Chapter Text
Rand dripped his way into the inn. It had started raining not too long ago, and he had realised his pa was probably worried about him. Marin al'Vere fussed over him, telling him to get dry and warm. He escaped her motherly affections and slumped down beside his father.
"So," Tam remarked dryly, "Where have you been all day?"
"Nowhere," Rand sulked.
Tam sighed loudly. "Well if it helps, Egwene was asking for you."
"Why would that help?" The redhead whined.
"I thought you liked Egwene."
"I do!" Rand protested, "It's just... She's not who I want to see right now."
His father put a hand on his shoulder. "Go on Rand. You seem miserable, it'll help."
The redhead stood and dragged his feet up the stairs. He knocked on Egwene's door.
The door opened at the sounds of her laughter. "Rand!" She exclaimed. She pulled him inside and closed the door.
"Blood and ashes!" Rand spun around to see the shocked face of Mat Cauthon. "What are you doing here?" The brunet said accusingly.
"Egwene was asking for me!" Rand argued.
They both glared each other down. After a few minutes, Egwene sighed. "I'm going downstairs to help ma with dinner." She quickly left.
Mat slumped over in the chair, and Rand quietly moved to the bed.
"I'm sorry I-" Mat said, at the same time as Rand said;
"About this morn-"
Rand gestured. "You first."
The other boy shook his head. "No, it's okay, you go first."
The ginger cleared his throat. "About this morning. I was just trying to leave you that pie because I thought it would be nice and I was about to leave but then the blanket fell and I didn't want you to be cold and then I heard something and just wanted to make sure you were alright and-" He had been speeding through his words, but now he stopped suddenly.
Mat's attempt at a casual look faltered. "And?"
"And I guess I just wanted to check that you were okay... But then I started to feel a little nauseous and you woke up and I felt bad..." Rand's voice cracked and he cleared his throat again. "And that's it."
Mat was in disbelief. "That's it?" He asked sombrely.
Rand nodded.
Mat sat up in the chair and faced Rand. "Well then. I have some words for you Rand al'Thor!"
"But I-"
"Shhhh! I wasn't asleep at all! I was just too bloody scared to face you! I wish I had because then I could have told you to your stinking face how much I hate you!" Small tears crept down Mat's face. "Maybe I would have been able to lie to myself then." He got up and wiped a sleeve across his eyes. The brunet walked to the window, not wanting anyone to see him in the common room.
Rand reached out and grabbed Mat's arm. "Wait! Please."
Mat stopped, but he didn't turn around.
"Why are you so mad?" Rand asked quietly.
"Because for some light-forsaken reason Rand, I really like you. More than a friend. And it's okay that you don't return it, just spare me the embarrassment and let me go."
Mat swung his other leg over, and was about to climb down, when he felt arms around his shoulders.
"I like you too."
The sun slowly set, setting majestic colourings across the skies.