Chapter 2
Days went by, and every day, Shou grew to hate Tora more and more. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months and before long, months to years... Shou grew depressed, and closed up into himself. He wanted nothing to do with anyone else anymore, he didn't want anyone to get close. When he got sick, he asked that no one try and cure him, because no one could. Only Hiroto had stood a chance... His affection for the servant grew with the passing years. What had once been childish uncertainty had become an actual emotion by now, and he knew he loved Hiroto with all his heart... But he'd never see him again...
After a few years, tragedy struck the family, as the princes' father died. With Tora's resignation, it was Shou's turn to the throne. The people of the city didn't know what to think. When Shou walked from the curtains at the ceremony, having not fallen ill in days, his eyes were hard and he looked like he'd be a good king. But inside, he was so sad and lonely, torn a part and messed up. He didn't think he could care about all those people watching him.
Hiroto was at the ceremony, though he was in a disguise as a noble man. His clothes were tailored by Saga, one of Nao's friends who had a talent for fashion. He looked neat and clean and rich, though still Hiroto. The point was, he was different enough that people thought he belonged lounging among the rich nobles.
The ceremony began and Shou was shown to the throne, given a cape, which he didn't like, and his fathers' crown. He sat down, sighing softly, a frown on his gentle lips as he looked out over the crowd. He didn't feel like living anymore, but here he was... Tora was down conversing with some people.
Hiroto moved through the crowd, accidently bumping into someone on his way to getting closer to Shou. He paled when he realized it was Tora and he quickly muttered an apology and moved to hide behind someone quickly before the prince noticed him.
Tora noticed this, however, turning to the person who'd bumped into him. His eyes were darker, almost sad, but he hid it well. He smiled slightly with a little bow of his head to the disguised servant. "It's quite alright. Please, enjoy the party," He said before turning. His eyes lingered over Hiroto for only a moment longer then usual, however.
Hiroto stared at Tora's back like he had grown another head, completely shocked. Ok, so having Tora not recognize him was a good thing, but...he'd never seen Tora like that before. He seemed almost like a completely different person. Maybe this was how he treated the other half. He shook it off and proceeded closer to the throne, watching Shou sit there and look miserable. Hiroto wanted to go up and hug him so much, but he restrained himself.
Shou sat up there, alone and seemingly on show for everyone to stare at. He hated it, instantly, and sighed softly again. Long, well-kept hands picked at the tassels and strings of his chair as he waited for everything to simmer down, or something. He wanted to hide away...
"Prince Shou..." Hiroto said, approaching the throne and getting on his knees to bow respectfully. "Congratulations on your new position as king."
Shou looked down at the person greeting him. He was just a little relieved that someone had actually spoken to him... Even though it was a title and position he didn't want..."Thank you..." He said softly. His voice had gotten a little deeper over the past few years. It had been so long, that Hiroto's voice had changed a bit as well, and he didn't recognize it.
Hiroto glanced up at Shou, hoping to see some recognition from him, any sign that he still loved and needed him. If he didn't see it, he'd walk away now. All those years would've been a waste.
Shou looked at the other then, and in that moment, all his barriers fell away. His eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open in amazement. He jerked, as if to hug Hiroto, but remembered where he was just in time. Sadness fill his eyes and he looked almost ready to cry. He was here! The one person he wanted so desperately was actually here!
"I'll meet with you later." Hiroto promised quietly, before standing and moving back into the crowd.
Shou watched Hiroto go with sad, longing eyes. Would he really? Hiroto had said that previously, all those years ago, when Tora had found them... He slumped back in his chair, wiping at his eyes a moment, inconspicuously.
It was difficult for Hiroto to walk away from Shou this time, but he needed to hide in the palace until it was time for Shou to sleep.
The festivities ended hours later, much too long for poor Shou. When Tora tried approach him, he left with a cold, "I know." As he walked down the halls to his room, he felt tears slide down his cheeks, and made no move to hide them.
Tora sighed, shaking his head and saying a comforting speech to the nobles as they left. Turning, as if to follow the other, he hear a loud slam of a door, and decided again leaving.
In his room, Shou all but tore his cloak off, throwing it against the wall, followed by a loud clank of the metal crown. He sat on his massive bed with tears, wiping at his eyes. "Hiroto..." he whimpered softly, holding himself and crying a little.
"You called?" Hiroto asked, stepping out from behind a statue in the corner of the room. He moved over to Shou, pulling him close and hugging him like he was never going to let go again.
Shou jumped with a little gasp and turned, only to find a pair of open arms. When Hiroto hugged him, SHou clung to the other, burying his face against the others' shoulder with a soft sniffle. "It's you... I can't believe it's actually you..." he whimpered softly.
"I guess I don't have to ask if you missed me." Hiroto replied, jokingly. He pulled Shou down to lay on the bed with him, placing a deep kiss on his lips.
Shou laughed a little, before his lips were stolen. He felt his heart soar as the other kissed him. He kissed Hiroto back, though it was a little clumsy, since he'd never done that before, seriously.
Hiroto pulled back after a moment, just needing to hear the other's feelings put into words. "I love you, Shou."
Shou didn't miss a beat, his eyes locked onto the others' with the sincerest of gazes. "I love you too, Hiroto...." he said softly, offering a smile. He hadn't done that in years..."I love you so much..."
It was such a relief to hear his feelings returned that Hiroto gave Shou another enthusiastic kiss.
Shou kissed Hiroto back with a little giggle, another thing that he hadn't done since Hiroto was taken away from him. He hugged him tightly, fearing this was all just a dream.
Hiroto never wanted to stop showering Shou with love and kisses, but he needed to talk to him too. "I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you." He apologized, working in little kisses down the new king's neck.
Shou blushed softly, closing his eyes and nuzzling Hiroto. "I thought you'd never come back... I didn't know what I'd do if you didn't.." he confessed, sadly.
Shou's sadness rubbed off on Hiroto and he hugged him again in apology. "I wanted to wait until the time was right. Until Tora could forget me and regret ever tearing us apart."
Shou sniffled softly, hugging Hiroto tightly and resting his head against his shoulders. "But... That will never happen... If anything, he's gotten colder and meaner... Nao isn't even allowed to come in..."
Hiroto frowned, kissing Shou's forehead. "We have to find some way to get his blessing, Shou. We'll never be happy if we don't. I don't want to have to sneak around."
Shou nodded with a little sigh. "I wish he'd disappear sometimes... He practically runs me life..." he said softly, sadly. "I'll never forgive him for what he did..."
"Hey," Hiroto started, touching Shou's cheek. "Don't think about him when you're with me. Let's just enjoy each other while we're here."
Shou looked up at Hiroto with those deep, longing eyes. He smiled slightly, softly, and nodded, nuzzling the other's hand. "I like that idea much better..."
Hiroto brought their lips together again, this time with a much softer kiss, lips lingering as he slowly slid his tongue out to touch the other's.
Shou's cheeks turned a very light color, though faint, as Hiroto's lips were suddenly gentle against his own. When the others' tongue touched his lips, he parted them and slid his own tongue out to meet the other's.
Hiroto gently moved their tongues together and helped Shou out of his clothes with practiced ease, having done it before...just never quite in this context.
Shou's breath caught slightly as the other started to remove his clothes, helping to slide out of it all. It's not like it was comfortable, anyway. His tongue pressed lightly against Hiroto's, hesitant.
"Are you ok with this?" Hiroto asked, laying his head on Shou's bare chest.
Shou blushed softly, looking down at Hiroto. "I don't know..." Some things didn't change. He was still as indecisive as ever.
A laugh rose from Hiroto's throat as he snuggled close to Shou. "Perhaps you need a few more years to decide." He teased.
Shou blushed and tugged at Hiroto's clothes. "If you're putting it that way, then I'm way more then ready."
With a little laugh, Hiroto sat up and stripped off the clothes that Saga had designed for him, not wanting to miss this opportunity.
Shou watched the other and was amazed with how attractive Hiroto's body was. He was gorgeous. Shou took in the naked sight of the other in amazement.
Hiroto blushed after a moment, as his body was admired. "Are you just going to stare?" He asked, shifting uncomfortably under the gaze.
Shou blinked and blushed, looking away and running a hand through his hair. "N-No..."
Hiroto sensed Shou's nervousness and took his hands, leading them to his chest. "It's ok to touch too."
Shou looked back at Hiroto, uncertainty in his eyes. However, cutely biting his tongue as if concentrating, Shou slid his hands over the other's chest. Up, along his shoulder, and arms, until one came to rest over his heart. Shou leaned up and kissed the other softly.
Hiroto let his eyes close slowly as he returned the kiss and gently arched into Shou's light touches, loving the feel of the other's hands on him.
One of his hands slid up to rest against the others' neck while his other hand explored and memorized his lover's body.
Hiroto moaned softly and pressed closer to Shou, letting their skin touch more fully.
Shou gasped softly, a small moan emitting form his own lips at the feel of the other's hot skin.
Hiroto pressed his forehead to Shou's shoulder as he gently rocked his hips against the fragile king's, more moans falling from his lips.
Shou's breath caught in a soft, virgin moan, his hips rolling up slightly to meet with the others. He'd never thought a feeling like this existed...
Hiroto released a shuddering breath, taking Shou's hand in his own and sucking on a few of the long fingers, having had a little knowledge of this sort of thing. He'd seen enough with Saga and Nao, not entirely on purpose.
Shou's dazed eyes opened slightly, watching the other suck on his own fingers. He wondered what that purpose was, but he didn't care. It felt so good...
Hiroto bit his lip as he led Shou's hand down to his entrance, sliding the first finger past the tight ring of muscle. He had to take a deep breath to relax as the foreign digit moved within him.
Shou blushed as his finger slid into Hiroto. "Ahn..." he breathed softly as the other squeezed around his finger. It was so tight and hot...
Hiroto winced, but didn't stop his movements. He pushed down on Shou's fingers in a particular way and pleasure washed over him like a tidal wave, consuming his senses. He groaned out loud and trembled in his place, needing Shou inside him.
Shou caught on to what he'd be doing, blushing at the thought, but it made sense... Shou pulled his fingers out of the other then and leaned up to kiss the other deeply. He wasn't quite sure how he was going to get inside him, though.
Again, Hiroto had seen enough to know what he was doing to some extent. He ducked under the covers and slid his hand over Shou's thigh before taking his erect length in his hand and licking it thoroughly to get it nice and slick.
Shou's eyes closed as a deeper moan left his lips. His hips rolled up into the touch, hands fisting slightly in the sheets. Ooooh, he couldn't believe the sensations.
"Hiroto..." he breathed softly.
"It'll get better." Hiroto said, before sucking the tip just lightly. He then pulled his head away and moved back up to give Shou another kiss. Now that everything was ready, he could finally have Shou inside him. He lifted his hips and guided the saliva coated cock into himself, hissing as it was much larger than his lover's fingers.
"Oh God!" Shou gasped in pure pleasure, arching up slightly as Hiroto's tight heat surrounded him. His fingers curled into the sheets hard as he slid into the other deeper.
Hiroto gasped and stayed where he was once Shou was fully sheathed inside him. It was a weird feeling to get adjusted to, but the look of pleasure on Shou's face was completely worth it. Shou looked beautiful like that.
Shou was lightly flushed, his eyes closed before opening slightly to look at the handsome man before on top of him. The handsome being that surrounded him. He couldn't believe how hot it felt, how amazing everything was.
Hiroto managed a small smile before he began moving his hips, having Shou's arousal slide in and out of him. That's when the pleasure began to drown out the pain and Hiroto was able to see why this was such a wonderful experience.
One of Shou's hands slid down the other's chest to his hips, where his other hand rest, riding with the other up and down on top of him. His own hips started to move with the rhythm, pleasure cascading over him in enormous waves.
The movements made Hiroto moan out Shou's name and throw his head back as he rode Shou a little faster, his hands moving to Shou's chest for extra balance.
Shou arched up in pleasure, thrusting in and out of the other again and again while he rode him. He moaned out the former servant's name again and again, it sounding so perfect...
"Touch me..." Hiroto breathed between his moans and heavy breathing. He took one of Shou's hands and slid it over to his dripping cock, which was begging for attention.
Shou happily complied, his hand sliding up and down the length of the manhood. He squeezed him when Hiroto squeezed around him and jerked him off accordingly. Shou moaned his pleasure over and over again.
The pleasure soon became too much and Hiroto felt a heat building up in the pit of his stomach. His movements increased almost frantically before he spilled his seed out between them, moaning quite a bit louder than before.
As Hiroto came, the heat of his sticky, white fluids surprising him, the pressure of Hiroto around him grew unbearable. Arching up, lips parted to let go of a loud, sweet moan, Shou filled Hiroto with his own climax.
Panting softly, Hiroto fell against Shou, completely satisfied and a bit sleepy. He kissed his love gently on the lips, a good night kiss.
Shou panted for air, sheening lightly with sweat. That was amazing... Absolutely amazing... His lips met with Hiroto's in a drowsy kiss, feeling sleep wash over him as he lay back against the mattress.
Hiroto waited for Shou to fall asleep, blinking the sleep out of his own eyes as he carefully climbed off the bed and pulled on his clothes once more. He couldn't afford to be caught with Shou just yet or else Tora would probably kill him.
Shou made a soft sound in his sleep as the warmth of the other faded. A frown touched his soft lips and he curled up some. He was so small in such an enormous bed. Alone...
Hiroto sighed as he left the room, glancing at Shou's door as he walked away. He wished it were possible for him to stay, but it was too dangerous. Shou would understand, right?
Shou would, wether he liked it or not. He knew how Tora was, but he wanted Hiroto to stay with him more then anything... His sleep was troubled. There were no smiles to be seen on his lovely face.
On his way out, Hiroto spotted a figure out on one of the terraces, staring into the night air. He pressed against a wall so he wouldn't been seen, just in case it was a guard or something.
The night surrounding him, the figure's eyes were closed in the silence. Tora opened his eyes to the sky after a moment before letting out a soft sigh and shaking his head, looking back donwn at the ground. No matter how much he prayed for Shou's health and affection, it was never answered, and it was upsetting sometimes.
Well, all the time...
He turned to head back inside, when he saw a odd shape in the shadow, something that set everything off.
Hiroto saw Tora looking his way and felt panic take over. He slowly tried to inch back into the shadows, but he tripped and fell over his own two feet.
Normally, Tora would have called for a guard, but it was late, and the person didn't look big enough to be too tough for him to handle. "You!" Tora called, running over and kneeling beside Hiroto. He realized by the clothes that it was the stranger who'd bumped into him earlier that night. "Are you alright? What in the world are you still doing here? The ceremony ended hours ago." he inquired, helping the stranger up.
"Maybe I had too much to drink..." Hiroto said, leaning against Tora like he was a little unsteady on his feet. He kept his head down though, just in case the prince recognized him.
Tora's hands rest steadily on the others' shoulders, holding the other up. "I think you may have..." he agreed with a small smile. "Please, stay the night. There are plenty of spare rooms."
Once Hiroto got over the shock of Tora asking him to stay, he nodded slightly. "That would be wonderful. Are you sure it's not too much trouble, prince?"
Tora smiled and shook his head, leading the other through the doors that had opened for him. "It's no trouble at all. This place is much too big for it's permanent hosts."
"Thank you..." Hiroto muttered in awe. Was this really Tora?
Tora showed Hiroto inside one of the guest rooms. "You can stay in here. If you need anything, my room is right down there," he pointed, Shou's room was suddenly right across from the 'stranger'.
Hiroto nodded, refraining from saying that he already knew where it was. "Thank you again..."
Tora bowed slightly and started to walk away, before turning and asking the dreaded question. "Oh, I'm sorry, but I don't believe you've told me your name."
If his appearance hadn't sparked any recognition in Tora yet, Hiroto didn't see why his name would. "Hiroto..." He said softly, turning and closing the door to the guest room.
Hearing that name, however, definitely sent off a spark. Tora's eyes widened as he watched the door close. Running a hand through his hair, he stood there in thought. What were the chances? It was a nobleman, not a servant, and they certainly looked different, but with the same name... "Weird..." he muttered, shaking his head and walking down to his room.
Hiroto took a deep breath as he undressed and settled into bed, more than ready to sleep. Hopefully he didn't make a mistake using his real name in front of Tora. Though he had wanted to be truthful eventually, right?
The next day came much too soon and Shou's eyes opened to a still empty bed. Tears touched his eyes as he thought that amazing night had only been a dream. His nakedness was the only way he knew it hadn't been...
Hiroto rose from bed and dressed in another outfit Saga designed, that Nao had delivered to his room as soon as the cook knew he was staying in the palace. He then moved to Shou's room to pay him a visit before breakfast came.
Shou sat up in his large bed, his sheets pooled delicately around him as he ran a hand through his hair and rubbed at his eyes. A soft yawn followed and he just kind of sat there in his usual morning gloominess, though sadness was in his eyes as well.
"Shou!" Hiroto exclaimed as he entered the room. "I'm sorry I left you. I couldn't risk us getting caught together." He moved over and kissed the sleepy blonde, handing him a drink of his special medicine. "I improved it for you."
Shou looked at Hiroto sleepily, taking a moment to realize who it was. His taller, naked form just kind of sat there, watching the other in awe, the medicine in his hand, but just staring at Hiroto. He wasn't really sure what to make of this...
"For some reason, Tora saw me when I was leaving last night and let me stay in one of the guest rooms." Hiroto explained with a small shrug. "Don't know what he hit his head on, but at least I get to stay closer to you."
Shou finally smiled, leaning over and hugging Hiroto tightly. "You've changed a lot, Hiroto. In appearance, I mean... I doubt he recognizes you. He's really stupid when it comes to that kind of thing."
Hiroto smiled and climbed onto the bed with Shou, snuggling close to his side. "Changed? In a good way?"
Shou nodded with a little laugh, resting back against his pillows and pulling the blankets up a little, so they hung around his waist. "Yes, a very good way. You're even more handsome, and you're taller. Your hair's longer, you have muscles... Everything is a very positive change."
Hiroto smiled and kissed Shou once more. "I should go before they bring breakfast up for you. I promise I will return later to spend time with you though."
Shou nodded, his smile saddening a bit. He looked down at the medicine. "I'll take this with breakfast..."
"Cheer up, beautiful. I'll be back before you know it." Hiroto smiled and blew a kiss as he moved to the door and left the room. He had to get some breakfast for himself after all.
Shou blushed a little with a smile on his lips. He couldn't believe the other was back... he'd missed him so much...
Just as Shou'd door closed, Tora's opened.
Hiroto stepped away from Shou's door and pretended that he had been there for Tora. "Ah, prince. Good morning."
Tora looked up and smiled. "Good morning, yourself. You look like you got a good rest. Are you feeling better?"
Hiroto nodded and ran his fingers through his hair, messing it up a little bit. "Well, I'm a little hungry."
Tora smiled and nodded. "Ah, yes. Let me go rouse the king and we can all go down for breakfast," he offered with a smile and walked to the others' door.
Hiroto nodded, and shifted from foot to foot as he waited for Tora to get Shou to come along. Shou had always eaten breakfast in his room when he had been a servant.
Tora peeked his head inside as Shou was pulling a shirt on. "Breakfast, let's go..." he called, only to receive no reply. Tora closed the door and offered a forced smile. He didn't trust the other alone with anyone.
"Is he coming?" Hiroto asked, curiously. It seemed like Shou had gotten pretty cold with Tora.
Tora nodded and, after a moment, Shou stepped out of the room. He dressed casually, though looking very beautiful. He glanced up at Hiroto, though tried not to look for too long. He coughed softly into his hand. Tora smiled slightly. "Shou, this is Hirooo--" he stopped and nodded.
"Yes, Hiro."
Hiroto hid a little smile as he bowed to Shou in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness."
Shou bowed slightly as well, just to be 'respectful', though he did it to help in hiding a little smile of his own. "The pleasure is mine," he replied and Tora smiled with satisfaction.
"To breakfast, then," he stated and the three of them moved down the hallway.
Hiroto could hardly believe his luck. He had been kicked out before and now he was being invited to breakfast with them. He really wondered what was going on in Tora's head. Maybe he was planning on poisoning him.
Tora honestly didn't realize it was Hiroto, though, as he'd changed so much. The three walked to the dining area and Tora pulled out the chair for the stranger. Shou eyed his brother cautiously. This was kind of strange... Tora was a really nice guy, or he'd thought so before obvious things had happened, but this was odd. "What would you like for breakfast, Hiro?" he asked kindly with a smile.
Hiroto tried not to let himself be too surprised by the action as he sat down in the chair. This was really weird. He wasn't sure how to respond to this. "Um...anything is fine, really. I hear you have a good cook here."
"Oh?" Tora asked with a smile. "Yes, very good. He cooks all the food for the King and I." he said as he sat across from the other. Shou sat way down at the end, where the king was always seated. The farthest from everyone and alone.
Hiroto just smiled, feeling a little awkward having Tora right across from him and Shou so far away. This wasn't normal. It couldn't be.
Shou didn't watch the two. He was on his own, picking at the desolate meal set before him. Tora smiled at Hiro as their meals were brought out. "So, what is it you do for a living?"
Hiroto nervously poked at his food, trying to think up something good. "I...develop medicinal herbs and such. I've created several different medicines for things..."
Shou glanced up, seeing Tora kind of recognize that Hiroto had done that, but he obviously brushed it off. Tora smiled."Really? That's interesting."
Hiroto nodded, keeping his head down as he ate, not really wanting to be asked any more questions. He was so nervous around Tora, like any minute he'd be kicked out again.
Tora was very calm about this, kind of muttering things about the castle and stuff. Breakfast was over much too soon for his tastes...
"I suppose I should head home, then..." Hiroto said softly as breakfast ended. He didn't want to, but he knew it would be suspicious if he tried to stay longer without invitation.
Lucky for Hiroto, that invitation was extended. "You know... We haven't had any guests in a very long time... Not someone with a talent for medicine around... My brother, the king, is very ill, as you may well know, and we're trying to find a cure to his sickness... Would you mind staying a while longer to see if you could come up with anything?" he asked, looking hopeful.
Hiroto smiled and nodded, glancing at Shou. "I would be happy to help the king."
Shou caught Hiroto's eyes and a small, barely there smile touched his lips before disappearing. Tora smiled as well. "Alright, then you can stay in the room you were in previously."
"Thank you." Hiroto said with a small bow to both Tora and Shou. "I will be honored to stay here."
Shou pushed himself up from the table with a soft, "Excuse me," before he walked towards the exit halls. Covering his lips, he let out a long chain of coughs and wearily tried to make it back to his room.
Tora frowned, watching his brother. He sighed a little. "The attacks are getting worse..."
Hiroto frowned as well, wanting to go and comfort Shou. He wanted so much to be by his side. "Maybe I should examine him today and start working on a cure as soon as possible."
Tora looked at Hiroto and nodded. "Yes, that might be the best idea for him. Maybe later tonight I can show you around the palace?" he offered with a smile.
Hiroto nodded in agreement, figuring it was best to make nice with Tora before he told him who he really was. After all, now he got excuses to be by Shou's side. "King Shou, would you show me to your room?"
Shou was leaning against the wall and nodded. He was starting to look weaker by the moment. All the excitement from yesterday finally hitting him hard. Shou walked down the hall, covering his mouth and pausing a moment to cough really hard before they continued to his room.
Once they were out of sight, Hiroto put his hand on Shou's back, a look of concern crossing his features. "Shou...you've gotten bad."
Shou's eyes closed tightly as his hacking continued. When he removed his hands, there was blood in his palm. He wiped at his lips and offered a small smile. "Yeah... You have no idea..." he said a little roughly as they walked on. "I left that vile you gave me in my room..." he said, sounding apologetic.
Hiroto shook his head as he brought Shou to his room and quickly found the medicine. "You really should take this every day."
Shou nodded, sitting down and holding his head a moment before coughing into his hand again. He always felt so bad for making Hiroto take care of him. When he was handed the medicine, he complied and swallowed all he was supposed to without any complaints.
Once Shou had taken the medicine, Hiroto sat beside him and held the king close. "It's my fault for you getting worse. I'm sorry."
Shou shivered slightly, resting his head against his lover's. He laughed a little. "No, it's not... Things happen. Besides, now you're here to try make me better," he offered, nuzzling Hiroto. He didn't want to tell him the sad truth that the doctors had shared with him...
Hiroto hugged Shou, though he knew that he probably wouldn't be able to cure Shou. He still felt completely guilty though. As if there was something that he could've done.
Shou smiled softly, resting his head against the other's. "I love you, Hiroto..."
"I love you too." Hiroto replied, smiling at the confession and holding Shou's hand. "What should we do for our first complete day together?"
Shou smiled softly, sweetly. "I'm not sure... I'm still always locked up in here. Maybe we could go out to the gardens or outside the gates?"
"That sounds great." Hiroto said, gently pulling on Shou's hand. "We'll go for a walk."
Shou smiled, lacing his fingers with the other's and standing.
Hiroto poked his head out and looked around to make sure the coast was clear before he stepped out with Shou and took him to the nearest door to the outside gardens.
Shou was so glad to get to go outside. He never got to go out, ever... he stuck close to the other, watching around them cautiously.
"Calm down." Hiroto said, patting Shou on the back. "The doctor recommends fresh air."
Shou looked up at the other and laughed a little, running a hand through his hair. "Tora's been acting so strangely around you..."
"It's creepy." Hiroto decided, shuddering a bit. "It's like he's a different person."
Shou looked around, breathing in the brisk air. "It's almost like he's flirting with you," he pointed out.
Hiroto stared at Shou like he was out of his mind. That couldn't be true...right?
Shou looked back at Hiroto and blushed a little. "What? I'm being serious... I see the maids and help doing that to him all the time..."
Hiroto just shook his head, thinking it was a crazy idea. "Come on, Shou, let's just enjoy the nice weather."
Shou pouted slightly. It had made sense to him... He walked down the steps a little ways and out into the beautiful gardens.
Hiroto picked a flower from the garden and brought it over to Shou as a gift. He really couldn't give Shou much and this moment was the most he could do.
Shou turned to Hiroto and a sweet smile touched his lips. He accepted the flower and played with it a little. He looked like he was thinking a moment, about how to ask something. Finally, he did just that. "Hiroto? What did you do for all these years?"
"I worked for a friend of Nao's, a tailor. He made all my clothes for me and fed me as payment for my work." Hiroto explained. "I also kept on trying to find more medicine combinations to try on you."
Shou smiled softly and walked over to Hiroto, leaning up slightly to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Leave it to you to watch out for me all these years."
Hiroto smiled and kissed Shou, rubbing his back. "I couldn't forget about my beautiful prince...now king."
Shou's smile saddened slightly. "I wish I wasn't king..." he said softly, nuzzling Hiroto.
"Why not?" Hiroto asked curiously.
"It's lonely... And there's so much stress and people and politics... It's bad enough I might not live for more then a few more years, but now I have this to stress over."
Hiroto was silent after that, turning his gaze to the ground. He sighed to himself and held Shou close. "I'm sorry..."
Shou looked up at the other then. Sliding his arms up and around Hiroto's shoulder, the king touched his lips to Hiroto's softly. "I'm not..."
Hiroto closed his eyes and sighed, leaning against Shou. "You're brave."
"How so?" He asked, confused, resting his head against the other.
"That you can handle all of this, when you may not live long." Hiroto answered.
Shou smiled softly, nuzzling his nose to Hiroto's lightly. "It's going to happen whether I like it or not... Besides, now I have you again," he said, honestly.
Hiroto smiled a bit and kissed Shou once again. He hoped that he could at least make Shou a little stronger to endure more.
Shou kissed the other back, sighing soft and dream-like. "I'm so glad you're here... Everything was so terrible after you were kicked out..."
Hiroto felt the same. His life was never complete without Shou. "I missed you every day."
Shou smiled softly, tracing Hiroto's soft cheek with his finger tips, sliding them all over that handsome face. "Every day I regretted not telling you I loved you earlier..."
"Shou..." Hiroto whispered, touched by the confession. He hugged Shou close, wanting to let him know how much he loved the frail king.
Shou clung to Hiroto tightly, a loving smile never leaving his soft lips. "I love you so much, Hiroto..." he admitted, honestly.
Hiroto returned the smile, moving his fingers through Shou's hair. "I love you too, my beautiful king. I will be yours until the day you die and beyond. Always."
Shou was completely touched by those lovely words, gazing up at Hiroto was soft, sweet eyes. "I hope I manage to live long enough for you," he admitted with a little laugh. "It'll be harder to get rid of me now that I have something to live for again."
Those words encouraged Hiroto to hope and so he did, kissing Shou again before he heard a noise of footsteps and he quickly pulled away from Shou.
Shou pushed himself away from Hiroto in surprise, stumbling a little and landing a little painfully on the planter-thing surrounding a fruit tree in the garden, as it created a seat. Tora walked around the corner, humming to himself.
Hiroto ruffled his hair nervously, hoping Tora just wouldn't notice them. And since when did Tora had reason to hum?
Tora didn't see them yet. Shou watched his brother uneasily, nervous. What if he suspected something again?
Hiroto decided maybe he should hide so he started to creep around behind a tree, but he stepped on a branch and made a crunching noise beneath his feet.
Tora jumped slightly, before turning and spotting the two. "Oh, I thought you two were inside working on a cure." he said, stepping down towards them.
"I, um...thought it would be good for his lungs to get some fresh air." Hiroto said, stepping away from the tree and scratching the back of his neck.
Tora smiled and nodded slightly. "Ah, that does sound nice. And it is such a lovely day outside..."
Hiroto nodded as well, glad that Tora's new found kindness allowed Shou to get some time outside to enjoy nature. "Are you enjoying the sunshine too?"
Tora nodded, walking over by them. "Yes, very much. I don't go out often."
"Shou told me he hasn't gotten out much either." Hiroto mentioned. "It's a shame for him not to see such beautiful days."
Tora nodded slightly. "Unfortunately, we can't let him out very often because of his illness. Should something possibly happen, you know." Shou watched his brother with icy eyes.
"Well, we wouldn't want him to catch a cold, but I think the sun would help...at the very least, it would lift his mood a bit." Hiroto pointed out, touching Shou's shoulder lightly. He was hoping that he would convince Tora to let Shou have more freedom.
Tora nodded. "If you think he needs it, then by all means, take him outside more often." he offered with a smile.
Hiroto stared at Tora for a moment, nodding. Perhaps Tora was getting a crush on him. Everything he suggested, the prince went along with. Oh, the irony.
Tora smiled and bowed his head slightly. "Well, I'll leave you two to your air," he joked before heading for the doors back inside.
"Why couldn't it be this easy from the beginning?" Hiroto wondered aloud, looking to Shou.
Shou watched the door that Tora walked through. "I told you so!" he blurted out, looking at the other with wide eyes.
"This is absolutely insane." Hiroto muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "What should we do?"
Shou shrugged slightly, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know... It's so... surreal..."
"I mean...we have to tell him, right?" Hiroto asked, frowning a bit as he moved over to Shou and leaned against him. He found the other's physical presence reassuring.
Shou pulled Hiroto down to sit beside him, leaning back against his a little with a soft sigh. "No... I don't want to... not now, anyway..." Then something dawned on him. "What if... What if things stay like this? A-and he starts to like you more and more? And then, you tell him who you are? It'll hurt him... He'll know how I felt... Maybe even how you felt..."
That was a problem. Hiroto sighed softly. "Should I tell him I'm already with someone...just not specifically you?"
Shou shrugged slightly. "You can tell him what you want... But, I'm not leaving your side, ever... If he kicks you out again, I'm coming with you... King or not..."
Hiroto smiled and hugged Shou tightly for a moment. "I'll tell him what I need to. I don't want to create any problems."
Shou hugged Hiroto back tightly. "But you have to get him to fall for you more... I'm sure he will in time.."
Hiroto was confused by that statement. "Um, why?"
"Because it'll make him hurt more... Do you not like that idea?" he asked, looking up at the other.
It suddenly dawned on Hiroto what Shou was saying. "Oh, like revenge?"
Shou nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Yes, exactly."
Hiroto nodded in agreement. "Ok, I'll do it."
Shou smiled and stole a little kiss. "I'm so glad."
Hiroto stole another kiss and danced around with Shou a bit, showing how thrilled he was to have his love with him again.
Shou laughed as he was pulled around with Hiroto, dancing with him a little. Oh, what a wonderful day!
Hiroto and Shou stayed out most of the day, playing and enjoying being outdoors before Hiroto decided it was time for Shou to get his rest. He didn't want to wear the king out and make him sicker. He brought him back to his room and kissed him good night as Shou was getting his dinner delivered to the room. Hiroto then left Shou in peace and went to knock on Tora's door, ready for his "tour" of the castle he already knew. Perhaps better than Tora. But it was all part of the plan.
Tora opened the door with a pair of glasses on. When he saw it was Hiroto, he smiled sweetly. "Well, hello. Are you ready for your tour then?"
Hiroto nodded and plastered a smile on his face when he saw Tora. "If you aren't busy..."
"Not at all," he said with a smile, taking off his glasses and setting them aside. He was more then ready.
"Great." Hiroto stepped aside and waited for Tora to join him out in the hall to begin the tour.
Tora smiled and stepped out, setting his reading frames aside. "Alright. Is there anywhere you'd like to see first?"
"Not in particular." Hiroto replied, shrugging. "Anywhere is good."
Tora ran a hand through his hair. "Do you... like to read? Or, flowers? Cooking?" he tried.
"I guess I like plants and such." Hiroto decided on, since he did use herbs a lot in making medicines.
Tora smiled. "Then I'll show you some of the indoor gardens. They're really pretty this time of night."
"Sounds wonderful." Hiroto said, hooking his arm with Tora's. "Lead the way, prince."
Tora smiled a little broader and did just that. he lead the other down the halls and finally opened a pair of large doors that lead into the massive indoor gardens.
It had been a while since Hiroto had seen their beauty. He gazed in awe at the pretty indoor gardens, smiling a bit to himself.
Tora looked at the other, his eyes softening some. He lead the other through them with a soft, contented sigh. "The king and I used to play in here when we were younger."
Hiroto smiled at that thought, imaging the two of them as children, running around and being care free. "Simpler times..."
"Yeah... We never got to play much, because he was sick all the time. Ha, he used to put up with me, then," he said with a smile.
Hiroto glanced over at Tora, seeing him smile. "You seem to care about him a lot..."
"He's my little brother, why wouldn't I? We've always been there for each other until a few years ago," he said with a sigh, looking sad. Almost sadder then a brother should have felt. He looked heartbroken.
"What happened?" Hiroto asked, though he knew very well what happened. He wanted to hear Tora's side of the story.
Tora sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "One of the previous servants here was confusing him... I caught them together one night and made him leave... I think Shou is still confused about him or what he said..."
"Confused?" Hiroto repeated, trying to keep the anger from his voice. So that's what Tora referred to it as.
"Yes, putting ideas into his head..." Tora said with sad eyes. It was that slave's fault Shou didn't trust him anymore, he thought.
"What kind of ideas?" Hiroto asked, gritting his teeth a bit. It seemed like Tora had no idea what he had broken up, or he just refused to admit it.
"Love," Tora said, glancing up at the other. "I think Shou was too young to be lead on about what love was..."
"But...what if he really was in love?" Hiroto questioned. "It isn't really your place to judge his feelings, is it?"
Tora shrugged slightly. "I have to watch out for him. If something happens to him, we loose a king. And, if he falls in love with a man, who will be the predecessor?"
"You." Hiroto answered, lifting an eyebrow. "And you seem to like controlling things, so..."
Tora smiled slightly. "I won't be king unless Shou dies, that was our father's will. The longer he lives, the better."
Hiroto nodded and leaned over to smell one of the flowers next to the path. Here was his chance to convince Tora. "Have you ever heard of love being a medicine in of itself? When people have hope, something to live for...they're more likely to tough it out."
Tora shrugged, watching the flowers. "That sounds like a rather farfetched idea to me... If he had been in love, why has he gotten worse?"
"Because you pulled him away from the one he loves." Hiroto answered, wondering why Tora seemed to totally miss the point.
"Who's to say he might live longer, though? Has it worked before? And if so, why hasn't he died yet?" he asked, looking up at the other.
Hiroto sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You sound to me like a person who has never been in love..."
Tora laughed a little. "I'm a prince, and I'm busy. There's not much time for that."
"You're missing out." Hiroto commented, walking a little bit more. No wonder Tora didn't understand. He didn't allow himself to have any feelings like that.
"Maybe that'll change someday though, you never know," he said, watching the attractive man walk a little more before following.
Hiroto glanced back at Tora, feeling that maybe Shou's idea for revenge was starting to work. Tora was now considering being in love with someone. He sat on a stone bench within the indoor garden and patted the spot next to him for Tora to join him. "Tell me...what's your favorite room in the palace?"
Tora walked over and sat beside the other. "My favorite room? Either my own bedroom or the veranda at the top of the palace."
Hiroto smiled slightly in response. "Then you must show me those places as well." He insisted, trying to sound truly interested in it.
Tora laughed, standing up and offering his hand to the other. "I'm not so sure about my room, but the latter of the two for certain."
Hiroto took the hand, standing as well. "Perhaps you have to know me better before you show me that, hm?" He replied teasingly. It was ok to flirt a little since he was trying to get Tora to like him.
Tora laughed and shook his head slightly. "If you're going to be that way, I'll show you. It's just messy."
Hiroto smiled, though he really wondered what it looked like. He didn't recall ever going into Tora's room before, even to clean. "I really don't mind. But don't you have the servants clean it?"
"I used to. I don't really trust them anymore... They're all kind, I'm sure, but I don't trust people easily." he said with a smile.
"You seem to trust me pretty easily." Hiroto pointed out, taking a step closer to Tora. "Letting me stay and all and look for a cure for your brother."
Tora watched the other, smiling slightly, honestly. "You seem like a person I can trust easily," he said a shrug.
Hiroto squeezed Tora's hand lightly, glad that he had gained the other's trust right away. "Show me these other places, my prince."
Tora smiled, bowing his head slightly and pulling Hiroto gently after him to the top of the palace.
Hiroto stared, wide eyed, like a curious child. He'd never been this high up before. Everything looked smaller. He could see the whole village laid out in the distance. He turned to Tora, tugging on his arm. "The view is amazing up here."
Tora smiled sweetly at Hiroto, looking out over the lands. "I spend most of my time up here. It's even prettier at night..."
"I bet...with all the stars..." Hiroto looked up at the sky, already seeing some stars out. "I think this is my favorite place too." He admitted.
Tora smiled and nodded, sighing softly and looking over at Hiroto. "Glad to hear it... Shou's never been up here..."
"You should take him...He'd love it." Hiroto muttered as he continued to look up. It was beautiful.
"I think he'd have trouble getting up and down the stairs," he said with a sigh, watching Hiroto gaze at the scenery.
Hiroto looked back over at Tora sadly, sighing. Maybe it was true, but he felt Shou deserved to see this amazing sight. Get to live life to its fullest extent. "Let's move on then...it's a little cool out here..."
Tora nodded, holding the door for the other before leading him back downstairs and down some halls.
Hiroto followed Tora down the halls, his minding occupied with so many different things at once, including how to let Shou see the top of the palace.
Tora lead the other down the halls before coming to his bedroom doors. He pushed one open and held it for the other. "After you."
Hiroto looked curiously around the room as he stepped inside, finding a chair by the fireplace to take a seat in. It wasn't that bad, though a lot less tidy that what one would expect a prince's room to be like.
Tora closed the door and walked over near the other, pulling a chair to sit as well. "I told you it wasn't very well kept."
Hiroto smiled genuinely, shaking his head. "You should let someone clean up for you."
"Really? I kind of like it like this. Not perfect and more like me," he said with a smile and a nod, glancing around his room.
"I guess it seems more...comfortable." Hiroto agreed with a little laugh.
Tora laughed as well, nodding. "Yes, It is. Would you like something to drink?"
Hiroto nodded politely. "Yes, please." He replied.
Tora stood with a smile and walked to his door. a servant came in soon after and asked what Hiroto would like to drink.
Hiroto made his request for a bit of wine, relaxing in his chair. He actually could really get used to this.
Tora offered it to the other with a smile. "There you are... So, how do like the palace?"
Hiroto sipped the wine calmly. "It's perfect." He answered. "Feels like home..."
Tora smiled, nodding. "You could think of the palace as a home, you know... If you stay and try to help Shou."
"You smile a lot around me." Hiroto pointed out, as if noticing it for the first time.
Tora cocked one of his eyebrows. "Who's to say I don't smile all the time?" he inquired.
Though Hiroto knew that wasn't the case, he wasn't supposed to know. Instead, he played a different game. "I don't know...I was just hoping that I made you happy." He hung his head, trying not to smile.
Tora blinked, panicking slightly. "Oh, no, I didn't mean that you didn't! I just wasn't sure how you knew I didn't smile much," he tried to fix what he'd said.
"So you don't, then?" Hiroto asked, glad that his distraction had worked. He was so glad he was cute and convincing.
Tora shook his head with a smile. "No, I don't," he admitted.
"What makes me so special?" Hiroto asked, honestly wanting to know. How could Tora go from hating him to enjoying his company?
Tora shrugged slightly, laughing a little. "I'm not exactly sure. I just feel comfortable around you, like I've known you for a long time. Kind of like, old friends."
Again, oh the irony. Hiroto just nodded, as if he felt the same. Though he really wished to rub it in Tora's face who he really was, it wasn't time for that yet.
Tora ran a hand through his hair as a clock chimed loudly in the background. Tora frowned slightly. "It's already ten."
"I suppose it's time for bed then." Hiroto downed the remained of his wine and stood up.
Tora rose and escorted the other to the door. "Yes, I suppose it is." He opened the door for the other and very lightly, and sneakily, his placed a light kiss on Hiroto's cheek.
Hiroto blushed a bit, touching his cheek. He then decided to play along and kiss Tora's cheek too before heading off to bed. "Good night, prince Tora!" He called over his shoulder.
Tora smiled and waved goodnight. Down the hall, after Tora's door had closed, the soft click of another door closing sounded as well. Shou leaned against the side of the door with a soft, sad sigh.
Hiroto retired to his bedroom without second thought on his actions. He didn't see that maybe he wasn't hating Tora as much as he used to.
Shou returned to his bed after a few tears were shed. He coughed for a bit, being emotionally upset, and couldn't help the feelings of regret over telling Hiroto to get so close to Tora... he felt as though he was losing him... And the thought itself cut like a knife.