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 95) Shuuei/Ryuuki. Ryuuki convinces Shuuei and that he needs him. (Lemon flavour would be appreciated but not needed)
By firewolf
September 2008

"We do thank you for once again staying the night with us, Shuuei."

"It really is no trouble at all, your majesty."

Ryuuki bit his lip to hear the simple response. It seemed only a short while ago that Shuuei would tease him while dropping generous dollops of innuendo about Ryuuki wanting to get into Shuuei's bed. However, ever since their return to Kiyou, it appeared as if the former General had lost all capability of laughter or merriment.

Woe it was that Ryuuki knew why and recognise that there was nothing anyone could do about it. Not when he had an unwitting hand in causing pain to a dear friend as well.

Ryuuki couldn't begin to wonder how Kouyuu must have felt when he was stripped of his titles and rank then thrown into prison, only to realise nearly no friends were around to care that he had been incarcerated. Fortunately, Seiran was still in Kiyou and was feared enough by the guards that he could ensure Kouyuu was treated kindly. Still, Seiran had quietly admitted to Ryuuki that it had been all he could do to keep their friend from falling into a depression for his apparent abandonment by most of his friends and family.

In truth, Ryuuki realised he was glad his Aniue discovered his growing love for Kouyuu. And he was happy for Kouyuu too to have found Seiran whom he regarded with affection and trust.

Shuuei's pain for their growing closeness had been unexpected. And it made Ryuuki wonder if Shuuei understood what his real feelings were, especially after having witnessed his parting with Shusui. Still, he couldn't recall Shuuei 'grieving' quite this badly for her departure in his life. And his 'grief' was despite the fact Kouyuu was still with them in Kiyou; still Shuuei's 'partner' twin flower; and the scholar seemingly treated the man no differently nor bickered any less heatedly too.

However, now Seiran featured more prominently in Kouyuu's life. And it became apparent there was also now a part of Kouyuu which was beyond Shuuei's reach.

It pained Ryuuki to see Shuuei this sad as he stared listlessly out his window. Moving gently, Ryuuki wrapped his arms around his friend from behind him. "Come to bed, Shuuei. Tomorrow will be another day."

"Your majesty--" Shuuei turned towards him.

"Ryuuki, Shuuei. Please call me by my name when we're in my bed chambers."

"Ryuuki, then." Shuuei gave him a ghost of a smile.

"Shuuei-- I know-- You are not Shuurei, and I am not-- Kouyuu." The man flinched slightly at the mention of the scholar's name. "But I want you, Shuuei. That is why I abandoned my kingdom to run after you when you left Kiyou.

"When we're here-- in my apartments—could-- could this not be enough for us?"

"Ryuuki, I--?" Ryuuki did not give him a chance to protest. Instead taking advantage of the moment, when Shuuei was seated where as he stood, to seize the former General's face and crush their lips together.

He put his all in this kiss; his fears for his kingdom; his gratefulness for Shuuei's sacrifice to be by his side; his love for his friend; and his sorrow for Shuuei's pain. With Shuuei's shocked rigidity though, Ryuuki was at first afraid his offer of comfort was rejected.

Then, Shuuei's lips softened and his arms reached tentatively around Ryuuki's waist. And Ryuuki knew this arrangement could work between them.

~owari~

Thanks for reading.
Cheers, firewolf

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