Amber. Blink. Hmm… there's a draught. Blink. Wait, what?

It took a while for Saruhiko to register that Yata's face was hovering above his. Of course, in keeping with typical Saruhiko behaviour, he pulled his covers above his head and groaned.

"Five more minutes and I promise I'll be up!" Saruhiko's muffled voice came from under the thick winter blankets.

Yata flicked his ears and examined the thin lump under the covers. His eyes darted around the room, picking out details and he began to put together a rough picture of his master's life. He definitely fell into the 'lazy' category. The few things he kept on the writing desk in his bedroom gave a foretaste of what his study was like. Yata's eyes fell on a sketch that was neatly framed at one corner of the desk. It depicted a much younger Saruhiko glaring at a laughing boy who, upon further inspection was the teenage King. His eyes jumped to the simple rapier leaning against the chair, to the much more decorative sabre in its case next to the desk, to the knives on the desk. He whipped his head back to face Saruhiko as the lump next to him stirred.

"Glasses. Where are my glasses?" Saruhiko muttered. He hated being short-sighted. He found his glasses and put them on to see Yata once again staring at the numerous blades he owned. "Yeah, I do swordsmanship and knife throwing. Comes in handy if you're commanding the Royal Guard as well as having a pretty big say in the army. I could probably teach you how to maintain a sword, then you could help me with that. It does get irritating, having to sharpen your blade after every time you use it."

Saruhiko stretched and reluctantly left the warmth of his bed. His usual morning routine of rummaging for a clean, relatively uncrumpled shirt, a vest and his pants was being watched intently by the still-silent Yata.

"Wouldn't it be much easier for you if you folded everything?" queried Yata as Saruhiko threw his clothes over his shoulder onto the bed.

"Ah, so you do have a tongue. And, pray tell, why would I do such a thing?" He continued digging through his clothes for something he had a feeling Yata might need. Picking out a particular article of clothing, he straightened and walked back to his bed.

"Try folding your ears flat against your head."

Yata did as he was told and Saruhiko gently put the woollen beanie he was holding over his head. "I don't want you to freeze your ears off. It's getting pretty cold out."

Yata met Saruhiko's cold azure eyes. They were devoid of any warmth, any feeling at all; as if he were impassive about the world. Yata himself, before he was beaten down and made to be the underdog, was always bursting at the seams with emotions he couldn't control. He took a moment to consider the irony of the colour of Saruhiko's eyes before asking him what they'd be doing that day.

"Hmm… I have to meet the King and pick up some stuff. And it'd be good if we could drop by the tailor and get some of my old clothes altered to fit you or get you measured for new clothes." Saruhiko looked thoughtful for a moment. "Wait here."

After Saruhiko left the room, Yata reached up to adjust the beanie. He'd never had anyone care about his well-being before. Saruhiko had to be the first Master he didn't want to run away from right from the start. He wondered about Saruhiko's life. He was definitely influential, being a childhood friend of the King and Captain of the Guard. He hadn't seen any other servants about and the house was quiet. So that probably meant that Saruhiko lived alone. He looked young. Disorganised, but there seemed to be an order that only he could see in his life. A living paradox.

The door opened and Saruhiko called for Yata to follow him. He was given a saddlebag and led to the stable.

"This is Ryuu." Saruhiko reached out to stroke the muzzle of his jet black stallion. "I've had him since he was a colt. Reisi wanted me to name him something else. Said naming a horse 'dragon' was one of the stupidest things I've done. I'll teach you how to saddle him and next time, you can do it for me."

Yata watched attentively as Saruhiko showed him how to brush Ryuu's back before saddling him and how to check for any wrinkles in his skin to make sure he was comfortable at all times. He helped Saruhiko load up the saddlebags and bridle Ryuu. Now came the part Yata was not looking forward to: mounting the horse. From his height, it seemed impossible. Of course, that was discounting the fact that he had reservations when it came to horses. Since he'd nearly been trampled by one when he was much younger, he'd started avoiding anything of equine nature.

Saruhiko knelt down beside Ryuu and cupped his hands. "I'll give you a boost. Hold the reins and put your left foot on my hands. When I lift you up, swing your right foot over Ryuu's back. Do try not to kick him. Don't put your feet in the stirrups. I'll need them to get on."

Yata suppressed a tremor and did as he was told. He could feel the alien solidness of the horse beneath him and it was strange, yet not unwelcome. He glanced at Saruhiko as he felt a hand beside his on the reins. Saruhiko mounted the horse smoothly behind Yata.

"Hey, kid, loosen up a bit. It's going to hurt if you want to ride sitting that stiffly."

Yata noticed for the first time since getting on exactly how stiff he had been. He was sitting ramrod straight. He relaxed slightly, shifting to get his tail into a more comfortable position. Saruhiko's chest was warm as Yata relaxed enough to accommodate the contours of Ryuu's flanks and back, leaning back slightly. If he wasn't wearing the beanie, he was sure he'd be able to feel Saruhiko's warm breath against his ears.

"You ready to go, kid?" Saruhiko breathed into Yata's ear.

"Yes," Yata replied somewhat shakily.

"Don't worry. Riding's quite enjoyable once you get used to it. Back before Reisi was King, we went riding all the time. Oh, and you'll have to be bound to silence and all that when we're with people. We'll be taking what I like to call the back route to Reisi's quarters. It bypasses the town and it's less of a hassle to take this route."

They set off at a slow trot to allow Yata to get used to Ryuu's movements. After a while, Saruhiko asked if they could go faster, to which Yata nodded. Saruhiko urged Ryuu into a canter down a forest trail. When Yata looked up, he could see the palace.

"I didn't know you lived so far away from the palace. It didn't seem that far when you brought me back last night."

"Well, we were in a carriage. And it was night, makes the journey seem different. Anyway, I prefer the quiet. I don't like the stares I get when I'm in town. Guess it's just who I am."

Yata nodded. "What do you need to see the King for?"

"Hmm? I promised I'd tell him how you were settling down. After all, he was the one who bought you, and a King should take care of all his subjects."

Yata noted that they were slowing down and they eventually stopped at what appeared to be a pile of stones.

"We're here," Saruhiko announced and Yata barely contained a gasp as a door swung out of the stones and the King emerged. He felt movement behind him and when he turned his head, he noted that Saruhiko had dismounted and was talking to the King.

"I see you've given him your old clothes. That green tunic seems to suit him better than it did you."

Saruhiko rolled his eyes at his longtime friend and King. "I couldn't let him freeze. I know better than anyone else what it's like to be a freezing kid on the streets." He glanced in Yata's direction. "He seems smart enough though. I could probably use his help quite a bit around the house. Do you think we should take the slaver seriously about binding him to silence? He seems subdued enough."

"Hmm… kitsune are known to be tricksters with the tongues of snakes. I'd be wary of him no matter how subdued he seems," Reisi said thoughtfully.

"Growing up with you, I don't think I have to be that wary at all. You speak in riddles that no one understands!"

"Well, you never were one to mince words, Saruhiko. Go, I must get back to my chambers or else everyone will wonder where I've gone and send out a search party."

Saruhiko shook his head. "More like you want to get back to your puzzles." He didn't argue as he remounted Ryuu. "Go, idiot. I have to take Yata into town to get some stuff done." Yata thought he heard a slight undertone of endearment in Saruhiko's voice. Despite what Yata had come to see as his usual sardonic tone, he was capable of showing some degree emotion.

Saruhiko flicked the reins and they were off. As they crested a small hillock, Yata could see the town.

"Thought I'd take you on the route with a view," Saruhiko said. "This here's the heart of the Kingdom. From here, you can kind of make out the left sector where the Lords live. Further to the left is my house. It's somewhere more remote. I actually had it rebuilt from an old ruin so that I would have a place to live. The palace can get noisy at times."

"You lived in the palace? And what was that you said about knowing what it's like to be freezing on the streets?" Yata turned his head around as far as it would go to look at Saruhiko.

"I lived on the streets for two years. My family died when I was four. Reisi's father was doing the usual royal visit to the town and I got caught up in the crowd who went to see him. Someone pushed me and I nearly got trampled by his horse. I guess he took pity on me and he brought me back to be Reisi's playmate."

"So, he saved you. Sounds like he must have been your hero."

"Tch, heroes sure are convenient to have around but no matter how long you wait for them, they'll never show up in real life. You have no choice but to make your own way somehow by your own power." Saruhiko's voice took on a bitter tone.

"And what happens to those who don't?"

"They get weeded out as children." Saruhiko shifted in the saddle. "Let's go. We have quite a bit to do."

Yata remained silent for the rest of their trip into the town. He'd ask Saruhiko more questions later if he wanted to. His master seemed to carry with him the bitterness of a man far older than he, but Yata supposed it was part of being forced to live on the streets.

They arrived at a tailor's shop located right in the heart of the bustling town. Saruhiko tied Ryuu's reins securely before helping Yata off. Saruhiko unfastened one of the saddlebags and brought it into the shop with them. Once they had the undivided attention of the tailor, Saruhiko asked that Yata be measured for a winter coat. Saruhiko's old clothes were to be altered so that they would actually fit Yata instead of hanging off his frame. Yata diverted his attention from watching Saruhiko stare blankly out the window to the tailor who was measuring the length of his arm. Idly, he wondered what it would be like to have new clothes. He'd been enslaved since he was a child and had nothing but rags.

A visit to the apothecary followed where a woman examined the scratches and bruises Yata had accumulated over the months. Yata whimpered softly when she pressed against one of the more recent bruises on his back. He felt the cooling sensation of herbs against his back and relaxed. He looked up from where he was sitting to see Saruhiko looking at him. He'd love to ask what was on his mind but he bit his tongue. He didn't know what the attitude of these people towards his kind was. The last place he had been sold in was harsh and hostile. So far, here, he was accepted, getting minimal stares at his tail. Perhaps it was his master's high status that saved him from abuse. Wearing the uniform of the Royal Guard must come with some perks. The door swung open and a man carrying a large sack walked in.

"Put that over there." The woman jerked her head at a corner of the room, still gently rubbing the cooling salve into Yata's back.

"I see your love for red beans has not diminished in the least, Awashima." Saruhiko raised an eyebrow. Yata noted that he looked slightly sickened. And he wondered why until he saw the large bowl of anko on a table at the far side of the room.

"Indeed it hasn't. Izumo is kind enough to get someone to send me plenty every month." Awashima stood to retrieve some bandages.

They soon left the apothecary with bandages and a small pot of salve. Saruhiko packed them into the saddlebags before leading Yata to a nearby bakery where he bought a small meat pie for Yata. When he didn't buy more, Yata looked at him quizzically, tilting his head.

"I don't get hungry fast, so I don't eat very much or very often."

Well, that explained Saruhiko's lanky figure. If he wasn't wearing the blue uniform of the Guard, Yata would assume that Saruhiko wasn't strong enough to put up a fight. Once he was done eating, Saruhiko led him around the town, pointing out various shops and stopping at some to order deliveries of candles, quills and parchment.

The sun hung low in the sky as they made their way back to the apothecary where Ryuu was tied. They mounted him and began the ride home. They had to move slowly through the crowds of people and Yata could feel Saruhiko's palpable irritation. No wonder he preferred the back roads and forest trails. They soon escaped the stifling crowds and Yata felt Saruhiko relax. Riding through the Lords' sector of the town gave Yata a completely different view of the place. Saruhiko pointed out several of the more influential Houses and their coats of arms. Yata's ears pricked up slightly when House Awashima was pointed out.

"Awashima, like the healer at the apothecary?" Yata turned his head to look at Saruhiko.

"Yes. That was actually Lady Awashima Seri. As a lady of the court, she comes off as cold sometimes. But when she lets her hair down and wears peasant clothes, you get to see a different side of her." Saruhiko paused to snort lightly. "Lord Awashima hopes to match-make her with Reisi since she does spend a considerable time in court with him. They don't know she's actually after Izumo."

It was nightfall by the time Ryuu was back in his stable and Yata was helping Saruhiko light a fire.

"Do you have any powers, being a kitsune?" Saruhiko asked. "It sure would be useful if you could just light this fire without us having to use the flint."

Yata nodded and a second later, a fire was roaring in the fireplace, casting a warm glow around Saruhiko's living room. Saruhiko sat down in an armchair and motioned for Yata to sit in one facing him. The flickering light of the fire threw Saruhiko's features into sharp relief. Yata himself was bathed in a red glow that accentuated the russet of his ears and tail.

"So, Yata, tell me about your past. You've been sold to others before me, right?"

"Yes. You're the third master I've had."

"I'm assuming your previous masters treated you poorly. You can't have inflicted those wounds on yourself. From what I know of kitsune, you would have more pride than that."

"Yes. I used to get hit for every mistake I made. You're the first person to even show kindness to me since I was taken by that slaver. The last time I saw my family, I was only five."

"How old are you?"

"I was born in summer. Last summer was my nineteenth."

"So you're older than me?" a hint of surprise entered Saruhiko's tone. "You look at least a few years younger than me!"

"Well, kitsune do tend to look younger than they really are. It's one of our abilities."

"So, apart from lighting fires and looking young, what can you do?" Saruhiko tilted his head in interest.

"Well, we acquire more abilities as we get older. The only other ability I have is being able to revert to fox form, which I prefer not to." At this, Yata let out a small yawn, revealing slightly sharp canines.

"I see you're tired. Why don't you take a bath and go to sleep? I'll apply the salve for you once you've had your bath."

With that, Saruhiko herded Yata into the bath, ignoring his protests. True to his word, when Yata returned to his room, Saruhiko was sitting on his bed in his simple home attire with the pot of salve and bandages.

"Take off your tunic," Saruhiko ordered as he opened the pot.

Yata did as he was told, revealing the array of cuts and bruises on his back.

"Tch, you look like you've been whipped." Saruhiko began rubbing the cooling salve onto Yata's back.

Yata nodded slightly. "I dropped a plate."

Saruhiko remained silent as he smoothed the salve onto the wounds. The fragrance of dock and goldenrod permeated the small room as Yata began to pick them out. He hadn't been able to in the apothecary due to the muddled smells of possibly a hundred kinds of herbs. Saruhiko's hands were gentle as he rubbed circles on Yata's back. Yata relaxed completely and allowed the soothing motion to lull him into a light doze. Soon, he was holding out his arms, half-asleep, for Saruhiko to wind the bandage around his torso and lifting them so that Saruhiko could pull the tunic over his head.

"Boil that other bandage tomorrow morning so that I can use it tomorrow night," Saruhiko whispered into Yata's ear as he pulled the blankets over him.

Yata gave a small noise of assent as sleep took over.


A/N: I guess being an insomniac who wants to avoid writing a philosophy paper helps with writing chaptered fics. I don't normally write this fast.