Archive of Our Own

Mike was eight and already training. The sword may have been wooden, but his oath was clear to him: Serve and protect.

He had been feeling off all day, an uneasy feeling in the depths of his chest telling him something was wrong, not danger but fear that didn’t feel like his own. 

This was something that had never happened to him before, he misstepped and the ground waved like the sea and he collided with it hard. 

When he came to, his ears were loud with a high pitched sound, but no voices greeted him, the world was out of focus for long enough to frighten him. 

A hand outstretched coming into focus was the first thing he noticed, then blood from his head trickled down into his eye.

“Ow” he said gravelly, reaching a hand up to rub it. A relieved laugh came from his sparing partner. 

He wanted to go again but was told he needed to rest for the rest of the day, no visitors permitted. 

Sitting in bed he felt restless, it felt wrong to do nothing after spending his life in constant motion. After begging so long to have the free time, he had no idea what to do with himself.

He was supposed to meet Will after his training, he was finishing up a parchment for him that he had spent time working on getting right. 

Mike could barely sit up without the room spinning, there was no way he would make it to the library. 

The fortnight before, they created a structure made out of books in the walls of the library, a hidden passage with a password to hide away. It quickly became their favourite place.

He would pick Will flowers on most of his visits to the boy now, they would crush them with water to make beautiful colours they could use for changing parchment into works of art. 

Will was much better at it than he was, so often Mike would watch him work, enjoying the silence together. 

He really wished he could join him today.

It had been early to start training to be a paladin, but his family was noble and his dad was strict with his time. Mike didn’t have much time for anything else. He didn’t have time to make friends, long rest, or even just to have fun. 

Schooling was fast paced, and questions were asked during combat lessons, it made him sharper learning to multitask in hopes to multiclass.

The world was nice enough to him, there was no reason to be sad, no reason to complain about the strict schedule and the weight of his responsibility, not when he now knew those who had it worse.

Someone who had witnessed worse was his only friend, a small boy who lived within the walls of the castle with him, someone without the debilitating obligations he had, someone soft and kind despite his past. 

He thought back to when he first met the boy, hiding behind the legs of his mother and brother, their possessions in hand as they were to move in with them suddenly. Mike couldn’t help but notice his father missing amongst them.

Mike waited for someone to tell him what happened, preferring that over inquiring himself as he was worried about touching on such a subject. At the time he assumed the worst had happened to him, and it might be hard to express. He had no idea the real story would be more painful to hear.  

Will’s mossy green eyes were full of fear, darting around the room like he was waiting for something unexpected and unwelcome. It put Mike at unease seeing someone in pain from just existing inside a room. 

Mike gave the boy a small wave and a smile to try and ease him. He noticed the slightest twitch to curl his lips, it could almost be considered a smile. There was a slight dusting of rose on the boy’s face, before he moved quickly to disappear completely behind his family. 

Just when Mike's face began to fall in upset, a small hand appeared on its own where his face had just been. The boy's wrist moved and fingers twitched slightly, for a brief moment before it too disappeared again. 

A real smile overtook Mike at the absurdity of the interaction, his nose crinkled on its own accord. 

It made his chest flutter, like he was becoming a bird ready to take flight, THe feeling was dizzying. He fought the urge to hide himself through the rising warmth in his cheeks. 

Will’s eyes peeked out once more to check on the boy a moment later, a small giggle leaving Mike’s lips at the confusion of the exchange. 

Mike moved his hands swiftly to cover his mouth, eyes wide in surprise. He had never heard himself make that sound before. He decided that there was something innately special about Will for him to make him produce such a sound. 

Sorcery, he was sure of it. 

As Mike got to know Will, he noticed that he was unusually quiet. It took months before Mike even heard him speak. 

He would slip him sweet treats and hide with him in the library reading books to him that were not always educational, most were that of fiction or stories of adventure. 

One day, a baked blueberry treat caused a larger smile than usual to emerge on Will’s face. Likely a favourite fruit of his, Mike noted. This gesture caused a small “Thank you” whispered into his ear. 

They looked at each other with matching smiles, and by the end of the day Mike’s cheeks hurt from the sheer amount of joy.

It was the single greatest day of Mike’s life.

Earning the trust and friendship of Will felt like a medal of honour and he wore it with pride. After that, small sentences came with ease but only when they were alone. Whispers and giggles came eventually on late nights, until Mike became a boy who listened more than he talked… when it came to Will at least.

It was about seven months into their friendship when Mike heard firsthand what Will had endured. He found the boy shaking after a thunderstorm at midday and quickly realized that loud noises seemed to affect him. 

What Will had seen and heard from hands that pushed and hit instead of holding and caressing was horrific. His mother could cure wounds, but the scars and emotional impact that his father had left would haunt them. It was a deeper wound than any spell could fix.

Will’s family had struggled, they had lived through more life than their ages would indicate, walked paths more treacherous than they deserved and fought horrors nobody should see in a lifetime, let alone a few short years. 

They didn’t let their past define them, they were strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

Will’s mother was a healer for the family, delivering Mike just days after giving birth herself. The two mothers were closer friends than their titles allowed, but nobody dared to question it. Joycelyn was one of few trusted presences, coming and going regularly from the palace.

Two years ago, when Mike was sick, she was the only one who could figure out what was wrong. She treated the boy like her own flesh and blood, like family. Her presence was calming, she was soft and warm hearted in a way that was far from common. Her light radiated outward in a gentle hug, and her love could be felt through her actions, a trait clearly passed on to her son.

When she was tending to Mike, his mother noticed a mark on Jocelyn’s shoulder. The bruise was missed from healing, she was likely not rested enough to cure her own wounds when she was worried about helping Mike. The mark prompted a line of questioning from Mike's mother, the query left silence in its wake. An unanswered reply was enough to prove her fear for her friend was correct.

Mike's mother Katerina appointed Jocelyn the official Royal Physician after that, moving the family into the castle and away from Lonnie with haste. 

Though Mike had met Will’s mother a number of times, he had only heard about the boy in short stories that she would tell him before the day they moved in. He heard about his love of books and his ability to create worlds on parchment. 

Over the years Mike wished that he could recall them all, unfortunately time had taken a few before he knew how important Will would be to him. Joycelyn was like a second mother to him, so to hear that she and her family were treated so poorly had broken something inside Mike. He swore on that day to protect Will from all the bad in the world, shielding him from that kind of hurt again, staying by his side always.

Lonnie was to be locked out of the kingdom, it was assumed he caught wind of the situation and did not wish to stay and find out his punishment.

Mike’s parents were tough but fair, and though Edmund was in charge, his mother seemed to have the most sway. If her anger was anything to go on, it would not have turned out well for Lonnie if he were to be caught.

Will also had an older brother, a guard in training named Jonathan. He unfortunately took most of the impact from the force of his father’s hits, both physically and emotionally. Jonathan was trying to guide the fist, creating a sort of protection spell around his family, shielding everyone with his own self. It was clear he took the anger in favour of them receiving it.

He was hoping the ricochet would be minimal, but there was no way he could protect them from it fully. He was pushed way beyond what his body could endure.

Despite it all, he never once complained to anyone, no wishing on stars in nights of darkness to change the past. He should not have had to deal with it at all, but he would do it over again, anything if it meant they were safe. Mike knew it and understood him for it, often wishing he could have been there for Will, swearing to himself that he would protect him over everything and everyone else.

Jonathan was brave and fiercely loyal, he stood up for injustice and was to be assigned as the head guard to Nancy, Mike’s sister. Jonathan and Nancy were close, and though she was betrothed to marry Stephen, Mike was sure that the match would likely not go ahead. 

Jonathan was a better match, a better man for her. He was someone worthy of his sister’s attention, already above the skill level of those in his field who were much older, kind and wise as well. There was nobody more qualified, or trusted with the position except maybe Nancy herself. 

Mike had spent the whole day reminiscing, when he should have been sleeping after his combat training with Jonathan earlier that day. His head was still sore, but the dizziness had subsided enough to sit up and attempt to read. The rest of the day passed by slowly, a few people coming and going with strict instruction not to speak to Mike as he required rest. He was lonely. 

Will found Mike just after dinner, his own brought up to him earlier that evening. 

“Hey,” Mike spoke through the soft lighting of the room, the sun retreating to make way for the moon to have its time to shine. 

“You were not at dinner, I was worried. I heard about your fall, are you badly hurt?” Will inquired, attempting to mask his concern as he rushed over to Mike’s bedside. His worry made Mike smile briefly, firstly because he was this important to Will, and then because Will thought he could hide it from Mike.

“I will heal, it was not that bad. I just had an odd feeling and then my legs didn’t work as they were supposed to. I just need to rest. It is not an issue,” Mike reassured him. 

“Okay, I just wanted to check how you were, before I went to bed. Jonathan said you were unmoving for several moments after the fall.” He was pushing Mike to speak, clearly Mike had failed his persuasion check.

“You see me so clearly,” Mike laughed in response. 

“Well your hair still has blood in it,” Will said, studying him with a softness Mike wasn’t used to. 

“I guess I should have led with that.” Will explained, clearing his throat and pulling his eyes away from Mike altogether.

Mike raised his hand to his hair and sure enough the blood had dried from the cut earlier. The wound had already healed. Mike laughed and looked away to hide the blush rising in his cheeks. 

“I should-” Will started, pointing towards the door. Mike’s hand shooting out to grab onto him as he was turning to leave. 

The boy turned back to look at him. 

“Can you stay? I am afraid to sleep.” Mike asked, looking up through his lashes, unsure. He was supposed to be brave but he had never been so scared. His chest felt like it would ignite in a blaze of pain if Will were to leave him. 

“Of course, just for a little.” Will said with a smile.

“You must tell me what I missed today,” Mike said, a smile reaching his eyes as he looked over at his friend, hand reaching out to touch Will’s in encouragement. 

“There is not much to tell, I was just in the library looking for some books for us to read when I noticed one about a red dragon. It was high and I almost fell trying to get to it. Thankfully I managed to catch the ladder. I was so afraid-” Will explained.

“Will. Please, you must be careful.” Mike pleaded.

“I wanted to paint a dragon for you.” Will said sheepishly.

“Speaking of paintings, did you bring the creation you made? I am excited to see” Mike asked eagerly.

“Unfortunately it did not survive the fall.” Will huffed.

“What do you mean?” Mike asked in confusion.

“Well, I dropped it when I slipped on the ladder, and it floated into the fireplace,” Will explained sadly but slightly amused at the memory. Though still fresh, it was rather odd the way it had happened.

“You jest,” Mike said, mouth agape.

“Unfortunately I do not. I will have to start over.” Will laughed, some humour behind the sadness.

“It is okay, maybe the next attempt will be even better?" Mike said to encourage.

After a brief pause Mike Added, "Promise you will not push yourself though. Please no more ladders, let me get them down. I do not want you hurting yourself for me.”  

“As long as you also agree not to hurt yourself for me,” Will said, raising an eyebrow.

“I cannot promise that, it is my duty-” Mike started, not wishing to lie to Will, knowing he would walk through fire to keep him safe.

“Your duty does not extend to me.” Will quipped.

“I think that is mine to decide,” Mike responded quickly like it was second nature, because protecting Will was, even now.

“I would rather you safe.” Will said quietly. It was meant to appear playful but Mike could see it was a plea.

Mike had no idea what to say to that so he simply nodded, looking down at his hands.

Everyone was already asleep, Mike would convince him to stay far longer than he should. They would stay up late talking and making up stories about creatures they had read about in the books they were not supposed to be reading. 

Sometimes it was the thunder shaking the wall or the thoughts while attempting slumber that were debilitating for Will. Mike wanted him close for safety, but was never brave enough to ask for it. 

This was the first time that the fear was Mike’s alone. 

At some point during their conversation, the boys fell asleep. Mike on his bed, and Will on the floor with a pillow and small blanket that was meant for comfort, not for staying over. 

The air was thick with fog and the cold reached inside the building, pushing itself into every corner of the structure. Mike shivered awake, the sound of teeth chattering echoed loudly off the walls in the room, but the sound wasn’t his alone.

“Will” Mike whispered into the darkness as he sat up, the moon providing the only visible light in the room. A mere silhouette for the other boy to look up at. 

“Y-y-yes?” Will answered, struggling to say anything else between the clanging of his teeth. Not that Will was particularly talkative as it was, but if he were to speak to anyone it would be Mike.

“C-come u-u-up he-here i-it is c-c-old,” he suggested through chattering teeth. 

Will was on his feet in an instant, diving under the covers with him. The two young boys laid close together, hiding their faces under the blankets shaking with giggles and frosty air. 

“Are you sure? Will we not get in trouble?” Will worried, 

“It is cold, and I cannot let my cleric get a chill. Besides, it is far too late for you to go to your own bed,” Mike laughed. They pulled each other close, sharing warmth, holding each other until their teeth stilled and sleep overtook them.

Over the years, Mike would often sneak Will comforts, they would play games on wooden boards that they made up, and hide each other from their responsibilities. 

That night was the first night of many where the pair would refuse to end their day early and let the night separate them. At least once a week turned into a sleepover and Mike felt it harder to separate himself from Will’s side the longer it went on. 

It was like it was fundamentally wrong to be apart from each other.

When they got a little older, they would wake early and sneak through the corridors with ease to keep from being caught.

Will was Mike's only friend, but that didn't bother him. He was the best person he knew.

Not much else changed in the 7 years that followed that night. Jonathan joined the guard, Mike's training intensified, along with the secondary emotion that radiated from his chest that he couldn’t place, a phantom limb of sorts. 

Fear was not the only thing he could sense now, sadness that is not his own, joy and an intense feeling of longing, so strong it was crippling, radiated within him as a low hum. 

He had learnt to fight through the feeling, no longer falling as the world tilts.

The more he honed his skills the louder the feeling got. Sometimes it was easier to block out, usually when he was around Will. His presence was calming, it’s probably why Will declared his intentions. Not those intentions.

Will had decided he wanted to be a healer just like his mother, a cleric. Will was special, though the two didn’t meet until they were five it felt like they had known each other their whole lives.

It was the night before Will’s ceremony. He was to receive his amulet, which he would use to channel his magic. A small silver pendant with moons and stars along it, a small cross in the center.

Mike heard the soft knock on the door, a secret code only one individual knew, Will. 

“You took your time” Mike chirped as Will entered the room, 

“I figured you would want me to stay so I had to make sure everyone was asleep before I left.” Will quipped back. 

“That is true, but now our time is limited before we must sleep. Tomorrow is an important day, you know.” Mike said playfully.

“Yeah I know,” Will sighed, walking to the window gaze drifting up to the stars. 

Mike walked over to stand next to him. A moment passed before he spoke.

“Everyone has put so much time into making sure tomorrow is great. You have nothing to worry about.” Mike comforted, touching Will’s shoulder. He smiled at him, looking from Mike’s hand to his face.

“You are right.” Will breathed, smiling softly.

“Come let us rest,” Mike suggested, moving towards the bed. 

Will took one more glance out the window at the stars before he moved to follow him. 

They lay close, talking until Will fell asleep. Over all the years, he was always the first to, leaving Mike time to look at him, wondering if he would ever have the courage to tell him of his feelings. 

He watched the rise and fall of Will’s chest, occasionally feeling the flutter of Will’s heartbeat slow and steady under his palm when he was brave enough to hold him. 

Tonight Mike had begged Will to visit, wanting to spend the last night before the change, that Will’s ‘Ceremony of Magic’ would cause. Before anything changed them, or at least hoping he would be brave enough to be the change himself. Unfortunately he was not. Mike couldn’t tell Will that he was afraid because he was the only one who still thought Mike brave. He wanted to be that for him, he needed to be.

Will rolled over to face the window, Mike moved over to hold him tight. Falling asleep with the boy tightly secured in his arms. 

When Mike awoke, Will was gone and the air was warmer than the chill from the night before. A knock on the door, soft but insistent, followed shortly. Mike got up and made his way to the door opening it to see Nancy standing there. 

“Hey Mike, you and Will need to come down for breakfast. It is a big day and Jonathan has matters to attend to with Will.” She asked with softness, however her smile spoke louder than the words. Her face looked pained, like she knew something her brother had yet to figure out and would not like.

“Will must have gone down already, I was just on my way. I know how important today is” he replied, not wanting to know what the look was about. At his words, worry filled Nancy's expression.

“What is wrong?” he asked in an instance, the chill from the night before returning to his skin for a moment. 

“He was not at breakfast, that is why Jonathan had sent for me to come get you both.” She explained.

“He checked on you both this morning, when Will was not in his own bed. He thought it best that one of us… were to come.” She continued cautiously.

“I know what you are implying, but it was unreasonably cold-” she cut him off with a raise of her hand and a slight shake to her head. 

In a hushed whisper she spoke over him.

“I know you two are close, but the maids would talk. You know you need separate rooms. You are getting too old to share such things.” she advised sternly, evidence of sadness in her tone towards the end as Mike felt his expression falling.

She did not want to be the one to have to say it, that was clear. Mike closed his eyes softly as the words fell around him, he knew this talk was coming, perhaps that is why he was so persistent the night before.

“I understand” he half whispered, he tried to hold back the devastation in his voice and tears that threatened to fall.

The life that he wanted, was not the life he could have and though he never spoke it allowed, Nancy must know.

“Look-” Nancy started.

“Now is not the time, we need to find him. How long has been missing, have you checked the kitchen, or the lib-“ he said cutting her off.

”Wait. I know where he is.” Mike said, as his mind caught up.

Mike moved past Nancy, her hand reaching out for his shoulder.

“Mike-” she breathed, wanting to talk further about what she had discovered or known but decided now was the time to dissect. 

“Later,” he promised as he took off down the corridor towards the Library, “I need to make sure he is safe first” he added over his shoulder on his way down the corridor. 

If Will wanted to hide where nobody could find him there was only one place he would be. Somewhere that only Mike would know to look. His own little secret castle amongst the stacks, in the walls. What Mike fondly called Castle Byer’s.

Knock, knock knock, knock, knock knock knock

“Will, I know you are in there. You cannot hide forever” Mike said, leaning his head against the shelf.

Slowly the one next to it slid open. 

“Not forever, just long enough to miss the ceremony” Will signed, Mike looked in to find him sitting with his legs crossed and picking at the floor like he could dig his way out. 

Mike stepped in, shutting the shelf behind him and sitting beside Will. He rested his head on Will’s shoulder, the contact a comfort to Will.

A hand hold, or slight passing touch of the shoulders Mike realised a few years ago would soothe him when he was amidst panic, something Mike could usually catch before it got too bad. 

Unfortunately he had not noticed it the night before. 

Now that he was sitting beside him, he wondered if he had any sleep at all. The darkness under his eyes and redness usually came from exhaustion or sadness, and it didn’t look like Will had been crying. 

“What happened between last night and this morning? Why did you not tell me how you were feeling? I was worried about you when I awoke and you were gone.” He spoke softly.

“Nothing happened, I really was okay, but I was just thinking that... What if I am different? You know, what if I do not get my magic? Maybe I was not made for this.” Will said dejected.

A few silent tears fell down his cheeks, as he dragged his knees tightly to his chest.

“Will-” Mike breathed.

“You do not understand you are-” Will stopped himself, not wanting to continue. Mike understood him well enough to know.

“I am no more than you are.” Mike expressed softly.

“That is not true” Will replied with tears in his eyes, clearly believing what he was saying. Mike could not have that.

“William, I” Mike started firmly.

“Do not call me that, you are not allowed to” Will sniffled, trying his best to change the conversation into something less heavy. 

He was avoidant, Mike could feel it now.

“I am not permitted to call you by your name? What should I call you instead? My cleric? My l-” Mike spoke, unsure whether he was going to say love or liege, but Will was quick to cut him off regardless.

“Not that either” Will interrupted, laughing properly now.

“I am running out of options it seems,” Mike said lightly chuckling with him. As he looked at Will he felt it. The secondary emotion was suddenly clear. A small spark alighting his spirit. 

“Look, I know you are worried about being different and I cannot tell you that you are not, because you are.” Mike started, confidence finally settling in with the knowledge that he could sense Will all this time, it was him that he could feel.

“I thought you wanted me to come out of the wall” Will said with a straight face, eyebrow raising in challenge.

“You are special Will, I will not pretend to think otherwise. I promised to you that I would never lie. That you could count on me for all that you need, and that I could tell you all that you are. You are biased against your own worth, and I cannot sit here and let you tell my friend that he is not worthy. You may not be able to see all that you can be, and all that you already are, but I do. I do. You are Wise, brave, and you are unapologetic in your kindness. There is no one like you in all the lands. Your difference is exactly why there is no one more suited or worthy to have the power you will possess.”

“Mike I- What if I dont.. Mag-” Will spoke.

“I am not finished,” Mike looked at him with tears in his eyes, Will conceded letting out the shaky breath he was fighting. 

“Even if you do not get your magic tonight, I have no doubt in my mind that it will come when you need it the most. I already think you are magic, you were born with an unmatchable spark, and you do not need to prove it to me or to anyone else.”   

“I thought I was the one who was supposed to be wise.” Will said after a moment, sniffing his tears away. 

“How about I promise to be your wise, if you continue to be my brave?” Mike responded as Will fell into his chest holding him through a hug that Mike never wanted to leave. Mike let himself have it a few minutes before he spoke again.

“I hate to ruin this moment but your brother has been looking for you. There is something he was needing to speak with you regarding. We should also probably join everyone in preparations." Mike sighed, leaning back away from him to look in his eyes. 

“Just a few more moments,” Will said sleepily, resting heavily against Mike. There was nothing in the world that could make Mike pull away or argue in that moment so he just enjoyed the closeness he was soon to be deprived of.

Mike wanted to tell him how he felt, and in not so many words he had. Deep down he knew that Will had not heard it, but he had time to show him the love he deserved.

Nancy must have followed behind him because her voice was closing in, he could hear her calling for them. 

“Ready?” Mike whispered as the voice got close enough for them to be discovered.

“No,” Will huffed, standing up. He pushed the door open and stepped out cautiously looking around to make sure their secret was not found. Mike followed him out, shutting the door behind himself. 

“As long as you stay close, I know it will feel safe.” Will reassured, smiling.

If there was ever a time to tell someone how you felt, it was after they said being with you was safe.

“Will, there's something-” Mike started when Nancy came around the corner.

“There you two are. Will, you must come with me. You are late.” She said, reaching out her hand out to hold his, leading them towards the door.

“One second I just need to-” Mike started following them to the entrance, Nancy cut him off

“Later,” she interupted, “You know he is safe, and he is now very late.”

The two headed off down the corridor as Mike stood in front of the Library watching them go. Just before he turned the corner, Will looked back at him and waved. His arm was the last thing to disappear around the corner, much like their first meeting Mike thought distantly standing there alone.

Will

Will followed Nancy through the halls in silence for several minutes, she kept glancing over like there was something that she wanted to say but didn’t know how to word. 

It was driving Will mad. 

After the third corner she asked “Are you nervous?” glancing over at him and slowing her pace, “I am sure Jonathan just wanted to remind me to eat. It will be fine” he responded quietly, “I was referring to the ceremony, not seeing your brother. I know mine is nervous for his own later this month” she commented so casually like it was normal, but Mike had not so much as breathed a word regarding his own ceremony. 

Will felt terrible.

He was so caught up in his thoughts and fear, so worried about his magic coming in that he hadn’t even thought about Mike’s Ceremony at all. 

Mike’s was only a week following his own, on the eve of his birthday. His required him to draw the blood of an opponent in combat. It was to be way more involved and had a higher risk of failure especially given his age.

Mike’s performance was detrimental to his standing, he had more reason to be frightened than Will who would likely take several years to earn his own profession. 

Mike was the bravest person that Will knew, he was Mike the Brave after all. 

So why had he not said anything to him? 

Nancy must have noticed the way his face set, like he was trying to fit something in a box that was entirely too large or wrong, and he couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. “Oh.. he has not told you” she breathed.

“I- no he- What?” Will tried to reason, but he was at a loss for words.

“There is no- he will be fine, he is more than prepared. He is brave, and his skills surpass those thrice his age. There is no one better equipped to handle this” he explained.

At that, she stopped walking to look at him for a moment. 

Will was not fond of being perceived, and she was reading him entirely too well. 

The fear was setting in, the panic evident on his face caused her own face to soften as some sort of realisation set in. 

“I know he feels the same about you. You need not worry.” she said softly as she rested a hand on his shoulder, when he turned around to face her and argue that Mike would not consider them as brave as each other, he noticed Jonathan approaching. 

Nancy slipped away unnoticed as the boys continued their greetings.

“I’m so glad you are safe,” Jonathan said after a moment, hugging his brother.

“Of course I am,” he spoke, confused. Jonathan had a somber look on his face that he hadn’t seen in years, not since..

“NO,” Will said at his realisation. 

“No no no” Will felt the world drift and vision blur on the edges as he spiralled.

“There was no confirmation that it was him, but there was someone with Lonnie’s description seen a day's ride from here. We just got word of it early this morning.” Jonathan explained. 

“If he was heading here, someone would have surely seen him. The report was several days old, somebody would have reported him if he were close.” Jonathan tried to soothe, but Will felt like he was trying to convince himself, more than convince Will. 

“Are you okay?” Will asked as he tried to steel himself, more concerned for his brother. He was grateful for everything he had done to protect him, but he wished there was something he could do for him in return. It was a debt he would never be able to repay, one that he would take over if he could switch places. 

“Today is not about me. I did not want to worry you, I only wanted to make sure that you were aware, to make sure that you are safe and cautious.” Jonathan pleaded, holding him tightly to his chest like he might slip away at any moment.

“I am okay as long as you are okay, you should focus on our mother and Nancy.” Will said pulling back.

“Speaking of, have you told her how you feel?” he asked, attempting to change the subject.

He had always known his brother's feelings, and had watched him dance around them for far too long. It was a few months before she was to be engaged. He was running out of time to let her know.

“How I feel for her does not matter. There is no world in which I would be allowed to marry her.” Jonathan advised somberly.

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Will said under his breath, attempting to conceal his own emotions.

“You should still-” Will started to speak to encourage him when he was cut off by the older boy. 

“Neither of us need a marriage to prove our dedication to those we love.” Jonathan stressed.

Jonathan said it like he knew, a flustered Will tried to start several sentences starting with “I-” and dying on his tongue.

“You should tell him.” Jonathan said softly, reaching a hand up to cup his cheek, something he did to encourage him that he needed to listen carefully to what he was saying. 

He had figured it out. 

Will could try to deny it, but he knew that Jonathan would not believe him either way, he did not appear to be harbouring any distaste towards his preference.

“I cannot” he said dejectedly, the risk was not worth it. He would live a thousand lives as Mike’s friend, if it meant keeping him in his life. 

There was nothing he would do to risk it, he loved him too much to lose him.

The boys continued their conversations into the late morning and had a small lunch before they moved to prepare for the ceremony. Jonathan left him to run a few errands and to check on Nancy, Will was sure that he was getting to him about declaring his intentions with her, or at least letting her know some of what he felt. 

Will was left to continue his reading, trying to self sooth before the night. He was in his room, dressed entirely in white for the evening when his mother found him to head for the ceremony. 

Joycelyn was quieter than normal, but Will could tell that she was trying not to cry, she whispered “I’m proud of you” and that was enough for her to almost lose it, she had not said a word since, but Will could see her watery eyes ready at any moment.

When they got to the hall she kissed his cheeks before slipping into the hall, he waited alone for a moment before he entered the Hall alone, as was customary he was the last to arrive.

The room was quiet as he was introduced, the sheer amount of people was overwhelming, a sea of faces that looked vaguely familiar but none that he would know by name.

The room was lit with orbs of light and candles, illuminated enough, but not as much as daylight would have been. Will would love to paint a room like this, of all his years living here he had not been allowed in this part of the castle. 

The room was grand, large windows spanned the entirety of one wall, he stood on a landing with a staircase leading down to both his left and right.

The wall opposite to the windows held beautiful artworks, the other with books on either side of a door, leading into a smaller room. In the centre of the room there was a chandelier hanging from a high ceiling, just assed that Will could see a piano to far corner. 

As he walked down the stairs he watched his feet in fear of losing his balance, he knew he was supposed to look up but the fear of embarrassment and the overwhelming size of the room was too much to bare. 

It was completely irrational, but in that moment Will swears he heard Mike whisper “Eye’s on me, you got this” in his ear, there was no way for it to be true but he looked up anyway to find him.

At the end of the staircase he locked eyes with him, Mike was dressed all in black a stark contrast to his own clothes. His hair was long but tamed, curls near perfection, big bright eyes almost honeycomb and shining like starlight as he looked up at him, Will felt his breath cease a moment, tongue heavy.

He was beautiful. 

With every step he descended, Will felt the pressure of the room cease, the thoughts of anyone else removed as their eyes stayed locked on each other in slow motion. When he reached the bottom, he blinked and Mike was gone.

Everything sped up suddenly, the music was loud and his mother led him around the room to greet everyone. As he drifted in and out of conversations he wondered if he had imagined the whole thing.

It felt like hours until he found the boy again, outside of brief fleeting moments of black curls as they weaved in and out of the crowds, no more than a second in length.

Mike was in the middle of a conversation with a guardsman when Will excused himself and approached.

Mike's voice got quiet the closer he got and ceased entirely when he was within earshot, a brief nod between the two as Mike dismissed him, and they were left alone.

Will gave him a look and Mike looked off to the side as if in search of someone or something. 

“Why are you avoiding me?” Will accused.

“I am not-” Mike started finally making eye contact.

“You are. You excused the guard when I got close too so I would not overhear. What are you not telling me.” he almost demanded, remembering himself he pulled back and signed.

“What is wrong?” Will asked more gently this time, a plea for answers. 

Mike looked between his eyes searching for something that he hoped was not as easily noticeable to him, as it was to Jonathan and Nancy earlier. Quickly turning his gaze down to his hands, in case disgust painted his features on realising the secret that he kept, he heard Mike sigh in surrender to the question. 

“I was giving you space to socialise. I stayed close in case I was of use, but I did not wish to bother you. It is your night, you should have fun. You have enough to worry about.” Mike muttered.

At Mike’s admission Will looked up to be met with Mike dropping his own eyes to his hands. 

“I am sorry, I know you only wish to help, but you think staying away would do that? Your presence is calming. I do not wish to brave the battlefield outside these walls, or in them without you by my side.” Will explained.

“There is no battlefield inside,” Mike said confused.

“You do not think socialising requires skill, and is not just as fearful as facing a dragon?” Will asked rhetorically, smiling to lighten the mood.

“I guess in a crowd like this, one might prefer to pick the dragon over a man.” Mike quipped.

Will joined him, chuckling as their conversation slipped into normalcy with ease, as they traversed the room. 

The presentation of the amulet went off without a hitch, Will didn’t get his magic when it was passed to him, but he was reassured that it would take time. It was extraordinarily rare to receive them immediately. 

Edward and Katarina gave a speech to their guests and the night continued on as it had before.

“I told you that it would be fine,” Mike joked as Will approached him after the speeches. 

“And I told you I would not get my magic.” Will retorted in humour, but the sadness was evident enough that he could see the realisation of it flicker in Mike’s eyes. 

“Listen, there is something I need to tell you. Something I have been trying to get the courage to all day, but time keeps getting away from me” Mike started to say, as the sound of glass shattering echoed through the room. 

Will looked past Mike to see an arrow flying through the room towards him, he was frozen in fear. 

Without turning to look, Mike grabbed him and twisted to shield him from it like he knew it was coming. The screams of horror echoed throughout the room as guests ran towards the exits and away from the windows. No further attack came through. 

“NO!” Will bellowed in agony as Mike fell into his arms. The arrow had struck him through his shoulder, close to his heart. 

“HELP” he screamed to the half empty room.

“Will look-look at me,” Mike pleaded.

“It’s going to be okay, someone's going to help,” Will stressed.

“It is okay Will.” Mike said, coughing slightly.

“This is not okay, why did you do that? You promised. You promised you wouldn’t hurt yourself for me.” Will sobbed.

“I promised only that I would not leave you. That I would stay with you and I will. In here.” Mike comforted, reaching out to touch his heart. Will held Mike's hand to his chest.

“I can’t do this without you. I - I-” Will tried to say, unable to finish his sentence. 

He couldn’t talk through his lips trembling. He was going to lose him, there was nobody around rested enough to help and nobody had approached to step in. Where was everyone?

“I love you. That's what I was trying to tell you all day. I-” Mike gulped through quietly, as his chest stuttered to a stop. His body falling limp as Will screamed out in pain, all he could think was that he did not have enough time to say it back. 

Will begged for help from the heavens, body shaking from the force of his agony when suddenly a bolt shot through the castle, walls shaking as it hit him. 

His body began to glow, amber light was pouring out his hands and circling Mike. 

It forced the arrow out of his chest and sealed the wound over, Will felt a sharp pain in his own chest as if the motion had pierced his own shoulder with the arrow in place of Mike. The amber light made its way around his body and through Mike's open mouth as he gasped awake, looking into Will’s eyes for a moment before the world fell into darkness.

When Will awoke, he sat up so fast that the room tilted. He was no longer in the clothes he had been wearing just moments before. 

He blinked down at the bed he had found himself suddenly in, mouth dry and a weight in his left hand. When he looked down he could see Mike beside the bed, head resting on the bed sound asleep, one hand under his head and the other reaching out to hold Will’s.

His brain fought to catch up to what had happened, the arrow, the light, the ‘i love you’... had that really happened? 

“You are awake.” Mike exclaimed, rubbing his eye briefly before reaching his hand out to cup Will's cheek, looking over his face for any sign of damage. 

“You love me?” Will blurted as his thoughts ran wild with the fleeting moments before he had ended up here. 

Mike blushed, looking at their connected hands for a moment, before looking up at him. 

“I was not sure you would remember that, they said your memory may take some time” Mike said bashfully, still trying to avoid eye contact.

“I did not ask about my memory, I asked if you meant what you said” Will asked, reaching his free hand up to hold Mike’s currently resting on his cheek.  

“I am alive and breathing thanks to you. I owe you my life. Of course I meant what I said, I used my dying breath to tell you.” Mike professed.

“How could you have died if you are sitting right here?” Will wondered aloud.

“They called it a divine spark, it has not happened in over a century but the heavens opened up to bless you in saving my life. As long as my heart beats we are bound to each other.” Mike explained.

“We are bound together? A divine spark would have bound us by light, meaning that my magic is- wait, I have magic?” Will asked in wonder.

“You were like a sorcerer, your skin was alight and your eyes were white. I saw only for a moment as you saved my life before darkness descended on us both. I was asleep a few hours but you have slept 3 days if I am to be exact. You looked so beautiful.” Mike said, swiping Will’s cheeks with his thumb, collecting the tears falling.

Will let go of Mike to pull his shirt off his shoulder, a matching mark identical to Mike’s visible.

“Wow” Mike marvelled.

He reached out to trace it with his fingertip, producing a small zap that made them both gasp. 

Will had stumbled upon some old texts on this subject earlier that year. 

A divine spark connected them through body, mind and spirit. 

Will would feel phantom pain when Mike was injured, feel his fear, and his love. The mark was  both a gift and a curse, they share a tether that aches when they use their gifts. There would be no hiding from his emotions no matter what they are.

Another side effect of this spell was that his magic was now and forever, tied to Mike’s heart beat. Should he lose his life, Will would lose not only the love of his life and his greatest friend, but also his magic. 

“I am to feel everything that you do because of this mark” Will explained touching it again.

“Then we are to be even” Mike retorted, causing Will to look at him in confusion. 

“When I swore my oath to protect you after you told me of your struggles, I have been able to feel your fear. I first felt it the day you lost your drawing to the fireplace. Over time as I trained and got closer to my ceremony, that feeling grew until I could all but whisper to your heart and it could hear me.” Mike professed.

“I love you too” Will whispered eyes fixed on Mike's despite his fear to admit it. 

“I know, I can feel it” Mike whispered back as he leant forward and gently placed a soft kiss to Will’s lips. 

They held each other close as the room moved around them, they could figure out everything else later. All that mattered right now was that they had each other.