(Untitled)

[super_seme]

Day 15, 7p.m.

It feels good to ride through the streets of their own city once more, even if it isn't really their city. The passersby cheer them on, just the same. Gwendal isn't sure if it's because of the return of their precious charge or simply because they've seen Murata's dark hair among their company

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[totalknowitall]

The bright sunshine and welcoming smiles on the faces of the people almost make it possible to forget their company is short one important person. Murata nods and returns the smiles but finds it hard to manage after a while. He fidgets, looking down at the ground as it passes below the horse's hooves.

"We did as well as we could have, given the circumstances," he says softly.

[super_seme]

Gwendal shakes his head. "I don't want to consider the circumstances. I want to rescue my brother from the insane megalomaniac." He immediately feels guilty at giving such a petulant response to Murata's attempt to cheer him. "Sorry. I know things went better than we could have expected." Trusting Kihin to follow the horse in front's lead, Gwendal loosens his hold on the reins and rests his forehead on Murata's shoulder. He continues in a muffled voice: "He always looks out for everyone. He looks out for me. He deserves our help."

[totalknowitall]

Talking about Sir Weller is easier than focusing on the faint claustrophobia that starts to gnaw in the pit of his stomach as Blood Pledge Castle gets closer. Still looking down at his hands, he nods again. "He will have it," he replies. "Yozak will bring him back. We've done our part. Think of how much easier the rescue will be now that Greta is out of harm's way."

[super_seme]

For once, Gwendal is too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice the strain in his partner's posture and voice. "I hope you're right," he says gruffly, lifting his face to look ahead as he resumes his calm facade. "Because if not...it may be too late to rescue him even now."

[totalknowitall]

He covers the hand around his waist with one of his own and hopes to offer reassurance. For all his confidence in any incarnation in of Yozak Gurrier, until Sir Weller is returned safely, quieting Gwen's fears will be difficult.

The comfort is also difficult to muster as he becomes increasingly distracted. What if he is back in the castle? A scan of the Blood Pledge didn't find him, but that did not mean he wasn't there. And even if he wasn't, the memories were.

Somewhere ahead of them, a trumpet announces their arrival. Murata lifts his head, expression calm, his eyes blank as his thoughts remain turned inward.

[super_seme]

Yuuri and Wolfram clatter up to the group, followed closely by their escort. In the commotion Gwendal takes advantage of the opportunity to hug Murata, even daring to place a kiss on his cheek in spite of the gathering crowd. Totally misinterpreting the tension in the Sage's shoulders, he whispers in what he hopes is a reassuring tone, "It's alright, we're nearly home. We can have a nice, quiet evening together, and we won't have to deal with anyone else until you feel ready."

[totalknowitall]

He would have chided the older man for the gesture -- gently of course, and without much real venom behind it -- if the glint of the waning sunlight on blond hair hadn't caught his attention. For a moment, he feels his heart stop dead in his chest.

--matted, blood-streaked hair, hacked off in places--

His heart restarts, twice its normal speed. He barely hears Gwen's reassurances over the thundering--

The little blond pet screamed before he lost his tongue. Before he gave up and retreated into the quiet madness that made him so pretty--

Murata swallows, trying to keep his breathing steady despite the rising panic. He hadn't expected the reaction to be this strong. He had wondered, dreaded what would happen if he crossed paths with the Maou's fiance. He glances around, looking for a good way to get down off the horse and away from the people. Down. He needs to get down and away without drawing attention to himself.

[super_seme]

Continuing his oblivious streak, Gwendal walks his fingertips up Murata's arm and across his shoulder. "That's nice, isn't it?" he says quietly, referring to the touching reunion taking place only a few feet away. "I'm sure they'll want to thank the Great Sage, who did them such a kindness, and without whom we would never have succeeded. But I'm thinking there'll be celebrations, and crowds, and bright lights and noise and all kinds of things that, full day of sleep or not, I doubt you're ready for just yet. So." He twitches the reins and Kihin prances a few steps away from the royal family. "The choice is entirely yours. We can stay and participate, or we can take advantage of the confusion and slip away. Let them get on with it. What do you think?"

[totalknowitall]

One of the nurses approaches Kihin with a reproachful glare and hands Gwendal a note. Unaware of the mental conversation taking place beside him, he unfolds it and glances over the brief message.

Get your ass back to the infirmary so we can make sure the houryouku poisoning isn't slowly killing you. Moron.

~Gisela

He laughs softly to himself. At least they know where they'll be sleeping tonight. Hopefully most of those affected by the wave will have recovered by now. He wants Murata to feel as safe as possible, and while a few companions might facilitate that, a crowded ward seems like a bad idea.