Author's Notes: An attempt to write something canon again after all the AU I've done lately. This was inspired by the observation that Kouyuu wears red earrings like Reishin's in some of the manga and novel illustrations. Considering how Kouyuu dresses rather plainly compared to others around the Imperial Court, I thought there had to be some reason behind the earrings and these drabbles are my little speculation on the matter. I wrote mainly 100 word drabbles for my other fandom but hadn't done any for Saiunkoku so I decided to try here; these three linked drabbles are all exactly 100 words each. For those not familiar with the Saiunkoku light novels, Yuri-Hime is Reishin's wife and Kouyuu's adoptive mother, who only appears in the novels.

Warnings: For the third drabble, don't try this at home!

…

Kouyuu ran through the manor, clutching the newly delivered scroll to his chest. First place in the Imperial Exams! Surely, this would earn him praise from the person he respected most! And did he dare hope Reishin would finally bestow the Kou name?

Despite demons rearranging the house again, he found his adoptive father's study quickly. "Reishin-sama, the examination results have arrived."

Reishin nodded at the scroll placed before him. "Jougen. Anything less would have been unacceptable." He returned to his letters, a tacit dismissal.

Kouyuu's lip trembled as he left the room. It had been the same as always.

…

"Later."

After a day spent threatening the jeweler to obtain what he wanted on such short notice, Reishin sipped tea and feigned nonchalance as Kouyuu glanced questioningly at the tiny wooden box beside his plate.

Finally, "You may open it." Behind his fan, Reishin watched his son's eyes widen at the rubies set in gold, a match to the pair that adorned his own ears.

Kouyuu looked at him with confusion. "But Reishin-sama, I can't wear these."

"Don't lose them." Reishin swept out of the room. He was proud of Kouyuu's achievement but he wasn't about to openly tell him.

…

Yuri-Hime would have assumed Kouyuu was lost again if he wasn't searching her embroidery supplies. "Kouyuu, what are you doing?"

"Yuri-san!" He blushed, caught at this strange task. "I was looking for a needle."

Taking the small box he clutched and looking inside, she understood. "Let me help." She recalled piercing Reishin's ears years ago and warned, "This will hurt a bit."

Kouyuu nodded. "It doesn't matter."

A needle in a flame, a cork from a bottle, and soon the crimson gems sparkled against Kouyuu's ears. Yuri-Hime suspected Reishin would smile behind his fan when he next saw their son.