I've been struggling a lot recently. This chapter in particular was really hard for me, just in general. I've been dealing with a lot of stuff right now, but the end of the school year is coming up for me so I hope to be able to bring you guys longer and better quality chapters then.

Over the next fews days, several more roses appeared, all delivered by the same golden eagel. And every time, Yuuri returned them. Yes, the roses were beautiful, but Yuuri noticed that the moment they touched the dark confines of his kingdom, they would begin to wither and die. Unwilling to have that guilt, he would send them back. And every day, they would be sent to him again.

Yuuri rolled his eyes as he walked into his room to see the golden eagle back again with the crimson rose. He peered closer to see a note clutched in its beak. Curious, he released the bird from its burdens, and it fluttered down onto the floor. He peered at the note again:

Don't you know who it is, Yuuri?

-Viktor

There was a tiny heart scrawled next to the name of the king of day. The first name. And his own name was written with such care and precision that it looked almost fake.

Sighing, he picked up a small piece of paper and scribbled a note back.

Of course I do, Viktor.

He grinned to himself. If Viktor wanted to be flirty, he would flirt right back.

Your lovely flowers keep dying, so I can't keep them. I'll trust you understand.

-Yuuri

He looked at the note in his hands. Was it too straightforward? Too out of character for him? Sure, normally he would have taken caution, and wouldn't have responded, due to any attempt to be professional.

Screw professionalism.

He picked up the eagle, but not before scribbling another sentence on the paper.

Your eagle is nice. He needs a name.

The eagle cooed as Yuuri gave him the note, and the already withering flower, which the bird clamped in its beak and flew away, out the window.

The next day

Yuuri returned to his room after a particularly long day, ready to sleep at the first given chance. However, the eagle sat on the window sill again, a note and a rose clamped in beak. This rose was different, however. The other roses were either crimson or a shiny gold. This one was gold as well, but it glowed with sunlight.

Yuuri walked over to the bird, which dropped its load as soon as he stroked a finger across its head. Yuuri looked at the note:

You could have told me that sooner. I hate to hear that my gifts bring you grief. I humbly request that you don't return this one. This rose is made of pure sunlight. It will sustain itself until my magic fades, which I hope is no time soon.

-Viktor

Yuuri smiled at the scribbled heart next to the name, and the note added after that:

Her name is Evangeline. She's my favorite pet, at least until it comes to my dog, Makkachin.

Yuuri smiled, and wrote back his own note.

I would love to meet Makkachin. I actually have a dog as well, Willow. She's very friendly. I think you would like her.

He looked back at the eagle who was preening her feathers on the windowsill. "So… Evangeline." He huffed and sat down on the bed, note still in hand, debating. "What to do with him, Evangeline." He peered over at the bird who was looking at him with glassy eyes. "What the hell," he muttered mostly to himself. Like he had said before, screw professionalism.

He sent off the eagle, and made his way downstairs again. Almost immediately, he ran into his mentor.

"Yuuri," Benz said. "I wanted to talk to you."

Yuuri was confused by the sudden and apparent urgency in Benz's voice. "Is something wrong?" he asked, voice wavering.

Benz smiled sadly. "No, Yuuri. I'm sorry I worried you." He took a breath. "I believe it is time for me to move on."

The words hit Yuuri like a ton of bricks. Benz had finally decided that he wanted to retire. It had been an idea on the table, and Benz had taken great care in teaching Phichit how to take his place. He paused for a moment. "Alright, Benz. Do you think your son is ready?"

Benz smirked. "He's been ready for ages, Yuuri. I'm just as ready as he is, and I'm sure Dao won't mind having me around more often."

It was true. Benz's wife hadn't seen her husband recently, due to the recent eclipse that had taken place. Benz was always busy during those times. "I'm sure that can't hurt," Yuuri murmured, mostly to himself. Then he spoke to Benz. "I guess I'm just glad you've been preparing him for a while now. I'm not sure what I would do without you."

"You'd be fine, Yuuri. I'm only that person that guides you through the way."

"That's much more important than you realize," Yuuri said. "I will be glad to still have you around once it's official."

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