[log] Atobe and Shiraishi
Who: Atobe Keigo, Shiraishi Kuranosuke and NPC (Atobe's Mother, Natsumi)
Where: Atobe's room in the castle
When: December 14th
What: After Yuushi delivers Shiraishi the news, Shiraishi searches for comfort and witnesses something unbeliveable.
Rating: G.
Comments: Fluffy pair go.
--
Raytin's King was nothing but pins and needles as he sat in his room at a small table in the corner. It was a rather large room, and entirely big enough for the two people it had become a bedroom to. Lavishly decorated and filled with trinkets that gave Atobe comfort, and things for Kuranosuke's schooling, it was a personal safe haven and oasis... and probably the worst place to meet his mother, now that he thought about it. That thought only seemed to make him more nervous on top of his worrisome thoughts about his mother's safety.
A click resounded throughout the room that had Atobe alert and staring at a tapestry he knew covered a secret passageway. As he saw the delicate fingers of his mother's hand wind around the edge of the fabric, he shot to his feet and smoothly strode forward to help her through.
"Mother," He smiled, the worry vanishing now that he could see for himself that she was in one piece. "I wish you wouldn't venture out during this time. The Kingdom is in a state that I fear may get you killed."
"I will not be undone so swiftly, my son." The still beautiful woman smiled at her son and tapped his arm chidingly. "Never forget who and what I am."
Atobe's elegant brows furrowed slightly as he lead her to the table and pushed the chair in behind her as she sat. There was tea and biscuits on the table waiting for their chat. And chat they did for what seemed a long time.
Usually Shiraishi was in quite a good mood when he was going to his room (well, not really his room, but the King’s bedroom where he usually slept now days). This time he just didn’t feel like smiling much.
He would be leaving Raytin soon. It was the wish of an elder of the mage council, so it had to be obeyed. Shiraishi would temporarily be Yuushis student, which meant he couldn’t stay in Raytin. No, he had to follow the older mage to Risath. Shiraishi didn’t want to. He was happy like this. Even if he sometimes argued with Kenya, he still would miss him. Kenya taught well, it was Shiraishi who sometimes didn’t listen… maybe it was because of that they had decided to do this... or for the sake of Sakuno? Who knew? Well, they… but he obviously didn’t.
Shiraishi sighed and opened the door that led to Atobe’s bedroom without knocking (hey, they lived together, of course he wouldn’t knock). “Keigo, you never guess what happened today?” he said before he even looked if the man was in.
In mid-sentence and laugh - the jovial sound like something out of Atobe's childhood - Atobe's mother froze, eyes locked on the quickly opening door. A zing shot up even Atobe's spine that set off his own alarm that mimicked his mother's. However, the presence on the other side was none other than Shiraishi, who was much more familiar to him. It was something quite excusable as well, but his mother was much more cautious than he.
Swiftly she stood and just as Shiraishi's words rang in the air, she slipped behind the hidden passage to wait on the other side. There had been no time to clean up the traces she left behind, however. A half eaten biscuit, a full cup of tea, and the swinging tapestry.
Atobe stow his alarm away and shifted in his seat to look casual, hand holding his head up. "By the tone of your voice, I expect nothing good?"
Shiraishi kept looking at the floor because he was thinking of a way of saying what he had to. It was rather harsh. “Well, it can’t be good news since it involves Yuushi”, he joked with a rather not amused tone. Just say it how it is, that would be the best method. Yes, Atobe always liked to hear things straight.
“I’m going to be -”, he started and raised his head, stopping his sentenced in the middle because he spotted something. “… why is that tapestry moving?”
Ah, the other Oshitari and constant thorn in Shiraishi's side. His lips curved in amusement, though once Shiraishi made note of the tapestry he could feel his breath pause for a millisecond. Thankfully his... friend (truthfully, he didn't know what they were anymore, but he rather enjoyed it) didn't have the senses to be able to tell what was truly behind the tapestry. So, a lie may be the best excuse. Even if lying didn't sit well in his stomach.
"Draft from the window, most likely." He was sure his mother wouldn't stay out there long, despite knowing she'd want to properly say goodbye. Though, Atobe did still feel her presence and it pained him to run through ways to get Shiraishi to leave long enough. "You were saying?"
“Ah”, Shiraishi nodded. Though it was odd… the room wasn’t even cold. Not even a little. Oh well, must be the smallest breeze.
Shiraishi walked a little further to the room, just so he wouldn’t be standing on the door. If he’d stay there, he’d just escape after saying what he came to say. “Well, I was just informed that…” he looked at the table that Atobe was sitting at. A tea on the other side of the table and a half-eaten biscuit..? “… Keigo. Are you hiding someone?”
Yes. Yes, he was. And it looked like he had been found out, as well. Strangely, he was not adverse to letting Shiraishi know who lay behind the tapestry. He knew the young mage to be trustworthy, and one day he may have to go into hiding as well. That day would most likely be within the next handful of years, and there would be no other that he could think that he'd rather tell than his closest person.
"We have been found out." Atobe replied, much louder than his normal tone of voice so he was sure his mother would hear. It seemed easy and rather pleasing, which was why his lips curved into a smile. "You won't betray us, will you Kuranosuke?"
Well, Shiraishi would never betray Atobe. Not in a million years and longer. But finding him like this was suspicious. Shiraishi didn’t want to think about most of his theories, but it was kind of hard not to when you found your closest and most dear friend hiding someone. Especially with that smile of Atobe’s. Not a good sign, that.
“Of course not, you know me. Though from my point of view it seems like you’re betraying me”, Shiraishi said and crossed his arms. He didn’t mean to say that out loud, but ah… better out than in.
Atobe laughed heartily, completely amused by Shiraishi's words. No, he was not betraying him at all. Nor would he ever dream of it, either. To harm him would, by extension, harm himself. Frankly Atobe loved Shiraishi and himself far too much to hurt either of them.
Standing gracefully, Raytin's King strode confidently toward the tapestry and gently rapped his knuckles against the wall. A moment later, he moved the material to show a portion of the wall completely open now, and part of a woman's form behind it. "You may come out."
"I do hope you know what you're doing, my son." Obviously his mother was skeptical as she ducked under the tapestry and came to rest in full view. The woman had long wavy hair the shade of Atobe's, golden eyes, and dressed like a noble woman.
Shiraishi wasn’t really sure if he wanted to meet… whoever the other man was hiding. The other person must have been a lot prettier and better, since Atobe even laughed at Shiraishi. So he refused to look at them for a while… until he heard that one word.
“Son?” he asked and looked at the two. There stood a beautiful woman. Shiraishi couldn’t take his eyes off her for awhile. She really, looked a lot like Keigo… but, how. Shiraishi looked at Atobe. “Keigo…”
The shock on Shiraishi's face only made Atobe's expression soften. It may be possible that he looked almost guilty for hiding such a thing from Shiraishi as well. But that wasn't on the table to discuss just yet. First, introductions should be made.
"Kuranosuke, you've met my mother when we were children." His eyes swept over Shiraishi fondly for a moment, remembering the boy he used to be, before he turned back to is mother. "Mother, you remember the boy who came to us with his mother that one summer?"
"The boy you took to so well?" Natsumi's eyes took him in, and saw the very same boy her son remembered. She smiled and crossed the room to stand in front of the stunned Shiraishi. "My, you've grown up so beautifully."
Shiraishi didn’t really know what to say. Everyone in the kingdom knew that Atobe’s mom, the late Queen, had passed away. And yet she was standing… now right in front of him. Shiraishi hadn’t recognized her first… but it really was her; there was no doubt about it. “Natsumi… It’s been a while”, he said and bowed slightly. “You’re as beautiful as always.”
"Such a charmer you are, young Kuranosuke." Reaching out to Shiraishi, Natsumi circled her arms around the young mage and laughed softly. "Forgive me if this is a shock - Keigo must not have told you."
And with that, came the realization that she would need to go in order for her son to explain the situation. Surely, it would be a little overwhelming for the poor boy should she be in the room, and with the way her son brightened up the moment Shiraishi entered the room... She knew exactly what was going on. It only heightened the fact they needed to be alone.
Pulling away, Natsumi smiled at Shiraishi and brushed his hair from his forehead breifly. She leaned up on her tip-toes to place a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead, then pulled away. "I am afraid I must go now. There will be a lot for you two to discuss, I'm sure. Perhaps next time I come, you both will present?"
Shiraishi had a warm feeling inside of him. Natsumi had a way of making him feel better. It was the aura around her that made her seem like there was nothing wrong, even though there was; obviously, since her status had been hidden for so long. Shiraishi smiled at the lady in front of him. “I hope we will meet again when you next arrive, Natsumi.”
Though would he be there next time? That depended on when the mother and son would meet again and when Shiraishi would be able to return. He’d be leaving in three days, but not knowing when to return. Oh, way to kill a mood, thinking about that. Shiraishi continued smiling despite his thoughts. He didn’t want to look saddened at the presence of Atobe’s mother.
When Natsumi pulled away, she gently patted Shiraishi's shoulder, though soon she was standing before the entry way into Atobe's room once more. Her delicate fingers grabbed the edge of the fabric as her eyes drifted from her son to the man he obviously loved. It broke her heart a little that she wouldn't see grandbabies, but her son's happiness more important than anything.
"Mother," Atobe came to stand by her, bowing politely in respect for her. He then took her free hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. "do be careful out there. I know you are well versed, but these times are not safe even for someone with your talents."
A chiding stare was returned to Atobe before his mother smiled. "It is you I worry over, Keigo. You be careful."
Reaching up, Natsumi brought her son's head down to her level so that she could also kiss his forehead. Then, she slipped into the passage way just beyond the tapestry and a small sound of stone moving into place once more was heard.
"Truthfully," Atobe started, his attention now back on Shiraishi, though it was obvious he was worried. "I don't like her sneaking around like that at all. It's too dangerous right now."
Shiraishi nodded slightly. Anyone would have been worried in Atobe’s situation. The young white mage walked over to the table and sat down casually. “I’m sorry I interrupted your meeting. You must have wanted to talk to her more”, he said and looked at Atobe.
After thinking about things for a while he continued. “She… she’s an elf.”
Shiraishi didn't miss anything, did he? Atobe gave a faint laugh as he followed Shiraishi to sit down at the table. He looked quite pleased at how Shiraishi was taking the news. "Yes," He nodded. "She is. That means that I am a ha-"
For a moment, he contemplated if he should finish his sentence. He didn't exactly know Shiraishi's feelings on the matter, so it made him a little nervous to admit that he was a half blood aloud. Only his father, mother, and select members of the staff had ever known the secret. He looked away, then. His expression blanking. "I am a halfling. My father was human, and mother... She is a Blood Elf."
Shiraishi had never imagined that his best friend would be a halfling. It wasn’t that he never would have wanted it to be so; it was only that it was hard to imagine that a king would be one in a world like that. Then again, making your heirs lifespan longer would have been in his mind, as well. Shiraishi reached for Atobe’s hand and put his hand over it.
“Don’t look away, Keigo. My opinion of you won’t change even if your race is different. You are still you. My closest friend”, Shiraishi said and smiled. Of course it was a shock, but somehow he couldn’t just think it that way. It didn’t change Atobe. Not at all.
Atobe hadn't known he was holding his breath, waiting for the make or break moment to be uttered. Not until he found himself actually breathing again, as he looked from where his eyes had landed on a foot stool by their bed, back to Shiraishi. And when he did, Atobe was very careful not to show just how grateful he was for Shiraishi's words as he turned his hand under his friend's to gently squeeze. As if he were uttering a silent 'thank you'.
"What is it you came to tell me, then?" Atobe, of course, had not forgotten. On the contrary. While his own apparent issues were brought to the forefront of conversation, he'd remained mindful of the fact that Shiraishi had come to tell him something. "You seemed distressed when you came in."
The smile on Shiraishi’s face almost faded away. Instead of completely disappearing it had a very sad tone on it. He had forgotten for a while that he had come to deliver bad news. “I’m getting a new teacher temporarily”, he started. “The council thinks I need to revise the basics with a different instructor.”
He wasn’t yet telling who it was or what that meant. It was hard enough to even think about being apart. First he’d take care of other things before spilling the rest out. “Can you please let Kenya stay in the castle even when he’s not my teacher? I’ll return to his care, after all.”
Being the sharp man he was, Atobe was starting to get the picture of what was going on through how Shiraishi was talking. Returning to someone's care meant that his friend was going to be leaving. And if the dimming of Shiraishi's smile was anything to go by, Atobe could only guess that it was someone the mage was familiar with and didn't exactly like.
"Of course. Oshitari is a guest here until your training is complete." Which, of course, was a nice, broad spectrum for them both to work with. "How long will you be gone?"
Nothing escaped Atobe, huh. Shiraishi looked at the table, unable to look at the king for a while. “I don’t know. It depends on my progress”, he said and then looked at Atobe again. “I’ll try my best to come back as soon as possible, of course”, he added and then swiped the corner of his eye. He didn’t want to cry. It was something that was unavoidable and it was an experience to look forward to. At least that’s how he tried to see things.
“I… have three days until we leave.”
Three days? That was hardly enough time for Shiraishi to pack properly, let alone for them to spend any proper moments together before he had to leave. Shiraishi's progress could be anywhere from weeks to months or... years. The latter of which pained the King to think of, where as weeks and months were possibly much more tolerable.
However, being that he didn't let his thoughts and emotions be known no matter who it was, Atobe smiled like his usual self. He squeezed Shiraishi's hand for comfort, letting him know that it was alright. "We best make the most of the time we have, then."
Shiraishi nodded slightly and took a deep breath to return back to his normal mood. If he wanted the last days to be wonderful, he should smile, right? “Yes. I will go home tomorrow, to tell them and have dinner with them, possibly hang out with Kenya, too… but tonight I want to spend it with you. And the last night, too.”
Atobe was frankly flattered that Shiraishi seemed to want to spend the most time with him. Quite possibly, that showed in the softness of his pale eyes as his smile too became a little more happy. What exactly was he going to do without his friend? Especially now that they'd grown much closer over the months.
He pushed those thoughts aside for when he would need to think about them. "Are you hungry? We could eat dinner early and retire to a game of chess, if you like. Anything you want these next days is yours."
“Dinner sounds great. Chess, too… I don’t feel like seeing others tonight, so I just want to spend time here or somewhere with you”, Shiraishi said. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle his emotions if he’d see others.
Besides, Atobe was his closest and most important friend. They had gotten closer over the past months and if he couldn’t see him for weeks or months, he’d want to make some new, fresh memories to take with him. It would keep him strong even while away. “Thank you, Keigo.”
If a night in was all Shiraishi really wanted, that could be easily arranged. It was entirely within Atobe's power to make dinner come to them, and the chess set they used for an occasional game was neatly tucked in a safe place on one of the book shelves in their room. In fact, their room was practically a paradise and throughout the years Atobe had lived in it in his own solitude he'd sought to make it as such. It was not just a bedroom at all.
Atobe's hand slipped from under Shiraishi's to reach for the journal he'd bought specifically to communicate with the castle's kitchen staff. In fact, each different branch (the military, his advisers, and event planners) had their own, so he had to take proper care in which one he had taken hold of. He then handed it to Shiraishi. "Order whatever it is you want, Kuranosuke. The kitchen staff will bring it to us when it is ready."
Shiraishi accepted the journal and wrote something on it. He already had in mind what he wanted. Something fresh and light… like a salad. Even though it sounded like something that wouldn’t make his hunger go away, it was. The salads at the castle were really tasty and nutritious. He also added orange juice to the list and gave the journal back to Atobe. “There we go.”
Once Atobe had the journal back in his own possession he wrote his own order and stowed it away in it's spot on the table. His order had looked terribly unhealthy next to Shiraishi's, though it wasn't as if he cared. His taste palate was much more used to fine cuts of meat, though as of late he was far more used to not exactly getting it. What, with the war and all. Though that was something he didn't quite mind. It truly was a small price to pay.
Standing, he went to put another log of wood on the fire to keep the room nice and warm. It was getting colder out, and he wanted them both to be nice and toasty. Coming back to Shiraishi, however, he extended his hand to the other young man with a smile. "May I have this dance?"
Nevermind that there was no music...
Shiraishi raised his eyes to look at Atobe. The expression on his best friends face was something he would really miss. That smile and gentleness… there wouldn’t be anyone like that in Risath. No one could replace that. That’s why for tonight and the rest of the evenings, Shiraishi would enjoy everything Atobe was giving him and treasure it.
“You may, of course”, he said with a beautiful smile as he took Atobe’s hand and got up from his seat. There was no need for music; with the right atmosphere they would be able to listen to music in their minds, produced from their harmony. Or something like that, Shiraishi thought. It would be amazing, still.
The smile Atobe received in return nearly stole his breath. If he hadn't been careful, it probably would have. He would positively miss Shiraishi, and was certain that he would have many sleepless nights to come without him in their bed. Without the contact he'd grown accustomed to.
Perhaps that was why he chose to pull Shiraishi so close to himself, then. He rested his hand on the small of his best friend's back and smiled, though his eyes probably showed his emotions far better than his expression ever could. "We have never danced before, have we?"
Beautiful, was the first word that came to Shiraishi’s mind as he looked at Atobe. Shiraishi had always loved his best friends’ eyes. They were so full of emotion when Atobe allowed them to be. It was almost like the man could just show his emotions without any words or actions.
“I don’t think we have”, Shiraishi said. There had been chances for dancing, but there were always people around who would have thought it was odd. Even if Shiraishi wouldn’t have minded, it would have had been bad for Atobe’s reputation. As to why they hadn’t danced in private was a mystery. But better late than never, they always said.
"Well then," His smile turned a little amused. "I believe we have just remedied that."
The thumb of the King's hand rubbed gently at Shiraishi's back as he lead them in a slow dance. Shiraishi was quite remarkably good at dancing, despite them only truly swaying wherever their bodies took them. There was no melody in Atobe's mind, though. Only the tempo of his heart leading his own feet. A tempo that could have turned into a tap dance at the thought of innocently kissing Shiraishi.
Atobe didn't allow himself to give in, though. It would be painful for them both, he knew, and it was something that made his chest tighten to know. "And dare I say, you're light on your feet."
“I’ve had practice… Mother wants all of her children to know the basics of dance.” Shiraishi had always enjoyed dancing though, even if he didn’t feel like doing it with strangers. But people he knew, at least through journals, were always welcomed to dance with him in parties.
After a silence Shiraishi moved a little closer to Atobe and placed his head on his shoulder. “Just… let me be like this for a while. Dancing with you… like this”, he murmured and closed his eyes. It was a cliché but he kind of hoped that the moment would last forever. He felt happy, safe. There in Atobe’s grace.
Atobe didn't miss a beat as Shiraishi rested his head against him. Not in dancing, and certainly not in in his acceptance of the gesture. In fact, he wrapped his arms more snugly around his friend so as to say that he welcomed the closeness and wanted to keep Shiraishi there.
Tipping his head to rest gently against the side of Shiraishi's, he took the moment in as much as he could for his memories. Everything was there. The way Shiraishi felt in his arms, how close they were, and even the silly things like the way he smelled. He was storing them all for when Shiraishi left.
"Stay for however long you wish," Atobe's voice was soft as he spoke. "I will never protest."
It was an innocent gesture, but it said volumes of how much he truly cared for Shiraishi, as he pressed a gentle kiss against the side of his head. Though he never moved away, and instead buried his face into Shiraishi's hair and closed his eyes as well. This, despite the impending distance that loomed over them like a black cloud, was sheer bliss for the king. This was warmth on a cold winter day to him. It was love.
Where: Atobe's room in the castle
When: December 14th
What: After Yuushi delivers Shiraishi the news, Shiraishi searches for comfort and witnesses something unbeliveable.
Rating: G.
Comments: Fluffy pair go.
--
Raytin's King was nothing but pins and needles as he sat in his room at a small table in the corner. It was a rather large room, and entirely big enough for the two people it had become a bedroom to. Lavishly decorated and filled with trinkets that gave Atobe comfort, and things for Kuranosuke's schooling, it was a personal safe haven and oasis... and probably the worst place to meet his mother, now that he thought about it. That thought only seemed to make him more nervous on top of his worrisome thoughts about his mother's safety.
A click resounded throughout the room that had Atobe alert and staring at a tapestry he knew covered a secret passageway. As he saw the delicate fingers of his mother's hand wind around the edge of the fabric, he shot to his feet and smoothly strode forward to help her through.
"Mother," He smiled, the worry vanishing now that he could see for himself that she was in one piece. "I wish you wouldn't venture out during this time. The Kingdom is in a state that I fear may get you killed."
"I will not be undone so swiftly, my son." The still beautiful woman smiled at her son and tapped his arm chidingly. "Never forget who and what I am."
Atobe's elegant brows furrowed slightly as he lead her to the table and pushed the chair in behind her as she sat. There was tea and biscuits on the table waiting for their chat. And chat they did for what seemed a long time.
Usually Shiraishi was in quite a good mood when he was going to his room (well, not really his room, but the King’s bedroom where he usually slept now days). This time he just didn’t feel like smiling much.
He would be leaving Raytin soon. It was the wish of an elder of the mage council, so it had to be obeyed. Shiraishi would temporarily be Yuushis student, which meant he couldn’t stay in Raytin. No, he had to follow the older mage to Risath. Shiraishi didn’t want to. He was happy like this. Even if he sometimes argued with Kenya, he still would miss him. Kenya taught well, it was Shiraishi who sometimes didn’t listen… maybe it was because of that they had decided to do this... or for the sake of Sakuno? Who knew? Well, they… but he obviously didn’t.
Shiraishi sighed and opened the door that led to Atobe’s bedroom without knocking (hey, they lived together, of course he wouldn’t knock). “Keigo, you never guess what happened today?” he said before he even looked if the man was in.
In mid-sentence and laugh - the jovial sound like something out of Atobe's childhood - Atobe's mother froze, eyes locked on the quickly opening door. A zing shot up even Atobe's spine that set off his own alarm that mimicked his mother's. However, the presence on the other side was none other than Shiraishi, who was much more familiar to him. It was something quite excusable as well, but his mother was much more cautious than he.
Swiftly she stood and just as Shiraishi's words rang in the air, she slipped behind the hidden passage to wait on the other side. There had been no time to clean up the traces she left behind, however. A half eaten biscuit, a full cup of tea, and the swinging tapestry.
Atobe stow his alarm away and shifted in his seat to look casual, hand holding his head up. "By the tone of your voice, I expect nothing good?"
Shiraishi kept looking at the floor because he was thinking of a way of saying what he had to. It was rather harsh. “Well, it can’t be good news since it involves Yuushi”, he joked with a rather not amused tone. Just say it how it is, that would be the best method. Yes, Atobe always liked to hear things straight.
“I’m going to be -”, he started and raised his head, stopping his sentenced in the middle because he spotted something. “… why is that tapestry moving?”
Ah, the other Oshitari and constant thorn in Shiraishi's side. His lips curved in amusement, though once Shiraishi made note of the tapestry he could feel his breath pause for a millisecond. Thankfully his... friend (truthfully, he didn't know what they were anymore, but he rather enjoyed it) didn't have the senses to be able to tell what was truly behind the tapestry. So, a lie may be the best excuse. Even if lying didn't sit well in his stomach.
"Draft from the window, most likely." He was sure his mother wouldn't stay out there long, despite knowing she'd want to properly say goodbye. Though, Atobe did still feel her presence and it pained him to run through ways to get Shiraishi to leave long enough. "You were saying?"
“Ah”, Shiraishi nodded. Though it was odd… the room wasn’t even cold. Not even a little. Oh well, must be the smallest breeze.
Shiraishi walked a little further to the room, just so he wouldn’t be standing on the door. If he’d stay there, he’d just escape after saying what he came to say. “Well, I was just informed that…” he looked at the table that Atobe was sitting at. A tea on the other side of the table and a half-eaten biscuit..? “… Keigo. Are you hiding someone?”
Yes. Yes, he was. And it looked like he had been found out, as well. Strangely, he was not adverse to letting Shiraishi know who lay behind the tapestry. He knew the young mage to be trustworthy, and one day he may have to go into hiding as well. That day would most likely be within the next handful of years, and there would be no other that he could think that he'd rather tell than his closest person.
"We have been found out." Atobe replied, much louder than his normal tone of voice so he was sure his mother would hear. It seemed easy and rather pleasing, which was why his lips curved into a smile. "You won't betray us, will you Kuranosuke?"
Well, Shiraishi would never betray Atobe. Not in a million years and longer. But finding him like this was suspicious. Shiraishi didn’t want to think about most of his theories, but it was kind of hard not to when you found your closest and most dear friend hiding someone. Especially with that smile of Atobe’s. Not a good sign, that.
“Of course not, you know me. Though from my point of view it seems like you’re betraying me”, Shiraishi said and crossed his arms. He didn’t mean to say that out loud, but ah… better out than in.
Atobe laughed heartily, completely amused by Shiraishi's words. No, he was not betraying him at all. Nor would he ever dream of it, either. To harm him would, by extension, harm himself. Frankly Atobe loved Shiraishi and himself far too much to hurt either of them.
Standing gracefully, Raytin's King strode confidently toward the tapestry and gently rapped his knuckles against the wall. A moment later, he moved the material to show a portion of the wall completely open now, and part of a woman's form behind it. "You may come out."
"I do hope you know what you're doing, my son." Obviously his mother was skeptical as she ducked under the tapestry and came to rest in full view. The woman had long wavy hair the shade of Atobe's, golden eyes, and dressed like a noble woman.
Shiraishi wasn’t really sure if he wanted to meet… whoever the other man was hiding. The other person must have been a lot prettier and better, since Atobe even laughed at Shiraishi. So he refused to look at them for a while… until he heard that one word.
“Son?” he asked and looked at the two. There stood a beautiful woman. Shiraishi couldn’t take his eyes off her for awhile. She really, looked a lot like Keigo… but, how. Shiraishi looked at Atobe. “Keigo…”
The shock on Shiraishi's face only made Atobe's expression soften. It may be possible that he looked almost guilty for hiding such a thing from Shiraishi as well. But that wasn't on the table to discuss just yet. First, introductions should be made.
"Kuranosuke, you've met my mother when we were children." His eyes swept over Shiraishi fondly for a moment, remembering the boy he used to be, before he turned back to is mother. "Mother, you remember the boy who came to us with his mother that one summer?"
"The boy you took to so well?" Natsumi's eyes took him in, and saw the very same boy her son remembered. She smiled and crossed the room to stand in front of the stunned Shiraishi. "My, you've grown up so beautifully."
Shiraishi didn’t really know what to say. Everyone in the kingdom knew that Atobe’s mom, the late Queen, had passed away. And yet she was standing… now right in front of him. Shiraishi hadn’t recognized her first… but it really was her; there was no doubt about it. “Natsumi… It’s been a while”, he said and bowed slightly. “You’re as beautiful as always.”
"Such a charmer you are, young Kuranosuke." Reaching out to Shiraishi, Natsumi circled her arms around the young mage and laughed softly. "Forgive me if this is a shock - Keigo must not have told you."
And with that, came the realization that she would need to go in order for her son to explain the situation. Surely, it would be a little overwhelming for the poor boy should she be in the room, and with the way her son brightened up the moment Shiraishi entered the room... She knew exactly what was going on. It only heightened the fact they needed to be alone.
Pulling away, Natsumi smiled at Shiraishi and brushed his hair from his forehead breifly. She leaned up on her tip-toes to place a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead, then pulled away. "I am afraid I must go now. There will be a lot for you two to discuss, I'm sure. Perhaps next time I come, you both will present?"
Shiraishi had a warm feeling inside of him. Natsumi had a way of making him feel better. It was the aura around her that made her seem like there was nothing wrong, even though there was; obviously, since her status had been hidden for so long. Shiraishi smiled at the lady in front of him. “I hope we will meet again when you next arrive, Natsumi.”
Though would he be there next time? That depended on when the mother and son would meet again and when Shiraishi would be able to return. He’d be leaving in three days, but not knowing when to return. Oh, way to kill a mood, thinking about that. Shiraishi continued smiling despite his thoughts. He didn’t want to look saddened at the presence of Atobe’s mother.
When Natsumi pulled away, she gently patted Shiraishi's shoulder, though soon she was standing before the entry way into Atobe's room once more. Her delicate fingers grabbed the edge of the fabric as her eyes drifted from her son to the man he obviously loved. It broke her heart a little that she wouldn't see grandbabies, but her son's happiness more important than anything.
"Mother," Atobe came to stand by her, bowing politely in respect for her. He then took her free hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. "do be careful out there. I know you are well versed, but these times are not safe even for someone with your talents."
A chiding stare was returned to Atobe before his mother smiled. "It is you I worry over, Keigo. You be careful."
Reaching up, Natsumi brought her son's head down to her level so that she could also kiss his forehead. Then, she slipped into the passage way just beyond the tapestry and a small sound of stone moving into place once more was heard.
"Truthfully," Atobe started, his attention now back on Shiraishi, though it was obvious he was worried. "I don't like her sneaking around like that at all. It's too dangerous right now."
Shiraishi nodded slightly. Anyone would have been worried in Atobe’s situation. The young white mage walked over to the table and sat down casually. “I’m sorry I interrupted your meeting. You must have wanted to talk to her more”, he said and looked at Atobe.
After thinking about things for a while he continued. “She… she’s an elf.”
Shiraishi didn't miss anything, did he? Atobe gave a faint laugh as he followed Shiraishi to sit down at the table. He looked quite pleased at how Shiraishi was taking the news. "Yes," He nodded. "She is. That means that I am a ha-"
For a moment, he contemplated if he should finish his sentence. He didn't exactly know Shiraishi's feelings on the matter, so it made him a little nervous to admit that he was a half blood aloud. Only his father, mother, and select members of the staff had ever known the secret. He looked away, then. His expression blanking. "I am a halfling. My father was human, and mother... She is a Blood Elf."
Shiraishi had never imagined that his best friend would be a halfling. It wasn’t that he never would have wanted it to be so; it was only that it was hard to imagine that a king would be one in a world like that. Then again, making your heirs lifespan longer would have been in his mind, as well. Shiraishi reached for Atobe’s hand and put his hand over it.
“Don’t look away, Keigo. My opinion of you won’t change even if your race is different. You are still you. My closest friend”, Shiraishi said and smiled. Of course it was a shock, but somehow he couldn’t just think it that way. It didn’t change Atobe. Not at all.
Atobe hadn't known he was holding his breath, waiting for the make or break moment to be uttered. Not until he found himself actually breathing again, as he looked from where his eyes had landed on a foot stool by their bed, back to Shiraishi. And when he did, Atobe was very careful not to show just how grateful he was for Shiraishi's words as he turned his hand under his friend's to gently squeeze. As if he were uttering a silent 'thank you'.
"What is it you came to tell me, then?" Atobe, of course, had not forgotten. On the contrary. While his own apparent issues were brought to the forefront of conversation, he'd remained mindful of the fact that Shiraishi had come to tell him something. "You seemed distressed when you came in."
The smile on Shiraishi’s face almost faded away. Instead of completely disappearing it had a very sad tone on it. He had forgotten for a while that he had come to deliver bad news. “I’m getting a new teacher temporarily”, he started. “The council thinks I need to revise the basics with a different instructor.”
He wasn’t yet telling who it was or what that meant. It was hard enough to even think about being apart. First he’d take care of other things before spilling the rest out. “Can you please let Kenya stay in the castle even when he’s not my teacher? I’ll return to his care, after all.”
Being the sharp man he was, Atobe was starting to get the picture of what was going on through how Shiraishi was talking. Returning to someone's care meant that his friend was going to be leaving. And if the dimming of Shiraishi's smile was anything to go by, Atobe could only guess that it was someone the mage was familiar with and didn't exactly like.
"Of course. Oshitari is a guest here until your training is complete." Which, of course, was a nice, broad spectrum for them both to work with. "How long will you be gone?"
Nothing escaped Atobe, huh. Shiraishi looked at the table, unable to look at the king for a while. “I don’t know. It depends on my progress”, he said and then looked at Atobe again. “I’ll try my best to come back as soon as possible, of course”, he added and then swiped the corner of his eye. He didn’t want to cry. It was something that was unavoidable and it was an experience to look forward to. At least that’s how he tried to see things.
“I… have three days until we leave.”
Three days? That was hardly enough time for Shiraishi to pack properly, let alone for them to spend any proper moments together before he had to leave. Shiraishi's progress could be anywhere from weeks to months or... years. The latter of which pained the King to think of, where as weeks and months were possibly much more tolerable.
However, being that he didn't let his thoughts and emotions be known no matter who it was, Atobe smiled like his usual self. He squeezed Shiraishi's hand for comfort, letting him know that it was alright. "We best make the most of the time we have, then."
Shiraishi nodded slightly and took a deep breath to return back to his normal mood. If he wanted the last days to be wonderful, he should smile, right? “Yes. I will go home tomorrow, to tell them and have dinner with them, possibly hang out with Kenya, too… but tonight I want to spend it with you. And the last night, too.”
Atobe was frankly flattered that Shiraishi seemed to want to spend the most time with him. Quite possibly, that showed in the softness of his pale eyes as his smile too became a little more happy. What exactly was he going to do without his friend? Especially now that they'd grown much closer over the months.
He pushed those thoughts aside for when he would need to think about them. "Are you hungry? We could eat dinner early and retire to a game of chess, if you like. Anything you want these next days is yours."
“Dinner sounds great. Chess, too… I don’t feel like seeing others tonight, so I just want to spend time here or somewhere with you”, Shiraishi said. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle his emotions if he’d see others.
Besides, Atobe was his closest and most important friend. They had gotten closer over the past months and if he couldn’t see him for weeks or months, he’d want to make some new, fresh memories to take with him. It would keep him strong even while away. “Thank you, Keigo.”
If a night in was all Shiraishi really wanted, that could be easily arranged. It was entirely within Atobe's power to make dinner come to them, and the chess set they used for an occasional game was neatly tucked in a safe place on one of the book shelves in their room. In fact, their room was practically a paradise and throughout the years Atobe had lived in it in his own solitude he'd sought to make it as such. It was not just a bedroom at all.
Atobe's hand slipped from under Shiraishi's to reach for the journal he'd bought specifically to communicate with the castle's kitchen staff. In fact, each different branch (the military, his advisers, and event planners) had their own, so he had to take proper care in which one he had taken hold of. He then handed it to Shiraishi. "Order whatever it is you want, Kuranosuke. The kitchen staff will bring it to us when it is ready."
Shiraishi accepted the journal and wrote something on it. He already had in mind what he wanted. Something fresh and light… like a salad. Even though it sounded like something that wouldn’t make his hunger go away, it was. The salads at the castle were really tasty and nutritious. He also added orange juice to the list and gave the journal back to Atobe. “There we go.”
Once Atobe had the journal back in his own possession he wrote his own order and stowed it away in it's spot on the table. His order had looked terribly unhealthy next to Shiraishi's, though it wasn't as if he cared. His taste palate was much more used to fine cuts of meat, though as of late he was far more used to not exactly getting it. What, with the war and all. Though that was something he didn't quite mind. It truly was a small price to pay.
Standing, he went to put another log of wood on the fire to keep the room nice and warm. It was getting colder out, and he wanted them both to be nice and toasty. Coming back to Shiraishi, however, he extended his hand to the other young man with a smile. "May I have this dance?"
Nevermind that there was no music...
Shiraishi raised his eyes to look at Atobe. The expression on his best friends face was something he would really miss. That smile and gentleness… there wouldn’t be anyone like that in Risath. No one could replace that. That’s why for tonight and the rest of the evenings, Shiraishi would enjoy everything Atobe was giving him and treasure it.
“You may, of course”, he said with a beautiful smile as he took Atobe’s hand and got up from his seat. There was no need for music; with the right atmosphere they would be able to listen to music in their minds, produced from their harmony. Or something like that, Shiraishi thought. It would be amazing, still.
The smile Atobe received in return nearly stole his breath. If he hadn't been careful, it probably would have. He would positively miss Shiraishi, and was certain that he would have many sleepless nights to come without him in their bed. Without the contact he'd grown accustomed to.
Perhaps that was why he chose to pull Shiraishi so close to himself, then. He rested his hand on the small of his best friend's back and smiled, though his eyes probably showed his emotions far better than his expression ever could. "We have never danced before, have we?"
Beautiful, was the first word that came to Shiraishi’s mind as he looked at Atobe. Shiraishi had always loved his best friends’ eyes. They were so full of emotion when Atobe allowed them to be. It was almost like the man could just show his emotions without any words or actions.
“I don’t think we have”, Shiraishi said. There had been chances for dancing, but there were always people around who would have thought it was odd. Even if Shiraishi wouldn’t have minded, it would have had been bad for Atobe’s reputation. As to why they hadn’t danced in private was a mystery. But better late than never, they always said.
"Well then," His smile turned a little amused. "I believe we have just remedied that."
The thumb of the King's hand rubbed gently at Shiraishi's back as he lead them in a slow dance. Shiraishi was quite remarkably good at dancing, despite them only truly swaying wherever their bodies took them. There was no melody in Atobe's mind, though. Only the tempo of his heart leading his own feet. A tempo that could have turned into a tap dance at the thought of innocently kissing Shiraishi.
Atobe didn't allow himself to give in, though. It would be painful for them both, he knew, and it was something that made his chest tighten to know. "And dare I say, you're light on your feet."
“I’ve had practice… Mother wants all of her children to know the basics of dance.” Shiraishi had always enjoyed dancing though, even if he didn’t feel like doing it with strangers. But people he knew, at least through journals, were always welcomed to dance with him in parties.
After a silence Shiraishi moved a little closer to Atobe and placed his head on his shoulder. “Just… let me be like this for a while. Dancing with you… like this”, he murmured and closed his eyes. It was a cliché but he kind of hoped that the moment would last forever. He felt happy, safe. There in Atobe’s grace.
Atobe didn't miss a beat as Shiraishi rested his head against him. Not in dancing, and certainly not in in his acceptance of the gesture. In fact, he wrapped his arms more snugly around his friend so as to say that he welcomed the closeness and wanted to keep Shiraishi there.
Tipping his head to rest gently against the side of Shiraishi's, he took the moment in as much as he could for his memories. Everything was there. The way Shiraishi felt in his arms, how close they were, and even the silly things like the way he smelled. He was storing them all for when Shiraishi left.
"Stay for however long you wish," Atobe's voice was soft as he spoke. "I will never protest."
It was an innocent gesture, but it said volumes of how much he truly cared for Shiraishi, as he pressed a gentle kiss against the side of his head. Though he never moved away, and instead buried his face into Shiraishi's hair and closed his eyes as well. This, despite the impending distance that loomed over them like a black cloud, was sheer bliss for the king. This was warmth on a cold winter day to him. It was love.