The Big Book Of Amaguji

Emotions Are A Fickle Thing (And Very, Very Confusing To Decipher)

Today, Korekiyo decided to stay with Rin as much as he could. After yesterday, it was the least he could do without talking to him much. All he knows is that Rin likes his presence.

It's not the best but it'll suffice.

He didn't know that Rin smiled so much on a daily bases. Even being a criminal, he was still as happy as ever. Korekiyo admired that as though he couldn't do it himself, that way it would be easier to understand the beauty of the emotion.

It's strange but it was the most effective way for him to learn.

As they walked through the forest for any fruits. Rin looked upwards at the branches whilst Korekiyo skimmed the ground. It was a shame that neither of them could go into the marketplace but it finally allowed a chance for Rin to get some sunlight.

"So, my prince, why did you accompany me in my search today? I was more than happy to allow you to stay in the cabin, " Rin looked to his companion in genuine confusion.

Korekiyo stared at the bark patterns on the trees and completely blindsided the question. It was only when Rin tapped his shoulder that Korekiyo was brought back to reality.

"You've been staring at everything since yesterday. Is something the matter?" Rin inquired.

Korekiyo shook his head, immediately dismissing the conversation. Rin was upset that he couldn't press him a bit more but the sad truth is;

Korekiyo gets defensive when pressured and rather quickly too.

Every since meeting him, he'd always had to hold his tongue for a later time because he'll get upset. On the bright side, he'll know immediately when it's okay to talk to him.

It sweet actually, bittersweet, but sweet nonetheless.

From his peripheral, he could see the glare from an apple; almost squishing it in the process of locating it under the small pile of leaves.

He beckoned Korekiyo over, "We finally found something."

Korekiyo came behind him, observing closely as Rin sifted through the leaves, "What a delight. You are an observant one, aren't you?"

"A compliment from the prince? How unprecedented! Aren't I a lucky one?" Korekiyo sighed quietly, a ghost of a smile on his face.

"Maybe so, Rin. As a higher authority though, I'll only allow your satisfaction once, " Korekiyo grin slightly got wider as he joked.

Rin was in awe for a second. Maybe he was loosening up a bit? Was it because he was away from the kingdom? "Ah, I've never heard you make a joke, my prince. What's the occasion?"

"I've heard that jokes cheer people up. After my stubborn attitude yesterday, I felt guilty. This is why I accompanied you today. I'm aware it's that's not a physical gift, but I hope my presence is sufficient at least."

Rin's lips curled slightly at it's corners before peeling into a bright grin,"I don't require physical gifts to allow me to give you affection. Me just talking to you is fine enough, and yes, you're presence is not sufficient-"

Korekiyo's face caved with fear before he could finish, "It's perfect."

Korekiyo breathed out in relief before letting the words sink in. His presence is... perfect? Just standing here, breathing and existing is perfect? His face would've been flushed with red if Rin wasn't here.

Korekiyo's face was already hot with embarrassment. He had never felt this way before. Sure, he would endlessly rant about something if he was passionate enough and he would have an intense blush, but from another human? That was the strange part.

Rin picked up the apple and rubbed it on the front of his pants before discovering more. He took out an old duffel bag he found near one of the old camping sites and stuffed about ten to twelve apples inside, surprisingly clean too.

"We have enough food, let's go back," Rin said as he hung the bag over his shoulder.

They were lucky that they only went straight or else they would've gotten lost easily, but it wasn't like they didn't get lost when they walked that far out anyways.

Korekiyo was fixated on everything around them and Rin was busy watching him. It wasn't that big of a deal.

On a larger note though, Rin couldn't find any wood laying around except for small sticks. Usually there were at least severed bark on the ground from the surrounding trees but today, nothing was worth burning.

Even Korekiyo found it odd despite only being here for a couple of days. He got accustomed to the sound of wood being dropped on the floor before he crawled into bed, but today, it was silent.

"What a shame, I was sure I saw some a few days before," Rin said, agitated.

"No fire wood? How strange, you always had an eye out for those," Korekiyo already had his back against the wall, legs curled around each other, and sheet over his shoulders in preparation for the cold night, but if it came down to it, he would gladly give up the bed for tonight.

"I could've sworn I saw some the day before. Ah, well, " He took off his coat and motioned for his bed before Korekiyo interjected.

"If you wish, I can sleep on the floor from the time being, " Korekiyo said, projecting his voice quieter than he met to. He had to keep his voice quiet around this hour if he planned to stay up late. That was definitely a habit that wasn't going away anytime soon.

"Absolutely not, you hate the cold."

"I'm not taking no for an answer," Korekiyo retorted.

They were too polite for their own good.

Rin looked away as he thought of an 'alternative' solution, "Well, if you consent of course, we could share the bed, my prince."

Korekiyo was taken aback for a second before nodding, "Yes, I believe that is most efficient."

He lifted the sheet to make room for Rin and the intense warmth he emitted when he got close was most definitely not expected. He blushed as the warmth swan through his body.

Rin finally settled into the mattress and sheet placed over him. Though, hovering his arm over Korekiyo.

"May I?" He said before getting the slight nod of approval.

They both could confidently say that it was very much effective.