30) the sound of waves
He found Tenpou as the soldier said, at the river, reading in a boat and letting the boat drift freely. He stood at the shoreline, crossed his arms and didn't know whether to be angry or laugh.
"Tenpou!"
The Marshal looked up and around, disoriented, before eyes landed on him and the corners of his mouth tugged upwards. Tenpou put the book down, and rowed over to him. He jumped into the boat and the waves started lapping at the boat again.
"What brings you here, Kenren?"
"I was looking all over for you, damnit! Why did you come all the way out here?"
Tenpou smiled jauntily. "I don't know. It was on a whim."
Kenren scowled. "Hmpf. Anyway this is for you." He thrust the flowers and chocolates at Tenpou.
Eyes brightening, Tenpou exclaimed, "Oh! Why?" inhaling the petals deeply and ringering it gently, "These do give off quite a fragrance."
Kenren snorted. He didn't believe Tenpou had completely forgotten or had no idea what it was about. Still, he humoured him. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Oh yes, I've forgotten it was today," Tenpou mused dreamily and Kenren was half-inclined to believe him. "You remembered. Though traditionally the giving of flowers and candy is from a man to a woman."
"Oh. I didn't know that."
"It's all right. However, it should be a gift exchange, and I didn't prepare anything for you in turn."
Kenren smiled smugly. "You can reward me in some other way," and pulled Tenpou in. As his lips found their match, he heard Tenpou murmur lightly, cheerfully, "I believe I can, yes."
Tenpou smiled. It was too easy, really. One gets greater enjoyment and satisfaction when one has to work hard for it, after all.
A/N: I loved writing this fic, hope you enjoyed reading it too.