Work Text:
Days off when Aresh was on campaign were the worst, Seiichirou decided.
He had gotten better about managing his workload, and his coworkers had gotten better at standing up to him when he dodged his rest. That meant that on this day off, he was left feeling anxious, and oddly empty. He usually had some project to occupy himself with, but bit by bit, with stubborn determination, Aresh had seen to it that no one would collaborate with him on his days off.
The Prime Minister would do as he pleased, of course, but that was a route Seiichirou didn’t want to go. Camile was ultimately respectful of his status as a taken man, but that didn’t mean he’d always be silent about it. Seiichirou simply didn’t have the patience today to turn him away with corporate deflection, not with how preoccupied his thoughts were.
The church was another place he could go, but Siegvold still treated him as a religious figure, and the school would kick him out on one of his rest days. Then there was Sigma, but the boy worked so closely with Ist now, that he no longer had much reason to visit the market unless it was simply to browse.
That just left Seiichirou in this large house, with only the three staff members as company. He greatly appreciated them and had come to feel comfortable around them, for the most part. But rules of status still eluded him in many ways, and he wasn’t sure just how ‘friendly’ was allowed in this society. Of course, they also knew that, and would graciously steer him onto the correct course, but part of him didn’t want to risk potential rejection by the only company he had at the moment.
So he was quiet as he drank tea after breakfast while the stately butler Valtom looked on. Pavel the excitable house chef had retreated back to the kitchen, humming happily as Seiichirou had actually finished everything served to him, even without Aresh there to poke and prod at him to do so. Malin was, well, he wasn’t sure where the middle aged maid was at the moment. She had cleared the table of breakfast and brought the tea, but then she had disappeared to do any one of her many tasks.
Perhaps a mother might be his best companion at a time like this. She always so readily answered any questions he had, and she didn’t stand on as much ceremony as Valtom did. Now, he just had to find her. Household staff had their own ways to move about the house so as not to intrude on those they served, and so she really could have gone anywhere after retreating into the back.
Sipping at his tea, chest painfully tight as he tried to pretend everything was normal and okay, Seiichirou looked over to the butler and asked a question he wasn’t sure he wanted an answer to. “Have any letters come in from Aresh?”
“I’m afraid not, Master Kondou. However, I’ve not heard of any reports of casualties suffered. Only that things seem quite busy on this expedition.”
He let out a long, tense breath and nodded. “Right. I guess, that’s enough, then. As long as everyone’s safe.” As long as he’s safe.
Seiichirou hated this feeling, and without any vehemence, he cursed Aresh for having gotten him used to receiving daily letters whenever he was on expedition. He felt like some wife from a historical novel, pining after her husband while he was away at war. And, well, he supposed that sort of was the case. But he hated that that was the comparison his mind had stuck him with!
Finished with his tea, Seiichirou stood up and gazed ceilingward, not truly taking in the lavish sight above him, but simply trying to collect his thoughts. Looking to Valtom, he forced a smile and asked, “What do you suppose I should do with my time off today?”
“Anything you wish, Master Kondou.”
He laughed and shook his head. “We both know that’s not quite true. I’d rather work, since that would at least keep my mind occupied. Outside of that, I don’t really know what to do. Everyone I know is working today.”
“The Young Master has some books in his study. Perhaps you should select one and take it to read in the solar.”
Perking up at that, Seiichirou nodded with some enthusiasm. “That sounds like a great idea. Thank you, Valtom.” The butler bowed as he passed him on the way to the stairs. Approaching the bookshelf, the first thought he had was I wonder if there’s any books on mathematics or history. That was a foolish thought, he realized as he approached the shelf. It was unlikely Aresh had any books for anything other than recreation on hand.
Looking over the books, Seiichirou ultimately chose his read not on title, but on how worn the spine was. The book that appeared most read was a collection of poetry, it seemed. That was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps it shouldn’t have been. For all that many of their conversations were verbal sparring matches, when it came to letters, Aresh was poetically sweet and romantic, and with beautiful penmanship to match his words.
He idly flipped through a few pages as he left the office and returned to the first floor. Stepping into the solar, he noticed Malin sitting in one of the seats, working on some knitting. “Oh, Master Kondou. Let me get out of your way.”
Seiichirou held up a hand to forestall her, shaking his head and smiling. “Don’t be silly. There’s plenty of seating.” He took up on a chair opposite hers and propped his feet up on a cushioned stool. Malin nodded gratefully to him, winding yarn around finger and needle and deftly weaving it through her project. Instead of picking back up his book, he watched her for a few minutes, then asked, “Is that for one of your children?”
Her lips turned up in a broad, proud smile, and she nodded. “Scarves for when the weather turns cold again. I make them new ones every year.”
“That’s very generous of you. I’m sure they appreciate it.”
She laughed quietly and shrugged, her gaze fixed on her work though she easily conversed with him. “They often complain that they don’t need new ones, but I like the work, and like to know that they’ll go into the season with solid clothing.”
He smiled a bit sadly, thinking of his own mother. “I’m sure when they get older, they’ll appreciate it more.”
The hesitance and loneliness must have been evident in his voice. Malin’s voice was gentle as she asked, “Did your mother make things for you?”
“She did,” he answered after a moment of hesitation. “The first year I went off to college, she gave me a scarf and pair of mittens she had knitted. I… was unenthusiastic about it. I would have rathered buy something I felt suited me better. In fact, I did. I never once wore the things she made for me, but… I did keep them. If I could go back in time, I’d wear them. Whatever silly idea I had about my image doesn’t hold up when I look back on it.”
Malin nodded her understanding, turning her project and starting on a fresh row. A few knots in, she gave him a reassuring smile, “And that’s why we do it. It’s okay, if they don’t wear the scarves that I’ve made. The point is that they’ll know I love them and will take care of them, even when they no longer ‘need’ me.”
Seiichirou felt his chest grow tight and heat prick at the corners of his eyes. “I hope…,” he struggled to speak past the knot that had formed in his throat, “I hope my mother knows, that even when I was an ungrateful brat of a kid, I always loved her.”
“I’m sure that she does.”
Silence fell in the room, and he tried to bring himself to pick up the book of poetry, but he found himself too lost in memories of his parents just then to do so. Valtom quietly entered with a serving of tea and some few pastries that Pavel must have been working on. He set the tray down without a word, and retreated with a covert nod and smile to Malin.
“Do you wish that you could return, Master Kondou?”
Pulled out of his thoughts, he shook his head to clear it. “No… At least, certainly not forever. When Shiraishi, ah, when the Holy Maiden returns once the transportation spell is finished, she offered to take a letter back to them for me. I hope that will be enough closure for them.”
“I hope that it will be enough closure for you as well, Master Kondou. Be sure not to have any regrets about leaving things unsaid with them.”
He flushed, but nodded with some hesitance. He caught the eyebrow she raised at his reaction, and he smiled shyly. “It’s not really in our nature to be very open about our emotions. Culturally, I mean, as Japanese people. But… Well, you’re right. My biggest regret now is how much I’ve left unsaid with my parents. They were always so supportive, and I was their only child. I imagine they’ve been heartbroken about my disappearance. If I can let them know that I’m alive, doing well, and that I appreciate everything they did for me, then, I think that will be enough.”
“Very good. That’s truly all a parent wishes. I think that will make for a lovely letter, and allow them to continue their lives in peace.”
His shoulders relaxed at that. He hadn’t realized just how unsure he had been of his plan, and if it would really be enough. Hearing this gentle mother agree with the idea was a genuine comfort. “Thank you, Malin.” His voice was still a bit shaky from the earlier emotion, but it was stronger and warmer, bolstered by her encouragement.
Relaxing with the tea for several minutes, he looked out the large windows to the small but flourishing garden behind the mansion until his worries for Aresh crept back into focus. He forced himself to open up the book again, and this time took to carefully reading the passages within.
He had never been good with words, nor had he ever been much of a reader back in Japan. So he didn’t consider himself as able to really appreciate poetry, and he felt that even now. But the words within gave him further insight into the choices Aresh would make when writing letters to him. That thought hurt, as it had been three days without direct word, but he forced himself to get lost in appreciation and analysis, rather than on his lover’s silence.
This particular book of poems contained annotations from scholars who had studied the poet’s life and work, describing what phrases meant in the cultural context of their time. He found that to be the most fascinating part of the book, spending most of his time reading those rather than the poetry itself. The time seemed to fly by as he read, learning more about the culture he had found himself living in for well over a year than he had ever expected to find from it. Valtom fetched him for lunch, and he actually found it difficult to set down the book. He realized that perhaps he should have known that books of art would also be books of culture, and he resolved himself to reading more of such.
As he neared the end of his meal, Seiichirou heard some commotion from the front of the house. He perked up, glancing over and realizing that Valtom had stepped away at some point. The smiles on the faces of Pavel and Malin had grown wider, and he felt his heart begin to race with eagerness.
“Welcome home, Young Master,” he heard Valtom speak from the other room. “Master Kondou is just finishing up lunch. Shall I ask Pavel to prepare something for you?”
“No, we had rations on horseback. I’ll be set until supper. Don’t get up!” The last sentence was shouted his way, and Seiichirou flushed as he thumped heavily back into his seat. Malin covered her mouth as she giggled, and Pavel’s smile broadened into a toothy grin. Boots thumped heavily along the floor, each step louder than the last as Aresh entered the dining room. He placed a hand over the nape of Seiichirou’s neck and leaned down to kiss above his ear. “I’m back.”
“Welcome home,” Seiichirou answered, trembling slightly as all the tension of worry came undone.
Aresh was home. Aresh was safe.
Aresh was home.
“Keep eating,” the younger man ordered, taking his nearby seat. Marin brought over a cup and poured tea for him before backing away once more. He lifted the cup to his mouth, watching Seiichirou, and narrowing his eyes in irritation. “Didn’t I say to keep eating?”
Seiichirou reached over without a word, timidly pinching at the cuff of Aresh’s shirt the moment he’d set his cup down. “I’m glad you’re back, Aresh…”
The quiet voice was enough to quell his good-natured irritation. Frowning slightly at how shaken he seemed to be, Aresh turned his arm to take Seiichirou’s hand in his. “Are you well? Have you been eating and resting properly? How’s your mood?”
The familiar barrage of questions was enough to cut through the weakness of relief and draw a laugh from Seiichirou. “I’m good. It was completely uneventful here while you were away, and no one lets me work late anymore since you went around intimidating everyone.”
“Good.”
Seiichirou snorted at that, but he grinned all the same. He had gotten past his annoyance on that topic. Mostly. He turned his attention back to his plate, intent on finishing up the meal quickly so that they could retreat to their rooms together all the sooner.
He chose to pretend he hadn’t seen the smug smirk on Aresh’s face at his rush.
Once finished, Aresh took his hand again, dragging him upstairs and straight to the large bath. He started to undress, but Seiichirou interrupted, sliding his own hands in to open up his shirt. For once, Aresh let him without any fighting for control of the situation. Emboldened by the opportunity, he stepped closer, pressing kisses to broad chest as he let the shirt fall away. Strong arms enveloped him, interrupting him just long enough to slip his own shirt over his head, then drawing him in once more.
Seiichirou ran his hands down Aresh’s chest, fingertips lightly scraping over his sides, moving inward and downward, feeling stomach muscles leap under his touch. He could hear a sharp intake of breath above him as he set to undoing belt and pants, and a large hand threaded fingers through his hair as he slowly dropped to his knees.
“I’m sorry,” Aresh groaned softly, looking down at him with a heavy gaze.
Seiichirou looked up, his gaze becoming unfocused as Aresh plucked his glasses from his face and set them safely aside. “For?”
“Not writing.” His voice hitched slightly as slender fingers tickled his inner thighs. “Barely had time to write reports, let alone letters…”
“At least we had the reports,” Seiichirou answered after a quiet, thoughtful moment, his hands never stopping as they trailed down the backs of strong legs, then up and along firm buttocks. “Those let me know, that you were alright…”
Aresh watched him, brushed fingertips over his cheek and jaw, faintly frowning all the while. “Even so. It seems I worried you.”
“It doesn’t matter now.” Aresh might have argued that point, but Seiichirou didn’t intend to let him. His lips wrapped around Aresh, sliding his mouth along his length, tongue curled to cradle the underside. A hissed breath and fingers tightening and tugging on his hair were the only reply that could be given. Aresh always tried to stay still for this, but the pent up emotion got the better of him as he pressed his hips towards that wet heat.
Seiichirou moaned, and the pleasure in that sound almost caused tightly wound control to fully snap. Aresh gasped, tugging on his hair, controlling his head in time to his carefully measured thrusts. Purple eyes barely opened, he watched for any sign that Seiichirou was having a tough time, but if anything, he seemed even more lost to this turn of events than Aresh was. Gritting his teeth and groaning, he thrust again into his mouth, legs quivering as he felt the lustful sounds around him.
“I don’t, think I can wait any longer,” Aresh groaned, groping around for a bottle of oil kept nearby. “Not, when you’re like this.”
Seiichirou looked up at him, nose pressed flush to his skin, eyes appearing completely black and face flushed with rising heat. He slowly, agonizingly slowly, pulled back, tongue teasing as his lips receded. Aresh let out another groan and carefully pushed him back onto the ground. Cold tile under skin hot with desire made Seiichirou shiver, but he had no complaints as an oil slicked hand reached under him to see that he was well prepared for what came next.
“Aresh…!” He cried out as a full heat slid its way deep within him. His legs wrapped around Aresh’s waist as the man pushed carefully within him, once, twice, and then hard, reckless, and needy. His mouth hung open in a silent cry of pleasure, his hands gripping strong shoulders, clinging for a handhold as what lucidity remained was replaced by euphoria.
Aresh showered him with breathless kisses, across his forehead, his nose, cheeks, nipped at ears, lips, and jaw, gasping and praising the man below him. He reached a hand between them, holding himself up awkwardly on one hand to wrap the other, still slick with oil, around him. Seiichirou bit his own lip at the tidal wave of pleasure that brought, tasting a hint of blood as his release sprayed hot between them.
It didn’t take much more for Aresh to join him, voice a tight thread as he gasped, spilling into him with a few last thrusts. He let himself fall across Seiichirou, holding enough of his weight on his forearms so as not to crush the man beneath him as they both worked to catch their breath.
Bleary eyed but no longer quite so breathless, Aresh, clumsily kissed his cheek then found his lips. Grimacing slightly, he pulled back and noticed the dot of blood on his lover’s lips, the dent made from the man’s own teeth. Shaking his head, he whispered a gentle song of magic, healing the tiny wound. Thumb tracing over freshly healed flesh, he teased open Seiichirou’s mouth and pressed a deep kiss to him, tongue sliding between lips.
Seiichirou groaned, fingers twitching weakly over his shoulders as he melted down into the tile, regardless of how cold it was. Aresh pulled back to look him over, taking note of every detail before breaking out in a wide, youthful smile.
He loved that smile.
Returning it with a warm expression of his own, he reached up to tuck wild black hair behind an ear, and whispered, “Welcome home, Aresh.”
-=-=-
Several hours later, Seiichirou stood in front of a window in their bedroom, the curtain pulled back enough so that he could stare up at the night sky. From the bed he heard rustling, as Aresh grumpily awoke, cold in the large bed on his own. “Why are you over there?” he mumbled, more than a little petulant.
Seiichirou smiled, letting out a soft laugh and glancing over his shoulder. His eyes narrowed with happiness, and he spoke in a gentle voice, “The moon is beautiful, tonight.”
Aresh’s expression twisted in confusion, not finding that to be much of an answer. “What? Get back over here.”
Ignoring the demand, Seiichirou turned his face back to the window, looking skyward. “My people aren’t very forthcoming with our emotions. Not verbally. It’s said that when translating from a language with a more straightforward culture, it’s best not to use the exact phrasing.” He heard a confused grunt from the bed as he paused to gather his thoughts. Then a rustling, and footsteps as Aresh apparently decided that if he wasn’t going to return to bed, then he’d come to Seiichirou.
Arms wrapped around him, and Aresh put his chin on his shoulder, resting just enough weight to be annoyingly painful. He looked up at the sky, trying to make sense of Seiichirou’s cryptic words, and coming up blank. “And? What does one have to do with the other?”
Smiling, Seiichirou leaned back against him, and found the courage to continue on with his explanation. “It’s unnatural in Japanese, to outright say ‘I love you.” He felt strong arms stiffen around him. “Instead, we might say ‘The moon is beautiful, tonight.’ I was taught this in high school, but I didn’t fully understand it then. I mean, I understood the concept of not translating directly, that we aren’t the type to just outright state our emotions like that. But why something like this? What does the moon have to do with our emotions?”
Aresh tried to wait patiently for an answer, but no further explanation came. Squeezing his arms gently around his lover, he prodded for a continuation, “You understand it now? What does it mean?”
“A few things, I think. Maybe it means a different thing to each person. But, I had a hard time this week, harder than I expected. Normally, I can lose myself in work, and not worry about things, because I have something else to focus on. But without much to do, I had so much time on my hands, yet it was hard to really pay any attention to the things around me. Now you’re back, and it’s as if, so is the rest of the world. The colors, the sounds… And I was thinking. The moon, it’s very beautiful, tonight.”
A muscular arm reached up to close the curtain. Seiichirou smiled as Aresh turned him around, violet eyes bright with emotion. He leaned into the large hand that cupped his cheek, and closed his eyes as lips descended on his. Between kisses, he felt as much as heard Aresh whisper, “I love you, too, Seiichirou.”