Divinity | MxM

Chapter 20

Seki and Raiden walk side by side as they exit the grand door to the castle.

They are immediately met with cheering and music from the festive happenings in the palace square. There are so many people who have shown up today, and it seems everyone is in a good mood. 

Only a few take notice of the number 1 supreme and his endear, but Raiden also notices that most of them are quite drunk and seem to think Seki is simply a figment of their imagination. Because what on earth would the world's strongest supreme be doing out here when the party of his kind is happening inside the castle walls?

Raiden can not answer that question.

All he knows is that Seki did not want to be there. Even an idiot would be able to tell through the emotions seeping through Seki's voice and stance as he came to table 17. 

The two of them stop as they look over the huge crowd. Raiden looks out the corner of his eyes and takes in Seki's appearance.

The supreme is obviously still wearing his golden clothes and manages to stay just as stunning as he was at the beginning of the evening. But it's clear to see that his mood has changed, even though he keeps a straight posture with his hands behind his back and a gentle expression on his face.

This gives Raiden an idea. 

"Wanna go get ice cream?" he questions. He might be bitter about missing dessert from the castle for a while, but it's not his biggest concern right now.

"Ice cream?" Seki questions as he looks up at the other.

"Yeah, I know a good place," Raiden explains, "It's down by the shore. You know... away from all the people and such."

It's a small ice cream shop by the harbor where he and Haru always went when Raiden was a child. An old couple runs it, which means it's always open. It's not far from here, but far enough that Raiden can assure the crowd of people won't be nearly as extreme as here. 

Might be a good way to get some peace and quiet, which Seki seems to be in need of. 

The supreme spares Raiden a soft and tired smile, before he nods, "That would be amazing."

Raiden doesn't know why the sound of Seki's voice back at the table left such an impression on him, but he can't help but be affected by it. It's not pity or something... so, he has no idea what it is. He should be hating Seki just as much, if not even more, as the people inside the castle.

Yet here he is, showing Seki a back alleyway leading away from the castle towards the water framing the city. 

As they walk side by side, the sound of people slowly starts to fade in the distance, and soon enough they start hearing the water. 

It also starts getting a little more windy, but Raiden doesn't mind in the least. The breeze blows gently through his hair and instantly makes him calm down. 

It was an interesting experience being a part of the party at the castle, but he can almost feel his ears still ringing from listening to people talk all evening. Maybe getting a break is good.

"Are you sure you don't want to meet up with your friends and father? The evening isn't over yet," Seki questions softly as they are now almost alone, aside from a few dog walkers passing by.

"They are probably drunk out of their minds at this point," Raiden can't help but smile slightly, "I can just hang out with them some other time."

Seki hums and looks forward again. As they walk in silence, Raiden can't help but glance over at the other every once in a while.