Truly // Brynjolf

Chapter Two

I woke up with a slight headache. I groaned as I sat up at the edge of the bed. I rubbed my eyes and stretched as I let out a long yawn. I made my way downstairs and saw my good friend Brynjolf. He noticed my presence and approached me.

"Hey, lass." He said. "Where have you been?"

"I don't want to talk about it." I sighed. He tilted his head and looked at me.

"Are you all right?" He asked. I shook my head as tears fell from my eyes finally. He hugged me tightly and rubbed my back.

"Come down to the Flagon and tell me what's wrong." He offered. I nodded, too tired to argue. Once we were seated in the Ragged Flagon, he spoke again. "What's going on, lass?" I squeezed my eyes shut to prevent more tears from shedding.

"I.. I-I just.." I stammered, failing to keep the tears in. "I-I don't.."

"You can tell me." He spoke with a soft, soothing time as he placed his hand on mine. "You can tell me anything, lass." Those words stung because of what Lydia had said.

"I-I had to leave Whiterun." I spoke once I finally composed myself. "I left Lydia... Lucia... I abandoned my city out of fear." By then, I was starting to be more angry than depressed; angry at myself for being weak.

"Fear of what, lass?" He asked.

"I'm being hunted." I raised my voice slightly. "Because I just had to loot the rich family's home." I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity.

"So you left to keep yourself safe." He said, giving my hand a light squeeze. "I'm sure Lydia understands and will forgive you. If she doesn't, well... she wasn't worth it anyway then, was she?" I smiled at his logic and rested my head down on the table.

"I miss her so much already." I sighed. "Lydia can take care of herself... Lucia, I'm worried sick about."

"Lucia?" He asked, confused.

"A little beggar girl I cared for deeply. I was going to adopt her but of course, that chance is gone." He frowned as I sobbed into my hands, not caring who heard or saw me. I was about to leave when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me tightly, protectively. I stood up and hugged him, knowing it was definitely Bryn. I cried into his chest for what felt like hours, but really was only a few minutes. When we broke apart, I composed myself and sighed heavily.

"Need a drink?" He asked. I nodded frantically.

"Oh yeah." I sighed. "A few gallons of mead sounds great right about now." He chuckled and we left for the Bee and Barb. We would have stayed at the Flagon, but Vekel didn't have my favorite at the moment. We sat at Keerava's bar and ended up drinking until the later hours of the night. By 3 am, I was hanging all over Brynjolf and I could barely even speak correctly. He was about the same way, but a little more sober as I'd had way more to drink.

"You know... Br-Bryn.." I slurred. "You're hot for a thief." He laughed and thanked me.

"Lass, I think you need ta... Slow it down a bit, don't you?" He suggested as I ordered another drink. I stuck my tongue out at him and took a large drink. I began blacking out and I woke up in a room at the very inn. I was still drunk, so I figured I hadn't passed out for long. I looked around and saw Brynjolf leaving the room.

"Brrryyyyynjooooollllfffff!" I whined, pouting my lips. He stumbled back in and chuckled.

"What, lass?" He asked, sitting on the bed. I smiled at him and pressed my lips to his. He pushed me back slightly, earning a frown from me.

"Wha-"

"Now isn't the time, lass." He sighed. I pouted and crossed my arms.

"Can.. Can we at least... Cuddle?" I asked, giving him my infamous puppy eyes I often used to get out of an arrest as a little girl. He smiled and gave in. I smiled widely and scooted over as he climbed onto the bed, wrapping his arms around me as I laid my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. A few minutes passed before I decided I wanted to try again. I looked up at him to discover he had already been staring at me. I smiled and brought his face closer to mine.

"Lass.." He protested.

"Relax, Bryn.." I whispered before kissing him again, only this time, he succumbed and kissed me back. I rolled on top of him and kissed down his jaw. He grabbed my face softly and kissed my lips, passionately. When we pulled away for air, he stared into my eyes.

"I love you, Ruoma." He said softly. I widened my eyes in surprise, slowly rolling off of him.

"Y-you... love me?" I asked. He bit his lip and nodded nervously. "I-I.."

"Lass, I-"

"I gotta go." I frantically went for the door but he stopped me with his arms around my waist.

"I'm sorry, lass." He sighed. "I'm a little too drunk."

"It's... Okay." I sighed hesitantly.

"We both need some sleep." He offered. "Shall we?" I nodded without another word as we climbed into bed and fell asleep, cuddled closely.