DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to Sai Yukino and Kairi Yura, Kadokawa Shoten, Madhouse Studios, etc., i.e., not me.
I'm just borrowing them for a while to spin a tale
Submitted to the Saiunkoku Fic LJ's Fic Battle

Prompt 88) Shuuei/Kouyuu - trust
By firewolf
September 2008

As the sun began its downward journey each evening, it always herald the arrival of Ran Shuuei with a lamp and a tray of food. From the way his guards easily opened the door to his cell and moved aside for him, Kouyuu knew that the man had been doing this for a long time while he lay in his coma. It seemed even Yuri hime deferred to Shuuei's visits. However, Kouyuu still dared not to hope or carry expectations.

"The palace cook made you a herbal chicken soup today." Shuuei told him cheerfully. "He said he was glad to hear you finally woke up. He assured me it'll put energy in your body and meat on your bones again. Did you know that you're popular with the kitchen staff?"

Kouyuu didn't answer but let Shuuei chatter on. It seemed he was quite used to being the only voice heard while in the cell with him.

The aqua haired scholar still wasn't sure what to feel as the first spoonful of soup was offered. There was no atmosphere of teasing or pity in the gesture, just-- hopeful expectation. And Shuuei had an elated sense of relief and joy about him when Kouyuu accepted the spoons of sustenance.

When the meal was done, Shuuei would leave briefly with the tray and return with a basin of steaming water and a towel. It had surprised Kouyuu that he felt no embarrassment for Shuuei's solicitous assistance in his evening toilet needs. And his body apparently was quite used to its clinical handling in the man's hands.

However, Kouyuu's head and heart still hurt when he thought of Shuuei's absence before and during the first few weeks of his incarceration. And-- Kouyuu also knew it wouldn't be long before Shuurei accomplished her work and won his release from prison. Once Kouyuu left the prison, Shuuei would no longer be visiting him twice daily. He couldn't remain silent any longer.

"I thought you left." His words were spoken softly, but Shuuei still heard it to stop his chattering and finally take a seat on the wooden bed to face him.

"I had always intended to return." Shuuei said these words firmly as he met Kouyuu's gaze.

"For Ryuuk—"

"Not only for the Emperor, Kouyuu." The ex-general cut him off sharply and clasped Kouyuu's hands before them, reminding him of the time they had stood face to face in the darkness of the Emperor's gardens shortly after Kouyuu had saved the maid Kourin's life. "I never forgot my promise to you, Kouyuu. I came back, also for you."

A teasing grin touched Shuuei's lips as he gazed into Kouyuu's eyes. "You won't be rid of me that easily."

Kouyuu lowered his face, his eyes stung with tears as Shuuei moved them closer to pull him into a hug.

~owari~

Thanks for reading.
Cheers, firewolf

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