Sword Crossed Lovers

Confessions

Storming through the Capulet Estate, Tybalt drills the words of his official challenge into his head.  He had issued the letter to Peter to deliver to Balthazar of the Montague House.  Even the thought of Balthazar's form sends Tybalt's mind reeling.  He reflects on the first time he met the honorary Montague.  His pressing robust figure comes to mind first, how the blue vest and breeches greatly complimented his dirty blonde hair.  The way his strong body would flex as he moved and played with Tybalt only makes him bite his lower lip.

He digs his nails into his palm to bring his mind back into focus.  Now was not the time to think on pleasures of the flesh.  Now was the time to think on blood and knives, not the latter kind of weaponry.

Angered at himself, Tybalt throws himself onto his bed.  He throws off his vest and his eyes stare at the armor sitting on its stand across the room.  He purely keeps his eyes above the waist and studies the model's form.  Although not anatomically accurate, the stomach and chest draws much attention from the Capulet.  He projects Romeo's form onto the model and he stands from the bed.  He moves over to it and in a swift motion plunges his finger against the model's abdomen.  "There," he breathes, looking at where his finger has struck.  "There is where I shall kill thee, Romeo!"

By dinnertime, Tybalt wolfs down his food, his fork clanging against the plate.  His aunt looks at him strangely, harshly judging him.  Tybalt pays her no mind.  However, when the pitter-patter of two dainty shoes cause the dining Capulets to turn their powerful heads, Tybalt regains control of his manners.
"What a pleasant surprise, Juliet," coos Lady Capulet, beckoning her daughter to her side.  "You've been so withdrawn as of late."
"Forgive me mother, just some things on my mind," she smiles, casting her innocent eyes on Tybalt as he awkwardly shifts his weight in his seat.
"Well, I am sure they are.  Paris is a strong and well known bachelor.  Lucky for the Capulet House that he has taken a liking to you, gentle daughter," beams her mother, placing a kiss on the top of her blond locks.

Juliet squirms awkwardly under her mother's grasp until Lady Capulet releases her.  She takes her seat on the right of her mother and directly across from her cousin who sits at the right of Lord Capulet.
"Why the frown, cousin?" whispers Tybalt as the rest return to their meals.  Juliet's eyes flare up at him.  She notices her parents are busy discussing other matters and she waits for the servant to put her meal down and depart before she leans in.  "I will not marry Paris," she whispers back in a single breath.  Tybalt can see her eyes alight with determination and passion.  Not wanting to question her, seeming certain, he quizzically retorts, "but why?  Paris Escalus is a proud man, dignified and well honored."
"I do not love him," she replies with an air of certainty.  Tybalt scoffs.  "What does a young girl like you know about love?"
"O, all the world's worth," she says in a dream-state, leaning back into her divine chair.

"Well, it's great to see that you are so open to accepting Paris' request," huskily remarks Lord Capulet with a rare smile.  Juliet's eyes snap onto her father's form.
"I remember being informed of my union with your father.  I must admit, I was a little more nervous than you seem, my child," chimes in Lady Capulet, taking her husband's hand.  He chuckles and kisses the back of her hand, his eyes meeting hers with a princely stare.

Confused, Juliet remarks, "Pardon me, mother, father?"
"Your gentle remark of Paris just now.  It brings us so much joy that you have grown to love him so soon," gushes her mother, echoed by her father's smile.  Juliet opens her mouth to protest but she feels Tybalt's hand grasp hers.
"Indeed.  It is a wonderful start for our future Capulet Main Branch House," the Capulet Prince breathes, his eyes falsely smiling at his uncle and aunt.  Juliet lets her rebellious spirit on the matter die as she squeezes Tybalt's hand in thanks.

After the dinner, Tybalt feels a small and soft hand grab his.  He stops walking towards the stables and keeps his back to her.
"I just wanted to thank you for earlier this evening," Juliet breathes.  Tybalt can feel her fingers wrap around his hands and can sense longing within her heart.  He fights back the urge to face her.
"Tybalt?" she whimpers.

Hearing the sadness in her voice, the Prince of Cats turns around and with all seriousness looks at his cousin.  He takes her in his arms as her body begins to quiver as the tears rack her face.  He coos whispers to her, trying to calm her cries.  "Shhh, shhh, my Juliet.  I'm here, I'm here for you."

Her sadness continues as the candles flutter by the stables.  Tybalt feels her head against his chest, his heart beating faster.  He closes his eyes and kisses the top of her head.  "I love you," he whispers softly enough for her not to hear, pulling her tiny form into him tighter.  He feels her take in a deeper breath and snuggle deeper against him, hear tears leaving wet marks on his clothes.  Not caring, he smiles at her trust in him.

Juliet breathes in and eventually looks up at her cousin.  She sees the peace on his face as her body lies against his.  She takes her arms and places them up by his cheeks.  His eyes flutter open and Juliet leans up onto her tip toes.  Surprise overtakes Tybalt's face as Juliet's lips press against his.

Juliet had kissed her cousin before but tonight, something was different.  Perhaps it is the way her lips pressed into his with a growing passionate hunger.  Perhaps it is the way her tongue prodded against his, begging for them to open.  When he does, she devours his kiss hungrily and he lets her.  He gives in to her passion as his body begins to take the heat.

The two press against the hallway made out of cool sandstone.  Tybalt breathes in his Juliet deeply, her scent filling his nostrils with an unquenchable passion.  He moans as she pulls away, her lips wet with his lips.
"Juliet-"
"Shh, silence, gentle coz," she whispers, pressing her face into his neck.

In silence, the two live in each other's embrace once more.  Juliet can feel his heartbeat pulsing against her cheek.  It makes her smile, sensing his calm nature with her against him.  Knowing she can always trust him when her heart needs him, she looks up at him and confesses, "Tybalt, I am not in love with Paris."

Not surprised by her confession, Tybalt nods calmly.  Sensing him about to speak, Juliet beats him to it.  "Listen to me close, Tybalt.  I can only trust you with my heart.  I am in love with someone whom I never could have met if the stars did not align me to.  I would never have known such love if not for him."
"Peace, woman, and tell me who he is!" laughs Tybalt, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her in close.  Juliet presses back slightly and looks into his eyes with a serious stare.  "Remember when we were young, swimming at the waterhole by your old estate?"
"Yes, of course, fair Juliet, but I don't see why that matters now."
"You promised me you would always love me, always, and never leave me," assures Juliet, questioning him with her gaze.  Tybalt nods.  "And I shalt hold by my word even today.  Now speak, tell me who this suitor is!" he pleads, smiling, still not seeing the dire fear in her eyes.
"The one my heart beats for is Prince Montague, heir Romeo Montague."