The place wasn’t so unpleasant, though it was odd sharing close quarters with such large, intimidating animals. Kage kept glancing at him, with what? Anxiety? Suspicion? Concern? Shion really couldn't fathom.

The straw was dry and clean, and the place didn't smell as rank as he'd expected. These animals were well-cared for. He supposed they were very important to the samurai.

The horse sniffed him over curiously.

"I am sorry, lord horse. I have no treats to give you."

It nudged at his hand. Shion stroked its mane, just as Yuma had done, finding it smooth and soft as silk. For such a large creature, Kage seemed quite gentle.

Lord Yuma's shadow. There seemed to be something telling in that.

Sitting there beside him was strangely calming. The scent of fresh straw was cozy and familiar, and at some point, Shion found himself dozing off.

Yuma was- laughing-?

He opened his eyes, finding dusk coming on and himself leaning into the bulk of Kage's shoulder. The poor beast must not have moved from its place beside him in hours.

"How adorable," the man murmured. "I am almost jealous."

If Shion hadn't blushed at the first comment, he definitely did at the second.

"Come with me." Yuma turned on his heels without another word, and Shion stumbled to his feet.

"My lord, where are we going?"

"To my chamber."

Shion stared hard at his back. This was such a terse answer. It told him almost nothing, and he wasn't sure he could tease out much more.

"I suppose it might take a little while to find someplace more suitable-"

The man shook his head. "You will be staying there indefinitely, Shion."

But- did that mean-?

Lord Yuma sighed. "Relax. I simply have no where else to put you." He smiled. "I am afraid my cousin would not have allowed you back with the soldiers even had you wished it. To be blunt, he told me that, if he wanted to look after something so prone to vomiting, he would have had a child."

Shion lowered his head.

"I apologize, my lord."

"Why?" The man shook his head. "It is perfectly natural to be disgusted by such things." He gave Shion a sidelong glance. "We are the unnatural ones, not you."

They travelled the corridors together. Shion was certain, had he been left to do it alone, he'd have gotten quite lost.

"The daimyo's quarters are traditionally located in a central position, but Lord Hatori has taken it upon himself to retreat to the lower levels." There was a note of disapproval in Yuma's voice. "So I have taken the chamber which should by all rights have been his." The samurai glanced back at him. "It was Kamui's, you know."

Something about that seemed to make Yuma feel uncomfortable.

"I would not know, one way or the other," Shion answered with a sigh. "I have never been inside it."

"Ah." The man gave him a curious look, without asking the obvious question. "I am afraid it may not be what you were expecting. Kamui was always a bit austere and kept little enough for himself, although, as you know, he could be quite generous with others."

"I- would have liked to know more about him. Our time together seemed so short-"

"As it often is when one falls in love with a samurai."

Shion stared down at the floor, blushing.

"I am well aware you are a man, but you seem every bit as coy as a maiden."

He glanced up. Was that meant as an insult? Most likely not, but-

"Here we are." Yuma stopped and stood regarding the screen for a moment. "I cannot help but feel strange whenever I remember that Kamui died within this room. It makes me feel as though I should not be here. That I have become a usurper."

"It is strange to enter it with someone other than him, my lord, as well."

Shion watched as Yuma placed his hand against the screen, as if measuring out some immense and secret heartbeat. The seconds passed by in silence.

"Forgive me, Kamui," he whispered, bowing his head as he slid it gently aside.

The place felt chill and empty, filled with an unnatural stillness. Shion unconsciously drew closer to Yuma's shielding body, close enough to catch its scent and feel its comforting warmth.

The man glanced down at him and smiled.

Something passed between them in that moment, a sensation both thrilling and tender. Shion met his amber gaze for perhaps far too long before finally averting his eyes.

Yuma chuckled softly.

"Perhaps even more coy than most."

Shion said nothing. His heart throbbed frantically within his chest, attempting to make itself heard.

"I am sure you have had a long and challenging day. You must try to get some rest."

"Where, my lord?"

The man lowered his head against Shion's ear. "In my bed, of course." That frantic thudding momentarily stopped at the low sound of Yuma's voice. "I have business to attend to. Once I return, I will take my place on the floor."

"But, this is your chamber, my lord-"

"Are you so eager to have me sleep beside you, little peasant?"

He felt his pulse stutter once again.

"Do have a pleasant night," the man murmured, his voice a light, soft chuckle, as he left Shion staring behind him.

He collapsed down with a sigh, drawing one forearm across his aching head. A cold chill came blowing in from the window. It'd never do to try and sleep like this-