Chapter 4
The next day, Hiroto awoke and stretched, taking in a deep breath and smiling. This must be heaven, he thought, as he looked over at Shou's peaceful form. In fact, it would be nice if they could die together...
The covers had bunched gracefully around Shou's bare hips, leaving him snuggled up to the pillows and Hiroto's side as he dozed.
Hiroto trailed his fingers over the bare skin before lightly placing kisses along Shou's skin.
Shou's lips curved into a small smile, slowly waking from his peaceful sleep.
"Shou..." Hiroto whispered, hugging Shou close. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmm... Heavenly..." Shou breathed, sliding his arms back around Hiroto and hugging him back.
Hiroto smiled and nuzzled Shou before rolling out of bed to get dressed for the day. "I'm glad. I want nothing more than to see you happy."
Shou smiled, pushing himself up and watching his lover with loving eyes. "Then you'll just have to stay by my side at all times," he said with a little laugh.
Hiroto laughed and set out some clothes for Shou too. "Perhaps. I do have something planned for today..."
"What do you have planned?" Shou inquired as he slid form bed and proceeded to dress.
"To make two brothers friends again." Hiroto said, moving over to help Shou dress out of habit.
Shou frowned slightly. "What if I don't want to like Tora for a little while longer..."
"Shou...do you want to die hating him?" Hiroto asked Shou directly, turning Shou to look him directly in the eyes. "Because I know he loves you, even though he doesn't know what you want or need. Can you forgive him that?"
Shou looked up into Hiroto's eyes, his own eyes sad and longing. He still had trouble accepting what Tora had done to them... He didn't answer the other, but he didn't look away. He didn't know if he was ready to or not... Sure, he missed his brother... But, Tora had all but locked him away for the past years...
"Can you at least talk to him?" Hiroto pleaded, gently caressing Shou's cheek. "I'll be with you if you need me there."
Shou nodded slightly, looking down. "Alright... But I need you there..."
Hiroto nodded and held Shou's hand, pulling him towards the door. "Then let's go talk to him before breakfast."
Shou sighed softly, sadly, as he followed Hiroto out of his room. He didn't feel so certain about this...
Hiroto knocked on Tora's door and pushed Shou forward a bit. "Come on, Shou. You have to do this."
Shou wearily glanced back at Hiroto, as he heard a rather weary sounding, "Come in!"
Hiroto sighed and opened the door for Shou, motioning for him to go in. "I'll be right behind you, Shou."
Shou walked in with a strong sigh and entered a wreck. He frowned, looking around him some.
Tora looked up from the big chair in the middle of his room, surrounded with clothes, papers, and tons of other things.
"Tora, what have you done?" he inquired, causing the older brother to start slightly.
"Shou?" he asked, kind of amazed, honestly.
Hiroto stepped around the mess and stood beside Shou, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Tora pushed himself up with a weary sigh. "Sorry, I haven't cleaned yet..." he muttered.
Shou glanced at Hiroto before stepping over some of the mess. "This will take you all day... What were you doing?"
"Thinking," Tora replied and Shou smirked slightly.
"I didn't know that required throwing things around..."
Hiroto stayed silent as he watched the two before bending down to help Tora pick up some of the mess. He didn't want to get in the way of the two talking, but he did want to help out.
Tora looked at his brother."What are you getting at, Shou?" he inquired tiredly.
"I'm not getting at anything, I just want to--" he was cut off, however, when his foot caught and he tripped. Tora was pretty quick to catch his brother, helping him up straight.
"Get out of here, Shou. We can talk when I'm done," he finalized and moved back to cleaning. Shou frowned, watching the other before he turned and headed straight for the door.
Hiroto sighed, deciding to intervene. "Both of you need to stop this. You both need to sit down and talk. I'll clean this mess by myself if I have to."
Tora looked over at Hiroto, as if he'd just noticed him, which he had. "What is there to talk about?" he inquired as Shou stopped, standing beside the door.
"How about the fact that both of you don't treat each other like family?" Hiroto suggested, crossing his arms.
Tora smirked. "We're just like family; always fighting," he said, and Shou crossed his arms.
"Families don't fight." he stated, not really helping himself during this whole mess.
"Both of you sit down." Hiroto ordered, tired of their arguing. "And you'll both take turns explaining how you feel about each other."
"I mad at him," Shou declared form where he stood. At the same time, in unison with the other, Tora replied, "He's mad at me!"
Hiroto shook his head, sighing. "Shou, explain why you are mad."
Shou sighed with a frown. "Because he kicked you out without any care as to what I thought or wanted. He locked me up and wouldn't let anyone but him to see me. But, he tore us apart, and I still don't think he feels bad about doing that!"
"And Tora? What do you have to say in response?" Hiroto asked, turning to the prince. This was his chance to redeem himself.
Tora sighed. "I say that you're here now. If that's what Shou wants, then he has what he wants and he has nothing to be mad at me about. I am, however, allowed to be mad at the both of you for messing with my head like you did," he pointed out with a sigh.
Shou glared at his brother, though it was halfhearted. "You brought it upon yourself. I can't believe you didn't recognize it was Hiroto, it wasn't like he kept it a secret..."
"I'm sorry." Hiroto apologized. "I just didn't think you'd let me stay if I just told you who I was."
"You wouldn't have, but making a guy feel like he has a chance for once and then suddenly pointing out that you're the guy my little brother has been infatuated with for years is harsh," he pointed out as something was thrown at him. He caught it and looked at Shou, who looked about ready to cry.
"You deserved it, Tora! For God's sake, I'm going to die, long before either of you! I don't want to, but I'm going to, and all you could do was make things worse by taking the one person who made me truly happy and throwing him onto the streets!" he started crying then, causing Tora to frown, worried. "If you like him so much, then wait for me to be dead before you take him away from me in the very least! I just want to be happy for a few more weeks!" he sobbed.
Hiroto was starting to regret making Shou do this as he saw his lover's distress. He moved over to him, hugging him. "Calm down, Shou. It's ok."
"I just want to be happy," he whimpered as he sobbed, covering his face and holding himself. He had been so lonely for the past years...
Tora watched the other with sad eyes. He knew his brother only had a few more weeks of life left... He deserves to be happy, he thought sadly, watching the couple.
Hiroto rubbed Shou's back, pulling him towards the door a bit. "I guess this was a bad idea..."
Shou wiped at his eyes as he cried, trembling softly and using his sleeves for his face. He hadn't meant to yell...
Tora shook his head slightly as he watched the pair leave. "Thank you, Hiroto..." he called quietly.
Hiroto sat down in the hall and pulled Shou into his lap, holding him until he stopped crying. He hadn't meant for Shou to get so upset.
Shou sniffled some with a few little hiccups once he'd calmed down, which had taken a bit of time. "I'm sorry..." he said softly, sniffling and wiping at his eyes.
"No, I'm sorry for upsetting you." Hiroto whispered, kissing Shou's forehead.
Shou shook his head, sniffling again. "I didn't mean to yell... Yelling gets nowhere..."
"You needed to get it out I think." Hiroto said, smoothing his fingers through Shou's hair. "It's not good to hold things inside."
Shou sniffled softly, resting his head against his lover's shoulder. "I guess..." he gave in softly, like he always did.
"Are you hungry?" Hiroto questioned, kissing Shou once more. "I'll get you some breakfast and we can eat together in your room."
Shou looked up at the other and nodded slightly, attempting to push himself up. Once he was up, he wearily made his way back to his room.
Once Shou disappeared into his room, Hiroto checked in on Tora to see if he was ok. He would head down to get breakfast right after.
Tora had cleaned up most of the mess, but was now sitting down and thinking again.
"Tora?" Hiroto called softly as he entered the room. "Are you ok?"
Tora glanced over at the door and nodded, looking away again. "Yeah, perfectly fine. How's Shou?"
"Better now." Hiroto answered. "I really hoped things would work out better..."
"They worked out fine, "Tora said, looking over at the former servant. "Now I know why he's mad at me, and what he wants."
"That's true.." Hiroto muttered, though he still felt things needed to be worked out. "I'm getting breakfast for us. Do you want me to bring something up for you too?"
Tora shook his head. "I'll go down and eat a little later. I need to take care of some things," he said, dismissing Hiroto.
Hiroto nodded and left the room, heading down to the kitchens to get two plates of food for himself and Shou. He brought it back up to Shou's room, nudging the door open with his foot.
Shou had changed into a sleeveless shirt that fit loosely around him and a pair of light-weight pants. He looked a little pale... he smiled, though, when Hiroto entered the room. "It smells delicious."
Hiroto smiled back and set the food on the table in Shou's room. "Let's see if it tastes the same."
Shou giggled a little. "Nao cooked, of coarse it'll taste even better."
Hiroto laughed and took a bite of his food before holding a bit up to Shou's mouth for him to taste.
Shou blushed a little, before accepting the spoonful, his eyes locked on Hiroto's.
"I'm not going anywhere, by the way." Hiroto said, leaning over to kiss Shou. "You have me all to yourself."
Shou kissed te other back with a small, gentle smile. "Good..." he whispered softy, crawling up some and kissing Hiroto back as best he could.
Hiroto smiled and picked up more food to feed Shou, loving to spoil him.
Shou smiled softly accepted the food again, sitting closer to his lover as he was fed. Hiroto was always so kind to him.
Hiroto took turns feeding himself and Shou, stealing kisses in between some bites. It was pleasant to just forget about the rest of the world for a while and just be happy together. Since time was precious, Hiroto was going to do his all to make Shou's life a happy one, even if only for a short period of time.
Shou smiled and finally stole the spoon from Hiroto and offered some to his lips, feeding his lover in return with a sweet smile. This was how he wanted his life to be... Sweet and innocent.
Hiroto laughed and held his mouth open for Shou to feed him. It was only fair.
Shou fed the other with a little laugh of his own, before kissing him softly, lightly.
"What do you wish to do today?" Hiroto asked once they were done with breakfast.
Shou shrugged slightly with a smile. "Do you think we could walk around the city?"
"Sure." Hiroto agreed, squeezing Shou's hand lightly. "Maybe I can introduce you to Saga."
Shou smiled softly, watching the other with a smile. "Saga? Is he nice?"
Hiroto nodded and led Shou out with him. "He's the one that let me stay with him and gave me a job."
Shou followed along in his cooled gown, laughing a little. "Is he the one that found you some nifty clothing?
"He made me my nifty clothing." Hiroto said proudly. He hadn't ever owned any nice clothes before he worked for Saga.
Shou gasped, pulling Hiroto to a stop. "He made those? That's amazing!"
Hiroto nodded, modeling his clothes a little for Shou. "He's talented. I tended to only be good for running errands because I have no patience for this stuff."
Shou laughed, covering his mouth some as he did so. "Well... I might have to see if he'd be willing to make more outfits for us, then."
Hiroto held Shou's hand as he took him to Saga's shop, humming along the way. "I'm sure he'd come up with something beautiful for you."
Shou blushed a little with a soft laugh. When he stopped laughing, he realized people were watching him, knowing all too well that it wasn't proper for the king to playing outside the palace. He hurried after Hiroto, keeping his gaze down.
"You ok?" Hiroto asked, thinking nothing of the fact that Shou was the king.
Shou glanced up at Hiroto and nodded with a small smile. "Y-yeah... I've just... I've never been outside the castle walls before... And people are watching..."
Hiroto looked around and found that they were indeed being watched. The former servant shrugged and slid his arm around Shou's shoulders. "Let them stare."
Shou blushed slightly and clung close to Hiroto, in hopes they might pass him off as some one else.
Hiroto laughed at the cute reaction and pushed Shou into Saga's shop, away from the many stares. The shop seemed to be empty at the moment, but Hiroto was sure that the other would soon be up front.
Shou let his arms slide from around Hiroto's body as he moved over to look at some of the amazing gowns in the stores front.
Saga came out and smiled as soon as he saw his little assistant. "Hiroto! You're finally back." He paused and bowed to the king. "And the king too. What a pleasant surprise."
Shou looked over at Saga and smiled sweetly, running his hand over some of the man's fabrics. He then walked back over by his lover, so they could be introduced.
"Saga, this is my lover, Shou." Hiroto introduced. "Shou, this is Saga, my boss."
Shou blushed at the statement of them being lovers, since it sounded strange to him. Before Saga could bow to him, however, Shou bowed to the man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hiroto hasn't stopped talking about you since he was thrown out." Saga commented, smirking slightly. "I feel almost like I already know you." Hiroto blushed at that statement, pulling Shou a little closer. He couldn't help it, he was in love.
Shou laughed with a sweet smile. "At least I know he was thinking of me," he said, looking at Hiroto. "Thank you, Saga, for taking care of him and everything... I owe you so much..."
Saga shrugged, smiling at the pair. "Any friend of Nao's is a friend of mine. I'm glad he found happiness."
Shou smiled sweetly. "You know Nao?" he inquired, all in good nature. He really felt sheltered, now, knowing he was possibly the only person in the palace who'd never been outside it's walls.
"You could say that Nao is my lover." Saga replied. "That was how I met Hiroto."
Shou blushed lightly with a sweet smile. He didn't know Nao had a lover, either...
"Shou, you'd look great in this." Hiroto said, pointing out one of the outfits Saga had on display.
Shou spun slightly to look at the gown. He smiled, walking over to it and running his fingers over it. "It's so pretty... You have so much talent, Saga," he said, looking over at the other.
Saga grinned as he moved over to the gown and lifted it from its place. "Why don't you try it on? I think Hiroto is right." Hiroto nudged Shou, wanting to see the king draped in the luxurious fabric.
Shou glanced form one to the other, before giving in. He went into the back and slid into the gown with ease, as it wasn't unusual for him to wear such amazing things. He soon, hesitantly, stepped form the back.
Hiroto gasped and smiled, running over to Shou to kiss him. Not just any kiss, but a completely passionate one.
Shou blushed brightly, since Saga was still in the room. It was hard, however, to not return the kiss, and ended up giving into the other and kissing him back with just as much passion.
Saga coughed loudly and Hiroto quickly backed away from Shou, laughing a bit. "Sorry." He apologized.
Shou blushed and ducked back behind the changing room wall in embarrassment, his fingers the only thing showing from where he held onto the wall. He wondered if Saga could make him something... Something he'd been thinking up in his head...
"It's fine. You two deserve to be together." Saga said, pushing Hiroto towards Shou. "I don't mind watching anyway."
"Pervert." Hiroto comment, laughing more.
Shou moved more into the changing area and changed back into his previous, silk robes, before returning, the gown in his arms. He wanted this now, for certain. "Do you make custom outfits? Money's not a problem at all..." he added, unsure of how to ask the other.
"Of course. What would you like?" Saga asked, taking the gown from Shou and hanging it back up in its place.
"Um... I haven't decided yet, " he lied. "Do you think you might be able to come to the palace within the next few days? I might have an idea by then."
Saga nodded and leaned closer to Shou. "A surprise for Hiroto maybe?" He guessed, making sure the shorter man didn't hear them.
Shou blushed lightly. That was one thing for certain... He nodded slightly. "But, there's something else I'd like to ask of you, too... Could you perhaps come by tonight?" he asked, quietly.
"Sure. I wouldn't mind stopping by to see Nao either." Saga replied before yelling at Hiroto to get his grimy paws off of all his fabrics.
Shou giggled as Hiroto was caught. "If it's all right with you, could I buy that?" he asked, pointing to the gown the other had hung back up.
"You could've asked that before I put it back up." Saga teased as he went to take it down again. Hiroto moved over to Shou so he wouldn't be tempted to touch anything, besides Shou anyway.
Shou blushed softly. "Oh, I-I'm sorry... If it's too much trouble I can buy it another day..." he rambled on a little.
"Of course it isn't any trouble. He's just joking." Hiroto said, smiling at Shou's sincerity. Saga pulled the gown down again and started wrapping it up for Shou before he handed it to the king.
"Hiroto's right, I really don't mind." Saga said, reassuringly.
Shou nodded slightly, accepting the gown. From his pocket, he pulled out a cloth bag that jingled heavily with gold. He handed it to Saga with a small, sweet smile. "That's for the gown, and as a thank you, for taking care of Hiroto... It means so much to me..."
"Heh, the little brat's not too much trouble to take care of." Saga commented. Hiroto pouted, sliding his arms around Shou's middle.
Shou leaned against his lover with a sweet smile. "All the same, he means the world to me... So, thank you for keeping him safe and on his feet..."
Hiroto smiled sweetly, kissing Shou as the other's words touched him. He gently tugged on Shou's hand, trying to give him the signal to leave. "Come on, Shou. I still have to show you the rest of the city."
Shou returned the soft kiss and nodded with a small, sweet smile. "You're right..." he looked back at Saga and bowed respectfully. "I look forward to your later visit, Saga."
Saga bowed in return before going into the back to continue working on something. Hiroto dragged Shou out of the shop, looking around once they were outside. "Where do you wish to go next, my precious king?"
Shou blushed softly. "Ummm... I'm not sure... What is there to see in the town?"
"Um, not much besides the market place and the country side. I could take you walking through the forest, but it may be dangerous." Hiroto answered.
Shou shrugged slightly with a sweet smile. "Wherever you want to go..."
Hiroto nodded, thinking for a moment before he pulled Shou off with him towards the forest.
Shou followed along, his bundle in his arms. He was curious as to where they were going.
Hiroto brought them to a little clearing among the trees where there was a small swing strung between them. Hiroto motioned for Shou to take a seat.
Shou's cheeks colored very faintly as he glanced back at Hiroto, before moving over and taking a seat upon the swing, his bundle set safely to the side so his hands were free to grip the swing's ropes.
Hiroto moved behind Shou and started pushing him gently, getting the swing to move back and forth.
Shou held onto the swings with a little laugh, his legs kicking slightly, though not in a sense that would keep him swinging, should Hiroto stop.
Hiroto laughed as well, knowing that these simple things would make Shou happy. Such things that he hadn't had the ability to do as a child.
Shou laughed as well, looking back over his shoulder at Hiroto with loving eyes. He felt so unbelievably content in that moment...
Hiroto smiled at Shou, hugging his lover from behind and effectively stopping the swing. "Are you enjoying the fresh air?"
Shou nodded, nuzzling Hiroto and placing a few soft kisses along his jaw, his head leaning back. "Yes... It's so beautiful out today..."
Hiroto sighed in contentment and slid his fingers over Shou's stomach. "What were you planning with Saga, hmm?"
Shou blushed faintly, nuzzling the other. "It's a secret... I want you to be surprised."
"Ok..." Hiroto gave in, beginning to push Shou lightly again. "I was thinking maybe we could have dinner together in the garden tonight."
Shou smiled sweetly, nodding some. "I'd really like that... Is there anything in specific you'd like?"
"I was going to ask Nao to make your favorite." Hiroto replied. And it would be all about Shou, making the most out of the time he had left.
Shou giggled. "Alright, if you want."
After spending some more time out playing around outside, Hiroto brought Shou back to the castle and set up a little table in the indoor gardens for their dinner, already having informed Nao of it.
Shou went up to his room to change, wanting to look special and pretty for Hiroto.
Hiroto fixed himself up nice quickly before sitting down at the table and awaiting Shou's arrival.
Shou soon entered, a little histant at first. He was wearing the gown he'd bought earlier, with his hair up nice and neat.
Hiroto stood up and bowed, pulling out the seat for Shou. "You look beautiful, Shou."
Shou blushed lightly. "You look very handsome, Hiroto..."
Hiroto smiled and pressed a kiss to Shou's lips before returning to his seat. "Isn't it a nice change of scenery here?"
Shou nodded with a little laugh. "It smells so nice and flowery in here, too."
Hiroto smiled as their food was brought in by a servant and set up on the table. It smelt wonderful.
Shou's chest fluttered with the most amazing smell in the world to him, as the food was brought in.
Hiroto filled Shou's plate with the food before dishing some out onto his own. "Eat up, my precious king."
Shou laughed a little, picking up his fork and taking a little bite. It was delicious!
Hiroto grinned and began to eat his own, also quite pleased with the wonderful taste.
Shou took some up in his fork and leaned over the table some to offer it to his lover.
Hiroto leaned in to continue their game of feeding each other, offering his food to Shou after he took the offered bite.
Shou giggled, accepting the meal. From the doorway tot he gardens, hidden in the dark and shadows, Tora stood with jealous eyes; watching.
"I really do like that gown on you." Hiroto complimented, not realizing that they were being watched.
Shou smiled with a light blush. "I noticed you did in the shop... I love Saga's talent, it's amazing."
"Is he coming tonight?" Hiroto asked, sipping a bit from his wine.
Shou nodded slightly. "I asked him to, but I can always send someone to tell him to wait until tomorrow if you have something else planned, like you did this," he said with a giggle.
"No, I'll let you get started on your surprise. I can find something to do until you're finished." Hiroto replied, eating a bit more from his plate.
Shou nodded with a sweet smile. "It shouldn't take too terribly long, though, so don't go far?"
"I can stay in my room, if that's ok." Hiroto decided, wiping his lips with his napkin once he was done with his meal.
Shou smiled and nodded with a sweet giggle. "Alright, and I'll come and get you when Saga's and I are done."
And just a moment later, a servant came in to inform Shou that Saga had arrived. Hiroto began cleaning the table, kissing Shou's cheek before the king had to leave to go greet Saga.
Shou hung back just a moment, turning to Hiroto and leaning up to kiss him very softly upon the lips, before he moved to leave the gardens. "I'll see you soon, Hiroto."
Hiroto waved and resumed his task of cleaning, the gardens seeming much quieter and lonely now. Though he didn't think anyone else was there.
Tora cleared his throat some as he stepped into the room, letting the door close behind him.
Hiroto jumped at hearing the noise, spinning around to see Tora. "Oh, you scared me..."
Tora smiled slightly. "Did I? I apologize. How was dinner?"
Hiroto blushed some, turning to stare at the table. "It was nice. Did you see us?"
"Yes... I was coming in when you were both just about done. I figured I'd wait until you were done," he said as he moved around the table, his own princely robes wrapped around him, only his held more authority and pride that Shou's pretty ones.
Hiroto fidgeted some, feeling a little awkward as Tora moved closer. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No, but I'm not all that hungry. You and Shou went into town, ne? Did you buy anything?" he asked, sitting down on the edge of the table, watching Hiroto.
"Shou bought that gown he was wearing tonight." Hiroto replied, taking that as a sign to sit down as well. "You don't mind if I take him out, do you?"
"Yes, but what am I going to do to stop you?" he inquired with a small smile. "The people of the town aren't reacting well to seeing their king run around like that is all."
Hiroto ducked his head down in shame. "I'm sorry, I'm foolish....but it's what he wanted to do..."
Tora moved over and rest a hand against the other's back. "I know that's why you did it. Dress him up or something, make him look like towns folk."
"Ok, I'll keep that in mind." Hiroto looked up at Tora and smiled some at him, glad that he was taking it well.
"If I get any more complaints, though," Tora said, watching the other. "You'll have to pay for your actions."
"What will happen?" Hiroto asked, eyes widening slightly.
"Just don't let it happen," Tora advised, their eyes locking as he stood. "Heed my warning, Hiroto." he advised once more before leaving.
Hiroto sighed and went to his room to wait for Shou to come after working on his surprise with Saga. He was a little scared of Tora now, not sure what the prince had meant.
Shou finished with his plans and directions with Saga, having two gowns done in the quickest pace possible. Once the man had left, the king slid across the hall, still in his new gown, and knocked on Hiroto's door.
Hiroto opened up the door and greet Shou, letting him into his room. "Done already?"
Shou nodded with a smile. "Mm, I told you it wouldn't take long."
Hiroto pulled Shou into a kiss, snuggling him close. "Did you have fun planning things without me?"
Shou laughed, sliding his arms around his lover. "Yes, I did, but I don't want to plan without you again."
"I talked with Tora some once you left. He told me we disturbed everyone today by not disguising you." Hiroto said, looking worriedly at Shou.
Shou looked up at the other with a small frown. "I didn't even think of a disguise... I should have, I'm sorry."
Hiroto smiled softly. "It's ok..." He wouldn't mention that Tora pretty much threatened him. "Are you ready for sleep?"
Shou shrugged slightly with a small nod. "I think so... Are you?"
Hiroto nodded and started stripping down to his nightclothes. "You don't mind if we sleep in here, do you?"
Shou shook his head, unbuttoning some of the gown he was struggling some, though, as the way the gown was buttoned was odd to him.
Hiroto moved over and started unbuttoning it for him, kissing each of his shoulders. as he pulled the gown down. "Come on, let's quickly hide under the covers."
Shou giggled and nodded, slipping from the gown, leaving him in his underlings and moving to the bed.
Hiroto laid the gown on the back of a chair and ran over to the bed, jumping on it. "Whee!"
"Eek!" Shou squeaked as Hiroto just about pounced on him in the process.
Hiroto giggled and settled under the covers next to Shou, hugging him close. "I'm sorry, Shou. Did I scare you?"
"A little," he said with a soft laugh, snuggling close to Hiroto.
Hiroto kissed his cheek and blew out the candles beside the bed. "Good night, love."
Shou smiled soft and sweet. "Goodnight, lover..."
