Note: Aged up characters. Will is 22. Timeline wise this would be after Season 2 Ep.22/23 (V is for Victory/ W is for Witch). Phobos' is basically that chill personality from those two episodes. And just like fluff, mostly. Oneshot!

Based on a prompt from Sp1c3M0nst3r. I hope you like it!


Of Black Roses and Tequila

"Will!" Cornelia snapped as she quickly demanded, "Put those down!"

"No!" Will snapped back, grabbing the frosted blue and white glass bottles. "I brought them! So I'm taking them!"

Hay-Lin stumbled over, having the least to drink so far, but still shit-faced. "Will, come, come on shit, I mean shit," she giggled, grabbing Will's arm and pulling her back, her weight thrown into the motion with no regard for her balance. "The thing where you put your butt down."

"Yeah," Irma grinned, eyes hazy, skin flushed with a rich glow. "Don't go! We will keep that bitch away." Irma was grabbing her other arm, also now trying to pull her back to the couch.

It was Alchemy's twenty-first birthday party. While Will was never close to her, she had a pretty strong, established friendship with Cornelia and Elyon. And with Elyon now 'missing', Cornelia felt the need to step up and make sure Alchemy didn't feel abandoned or left out. So she threw the youngest an, admittedly, awesome house party.

Will wasn't sure how the blond got the rest of the Hale's to agree to vacate the large apartment and let a bunch of drunk twenty-year-olds get absolutely plastered. Yet, here they were, three hours in, house in the first stages of trashed at 'I'll help you clean, but for a price'. Seeing Caleb, who was learning first hand human liquor fucked you up, mistake the fancy metal cat food bucket as a covered trash as he rushed to it, Will knew she didn't want to be there to see the results of the night.

It had started off well. The house had some very nice birthday decor, with a cake and presents brought out within the hour with just Alchemy's core friend groups there and a few early birds. At nine, they locked the gifts in the off limits bedroom and they all drank like they desperately hated their livers. By ten, Will had found out her super strength had toughened up all her body parts, making it so she was still far more sober than she should be, given the amount she drunk.

So, at eleven, Will refused to be the one sober person among her peers. Drunk people were fun with other drunk people. She was feeling like a babysitter, which was Napoleon's job, lurking in the shadow, dashing to tackle Caleb from ruining a months worth of food in cat form. He and Huggles were there to make sure no one got hurt and that the girls didn't decide the show the class of Heatherfield Community College that magic existed. They were there so the girls could let loose. So it was unfair that Will now could drink a sea captain under the table.

So Will was chugging straight from a vodka bottle, the burn making her eyes bleed, but actually making her buzzed, when Cornelia snatched it away.

"Use a damn cup!" she said, grabbing a red plastic cup and pouring it not even half way.

Will took the cup but protested, "I need the entire bottle!"

Cornelia rolled her eyes and demanded, "Look, I get it. It sucks he moved on so fast, but I don't need you vomiting like a fountain when you see them."

Will narrowed her eyes as her mouth twisted down. "Hold up. Is Matt and Mandy coming? What the fuck, Cornelia?" Will yelled, smashing the cup down on the nearest surface.

"Don't act like you didn't know," Cornelia said with a huff, setting the bottle back with the cluster of others at the build in bar off the kitchen. "I sent everyone the final guest list."

"You did not!" Will argued, nearly losing her shoe as she tried to dash around the blond to the bar.

"Yes, I did! I emailed it three days ago!" Cornelia defended as she tried to stop the stronger red-head. Seeing how Cornelia was pacing herself, monitoring the vibe of the party, she was still fairly sober. So she was doing a good job of warding Will off for a moment.

"You emailed me?" Will said in disbelief. "You have my number!"

Seeing that Will had backed off, Cornelia folded her arms. "This is an event that we planned. You were supposed to check your emails! The others did!"

Will turned a little red. "You could have told me to my face!" she countered.

Cornelia snorted. "And listen to you rant about how you knew there was something going on for the hundredth time? Yeah, thanks but no thanks."

Will knew she wasn't handling her break up with Matt all that well. They had some pretty nasty fights over the course of the Autumn semester. Ones that attested to Matt being stressed from being Prince Phobos' personal servant and bodyguard, and Will having increasingly bad confrontations with Nerissa. For some reason, Nerissa enjoyed taunting Will the most. Maybe trying to weaken her mental health and take the Heart from her? Whatever the reason, Will felt the impact, often irritable and angry at the slightest problems.

Matt was having trouble handling Phobos' constant jabs and manipulation tactics on the group. Bizarrely, Will was the only one Guardian not to have a class with the prince. Thus, only interacted with him when the mission demanded it necessary, being the only one to travel with him to and from Metamoor. The trips were often in silence; him keeping a great deal of space between them, but also not letting her out of his sight. Will just appreciated the quiet. She knew where she stood with him, and she knew he was plotting to break his vow. So there were no surprises to worry about. Eventually, near the end, they had pretty friendly conversations. Even going as far as talking about battle plans and magic fail-safes.

Phobos had, arguably, started the first fight between Will and Matt. Flirting and kissing Mandy's hand while glamoured. While Matt had cleared up the misunderstanding, the second, bigger fight came right after; her being left out of a critical plan that involved Phobos. Phobos was under her protection, with a vow made to her. Matt claimed it was Phobos' idea to keep the five Guardians in the dark, which only angered her more.

Matt was always going on about not keeping secrets, even magical ones, as he had demanded a role in her double-life. When he came into his own powers, he was always open about any fears or worries he had about Nerissa possibly taking over his mind while in his Shagon form.

So, it floored her he would keep her out of a vital plan, one that put Phobos right in front of Nerissa with only Matt, Caleb, and freaking Blunk as back up.

Caleb had apologized, as he had thought the girls knew. Which was clear, looking back, as Caleb had openly doted on Cornelia while glamoured, much to the blond's horror. Blunk had just went with the flow, happy to help in a plan that involved free food.

Matt had doubled down on the decision, as Phobos had been inches away from success. Looking back, Will knew he was tired of the prince, emotionally drained from dealing with him the most. But that didn't excuse the girls from being left in the dark. Phobos' secretly glamoured as Matt was dangerous for another reason, too.

Will trusted Matt with her life.

And Phobos, prince of freaking darkness, was glamoured as her boyfriend.

He could have tricked her into giving up the Heart. Tricked her into a trap.

Yet, for some reason she couldn't understand, he didn't.

She remembered he hadn't even touched her for those few days. As Will grew more paranoid that Mandy was now competition with more than just swim.

It unnerved her, how Matt could let him slip that close to her, leaving her that vulnerable. And… how Phobos didn't take advantage.

It made her question things she thought she knew the answers to already.

So she and Matt fought. And fought. And fought.

And one day, a few weeks ago, Matt said he was done. That he would fight to protect Earth and Metamoor. That they could always count on him for missions. But he just couldn't keep trying to make it work with her anymore.

Will was shocked, as she knew they were going through a rough patch, and she still had a sense of betrayal at his actions. But it was Matt. He had clawed his way into her magical life, was kidnapped by Nerissa because of his importance to her. It seemed impossible he would just be done, after all that.

And weeks later, he was dating Mandy. A new type of betrayal filled her.

Will grabbed the nearest unopened bottles out of the bag she brought, announcing she was leaving. Hay-Lin, Irma, and Cornelia all tried to stop her, causing Taranee to come over, Nigel at her side.

"Hey, ya are hella loud over here," she said, slightly slurring her words. She only really drunk when Nigel was around. He drank in more moderation, mentioning alcohol consumption issues in his family, so Taranee admitted she felt safe to let loose as he would keep an eye out for her.

"I'm leaving," Will announced, trying to stomp her way through a crowd haphazardly dancing and playing drunk games. Only she spied the front door open and two people entered, one with his arms around the dark haired woman who won gold to Will's silver a few months back.

Matt's head turned, as if sensing her, and she panicked, ducking behind Uriah and his lackeys. She heard her friends call her, worried, but she rushed away, too chicken to use the front door. Will headed to the hallway, wanting to just hide for a while until Matt was too drunk to notice her, only to find all the bedroom door locked and someone in the bathroom.

"Will?" came a familiar, deep voice from around the bend in the hall.

No, she thought. She didn't want to talk like an adult. She wanted to get shit faced and mope. Was that so hard to ask?

In a rush, she turned and opened a portal off planet, to Metamoor, no actual destination in mind, and jumped through.

Only to yelp as she crashed into a thorny bush, as her short black dress left far too much skin exposed. With the portal closed, the area was cast into darkness. She had spied it was nothing but a sea of red roses around her before the light faded, which was confirmed as she poked herself on near everyone she passed. Clutching a bottle in both hands, she fumbled around until moonlight finally broke through the clouds. She gasped, surprised at the sight before her.

All around was row after row of carefully manicured red rose bushes. The sea of flowers expanded all around her until they reached high, sculptured walls. The vines twisted up the length and around the jutting busts of half broken idols, long disfigured by the elements. There was a clear walkway in the center that led to the entrance, with an archway into a dark, enclosed path. The other end of the walkway led to a gazebo that was open on four sides and was heavily engulfed in the rose's grasp. There was a statue at the top, a lone woman reaching for the full moon, hand somehow still intact, a stone rose blooming in her hold.

Will approached the gazebo, able to make out it was made from marble, and saw there was a change to the color of the roses. As she moved closer, the red roses grew darker, almost a deep purple, before finally turning pure black. The black roses looked ethereal in the moonlight, dark petals somehow shimmering in the pale light.

Will stepped inside, into the slight darkness the construct provided, and spotted a bench along each of the thick pillars. She sat down near a cluster of blooming black roses, and was drawn by the familiar scent. They didn't smell like normal Earth roses, so she did not know why she was struck with a sense of familiarity. Sitting her drinks down, she let out a long sigh, easing herself back into the comfort of the flowers, mindful of the risk of thorns. Yet, the black roses had none, and she relaxed completely, enjoying the scent.

Soon, she reached for a bottle, not caring which one, and broke its seal.

And she drank, alone in the gazebo, swallowed by black roses.


Phobos had sensed a minor disturbance with his adolescence whisperers. A small section had recently matured in color and was on the verge of blooming into their magical forms. In their unintelligent forms, they resonated to even the slightest stimuli, including scurrying wildlife. He had ignored the alert, only for it to continue for the greater part of an hour. Seeing that he was already in bed, he debated sending a guard to investigate, but his concern for his treasured roses won over.

Clad only in thin, black silk sleep breeches and an open robe, he slipped from his room to his attached patio. He left his magic staff, as he could summon it as needed, thanks to his rightful claim to the Meridian Heart, and headed down the stone steps to the royal gardens.

Castle gardeners maintained everything in the more open area, with the inner section forbidden to all but him. Where he grew his roses from magical seedlings into enchanted whisperers. He enjoyed the peace of it. Even digging through the dirt was tolerable, given the beauty of the outcome.

He walked through the archway, bare feet growing colder as he went, and saw nothing amiss as he entered the rose garden lit by the soft glow of the moon. Yet, it was the whisperers that called him here, and they were at the center, at the gazebo.

Approaching, he could hear a foreign noise, like the swish of liquid and the 'pop' of air in a bottle.

And, soon, soft talking.

Ready to summon his staff, he stepped up into the gazebo.

"Keeper?" Phobos called, puzzled at the sight before him.

Sitting on the ground, leaning back on a stone bench, was the Keeper of the Heart of Kandrakar. She was wearing a short, tight Earth style dress and had kicked her black shoes off to opposite corners. Red hair was falling in her face as she turned, talking to a newly bloomed whisperer that was rubbing its eyes and yawning as it woke for the first time. It nodded along as the Keeper talked, not understanding, but still happy for the gossip to whisper to Phobos later.

At the call of her title, she turned, bottle half way from her lips.

"Phobos!" she called, speech slurred but happy. "Is this your garden? Oh, my gad, that makes so much sense!" she yelled out, far louder than needed. "That's why it smelled fa-fa-familiar! You smell super nice like these roses."

He could see the Heart bounce at her chest as she fumbled to stand, only to stumble and fall forward.

Phobos fought the urge to catch her.

Because of all the Guardians to show up, drunk, in his rose garden, it had to be her.

Wilhelmina.

The one he pathetically pined for during his time on Earth. To the point he watched her when she was near, smiling at her when she wasn't looking, and actively staying near her when he could. And he even attempted to break her up from that annoying Earth Regent, Matt. But, his identity was revealed, so he could not continue to fuel the red-heads jealousy at the other swimmer. It was childish, really, his own jealousy he felt at seeing the Earth Regent court her, the Light of Kandrakar, with no understanding of her power or status.

Yet, watching her now panic on the ground, trying to scoop the spilled alcohol back into the bottle, one would not be faulted for not understanding either.

Seeing that she could not collect the liquid, she rocked on her knees over it and dipped her head down. Phobos panicked, disgusted, knowing what her drunk mind was planning, and rushed to her. He grabbed her by the fabric of the laughably small dress and pulled her up before her mouth touched the ground.

"Don't you dare," he admonished. Although, seeing her lap at the ground like a dog would be the fastest way to erase all fondness he had for her… he thought. Yet, it was a worse thought, the idea of still wishing to court her after viewing such a thing. And seeing how his heart skipped as her wide brown eyes gazed up at him, he hated he knew the answer.

"Phobos!" she said again, like she had forgotten he was there. Now face to face with him, she leaned towards him and sniffed at his neck, causing him to release her as he flushed red, backing away. She pursued him and repeated her earlier realization, "You smell like the roses!"

He stopped, the back of his legs hitting a bench.

Will's expression changed from drunken carefree bliss to something that darken her eyes. That made her peer up at him through the dark crescent of her long lashes.

"I like it."

Heat flooded his body, pooling at his gut, as he stared down with her reaching up. Her cool, delicate fingers curling at the base of his hot neck. Even drunk, she was inhumanly strong, and pulled him down with ease.

"I like you."

And she kissed him.

The vile taste of the Earth liquor broke his trance as her tongue wasted no time to shove into his already open mouth. Her soft chest pressed urgently to his hard, bare one, and one leg lifted and laced around his, rubbing her foot down his calf.

Phobos grabbed her shoulders and pushed hard, only she was stronger and didn't let go of his neck, causing him to tumble down too. As they fell, she wrapped both legs at his waist, dress hitched up, and grabbed him with her other arm, spilling the rest of the bottle down his hair and back.

The Keeper made a sound of approval as his weight fell on her, and he felt his gut twist with guilt. As badly as he wanted to hear her make those pleasant noises beneath him, she was in no state to make that choice. If it was just about bedding her, he could have easily done that while glamoured, a thought despicable even to him.

Phobos forced his hand between their faces and pried her off.

"Will," he snapped, calling her by her preferred name. "Get a hold of yourself!"

She fell back, eyes glazed, and frowned. She looked up at him for a long moment before her eyes grew wide.

"Oh, shit! I'm sorry!" she said, in earnest, as his hand pulled away. She dropped the glass bottle and it rolled away near another empty one. How much did she drink? How strong was Earth liquor?

She reached up and pulled at his wet hair.

"You have tequila all over you!" she announced, and a look of fierce determination overcame her as she scrambled up, pulling him with her. "We need to get you into a bath!"

"No," Phobos called, now fighting the image of her in his hot springs. "We need to get you back to Earth." He was ready to call his staff to open a portal when she spun around and grabbed his robe.

"No!" she whined, mood different. "I want to stay here! I don't want to go back to the party!"

Phobos raised a brow. "Are all the Guardians drinking?" he inquired, and she was too drunk to lie.

"Yesh," she nodded.

The cold tactician in him told him to strike, to capture his greatest rivals, to ensure his reign. Yet, he said, "Is there anyone else able to care for you in this state?"

He couldn't open a portal and just drop her off, unattended. Not with how she greeted him. Not with how vulnerable she was.

"My mom, I guess, but she-she doesn't know about magic, so I would have to sneak in."

"I can handle getting you there," he assured. "Just tell me where."

She shook her head. "No, you're not listening! She doesn't know about magic. I have to sneak-sneak in."

Phobos rubbed his temples. "As I have said, I will handle getting you there. I just need to know where in Heatherfield." He was there long enough to understand the city layout and housing system.

She tugged on his robes, shaking her head. "You're not listening!"

"Yes, I am-"

"No!" she snapped, eyes sparking with magic. "I don't want to go back!" And she turned and rushed off into the rose garden.

Wet, tired, and annoyed, Prince Phobos begrudgingly went after her.

He found her near a section of wall that was surrounded by vivid red roses. Only the red of her hair captured and held his eyes, looking temptingly soft in the moonlight. Will was leaning over a section of roses, fingers gently caressing them.

"They don't smell as sweet," she muttered, nose to the petals. "Sweet like you."

He froze, her words fanning a forbidden want.

"I like you," she said, voice a little clearer. "It was fun, on Earth, planning with you. I was mad at Matt for… for keeping the switch a secret from me… but I was mad… Because you…" she stopped and turned to look at him, eyebrows drawn together. "Why did you try to make me jealous? With Mandy? And you always looked at me like," she stopped again, hand to her head as she swayed. "You were always looking at me," she stated, shaking her head.

"You need to go home," he said, trying again now seeing her more somber state.

She swayed again, shaking her head, hair shimmering in the light.

"No, I just want to stay here," she stated, looking at him with surprising clarity. "You didn't try to hurt me, as Matt. Are you going to hurt me now, as you?"

Phobos stiffened, realizing he had not been as subtle in his budding feelings for her on Earth as he had thought.

"No," he admitted, meaning it. Tonight, he felt the urge only to protect her. Fighting was for another time.

She nodded, taking wobbly steps towards him. "It's so pretty here," she mused, arms wrapping around his waist under his robe, face nuzzling his chest. "And you smell so nice. You always smell so nice. Can't I just stay with you?" With her face to his hot skin, she heard the now pounding of his heart, and she laughed. "Your heart is hammering. Why? Nothing scares you. What's wrong?" she turned and looked up at him. She was a head shorter than him, so he smelled her own scent on her hair, wildflowers and something headier, more primal.

"You," he admitted, hoping she was too far gone to remember his words or his actions. "You are what's wrong with me."

Will looked surprised before laughing. "That's silly. We worked well together."

"And that's what is wrong, Keeper," he explained, unable to no longer wrap his arms around her, holding her against him. "Nothing about us should work well."

She blinked, movement noticeably slower, and her mouth dropped into an 'o'. "Because you're an asshole." She nodded at the revelation. Only to laugh again. "And you lie to me." At that, her smile faded fully, and she looked away. "Like Matt did."

She pulled away and stepped back, rubbing her head. "Ah, you're right."

Annoyed at being compared to the Earth Regent, Phobos stepped closer. "I am not surprised you are peeved at a plan being made without your input or knowledge. But know I am not below you in status. I am your equal and do not need your permission to keep myself safe," he explained, but doubted any of it stuck as she swayed, eyes glazed. She would pass out soon, at this rate. "Just like you do not tell me of your plans, right?"

She was still frowning. "I'm your equal?" she inquired, surprised. "You see me as your equal?"

"Unfortunately, you have proven to be an impressive Light of Infinity. You have drawn even my attention."

Will nodded, hand on her chin. "I think… I understand."

Phobos smirked. "I highly doubt you understand anything, right now. Let us get you to the castle where you can sleep this off."

Her eyes grew wide as her face redden. "With you?"

He sighed, not understanding why her drunken state was making her so… forward with him. It was only confusing him.

"No, in your own private chambers. I will seal you in with magic and you can leave with a portal when you wake. You will be perfectly safe."

"Oh," she said. "I will just say here then."

"You can't stay here," he tried to reason. "There is nowhere for you to sleep."

She shrugged, heading to the gazebo. "If I'm going to be alone, then I like it here." She sounded remarkably clearer, but her body was still unbalanced.

"You can not stay out here. I can not fully protect you in this amount of open space."

She didn't look back at him as she called back, "I don't need protection." He followed her back to the gazebo where she sat down next to the newly bloomed whisperer, now fully awake. The rose creature leaned down to the Keeper and giggled, whispering in her ear.

Ah, he understood what she needed.

"Come on," he sighed, reaching a hand down to her. "You can sit with me until you sober up enough to head home. Is that more to your liking?"

He wondered was it the vast magic in her veins keeping her awake as she stumbled to her feet at the new offer, grabbing his hand as she nodded in agreement.

Phobos pulled her along to the castle, glancing back at her from time to time. Once back in his room, he closed the patio doors and locked them. He left her to peer around the room, lit only by the moonlight, to go to his washroom. Grabbing the staff, he took it with him. He cast a spell with the magic he could naturally pull from it on a basin of water, using it to cleanse himself of the stickiness of the drying liquor. The staff was left in the washroom, as he was aware of the many occupants inside. And the thought of them spying on him caring for the drunk Keeper bothered the prince.

Feeling refreshed, he returned to his bedchamber, only to find her sitting at the head of his bed, cocooned in the top layer of his sheets. Her bright brown eyes peeked at him as she smiled and said, "It smells like you."

Her eyes seemed too clear for her words.

Phobos pushed aside the flicker of deep want at her statement and sat on the bed, back to his headboard. His bed was large, so he felt the amount of space was proper… until she wiggled like an inch worm to his side.

"Say on your side," he ordered, pushing her gently away as she tried to lay her head too his chest.

She grinned at him, looking far too alert. "Oh? I have a side of your bed? I guess it's only fair you have a side of mine."

This was going to be a long night.


Will groaned, head absolutely killing her, morning light streaming across her face. It took a moment before she remembered where she was. She couldn't even get black out drunk, thanks to magic, and every detail of last night came to her at once.

Opening her eyes, her memory was confirmed as she stared at a naked, tone chest. Long, pale blond hair was all around her, tickling her face. She was using him as a pillow, head on his bare flesh, arm around his waist, leg thrown over his. The covers had stayed on them, covering the rise of her short dress.

Scanning her memories, she recalled the Heart had used magic to focused her when Phobos found her. While the alcohol was still in her system, she grew more aware of her actions and choices. By the time he caved and decided to watch over her, and not send her home, she was alert enough to understand the significance of him caring for her that way.

He had fallen asleep as she mindlessly talked about an upcoming exam, and she told herself she would rest her eyes for a few minutes before heading back to Earth.

So, of course, she fell asleep too.

"Ugh," she groaned, louder than she meant to as she covered her eyes from the sun.

Phobos stirred, hand coming to the open back of her dress, strong fingers rubbing the bare skin, distracting her from her pain with the tingle down her spine.

Oh, right. That was a problem now.

She remembered throwing herself at him, only for him to both reject her and admit to having an interest in her. Well, that was a minefield she would deal with later. Right now, her head was the real issue.

Phobos stiffened, eyes opening as she peeked at him between her fingers. "You are still here," he said, surprised, icy blue eyes uncertain.

She groaned, covering her eyes again. Seeing that his hand was still on her back, she did not try to move off him.

"Do you recall… last night?" he questioned, sounding nervous.

She nodded, but quickly flinched in pain. So she croaked out, "Yeah. Magic makes it hard for me to get drunk and… to forget."

"I see," he said. "You may have gone overboard."

"Yeah," she agreed. "And I'm paying for it."

Will tried to lift her head, only she grew nauseous. Not wanting to vomit on the prince, she dropped her head down. Well, now she knew what it took to get her drunk. Definitely not worth it.

Although, as she felt his thumb gently trace the groove of her spine, she realized that might not be completely true.

"Phobos," she groaned. "You know spells and shit. Fix this hangover."

"That is healing magic. I am not proficient in those. The Earth Guardian would be capable of giving you the relief you seek."

"Yeah, and a lecture, too," she countered. "Can you send Cedric to Earth and grab some pain pills and some breakfast? I'm sure he knows where to go."

Phobos rolled his eyes. "My war general is not about to run your errands. Return to Earth and gather them yourself."

"I can't even think straight. I ain't going anywhere right now," she pointed out, curling tighter against him, pleased to feel his hand stroke her hair.

"Very well," he stated, blue eyes scanning her face. He lifted his free hand and snapped. She was confused, but a wave of dizziness stopped her question.

There was a knock at the door before it opened, Cedric entering with a low bow.

"Good morning, my lord," Cedric greeted, now raising his eyes as he spoke. "You requested- Guardian!?" he ended in a gasped shock, eyes wide, limbs flailing.

Will covered her ears with one arm as she waved at the snake man, face red in slight embarrassment. "Hey there, Cedric. Can you keep it down? Like you're so loud and we're right here."

Cedric could not keep his focus on Phobos. Glancing at her and then back to him.

"Enough," Phobos barked at the jumpy man, making her flinch at the volume. He was noticeably quieter as he added, "You are to take the tonga tooth from my sanctorum and head to Earth to retrieve…" he trailed off, letting her add what she needed.

"Some painkillers, something with electrolytes, and stop at, like, any burger joint you pass and get me something fried. Do you have Venmo?"

Cedric shook his head. "Cashapp."

"Pay pal?"

"Zelle."

"Oh, that works. I'll pay you back once I figure out where I left my phone." Actually, yeah, where the hell did she leave it? "I can give you my number right now, tho."

He nodded, still looking shocked. He pulled out a new-looking cell from his pocket. She told him her number.

"I will send the text when I am on Earth," Cedric stated, uncomfortable. "Ah, is there anything you would like… my prince?"

She answered for him. "Get him the double caramel espresso from that little coffee shop on fifth."

"Ah, Cafe Plus?"

"Yeah! Cornelia took him there when she was on guard duty and she said that was his favorite. Get me one too, and whatever you want. I'm paying."

Cedric nodded again, looking a little more at ease. "I'll be back within the hour."

"Thanks, Cedric," she called, pulling the covers up to block out the light. She heard the door close, and it was a few minutes before Phobos spoke.

"You seem… remarkably unbothered by… any of this."

Will lifted the cover to peek out at him. "I am reserving the right to freak out I woke up in bed with my arch-nemesis for a later time. Now is for me to regret drinking my body weight in tequila."

He stayed quiet and, sadly, slipped away from her and left the bed. She crawled to his spot, burying herself in the warmth he left behind, praying to the powers of magic to make her head stop spinning.

"I must check on the whisperer that bloomed last night. I will return soon," he announced, like he needed to explain why he wasn't staying in bed with her.

She waved him away, not caring as another wave of nausea hit. Damn, she was going to hurl, and she didn't want him near for that.

He pulled a simple, dark day robe from his wardrobe, and removed his silk one, giving her a splendid view of his tone back as he slipped the other one on along with some walking slippers. He left out the patio door and Will tried her best to fight the vomit burning up her throat, but lost.

She opened a small portal over the middle of Heatherfield's river and puked. After feeding the fishes the worse meal of their lives, she closed the portal and wiped at her mouth, feeling gross. Damn, she should have asked Cedric for some mouthwash. Phobos' bed was going to smell like vomit, sweat, and stale tequila, thanks to her.

His little crush on her would not survive the day, she knew.

Oh, yeah, that thing she needed to process. His admission of… feelings? Attraction? Just non-hate? At her?

It made everything crystal clear. His behavior as Matt, his weird stares, his civil behavior with only her. His request only she accompany him across the realms.

His smiles at her when he thought she wasn't looking.

But she was always looking at him, since he was under her protection.

His time on Earth made things… messy. It humanized someone she had only thought of as a storybook villain. Made him a person when he was just an obstacle before.

She remembered her sloppy kiss and him fighting off her drunken advances, so she knew at least he wasn't trying to just… ah, bed her.

Geez, what a weird thought, sleeping with Phobos.

And, even weirder, the idea did not repulse her.

She was halfway there, after all. There in his bed, smelling his sweet scent, remembering the warmth of his flesh beneath her, his hand at her back.

Will groaned. Maybe she should crawl back to the rose garden and spill her heart out to the little flower again…

Ah, shit bags.

Whisperer.

It was a fucking whisperer.

They served one purpose in life; to spill the tea to Phobos. And Will told it her whole woe-is-me story about her and Matt's break up. Whelp, he had to think she was pathetic now. Drinking herself stupid over her first real break-up. Falling so low, she was willing to accept comfort from her enemy over heartbreak.

Damn, she should leave.

Will moaned in pain as she pushed the warm covers away and sat up. She dropped her head in her hands as her head swam and her stomach announced another shipment of vomit was being airmarked express.

Quickly, Will opened a small portal between her legs and hunched over, gripping her bare thighs, and completed the delivery with exceptional customer service.

Obviously pleased with her work ethic, her stomach made her full time as she vomited again and again.

Will jumped as a cold cloth was placed on her neck. She pulled her face from the portal to see Phobos had returned while she was busy.

He looked both disturbed and amused. "Creating portals between worlds is a skill so advanced that only a hand full of people in all the realms master it… and you use it to vomit."

Will groaned. "Didn't think you wanted to see the results of enough Earth liquor that would normally take out a half-dozen people. Or clean it."

He twisted his face in agreement and, oddly, rubbed her back as he moved closer. Her body settled down, relaxing at the rhythmic touch, and stared into the portal, the blue water reflective enough she could see her image.

"My god," she groaned. "I look like shit."

Phobos coughed, glancing away. "I can help with that, if you like." She nodded, seeing her smeared make-up and raccoon eyes.

Phobos hesitated, glancing at a door she didn't know what laid behind it, before his eyes glowed. The Heart didn't react as she felt a cool mist surround her. It felt like her skin everywhere was wiped clean, make-up and gunk gone. Her hair felt free of product, but weirdly still looked well groomed when she glanced in the water. The best thing, in her opinion, was her mouth no longer tasted of vomit.

"Teach me that," Will insisted, running a hand through her soft hair. No wonder the prince always looked perfect. He literally used magic.

"Possible," he said, eyes scanning her. "When you are feeling well, I have something to discuss with you."

She closed the portal as the urge to vomit lessened with the taste gone. "Sure? But we can talk now… it's not like I have plans." Will was feeling more like her normal self and the need to take charge of this bizarre situation was building in her.

Phobos nodded, keeping his face neutral. "Very well. I feel it is proper of me to inform you I spoke with the whisperer you conversed with."

Will sighed, embarrassed but not surprised. "Yeah, drunk me is a real Chatty-Kathy."

"Earth norms and Meridians very greatly," he started, blue eyes never leaving hers. The tone of the conversation seemed heavier, and she shifted in her growing uneasiness. "But my behavior on Earth was petty and unbecoming. I should have made my interest clear."

Oh, shit. He wanted to talk about that. Yeah, she should have waited until her head wasn't pounding for this.

She opened her mouth to talk, but he kept going. "I grew impressed by your insight and natural leadership skills. You devised effective plans on the spot and changed them as needed. And you have a natural attunement to magic that goes beyond just using it; you become it."

Will was growing amused. This sounded like a job resume and not a romantic confession. Of course he liked she kicked ass. It was Phobos.

"I did, indeed, attempt to make you jealous over that inferior swimmer. It was a childish attempt to make you feel what I did watching you with the Earth Regent."

She managed an 'oh' before he went on.

"So I must make it clear; I did not keep the glamouring tactic from you thinking that would cause the rift between you two. The behaviors of the other four, and their dislike of me, fueled that choice. While you were open to working with me, you would have been compelled to inform them, and they would not have behaved convincingly."

Will thought for a moment. "I don't agree with it," she admitted. "But, what you said last night, is probably the best argument for me being left out; it was your life on the line. In the end, you get to decide how you wish to risk it. But," she said firmly, eyes narrowing. "You glamoured for days as someone close, someone who I had an intimate relationship with, which made it my business. I have a right to be informed then."

Phobos shifted, blue eyes a little frosty. "I never-"

She cut him off. "That's not the point. It was a risk to my safety that Matt didn't bat an eye at. You knew you wouldn't take advantage. Hell, I'm pretty sure I was overcompensating for the Mandy shit and was throwing myself pretty hard at you. But Matt didn't know that. Matt didn't trust you. Yet he still left me out of the loop." Will looked away, not realizing how unnerved she was by the situation. "I felt unsafe and Matt put me there."

Phobos nodded. "I understand now. I am sorry for my part in it all."

Will laughed, feeling her eyes water. "So you apologize, but he can't? Am I in the twilight zone?" she looked at him and forced a smile. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

Once again, he nodded. "There is something else, as well."

"Shoot," she answered, ready to lie back down, but wanting to get this over with.

"I am aware Raythor is a double agent."

That made her jump nearly out of her skin. "What are you talking about," she said, trying to play dumb, but voice giving her away.

He smiled, something dark and twisted. "It was clever. I do very much enjoy your games. You are truly worth my interest."

Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her. It was quick, over before she could decide how to respond. Will's entire face flamed red as he smirked down at her.

"Also, I am aware of my vow to Kandrakar. It was interesting, being urged to pursue the very kingdom of magic. Even if the vow didn't strip me of my claim over the Meridian Heart, fighting you in your kingdom would be foolish. I could see why you thought I would fall for it. Having a claim over the Heart of Kandrakar would make me unstoppable," he mused with a chuckle.

He reached out and ran the back of his hand down her cheek to the nap of her neck, where he gripped her and pulled her head closer.

"Yet, my time on Earth showed there is a different heart I wish to claim."

He kissed her again. This time his mouth was hot and urgent as he held her to him. His body slid closer, free hand grabbing at her waist, pulling her against him. Now able to respond, she kissed him back, hands bunching his robes, mind growing fuzzy for a new reason. He pulled away, but kept her close.

"I have a proposition for you," he announced, eyes hungry as he looked at her lips. "I have no intention of releasing my now rightful claim over the Heart, as Elyon has forfeited it, trick or not. Yet, I will release her from Nerissa's trap, along with the rest, except Nerissa herself. Once free, Kadma will have rights to her Heart once more, as it was only forfeited to Nerissa. She will regain her staff and the imprisoned Nerissa to do with as she sees fit."

Will pulled away, confused. "I don't understand. Why do that? And considering the state of Metamoor last time, you… ruled. Why would we agree to this?"

He released her and let out a bark laugh. "We? This deal only involves you and I. I have no need for the others."

Will lifted her chin. "Okay, then, tell me; what is this deal?"

"I agree my reign was tumultuous for many years, thanks to the discourse. Now, with a rightful claim, I have access to the planet's magic. There will be no unbalance in its harmony. The planet will thrive with freely flowing magic, just as under Elyon's reign. And for the political side, having a queen would ease the populace," he said, making her heart skip now knowing where he was going. "Especially a queen with her own magic Heart, able to… keep me in line, so to speak."

Will jumped up from the bed, ignoring the way the ground swayed at her feet. Right, still hungover. A terrible time for this conversation.

"What! You want me to marry you?" she yelled, completely shocked.

"No and yes," he answered as he stood and steadied her wobbly frame. "I will do has I have said and release them all in good faith. It is not a condition," he assured. "I understand courtships on Earth work differently, and me stating such a clear intention comes across as blunt for your culture. I am asking to court you, publicly. You may end the affair at any point with no resentment on my part."

Will sneered at that last line. "That sounds so romantic. You know how to make a girl blush."

His eyes flashed, and he was on her in seconds, mouth crashing to hers, holding her tight, one hand boldly grabbing her rear.

"Trust me, I do," he whispered against her lips. "If you want a taste of what pleasures I can offer you, just say it." He kissed her harder, deeper, tongue pressing pass her lips. "Last night was torture. You kissing me, touching me. And I unable to sink into you." He shuddered against her, eyes clouded with lust. "But we can right that wrong now," he said with promise.

Yet, he pulled away.

"I need a queen, and you are my equal. I have no want to stand with anyone lesser." He released her completely. "I do not expect an answer now. Once you are better, I can travel to Earth with you and release those trapped in the staff. I am sure Kadma will not be too pleased, so she might be an issue once she reclaims her Heart."

Will could only look at him, confused and unsure, as she said, "I… Elyon isn't going to… she might never forgive me."

The prince frowned. "Then that is her loss. She threw away her right to our bloodline in a childish temper tantrum over a few false images of people she never met. She was not raised for this life. I was. She is an Earthling more than a Meridianite."

Will couldn't believe she was considering dating him.

He had figured out their plan and was willing to just keep his claim to Metamoor, as that was his goal from the beginning. Now with that goal met, he was set to make the kingdom his, including… heirs?

Ah, she felt so young to think of that. But that would be expected in a relationship, a marriage, with him. He would be a king, Meridian's first true king, and he would want his bloodline to continue. Did she even want kids? To be pregnant? To bring a child up in such a high-profile life?

"I don't know if I could just… leave Earth," she admitted.

"I would never expect you to. You have the ability to travel freely. Your duties to the kingdom will be solely decided by you. When you eventually retire as the Holder, I will have other magic items ready for you to use in its place, so you never have to use your life-force."

"Forgive me for doubting this sweet sounding deal," she said, cynically. "But I've yet to hear the downside of this."

"Maybe there is not one, this time," he pointed out, voice a little softer.

Will was still doubtful. "Off the top of my head, I doubt the Oracle will approve."

"Himerish is sworn to watch, not interfere. His approval means nothing."

"To you, yeah. But he's like my magical boss," she pointed out as she sat down, head spinning. "And the girls…" She dropped her head in her hands. "Am I really considering…?" she asked herself as she looked up at the prince.

Will nodded as she said. "I will… think about it. But I think I need to lie down."

Because she couldn't really think this was a good idea, right?

Right?


Phobos watched as the red-head laid back down and pulled the blankets over her, head and all, where she let out a pained moan. He knew he should have waited to speak with her about this matter, but hearing the whisperer inform him she was free of the Earth Regent made him need to act.

A part of him expected her instant rejection. As a drunken attraction differed vastly from a proper courtship. He wanted to strengthen his kingdom more than ever before. And having her by his side would make it unbreakable. Plus, there was the bonus of his genuine want of her. He was raised to marry out of obligation. For alliances and social status. The idea of finding a partner that he developed… feelings for was absurd.

And, watching her wiggle in distress under his covers, he knew these were the same feelings that he had thought never possible.

"Phobos," she called out as he moved to leave, needing to start the day, as he had many issues still to address, as the kingdom had been without a proper ruler for months.

He stopped at the door and looked back, seeing her warm, brown eyes peeking at him.

"Where ever we go on our first date, I'm telling you now, my ass aint drinking." She groaned, pulling the sheets back over her face.

Feeling a warmth spread in his chest, he chuckled as he left, planning to check in on her soon.