Arabian Nights

Chapter 3

Through the window, up the stairs, round the corner- No matter how much of a head-start Remus could have any day, Roman would always be one jump ahead. Didn't mean Remus wasn't going to try catch up, though.

Up the stairs, over the wobbly bit of netting (that really wasn't secure at all), over the inexplicable bit of wall that had fallen down-

Remus grabbed a rusted bar to stop himself flying out into the thin air above Agrabah. He turned a corner, let go of the bar and ran through into his and Roman's home. Room, really.

The sun had been setting on their way back to their home. Now, Roman was stood facing West, the sun catching him full in the face and turning him all different colours from pink to gold to orange. He was leaning his hand against a piece of wall and staring out at the Royal Palace wistfully.

Remus rolled his eyes. Creeping up behind Roman, he clapped a hand on his shoulder and shook him aggressively.

"Earth to Roman, Earth to Roman, are you there?!" He yelled in Roman's ear. "Or are you still having your wet dream about being a prince?"

"Remus, ew!" Roman shoved him away. He glared at Remus and turned away from the palace. "I was not dreaming about being a prince."

"Yes you were," Remus said. "You always dream about being a prince whenever you stare out at the palace like this." Remus gestured to his face before clasping his hands to his chest, widening his eyes ridiculously and sighing over-dramatically. Roman shoved him again, shaking his head and smiling like he was trying not to laugh.

"Shut up," he advised. Remus laughed as Roman passed by him and plopped down onto a cushion. Remus pulled himself up onto the wall and leant against it, one leg dangling out above the dusty streets below.

"C'mon, let's see whatcha got," Remus said. "I didn't pull that fancy stint in the market for just some bread."

"Alright, alright, gimme a sec." Roman started patting himself down. He pulled a copper necklace set with a large ruby from around his neck, three emerald and gold rings from one waistcoat pocket, two blue and gold bangles from another, a string of pearls from one trouser pocket and a silk pouch from the other. The silk pouch clinked promisingly.

Remus sat up straighter. "How much d'you nick?"

"In this?" Roman shook it and shrugged. "Didn't have time to check. Sounds good, though."

"Yeah," Remus said appreciatively. He motioned for Roman to open it. Roman did and upended it.

Two or three gold coins fell out, as well as a handful of copper and brass ones. Remus sat back in disappointment.

"Oh."

Roman sighed and shrugged again. "Hey, with what we sell tomorrow, it'll add up." He scooped the coins up into his hand and got up to put them in a music box. The first broken note of the song played as Roman opened the box. Roman shut the lid with a sharp snap.

"We won't be selling tomorrow, remember?" Remus said, eager to move past the music which brought him so painfully back to his childhood. He grinned. "New Year's Eve."

"Yeah, about that..." Roman stood up and seemed to change his mind. "I want you wearing a tunic tomorrow."

"What?!" Remus whined and pulled his waistcoat tighter over his bare chest. "What's wrong with this?!"

"Re, we'll be working late into the night," Roman explained as he did every year, "it'll be cold."

"And I'll be slipping among people, close quarters, nicking all," Remus reasoned. "I'll be fine. Adrenaline and the bodies'll be enough to keep me warm."

"Re, I want you on distraction again," Roman said. Remus' face fell.

"But New Year's is the biggest haul of the year!"

"I know, I know-"

"And you promised I could be on the big haul this year-"

"Re, you are on the big haul," Roman said. "You always are."

"But not doing any of the exciting stuff!" Remus protested.

Roman rubbed his hands together. "Re, you know we can't risk anything," he said. Remus crossed his arms and glared out at the Royal Palace. "The whole city'll be crawling with guards and you get so enthusiastic when you tell stories, they'll all be focused on you. It's the most important part!"

Remus didn't answer and crossed his arms tighter. Really, he knew Roman was right but it was so annoying that he was. Now he was just kind of sulking for sulking's sake.

"And between the two of us, I've got the lightest feet." Roman paused again. "Re, please," he said softly. "I seriously can't lose you."

Remus crossed his arms tighter but he felt his expression soften slightly. "And," Roman continued, "I promise you, whatever our first haul is next year, I'll be on distraction. I swear."

Remus paused, biting his cheek. He took a breath before speaking. "On dad's honour?"

Roman didn't reply for a few seconds. Maybe Remus had overstepped it...

"On dad's honour," Roman said slowly. Remus nodded. He loosened his arms slightly.

"Reckon I'll tell them the story 'bout the lamp," he said. "That always gets a good crowd."

Remus didn't need to look back to know his brother was smiling. "Yeah, reckon. Perfect."

A surprise chapter for both me and you lot! Enjoy!
Bye,
Blaize