Gladiator 4, Supernatural RPS Au, NC-17
Aug. 3rd, 2008 07:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
phantismaFandom: Supernatural RPS
Title: Gladiator 4 ( all of Courtesan can be found here)
Pairing/Characters: Jared/Jensen, Jared/OMC
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 2560
Summary: Total AU. Jared returns after spending three days with Jensen, to find that his fellow gladiators are not happy with him. Then he learns from Jeffrey that Jensen is leaving.
A/Ns & Warnings: Um. For starters, I really, really resisted starting this, because I know it's going to get epic...and I need another epic like I need an elephant to sit on me. Still...it wasn't letting go. So things to know: This is a cross between Feudal Japanese society and Roman society. Courtesans are chosen based on time and location of birth and physical characteristics. They are property of the state, but serve the Lords who govern the regions in which they are born. Likewise, gladiators are chosen in much the same way, but with different criteria. They are also property of the state, and serve the Lords who govern the regions where they were born. WARNINGS: There is underage sex here. There is also rape/non-con. It is not graphic.
Art, from![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
apieceofcake...
“It will be a while before I fight again.” Jared said as Jensen helped him into his tunic. He hated having to leave and Jensen had seemed to pull away as they got ready for this to end.
“You must give your body time to heal.” Jensen murmured, adjusting the fabric. He knelt to check the splint on Jared’s leg.
“When will you perform in the Great Hall? I’ll be there.” Jared pulled him up, searching his face.
“I do not know, my lord. It will depend on the Director of Courtesans. Perhaps three nights from now.” Jensen bent his head to buckle Jared’s belt. “You should stay off the leg, at least another few weeks.”
“My leg will be fine.” Jared pulled him close, kissing over Jensen’s face. “I want to know when I will see you again.”
“I have no answer for you, my lord.”
“Will you send word?” Jared was hopeful, he couldn’t wait to see Jensen again.
Almost reluctantly, Jensen nodded. “I will send word.”
Jared grinned. There was a knock on the door. “That will be your boy.”
“I miss you already.” Jared meant it, feeling the loss like a sword in his gut. He kissed Jensen deeply, then they moved to the door together. Outside it Astin waited with a crutch. Jensen helped Jared through the door and Astin’s arm circled his waist. Jared nestled the crutch up under his arm and together they limped away.
Jared paused at the end of the corridor, turning back. Jensen smiled at him and then Astin was urging him away. “I should warn you, some of the men are not happy.” Astin said as they worked their way out of the palace.
“About what?” Jared wasn’t really listening. His thoughts were still on Jensen. He’d said that he loved Jared…and Jared was crazy about him. He would have to find a way to be with him again.
Astin stopped them in the shadows and pushed Jared up against the wall. “This. You and him.”
Jared shook his head. “They’re just jealous.”
Astin’s eyes were large as he nodded. “Yes. They are. There is talk of putting you in your place, of reminding you that you are no better than they are.”
Jared inhaled deeply of the dry air. It was easy to forget himself when he was with Jensen. Easy to forget how the real world worked. He ruffled Astin’s hair. “Thank you.”
They resumed walking. Soon they were in the long shadow of the arena, swallowed up in the dark underbelly where men lived and trained. Jared could feel their eyes, following them. He shook his head at his own paranoia.
Gladiators were not known for their understanding or caring. They were rough men, raised and trained for one thing. They lived by a certain code. One Jared knew well. If they believed he had taken something from them, or that he placed himself above them, there would be trouble.
They had nearly reached his cell.
“So, the victorious gladiator returns from bedding his whore.”
Jared stopped, and pushed Astin behind him. “Davalos.” Once Jared’s mentor and trainer, Davalos was a big man, as tall as Jared and broader. His arms were as big as most men’s legs.
“How’s the leg?”
Jared nodded, not letting his guard down. “It will heal.”
“Good. We’ll try not to injure it more.”
“We?”
Jared’s stomach was sinking. Out of the shadows other men were joining Davalos. “Time you were reminded of how things really are, boy.”
Jared shook his head. “I won’t come easily.”
Davalos grinned. “No, but you will come.”
Jared shoved Astin into his cell. “Stay there. Don’t come out.”
Hands were grabbing at him now, pulling him into the armory. Jared fought, lashing out with his fists and twisting his body, but all he succeeded in doing was ripping his tunic. He landed one good punch on someone’s nose and heard a satisfying crunch.
Then someone punch his face and Jared staggered against the hands holding him. He was dragged to a bench and dropped, his arms dragged over his head and held by two huge hands, his tunic ripped open and feet kicked apart.
Davalos would be first. Jared bucked up as he felt hands on his ass, but those hands just punched into his sides until he lay still. “Don’t make it worse than it needs to be, boy.” Davalos said.
Jared pulled against the hands holding him, squirming in an attempt to get loose, but it was obvious he wasn’t going anywhere. And unlike that morning with Jensen, there would be no oil, no gentle prep. He held his breath as Davalos shoved into him, closed his eyes. It wasn’t like he hadn’t endured this before.
Jared stopped fighting so the pain would ease up. Davalos was quick, he always had been. He patted Jared’s ass and made room for the next. He didn’t try to count, just squeezed his eyes shut and fought back the tears. Crying over this would only mark him for more.
When it was over, they left him there, laying over the bench, his ass oozing and sore. For a long time he didn’t move and when he did, it was slow. He pushed himself upright and onto his feet. The limp back to his cell was painful, his leg and ass and face sore.
He stopped at the door, leaned against the wall to catch his breath. He couldn’t show weakness now. He dragged in air and set his face hard before opening the door.
Astin jumped up from the cot, his face white. “Go get me water so I can clean up.” Jared growled, pulling off his ruined tunic. The boy jumped and scampered away. Jared used the tunic to wipe the come oozing out of him, the tossed it into the corner. Astin returned with a jug of water and poured it into the basin by the bed.
He was shaking as he lifted a cloth and wet it, then handed it to Jared.
“Are you…do you want…”
Jared glared at him until he stopped. “Get undressed.”
Astin nodded and stripped while Jared finished cleaning. It wasn’t really like he wanted it, but it was expected…to assert himself after that. To show that he was still a man. Astin knew what to expect. It was part of this life.
He knelt on the cot and waited. Jared huffed and stroked his cock. It wasn’t enthusiastic either, but he managed to get it hard enough. Astin trembled as Jared touched him, but he didn’t say anything. Jared knew they were listening. If he didn’t do this it would mark him just as if he’d cried. Astin cried out once as Jared entered him, then fell silent. Jared tried to make it quick, thrusting into him until Astin was whimpering and Jared was grunting and finally coming.
Jared pulled out and sat on the bed. He didn’t look up as Astin got to his feet. “You better get to training.”
He didn’t watch the boy leave, just laid down on his bed. His whole body ached, and not in the pleasant way it had when he woke in Jensen’s arms. It was a reminder that no matter what had happened in that room in the palace, Jared’s place was here, in this world.
Jared sat with his broken leg up in the training yard, watching Astin spar with another boy, calling out pointers as they scuffled. His other injuries were healing nicely. Jensen had taken good care of them.
He closed his eyes and pulled his thoughts back. He hadn’t gone more than ten minutes without thinking about Jensen. It had been nearly two days. Jensen had said he might perform in three, and he would send word.
Jared hadn’t heard anything. It was very early however. The day barely bright enough for working. He’d been pushing Astin hard.
The prince Lord Jeffrey had been so concerned about was gone. Astin had watched the coach leave. He hadn’t seen the young lord since the day of the fight however.
Jared had done what was asked of him. He won his fight, and spent three days in the company of Jeffrey’s favorite courtesan so that the prince might never lay eyes on him.
“Sir?”
Jared looked up to find a young boy beside him. He bowed. “What is it?”
“You are asked for.”
Jared frowned, glancing back at Astin briefly. “By whom?”
“Lord Jeffrey awaits you in the commander’s office.”
Jared nodded. “I’ll be right there.” He stood. “Keep working. I’ll be back.”
He grabbed at his crutch and hobbled inside, through the training rooms and halls and up to the Commander’s office. He knocked once, then opened the door, bowing deeply as Jeffrey turned.
“My Lord. I was told you wished to see me.”
“Close the door.” Jared stepped inside and closed the door. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you.”
“There is no need.”
Jeffrey looked at him, his face hard and cold. “I hope your time with him was pleasing.”
“As always, my Lord.”
“Good. You won’t be seeing him again.”
Jared gasped, the words cutting him and leaving him to bleed out. “Why? Have I done something wrong?”
Jeffrey turned away. “Our conspiracy was in vain, Jared. The prince has demanded him. He leaves today for the capital. I doubt either of us will ever see him again.”
“How can he…” Jared stopped himself, closing his eyes and trying to stop the turmoil inside him. “I love him.” He lowered his head. That was the wrong thing to say.
“How can you love a thing that belongs to another?” Jeffrey asked. “A whore who gives himself to any and all he is asked to.”
It sounded as though Jeffrey was trying to convince himself as much as Jared. “He is a whore only to those who do not see him as a man.” Jared said softly. “Is there nothing to be done?”
Jeffrey shook his head. “I have pleaded with my father to petition the king, but he will have none of it. Jensen is leaving with my brother in a few hours.”
Jared nodded, not quite accepting it, not yet past the pain enough for the anger. “Thank you for telling me, my Lord.”
Jeffrey looked him over, his eyes flicking over his bruised face. “Did somebody hurt you?”
“More than you can know.” Jared said, his eyes dropping to the ground. “My apprentice is training. If there is nothing else, my Lord, I should return to him.”
“You may go.”
Jared’s breath came in ragged gasps as he left the office. His stomach ached and he felt pain lancing through him. Jensen was leaving. Leaving. The prince was taking him.
His steps didn’t take him back to the training yard. He found himself in the Great Hall, staring up at the place where he had first laid eyes on Jensen. He had been breathtaking in his beauty, his grace. He moved like a cat. Jared had been mesmerized.
“There might be a way.”
Jared turned at the sound of the voice. Jeffrey had followed him.
“If you truly love him.”
“I do, my Lord.” Jared could scarcely breathe.
Jeffrey nodded and came closer. “It is said that the gladiator Mascillus won his freedom from the King and was given the king’s own courtesan for his bride.”
Jared had never heard of Mascillus. “Who, my lord?”
Jeffrey smiled and came a little closer. “It is not a story widely known. If gladiators knew that there was a way to win their freedom, they would all wish to do so.”
Jared nodded though he wasn’t sure he followed. “What must I do?”
“Fight, Jared. Fight like you have never fought before. Fight and win. Be ferocious. Build a reputation. The king’s tournament. You will need to win an invitation to the tournament. Once there, you must win. Mascillus did this, the year of the king’s 50th birthday. He so impressed the king with his victories, that he offered the gladiator his freedom.”
“And the courtesan?”
Jeffrey took a deep breath. “It is said that Mascillus won her hand by defeating the king’s own son in battle on the arena floor.”
Jared nodded slowly.
“Our king will be 50 next summer, Jared. Perhaps he will feel generous.”
“I will fight, my Lord. As I have never fought before.”
“I will select matches for you that will bring you glory. Now, get off the leg so it will heal and you can get back into training.”
Jeffrey walked away. Fight and win. Jared could do those things. He would fight and the king would know his name.
Jared hovered in the hall, not really expecting Jensen would come. He wasn’t sure why he waited, but then he heard the sound of footsteps, and Jensen appeared, returning to the suite where they had been together.
Jared stepped out into the corner. “Is it true?”
Jensen looked up, his face distressed. “You should not be here.”
“Is it true?”
Jensen moved to him, taking his hands and drawing Jared through the door into the suite. Jensen started when he looked up at Jared, bruised face. “My lord, what happened?”
Jared pulled away. The anger flushed through him again. “Is it fucking true?”
Jensen blinked and stared. “What? Is what true, my lord?”
“You’re leaving?”
Jensen dropped his eyes. “I…I have been chosen to go to the royal court, my lord. It is an honor—“
“Fuck!” Jared slammed his fist against the wall and Jensen jumped. “Were you even going to tell me?”
“How, my lord?” Jensen reached for him, but stopped short of touching him. “I am not permitted in the arena.”
Jared turned away, cradling his hand. “You could have sent someone.” The anger was dripping away, giving way to hurt.
“How did you find out?”
“Lord Jeffrey told me.” Jared’s voice was dripping with disappointment and anguish. He didn’t even try to hide it. “He said you were going someplace we would never see you again.”
“It is not my choice.” Jensen said, approaching him again. This time Jared didn’t pull away. Jensen touched his back, easing a hand around his waist and laying his face against Jared’s shoulder. “Please do not think I would choose him over you.”
Jared turned in his embrace, tilted his face up and kissed him. Jensen melted against him, warm and fluid. “I will find you.” Jared whispered fiercely. “I will find you and make you mine.”
Jensen closed his eyes. “I must go.”
Jared clung to him as Jensen pulled away, holding to his hands. “Jared, please.”
Jared kissed both of his hands and let go. Jensen fled from the room, never looking back.
Jared’s next fight was two weeks later. It wasn’t a big one. Just Jared and a big cat. He was still mending the leg, walking into the arena with it wrapped tightly. He didn’t limp, didn’t hesitate.
The crowd roared as he killed it, soaked in its blood as he threw its dead carcass toward the Lord’s box, sending it skidding through the sand. One fight done. The cat had scratched him only once, a small mark on his left shoulder. It would be the first of many scars to mark his journey.
Title: Gladiator 4 ( all of Courtesan can be found here)
Pairing/Characters: Jared/Jensen, Jared/OMC
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 2560
Summary: Total AU. Jared returns after spending three days with Jensen, to find that his fellow gladiators are not happy with him. Then he learns from Jeffrey that Jensen is leaving.
A/Ns & Warnings: Um. For starters, I really, really resisted starting this, because I know it's going to get epic...and I need another epic like I need an elephant to sit on me. Still...it wasn't letting go. So things to know: This is a cross between Feudal Japanese society and Roman society. Courtesans are chosen based on time and location of birth and physical characteristics. They are property of the state, but serve the Lords who govern the regions in which they are born. Likewise, gladiators are chosen in much the same way, but with different criteria. They are also property of the state, and serve the Lords who govern the regions where they were born. WARNINGS: There is underage sex here. There is also rape/non-con. It is not graphic.
Art, from
apieceofcake...“It will be a while before I fight again.” Jared said as Jensen helped him into his tunic. He hated having to leave and Jensen had seemed to pull away as they got ready for this to end.
“You must give your body time to heal.” Jensen murmured, adjusting the fabric. He knelt to check the splint on Jared’s leg.
“When will you perform in the Great Hall? I’ll be there.” Jared pulled him up, searching his face.
“I do not know, my lord. It will depend on the Director of Courtesans. Perhaps three nights from now.” Jensen bent his head to buckle Jared’s belt. “You should stay off the leg, at least another few weeks.”
“My leg will be fine.” Jared pulled him close, kissing over Jensen’s face. “I want to know when I will see you again.”
“I have no answer for you, my lord.”
“Will you send word?” Jared was hopeful, he couldn’t wait to see Jensen again.
Almost reluctantly, Jensen nodded. “I will send word.”
Jared grinned. There was a knock on the door. “That will be your boy.”
“I miss you already.” Jared meant it, feeling the loss like a sword in his gut. He kissed Jensen deeply, then they moved to the door together. Outside it Astin waited with a crutch. Jensen helped Jared through the door and Astin’s arm circled his waist. Jared nestled the crutch up under his arm and together they limped away.
Jared paused at the end of the corridor, turning back. Jensen smiled at him and then Astin was urging him away. “I should warn you, some of the men are not happy.” Astin said as they worked their way out of the palace.
“About what?” Jared wasn’t really listening. His thoughts were still on Jensen. He’d said that he loved Jared…and Jared was crazy about him. He would have to find a way to be with him again.
Astin stopped them in the shadows and pushed Jared up against the wall. “This. You and him.”
Jared shook his head. “They’re just jealous.”
Astin’s eyes were large as he nodded. “Yes. They are. There is talk of putting you in your place, of reminding you that you are no better than they are.”
Jared inhaled deeply of the dry air. It was easy to forget himself when he was with Jensen. Easy to forget how the real world worked. He ruffled Astin’s hair. “Thank you.”
They resumed walking. Soon they were in the long shadow of the arena, swallowed up in the dark underbelly where men lived and trained. Jared could feel their eyes, following them. He shook his head at his own paranoia.
Gladiators were not known for their understanding or caring. They were rough men, raised and trained for one thing. They lived by a certain code. One Jared knew well. If they believed he had taken something from them, or that he placed himself above them, there would be trouble.
They had nearly reached his cell.
“So, the victorious gladiator returns from bedding his whore.”
Jared stopped, and pushed Astin behind him. “Davalos.” Once Jared’s mentor and trainer, Davalos was a big man, as tall as Jared and broader. His arms were as big as most men’s legs.
“How’s the leg?”
Jared nodded, not letting his guard down. “It will heal.”
“Good. We’ll try not to injure it more.”
“We?”
Jared’s stomach was sinking. Out of the shadows other men were joining Davalos. “Time you were reminded of how things really are, boy.”
Jared shook his head. “I won’t come easily.”
Davalos grinned. “No, but you will come.”
Jared shoved Astin into his cell. “Stay there. Don’t come out.”
Hands were grabbing at him now, pulling him into the armory. Jared fought, lashing out with his fists and twisting his body, but all he succeeded in doing was ripping his tunic. He landed one good punch on someone’s nose and heard a satisfying crunch.
Then someone punch his face and Jared staggered against the hands holding him. He was dragged to a bench and dropped, his arms dragged over his head and held by two huge hands, his tunic ripped open and feet kicked apart.
Davalos would be first. Jared bucked up as he felt hands on his ass, but those hands just punched into his sides until he lay still. “Don’t make it worse than it needs to be, boy.” Davalos said.
Jared pulled against the hands holding him, squirming in an attempt to get loose, but it was obvious he wasn’t going anywhere. And unlike that morning with Jensen, there would be no oil, no gentle prep. He held his breath as Davalos shoved into him, closed his eyes. It wasn’t like he hadn’t endured this before.
Jared stopped fighting so the pain would ease up. Davalos was quick, he always had been. He patted Jared’s ass and made room for the next. He didn’t try to count, just squeezed his eyes shut and fought back the tears. Crying over this would only mark him for more.
When it was over, they left him there, laying over the bench, his ass oozing and sore. For a long time he didn’t move and when he did, it was slow. He pushed himself upright and onto his feet. The limp back to his cell was painful, his leg and ass and face sore.
He stopped at the door, leaned against the wall to catch his breath. He couldn’t show weakness now. He dragged in air and set his face hard before opening the door.
Astin jumped up from the cot, his face white. “Go get me water so I can clean up.” Jared growled, pulling off his ruined tunic. The boy jumped and scampered away. Jared used the tunic to wipe the come oozing out of him, the tossed it into the corner. Astin returned with a jug of water and poured it into the basin by the bed.
He was shaking as he lifted a cloth and wet it, then handed it to Jared.
“Are you…do you want…”
Jared glared at him until he stopped. “Get undressed.”
Astin nodded and stripped while Jared finished cleaning. It wasn’t really like he wanted it, but it was expected…to assert himself after that. To show that he was still a man. Astin knew what to expect. It was part of this life.
He knelt on the cot and waited. Jared huffed and stroked his cock. It wasn’t enthusiastic either, but he managed to get it hard enough. Astin trembled as Jared touched him, but he didn’t say anything. Jared knew they were listening. If he didn’t do this it would mark him just as if he’d cried. Astin cried out once as Jared entered him, then fell silent. Jared tried to make it quick, thrusting into him until Astin was whimpering and Jared was grunting and finally coming.
Jared pulled out and sat on the bed. He didn’t look up as Astin got to his feet. “You better get to training.”
He didn’t watch the boy leave, just laid down on his bed. His whole body ached, and not in the pleasant way it had when he woke in Jensen’s arms. It was a reminder that no matter what had happened in that room in the palace, Jared’s place was here, in this world.
Jared sat with his broken leg up in the training yard, watching Astin spar with another boy, calling out pointers as they scuffled. His other injuries were healing nicely. Jensen had taken good care of them.
He closed his eyes and pulled his thoughts back. He hadn’t gone more than ten minutes without thinking about Jensen. It had been nearly two days. Jensen had said he might perform in three, and he would send word.
Jared hadn’t heard anything. It was very early however. The day barely bright enough for working. He’d been pushing Astin hard.
The prince Lord Jeffrey had been so concerned about was gone. Astin had watched the coach leave. He hadn’t seen the young lord since the day of the fight however.
Jared had done what was asked of him. He won his fight, and spent three days in the company of Jeffrey’s favorite courtesan so that the prince might never lay eyes on him.
“Sir?”
Jared looked up to find a young boy beside him. He bowed. “What is it?”
“You are asked for.”
Jared frowned, glancing back at Astin briefly. “By whom?”
“Lord Jeffrey awaits you in the commander’s office.”
Jared nodded. “I’ll be right there.” He stood. “Keep working. I’ll be back.”
He grabbed at his crutch and hobbled inside, through the training rooms and halls and up to the Commander’s office. He knocked once, then opened the door, bowing deeply as Jeffrey turned.
“My Lord. I was told you wished to see me.”
“Close the door.” Jared stepped inside and closed the door. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you.”
“There is no need.”
Jeffrey looked at him, his face hard and cold. “I hope your time with him was pleasing.”
“As always, my Lord.”
“Good. You won’t be seeing him again.”
Jared gasped, the words cutting him and leaving him to bleed out. “Why? Have I done something wrong?”
Jeffrey turned away. “Our conspiracy was in vain, Jared. The prince has demanded him. He leaves today for the capital. I doubt either of us will ever see him again.”
“How can he…” Jared stopped himself, closing his eyes and trying to stop the turmoil inside him. “I love him.” He lowered his head. That was the wrong thing to say.
“How can you love a thing that belongs to another?” Jeffrey asked. “A whore who gives himself to any and all he is asked to.”
It sounded as though Jeffrey was trying to convince himself as much as Jared. “He is a whore only to those who do not see him as a man.” Jared said softly. “Is there nothing to be done?”
Jeffrey shook his head. “I have pleaded with my father to petition the king, but he will have none of it. Jensen is leaving with my brother in a few hours.”
Jared nodded, not quite accepting it, not yet past the pain enough for the anger. “Thank you for telling me, my Lord.”
Jeffrey looked him over, his eyes flicking over his bruised face. “Did somebody hurt you?”
“More than you can know.” Jared said, his eyes dropping to the ground. “My apprentice is training. If there is nothing else, my Lord, I should return to him.”
“You may go.”
Jared’s breath came in ragged gasps as he left the office. His stomach ached and he felt pain lancing through him. Jensen was leaving. Leaving. The prince was taking him.
His steps didn’t take him back to the training yard. He found himself in the Great Hall, staring up at the place where he had first laid eyes on Jensen. He had been breathtaking in his beauty, his grace. He moved like a cat. Jared had been mesmerized.
“There might be a way.”
Jared turned at the sound of the voice. Jeffrey had followed him.
“If you truly love him.”
“I do, my Lord.” Jared could scarcely breathe.
Jeffrey nodded and came closer. “It is said that the gladiator Mascillus won his freedom from the King and was given the king’s own courtesan for his bride.”
Jared had never heard of Mascillus. “Who, my lord?”
Jeffrey smiled and came a little closer. “It is not a story widely known. If gladiators knew that there was a way to win their freedom, they would all wish to do so.”
Jared nodded though he wasn’t sure he followed. “What must I do?”
“Fight, Jared. Fight like you have never fought before. Fight and win. Be ferocious. Build a reputation. The king’s tournament. You will need to win an invitation to the tournament. Once there, you must win. Mascillus did this, the year of the king’s 50th birthday. He so impressed the king with his victories, that he offered the gladiator his freedom.”
“And the courtesan?”
Jeffrey took a deep breath. “It is said that Mascillus won her hand by defeating the king’s own son in battle on the arena floor.”
Jared nodded slowly.
“Our king will be 50 next summer, Jared. Perhaps he will feel generous.”
“I will fight, my Lord. As I have never fought before.”
“I will select matches for you that will bring you glory. Now, get off the leg so it will heal and you can get back into training.”
Jeffrey walked away. Fight and win. Jared could do those things. He would fight and the king would know his name.
Jared hovered in the hall, not really expecting Jensen would come. He wasn’t sure why he waited, but then he heard the sound of footsteps, and Jensen appeared, returning to the suite where they had been together.
Jared stepped out into the corner. “Is it true?”
Jensen looked up, his face distressed. “You should not be here.”
“Is it true?”
Jensen moved to him, taking his hands and drawing Jared through the door into the suite. Jensen started when he looked up at Jared, bruised face. “My lord, what happened?”
Jared pulled away. The anger flushed through him again. “Is it fucking true?”
Jensen blinked and stared. “What? Is what true, my lord?”
“You’re leaving?”
Jensen dropped his eyes. “I…I have been chosen to go to the royal court, my lord. It is an honor—“
“Fuck!” Jared slammed his fist against the wall and Jensen jumped. “Were you even going to tell me?”
“How, my lord?” Jensen reached for him, but stopped short of touching him. “I am not permitted in the arena.”
Jared turned away, cradling his hand. “You could have sent someone.” The anger was dripping away, giving way to hurt.
“How did you find out?”
“Lord Jeffrey told me.” Jared’s voice was dripping with disappointment and anguish. He didn’t even try to hide it. “He said you were going someplace we would never see you again.”
“It is not my choice.” Jensen said, approaching him again. This time Jared didn’t pull away. Jensen touched his back, easing a hand around his waist and laying his face against Jared’s shoulder. “Please do not think I would choose him over you.”
Jared turned in his embrace, tilted his face up and kissed him. Jensen melted against him, warm and fluid. “I will find you.” Jared whispered fiercely. “I will find you and make you mine.”
Jensen closed his eyes. “I must go.”
Jared clung to him as Jensen pulled away, holding to his hands. “Jared, please.”
Jared kissed both of his hands and let go. Jensen fled from the room, never looking back.
Jared’s next fight was two weeks later. It wasn’t a big one. Just Jared and a big cat. He was still mending the leg, walking into the arena with it wrapped tightly. He didn’t limp, didn’t hesitate.
The crowd roared as he killed it, soaked in its blood as he threw its dead carcass toward the Lord’s box, sending it skidding through the sand. One fight done. The cat had scratched him only once, a small mark on his left shoulder. It would be the first of many scars to mark his journey.
