Part 2

In an hour or so Adam made his way back to the barracks where he lived with his fellow knights. He could've rented a nice house from his payment, but he preferred to be close to his men in case something came up and they had to move quickly. Things were quiet when he arrived, only the usual guards greeting him as he passed them on his way to his room. There he quickly stripped naked and got into his bed, thinking about one certain blonde and the taste of those plump lips until sleep took over and he had hot dreams of making love to said tiny boy.

In the morning he got up at the same time he usually did - around the break of dawn - to get ready and do his usual duties. Last night went differently than he expected. He never made it to the brothel like he planned, but he thought it was worth it, because he could actually talk to Thomas, who intrigued him. He had some mixed feelings about that encounter and his curiosity about the gypsies got piqued too. He decided to visit his commander partly to report about last day's happenings in the city then ask for today's tasks, and partly to try and learn more about the hated group of people. After all, Commander Stefan has been around much longer than Adam.

Soon knocking on his door Adam waited until he heard his invitation and he entered the room of the man who used to help him settle when Adam had arrived from England. He became his mentor and friend whom Adam trusted.

"Good morning, Sir," he greeted him with a nod of his head. "I'm here to report and maybe share some breakfast with you," he smiled. When things came to formal duties Adam acted and talked like a knight on duty would but when they were talking as friends, he shifted to an informal behavior.

Stitting behind his desk, Comander Stefan was reading a letter he received with more orders for his men. They were to be more visible and stricter though they still weren’t allowed to make more arrests than they did already. He was furious when he'd heard some people that his men had arrested on suspicion of stealing a few days earlier were actually released. He hated to be reprimanded from higher ups because he took pride in running a great crew of men under his watch.

Resigning himself to the content of the letter he was about to write a reply when he was disturbed by a knock on the door. He contemplated for a second to ignore it before calling out “Enter!”. When he saw his ravenhaired knight in the dooropening he smiled, relieved to see his friend Adam. “Good morning Adam. Come on in. Breakfast indeed sounds good,” he said smiling at him as Adam sat down at his desk.

The knight was calm and moved controlled and graceful. He could hardly believe that the people out on the street would refer to him as the "Death Knight" when he saw him this calm and composed. Getting up the commander went to his door where the servant was waiting. He ordered him to fetch breakfast for himself and Adam before returning to his friend.

“So Adam... how have you been? I heard reports that those filthy gypsies are roaming the streets more and more often…” he started, leaning back in his seat while getting comfortable with his friend. He didnt insist on formalities between them, tho he did with some of his other knights. He was the one to bring Adam into his ranks when he'd come from England and had helped him learn the language in exchange for Adam helping Stefan perfect his English. He knew he could trust him and that he wouldn’t go behind his back about anything. He was happy they had met and that he could rely on Adam for advice and just for commeradery too.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," Adam motioned towards the open letter on the table in front of his commander. Taking a seat on the opposite side of the table where a padded wooden chair was turned towards Stefan when he was sitting behind his desk, Adam waited patiently until his supervisor sent the servant to fetch their breakfast.

"I am good, thank you for asking. I had a much needed night off yesterday," the knight smiled to himself a bit, thinking of the boy, but his look slightly darkened when the gypsies were mentioned. "I honestly didn't notice that, Stefan. And I spend most of my days out on the streets. They aren't causing more trouble or appearing more frequently than they usually do," he shrugged nonchalantly.

He knew that the gypsies weren't the favorites of his commender - or of many other knights. Adam seemingly agreed with them or just stayed quiet when they were discussing that group of people that were somehow seen as the plague of Paris. Even if Adam knew about many higher ranking people that did much more discusting or dangerous things than dancing on the streets, reading the future from cards or occasionally stealing some food for themselves.

Looking at the letter Stefan shrugged. “Just more orders and other business. Nothing to worry about,” folding the letter he put it aside to really worry about it later. Right now he wanted to talk to his friend. “Oh a night off sounds great... we should plan a night off together some time again Adam. Get some ale together and find some trouble,” he winked at him before listening with a slight frown. “You sure Adam?” Stefan asked glancing at the letter again. “Commands from people higher up are saying different,” he shrugged and let it slide. He had noticed that his foreign friend didnt share his contempt for those dirty street rats, maybe it had something to do with that things like this were more common or less of a problem across the sea. He didn’t know and didn’t really care. “Did anything else happen out on the street? No more signs of unrest among the people?”

Watching his commander put the letter aside Adam nodded. If it was something that he should know, he knew Stefan would tell him. "Yes. That's a great plan. It's been a while since we went out to drink and cause trouble. After all, we have a name to maintain," he chuckled. Nights out with Stefan were never dull or boring.

His expression became more serious though when he asked him if he was sure. "At least in the districts I am responsible for," he shrugged. "Maybe you should ask the other knights too to see if the higher ups have a clear picture of what's going on on the streets. Not that I'd question their judgement, of course," he quickly added, not wanting to sound disrespectful or like someone bragging about the relative order he and his name managed to keep in his districts.

"My men captured four dangerous criminals and put them into prison until their trial. A few smaller thefts were reported, but my knights are already investigating the matters. Other than this, no additional disturbance," he said then went silent when a knock could be heard on the door. Breakfast probably arrived.

Smiling Stefan nodded, remembering their last night out. “We really should go out.” He then listened to him seriously. He very much valued Adam’s opinion, but this time he couldn’t find himself to agree with him. “I’ll have to speak to the others too anyway. But thank you for your opinion Adam. I’m glad your districts are quiet,” he smiled and nodded as Adam spoke of the criminals he arrested. He loved the great work Adam and his crew always delivered.

Looking up from the knock he called for his servant to enter and serve them their breakfast plates before turning to Adam again as the servant left and closed the door behind him. “Thank you, Adam. You all do great work,” he said glancing at the letter again. “Some of the others could learn from you. Make sure your men investigate thoroughly okay, Adam? The evidence and everything we deliver seems to be under quite close scruitiny... so be careful with your men,” he added smiling before looking at the simple food. “Bon Appetit!”

"Thank you. We are working hard on keeping them quiet and in order," he nodded, appreciating his commander's words. He stayed silent while the servant served their plates then leaned forward in his chair to get closer to the simple breakfast. Bread, cheese and some smoked meat with a cup of wine on the side. "I'll personally make sure that my men do their best in the investigations of these matters. You know that we don't leave loose ends. Is there a reason for that close scrutiny?" he asked as he picked up a piece of cheese. "Bon Appetit," he smiled briefly and started eating, wondering why his commander was getting such letters and orders.

"Is it because of the gypsies?" Adam finally asked after a minute or two. "I've noticed that things have been getting a bit tense around them. Is something in the cooking regarding the Romanis' fate?" he raised a thick eyebrow questioningly.

Taking some of the bread with cheese Stefan listened to his friend. He was glad he could speak so freely with his knight and that he knew Adam wouldn’t hold back the truth from him. Glancing at the letter again he sighed. “I guess there is. We have to be more visible in the streets. And firmer in our actions. Tho the problem keeps arising with those slight of hand rats that there is too little proof for the actual act of stealing. Their tricks and thieving are too hard to proof. Some of my men arrested a group of them the other day but they had to be released since their cheating and stealing couldn’t be proven. We're often unable to catch them in the act or catch the actual pickpocket that goes through the crowd while the act goes on. And arresting the gypsies who put up the act is useless because they didn’t really do anything wrong. That’s why the scrutiny.”

Drinking some of the wine he let Adam’s question sink in. “Yes Adam. There is a lot of tension and people are getting sick of the cheating and stealing that is going on. We're not to make more arrests... yet,” he said, letting the last word hang between them as he took more bread off his plate. “Why the sudden intrest in the Romanis’ fate Adam?”

Adam was chewing his food slowly while listening to Stefan explain the reason why they were being monitored more closely. "I see. Then I guess we should figure out new methods to be able to stop them from stealing. Maybe more knights on the streets? The sheer number of us might be enough to stop them from doing so," he suggested then paused. That 'yet' hanging in the air between them wasn't a good sign. It meant that bills and orders were being written about the problem as they spoke.

The knight wondered what that would allow the knights to do to keep the order on the streets and probably drive the gypsies out of the cities. He could understand the frustration of the people who were naive enough to let themselves be robbed while watching the distracting street acts the Romani did. Earlier he would've agreed completely with getting orders to be able to stop that, but now worry got rooted in Adam's heart because of one certain blonde gypsy.

"You know I like to be prepared. I don't like surprises, especially if it's about the authority of the knights. Besides in case of rumors among my knights, I want to be able to respond to them. They have to see that I'm informed and not surprised by such possible changes," he finally shrugged.

Sighing Stefan nodded. “I know, I don’t have the permission yet to put more knights on the streets. I have orders to still keep a lot of men just on guard with their ears and eyes open to prevent another revolt. But I dont know how much longer that will be the case. I think action will be taken soon. Very soon.” Smiling he nodded to Adam’s explanation. “I know Adam. That’s what makes you stand out and such a good knight and leader. You make sure you're aware of everything and follow orders well. You're one of the bests this city has Adam, most reliable for sure,” he smiled, lifting his cup of wine, tilting it towards Adam almost like a toast then he downed its contents. “Because of you and knights like you we will be able to clean up the streets in no time once the order comes.”

"Thank you, Stefan," he nodded to the compliment and tilted his cup towards him too before drinking. Though his mind was racing, because he didn't like the sound of these changes. But they had to wait and see. One thing was sure, Adam realized: he didn't want Thomas to get hurt so he'd have to warn him without going against his order. He had to be careful too, because he knew that one's life could turn around in a blink of an eye if they weren't careful. And losing such an important position as the leader of his knights would make Adam's life a lot harder. Discretion and caution would be the two new words he'd have to live by.

***

 Days had passed and Thomas had kept true to his promise (to himself). If he heard the people of France talking about a certain knight, Thomas urged his people to move. Thankfully, Thomas had lived here long enough to know that if the people of France were talking about something, it is/was recent news. Thomas didn't want to take any chances of running into the knight. True, he could easily hide in plain sight (since he's passed himself off as a woman before when given a wig and proper makeup), but Thomas did not want to take the chance nor did he believe the knight was foolish enough not to notice him. His inner-self was basically nothing but in constant torment for him. Along with the dreams that Thomas found himself needing to calm down from, Thomas's inner-self was restless ever since they got a taste of the knight, the swirling emotions inside going haywire with it's whining or crying out in misery. But what could he do? That's just the way things have to be if he wanted to stay alive.

Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, and then a week turned into a month, yet no sign of the knight. Sure, he often felt like he was about to bump into him, but yet each time he managed to avoid the knight. Now that the month had passed, Thomas deemed himself safe and finally free. It came as a relief for the blonde for the constant worrying, dreaming and obsessing over the Death Knight was tiring him out. It was starting to show among his clan, which he blamed on nightmares which wasn't too far from the truth if he was honest…

Today was the beginning of one of the many festivals (he had no clue about what the people of France would be celebrating this time) so Thomas easily slid away from those he called his family and into the streets of Paris. He knew it would be a big issue once he returned, but Thomas knew how to stick to the shadows and alleyways, his cloak that he used on rainy days aiding him in this moment of filtering through the large crowd. The blonde figured he could use the excuse of wanting to see what the people were celebrating. He had done so in the past, so why not now? After all, no one knew that he truly wished to be alone.

So, as he walked behind the celebrating citizens, Thomas kept to himself, doing his best to stay out of any authority figure’s eyesight. This time, the Romani boy was wearing dark purple silk pants, a lighter purple sash around his waist that dangled with golden coins, the designs on the sash images of the moon, sun, and stars all woven from thread. His feet were bare of any shoes, but his ankles again were decorated with golden bangles, as were his upper arms and his wrists. Minimal necklaces graced his neck, while newly pierced ears held small golden earings. His shirt was another poet shirt only this time this one opened up towards his lower body, exposing most of his upper chest while the sleeves went mid-elbow. All of this was hidden beneath his dark, almost black cloak on which he kept the hood up. No one paid attention to him though as they were too busy with their eyes on the festival.

Unable to help himself as his stomach grumbled unhappily from hunger, Thomas found a slightly abandoned food cart (the owner happened to be standing in front of his fruit cart, unable to pay attention to Thomas), so very quickly and quietly, the Romani boy swiped the closest thing he could and silently walked away. Now, he was sticking to the alleyways, until he stopped at one that was seemingly deserted. It was dark and it stunk, but even so, it was away from the celebrating people where he could finally be alone. Now as he sat upon a wooden crate in the alleyway, Thomas began to munch on the fruit he had stolen. An apple and an orange. Happily, the blonde began to munch on the apple, pocketing the orange, truly believing he will be left alone.

After talking to his commander the next day, Adam paid more attention to things connected to the gypsies. He wanted to be up to date with the measures concerning that group of people. They still weren't welcomed on the streets of France - which, frankly, Adam didn't understand why. Because not counting the occasional food stealing they rarely caused trouble. But most of the time they kept to themselves on the outskirts and ventured into the cities only to entertain people and earn some money along the way. The unreasonable hate against them was present nonetheless.

For a few long days Adam couldn't find the pretty blonde boy. It seemed he could vanish if he wanted, which proved to be a great skill even if it made it a bit hard for Adam to track him down. But the knight was well-connected and good at finding people. A few gold coins slipped here and there and his people provided him with information that led him closer to finding the delicate boy.

The next time he spotted him, the memory of the stolen kiss came back with full force and he was yearning again. But he stayed away. For now. He was just watching the boy, learning his habits and memorizing his moves, moods, expressions, the way he talked or walked. He was pretty sure that sometimes Thomas could feel his presence, because he kept looking over his shoulder and move around carefully, but Adam never let him take a glimpse of him. He could be sneaky like the gypsy. Or maybe the boy just got a bit paranoid, Adam's words about finding him and making him want the knight probably ringing in his ears.

Still it took roughly a month until Adam could see a change in the way he was carrying himself. His back became straighter, his steps more confident like someone who managed to persuade himself that the danger was over and he could relax. That made a small smile blossom on the knight's freckled face. It was time.

On the day of yet another festival - Adam not really interested in the reason for the merriment since he still considered himself English - they were sent out into the city to patrol. Some of them on horse, some on foot. Adam decided to walk the streets on his own on feet this time. He was wearing a black tunic over an undershirt and a lighter than expected chain-mail. The tunic had a golden colored edge and the embroidered lesser coat of arms of the Kingdom of France on his chest in golds and blues. (The French crown atop of a blue shield with the three fleurs-de-lis in gold.) The soft but strong light-brown belts around his hips were securely holding his dagger and sword on his left side, a couple of pouches containing some coins and other necessities on his right. Since it was a warm and sunny day he wasn't wearing his helmet. He hated it anyway. The picture was completed by black leather-pants and a pair of comfortable leather boots.

Moving among the citizens some greeted him or nodded when they recognized that he was a knight (or they realized who he was). He just nodded back curtly and continued following a slim and short figure hiding under a black cloak. As he saw, very few people paid attention to the shadow passing them, but Adam knew who it was. By then he could recognize anywhere those naked feet adorned by the golden bangles.

Suppressing a small smile when he saw the boy steal an apple and an orange from an unattentive merchant, he followed him to the mouth of a slightly disgusting alley. Watching him without the hood for a long moment, the knight let his eyes drink in the pretty boy's sight. It's been so long since he saw his face from that close. He was enjoying that lucky apple to the fullest, some juice of the fruit running down his lips and chin, giving Adam sinful thoughts as he tightened his hold on the top of his sword's hilt.

"My, my. What have we here. You know that stealing is a sin too, don't you, Thomas?" he asked on a velvety voice raising a thick black eyebrow questioningly, his expression kinda amused by the shock on the boy's quickly reddening face.

Thomas should have kept his guard up. Now that he sat there, frozen with a half eaten apple in his hand, Thomas slowly turned to face the man he had tried so hard to avoid. How? How did the knight find him? Thomas thought he had been so careful! Or had he just been doomed from the start, only allowed to live due to how easily he could be followed?

"It is only a sin should I steal something of want. However, you can plainly see, this is of need." To emphasize his point, Thomas bit into his apple once more, before wiping the juices away from his mouth. Just the juices... not the memory of something… else.

His face was red, even as he now stood up and faced the knight, his body and mind nearly giving into the desire as he kept his eyes upon the knight. No! He had to stay focused. He couldn't let himself become distracted by what the knight did to him, how the knight woke inner feelings within him, made his loins and body ache with need and want just from impure dreams.

"So what brings you here Death Knight? Surely you did not come to enjoy the scenery of an alleyway while the festivities are carrying on!" Thomas took a defensive stance as he saw the knight come closer, but his eyes were now trained on the sword and dagger. The blonde really needed to learn how not to travel alone anymore. Not wanting to reenact their first meeting, Thomas took a deep breath, trying not to let his emotions get the better of him. Looking away when the taller male came close, Thomas didn't dare try to conjole the knight into letting him go. In fact, it was over being caught that the blonde didn't know what to do in this moment.

The knight tilted his head slightly to the side, electric blue eyes darkening a few shades while watching the gypsy boy wipe away the excess juice of the apple. He wanted to lick it off himself. Taste the sweetness on those plump lips again. The intensity of his lust surprised the knight once again, but he held himself back and licked his own lip instead. For once he was grateful for his tunic that reached down mid-thigh and more or less covered his awakening loins. How was it possible that this boy had such an effect on him each time he saw him?

"True," he agreed with Thomas after a long moment of considereation as he stalked closer to him, all his attention focused on the beautiful boy. "This means I shouldn't arrest you and cut your hand or at least a finger off for lifting this apple..." he said snatching the apple from the boy's hand to take a bite himself and chew calmly, licking his freckled lips clean "or for that orange in your pocket," he finished, making it clear that Thomas has been watched by him for a while now. "But tell me then, Thomas..." he whispered his name with a playful expression, giving the apple back to him then he reached up to run his thumb across the boy's bottom lip. "...wouldn't it be unfair to deny another stolen kiss born from the very same need?" he murmured and leaned a bit closer to the boy, but before their mouths could meet, he stepped back and ran his fingertips along the deep opening of the shirt on Thomas' chest. Most of his clothes were still hidden by the black cloak, but some skin was left free there and Adam enjoyed its warm smoothness before he let his hand drop back to his side while straightening his back. "The festival is something that I don't care about much. It's not my celebration either. We have more similarities than you might think. For instance, we are both outsiders among the French. We'll never fully belong," he said watching the other man intently, a deep fire burning in the depths of his mesmerizing blue eyes.

"I came here to admire you openly this time. Not just from the shadows. I've told you that I'd find you wherever you go," he smiled at him a bit. "But that's not the only reason. I know you don't trust me yet, but I want to change that. I have some information that could be useful for you and your people," he dropped his voice to make sure no one else heard them. "But it has a price, of course," he smiled again, his palm twisting over the sword's hilt as Adam shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

Thomas's eyes grew wide as the knight mentioned both arresting and cutting off his hand or fingers for stealing his lunch (and dinner). Would this knight really be that cruel into doing such a thing over something so simple that grew upon the green trees? Then again, knights weren't known for kindness. Thomas instantly glared when the knight took his apple from him and took a bite from it. His stomach grumbled as if upset as well. Once he had the apple back, Thomas quickly took the last bite then tossed the core away where the nearby rats scurried by.

Watching the core becoming covered with dirt confirmed Thomas's suspicions. This alleyway was not paved, so if need be, the blonde could use the dirt beneath them to make a quick escape. To anyone with working eyes, it was now painfully obvious that he had been followed for a good while now. So Thomas did nothing but look away and clench his fists as the knight ran his finger against his lips and exposed chest.

"A stolen kiss is something of want, knight," he murmured low, looking away as he was yet again angry but this time at himself. At how stupid he was for thinking he was safe. However, once he saw the weak opening within the knight, the way he lusted for Thomas, the Romani boy planned to exploit it to his use. Besides, the way the knight kept using the term "we" (as if they could ever be anything more than players for a different team), had the blonde believing he could simply charm the knight like many of the women did on the Day of Fools festival, the only holiday celebration the people of France threw for the Romani. Not missing the way the knight held the hilt of his sword, as he mentioned a price for the information. Thomas cursed until he remembered the dagger.

"And what is it you want? A kiss, my dear knight? Because that is all I will offer. But, do be gentle with me, knight. For my last kiss was stolen from me by a beast who did not even think to wait for my full consent, but I will leave my offer of a kiss to you. Because you have waited like such a kind gentleman would do." Thomas let his brown eyes look directly into the bright blue hues, the blonde stepping closer and closer into the knight's personal space. Even though his mind rallied against what he was doing, the blonde ran his hands against the lower chest, slowly working his way up. He quickly swallowed then pressed his lips against the knight's, who now seemed not to want to waste any time once he was sure Thomas was not tricking him… about giving a kiss at least.

Thomas kept up with the knight in their kiss, letting their tongues battle and dance with one another, his hands groping around trying to remember exactly where that dagger was placed. He couldn't get… distracted… no matter... how... good it felt…

Adam saw the flicker of fear and insecurity in the blonde's eyes when he mentioned cutting off his hand or a finger. Not that he would do that to anyone if he wasn't under orders. He didn't like miming people. He preferred them to have a fair trial - which was rare nowadays as things were changing in Paris.

Watching the apple core roll away and the rats running off just to slowly creep back to check out the possible food source, Adam turned his blue gaze back to the shorter man and a small smile graced his handsome face. "Not when it's born from a deep need. Something you could probably feel before. Something that comes from the deepest part of you. Something inexplicable, burning and overwhelming. Never completely letting you go once you get a taste of that need..." he mused with a sensual look, curious if the boy knew what he was talking about.

They engaged in a battle of stares for a long minute then Adam watched Thomas come closer with the graceful moves of a feline. The swaying of his hips, the fluidity in his moves mesmerized Adam as if the boy just put a spell on him. For a brief moment he wondered if the gypsy truly had that ability like it was rumoured. The young knight didn't close his mind to the things that couldn't be explained by human reason. He wondered if this petite man had that spark in him or he was just simply trying to charm Adam to let his guard down.

He was about to reply to him when he felt a graceful hand on his chest moving higher and plump lips press against his freckled ones. The kiss felt just as sweet and hot like their first and soon Adam found himself closing his eyes and thrusting his tongue into the gypsy's welcoming mouth. This time he didn't have to force himself on Thomas and it was much better this way. His heart beat became a little erratic as he dived deeper, taking and giving more and more as their tongues danced together. He could feel the slight tremors shaking the boy's body as Adam slid a hand around the tiny waist to pull him closer until Thomas had to arch his back a bit to be able to keep up with the amazing kiss.

Adam could've easily lose himself in it, but years of training and his instincts that always seemed to help him out didn't let that happen. Not so soon. Maybe one day, when the boy would trust him and give himself to Adam willingly and without doubt. Maybe then the knight would lower his guard. But now he realized that the kiss was just a distraction and just when the boy's fingertips touched the hilt of the knight's dagger, Adam grabbed the slim wrist firmly.

Breaking the kiss he looked down at the beautiful and slightly flushed boy, his other hand shooting up from his waist to the unusually cut hair to grip it by the nape and yank on it so the boy would look up at him without being able to move. "What was your plan, Thomas, hm?" he growled very disappointed and maybe a bit angry too for the sneaky attempt. "Steal my dagger and stab me while you deceive me with a willing kiss?" he growled, his fist tightening around the blonde hair, pulling on it a bit to make sure the boy's full attention was on him. "Never try to lie to me like this again. Don't offer yourself to me if you don't mean it. I don't want your lies when I'm trying to be honest with you and help your people. Understood?" he squeezed his wrist a bit tighter, knowing that it'd probably leave some faint bruises, but he didn't care.

"I could have taken you by force, but I've told you that's not my style. I prefer my lovers willing and when you stop thinking about what's expected of you, you become willing. I could feel and taste even now when you kissed me to play out your little plan when all I wanted to ask from you was to try and trust me and maybe spend a little more time with me so you could see what kind of man I really am. But it's clear for me now that you are not ready to admit even to yourself that you are attracted to me, another man. That you didn't care about how I could help you and your people. No, because you are too stuck in your own head and fears. It's a shame, really. Because there's so much more behind this pretty face. So much more I could show and teach you. But you were trying to abuse the trust I put in you for god knows why. Maybe the other knights, my commander and the rest of Paris are right about you Romani," he finished with a bitter taste in his mouth and a disappointed expression.

He kept the eye-contact for a moment longer, letting Thomas see the hurt in his blue eyes then he let him go, taking a step back to put some distance between them in case Thomas decided to try something else against the now closed-up knight. He suddenly felt like a tricked fool for believing even for a moment that Thomas truly wanted to kiss him. He had his fair share of rejections too, but this action just stirred that dark side of him, making it feel truly disappointed. And now that was the only emotion he let to show on his otherwise neutral face.

The moment Thomas felt the hand grip his wrist, he became painfully aware of two things. One being that even without the weapons, the knight's physical strength surpassed his own, and two, this man could not be held in the same ranks that his people have come to know the knights and commander by. For even now, now that the knight knew he had been deceived by the blonde, he still chose not do take what was his "knightly right."

Thomas feared what would happen the day the knight finally decided it was time to collect. Would he remember all that what was said in this moment? So all he could do now, for fear to not anger the knight even further who had him by his hair and wrist. The blonde was in inner turmoil. He was afraid of what would happen to him now, but his inner-self was ready to roll over like a wanton kitten trying to offer itself for mating. It was getting difficult to manage.

Unable to look into the hurt blue eyes anymore (should he begin to start panting with his inner-self), Thomas backed away when he was let go. It was long moments that the blonde took, but once both he and that swirling mass of his inner-self were on the same page, Thomas finally spoke. However, he couldn't look anywhere but the ground and he now held his cloak - that had mistakenly opened during their kiss - tightly enclosed around his body, looking no better than a child trying to hide.

"You tell me to trust you. Yet, you force a kiss upon me. You say you have information of my people, and I must pay a price while you hold your sword…" Thomas didn't know why he was opening up to the knight, but he knew he couldn't let it happen like this. He could not let the image of his people be ruined by his miscalculated mistakes. "I simply went for your dagger to even the field. For what chance do I have should you decide to strike? It is against Romani nature to willingly kill or hurt another living creature unless it is for survival. Besides… even if I got the dagger from you, I wouldn't even know how to use it. Unless you're secretly a vegetable under all that armor."

He looked to the knight now, smiling lightly from his jest. He quickly put his head back down, hiding his face behind his hair, he also clutched the cloak tighter around himself. "But you do not understand. Men... men of my people…" he broke at this point, tears of frustration swelling up in his eyes before he wiped them away. "I am going against everything!" When the knight just looked at him, Thomas elaborated. "Men of my people... unless they have another brother to carry on their family name, do not lay with other men. It is rare that men of my people get together, but it is not exactly forbidden to us. Family means everything to us. We do not care about fame or wealth, for we only entertain for coins simply because that is how we can survive the cold months."

Thomas looked at the knight, hoping he understood. "And I am an only son. Yet to be married and given to, to my wife. Unless you can bare my children… this could never work. I'd have to shame my family and my people… for you… a knight." Thomas laughed humorlessly at this. "One of the many knights who have and will end up hunting down my people. You are a knight first, a man second. If your commander ordered you to kill me, you'd have to do it, wouldn't you? You are here to protect the people of France... not the Romani… despite the fact that we are people of France… just children mother did not want," he now looked down once more, uncaring what the knight did now.

However, Thomas's mouth could not stop, even though he no longer looked to see if the knight was even with him or listening. "I know you are different knight. I would not have escaped the forest that first night should you be like the rest of them… and like a beast I have found myself wrought with need for your touch, I will admit that. However I cannot allow my loins to control what I should always be aware of. The safety of my people. I have seen the many evils you knights can do, it shows in how many of my people are gone now…" He now looked at the knight, glad he was still there. "Tell me what information you have, and I shall..." he paused "I shall pay your price. Whatever it may be now, should it have changed." He didn't know if he'd get that information now or if the knight even had information for him in the first place, but Thomas had to try. So, he'd do whatever it took. For his people. Because that's all that mattered to him... his people.

As the boy wrapped his cloak tightly around himself Adam was watching him with the same closed-up expression. He never interrupted his monologue and he had to admit that Thomas pointed out a few things that slipped Adam's attention either because of his lust or not knowing about them. His expression slightly softened, but his guards were still up.

"You finally spoke from your heart. That kiss in the forest... You are right about it. I apologize, for the wine and my lust took the better of me. I had no right to do that," he slightly bowed, showing how serious he was about it. It was rare that a knight would ask for an apology because of his actions, and unheard of when doing that in front of a gypsy. Straightening up he slightly shook his head. "Your words hold reason, but don't you think that if I wanted to hurt you, I would've done it a long time ago? Do you think I've ever threatened you seriously? I wouldn't do that without a real reason and before you tell me I just threatened you like that a couple of minutes ago, no. That was just a warning. Not a threat."

Watching Thomas hide behind his hair and his cloak, his voice dropping lower, Adam's finger twitched in need to go over and lift his head by his chin to comfort the boy, but he kept his distance. Listening to his people's customs Adam's heart got heavier. He understood the boy's resistance a bit better now, however... "I understand the weight laid on your shoulders. I just ask you this: think about what you want to do. Family and traditions are important, but not when they make you unhappy and uneasy in your own skin. I know, because some tried to force me to take a wife and live a life that wasn't who I was. That's part of the reason I became a knight and then left England. I didn't want to live in a lie. I understand that this situation... with your people, you being a gypsy and me a knight... it's complicated. And to answer your question, yes, I'd have to kill you if I was ordered to do so. But... I'm starting to doubt myself that I could do it," he admitted quieter, but kept the eye-contact to let Thomas know he was telling him the truth.

Hearing that the boy lusted for Adam too carried a small ray of hope. Maybe he would reconsider at some point. "Your loyalty to your people is something to be admired though. I have to give you that. You are stronger than you might think. Not many would be able to put their group in front of their own needs. One day you might become a good leader," he said calmly now, their eyes meeting once again.

"You have to know that it wasn't my intention to put you in such a difficult position. I'll back off if that's what you wish me to do. But I'd still like to spend more time with you. As friends then. That's my price," he added despite the unsatisfied and opposing feelings of his darker side. He wasn't sure the 'friend' thing would work out, but they had to try to see. If Thomas would accept his offer.

Immediately when the knight bowed to him, Thomas backed away, wide-eyed. For no self-respecting knight would bow to a Romani! He looked around, almost worried a witness would haul them both away into the nearest cell. For surely, Thomas must be working some type of witchcraft upon France's newest high-ranking knight. Swallowing thickly, the blonde boy looked away, his face reddened, as he listened to the male speak, trying to answer his questions and offer advice of his own on Thomas's dilemma. Of course it was easy for him to answer that way. However, things were just as different here than they were in England. Usually a lone Romani meant a dead Romani. Besides, one didn't just "become" a knight here. It was what you were born into.

The blonde's head began to hurt as he thought of all the possibilities. It was best to start with what he knew and that was he was easily followed and tracked by the knight. A heavy wave of despair began settling in his heart now as he thought of the people in his clan. He thought of his aging parents, of his little niece, his rounding sister and her husband... the friends he had… and Mia, his wife-to-be should he not find his own bride… what if he let himself be the cause of their demise, simply because he hadn't been aware nor kept it to tradition? What if this was a trap set up for the blonde? To use a handsome, seemingly new knight to lure the Romani into a trap? What if this knight was following him to learn all that he could about his clan so they could take them all out easily? Thomas's heart clenched. Could they be the friends that the knight offered? Doubt and worry was clearly etched onto his face.

"You understand… I should not simply trust you, just like you should not trust me," he murmured, not having the strength to look at the knight. How funny was it that the usually smart-mouthed, trouble-making Thomas among the Romani was now a quiet quivering kitten in front of this knight. Quietly, as if not to startle the rats scurrying about, Thomas spoke: "How do I know this is not just an elaborate trap to capture my people? And before you say you love me and want me only..." Thomas shook his head as he still tried to wrap his mind around the idea. "How could you claim to love someone you'd end up having to execute? For if you even lift a hand to help one of my kind, you will be demoted or worse."

Thomas then paused and had to laugh for a brief moment. "All this claim of love and want, and I don't even know your name knight." The despair in his heart forbade the blonde from smiling, instead causing him to hang his head. For he saw no plausible winning outcome in this. For should the knight be lying to him... he would endanger his people, his clan, family and friends. Should the knight actually be honest and want him the way the blonde was finding himself dreaming of (for not all were sex dreams!) then Thomas would have to give up all that he was taught, shaming his family, and most likely being cast out. What future and worth would he be if even he was a castout of the Romani? Then should the two try to be friends, the blonde could not see any way that would work. For where could they meet in peace? Should they get caught, the knight would have to act. Nothing good ever came out of romance, no one was left without being hurt. Even these two, even without starting he could read it in the knight's eyes - and wow when did he get so close?! - how he was already hurting as was Thomas. But how do you even try when there was no way for them to win? Now, he was just frustrated and it showed in his voice.

"If I am or not, a leader has to make his sacrifices. He comes last, knight, you should know this. Please, just give me this so called information. Your knights and the rest of France may not care about us Romani, but I do," he spoke, his voice shaking as the two of them seemed to gravitate towards one another. Just to himself, the blonde decided it safe to admit how he wanted the knight's comfort, even more so when he finally learned his name.

"It's a losing game…" he murmured to the knight, even as he buried himself in the arms of the stronger male. "Please prove me wrong... Adam," he whispered as he tried out the knight's name, now leaning up and finally, finally giving into that insane pleasure and allowing himself to enjoy what he wanted all along. He kept his hands in the dark silken hair of the knight as their mouths melted together, this time no distractions. Although, too many emotions ran through the blonde. Some of frustration, some of want, some of love (which surprised him), but most of all belonging. Tears sprang free from the Romani's eyes, more so when they both pulled apart for air. With a weak fist, he beat on the knight's chest. "A knight… of all things, you have to be a knight..."

"I am very well aware of the fact that we shouldn't trust each other yet. That's why I suggested getting to know each other a bit," the knight shrugged and he shook his head too. "I wouldn't try to deceive you with talking about feelings that aren't there and whether you believe me or not, I'm not trying to lure you into a trap and use you to get to your people. We know where they live and coming up with a reason to imprison them would be easy. If we wanted to. But I don't want that. Your people didn't do anything against me," he shrugged once again then sighed. "You... you make me think about dangerous things..." he sighed.

It was true. Adam never liked killing people, but he did it without hesitation when he was ordered. But now, if he was to kill this boy, he doubted he would be able to do it. Which would mean disobeying his orders, which - as a good knight - he never did and would be a shame. He'd lose his honor. Probably he'd be demoted or released from his duties. He had no idea what he'd do then. He liked to be a knight, but not to see the sparkling of the light in this boy's eyes? Or see the plump lips part with barely hidden need? He doubted that he could live with himself if he made that light go out of those warm eyes that whispered 'home' to him. If he just took a gypsy into his bed, that wasn't such a big deal - many did it in brothels - but being friends and maybe falling in love with one... Adam didn't know what that'd bring on his head if it ever turned out. Probably not much good.

"You're right, the leader comes last... But that doesn't mean he should deny everything from himself," he mumbled, but was too mesmerized by that look on the pretty face to really concentrate on the conversation. "Adam... my name is Kinght Adam M. Lambert," he whispered and just realized how close they got again. When did that happen? Why was so hard to stay on guard around this tiny man? Either way he found himself wrapping the gypsy into his long and strong arms, sighing shakily when he heard his name from those gorgeous lips. Damn, he fit so perfectly against his bigger and broader form!

And then they were kissing again, his hands stroking along the boy's sides and back then his fingers getting lost in the already messy blonde hair as their tongues were dancing sensually. How did this gypsy boy manage to stir up everything inside Adam like this? Why did it feel while kissing him as if he knew this boy from somewhere? Because he was sure he'd never met him before. He would remember someone like Thomas. Still, deep down he felt content and warm when he was around him. He could only hope that this was the reason why the boy seemed to be unable to stay away from him too.

Adam didn't budge an inch when Thomas hit his chest with his fists. He just looked down at him with a knowing look and cupped the tear-stained face in his big and warm hands that were a bit rough from using his sword a lot. "The Lord placed us into this situation with a reason. And I'll try to prove you wrong, Thomas. I swear on my honor. And I'll start with telling you that there are steps that will be made against your people. Stricter orders and rules against the Romani presence in France. I want you and your people to be very careful. Try not to show yourselves too much and don't get into trouble," he warned him, telling him just enough to let him feel the weight of the words and the very real threat hanging over their head, but not giving out confidental information, thus breaking his kinght vow.

Thomas slowly pulled back from the knight. It wasn't enough to be out of his grasp, but enough to where they could look upon one another and speak. He chewed on his own swollen lip a tiny bit, unsure of what to think. His mind was already beginning to run into overdrive as his inner-self was all but yearning for the knight. He was doing his best to ignore it for now. However it was new to feel it so strongly, not to mention the new sensations he was willingly letting himself give into for the knight. If there was any time Thomas would have agreed with his parents about knowing when to stay away from trouble, now would be the time. However, this knight, had yet to give him a reason not to trust him. So, for once… Thomas was going to be selfish. He was going to allow himself to explore this new dangerous route. His inner-self... in many times, hadn't led him astray before, so why now? Even though his heart felt heavily weighed down, as if he was drowning, Thomas rested his head over the knight's chest, clinging to him like a long lost-lover would. It was strange, but it brought him comfort to do so.

Why? Why ever since that first kiss, he was unable to forget about this knight? What made him so special?!? He looked up at the other male for a brief moment, just in time for the knight, no, for Adam to cup his face and promise to prove him wrong. But it was the next piece of information that had the blonde clutching at the other. He swallowed thickly, pulling back.

"What do you mean? We're already on a tight leash! What do you mean stricter orders?! We're barely getting by as it is!" Thomas pulled back. "I'm sorry... my… my people!" he looked at the knight, hoping he understood. This would be a perfect moment for knights to strike his people! He dashed quickly down the alleyway, but he only made it halfway before he turned around and ran back to him. "Thank you," he murmured quickly to the knight, giving him one quick kiss upon his lips then gave Adam his purple sash from around his waist, a promise to meet again, before he ran off to see his people.

Part 3

 

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