Title: Well Said
Author: Rolletti
This story takes place during Prince Caspian, movie verse
No Slash What-so-ever. Brother bonding fic. only.

Disclaimer: Yep, I do not own any part of C.S. Lewis' works, and I'm still regrettably poor.

Well Said

Peter and Edmund stood near the exit of the How, preparing to walk to the designated area for the token combat. Both stood watching each other, mentally preparing themselves for the inevitable.

"Are you ready?" inquired Edmund solemnly. He fought privately against the combat with his brother and king, and he contemplated voicing his opinion about it again.

"As ready as I'm going to be."

"Well, you better do it now before we get out there."

"Do what?" asked Peter confused.

"My hug, Pete," Edmund sighed as he rolled his eyes disbelieving.

"What?"

"You know how you are, Peter! It would not do to show me any affections with kisses in front of Miraz, and the whole Talmarine army.

"What are you saying? You don't like my . . ."

"It's not as if I don't appreciate it, but you get affectionate at the oddest times."

"Well you've picked a dandy time to express your views about my kisses, Ed. If you don't like it you should have said something years ago."

"That's not it at all, Pete."

"You didn't seem to mind it before."

Exasperated, Edmund approached the discussion from a different angle.

"Remember when I was thirteen, and we were visiting Archenland for the first time, you hugged and kissed me goodnight right in front of the Ambassador. Or that time when I was seventeen, and kidnapped. You fought the Orges, and charged in magnificently, but you hugged and kissed me right in front of the enemy!"

"You were missing a whole week, I was overwhelmingly relieved!" said Peter defensively.

"Yes, well I had to endure the, "mother's darling" taunt for days from the prisoners!

Peter looked away hurt.

Softening, Edmund sighed as he approached his big brother. In truth, he was scared. He did not want Peter facing Miraz without him. Peter emerging victoriously was unquestionable, but experience had taught him his brother would suffer. Every punch, every stab Peter received, Edmund felt for himself; a scar upon scars.

"I love you, Peter, and I know you love me and the girls." Edmund averted his eyes shyly over Peter's shoulder before continuing. "In all honesty, we look forward to your endearments."

Gently, Peter reached out to his blushing brother, lightly grasping his chin making eye contact. A tender smile answered him, but it slowly faded.

"But when you step out there, Peter, you must focus solely on Miraz. If you show any signs of affection, he will debase your love for me, and use it against you. I will not be denied my brother and King, so concentrate only on him. When you walk out of here, there should only be thoughts of spilling Miraz entrails below your feet. Don't acknowledge me, Peter. Don't give him the upper hand.

After a moment of silence, Edmund stepped into Peter's hug, allowing himself to be enveloped, and loved as he gave strength to his brother. Followed by a warm kiss to his cheek he heard whispered, "Well said, Edmund, well said."