Drabbles - 1000 Victories

[maderr]

Birds

Epee fiddled restlessly with the cages, all the little dishes and bells and other toys that Sharp put in there for his birds. "Are you certain they'll be all right?" he asked, hesitantly reaching out to touch one of the newest additions, then one of the older birds.

Nearby stood Thomas, a man who dealt in animals, primarily pets. He chuckled quietly. "Yes, Master Epee. They're the same species, just a different breed. They come from overseas, a different environment, slightly. Hence the change in color. That aside, they're exactly the same."

Smiling at his own anxiety, Epee finally closed the cage up and turned away, extending his hand to Thomas. "I thank you, my friend, for both the birds and putting up with me."

Thomas laughed. "Hardly a chore, Master Epee. I promise. I've not yet begun to pay back the wine you've given me. If you want more birds, let me know."

Epee nodded. "I hope—" He broke off as the conservatory door opened, and the nervousness which had finally abated returned threefold.

He didn't even notice as Thomas slowly backed away and vanished entirely, chuckling softly all the while.

"What are you doing in here?" Sharp asked with a smile

Epee grinned. "I was thinking of getting a cat; I wanted to make certain there was enough food in the house." He clasped his hands behind his back so they wouldn't move about with nervous anxiety.

"Haha," Sharp said, rolling his eyes. He drew close enough to give Epee a kiss.

"You taste like claret," Epee said. "Your mother must have been in a fine mood."

Sharp rolled his eyes again. "Indeed. She—" He stopped and turned to face the nearest cage dead on, hands going up to rest lightly on the bars. He stared quietly for a moment, then shot Epee a suspicious, disbelieving look. Opening the cage, he reached inside and gently coaxed the birds into coming to his hand.

"There are new birds in here," Sharp said in wonder, eyes only for the newest additions. "Blue and green, I've never seen them with blue and green feathers." He finally withdrew, looking at Epee with wonder and delight. "Where in the devil did you find some with blue and green feathers?"

"A wise merchant never reveals his source," Epee said, all but vibrating with the success of his surprise. "So you like them?"

For reply, Sharp merely yanked him close and kissed him hard and deep, clinging as though his life depended on it.

Oh, he did like when Sharp was so overwhelmed he stopped pondering and simply acted.

"I'll take that for a yes," Epee said breathlessly when he was finally released.

"Yes," Sharp said. "They're beautiful. Thank you."

Epee smiled. "You're welcome."



Lovers Duel

"Off with it," Sharp commanded, leering and motioning with his sword, motioning impatiently.

Epee made a face, but obediently shucked his waistcoat and tossed it to join his neck cloth and afternoon coat. "You are in fine form today, my Lord Sharp."

Sharp bowed. "Thank you, my Lord Epee." He grinned and raised his sword. "Shall we continue?"

Back and forth across the ballroom they went, early evening keeping the room pleasantly cool, though very soon they would have to pause to light candles.

If, Sharp thought as he landed a mark, they were here long enough to bother with the candles.

He drew back. "That is another to me. Off with the shirt."

"You were not nearly this good when we dueled in the square," Epee groused good naturedly, stripping out of his shirt and tossing it to join the growing pile.

Sharp saluted him with his sword. "What can I say, my love, I am inspired."

"I cannot think why we began doing this," Epee said, rolling his eyes and struggling to appear unaffected by the compliment. "Swords and nudity are not a good combination."

Lifting his sword, Sharp grinned. "Anything involving you naked is a good thing. Besides, at some point we will adjourn to finish this duel in more suitable quarters. Once I have you out of those breeches."

"Try it," Epee said, and lunged.

The next bit of clothing to go was Sharps own afternoon jacket.

Perhaps they would need the candles after all.

Comments

[koneikaa66.livejournal.com]

I am proud you let me prove my faithfulness and undying love to your Fairytales and particularly that arcane of it... In fact I love that new story nearly even more than "Main gauche" and I love "Main gauche" very much, I'll call it a draw once again... You really like to spoil your readers, ne!?! Thank you for that great story! *____*

It's not a *love-hug* this time but a *LOVE-LOVE-HUG*x10_at least...