Title: A Different Side of Indifference

Author: iloveprettysilverhair

Genre: Drama, General

Word Count: 500

Rating: PG

Characters: Kijin/Shuurei

AU/Cannon: Cannon

Theme: Letting Go

Behind a thin barrier of wood, Kijin observed the world, watching as people went about their day in relative peace. Most people took his appearance in stride, choosing to ignore the fact that his face remained a mystery, even after all his years in the court. However, there were those others that could not leave well enough alone, thinking taunting howls and jabs at his male pride would make him cave in and take off his mask.

For years he ignored them in favor of keeping himself hidden away. Their words never bothered him, for they were merely words. However, when she entered the court, for the first time in years he felt a pang of shame whenever his strength was put into question.

'Are you not man enough to show your face?'

He ignored that jibe easily.

'You must be quite hideous to hide behind that farce. Do us a favor and keep it on!'

Imbeciles, the lot of them. They had no respect for their higher ups, as Reishin would constantly tell him as he waved his fan furiously in front of his face.

No, the instigators never got to him. He was a man of few words and did not deign it necessary to waste the effort and verbally spare with them.

It wasn't until the headstrong, beautiful girl stepped into the fray that he decided enough was enough.

"You'll never attract a female, fool! Who would love someone they cannot see?" they jabbed.

Fully intending to ignore their attempt at getting him to unmask, Kijin turned away from the small group of burly men. He froze in his place when he noticed Shuurei, merely feet away, staring at him with a look of pity and anger all at once; pity that he had to put up with all the taunting and angry with the scum that dared mock him.

Swallowing thickly, Kijin stepped towards to where she was frozen with indignation.

"Why don't you stand up for yourself?!" she asked him incredulously.

He closed his eyes, grateful for her concern, no matter how unneeded. "It will be best to let it go, Shuurei," he whispered as he continued on his walk.

Her hand wrapped around his suddenly, halting his progress. He looked down at their joined hands, choosing to keep his gaze there.

"But it's not true," she told him quietly. "Those things they say…none of it is true."

"Thank you, Shuurei, but your worry is wasted on me. I have learned to ignore them."

Reluctantly, he pulled away from her and continued on his way. It was the first time he had to lie when saying such a thing. Usually it held nothing but truth, but this time they had said those things in front of her. For the first time in years he wanted to seek retribution; throw a punch, a sharp remark, or even try and prove them wrong.

He stopped on that thought.

'Yes, it would be best to let it go.'