Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows ❯ trust pt 1 ( Chapter 11 )

Shadows

*******

chapter 8

*******

trust, part 1

*******

Yohji rolled the last of the kegs into place and wiped his brow with the back of his wrist. Summer was definitely on the way, that was for sure. The warm weather was why he, Mickey, and Teddy had just unloaded and stored away the Koneko's liquor in record time. It wouldn't do to serve the customers bad beer, spoiled from too much time in the sun.

"Explain to me again why I'm doing this?" Teddy pouted as he surveyed his dirty hands, and then looked over his shoulder at the numerous kegs he'd just helped move.

"Because you stay here rent-free and eat almost as much as Naoe and Farfie do," Yohji retorted as he leaned against a stone wall, enjoying how cool it felt. The storeroom was enchanted to remain at a temperature that would keep the wine and beer from spoiling.

Teddy snorted and sat down on the floor, leaning against one of the newly arrived barrels. "As if, Yotan. Besides, what I eat in no way equals how much you drink. Though you've been pacing yourself ever since I've been back. What's the matter, Aya have no use for you when you're too trashed to `play'?" Blue eyes stared at him, filled with mischief.

Barely resisting the urge to growl, and not helped by the fact that Mickey was quietly chuckling as he stood by a shelf of kegs, making sure they were secure, Yohji flashed his teeth at the pest.

"If you must know, I have a bet going with Schuldig. I can't get trashed until after the wedding." Not that it was any hardship, thanks to Aya. Who needed to pass out drunk when there was a gorgeous lover waiting for them in their bed? He had much better ways of spending his nights now. As it was, Yohji only remained in the Koneko's common room long enough in the evenings to hear a few of Koyu's songs and make sure everyone was having a good time, and then he dragged Aya off to their room for some fun of their own.

"Glad to see that Schu's going to actually lose a bet for once," Mickey commented. "Though I must say, it's nice not having you drinking the storeroom dry anymore, especially considering how much Aya's friends consume, not to mention all the extra patrons who've been showing up lately and expecting drinks."

Teddy snorted again. "You almost sound as if you're complaining, bro. We all know that Kira has to practically drag you from your office at night and away from all the money the Koneko's raked in just to have you for herself." Both Teddy and Yohji laughed at the way the burly giant blushed at that comment. It seemed that Mickey's relationship with the young woman was progressing rather well. That was a good thing, considering how everyone was busy lately with the flood of customers who filled the inn every day. The staff needed a little fun and pleasure to offset their hectic work schedules.

With the announcement of the king's wedding almost a fortnight ago, the capital had been flooded with visitors eager to see the formal event and to take part in the partying that would accompany it. The Koneko was a popular stop for them. Good food and prices, great alcohol, a clean establishment and a talented Harper had people lining up at night to get in, and on a waiting list for rooms. Several guests had doubled up, as available room accommodations were becoming scarce all over the city, and all of that meant that they were making more money in a season than they did all year long.

The new customers were a blessing, as some of the Koneko's usual patrons had decided to move on to… greener pastures. Yohji's fan club had not been happy to find him firmly attached to one individual, and not inclined to flirt with them, let alone do anything else. He flushed a little, not liking how much of a whore he felt like when he thought of his past exploits, even though he'd only been acting according to his nature. He was a succubae-bound, and the one thing he'd found out the last week or two was that he was largely defined by his appetite. Which, in the past, had had him going through patrons regularly.

But, that was all over with now ever since Aya had become his mate. Yohji didn't feel a spark of lust for anyone other than the pale man, and even if he had, he wasn't going to mess things up by cheating on his lover. Aya was the missing piece he'd been searching for all his life, the one person who complemented him perfectly. He was never giving the man up and couldn't be bothered with anyone else.

There'd been a few fights here over a week ago, when people began to realize that he was serious about Aya. Some people were jealous of the redhead, and some people were even jealous of Yohji for latching on to the beautiful man. And then, there'd been the slights against Aya because of those feelings -- slights and insults that had led to Yohji defending his mate in a spectacular fashion. If it wasn't for the fact that he was a former Guard, he'd most likely have been arrested for assault several times over. It helped that he had friends in the organization, and that they often witnessed the events that had Yohji reacting so forcefully. All the Guards had done was caution Yohji to keep a tighter rein on his temper. But some vicious verbal lashings and pounding a few heads into the floor seemed to drive the fact home that no one was to treat Aya with anything but the utmost respect, or else. The rowdier, more disappointed elements had moved on to other inns.

Mickey chuckling once more distracted Yohji from his thoughts. "Well, I might need to be enticed away from work, but Yohji definitely doesn't suffer from that ailment. Poor Aya's grown paler during his stay here, and not even Jo's cooking has managed to put any weight on him."

"Just so you know, Yotan, Koyu and I have a bet going on how soon you'll need to replace your mattress. There can't be that much stuffing left in it by now, considering the amount of use it's seeing."

Gritting his teeth, Yohji just barely managed to overcome the urge to strangle Teddy. The longhaired man was taking great delight in teasing him about his relationship with Aya. Thanks to his newly discovered talents, he could sense the amusement radiating off the brothers. Only the fact that there was no malice involved in the teasing helped Yohji to suffer through it.

"The two of you are just jealous because I've got the prettiest lover," he replied matter-of-factly. "Speaking of which, I need to see where he's gone off to." Yohji didn't like leaving Aya by himself for very long, especially when Naoe was off with Omi and not around to keep an eye on his lover for him. There was no telling what trouble the kage would get himself into. He really was like a cat in that regard. The other day Yohji had spent a couple of hours in the office with Mickey going over the books and had entered the common room afterwards only to find some merchant offering to put Aya up in his household as a concubine. If Farfie hadn't grabbed him, he would've ripped the slimy man's head off. The worse part of it was, everyone else had laughed at his reaction. He'd been reduced to entertainment for the masses.

Pushing away from the wall, Yohji smiled as he remembered Aya giving the man a ferocious glare and telling him to die. Considering how much the kage had changed since he'd arrived here, Yohji felt a spark of pride over the fact that it was largely due to his influence. He helped Aya feel secure enough to dare giving strangers glares and curses, confident in that no one here would hurt him for it.

"He was with Jo the last I saw him," Teddy offered as he rose to his feet. "Let's go see if he's still in the kitchen. You coming, Mick?"

"No, I'm going to check on the champagne that's stored in the back, and then enter the liquor order into the books."

"Okay." Brushing the dirt off his backside then tugging his green robe straight, Teddy sidled up to Yohji and linked their arms together. "I bet he's gonna go track down Kira and ravish her in the office, what do you think?" The question was asked sotto voce, but loud enough for Mickey to hear. This, of course, had him blushing again and muttering about how he should have been an only child.

Unable to resist, Yohji smiled wickedly at his older foster brother. "Now I know why you insisted on having such a big desk. Paperwork, my ass."

"Get the hell out of here before I stuff the two of you in a barrel!" Unable to prevent a laugh from slipping past his lips, Yohji tugged a chortling Teddy behind him as they fled Mickey's wrath. Good thing there wasn't much in there for the big man to throw at them, other than very breakable bottles of wine. They safely made it to the kitchen where they found Jo stirring what looked to be a pot of stew.

"Hey, where's Aya?"

Jo took one look at the two of them and immediately stepped away from the stove, her hands on her hips. "What mischief have the two of you been up to, and why aren't you unloading the kegs?"

"Nothing more than usual." With the brash confidence of the spoiled, youngest member of a family, Teddy picked up a spoon and tried the stew. "Yum, fish chowder. As for the kegs, we're all done."

"Already?" Jo didn't give the young man more than a token slap on his wrist. Yohji grunted in annoyance, knowing he'd be sporting a bruise if it had been him.

"Yeah. You should've seen Yotan, he was doing the work of three men, I swear. For someone who's supposed to be worn out from all the `activity' he's been doing at night, he's got a lot of energy in him."

Yohji tucked back a strand of hair before replying. "Someone had to pick up your slack. And you've no room to talk, not when Koyu can barely stay awake through his breakfast. Aya and Kira aren't the only ones being ravished silly." Teddy stuck his tongue out at him. "Now where's Aya?"

Jo wiped her hands on her apron and reached out to tug on the ribbon Yohji had haphazardly used to tie his hair back. "He's out in the garden, doing some weeding. Koyu's out there to keep him company, and ensure he's not bothered." She fussed with his hair until it was pulled back in a neat ponytail, and then gave it a harsh tug. "Aya doesn't have to do all the work he's been doing lately, you know. He should be enjoying himself, not weeding or changing beds or helping me make bread."

Stepping back, Yohji smoothed his hair and shook his head. "He wants to. It's either that or he'll curl up in his room and do nothing but read, and I'd rather have him be among people than hidden away. Besides, he needs to see that there's a place for him here, that there's another life waiting for him, other than returning to his master." And be abused once again. Or worse, be given to the king as a present, and be locked away or killed.

Tsking, Jo shook her head as well. "You've still not convinced him to remain here? Yohji, we can't let him go off and be mistreated again."

"I know, Jo, and I'm working on it. I figured I'd try to get him to stay of his own free will first and resort to tying him to a bed if that fails. He's not leaving." Yohji's voice was harsh and uncompromising. There was no way Aya was leaving him, ever.

"Naoe's not to go as well. Though I think Omi will make sure he doesn't, judging by how inseparable they've become. The Koneko's just adopted itself two more strays, whether they know it or not." Her decision final, Jo returned her attention back to her cooking.

Teddy exchanged a smile with Yohji. "Was that how Mickey and I were adopted?"

"I was a bit young at the time, but yeah, I think so. I just remember someone from the Guards coming to talk to my mom, and a few minutes later her telling me I was going to have two new friends." Reminiscing about his mother, Yohji's smile grew bittersweet. If she was still alive, she'd probably have chained Aya to the furniture by now, or sat on him until he finally listened to her as she calmly informed him that he had a new home and wouldn't be leaving. Miyuki Kudoh had a way about her: one of velvet covering steel, soft and beautiful on the outside, and pure will inside. No one had argued with her, as they knew it was a losing battle from the outset. He missed her still and wished she had lived long enough to see him finally settle down.

Shaking off his memories, he waved as he made his way to the door. "I'm going to find Aya. What about you, Teddy?"

"I'm going to go soak in the bath. Perhaps you could pass that on to Koyu for me, along with the fact that I'm in the mood to scrub someone's back? I'd hate to have it be a random stranger's." Teddy batted his eyes and somehow managed to plaster a ridiculously innocent look on his face. Knowing better, Yohji just chuckled and left the kitchen. He pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his pocket as he stepped into the sunshine, putting them on as he walked.

*******

Koyu lightly strummed the strings of his harp as he watched Aya tend to a neglected rosebush. The redhead was clothed in dark grey jerkin and pants, with a shirt the exact shade of his eyes. A hood was pulled over Aya's head, hiding all of his hair except for two long eartails, and black gloves covered his hands. The precautions were understandable, considering how pale he was.

"You know, I think the last time I've seen the garden look this good was when Yohji's mother was alive."

"Hn." Having become adept at interpreting Aya's grunts, Koyu smiled when he translated that one into a query. It was amazing what Aya could express with a few syllables and a look, and he'd begun to figure them out after spending some time in the man's company.

"Yes. Yohji and Teddy had tried to tend to it after her death, but Yohji was too busy with the Guards, and Teddy… well, he had the best intentions, but that man is a virtual shinigami to any and all plants. I swear he can kill them with just a look." Hmm, for some reason Aya had tensed at that comment, just a slight hitch of slender shoulders, but Koyu had been paying attention to any and all reactions.

He'd spent a good deal of his free time with Aya the past several days, determined to pry some answers out of the man. Koyu smiled bitterly as he thought that usually he'd know the details of a person's entire life by now, but that wasn't the case with Aya. All he knew about the quiet man was that he was a very good swordsman, a voracious reader, and had boundless knowledge stuffed inside his head. It seemed he tended to the library of his master. But oddly enough, Aya didn't know anything of recent literature from the past twelve years or so. It was one of many puzzles about the man.

The only impression Koyu had about Aya and Naoe's master was that he was rich, influential, and from all the things not said, a proper bastard. It was clear the two men were abused, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why they stayed with him. The man must have some sort of title or power.

"But it's nice to see the garden regain its former glory. I can only imagine what you'll have it looking like by the end of summer." Ah, there was another tensing of the slender frame; it looked as if Aya had frowned sadly at the rosebush for a moment. The man was still refusing to make any commitment to stay at the Koneko past King Shuuichi's wedding. It amazed Koyu that Aya hadn't realized and accepted the fact that Yohji wasn't going to let him go. Why was he being so stubborn, and only to return to an abusive master? It was just another mystery for him to solve.

Aya finished the bush and sat back on his heels, turning to look at Koyu for the first time in almost an hour. "What was she like?" He quietly asked the question and then started to gather up all the branches and weeds resting on the ground.

"Huhn?" It took Koyu a moment to understand the question. "Who, Miyuki? I didn't really know her very well, and only met her on a few occasions. My master loved the Koneko, and swore by its baths, and would bring me here with him as a reward for learning my lessons. That's how I met Teddy." He smiled at the memory and started to play a love song on his harp.

"She looked a lot like Yohji, only more delicate, and she had dark brown hair, the color of mahogany. Her eyes were just like his, emerald green. Miyuki was small and slender, much like Cassandra, but you never mistook her for a child. She walked with a slight limp from the wound she'd received when someone tried to steal something from the palace, and she and her partner gave chase. The culprit was a minor wizard, and attacked the Guards with mage fire. Miyuki was burned, especially along her leg, and her partner killed. As you know, injuries caused by magic can never be properly healed, so she had to retire from the Guards. But I never heard her talk about the incident with any regret besides that over the death of her partner. I don't think she minded leaving the Guards that much and believe she much preferred running the Koneko. She so enjoyed helping people." The tune he was playing became sad and wistful as he thought about what a waste it was for the lovely woman to die so young.

"Yohji was her world. Teddy told me he never felt the lack of any love or attention while growing up here, but it was clear that Miyuki's life revolved around her son. It's such a shame she didn't live long enough to see him find you and be happy. I think that was the only thing she regretted, him not being able to settle down with anyone. It was clear from an early age that he wasn't able to have a normal relationship, from what I understand. She would have been so happy to meet you."

Aya stopped his work to look down at his hands, his head bowed and shoulders slumped. For a moment Koyu felt guilty about the heavy-handed tactics he was employing, doing his best to make a good friend happy by convincing a stubborn idiot to stay. But he really didn't think that Yohji would let Aya go without one hell of a fight and didn't want it to come to that. Besides, Aya and Naoe's silence about their master gave him a really bad feeling. It was a good thing that Yohji had the ear and affection of the crown prince, even if he didn't have the strongest position at court.

Koyu decided to change the topic. "You know, I don't think I've seen you out there dancing at all. You tend to disappear with Yohji before that starts." He was rewarded for that observation by a glare that had him shivering, but he still persevered. "I've seen you fight with Farfarello, and you're most definitely not lacking in grace. Are you afraid you'll be unable to find any partners? I know of at least five guests that would love to dance with you, if Yohji would ever step aside." The glare went up in intensity.

Suddenly finding his harp to be of paramount importance, Koyu hid his smile. No, Aya didn't like the attention he was receiving any more than Yohji did. But there was something about the redhead, something that grew more and more each day, that drew one's attention to him, no matter how much he hid behind hoods and in shadows. It was a quality that Yohji had himself.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Koyu caught Aya staring behind him, and turned to see Yohji walking towards them. The blond had an anxious look on his face, but it slowly faded the closer he got to them. Or more correctly, to Aya. Yohji sank down on the grass besides the redhead, wrapping an arm around Aya's waist and resting his head on his lover's shoulder.

"What have the two of you been up to?"

"Well, I'm ashamed to say I've pretty much been talking Aya's ear off while he's worked." Koyu gestured to the rose bush. Yohji glanced at it for a moment, and then looked back in his direction. The intensity of the gaze had him shivering, laden as it was with scrutiny and a hint of possessiveness. The point was crystal clear: there had better have been nothing but discussion going on between him and Aya. Having seen how the last person who had tried to hit on Aya had left the Koneko in tears, fortunate that she was a woman and thus spared a physical assault, Koyu was grateful he was receiving nothing more than a warning.

"Teddy asked me to tell you that he's going to be soaking in the bath. He said something about scrubbing some stranger's back as well, so you might want to go check up on him. Unless you've come to your senses and realize you're better off without him."

Chuckling softly, Koyu rose to his feet. "Then I guess I better go save that poor unsuspecting person. I was telling Aya that I haven't seen him dance yet, Yohji. You need to correct that situation."

"You have a good idea there, Koyu. Maybe I'll do something about that tonight." Aya didn't look pleased with the idea and scowled at Koyu while Yohji started to tug on an eartail. Deciding he'd worn out his welcome, Koyu beat a hasty retreat.

*******

Ran glared at the departing Harper, wishing the man had kept his mouth shut about dancing. There was a reason that he'd allowed Yohji to drag him off to bed so early every night, and it was largely to avoid having to dance. He didn't know how and didn't relish making a fool of himself one night.

Batting at the hand that was tugging on his hair, Ran directed his glare at Yohji, who only smiled at him and commenced to kiss him until he was dizzy. He threaded his hands through Yohji's hair, pulling off the ribbon so the honey blond mass could cascade around his face and moaned when his lover pulled away.

"Come on."

Ran let himself be tugged onto his feet, having a feeling he knew where Yohji was leading him. As usual, desire filled his body merely from the other bound's presence and the heated glances sent his way. The two of them made their way to a secluded part of the garden, where a shady patch of moss was surrounded by fragrant lavender. As he was lowered to the ground, Ran searched the garden for any sign of other people. There was a couple enjoying the sun over by the lilac tree, but that was it. He called the shadows around the two of them.

"Am I being a wee bit predictable?" Ran glanced up at Yohji and found a wicked smile on his lover's face. Hands stroked through his hair, pulling his hood down.

"This is the fourth time you've dragged me over here in the past week."

Impossibly enough, Yohji's smile became even more wicked, and he cupped Ran's face between his palms and brushed their lips together ever so softly. Ran shivered, full of desire and need, and clutched the taller man's shoulders, pulling him closer.

"Well then, seeing as this is the fourth time and I'm still alive, I guess you mustn't be totally averse to me ravishing you in the garden. Gods, Aya, it gets harder each day to be away from you. You should have stuck around while I unloaded the kegs."

His breath caught in his throat as Yohji nestled between his thighs, grinding against him. Ran needed a moment to gather his suddenly scattered thoughts. It was so hard to think, to speak, with his body filled with tingling pleasure and his senses with the heady aroma of lavender.

"I- ah, had to help Jo with the bread. And the bush needed pruning."

Yohji nibbled on his chin for a moment then placed his mouth on Ran's, making him shiver as each word was whispered. "You should have been at my side."

Yes, which was why he hadn't been. Each day the feelings he held for the blond only intensified, especially since Yohji now knew what he was and of the bond between them. It was almost painful to walk away from him, and that scared Ran. He couldn't do this, couldn't let his world be defined by Yohji, because he would have to leave him one day. And all the hints his lover and everyone else gave him about there being a place for him at the Koneko only increased his panic. This wasn't his place, wasn't his future. That was to be death and pain and imprisonment.

But a traitorous part of himself wouldn't let Ran forget about Crawford's and Cassandra's words, about there being a possible future for him with Yohji. He was torn between intense longing and fear, unsure how he could go about gaining it without damning his sister. His ties to her were far older, and it was an ingrained habit to put Aya-chan's needs before his own. But Yohji had crawled inside his heart and was demanding equal attention, had become a fever in his blood. Ran burned for him, needed the feeling of life and love that Yohji gave him.

His thoughts did nothing but confuse him. Each morning brought the wedding closer, and he would do what the Takatoris had ordered him to. Conflicted by his emotions, Ran would cling to the one clear path given to him with stubborn determination. The unknown terrified him, considering all the consequences attached to it. But if he did that, then Yohji would suffer….

He yanked on Yohji's shirt, desperate to pull it off the man. "Yotan, please." Ran needed to escape from his thoughts and confusion, needed the sanctuary he found in the succubae-bound's arms.

"Shh, cat, I know." Ran didn't want to think about Yohji sensing his emotions, just as he picked up the desire, love, and possessive determination from the man. That was just one more complication, and he'd had enough of them. It was time to simply _be_ and to only feel pleasure.

Yohji stripped off his own top, and then set about removing Ran's clothes. The jerkin and shirt were soon tossed onto the lavender bushes, followed by his boots and pants. The moss felt cool against his skin, which was flushed with desire. Yohji's hands skimmed along his flesh, setting it on fire, the dual sensations of heat and cold driving him wild. It actually hurt when the older man pulled away to remove the rest of his clothes, and the pain only faded when Yohji settled back on top of him, pushing his legs wider apart as a slick finger pressed against him.

Ran tossed back his head, breathing in deep lungfuls of lavender and musk scented air. A mouth roamed over his neck, leaving behind more marks of ownership, and fingers twisted inside of him, stretching him and setting off explosions of pleasure. He bit his bottom lip, trying to stifle any sound and preventing anyone from discovering the two of them, but it was so hard, due to Yohji's attentions. Unable to remain quiet any longer, he mewled softly, his fingers digging into golden shoulders.

"Aya." That one word was all the warning he had before Yohji thrust into him in one forceful shove, seating himself completely inside Ran. There was some pain, but it was a welcome distraction from his thoughts. Yohji barely gave him a moment to adjust to the sensation of being stretched past his bounds, of being filled to his core and to breathe once more, then he started to ream into him. Deeply, savagely, a rapid pace that drove the air back out of him, that entwined the pain with pleasure as that one spot inside him was battered again and again, and all Ran did was pull Yohji against him tighter, wrap his legs around the man's waist in a vice and rock up to meet each brutal thrust.

This was heaven, was the oblivion he wanted and craved. It was nothing but bliss and Yohji, both one and the same, and Ran surrendered to it. To Yohji.

*******

Breath still coming in uneven pants, Yohji brushed the sweat dampened bangs off Aya's face. His love was fast asleep, not reacting to the caress at all. His heart racing inside of his chest, Yohji settled on the cool moss beside Aya and wrapped his arms around the pale man.

Once again, the sex had been… he really needed another word besides `incredible'. It just didn't define the situation properly. But underneath all the pleasure had been a taint of desperation, emanating from the both of them.

Brad had told him to make Aya hope again, and that's what he'd been trying to do ever since he'd found out about Aya's past. But it seemed as if he was getting nowhere. Yes Aya had begun to open up to him, to let Yohji drag him off to this store and that, and was beginning to stand up for himself to others. But… Aya wouldn't say anything when he tried to talk to him about remaining at the Koneko after the wedding, or when he tried to make any future plans. The situation was intolerable.

What made Yohji so desperate was the fact that each day he needed Aya more and more. The thought of the redhead leaving him fanned his hunger, made him ache to claim his lover. To be away from Aya, even for a short while, left him hollow and chilled, deprived of the sunlight he craved. It was as if he wasn't feeding from just sex anymore, but from the man's mere presence as well.

Feeling Aya's emotions, even if only faintly, wasn't helping either. As Yohji worked hard to train his power each night, the link between the two of them became stronger. He felt his lover's growing confidence and love, but also his despair, fear and confusion. He knew Aya was torn and undecided, wavering over what choice to make, and was doing all he could to make sure Aya chose him. However, the more he pushed the more the stubborn fool dug in his heels and refused to contemplate a future with him. It was enough to drive him mad.

It hurt so much that Aya could give in to him in passion and need, but remain hidden behind his defenses on everything else. Yohji had tried battering his way through them moments ago, had needed to make Aya realize how foolish it was to try and keep them apart when they belonged to each other. He'd felt something during the sex, something that had given him hope, but was too afraid to put much faith behind it. It wouldn't do to slack off, confident he'd made some ground, and risk losing the man he loved.

Yohji lay there beside Aya, cloaked in shadows and surrounded by the scent of lavender. What he wouldn't give to spend endless afternoons like this. Each day he became more aware of what it meant to be a bound, of his powers and the prejudice his kind faced. But he also realized that, barring a disastrous fate, there would be centuries of such afternoons ahead of him. That thought had scared him at first, but now he felt himself reflecting on how they couldn't possibly be enough. All he had to do was ensure that Aya would be there with him.

*******

Sipping his coffee, Botan sniffed the air, breathing deep the scent of freshly cut herbs.

"That's rosemary. What type of tincture are you going to use that in?"

"The one I use to baste lamb. Not everything involves magic or formulas, I'll have you know." Cassandra looked over her shoulder and shot him a disapproving look.

Hiding his smile behind his mug, Botan had another sip of coffee. He so enjoyed his morning sojourns here at the tiny woman's house and was glad that he had taken her up on her offer of a visit. Ever since he'd first done so over a week ago, he'd come back each morning for coffee and a lesson. Cassandra's knowledge of herbs far exceeded his own, though he hadn't any luck with the divinations as of yet.

"So, lamb for dinner. Are you eating by yourself, or will your son be joining you?"

"Feh, that one." She sniffed loudly and attacked the rosemary with renewed vigor, slamming the pestle down again and again. "Trouble only darkens my door lately to raid my library and larder, and then disappears in a blink of an eye. I never imagined the day when I would raise such an ungrateful child."

A child that Cassandra normally lauded praise on, mentioning his looks and intelligence again and again. Botan wondered if she knew what her son did for a living, but couldn't see how she didn't. While denial could be a powerful thing, she was much too clever to be fooled. Not to mention she never discussed Schuldig's occupation.

He had the impression that the boy didn't care for him very much, especially since he'd arrived at the doorstep the other day to find Botan sitting at his mother's table, sipping a mug of coffee much like he was doing right now. Green eyes had stared at him intently for a moment, and then had ignored him the entire time of Schuldig's visit. Which had earned the young man a slap to the head and a diatribe about manners. Botan had almost spit out his coffee at that scene, and had been hard pressed not to laugh. He didn't think it would endear him to Yohji's friend.

"So you're eating alone tonight?" Why did he care?

"No, a certain thickheaded wizard will be dining with me. I need to ensure that he doesn't pass out from casting too many spells while skipping meals."

It took a moment for the words to sink in, and Botan looked up to see Cassandra gazing at him once more, her eyes sparkling. He smiled at the woman.

"What time should that thickheaded but grateful man be here then?"

"Seven o'clock."

There was a state function he should probably be attending this evening instead, but there was no way he was going to turn down the invite. No doubt as soon as he told Birman his plans the nosy woman would jump up and down with joy and provide a decent excuse for him. His friend had been ecstatic to hear that he was spending time with a woman.

However, Cassandra was probably not what she had in mind. One could tell the woman had been a great beauty in her youth, but years and hardship had taken their toll on her. Yet despite the premature wrinkles and grey hair, the slight woman acted as if she was still a young girl, both in temperament and actions. Cassandra moved about with endless grace and energy, and it made Botan's heart light to spend time with her.

He'd missed this so much, spending a morning with a woman he respected and cared for, being bullied and fussed over in turns. Not since Kyoko's death had anyone done that for him, not even Birman. Oh, she'd tried, but despite their friendship, or perhaps because of it, there remained a bit of distance between them. Their teasing went only so far, and that was that. Both of them were too occupied with their jobs, and Birman with her affair with a married lord. They looked after each other in their own way, but that was all.

Cassandra, in the short time he'd known her, had chided him about failing to eat or sleep properly, had mended several of his shabby robes and presented him with some new ones, and had even cut his hair for him the other day. It was a flurry of domesticity that Botan found that he had keenly missed. He really had let himself go after his wife's death and Kaede's abduction.

Pushing the dark memories aside, he rose to his feet to fetch some more coffee. Stepping next to Cassandra, Botan inhaled the scent of hyacinths, which had been masked by the more pungent rosemary. Pouring himself some more coffee, he found himself shifting closer to the woman, enjoying her presence and perfume. Grey eyes stared up at him, and without a thought on his part, Botan pushed aside a lock of silver hair that was falling onto the woman's face.

The action had him blushing, and he immediately returned to his seat. Great, now he was acting like a schoolboy. The last thing he needed at the moment was to develop a crush on someone. He was much too busy with preparing things for the wedding and trying to track down any and all information on kage and other bounds. Now was not the time for a silly infatuation.

Never mind that Cassandra made him smile and had a bright mind that endlessly amused and astonished him. It wasn't often either that one found a woman his age who wasn't already married or occupied with a family. A small voice told him to seize the opportunity that was being presented to him, and try as he might, Botan couldn't force himself to decline Cassandra's offer of dinner.

The woman once again glanced over her shoulder at him, a mysterious smile hovering on her lips. Botan had the impression she knew something he didn't, but it was a familiar feeling the past few days. It seemed as if Cassandra was privy to the secrets of the world at times, and she loved shocking him with some outlandish or obscure statement and hadn't been wrong yet. It was all part of the intrigue that surrounded the woman.

"My father was a fisherman, I'll have you know. Could charm the fish out of the sea, that man could. But he always told me that the more a fish struggled, the deeper the hook bit. Resist Fate too much, and it drags you about by the scruff of the neck. Not very dignified, that." Grey eyes were sparkling once more, filled with mischief and even a hint of sympathy. Not knowing what to say, Botan continued to sip his coffee.

*******

"I'm sorry."

Yuushi stared at his captain for a moment, letting the impact of her words sink in. His hands gripped the padded arms of his chair tightly, causing the wood inside to creak.

"It's not that I think you're unqualified. You're a very bright, honorable young man. But you're too young. Three years younger than I was when I assumed this position, to be exact, and the Guards suffered those first couple of years because of it. People here at Court, and elsewhere, would do their best to take advantage of you for that fact, and I don't want this organization to go through a repeat of that. Kikyou is the better choice as Captain."

Manx continued to stare at him, her face showing a hint of sympathy. Releasing his hold on the chair, Yuushi nodded his head and tugged at his long blue coat. The room was silent for a moment, and it dawned on him that the redheaded woman was waiting for his response.

"I can understand your concern, but is it any better having a noble in one of the few Court positions that have always been held by a commoner? There are bound to be repercussions because of that." He hadn't meant to ask that question, or at least not like that, but it was a bit difficult to contain his anger and shock, and Yuushi wasn't known as a prudent man when either of those emotions affected him. That fact alone would probably be basis enough for him not becoming Captain of the Guards.

A look of anger and annoyance flashed over Manx's face, and for a moment he felt smug. No doubt she'd heard that question many times while she had been mulling over her decision, and she had to realize it would continue to haunt her for some time to come.

"Kikyou is a _former_ nobleman. He's given up all claims to his family title, even going so far as to drop his family name. I don't see what that has to do with him being a suitable choice as Captain at all."

Then she was a fool. Biting on his tongue, Yuushi nodded his head and rose to his feet. Normally he'd have waited for the woman to dismiss him before preparing to leave, but he had to get out of the office right that moment. "Very well, then. Good day."

"Yuushi, please wait." He stopped in front of the door and turned around to gaze upon his Captain. "I'd appreciate it if you don't make my decision public just yet. I plan on announcing it shortly, but I wanted you to know first, and to grow accustomed to the fact. There has been a lot of division within the Guards over my successor, and I hope that you'll be able to help with the transition as much as possible. You're one of the best Guards alive, and Kikyou will need your assistance, not to mention your support."

"I won't go around announcing your decision, ma'am. As for my help… I would never do anything to endanger the Guards. If Kikyou wants my assistance, all he has to do is ask."

Manx's face tightened again, and that caused the anger building inside him to flare. Even she realized that Kikyou wouldn't stoop so low as to ask for his help, which is why she'd tried to gain it this way. Well, Yuushi Honjyou wasn't anyone's lackey. He'd do what he could to keep the Guards from fragmenting and continue doing his job to the best of his abilities, but that was it. Let _Captain_ Kikyou come to him if he needed any assistance with his new position. Better yet, let Manx be the one bailing him out. He'd never liked the prim bastard and wouldn't go out of his way for the man at all.

"Good bye." Bowing slightly, Yuushi left the office. He'd finished his duties for the day, and the talk with Manx had been scheduled at the end of his shift. There was no reason for him not to go back to the rooms he shared with his friends. Where he'd more than likely spend the rest of the night. Yuushi didn't feel like attending any parties at the moment and would beg out of the night's plans.

Some concerned looks were sent his way as he stormed back to his apartment, refusing to talk to anyone along the way. He felt like hitting something and needed to get someplace safe where he could vent his anger. He'd always had a bit of a temper, and right now it was pretty foul. If Yuushi didn't watch out, he'd be involving some poor unsuspecting person in a fight, using the physical activity to relieve pressure. Not a good idea, especially when that person could possibly be an ambassador or noble of some sort. The last thing he needed to do at the moment was convince Manx of how right her decision was.

Reaching the safety of his quarters, he opened the door and slammed it shut behind him, startling his two roommates. Reiichi and Naru glanced up from the chessboard they'd been bent over, frowning at him for the interruption. They soon forgot about the game, however, when they caught sight of Yuushi's face.

"I take it that you're not the new Captain of the Guards, then?" Reiichi asked, his tone civil and soothing, and the bespectacled man rose from his seat to pat Yuushi on his shoulder.

"Hell no." He suffered the touch, and then stalked over to the room's couch and dropped onto the comfortable piece of furniture. "I mean, it wasn't as if I was really expecting her to choose me, but…."

"Let me guess, she gave the position to Kikyou."

"Kikyou?" Naru blinked his eyes, looking back and forth between the two older men, and then frowned. As his shift didn't start until later that night, he was dressed in an orange and brown striped tunic that clashed with his purple leggings. Just the sight of the young man, who looked several years younger than he really was, almost made Yuushi smile.

"She chose Kikyou over you after all? Is she nuts?"

Reiichi made a tsking sound and patted his young friend on the shoulder. "One shouldn't talk about their supervisors in that manner, Naru. It's very disrespectful."

The young man flinched at the lecturing tone, appearing regretful for a moment, but his indignation soon returned. "It's also disrespectful for her to treat Yuushi like this! He's the best Guard around. What excuse did she give you?"

Feeling his anger start to fade away, Yuushi sighed and rested his right forearm over his eyes. "That I was too young."

"Which is bullshit!!! Everyone knows that Kudoh was slated to take her position should anything happen to her, and he's your age. She just picked Kikyou because she's trying to get in good with the Court!"

"Naru, be quiet." It wasn't often that Reiichi raised his voice in anger, but when he did, people shut up and listened. "That is exactly the type of talk that is dividing the Guards, and I won't hear any more of it."

"Neither will I, kiddo." Sitting up, Yuushi treated his younger roommate to a stern look. "Technically I shouldn't have told you her decision, but I know better than to try and keep a secret from you guys. But the news isn't to go any further than this room. I don't want any fights breaking out over this."

Nodding his head in approval, Reiichi offered him a sympathetic smile. "I'm glad to see you thinking rationally. Thank you. How are you feeling?"

"Like shit." Sighing, Yuushi started to unbutton his long coat and then removed it. "I didn't really think I would be the Captain, and it's not like I joined the Guards solely in the hopes of attaining that position, but…." He tossed the jacket aside. "I do the best job I can, as honorably as possible, and the chance of being something that I know generations of Honjyous have longed for over the years comes my way, and I fail to achieve it."

"You didn't fail, Yuushi. It's just that, in this instance, politics won out over better judgment. I can see why Manx would choose Kikyou; it will help with her becoming Queen if she has a nobleman in a high Court position obligated to her. Plus, it will placate many of the nobles who don't want to see a commoner on the throne, now that one of their own has attained a position that was never open to them before. And technically, he's not a noble any longer." Reiichi sighed and sat down next to him. "He's not really that _bad_ of a choice, though you would be better."

Yuushi smiled weakly at his friend's defense of him. "Reiichi, let's face it. I've a short fuse, and I don't cater to anyone solely on the basis of their birth. I wouldn't have been the best person to be Captain, and to tell the truth, I'd probably be miserable in the position. I like helping people, like doing something that I feel makes a difference, and am not very sure I'd feel the same way about my job if I was just a bureaucrat."

"Which is why you would have been a good choice. You've never been blind to your own faults, Yuushi, and you treat people the way they should be treated, based on their merits and not titles. It's just lousy timing on your part, to be a candidate when a commoner is about to become the queen."

"Yeah, look on the bright side. Maybe in another couple of years Kikyou will come down with a pox of some sort, or choke on his wine, and then you'd be sure to get his position. Hey, ow, stop it!" Naru tried to dodge the pillows being tossed his way.

"Don't talk like that, kiddo, it's disrespectful."

"Indeed, yes it is. It wouldn't do for anyone else to hear that remark. There's already enough dissension within the Guards for people to start thinking that an `accident' would make things better." Treating Naru to a fierce look, Reiichi settled his glasses more firmly on his face.

"I'm sorry. I'm just upset for Yuushi."

"You know," he mulled in a quiet voice, "I wouldn't mind it in the slightest if Kudoh were still in the Guards and had been chosen. Or even if you'd been picked, Reiichi. You'd be a lot better at administrative work than I'd be. I just don't like that Kikyou won it."

Shaking his head, the blue-haired man smiled sadly. "There's no chance of me ever being Captain, I've made too many enemies. One doesn't spend their career investigating what illegal activities the nobles get up to and expect a position at Court. But you've never liked Kikyou. Why?"

"It's hard to explain. Something about him just rubs me the wrong way. I get annoyed while in his presence. Part of me wants to smile at him and agree with everything he has to say, and another part wants to smack me for feeling that way and him to boot. He makes my skin itch."

"He does have a way about him, a certain magnetic personality. It could be to the Guards' benefit if he's our new Captain"

Yuushi considered that for a moment. "Possibly. I don't know, I've always felt as if he has some secret agenda."

Reiichi gave that statement some thought. "He did join the Guards because of his sister, from what I understand. Insisted on being involved in her murder investigation. The man practically begged me to give him the case. But despite his fervor, he's never found any suspects. I've always wondered about that. I know they had to be nobles, just from the circumstances surrounding the case, and never knew if he was hiding them out of misplaced loyalty, or if he considered them too unreachable. It's the only case he's failed to solve."

"The man's just strange," Naru commented. "Yeah, he's all nice and everything, but… his smile almost never reaches his eyes. And I've heard a rumor that he's suddenly become very interested in some guy Yohji is dating. Those two never got along."

"No, they didn't." Reiichi seemed to contemplate something for a moment, but then shook his head. "Ah well, no matter how much we might personally dislike the man, the fact remains he'll soon be our new Captain. Not much we can do about it, unless we quit the Guards."

"I know," Yuushi said quietly. "I don't think I'm going out with you guys tonight, I need some time to think and to calm down. I don't want anyone else finding out about Manx's choice before she announces it, and I need to figure out what I'm going to do. I've always held the Guards in the highest esteem, and it's… a bit crushing to have how political we've become rubbed in my face."

Naru and Reiichi exchanged looks for a moment, and then the older man gently wrapped his arm around Yuushi's neck. "Whatever you decide, just know that we'll support you a hundred percent. It wouldn't be the same without a Honjyou around here. Things have been bad enough with Kudoh gone; I don't think I could take the Guards losing all of its traditions."

"Yeah, and it's not like I have much to look forward to, other than to play some runaway kid for a pervert to feel up so my squad can make a bust. As long as I look like this, I'm never going to be taken seriously." Naru made a face. "Hell, they won't even give me guard duty anywhere, since Manx insists that I look like some kid impersonating a Guard. That's why I was hoping you'd be the new Captain, since you know what I'm capable of."

"Which is trouble," the two older men said in unison. Feeling a genuine smile on his face for the first time since his meeting with Manx, Yuushi let out a short bark of laughter as Naru started a pillow fight. Reiichi protested over the danger presented to his glasses, but Yuushi noticed that his friend was giving more blows than he received. Naru and he decided to take the formidable man on.

*******

Birman regarded her associate intently. "I take it things did not go well?"

Manx sighed and rolled her shoulders, as if trying to loosen tense muscles. "That's quite the understatement. Honjyou didn't take the news well."

"Can you blame him? He's one of the best Guards you have and is highly regarded."

"Yes. He's also too young and is short-tempered. I can just see him hitting some nobleman who dared to argue with him over a matter. The Guards can't afford that at the moment."

No, _Manx_ couldn't afford that. The woman was not even the queen yet, and she was playing politics. Birman shook her head, but kept her opinion to herself. It wouldn't do to get into a fight at the moment. While she respected the other woman, and they worked well together, they couldn't exactly be considered friends. Manx disapproved of her secrecy and relationship with a married man, and she disapproved of how much the redhead was sacrificing for her marriage. Shuuichi had his heir; it wasn't like they had to be married. Birman didn't see why the two didn't just continue with their relationship as they always had. Too many things were being negatively affected by their insistence on making it legal.

"On the other hand, Kikyou is a touch arrogant and is very difficult to pin down in any regard. Yes, he's charming, but one never knows what he's thinking. Also, he's a bit too ruthless for my taste, and others as well. It's very easy to like him, but trust…?"

"He won't be an easy target for the Court. Shuuichi needs a strong supporter and has to make amends for forcing his choice of a bride down their throats. Where's the harm in no longer segregating positions on the basis of birth?" Manx looked at Birman beseechingly, and then turned her attention back to her paperwork.

Birman recognized an end to a discussion when she saw one. Any further protest or comment on her part would be countered by `it's what's best for the king'. Manx was fiercely protective of her lover, and would blindly do what she thought was best for him. This was not an argument she was going to win.

"It's such a shame that Kudoh isn't here."

That got Manx's attention. "Yes, he would be a suitable choice. He'd `charmed' many a noble, and they wouldn't find him to be a questionable replacement. But that's out of the question now. Even if he did rejoin, the past year has not been kind to his reputation."

"He seems to have undergone a change of heart. I have some hope of being able to recruit him yet into my service." Birman pulled a chair away from the wall and set it in front of Manx's desk. She sat in it, taking care not to wrinkle her rose colored gown. She's spent the day charming visiting dignitaries, none of whom were aware she was the king's Spymaster.

Green eyes regarded her curiously. "You're still interested in him? And what's the cause of this sudden hope? Last I heard, he'd told you he wouldn't return to the king's service short of Esset declaring eternal peace with Kritiker, and truly meaning it."

Actually, the last statement that _she'd_ heard regarding that topic had contained a lot of swear words. "Yes, I'm still interested in him. Kudoh has a natural talent for reading a crowd and blending in, not to mention his remarkable `charm'. He should have been assigned to me in the first place; only the fact that Kudohs have always gone to the Guards is why he wasn't. But I think there's a matter that I can help him with, and it won't come without a price." No, not if what Omi had told her was true. It seemed that Yohji had decided to rescue a stray who might have an angry lord showing up sometime soon, wondering why his servant hadn't returned home, and might need a favor from someone very high up in Court. She already had spies investigating into Naoe's background due to Omi's interest in him and had included Aya in the background search as well.

"So, when will you make your announcement?"

"Oh, in another week or so. There haven't been many fights amongst the Guards lately, and I want things to cool off a little more before I rile everyone up again." Manx's mouth twisted in a bitter expression, and she tossed her pen aside. "As if I don't have enough to worry about. Planning a wedding, making sure security is adequate, and facing the prospect of Reiji and his sons returning to the city is quite enough. I just hope that Jonsten finds something that will make the bastard and his spawn run right back to their home after the wedding."

That wasn't likely. Birman had spent the last several years trying to dig up incriminating evidence against the prince and hadn't found anything. She couldn't see what one Guard was going to accomplish.

But once again, she refrained from commenting. "You don't have much time, if you want to be ready for the dinner tonight."

"What, is it that late already?" Manx consulted her watch. "Great, at this rate I'll never get this paperwork done." She sighed and looked up at Birman. "I take it you won't be attending the dinner?"

"No. I'm trying to keep a low profile for the time being." Less chance that way of anyone recognizing her in any of her disguises.

"How about Botan?"

She bit back on a smile as she thought of her friend. "He's occupied with pressing matters." Such as having a life for the first time in years. Birman was ecstatic for the wizard, even if he was refusing to admit to any attraction for this Cassandra. She hoped she didn't have to smack some sense into him.

"Oh."

For a moment Birman felt a twinge of pity for the other woman, but it was soon squashed. Manx had brought this upon her self and had to realize sometime that she would soon not be able to count on her friends and coworkers as she once had. She would be the queen, and some distance would be required. After all, everything came with a price.

*******

"And over there is Lord Li's house. The poor man, his grandfather insisted in painting it in the family's colors, and that it remain that way as long as they hold their title. Orange and blue look nice together on a flag, but not on such a large structure as that." Omi glanced aside at his companion and caught a hint of a smile on Naoe's lips as the younger boy shuddered in horror. To make matters worse, it was such a dark shade of blue, and a rather vivid orange. "I'll have you know the house is used as a landmark. You can't possibly overlook it."

"No, I imagine you can't." Naoe spared the large house one more glance, and then resumed munching on the sugared nuts Omi had insisted on buying. It was a good thing he had a large allowance, since he spent so much of his money nowadays buying snacks for the two of them. Not that Naoe didn't offer to pay, but he refused to accept the boy's money. Omi found himself doing whatever he could for his boyfriend, even if it only was to fill the bottomless pit that was his stomach.

He felt his cheeks heat at the thought. Boyfriend. It was so hard to believe that he'd found someone to care for, and who cared for him back -- someone who wasn't interested in him only because he was a royal, or was an assignment. Oh, he had his friends in the Guards and the household staff, not to mention Botan, but Naoe knew him only as Omi, and treated him as an equal. Omi found himself enjoying being liked purely for who he was, not his station in life.

They were spending their day roaming the city and had decided to escape the bright sun by walking down the shaded pathway in front of the residences of the realm's lesser lords and officials. It was turning into a rather pleasant excursion, and so far, Omi had managed to steal three kisses. As soon as Naoe was done with his snack, he was planning on stealing a fourth. The nice thing about being surrounded by so many tall trees was the nice shade they provided. It made for excellent privacy. Smiling, Omi chided himself that if he didn't watch out, he'd turn into as big a pervert as Yohji.

"What were Aya and Yohji's plans for the day? Are they out doing any more shopping?" It seemed that Yohji couldn't get enough of dragging his lover out and buying things for the quiet man. Omi was familiar with that sentiment. There was something about Aya and Naoe, something guarded and fragile, and when you presented them with a gift, you caught a glimpse of that side of them. And were rewarded in a touching fashion, either with a smile that stole your breath or even better, a kiss. He didn't think that either young man had received many presents before, other than from each other. Omi didn't like the impression he was forming about their lives back home. He especially didn't like the thought of them returning there.

Naoe kicked at a stone that was in his path. "Yohji told me he'd keep Aya at the Koneko today, since it's so sunny out. Though if I know Aya, he'll be out in the sun anyway, working in the garden."

The possessive and protective tone Naoe used whenever he talked about the redhead made Omi feel wistful and jealous. The two young men looked out for each other to such an extent that it amazed him. Aya would always press money on Naoe, telling him it was for him to buy something to eat while out on his excursions, and when the boy failed to take it, gave it to Omi. That was about the only time the redhead would acknowledge his presence, unfortunately. Naoe would berate Yohji to watch out for his friend, and get on Aya about being out in the sun or working too hard. It was clear they were used to depending on each other, and only each other. Yohji and he commiserated sometimes when it was just the two of them about how hard it was to get behind the stubborn fools' defenses. Why wouldn't Naoe and Aya just trust them and ask for their help?

"Who owns that house over there? The one with all the camellia trees? Should they be blooming this time of year?"

Looking over at where Naoe was pointing, Omi reached out and grabbed the teenager's free hand, intertwining their fingers together. "That's Lord Konno's residence. His clan symbol is the camellia, so he has wizards cast spells to ensure the flower is always blooming around his house. It's very beautiful in the winter, seeing the red flowers on a backdrop of snow. If you manage to sneak in and pluck one of them, it blooms for weeks before dying. But you have to put up with a very grouchy pack of dogs, and an even meaner gardener who's very good at tossing rocks at your head."

Naoe glanced at him, his lips twitching. "Did you get to keep the flower?"

"Yes, but then I had to hide it, since everyone was looking for the kid who scaled the wall and stole it. Although I'm sure they knew I was the culprit, as everything I owned smelled like camellias for a couple of months. But all that happened was I was given more studies for the season." To keep him out of trouble, which had failed miserably.

Seeing Naoe crumple up the paper bag the nuts had come in, Omi tugged on the hand in his, pulling the boy closer. Bending his head, he kissed Naoe on the lips, tasting cinnamon and sugar. His boyfriend tensed at the contact, but soon relaxed, shifting closer to Omi. They enjoyed the taste of each other for several minutes, tongues flicking about in each other's mouth, but didn't go any further than that. If they'd been in Naoe's room at the Koneko, Omi would have dared to rock against the other boy and touch him, but everything was still so new to the two of them that they felt too self-conscious to truly enjoy each other in public.

With a sigh of regret, Omi pulled away, raising his hand to brush back Naoe's bangs as he did so. "If you want a flower, I'll get one for you."

"No, I can get my own." The curt tone hurt, and Omi stepped back, letting go of the boy's hand as he did so.

Only to have his hand captured immediately and squeezed. "…Thank you, though, for the offer."

Reassured that things were fine between them, Omi smiled and tugged Naoe after him. They continued down the road, and he told his boyfriend something about each residence. Some of the lords he'd seen recently at the few social events `Mamoru' hadn't been able to escape. It amused him to know that if they had a clue that the crown prince was outside their home, they'd be rushing out to usher him in and try to win his favor. He much preferred to be out in the heat and sun with Naoe, who suddenly stopped in his tracks, his hand painfully clamping on Omi's.

"Naoe, what is it?"

"That house over there, whose is it?" There was a look on the quiet boy's face, as if he'd seen a ghost.

Omi looked around to see what had attracted Naoe's attention. "Do you mean the house with the wrought iron gates? The ones covered with ivy?" When his friend nodded, Omi continued. "Ah, that's the Fujimiya estate."

"Fujimiya?" Maybe it was his imagination, but Naoe seemed to pale considerably. "There's a Lord Fujimiya?"

"Was a Lord Fujimiya. He and his family died a decade or so ago. They were friends with my- well, with the king." He hoped that Naoe hadn't picked up on his almost slip, but the other teen merely kept staring at the house, or more accurately, the shield emblazoned on the gates, half covered with ivy. It was decorated with a sword and an orchid.

"It's a sad tale, really. The last lord, Ranmura Fujimiya, was very well thought of and held a place of high standing in the court. The Fujimiyas were considered as important as the Etos or the Yuengs. But he fell in love with a beautiful woman who had no family background and was shunned by the court because of his choice."

Pulling at the ivy that covered the gate, Omi continued with his tale. "I don't know how it is in the west, but in this part of the country, no one gets married unless there's a background check done on your intended's family. It's a huge business in the capital, investigating people's background like that. Yohji had several job offers when he quit the Guards from such firms, and one or two are still trying to recruit him. He always was very good at investigating things and winning people's confidence, so they'd tell him anything he wanted.

"Anyway, Ranmura fell in love with a woman named Arashi. She didn't even have a family or clan name, since she'd been abandoned at a temple in the country when just a babe. There was no way to trace where she came from, or more importantly, to find out if she had any… questionable blood in her veins."

"'Questionable blood'?" Naoe asked in a frigid tone of voice, one that made Omi shiver.

"Yeah, like if she had any bounds or other undesirables in the family tree." Seeing the other boy's face hardened in a mask, Omi made a disgusted sound. "Tch, I know, it's stupid. Imagine telling the love of your life you can't marry them or have kids together because they have a five times great grandmother who might have had a brother who'd been a bound. But people actually place a lot of credence in the background checks. Not even the king could gain approval to marry his fiancée until it was decided that, while Manx comes from a `lowly' clan, there was no trace of bounds in her family tree. People can be so stupid."

Naoe joined him in tearing down the ivy, completely uncovering the heraldic shield. "But Ranmura didn't care, and married her anyway. He was slighted at court, and because his new wife felt so uncomfortable there, purchased this house. They lived here for a couple of years, and had a son who people say took after his mother. Then…" It seemed at times he could never escape his past. "Then the old king asked Ranmura to take a position in his exiled son's household. In a way it was an insult, as the Fujimiyas had been ranked only below the Etos until their lord's disastrous marriage, but the king had asked the favor out of desperation. He wanted someone he trusted to keep an eye on the exiled prince.

"So the Fujimiyas left, and several years later all died. I heard that they caught a disease, but some say their house caught on fire with them inside. The present king, who had been friends with the lord, decreed that the Fujimiya lands and accounts were to be frozen. The lord had been the last of that line, and other nobles clamored for the Fujimiya riches. But King Shuuichi prevented that from happening. I guess he didn't want to just give the land away, since it had belonged to a friend who had died in service to him and his father. Maybe one day he'll grant the title and all it entails to someone else. Rumor has it that if he names one of the children from his upcoming marriage as his heir, the current crown prince will take over the estate." It was a bit odd, to be standing in front of a house he just might own one day. It looked nice, much more comfortable than the palace.

It didn't hurt so much that he'd be barred from the throne - Omi didn't want to rule in the slightest - but he hated feeling as if he was kept on out of sufferance. It wasn't his fault, what had happened to his mother, yet he seemed to be the one paying. Even Prince Reiji was being allowed back to the capital for the wedding, though from what Birman had told him, the exiled prince and his sons would be sent right back to their country estate as soon as the festivities were over. They'd not so much been granted a pardon as a brief reprieve. It should be interesting when they found that little fact out.

Tracing his fingers along the shield, Naoe stared intently at the house, as if trying to memorize its every feature. Omi stood beside him for a moment, but after glancing at the sun, realized that they needed to head back to the Koneko if they wanted to be in time for dinner. Manx, after realizing that he'd sneaked back to the inn, despite her wishes, had given him some rather strict rules to follow. He was always to be back at the inn for dinner, where he'd be under the watchful eye of Yohji and the Guards present as people started to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. And he always received an escort home, either from Liss or another Guard. By following those guidelines, he was able to limit his appearances as Mamoru to a minimum.

"Come on, we're gonna miss dinner if we don't leave now. Jo told me she was making fish chowder today, and that's one of my favorite dishes." He tugged on Naoe's hand.

The boy reluctantly followed him, glancing back over his shoulder several times. Omi tried starting a couple conversations on the way home, but Naoe remained lost in his thoughts. It was only the fact that they were holding hands that prevented him from worrying that something was wrong. As it was, Omi wondered if Naoe had some sort of connection to the Fujimiyas, and why he was so interested in their old home.

*******

21