Chapter Text
“You’ve changed, Obi.”
Torou’s words from that early morning months ago stuck in his head and occasionally rung out. It was then that he had realized--no... he had realized way before that--that he had changed, and what had changed him. Like he had told her that morning; it was like a part of him was already with them, specifically two of them. It was really strange, and even now he wasn’t sure if he liked this feeling or not.
“When Zen and I are around you, we don’t need to put up any kind of defenses.”
Maybe he was like that, too. No, that would be bad. It was sort of his job to protect his Master and the Mistress. If they all lowered their guards around each other, that would certainly be bad. Still… He had laughed after the Mistress had said that. He hadn’t laughed earnestly like that in a long time. Those two definitely had an effect on him. He really felt like he could trust them and they honestly believed in him. If he was to continue his explanation of his feelings that he confessed to Torou, then those roots of his that have taken place beside them… Well, he just knows he’d be taken care of. Mistress knew a lot about plants, so she could take care of any nutrients. Master was bright and it made him want to follow him. Some plants did that, right, follow the sun or something?
Obi sighed at himself. Why the hell was he thinking of himself as a plant? He couldn’t think of anything else that matched though. If not cared for properly, he could probably be toxic to other plants, killing them, like that Yura Shigure plant that Mistress and Little Ryuu was so fond of. Although... didn’t it look a lot like another plant? And when it became toxic, it was also dying itself? Yeah, that really was like him. The scar on his chest could be proof of that. Even Torou had called him scary in remembrance of that event. However, he wasn’t toxic right now. He didn’t feel so burdened as he was before. He felt… free.
...And that gave way for some troublesome feelings.
Master had already expressed his desire to wed the Mistress, but the sorry sod had yet to tell her that. Honestly! ...Still… even with that knowledge, he had been trying to get the Mistress’ attention himself. He often found himself reaching out to her or purposely being close to piss Master off. Mistress never noticed, but it was really fun to piss Master off. Would be funner if she did notice. However, he noticed that any sort of physical contact he did allow Mistress was greatly comforted. He didn’t quite understand it. Wouldn’t she much prefer Master’s affections? Mistress honestly confused him. He had acknowledged his feelings for her long ago, and it had been painful being away from her for so long. He wanted to do as his Master commanded and stay by her side in his stead. However, that would also be painful.
It was his feelings towards Master that was difficult. They were so similar to his feelings to the Mistress. He admired Master greatly for some reason, and he wouldn’t mind having his “reins” in Master’s hands for an undetermined amount of time. In fact, he would be pleased if he was never let go. Currently he couldn’t see himself following anyone else’s orders. Not even His Majesty’s Older Brother. Only Master. He didn’t want to leave his Master’s side. If he accepted Master’s command to go to Lyrias, he wouldn’t see him for months. How would he tease him from afar? Well, he could probably figure something out. Perhaps he liked Master the same way as Mistress. No, he definitely liked Master the same way as Mistress. The reasons for the feelings were just slightly different.
Obi took a deep breath. He’d tell him soon and end this postponement. He didn’t want to hide any secrets from Master, so he’d tell him.
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He couldn’t quite believe it when Master had guessed his feelings right off the bat, yet had to confirm his feelings with Mistress. He supposed Master was just the type that was highly sensitive to how people thought of him. A good trait to have for royalty. He was even more surprised when Master returned his feelings. How would that ever be explained? It wasn’t too uncommon for royalty to have same-sex relationships, although they weren’t as common and acceptable as they used to be. How would this be explained to Mistress though? Typically a consort wouldn’t be in an open relationship such as the one he was hoping for. Ah, he was probably thinking too far ahead. Mistress didn’t even know, and she may not even accept this type of relationship... much less him. He would need to tell Mistress his feelings at some point while being her attendant. Only after that could he present her the option. Or should Master do it? She might be more at ease having someone she’s already in a relationship with explain things. He shook his head again. He needed to stop worrying about it.
“Zen really doesn’t know when to stop working sometimes, huh?”
Mitsuhide was looking at him. Did Mitsuhide think he was shaking his head at Master’s blatant inability to sleep in a bed instead of a desk? Perhaps that was a good thing. “I’ll take him to his bed. You two go ahead and go to sleep.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” He stepped towards his sleeping Master. “Well, thanks for the drinks. Good night.” The two aides bid him goodnight as well and left the room as he was putting their Master on his back. He carried Master to bed and laid him down as gently as possible, but perhaps not as gentle as needed.
“Obi?”
“I just moved you to bed. Stay there.”
“Obi… don’t tell Shirayuki yet.”
It seemed Master was worrying about it too. Although he still seemed half-asleep. “I understand. It’ll be easier once you officially marry her. You’re lucky I’m patient with the two of you.”
“Come closer.”
He cocked his head to the side in confusion for a moment before doing as commanded. It was strange to be this close to Master and he nearly let out a voice of surprise when Master hooked an arm around his neck and pulled him into a short kiss. Once he was released, he opened his eyes to see a disgusted look upon his Master’s face.
“You smell horrible.”
“You insult the good wine you gave me then.” Master smiled at him and he couldn’t help but smile back. “I do hope you won’t make it a habit to suddenly force kisses on those that you like, Master.”
“Sorry.”
He didn’t look like he was feeling a bit sorry for his actions. Well, as he stared at his Master, those blue eyes did become apologetic. He suddenly understood his Master’s actions for kissing him. Master must’ve taken his words in a slightly negative way, like he was jealous or something that Mistress was first. A frown crossed his face. “I understand and I’ll try my hardest not to tell her, but… I may not be able to hold myself back. I’ll leave the explaining to you if she ever accepts me.”
“You are precious to her, Obi. I sometimes fear you will one day be closer to her than I am.”
“Yet you still want me to go to her.”
“You’re the only one I can trust to protect her as I would protect her.”
He turned away in embarrassment. “Alright, alright. Go back to sleep or I won’t let you see me off in the morning.”
“Good night, then.”
His master quickly turned onto his side and closed his eyes. He almost wanted to laugh at Master’s reaction. He got up and left the room. As if he’d ever let anyone see him off alone. Being seen as Mistress’ escort is one thing, but being alone was another. Instead, he’d make a delicious meal that would make Master miss him for the months to come.