DISCLAIMER:
The characters belong to Sai Yukino and Kairi Yura, Kadokawa Shoten,
Madhouse Studios, etc., i.e., not me.
I'm just borrowing them for a
while to spin a tale
Submitted to
the Saiunkoku
Fic LJ's Fic Battle
Prompt
88) Shuuei/Kouyuu - trust
By firewolf
September 2008
@>;-'-
As the sun began its downward
journey each evening, it always herald the arrival of Ran Shuuei with a
lamp and a tray of food. From the way his guards easily opened the door
to his cell and moved aside for him, Kouyuu knew that the man had been
doing this for a long time while he lay in his coma. It seemed even
Yuri hime deferred to Shuuei's visits. However, Kouyuu still dared not
to hope or carry expectations.
"The palace cook made you a herbal chicken soup today." Shuuei told him
cheerfully. "He said he was glad to hear you finally woke up. He
assured me it'll put energy in your body and meat on your bones again.
Did you know that you're popular with the kitchen staff?"
Kouyuu didn't answer but let Shuuei chatter on. It seemed he was quite
used to being the only voice heard while in the cell with him.
The aqua haired scholar still wasn't sure what to feel as the first
spoonful of soup was offered. There was no atmosphere of teasing or
pity in the gesture, just-- hopeful expectation. And Shuuei had an
elated sense of relief and joy about him when Kouyuu accepted the
spoons of sustenance.
When the meal was done, Shuuei would leave briefly with the tray and
return with a basin of steaming water and a towel. It had surprised
Kouyuu that he felt no embarrassment for Shuuei's solicitous assistance
in his evening toilet needs. And his body apparently was quite used to
its clinical handling in the man's hands.
However, Kouyuu's head and heart still hurt when he thought of Shuuei's
absence before and during the first few weeks of his incarceration.
And-- Kouyuu also knew it wouldn't be long before Shuurei accomplished
her work and won his release from prison. Once Kouyuu left the prison,
Shuuei would no longer be visiting him twice daily. He couldn’t remain
silent any longer.
“I thought you left.” His words were spoken softly, but Shuuei still
heard it to stop his chattering and finally take a seat on the wooden
bed to face him.
“I had always intended to return.” Shuuei said these words firmly as he
met Kouyuu’s gaze.
“For Ryuuk—“
“Not only for the Emperor, Kouyuu.” The ex-general cut him off sharply
and clasped Kouyuu’s hands before them, reminding him of the time they
had stood face to face in the darkness of the Emperor’s gardens shortly
after Kouyuu had saved the maid Kourin’s life. “I never forgot my
promise to you, Kouyuu. I came back, also for you.”
A teasing grin touched Shuuei’s lips as he gazed into Kouyuu’s eyes.
“You won’t be rid of me that easily.”
Kouyuu lowered his face, his eyes stung with tears as Shuuei moved them
closer to pull him into a hug.
~owari~