Hikari no Takashiro

Hikari to Takashiro

                                                                   Part 1

This fanfic is to honor the ever sweet and lovable Katze Snow. It was with her blessings that I began this one-shot side story of her 'Broken in Silence' universe. A few spoiler alerts in this story. If you haven't read 'BiS' then don't read this as it won't make sense and it will spoil parts of the book! Congratulations Katze on an amazing book. Love you sweet girl!

Perfectly polished black leather soles clacked thoughtfully through the halls of Wulfric Manor. Normally Takashiro could move through the well kept Manor without so much as a whisper, but today was another matter. The usually stoic butler was deep in thought.

Takashiro knew his master harbored a dark secret that was slowly tearing him apart, and the pain he saw in his master's eyes tore apart his own heart. What made the situation worse, was the fact he knew there was nothing he could do to help his master and that ate at him more. All he could do was to be there to pick up the broken pieces.

Once in his room, Takashiro showered and changed his clothes. He was not a vain man nor did he believe himself to be handsome. In the same fire that had almost taken his master's life, Takashiro had gained horrible scars as trophies for rescuing the twins. Because of these, he rarely ever shows his body. His shirts always long sleeved and high collared.

Today however, Takashiro decided to dress down and venture into a part of town that he had never been. There had been rumors going around of a flower shop that had opened up in the newly formed town, 'Dullshine'. Fitting name he had thought when he overheard the wolves talking about it's occupants one afternoon.

This time when he dressed, he wore a traditional high collared shirt from his home, but this one was sleeveless. His pants were a soft dark wash pair of denim that he paired with a pair of black heavy leather boots. His long hair was pulled back into a low braid and pulled over his shoulder.

With one look at his appearance in the mirror, he left his room and the manor. Over the years, he had managed to buy himself a car. He normally would not have indulged in such a frivolous purchase, but he hated using his master's cars for his own personal use. It made him feel as though he were using his master for his wealth.

Once in his car, he headed out to the outskirts of town and into the new location. After circling a few blocks, he easily found the shop. The store was very noticeable for many reasons, but the one that stood out the most, was the completely glass walls that encased the front of the store. From the dark streets you could clearly see the hundreds of floral arrangements and vibrant colors. Most importantly, you could see the shop's single employee and their brilliant smile.

Takashiro parked his car and glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Perhaps I should just leave. I don't want to frighten the poor child."

"The master has often told you to find a life outside the manor. Besides I like his youthful look. I bet he tastes as sweet as..."

A tap on the window startled the usually alert Takashiro and he nearly jumped out of his skin when he looked up to see the object of his current inner battle smiling through the glass. Fighting hard not to blush at being caught off guard, Takashiro rolled the window down.

"I'm sorry to bother you sir, but I feared you might be in trouble. Are you alright?"

Takashiro almost didn't hear the softly spoken, almost feminine voice. Was this boy an angel? Do they even exist? No there's a hidden darkness lurking in the boy's eyes, just beneath the surface.

"I apologize for worrying you. I'm afraid my mind is not with me today. I heard rumors of your shop and wanted to come see it for myself. Flowers are not all that common here."