NOTE: SO YES, Before everybody starts reading I want to thank GUEST-san for reminding me to tell you guys something. Please be reminded that the way KUROKO nd FURIHATA's names are written will be changed for the context of this story. I will post them later thank you very much for the information given by Guest-san I'll remember them.
Chapter 10: Small Animals
Everything was a blur, as if a thick fog had covered everything in sight, and slowly then began to disperse. The moon looked strange, it seems like an eclipse, however the what was covering the moon looked like a gold mantel, and the moon, silver. Then a golden yellow butterfly passed by his vision, turning he found the butterfly fluttering gracefully towards a wandering panther, the panther turned and growled however let the butterfly settle at its nose. Then the image slowly dissolved into the fog as the golden and silver moon slowly joins each other, something about it made him shivered, it was as if the moon were watching with intent eyes though he knows they didn't have eyes. He heard a strange sound of bells, turning ahead he found a full grown Tiger curled and staring with its strange fiery red eyes at him. The bells ring again, it was not the loud bells one would hear usually, it was a tiny sound of bells like those from the hair ornaments of women. The tiger stood in its full height and started sniffing the air, the huge cat made a purring sound when a small light white artic fox appeared in its side, it's big blue eyes were soul piercing. The tiger mewled but as he was about to lick the smaller animal the fox turned away. The image disappeared until he found another one appearing, this time it was a roaring lion, a huge roaring lion, but then as proud and frightening the huge cat seems, for some reason it fell on its knees with a low growl—it was then he realized the lion was wounded, it wasn't until a small shivering stripped kitten approached the huge cat and started purring and against it and tugging its mane as if asking it to stand, the stripped kitten sat with the wounded. The Lion in time stood but as stood and faced the kitten, he stepped back and growled angrily at it…it was then when he realized the kitten isn't any cat it is a—
"…kao-sama…"
Takao groaned, what…who…cracking his eyes open he was assaulted with a bright light, in shock and panic he found himself bolting up, the he found himself in strange place, the room was decorated in a fancy paint of green and brown, the walls were smooth and there was not a trace of anything that would make the place look old or rotten in time at all, in his side was a tall window where the bright light was coming, the drapes were pulled over. The room smelled of tea, it didn't smell like soil and mold. Where…was he? He felt something rise in his chest, a certain fright, he was scared and confused, where is he and what is this place, this isnt his home, he thought in panic, the mattress he sat at is soft and bouncy unlike the familiar old and creaking bed of his, and it was too bright. His room was never bright. Unconsciously he had started taking shallows and quick breathes, his palms were starting to sweat and his ears were ringing. Takao even failed to realize the woman there in the corner trying to call his attention, she seems as frightened as the boy, she didn't know what to say to the guests that the prince had brought with him. Thankfully the door slammed open revealing the emerald green haired prince.
"What is happening here?" the prince asked in his ever so cold voice.
"I-I don't know Y-Your H-Highness, I-I woke him up just as you asked but h-he started looking scared a-and—"
Takao was curled in the bed shaking as he hid under the cover, Midorima was shock…it must have been the quick change of environment, "It is alright, I will handle this. You are dismissed." He said and the servant bowed her head and apologized before dashing out of the room. Midorima sighed, Takao after saving him from that almost death grabbed his hand and made it as fast as they couldback to where Moriyama was, the man patiently waiting for the two stood there. But just as they were about to carry on, Takao lost consciousness. Midorima had to carry him in his back out of the woods and to the capital without rest. Returning to the capital he had him checked by a physician, and just as he thought the raven haired boy was underweight. And the stupid village where this boy came from seemed like some kind of hell hole, the prince wanted to really burn it to the ground however…he knew Takao wouldn't want that. He still needed rest, however, Takao needs to be accustomed to his new life…soon he will have to have an audience with Akashi. "Takao would you calm down." Midorima said. Damn, he isn't any good at this, he isn't really good with communicating with people—as Kuroko would put it, he has a social skill of a goldfish. The raven haired boy didn't stop shaking of course, it doesn't really help people when one tells them to calm down.
The last thing Midorima thought of was putting a hand over the lump of blanket where the raven haired had been. The shaking slightly decreased, which seems to be a good sign, "Takao, it is just me."
"W-Who?"
Midorima sighed, "It is me idiot, Midorima."
"Midori…ma…?"
Midorima didn't hear any recognition in the tone of Takao's voice which somehow sent him in a slight panic. There was a long period of silence before the sickening nickname was heard again, "S-Shin…S-Shin-chan…"
"I told you that is not my na—mph!"
Midorima was not prepared for the next turn of events, the blankets flew and threw away, he saw Takao's figure before it latched against him, the long slender arms wrapped in his neck in fraction of second and another figure pressing against him sending Midorima's mind in haywire—how bold! Midorima is never a touchy person and an embrace to boot! However Midorima couldn't pull away when he felt the slight shaking of the other's body. All of those things were new to Takao, Midorima was even surprised that the other bravely held the dagger and stabbed a man from the same village for him. It must have taken toll on his mental state. In times like this, what is the right thing to say? Midorima didn't know how to calm people with his words usually it ends up the other way than he initially intended. Right now, Takao is literally clinging to him. There is nothing left anymore of this boy, waking up and not finding him just imagine the horror.
"S-Shin-chan…Shin-chan." The name was repeated over in over until the other had finally calmed down. It was as if he didn't need to say anything, the Hawk Child had found his own way of doing so. Midorima pulled away seeing no more reason to be so close. Midorima sighed when he saw Takao's face in the bright lights, his cheeks were almost hollow and his lips were slightly chapped obviously dehydrated and his eyes were…swollen as if he had cried. He has to work on those he couldn't just let him look like so poor street urchin.
"Have you collected yourself now?" Midorima waited for him to say yes but the other just gave a timid nod, he figured he wouldn't start speaking until everything has been explained. "What is the last thing you remember?"
Takao averted his eyes, hands trembled, "I…killed."
"You helped me out, you did it because I was in danger, after that we escaped, but you fainted after getting in touch with Moriyama-dono."
"And…this place is?"
"The Emerald Palace of Shuutoku." Midorima answered, "This will be your room from now on."
"My…room…is it really okay that I—"
"I'll explain the house rules so shut your mouth," Midorima said cutting the other, no way in hell he'll hear again about that is it okay that I am having these things from him. "first of all, you shall be addressed as a part of this court, you shall be my adviser and you shall act like one, I would not hear about I am not worthy of these, should I be really having this, do you understand?" Takao nods hesitantly, "Second you are to never to leave my sight, however if you truly wish to go on and have a few trips I must know beforehand. Third from now on you shall receive private tutoring, I cannot allow someone who couldn't even write his name in my court, I expect nothing but excellence from you. And from now own you shall not shame your title—the Hawk Child, Takao Kazunari, the eyes of Shuutoku."
Takao gaped…what? He didn't understand what court and adviser and stuff Midorima was saying but it sounded…it sounded amazing and praise worthy title. It was the first time someone seems to speak of his name that way. He felt needed here.
"Later after breakfast, I will have to get your measurements."
"For what?"
Midorima sighed, "For your new clothings, I couldn't have you looking worse than the palace attendants." He said.
"Ah, S-Shin-chan?"
"Yes?"
"I…Do you uhm…well uh…never mind I guess."
"Takao, will you stop beating around the bush, speak up."
"I saw a dream." Takao said in his faintest voice, for the first time his eyes didn't show him real occurrence…but rather, "I saw animals."
Midorima's attention had been caught by the word dream, according to Akashi the Hawk Child could predict or see incoming events through dreams as well, "Animals? What of them?"
"I think…well I'm not really sure, I think they're symbol."
"What did you saw?"
"An…eclipse, it was happening very slowly. Then…there was a cat like creature, a butterfly, then a fox but it was a white fox, a tiger and a lion and a small animal, uhm…a kitten maybe?"
"You don't sound convinced of yourself, why?"
"S-Something seems a miss, I don't know."
"What do you think it means?"
Takao was quiet, this is his first time seeing something like that in the dream, "I…don't really know."
"That is alright, let's figure those later, for now, wash up and meet me in the dining room."
.
.
.
Akashi raised an eyebrow, what kind of sick joke is this. He supressed the need to exclaim his brother's name as he stood there watching the trembling and nervous mop of brown head. He expected someone who would look and radiate some kind of latent talent, however, the small figure standing before him was far from latent…he is oblivious and…looks like he was going to faint any moment then. As to why his brother had taken this boy as an apprentice is beyond his imagination, he looked like an oblivious fool as he shook there under his gaze. What on earth did Kuroko even taught this boy? He look like some commoner Kuroko just randomly picked out from wherever God knows. And he was expecting him to let this fool escort him with his monthly tour in the capital, what a joke indeed. What can he even do for him? The boy went to his knees, putting both his hands on the floor and bowing his head lowly at the Emperor.
"G-Good day, S-Shujo." The said boy stuttered, tripped on his own words. Furihata Kouki had imagined many things about the bachelor Emperor of Teiko, he thought he'd be a frowning old man long beard and wrinkled face, angry facial expression permanently stuck in that face, however, the man exceeded his expectation—no, that was actually an understatement.
The morning came and he was called by the fifth prince himself, he was told that his first task is to keep the Emperor in his watchful eyes during his tour, there would be Imperial soldiers with them so there was naturally nothing to worry about if worse comes to worst and they needed to fight—which of course Furihata dearly prayed wouldn't happen. The task was simple, he just needs to escort the Emperor in his trip, if his assistance is needed only then he shall take action. The fifth prince gave him permission to move and meet the Emperor who was getting ready in the Phoenix Court, and that brought him in his current impediment. When he heard that the Emperor was a bachelor, he imagined him as an old man who had such a grumpy face that no one had dared try stealing his heart. However he had proved his own theory wrong. The man standing there amidst the number of servants and soldiers was a young man whose height was barely comparable to his older brother's, however what stole Furihata's attention is his hair. The scarlet hair looked like fire framed in the porcelain and youthful face of the young man under the sun, and his kimono plain white, however his matching haori had a half golden phoenix in full flight carefully stitched using golden threads. Then when he turned to his direction, for a moment Furihata forgot how to breathe.
Something about his mismatched eyes seems so hypnotizing yet…frightening. He didn't know when he started shaking however, the way he stared screamed of danger. There was this air of intense intimidation when they stare right at him making him want to bury himself under the dirt just to avoid the piercing gaze.
"Are you the personal attendant the fifth prince had mentioned to me?"
His voice was like a sharp blade cutting through the air, it was smooth and cold.
"Y-Yes."
"Your name, what is your name?"
"F-Fu-Furihata…Furihata K-Kouki."
Akashi raised an eyebrow, "Furihata…I think I have heard of that name before."
Furihata raised his head in panic—no way in hell the Emperor is to know. "I-It is a f-fairly c-common last name i-in o-our village."
Akashi hummed, "On to your feet," the Emperor commanded. He watched as the boy stood in his full height which was a few inches smaller than of him, which is good. He smirked studying the boy, there was nothing special about him. Well except for those eyes that looked like the color of cocoa and the warmth and innocence in them, he wondered where Kuroko would get someone like this. "I pray that the fifth prince had told you of what is to be done today?"
"Y-Yes." Furihata answered meekly. Akashi nodded and turned face forward, two Imperial Soldiers were carefully pulling a beautiful white horse towards them, Kuroko had told him about this too. Unlike their parents, the late Emperor and the Empress who travelled using a palanquin, Akashi uses a horse, this horse is his favourite. It is a white stallion, Furihata had seen these kinds of horses in Seirin, but of course wealthy people are the only ones who are able to ride them. The horse emmidetaley recognizes Akashi and leaned his nose to his head as if sniffing him. The Emperor gave his favourite animal an affectionate pat.
"Take your post now, Furihata Kouki." Akashi said, he blinked as he realized the words somehow escaped his lips all too easily. He liked the sound of his name in his lips. Now that he thought of it, it is a stunning name. As Akashi mounted his horse, he searched for the clumsy brunette, he found him taking his behind the first line of defense. Pulling towards the line, Akashi called for his new attendant, "Furihata Kouki."
"Y-Yes Y-Your H-Highness?" Furihata turned towards the Emperor, head bowed down in humility.
"Your name…how do you write the characters of your name?"
.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?"
The Queen turned to the eight years old prince holding a framed material, she gestured for him to come close to her which the prince did, coming closer Furihata stared at the strange symbols in ink encased in a fragile looking frame. "You have such a beautiful name, my child." She said in a hushed voice as she took the small hands and placed it to the cold frame, "Look at them, this is your name—"
"Ah…uhm, Kouki, Kou i-is written using the characters of r-red a-and Ki u-using the character for s-spirit[1]."
Akashi's eyes widen in fraction, it was rare that someone uses such name, especially in Rakuzan where the color of red had become the symbol of the Imperial family, but for some reason instead of getting angry, Akashi was amused.
"Who gave you that name?"
"M-My…My mother, Y-Your Highness."
"She is a very intelligent woman," Akashi said, "You should be thankful of having such wonderful parent."
Furihata didn't quite understand, however this is better than anything. He wished that this peaceful days would go on, he could continue on like this, just being Furihata Kouki and nothing else. All he have to do is do what the fifth prince had told him, and the rest will be peaceful, everything will be alright like this. Furihata couldn't wish for anything else. From today on, he shall no longer be called a prince but Furihata Kouki, a mere peasant, a gypsy and the fifth prince's apprentice.
.
.
.
"That's the fourth time you sighed today." Hyuuga's irritated voice resounded, "What is it?"
Kagami folded his arms over his chest, for some reason he didn't like the way or the thought that the Kuroko Tetsuya didn't show up as he said he would. He actually waited for him at the same place, he even bothered to search for the same path in that frighteningly huge hallways in the dark of the night. He didn't know what really frustrated him, he should have been used to it—being ditched—due to Alex whom he lived with after running way from palace, the female retired soldier wasn't really the best in keeping her words, so he should have been used to it, but he was actually disappointed. He was never disappointed when Alex ditches their class in swordsmanship to drink out in the tavern. What made Kuroko's case any different? He was getting frustrated by the thought of actually getting frustrated by things he knows he shouldn't be frustrated about. Kuroko said he works in the palace, what if he was busy, what if he has something to do. Those were valid reasons, but even how many times Kagami had told himself tat, deep inside there was that I wanted to see him though part of him.
"Is the Prince alright?" Mebuchi asked, "Maybe he is feeling unwell?"
Hyuuga shook his head, "No worries, he's just using his bird brain of his."
"Hey!" Kagami retorted hearing the insult.
Hyuuga chuckled, "And he lives." Mebuchi joined the stifled laughs.
"You've been spacing out Kagami-ouji." Mebuchi said. "Is something on your mind?"
Kagami shook his head, "No, its just…unimportant stuffs." He said.
He was scheduled today to walk around in Rakuzan to witness the daily lives of the people, just as how he came there Kagami doesn't want to attract much attention, wearing dark red cloak over a plain white kimono and black hakama the prince casually walked around the famed capital of the great Teiko Empire. They were right then at the market, it was quite a busy place, a few moments ago Mebuchi was explaining to them the methods of entrepreneurship in the capital, people were allowed to make their own business as long as it abides to the standards and law of the Empire, Rakuzan is famed for its clothings, silk and skilled tailors, however it is also the catch basin of products from the three other regions. Yosen's products were crops and alikes, while Too were mostly metal wares and other iron works, Shuutoku's products were woodworks and mostly scrolls and papyrus.
As the walk continued Kagami found himself stopping, a glint had caught his eyes.
"Ouji-sama, what is it?" Mebuchi asked the prince who was staring at the stall frozen in his feet.
Hyuuga raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Kagami-sama is your head up in the air agai—"
"What is this?" Kagami asked the man tending the small stall, the man slowly raised his head which Kagami was surprised to see a blind man. His eyes had faded into gray from old age. The man's smile had a beautiful paint of knowledge and wisdom of his age.
"Which one young man?" The man asked, Kagami turned to Mebuchi to ask him what to do, Mebuchi gestured to him to give the man the item he had found. Kagami nodded and did as he was told. What caught his eyes was a simple ornament, it is a small blue jade fox, its blue was the strangest blue jade Kagami had seen, it was neatly crafted that the markings and details of the fox's design was so clear, it was the same blue of that person's eyes. It was tied using a gold strings, and down connecting the several strings and ending the loop was a small darker bead that seems like a crescent moon. Kagami carefully took the item from the small stand and handed it to the man. The man took it in his hand tracing the details with his fingertips. "Oh, my look what you have got, this one is my favourite as well."
"H-How much would you sell it?" Kagami asked.
"Oh? Is this for the one who have stolen your heart?"
Kagami's eyes widen and he felt his face flushed, to think that he is actually thinking about Kuroko right then, how shameful of him. However, he couldn't say thinking about the other disgusted him, it actually did the other way around, which made him adore the small handheld ornament. "N-Not really, j-just a friend."
"A friend?" Hyuuga raised a brow.
"I-It is the truth!" Kagami retorted, however the blush in his face made him feel any more embarrassed.
"Oh, since then how about that one is free for you." The man said giving the prince of Seirin the item with a soft smile grazing his lips, nostalgia swept in his expression. "I have actually made this my daughter, she admired the mysterious fifth prince."
"The fifth prince?" Mebuchi asked raising an eyebrow and taking a peek from the item, he blinked in surprise as he saw the item, it is indeed the symbol of the fifth prince, the mischievous and yet intelligent blue fox spirit. The moon meant had become the symbol for the prince's name. During Akashi's ascension to the throne, the fifth prince who had taken the duties of the late Empress had left after her tragic death became popular among the people in the capital especially young women who were awed by the mystery of the fifth prince's presence. His symbol of the blue fox spirit had become very popular ornament for many young women. However few actually manufactured due to the intricacies of the fox's details.
"Where is your daughter?" Hyuuga found himself asking.
"Oh…she had passed away."
Kagami's eyes widen, "I-I can't take this, i-it means a lot for you."
"Please, have them." The man said, "I am sure she will be happy that this would make someone else happy."
"Huh? I-I can't I mean this is your—"
"No, please take this small gift from this old man," he said putting the item in Kagami's hands, "Oh, wait, are you perhaps a part of the garrison?"
Kagami blinked, "H-How can you say?"
"Your hands are calloused like the soldiers," The man said, "Hands like this are usually from those who are skilled with swords or weapons, this must be your vacation?"
"Well..sort of."
The man nodded, "Oh then consider this a gift please." He said. Kagami turned to Hyuuga who nodded in approval.
"Alright then." Kagami said accepting the beautiful gift, "T-Thank you."
The man hummed, "Do you plan on giving that?"
"Uh…yeah."
The man chuckled, "Then good luck in courtship, young man."
Kagami's face blushed fifty shades of red as the man said those words, Hyuuga and Mebuchi both snickered behind him. "T-That's n-not r-really—I-I mean that's not that!" he said in embarrassment.
"Oh, young love, I remember back in the days." The man said chuckling.
"Thank you," Hyuuga said, "Thank you but we need to go now."
The man nodded, "Of course, have a safe trip."
.
.
Kuroko held the reports given to him by the head of the department of health in the capital, something seems a miss, the victims of the said poisoning ranges from the middle classes and the labor classes. Something wasn't falling in the right scales. Why only them? It was alarming, if these group of people keeps falling ill what would be of their economy, they need to know what kind of food was causing toxins in this people. Sighing Kuroko folded the report back to its envelope before putting it back inside his sleeves. Fortunately, today the inner court is quiet, everyone is out. His brothers were all back to their regions, Akashi meanwhile is out for his monthly tour in the capital to see for himself what problems must be addressed. He is confident enough about Furihata. The boy must have no extraordinary talent, but there was something about him that made Kuroko feel assured. It was Furihata's heart.
What a strange bunch of princes, Kuroko thought to himself. Both had their heart exposed in their skin, are they not even scared? However, someone who wears his heart in his skin it was something he had to say has its own strength. There was some strange brilliance in their eyes that made Kuroko envious. In Kagami's eyes were passion and raw determination, while in Furihata was innocence and virtue. For someone with his heart kept in in his sleeves, Furihata was the best to compliment his personality, someone who wouldn't easily give up.
I am sure, brother would see it too.
Kuroko hummed and nodded, it is indeed a good idea, for his brother. It is not always that Kuroko would be there for him after all, and he needs to learn to mingle with commoners as well—or at least someone who thinks like one.
Kuroko's ears perked up as he heard a familiar loud and heavy footsteps against the wooden floor. Turning around Kuroko's eyes widen, he saw the most unexpected person running towards him. Unlike the first time they met, today he was wearing a simple white kimono and dark hakama. His bright smile and grin was blinding. To how he came to know where he was Kuroko didn't know, or how he came to see him despite his ever thin presence was beyond his understanding, however…the fact that Kagami Taiga was running towards him is all that he knew. Kuroko managed to contain his shock within the mask of his stoic expression. Stopping before him, the prince tried to catch his breath. He looks…stunning under the colors of the bright light, Kuroko thought. His slightly tanned skin looked healthy under the daylight, his dual shade dark red hair looked like the color of the warm blood, and his eyes were like the red of the fire and roses.
"I FOUND YOU!" He exclaimed, there was excitement in his voice making Kuroko flinch, he realized that he didn't showed himself as what he told him. Kuroko felt a slight pang of guilt in his chest. Why isn't he angry? He should be accusing him of breaking his promise.
Bowing his head to the prince, Kuroko greeted the taller male, "Ouji-sama,"
"Oh, ah, n-no need for formalities, you know." Kagami said, "We're friends after all."
Kuroko's eyes widen, "F-Friends?"
"Yeah."
"But I…I didn't…last night I promised—"
"Ah, you over think too much!" Kagami complained before raising a hand and bringing it to the mop off teal hair as he slightly ruffled it. In usual cases, no one is allowed to touch the fifth prince with such casualty however Kagami didn't know the fact that the teal hair he was ruffling is by from the fifth prince. The fifth prince blushed at the contact, feeling smaller from the other even more. His brothers were never this touchy about him, when he was younger Akashi used to hold his hand…but he never felt like the way he is from the other right now. "Its alright, I understand." Kagami said pulling away, "The Crimson Palace is unbelievable huge, I get it, it takes lots of time to check on things, yes?"
Kuroko didn't reply. He stood there slightly embarrassed by the prince's bold actions. "I…Were you supposed to be out for a tour today Your Highness?"
Kagami shrugged, "Yeah, but we're done anyways."
"And you wanted to see me, why?"
Kagami chuckled and heaved a sigh, "Are all people in this place so uptight?" he said, "I told you we're friends! Do you need a reason to see your friend?"
"Ah…yes?"
"You're such an old man!" Kagami joked, "Oh uhm by the way I actually want to give you something, I got lucky when I saw you."
Kuroko was confused, suddenly Kagami took his hand making the fifth prince shock in the boldness of the other. Kagami surely doesn't know much about the reserved culture of the Empire, holding hands and casual touches were reserved for lovers and couples, and they—No, no, not that, Kuroko mentally scolded himself for even noting that fact. He should have known, this means nothing to the fifth prince. His eyes instead focused on the item Kagami placed in his hand. Blinking he found himself staring at a beautiful hand held ornament. A fox spirit carved in blue jade, gold strings dangles from it that was pieced together by a crescent moon. It was as if it was custom made for him. Honestly it was so beautiful. This…for some reason, even with so many gifts he had received from others, this one seems like the most beautiful. It was obviously handmade, the rough slightly unpolished edges made that obvious yet the details were so intricate and it compensated for that fact.
"It's…beautiful…" Kuroko couldn't help but to run his fingertips in the jade.
"I know, it reminded me of you s-so…"Kagami swallowed the lump in his throat, it felt dry and somehow the way the teal haired male looked at the gift like it was the most precious thing in the world. The way his eyes shined under the sun looks like the sea in summer.
"I can't accept this, its so beautiful Your Highness and I am…I am no one." Kuroko said meekly.
"What?" Kagami blinked, "Come on, I mean I can't give that back to the old man where I got that, right?"
"You…you did that…you did all those for me, for this?"
Kagami nodded, "Well didn't I told you it really reminded me of you so…"
Kuroko nodded and finally accepted the gift, "I would treasure it with all my heart Your Highness." He said pulling it close to his chest, opening his eyes he looked at the prince, "However, I couldn't accept this without giving you anything in return."
"You don't have to." Kagami said scratching his cheek, damn why does someone a guy to boot looks so beautiful and so graceful?
Kuroko shook his head. He hesitated for a moment but he did anyways, for some reason he knew he wouldn't lose it, that Kagami Taiga will take care of it as much as he did. Pulling the sleeves of his kimono carefully, revealing a small patch of his milky white skin and the item he had been wearing ever since he was a child. For some reason he realized in both events that Kagami found him, he didn't hear it, he didn't have to hear it to know he was there. The golden bracelet had small bells around the rings. Moving slightly it made a pleasant music. Slowly he unclasped the lock behind it, then with grace he tried to be as bold as the other by taking his hand, he realized his skin was warm, like a comforting warm of the sun. "Have this humble gift from me, please." He said as he placed the bracelet in the other's hand.
"This looks…expensive."
"It was my mother's gift for me," he said truthfully.
"Should you really be giving me this?"
Kuroko nodded, "Yes, please do have it. That is only a meek compensation for this beautiful gift."
"How about your mother?"
"I know she will say the same as well, she would be alright with it." Kuroko said, he found himself unconsciously smiling. His eyes turned to look at the prince in which he was surprised to see a smile, the most gentle smile he had seen grazing the lips of the towering prince of the Iron Kingdom. Was it bad to think that Kuroko thinks the expression in the other's face is quite charming?
"Then, I will take this….and hope to see you soon."
Kuroko's face turned beet red at the word, he found himself shying away. "Y-Yes."
It was an unspoken promise…
.
.
.
"It's the Emperor!"
Furihata could hear the loud cheering of the crowds as they made way in the streets of Rakuzan, there were various establishment and the business looks lively. The people crowded slightly at the tail and side of parade, the people cheered happily like they have seen their idol. Akashi meanwhile ride his horse with confidence smiling at the people, the Imperial Soldiers meanwhile had gathered around them all alerted toward s the crowd gathering. There wasn't anything that seems amiss, however Furihata wasn't feeling good about this. He looked at the horse who seems to feel the same wary. What's this feeling, Furihata asked himself putting a hand over his chest, why is he so nervous all of a sudden?
When was the last time he felt like this again? Furihata doesn't like the feeling he was getting, he constantly seemed anxious, looking left and right. All he saw were happy faces, cheering and words f praise, so what was making his stomach churn and his chest constrict?
"All hail the Emperor!"
Furihata heard that voice, and for some reason he found the Emperor's shoulder tensing at the voice, whipping his head towards the crowd he pulled the horse to stop. Furihata was about to do the same when something else caught his eyes, raising his head towards a building it was then when he found a shadowed figure standing there on top of the roof one of the houses, he was holding something…Furihata's eyes widen.
"Shujo!"
Translation Notes:
[1][2]Kouki- Furihata's first originally is written using the kanji for LIGHT [光] which reads as Kou and Tree [樹] which reads as Ki. However for this context his name will be written using the kanji for crimson[紅] which may be read as Kou and the kanji for spirit [気 ] which is read as reason for this will be explained further into the story