Royal Ties complete post

Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:51 am Post subject: Royal Ties complete post

Jani's computer eated her copy before she could finish editing, so here is mine.

Royal Ties

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Saddling his majesty's horse, the young stable hand watched the blond move to the animal and pet it gently. He only watched out of the corner of his eye, knowing he'd be punished for looking directly at the boy without permission. He was just so beautiful, how could one not want a glance?

Hisoka smiled softly at the pure white stallion and kissed its nose. "I'll take you out today. You're my favorite."

Hijiri wished that he could be his majesty's horse. He'd be the best horse there could be for that boy. He fought to keep his mind on saddling the creature, checking and rechecking the synchs so they wouldn't slip. No saddle he'd readied would come loose while riding. He pulled away, his eyes on the ground, and bowed to the boy very low.

Hisoka smiled and held out a small pouch. "For your trouble."

Hijiri's eyes widened and he gasped. "I... I couldn't, your majesty," he said, "I mean...." his face was red.

Hisoka's smile never left his lips. "You dare say no to your prince? Should my father be in our presence surely you would be put to death for such treason."

Hijiri blushed deeper and bowed again. "I--- I'm sorry.... th-thank you.... your majesty..." He wished his face wouldn't turn so red.

Hisoka continued to hold out the pouch. "Be sure to tell no one of my kindness for it is only you on this day that has merit to receive it."

Hijiri held out his hands. "I swear to you, your majesty, I'll hold my tongue... thank you... thank you.."

He let it drop, wishing he could see the face when the boy opened the pouch to find thirty gold pieces and a few diamonds. But alas his nerves were high and he needed to ride. Like the expert that he was, Hisoka mounted the horse. "Thank you again for your troubles. I'll be back after dark." And with that, he was off.

Hijiri watched him ride away and tucked the pouch into his shirt. He knew better than to look into it here. Now he couldn't help but wish that he really really was the horse. He wouldn't have given a whicker if the prince rode him all day long. Then, there was a smack to the back of his head. "Get to work, boy!!" said the stableman. He hurried off to the stables to clean horses.
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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:05 am Post subject:

The young castle hand was inside a few hours later, having cleaned up and changed. He was now carrying things to the guest room, not too far away from the prince's room.

Hisoka was trudging slowly back to the stables and it was darkening out. He’d gotten into a fight with his father and now he was deliberately being late for dinner to make his point that he wouldn't be missed if he was gone. His mind began to wander to other things though. Like the stable boy he'd been so generous to. He sighed deeply. He had a secret he couldn't tell anyone and no matter his dreams they'd never become reality for him. But there were always long nights alone in his room where he could dream as often as he liked.

The young servant was getting tired as well and had just finished placing everything away and planned to go back to the stables to spend some time with that beautiful stallion he'd watched his majesty ride away on. He moved quickly, not wanting to run into any of the late night squires.

Hisoka finally returned to the stables and dismounted. He glanced around to see if anyone was there to unsaddle and put it up. He shrugged. He'd missed dinner entirely now so it didn't matter anymore how long he was here. He took up the brush near the gate and decided to do it himself. Carefully he unhooked it and hung it in it's place, folded the blanket and lay it over the gate and began to hum softly to the ghostly form as he brushed.

A rough hand wrapped around Hisoka's mouth, pulling him back against the rock hard body of a dark form. He held the boy tightly. "You're out kinda late, little princess."

His eyes widened as he lifted his hands to pull at the one over his mouth, screaming though it wasn't loud enough to hear. Where was that stable keeper when he was needed? Likely passed out drunk. And what of the boy who'd helped him earlier?

Speak of the devil, he walked into the stables right then, running a hand through his hair tiredly. He had no idea what was going on in the stable he was heading for. The man holding Hisoka pressed his hand so tightly over the prince's mouth that it began to hurt, pulling him into the shadows and turning his back, using his dark clothing to hide them. The young boy walked to the shaking horse, it knew something was wrong. He petted its nose. "What's wrong?" he asked the creature, "You poor thing.... someone rode you and never cleaned you? His majesty would never do that.... I'll have to inform him later that someone was riding his ho---" Then he stopped, spotting the brush on the floor.

Hisoka watched, heart pounding as Hijiri picked it up. He wasn't sure if it would do any good but being in close proximity he hoped it would. He screamed as loud as he could and kicked some of the hay under his feet in Hijiri's direction.

Hijiri turned just in time to be kicked to the floor. "Little worm," the man said, "Stay quiet if you know what's good for you!" He was directing this at the stable boy. The boy hit the floor, but then looked up, jumping to his feet when he saw the prince. "Let him go!" He ordered, sounding very different from the shy boy he'd been earlier. The man kicked him again.

Hisoka attempted to block the leg and writhed, trying to get out of the mans grasp. His dizzy, pleading emerald eyes begged Hijiri to save him.

The young boy jumped to his feet, glaring directly at the man, who's hand was still clamped tightly over Hisoka's mouth. "Let him go!" He blocked the next attempted kick and held the man's leg, making him lose balance and let go of Hisoka.

He screamed, afraid he'd lose his own balance as he stumbled for a moment but then dashed behind Hijiri, pressing his back against the wall as he watched.

Hijiri stared at the man as he got to his feet again, looking ready to twist Hijiri's head off. Hijiri backed away slightly, knowing he couldn't take this guy down, but ready to protect the prince. "Please, your majesty, you have to run."

Hisoka was frozen to his place with fear, unable to do more than shiver. His legs wouldn't work, neither his voice.

"You're majesty... please!!" The stable boy said, then was grabbed around the neck, the man pulling his fist back to strike. Then, not too far off, there were yells. "Something's going on in the stables!!! Hurry!!! Go see!!!" The man dropped his prey and disappeared, Hijiri clutched his throat for a moment before looking back at the prince. "Are you okay, your majesty?" He asked.

Frightened emerald eyes closed and with a soft moan he began to fall, knowing he would be safe now.

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

When Hisoka awoke again, he was back in his own room, a servant gently dabbing his forehead with a cool, damp cloth. He moaned softly, turning his face away from the cloth. "Cold..." he murmured.

The woman paused for a moment, then placed the cloth to the side. "Your highness?" she said.

"How did I get here? What happened to that boy who saved me? Is he okay?" He slowly opened his eyes.

"Saved you?" the girl said confused, "What are you talking about? The only boy who was there was the one who attacked you and tried to steal your money pouch."

He sprang up. "NO!" He cried, terrified. "They haven't killed him yet have they?! He saved me! It wasn't him, I gave him that pouch!"

The woman seemed surprised. "N-no.... his trial's over with and his sentence is to be carried out at sunset..." she looked out the window, her eye still wide.

He jumped out of bed, running to his fathers thrown room. Throwing open the door he dropped to his knees. "Stop the execution! He's innocent! I gave him that pouch he saved my life!"

The man looked at him in surprise. "What are you going on about, my son?" He asked, "Stand and make yourself presentable."

He stood, breath coming in short heaves. "The stable boy that you're hanging saved my life. He must be rewarded, not punished. Please set him free and bring him here."

The king stared at him for a second, then nodded at a knight, who hurried from the room. "Who was it who attacked you if not him?" He asked.

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. It was a very large man though. With the build of a knight. I think he was trying to kidnap me. And the boy, he's half the size or less of the man and he not only defended me but managed to safely get me away from him."

The king raised an eyebrow. "How did he manage that?" He asked.

He was silent for a moment. "It was all a blur if you'll forgive me. I...fainted." He looked away, feeling ashamed.

The king shook his head, but before he could say anything, the young stable hand was shoved into the room. He brought himself to his knees before them, head bowed deeply. He was too frightened to speak.

He swung around, glairing at the knight who'd tossed him before reaching a hand out to the boy. "Are you alright? Take my hand."

Bright green eyes looked at him in surprise, then slowly he raised to his feet with Hisoka's help. The king looked at him. "I'm told you saved my son's life," He said. The stable hand's head bowed again. Apparently, he'd never come face to face with the king.

Hisoka sighed to himself. So close to the object of his attentions, but still sorely unable to do anything about it. "It's okay...please speak in your defense so I'm not seen to be a liar."

"I... saw the man.... hurting him..." he said, his voice much less shy than his actions were, "I couldn't just stand there... I had to help him." The king nodded. "And did you see the man's face?" The boy shook his head. "Face was covered," he said.

He looked into his face for a moment. "What of my gift?"

The stable boy shook his head. "They took it away from me when they began to ready me for the gallows.... said I wouldn't need it where I was going." His face was slightly white at the thought."

He frowned. "It'll have been returned to the treasury." He looked up at the knight who'd brought Hijiri. "Make use of yourself and retrieve the pouch, plus sixty pieces of gold." He turned to Hijiri. "Anything you ask will be granted to you. I am indebted to you for my life. Name a reward and it shall be yours."

The boy's eyes widened as the knight hurried off. "What?" He asked in surprise. The king simply watched, almost seeming bored.

Hisoka smiled softly at him. "I gave it to you, it's yours to do as you choose. What else would you like? To give you only money would be wrong. Please, tell me anything at all and I promise it is yours."

"For me?" He thought about this, "Well... there is one thing I've always wanted..... just... one thing.... a horse..."

In the time it took Hisoka to blink at the boy in surprise, he came up with an idea. "I have a condition to that since it'll be staying in the stables."

His head tilted to the side. "Anything for you, highness," he said, "But.... what is it?"

He looked away. "I lost my personal knight a few months ago...he was my riding partner too...perhaps you recall him? I need a riding partner and you have your own horse. Will you ride with me? It's more challenging than it sounds I assure you."

The stable boy's eyes widened. Ride with the prince? On his request? The king almost looked as though he was ready to argue, but he didn't. "I would be honored, your highness," The brunet bowed low.

He smiled. "Saddle up, we're leaving in a few moments. Tomorrow we'll get you your own."

It was all the boy could do to keep himself from hugging the prince. "Yes, your highness!" He bowed deeply and hurried off. Once he was gone, the king looked at Hisoka. "What are you thinking?" he asked.

Despite his convictions the prince couldn't hold back the triumphant smile. "What do you mean? I deserve a companion do I not? And it's obvious he can take care of himself...and me." He took the pouch from the knight as he went to the door. He turned to his father for a moment. "I'll not be back for dinner again."

The king nodded and watched him walk away silently. "He reminds me more of his mother every day," he said to the knight over his shoulder.

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

The boy found himself staring around the area in amazement as they went. They'd begun riding in the area behind the castle where all of the noblemen usually stayed and as they rode farther away, the scenery got more and more beautiful. About an hour away from the castle there was a huge field of flowers where he and the prince left their horses and walked toward a cave with a waterfall. "What is this place?" He asked in wonder.

Hisoka smiled. "This is my secret. Now yours. You can't tell anyone okay?" He then stepped up to the river. "The water's really deep so be careful if you go on the rocks."

He nodded. "Don't worry," he said, "I'm a good swimmer.... and I don't tell secrets..." He smiled as he looked at the water. "It's so clean.... I just wanna dive in." Then he shook his head, "But I won't."

He frowned. "You can...I just like to sit up here on the rocks...I can't swim."

The prince was stared at for a moment. "You can't swim, highness?" He seemed in shock.

He looked away. “Father always said it was below me and refused to allow me to learn...I'm kinda scared of the water now because I almost drowned when I fell in a lake last year."

There was a wince. "That's not good," He said, "But.. highness... avoiding the water won't help anything.... what if you fall in again? You could drown.. I mean.... why don't you let me teach you?"

Hisoka stared at him for a moment. "Not today...I need other clothes..." He looked away. "If you think you can get me over my fear..."

"I might even make it fun," He said with a confident nod, "As long as you trust me, your highness." His smile was kind and caring.

He smiled softly as well. "I think after last night I should be able to. But...in secret...when we're alone...call me Hisoka."

Again those green eyes widened in surprise. "And.... not that you ever really called me anything before.... but if you wish.... Hijiri..."

He blushed softly. "T-thank you. I didn't know your name before." He stepped out onto a flat rock and took off his boots. "Sit with me. Or...you can swim."

Hijiri smiled and kicked off his boots as well. "I think I'll stay here with you," he said. There was a rustling in the woods then and he turned just in time to see something black flying at them toward Hisoka.

He screamed and dodged it, however in doing so he lost his footing and fell into the water. "HIJIRI!" He called out just before his head sank. He struggled but the more he moved the farther he sank.

Without a thought, Hijiri dove into the water after him the cold of the water startled him still for a moment before he began to swim again. Of course it was cold! The day had been a rather chill one. But why was the prince sinking so fast? That was unusual. He swam harder.

He sank almost to the bottom. He reached into his pocket and took out a heavy silver ball, dropping it to the bottom sadly. This lifted him ever slightly and he began to float back up but he was already in pain. As he looked up, he saw Hijiri swimming down to him. The sparkles of the sunlight in the water gave him an unearthly glow and he reached up to the glittering form.

Hijiri reached out and pulled the prince against himself by his wrist. Bubbles were beginning to leak from his lips. He had to get him back to the surface as fast as possible. wrapping his arm tightly around the boy's waist, he began to fight for the surface.

Hisoka became still and he stared at Hijiri for a moment before he lost it, the breath he'd been holding coming out in a huge bubble and rising far more quickly than them.

Hijiri would have panicked, but knew that doing so would slow him down. He continued his steady pace to the surface, his mind crying for the prince to hold on just a little bit longer.

He had stopped breathing but his heart was still racing. He was barely alive, could Hijiri save him?

Hijiri broke through the surface of the water and dragged the prince ashore as fast as he could. He lay him on the ground, tapping his face for a moment, then he listened for the boy's breath. Nothing. But there was a strong heartbeat, so Hijiri leaned down, pinching the prince's nose and pressing air into his lungs through his mouth. Then he paused for a moment, and did it again.

After several more, Hisoka started coughing. He rolled to his side, throwing up the water and coughing it out of his lungs. He dug his fingers into the wet sand as he began to cry and his body shook from both the scare and the cold.

Hijiri wrapped an arm around the prince tightly. "You're okay," He murmured, "Everything's okay now.... I swear....." He was shaking too, but more from the sudden rush of adrenaline through his veins.

The blond couldn't stop crying. "What...was that?" He sat up a little. "So...cold."

"I... think it was an arrow..." Hijiri said, looking into the woods around them.

Hisoka threw himself into Hijiri's arms. "An arrow?!"

Hijiri held him, a bit surprised at being so close to the prince. "Don't worry," he said, "I won't let them hurt you.... whoever they are."

He held close. "I'm scared! It almost hit me! We have to find it!" He stood slowly, trying to get his balance.

Hijiri stood with him. "The arrow?" he said, "I think it went off that way." He pointed.

He moaned softly, resting his hand to his head. "We have to take it back and have the knights look at it...this is the second attempt on my life in two days."

Hijiri nodded and led Hisoka in the direction he'd pointed, searching over the forest floor for the black arrow. Then he spotted it. "Look, Hisoka," he said, "Here it is."

He stopped and watched Hijiri pick it up. His eyes widened as he recognized it. "Hijiri!" He stepped back. "That's...one of Muraki's!" And with these words came a soft moan and suddenly he fell to the forest floor.

Hijiri rushed to the prince's side. "Hisoka!!! Hisoka!!!!!" He nearly panicked again. If he brought Hisoka back like this, would they assume he'd attacked? He shook his head. Hisoka's well being mattered more than his own, so he lifted the boy and carried him back to the horses, tying Hisoka's to the one he'd been lent and holdng the prince whilst on the back of the beast, riding as fast as they could toward the castle.

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject:

Hijiri reached the castle, both of the boys sopping wet, the prince clutched in one arm, the reins and the arrow in his other hand. A knight was nearly run over by his horse as he reentered castle grounds. "Help!" he cried, "he's passed out!!!" The knight rushed forward and took the sopping boy from his arms, wondering for a brief moment why the boy was so soggy. He brought the boy into the castle, closely followed by Hijiri, who was dripping as well.

Hisoka was beginning to come around slowly, his whispers barely understandable. "Muraki....attacked me...it was...his knights!"

The knight brought him before the king. "Majesty!!" he cried, "the prince has come under attack!!!" The king's head lifted in alarm only to become more alarmed when he saw that his son and the boy who was supposed to guard him were both sopping wet. "What happened here!?!" he demanded of the stable boy.

Hisoka finally opened his eyes and rested his head on the knight's shoulder. "Muraki has sent his knights to kill me. We were standing by the river. Hijiri pushed me out of the way of the arrow but I lost my balance and fell in."

The king drew back angrily. "Give me proof!" he commanded. Hijiri stepped forward and placed the arrow on the table. The king snatched it up and stared at it. "It's certainly one of Muraki's," he said, "I've seen many of these before. Call Watari!!" There was a voice from behind the door. "No need for that, Majesty," Watari said, "I'm already here." He walked up and examined the arrow. The king waved at Hijiri, who moved to exit the room.

Hisoka wormed out of the mans arms and grabbed his hand, staring into his eyes. "Don't go!"

Hijiri stared at him, then nodded. The king didn't like this at all, but he didn't argue. Watari was looking at the tip of the arrow. "It's been poisoned," he said.

Hisoka spun around to face him. "Poisoned?!” His heart began to race again as wide emerald eyes stared at the arrow. "It barely missed me! If Hijiri hadn't pushed me out of the way..." With a soft moan he suddenly fell as his eyes slid closed."

Hijiri caught him. "Highness?" He looked at the king. "He needs to rest," he said, "he's been through quite a bit in the past 2 hours." The king nodded and the knight lifted Hisoka, ready to take him away.

In his sleep he reached out to the brunet but didn't wake.

Hijiri wanted so badly to follow, but the look he got from the king told him to run off back to he stables where he belonged, which was what he did.

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject:

Hisoka lay in his own bed the next morning, the sun shining brightly in through the curtains around is bed.

He moaned softly and rubbed at his eyes. Sitting up he looked around in confusion...and disappointed that Hijiri wasn't there, though he knew he couldn't be. He had to remind himself that though he felt he was in love with the boy, he was a prince and betrothed to Lady Kazusa. He sighed deeply. How he wished he was common.

A maid walked into the room. "Good morning, highness," she said, "Beautiful day today.... I imagine you'll wish to go riding again?"

His heart leapt and he nodded.
"Right away. As soon as I eat."

The woman smiled. "You're so good with animals, highness," She said, "But since you're going riding so early, I'll bring your clothes.... shall I ready your breakfast in the kitchen or bring it to you here as I usually do?"

He smiled. "I'd like to take breakfast in the kitchen from now on. And yes, please set out my clothes."

The woman raised an eyebrow, thinking that this was odd, but didn't argue. "Who is that young man you went riding with yesterday?" She asked as she fluffed the curtains lightly to clear them of dust and opened the windows, "I've heard he is to be your new riding partner?"

He nodded, blushing slightly. "Twice he's saved my life. I think he's worthy of keeping around."

The woman smiled, acting as though she didn't see the blush. "Too bad though," she said, "I think he's adorable as they come, but I hear he's taken..." She paused, "... not that you're interested in such girlish gossip," She waved her hand, slightly embarrassed.

His blush deepened and his heart broke. "By who?"

The woman thought for a moment. "Lady Saya of the court from the Northern Snows, though I honestly thought she was Fay. She's never seen without that other one..... Lady Yuma..."

Hisoka snickered and shook his head. "Tis a rumor. Saya and Yuma are in love with each other. I caught them kissing secretly in the cherry orchard at the ball last year." His hopes rose again.

"You did, Highness? That must've been a sight..." she smiled, "That means he's still free for the taking...." she paused, then bowed, "Ill go ready your things, highness." And with that, she hurried away.

Hisoka sat there for a moment, blushing like mad. Then he sighed and stood. Part of the reason he was blushing was because he was hoping she didn't look at the covers. He'd been dreaming some interesting dreams and was standing like a flag pole. Quietly he slinked into the bathroom to rid himself of it before she came back.

Down in the stables Hijiri had been hard at work for the past few hours, cleaning horses and stalls. He was dreaming about riding with the prince again, but he knew the king didn't like him and he had the feeling that the prince would be assigned another riding partner because of his incompetence. He was already mourning the broken heart he would face when he was told, being oddly silent and distant that morning.

Hisoka finished and cleaned up, heading down for breakfast and watching the boy out the window. When he was done he dashed to the brunet. "We'll be riding early today, get ready." And he dashed off back to his room to ready himself.

Hijiri paused and watched the boy run away, surprised to see that he was as excited as ever to go riding. He grinned and handed his rake to a fellow stall cleaner, heading off to clean up for the prince.
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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:38 am Post subject:

They were back at the cave again very soon. "Hisoka?" Hijiri began, thinking.

The blonds heart flew at the sound of his name but he squelched any excitement in his voice. "Yes? You seem to be thinking. Is everything okay?"

Hijiri nodded. "I’ve been wondering," he said, "why did you pick me?"

He blushed deeply and shook his head. "I guess I don't really know. Why do you ask? Do you not wish to be my partner anymore?"

Hijiri shook his head until it seemed ready to fall off. "Not at all," he said, "I enjoy myself greatly, but.... it just seems you've singled me out and I've never done anything to deserve it. I'm nothing special." He blushed slightly as well.

He wanted to tell the brunet the truth. That he had a bad crush on him, and that was why. Instead he was silent and looked away.

Hijiri brushed his hair from his face as he moved to assist Hisoka over some particularly rough ground. "Not that I'm really entitled to be questioning you. I'm just cur-" he slipped, falling against Hisoka, the prince caught between him and the rock face. His eyes were wide as he realized that their mouths were pressed together.

Hisoka's eyes widened as well. He was frozen, unsure what to do. He realized this wasn't a real kiss, but it was pretty close. Suddenly he had an idea. He closed his eyes and went limp, pretending to have fainted. Would Hijiri kiss him again for real this time in his 'sleep'?

Hijiri held him up by his waist, leaning the prince's head gently on his shoulder. "Dammit.... oh gods.... what did I do now...? So much for that horse....." He knelt down, leaning the prince against his knee and gently tapping his face. "Oh, please wake up... please...." He sighed, looking over the prince. His own lips against Hisoka's had felt good, but he couldn't just take advantage of the boy... the prince!! His lips quivered slightly with his indecision, continuing to quiver even as they touched Hisoka's, eyes closing as though he thought he was about to be struck down by lightning.

He sighed softly. That felt good. He didn't want Hijiri to stop. He opened his eyes slowly but didn't say anything.

Hijiri pulled away from the prince, opening his eyes as well. He gasped. "I... I'm sorry.... I... I mean.. I couldn't... well..." He sat the prince back against the rock, moving away and bowing, his forehead touching the dirt. "I'm so so sorry!"

Hisoka's eyes gleamed. "So the rumors are true?" There was a smile on his lips as he pulled the boy up. "Do you like me Hijiri?"

Hijiri was startled at the smile and nodded slightly, face quite red. "Very much, highness," he said. He didn't know what to make of that smile.

Hisoka sighed contentedly. "Then kiss me again if you mean it that way."

Hijiri's eyes widened. He was getting permission to do what he'd never thought he'd be able to do!! He quivered slightly with the thought of the prince liking him back, then leaned forward a bit to touch his lips to the blonds again. His eyes closed easily this time, enjoying the feel.

Hisoka leaned back, pulling him closer. He wanted to feel his body pressed tightly between the rock and Hijiri's warm body. His arms reached around Hijiri's waist and he moaned softly.

Hijiri did as was wished of him, one hand on Hisoka's face and the other on his hip, his muscular body pressing against that of the prince. The blonds moan made him tingle and he deepened the kiss a bit, sucking on that soft as silk bottom lip.

Hisoka enjoyed this, reveling in it. He held close to Hijiri, never wanting this to stop but alas he had to break away for air. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest in a way he hadn't in so many years. After his last boyfriend he wasn't sure he could feel that way again but Hijiri seemed to be very trustworthy. "You're...good at that." He smiled softly. "

The brunet's face was flushed. He gave a slight laugh. "Funny," he said, "I was never good at it before.... maybe you just bring it out of me.... um.... what were we doing?"

Hisoka chuckled softly. "Getting away from my stuffy room and always moody father. And to tell you the truth... I singled you out because I've had a crush on you for a long time now and you saving me just gave me a reason to talk to you finally. Let's continue shall we? I brought lanterns. I want to check out that cave behind the waterfall."

Hijiri blushed. "You have a crush on me?!" he said in surprise, heading for the waterfall.

Hisoka blushed even harder at this. "Well...um...since I saw you...um...I don't know. The way you were taking such good care of my favorite horse and... the sunlight in your hair. It was like a painting."

Hijiri looked at his hair as it fell in front of his eyes. It didn't seem very special to him. He shook it out of his face and decided to drop the subject. "Have you ever been in this cave before?" he asked.

Hisoka shook his head. "I wanted to wait until I could find someone I trusted to go with. I'd get scared by myself."

"I'm glad you know you can trust me, Hisoka," he said, smiling at the prince as they got nearer.

Hisoka frowned. "You don't seem like the others...you have a knights soul and a kings heart."

Hijiri blushed greatly at this. "I... um... thank you... but... others?"

Hisoka looked into his eyes. "I'm trusting you on blind faith. You don't feel like them so I'm praying you're not like them... I've been in a few...situations before with my first two boyfriends..."

Hijiri winced at the tone. He wanted to ask, but he had the feeling that he didn't want to know. "I can guarentee you that your trust is not in vain," he said.

He smiled sadly. "I'm glad to hear that." He turned to look at the cave. "Let's get started. I also brought about fifty feet of butchers twine so we don't get totally lost."

Hijiri nodded. "Okay," he said, "we should tie it to something... a branch or rock so it'll stay in place."

Hisoka nodded and found the closest tree, tying it around that and heading into the darkness. He turned on his lantern and waited for Hijiri.

Hijiri followed, curious to see what was in this cave. He decided to stay close to the prince, seeing as he seemed to get spooked pretty easily.

Hisoka shined the light around for a moment before heading forward again. Just ahead they began to see crystals growing from the walls. As they walked they got bigger and bigger until finally the small path opened up into a huge room full of gigantic crystals jutting from the cieling as well as the walls but the floor was clean and smooth. "I think I found my new home."

Hijiri stared around in awe. "WOOOOOWWW!!!" he said in surprise, "look at all of these rocks!!! They're so.... shiney!!! I mean... they make the light go.... woosh!!" He motioned with his arms. Apparently he'd never seen these kinds of rocks before.

Hisoka began to chuckle but that soon turned into a laughing fit. "They're called crystals."

Hijiri repeated the word. "Crystals," he said, "wow... they're... beautiful."

Hisoka nodded. "Watch this." He took Hijiri's lantern and set it beneath one of the long shafts. The entire thing lit up like a candle. He then rested his own beneath a different one. "If we had enough we could light this entire room."

Hijiri's eyes widened impossibly. "How'd you do that?" he asked.

Hisoka smiled sadly. "My mother...gave me a small trinket with crystals inside. She used it as a night light for me when I was small."

Hijiri was surprised at this. "Can I see it sometime?" he asked, delighted.

Hisoka frowned. "I lost it in the water when I fell in. I had to drop it..."

Hijiri looked toward the mouth of the cave, then took off his riding cloak, tossing it to the side. "What does it look like?" he asked, reaching to take off his boots.

He looked confused. "A large silver ball. Why? it's too deep, you'll drown!"

Hijiri shook his head. "I won't drown," he said, "I'm good at swimming." His shirt hit the floor of the cave.

Hisoka frowned. He wanted it back, but he didn't want his new found love to die trying to get it and he wasn't at all sure he would be able to dive so deep. "be careful. if you lose your breath come back up."

Hijiri nodded. "I promise," he said, and hurried to the mouth of the cave.

Hisoka followed him, watching closely, hoping he'd return with his trinket...and alive.

Hijiri leaped off of the rocks and hit the water with barely a splash, going under quickly. He swam for the bottom of the lake as hard as he could.

Hisoka subconsciously held his breath as he watched the figure grow smaller under the shining waters.

Hijiri searched the bottom for a minute or so before he found it, grabbing it and flipping over to press himself toward the surface.

Hisoka was getting dizzy, still unaware he was holding his breath, waiting for the boy to surface. He'd lost sight of him behind some rocks and was growing ever worried.

Hijiri hurried to the surface, having expended all of his air and now letting it out slowly in small bubbles. He clutched the trinket, reaching the surface with a gasp as he splashed about, rather surprised that air had been so close.

Hisoka gasped as well, reaching a hand out to help him up. "You were gone so long! You scared me! Are you okay?!"

Instead of holding out his hand to the boy, he held out the trinket. "I've got it!!" he cried, "I got it for you!"

Hisoka's eyes lit up and he took it from him. "Thank you so much! I thought I'd lost it forever!" He pressed something on the side and it opened, water gushing from it. "I hope it still works."

Hijiri climbed from the water, shaking himself off like a shaggy dog, water drizzling the surrounding area.

Hisoka chuckled softly and stepped back so he wouldn't get hit. "We'll head back just after dark if that's okay. I want to show you why I usually stay out so late."

Hijiri smiled. "Okay," he said, "what do you do with it?"

Hisoka smiled. "Just the way the lanterns work in there, but more precisely. At dusk the last rays of light catch around in the bottom and light the crystals from the inside." He showed Hijiri that the inside was very mirror like.

Hijiri stared. "I feel like such commoner," he said, "you act like it's nothing.... but it seems like magic to me."

Hisoka blinked for a moment. "I guess it's because I grew up with an alchemist. He's my doctor too. He teaches me a lot of stuff."

Hijiri nodded. "I guess so..." he said, "I wish I wasn't like this...." he looked away.

Hisoka tilted his head, confused. "Like what?"

Hijiri shook his head and looked away. "I wish I wasn't so.... commoner," he said, "I'm hardly the perfect match for you.... since I'm from a completely different class and have absolutely no noble blood, I'm nowhere near worthy of you. I have practically no education and am not as clean as you are..... and you're betrothed.... to Lady Kazusa...." his final words had a sorrowful tone to them, his head turned to the cave wall farthest from Hisoka.

Hisoka's eyes filled with tears. "Does everyone have to remind me? We won't be married for another six years at least and she's only twelve right now. I'll have found a way out of it by then." He turned and left the cave, sitting beneath a tree and hiding his face in his knees.

Hijiri followed, not dressed due to the fact that his pants were still very wet and he didn't want them to get the rest of his clothes wet. He sat next to the prince. "I'm sorry," he said, "I....." he didn't know what to say. Then, "there's a way out?"

Hisoka looked away. "It's difficult...but yes there is. If a knight proves him or herself worthy they may have my hand and the arrangement is forgotten. There's currently only one knight who's in love with me, and he's far from worthy on so many levels..." He shivered thinking about what he'd walked in on one night. He looked over at Hijiri with a start as he realized Hijiri's lower half wasn't covered. "Please find something to cover yourself with..." There was an urgency in his voice as if he was afraid something was going to happen to him with Hijiri naked.

Hijiri didn't seem at all perturbed, but did as Hisoka asked heading back in the cave for his shirt and cloak. He put on the large tunic and kept the cloak around himself to keep himself hidden, then he went back to Hisoka's side. The way he acted suggested that it was normal for him to be without clothing in front of others, or at least in front of other men. "Who is this knight?" he asked, as though Hisoka's last words about covering up had never happened.

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "His name is Masaki. The only other blond in the palace. He has disturbing habits..."

The brunet was surprised. "I've cleaned his horse before," he said, "he is quite strange.... caught him in the hayloft once....." he trailed off, looking at the water to the side.

Hisoka looked surprised. "What was he doing?"

Hijiri winced slightly at the memory. "Enjoying himself," his only words.

Hisoka sighed. "That's what I thought..." He looked into the water. "When I caught him...he was whispering my name..." He seemed distraught by this. "I guess that's one of the reasons I have a problem with men being naked around me..."

Hijiri's head snapped up at this. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't even think about it... It's never been a problem before because around the commoners... the men, I mean, I'm just another guy and I've been swimming with others so many times.... I'm so sorry."

Hisoka shivered. "At least you're not...well...that's a totally different story I shouldn't get into right now. Under normal circumstances I probably would understand that but things have happened..."

"Hisoka," Hijiri said, "I wish I could help you, but whatever it is that has you under wraps is making me uneasy..... I'm so sorry....."

He looked up into Hijiri's eyes. "Do you know what it's like to have sex with someone who you neither like, nor want to? And please don't tell me it's my fault because it really wasn't..."

Hijiri's eyes widened for a moment. "You mean---" he paused, then shook his head. "No!" he said, "something like that is never your fault, Highness!! Who did it!? Was it Masaki!? I don't care if he's a knight!! This time I'll tear him a new bellybutton!!! Nobody will ever hurt you again!!! I'll make sure of it!!"

Hisoka blinked for a moment but shook his head. "They were put to death for different reasons...They're dead now. But I'm very nervous around Masaki because of that."

Hijiri still looked angry. "THEY!?!?!?!?!?" he cried, "this happened more than once!? AND THEY WEREN'T PUT TO DEATH FOR IT!?!?!?!?"

Hisoka was becoming a little scared at Hijiri's raised voice but he answered anyway. "If I told my father that they'd done that, I'd also then have to tell him how I got into the situation to begin with and that is that I was dating them. I was thirteen the first time and a year later the second. They were both several years older than me, and knights themselves." He looked away. "So you see... I like you the way you are. There's not an immediate lust coming off you like they had... I trust you."

Hijiri sighed and visually relaxed, though most of his muscles were still tense. "I'm glad you trust me," he said, "I wish I was a knight... I'd get you out of that situation with Lady Kazusa.... of you wanted me to."

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "You can...if you really want it. With a horse you qualify to train. With hard work and lots of practice in a few months you could become a knight. But to win my hand you must first prove yourself and that's not as easy as it sounds. Even for one like yourself who's heart is pure."

Hijiri grinned at him. "Apparently you don't know me very well," he said, "life is never easy, but it is what you make of it, and I always planned on something big. Now that I know what that something is, it's that much easier to reach, but that much harder to endure. If it is what you wish, I will gladly fight for your hand and heart. You have already won mine, should you ask for it"

Hisoka sighed deeply. "We'll see if I can get over my past. And if you can stand me. I'm very needy sometimes."

Hijiri blushed slightly. "I hope you can stand me," he said, "I tend to be a hopeless romantic when it comes to relationships."

Hisoka smiled. "I can't be romantic but I love affectionate attentions. I think it was misinterpreted with the last two. I guess before I decide that we are dating... I have to tell you that I probably won't sleep with you for a while. I've never done it willingly and I need to make sure you're not going to take off."

Hijiri nodded. "I understand," he said, "just like there are things about you I don't know, there are things about me you don't know.... I know how you feel and want you to know that I'll never force you into anything. I just want you to be happy. And about the affectionate attentions....." he lifted Hisoka's hands to his lips gently, "I can give you all the attention you'd ever need without sex." He brushed his lips ever so lightly over those soft fingers, then let Hisoka place his hands back on his lap. "I shall return once I've reclothed myself, perhaps my pants are a bit dryer now." He stood and hurried off, still holding his cloak around himself.

Hisoka smiled to himself as he watched Hijiri walk off. He felt lucky now. Hijiri seemed to be the perfect gentleman. He closed his eyes with a contented sigh.

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:53 am Post subject:

The next day, at the castle, Hijiri was cleaning Hisoka's horse and dreaming of the boy. Maybe they would be able to go riding later that day? He had too many ideas for his own good. At the moment he was planning a small surprise, but it would take some work to get it accomplished... and lots of begging to Lady Rika...

Hisoka decided to ride closer to sunset that day as he had an important meeting with his father that afternoon. He decided to head down to see Hijiri and tell him what his plans were for the day so Hijiri would know when to be ready.

Hijiri grinned as he spotted the prince, but immediately his face went back to passive as he saw Masaki enter the stables as well. In fact, he was dead serious. He bowed to the prince, very formally. "Good morning, Your Highness," he said as he bowed low.

Hisoka bit his lip and nodded slightly. "I just came to tell you we'd be riding around four this afternoon. I have a meeting around lunch time." He simply gave Masaki a glance then turned to go back in.

Hijiri stood at ready, watching as the prince almost got to the stable doors, but was stopped by the knight. "Your Highness," he said, dropping to one knee and taking the boy's hand to kiss his fingers as a humble knight might, "it has been so long since I've been able to stop and talk to you..." he had knelt so close that his face was barely a foot from Hisoka's groin. Hijiri felt his skin bristle in anger.

Hisoka stepped back, pulling his hand away. "I've been very busy. My birthday is in three weeks and I've been preparing for several months. And with this new threat on my life by Muraki's knights I doubt I'll have much free time. I'm sorry... I really must go." And again he began to walk out.

And once again he was stopped. "Can't I at least invite you to tea, Highness?" he asked, once again moving too close for comfort. It was the hardest thing to do for Hijiri to keep his mouth shut. The man placed himself squarely between the prince and the door, his wide and muscular body blocking the way efficiently. "There's so much I wish to speak to you about, Highness..."

Hisoka stepped back again. "If you'd care to explain to my father why I'm going to be late by all means." His tone was sharp but fear was beginning to show.

The man grinned slightly, as though he saw the fear clear as day. "Prince...I know there's something you want.... something that I can offer you. You want it badly, more than anything else."

Hisoka stepped further back. "I don't know what you're talking about. You're just a knight...how could you offer me anything?" His voice was beginning to tremble. There was that feeling of lust again.

Hijiri was grinding his teeth together. Surely the man knew that if he touched Hisoka he'd be hanged, right? The knight leaned in close to Hisoka's ear, cornering him against the wall. "I can make it so you don't have to marry Lady Kazusa.... you don't hate her, but it's obvious that you're not elated about the arranged wedding. I can put a stop to that for you.... all you have to do is agree to take my hand as my spouse."

Hisoka stared blankly for a moment. "I don't love you either. A loveless marriage is still a loveless marriage, to a princess or a knight."

The knight grinned. "True," he said, "but I know things..... things you don't want told...." There was a threat in his voice.

His eyes widened for a moment but then he shook his head. "I don't know what you think you know but if another knight were to walk in right now they'd haul you off and I wouldn't stop them. Besides... I know things about you I'm sure you don't want told." He was trying to keep a strong voice but his body was shaking.

"Oh?" he said, "and what could be as bad as my knowledge of your infatuation with a stable boy? You two, riding off together, alone... and gone for so long.... then he comes back with wet pants? Why'd he have to clean them? Were they dirty?" He stared at the prince. "I don't see how they miss these things... they're obvious as day..."

Hisoka smacked him. "He went into the water to retrieve something I'd dropped. And the place we ride to is quite far away! How dare you accuse me of letting myself be used like that! You don't know anything! Now get out of my face before I tell my father about how you pleasure yourself to thoughts of me!"

Hijiri froze for a second, watching to see what would happen. The knight glared at the prince for a moment before hurrying out of the stables, slamming the door shut behind him. Since there was nobody else there, Hijiri made his way quickly to the blonds’ side. "Hisoka?" he said, "Are you alright?" He offered strong arms to help Hisoka hold himself up.

Suddenly the adrenalin was gone and he couldn't stop shaking. He leaned into Hijiri. "I feel so dizzy. For a moment I thought he meant he knew about them and what they did to me. He knows he has no proof about us. He underestimates me." He closed his eyes. "Why won't... everything stop spinning?"

Hijiri's arms were stretched out to hold him up. "Calm down," he murmured, "breath slowly.... it'll be okay... he knows too much for his own good.... not just about you.... but about myself as well.... we'll have to be ready for him.... Oh Hisoka.... you're burning up!!"

He sighed softly. "I don't feel very good suddenly. Maybe I caught something when I fell in." He took in a slow deep breath but that didn't seem to help.

Hijiri's eyes were greatly concerned. "Hisoka.... you should lie down.... you're white as a sheet."

He shivered. "Yes..." his voice was a whisper, "rest..." suddenly he fell limp against Hijiri, breathing and heart finally settling.

Hijiri clutched the boy. "I didn't mean right here.... oh gods.... what now? I've got to get help!"

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Yami no Kaze · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:17 am Post subject:

Later, Hisoka lay in his bed, a maid humming by his side once again.

He moaned softly and pushed the blanket away. "So...hot..."

The woman looked at him, revealing herself to be Lady Rika. "Ah, you're awake... but... you shouldn't do that, young master, you'll make yourself sicker..... oh dear... " she moved closer and felt his forehead again.

His breath was weezy and he shook his head. "Please leave them off. I'm so hot." He couldn't open his eyes. "What's wrong with me?"

She shook her head. "Not sure, Majesty," she said, "Master Watari is still doing tests. You've been out for three days...."

This startled him. "Three days?!" He whimpered. "I don't even have the strength to move."

The woman nodded. "We've been force feeding you, but all you've kept down is water.... that's probably why... try this..." she lifted him a bit and held a bowl to his lips.

Hisoka drank it slowly but started to feel sick and pushed it away. "Water." His voice sounded scared.

Lady rika pulled the bowl away and brought to his lips instead a goblet of clear water.

That made him feel better and he managed to open his eyes a bit. "Vision's blurry..." He looked over at her. "The last thing I remember is fainting in the stables. How did I get here?"

The woman looked out the window. "That young stable boy ran into the castle. He was carrying you and saying that something was wrong. When they took you away from him, he nearly followed. I think he forgot in his worry for you that he wasn't allowed inside the castle. He was thrown out again, but he's come to me in the kitchen every day, asking how you were and begging for updates on your condition..." she paused, then turned to him, holding something from the breakfast tray. "He asked me to give you this," she held out a rose.

Hisoka smiled softly. "That was very generous of him. When you talk to him tell him I thank him and that we'll go riding again soon. But is there any chance I could have you sneak him up to see me? I do so like him and he's saved my life twice." His eyes were pleading.

Lady Rika smiled knowingly and nodded. "I'll see what I can do," she said, "now close your eyes. It won't do to have you straining them." She touched his forehead gently, then placed a damp cloth on it.

He sighed happily and closed his eyes, clutching the rose. "You're good to me."

She smiled. "Hush," she said, "I'll be right back." And there was the sound of the door opening and closing. Within moments she was back, another pair of footsteps with her. There was a pause, and one set hurried to Hisoka's side. "Highness?" he asked.

Hisoka opened his eyes and sat up. "Hijiri?!" He smiled softly. "Thank you so much for the rose! It's beautiful and smells so sweet!." Automatically he felt better and without thinking about Rika he dragged the boy down to sit on the bed and hugged him.

Hijiri hugged him back. "I've been so worried about you," he said, "are you sure you feel well enough to be sitting up? After three days.... I mean.... you've cooled down a bit, but you still look really pale.... I mean..... and when Watari came up to do the check up I was so scared for you... I could barely breath..."

Hisoka's brows creased in confusion. "But Lady Rika said you were thrown out. You were with me?"

Hijiri looked at the woman, who curtsied with a smile. "I'll go make some tea," she said, then left the room. When the door was closed, Hijiri chuckled. "I was thrown out," he said, "but she snuck me up here. I think it's because I was driving her crazy." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

He looked into the large matching eyes with a smile. "Kiss me while we're alone?"

Hijiri hesitated. "Are you sure you're well enough? I mean.... you're still quite warm.... though I'm pretty sure Sir What's-His-Face had something to do with that." His face was one of anger and distaste.

Hisoka smiled softly. "I'm fine enough for a kiss. I've missed you. I'm glad your here. I just wish you could lay here and hold me all day."

"That," Hijiri said, giving Hisoka a small kiss on the chin, "would be heavenly. But I can't... not yet. For now, you'll have to settle with sitting together." His fingers traced along Hisoka's cheek and he leaned forward, tilting his head to the side as his lips grazed over Hisoka's.

Hisoka sighed, enjoying the tender moment while he could. "I know..." he whispered. "When I'm better we'll go to Terazuma to train you."

"Wow," Hijiri said, "me.... a knight... why doesn't it seem possible right now?"

Hisoka clung to him. "It has to be! You can't let him win my hand! You can't! Please try! I have no say in the matter, it's up to my father." There was despair in his voice.

Hijiri held him close. "I didn't mean it that way at all," he said, "I just mean that I can't imagine myself as a knight at this point... I'll fight for your hand, with everything I have. I just can't see it yet." He blushed slightly.

Hisoka sighed and laid back. "I'm scared. That's the first time he's ever attacked me like that... I felt that same lust from him... like the others."

"I'm so sorry," Hijiri said, "I would have done something, but I'm not allowed to confront nobles about anything... he would have had permission to kill me..... and I can't do anything for you if I'm dead...." He looked away rather depressedly.

He shook his head. "I understand that. I know there was nothing you could do. I was just so scared. I was glad you were still there... he might have taken me right there had you not been."

Hijiri nodded, very displeased by this. "That dirt bag..." he grumbled, "a right spoiled noble.... one who doesn't care when others suffer. Not like you, Hisoka. You actually think about the emotions of the people around you."

Hisoka smiled softly and took Hijiri's hand. "It's because my mother spent all her free time with me. She taught me that it was most important to consider how others felt because I was going to be a king one day and my kingdom would fall into ruin if I didn't know what they wanted."

Hijiri smiled back at him. "I've never met your mother," he said, "but I wish I could... she sounds so nice..."

He sighed deeply. "She died when I was ten." He closed his eyes. "It's been so hard without her. Especially since everyone tells me I look more and more like her everyday."

Hijiri tilted his head to the side. "She must have been very beautiful then..." he curled a strand of hair behind Hisoka's ear, staring into his eyes.

Hisoka smiled brightly at this. "There's a painting of her in the hall. It doesn't do her justice."

Hijiri chuckled and shook his head. "I don't think there's any artist that could do you justice." Again, his fingers traced lovingly through the blonds hair, no lust, just love.

He smiled softly, never letting go of Hijiri's hand, nor opening his eyes. "You're making me feel better. Please don't leave me anytime soon. If someone comes in I'll tell them that I sent for you."

Hijiri nodded. "I don't want to leave..." he murmured, "I want to spend all of my time with you.... perhaps give it to you in a colorful bottle with a ribbon bow."

Hisoka sighed. "When I'm better I want to go riding again. I can't wait to get there. We can stretch out together under the trees and take a nap, or just lay there and watch the clouds. Spring is finally here and it's warming up. The water will be nice and you can teach me to swim." He seemed about ready to fall asleep again but his temperature was slowly coming back to normal. Hijiri was like a miracle cure.

Hijiri smiled. "That all sounds wonderful," he said, "but I want to make sure that you're okay."

Hisoka nodded and yawned. "Is it okay if go back to sleep now? I'm very tired. If someone comes in, wake me so I can tell them to leave."

Hijiri nodded. "I will," he said, "you rest. You need it." He stood, stretching.

He clutched at Hijiri's cloak. "You said you wouldn't leave." He knew Hijiri couldn't hold him but he at least wanted to feel him somewhat. Even if he just sat beside the bed and held his hand.

Hijiri motioned to the chair to the side. "I figured I'd sit there," he said, then grabbed it, dragging it to the side of the bed.

Hisoka relaxed. "Hold my hand." He turned his head to the brunet but didn't open his eyes. "I feel like I'm getting cooler."

One of his hands took Hisoka's and the other touched his forehead. "I do believe you are," he said, looking over the blond. "You're not as pale anymore either."

Hisoka sighed happily and pulled Hijiri's fingers to his cheek. As they sat there silently for a few moments, Hisoka fell asleep again, holding Hijiri's hand to his cheek.

Hijiri smiled and watched him for a while until he nodded off himself.

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