Bratty and The Beast by Catnappe143

Since their first meeting, well over a year ago, Spencer Lockhart and Sage Andrews have clashed as much as two rivals possibly could.  Their battles have found the two fighting in rings, on mats, in locker rooms, on tennis courts, on the couch, and in every possible arena.  It seemed neither would ever be satisfied with the standing that existed between the two, and both were willing to take matters further and further with each encounter in the hopes of finally dominating their rival.  Rules and limits were broken and pushed, stakes and punishments grew more humiliating or unbearable.  It was quite evident to all those who had seen the two at each other's throats that no one fired up "The Ice Prince" quite like "Strike".

With enough time, heat, and pressure, however, things began to slowly shift between the bratty heir and the cocky street punk.  Much like the forming of a diamond, the two saw one another more clearly with each encounter.  Every bout, no matter how rough, slowly began to fire up different, but equally intense emotions in the two, where frustration and dislike once lived.  As with everything in his master's life, Matthew, Spencer's manservant and bodyguard, noticed the shift in their connection first.  He had anticipated this outcome, and was quietly pleased to see himself proven right as usual.  Naturally, young Master Spencer would need to be guided in the right direction, but that was never a challenge, now was it...

"Brilliant, Matthew!" Spencer beamed at his genius helper, "A battle on the family yacht!  That furball refuses to turn down a challenge, and once the cat is over the water my victory is all but assured!  I am so pleased you've changed your mind on helping me strategize to kick that-"

"Hold, Master Spencer." Matthew calmly raised his palm, as Spencer immediately fell silent with an irritated arch of his brow, "You did not allow me to finish.  I have invited Master Sage-" Matthew ignored Spencer's audible sound of displeasure, "to spend the afternoon on the Lockhart yacht, with you hosting, with one simple caveat."  Spencer's eyes narrowed suspiciously.  "No fighting, whatsoever."

"WHAT!?" Spencer's mouth fell open as his face paled even more than usual.

"No fighting," Matthew continued calmly, "Master Sage has already agreed to this deal." he stated evenly, purposely leaving out the fact that he had told Sage that Spencer had already agreed at the time.

"Why would he...?" Spencer murmured out loud.

"Perhaps he simply felt up to the challenge." Matthew said, turning away and leaving the room, sighing at how much easier a paycheque had become since leaving Mi6.

The yacht's takeoff was incredibly icy, despite the intense heat of the day.  The two fiery fighters found themselves staring over their drinks at one another in complete silence.  What did one say when all insults and challenges were strictly verboten?  Spencer felt absolutely miserable and confused.  He felt insanely uncomfortable, which was ridiculous as this was his yacht, his favorite among all those in the family fleet.  Why, then, did he feel like the one out of place.  Sage certainly didn't seem his usual relaxed self, but he seemed to be enjoying the food and drink served, as well as the view of the slowly shrinking marina as they set out further from shore.  That was one thing that always irritated Spencer about Sage.  He seemed to have no regard for his class or place.  He always seemed to adapt so quickly to situations where he entirely didn't belong.  The two openly hated one another, didn't they?  So why was he always showing up, uninvited, to the Lockhart estate?  Why were all the staff so fond of him?  Spencer had even once forced Sage into a butler uniform for a week, after a particularly brutal bout's wager, and by day two Sage was serving the entire family with a smile.  How could such a cocky ruffian show such a lack of pride?  Didn't Sage realize how out of place he was on this yacht?  Didn't the crew all see him as intruding where he didn't belong?

Then why did Spencer feel so uneasy.

"Hey, Prin... Spencer." Sage interrupted his thoughts, "What are you thinking?  I've never seen someone look so serious in such awesome weather."

"I'm fine.... thank you for asking... Are you enjoying your drink?" Spencer asked, the nagging voice of his mother to act the host breaking through.

"It's fucking amazing." Sage grinned, relaxing into his chair at last.  "I don't normally even like wine, was surprised you drank it too, but this is really great stuff."

Spencer began to snap back, "Of co-...," but thinking of Matthew in the cabin, he softened, "Of course I like wine.  Mother is always importing-"

"I just meant I know you like your tea." Sage smirked,"I had to get it for you like a million times that week."

"Mn." Spencer murmured, "Not that you ever got it right."

Sage barked out a laugh, taking Spencer a bit by surprise, "Well I still don't understand how anyone can drink that stuff with anything less than like ten packs of sugar."

Spencer let out a small chuckle, "You're such a kid."

Sage smiled, "Look who's talking, shorty."

Spencer opened his mouth to respond to the name, but then grinned, "Did you just insult me?  Do I have to call Matthew...?"

Sage's eyes widened, "Hey, wait.  Hold on now..!"

Spencer's eyes gleamed, "Oh Matth-!" but his shout was cut off as Sage, laughing leapt nimbly over the low table and on to the couch next to Spencer, his hand firmly on the blonde's mouth as his eyes pleaded above his laughing grin.

When Spencer nodded, Sage removed his hand with mock relief and his grin stretched even wider.  Though he removed his hand back, he only rose from the cushion next to Spencer to pull his drink to this side of the table before retaking his seat.  

What had been so clear to Matthew, was suddenly very obvious to these two.  Their new chapter had finally begun.

Spencer Lockhart is owned by me
Sage "Strike" Andrews is owned by nicehunter 
Art by the amazing catnappe143 

Nicehunter has been a supporter of Spencer since he debuted, and a constant source of information and now friendship.  I am really pleased to try something different together.

I love this piece and it was done so well and so fast by a seriously talented artist.  If you can get a commission slot, I cannot recommend it enough.