if he died?! Pike would never forgive himself. Turtle had never been the strongest anyhow, but he was the sweetest. Still he wouldn't have a chance in a fight.
Turtle slashed his arm with his own claw, no blood dripped down. Oh right. Can't get hurt. Pike swallowed his fear as Turtle ran into Moon's tent.
“Moon! What's going on?!” Turtle shouted, panic ripping through his voice.
“Pirates. Dragons are getting hurt. Don't let Pike go.” Moon crouched down holding her head. Pike scoffed at the idea of him not going, as if.
“OK, are dragons hurt?” Turtle tried and failed to hide his rising panic.
“Yes. Anemone might die. They're trying to kill her. They'll try to kill you too.”
Turtle swore before running, he murmured something about being a hero. Pike followed to make sure he didn't die as one. He was used to the idea of death, Moon's warning aside.
Turtle flew up, before diving towards Anemone. She was scrapped up but fine. She had a look of dread in her eyes.
“They're after me, but they hurt others.” Anemone looked away from the carnage.
Turtle dove down, even with spears whizzing by as Pike saw where they were coming from. He armed himself with the spear on his side. He dove down, preparing to strike down the pirate.
The pirate hadn't seen him coming, Pike slashed through the dragon's flesh as muscles gave way. The dragon choked on his own blood and spit. He died as Pike kicked him out of the way to check on Turtle.
Turtle shimmered with sweat and was breathing heavily. Pike felt his heart ache at the same dragon who bought him dinner and drank till they laughed silly, now, struggling to save lives.
Oh Turtle.
“Pike! Please help me over here!” Turtle struggled to bandage and wrap a broken wing.
Pike ran over, blood on his talons, expression serious. He would stay by Turtle's side.
“You're not bleeding right!?” Turtle grabbed his talon, Pike blushed as he helped support the dragon.
“No, no, not my blood, you worrying dragon.” Pike helped the dragon who bolted into the sea.
Turtle grabbed another dragon, rock over her scales. She healed, and Turtle helped her up.
“You'll be ok, just get out of here.” The rainwing flew off with a nod.
Pike ducked as a spear whizzed by. Shoot.
Pike continued on, helping where they could, “Sir we should leave.”
“No! I can help!” Turtle stumbled and swayed.
Pike sighed, they both should get out of here.
A spear whizzed past, heading straight for Turtle. Pike saw it, and cold fear pierced his heart. No.
He blocked Turtle, covering him with his wings, expression grim. He took a breath.
Turtle turned around, as Pike got hit directly with an arrow. No! No no no!
Directly in his chest, right where one of his lungs was. Cold horror filled Turtle. Oh no. Why didn't he listen to Pike!? Oh no no no.
Blood smeared into the ground, Turtle struggled to take a breath as he curled around Pike. He covered Pike with his wings, protecting him from any other strikes.
Turtle carefully lifted his head as Pike grunted, trying to view the wound. The spear had been jostled when Pike fell. Blood was seeping out.
Turtle carefully traced the rock over the wound, trying to stunt blood loss. Well further blood loss. His head spun as he remembered that he never had been good with blood. He tried to get his thoughts together, even though the metallic scent made him sick.
“Sir. Leave.” Pike managed to cough out, with a substantial amount of blood.
“No. Never.” Turtle continued attempting to nurse his wounds, moving Pike would only worsen things. However, he needed a doctor.
“Handsome boy, I,” he coughed up more blood and Turtle felt ill, “was always going to die like this. Guard. Soldier.”
“No. You weren't and you aren't now.” Turtle thought for a minute. One idea, but if it didn't work it would definitely kill Pike.
“Why you care? ‘Bout me?” Pike struggled as Turtle contemplated the idea.
Turtle felt sympathy at that remembering all the times he had felt the same. He knew the selfish reason deep in his chest, the pointless feelings that never had gotten anywhere. Just as bad as Kinkajou.
“Because you're wonderful, beautiful. An amazing dragon through and through.” Turtle's mind also answered that Pike was
hot.
“Oh, beautiful. Me really? What bout you?” Pike kept coughing up blood. Turtle considered his risky idea.
His rock. Organs were just muscles. If he had access he could save Pike's life. Which was one of the craziest stupidest ideas he had. Also gross, but still, he would do it. To save Pike, of course he would.
“Pike… I might be able to heal your lungs… but it might not work, and I'd have to cut you…but.” Turtle took a breath, watching Pike's face, contorted with pain, when it normally was amazing.
“Do want you need… think I'm going to die no matter what. Can you do something for me?” Pike sat up, and Turtle caught him.
“Careful! Pike, please don't hurt yourself more… I don't think I could live if you hurt yourself more, I couldn't live if you died!” Turtle voice spun into a panic, Pike grabbed his talon.
“Why?” Pike asked in his hoarse bloody voice.
Turtle would tell him, if he truly wanted to know. No secrets, it never had gone well when he did that, breathe, Turtle.
“Because I love you! I have for awhile and if you die and suffer I don't know what I would do… this is stupid, I'm sorry, I know you… your just doin-”
Pike leaned forward kissing him, blood smearing on their snouts. Turtle wonder whether it was wrong of him, Pike was barely conscious. Did he even know what he was doing? But Pike leaned in, tongues mixing.
The taste of salt was addicting, reminding Turtle of Pike being happy, when they were together. Pike might love him, Turtle certainly loved Pike.
He wished he had told Pike, learned what his reaction would be without being half conscious. Still, he held Pike as Pike continuously kissed him.
Until he didn't. Until his limbs weakened, “Turtle contiune. Please.”
The kissing was sloppy and sweet and beautiful in everyway. Pike gave a contented sigh before slipping into darkness. Everything hurt but that had been worth it.
Turtle felt his breathing quicken as Pike fell unconscious. Tears were in his eyes. But he just had to save Pike. That was all. This should work, his rock healed muscles, this should count. Turtle stared at Pike trying to cool his nerves.
Could he save Pike? He had to have the guts. This would be worse for Pike, Turtle hoped for his sake that he wouldn't feel it. Poor Pike, Turtle hoped with all his heart that he and Pike could talk after this.
I love him. Even when I don't think I know him.
Turtle stared, sick forming in his throat. He needed to commit. He prepared his claws and took a breath.
He sliced into Pikes underbelly, right nearby the spear. He removed before quickly healing Pike with his stone. It worked.
It had no right to, but Pike's deflated lung healed. It did nothing for the bone, but healed Pike's flesh and muscle. Turtle carefully removed his claw, before going hysterical with laughter and hope.
It worked. Pike had kissed him and besides this horrible mess… they had a great time. Turtle wasn't useless or undeserving. Someone deep in his heart he knew Pike loved him too.
Pike wasn't waking up, or breathing. Turtle ran back over to his side, cold shock seeping through. He began CPR, Pike wouldn't die. He couldn’t die. Turtle loved him, even without magic he could help.
He continued, providing rescue breathes. He could still smell the cheap beer and fish on his breath. Turtle cried more. He grabbed Pike's wrist before keeping at CPR. There had to be a chance.
He continued, as long as he could keep it up.
The Seawing Army had been looking for him. Worried. Anemone had been worried.
That was stupid of them. He couldn’t get hurt. They should have been worried about themselves. It didn't matter that he hadn't slept. He didn't need sleep, not when he had been an idiot.
When Anemone had told him that Pike had feelings for him, that Moon had confirmed it, he almost had a mental break down. Anemone was worried about his mental health, which was quite silly.
He had never felt like this before. Like his fear had completely shattered to something much, much worse. Like when he had hurt Chameleon until there was blood. When he remembered what he had done.
The Pirates were gone. He had no one to be upset at. Except himself. He wanted to feel pain, but was terribly afraid.
Is that how Pike felt? When he died painfully? When Turtle had taken too long? He once wondered how he would have felt if Kinkajou died. He had his answer.
He slammed his talon into the wall, a jolt of fear at the sudden motion. No pain. Of course not.
IT WASN'T FAIR!
Monster. Was he losing his mind?
WHY DID PIKE DO THAT!?
To save him, even if he didn't need it.
What did he do? He couldn’t get the images out of his mind. He couldn’t save Pike. He couldn’t move on.
He couldn’t cry about it, just spiral. No peace in sight. Only awful images and memories.
Useless.
Why did he die?!
He stared at the wall, not even a sign of violence, of hurt, just nothing. He couldn’t even find relief in that.
“Turtle? I wanted to check in on you.”
Someone said that. Who knows what dragon. Turtle was trying to survive the aching in his chest and mind.
“Turtle, you… doing alright?”
Tears were in his eyes. He clenched his talon. It was Fin. His brother. He would never be weak infront of them. Not when he could have protected Pike.
“You can tell me anything ok? I'm by your side.”, Fin spoke more soberly than usual. Turtle was shaking.
“I knew him, we were friends, by the moons he was serious. I knew he had a heart of gold though. I.. wish I could have said bye.” Fin's voice cracked. That was what it took.
Turtle ran into Fin's wings, crying heavy tears. He shattered, crying, sobbing and shaking. The horribliness of the situation filling his mind.
“I know. I'm so sorry.”