Truly // Brynjolf

Chapter Three

Brynjolf's POV

I woke up with a pounding headache and groaned as I sat up. Looking beside me, I noticed a sleeping figure. I saw silver hair, but no face as it was buried in the pillow. Oh gods, I bedded a random harlot, I thought. I went to get out of the bed but the mystery girl shifted in her sleep, revealing a face that brought me both panic and relief. I sighed heavily, hand on my head. Gods damn this hangover! She opened her eyes and smiled sleepily at me, I couldn't help but return it.

"Good morning, lass." I whispered as I held her again. She hummed in response.

"What happened last night?" She asked, turning around to face me. Should I tell the truth about what I said? I sighed.

"All I remember.." I started, hesitantly. "Is the both of us getting drunk beyond belief, and then making out in this bed." She bit her lip, a thing she always did when nervous.

"Do you think we.." She trailed off.

"No." I said quickly. "At least, I hope not. We're both fully clothed." She sighed in relief.

"Thank the Divines." She breathed. "Who.. Who came on to who?"

"You came on to me." I said. "I stopped you at first, but then I gave up because- uh.. N-never mind."

"Because why?" She asked.

"Well, if you want the truth, I've wanted to kiss you since a week after you joined." I explained. She bit her lip again. Silence filled the room quickly for a moment.

"Bryn..." She mumbled breaking the silence. I looked at her.

"Yeah, lass?" I asked in response.

"Did... Did you mean what you said to me last night?" I panicked and played dumb.

"I don't remember what I said." I lied.

"You said.." She hesitated. "You said you love me, Bryn."

"Oh, I did, didn't I?" I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Brynjolf, is it true?" She asked. When I stayed silent, she stepped closer. "Bryn, do you actually love me?" When I remembered her reaction, I sighed. She placed her hand on my face. "Brynjolf, tell me."

"No." I snapped. "I don't love you. Now drop it!" I pushed her hand away and shoved by her out the door.

Ruoma's POV

I was left in the room, alone and stunned at his sudden outburst. I sighed as I sat back down on the bed. I left the room, leaving a tip for Keerava on the dresser. I made my way down to the Flagon and I was about to sit in my usual seat at my usual table, but I quickly changed my mind when I noticed Brynjolf in his normal seat, across from mine. I sat as far from him as possible. I sat alone in the corner and rested my head in my hands. I heard someone sit across from me and I sighed heavily.

"Go away, Brynjolf." I snarled. "I have nothing to say to you."

"I dunno what Brynjolf did, but I'd hate to be him right now." Delvin said. I looked up at him.

"Oh, sorry Delvin." I sighed. "He and I fought a bit today. More like he just felt like being an asshole."

"What happened?" He asked. I grunted out of frustration.

"I don't wanna go into detail." I said. "He just snapped at me and pushed me over something stupid."

"He pushed you?!" He raised his voice. I shushed him and begged him not to talk to Brynjolf about it, as I didn't want any more trouble in the Guild.

"Delvin, this is between me and Brynjolf." I scolded. "Do not involve yourself." I stood up and rushed out of the tavern. I decided to go visit with Marcurio, the mage who sometimes goes with me when I have to do dangerous jobs. Now that Brynjolf and I most likely weren't so much as buddies anymore, I considered Marcurio as my best friend. He was sweet, even for a self-centered mage. Much sweeter than Brynjolf truly was. I sighed at the thought as I sat beside him.

"Hey, Ruoma." He greeted with a smile. "How's it going?" I sighed audibly.

"Not good." I said with a roll of my eyes. "Not good at all. Brynjolf is being... Brynjolf." He chuckled, and I joined in.

"You wanna do something?" He offered.

"Like what?" I chuckled.

"Like, maybe go out and find some trolls? I can teach you Destructive magic while we're at it." I smoked and happily agreed.

"I just gotta grab some things from the Flagon." I said, standing.

"Oh, could I come with?" He asked. I nodded as we walked out and down the steps.