Tokyo Babylon Fan Fiction / X/1999 Fan Fiction ❯ Lifeblood ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Xandra and Krystal Rose present Lifeblood, a Tokyo Babylon AU fantasy

Rating: NC-17. Yes this story is YAOI and contains so many lemons that Xandra has lost count. Krys would call it lemonade. Just be warned.

Disclaimer: Seishirou and Subaru are wholly the property of Clamp. We just like to torment them.

Chapter 1

The air was warm and quiet in the palace courtyard. Carefully tended plants and tamed birds made the garden serene and tranquil enough for the royal family of Arilyan.

A teenaged boy, seventeen years of age, glided through this hallowed sanctuary, his soft black hair fluttering in the slight breeze. He sat on his heels in the soft grass, offering a few bits of bread to a pair of doves cooing near a trickling fountain. He giggled softly as one of the doves hopped over to accept the offering.

Unaware that he was being watched, an old woman, bearing strong resemblance to the young man walked up behind him. She folded her hands in front of her as she sat on a stone bench beside the boy.

"Subaru-san," she said, addressing her grandson in an almost painfully polite manner. "You do understand that you are to leave today."

Subaru looked up at her, scooping the fat dove into his hand and running his fingers along its snowy back.

"I understand," he replied, matching her formal tone. "I have prepared my things and I am ready to depart."

"That is good," the elderly Queen Regent nodded, raising her hand slightly, motioning for another person to come and join them.

A tall, young man of about twenty-five years walked over, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. He had observed the young man who was to be his charge from the edge of the garden. Overhearing the Queen Regent lecturing the young prince on his duties prompted him to hide a smile. He couldn't blame the young prince for being impatient to get away.

"Remember what we have discussed," the Queen continued. "You are to secure the groom for your sister's marriage and make sure that he is a suitable husband. Also, you are to oversee the treaty which will ally our two nations."

Subaru nodded, responding with an automatic, "Yes, I understand." He only half-heard what his grandmother was saying, the reminder having been repeated to him quite often in previous days. He naturally nervous about journeying across the country to meet with the ruler of Leviola but he would do it. Subaru was a surprisingly responsible young man for his age.

Seishirou made a discreet cough and bowed when the queen noticed him. "You requested my presence, Your Highness?"

The Sumeragi matriarch briskly acknowledged him. "Yes, this is my grandson, Subaru. I entrust him to your care. Subaru, this is Sakurazuka Seishirou, he will be taking care of you while you are away. You are not to give him any difficulty."

She fixed her eyes on Subaru with a stern look, knowing that however pliant he appeared, her grandson had a streak of willfulness that meant he would often go out of his way to do the things he wanted.

The prince nodded in Seishirou's direction. "Pleased to meet you," he said, groaning internally with embarrassment that he had to be baby-sat through his journey by this man. "I shan't be of any difficulty." Subaru hated being treated like a child, but realized that he needed protection along the way. He decided it would be best to grin and bear it. He wouldn't have to be guarded all that long.

Seishirou silently assessed Subaru's slender form and had to clamp down on a surge of attraction that rose within him. No, it wouldn't do to get involved with his employer, and even more of a no-no to get involved with this particular young man.

"Your Highness, I am ready whenever you are."

Subaru looked him over and bit back a gasp. His new bodyguard was very attractive. Subaru observed that he had a quality about him that signaled a streak of danger, though it was carefully hidden behind a cool mask of professionalism. "I am quite ready. I travel light, so my belongings are already loaded." He stole another look when he thought the other man wasn't looking.

Seishirou caught the little glances Subaru sent his way, but laid it down to a young man's curiosity with his companion. "Yes, my things are also with yours, Highness," he said. Turning to the queen, he added, "I shall do my best to keep His Highness safe."

The younger man was already walking towards the stables before Seishirou had a chance to finish, fully expecting the other man to follow. Now that it was time to depart, a particular haste gripped Subaru. Seeing that their horses were saddled and waiting, he pulled a dark colored cloak over his shoulders and neatly sprang into the saddle. The motion displayed his many years of practice on horseback.

"If there is nothing else we must do, then we should be underway," he called over to his retainer.

Seishirou nodded and easily flowed onto the back of his mount, equally comfortable at controlling his steed. With a kick and a shout, the two galloped off. Their animals were fresh and powerful and it didn't take long before they were out of the city and well into the countryside.

Seishirou took a deep breath, enjoying the rhythm of the ride and basking in the early sunshine. The air was cool and a light mist of dew glittered over everything. As they slowed down to a canter, Seishirou decided to attempt some conversation. "Might I ask why Your Highness is traveling incognito?"

Subaru gripped his reins tightly, feeling the wind blow against his face. For some strange reason, he suddenly felt very free, as if he was released from the physical constraint that had been on him in that drafty old castle. Seishirou's question penetrated his thoughtful haze and he gazed over at his companion. He pondered it for a moment before replying. "It's for safety. It's almost certain a prince with only one guardian would be robbed or worse. A simple peasant would not be bothered. For that, I ask that you not address me by my title."

Seishirou returned his gaze solemnly. "What shall I call you then?" He was actually amazed that Subaru was fine with the informality. Few princes felt that way, of that fact he was certain.

"Just 'Subaru' is fine," he replied. "I never cared for the title anyway."

A little mischievous streak arose in Seishirou. He wondered how the young man would take to a bit of teasing. "Well then, Subaru is a very nice name, but it doesn't account for our closeness in traveling together, for I cannot leave your side. I shall call you Subaru-kun. That should let people know how close we are." His voice was heavy with innuendo.

Subaru blushed lightly, turning his face away until he was sure the color in his face returned to normal. "Very well... shall we assume the role of close friends? Brothers perhaps? You seem a bit older than I. I shall address you as Seishirou-san." He took a few deep breaths. He wasn't used to teasing and didn't know quite how to take it.

Seishirou shook his head. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly be your brother. We don't look alike at all. We shall just have to be very close friends." He continued to emphasize on the word 'close', smirking at the young man and enjoying the way his cheeks were coloring.

Subaru struggled to keep his calm, cool composure. His years of training on how to behave well helped somewhat. He decided that starting a casual conversation would ease the tension and hide his fluster. Besides he was extremely curious about his bodyguard. "So... where are you from?"

Seishirou was amused by his charge's shy attempts to probe. "I come from the city of Zircasta." When he saw the comprehension come to Subaru's eyes, he nodded in the affirmative, "Yes, it's the Wizard's city."

His eyes brightened with the mention of wizards. "Then are you a practitioner of magic?"

Seishirou nodded. "I know some magic and its principals, but I am not as great a magician as you are, Subaru-kun." He smiled innocently at the younger man.

Subaru bit his lip, trying not to smile too much. He was very interested in magic. It was the one thing that gave him the most satisfaction in his reasonably dull life. "What school of magic do you practice? I was taught mostly White magic, that is, healing and defensive techniques."

Seishirou vaguely waved his hand. "I know some offensive stuff. Summoning shikigami and such. I have to you know, to do my job, guarding your body." Again he said this in a suggestive tone, hoping to distract the young man from further inquiries about his abilities.

For Subaru, the distraction worked very well and he had to hide another blush. "I'm sure you're very good at what you do. My grandmother would have not hired you otherwise."

"I shall do my best," he said, laughingly with a hand to his heart. "Subaru-kun needs to help me too, by staying out of trouble. Which reminds me, might I ask why we are traveling to Leviola?"

Subaru thought for a moment, knowing that he shouldn't disclose too much about his mission. "I am to negotiate the terms of a treaty with their nation."

Seishirou was interested but he didn't remark further. "I hope you will be successful."

"It's quite routine. I expect we shan't be there long," the prince muttered. He looked off ahead of him, hoping to stay away from his companion's gaze. For some reason he couldn't understand, Seishirou made him nervous.

Seishirou didn't press further. "I don't anticipate any problems on this journey, but if there's anything to be worried about, please do tell me." He stopped his horse and pinned Subaru with a direct gaze. "Subaru-kun, you can trust me with anything," he said, his tone deeply serious.

This time, Subaru wasn't quite so good at masking his reaction and he stammered a bit. "I-I... thank you." He quickly looked away, feeling heat of the gaze burning through him.

Seishirou was satisfied by the effect he had on the young man and decided to let the issue pass. "Come, let's continue with our journey. We should be at the inn late this afternoon. It shall be nice to stop, right?" he said, his mood changing to gentle concern.

"Yes. We are expected there," Subaru replied, relieved that Seishirou had laid off the teasing for the time being. He decided to ask another question, "Um... do you have any hobbies?"

The other man was surprised by the question. "Hobbies?" He thought about that for a moment. "I don't know if what I do on the side counts as a hobby. I am learning how to heal animals."

Subaru smiled at learning just a bit about his mysterious companion. "It sounds like a noble pursuit."

Seishirou countered with his own question. "Does Subaru-kun like animals too?"

The prince's eyes grew wide, telling of their innocence. "Oh yes, very much. My sister and I had many animals to look after as children. I still adore them."

Seishirou smiled indulgently at him. "Perhaps one day we could visit the zoo at Leviola together," he said before quickly amending his statement. "Or rather you could say you wished to visit the zoo, and I'd be able to go with you as your guard, of course."

Subaru didn't see anything wrong with Seishirou's speech. "I'd like that very much," he replied innocently.

Seishirou breathed a silent sigh at the close shave. Trying to keep up a false facade was turning out to be harder than he had bargained. He steeled himself against any further slips, and presented his mild-mannered face to Subaru. "What about you, Subaru-kun, have you hobbies?" he asked, deftly turning the topic away from himself.

Subaru didn't see much harm in sharing this information. "I enjoy animals very much. If I could, I'd spend my time rescuing injured animals and nursing them back to health... but I don't have time for that anymore. I do get to read a lot of good books, and I enjoy studying magic."

Seishirou smirked. "That's not very much. We'll have to see if we can add to your hobbies then." He was at it again with the heavy innuendo in his voice, although he was sure the young Sumeragi was too naive to understand it entirely. "Subaru-kun must tell me if he sees anything that interests him."

Subaru brightened, yet another innuendo flying completely over his head. "You mentioned you heal animals... perhaps sometime you could... show me?"

Ah well, he thought, the Sumeragi was simply too innocent to get any of his hints. He bowed formally. "I should be very pleased to do so. Let's get going then?" With that, he kicked his horse back to a gallop and pounded down the road.

A short while later, the two reached a town. Seishirou pulled his horse to a stop and put a hand out to stay Subaru. "Subaru-kun, this is where we're supposed to stop. Now I want you to do your best to stay with me all right? You've never played a commoner before, and it won't do for you to slip up." He locked eyes with him, to make sure he understood his promise.

Subaru was a bit startled by the intense gaze, this time finding himself unable to look away. He nodded. "I shall stay close then. Please tell me if there is anything I need to correct."

"Good," Seishirou said, and reached over a casual hand to ruffle at Subaru's hair. He had to hide his amused smile at the flush that gesture provoked in Subaru by spurring his horse onward. He took care not to go too quickly, making sure Subaru was able to keep up. They passed through a crowded market place, filled with merchants and street venders beckoning to travelers as they peddled their wares. Seishirou noted that Subaru was looking around avidly. Under his breath, he whispered to him. "Don't gawk. You're acting like a tourist, and asking for the first snatch purse to target you."

"Oh right..." Subaru looked straight ahead and pulled the hood of his cloak closely around his face, keeping himself close to his bodyguard.

Seishirou nodded approvingly. The young prince certainly did learn fast. Before long the pair was at the inn. Seishirou dismounted, flipping a coin to the horse boy who came to take care of their beasts. A stern look and the lad was scurrying off, suitably intimidated enough to take special care of their animals. Subaru, clueless as always, never noticed a thing. "Shall we go in, Subaru-kun?" He extended a hand to allow Subaru to precede him.

Subaru walked slightly ahead of him, trying to look as discreet as possible. He walked up to the innkeeper and gave him a false name, pressing a gold coin into his hand. The man examined the coin to assure himself that it was indeed real before showing them to the inn's best room.

Seishirou followed closely behind him, scanning the crowd like a good bodyguard. He did his best to cloak them both in an aura of ordinariness, so the curious eye would slide over the two of them. It was a minor illusion that he could perform with ease. When the innkeeper moved to show him to second room, he held out his hand to stop him. "We will be sharing the one room," he said firmly.

Subaru refused to look at the innkeeper to see his reaction to that. He firmly told himself that he shouldn't care what people thought about them sharing a room. Walking inside, he came to a sudden stop. The room was well furnished, with one single, although large, bed in the center of the room. There was a table near the window with a pitcher, washbasin and towels stacked in a neat pile. It was rustic, not fit for a prince at all, but that was the price of their secrecy.

The young prince felt a little nervous at the thought of sharing a bed with the older man, but he tried not to think about it too much. He set his travel bag on the bed, and stretched out his tired muscles. "Shall we have our meal sent up?"

The older man confirmed his agreement. He didn't appear in the slightest bit worried that there was only one bed. "That might be a good idea. I didn't like the looks of the people in the common room. And too many of them noticed you paying for the room with gold."

"Oh..." Subaru uttered, blushing in embarrassment. "I shall be more careful in the future."

Seishirou made no further comment to chastise him. "I shall go out to arrange for the food and a bath. I take it you want to wash off the dust from the road?" he asked mildly.

The thought of a bath made Subaru nod eagerly. He was all dirty from the day's travel, and the reminder made him scratch at the thin film of dust that covered him everywhere. "Yes, thank you."

He took off his cloak, folding it carefully before removing his belt. He remembered Seishirou and refrained from taking off any more.

Seishirou had observed Subaru's actions silently before sighing with disappointment that he had stopped. The young man's body was a pleasure to behold. It was too bad that Subaru was so self-conscious. He bowed and left the room. Quickly he made sure the bath was sent and before going to the common room, where he spent his time negotiating with the innkeeper for his best dinner. A quick stop at the common baths was next where he took the chance to clean up. Seishirou laughed to himself as he tried to imagine the furious blushes he'd give Subaru if he tried to bathe with him. Returning to the room, he didn't enter immediately but knocked on the door. "Subaru-kun, may I come in?"

"Just a moment!" Subaru's voice answered. Seishirou could hear the mad scramble of Subaru drying himself and pulling on his clothes. A few heartbeats later, he called back out, "Uh… I suppose you can come in."

Seishirou raised his eyebrow at the sight of Subaru still half naked. Subaru had apparently not remembered where he left his pants. Since the tunic fell to about his knees he felt reasonably covered, but for Seishirou it presented the greatest of temptations. Did the young Sumeragi not know how much of a tease he was? Seishirou was tempted to curl an arm around him and pull him to the bed, and only barely managed to restrain himself. No, he had enough self-control not to do it. "Do you need help finding something?" he asked mildly instead. He was rather proud he was able to keep any hint of emotion out of his voice.

"I'm looking for my trousers... I know they were here somewhere..." Subaru's eyes darted around the room before he finally spotted them, carelessly tossed in the corner. "Ah! There they are." He quickly put them on and went to sit on the edge of the bed. "I am a little absent minded sometimes."

The bodyguard grinned at him, finding him pleasingly endearing. He didn't resist an urge to brush a stray strand of hair from Subaru's forehead, making it as intimate a caress as he could. "Dinner should be here soon."

Subaru blinked a little. He wasn't expecting that, though he very much liked being touched. His cheeks reddened with heat and he looked away nervously, wringing his hands in front of him. "Uh... good, good." He felt like an idiot, as he didn't really know what to say.

Seishirou discovered that he was beginning to thoroughly enjoy flustering his companion. He wondered what Subaru would say if he told him he was cute. His plan to continue his teasing was interrupted by the knock at the door. He shrugged regretfully and went to check it out.

"Stay there," he commanded before extending his senses to make sure it wasn't anyone with bad intentions. Many years of surviving in a very competitive environment made this an easy and natural move. Breathing a soft sigh of relief, he opened the door and took the large tray from the quivering mouse of a maid. After dismissing her, he set the food down on the small dining table. "I hope you like this."

"It looks wonderful," Subaru said, offering Seishirou a genuine smile. The young prince was still skittish in Seishirou's presence, but his hunger overcame everything else. He took a spoonful of stew and sipped at it delicately, his noble upbringing obvious in the grace at which he consumed his meal.

Seishirou ate just as elegantly, though Subaru was completely unaware that his companion's manners were unusual. Glancing over to the side, he noted the maid had included a bottle of wine. He filled both of their glasses with generous portions. Sipping at it, he nodded approvingly. "This is surprisingly good. This inn must do business with many well to do people."

Subaru took a tiny sip of his own drink. "It is very good," he agreed. He knew he had a very low tolerance to liquor but despite this, he drank more.

As each was intent on their food, the meal passed in silence. Before long, Seishirou sat back, finishing the last of his drink. "Do you want more or would you like dessert?" He waved to the small selection of chocolate cakes.

"Yes please," Subaru replied, brightening at the sight of the dessert. He'd always had a fondness for sweets. Enthusiastically, he helped himself to a small portion of cake and a little bit more wine. He was feeling lightheaded and happy, in part possibly from the effect of the alcohol. He dug into the cake, enjoying how the sweet chocolate blended so well with the tart fruitiness of the wine. Scraping the last of the cake up, he discovered much to his dismay that his wineglass was empty as well.

Seishirou sat through the whole time studying Subaru closely. It was a pleasure just to watch him eat. He judged that Subaru had enough of the alcohol and looked about ready to topple over. Reaching over, he wiped some chocolate from a corner of the young man's mouth. It was a sweetly tender gesture, one that he was surprised to find himself making. "Come on, you better get to bed, you've had enough to drink this evening," he said, rising to tug Subaru to his feet.

Subaru found himself leaning into his touch, offering him a sweet smile. "I'm not tired yet." His expression was that of a stubborn child wanting to stay up past his bedtime.

Seishirou wasn't too sure how he was going to deal with this but made one more attempt. "You've had a long and exciting day. You need your rest now, Subaru-kun," he pointed out, hoping reason would win with him.

It worked and Subaru allowed himself to be pulled over to bed, mildly intoxicated. He stumbled and fell right into the other man. "I'm sorry...."

Seishirou was knocked backwards on the bed, with Subaru wriggling on top of him. The sensation sent a surge of desire to him, almost too much to resist. He forced himself to take a deep calming breath to restore his composure.

"It's quite all right," he assured the young prince. Only a slight strain in his voice revealed his disturbed state. He helped the Sumeragi roll over, and then got up to pull the covers down. "Let me help you get tucked in." He eyed the cold, hard floor and wondered if he could bear spending an entire night on it.

Subaru shivered. "It's cold..."

Seishirou pulled the blankets up higher over him. "You'll get warm soon," he said kindly. Moving over to a cupboard, he removed his cloak and spread it on the floor to prepare his own bed, granting himself a long-suffering sigh.

The young prince blinked and looked over at him. "You're not planning on sleeping on the floor... are you?"

Seishirou looked at him matter-of-factly. "Yes, in fact I was planning to."

Subaru slid over to one side, making more room in the bed. "This bed is big enough for two. Besides, it's warmer that way and it's dreadfully cold in here." He was buzzed enough that he doesn't see how that would be a problem.

"But Subaru-kun, it would not be appropriate for me to sleep with you," Seishirou hastened to point out.

Subaru shook his head. "The floor isn't comfortable and it just wouldn't do for my guardian to wake up sore and cramped in the morning. I insist that you share the bed with me."

Seishirou stared at him, wondering if Subaru knew just how much of a strain that would place on his self-control. Eventually he capitulated. "All right then," he said, getting in beside him. He lay back, trying to seem as natural as possible. "Good night, Subaru-kun."

Subaru smiled slightly and closed his eyes. He slept in a most curious position: on his stomach with his arms curled around his pillow, almost as if he were holding it in an embrace.

Seishirou studied him in the candlelight. "Is that comfortable?"

"Mmm?" The smaller man uttered, his eye opening just a little. "I've always slept like this... I get lonely and need to hold onto something." He sighed lightly and hugged the pillow tighter.

Seishirou gave in to the temptation and slung an arm around him, holding him close. "You won't be lonely while I am with you," he whispered, ruffling the hair on Subaru's head, in as platonically affectionate a way as he was able.

Subaru's eyes opened wide, not having expected him to do that. His mind raced, wondering if he should push away, but Seishirou's body was warm and the embrace felt good. He let out a small noise of contentment and relaxed in his arms, "thank you."

The older man continued to hold him tenderly, all the while telling his body to obey his mind. Thankfully he was extremely disciplined and able to do it. "Now sleep. I'll keep you safe." Oddly enough, he meant it.

Subaru closed his eyes and soon settled into sleep, completely trusting Seishirou with his safety. He hadn't any reason to believe this man's intentions were anything but pure.

Notes:
Stay tuned for Chapter 2 where Subaru jumps Seishirou. And just what is Seishirou's mysterious background, all will be revealed!

Krys: *giggles* Isn't she cute? *pokes her co-writer* We've even got a formal header-thingy and a dramatic stay tuned…. thingy! ^_^v