Weeks, months, and then years passed. The children turned first in teenagers, and then fine young adults. Both boys - but especially Keigo - were quite popular among the girls of the city, be they nobles or not, but only Seiichi appeared modest about this situation. On the other hand, Keigo basked in the attention, in particular from those who were more acculturated and rich - those, in other words, that were closer to his standards.

The trio grew closer to each other, but none of them seemed to feel something different than a family bond towards the others.

Or rather, so it appeared at first…

It began in a very subtle way. First it was stolen glances, quick and unnoticed from the others. Then it became small, nearly insignificant movements - a brush of hair, a touch of the hands. Afterwards, it was the turn of small gifts - a poem, a flower. It did not take long for the presents to become more important: a pair of earrings, a small painting.

At a certain point, Fleur found herself spending more and more time individually with each of them; one day she was being shown Keigo's personal collection of rare stones, the next she was admiring the flowers in Seiichi's mansion's garden. The more time passed, the more affectionate she grew towards them - both of them. Her brothers they were, just as she liked to teasingly call them when they were all three together.

Yet then, something seemed to change. She would laugh louder at Seiichi's jokes, steal more glances towards him, smile brighter. When alone with Keigo, there was a tiny part inside of herself that bugged her, making her feel slightly uncomfortable, almost guilty. She made sure never to show this, and Seiichi, at least, did not appear to notice.

But Keigo did. His Insight was second to nobody, and he could read everyone - anyone - like an open book. He started to notice these little changes, and he knew what it meant. Which was why he had to act, and quickly. He would not do anything showy - nothing more than what he usually did, anyway - but he would not risk to lose her. Not her "friendship", not anything else.

"Mademoiselle Fleur."

Fleur looked up from her desk, where she was currently studying. A few closed books and parchments were neatly stapled at the sides, while an open tome was right in the centre - the one that talked of plant and cures, one of her favourite subjects. "Yes?"

Her personal maid, Arabelle, entered and courtesied gently before nearing her and handing her a small envelope.

Fleur took it and opened it curiously, carefully breaking the wax. As soon as it came off, a delicate scent reached her nostrils. Dahlias.

She smiled, a warm feeling spreading inside her. She already knew who was sending it.

My dear flower,

I would be mostly delighted if you joined me tomorrow afternoon.

A few sprouts have come out and are eager to get to know you.

Also, the mint is ready to be harvested. I would like to prepare the leaves for a refreshing tea.

I'm sure you will not disappoint us.

Affectionately,

Seiichi

Fleur had not realised how it happened, but by the end of the letter, she had the biggest smile. Without further ado, she quickly wrote an appropriate answer and handed it to the maid, who left the room with a fond smile. She had not seen her mistress so excited in a long time.

Which was why, the next day, the maid gladly helped Fleur choose a proper outfit. It needed to be as bright as her, but not too colourful.

"Better to avoid yellow, or the bees will come to me instead of going to the garden." Fleur told the maid jokingly.

Arabelle chuckled amused and showed her an azure dress. "How about this one, my lady?"

Fleur's eyes sparkled and she nodded enthusiastically at once. "YES!"

It did not take too long for her to get dressed up and ready. During early afternoon, as promised, she was riding her family's carriage towards the Yukimura's mansion, not too far from her own.

She was positively surprised to see Seiichi himself waiting for her at the entrance. It was not a servant, but he the one who opened the door for her with a gentle smile.

"My Lady." He greeted, bowing playfully at her and reaching out a hand that she quickly took. As they touched, she felt a faint spark, and at the same time an unknown warmth spread through her.

Seiichi helped her step out of the carriage and gallantly pecked the back of her hand, causing her to faintly blush.

"I'm glad you accepted my invitation." He told her softly.

"I'm glad you asked." Fleur replied warmly.

Seiichi chuckled. She was as adorable as ever. "Come, let us go to the garden."

He led her there, where a delightful scent of various flowers welcomed her. Fleur watched around with a bright smile, taking all in: the colours, the different species, the little animals that inhabited the flowerbeds. A bumblebee flew past her in that moment, heading towards a dark orange dahlia. Fleur blinked, following it with her eyes, then smiled widely and carefully neared the flower, watching the bumblebee do its work.

"It's so fluffy!" She giggled.

Yukimura smiled amused. "I would not recommend trying to pet it, though."

Together they spent a minute standing still side by side, so close that Yukimura could feel the heat of her body warm him. Such a nice feeling it was.

It was not before the insect flew away to a new target and they - or at least, Fleur - lost track of it, that the two straighten up and continued walking. Several big plants and trees covered them from the already strong sun rays, letting them walk peacefully in their shade. Fleur was gently holding on his arm as they chatted and enjoyed the nature around them, slowly heading to the middle of the garden where a small wooden tea house was built.

The girl smiled warmly. Everything was already set: the kettle, a small hearth to boil the water, tea leaves, the finely decorated ceramic cups. Three stairs were to be climbed up to reach the place; Yukimura gently held her hand and helped her up first before following her. Right after he moved the chair so that she could sit down properly, then he sat down in front of her.

Fleur looked at him fondly for a long moment. It was just so peaceful, and he was so gallant! She always felt incredibly comfortable around him. Not only they shared several interests, but he always seemed to know what to do or to say to make her feel appreciated.

Yukimura smiled softly at her and took some of the mint leaves. "Should I do it for you, or do you prefer to mince them yourself?" He asked gently.

"I'd prefer you to show me how to do it." The girl answered. There it was, another thing that she really appreciated from him: that he always asked if he could do things for her (with courtesy), but giving her the choice to refuse. In the latter case, he would never get offended, unlike other males Fleur had known. She liked it when a man offered to pamper her, but she also liked to feel independent - at least a bit, since her status did not allow her too much freedom.

Yukimura started to gently crush the dry leaves between his fingers, letting the fine powder fall in a small holed recipient, which, once done, he placed in his cup.

"There. Then only the water is left." He explained, taking the cattle to pour the hot liquid carefully in the cup.

"Wait, that was it?" Fleur asked, blinking. At his nod, she giggled slightly. "Oh. I thought… I did not realise that it was basically just like a normal tea."

He chuckled softly. "Sorry to disappoint you, my Lady. But yes, it is the same except for the crushing part."

Fleur shook her head, laughing at her own ingenuity, before proceeding to do the same.

Soon enough, they were enjoying their teas together, chatting lightly and admiring the nature around them. Fleur yelped slightly in surprise as a brown, shiny beetle hit one column of the open teahouse and fell on their table, but Yukimura quickly reassured her that it was innocuous.

They leaned closer to observe it try to turn around, since it was stuck on its back. Gently, Yukimura reached over a finger to its fretting legs, and the beetle wrapped all six around it, managing soon to go back to its feet. It emitted a low sound that probably only a Vampire was able to to hear, since Fleur gave no reactions to it. Then, it flew quickly away, followed by two pairs of eyes.

"Kaburieeeeel! Where are you!?"

Yukimura blinked and looked around quickly. He could swear that he had just heard a faint male voice, as if yelling from afar…

"What's wrong?" Fleur asked him, slightly worried as she watched him.

He shook his head slightly. "Nothing, I thought I had heard a stranger's voice…"

The girl giggled. "That's impossible, silly. We're in the middle of your mansion's garden, hectares of property around us. And your security is tight." She gently reminded him. "Also, I didn't hear any voices."

Yukimura nodded and relaxed, though he was still a little puzzled. Indeed, she was right. There were also a magical barrier and several spells as well that guarded the place (not like she could possibly know that, though), so there was really no way someone had really entered.

Perhaps he was just tired.