Of Kings and Queens

Part II/1/Smell Of Nostalgia/

"I, I will be king,
And you, you will be queen.
Though nothing, will drive them away.
We can beat them, just for one day.
We can be heroes, just for one day,"

•February, 5th•

He pointed at Bill.

"I challenge you, good sir, to a duel!" Perry called out in an ostentatious tone. He stepped behind Robin.

His human shield wasn't very useful though, because she could barely stay standing in between her fits of laughter. He pushed his paper crown back onto his head properly as a smirk made it's way onto his face.

"Fear not, kind lady. Though my victory be arduous, the battle be epic."

Robin sighed and moved aside, the grin still plastered on her face. "Boys will be boys." She mumbled from her place by the picnic they had set out earlier.

The early spring air surrounded them and the fresh smell of cut grass was quickly becoming Robin's favourite smell.

It smelled like nostalgia and memories of childhood tree houses. Of forts made of cardboard only to be broken down by the heavy rain.

She looked at the boys fondly. How had Bill become a part of her? She didn't know. The sun was shaded away where they stood shirtless in front of her; back to back, ready to duel with their mock-swords.

They took one step for every number as they counted down from ten.

"4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Duel!" They yelled out in sync.

Their wooden swords clashed together for the first time and the battle began. She nibbled on a cheese and ham sandwich while she watched them mess around under the shade of the trees they had originally sat under.

She looked around the rest of the beautiful gardens and spotted the movement in the trees and the way the clouds swirled together beautifully. Her childlike Imagination made her think that the trees were searching to find something, and the clouds had a stomach ache.

And she knew that didn't make sense, Perry tells her that enough when she shares her thoughts. But it made sense to her.

She blinked her eyes a couple of times and refocused her attention on her brother and friend.

"So, who's winning?" She spoke genially.

"I am!" Bill and Perry said at the same time. Robin rolled her eyes at them.

Later on that day, after victory fell unto Bill's hands, they sat around together on a thin sheet under that same tree. The book in her hand was too interesting for her to notice the conversation going on around her until her name brought her out of her imagination.

"Robin, what do you think this is?" Perry's confused voice spoke. She looked up.

He blinked at her, "Robin?"

Bill sniggered. "You're infected. Say goodbye to your brother, Robin. He's got Ebola."

"Shut up, Bill- No, seriously. Robin, do you think I caught something." Perry tugged at his arm and scratched the skin behind his elbow.

"I dunno' let me have a look..." She turned his arm over.

"Jesus Christ, Perry." She said breathlessly.

"What the fuck did you do yourself?!" Robin exclaimed. She yanked him viciously and he hissed in pain. "Stop! Stop, Robin. Ouch!" Perry yelled. He moved his body into a different position so Robin could get a better look at his arm.

"Now, now, kids. I'm sure he doesn't actually have Ebola." Bill said to her while they examined Perry's maybe-Ebola arm. The red, scratchy looking rash that was quickly spreading looked painful.

"It's probably Poison Ivy." Robin said determinedly.

"Poison?"

"It'll be gone in a couple of days, but maybe you should- Use Sudocrem, and warm water. But be careful not to scratch." She hoped her voice hadn't portrayed her irrational worry she had for her brother.

"Yes m'am," He said with a mocking head salute.

"Let's go inside, and put on your shirt. You look like eejits." She laughed.