Friend

(word count: 977)

  Serene stared ahead at her 'brother' who approached, lost in thought she couldn't she Finan looked at her. A look of grief, of loss because he knew with the arrival of Sigurd would cause everything to change. They both knew Sigurd would want to take her back and Uthred would give her that choice.

She sighed heavily, wishing for just a moment that she could go back to how things were, when she was still the little girl. When she could still pretend that everything was alright, but she knew that time had passed, and they could never go back. Not now, not after everything that had happened. But she would not trade the people she had met for the world, not even her old life. They had given her purpose.

"Serene, is she well?" Sigurd asked, after Uhtred had asked if he had anything to say to him. "I am very well, brother." She said stepping infront of Finan, unconsciously he places his hand on her hip. " Uthred and his men have taken good care of me." She sent a smile to each of them, who all sent one back. She could feel the tension between them all, even though they tried to hide it. She knew that soon, everything was going to change.

Ragnar nodded. "Leave your weapons at the gate, you have our respect."Sigurd rode forward, his eyes locked on Serene. She rushed down the stairs to meet him, just as he had dismounted, they collided. He almost fell at the sudden movement but stopped himself. Finan had never seen Serene smile as bright and sincere as she was. He envied that, the thought of making her smile that bright could make him happy for a lifetime.

"It's good to see you," Sigurd said, his voice thick with emotion. "I've missed you." He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She couldn't help but smile up at him, the familiarity of his touch making her feel at home. " And I have you Rene."

Finan watched with a sadden look as they both walk past him, and into the Hall. Serene not even glancing his way, her focus solely on Sigurd. He knew she was his sister, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He wished he could make her smile like that, make her feel the way she did when she was around Sigurd. Uthred placed a hand on his shoulder, but he just shrugged it off and stormed away.

 Inside the Hall, Sigurd and Serene caught up. Though the tension in the air was thick Serene's laugh did not fail to put a smile on everyone's faces. Finan watched from afar as they sat exactly where they had many hours ago. The Irishman was not himself, he wasn't cracking jokes, or sending flirty winks to women, he wasn't even drinking ale, he just sat there watching as Serene conversed. 

" what are we to do." Sithric asked Osferth while waving his hand infront of Finans face, but he didn't budge. The monk shrugged and continued to eat. It was only when Sigurd left Serene when Finan left his daze. She stood up and eyed the room smiling once she saw the three of them. As she sat down Sithric stood, " Osferth we are to go find Lord Uthred." Osferth squinted his eyes and shook his head. "N-" he said before catching on, he nodded and apologized to Serene.

They sat side by side, neither of them spoke a word. The silence was deafening, but somehow comforting. Finan kept glancing at her, wishing he could read her mind. He wondered what she was thinking, he couldn't help but feel a knot in his stomach, a mixture of emotions he couldn't quite place. He had never felt this way, especially over a woman.

"Are you alright, Finan?" Serene asked, her voice soft and gentle. Her hand reached out to touch his arm, and he leaned into her touch. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he just nodded. She squeezed his arm reassuringly before letting go. " i do not mean to bother you, i can leave." she said standing up, but Finan shook his head.

"No, it's not that. I just... I don't understand what's going on." He took a deep breath, trying to find the words. "I've never felt this way about anyone before. I do not like seeing you with him." He looked up at her, his eyes pleading for understanding.

" he is my brother Finan, maybe not by blood but he is." Serene said as she took a seat beside him once more. " He took me in and raised me." Finan looked at her and smiled. "I understand that, and I'm glad he did. I just... I care about you, and I don't want to see you leave." He paused, searching for the right words. "and that is what will happen after this." He looked away, not wanting to face the truth himself. He loved her. He knew that now.

Serene reached out and cupped his cheek in her hand, turning his head so he was forced to look at her. Her eyes were filled with understanding and something else he couldn't quite place. "Finan, I care about you too. You mean a great deal to me. But my place is with Sigurd. He needs me, and I need him." Her voice was gentle, but firm. "I won't leave you, not completely. I promise to always be your friend."

Friend. Isn't it crazy how one word can cause your heart to shatter. 

AUTHORS NOTE: 

short but sweet chapter, idk whats been up with me lately but ive been writing sad chapters... Anyway i hope you enjoy and have a great day or night!!!