5

Kaito groggily opened his eyes as sunlight peered in through the curtains. He shifted slightly to attempt to work out the stiffness in his muscles but found that there was a presence pressed up against his back who groaned sleepily at the movement.

“You’re old enough to sleep on your own, Sora,” Kaito croaked, continuing to face away from the unwanted guest.

It hurt Kaito, trying to distance himself from the only person he had left in this world. He wanted so bad to turn to his friend and comfort him. To tell him that everything was going to be okay. That, because their bond was so strong, they would find a way to get through this. But he didn’t.

Sora stayed quiet for a moment. “I was worried about you,” he finally said. “You didn’t show up like you usually do.”

“I’m just a simple boy from the village. You should be focusing on more important things. Like, I don’t know, being a prince.”

“Family is important,” Sora emphasized.

Kaito felt a stab in the chest for what he was going to say next. “Maybe… Maybe your father was right. If we are going to become so attached just to lose each other, then maybe it would better if we aren’t be friends.”Silence. Then, he felt a smack in the back of the head.Kaito sat up and faced Sora with an accusing scowl on his face. “Ow!” he yelled at him.

“Shut up already,” Sora said, not looking the least bit angry or upset. “Quit sulking and take the day off work with me. I think we both need a little break.” He was smiling so brightly now that Kaito wasn’t sure he could refuse. “It’s been a while since we’ve been to the falls. It’s a really nice day for a swim and I bet the horses are dying for a ride up the mountain. Please?” And just like, that Kaito found himself laughing and leaning into his friend, longing for some time away from this mess.

“Hideyoshi is going to enjoy the change of scenery,” he replied happily, accepting the offer. What would he do without his friend there to always brighten his mood?

Sora threw his arms around Kaito. “It’s about time you come to your senses.”

As if on cue, they heard the door open and Hideyoshi himself appeared in the doorway of the adjoining room, his face as blank and inexpressive as always. “Ah, here you are, my lord,” he said with a bow. His hair was jet black and cut short, all except for a small section in the back that was left in a ponytail, some dark scruff only on his chin. His slim eyes were emerald green, which also happened to be his preferred color of clothing. The green undershirt was wrapped beneath his black covering. After finding his ward’s room empty, he knew exactly where to look next.

“Hide!” Sora exclaimed. “We’re going riding today! Prepare the horses and we’ll meet you by the stables.”

Hideyoshi bowed again before leaving. “Straight away, Sire.”

Kaito looked over at Sora as the attendant left. “You never liked when I called you that.”

“Well you don’t hear Aya or Kumi refer to me that way either,” Sora replied, stressing once more that he considered his friend as family. “I’m going to get dressed. Meet me at my room.”

Sora left, leaving Kaito feeling much better than he had felt the previous night.

~

Hideyoshi rode along behind the young prince and his companion. The two galloped side by side, Sora on his favorite white horse and Kaito on the black. He felt it was good to see that the future king had such a close acquaintance, especially since Sora had been so terribly lonely in that huge castle by himself. But he could not ignore the complications of the boy being born in the town. As the prince’s attendant, it was his job to ensure the prince was taken care of properly, and that included preparing him for his future.

A future that you will most likely not be in, Kaito, Hideyoshi thought solemnly. He was not looking forward to the day they would inevitably be torn apart. Even if Kaito kept a job in the palace, once the prince became older, he would have to be more cautious of the people he chose as friends. As a servant, Hideyoshi never expressed his opinion and kept his judgments to himself, but he knew what was right and wrong. This was why he secretly spoke to the maids and servants who knew of the children’s bond and bade them not to mention it to the king. The prince and his friend spent much more time together than the king actually believed, although he attempted to keep tabs on them through the eyes of the workers in the palace. But unlucky for him, Hideyoshi was there. And he made the decision to protect the two boys.

~

Sora and Kaito removed their cloaks and shirts and ran to the top of the waterfall, leaving Hideyoshi to watch over the horses. Without pausing, they jumped straight over the edge, falling from a great height into the pool below. The rush was amazing and the cold, refreshing water only increased their energy. For hours they laughed and swam around and attacked each other until finally, exhaustion drew them to the bank of the river and they laid side by side in the sun atop the large, flat rocks. This was a long overdue break from reality.

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