The Big Book Of Amaguji

Solace Is What We Need (Or Something Similar, Unrecognizable At This Moment)

Something strange is going on, though, Korekiyo couldn't quite put his finger on it.

It had been days since the, admittedly handsome, thief stole him away and days since he wasn't found and brought back. He would admit, his kingdom has been known for being more forceful than other kingdoms but he would believe that his parents would treat this as an emergency.

A pool of worry in his stomach filled exponentially fast as he started thinking about it.

He could just leave, a quick wave goodbye, maybe a promise to return to visit, but the while kingdom would start looking for him. He could even imagine there was a ransom for him, dead or alive.

And he still continues to smile at him, no fear in his eyes as the the days go by, slowly but surely.

It reminds him of something or someone, it's staring right at him, even in arms reach, a soft push needed to find it once again.

"Good morning, Rin," The man facing him slowly opened his eyes, a quick jump and a relieved sigh crippled any attempt to sleep again.

They have grown accustomed to sleeping together on the same bed without the embarrassment. It was something Korekiyo had suggested as soon as he felt guilty leaving Rin sleeping on the floor during the upcoming winter.

"Morning, Korekiyo," Rin dragged on the greeting, rubbing his eyes whilst doing so.

"What ever happened to 'my prince'? I was just getting used to it too," Korekiyo honestly and sadly declared.

"I thought you said it was an act before, hm?" Rin teased him playfully.

"Being with you for a few days changed my outlook on you, as any other prolonged interaction to any human would do to you. It would be the more generous option to you, yes?" Korekiyo raised his eyebrow as an indication of conformation.

Rin nodded, "I'm guessing so, though, I have no right to question you on your knowledge of humans."

"Absolutely false,-" Korekiyo sounded surprised, even offended, "-how could you not question the knowledge of your own species? Not including past historical events and people, everyone is different in their own beautiful way. Everyone's reasoning and questioning is how we figure out more about ourselves as a whole, progressively turning into a crowd, a group, then a single individual, not even for scientific reasons, maybe just to understand our place in this universe."

Rin sat appalled as Korekiyo shifted his way out of the bed. He could see the lingering anger in Korekiyo's eyes as he slipped on his shoes to take his morning bath. Rin followed closely behind, following their agreement to also take baths together to not waste time doing more important things in the afternoon.

Rin always found Korekiyo's obsession with efficiency amusing.

When he stepped outside, he immediately felt the urge to step back in because it was so alarmingly cold. The bark on the nearby trees has already grown slightly white and the usually soft ground has grown hard. He would imagine that it wasn't safe for someone like Korekiyo to bathe in since he was exposed to the heat for most of his life.

'We would just have to make do,' Was something he'd hope he wouldn't say for the sake of his health.

"Kiyo! Where are you!" He yelled, hoping he would've noticed their predicament by now.

"I'm right here. I haven't gone far, though, I've notice this is quite the issue we have right now," He emerged from the direction of the river and walked back inside.

Rin could tell he was shivering a bit even though the lingering heat from last night's fire was still in the air. He closed the door and sat down next to him.

"Hey, hey, here's my coat," Rin quickly removed his own coat and fitted it over Korekiyo. Korekiyo tried to decline but an engulfing wrap around his waist silenced him.

"It's almost wintertime, I won't allow you to get sick because of your politeness," Rin knew of the effects of the cold all too well. It was either a comforting blanket that helps you sleep or something that you damned for each second you're in it.

Neither was the case for him but it made all the more reason to help Korekiyo more.

"Are we going to stay like this? We have things to do today," Korekiyo wasn't hating his position, absolutely not, but he'd would rather do something else rather than sit down.

"How about we just relax today? I know it's unsanitary to stay like this but it's too cold out to do anything," Rin then placed the bed sheet over both of them.

Korekiyo squirmed slightly in his uncertainty before giving in, "I-I suppose we could make do with today."

Rin sighed in relief, "Thank you."

They talked quietly as they huddled together, comfort, warmth, and happiness accompanying one of the only leisure times they've spent together. Korekiyo put his hands in the coat pockets, sifting his hands around to siphon warmth in his fingers. He felt a piece of paper between his fingers and took it out.

"Rin, is this garbage? I know you're somewhat busy but I suggest you keep your pockets clean," The previously wet newspaper article was present in his hands, folded into a small square.

How could the fates tempt him like this?

He couldn't have a more fitting opportunity to tell him,"No, it was actually for you. I anticipated showing you this a bit later."

"Oh really? Might I ask, what does it pertain to?"

"Royal status, yours specifically," Rin said, nervous.

"How strange. I don't recall having done anything to get on a newspaper," Korekiyo unfolded it, slowly but painfully. Rin couldn't imagine the thoughts going through his head then, being eventually crushed with a few words.

Rin couldn't even continue his train of thought before Korekiyo's face changes to a multitude of emotions in a few seconds.

"A new heir, I see. I wasn't aware of my mother's pregnancy. I figure they were going to tell me sooner," Korekiyo avoided Rin's upset gaze, embarrassed.

"I think it's time to retire for the day," Rin removed his jackets from Korekiyo's shoulders and hung it up on the coat rack, then crawling into the empty bed space next to him.

The room's aura turned... lonely. It wasn't sad or eerie per se, but it was lacking something. Rin could say it lacked truth, Korekiyo's trust, or just everything that their conversation while huddling, or cuddling for more of a fitting word, have but that wasn't the case. It was missing something that Rin couldn't place his finger on just yet.

But it was there, staring at him, but he thinks he knows what it is. A shove, push, nudge or anything pertaining is not needed.

Only a small step forward.