Chapter Text
The garden had always been their place. Just for them. Where they could just exist and talk without others bothering them. Kaoru had even taken to adding a protective boundary around it, so that no other person may enter but him, and his lover. Inside the garden, were beautifully manicured flower bushes and hedges. It was fragrant, lovely, a perfect place. Within the garden's center, was a gazebo, decorated with hanging plants. A table with two chairs, sat next to each other, rested under the roof. Rarely sat in besides the two of them.
"Kaoru!" Kojiro's voice carried through the gentle breeze, over the sound of foliage dancing in the wind. Kaoru was sitting in the gazebo, reading a tome. His honey colored eyes looking up and spying Kojiro. Shirtless as always, and today, not wearing shoes either. He was handsome, his large body an instrument honed for creation; specifically the creation of beautiful things. The garden was his 'baby'. Something he'd cultivated for years. Brilliant pink flowers of all shapes and kinds, mixed in with a few yellow colored ones. "To match you, my dear," Kojiro had said as he formed a bloom in his hands, "to match you." Kaoru had come to the garden because he sought some refuge from the stress of teaching. Finding success in that goal, and finding someone's arms to fall into. Though if you asked certain people, the two of them couldn't stand each other.
"Where's your shirt, fool?" Kaoru picked up a long-pressed flower, setting it delicately in the tome before shutting it. Kojiro entered the gazebo easily, the two stairs not being enough to stop him. He wasn't complaining at the view, just that of course he wasn't wearing a shirt of any form. His muscled bound body on full display, as well as the scars underneath his chest, and the large sun-flare tattoo on his left shoulder. He didn't like others looking at Kojiro. He still had his gems around him though, the garnets matched his eyes. One around his head in a circlet, three wrapped around his neck, and others that he wore down his front loosely. In his hand was his staff. A red painted staff, with a gnarled root and garnet resting in the center. Kaoru tipped his head up expectantly, receiving a kiss on the forehead from Kojiro before the larger man sat down next to him.
"It's around my waist at least." Kojiro sighed, brushing a thick green curl from his face. "Besides, it's not like anyone else can get in here."
"Say that to the child I found in here the other day. I thought we agreed, no children in the garden."
"I don't know how the little thing got in here, maybe your magic isn't as strong as you think it is." Kaoru stared at him through narrowed eyes. "What did you forget your spectacles?"
"I did not forget them."
"Then why are you staring at me like that?"
"Because you insinuated that my magic is getting weak." Kaoru was a head mage, he taught students, any possible decline of his magic was something he couldn't afford. His own power wasn't the opposite of Kojiro's, in fact, his was more geared towards protection, and healing. Which, you'd never gather by looking at him. Kaoru dressed like he was a doll you never touched. His hair draped down his back in pink waves, his bangs covered his eyes. Long ears were decorated with beautiful jewels that matched the purple sapphire gems on his crown and thin circlet. He preferred robes, a body suit covered his chest, while his purple to white robes hung off his shoulders, and a thin belt under his chest held it up. Under was a pair of white pants and heels that clicked in the most satisfying way when he walked through the stone halls. His own staff was white and gold, a matching purple sapphire at the core. The two were opposites. Opulence versus convenience. And they loved it.
"Isn't it a little unfair that nobody else but you gets to enjoy my masterpiece?" He looked over at Kaoru. His chin was raised as his eyes slowly scanned over the parts of the garden he could see. The whole garden had been redone when Kaoru and Kojiro met. Before the flowers were every color imaginable. Kojiro was the teacher for students with similar magic to his own, as well as the groundskeeper. He'd been used to the garden being left empty by the entirety of the school, nobody wandered far into it, until the day he walked to the gazebo to take a break and found a pink haired man sitting in heavy robes, reading and writing on his own. From that moment they'd been inseparable, despite the bickering and name calling. The school's garden became their personal haven.
"Some aren't meant to be shared; and I will not share it. It's ours to enjoy." Kaoru set his hand on Kojiro's lap, feeling a large calloused hand grab it, giving it a squeeze. Then two more. I love you.
"When's your next lesson?"
"Not for another hour or so, why?"
"Well, would you care to go for a stroll?"
"I would, actually." Kojiro stood up, still holding Kaoru's hand. He gave him help getting up, allowing Kaoru to drop his hands to adjust his robes. They each grabbed their respective staff before leaving their gazebo. The sun was shining, the wind gentle, birds chirped and sang. It was a wonderful stroll. They walked arm in arm, taking their time. Kaoru pulled away to smell the flowers occasionally, allowing those big hands to pull him back close to continue. They were sweet to each other here. Anywhere else in the school's buildings you might find them arguing or in some form of debate.
Kojiro led him down the path to a new section he’d been working on. The hedges were done, tall and trimmed neatly. The flowers were still a work in progress though from what Kaoru could see.
“What type of flowers are going here, 'Jiro?”
“Haven’t decided yet. Maybe some tulips and carnations, I'm even debating adding more honeysuckle."
“You old flirt. You want flowers that mean that, really?”
“I think you mean romantic, and yes, why not?”
"You've grown sappy in your old age." The flowers in question, were all about love, yearning and declaring love. Like most of the flowers in the garden did. Kaoru had started learning about the meanings of flowers when he'd come into his private study to find a new arrangement every day after they'd been courting a few months. And yes, courting. Kaoru was not one to be wooed so easily by the professor that was constantly shirtless and covered in dirt. They were still courting, technically, but they practically acted married.
"It'll only get worse." Kojiro let out a tiny laugh, looking proud of himself, white teeth (and tiny fangs) glinting in the sun. He knew how he wanted these flowers to look now. He set one hand onto the leafy hedge, the other held his staff up. It began to glow a brilliant red, the same as the gems he wore. From just that, the flowers began to bloom, spreading and growing. They were large blooms, proudly reaching towards the sunlight. There was still more to do, but he let a fond smile cross his face as he admired his work. He turned around, still smiling. "What do you think?"
"They're beautiful. Now, be a good ape and lead me out. I have to get to my lecture soon." Kaoru held his hand out, easily linking arms with Kojiro again.
"Of course, your highness." Kojiro led him to the gardens entrance. It wasn't far, or at least it never seemed to be. "Do we want to meet here later, or your quarters?"
"Here. It's always beautiful at night."
"I'll bring dinner." He gave Kaoru a tiny kiss on the cheek, watching him walk back inside. He knew he'd have to get his own lessons ready soon, in another garden of course. The students garden, as well as the green house, wasn't far away. Filled with more practical items, from plants that healed the body to ones he taught them to cook with. He wasn't the chef at the school, but he frequently helped, bringing ingredients from the garden with the help of his classes. It was a good arrangement for him. Kojiro looked back at his garden, then wandered off to the greenhouse. Knowing he'd have a few eager students there practicing.
*******
By the time the sun set, Kaoru was exhausted. After his last lesson, he went to his study. By his side, was a fluffy white cat. His darling little Carla. Decades prior, he'd found her abandoned as a kitten; now, as his familiar, she stayed close by his side or slept in his study. She had a tiny charm around her neck with her initial, the cat looked barely old enough to be more than a couple years, yet she was about forty-six years of age in reality. She was there when he lectured, while he wrote his tome full of enchantments, for almost everything. Very seldom did he not have her by his side, save the nights where she slept in a different room due to Kojiro's being in his bed with him or if she simply didn't want to (as cats were wont to do).
As he read over his lecture plans for the next day, she curled up on the empty spot of his desk. Purposefully left for her. He reached out to pet Carla, and she purred instantly.
"My little darling," He cooed, "my beautiful little Carla." He scooped her up, ignoring that he'd have cat fur on his robes. Cuddling her close to his face, with her scratchy tongue she gave his nose a few kisses as he stroked her back. Two loud knocks on the door startled the two of them, and he set her down in his lap. "Enter." Kaoru called, making it look like he'd been busy, not snuggling his familiar. Like the tiny protector she was, Carla's blue eyes narrowed as the door opened.
"Professor Sakurayashiki," Said a soft voice, and when she stepped into the light, he saw that it was just one his students, "I have a question about the spell you showed us today."
"The warding spell?"
"Yes." He looked at her expectantly, waiting for the question. Finally, after turning bright pink, she opened her mouth again. "You never specified what types of magic it repels."
"It repels most types, the one I showed you is not a strong one, but a novice one. As the class practices more with them, I will show you stronger ones. Is that all?"
"Yes! Thank you. Have a good night, Professor."
"You as well." She stood up, exiting the room quickly. Kaoru waited a few moments before he moved Carla from his lap. "Shall we go see your favorite man, Carla?" His familiar loved Kojiro almost as much as he did. She would act coy for several minutes, then when he finally stopped trying, she'd lay in his lap, purr, rub against him, anything to get his attention. Kaoru got up, grabbing his staff. He began the short journey to the garden, Carla trotting behind him. His heels clicking as he walked the halls, echoing off the stone. He may regret not changing into comfier clothing later, but for now it didn't matter. They'd be going back to his room tonight anyways. Then it wouldn't matter.
When he finally arrived in the garden again, he waited by the entrance for a time. Waiting to see Kojiro's silhouette or hear him singing to himself in the garden when he thought nobody could hear. After he grew tired of waiting, Kaoru continued making his way to the gazebo. Without a doubt he'd find him there.
As he stepped closer to the gazebo, he spotted a pair of glowing red eyes. Kojiro. Both of them had eyes that glowed in the dark. Not bright, but enough you would see them with the right lighting. And the day being chased away by the night, was the perfect amount to see Kojiro's glowing. Kaoru found some renewed purpose in his step as he made his way to sit next to Kojiro. But as he hit the staircase, and saw the form of the person waiting, he realized it wasn't Kojiro. But somebody else entirely. Carla hissed as the man in front of them moved his hands. He'd been eating the food that Kojiro had brought.
"He makes very good food." Said the man, as Kaoru silently cast a spell that illuminated the gem in his staff, he saw a man from his past. One he'd thought he would never see again.
"Where is he?" Kaoru's voice didn't quiver, stern and serious. He wouldn't look away from this man. Refused to look away. Even if Kojiro had been standing a few feet behind him, he wouldn't move until he felt one of those hands or saw him.
"In the garden. He was waiting for you."
"Then why are you here?"
"Because I want to be." Kaoru knew him as Adam, he daren't speak his true name for fear of what he'd do. Nobody but Kaoru and Kojiro knew his real name, and those who'd guessed had never been heard from again. So the legend said, anyways. "I felt your ward when I walked in, someone lesser may have been unable to cross. Lucky for me, I'm better than you. A very predictable warding spell, weak."
"Why are you here, Adam? What did you do to him?" Adam stood, his red robes billowed around him. Wild blue hair blew in the wind.
"Wouldn't you like to know my little Cherry Blossom? Have fun searching for him. This garden is quite maze-like." With that final threat, Adam snapped his fingers, a cloud of white smoke enveloped him. Kaoru knew it meant he was gone. Back to wherever he came hopefully. Once all the smoke was gone, Kaoru's chest began to heave. Panic set in. He had to find Kojiro, and he had to find him soon. Kaoru thoughtlessly hitched his robes up, running through the garden shouting for Kojiro. He never heard a shout back.
After searching for hours, Kaoru finally stopped at the newest blooms Kojiro had made. His back was to it, facing towards an empty hedge. One that lacked flowers, lacked character. It lacked Kojiro's touch. Carla sat near his feet, looking up at him. He was breathing heavy, tears and sweat had ruined the makeup he'd done around his eyes this morning. Kaoru stood at the hedge, one hand reaching behind him, the other clutching his staff with white knuckles. After that, everything stopped. No more heavy breathing in a lonely, windless garden. The birds had long since gone to bed, replaced by crickets and fireflies. There was no laughter, no singing, no conversation anymore.
The place where two lovers spent their time together, soon would become overgrown. A power unleashed by two statues, hidden from each other by a horrid curse. To be apart until the day it might be broken. But, without knowing, the two protected each other. Their magic sending out a wave that worked together. Kaoru's power used what remaining strength it had to send out a massive spell of protection, that nothing should happen to him and Kojiro. While Kojiro's power suddenly destroyed all the work he'd done to perfect the garden. Terrible thorns, poisonous flowers, and weeds replaced the flowers and hedges. All to protect two statues, encasing two lovers (and a cat).
This garden had always been their place, and until someone released them from their stone cages, by some miracle, it would remain in desolation.