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He lingered in a tree as he watched his Master's balcony.
With no moon in sight it was difficult to discern any details, but Obi had no difficulties with spotting oddities during a night patrol in Wistal Castle. The movements of the people in the castle were predictable even with the recent change in guard placements. Not to mention there were countless of gaps for potential intruders on the castle's grounds. It was worrying, but as of now there was no need for concern as long as the castle was properly protected from the outside. Hence it was easy for Obi to wander about without too many eyes on him.
On the other hand it was a relief in a sense and made his stay in the castle bearable.
He sighed.
Sleep was getting to him. It was his third night patrol ever since he entered the castle, but the size was too overwhelming for a few hours. There was a lot of waiting, climbing and remembering to do. Obi smiled wryly. He'll get used to it soon.
Soundlessly he made his way down the tree. As Obi rubbed his calloused fingers, his eyes caught a sight of a rapid movement near the shadow of master's balcony.
Someone was trying to get in?
In one quick manoeuvre Obi's hands grasped for the intruder's wrist and managed to pin him down.
A mop of bright hair caught his attention.
“Ah.”
The young man below him hissed.
“Obi!”
“...I'm sorry master.”
Obi released him and offered a hand to help him.
“No need.”
Zen stood upright by himself and proceeded to wipe his clothes. He wore a black shirt similar to the one he was wearing today. Obi envied how he seemed to look good in anything. Whether in simple clothes or elaborate suits.
“You do this often, Master?”
“Once in a- No, maybe more than usual these days.” Zen looked at him. “How about you?”
“I have to train my eyes not to forget to see during the night. Tonight was perfect.”
“Because there is no moon out?”
Obi nodded.
“Yes, and because of the change in guard.”
Zen grimaced.
Ah, he doesn't like talking about his elder highness.
“Well then, how about we take turns so this doesn't happen again?” Obi quickly changed the subject. “We might run into each other quite often.”
It was merely a joke, but Zen shook his head lightly.
“No, I don't mind. I mean, it keeps us alert. Both of us.”
There's only the sound of rustling leaves when the breeze passed through as they momentarily gazed back at each other. Obi couldn't help stare at his blue eyes, but Zen broke off their gaze to look at the side of Obi's face. He frowned slightly and came closer.
“By the way.”
He felt something warm touch his face. The sensation of soft fingers sliding against his skin. Zen's hand dropped away before he even noticed. Obi was startled for a second, but tried not to show. He didn't see that coming. Normally he would move out of the way before people even tried touching him.
“Did it hurt?”
Zen observed the scar on his face. It seemed he was too distracted to ask when he came back earlier from meeting his brother the day before. Neither mister Mitsuhide or miss Kiki told him much about the encounter, except that it somehow involved the Mistress.
“Ah… No, not at all. I'm used to this kind of stuff.”
The prince looked slightly irritated. “You didn't treat it.”
“...Ahahaha.”
Zen sighed.
“Next time, go to Shirayuki to treat it. Otherwise it may leave a scar.”
“You're such a worry-wart, Master. I assure you my face is fine.”
Zen's eye twitched.
“Why you… You keep calling me 'Master', but….”
The next thing he knew his headband was taken off.
“Ah, sorry. I won't wear that any more.”
Zen pushed it back into his hands.
“Keep it. You might need it sometime.”
“Yes sir.”
He looked up to see the prince staring at his face.
“Master, something the matter?”
“No, nothing.”
Zen turned his back and looked up at the balcony.
“Good night, Obi.”
“Good night, Master.”
Obi slowly left towards his own quarters without looking back. His hand reached up to the place where he had been touched.
His fingers were cold.