homebound. (earinor & akira)

"Not that you have fallen for me, you're just dumb.", Logan laughed, poking Cecils forehead, flinging his head back a bit in the process. The prince didn't knwo what he wanted, whether it be in the direction of a kiss or sexual activities, or the journey he sat out to make. He was lost because he never was allowed to do anything and now that he had all the options, he clung to every opportunity, whether he needed to take it or not. When Logan left home he was similar, but much younger than the prince. The first two years or so were eventfull, he was rash and unfocused and overall didn't know what he was doing, but he survived and grew into the man he now was. He had been alone though and he'd always been independent. Cecil had his knight who would never stop to baby him and that was probably the reason he thought he liked Logan a bit more than he should, because he treated him like he'd treat anybody else. Logan grinned at Cecil and nodded. "You just need to have confidence. Girls like confident men.", he explained as if to give Cecil advice.

"How?", Logan then laughed. "I told you you're not ready for someone like me! Do I need to explain you how people have sex? Where babies come from?", he laughed out loud. He doubted either of his travel companions knew very much about it. "But who would have cooked our food? Besides, I don't think he's very comfrtoable around me and he wouldn't let me throw you around." Logan didn't hate Edward, he just thought that he was too obedient and that he needed to grow his own brain and guts. He cleary didn't want the prince to but his trust into Logan, nor did he want him to kiss Logan on the cheek, even if it was only an innocent apology, but if he didn't speak up, he'd never get what he wanted. Logan was gladly pushing him and even though Cecil said it wasn't his intention to make Edward jelous, maybe it truly was, because he too wanted a certain reaction from him. The kiss he gave Cecil didn't last for long. Cecil moved away quickly, seemingly spooked by the kiss, as was Logans intention. He grinned. "Kiss your knight? Are you for real?", Logan laughed out loud. He'd kill him! Logan shrugged his shoulders. "Also not really my type." Too obedient. Logan got another kiss and sighed. "Enough with the kisses.", he told the prince, then put his arms under Cecils butt to lift him up. He sat him down on his shoulders, then grabbed him under his thighs and put all his strength into pushing him into the air and subsequently letting him fall into the water from much higher than before. The water here was deep enough for the prince to not hurt himself and the ground consisted of soft sand anyway. Logan waited a bit for Cecil to emerge by himself, but he was ready to fish him out at any time. He wasn't as caring and careful as Edward, but he didn't want to hurt the prince either.

"Well, at least I know I'm stupid!", he giggled, but soon rubbed his forehead and made some sort of disappointed noise as his forehead not only hurt now, his neck also hadn't counted on being abused like that. The truth was, that he himself had no intention of actually doing something with Logan, even if he looked hot like that and had a nice ass - Eddie wouldn't just kill the mercenary, he'd probably look for a chastity belt at the next location they found themselves at and put it on him, which was some sort of fate that he could live without. Aside from that, maybe kissing his knight was the better option anyway - much sweeter and much gentler, loving and careful, something he was used to, unlike Logan, who apparently frolicked at the thought of eating someone up during sex. "Girls like you because you're hot, confident and have a nice ass!", he corrected the mercenary and grinned, as if he'd just told him something incredible he'd never have come up with by himself. Why was that? Logan was much more experienced and had seen more of the world that Cecil barely was able to fathom, therefore, it was hardly a surprise that he enjoyed things in life as they were - just like his little unexpected meeting with Logan out here, who'd definitely be the end of him at some point, whouldn't he?

"No, I know that stuff! I was just wondering how your dick is going to fit anywhere!", he yelled out, seemingly embarrassed. He hadn't told Logan that he kind of thought that he was rather well-endowed, but what was worse, it all came back to bite him in the ass, now that he stammered and looked away as if he were a shy maiden that was afraid of Logan because of some silly ideas that came back to not only make her lose her mind, but also show her how much of a failure she was if she couldn't even look a man in the eye. "But you had fun while I built that castle earlier, didn't you? He looked very relaxed.", he assured Logan. Cecil knew that Eddie sometimes wasn't easy to deal with, and he also knew that his little knight was a bit stuck-up when it came to a variety of things, but the worst of all of them were, arguably, the moments were Eddie behaved more like a doll and not like a human being at all. "I mean, yes. If he bites you, I'll compensate you and I think it's better if you kiss him like that and not having me walk up to him and show him what uncle Logan thought me because we were alone for five minutes. He's going to blame himself for it if he ever finds out." Eddie was like that but Cecil just shrugged his shoulders. Not his type, huh? "What's your type, then? Something like, I don't know, tall, dark and handsome? I guess that's what they'd describe Garrett as." And there was no way in hell Garrett had eyes for someone that wasn't Francis. What a bummer. "No kisses, more fu- AH!", he yelled and found himself on Logans shoulders for a curt moment before he was flung into the cold water - it sent a shiver down his spine as he tried to regain his footing, but he soon enough did, after a bit of struggling. As he took a breath of fresh air, he coughed a bit and then flung some into the direction of Logan. "Revenge!"

"Well thank you. When we crossed the border and no one is searching with you, maybe you can flirt with some girl or boy too.", Logan grinned, though he had heard that their neighbors were quite a rough bunch, so more to his liking than the princes. "I never had a problem with making it fit." He laughed again. The prince was so silly and seemingly intimidated by Logans size - not that he could tell how Cecil or Edward were equipped. Logan sighed to himself, those two were a mess and Logan could picture himself telling those two what to do, because they wouldn't figure it out alone. "I think he had some fun, yeah. Sometimes poweing yourself out is quite realxing.", Logan answered, not minding the water flung in his direction and instead pulling the prince up to his shoulders again, letting him sit there. "Can you spot any bigger waves?", he asked him, right now the water wasn't very wild and it was kind of boring. He knew when they were at the beach again, Cecil should do some wave jumping as long as they were here. "Or do you want to try and make a backflip instead?", Logan asked grinning. "You can stand up on my shoulders if you can keep the balance?", he offered. Logan wondered if that was like a normal family acted, one neither of them had. Logans family never went on vacation and he never was flung around or wrestled with his brothers in the sea. Was he getting sentimental now? "So you want him to learn how to kiss properly?", Logan chuckled. He wondered what for... "I don't care about looks that much, but I like people who can stand their ground and know what they want. They don't have to be stronger than me though.", Logan explained, offering up his hands as support in case Cecil wanted to try and stand up.

Edward had fixed Logans shirt meanwhile. He also had checked the arrows and fixed them up if the feathers got busted or the tip wasn't sharp enough, then he neatly put them back. He cleaned the bow a bit and did the same with his sword, because he had nothing else to do. Once that was done too, he unbuilt the construction he made before to give the prince some shade. The tents were already up and the birds were cooking. He looked to the waves, to Logan and Cecil, but he couldn't make out much other than they stood close for a while, before the prince was thrown back into the waves. He was sure to have fun and that was great, as long as he didn't get hurt. Edward knew that he would never be able to treat the prince like that, while Logan was behaving just like Cecil wanted people to on this journey. Edward wondered if he even wanted him around, or if he rather not had someone babying him all the time. There was a knot in Edwards stomach, but he tried to ignore it and instead wanted to be happy for the prince who's laughter eventually overpowered the sound of the waves. After a while the pheasants had a nice, even crispy skin on all sides and Edward was sure that the meat was tender and moist on the inside. He had found enough spices and herbs around here and in their bags to make it a tasty meal and even got some wooden plates from their luaggage - no forks or knifes though. He slowly got up to find a towel for the prince, then walked over the sand and towards the water, the towel readily in hand. "T-The food's done!", he tried to yelled over the sound of the waves and the laughter of both Cecil and Logan.

"One can flirt without words, you know?", Logan smiled, looking up a bid, but it was hard to see Cecil when he sat on his shoulders and held onto his head. "Human bodies can take a lot.", he chuckled afterwards. what even was the prince worrying about? He shouldnt imagine too many things with Logan, that was uncalled for, but he seemed curious and he was old enough to experience love, or something like that. "I know he can, that is why I started that fight.", he nodded in agreement. Logan didn't hate Cecil or Edward. They travelled together, so he wanted all of them to have fun, even a stuck up knight that probably never had real fun in his life. He figured that the prince wasn't even the problem, it was Edward that didn't want to leave the safety of his duty. "There is water everywhere, it will soften your fall, even if you fail.", Logan answered him, he could jump around as much as he wanted. He bled easily and couldn't swim, so what? He still could jump around and have some fun.

"I'm just pretty strong. I probably could hold up Edward too, if he'd let me.", Logan told Cecil who seemed to be worried about his weight. He wasn't weighing much, but that was no problem. Even though if Logan was asked if he found the prince attractive, he'd have to say that there wasn't enough to touch on that feeble body and he probably would have been scared he'd break him. "I don't think he'd enjoy a kiss with me though!", Logan laughed. Maybe they found someone else for that knight, if the prince wanted to get rid of him for a nght or something like that? "He doesn't know anything else, does he? And he also seems like someone that doesn't like to try new thing." It would be hard to change this guy, Logan could tell, but the prince seemed to want to do just that. Maybe he actually wanted him as a friend, but Edward didn't behave like it. If he had a mind of his own, he probably wouldn't have let them into the water like that. "Feisty ones? if you wanna call it that.", he then smiled and tried to stand still while cecil stood up. Eventually he took the leap of faith and turned up just fine, grabbing Logans hand to get back to shore. "See? Nothing broken.", Logan asked following him. Cecil was quick to run out, even though the water was slowing them down. Edward was ready to wrap him into a towel as soon as he came close enough, even getting his feet wet up to his ankles as he met them. He dried Cecils body a bit while Logan left them alone and started heading for their camp and the delicously smelling food. "Did you have fun?", Edward asked, pulling some of the towel over the princes head to dry his hair a bit, before he let him move freely again.

"Sometimes some gazes are enough.", Logan explained and while he enjoyed some fights himself, he wasn't sure if he was able to coax Edward into a fight again without making him angry. He hadn't been today, maybe a bit annoyed, but not mad, though he had been a bit mad after hadn't he? or disappointed? Whatever, he was hard to read with this always same expression as if he was a lost puppy even though his master was right there. He didn't say the prince should kiss his knight either, but if he wanted to hear that, he didn't stop him. he'd been the one he wanted to kiss in the first place, not Logan, that much was clear. Logan was just easier to deal with, easier to coax into something especially if it meant fun. He'd be the one alone tonight though, but that was fine. he could use a good nights sleep, though maybe they should take turns in standing guard, just in case. Once Edward greeted the prince and immediately cared for him again, Logan left them be and walked towards the food. it smelled nice, probably better than what Logan had procured. The birds were still roasting, but further away so they wouldn't burn. They were hot too, Logan almost burnt himself, but he managed to pull off a leg and started to eat. Damn this tasted good, why eat at an inn?

Edward smiled happy. The prince didn't look hurt, only a bit exhausted maybe. He was happy though, still smiling and grinning. Edward would have only spoiled the fun if he would have joined and the chances of going into the water with the prince were gone, now that he looked like he just wanted to eat and then immediately fall into bed - or their tent in todays case. "For me...?", he asked, expecting a seashell or something like that, but instead he was pulled down by cold, wet hands. Edward looked at the prince confused. As the soft, salty lips met his own, his heart started to flutter and he was frozen in place. Cecil didn't move away for what felt like an eternity, but once he did Edward didn't know what to do or say. Before he could remove those hands from his cheeks, Cecil already did that himself and was quick to flee any awkward silence or rejection he could receive. Edward simply nodded, wondering what that was, but it was nothing more than an innocent kiss, like the one they had shared when they were much younger. In a way, they were still children and Edward reacted almost the same way as back then, only that he didn't tell the prince that he wasn't worthy of his kisses and touches. he wasn't able to say a word, only slowly stood up and hesitantly walked back to the camp with his prince, where he had prepared a blanket to sit on. He didn't think he wanted to dress before eating, since the prince followed the smell as much as Logan did, so Edward simply pulled the towel tighter around the princes body and quickly handed him some food on a plate. They didn't have any sides, but at this point Edward didn't even manage to apologize for that. Instead he sat down himself once the prince had everything he could possibly need and took some of the food for himself. he would have only eaten once the prince was done, but he also knew that Cecil didn't want that and so he silently started eating.

Cecil wanted nothing more than a nice dinner and some cuddles, but he was a bit too wet for that and as Edward was trailing after him, he wondered if he’d agree to not stand guard tonight and just come and sleep with him while they were at it - not in a sexual sense, however. Still, he was the only one that would get a good nights rest it seemed, with Logan visibly not tired and Eddie somewhat on edge because of something that the little prince couldn’t quite pinpoint. Whatever the case, he yawned as he sat himself down and looked at the plate that was prepared for him - that wasn’t necessary, but still quite nice of Eddie and he smiled like an idiot about it. Soon enough, all three of them were eating in relative silence; the food was good, incredibly so, and Cecil didn’t want to miss something like that ever again. Possibly, he thought about learning to cook himself, but Eddie had the better eye for it and Cecil wasn’t sure if he’d gain anything from learning skills that he’d eventually realize to be futile instead of frugal -if he couldn’t see, cooking was not a skill he needed, and yet, it only served as a source of frustration to think about.

As his appetite waned, he still didn’t want to offer his plate to any of the other ones - it was delicious, yes, but he needed a bit of a break and leaned his head against Eddies shoulder as he sat there, putting his food next to him on the ground. Firstly, he rubbed his face against him, and secondly, he enjoyed the sensation much more than he expected. Cecil liked this, for a broad variety of reasons, and there was something else he liked, which was Eddie. “How about you two get a good nights rest and I stay on guard?”, he offered both of them as a mere joke, looking like he was tired and maybe even a bit cold, but definitely ready for bed. Being pampered all his life hadn’t helped with anything and what was worse, he had more and more stupid ideas the older he got. “The foods delicious, I’m stuffed.”, he told Eddie, who rightfully deserved another kiss, even if Cecil didn’t give him one and instead idled out, staring at the bright orange flames of their fire.

All of them were pretty quiet while eating. Edward because he didn't know what to say or think and Logan because he was occupied with only eating. Apparently he and Cecil enjoyed his cooking and Logan ate a whole bird on his own after all. Edward was still confused, but he probably read too much into this kiss that was more than just a thank you on his cheek. Or was it? maybe the prince just had pitied him, because Edward wasn't able to hide his expression before, when Logan got a little kiss that was way too close to his lips, or because they were in the water by themselves, while Edward had cared about their meal, their camp and other things, like folding Cecils clothes and preparing something for him to sleep in. He didn't mind, not the work part, only the part where he didn't have his eyes on the prince at all times, but maybe the prince still wanted to accommodate for him. Whatever did Logan tell him out there? They stood there an awful lot before they started throwing Cecil into the waves.

"No, you don't have to. You should rest.", Edward was quick to answer when Cecil broke the silence. The prince leaned closer too, resting his head on Edwards shoulder. he looked ready for bed, after all this had been a long day. The rode without a break, even ate on horseback and afterwards the prince built a sandcastle, trained with the bow and powered himself out with Logan. He was sure to be tired and he should sleep as long as he wanted. Edward however found himself in a predicament. He didn't really trust Logan to stand guard for them, but staying awake all night also wasn't any good. He needed his rest too. Would a light sleep be enough though? "Th-Thank you.", Edward responded to the praise and Logan nodded too. "Yep, it was delicious. You should have become a chef, not a knight!", he laughed putting his own plate away too, then took a big gulp of water. Edward meanwhile tried to check on the prince in this position. He hadn't dressed up and touching his hand revealed, that he probably was cold. Edward pulled the towel tighter, then rubbed the princes shoulder. "Your clothes are ready in the tent.", he told the prince and they were lying there, ready to be worn by him, as well as all the blanket Edward could find, just in case. before the prince stood up however, he leaned forward to rub his feet off, getting rid of the sand that stuck to them. "I will take the first watch.", Edward then proposed. he didn't intend to steal any space in that single tent they had anyway.

Getting to give any explanations was idiotic - all that was happening was happening because Cecil enjoyed these things and Edward had himself been lulled in by him, like a sailor had done with a sirens song, hadn’t he? It didn’t matter much, not when the moon rose to the top of the sky and it would stop mattering once he moved his sorry ass back into their tent, where he slept the whole night long. Cecil merely wanted to help and give those two a relaxing but adequate night, nothing more and nothing less - he wanted to stop being treated like a kid, even if he kind of still was, and he wanted to impress both Logan and Eddie with the things he could do by his lonesome. Instead of getting a chance however, he was shot down and forced to assume his usual role; something that didn’t bother Cecil much, but it still had happened and he anxiously stretched himself towards the flames as he thought about the flickering, lingering warmth that they spent; about how it seeped into his very body and how warm Edwards hand was, now that it touched him as well and showed him just how good he had it - it was the truth, he had fun with what he was doing and what was worse, he’d never want to miss that fun ever again, which also meant he’d loathe going home eventually.

“I could keep watch with you while Logan sleeps?”, he propose to Eddie, who’s shoulder his head stayed on while he smiled proudly over his idea; if Logan agreed, that simply meant that Cecil would keep sitting out here, maybe with a blanket or two, and enjoy the night sky with his knight, as well as take the noises in that he almost always missed because his body and mind were spent and he wanted nothing more than to sleep. His gaze wandered to Logan, who’d eaten enough for probably three or four Cecils, and he couldn’t help but grin - Logan was right, he was strong and he needed something to nurture himself with, which wasn’t wrong, and in fact, just another way to build muscle, probably. “I told him he should have been a tailor instead, but I think Eddie is just a man of many talents and he’s good at all he does.”, Cecil giggled. There was no favoritism, and Cecil couldn’t imagine treating his beloved friend like a pet or a butler, but if these were things he liked doing, then he wholeheartedly would let him do them, before offering him a helping hand and some encouraging words to keep him motivated. “Hm, I’ll go put them on and bring us some blankets, then!” And before he could leave, he found himself being cared for again, looking down in embarrassment and making eye contact with Logan to demand help. Once all that was done, he did as he was told, cast aside his wet clothing and slipped into the new one - he brought the old one out, alongside the towel and two fresh blankets, and wrapped one around Edwards shoulder as he made a beeline for a tree branch to hang his wet clothing. Cecil jumped and put them on there, then did another jump to see if he could grab the branch. He did, then he slipped and almost landed on his ass again, but he caught himself and went back to the fire, sitting down next to Eddie and huddling himself up in his own blanket cocoon. “Why are we even keeping watch?”

"You really don't have to. Get some sleep.", Edward answered with a smile, but he wasn't too strict about it. he never was, but in this case he was sure the prince would fall asleep in any case and then he'd just tug him in. Cecil didn't have a light sleep, although he woke up at night occasionally, having nightmares he didn't have before. This journey was new to him and whereas Edward had spent a year on the road with his father, Cecil did not possess any experience whatsoever. It probably made him anxious, no matter how much fun he had and he probably felt homesick too. "I'm not... particularly good at any of it.", Edward humbly answered and Logan shook his head grinning. "You can't even see that shirt was torn and the pheasants tasted better than what we got at that inn yesterday. If you won't take any compliments from your prince, take them from me, I have no reason to flatter you if it wasn't true.", Logan smiled and Edward weakly looked up to him, but didn't say another word. He was glas the food was to their liking and he was glad any traces of that accident were gone too, which hopefully let Cecil rest.

"You really don't have to...", Edward started but stopped in his tracks. The prince was determined and soon enough got up to crawl into their tent. Edward and Logan remained outside, both not saying a thing, but Logan leaned back and looked at his own tent that stood there, without him asking Edward to set it up. He didn't thank him, not because he didn't care, but because the knight didn't want to hear it. A while later Cecil came back outside. Edward wanted to help him with the wet clothes, but while a blanket was wrapped around his shoulders, he also was pushed softly down. he hated seeing Cecil do the work, but he looked like he had fun throwing the wet clothes and towel over a branch. He reached for another one too, slipped and Edward was already ready to jump up, but everything was fine. he had the feeling that he needed to hold back a bit more, even though it made him anxious. Cecil came back and the first thing his knight did, was softly grabbing his hands to see if he scratched them open. "If bandits walk along the shore, they easily can spot our fire.", Edward calmly explained and Logan crossed his arms behind his head. "We could just put it out. I bet we won't need it if you keep your prince warm... or I do that. Whatever.", Logans mouth curled into a smile, but he didn't get a reaction out of Edward yet again, though that was a reaction in itself. No protest as to cuddling with the prince? "They might have already seen us though. I want you to be save." "But you also don't trust me.", Logan butted in and started nodding. "Quite a predicament... but you can't just not sleep at all."

Edward didn't need that much sleep and Logan surely didn't need either, but the prince should have a comfortable night, that was all Edward wanted. Cecil had other opinions though and as always he wanted to help Edward out. He would have cooked with him too if not for Logan who kept him occupied with other things. He sure was tired and he still wanted to keep awake for the life of him. The prince was truly a handful. Cecils hands were fine and Edward wasn't allowed to clean them. The princes cheeks were a bit red too, as always and so were his legs, but Edward left him alone for now, instead of smearing some ointment into his face again and again. Instead Cecil held Edwards hand now. He looked at him a bit confused and maybe embarrassed, but he didn't pull it away either. Logan started laughing again as he leaned his back against one of the trees. "Cuddle together huh? I think I'm not trusting Eddie enough to not kill me in my sleep if I did that.", he answered. Edward on the other hand had no answer to this in the first place.

The prince cuddled closer to Edward. Was he still cold? The knight put an arm around him to keep him warm. With the sun gone the sand around them cooled down incredibly fast and it wasn't as hot anymore. Cecils hair was still wet too, unlike Edwards, which he finally opened up again and let fall down. This felt better, he felt less exposed and when he had to look at Logan or the prince, he needed to look past a curtain of blue hair. "I mean I don't care either way. I've slept outside on my own before.", Logan eventually answered stretching his legs. He travelled alone before and he was alone most of the time if he didn't have a job. He never was robbed and they were pretty far from any town or road, so it might be fine either way. Edward was the anxious one, not him and the prince decided. Not always, but maybe in this case, because he had Logans backing. "I'd... I'd rather be safe than sorry...", Edward slowly answered in an apologetic voice. Was it really alright to just lay back out here, without anyone standing watch? Was it alright to trust Logan? he might not want to kill the prince, but there were other things he could do.

Cecil came even closer, cuddled up to Edward and put his arms around him. He wasn't sure anymore if he was merely cold, or if something happened between him and Logan that made him come so close. Cecil always had been touchy and he apparently also was when he was drunk, pulling Edward into his bed, but he wasn't drunk now and sharing a kiss was new too. It was something Edward didn't know how to deal with, because for one it was something the prince and wanted, but two, he was his knight and should never be much more than that. "I... uhm... It's not for me to decide who you cuddle...", Edward answered. If the prince wanted that, Edward had no right to stop either of them. It was Cecils life, not Edwards, he had no right to chose who he cuddled with, or who he kissed. Edward wouldn't be happy if he chose Logan to lose his virginity, but that too was none of his business and he had no right to refuse the princes wishes. It would not put his life in danger... although... Edward eyed Logan for a second, by sleeping with that many people...

"Edward in mine? What? Do you want one by yourself?", Logan laughed. Edward didn't want to share a tent with this guy, he'd rather sleep in no tent at all. It wasn't particularly cold either, so that actually wouldn't even pose a problem. The rainy season was not upon them either, they'd probably have a clear night tonight. Cecil was talking so much about cuddling up together, with Logan too, that Edward was truly starting to wonder what was going on. Before he could ask any further, Cecil leaned towards him, giving him another kiss. Then he buried his head in Edwards blanket. Edwards cheeks were red and he shot Logan a short glance as if he needed to check if he'd seen that. Of course he did. Edwards heart sank to his stomach and he quickly, but softly grabbed the princes hands. "It's time for bed.", he told him, trying to resolve that situation he felt most uncomfortable in. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he was sure that Cecil needed some sleep. He softly pulled him to his legs to lead him over to the tent. "Seriously now... you had a long and exhausting day... you should get some rest."

Was he getting too clingy? Apparently so, but Logan even agreed with him on one simply topic - and that meant, that Eddie actually was the sleepy one! Cecil didn't know if reverse logic worked that way, which it most likely didn't, but he felt as good as new right now and not at all sleepy, maybe a bit lightheaded, but that was that and it had nothing to do with anything. "So I can cuddle both of you? That's nice. I'd like a big cuddle pile." It wouldn't only shield him from predators, but also it would feel comfy and cozy and he'd feel welcome and loved, if anything. There was no downside to any of that, and as awkward as it might be for someone like him or his knight, people that had never felt forlorn before, they both had their own ideas of what it was that they liked. "No, I'd be lonely and cold if I had one for myself. I'm just saying, you wouldn't mind him in there, would you?", he chuckled. Cecil liked thinking about it in a way that made little to no sense - he liked to consider himself someone that was just and loving, which he might be, but he also enjoyed any and all attention that he got from someone that initially wasn't up to offer it to him. What was he to do otherwise? Offer himself to them?

Maybe he should have committed to Logans offer from before and admitted that yes, he very much wanted to sleep with him, just to see how it feels, and yes, he actually liked thinking about it in a far larger capacity than he was willing to admit, but then there was Eddie, who tugged on him and didn't like the supposed closeness very much, at least not for today. Cecil pouted, almost disappointed, and let himself be helped up - he was being treated like a child and he'd act like one if this went on, but he sighed. "It's time for bed? I'm not five.", he sighed, sounding somewhat annoyed, but he complied and let himself be brought over to their tent - he probably looked like someones grandfather from behind, all the while he behaved like a little child and from the front, he probably looked nothing like either. "Fine, I'll get some rest. Sleep well, Eddie - don't stay awake too long and don't you dare thinking about sleeping out there. You can come in once you're ready to sleep, alright?", Cecil spoke with a smile, stretched himself and then disappeared into their tent, rolling himself up in a cocoon of blankets and hugging his pillow. This would've been nicer with Eddie there, but he was out there instead - his mind raced, and so did his heart, and Cecil needed forever to fall asleep in the first place ...

"If he lets me sleep, he can sleep wherever he wants.", Logan answered slowly, pulling back from the conversation just a little bit, since he apparently was better at reading the situation than the prince was. If both of them behaved weird again on the next day, maybe Logan needed to rethink if he wanted to travel with them. Obviously Cecils and Edwards wants and needs didn't align, not at all as it seemed and the prince was forcefully, but not necessarily on purpose, taking advantage of the fact that his knight would almost do everything for him. It wasn't Logan the prince wanted and even if he used the blonde to attempt to make his knight jealous, Logan doubted that had any other effect than to hurt Edward and disregard Logans feelings all together. The prince was a prince after all and he was used to getting what he wanted, even if it made his knight and presumably best friend uncomfortable. Why would Logan expect any different from someone that already made his knight the most wanted criminal in his own country?

Edward was squirming out of the princes touch. He felt bad for multiple reasons. One, he felt uncomfortable being kissed like that, especially form the prince and especially in front of Logan or any other witnesses, two, he upset the prince, visibly, which never was his attention at all, but it happened way too often. Maybe he was better off disappearing into the background, but that too upset the prince greatly. Never before was he thinking of just disappearing, but right now he did, if only for a split second, before he recalled his duty. "Good night...", he mumbled, watching after the prince and then sat down in front of the tent. "You're taking the first watch?", Logan asked, knowing that Edward wasn't up for a chat. The knight nodded tired and Logan nodded back, disappearing into his own tent soon after. Edward swallowed down a sigh. He was glad to be alone, even though before he had dreaded the fact that the prince went off without him. Now he didn't know what to think or do abut the princes advances. Eventually he got up to clean up their camp, that was something that took his mind off of things a bit, but it didn't take long until he finished up, even though he went out of his way to walk down to the water and wash their plates in the salty sea. He sat back down in front of Cecils tent again and listened to the waves and insects buzzing around them. He looked at the stars as if they could answer his questions, but there was no answer. He sat there until Logan came crawling out of his tent by himself, asking him if he wanted to switch places. Edward denied, but Logan sat down by the fire again anyway without saying a word. He fed it with fresh wood and leaned back. Edward appreciated the silence and eventually leaned on his sword, closing his eyes. Logan figured he didn't want to lie down himself and rather doze off in front of the tents entrance, where he was staying on his toes in case he heard anything. Logan kept quiet, he didn't even move much and kept watch until the sun was rising.

There wasn’t any movement - Cecil sporadically waked to see if Eddie had come into the tent yet, but alas, he had not and he sighed to himself as he kept hugging his blanket and wished to lay somewhere else instead. He could have anyone he wanted, just as Logan said, so why was he in need of someone that clearly didn’t want any of his advances? A slight sigh spilled from his lips as the night continued on - he fell asleep, then woke - and then he lay there, not wanting to arouse any suspicion from either Logan or Eddie, but it was hard to sleep when others weren’t; just because of him. What if they went back home? Eddie could do whatever he wanted, he was his own person and not Cecils personal pet, and yet, he felt bad about acting like he was - and Logan would shame him for it. As he lay there, he wished himself back home, to Azenads castle, where he didn’t have as much freedom and was shielded from the rest of the world, but was doing his utmost at gaining an understanding of what lay out there - while he stayed ignorant of other things. Was that a life a prince was supposed to lead? Cecil wasn’t sure, but he sort of hated it - and he hated himself for enabling that behavior without saying anything, but what else was he supposed to do? Treat Eddie like dirt? No way.

As the sun rose and his surroundings became clearer, Cecil was wide awake and had lost all counts of sleepiness that he might have experienced. There was another set of footsteps earlier, which probably were Logans, and for the sake of the fact that a shadow was pressing against the entrance of his door - and he suspected it to be Eddie - he was staying in his so called bed, that looked more like a nest anyway, and tried to fall asleep once more. However, all that was futile and as soon as he knew it, he found himself in a waking state and sat up, stretching himself. Cecil felt bad for not having anyone to switch with, for taking up all this space by himself and for being mad at Eddie, who’d only tried to be nice to him - he finally got up and peeked out of their tent, to find Edward sleeping, leaned against his sword. He knew better than to speak, but he gazed at Logan who also was there and made a gesture towards Eddie, as if the blonde brute knew why his knight was sleeping out here and not in there. Cecil wanted to sit down behind him and hug him, but that hadn’t worked really well yesterday, which was why he crept out of the tent with a blanket of his own and sat down next to his knight, smiling brightly. Still, he was only eyeing Eddie and then Logan, careful not to make any sound.

Edward heard movement and some ruffling, but his unconsciousness knew that it was only Cecil who woke up, which was probably the reason why Edward didn't wake up right away himself. He did soon enough however, looking at the prince next to him who probably knew that he never went into the tent. "Good morning.", he mumbled, then quickly got up, fleeing towards their bags procuring some bread and cheese from yesterday, he kept to give the prince as breakfast. The rest of the meat from yesterday was stored away too, but that would make better lunch than breakfast. He brought over a washed up, maybe salty plate with the food and handed it quickly to Cecil. Since he wasn't up for a conversation or some chastising about him not sleeping in the tent, he started to pack their things and unbuilt the tent unprompted. Logan got up too, feeling inclined to help out and pack his own things as well, but once he stepped closer to take his own bags, Edward stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder. "No need. I'll do it.", he mumbled. Logan figured that he truly wanted to, probably to escape any awkward silence or smalltalk he didn't feel comfortable with. Logan shrugged his shoulders and let him.

The prince said him and Edward were friends, but Logan wondered if he was the only one thinking that. Edward didn't seem like he wanted to be friends with someone he was supposed to work for, but maybe Logan was wrong. He could guess why he slept outside though and the prince smiled, but did he mean it? This was a mess and Logan decided to take another dip before they left and that was why he got rid of his shirt again. "I'm gonna go swim a bit before we leave. You're free to join me.", he told his travel companions with a smile and was off soon after, jumping into the waves. Their travels today wouldn't be that long. By the end of the day they hopefully found an inn for the night. Then it wouldn't be far until they reached the border anymore. Two or three days maybe, then everything would be new for all of them, Logan included.

“Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you up …”, Cecil mumbled as Eddie sprinted up and ran through his daily routine. He looked tired, but Cecil averted his gaze, letting it wander for as far as it could - he felt uncomfortable like this, but he swaddled himself in a blanket and soon enough, was handed some breakfast. There was no word, no chastising, but he kept his head lowered and ate something - he enjoyed the silence for once, but he knew that he himself was tired and he also knew that Eddie hadn’t gotten a good nights sleep, either. It was all about them and then about him; he loathed thinking that he was loved and hated alike, and that Eddie was loyal to him to a fault. Logan himself fled, as it seemed, and Cecils stomach turned - he watched the blonde disappear as he wanted to go for another dip. Cecil himself barely finished his breakfast, with his appetite having diminished and his eyes fixated onto his knight that could no longer sit idly by. “How did you sleep?”, he asked, his voice sweet and his gaze fixated on the figure that was busy getting rid of their neat tents - Eddie could have his own if he hated sharing one, he’d just have to say the word, and yet, Cecil felt like he’d never use it.

Stretching was all he did on this fine morning it seemed, his hair looking like he truly was a sheep - and the ashes of the fire ringing through to him, as if they were telling him that they were there to cake his hair with, that he’d only have to sport a mug of pitch-black feathers and he no longer would be suspect. But what did that matter? He’d be the third prince of Azenad, no matter what he looked like. “Eddie, come here.”, he urged his knight and patted the spot next to him, and adjusting his position to offer the knight his lap. If he wanted to go swim, that was up to him, but Cecil was hellbent on giving him something else first - it wasn’t a scolding and it wasn’t too much touching; it was a soft, reassuring smile and some peace of mind, nothing else. “What’s on your mind?”, he wanted to know. There had been a lot of turmoil the last few days and they both had suffered because of a sorry brat of a prince, just wanting to have fun - for now, Cecil wanted nothing more than to find out what was wrong and to give Eddie a few minutes, or maybe half an hour, that he could relax in. That had always worked wonders, hadn’t it?