Author's notes: Thank you so much, Sakural7865! I felt like punching a monk too! How dare they pick on poor Kouryuu!

…

Shuei stumbled over a broken step and cursed. DAMN. KOURYUU. WHERE WAS HE? Shuei had been looking for his young friend for nearly a half-hour without success. He ran along a corridor and stopped at a huge window, panting.

DAMN, KID, WHERE HAVE YA RUN OFF TO THIS TIME?

He opened his eyes and stared out at the rain outside, which had petered out into a fine drizzle. And suddenly caught a flash of gold near the temple pond.

…..

"KOURYUU!"

Shuei ground to a stop near the door leading to the holy pond and fought to catch his breath for the second time in as many minutes.

"Kouryuu, what are you doing there? Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you? Get inside, silly, or you'll catch a cold!"

The kid shook his head vigorously, posture unnaturally stiff. Shuei frowned. NOT AGAIN.

He moved near the small boy, who bore closest resemblance to a drowned rat, his robes clinging translucently to his drenched figure; his golden hair sopping wet and plastered to his face.

"Hey."

No answer.

Shuei sighed and moved to face Kouryuu, who held his face down steadfastly, refusing to acknowledge anything other than his misery. Shuei gently reached down and pulled the boy's face up. The water trickling down his cheeks might be the rain, yeah, but that didn't explain the reddened eyes. The boy looked completely miserable, his violet eyes sparking with tears, his lower lip trembling and his face two shades paler than usual.

"G- Go aw-away."

"Kouryuu, you're eyes…"

"G-go away! I'm n-n-not crying!" The kid gasped out, trying to contain his sobs. Shuei couldn't help but admire him. Even at a time like this, the kid was mindful of his honor. "I- I'm not c-crying." Kouryuu whispered, even as two fat tears leaked down his tear and rain streaked cheeks.

Shuei simply stared at his young friend. For a minute, they stared at each other; the small, miserable child with wide eyed, stunning but teary violet eyes and the young monk, whose dark eyes were filled with understanding and assurance of comfort.

And Kouryuu broke.

His knees gave way and his hands flew up to his face to hide his moment of weakness as he sobbed. Shuei simply looked at his tortured friend for a few seconds before scooping him up in his arms and taking him inside the monastery.

….

Author's notes: Next chapter, Kouryuu reveals what the painful remark was. Expect angsty fluff! Please review!