The lost Prince

Chapter 7

The timing of his return to England couldn't have been any worse. Tadashi wanted to talk to Akira at least one more time before leaving and now he would be gone before Akira had returned. Nevertheless, he had to make the best of it. That way, he could talk to his father about Taro's Guardianship and propose to make him his employee in his future attorney office.
The main reason why he had been called back earlier than anticipated was because of his mother's health. His mother had always been very fragile and because of that she has always been more sick than healthy. In truth, Tadashi's Lord father was his step dad because his mother remarried when Tadashi was still a child. Their father-son relationship was 'cold', to say the least. Mylord was only to be impressed with status and achievements, something Tadashi had to learn very early on.

It was Saturday, the day before Tadashi's departure and he had promised Taro that he would spend his last day together with him. His suitcases were already packed and the rented apartment paid for. It were his hands now that lay cold in his lap, the white handkerchief with his initials, crumpled in his hands.... it felt surreal. Everything. At first, he didn't want to come here and now his departure seemed.... impossible and hard. Sometimes the development of 'things' were simply unpredictable. And he knew that it had been stupid when he broke into Taro's personal space, that he would hurt himself too in the process of getting emotionally attached but that's what happened and no regrets could save them both now.

Kentaro was shocked when he had heard about Tadashi's early departure from Taro the other day, Taro's mood had also dropped significantly from that day on. Akira had told him that Tadashi and Taro were fond of each other so no matter what would happen, Kentaro and his wife would have the boy's back. And besides, Akira was to return from his travel in tow days from now. He was the best when it came to solve problems and overcome obstacles.

Before Tadashi had arrived on this Saturday, Taro sat on his bed and looked out of the window, waited for him. His hands balled into fists from anticipation, no words had been spoken the entire morning. The young man had completely withdrawn into himself, he had become even more speechless than before.

They went to the park where Tadashi had brought him before, where Taro had his first ice cream ever. And the memories seemed so old already, the moments black and white in Taro's head. He couldn't say anything when he and Tadashi went for a walk there, he had troubles to answer Tadashi's questions and the older man of course noticed. He offered his elbow to Taro and the young man linked his arm with him. Of course they gave an odd impression but none of them cared. This was the closest they could get to 'holding hands' outside.

"You are unusually quiet today. No curious questions for me today?"

Taro shook his head and maybe it was just Tadashi's imagination when the young man moved closer to him. They made their way to the white pagoda where they had been sitting in at their first visit. They settled down on one of the benches but Taro still didn't let go of Tadashi's arm. Tadashi gave a breath of laughter. "You are very clingy today."

Taro looked even more sad and he lowered his head. In doing so, his head came to a rest on Tadashi's shoulder. The blond man looked around and since they were alone in the pagoda, he lifted his left hand and cared over Taro's cheek. "You have to promise me one thing: No matter what happens in the future, keep on going. Keep on learning, working, drawing, do everything you love... and never stop." His hand came to a stop at Taro's chin and titled his head up so that the young boy looked into his eyes. "Promise?"

"Promise." Was all Taro said and he averted his eyes again when Tadashi let go off his chin. They were in public, he had to keep his composure.

"I will come back for you, I want to take you with me to England."