Work Text:
It took almost four years for Ryunosuke to feel confident enough to leave Japan once again, with the intent of studying law in London. Now that his homeland had a considerable number of defense attorneys to keep things working, he was free to focus on learning as much as he could.
The only problem was, of course, deciding where he would live. His old bedroom in the 221B apartment now belonged to Kazuma, and despite his friend’s insistence for him and Susato to stay there, Ryunosuke didn’t like the idea of kicking him out of his home.
So, in the end, they agreed to share the bedroom, which was possible thanks to a second bed provided by Barok—who, apparently, had quite a few spare ones in his residence. The bedroom was slightly cramped with an extra resident, but Ryunosuke couldn’t complain: he had missed the place.
That afternoon, he and Kazuma were in a tea shop that Susato visited with Iris, Gina, and Maria the previous day, which was so highly recommended by the girls that Ryunosuke couldn’t help his curiosity—thankfully, Kazuma was as easily swayed by food as he was.
Yet, even as he tried the delicious cake and fragrant tea, part of his mind was still thinking about that subject.
“Are you sure you’re fine with this?” asked Ryunosuke. “I can find a different place, if it’s better for you.”
Kazuma stared at him, holding a cup of tea halfway to his lips. “How many times are you going to ask?” He shook his head. “We talked about this already… You’re the one who keeps overthinking it.”
“But that’s your place now.”
“It’s our place now,” Kazuma corrected. “Besides, if you get on my nerves, I could always spend a few days at Barok’s home.”
The thought of Kazuma appearing unannounced with his luggage at the van Zieks mansion amused him. “And if you get on his nerves, where do you intend to go?”
Kazuma shrugged. “I could just hide in one of his extra bedrooms… He won’t even know I’m there.”
The comment made Ryunosuke laugh. “The more you talk about Lord van Zieks’ home, the more it sounds like a scary place…”
“Are you imagining a haunted mansion with endless corridors, and caskets in every bedroom?”
“And a bunch of those creepy armors that seem about to slice you in half when you pass by them.” Ryunosuke furrowed his brow at the amused smile on Kazuma’s face. “Wait… Don’t tell me I got it right…?”
Kazuma shook his head. “I can’t tell if you’d be surprised or disappointed to see how it really is.”
“Well, if you’re willing to spend the night there, it shouldn’t be as bad as I imagine.” He paused, showing a slight grin. “But, you know, it’s amazing how prosecutor van Zieks tolerated you all this time… I thought I was the only one with this much patience.”
“Jealous?”
“Just a little.”
Kazuma laughed. “Barok may act tough, but he’s a sweet man. And I know he feels lonely living in that huge place by himself. To be honest, it’s good to have an excuse to visit him more often.”
That was surprisingly honest of him.
“It seems like you two really care about each other,” said Ryunosuke.
“I suppose so.” Kazuma absentmindedly stirred his tea. “He has always been kind to me, and it’s thanks to him that I found my way again in this life… I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay him for everything he did for me.”
“It’s funny to hear you talk so fondly of Prosecutor van Zieks,” Ryunosuke admitted. “A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined you two getting along this well.”
“That was a long time ago, before I knew who he truly was.” Kazuma averted his gaze, speaking in a lower voice. “I was terrible to him back then, and he still agreed to have me as an apprentice. Really, the man is too kind for his own good… I wish I could protect him from everything that could bring him harm.”
“Someone like prosecutor van Zieks doesn’t seem like the kind who needs protection, though.”
Kazuma let go of the teaspoon, meeting Ryunosuke’s gaze. “Ryuu, you don’t understand… He’s so good and kind, but people keep trying to hurt him.”
That response caught Ryunosuke off-guard. “Ah… I see…”
“And he refuses to ask for help…” Kazuma continued. “I have to pay close attention to him, or he might overwork himself until he passes out.”
“Sounds difficult.”
“If only he would depend on me more…” Kazuma sighed. “It would make things much easier.”
Ryunosuke simply observed him for a while: his tone, his expression, the fondness in the way he spoke about Barok… Ryunosuke wasn’t that sharp when it came to things like romantic feelings, but…
“Say, Kazuma… What you feel for prosecutor van Zieks… it isn’t just friendship or admiration, is it?”
Kazuma stared at him, speechless for a moment. Then, he abruptly stood up, almost making his teacup fall, his face going through an incredible range of emotions in just a few seconds.
“Is it that obvious?” he asked in a loud voice.
Ryunosuke smiled awkwardly. “You made it pretty clear.”
“Don’t tell anyone!”
“I won’t!” Ryunosuke glanced around, at the people who now looked at them, surprised. “And you’re the one who’s yelling for everyone to hear.”
“Ah…” As if only then noticing his behavior, Kazuma sat again, speaking in a much quieter voice. “Sorry… I overreacted.”
At least you’re aware of it…
Kazuma furrowed his brow. “Were you always this cheeky?”
“Did I say it out loud?”
“Same old Ryuu, I see…”
That didn’t sound like a compliment.
“It wasn’t,” said Kazuma.
“Of course not…”
Kazuma shook his head, then reached for his cup, taking a long sip. “But… You’re right. About how I feel about Barok.” He hesitated, then met Ryunosuke’s gaze. “Do you think it’s weird?”
“No.” Ryunosuke offered him a reassuring smile. “I was just a little surprised.”
“I see.” Kazuma seemed to relax a little. “It’s not like I expect anything to happen between us. I just want to make sure he’s safe and happy. But sometimes… I have no idea of what to do.”
“Why don’t you say this to him?”
“No… It would just make him uncomfortable.”
“Do you think so?”
Kazuma crossed his arms. “You know how others see people like me. Even if Barok accepted it, there could be rumors… It would cause him nothing but trouble.” He lowered his eyes. “I don’t want to hurt him. He went through a lot already… I want him to at least be able to fully trust me.”
“I see…” It hurt a little to see that expression on his friend’s face. “You really like him, don’t you?”
“Very much so.” Kazuma pressed his lips into a line, hesitant. “Can we… change the subject now?”
“Ah, of course.” Ryunosuke made a brief pause. “But, you know… You can talk to me about it again if you want.”
His words brightened Kazuma’s face a little. “Alright… Thanks, partner.”
A few days passed, and Ryunosuke couldn’t help but pay more attention to Kazuma and Barok’s interactions. Now that he knew about how his friend felt, it was difficult not to notice it: the way he looked at Barok, the way his voice went soft when talking about him… even his frequent provocations were clearly filled with fondness.
As for Barok… Despite how much his impression of that man had changed with time, he was still difficult to read. There was no doubt in Ryunosuke’s mind that he cared about Kazuma, of course… But, unlike his friend, his actions and expressions always felt… muted. As if he purposefully tried not to let his feelings show on his face.
What a difficult situation, Ryunosuke thought, wishing he could do more for his friend.
That day, Iris had asked Ryunosuke to buy her some tea leaves and the ingredients she needed to make a cake. Since it was already close to the time Kazuma would leave the office, Ryunosuke made his way there, so he could drag his best friend into his errands with him.
“Excuse me…” he said, opening the door.
Ryunosuke glanced inside, soon seeing Barok there, sitting by his desk.
“Oh, Mr. Naruhodo,” he said. “Please, come in.”
He did as Barok said, approaching his desk. “I’m sorry to come without notice…” He looked at Kazuma’s empty desk. “Did Kazuma already leave?”
Barok shook his head. “Your friend left to investigate a small case with Inspector Lestrade, and has yet to return.”
Ryunosuke’s spirits deflated a little. “I see… I was hoping to find him here.”
“Why don’t you wait here for his return?” Barok suggested. “He should be back soon.”
“Ah, thank you.” Ryunosuke offered him a smile. “I’ll do that, then.”
Barok nodded. He stood up, walking to his collection of hallowed chalices, taking one of them. Years later, Ryunosuke still couldn’t help but flinch at the sight, expecting him to crush it or throw it around. Thankfully, Barok didn’t seem to notice it.
“Would you like a drink?” he asked.
“No, thank you.”
“Very well.” Barok opened a wine bottle, filling the chalice. “I wish I had something other than wine to offer you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” said Ryunosuke. “I had some of Iris’ tea before coming here.”
That comment brought a slight smile to that man’s face. “I’m glad to see that my niece has made good friends.”
“She treats me like an old sibling…” That fact still made him feel warm inside. “Susato and Kazuma too.” He laughed to himself. “Now that I think about it, that makes us quite the strange family.”
“That’s true.” Barok took a sip of his wine with a relaxed expression. “I would never have imagined it just a few years ago.”
“Me neither.” Ryunosuke sighed, content. “It’s good to be back… I missed everyone so much. And things were really quiet without Kazuma around.”
“I can imagine.” There was a hint of amusement in his words. “He is quite spirited… My days in this old office became much brighter since he became my apprentice. And now, he’s my equal as a prosecutor…” He made a brief pause. “Time seems to fly recently.”
His expression didn’t change much, but the fondness was clear in his words—as clear as in Kazuma’s whenever he mentioned Barok. I wonder…
“You and Kazuma have gotten really close, haven’t you?” asked Ryunosuke.
“Indeed.”
Just a little more… “He seems to care much about you.”
Barok nodded, a subtle smile taking his lips. “Kazuma has a gentle heart.” As quickly as it came, the smile faded, giving place to an exasperated expression. “And a tendency to care too much about others, and too little about himself.”
Ryunosuke wasn’t expecting that change in the subject. “What do you mean?”
“He is the kind of man who would jump in front of a knife to shield you, and then ask if you are injured as he bleeds out.”
He could only stare at Barok for a while. “You’re not talking from experience, are you?”
Barok shook his head. “I wish I wasn’t.”
Partner…
Before Ryunosuke could say anything else, Barok continued in a low voice. “Honestly, this has been troubling me for a long while.”
“Lord van Zieks…?”
“I would never forgive myself if anything happened to him,” Barok continued. “But he still keeps putting himself in harm’s way for my sake.”
His words weighed in Ryunosuke’s heart. “He told me about this… How much he worries about your safety, with all those attempts on your life.”
“Is that so?” Despite his words, Barok didn’t sound surprised. “I admit it’s much better now than until a few years ago, but he hurt himself enough times for my sake. I promised I would teach him, but now that he’s a proper prosecutor… I wonder if it would be for the best if I distanced myself from him.”
Ryunosuke widened his eyes. “Please, don’t. I know working with you is really important to him.”
“Not more than his safety,” Barok rested his chalice on the table, as if the wine had suddenly lost its pleasant flavor. “But every time I tried to touch the subject in the past, he refused it. He does so much for my sake… He always sees through me, no matter how much I try to conceal my troubles.” He closed his eyes, a slight, bitter grin on his face. “If only he dedicated the same attention to himself…”
Ryunosuke watched him. I’m not imagining things, am I?
“Lord van Zieks…”
Barok sighed, shaking his head. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to burden you with my concerns.”
“No, I’m glad you told me.” Ryunosuke offered him a kind smile. “It’s like you two are always thinking about each other, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so. As much as I worry about his safety, I must admit… life without him wouldn’t be this fulfilling.” He paused, looking outside through the window. “If only this joy could last until the end of my days…”
Wait… Wait, wait, wait… He definitely wasn’t imagining things, right? Right?
Ryunosuke just couldn’t hold that question back any longer. “Lord van Zieks, don’t tell me… Are you in love with Kazuma?”
Suddenly, that cold stare from years before was back on Barok’s face. He took a step back, raising an arm in front of him. “That’s preposterous!”
Oh… Of course that would be his reaction… He should have known.
“I’m sorry!” Ryunosuke raised both hands in front of him in a gesture of peace. “I asked without thinking!”
As his shock subsided, Barok lowered his eyes, covering his face with a hand. “I thought I was doing a decent job at concealing it.”
Ryunosuke’s heart jumped with excitement. “So, you do love him.”
“How could I not…?” Barok stayed silent for a moment, then met Ryunosuke’s gaze. “Please, keep this between us. I wouldn’t want to burden him with these troublesome feelings.”
Ryunosuke couldn’t answer, his mind still processing that amazing discovery, as well as an amusing realization: these two are… ridiculously similar, aren’t they…?
Before Ryunosuke could find a response, the door to the office opened and Kazuma walked inside.
“Lord van Zieks, I’ve…” His gaze fell upon Ryunosuke. “Ah, Ryuu.”
“Your friend came to see you,” said Barok. “We were enjoying a brief conversation while we waited for your return.”
Kazuma smiled. “Sorry for making you wait, then.”
“It’s fine,” said Ryunosuke. “Besides, I’m glad I had this chance to talk to Prosecutor van Zieks. It clarified some things for me.”
Barok stared at him, startled. “Pardon?”
Ryunosuke took a deep breath. He usually wouldn’t get involved in other people’s personal affairs, but… He couldn’t just watch as those two kept torturing themselves over something that could be so easily solved.
“For example,” he said, “the fact that you two are so constantly worried about each other that you fail to realize your feelings are actually mutual.”
Both Kazuma and Barok widened their eyes at him. Before they could speak, however, Ryunosuke continued, gesturing toward his best friend.
“Kazuma has this annoying habit of trying to do everything on his own, as if sharing his concerns with someone would only be a burden to them.” He turned his gaze to Barok. “And you, Lord van Zieks, don’t make it easier by trying to keep your distance for his sake, since you believe the closer he gets to you, the more he’ll be in danger. And, with this, you two keep suffering on your own, while believing your feelings are one-sided, completely unaware that, in fact, you two are thinking about each other all the time.”
Neither of them said a word. Out of habit, Ryunosuke snapped his fingers.
“And that concludes my analysis of the situation,” he said. “Judging by your faces, I would say it was spot-on.” He shrugged. “Anyway… I was going to invite Kazuma to hang out for a while, but I think you two have something important to discuss right now.” He smiled, offering them a small wave as he walked to the door. “I’ll see you later!”
Then, he quickly walked outside, closing the door behind him before those two overly-dramatic men could draw their swords and come after his head.
Kazuma didn’t come back to the 221B apartment the previous night, and Ryunosuke wanted to believe it was for a positive reason. Still, he couldn’t help but worry…
The door to their bedroom was violently opened, bringing an end to Ryunosuke’s concerns. Kazuma was there, staring at him with fire in his eyes.
“Ryunosuke Naruhodo.”
Oh… He looks mad.
“Kazuma…” Ryunosuke joined his hands in front of his face, offering him an awkward smile. “Will you forgive me if I apologize?”
“No.”
Ryunosuke slouched, deflated. “I thought so…” Soon, however, he raised his head, looking at Kazuma with a more serious expression. “But even so, I’m sorry. I know it was sudden, and that I should have talked to you before… But I knew neither of you would come forward without a little push, so I acted without thinking.”
Kazuma looked at him for a moment, as if considering his words. “Well, what matters is that things turned out well.”
“Did they?”
“Yes.” Kazuma looked away, a rare flush covering his face. “As you said, our feelings are mutual.”
Ryunosuke opened a wide smile. “That’s good to hear! I knew you—”
“But—” Kazuma raised his leg, slamming his foot against the mattress beside Ryunosuke in a frighteningly familiar move. “—I still haven’t forgiven you for revealing my feelings like that.”
Dear God… The similarities don’t stop, do they…?
“Sorry…” said Ryunosuke. “I swear I was only thinking of your happiness.”
“I know, I know…” Kazuma sighed, averting his gaze as he took his foot off the bed, crossing his arms. “And that’s the only reason why I’ll forgive you.”
“Thank you very much!”
Kazuma looked at Ryunosuke, and despite his efforts, a smile soon took his lips. “What am I going to do with you…?”
“Buy me dinner?” Ryunosuke grinned. “You know… As thanks?”
“Don’t push your luck.”
“Can I buy you something as an apology, then?”
The sudden offer made Kazuma chuckle. He sat beside Ryunosuke on the bed, throwing an arm around his shoulders. “Why can’t I stay mad at you…?”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Ryunosuke looked at him, curious. “So? How did it go?”
“There’s no way I’m telling you.”
“Come on…”
Kazuma was very stubborn in keeping those events to himself, but, despite his curiosity, it didn’t bother Ryunosuke: his best friend seemed happy, and that was all he could have asked for.