Hey all. I just watched this anime a feel completely in love with it. Ryuuki and Shuurei forever! So here is a fanfic dedicated to them. This may be a oneshot or may not. That depends on how many reviews I get and whether I feel like updating. So read and review. And just a warning, this has alot of spoilers, so if you haven't watched the entire first season, than be warned. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Saiunkoku Monogatari is not mine nor are any of the wonderful characters...sob
It had been four years since that snowy night beneath the sleeping sakura trees. Shuurei had returned to the Sa Province to begin the steps toward their new project. She would return home about once or twice a year to give a report on their progress and attend special ceremonies, but rarely would she come more than that. Shuurei and Eigetsu continued to accomplish many great things in the Sa Province and had earned great respect throughout the nation.
Despite all this, Ryuuki could not seem to force himself to be happy. Not now in this moment, with none but the flowers as his witness. There was no denying he was incredibly proud of them, and his admiration had never been stronger. Nevertheless, his heart ached. Ryuuki was so painfully lonely. He missed Shuurei desperately. He had every intention of holding to what he had told her time and again. He would wait for her and her alone forever. But that did not lessen the pain in his chest, and his heart constricted painful with bittersweet memories of her. Sometimes, he despaired that she would ever grow to love him. Even after all these years, she had still refused to let him kiss her and had always responded that if he was determined to wait for her he would probably have to wait a very long time. Yet, no matter how many times they repeated the same routine each time she visited, and no matter how much it tore him apart inside, he would never give up until she either accepted him or his lungs ceased to take air.
He sighed softly as he took in his whereabouts. Somehow he had wandered to their place again, beneath the sakura trees, the same place that he would meet with her ever time she visited, without fail. Sighing, he shook his head, sealed off his heart for the moment, and, with an undecipherable expression, returned to the masses of paperwork piled on his desk so kindly by Kouyuu and Shuuei. As he shuffled through paperwork, he silently wondered how next week would go, for there was an official gathering, and she was to join them. With a slight shake of his head, he pushed her to the back of his mind and focused on the daunting task at hand. Did the paperwork never end?
Shuurei watched the landscape roll by passively as she stared out the carriage window. She could feel Seiren's concerned gaze on her. He was well aware of the fact the she had always had mixed feeling about being reunited with his brother, the Emperor. She studiously ignored him, though, and instead focused on calming her rapidly beating heart. A part of her was nervous, but another part of her was oddly excited. It had been months since she had last seen Ryuuki. She had a general idea of how this meeting would go, for it was the same every time she returned, but this time, there was something different, and that only served to heighten her agitation.
As with all those years ago, she and Seiren traveled with Tei Yuushun and Sai In. This was not always the case, but on this occasion they had found themselves gathered as such again. Kokujun had stayed behind this time, though, no doubt because of his wife's progressing pregnancy. Ensei was not overly thrilled at being left behind, but Eingetsu required his assistance. Shuurei recalled again the business that needed to be covered will they were here, but this year, she also had a personal matter that needed to be addressed. That matter plagued her thoughts more than any of the issues of state.
She pushed that trail of thought aside as the carriage rolled up in front of her home. Shouka, her father, stood at the gate with a smile on his face, eager to great them. Where before she had felt it necessary to distance herself from him when greeting him as a sign of her new maturity, she had now realized that, with her father, there was no need to stand on principle. It did not make her any less of an adult if she greeted him with warmth and affection.
"Tadaima!" she announced happily to him as she descended from the carriage and walked into his embrace.
"Okaeri," he responded with a smile and then turned his head and repeated the same to Seiren as he walked towards them. The whole group then followed Shouka into the household.
The next day, Kouyuu and Shuuei joined them for dinner, as was anticipated by Shuurei and Seiren, knowing their friends as well as they did. Dinner was lively and much was discussed and caught up on, but everyone on was careful to avoid the one topic that had come to be a sort of unspoken taboo amongst them, for whenever the Emperor was mentioned, the atmosphere always seemed to grow heavier.
Kouyuu and Shuuei took their leave fairly early in the evening, for the next day was the start of the official gathering and all knew there was much work that would need to be done. When Kouyuu and Shuuei returned to the palace that night to finish some last minute work before they turned in, they found Ryuuki, just as they had left him, working diligently under the shadow of the stacks of work that lay set out for him.
They sighed, knowing it was to be expected and simply went about completing their work for the night. Just as they were about to take their leave, they were rather surprised when the Emperor spoke up quietly.
"How is she?" he asked softly, without looking up from his work. The two looked at each other in surprise and then smiled sadly at him, though he did not see it.
"She is doing well," Shuuei responded simply. By the slight nod of his head, they sensed that that answer satisfied Ryuuki, and with that they quietly left, making a final comment that he should be sure to get some sleep tonight for tomorrow would be very busy. With that, they left, and Ryuuki continued to work as though nothing had disturbed him.
Finally, the day had arrived, and the palace was buzzing with activity. Officials greeted each other, politics were discussed and important matters settled. Eventually, everyone gathered in the imperial throne room as the Emperor came forth. He diligently worked with the court discussing plans and issues and hearing reports. Shuurei's turn fast approached. When it came her time to speak, she and Yuushun came before the Emperor as they often had before, and, in a manner that came after much experience, easily laid out the report on the Sa Province's progress. The Emperor listened intently and discussed what needed attention with a calculated expression that did not reveal the turmoil within him that screamed at him to take her in his arms here and now and never let her leave him again. Only Kouyuu and Shuuei were aware of how tense Ryuuki was with her presence.
All matters of the Sa Province drew to a close, and the Emperor was about to move on to the next group, when Shuurei spoke up.
"I have one last matter that I need to address, your Majesty, if you will allow." Ryuuki looked surprised, as did everyone else except for the few who had come with her, with whom she had already discussed this matter.
"Your Majesty, I wish to request that I transfer to a new position, and forfeit my task as Governor of the Sa Province." This caused startled reactions throughout the throne room and Ryuuki's eyes widened in shock. Shuurei continued. "I have, of course, reasons for this request. The Sa Province has improved remarkably and both To Eigentsu and I are much more experienced than when we started out. There is no longer a need for two governors in the Sa Province. To Eigentsu is capable of taking on the task on his own, especially with the assistance of Rou Ensei and Tei Yuushun, and I feel that I may be better used elsewhere," she paused for a moment and then continued in a softer voice, looking directly at Ryuuki as though the next was intended specifically for him, "perhaps here in the Capital, for instance."
Ryuuki's eyes widened even more, and he found himself searching her eyes for her meaning, his heart beating wildly. What could this mean? Was this just Shuurei's level headed thinking as usual or was there more to it? He barely dared to hope, and yet her eyes whispered to him that there was indeed more to it. He reigned in his rapidly beating heart and over excited nerves and calmly responded.
"We shall consider your proposal and if appropriate, set about finding a suitable position for you. We shall inform you of our decision by the end of the week." Shuurei bowed in gratitude, and she and Yuushun made way for the next official. Things progressed, but while no one was paying attention, Shuurei quietly slipped outside.
"I did it," she breathed out in relief as she leaned against the wall.
"It is all up to his Majesty now, my lady," Seiren commented as he walked over to her. She nodded and leaned back, closing her eyes as she calmed her mind. Seiren just stood by her, a quiet comfort. After a moment, he spoke up again.
"You are going to meet him tonight, aren't you?" he asked softly. When she nodded affirmative, he gently queried, "Will you be alright?" He never discussed Shuurei's feelings towards his younger brother with her, but he wanted to ascertain that she was up to meeting with him at the moment.
"I'll be alright," she stated in a soft confidence and then smiled up at Seiren. "You don't need to worry about me." Seiren just nodded that he understood. It would be useless to argue with her that he would always worry about her. After that, the two just stood there in silence for a while before rejoining the rest of the court.
The rest of the day flew by and as evening approached, Shuurei could feel her agitation increase. She was both nervous and excited. Currently, she walked and chatted with Kouyuu and Shuuei through the palace towards the library where the two had work they needed to attend to. When they arrived, she took her leave of them, and by herself, quietly made her way to the sakura trees. It was spring, so they were once again in full bloom, just like that day so long ago, when she had met him. When she reached her destination, she could not help stare at the beautiful branches that swayed above.
"Beautiful," she whispered softly into the stillness. She jumped, startled, and spun around when she heard a soft, deep voice respond, "Yes, you are."
She blushed softly and took in the man the stood before her. His long platinum tresses blew softly in the breeze and around his face, and his gold-brown eyes were intense as they connected with her chocolate ones. Everything was silent for a moment as they regarded each other before she softly whispered, "Tadaima, Ryuuki."
The tension seemed to release, and, just like everything other time, she found herself in his arms in an instance. She did not pull away, she never did. Softly, he whispered into her hair as he held her to him, "I missed you. I love you, Shuurei."
So far, everything had gone the same as it always did, and she knew what was coming next. He pulled away slightly to look at her and his hand trailed up to gently cup her cheek. He then leaned forward, asking without words, if she would let him kiss her. Here, in the past, she had always gently stopped him, placing her hand other his mouth and pulling away. He would then ask her why, and she would respond that she still had things she wanted to accomplish and did not have time to consider love. He would then gently, but firmly swear that he would continue to wait for her. She would tell him he may have to wait a very long time, and he would claim that he was willing to wait forever. All would then be quiet for a moment, before they would move on and just talk about everything that had happened since last they were together. It was their routine, always predictable every time, never changing…until tonight, however.
As he leaned in to kiss her, anticipating the soft pressure of her hand over his mouth at any moment, she did something that he had not dared to hope for these last few years. Not only did she not stop him, but she leaned forward as well until, instead of the soft pressure of her hand against his lips, he found the soft, warm pressure of her lips pressed against his. His eyes flew open in shock as he realized that, for the first time in years, he was kissing her, and even more important than that, for the first time ever, she was kissing back. His mind raced with the implications but he simply closed his eyes for the moment and pulled her close to him as he enjoyed the feel of her mouth against his.
Slowly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, enjoying the closeness and his warmth. After a few moments, though, they pulled away to catch their breath. Ryuuki looked at her, wrapped securely in his arms, in amazed confusion. Taking a breath, she raised her eyes to meet his seeking ones and softly whispered, "Aishiteru, Ryuuki."
With that, the floodgates broke. Ryuuki's knees gave out, and he found himself kneeling before her with his arms wrapped around her waist, and his head buried in the soft fabric covering her stomach as tears rolled down his cheeks. She gently stroked his hair as he released years of waiting, anguish, hurt, and loneliness. Never had he been so relieved and so overwhelmingly happy. As his cries soften a bit she could her him softly whispering against her over and over, "Aishiteru, Shuurei, zutto aishiteru." With all the tenderness and love in the world, she knelt on the ground with him and held him. Even after he had calmed down, they stayed like that, wrapped in each others embrace underneath the sakura trees, for quite a while, nothing but the breeze and the crickets disturbing the peaceful quiet that surrounded them.
After a while, Ryuuki finally pulled away and looked at her with a smile that melted her heart. She now wondered how she had gone all those years without falling for this man. Despite his faults, which she was well acquainted with, he was amazing. He was kind, considerate, loyal, selfless, determined, and brilliant, not to mention incredibly handsome. She had realized not long after her last visit here that she had truly fallen in love with him. Not long after that, she began to realize that the Sa Province no longer needed two governors, since Kokujun had successfully gotten control of the Sa clan, and the Province was steadily pulling itself back together. That was when a plan began to form in her mind. She had always loved the Capital, her home, and missed it dearly. She truly wished she could be more directly involved here. In her heart, she also heard the whisper, now Ryuuki won't have to be lonely anymore. I could truly join him by his side, as he desires.
So the proposal had been formed and discussed with the others. At first they had been surprised and sad that she would want to leave, but they realized that it made sense and set about solidifying the details. She did not divulge to anyone though, not even Seiren, the change in her heart toward Ryuuki. He would be the first to know, and now he did.
Ryuuki watched Shuurei in amazement as she seemed to be lost in thought. She was truly beautiful. His low voice finally broke the silence, though it was not an uncomfortable one.
"Shuurei?"
"Yes, Ryuuki?" she asked, focusing her attention back on him.
"Do you truly wish to stay here? In the Captial?" he questioned, though they both knew the silent question he was truly asking: do you wish to stay with me?
"Yes," she said with a smile, answering both spoken and unspoken. She could have said more, explained more, but she felt a simple answer was better in this case. He would understand what she meant.
Ryuuki's eyes were filled with tenderness as he gently stroked the soft skin of her cheek. He felt so content and at peace, more so than he had ever been. She loved him and wanted to stay by him. That was the deepest desire of his heart, to have her with him forever.
Suddenly, Shuurei laughed softly. Ryuuki quirked his brow in question. She smiled as she explained, "We have both change a great deal since we first meet, haven't we?"
Ryuuki grinned, "Though I am sure I have changed the most."
Shuurei just nodded in agreement, "You have truly become a wonderful Emperor."
"Thank you," Ryuuki responded with gratitude, then pulled her closer to him and whispered, "But for you, I am always first Ryuuki, the man, not the Emperor."
Shuurei smiled in contentment and let her eyes drift close as she leaned forward and caught his lips in another kiss. It was quite some time before either of them pulled away. "Aishiteru," they both whispered at the same time once they finally separated. Ryuuki grinned and Shuurei giggled lightly as she leaned against his warm chest. They stayed peacefully like that for a moment when Shuurei rose abruptly.
"What's wrong, Shuurei?" asked Ryuuki, concerned.
"I completely lost track of time! How late is it? Father and Seiren must be worried about me. I need to get back," Shuurei responded, panicked as she quickly rose and dusted off her dress.
"It is late," Ryuuki admitted reluctantly, also standing. He did not want to be parted with her again, but he knew she needed to return. "Do you wish for me to escort you back?"
She was about to refuse him, but thought better of it. She could tell he truly wanted to and in reality she should not be wandering around alone at night.
"I'd love that," she replied.
Ryuuki smiled happily and gently took her arm and escorted her home. Once they reached her gate, Ryuuki gently leaned down and kissed her goodnight. She kissed him back with a soft sigh of contentment. They pulled away and said goodnight, and then Ryuuki disappeared down the street as she slipped in the gate. She jumped nearly sky high at what was waiting for her on the other side. Her father, Seiran, Yuushun, and In were all standing their looking at her. He father had a silly grin on his face, happy for both his dear daughter and the lonely emperor. Seiran just stood there with a quirked brow, though there was the slightest upward curve at the corners of his lips. Yuushun and In just smiled knowingly. Shuurei blushed deeply, quickly said goodnight to everyone and rushed to her room. After her cheeks had stopped burning in embarrassment, she lay in her bed and with the image of Ryuuki's beautiful smile in her mind, feel asleep happily.
As Ryuuki, lay in bed that night, it did not bother him that he was alone. For once, he could go sleep released of the gnawing loneliness and anguish. He drifted off with a smile on his face and the memory of Shuurei's voice in his ear whispering, "Aishiteru, Ryuuki."
For all of you non-otaku's out there, here are some translations for you:
Tadaima: I'm back
Okaeri: Welcome back
Aishiteru: I love you
Zutto: always or forever
Well what do you think? Should I continue or leave it as a oneshot? R&R.
