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Day 4:Trust

@asobaroweek

Day 3: Injury + Working
@asobaroweek

Note: I headcanon Lord van Zieks as left-handed, so here, I thought, I could show Asogi helping his mentor out with some paperwork after Barok injured his arm in some way.

Day 2 - Healing
@asobaroweek

Day 1 - Firsts
@asobaroweek

Move over, coffee shop AU! Bar AU is where it’s at!

Made up for the AU prompt for @asobaroweek
This is an AU where Kazuma, a stressed-out prosecutor, stumbles across a hidden cocktail bar and meets Barok (BARok? Get it?!), a mysterious yet handsome bartender who creates amazing cocktails for his guests. The bar became Kazuma’s go-to place…and eventually he falls head-over-heels for Barok.

Kazuma and Barok have been haunted by nightmares of the trauma of the Reaper Killings or almost having killed Tobias Gregson. Everyone is worried and Kazuma doesn’t wish to leave Barok in order to get better, even though he knows that would be best for him. How will the both of them resolve this and get better?

Frozen in shock, Kazuma watched as Tobias Gregson crouched onto the floor, holding onto the rather large slash across his stomach and chest. Blood poured out quickly, pooling like water as Kazuma stared, hands shaking, at the sword he was holding, Karuma. Blood was dripping from the edge of the sword, the tip missing from the onslaught. From the reflection of the blood, he could see himself in red.

“You’re… just like… him,” choked the dying detective before giving out his last breath.

“I…” Kazuma said, losing his voice, as he tried releasing the sword from his hands, but they wouldn’t release. It was then that he realized he couldn’t control Karuma as the sword glared at him.

“You are a disgrace!” The sword spoke.

“No, I didn’t…” Kazuma cried as he backed away.

“A dishonor to your father who gave up his honor for you!”

“I’m not…! I didn’t…!” Kazuma cried, as the sword moved toward him, the sharp end of the blade reaching for him.

“A dishonor to the Asogi Clan!”

Kazuma felt his back hit the wall as the sharp end of the blade came to his neck. Fear in the form of tears poured like a waterfall down his cheeks. He closed his eyes tightly, pleading, “please. I’m… sorry.”

“Fruitless apologies couldn’t bring Father back. Why would they bring him back? You deserve exactly what Jezail Brett deserved!” The sword said hauntingly.

“NO! Please, don’t!” Kazuma cried pleadingly, more tears falling as he felt his arms move on their own, feeling the pain of the blade. He instinctively grabbed onto his neck, hot tears pouring down his cheeks, while he curled into a fetal position.

********

It took Kazuma a moment for him to realize that the pain he felt was no more than a sting from the nightmare and no blood was pouring from his neck. All he felt was sweat. His eyes snapped open; he was still curled in a ball under the covers of the bed. He couldhear the pace of his breathing and heartbeat, feel the sweat and tears on his face and see the darkness of the room. His trembling hands slowly remove themselves from his neck; he looked over to see his lover still asleep. Thankfully, he didn’t wake up to see Kazuma in this shameful state.

Kazuma and Barok had been dating for about a year, beginning at some point after Ryunosuke and Susato left for Japan. In truth, both men had always admired each other greatly. Barok’s trial had only brought the two men closer together. Kazuma naturally felt as if he could be himself around Barok without fear of hurting him as he did with Ryunosuke and Susato. Until Barok came into his life, Dr. Mikotoba and Judge Jigoku were the only two people that Kazuma didn’t have to hold his anger back for. However, Barok was the first he could trust to not hide anything from him. He hated being deceived. It was worse than being lied to because a small lie wasn’toften told out of deceit, even if it did come to it. One couldlie from uncertainty or wish to avoid the subject. Deceitcamefrom holding onto information for personal gain. Even if Dr. Mikotoba meant well, he deceived Kazuma to his adulthood about his father, and that hadresulted in distrust toward his guardian. Barok understood that, having been deceived himself.

Lying in bed, Kazuma knew if he removed himself from the bed, his lover would likely take notice. The bed often made creaks and the floors of the manor made sounds too. He didn’t wish to burden Barok, so he turned himself away from his lover, staring at the window night sky. It was another nightmare, another night of watching Tobias Gregson’s corpse by his sword. He couldn’t understand any of this. He didn’t even kill the man and yet the nightmares continued with himfeeling the wrath of his sword, Karuma. Kazuma hated it. He wished he could find a reason for why Karuma was wrong but he couldn’t find an answer. The fact remained that, in his heart, Kazuma wanted to kill the detective.

It was on nights like these that Kazuma felt glad that he hadlent his sword to Ryunosuke. He doubted having Karuma by his side would’ve made things any better. Those night terrors continued to haunt him like a ghost in the night. Closing his eyes tightly, Kazuma felt more tears rolling down his cheeks. He used the pillow to cover his face, so he didn’t have to feel those beads of liquid that reflected his shame. It was haunting.

Kazuma heard the sound of the bed creaking, the bed dipping deeper, as an arm gently wrapped around his shoulder. Great, Barok must’ve woken up. Kazuma wiped his tears, hoping his voice sounded normal regardless of his crying.

“Did I wake you?” Kazuma asked, turning his face to see his lover’s deep, dark eyes.

“Nothing to worry about. Something is troubling you. Is it another nightmare?” Barok asked with such a calm and soothing voice, while gently turning Kazuma towards him, his fingers lightly brushing over his cheeks. Kazuma knew he couldn’t lie to Barok, being as his fingers had touched his moistened face, and nodded. A kiss was placed on his temple, fingers combing through his hair as a means of comfort. It felt nice.

“Karuma tried to kill me this time. There was so much blood on the floor. Said I dishonored my father and… the Asogi name,” Kazuma muttered as new fresh tears began building, leaving his eyes, before being caught by Barok’s thumb. He couldn’t stop the trembling of his body in Barok’s arms. He latched his hands onto Barok’s nightgown as another kiss was placed on his forehead.

“Might I offer you some tea?” Barok asked.

“… I don’t wish to burden you.”

“You’re not, except that you refuse help when you need it. I know it will be hard to relax and sleep again, after such a nightmare.”

“… just some sleepy tea to help me go back to sleep.”

“Very well,” Barok replied, getting himself out of bed as Kazuma followed. He didn’t like feeling like a burden to anyone, even though Barok made a good point about not asking for help.

Barok made some hot tea in the kettle, then poured some for Kazuma, adding some lemon juice to it. It felt soothing and warm. Kazuma was already feeling much more relaxed, especially with Barok with him. However, he didn’t want that nightmare to continue or return. Even though it was just a nightmare, he couldn’t deny how close he was to disgracing everything his father stood for and the Asogi Clan. To think that he was so close to committing murder. It was enough to make him tremble. He didn’t want to think about it and yet, what if that was to happen again?

“I’m always here, if that nightmare ever returns,” Barok said as Kazuma nodded, drinking his tea.

Before Kazuma knew it, his head lolled onto Barok’s shoulder, feeling the warmth vibrating from him. Thankfully, he had a dreamless sleep. He didn’t wish to burden Barok any more than he already had. After all, Kazuma wasn’t the only one dealing with nightmares.

For Barok, nightmares had become common. It was why he and Kazuma now slept together. Of course, it was due to their relationship, but that was nothing more than an excuse for why they were sleeping together. It was the nightmares. The nightly terrors of bloodshed by their own hands, the gold eyes of the bloodhound and the Professor, the mobs that would never stop their onslaught of slaying the Reaper and watching as Genshin Asogi took his final breath from the shot of a gun. Kazuma knew that it was far worse for Barok, who had dealt with these nightly terrors for over a decade since his father’s trial. It had only been recent for Kazuma.

Kazuma wished to unload any burdens from his lord as much as he could. Not just because this was his lover, but it was his duty. Barok had spent his days and nights alone with these terrors for over ten years. Dreams were no more than the imagination of the person dreaming them, but the effects were still haunting. If he could bear half of those burdens then his lord may find peace. However, with his nightmares, it was becoming increasingly impossible. Kazuma felt like a child needing to be cared for instead of his lord’s protector. How long wouldit be before his nightly terrors consumed him as well?

For the time being, Kazuma found it best to distract himself at work by looking over the crime scene with Inspector Lestrade. She went over her findings with him and the witnesses she found at the scene of the crime. Kazuma liked the Inspector’s cleverness and the same kind of stubbornness to find the truththat matched his own. It was a surprise to him that Gina never once mentioned anything about how close Kazuma was to killing her boss. He could still recall how distraught the young lady was to hear of her boss’ murder. She even swore that she would make the killer pay. Yet, she never said a word about what Kazuma almost did, despite the evidence being planted on the trunk she carried with her that once belonged to her boss.

“I was able to catch two coves tryin’ to exit the scene. Hmph, thinkin’ they can leave it without a single word of it,” Gina stated, crossing her arms.

“It also seems like Inspector Toby has found some clues as well,” Kazuma said, smirking slightly.

“Ha, you bet he did! He’s the best Inspector, that he is!” Gina grinned brightly as Kazuma smiled slightly at the lady. She then frowned. “Alright, what’s goin’ on with ye, Kaz?”

“Hm? Oh, nothing much, just haven’t been sleeping well,” Kazuma replied, not admitting his exhaustion from his nightly terrors.

“Yeah, that seems to be a thing with ye.”

“What do you mean?”

“Kaz, you’ve been having trouble sleepin’ since yer boss’ trial and all! The both of ye haven’t had a wink of sleep. It’s scarin’ the lot of us.”

“I…hadn’t realized. I mean, I knew of Lord van Zieks’ troubles with sleep, but that was something he’s always had even before my memories returned.”

“Yeah, but now yer joinin’ with him. Yer becoming as sour as the Reaper himself. It’s terrifyin’.”

“My… apologies,” Kazuma said weakly, knowing how useless it was.

“That ain’t the kind of thing I’m lookin’ for an apology for. ‘Oddo is countin’ on me to look after ye and he’s expectin’ for me to make a full report.”

“Ryunosuke is…? You shouldn’t have to… he…” Kazuma said, feeling overwhelmed by his friend’s knowledge. He didn’t wish for his friend to knowor to give him another matter to worry about. He began feeling slightly dizzy, placing his hand on a nearby wall to balance himself. “Why’d you tell him?”

“Look at yerself! Yer becoming sour yerself! I’m no fool!” Gina cried out, groaning as she grabbed hold of Kazuma’s shoulders, watching the dark bags under his eyes. “I ain’t never asked for you to look like this, Kaz. Ye need to stop whatever it is keepin’ you up like a night owl.”

“I can’t! You don’t understand.”

“Yer havin’ nightmares, right?”

Kazuma sighed. Was it truly that obvious? Gina’s eyes were full of conviction, saying, “I’m no fool. Ye don’t think I never had night terrors when I was livin’ in the slums? Terrified of what could creep up, while I was sleepin’? The streets are dangerous. Sometimes, it can get bloody and make ye do things you regret in life.”

“Bloody, heh?”

“How many times have ye dreamt of sheddin’ blood?”

“… more than I care to admit, I’m afraid,” Kazuma muttered, hollow eyes looking at Gina’s, who were filled with sympathy. It was only now that he realized why she never made mention of what he almost did to her boss. She could see he was already suffering from it. “What did you do?”

“…. bein’ with Iris helped somewhat… though, I had to start with forgivin’ myself. I did a lot of stupid stuff.”

“I suppose that makes the both of us.”

“It makes all of us. Wot matters is if we’re willin’ to learn and change. I’d like to keep my scars and learn from 'em. Wouldn’t you?” Gina asked, looking straight at Kazuma, who smiled bitterly.

“Indeed,” Kazuma replied as Gina backed away slightly, then she reached into her pocket. She pulled out what looked to be the tip of a small blade. Was that…? She placed it carefully into his gloved hands so she wouldn’t cut herself.

“Took a hell of a lot to get that blasted thing out. Remember wot you did, but don’t let it eat ye up. Yer stronger than that, Kaz! Unlike the other lot at the Prosecutor’s office, you’ve been to the slums like me when ye didn’t have a name to yerself.”

“… you’ve never once showed anger towards me, after…”

“Yeah, and…? Ye think yer the only one that held a weapon to a cove’s head? I held a gun to a pawn brokeh and that same gun was in me hands when he was shot dead.”

So, Gina understood Kazuma more than she appeared to. Kazuma glanced away, admitting, “I wanted to kill him. I could have.” Gina nodded, listening. “I can’t stop thinking about it and, when I do, I only burden my lord even more.”

“I’m assumin’ ye also help him when he gets his nightmares?”

“Yes?”

“Is it a burden to ye to help him?”

“Absolutely not! He’s my lord! I will help him with anything so long as he’s better!”

“Then, there ye have it! Yer his student and he’s willin’ to help ye no matter wot it is. It’s no different with yer friends and Mr. Sholmes or meself. We want to help.”

“Thank you. I’ll… I’ll see to it that I write to Ryunosuke and… perhaps talk to Mr. Sholmes.”

“Ye better. I ain’t babysittin’ ye!”

“Indeed,” Kazuma nodded, smiling as he felt some weight lifted off his chest. He took the tip end of Karuma and stuffed it in his pocket. Perhaps, he should keep it safe somewhere so that he may remember what he almost did. He looked up at Gina. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you to be so…”

“… make no mistake, I don’t trust ye temper with a ten-foot pole, but I ain’t gonna kick ye whilst yer down. It don’t take no genius to see it’s botherin’ ye. I’ve had people in the slums rob and kick me for robbin’ them. Not that I didn’t deserve it, I did, but it trapped me in the slums all the more. That ain’t the person I am. I’m no coward. If I’m gonna kick someone, it’s gonna be when he ain’t bleedin’,” Gina said, crossing her arms and smirking.

“I couldn’t agree. I’m sure Detective Gregson would be very proud of you. I hope to someday repay you.”

“Start by gettin’ better, alright? I’d like to actually give ye a good slappin’ fer puttin’ a blade to the boss’ neck.”

“Right. I suppose that’s fair. I’ll see to it thatI do,” Kazuma promised, shaking Gina’s hand, before returning to work.

Talking with Gina didn’t stop the nightmares, but it did help with some unloading. He wondered how long that relief would last before the nightly terrors would consume him whole. They never seemed to end. They certainly didn’t for Barok. He said that the hardest part was allowing his loved ones and those he called friends into his life. Kazuma was a natural social bird, but he could understand what Barok meant. Getting back to that habit of hanging out with friends as he did at Yumei University was easier said than done.

********

He did pay Herlock Sholmes and Iris a visit for tea. They were the closest people he considered friends or friends of the family. While he couldn’t say he forgave Herlock Sholmes for faking his death and making his best friend believe he was dead for an entire year, he knew the detective only meant to protect him. Besides, to say that Kazuma had never intentionally hidden things from his friends and family for the sake of justice or protecting a loved one would be one of his greatest lies. In the end, Kazuma knew his nightly terrors wouldn’t exist, had he told Dr. Mikotoba about the Assassination Contract before setting off to London. While he might’ve been forced to delay his trip to London, at least he’d have someone that’d protect him. The more Kazuma thought about it, the more he was beginning to question if all the sneaking around truly was worth proving his father’s innocence.

Iris had made some of her homemade blend of tea with banana pudding. It was very moist and went well with the tea. With some convincing, Kazuma was able to talkBarok into joining him with the “don’t you want to visit your niece?” talk. Barok mostly stayed quiet, not wishing to make conversation. However, that didn’t stop Iris from starting it.

“How was the pudding?” Iris asked.

“Good. One of the best foods I’ve tasted here,” Kazuma complimented.

“I’m so happy! I wasn’t sure if you or Berry would like it. Though, Runo says you like fruits and sockera, whatever that means.”

“Sakura, also known as Cherry Blossoms here,” Barok mentioned. “It has a subtle taste of cherries with a more flowery taste to it. Good for making tea, or so I’ve heard.”

“Oh! That sounds delicious. I wish we had some here,” Iris grinned adorably.

“….”

“I’m sure you’ll get to taste its flavor when Mr. Sholmes takes you to visit Ryunosuke in Japan,” Kazuma said.

“Oooooh, that would be wonderful!” Iris grinned.

“Toput ina word for Yujin, how have you both been faring?” Herlock asked.

“We’ve been faring well, I suppose,” Barok replied.

“Hm… I see. Though, Mr. Asogi here seems to have darkened his eyes a bit. I hope it isn’t from your stormyeyes.” Herlock teased as Barok closed his eyes, taking deep breaths.

“I’ve grown used to it,” Kazuma replied, feeling unsure whether or not he should mention his nightmares. Knowing the detective, he likely had already made his deductions and knew.

“Hm…”

“Mickey writes to Daddy. He’s worried about you,” Iris said.

“Dr. Mikotoba?” Kazuma asked.

“Yes. He and Runo. We know you haven’t been sleeping well. Even Ginny tells me she can see it in you and Berry.”

“Yes,she said as much earlier.”

“The Inspector is taking notice?” Barok asked with his arms crossed. “At least I can trust her skills on the job.”

“You don’t have to be the greatest detective to make impressive deductions,” Herlock mentioned. “Even Mr. Naruhodo is getting better on his own just by the letters he receives from Mr. Asogi.”

“He never wrote to me, but I suppose he’s always been a stickler for etiquette,” Kazuma said, looking away.

“Is there perhaps a reason you are not making mention of your troubles?” Herlock asked, his expression seeming more concerned.

“…”

“I’d assume you’ve already used your deduction skills to figure out the reason yourself,” Barok stated factually.

“Ah, but sometimes the person in question must admit it with their own lips,” Herlock pointed out. “Being able to work your way up through brains and skills is fun and sends you on great adventures, but sometimes… it comes at a cost.”

“Could you tell me what you mean by that, Detective?” Kazuma asked.

“Most certainly. Iris, do you know what reason specifically Dear Mikotoba wrote all those journals you see in that trunk?”

“Oh, to keep a record of his adventures with you?” Iris asked, grinning excitedly.

“That’spart of the reason, but not in full. I’m sure, if that were the case, he’d have specified his name, the name of his wife and that Mrs. Mary Wilson was not his lover. He’d also have made mention of all the times he met with Dr. Wilson, Mr. Asogi’s father, Mr. Jigoku and even young Barok, whom he met with often.”

“Oh yes, I did wonder about that. It would’ve saved me a lot of confusion. So… what was the reason?”

“To cope with his nightly terrors that came with his adventures with me, unfortunately,” Herlock revealed, showing a very grave expression.

“Mickey… had nightmares? … How terrifying. I never would have realized.”

“Dr. Mikotoba had nightmares?” Kazuma asked, dumbfounded.

“Very much so. Most of them were out of guilt. Many of those that were mentioned in his journals were those involved with our adventures. I was also dealing with my issues of isolating all my loved ones at the time, never telling them of my adventures. He involved everyone I loved, including my brother, Mycroft.”

“He was concerned for you,” Kazuma said. Though the more he thought about it, it made sense now why Herlock’s brother was hardly mentioned in his books.

“Unfortunately, many of them ended up scarred themselves, my brother especially. I think the worst of it was the James Moriarty Incident. At the time, I was at my worst. I faked my death and, as a result, I placed my dearest friend in the worst state of his life. I didn’t think he’d ever recover. When I told Mr. Naruhodo that I did not predict any of the events that followed your supposed death, I meant it. I feared that I had damaged Mr. Naruhodo in the same way I damaged my Dear Mikotoba. It’s why I made sure he was housed with me at all times until news came about of finding you.”

“… you really were trying to fix your mistake in your own way, weren’t you?”

“My dear fellow, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for what I put your friend through. I promised myself I would never do something to that level again, yet… there I was. It’s amazing how extreme situations can reveal the worst parts of yourself you wish to forget. No matter how hard I try to fix it, I just cannot… not entirely at least,” Herlock admitted.

“… Do you perhaps blame yourself for any of the mistakes you’ve made during your escapades?” Barok asked, his voice laced with sympathy.

“More than I care to admit. My adventures never come without consequences. Lives were taken, scars were made, people I loved were hurt and I find myself wondering if it had been better had I not involved myself. Yet, I find myself putting on my coat and hat, doing what I always do, but always take the pains and scars to heart. I can truly say I am not the same man I was in those stories,” Herlock stated happily. “There’s a reason I mention those stormy eyes, Mr. van Zieks. I’m sure you know why.”

“Hm?” Kazuma hummed, looking over at Barok.

“The Detective here also was stoic and cold before adopting Iris,” Barok stated, closing his eyes. “He was the more serious one, whereas Dr. Mikotoba was more like your Nipponese friend. I’m sure Miss Wilson picked that up from the Doctor’s notes.”

“Oh yes! That’s why I always have Daddy act more like the serious straight man in the stories. He was always focused on his work. Never playing around. Daddy has truly changed from that, though he never says how.”

“It’s hard to say, but I’d say that you have given me the joy I had been missing in my life, Iris,” Herlock admitted, putting a pipe to his mouth.

“I have? Oh, Daddy,” Iris responded, her eyes glittering.

“I have one question, Mr. Sholmes,” Kazuma said.

“And, what would that be, Mr. Asogi?” Herlock asked.

“Have… you ever found yourself so close to… almost… killing a man?”

“… one time… That was the time I had faked my death. Perhaps, it’s ironic it’s the most popular of my adventures Iris has written about me. Seeing it again in writing is one to keep with me for the rest of my days, lest I find myself repeating it.”

“Never knew you had a demon inside you, Detective,” Kazuma said, smirkingbitterly.

“All of us do, Mr. Asogi. It’s only a matter of how far a man can be pushed and how strong his will is to control that part of himself. Self-control is truly a man’s greatest strength. Acceptance and learning from it is another kind of self-control. Not to say you shall always succeed, but it makes it quite easier as time goes on. No one is without their demons, after all.”

“I’ll bear in mind to remember that, as will Lord van Zieks, I’m sure,” Kazuma promised, looking over at his mentor.

“This tea time was… enlightening. I had wondered why you became such a buffoon after my brother’s death. It seems I had missed the forest for thetrees,” Barok said.

“I have faith you both will do fine. Having another to love and look after can change you in ways you’ve never expected. It may take some time, but it will happen. Watching them smile for you is worth the change in the end,” Herlock grinned as Barok smiled slightly.

“I truly do apologize for giving you and Dr. Mikotoba such worry and for reminding you of what you’d consider the worst time of your life,” Kazuma apologized, giving a bow.

“No need to. Even this great detective needs a daily reminder of his shortcomings. It’s why I let young Iris write the stories of my adventures. They perhaps might be a joy to some readers, but they are a constant reminder to me of what I once was. It’s… hard to recognize myself as someone that could be so joyless… so serious all the time… never once spending time with those that matter. Right now, there are those I can’t afford to lose, and thus I cannot afford to allow them to show the same stormy eyes I once had,” Herlock assured, showing a genuine smile and turning his eyes to Iris, who smiled brightly.

It seemed that Herlock was much wiser than he came across. His smile, optimism and spirit were his way of bringing joy to those he loved, so they wouldn’t have to suffer as he had. Perhaps he and Kazuma weretruly not so different. It seemed as though Barok was beginning to think the same way. Kazuma never knew Dr. Mikotoba went through the same kind of mourning that Ryunosuke had for him. There truly is nothing more painful than believing that your dearest and closest friend is dead. Would Dr. Mikotoba even talk about that? Did that incident bring tension to his relationship with Herlock?

********

Kazuma would take time to visit Herlock Sholmes at Baker Street, if only because it made him feel safe and happy. Barok, of course, would join in, if only to see the only piece left from Klint. Much to Kazuma’s surprise, Dr. Mikotoba came to visit Herlock not too long after their conversation had ended. Kazuma was thrilled and joyful to see his guardian again.

“I didn’t expect you to come to visit this soon,” Kazuma said happily, taking a bow.

“It’s good to see you too. Herlock has written to me about you and I thought I’d drop by,” Dr. Mikotoba replied, showing his usual, caring smile with a tiny bit of concern behind his eyes. Kazuma began to wonder if Herlock hadmentioned to him about the nightmares.

“Of course! You know all of you are welcome here at any time,” Herlock grinned.

“It’s good to see you, Mickey,” Iris grinned.

“I’m surprised you didn’t bring Ryunosuke and Susato. How are they faring?” Kazuma asked.

“They’re faring well. They always are concerned for you since you’re out here on your own.”

“They’ll be grateful to know that I’m not, in fact, alone. Lord van Zieks has done well in caring for me.”

“So, I can see. How is he faring?”

“Physically, he’s doing well,” Kazuma replied honestly as Dr. Mikotoba nodded solemnly.

Herlock and Iris had used the time to leave, to give Kazuma and Dr. Mikotoba some privacy. “Mr. Sholmes has told me you’ve been having trouble with nightmares,” Dr. Mikotoba said. “Am I to assume that is your only issue or is there more?”

Kazuma sighed, looking off to the side. He replied, “in all honesty, I don’t know. I almost killed a man, Doctor. What am I supposed to think or feel?”

“… I fear you may be unintentionally hurting yourself. Even if you never followed through with it, just having had the thought of taking a life can result in destroying yourself. I hope you know that none of us hate you or think of you negatively.”

“I know, but even so, it’s hard to ignore the thoughts I have in my head. At times, I don’t feel worthy of the nameAsogi. I soiled it.”

“No, you didn’t. If your father were here, he’d love you just the same. Even he is not without his own faults, you know. No one is.”

“Doctor, how could you go through another adventure with Mr. Sholmes, knowing it was damaging your health? Mr. Sholmes… he told me…” Kazuma asked, looking away as he mentioned the last part.

“… I was concerned for him just as much as I’m concerned for you. I could see his escapades were hurting him. He was avoiding his family, distancing himself from social groups and he often came off very cold. I knew he wasn’t as cold as people made him out to be. I had hoped joining him would encourage him to go out more and heal him, but he wasn’t willing to heal himself. No one can be truly healed if they don’t wish to be cured, but I was a doctor and a stubborn one too. In the end, I ended up damaging my health with no one to blame but myself.”

“Mr. Sholmes said he faked his death and that it broke you.”

Dr. Mikotoba turned his head shamefully, replying, “that was the last straw for me. I couldn’t take another adventure with him, so I left Baker Street and spent my days with the Wilson’s. That was never mentioned in the notes. Many days had gone missing from that story. Mr. Sholmes did apologize to me, but it came to me that I could not help him if he wasn’t willing to get better. After about a few months, Mr. Sholmes came to me and finally opened up to me about his troubles, admitting to having almost murdered a man. It wasn’t until I left that he realized he truly wasn’t well and felt responsible for having broken me.

“We would have other adventures after that, but he did allow me and his loved ones to help him. It’s a miracle how much he’s improved since then. It doesn’t take much to see that he’s much more open and full of spirit, but that didn’t come without trial and error. These things take time.”

“… I hope I don’t come off cold.”

“Oh no, you’re a far cry from what Mr. Sholmes used to be. If anything, I worry more about you trying to help Lord van Zieks. I know how much that man means to you and I don’t want you to believe you’re fully responsible for his health.”

“That’s… we both are dealing with the same issues. We’re helping each other cope. I feel he understands what’s going on with me.”

“I’m sure he does, but you mustn’t neglect your health. I also had nightmares from my adventures with Mr. Sholmes. I neglected my wife and my child. Thankfully, Susato has forgiven me, but the damage was already done. I don’t wish for you to make the same mistake I did.”

“I just wish these nightmares would end,” Kazuma muttered quietly as Dr. Mikotoba patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

“You can always move to Baker Street or else back to Japan if you feel staying here is hurting you in any way.”

“What about Lord van Zieks? He’s…”

“I’m sure he’d wish for you to be well, even if it means leaving you.”

“But, he won’t be well. He’ll only distancehimself from his loved ones more.”

“Do you feel you’re the only one that can make him better?”

“….”

“Kazuma, don’t. You’re not responsible for what your lord does. Whether he improves or self-deprecates is not your responsibility. If you keep pushing yourself to care for the man, you’ll only destroy yourself. Think about your health. You’re not well yourself.”

“….”

“I will give you some space, but please think about what I said.”

Kazuma nodded, then sighed as he looked at his hands. He didn’t wish to leave Barok. Even if Dr. Mikotoba was right about him not being responsible for his lord’s actions, Kazuma still felt the need to care for him. Barok was someone Kazuma would give his life for. He couldn’t leave that man for the life of him. He was to serve his lord no matter what. Not to mention… Kazuma was deeply in love with Barok. He couldn’t be certain that he could spend another day not being in his Lord van Zieks’ arms.

********

That night, Kazuma was woken up by some creaks from the bed. He could hear some moaning from Barok. He knew it was another nightmare. Kazuma turned his body to face his lord who was trembling, his lips drawing a thin line as sweat was beading from his face. Kazuma gently snaked his arms around his mentor, resting his head on that broad shoulder.

“I’m here, my lord,” Kazuma whispered. He could feel Barok’s strong hands latching onto him for dear life, some heartbreaking sobbing escaping his lips. He wished in his heart that these nightmares would go away. He wished he could feel confident enough to focus on his health without worrying about Barok’s. What if he left this household and Barok’s health began to deteriorate? Unlike Herlock, Barok truly was trying to get better. Kazuma couldn’t hold back a sob as he said, “I love you.”

Just then, Barok’s hold loosened and his body stilled. Kazuma could feel his mentor’s heartbeat and breath slowing to a steady pace. From this moment, Kazuma began thinking of his father who always wrote to him while he was away. He wrote to his mother as well who was filled with joy whenever she received a letter from him. Did they not love each other just as much? Did his mother also not have times of sickness while his father was away, yet he never came back? Kazuma couldn’t say his father never loved his mother even though he never returned the moment she was sick. If anything, perhaps one’s strength could also be tested by how much faith they havein theirmate and loved ones to always care for them. Barok would never be truly alone no matter where Kazuma went in life.

That thought was enough to put Kazuma intoa dreamless sleep. He’d wake up for a moment with the feel of Barok’s touch on his face and a kiss on his temple before removing himself from bed. Thankfully, it was the weekend, meaning that the Prosecutor’s offices were closed. He slept for a bit before waking up, putting on his yukata before making his way downstairs. Barok was found in the living room by the fireplace where he was sipping tea while reading a book.

Kazuma watched Barok, contemplating if leaving him would be the best thing for the both of them. Of course, it was always his intention to eventually leave for Japan once his training was complete. But, right now, their mental health was on the line. There was also the second option that Kazuma didn’t wish to tread on unless Barok was okay with the idea.

“Good morning,” Kazuma greeted, coming down the steps. He could hear his mentor humming in response. He approached Barok, making himself comfortable on his lap, then resting his head on that broad chest. He could feel a pair of lips press on his head, making him smile slightly. “How are you faring?”

“Well, I suppose. I wasn’t woken up in the middle of the night, but I did have a nightmare.”

“I noticed. I wish there was a way to make these go away,” Kazuma muttered, sighing as his fingers curled around Barok’s robe.

“… when I first started, I had attempted to move to Germany,” Barok mentioned as Kazuma looked up. “It worked for a little while. Without the memories of my brother, my nightmares had subsided.”

“Do you think… we should separate ourselves from London, if only for a little while?”

“…. what are you suggesting?”

“Dr. Mikotoba came to visit. He… told me that I should move in with Mr. Sholmes or return home if it will help me get better.”

“Hm…”

“But… I don’t wish to leave you too, my Lord.”

When Barok was only a boy, he swam too far into the sea before returning back with an injury that prevents him from swimming ever again. Now, in his thirties, he finds a merman at an auction with an injury that came from going too far on land. Despite the bitterness from their injuries left by the cruelty of the world they came to love, they only fall more in love with the world that had left them injured. Perhaps, they may end up finding love within each other.

Slowly, Kazuma dove back underwater, his songs of sorrow becoming waves underwater. They rippled through the seaweed forest and far from the van Zieks estate. Of course, Kazuma knew that he was too far from where his own people would hear him. Even so, he kept crying, hoping at least one of his own could hear him. As usual, no one had heard him.

He glanced at his collection.Even as unimpressive as it was, it made him smile. He looked over at the tub he’d placed here, then swam to it, laying inside it. Now that he was underwater, he could move freely inside it. It was surprisingly comfortable. His eyes closed as he began singing. It was a song he’d always sung whenever he found another human item he loved. For some reason, he felt a stronger sense of love than ever before. Perhaps it was because it was no longer something he loved blindly but loved despite it being the object of his suffering and pain.

Kazuma smiled lovingly as he traced the tub with his finger. It was white, likelymade of iron. It was such a beautiful item made for humans to clean themselves with. He laid on his back, singing as he traced the water spout with his finger. It felt ironic that he’d feel safe inside the very device used to hurt him. Perhaps it was because, even though it was used for that, Kazuma understood and learned that this device was never intended to be used for such cruelty. It was used for something beautiful.

“Kazuma~” Kazuma heard from the ripples in the water. It was spoken in his own language, which was more of an echo or underwater waves used as a form of communication.

Kazuma shot up, being careful to not hit his head on the water spout. He searched, moving the seaweed that was growing between the two gray rocks. He saw someone pushing the seaweed away. Kazuma could see this one fully and felt his emotions fill his heart so strongly that his tail began to glimmer in overwhelming joy. It was another merman, but withshorter black hair, dark eyes and a tail that was pure black with some patterns of blue. His back had fins that were of royal blue color.

“Ryunosuke~” Kazuma echoed back as the two touched foreheads, their tails wrapped closely around each other, and their hands holding each other with their fingers laced. The other merman’s tail began to glitter a bright navy blue as Kazuma’s tail began to glitter a bright crimson red.

“I thought you were dead~” Ryunosuke echoed.

“I can’t return back~” Kazuma said, brushing his injured tail that was wrapped in seaweed.

Ryunosuke parted, swimming down to his friend’s tail. He carefully traced his fingers on it to test how bad it was. He noticed the missing scales, then took a better look at his friend. His face seemed sorrowful as he echoed, “you’ve lost strength. You’ve been hurt~”

“Come with me and I will tell you what has happened~”

Ryunosuke nodded, following Kazuma, who showed him his newly-made collection and his new home located inside the human territory. Using their echo language and a form of dance, Kazuma told Ryunosuke the story of where he had been and his life in the human world. He told about how he had met Barok, how Barokhad saved himand now waskeeping him in his area until he was healed. He also told Ryunosuke of the mystery of the mysterious mer-creature that likely saved him as a boy.

Ryunosuke paid attention and heard every word, taking this entire story in. While he was never as courageous as Kazuma was in exploring the human world, he did find Kazuma’s love for it fascinating. He enjoyed hearing Kazuma’s stories but was far too afraid to take the chance in exploring the surface. Listening to Kazuma’s story made him want to become a part of it. After missing Kazuma for so long, thinking he was dead, Ryunosuke was determined to no longer allow his fear to keep him from the things that Kazuma loved.

“Let me see if I can find what you’re looking for~” Ryunosuke offered, swimming up to the surface on the shelf of the gray rock.

Ryunosuke had never been to the human world, but he loved his friend’s love and devotion to something that many of their kind feared. After seeing Kazuma having to pay for it, Ryunosuke couldn’t help but feel obligated to help his friend with something so important to him.

Ryunosuke climbed up onto the shelf, pushing himself deeper onto the ledge, then searched behind the loose rocks and hidden crevices. Kazuma watched from the water, hating that he felt so helpless but thankful that someone had found him.

“I think I found something,” Ryunosuke cried, this time in human language. It was only above water that mermen and mermaids could speak human speech fluently. He dragged himself, sitting on the shelf ledge, then showed Kazuma more shark teeth and an angler fish jaw that mermen often wore on their long hair when pulling itback.

“This… who do you suppose this belongs to?” Kazuma asked.

“I can’t say. It’s probably an elder. This looks to be something worn by grown mermen and, if it was when your human friend was 12 years old, that’d have been around 20ish years ago.”

“But, that’s impossible! The idea of one of our own even touching the surface is out of the question! I’m sure the elders wouldn’t think to save a human.”

“Is that really the case? Maybe he saw that your friend was dying and he was only a child back then.”

“Even so…” Kazuma stated, then lost something in his voice. Was that really true? Now thathe thought about it, wasit possible that perhaps even one of his own that wereafraid of humans couldn’t bear to watch a human child die? After all, even his father was never cruel enough to allow a guppy toswim injured. He always taught Kazuma that no guppy, larvae or egg should ever be left to die. It was how to preserve the population so that more food could be made available. Even so, humans weren’t prey for mer-creatures. “I don’t know.”

“That was all I could find,” Ryunosuke said.

“Thank you. I’ll give this to Barok. I’m sure he’d love this. He collects different kinds of things from the sea.”

“So, he’s like you in reverse?”

“I suppose… but he can’t swim anymore. That injury made it to where he can’t. I’ve seen it for myself.”

“That’s so sad. He must be a very good friend.”

“Yeah… thank you.”

“What are friends for,” Ryunosuke replied, dipping back into the water. “I’ll tell your father what you told me. He’s been searching everywhere for you.”

“He has?”

“Of course he has! Searching endlessly all over the ocean, on the surface-”

“Wait, Father searched on the surface!?”

“Well, that’s where you always go to, isn’t it? He even went to some of the places humans go hunting fish. He didn’t talk with them, of course, but…”

“He was willing to search in the places he always taught me were dangerous,” Kazuma muttered, shaking his hands before turning his face away and grabbing onto the wall of the gray rock. “Father!”

“Kazuma.”

“It’s all my fault! My father told me not to go and I went anyways! I disobeyed my father and now I’m paying for it!”

“Kazuma, stop!” Ryunosuke cried, grabbing onto Kazuma, who turned to him, hissing. “You’re right, you were being stupid by trusting someone you’ve barely known for three days, but that doesn’t make it your fault for what Jez did to-”

“Don’t ever call her that! She’s a monster! Jezail used her charms to trap me in that tub. She took a beautiful device used for bathing and turned it into a torture device. Then, she sold me like I was a valuable object for coins! For things used to trade for food and goods! I was goods, Ryunosuke! That’s what… that’s what she thinks of us,” Kazuma seethed, squeezing his eyes as hot tears rolled down his cheeks. “I hate people like her. I’ll never forgive her and I never want to see her again.”

Ryunosuke gently wrapped his tail around Kazuma’s, saying, “I won’t forgive her either, but this is why it isn’t your fault. Neither of us could have known what she’d do to you. I doubt even your father would have either. If anything, he’d expect the humans to harpoon us. This is the absolute worst.”

“… Barok also said it wasn’t my fault.”

“Then, you should listen to him. At least you know to be careful of who to trust now.”

“Yeah,” Kazuma muttered quietly. He smiled slightly. “I’m glad you came.”

“I am too. Anyways, I should be going. Take care of yourself, alright?”

“I will. Thank you,” Kazuma thanked Ryunosuke, who dipped back into the sea, then swam off. Kazuma watched his friend swim away, his smile turning slightly bitter and sad.

Kazuma had given Barok the anglerfish jaw as a present. It became traditional for the two to give each other small gifts and talk about them. There was still the mystery of the mer-creature that saved Barok as a boy that Kazuma was determined to solve. Perhaps his father knew something? Ryunosuke promised to tell his father about his whereabouts and thesituation he wascurrently in. Kazuma’s father was one of the royal guards of the kingdom he was from and was very skilled in knowing how to trace criminals or people to places. He would likely be able to help find the mysterious merman or mermaid that hadsaved Barok. The question really came down to if his father would be willing to help a human. That, Kazuma wasn’t sureof, but he also figured that maybe Barok could be an exception since he did save Kazuma.

The more Kazuma began thinking, the clearer it became that his father never truly wished to prevent his happiness. He couldn’t help but find the guilt growing of how much he’d distrusted his father. In truth, he was selfish back then. He was selfish and prideful. There was nothing wrong with his love for humans and the human world, but he could’ve approached it more safely. He didn’t have to disobey his father or kindle his anger the way he did.

*********

After some time had passed, Albert began experimenting on the device that he intended to use for Kazuma, so that he’d be able to move around on land on his own. Kazuma was sitting on the edge of the dock looking at the device. It looked like some sort of cylinder-shaped tub with a chair inside and wheels on the outside. The water would fill up to Kazuma’s chest if he were to sit inside it. There was just one issue: as soon as the water began to fill up, the cylinder tub broke off its wheels.

“Ugh, back to the drawing board,” Albert groaned.

“Well, you at least went halfway up,” Kazuma said.

“I know! But… the water is so heavy and there is the density to consider,” Albert said, biting his thumbnail.

“Density?”

“That’s the measurement of the mass per volume.”

“…. I can speak your language fluently, but I’m not thatfluent.”

“Let me translate in a way you can understand. I can’t imagine what education you have among your kind, but I can assume you know simple math such as adding two starfish to two other starfish equals four,” Barok sighed, folding his arms.

“Yes?”

“Good, that means you’re not hopeless,” Barok replied as Kazuma shot him an offended glare. “So, you understand that both water and rock have weight to them, yet one is a solid whereas the other is a liquid. For both to coexist, they must be made out of something. That something is called matter. When matter is grouped closely together, they create a solid. When matter is farther apart, they create a gas. When in between, they create a liquid. Are you catching up?”

“Yes. I can understand that much.”

“So, how closely together is the mass inside a liquid or solid. That calculation is called density.”

“Oooooooh! Humanity truly is a marvel,” Kazuma stated, rubbing his chin.

“Yes. Density is important or else I won’t be able to calculate the weight of the water inside the container plus everything in it,” Albert stated anxiously, his hands in his hair. “How could I forget to calculate that!?”

“Don’t forget that you also need to include Kazuma’s weight as well,” Barok mentioned.

“No worries. I’m sure you will build it,” Kazuma assuredAlbert with some encouragement.

“Yes! I just need to calculate the weight of the water inside by the volume and density,” Albert grinned, pushing his glasses up his nose.

Kazuma smiled brightly, his tail kicking against the water as Barok glanced down at it. He said, “it looks like your tail is healing nicely.”

“Well, it has been about a week since you saved me. Though, it still hurts and my fin will never grow back,” Kazuma said sadly, bringing his tail onto the dock. There were still some missing scales, but they seemed to be growing back. The fin, on the other hand, remained cut.

“I’ve seen you still swim naturally,” Barok stated.

“Not like before. The sea here is much calmer. I swim much slower than before and I can only do so ina certain way. My right fin makes it much harder for me to swim normally.”

“At least you are healing. With time, I’m sure you will be able to swim beyond the rocks,” Barok assured as Kazuma looked over to him, smiling at him.

“I’m going to be working on the wheelchair. I’ll come to check on you two later,” Albert said, pushing the broken-down contraption, leaving the two men alone.

Barok glanced back at Kazuma, clearing his throat before retrieving a bag he brought with him. Kazuma raised his eyebrows, looking inside the bag that Barok opened up. It was a small wooden box that was polished. Taking it into his hands, Kazuma opened it, finding a small cylinder-shaped brush, a fancy bowl and a small razor that flipped up like a pocket knife.

“I should warn you that the razor’s blade is sharp and will prick your skin,” Barok said.

“What is this?” Kazuma asked.

“It’s a gentlemen’s shave kit we use to shave our beards.”

“Really? I suppose it’s more convenient than shark’s teeth.”

“You use shark’s teeth to shave?”

“And other things, until I discovered the scissors you once showed me, which I now use to cut my hair. Now, I have something to use to shave my face.”

“I suppose this will make shaving easier for you,” Barok replied with a small smile before handing Kazumathe other item that was in his bag. It was another box, but this one was more cube-shaped with a winding key on the bottom and the top decorated with fancy carvings, whichKazuma traced with his thumb. “Wind it. See what happens.” Kazuma began turning the winding key counterclockwise before being stopped by Barok. “No, the other way.”

Kazuma rolled his eyes, turning the winding key clockwise. He could hear something like a zipper as he continued to turn it. Just then, it began playing lovely music he had never heard. It sounded like a calming, happy melody, and made Kazuma smile. It was the most beautiful sound he hadever heard. Opening the top, he could see the mechanism that made this music play. There was a small cylinder with small bumps that was turning, the bumps pulling the small keys up to make music.

“This is beautiful. What is it?” Kazuma asked joyfully, his eyes glittering.

“A music box. I found this one at a pawn shop and thought you’d like it,” Barok replied.

“I love it. Thank you! I… I must give you something beautiful from my world too.”

“What you’ve given me is already beautiful.”

“Wh- Th- They’re just trinkets. Small items I’ve come across from this side.”

“It matters not to me. I love anything you give me.”

Kazuma reacted in surprise, the both of them realizing the implications of that at the same time as their cheeks turned red. Clutching onto the music box, Kazuma glanced out to the sea, while the music continued playing. He could feel his fingers trembling. He knew Barok was only giving him a small gift from the human world like usual, yet it felt as though he were giving him a pearl. He bit his bottom lip, recalling the pain he felt after he opened his heart to another. He had come to the realization that it wasn’t love, but even so… he didn’t know if he could ever open himself up like that again.

“I hope you didn’t misinterpret what I said. I meant that…” Barok said shyly.

“N-No, it’s fine. I get it. Thank you,” Kazuma replied, turning with a bright smile. Even then, Barok could see that smile felt off.

“Is something the matter?”

“Huh? O-Oh no, it’s nothing, hahahaha! Music knows how to play with your emotions. It’s such a beautiful song,” Kazuma excused as the music began to stop.

Barok sighed in annoyance but nodded. He wasn’t going to push his friend. Kazuma took notice of that response and turned his face away, glaring slightly. Barok was making him feel different things at once. He felt happy, yet annoyed that he couldn’t take his word for it. In truth, Kazuma didn’t want to fall in love with another human again. He didn’t want to be hurt again. Barok was lovely, but he was also annoying and mean at times. Not to mention Kazuma had a tendency to not trust Barok as much as he should. Their relationship was much too complicated.

“I should get going. Thank you for the gifts,” Kazuma finally said, placing the music box and shaving kit into the bag, tying it up, then diving back into the sea.

“…goodbye,” Barok muttered quietly, sighing as he looked out into the sea. Why was Kazuma so complicated?

“He left already? Maaaan~” Albert whined, returning back to the dock.

“He loved the music box I gave him.”

“Everyone loves music boxes, but what I’m wondering is what was going on between the both of you just now?”

“What is that supposed to mean? Kazuma is hard to read. He can never open up! He’s aggravatingly annoying. I… I wish he’d be more honest with his feelings.”

“Hm… not to say it’s any of my business, but… are you perhaps in love?”

“Wh- Don’t be ridiculous! For one, Kazuma is a fish. Not sure how that would work.Second, the man can be infuriating. He almost got me killed not too long ago because I was taking Balmung for a bloody walk!”

“But, doesn’t one not fall in love without hate? Surely, if there is something you find infuriating, then that’s just another form of love. Joy cannot exist without sadness, neither generosity without envy or humility without pride. They work like the light is to the darkness. We both know this. If you love your merman friend, then that means there are things you hate about him, right?”

“I wouldn’t go there, but… I suppose he does infuriate me. Perhaps….” Barok said, not wanting to finish the sentence. He took a deep breath, smelling the ocean water.

*********

Kazuma didn’t want to admit how he felt about Barok either. He didn’t hate the man, but he certainly annoyed Kazuma and sometimes made him angry. He’d never felt this way towards Jezail. At the very least, he knew his relationship with Barok was much more genuine this time. Even if Barok did something to hurt Kazuma, he knew it was expected and never intentional. However, because Kazuma had expectations, it made him all the warier about falling in love again.

Smiling, Kazuma placed the music box on one of the shelves, another item Barok had givento him. His new collection was growing with more human things Barok had givenhim. He placed the shaving kit next to a small vanity mirror, brushes and a handheld mirror. It was in front of the tub, which now had decorated glass bottles for soap with towels and rags folded neatly inside with a metal tray he used to keep them from floating away. He smiled, admiring his new collection. He needed something to give to Barok. The music box was absolutely beautiful. He needed something from his part that was equally beautiful. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much around here.

Regardless, Kazuma wasn’t going to give up. There had to be something beautiful in these parts somewhere. He searched around, then found a crystal clear-white rock. He picked it up. It was quite beautiful. Not one to match with the music box, but perhaps this was all he could find. He could always find a group of clams to see if he could find some pearls, but… Kazuma shook his head. No. He couldn’t give Barok something that reminded him of Jezail. For now, this rock was all he had. Bowing his head, he swam to the small nest where he slept that was located inside a small cave along the rock to the left of his newly made coral garden. He placed the small rock near where he slept.

For now, this was alright. Kazuma swam from his nest, then began hunting for food. He was getting hungry and bored. One good thing about being in this part of the sea wasthat he could jump from the surface as many times as he wanted. There weren’t any dolphins and most of the fish were much smaller, but he loved being able to swim up to the surface and feel the golden sun upon himself. He only wished he could share the joy with Barok. He’d hang onto Kazuma from his back, watching as they jumped into the sky where the seagulls flew. They’d watch the bugs flying about onshore where the grass and weeds grew. Dragonflies were especially beautiful. Night times were alsoespecially beautiful, with the stars shining brightly in the sky and the lightning bugs glowing in the dark. Kazuma loved to watch them glow in the dark.

Of course, Kazuma found that mosquitoes and bugs could be irritating, if you went too close, especially bees and wasps. Yellowjackets were the absolute worst. It seemed even the surface had itsannoying creatures. At least they weren’t as bad as eels, but it was debatable about how bad they were when compared to jellyfish. Jellyfish didn’t hunt you down, whereas wasps and yellow jackets did. The birds could get annoying when they were hunting, but that was all there was to them.

Kazuma wasn’t sure if he could ever live his life away from the surface anymore, after being here for so long. It became a part of him, just like he’d always dreamed of. Of course, what he experienced here was nothing like before. He often had to sneak away from his father’s eyes to explore the surface and he never spent time on the surface before. He was never as involved on the surface as he is now. It was likely, because… this was his home. Barok brought Kazuma here to this safe haven where he no longer feared being hurt or hunted down. He could live here for the rest of his life. But… would his father allow this?

“Kazuma!” Kazuma heard a voice from… could it be? It seemed that Ryunosuke hadsent the word to his father.

Kazuma turned, spotting a small figment of someone that looked to be his father. With determination, he dived into the sea, swimming up to the merman he heard calling his name. Foreheads touched and their tails wrapped tightly as strong hands caressed his face. So many emotions welled up in Kazuma’s chest, so much regret, guilt, hurt, sadness and joy all at once when seeing his father hold him afterwhat hadseemed like ages.

“I’m sorry, Father,” Kazuma echoed, his tail glowing dimly. He parted, bowing his head to his father. “I’m so, so sorry. I should have listened to you and now my fin is forever damaged.” He showed his tail, covering his face. His father inspected his tail, tracing the scar mark.

“Who did this to you?” His father asked, familiar anger seeping from his echoes, but they were different from all the other times he’d ever been angry.

“It was a beast from the land. Did Ryunosuke tell you about where I was?”

“He did, but you’re saying humans didn’t do this?”

“No. No human tried to eat me. They were likely selling me as a show pet or something,” Kazuma said, crossing his arms while looking away. “The human I fell in love with only saw me as nothing more than an object. I was a fool. I was so enamored by the humans and their world that I never once thought anything so beautiful could be bad. But, that’s not always true. Humans are like any creature of the air and sea: they are just as dangerous as they are beautiful.”

“… I noticed your new collection.”

“It’s not like the last one. Not as impressive, but once I get out, I intend on making this collection better than before.”

“Kazuma, where did you get all of those items?”

“I found them here and… most were gifts from Barok. He’s the one that saved me.”

“Washe the human that saved you?”

“Yes. He’s a good friend of mine. He can’t swim, so I can only meet him on the wooden land they call the dock. It’s where they place their boats for sailing or fishing.”

Kazuma’s father took another look at Kazuma’s injured tail, then up at the surface. He said, “there is no way you’ll be leaving here with an injury like that. The currents will likely sweep you in all directions, if not the larger creatures. It will take some practice in learning to swim like that before you can.”

“I’m sorry, Father,” Kazuma said, hugging himself as guilt began pouring from him.

“Kazuma… I was too hard on you and hurt you in ways I don’t know if I can forgive myself for. I destroyed the entire collection you worked so hard on. My stance on humans hasn’t changed, but I should have told you the truth. I was scared. Your mother… she…” This was the first time Kazuma hadever heard anything about his mother. From what his father had told him, his mother had died from savage beasts. Now, he had the feeling aboutwho those beasts were. He listened. “We were on the surface because she always loved the sky and birds. Then, she was hunted down and struck by a harpoon… by humans. I attacked and killed the ones that hunted her, but she died in my arms. At the time, you were only a guppy and were being watched by a good friend of mine.”

“Father, I was angry before, but I understand now you were only trying to protect me. I should have listened to you.”

“Even so, I shouldn’t have been as angry as I was. In the end, your collection was nothing more than objects made of rock, stone and wood. More importantly, the human you befriended deceived you. While your meeting with this human did come from your disobedience, which most definitely is deserving of punishment, I did not act out of love when I destroyed your collection. I acted out of anger and fear. As your father, I should have controlled my emotions. No amount of punishment should damage you to that degree. Forthat, I’m truly sorry.”

Kazuma felt his emotions wellup as his tail began glowing a dim red. His father’s tail also glowed a darker red. He tried finding his voice, echoing, “I knowI’m not going to change your stance on humans or intend on disobeying you again, but I also wish to introduce you to Barok. He’s human, but he’s caring for me at the moment. I’d like to start over. This time, I wish for you to be with me when I meet any human. If you need me to be behind you or at a distance, I’ll do what you say.”

“… I’ll at least meet him. He saved you and has been caring for you for some time. That’s enough for me to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“Thank you. The surface here is owned by Barok’s family. No other human is ever found here. Let’s see if anyone is at the dock,” Kazuma said, swimming up to the surface. His father seemed wary but followed his son to the surface.

Kazuma swam a bit closer to the dock, seeing Barok taking Balmung out for a walk, this time with a bit of distance from the water. Klint was with him as well. Kazuma assumed that Albert either was working on his invention or had gone home. His father was behind him, also watching them with raised eyebrows.

“They’re busy walking the dog,” Kazuma said, then looked over to the tall grasses where the sun was setting. “It’s getting late anyway. Usually, they’re inside by the time the sun heads west. The lightning bugs should be out very soon.”

“Lightning bugs?” Kazuma’s father asked.

“They’re bugs that produce light like stars. Sometimes they fly over, but I still wouldn’t risk getting too close due to the mosquitoes. They’re annoying little buggers that will bite you and make you itch.”

“… you know a lot about this area. How long have you been here?”

“About a week. I was also on land in a bathtub of water for a week and a half. So, I’d say close to three weeks at least.”

“A week and… you could’ve…” Kazuma’s father gasped, his face panicking as he began having mental images.

“I-It’s okay, I’m here now. I’m okay,” Kazuma assured, trying to calm his father down with two hands on his shoulders.

“How… bad was it? How close were you to…?”

Kazuma couldn’t answer that because, in truth, he had almost died in that tub. Even thinking back, he hardly remembered his time in the tub. At some point, he lost track of how many days had passed. Kazuma could remember losing track within at least a week afterward. By that time, he was so weak that he couldn’t cry, make a sound and at times would lose his appetite. The dog biting his tail made it much harder for him to know how much time passed because the blood loss would make him pass out.

“Kazuma, what am I supposed to do? I can’t… I don’t know if I…”

“Father?” Kazuma asked, growing concerned.

“You almost died and, had you died, I would never have known!” Kazuma’s father cried angrily before noticing his reaction. “Forgive me, I just… I lost your mother and now…”

“Father, I’m still here. I’m okay. I’ve since realized that you were right about there being dangerous humans,” Kazuma said comfortingly. “In a strange way, I’m glad that happened. I’m glad that I had to suffer or else I would have continued disobeying and disrespecting you the way I did in the past. I still love humans and their world, but now I have a better understanding of it. I’ll always cherish their beauty as much as I cherish their flaws and be wary of them.”

“You still… you still love the humans after everything they’ve done to you?”

“I’ll admit that humans can be just as dangerous as they are beautiful, but… do you really believe I would erase their beauty because I was foolishly blinded by it? I can’t, Father. I’ve seen so many beautiful and wonderful things from them, both on and off of the land. Even as I was… dying… I watched a mother and father showing love and affection to their children by wrapping their arms around each other. It was different from what we do. I’d watch a couple joining hand in hand, pressing their lips to each other. It was beautiful and it made me smile when I was hurting and helpless. The human world hurt me as much as they reminded me of why I loved them. Isn’t that what love is? I don’t love any of the things I hate about humans, but that hate only exists because I love them.”

Kazuma’s father opened his mouth before closing it. He began thinking long and hard, while Kazuma took his hands into his father’s.

“I don’t wish for you to suffer, because of my feelings. If you wish for me to not go back on land, I won’t.”

“…. I don’t wish for you to never do something you love. It was by doing that, that you were hurt. I only wish to protect you if anything bad was to happen. On land, I cannot protect you and I can’t be sure if I can trust anyone on land to protect you.”

“Then, for right now, I’ll keep myself in areas you will always know where I am and protect me if you can. If there comes a time when you find someone you can trust on land to keep an eye on me, then I will go. I’m not putting myself in such a helpless position again.”

Seeing his father smile was enough for Kazuma to know he’d made the right choice. It was something he never thought he would say only three weeks ago. He’s learned that his family mattered just as much as his love for the human world, if not more. There was also hope that Barok would one day be someone that his father couldlearn to trust to keep an eye on him when he wasready to go back on land. For now, this was enough.

*********

Kazuma and his father went hunting for food. Something that astounded his father was how safe this area was. There was no sight of humans anywhere, aside from where the dock was. He and Kazuma could even hunt for birds, something that was considered a luxury for any mer-creature. Kazuma had much more freedom here to swim along the surface as much as he wanted without the dangers of being hunted. It was something no mer-creature had ever heard of: the idea of seeking refuge among humans or one in particular. There was also something about this area that he couldn’t put his finger on, something familiar.

As Kazuma and his father ate, his father seemed to be glancing towards the gap between the two gray rocks he had come from. It was as if he was trying to remember something.

“Is something the matter, Father?” Kazuma asked.

“I do have one question. You said your friend can’t swim. Is there a particular reason why?” Kazuma’s father asked curiously.

“He has an old injury on his left hip. I’m sure you’ve probably noticed from the way he limps when he walks. It’s hard for him to move that leg because it hurts him. I once had to swim him up to shore when he fell into the water,” Kazuma replied.

“Yes, I suppose legs are considered a human’s tail, I’d imagine.”

“Not to mention he had almost been killed by a shark when he was young.”

“Ashark?” Kazuma’s father asked, blinking.

“Yes. He said he was still in his youth at the time, but he swam too far over there and was taken by a shark. He says he doesn’t remember much but was found by his older brother at the dock over there with his left leg covered in seaweed.”

“…. I know him.”

“Y- WHAT!?! You… Father, did you…?” Kazuma asked, his words caught in his throat as he watched his father glance out to the gaping rocks.

“It was right after your mother… Anyway, I was struggling to care for and provide you food, so I was hunting big game to provide for the both of us. I saw a young human boy swimming, collecting small rocks, seashells and other small things. I was waiting for sharks, but seeing that young boy smiling at the smallest of things reminded me of you, even… by the way he was swimming towards that shark as if it was his friend. The shark grabbed him by the leg and I killed it with the stone in my hands and my teeth.

“I saw human blood coming up from below. The young boy was sinking deeper with blood smoking the sea. I told myself to ignore him and swim back to you, but something inside me compelled me to swim down and bring him to the surface. I was able to help him cough the water out before he passed out again. I wrapped his leg with seaweed, then brought him to the nearest human home. Afterward, I left to retrieve my game.”

“… you saved Barok. You… I never would’ve imagined. You hatehumans.”

“I did. At times, when you would disobey me, I would think back to that young boy I saved. I’d always think, ‘that boy will eventually be the one that will take my son. I shouldn’t have done anything.’ I never thought I’d be grateful that I was wrong.”

“Barok loves the sea and everything about it. Knowing its dangers has only increased his love for it.”

“Hm… sounds like someone I know.”

Kazuma blushed slightly with a small smile. He watched his father direct his eyes to the dock. He seemed to be thinking hard about something. Only three weeks ago, the idea of his father considering Kazuma to befriend any human would have been unheard of. Seeing him now was absolutely astonishing. It didn’t come from disobedience or fighting with him. Neither did anything to make someone change their mind or think differently. Being aggressive did nothing. Kazuma now began to take notice of this. Even he wouldn’t consider a different view from someone fighting or forcing him. He had to experience it for himself.

*********

Barok didn’t approach the dock until the next morning. Kazuma swam up and gave him the small clear-white rock he found. Barok took it, then examined it.

“I know it can’t be comparable to the music box you gave me, but…” Kazuma said shyly.

“A quartz. I didn’t think there were any around here,” Barok commented, showing a small smile.

“Thanks. I’m glad you like it,” Kazuma replied, hoisting himself up to sit on the dock next to Barok. He could feel Kazuma’s tail lightly wrapped around his ankles. He already knew that it was a way of showing affection between mer-creatures, but could it also mean…? He couldn’t stop himself from hugging Kazuma, who held him just as close.

“Kazuma…”

“Oh, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to!” Kazuma remembered as Barok parted, blinking as the merman pointed him towards the waters.

Someone was appearing from the water. Instantly, Barok felt self-conscious, clutching onto the edges of the dock out of nervousness. It seemed to be another merman. Did Kazuma find the merman that saved him so many years ago? The strange merman swam closer, reading his face and thinking hard about something.

“H-Hello,” Barok greeted.

“May I?” The merman asked, lightly touching his left leg as Barok nodded. The merman rolled up the left pant leg, revealing the noticeable scar left behind from the shark attack. The merman looked up. “My name is Genshin. I’m Kazuma’s father.”

“O-Oh,” Barok responded nervously. This was Kazuma’s father? So, Kazuma hadfound his family?

“Many years ago, I saved a young human boy over there, while hunting for game,” Genshin said, pointing to the rocks, the exact spot Barok recalled swimming to as a young boy when he was attacked. “I wrapped his leg in seaweed, then left him here. After my wife was taken by the harpoon thrown by your kind, I had wondered if the boy I had saved would one day take my son like they had my wife.

“I’m glad to see that the opposite had happened. Thank you.” Genshin pulled down his pant leg.

“I should be the one to thank you. I would have died, had you not saved me.”

“As would my son, so it would seem. I’d like to stay here with my son until his strength returns, perhaps help him be able to make up for his broken fin.”

“Of course! Kazuma has missed you greatly and talked with me about you. I’m sure having you here with him would make him happy.”

“He has?” Genshin asked in surprise, looking at Kazuma.

“Of course, Father. I… love you and I’ve missed you,” Kazuma confessed, looking away as Genshin hoisted himself onto the dock, then wrapped his tail around Kazuma’s tightly. Barok couldn’t help but wonder how closely mer-creatures were when wrapping their tails around each other. Did it depend on the tightness of the tails or…?

“You know, when there are no fishermen, it’s quite nice.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Kazuma grinned.

“You’ll also be happy to know that Albert will be able to finish the prototype later on today,” Barok announced.

“Really? Has he been able to fix the issues from last time?”

“Prototype?” Genshin asked.

“We thought about possibly building something for Kazuma so he can explore the land around here on his own, just as how humans use a boat. Of course, it is only on the property here and itwill need to go through a series of tests before it can be used, but it will be the beginning of a new way for your kind to explore the land without issues of dying from the sun or lack of water,” Barok explained.

“I don’t know about this. This sounds dangerous.”

“Fair enough. Albert has been having difficulty with creating a successful one that doesn’t land in disaster. We’ll be testing it with a dummy before allowing Kazuma to get in. Even then, he’ll only be moving it around the dock several times before trying it on land.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Kazuma chuckled.

“That’s not giving me any confidence, but it does seem you’re at least willing to test it out before allowing my son to get in,” Genshin asked seriously.

“Of course. Thankfully, Albert already has created test dummies with Kazuma’s size and weight,” Barok assured.

“Weight?”

“That’s how much mass or stuff I am made out of that is being pressed down by gravity or what is keeping us on the ground instead of floating,” Kazuma translated.

“No offense, but I’m going to pretend I know what that means and trust you know what you’re doing,” Genshin sighed, facepalming. “Either way, I don’t feel comfortable about my son going on some land boat. He’s already been on one that almost killed him.”

“I suppose that’s fair. It will likely not be ready for a long while anyway. With Albert, his devices take time and numerous prototypes to go through,” Barok said. He looked down at Kazuma’s tail. “Speaking of devices, I’ve been meaning to ask about your tail.”

“My tail?” Kazuma asked, lifting it up, showing his right fin missing a part of itself.

“Here, we have prosthetics to replace missing limbs. You say it is difficult to swim and I can imagine that you will never be able to swim out in the depths, even with your returned strength, with that missing fin.”

“Wait, you can replace limbs!?”

“Yes. Arms, legs, hands, feet, even fingers. Albert’s been bugging me about that.”

“I’m already feeling uncomfortable in knowing you’re creating some sort of prototype for my son to move around on land, but now you’re wanting to create limbs for him? What does this entail and how do I know this isn’t going to hurt him?” Genshin asked suspiciously.

“It’s likely going to be tough material that his tail will be able to move so that it will work as his other fin. Of course, if your fin is unmovable anyways, this shouldn’t be that difficult. It doesn’t hurt the one that wears it, rest assured.”

“Albert already has my measurements, so maybe we can see it before trying it out. Is that alright, Father?” Kazuma asked pleadingly.

Genshin closed his eyes, thinking long and hard. On one hand, he didn’t trust anything that came from humans, regardless of their magnificent creations. One particular creation was used to harm his son. He already felt uncomfortable about this prototype they were talking about. Now, they were speaking of replacing his missing fin? Then again, it would be nice if his son could swim back home. He’d hate for Kazuma to spend the rest of his life in this part of the ocean and never be able to go back to where he was born again.

“I don’t know. I’ll need some time to think about it,” Genshin replied, crossing his arms. “I must be off. Kazuma, I’ll be expecting you home soon.” He jumped into the sea and disappeared into the depths.

“Your father seems nice,” Barok said.

“He’s never tried speaking with a human before,” Kazuma sighed.

“I’d imagine that this is out of his comfort zone. I can’t say I blame him. I’m surprised he didn’t outright object to the idea of the prototype wheelchair contraption or giving you a prosthetic on your fin.”

“I think he’s trying to give me room to make my own decisions. He blames himself for what happened to me because he was trying to force me to not go to the surface in fear of losing me like he did with Mother.”

“I’ve never had a spouse, but… I’d imagine that Klint would be beyond grief if he ever lost his wife. I remember how grieved he was when I was injured and realized I would never be able to swim again.”

“Barok…” Kazuma muttered, placing a hand on Barok’s hand. “Is that why you want to create a prosthetic for my fin?”

“… I don’t wish for you to have to live your life without the ability to ever swim properly like myself. If there was a way to fully heal my injury or create a way for me to swim again, I would. Unfortunately, I would be battling against two things: my left hip and… my fears,” Barok said, averting his gaze away.

“I’m battling my own fears too. I wish there was a way I could help you swim, perhaps create a prosthetic-like device for your left leg, so you can swim properly.”

“A prosthetic is a replacement of missing limbs. I’m not missing any limbs, Kazuma. One of them is just messed up.”

“You can still use it. And, besides that, my kind doesn’t have legs. We have one tail.”

“The anatomy of human legs functions differently from that of your kind, no offense. Even the way you wrap your tails around each other is not something we can do.”

“Have you tried?”

“Wh-What!?” Barok asked, taken aback.

“Try it! Use your right leg to wrap it around my tail. If you can do it, then that proves that you don’t need your left leg to swim with. You just need to adjust to swimming with just your right leg,” Kazuma said with determination in his eyes.

“Kazuma, I… that’s not how it works!”

“Barok, just try it. I’m not asking you to break a bone. If you can’t do it, you can’t do it, but you won’t know until you try.”

“Mph,” Barok responded stubbornly. He sighed, angling himself so that his right leg could reach over. He lifted his left leg and bent it to steady himself. Then, he laid his right leg over Kazuma’s tail, bending his knee to awkwardly wrap it. Kazuma, in turn, wrapped his tail around that leg. Then, Kazuma scooted closer, gently allowing Barok’s left leg to stretch along the dock next to his hip, then the leg and tail wrapped tightly around each other.

“See, you can do it. You can swim with just that leg alone, if you tried with practice,” Kazuma said quietly, almost like a whisper.

Barok realized then that Kazuma’s hands were on his shoulders, while his hands were loosely laying on Kazuma’s hips. He knew that mer-creatures wrapping their tails around each other was a simple sign of bonding. It didn’t mean anything romantic. Even so, this closeness still felt as if they were toeing the line toward something more than friendship. Gently, both touched their foreheads - yet another sign of mer-creatures displaying affection but not anything that would cross the line to romantic. It made Barok wonder if there was a particular way mer-creatures displayed this kind of affection that would beconsideredromantic. Kazuma’s tail was most certainly tighter and more securely wrapped than before. It was likely that Kazuma never could wrap his tail as tightly before due to taking his left leg into account. So, this washow tightly-knit Kazuma truly felt toward him. Was it ever this close with his other merman or mermaid friends?

Kazuma smiled warmly, his eyes looking into Barok’s. Barok wanted to ask if there was a difference between how couples wrapped their tails and how platonic friends wrapped their tails, but he didn’t want this moment to turn awkward. Not to mention, he realized he truly had feelings for Kazuma. He felt his arms holding Kazuma closer out of instinct, feeling his merman friend doing the same thing. Kazuma’s smile then changed into a somewhat nervous expression. Both of their cheeks turned cherry red.

“I… erm…” Kazuma muttered, his fins now wrapped around Barok’s foot. It came to Barok that they truly were equally toeing the line between friendship and romance, wonderingif they should cross that line or not. There was a fear shared between them, but also an anticipation of the joy that would come out of this. Barok was staring at Kazuma’s lips, which were slowly gaping, a strange humming of some sort that was close to coming out but couldn’t. Kazuma cleared his throat. “Well, I just proved it, so now you have to learn to swim again.”

Barok cleared his throat, unwrapping his leg, then awkwardly positioning himself to sit normally. Was Kazuma just about to sing? Kazuma did say that mer-creatures sangto express emotion, but there was another type that was for courting. Barok couldn’t erase the blush from his face and neither could Kazuma. His entire face was cherry red. So, he did return those feelings, but there seemed to be a flash of fear in his eyes.

“I… suppose I’ll think about it. Thank you,” Barok said nervously, trying to distract himself from what had almost happened.

“Of course,” Kazuma replied, turning his face to Barok with his face still red, but his smile just as warm. His eyes gazed at the sea. “I-I should be going. See ya!” He dived into the sea. Barok watched the merman swim away, now realizing his face was still just as red as before.

*********

Kazuma swam and huddled inside the bathtub in his collection. He was so close to Barok that his mind was muddied with those developing feelings. He knew he had feelings for Barok, but now he felt the fear of what he had almost done. He felt his voice humming a melody: a song meant to attract a romantic mate. It was so embarrassing, but not as much as fearful. Kazuma couldn’t handle his heart falling for another again.

Slowly sitting up, Kazuma held the music box Barok gave him, smiling at it. He wasn’t like Jezail, but that didn’t cast away those fears of falling in love with another human. There was also that new contraption Albert was making for Kazuma. Barok did promise to put the family dog away, but those fears still increased. Kazuma held the music box to his chest while folding himself up in the bathtub. Why did he have to feel so afraid?

“Kazuma?” Kazuma heard the echo from his father. He didn’t answer. He saw his father look over him from the bathtub. “Is something wrong?” Kazuma shook his head, holding the music box to his chest. “Did something happen? Are you hurt?” He shook his head, not realizing that his tail had begun glowing a very dark red color. He felt his father brush his hand through his hair. “Is it something I said? Please tell me.”

“I think I’m falling in love with another human,” Kazuma echoed back.

Genshin had his suspicions, but it surprised him that his son would act this way. He could recall his son once singing in melodies back before he disappeared. His tail glowed a bright red-orange color that glittered all over his tail. Now, Kazuma wasn’t singing at all and his tail dimmed. Falling in love the first time, only for it to have caused him to almost die, had damaged Kazuma emotionally. Genshin took Kazuma, then wrapped his tail around his son’s tail. Kazuma relaxed in his father’s embrace.

“I am scared of losing you too, but I don’t wish for you to withhold your feelings. Do you know if he feels the same?” Genshin asked.

“… yeah. I think so. He was about to display a form of human affection that only lovers make.”

“Do you believe he will hurt you like the other one did?”

“No… but he can be a bit reckless, even clueless at times,” Kazuma grumbled.

“Well, that’s a good start. You’re not as blind to Barok as you were with the last one,” Genshin complimented as Kazuma looked up at his father in surprise. “I’m proud of you, son. You are reckless and rebellious, but you always learn from your mistakes. I also wish for you to learn from my own mistakes. I allowed my fears to keep you from learning and growing up. At worst, I wasn’t there when you needed me the most.”

“But… I disobeyed you.”

“Indeed, and I destroyed your stuff that had no bearing on your relationship with the woman that hurt you. I almost lost you. I don’t wish for you to swim in the same current as me. Even now, I am doing what I can to improve, even if it scares me.”

“Would you object to me pursuing a relationship with a human again?”

“You are your own merman now. I believe that is your choice, regardless if I agree with it or not. However, I shall watch you in whatever choice you make. I wish to hear you sing again.”

Kazuma smiled, relaxing in the comfort of his father’s tail against his as he began humming a melody of love. It echoed from the ocean. He decided that his father was right. He was scared, but he shouldn’t allow that fear to keep him from pursuing something he loved. He wouldalways love the human world, even with its faults. Barok was the one human that had saved him and continually proved he cared immensely for Kazuma. He was sure there was more about Barok he would love and hate, but that was another current he’d cross when he came to it.

*********

Barok was still trying to decide what to do about his feelings when he heard a strange song. It was beautiful and he couldn’t tell where it came from. It was mesmerizing and… lovely. Instinctively, he followed the melody, taking a boat from the shed, then rowing it across the sea. He figured, since two mermen were here, they’d know if he was rowing or not. After all, he’d no longer be alone on this side of the channel again.

It wasn’t long before Barok heard the sound of something emerging from the waters, Kazuma. The melody stopped as he grabbed a hold of the side of the boat without tugging on it too hard.

“What are doing here alone?” Kazuma asked curiously.

“I… heard something. Was that you?” Barok asked.

“Y-Yes… I think I’ve told you that my kind sings.”

“It was beautiful.”

“I think I have feelings for you, Barok,” Kazuma confessed, his cheeks turning pink as Barok came closer. “But… I don’t want my song to make you feel emotions that you don’t share.”

Barok smiled, chuckling a bit, before replying, “right now, I feel very happy.”

“Same,” Kazuma replied as Barok pressed his lips upon his.

Before Barok could stop Kazuma, he sank back into the sea. Barok stared at where Kazuma sank in, confused, then recognized his figure coming toward him at full speed. Barok quickly backed away before Kazuma jumped in the air and then flopped right onto the boat, his tail wrapped around Barok’s legs before the man could say or do anything. There was a melody escaping from Kazuma’s lips as they pressed upon Barok’s. Barok could only return the kiss, feeling those sweet emotions shared with Kazuma’s emotions of happiness.

“Swim with me,” Kazuma sang as he pushed away pieces of Barok’s bangs.

Barok swallowed in his throat, the fear surfacing of what could happen if he swam, yet it felt so much smaller than before. That melody truly was playing with his emotions. The idea of swimming with Kazuma felt… nice. Of course, his left leg was useless and would hurt if he used it to swim. Yet, Kazuma had claimed he could swim with just his right leg with practice. Perhaps he could try? But…

“I… don’t know,” Barok muttered, the melody from Kazuma somehow becoming stronger. He felt only joy and a strange calmness in Kazuma being there. “Perhaps… if you…”

“Always,” Kazuma whispered into Barok’s lips. “Hold your breath.”

Barok took a deep breath before finding himself and Kazuma rolling off the boat and into the waters. With one hand, he held onto Kazuma, and with the other, he plugged his nose. His eyes closed tightly, trying to evade the fears. Strangely, the song of Kazuma’s melody was all he could hear as his fears subsided, his comfort and happiness being the only two emotions to exist as his left leg froze in paralysis. Kazuma took that left leg, carefully hooking it around his waist, brushing his tail around Barok’s right leg to encourage it to swim. Barok swam with just that right leg with Kazuma’s tail as they swam up to the surface.

Once they reached the surface, Barok felt himself catching his breath, gasping for air. It wasn’t as bad as he thought. That fear was still lingering, his breathing now back to normal before Kazuma pressed his lips against his. They sank into the sea once more. Barok found a breath of breathable air entering his lungs as they sank into the ocean through Kazuma’s mouth. Was he providing Barok air for him to breathe underwater? Either way, it seemed as though Kazuma was encouraging him with his tail to move his right leg to swim, so Barok did just that.

Barok never opened his eyes, but he knew where he was in the sea. He could feel the rocks and sand of the seafloor. He felt his hand brush against the sand, his forehead pressed against Kazuma’s and his mouth being given an unlimited supply of breathable air. It was so wonderful and yet Barok could still feel that lingering fear of drowning here. He held onto Kazuma, praying that this unlimited supply of air never ended. Eventually, both ended up back on the surface.

Barok hung onto Kazuma, panting despite having been given an unlimited supply of air. The song Kazuma sang now sounded peaceful and comforting. Barok allowed himself to drown in the melody, smiling as he laid his head on Kazuma’s shoulder.

“Are you alright?” Kazuma asked gently.

“Yes. Are you sure you want me?” Barok asked, feeling self-conscious.

“I’m not sure what I want right now, but I know I always want to be with you.”

“Same. Though, I can’t say if mer-peopleand humans can… be together like this.”

“Hehehe, I’m sure we’ll

When Barok was only a boy, he swam too far into the sea before returning back with an injury that prevents him from swimming ever again. Now, in his thirties, he finds a merman at an auction with an injury that came from going too far on land. Despite the bitterness from their injuries left by the cruelty of the world they came to love, they only fall more in love with the world that had left them injured. Perhaps, they may end up finding love within each other.

Barok’s home was right at the edge of the English Channel. His family owned their dock and a private beach. That was one of the advantages of being in an aristocratic family. Barok had grown up all his life right by the sea with his brother, Klint. He loved it, everything about the sea. He once would swim so far into the sea that his brother Klint would yell at him about going too far. Even then, that never kept Barok from swimming as far as he could.

And then, one day… he swam too far out and returned with an injury. According to his doctor, there wasno way Barok could ever swim again. To do so would physically hurt him and Barok no longer went into the waters passed his hips. Even so, he knew deep down his love for the sea would forever remain in his heart. He only wished he had listened to Klint before.

Barok was now in his thirties and found himself at an auction that was giving away many valuable things. According to the auctioneers, they were rare things never seen before. Therewere rare pieces of art, fine gems, furniture, grand inventions andold antiques. For some reason, his best friend Albert found these rather fascinating.

“Look at this, different kinds of rare spices you’ll only find in Africa!” Albert cried out excitedly, tasting the different spices, much to Barok’s disgust.

“I refuse to pay for any of those if they catch you spoiling the spices,” Barok stated.

“It’s just a sample! Aren’t I allowed to sample!?” Albert asked as Barok facepalmed, making his way out of the auction. “Don’t leave me, Barok! I can’t go out here alone! It’s so crowded, and-and-and-”

“You’re coming this close to burning pounds by the number of samples you’re taking. This isn’t a free-for-all. You touch it, you buy it.”

“Okay! Okay! I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

“That was obvious,” Barok sighed, looking the most disinterested in all the rare spices, molecules, rocks and everything his science-obsessed friend could get his hands on.

“Well, I’ve already looked at everything. You should find something you’re interested in, Barok. I’m sure there must be something. There’s always something for everyone in auctions.”

“All I’ve been seeing here is rubbish,” Barok said, glancing at the different rare items about to be auctioned off.

“Heh heh, you know what they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” Albert grinned, rubbing the back of his head.

In all honesty, Barok was only here, because he was bored and Albert wanted to check out the rare minerals. He couldn’t be bothered to find anything he wanted, but perhaps he could at least find a knickknack togive to his brother Klint. Sighing, he looked around, seeing if there was at least one item that seemed decent enough.

In the far back, there seemed to be a collection of rare plants, rocks and seashells found in the sea. Barok decided to check out that section at least. Even with his inability to swim, he couldn’t deny his love for the sea. Albert followed him with the biggest grin on his face.

“See, what did I tell you!? There’s always something for every-”

“Quiet!” Barok barked, focusing on the different rare shells, rocks and minerals that were found at the bottom of the English Channel. It seemed there was sea life up for auction as well: different fish, crabs, snails and other life. The environment they were currently in left much to be desired, but that was expected. Humans held a naive perspective of how one should treat sea creatures, believing that pet fish and sea life should be kept in a bowl. It was no surprise those creatures would be likelyfound dead in just a few weeks.

“Are you thinking of getting any of these little cuties? I’m sure they’d find themselves at home in that sea garden you have.”

“I’ve already bought about 20 fish and my clownfish is about to give birth.”

“Ooooooh, how wonderful! How many, would you say?”

“Hard to say. So far, I’ve counted over a thousand eggs.”

“Oh wow! I don’t know if I could care for that many. You’re so spoiled, Barok.”

Barok shot his friend a glare before hearing a sickly sound. It sounded like a mix between a croak and a moan. It sent shivers down Barok’s spine as he searched for the source of that sound. That was when he found it located at the very end where all the larger rare creatures were located. Because of their size, they were often kept in tanks or tubs. This one, however, stuck out in the most disturbing way possible. It was… a man? Well, not a man, but the top half looked very similar to that of a man.

Barok slowly came closer to the man, who was inside a bathtub filled with dirty water that was a mix between brown and gray. What made him not a man was what was shown along his backside and at the end of his body: a fishtail, fins and scales. Even his eyes were very fish-like and his neck seemed to have gills. However, what made Barok freeze-cold was the state of this fish man. He was so pale, sosick. His eyes were hollow, scales flaking, arms that were once built with muscle were sagging and the tail end looked to be in the worst shape. There was some dried blood around the scales at the end of the tail, some of it torn.

The fish man turned his eyes to Barok and made that sound again. His black hair was chopped short but almost covered his face. He seemed to be making a sound.

“F-Fa…ther,” the man cried out weakly. He could speak English?

“H-H-Hey Barok err… we should uh… go?” Albert suggested, looking just as disturbed by what was displayed.

“When is the action?” Barok asked without looking at his friend.

“The action? Oh, it’s starting in a few minutes, but it may take a while for these to come up and… well, I guess you do have a lot of money, don’t you?”

Barok looked back at his friend, asking, “what are you getting at?”

“Well, that guy is likely going to be expensive. I’d imagine people would pay thousands of pounds for him,” Albert said nervously, biting his thumbnail.

Barok folded his arms, turning his eyes at the sickly fish-man, muttering, “indeed.”  

Barok and Albert made their way to the auction, Albert bidding for many of those worthless minerals, spices, molecules and other things that Barok couldn’t care for. Thankfully, Albert was willing to pay for all of them. That was the deal in Barok agreeing to come along with him. Klint wouldn’t be happy if Barok used their money for worthless things like that. Hewas already paying more for the amount of wine he ordered from a vineyard in France and the crystal chalices he ordered personally from a fine craftsman.

Finally, the sea life section was the next to be auctioned. The smaller sea creatures went off first, but it wasn’t long before everyone laid their eyes on the fish-man in the tub filled with dirty water.

“And here, we have a real, live genuine mermaid. Let’s start out with 100,000! Can I get a 100,000!?” The auctioneer called.

“I’ll take 600,000!” One buyer cried.

“I’ll take 700,000!” Another buyer cried.

“800,000!” A third buyer cried.

Barok’s face turned white. No one in his family would approve of such an expense as this. His brother would kill him if he was to go over even a hundred thousand pounds. There was nothing he could do. That expense was more than he could spare.

“I’ve got 800,000 pounds going once!” The auctioneer cried.

Barok had his eyes directly on the fish-man, his tail still damaged beyond repair.

“Going twice!”

Those eyes, dark and life slowly draining from him. This was wrong! This was all wrong! No one should be treated this way.

“A-”

“I’LL TAKE 850,000!!” Barok shouted at the top of his lungs.

“850,000 pounds! We’ve got 850,000 pounds going once!” The auctioneer shouted.

“850,000!? I know you’re rich, but… a-are you sure?” Albert asked nervously. Even Barok couldn’t deny that was a lot of money, even for an aristocrat to spend. Not to say they never spent that much, but it was never for frivolous things.

“Going twice!” The auctioneer shouted.

“900,000!” One buyer shouted.

“1.5 million!” Barok cried, knowing for sure that no one would ever spend more than that, even for a fish-man.

“1.5 million, going once!” The auctioneer shouted. “Going twice!” As Barok suspected, no one would pay that much. He knew for sure that he would get grilled for this, but… “SOLD FOR THE MERMAID!!”

“Barok,” Albert said.  Barok turned to his friend, who smiled. “You’re braver than me. I’m… sure your brother would understand.”

“… I hope you’re right,” Barok muttered. One thing about Albert was that he read his friends very well. “I’m going to bring this one to my abode. He looks very sick.”

“Yeah… good luck,” Albert said with a sad smile. Barok proceeded to pay the money he owed for the fish man via check.  

With some help, Barok was able to get the tub in a carriage he rented to deliver this fish-man to his estate. This creature would be much happier living in the sea. He bought some fish, hoping that this is what the fish-man’s diet consisted of. He also got a bucket of fresh water, which he mixed with a good amount of salt. Walking up to the tub, he slowly poured the water inside the tub before handing the fish he bought to the fish-man.

“You eat fish, right?” Barok asked. He knew this fish-man could speak their language, being he hadheard it from him. The fish-man looked at him with hollow eyes, then glared weakly. He took the fish and ate each of them one by one. While he ate, Barok carefully cleaned the wounded tail. The fish-man screeched, his tail flopping around before Barok took a firm hold of the tail. “Holdstill, so I can clean your wound!” The fish-man screeched at him threateningly, showing his razor-sharp teeth, even though he could do nothing but flop around in the tub like a child throwing a temper tantrum. “Do you wish to be sicker?” The fish-man glared, seething, but heldstill with cries of pain as Barok continued to wash his wounded tail.

Finally, Barok made his way back home, looking back to check on the fish-man. He continued to glare at him unforgivably. Considering how the creature was treated before, Barok could not blame him. Behind that glare, there was more fear. He could only hope that bringing this creature back to his environment would help him. With how bad a shape his tailwas in, there was no way this fish-man was going to be able to swim properly like before. It would also take time before those muscles he lost from being in that bathtub for so long would return.

“Do you have a name?” Barok asked the creature, who continued to shoot him a glare. “Very well, I’m Barok. In a few moments, I’m going to send you back to the sea. I don’t know where you once lived specifically, but my estate reaches as far as the gray rocks ahead. So long as you are in that area, you should be safe from any more persons that may hurt you.” He heard a low seething sound. Likely a sound translating to ‘I don’t believe you.’ Again, Barok couldn’t blame him.

By the time Barok could see his grand manor, he could see his fish-man friend was asleep. He was just as sickly as before, but it seemed his tail was healing better now. Barok parked the carriage at the front of the manor before making his way to the back where the fish-man was sleeping. He gently shook the fish-man, who then jumped, before swatting the hand away from him and screeching, once again, showing his sharp teeth.

“I’m going to take you to your new home,” Barok said as the fish-man screeched at him again. “So, you wish to remain in that small little tub there? I don’t suppose you can think of a much worse place to call homethan that?” He crossed his arms as the fish-man, glaring at him, began closing his mouth, bowing his head in defeat. “How long can you go without water? I know you can talk.”

“… do what you wish with me,” the fish-man finally said in defeat, looking up at the sun. Barok knew what that expression meant. This fish-man did not have much time to live like this.

Barok carried the fish-man over his shoulder, the fish-manrewarding him with a screech, likely from his wounded tail. He made his way around the manor to the docks. On his way, he could hear his brother Klint call for him, but heignored it. This fish-man’s life wasmore important. Making his way to the docks, he ran across the wooden dock to the deeper end of the waters. By this point, the fish-man’s eyes widened at the massive amount of sea he saw.

Slowly, but surely, Barok carefully placed the fish-man into the waters, arms tightly wrapped around his neck. By the time the fish-man was almost halfway into the water, their foreheads were touching and the fish-man’s eyes looked into his.

“Thank you,” the fish-man whispered before releasing his arms and sinking into the sea.

Barok watched the fish-man swim far into the sea, his hands holdingonto one of the wooden poles of the dock. He could feel the stiffness of his left hip, the one that had been injured long ago. He smiled. 1,500,000 pounds for that fish-man.

“Barok,” Barok heard Klint speak in a gentle tone he’d never heard him use. Turning to his brother, he could see a unique softness in his eyes. “That… creature you had… was he the one you spent 1.5 million pounds on?”

“… forgive me,” Barok muttered.

Klint shook his head, bending down and hugging his brother before replying, “there’s no price to be placed onthe life of any man or creature. You’re a better man than most.”

“… thank you.”

Barok didn’t believe he would ever see that fish-man again. From the way he’d acted towards him, Barok was certain this fish-man did not wish to meet anyone else from the land for the rest of his days. Even so, he would sit on the dock, the calves of his legs in the water, looking out into the sea. He wonderedwhere this fish-man would be and if he would ever return. That was unlikely and he knew it.

Three days had passed and there was no sign of that fish-man. Barok decided to return to his normal routine. He still loved the sea and everything in it. He only wished he could go out deeper into it without worrying about drowning. He cursed his hip for being so disjointed the way it was. He couldn’t move his hips right without hurting that left hip. Even when carrying that fish-man, it brought him pain and he couldn’t bend down as normal people do. He had to squat, then hold on to one of the wooden dock poles, while the fish-man released himself. He had always been like this since that fateful day, that day when he swam too far into the sea.

Regardless, that didn’t prevent Barok from rowing his boat into the sea. Of course, Klint always got onto him about going alone, but Barok missed going out into the sea so much. Even rowing there was something. He smiled as he looked out, watching and hearing the waves crash into the rocks. He got out his journal, then began to write what he saw and imagined. It was peaceful and relaxing.

There was a tug on one side of the boat, giving Barok a scare. He fell back, hanging onto the boat by its sides. His body began to shake as a head began plopping from the other side of the boat. It was the fish-man from before. Was he trying to…?

“Y… You… what are you trying to do, man!?” Barok asked, glaring at the fish-man.

“… Kazuma. My name is Kazuma Asogi,” the fish-man introduced himself, now being careful with the boat.

“Kazuma… nice to meet you,” Barok said, his voice still shaken by the tug.

“I didn’t mean to scare you. I… thought I should thank you for saving me. Here,” Kazuma said, tossing a few fish into the boat. They all had claw marks on them, indicating that Kazuma had hunted these and killed them. Barok, now feeling less shaken up, scooted closer to where Kazuma was.

“Erm… thank you, but that is unnecessary. I only did what any man would do,” Barok said as Kazuma shook his head.

“If any human would have, they would have already, but it was only you,” Kazuma stated, taking Barok’s hand into his own.

“I-I can’t swim,” Barok spouted as Kazuma looked up with raised eyebrows. “I… injured myself, so…”

“OH! I wasn’t… is that why you were shaken up when I…? I’m sorry,” Kazuma apologized, releasing Barok’s hand. “You’re the first human that’s ever been kind to me and… the only friend I have now.”

“Now? What do you mean by…?”

“I searched but there is no one of my kind here and, if I go deeper, I… my strength has decreased and the scales of my tail have diminished. I will die, if I pass those rocks over there,” Kazuma stated, pointing to the large gray rocks the waves crashed against. “My father likely thinks I’m dead now and I’ll never see him again.”

“… you’re alone,” Barok said sadly. Loneliness, that’s always been his best friend. He offered his hand and Kazuma took it, sobbing into it as tears shed from those fish-like eyes.

“It’s all my fault. M-My father told me that the surface was dangerous. He forbade me from ever going there, especially contacting other humans. B-B-But, I loved the humans: their culture, the things they made, their art, their literature, everything. I wanted to know more, so I made friends with some and-and-and-and…”

“That’s how you got into that situation. Your trust was taken advantage of,” Barok said bitterly as Kazuma nodded just as bitterly. “Disobedience or not, it should never have led to that. Don’t ever blame yourself for that again.”

Kazuma wept in Barok’s hand, all the bitterness, grief, fear and anger pouring from those tears. Barok knew he couldn’t leave this poor creature alone without anyone to hold him. Carefully, trying to not hurt his hip, he wrappedhis other arm around the young merman. Barok had to stretch his legs across the boat to not hurt his left hip, which was disjointed. Kazuma wept on Barok’s shoulder, holding onto him tightly. It seemed as though Barok had finally found another kin. Like him, Kazuma was also injured by his tail out of disobedience from going too far. They truly were not too different, were they?

After a while, Kazuma laid his forehead on Barok’s, their eyes searching deeply into the others’ eyes. Barok was focusing on trying not to hurt his hip, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Kazuma’s. This man was truly a magnificent creature. He cleared his throat.

“I… m-my hip,” Barok muttered, his cheeks dusted pink.

“Oh, sorry,” Kazuma said, releasing his arms as Barok slipped into the boat, clinging to his hip. He carefully sat on one of the seats of the boat. “Usually, my kind will touch foreheads and wrap our tails around the other. It’s how we display… erm… affection. I just thought I could mix it up with hugging like what humans do.”

“Hm… is that so?” Barok asked, seemingly interested. “Are there other things your kind does to display friendship?”

“We give food, sometimes gifts such as rocks and seaweed, but… I doubt you’d use them for the same reasons as we do.”

“I’d imagine not, aside from the food. Even so, I find it quite interesting. I wouldn’t mind any rocks or interesting things you may find in the sea. It’s not something I’d be able to retrieve myself.”

“Really? Then… would you also show me some human items you have? Maybe you can tell me what they are,” Kazuma asked, smiling with fascination.

“Of course. Though, one question, why did you not come over to me for three days?”

“Oh, that? It’s… my tail. I was sick.”

“Ah, yes… that makes sense. You looked like you were going to die.”

“I thought I was,” Kazuma stated honestly. “If my kind is not in a great body of water like this fortwo weeks, we will surely die.”

“Then, I’m to assume you were in that bathtub filled with dirty water for at least a week and a half?”

“Is that what it’s called? But yes, that’s how long I was in it for,” Kazuma said sadly. He took Barok’s hand. “You’re my family now. I have no one else with me and I doubt I’ll ever be able to go deeper to look for my own.”

“…. thank you, Kazuma,” Barok said, holding Kazuma’s hands.

Kazuma was truly a beautiful creature and now, afterthree days of healing, he could see the colors of his scales. They were black with white fins across his back spine. His tail started from black, then becamecrimson red at the bottom. He was quite striking and beautiful. Barok smiled.

“Barok, you’re quite beautiful. I only wish I could see more of your legs,” Kazuma said bashfully with some pink dusting his cheeks.

“Err… thank you. You’re… quite beautiful too,” Barok replied, pink also dusting his cheeks as Kazuma chuckled, pressing his lips to Barok’s hand. His cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

“I’ve heard of humans doing things like this, though I don’t know what it’s called,” Kazuma said.

“That would be kissing, though it’s not common for a man to do it to another, unless…”

“O-Oh… sorry.”

“No. No, it’s fine. Close friends can kiss, it’s just not commonly done on the hand. Usually, it’s done on both sides of the cheeks,” Barok explained.

“Oh! … well, I suppose we’ll figure something out,” Kazuma replied brightly as Barok chuckled a bit. It was at this moment he noticed the sun was setting.

“I should be getting home. It was nice seeing you again.”

“You too. May I see you tomorrow?”

“Of course,” Barok replied before taking his oars, then rowing himself back to the dock. Kazuma followed him to the dock, helping him tie the boat to one of the wooden poles. He then gently took hold of Barok’s right leg, pressing his cheek against the bare part where it was hairy. “Uh…”

“Didn’t I tell you? I want to see your legs. They’re very beautiful,” Kazuma said with glimmering eyes.

Barok looked away, his cheeks reddened, as he replied, “they’re just… legs.”

“Yes and they have these,” Kazuma said, rubbing his thumb against the hairs of Barok’s calf. “What are they even for?”

“I… er… um… th-the-they’re hairs to protect legs from the cold. It’s not anything special.”

“Hehehe, do you always say that about yourself? You have to imagine how it is for those like me who don’t even have them.”

“I… uh… ngh,” Barok stuttered, blushing cherry red as Kazuma rubbed his hand up and down his calf. “Are you done entertaining yourself by the hairs of my leg?”

“Haaaah, yes,” Kazuma sighed, releasing Barok’s leg as Barok showed a small smile.

“I bid you goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Kazuma replied, dipping himself back into the water.

Barok returned to the manor. Walking down the ballroom, he ran into Klint, who seemed to have a smile on his face. He said, “I see you’ve made a new friend.” He turned his eyes towards the large window that showed the docks. Kazuma was staring at the manor longingly with a small smile.

“I had feared he wouldn’t come back, but it seems he had to heal from that injury on his tail,” Barok mentioned.

“Poor thing. I wonder how long he was in that godforsaken tub.”

“He says it was at least a week and a half. Mermaids or… whatever he’s called… they cannot survive in a shallow body of water like that for more than two weeks. Had I not… he would’ve died.”

“… you saved that merman’s life and for 1.5 million pounds. Father is likely not going to be happy, but… that’s alright. He’ll get over it,” Klint smirked slightly.

“… I just couldn’t watch him like that and I’m glad I didn’t… after what he told me.”

“He talks?”

“Yes. He says that he befriended some humans on the surface and they took advantage of him. They placed him in that tub as a way for him to 'see the human world.'”

“And, they sold him for profit? What a cruel trick.”

“I don’t know who did it, but if I do find them, rest assured they will never set foot on this property so long as they live. It’s one thing to sell off a creature, an animal or any other fish. It is common for mankind to not understand living creatures or how they communicate, but this man spoke to me. He spoke! He can communicate with them! I can’t understand why someone would talk to anyone, then intentionally trick them into a situation they are too weak to get out of. It’s beyond cruel.”

“…”

“Now, Kazuma’s tail is injured and he says he may not be able to swim, past the deep end beyond the rocks where his family has livedfor a long time, for the rest of his life.”

“That bad, huh? Wait, did you say…?” Klint asked, taking notice of the name.

“Kazuma is his name. He blames himself for getting into this situation. I know his capture and injury started with disobedience by going to the surface, but he was not deserving of this. No amount of disobedience is deserving of injuries beyond repairs,” Barok stated, eyeing his left hip.

“I’m just glad you made it out alright. I only wish I could’ve…”

“I’m thankful that I did return back. I cannot imagine never being able to return back home, after being swept up by the sea.”

“I thought I lost you when I saw you lying on the dock. You were so badly injured. To this day, I still can’t imagine how you ended up that way and with that seaweed wrapped around your leg so tightly like that.”

“I don’t remember,” Barok muttered, closing his eyes as he recalled the memory of those events. “I only remember some sort of beast clawing on my leg before finding myself submerged in the waters.” Everything was such a blur that day. It was a miracle that he survived, but he also wondered if someone or something had saved him that day. Barok sighed, knowing he would never find that answer.

*********

The next day, Albert decided to visit Barok. He was very excited about the discoveries he had made with the stuff he had bought from the auction, but also seemed interested in checking on the mysterious fish-man. He seemed genuinely concerned about the well-being of this merman, fish-man or whoever this was. Considering Kazuma’s condition during the first meeting, Barok figured he couldn’t blame his friend for showing concern. As such, he decided to introduce his friend to Kazuma.

“I can’t be certain if he’ll show up today. He hadn’t shown up in three days before giving me a scare yesterday afternoon,” Barok explained.

“Did he seem better?” Albert asked.

“Yes, physically at least,” Barok said, walking onto the docks. Looking out to the waters, he wondered if he should call out to his new merman friend or if he’d be able to hear him underwater.

“Barok, look!” Albert cried out excitedly, looking down below the dock. Barok followed his direction and saw Kazuma’s face looking up from underwater. Slowly, he emerged, giving the feeling of shyness.

“I-Is he your friend?” Kazuma asked as Barok nodded.

“My name’s Albert Harebrayne. I was with Barok when he got you,” Albert introduced himself.

“O-Oh… sorry, I don’t remember much of what went on,” Kazuma said, then searched closely, his eyes zeroing in on Albert’s face. “What are those things on your face?”

“Hm? Oh, are you talking about my spectacles?” Albert asked, taking off his specs and showing them to Kazuma, who eyed them curiously.

“Is that what they’re called? I’ve seen some on ships and in pictures of humans wearing them on their faces. Are they erm… like clothes or those things you wear on your head?”

“Oh no no no. They help me see. I’m blind without them!”

“You’re… blind? …” Kazuma asked, his eyes widened, looking horrified.

“He means he cannot see clearly. I’m sure, if you were to see through those spectacles, you would be able to seehowhe sees,” Barok explained as Kazuma nodded. Albert handed Kazuma his spectacles, who then curiously glimpsed through one of the lenses with one eye.

“Oh my… I can’t imagine if my eyes could only see that.”

“Yes, well, not every single one of us is born with masterful eyes. They truly are a great invention, aren’t they?” Albert asked, grinning. Kazuma handed the spectacles back to Albert.

“I used to have a collection of human things I’d collect from wrecked ships. I… It kinda got destroyed, though,” Kazuma spoke excitedly before revealing saddened eyes.

“Oh, that’s a shame. How?”

“It’s a long story,” Kazuma said, still speaking sadly. “Not that I’ll be able to find it again anyways.”

“Hm?”

“You saw it at the auction! His tail is damaged and much of his strength has diminished from being stuck in that bathtub for a week and a half,” Barok explained bitterly.

“Oh my gosh! Then, it’s good that you bought him out for 1.5 million pounds, huh?”

“What? Million? Pounds? Isn’t that how heavy you are or…?” Kazuma asked,confused.

“No. Pounds is the currency we use here in Great Britain,” Barok shook his head, digging into his pocket and showing a small gold coin that read 1 pound. Kazuma held it in his hand.

“I’ve seen these… they look so beautiful. I thought they were small little… photographs?”

“They’re money. We use them to exchange for food, clothes, property and other things.”

“You mean like trading? I… I was an object and you traded how many of these for me?”

“1.5 million.”

“………”

“Did he not know?” Albert asked as Barok sighed, shaking his head.

“I don’t think he did and, frankly, I’d say he was too ignorant in the ways of human culture to have known.”

“I can see why Father hates humans now,” Kazuma said bitterly as Barok sat on the dock, allowing his friend to bury his face in his lap.

“Hey. Hey. It’s okay. You’re with friends now. Barok won’t let something like that happen to you anymore. He loves the sea and its creatures. In fact, he’s got a sea garden right in his manor!” Albert said with excitement in his voice. Kazuma sniffed, showing a small smile.

“Thank you,” Kazuma choked, taking the coin in his hand. “May I have this?”

“Of course. I’m sure I can find other things you’d be interested in,” Barok promised, patting Kazuma’s head.

“Oh yes! Maybe I can make a new collection! It won’t be the same as my last one, but… if they’re from my friends, I’m sure it will be much more special.”

“There you go. Hmmmm, what can I lend you? I suppose I can see if I can find my old specs. For now, I can lend you this,” Albert said, taking out a feathered pen with dried ink. Kazuma took it and held it curiously. “It’s a pen. You dip it into the ink pool and write with it on paper.”

“Oh, you mean like in books?”

“That’s right!”

“Thank you. Oh, I almost forgot,” Kazuma said, dipping into the waters to retrieve something, then swimming back up. He handed what looked to be like a sea urchin that likely died long ago and now had a revealing hole in the middle. “My kind uses these to keep small stuff from floating away by the water.”

“Really? Like what?” Albert asked.

“Erm… things you’d call tools, hair clips to keep long hair out of your eyes, seaweed, different things.”

“I’m to assume you eat sea urchins as well?” Barok asked, looking closely at the sea urchin.

“Obviously. We also grow coral and seaweed gardens. Corals are especially essential to us for food, tools, weapons and so on. Seaweeds, we use for medicines and food. Thankfully, I’ve found at least three corals and one small seaweed forest. With some time, I can make a coral garden for myself,” Kazuma replied.

“You use seaweed for medicine? What kind?” Barok asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yes. Mostly physical. That’s what I’ve been using on my tail. We wrap it around where our wound is and the juices give it healing. The seaweed itself blocks the salt, moss and other stuff in the water and stops itfrom infecting the wound. Eating it also helps with digestion, since we mostly eat meat.”

“… I was unaware,” Barok stated, thinking deeply. “Are you certain you haven’t found any of your kind here?”

“I’m… sure. Why?”

“Do you remember the injury I mentioned to you?” Barok asked as Kazuma nodded. “I was about 12 at the time, but I recalled being attacked by a great beast out in the sea, then almostdrowned. My brother said he found me on the dock with my leg wrapped in seaweed.”

“You think someone of my kind saved you?”

“Considering you say it’s considered a medical aid for your kind and I can’t see any human performing something like that ifI am to assume it’s possible.”

“…. I’ll see if I can find any traces. I can’t go out too far, but… if someone of my kind was here, then I’m likely to find a scale or two,” Kazuma said, his eyebrows furrowing.

“You really think a fish person like him saved you, Barok?” Albert asked with widened eyes.

“At this point, I can’t see any other possibility,” Barok said.

“Though, my kind have always been fearful of humans… I suppose it’s possible I wasn’t the only one that loved humans. I can’t see any other reason why they’d go this far. None of my kind would be caught dead around any human territory,” Kazuma stated.

“No one, except you, though perhaps there’s a small percentage of exceptions.”

“Hm…”

“By the way, didn’t you say that your kind leave behind scales?” Barok asked with raised eyebrows.

“Oh yes! It’s like hair. Dead ones fall off. Would you like one?” Kazuma asked.

“Could you do that?” Albert asked, expressing excitement.

“Sure,” Kazuma replied, brushing his hand across his tail, then handing a black scale to Barokthat was the size of a coin and light as a feather. It looked so delicate. Barok held it so carefully. The black scale sparkled.

“It’s beautiful,” Barok muttered in awe as Kazuma smiled brightly, some redness on his cheeks.

“I wish my tail was as amazing as human legs. You can jump, run, swim and do many things. All I can do is swim around and glow in the dark.”

“Kazuma, I have never seen anything like you in my life. I can’t ever go in the ocean or know what’s inside. The oceans make up most of the world, yet you can see more of it than I ever will,” Barok stated with seriousness in his eyes as Kazuma turned his gazeaway.

“But… you have made so many wonderful things. You can do so many wonderful things.”

“Err, if I may jump in, I think there’s beauty on land and in the ocean. So many creatures, lands, inventions, cultures and things both of you can do that the other can’t. I think it’s wonderful that you both have such a great love for the other side, even when you both were hurt by it. You can learn something from each other,” Albert added as the two glanced at each other.

Albert was right, both Barok and Kazuma loved the other side that they wouldnever get to see, yet were hurt by it too. That hurt had created bitterness in Kazuma, just as it had with Barok in never being able to swim out and see what was out there. Regardless, Barok couldn’t find it in himself to leave the ocean just as Kazuma couldn’t find it in himself to leave the humans. Perhaps, even hate can exist within love. Those that truly love will always find a list of things to hate about what they love. Without hate, no one can genuinely love.

“Humans are such beautiful creatures, but are also cruel and dangerous,” Kazuma said bitterly.

“The ocean is filled with such beauty, yet is dangerous and filled with vile creatures,” Barok said with an equal amount of bitterness.

“I’d like to take you to see the ocean sometime… in a much safer way.”

“…. I can hardly see how that’s possible, but I’ll take your word for it. Perhaps, I too can find a much safer way for you to explore other humans in a way where you can move around and control where you wish to go.”

“Hm… I wonder if I can create something like that?” Albert questioned, biting his thumbnail. “Maybe like a wheelchair for mermaids or fish-people. Something for them to move around.”

“But, I have to be submerged in water. Even then, I cannot be out that long. You saw how shallow and dirty the tub I was in was. That’s because the sun dries up the water and it gets dirty over time because I have nowhere else to release waste,” Kazuma stated.

“You mean like… oh! I guess even fish poop.”

“Why are we even having this conversation?” Barok asked, facepalming. “Point is, Kazuma needs to be able to move around on his own, whilst submerged in water that will likely be his own personal loo. Likely, this can only be something he’ll use temporarily before returning back to the ocean.”

“I suppose that’s true, but how is he supposed to go around in public without people crowding around to see the fish-man or hurt him again? If that auction proves anything, it’s that… well… humans can be cruel and dangerous. I hate to say it, but it’s true,” Albert said, pushing his glasses up.

“…. I suppose we could go about this in one oftwo ways. If you’re able to find a way for Kazuma to move on land, either he can only be allowed to move around the confined and safe areas, ones that are more controlled where he’d be protected, or else have him disguised as a physically disabled human somehow. I doubt the second would be possible, considering the fins on his back and needing that submersion in water.”

“In other words, I’ll only be able to move around in Barok’s home or somewhere where I’m guaranteed safety,” Kazuma concluded, nodding. “Yes, I can do that.”

“Maybe we should findmore friends to help you as well. There is strength in numbers. People will less likely want to pick a fight with someone like Barok, especially if he’s with a company of four or five people. Of course, there is the concern for if the government wishes to experiment on our fish friend,” Albert said, biting his thumbnail.

“Albert, whilst I won’t deny the human curiosity of creatures they’ve never seen, Kazuma talks and acts like a human being. I doubt even our government would treat him differently from a foreigner if he has the capability of moving around and company with him. Besides that, I did buy him. They’d have to form some legal contract or buy him from me, if they were to do something like that, or else it would be considered stealing,” Barok said, crossing his arms.

“I really don’t want to be reminded of that,” Kazuma grumbled, his eyes showing bitterness and hurt.

“Forgive me. I wasn’t…”

“I know. I just…” Kazuma muttered, resting his head on Barok’s lap.

“Think we should let this rest for now?” Albert asked.

“Perhaps. We can talk about this another day,” Barok agreed, petting Kazuma’s head.

Barok figured it was likely too early for Kazuma. The pain from his betrayal of the human he thought was his friend was still fresh. Barok lightly stroked Kazuma’s black scale, then glanced at Kazuma’s tail. It truly was beautiful, even with the injury. He never got the chance to truly admire the beauty of that tail in the auction. He couldn’t help but wonder about each organ inside that tail that made it move so gracefully. It was truly a marvel.

Barok knew that helping Kazuma to be able to explore the land was easier said than done. Not only would Albert’s job of building some form of a wheelchair for Kazuma to move in be tricky – for it had to also carry enough water to submerge the merman – but Kazuma’s first time on the land had developed some traumatic fears. Unfortunately, Barok would not realize how bad it was until the next day.

*********

Barok took Balmung for a walk that day. Of course, he wasn’t intending on introducing the dog to Kazuma. Balmung, like any dog, enjoyed playing in the water. He was at the shallow end of the sea and on a leash, but that was all it took.

“What is that thing!? Get it out of the water!” Kazuma cried out from a distance.

Barok sighed, tying the leash to a wooden pole at the foot of the dock, before walking quickly up to Kazuma. He said, “it’s alright. It’s Balmung. Klint is having me take him for a walk. He won’t go too far. He’s on a leash.”

Kazuma hissed, “get that thing away! I don’t care what it is!”

“Might I ask what the problem is? I’ve never seen you like this.”

“Just… please,” Kazuma pleaded, his arms shaking as Barok began having a better understanding of what was going on.

“We’ll talk later. In the meantime, I’ll take Balmung somewhere else.”

“….”

Barok left as Kazuma submerged himselfinto the water. He had to finish taking Balmung on his walk before returning to talk with Kazuma. It was clearhe was upset. Barok sat at the dock, waiting for Kazuma to talk.

“Why did you take that thing out here?” Kazuma asked.

“He’s a family pet. I was unaware you were terrified of dogs,” Barok explained as Kazuma hissed in response. “You never answered me what your problem with the dog is. Balmung has done nothing to hurt you.”

“Only because he never got the chance to. If I’d known that you-”

“What is your problem with the dog?” Barok asked.

“I don’t like them! They’re dangerous monsters that eat creatures like us!” Kazuma screeched.

Barok glared slightly, then looked down at Kazuma’s tail. He asked, “is that what happened to your tail? You never said how you got that injury.”

Kazuma glared at Barok, but his lips quivered. Barok reached down to pat Kazuma’s head to comfort him, but Kazuma hissed, proceeding to bite him as a warning. The sudden reaction caused Barok to slip from where he was sitting, lose his balance, then fall sideways into the water. Barok screamed, expecting to be submerged completely in water, but hewasn’t. Instead, he was caught by a pair of strong arms. He wrapped his arms and right leg around his savior, whom he knew was Kazuma.

“K-Kaz, ngh!” Barok cried, his arms shaking as he instinctively was trying to gain footing, but couldn’t. His left hip stung in pain from kicking. “Take me back, please!”

“I’ve got you. Let me swim you back,” Kazuma said, swimming towards the shallow waters, using the waves to swim faster while making sure Barok wasn’t submerged underwater. He stopped once the water was shallow enough to go to his waist.

The two glanced at each other, guilt being shared between the two of them. Kazuma swam to Barok, who dropped to his knees while holding Kazuma tightly. Kazuma brought his forehead to Barok’s, watching tears rolling down his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I was just scared,” Kazuma confessed, wiping the tears from Barok’s face.

“I’m sorry too. I won’t take Balmung here anymore,” Barok promised, his voice sounding shaky.

“You shouldn’t have to limit your pet because of me. I’m just a coward.”

“No. It’s no less your fault for feeling this way than it would be for me if I saw you taking a pet shark out for a swim.”

“Is that what caused…” Kazuma asked, his tail brushing around Barok’s left leg. Barok nodded, squeezing his eyes shut. “Show me.”

Barok stood up, walking over to the dock before sitting on the edge of it. He rolled up his left pant leg, showing a huge stitched scar that reached from the middle of his thigh, then down to his ankle. Kazuma traced the scar, which formed a round and jagged shape. He began to float on his back, then showing his entire tail and the fullness of his injury. It was now that Barok could see the teeth marks where the missing scales and holes were. It seemed that Kazuma wasn’t just bitten, but the end of his fin had comeright off.

“It was a different one, but it was a beast like the one you had. It bit my tail before getting a chunk of my fin. I bit the creature and it ran off,” Kazuma said, submerging his tail back in the water, sitting down on the shallow land, then allowing the water to come to his shoulders. “Until you came, my injury was left uncared for.”

“When was this?” Barok asked.

“About a few days before you came,” Kazuma replied, staring at his reflection in the water. Barok joined back with him, then held him in his arms. Kazuma’s tail loosely laid across Barok’s legs.

Closing his eyes, Barok stayed with Kazuma, holding him. For a moment, only the sound of the waves was heard, licking the men up to their shoulders. It was a nice, quiet moment. Then, he heard a quiet humming, a melody that sounded likethat of an angel. He opened his eyes and noticed Kazuma’s lips moving and his tail changing to bright colors that sparkled in the sunlight. It was captivating… beautiful. It was also calming and peaceful.

“So, your kind can sing,” Barok murmured as Kazuma looked up, confused. “I’ve heard of legends of mermaids or sirens that sing to hypnotize men.”

“O-Oh, it’s… how we communicate to others to feel a certain emotion. I was trying to comfort you,” Kazuma said.

“I see. So, your songs are not made to make men fall in love before eating them alive?” Barok teased as Kazuma’s face turned red and eyes horrific.

“What!? No! I… I mean we do have songs for mating, but…” Kazuma replied as Barok chuckled. “You jerk! You were teasing me!”

“Forgive me, but I could not resist.”

“Shut it!” Kazuma hissed, pouting like a child as Barok laughed a bit harder, patting his head. He rested his head on Barok’s chest, seemingly deep in thought as he watched his tail loosely wrap around Barok, his cheeks turning cherry red before closing his eyes.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“No, i… it’s nothing,” Kazuma muttered, his face still red and eyes closed. “I just think my father was right about a lot of things. He was right about humans being dangerous, the surface not being safe and… I know nothing about love.”

“I… don’t know what you are meaning about that last part.”

“The human I was friends with was one lady and… I was in love with her, or I thought I was in love.”

“….”

“She said she loved me too. She was so beautiful and… I was a fool to think…” Kazuma sobbed, clutching onto Barok’s shirt tightly. “I don’t even know if I can trust my feelings anymore.”

Barok held Kazuma closer, whispering, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out eventually. Rest assured, as beautiful as love may be, it is not without pain and suffering. Without those things, there is no love.”

Kazuma opened his eyes, looking up at Barok, then smiled. He said, “you’re right. My love was not trusted back then, because it was not tested. My father and I would fight and the last thing I told him was that I hated him.”

“You speak so highly of him,” Barok said, voicing a surprise.

“He destroyed my collection of human stuff because I disobeyed him and told him I was in love with a human. I thought he hated me, but… I was wrong. He hated what I did and he hated what I loved, but that’s because he loved me. I just wish I knew back then.”

“I’m sure he loved you more than life. Like you, he must have also suffered at the hands of humans. He was trying to protect you. Klint also was trying to protect me by enforcing the rule of me not being allowed to swim far off into the deep end. I was angry and hated what he did. In turn, he hated how I was acting, but that was out of love. He didn’t wish to lose me or…” Barok said, his eyes turning toward his left leg. “He wanted to watch me grow stronger and be able to swim far. I only wish I had known that long ago.”

“There was nothing about the lady I fell for that I hated. That means I never really loved her. Hmm…” Kazuma realized, humming in thought. “Barok, do you still have that tub I was found in?”

“Yes. I was intending on throwing it away-”

“Don’t! If possible, I’d like to keep it in my new collection.”

“… why?” Barok asked, curious and awestruck.

“It’s as you said, without pain and suffering love cannot exist. If I am to love humans and the human world, I must remember the pain and suffering I feel about them too. I shouldn’t just collect the things that make me happy. If I do, then how can I expect to love the humans and the human world? How can I expect myself to face it?”

“… you truly are a wonder, Kazuma. Very well, I shall let you have the bathtub you were inside,” Barok replied, parting himself from Kazuma. “I’ll be right back.”

Kazuma smiled, swimming himself back into the deeper part of the sea. Barok went into the storage to retrieve the bathtub, but not before cleaning it. He didn’t want to bring Kazuma a dirty bathtub that was full of filth. One of the servants helped clean the tub, knowing the right cleaners to use that would sanitize the tub. It didn’t get rid of the caked-on stains, but that was alright. It was good enough to bring to Kazuma.

Klint entered the storage, asking Barok, “where do you intend on taking that?”

“Kazuma says he wants to keep the tub as part of his collection of human stuff,” Barok replied.

“Hm… it’s heavy, but is it possible for the tub to be lighter in weight underwater?” Klint asked aloud.

“Perhaps. Not to mention Kazuma has a massive amount of strength from living underwater at 60 feet or more. I’m sure he can carry this tub easily.”

“True. I suppose there’s only one way to find out.”

Klint helped Barok move the bathtub to the dock, then dump it into the sea. It was sideways, so the water filled the tub quicker before sinking into the sea. Below, Kazuma caught it with his two hands, then swam with it underwater. He swam to his collection he’d placed between two gray rocks that led away from the van Zieks’ estate. This collection wasn’t as impressive as his last one. So far, all he had were some empty bottles, hooks for fishing, some silverware, coins and some clothes. One of the clothes he found was a pair of slacks made for a small boy that was torn from the left leg. He had wondered if these were Barok’s.

Kazuma had found these slacks in this area. Swimming up to the surface, he climbed himself onto the shelf of one of the rocks where he found the slacks. He looked around once more, sighing as he found no trace of another one of its kind. He had waited here, collecting more human stuff as a way to lure any mysterious merman or mermaid that saved Barok allthose years ago. So far, there was no trace of anyone, no scales or hair. However, he did find some old shark teeth, proving that Barok likely was placed here from being bitten by a shark. There was seaweed not too far from here, which his leg had likely been wrapped in.

It waslikely that any trace of scales from his kind, if they were here, had beenwashed away by the waves that splashed against the rocks. The tides often rose during the night, especially when the moon is full. It made Kazuma wonder if the scales were likely pushed back deeper into this shelf somewhere. He wanted to find out and had tried several times. Once again, he lifted himself onto the land, being careful with his injured tail, then used his arms to pull himself deeper into the shelf. But, when his injured tail brushed against the rocks, it brought him pain.

“Neh!” Kazuma cringed, pushing back as he sat against the wall, looking over at his tail, which began to bleed again. He whined with frustration as he reached out for some seaweed, wrapping it around his tail. He hated this. He hated that he was useless and couldn’t help his friend. He hated that he could never go back home like this. “Father….” He hugged his tail as he began singing cries of sorrow.

Welcome Home

Kazuma finally decides to return home to Japan, taking his lover Barok with him. Barok experiences the culture shock of coming to Japan, but also finds beauty in this country that matches the beauty he finds in his lover.

The steamship continued its trip toward its destination to Japan. Only about a month ago, Kazuma said his heartfelt goodbyes to his friends and everyone in London. Herlock and Iris promised to visit them, while Gina gave him the usual, ‘be sure to tell 'Oddo I said hi.’ She certainly had a bite to her but shewas a well-respected Detective that always searched every crime scene through rain or snow. Her dog Toby was certainly helpful in sniffing out clues as well.

Kazuma knew without a doubt he was going to miss them. Though, not as much as Barok would miss them. He could imagine how hard it was for his mentor to decide to finally leave London and everything referring to the Reaper behind. What surprised Kazuma, however, was Barok’s decision to move in with him into the Asogi family home. His disdain for the Japanese had cooled down since his trial about two years ago, but the pain that came with the Professor, Genshin Asogi and everythingleading up to himbecoming the Reaper still lingered. It hadnever truly healed, thus why he haddecided to finally move away from London.

Barok was found sitting in his cabin room and reading a book that was Japanese literature. Even despite all of his hatred, he’d never forgotten the Japanese language. There was a time in his life when he loved the Japanese and their culture. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about it: its culture, lore, language and literature. It was only after Genshin was labeled as the Professor that he began avoiding everything he had learned. It wasn’t to say they were forgotten. Perhaps his old admiration for the Japanese never truly left him either. After all, the man he fell helplessly in love with was a Japanese man that was Genshin’s one and only son.

“My lord, the weather is fine and the ocean is magnificent today,” Kazuma said.

“Is that so?” Barok asked, still reading the book in his hands.

“Very much so. A good day for a good view.”

“… do you wish for me to accompany you?”

“Yes.”

Barok closed the book, replying, “very well.”

Barok and Kazuma walked up to the ship deck, both dressed in their kimonos. Kazuma’s kimono was a crimson red with a black jacket, a white juban and a gray belt. Barok’s kimono was a pale blue with a navy-blue jacket, a white juban and a bronze belt. He kept his brother’s badge pinned to his outfit in the middle. Kazuma smiled contently andheld his mentor’s hand, smelling the scent of the ocean air. It was nice.

“I love you,” Kazuma heard his mentor whisper in his ear. They were such simple words, but the way they were said was so soft and lovely like the pedal of a Sakura. For a man that could never understand the art of flirtation, his words could make Kazuma feel like jelly. Thankfully, Barok held him close to his chest. Kazuma clutched Barok’s jacket tightly, his lips puckered into something like the shape of a heart. Barok caressed Kazuma’s face, his lips only an inch from his. “Kazuma.”

“A-Are you trying to kill me?” Kazuma choked, his lips trembling. “You keep talking like that and I won’t be able to breathe.”

“Kazuma~” Barok whispered into his lips, his breath blowinginto Kazuma’s open mouth. Kazuma swallowed inhis throat, trying to remind himself how to breathe. Before he knew it, those lips captured Kazuma’s. “Kazuma~”

“Mmmmmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned helplessly into the kiss before they parted, panting.

“Forgive me for such public indecency, but I could not resist such beauty,” Barok muttered, pink dusting his cheeks. Kazuma could feel some redness upon his face as well.

“You’re not being very fair, you know.”

“I’m aware. Nonetheless, I speak the truth.”

“… you’re like the gentle waves on a beach,” Kazuma said calmly.

“Must your ways of expressing your love be poetic?”

“Do you not like it, my lord?”

“I do, but it astounds me that you prefer that over saying three words.”

“Hm…. just saying those three words isn’t enough for me. Call it a preference.”

“Hm.”

Barok’s arms snaked around Kazuma’s waist. Kazuma rested his head against his mentor’s chest, his eyes fluttered closed. He muttered quietly, “you feel nice with a kimono.”

“It’s only right that I dress the same as the people kind enough to welcome me into their country.”

“That’s got me curious. What made you decide to stay there? Even if your disdain has cooled, does this country not bring you bad memories?”

“Perhaps, but my disdain was never logical to begin with. I had only met a few Nipponese. Perhaps, if I surround myself with them and live among them, my opinion of them will finally be put to rest. Falling in love with you has already proven that each Nipponese is different. I once considered them asbeing always kind and polite with control over their emotions.”

“And, now you… don’t?”

“You have a horrid temper and are not one for etiquette.”

“Yet, you love me?”

“I love your lack of etiquette. I have too much of it back at home and… it’s nice to have someone I can be frank to, knowing he will not take offense to my equally hot head or brutal honesty.”

“It’s an honor,” Kazuma grinned, turning his head to kiss Barok’s lips.

Barok couldn’t predict how long it felt until he and Kazuma finally reached Japan. He spent most of his time reading or entertaining Kazuma, who was constantly trying to pull him out of the cabin. However, once the ship reached its destination, he and Kazuma made their way off the ship to a welcome party created by Ryunosuke and Susato. In all honesty, Barok should have expected this, considering how close Kazuma was to them. All of them showed their joyful and heartfelt smiles in seeing their dear friend again.

“Welcome back, Kazuma-sama,” Susato greeted.

“It’s good to be back. I had almost forgotten what home smelled like,” Kazuma greeted back.

“Oh, that’s not good! I hope you didn’t lose your sense of smell too!” Ryunosuke teased, pretending to be horrified as Kazuma laughed.

“Ah, and welcome to the Empire of Japan, Lord van Zieks,” Susato greeted, taking a formal bow.

“I must say, I never thought I’d see the day you’d step onto our humble land. Such a unique change,” Dr. Mikotoba said with a smile.

“Your welcome is truly an honor. I never thought I’d find myself here, yet here I am,” Barok sighed, his eyes glancing over towards Kazuma. “Didn’t you say you needed help in the Asogi household?”

“Oh yes! Thankfully, it should be left as I last saw it,” Kazuma agreed, rubbing his chin.

“Do you need any help?” Ryunosuke offered.

“It’s only a few things. Besides, I wouldn’t want to wear your strength before any court cases tomorrow.”

“Hm… I suppose that’s true,” Ryunosuke replied, rubbing his chin. Then, he smirked. “Are you preparing to get your Prosecutor armband? You pretty much passed all the credentials.”

“Yes. The Bar Association informed me that I will need to pick up my armband at the moment of my arrival. It should be ready for me first thing in the morning.”

“Surprisingly, it took a much shorter time for Kazuma to obtain his right to prosecute in his own country. A whole year was enough to call him a professional,” Barok stated, facepalming.

“Well, he was formally a Defense Attorney for a few years before arriving at London and the qualifications to become both are very much the same, aside from the experiences required,” Dr. Mikotoba pointed out.

“I suppose you have a point, Professor,” Barok reluctantly agreed. Indeed, the qualifications for being a Defense Lawyer and Prosecuting Lawyer were the same, aside from the experience that came with it. Even the number of years of experience was the same. It likely explained how Kazuma managed to easily obtain the position of a Prosecutor, despite having no memory of his life. At the time, Barok hadassumed he must’ve been a Prosecutor or studied to be one in his past.

“Anyways, I left your carriage for you to travel home in,” Susato said.

“Thank you, Judicial Assistant Susato,” Kazuma thanked Susato, taking a bow.

“So, they do have carriages here,” Barok stated.

“Obviously. We may lack in advancement, but we have that much. However, considering where we’re going is away from the city… I hope you enjoy the ride,” Kazuma stated, showing a smug smirk with his arms behind his back.

Barok sighed and facepalmed, before muttering, “figures.”

“What’s wrong with driving carriages?” Ryunosuke asked.

“Nothing much, if he ever rode an open carriage that consisted of you driving yourself,” Kazuma grinned smugly before laughing.

“Such disrespect from you Ni- mngh,” Barok said before holding his tongue, glancing at his surroundings. Everyone was Japanese.

“What was that? Sorry, I couldn’t understandyou with your foreign tongue,” Kazuma mocked playfully. “Perhaps you should speak more Nipponese, don’t you think?”

“Ngh,” Barok groaned. Now, that he was in Japan, he could no longer mindlessly spout insults toward the people he was surrounded by left and right.

Barok and Kazuma made their way with their luggage to the carriage, Ryunosuke, Susato and Dr. Mikotoba insisting on helping at least pack the carriage. Now, having a better view of the land, Barok realized just how many Japanese citizens there were that spoke the Japanese language. It felt so foreign to him. He understood some and others, but there were many he didn’t understand at all. That wasn’t even the worst of it. The worst of it came from the people themselves and… their constant staring.

Barok began noticing this the moment he made his way to the carriage. Everywhere he looked, people: men, women, elders, youth, boys, girls and even children all turned their eyes upon him. It was often for the briefest of moments and mostly out of curiosity, but… it was as if they had seen a celebrity or an alien. Suddenly, Barok felt self-conscious. Did he truly look strange to them? Briefly looking at Ryunosuke and Kazuma, he began thinking, 'is this what they must deal with at my home?’ The more he thought about it, it wasn’t common to ever see a Japanese person in Great Britain. It was a rarity. To meet a Japanese foreigner, for anyone, would make any British citizen curious to see. Now, in this country where they came from, he was the foreigner.

“Well, looks like that is the last of them. Will you be alright on your way back? I know it’ll be a long ways away,” Dr. Mikotoba asked as Kazuma and Barok climbed up to the front of the carriage.

“I’ll be fine, Professor. My lord will be riding with me and, as you know, I did live in Hong Kong for half a year without memory, taking cargo to steamships,” Kazuma replied cockily.

“I know. That’s why I’m worried,” Dr. Mikotoba said sternly, showing worry in his eyes. “Please understand, I… we thought we lost you on that fateful trip.”

“… I-”

“Rest assured I will be looking after him as I have always done,” Barok assured.

“Kazuma will be fine, Mikotoba-sensei,” Ryunosuke added, showing a confident smile.

“Well then, that makes me feel a little better. Stay safe!” Dr. Mikotoba said, waving as Kazuma signaled the horses to trail off down the dirt road.

As the carriage made its way out of the city, Barok began to take notice of the landscape. England certainly had their greeneries, but nothing like this. He began seeing mountains and pink trees. The architecture of the houses was also unique. Everything from the doors, to the shades of the windows, to even the lamps was different. There was a certain beauty that could never be found in London. More importantly, it all felt… clean. It smelled clean too. There was no smell of sewage and the waters of the ocean were clear blue. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Barok began remembering how Genshin would talk about his home and its beauty. In his youth, Barok was fascinated and engaged by the description of Japan. He remembered wanting to go there and see the cherry blossoms. That must be what those pink trees were. Genshin said that the cherry blossoms were where lovers and married couples gathered. A thought came into his head of him and Kazuma spending a moment under those cherry blossoms with those pink petals falling gracefully onto his head. He’d love to see that.

There was a pool that seemed to have fencing around it with steam seeping from thearea. Barok asked, “is that…?”

“A hot spring. Ryunosuke and I have gone there often,” Kazuma stated offhandedly as Barok’s eyes bulged out, glaring at him.

“You and that… went there!?” He seethed, pointing to the hot spring.

“Yes, we… oh, that’s right, you Londoners don’t practice Onsen,” Kazuma cackled.

“Don’t laugh when you- ugh! You Nipponese are abhorrent! Have you no shame!?” Barok asked, his face glowing red.

“Says the man who didn’t mind sharing a bed with Albert.”

“That was different! We had our clothes on and were under two separate sheets and blankets!”

“And, I never saw anything from Ryunosuke than from his head to his waist. The hot springs never show anything under the water, because there’s so much steam everywhere. Honestly, the man isn’t even into men. You know that!”

“You were still close enough to- ngh!” Barok groaned, his cheeks reddening.

“You’re honestly jealous I took a bath with my best friend? I’m pretty sure you’ve seen and touched more of me than he ever would,” Kazuma smirked, rolling his eyes.

“This conversation is over!” Barok barked, his face looking away and skulking.

Perhaps it was childish to be angry over something that was no more than Kazuma spending time with his best friend and it wasn’t his fault that Barok was raised in a culture that was more private about exposing one’s nudity to another. Kazuma was raised in a culture where men naturally opened themselves to each other’sbodies without any thought of it. Even if he was attracted to men, that didn’t mean he lusted over his best friend while they were nude in the hot springs. Besides that, Kazuma did state that they had some form of privacy.

Regardless, it was still something Barok wanted with Kazuma. They had bathed together in Barok’s bathtub making love and, seeing that those hot springs were wider and more spacious, Barok wanted to have that there. He wanted to hold his lover in his arms and feel his skin that softened in those warm, steamy waters. He didn’t want to think that he shared that with anyone else.

“If you’d like, we can go to the hot springs later on today,” Kazuma said as Barok turned his head, his face showing bits of anger. Kazuma’s eyes were on the road. “My Onsen with Ryunosuke isn’t anything like what we have. We’ve only bathed ourselves and never touched anywhere.”

“I know! I… I know,” Barok said, taking a deep breath. “Please forgive me for my temper. I should be as understanding about the difference in how one treats their friends as you are with myself and Albert.”

“… actually, I was pretty upset when I realized you allowed Albert to share your bed a few times. I just… didn’t want to burden you with something childish,” Kazuma confessed, his cheeks reddened.

“… you should’ve told me. I didn’t…”

“You shouldn’t have to keep yourself from your friends for my sake. That would be selfish of me.”

“Even so, you should have at least told me. I shouldn’t have to burden you with grief.”

Kazuma smiled, leaning his head on Barok’s shoulder. His body felt so warm against Barok’s arm. Barok planted a small kiss on top of Kazuma’s head, smiling with his lips still lingering on that soft hair. Kazuma felt his heart flutter, keeping his attention on the road as the carriage trailed down it. It was going to be a ways away from the city that they had just left. It felt nostalgic remembering the Asogi home where his father hadtrained him back in the day. That was when his childhood friend, Raion Karuma, lived nearby where his family had owned a rice farm. These days, Raion was living on his own in Germany.

At last, Kazuma could see his family home in the distance. Barok saw the home Kazuma grew up in. Indeed, the architecture was different from the other homes he’d seen in Great Britain. The surrounding area was filled with luscious greenery. Surprisingly, it was well kept, though Barok assumed that perhaps a friend of the family had kept watch over the property until Kazuma’s return. Perhaps, Dr. Mikotoba had kept watch over it?

“I can see you’re curious,” Kazuma smirked. “A variety of family friends kept watch over the property while I was gone.”

“I’m to assume one of them was the Professor?” Barok asked.

“Yes. Ryunosuke and Judicial Assistant Susato also kept watch over it during their time here.”

“I see. It’s certainly beautiful.”

Kazuma parked the carriage inside the barn where the horses were kept. Afterward, he stepped off the front of the carriage, unhooked the straps to the horses, then guided them to their home – a fenced area with their feed, water and storage nearby – before feeding them. He and Barok left the horses’ home, closing the double-gated doors of the fence behind them before reaching the Asogi household. On their way, Barok noticed what looked to be a monument with Kazuma’s full name in kanji on the stone that was shown upon the cliff under a cherry blossom tree. Kazuma also took notice of this, snorting at the sight with a smirk upon his lips.

“Guess they never bothered taking that down after figuring out I was alive,” Kazuma grinned.

“Wasn’t that just a year or so ago?” Barok asked.

“Yes, though I doubt Ryunosuke has that kind of money to take it down. Not to mention, knowing him, I’m sure he wanted to use it for alternative purposes.”

“Hmph. The Nipponese are truly strange,” Barok muttered before entering the household behind Kazuma.

Barok was astounded by the difference in architecture inside the household, especially when first stepping inside. There was stone flooring where he was standing with a wooden step that led to the living room. He watched as Kazuma took off his boots, placing them on the top shelf that was located to the left of the entrance. He paused for a moment, eyes widened as if remembering something, then looked at Barok.

“I almost forgot. In Japan, it’s required to remove your footwear to not leave marks or scratches on the flooring. Unfortunately, our floors are much more fragile than the ones in Great Britain.”

“Of course,” Barok nodded, also removing his boots and placing them on the shelf beside Kazuma’s. Beside the shelf were slippers of different sizes. Barok placed those on his feet before walking on the wooden flooring into the living room area. Walking deeper, he noticed there was no fireplace, but a fire pit with a kettle and miniature stove that was surrounded by strange mats made out of straw of some kind. There was also a large table that was lowered close to the ground with individual cushions surrounding it. Barok could only stare with glaring eyes. “Don’t tell me…”

“Culture shock?” Kazuma teased.

“Don’t mock me! Are you also going to tell me that I may have to sleep on the floor as well?”

“No. It’s on a Futon, which is a rolled up-”

“I KNOW WHAT A FUTON IS!” Barok cried as Kazuma burst out laughing.

“Welcome to the Empire of Japan. There is a small couch, if you wish to sit down onsomething more familiar to you,” Kazuma grinned, pointing to the couch that was across from the fire pit.

“Lovely. I may even consider sleeping on it.”

“The couch can turn into a futon for you to sleep on, if you prefer a raised bed,” Kazuma mentioned, walking over to the hallway that reached three different rooms. “The one on the right is my room. You can choose the room up ahead or on the right. Both include a futon and a closet to place your clothes in. If you wish to use the toilet, that is located in the small room to the right of the barn but, fair warning, it’s… not the kind of toilet you’re used to and it stinks to high heaven.”

“It’s the one where I squat, isn’t it? Do I expect that it includes buckets underneath, which collect my waste before becoming fertilizer for your crops?” Barok asked, knowing the answer he would get, before Kazuma showed a grin, shrugging. “You Nipponese.”

“Seems like you’re already familiar with the place. I won’t need to say anything more. Tea?”

“Please.”

Kazuma began starting the fire in the fire pit. It still astounded Barok just how vastly different the architecture and the Japanese’s way of life were. Even the toilets were different. He made his way to the couch so that he could sit down. He used this time to take in all these new things. There was a huge difference, yet most of it was rather beautiful. London was foggy, ugly and polluted, yet this country was clean, colorful and beautiful. He had never seen mountains such as the ones he saw on his way over to the Asogi household.

Barok eventually decided to walk back outside, sitting on Kazuma’s old monument and looking out into the mountains and the ocean waves. Truly a marvel he had never seen anywhere in Great Britain, which had many marvelous sights. The ocean was clear blue, so much so that he could see the pebbles and rocks on the shallow bottom of the cliff. The cherry blossoms slowly fell from the tree he was sitting under. This was truly a marvel. This country had its strange customs and architecture, but it truly was beautiful.

All of this reminded Barok of Kazuma. Kazuma was brilliant and strong. He had strange customs and mannerisms, but his beauty truly showed in the way he smiled, found joy in his passions or spent time with loved ones. The way his hair laid so naturally with its silky softness in each strand, his eyes knowing when to be gentle orrough and his loyalty to Barok regardless of his faults. No other man was willing to show pure anger, yet stay by his side no matter the cost. Barok had always known, the moment he realized he was falling for the amnesic apprentice, that his country’s origins no longer mattered. He remembered thinking that, if this apprentice turned out to be the son of the man that killed his brother, he would continue to guard him with his life. His love for Kazuma could never be moved by whose blood flowed in his veins because of how blinded Barok was by his beauty. He was the hunter sent to kill the fairest of them all and could not raise his blade, because his target was far too beautiful.

The sound of tea pouring could be heard as Barok turned his head to find Kazuma in a Yukata that was white with sleeves filled with red stitched flowers. He was pouring hot tea inside a steaming kettle, then giving the cup to Barok with two hands, the kettle being set on a large stone nearby. Barok took the cup of tea in his hands, allowing the fragrance to fill his nostrils, and smiled.

“Thank you,” Barok said, sipping the tea.

“Of course, my lord,” Kazuma replied, taking a bow.

“Kazuma, I wish to hold you in my arms.”

“Of course,” Kazuma nodded, sitting on Barok’s lap and allowing him to take him into his strong arms. Kazuma’s head laid upon Barok’s shoulder with a small, dreamy smile.

“Welcome home,” Barok whispered.

“It’s good to be home,” Kazuma whispered back as he felt callused lips brush against his. How did Genshin manage to bring forth this beautiful angel into this world? Barok would never get an answer, but he was thankful Kazuma existed. This is where he truly belonged, now and forevermore.

Barok is expecting his family to pay him a visit by tomorrow. This leaves Kazuma stressed, expecting that he will not be liked or excepted for being the son of the one that killed Klint van Zieks. Thankfully, Barok, Herlock and Iris are more than happy to lift Kazuma’s spirits, including a surprise guest that crashes the reunion that day.

It had been almost a year since Ryunosuke left to return to Japan. Kazuma, of course, chose to remain in London to continue what was supposed to be his World Tour. This time, however, he would do so as a Prosecutor. Another thing that had changed was living arrangements. Originally, Dr. Mikotoba had assigned him to stay over at Herlock Sholmes’ place, like what happened with Ryunosuke, but he decided to remain in Barok’s estate. He had his own separate living space and was allowed the freedom to do whatever he wished.

Barok’s estate included some housing, originally for servants, but he had dismissed a majority of them since his brother’s passing. He offered one of them to Kazuma, while he suffered from amnesia. As payment for room and board, he was required to work for him as his apprentice. He had his very own kitchen, living room, furniture, training room, office, bedroom, storage room and anything he bought. It was nice and Kazuma preferred to have his own place over being cramped in an attic. Not to say he was an introvert, but he would always prefer having freedom.

Kazuma decided to use his kitchen to make himself some Beef Hot Pot. Of course, London didn’t have the same ingredients as his homeland, but he made do with what was available. At least the stove was easier to use. As he sauteed the beef and veggies, he heard a knock.

“Come in!” Kazuma called as the door opened, revealing Barok.

“I thought I’d inform you that I will be expecting family to be paying a visit in the next few days for a week,” Barok announced.

“Really? That’s good. I’m sure they will be happy to see you again.”

“Yes… forgive my curiosity, but what is that you’re making?”

“Beef Hot Pot. It was my favorite dish at Yumei University. Unfortunately, this country doesn’t provide the same ingredients here, but it seems the substitutes they have are manageable. Thankfully, they have stock. It always beats the broth.”

“Hm… admittedly, it smells delightful. You Nipponese never cease to amaze me,” Barok replied, showing a slight smile as Kazuma showed a smug response.

“I’m hurt. I thought you considered me the exception to my countrymen,” Kazuma teased, his hands on his hips.

“You are, but you are taking ingredients from my countrymen. I wasn’t aware Nipponese cooking was delightful.”

“Well, it isn’t like the food here is something to be desired,” Kazuma insulted playfully.

“What is that supposed to mean!? We have delightful food here!”

“Chicken.”

“Doesn’t count! Only YOU hate chicken!”

“Black pudding, Steak and Kidney Pie, Liver and Onion, Jellied Eels…” Kazuma continued smugly with his arms crossed.

“Now, you’re just choosing our undesirables those bastard frogs mock us for!” Barok glared, looking very annoyed.

“Oh, and my personal favorite,” Kazuma said, his index finger pointed in the air. “Faggots.”

Barok sighed, facepalming because that was his favorite dish that was considered undesirable. Kazuma burst into laughter, enjoying his teasing. Barok almost missed the days when Kazuma was mute, if not for the fact that he had other ways of teasing the man without speaking. Doing small things such as hiding his first chalice for weeks before finding it gone, only to find his faithful student drinking wine out of it. Suffering from Barok throwing his metal chalice was worth every minute.

Kazuma was insufferable with or without his voice. Barok could not understand what it was about this man that would make him so difficult. However, he couldn’t prevent himself from finding some charm to it. That charm grew to attraction, then…

Kazuma found a pair of lips pressed against his own. He couldn’t hold back a moan as he returned the kiss, smiling and laughing while doing so. Barok intended on deepening the kiss when his lover turned and left.

“Need to make sure my food doesn’t burn,” Kazuma said, making his way to the sauteed meat and vegetables. He took the food off the stove to pour it all inside the pot. Meanwhile, Barok was becoming more annoyed.

“Even while we… ugh. You’re deplorable!”

“I’m hungry,” Kazuma said, stirring in the stock and spices.

“So, food is more important than me?”

“Yes. I thought that was obvious,” Kazuma replied offhandedly.

“You-” Barok seethed before Kazuma plopped a spoonful of the hotpot in his mouth. His glare deepened before slowly, but surely, his eyebrows began to relax.

“Well?”

“…. it’s delightful,” Barok replied, his voice now softened with a dust of red on his cheeks.

“It is!” Kazuma bragged, then furrowed his eyebrows slightly. “So, what’s your family like? I’ve only ever heard of your brother and er…”

“Iris, yes. That’s actually why they’re coming, especially now that Mr. Sholmes has finally told her,” Barok explained, his eyes gazing to the side. “My family consists of my mother, uncle, younger sister and my sister’s husband.”

“Sounds like a bunch.”

“It is… I never told them about you… yet.”

“… why?”

“Kazu- they had believed your father murdered a beloved family member of theirs and many more. Now, they know that our family member was the Professor and… your father still…”

“I… no, you’re right. Forgive me. I wasn’t thinking about…”

“I know. You have a tendency to jump ahead without preparation. It’s a marvel that you still have your hands and feet intact.”

“… I didn’t tell mine about you either.”

“Hm?”

“I have family in my homeland, but… I couldn’t bring myself to tell them the truth, even now. I figured I’d tell them when I got home.”

“Do they know you’re intending to become a Prosecutor?”

“Not… really? Only that I’m alive and continuing my World Tour under you. As far as they know, father died from an illness.”

“… Ignorance is certainly a bliss.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Kazuma muttered.

Kazuma barely noticed Barok approaching him, holding him in his arms. Their relationship was already complicated as it was, but it seemed there would be further complications with Kazuma being the son of the man that killed their loved one. He still remembered the letter that disgraced the Asogi name. Did they also disgrace the Asogi name? Would they hate him? A thought occurred to Kazuma.

“Certainly… if I’m your student, then would that make me an exception?”

“I can’t be certain. I have told them I have a student, but I never mentioned your name or… country of origin.”

“I… see.”

“Forgive the discourtesy of not informing my family before they meet you.”

“We both have our regrets, my lord,” Kazuma muttered quietly as he closed his eyes. Barok gazed directly in the direction of the Beef Hot Pot.

“Your food will get cold.”

“A little while longer.”

“…”

Barok knew his relationship with his student would most certainly make things complicated for his family. It wasn’t just the fact that he was currently in a romantic courtship with Kazuma, but that there was any relationship at all. It was the fact that Kazuma, the son of the man that killed Klint van Zieks, was the proud student of Barok van Zieks. It was the fact that Kazuma was taken in under Barok van Zieks’ wing and offered a home in his estate that was once owned by Klint van Zieks. It was the fact that, much like Barok, his own family wasn’t fond of the Japanese people. Though, Barok at least had tried to improve and had taken a liking to a few of them. Of course, Kazuma wasn’t like the other Japanese. He was much more hotheaded.

——

Iris and Herlock had offered to help prepare for the van Zieks’ visitation. Both seemed optimistically excited about their visitation. Barok wasn’t sure how to explain to the young girl that his family may not like Kazuma that well, though Herlock seemed sure she could handle it well. Barok figured that Herlock could take care of Iris if any drama was to ensue. Kazuma seemed optimistic himself, though as the days came closer, it was becoming increasingly clear that the nerves and stress were getting to him.

Barok knew how to tell when Kazuma was nervous or stressed. It always depended on the food he made. After the announcement, he baked biscuits, lots of them that were strawberry or chocolate. The morning after, he made beans and gravy, something that was common in an English breakfast, but never by themselves. Of course, Kazuma didn’t care and claimed to just simply be in the mood for beans and gravy. Now, at midday, Barok decided to talk to Kazuma about his stress cooking.

“You realize Plum Pudding is a Christmas food, correct?” Barok said as Kazuma mixed the ingredients.

“I’m hungry.”

“And stressed.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re stress baking.”

Kazuma muttered something, then put down the bowl a little harder than expected. Barok sighed, placing his hand on Kazuma’s head. He held his lover, gently massaging his scalp as Kazuma let out a soft moan. A smile appeared upon Barok’s lips. His fingers did wonders with his massaging, moving them slowly to Kazuma’s forehead as that furrow between the young man’s brows began to slowly unfurrow. Then, fingers began to slowly move to the neck, making Kazuma moan even louder, then sweeter like honey once those fingers began traveling down his spine.

“It’s never enough,” Kazuma muttered sadly, allowing himself to be held in Barok’s arms.

“What do you mean?” Barok asked.

“It’s not going to matter if I make a good impression or not. So long as my father is the bane of their hatred like he was with you, nothing I do will ever be enough. They’ll only want more.”

“….”

“I was naive when I agreed to that assassination on Gregson. I thought that there’d certainly be something that would make me acceptable. Even so, Jigoku still threw me to the wolves. If being accepted by you won’t convince your family, nothing I do will ever be good enough.”

“We don’t know that,” Barok stated with a helpless voice.

“That tone doesn’t sound good.”

“Kazuma.”

“I don’t want to be told that I will never be good enough. I’m tired of it. It isn’t fair that I’m expected to be perfect in every way, then told to my face that it isn’t enough.”

“…. Kazuma.”

“What?” Kazuma asked, shooting a glare at Barok before feeling a small kiss placed upon his head. This kiss, from Barok, was enough to make Kazuma feel light.

“You’ve already proven yourself, while you had no memories. You are more than enough. If they cannot see it, then that is their own problem. They cannot tell me who to love or take in as my student.”

“Hmmmmmm,” Kazuma moaned, almost purr-like. His thin lips gaped slightly, tempting Barok to close them with his own pair of lips. They were so beautiful, how they shaped into a perfect O. He enclosed those lips with his own, tasting them with their lingering taste as a moan lingered long and beautifully.

“So wanting,” Barok said softly against those lips.

“Stop teasin-” Kazuma whined in a hoarse tone before his lips were taken by Barok’s mouth, teeth scraping gently against his lips, that tongue providing a gentle brush and his voice shuttering in a moan from that very kiss. How did he become unresistant and captivated by that mouth, those lips, those teeth? 

“Only if you open yourself up to me and tell me you love me,” Barok smirked slightly, kissing Kazuma’s tasty lips again, who moaned loudly and softly. Their tongues now melded together, Kazuma finally trying to talk through their kiss.

“I love yo- mmmmmmmmmmmph so- ahhhhhhhh! Ohhhhhhhh! Stho…. muuuuuuuuuch,” Kazuma moaned lovingly in the kiss.

“I love you too,” Barok replied softly in a coo voice, caressing Kazuma’s face. “Better?”

“Very much. Forgive me for causing you to worry, my Lord.”

Barok shook his head, replying, “you are Nipponese and I have no doubt that has caused strife upon you, both from myself and the people of this country. The one who should be asking for forgiveness is me.”

“It is not my fault that you had believed my father had betrayed your trust.”

“That shouldn’t extend to any one of his family, not even you and especially not your people. It is no more fair if my brother’s actions caused Iris the same suffering. That is something my family should understand if nothing else. It isn’t fair that we only now realized that Klint had a child that he purposely kept away, so she would not have to face the punishment from the public that would know her as the daughter of a serial killer. It’s even less fair for you, whose father had done nothing, yet still suffered from the same repercussions.”

Kazuma sighed softly, allowing Barok to kiss him once more before they both heard a knocking. The door unlocked, and Barok already knew who it was. Sighing, he released Kazuma, then made his way to the living area.

“Ah, my lord, how are you and Dear Asogi fairing?” Herlock asked with his usual grin, Iris appearing behind him, performing a curtsy bow.

“Good day to you, Mr. Re- oh, I guess it's Uncle Reaper. Oh, but it doesn’t have the same ring to it,” Iris said almost sadly.

“You seem almost nonchalant for someone that has just been told of our relation,” Barok stated bluntly.

“Oh, I actually knew for over a year now. I overheard everything after your trial with Runo!” Iris explained as Barok found himself taken aback.

“Originally, my Dear Mikotoba thought we could tell her when she was about 13, but… she confessed her knowledge of it just a little over a month ago,” Herlock explained, bursting out laughing. “She’s a smart one, just like her old man.”

“That’s right, Daddy!” Iris replied gleefully. She had since picked up the habit of calling Herlock Daddy since Barok’s trial. The more he thought about it, it made sense when taking into consideration that she had known about her biological family the entire time.

“Ah, good morning, Mr. Sholmes,” Kazuma greeted. “I have some plum pudding cooking in the oven at the moment, if you all are interested.”

“Plum pudding? How odd. Isn’t that often served during Christmas? Not that I’d complain,” Herlock grinned.

“I’m sure you already knew,” Barok stated.

“That, you are correct, my good fellow!” Herlock grinned.

“Stress baking. Seems to be the common norm. Of course, Daddy tends to invent and experiment when he’s stressed or anxious about something. I’m more of the stress baker,” Iris shrugged.

“I could already smell the cooking from all the way in Baker Street, thus why we came along. That and Dear Mikotoba was worried about Dear Asogi when he heard the van Zieks’ were coming over,” Herlock explained before showing his more serious expression.

“Dr. Mikotoba was worried about me?” Kazuma asked, slightly frowning.

“He knows you well, my Dear Asogi. Even Mr. Naruhodo asked me to tell your mentor to make sure you were alright if we didn’t find you here.”

“Heh, Ryunosuke, that devil.”

“I can tell you straightforwardly that partners will always look after each other no matter how far they may be,” Herlock stated, a pipe to his mouth.

“Indeed.”

“As grateful as I am that you cared enough for Kazuma to enter my abode, I hope you realize that my family isn’t expected to appear until tomorrow,” Barok stated.

“Indeed. Not to say we can’t help prepare or fancy ourselves to Dear Asogi’s plum pudding,” Herlock said.

“I can help make my special blend of tea!” Iris grinned excitedly.

“I suppose I could use the help. Unfortunately, I don’t have as many servants since the days when my brother was here,” Barok sighed.

“All the more reason for us to help. I’m sure Dear Asogi wouldn’t mind the help with the cooking, so long as neither of you get too distracted,” Herlock teased with a slight grin.

“You…!” Barok glared, his cheeks flaring.

“We’d be delighted for the help,” Kazuma grinned, turning to Iris. “Perhaps you can help me finish the pudding, so Mr. Reaper can avoid any distractions.”

“You too and in front of a child!?”

“That would be wonderful!” Iris replied excitedly as she and Kazuma headed to the kitchen, Barok begrudgingly following with his face already as red as a cherry.

Kazuma was still a bit anxious, but having Iris and Herlock helping prepare the mansion for the van Zieks’ visitation released a chunk of it, including Barok comforting him periodically. By the time the next day came around, Kazuma made sure to dress in his Prosecutor’s outfit. He believed his introduction should be by his lord’s side to show where his loyalties lay. He never left Barok’s side, even after there was a first knock on the door. One of the maids welcomed the first van Zieks, who was a young woman with her husband.

“Barok, my darling brother! It is delightful to see you again!” the woman greeted with a short hug. She wore an elegant, turquoise dress with some navy blue waving at the bottom of her skirt and hugging around her sleeves. There was also white lace located around the collar and edge of the sleeves. Her hair was dark and short with some curls, which could be seen under her navy-blue hat with a white feather.

“Mr. Binkston, Abigail, it is a delight to see you again,” Barok greeted, Kazuma following his lead. Kazuma could see Abigail’s husband was slightly shorter than him with black frocks, top hat and dress pants, a navy blue waistcoat hidden underneath the frocks, a white ascot and brown boots. He wore short hair and sideburns that seemed to be a light coconut brown.

“Good day to the both of you,” Kazuma greeted, his nerves getting to him.

“Oh, hello there. What’s your name?” Mr. Binkston asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Kazuma Asogi. I’m my lord’s apprentice.”

“Oh, he’s your student?” Abigail asked, her expression shock-filled.

“He’s brilliant in his work and a delight to have in the Prosecutor’s Office. He’s currently residing in one of the empty houses at the estate, since there are not many desirable lodgings available, among other things,” Barok stated.

“Hm… I see. Quite the surprise. I didn’t think you’d ever take anyone. He must be quite brilliant for you to take him in,” Abigail replied, showing a delightful smile.

“Thank you. It’s quite an honor,” Kazuma replied with a polite smile of his own.

Of course, Kazuma could see that Abigail was more surprised that her older brother took in a student that was Japanese and related to the man that killed their brother. While making her way, her mouth turned from a smile to a somewhat nervous expression. Kazuma took in some deep breaths, reminding himself that the young lady had reason to be nervous and likely distrusted him. Even Susato was skeptical of Barok at first. If she had known the Prosecutor prosecuted his father, she likely would have been much more skeptical and nervous. Even so, Susato trusted Kazuma wholeheartedly. It was likely Abigail shared that same trust.

The two were quickly lit up when they met Iris, who offered them a special blend of tea and some biscuits. She had the entire table set up with small snacks and desserts they all loved. Kazuma decided not to mention having made half of the food. Thankfully, they were all English foods. It wasn’t like they’d know if it was from him, Iris or the servants. Kazuma chose to continue standing by his lord’s side, feeling much safer and more comfortable there.

More of the van Zieks family came. The first was Barok’s Mother and Uncle. They seemed delighted to see Barok. Barok’s Mother seemed to share his hair color, which was short and curly with some ribbons and a small hat that was a dark red. Her dress was also the same color red at the bottom of her skirt over layers of black and a dark brown at the top half of the dress with long sleeves that wrapped around her arms. Her eyes were a striking icy blue that almost matched Barok’s Uncle’s eyes.

“You seem to be doing quite well for yourself,” Barok’s Mother stated happily. “I can see that you don’t seem as grieved as before.”

“Yes. It’s a process, but I have done better for myself, you might say,” Barok said.

“Who is this Japanese man?” Barok’s Uncle asked, turning his attention to Kazuma. He was much older, judging by the white in his hair under the lightly brown short hair and mustache. He wore dark-blue frocks and dress pants in a lightly-blue waistcoat and white ascot. His boots were black.

“M-My name is Kazuma Asogi, I am Lord van Zieks’ apprentice,” Kazuma introduced, taking a bow.

“Asogi?” Barok’s Uncle asked, turning to Barok, his eyebrows were seemingly confused.

“That would be Genshin’s son. He’s brilliant. I’m hoping to train him, so he may do well in his home country,” Barok explained.

“Is that so? I believe you mentioned taking in a student. How long did you say you’ve had him? I thought you said he was amnesic,” Barok’s Mother said.

“He has since recovered about a year ago; three months after I took him in.”

“I see. My apologies, I wasn’t aware. Still, it seems a bit of a coincidence that he turned out to be Genshin’s son.”

“… not quite. It was under Lord Stronghart’s orders and he has since been arrested for having given the orders that led to the deaths by the hands of the Professor and the real Reaper,” Barok explained. It was clear he didn’t want to go into detail about the specifics, but it wouldn’t be hard to connect the dots as to why him being given Kazuma wasn’t a coincidence.

“I can only assume Lord Stronghart had intended on me meeting Barok under those circumstances. Thankfully, it wasn’t for the worst. I’d like to think everything has since worked out alright,” Kazuma said, showing a small smile towards his superior.

“That’s wonderful. All for the better, I suppose. Now, where is my granddaughter?” Barok’s Mother asked.

“I have a grandmother!?” Iris squealed in excitement.

Kazuma could already feel some skepticism from Barok’s Uncle’s eyes. He took a deep breath as a hand was felt upon his shoulder. Barok signaled Kazuma to join the group, assuring he’d follow. Kazuma nodded, then walked inside the living room where Iris was meeting and greeting everyone. All the snacks, drinks and desserts were on the table for everyone. Kazuma decided to treat himself to Iris’s tea. It was quite delicious.

“Mmm, I have never tasted this kind of sweet bread. It’s like cake but isn’t. Did you make this?” Abigail asked with a small piece of sweetbread with some lemon filling in her hand.

“Oh, that was Kazzy. He tends to cook randomly, depending on his mood. I think he went a bit overboard this time,” Iris replied, shrugging. “Worried poor Mickey too.”

“Erm… my apologies,” Kazuma replied, flushing.

“Mickey?” Barok’s Uncle asked.

“That’s my Dear Mikotoba, my good fellows. He’s also Dear Asogi’s guardian,” Herlock explained.

“Ah! Yes, your partner, right? I’ve heard of your adventures together,” Barok’s Uncle said, turning to Kazuma. “You were raised by him?”

“Since the age of 14, yes. My… mother passed away not too long after my father,” Kazuma replied. He looked over to the side. “I owe that man everything and he’s the reason for me being here.”

“How very kind of him. So, tell me, what brings you here to London?” Barok’s Mother asked.

“It was part of a World Tour I was assigned to at Yumei University where I lived. Originally, I was supposed to arrive here as a Defense Attorney, but… an accident occurred, which stripped me of my memories. In my attempts to find out who I was, I first ended up in Hong Kong, then I eventually worked my way to London illegally before ending up under Lord van Zieks. I owe him my life. He took me in when I had nothing, then helped me regain back my memories.”

“How awful. That must’ve been quite scary. To be in an unfamiliar country without memory,” Abigail said.

“Quite. Still, that was nice of you to help him through his crisis,” Mr. Binkston said.

“Thank you,” Barok replied.

Kazuma felt a little relieved since the van Zieks’ seemed kind. Of course, they would appear kind and polite to him, but it was relieving to hear them taking interest in him. Dr. Mikotoba was known to them, so they likely felt relieved to hear Kazuma was raised by a kind and respected man. He couldn’t predict how the rest of the week would go, but for now, this was good.

——

While the van Zieks family were no doubt very nice and polite to Kazuma, he could see there was too much distrust and skepticism about him. He couldn’t blame them. After all, he was the son of the man that killed Klint. It didn’t help that neither he or Barok ever mentioned their current relationship, which was beyond student and teacher. Usually, Barok never talked much about it to the public since it was considered a personal matter to him. Kazuma was often the one that mentioned it.

Iris enjoyed her newfound family, as expected. Kazuma would watch the young girl serve tea and show off the latest inventions she’d made. Kazuma sighed quietly, making his way to the training room where he distracted himself by training. He didn’t have Karuma with him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t like his current sword any less. It had helped him survive and protect his Lord against those that made attempts on his life. Some good training was enough to break some sweat and get his adrenaline pumping.

After some training, he panted, hearing some talking and laughter from the family. They seemed to be talking and carrying on. Barok was with them and Kazuma couldn’t help but feel left out. He wanted to join them, but even as he left the training room and approached them, he could already feel the intensity building up. He sighed, making his way out of the manor, but not before hearing an obnoxious knocking that stirred up the family.

“Who in the world is that? That is most certainly not the sound of Sholmes,” Barok said.

“Yeah, Daddy’s a bit more of the knock-then-barge-in knocker,” Iris agreed before the maid answered the door. 

Behind the door was not someone Barok recognized at all. The man was Japanese, tall and a bit robust. His hair was black that reached down his back and pulled back in a ponytail with striking brown eyes. He wore a white suit and dress pants in a dark-blue waistcoat, matching boots and a three-layered jabot. A Japanese sword was worn around his belt. His eyes darted around the room, then right at Kazuma. 

“Raion-kun? How? I haven’t…! I thought you moved to Germany!” Kazuma stated.

“Is that a way to treat your brother-in-arms? I heard about you staying here and came across the channel just to see you,” the man, Raion, smirked, wielding out his sword, which clashed with Kazuma’s in one quick move. “To do battle with you!”

“This won’t end well, if you keep this up,” Kazuma smirked braggingly before the two sheathed their swords back into their belts.

“Who is this friend of yours?” Barok asked.

“Raion Karuma: proud student of Genshin Asogi and brother of Kazuma-kun,” Raion introduced himself, taking a bow, before turning to Kazuma. “Where’s Karuma?”

“I left it in Ryunosuke’s hands until my return. I trust him with my life,” Kazuma replied.

“Honestly? The soul of the Asogi Clan!? You left it with some nobody rather than with me!?” Raion complained, drawing his sword, and pointing it at Kazuma.

“No offense, but you were in Germany at the time and, as I said, I trust him with my life.”

“Then, I will have to see for myself. It looks like I’ll have to do battle with you another time,” Raion smirked, sheathing his sword again.

“Smashing, but honestly, how did you know I was here?”

“I knocked on your door and you wouldn’t answer, so I figured you’d be in your lord’s house instead. As for how I knew you were here, a bit of research and soul searching.”

“Uh-huh,” Kazuma replied knowingly.

“Eh-hem, about our guest…” Barok’s Mother said, feeling much more awkward and uncomfortable.

“He’s with Kazuma. He may do as he wishes with his friend. No sword fighting outside of the training ground,” Barok stated.

“Apologies, Lord van Zieks,” Raion replied politely.

“Would you like some tea?” Iris asked excitedly.

“Of course, Dear Lady.”

Kazuma led Raion to a seat, excitement filling him once more. Of course, he could feel the awkward tension from the other van Zieks’, but it didn’t feel as overwhelming now. Raion was introduced to everyone and enjoyed his tea.

“I’m very glad you’re here. I think Kazzy was feeling a bit left out. I thought he was going to bake more pudding,” Iris sighed.

“Oh, the humanity. I was hoping for some of that Hayashi Rice,” Raion said with a grin.

“They don’t have a lot of the same ingredients from back home. Though, I am lucky enough to cook a few things such as my favorite Beef Hot Pot,” Kazuma stated.

“What’s Hayashi Rice?” Iris asked.

“It’s a hash beef with rice. We also have Radish Soup and Tofu Nuggets,” Raion replied. 

“That sounds so delicious!”

While the three of them were talking about food, the other van Zieks’ kept to their conversations. It was very clear that neither of them wished to engage with Kazuma and Raion. Kazuma decided not to judge. After all, he and Raion were strangers to the family. At the same time, Kazuma knew deep inside that he and Raion were involved with Genshin Asogi, the one that killed Klint van Zieks. At the very least, Kazuma was thankful he wasn’t alone.

It was only a moment before Kazuma realized Barok was gone. He got up, saying, “I’m going to look for Barok.”

“I’ll come with you,” Raion replied, following Kazuma.

“I’ll stay and talk with my Aunty and Grandmum.”

The two men found Barok in the garden sitting on a bench by the fountain. Kazuma sat right next to Barok, who sighed.

“Forgive my sudden disappearance. The company was… overwhelming,” Barok replied.

“Are you alright?” Kazuma asked.

“A bit. Yes.”

“I can see if the little lady has any more of that tea. That is some good stuff that keeps the pressure down,” Raion said as he grinned kindly.

“Er… thank you. You’re… too kind,” Barok replied awkwardly.

“Are your folks always like this? This awkward I-don’t-want-you-around-no-offense kind of people?”

“What are you…?”

“It seems like neither of you are used to having strange people around. Not to mention, the tension is through the roof here. Not exactly the most comfortable environment.”

“….. I’m… sure you know… about Genshin Asogi and…”

“You mean who killed who and what? Look, I ain’t any happier about what happened and I’d have my sword to your neck if it weren’t for Kazuma-kun. I know he loves you. Not to mention… you have my sympathy. Kazuma-kun and myself have had some bad luck on our end after he received that letter.”

“What letter?” Barok asked.

“Erm… there was a letter from one of the victims of the Professor that cursed the Asogi name and-” Kazuma explained before Barok’s face completely twisted to shock and horror.

“You… You read that!?”

“…. What do you mean?” Kazuma asked, arms folded with a deadly glare.

“… I didn’t write it, but… my mother… did. She never told me whom she sent it to, but… Kazuma, who was that letter for?” Barok asked, fear lingering in his eyes.

“F-For the Head of the Asogi Clan, s-s-so naturally I… it never said a specific name or anything!”

“… that’s why there’s so much tension. I can only assume it’s a matter of the Lady not wanting to be caught for her dirty laundry. She probably wasn’t expecting the next heir to be 14, though I doubt she cared at the time,” Raion stated, showing signs of anger building up.

“This was a bad idea,” Barok muttered into his hands.

“… I should probably leave. I can’t deal with awkward tensions after hearing all of this,” Raion seethed, his arms crossed.

“I would not hold it against you. Please forgive me for your discomfort,” Barok said.

“I can’t say I forgive you for what you did to my lord, but for this… I won’t hold it against you. You’re at least honest.”

“I thank you for your kind words,” Barok replied with a small smile.

“Take good care of Kazuma-kun and I might forgive you. I can see he’s happier with you,” Raion replied with an honest smile.

“You’ve only been here for less than an hour.”

“And, that is more than enough.”

“Hmmm.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow then. I’ll be sure to be at my house this time,” Kazuma promised.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Raion smirked before turning around to leave.

Kazuma sighed, leaning his head against Barok’s shoulder, He muttered, “this is a disaster.”

“… I wish it was as simple as talking with them, but my mother isn’t the talking type. She hates conflict and will avoid it when she can,” Barok said sadly.

“How sad. I’m more of the confrontational kind of guy. More with swords than words.”

“Obviously. Forgive me for not engaging you with my family.”

“No. I doubt having me join or joining with me would’ve made things any better,” Kazuma sighed, taking Barok’s hand and lacing their fingers.

Barok and Kazuma looked up at the sky, only now taking notice that it was sunset. The clouds were already showing their color and the sky was beginning to darken. At that moment, Kazuma began imagining himself and Barok under the cherry blossoms, petals slowly falling onto their heads. Barok would likely find it strange, especially when Kazuma brushed the cherry blossoms from his hair. They were always beautiful during the springtime.

While thinking this, Kazuma felt something tucking behind his ear. He looked up, watching Barok place a small flower behind his ear. Kazuma felt his cheeks turn red.

“I… thought you would look nice with that…” Barok said awkwardly.

“Autumn Frost, hm? The flower for the Prosecution in my homeland?” Kazuma asked sweetly, leaning his cheek against Barok’s arm.

“You’re a brilliant Prosecutor, Kazuma and… it looks better on you than a sunflower.”

“Hehehe, is that so? Well, do you know what flower I think would look handsome on you?”

“What?”

“An English Rose. Red preferably.”

“Hm…” Barok hummed, a bit of pink dusting his cheeks.

“You know, despite how different you consider us Nipponese from your people, we have one thing in common.”

“Oh? And, what would that be?”

“Color. The colors of our flags are the same and so is the color of our national flowers.”

“… true,” Barok stated, after some thinking. “The two English Roses, red and white, become pink like cherry blossoms.”

“Indeed,” Kazuma replied softly, gently stroking his index finger, tracing something on Barok’s arm. Barok furrowed his eyebrows curiously.

“What are you doing?”

“Writing your name… in my language.”

“I don’t have a-”

“Yes, you do. We pronounce it as Ba-ru-ku, Barokku Banjikusu, and we can spell it in Kanji.”

“Unbelievable!”

“You’ve made yourself well known, Mr. Reaper,” Kazuma teased.

“… what would you call me, in your own native speech?” Barok asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You call me ‘Lord,’ yet in your home country, you have your own honorifics. It’s no different with your Nipponese friends. Mr. Naruhodo’s assistant calls you 'Kazuma-sama’ and Raion calls you 'Kazuma-kun.’ I wish to know what honorifics I’d be given.”

“I thought you hated anything Nipponese,” Kazuma smirked.

“I have exceptions, in case you haven’t guessed.”

“Hm… you’d be… Barokku-kyou.”

“kyo?”

“Kyou. It’s an honorific we give to the Lords and Ladies of our land. All honorifics have a specific purpose to call them that. Judicial Assistant Susato calls me sama because I am considered head over her.”

“I see. What an honor. Might I hear that again, my name with your honorific?” Barok asked, gently lifting Kazuma’s chin.

“Barokku-kyou,” Kazuma whispered - only a moment - as their lips brushed against each other before small footsteps were heard.

Kazuma quickly separated himself from Barok before spotting Iris running to the garden with urgency on her face. She seemed completely shaken up. Herlock followed right after her, his facial expression was seemingly serious. Something told Kazuma that something happened. Concern was on his face at the same moment as Barok’s.

“What happened?” Kazuma asked.

“Kazzy, your friend, he…” Iris said, completely shaken.

“Raion-kun? Is he alright? What happened to him?”

“Your friend is fine, but… I’m afraid things turned sour the moment Lady van Zieks mentioned his leaving. Your friend has quite the temper,” Herlock stated with an expression that made it seem like he couldn’t decide whether or not to be concerned.

“Explain what happened. I want the full story,” Barok said bluntly, arms folded.

“W-Well, as Daddy said, Rayo was about to leave unexpectedly when Grandmum asked why he was leaving. He… said the atmosphere was a bit discomforting and thought to come back another time. After he closed the door, my great uncle said something about if it’s normal for the Japanese to leave as soon as they come. I… suppose Raion overheard that. He came right in, then completely lost it. I… I left quickly afterward,” Iris said, her eyes watering.

“I’m sorry about that. Raion-kun does have a temper. We discovered something that left him in a rage. He thought to leave to cool down,” Kazuma explained.

“No worries. I figured that was the case. It’s why I signaled to Iris to leave quickly,” Herlock assured. “Can’t say I didn’t see it coming.”

“I’ll see to it to control the situation,” Barok stated.

“Same. You both stay here. Thank you,” Kazuma thanked as he and Barok made their way inside the mansion.

What Barok and Kazuma found in the room was more people, everyone shaken up. It seemed that Raion had already left, but not without leaving damage in his wake. Kazuma stood by Barok’s side, deciding to be there to help out with whatever was needed.

“What happened?” Barok asked. “Iris came to us shaken.”

“S-Sorry, it’s… our guest was leaving and…” Abigail started.

“The man completely lost it! Yelling at my sister-in-law something about disgracing the Asogi name! I’ve never heard of the likes!” Barok’s Uncle mentioned with folded arms, obviously upset.

“Where is Raion-kun? I’ll see that I talk with him. I apologize for his behavior,” Kazuma asked.

“As should! I never want to see that savage in my midst.”

“I beg your pardon, but I suggest you hold your tongue.”

“Wha- how dar-”

“No, I’m afraid neither of you have any room to judge his behavior. Ever since your arrival, both of you have barely talked with me and often shunned me from any conversations. The only conversational people I’ve met, aside from Raion-kun, were Iris, Mr. Sholmes and my Lord. It doesn’t make things better to avoid your true feelings about me and instead bottle up any resentment. Really, I find it much crueler, especially since one of you in this room had sent me a letter disgracing the Asogi name, as Raion had stated earlier,” Kazuma said, glaring coldly at Barok’s Mother’s direction.

“What in blazes are you talking about!?” Barok’s Uncle asked, clearly confused.

“Mother…” Barok said, looking at his mother, who avoided his gaze with a slight glare. “My apprentice is a man that has crossed swords with me and has seen me at my worst. I’m sure he can handle anything you have to say to him. Personally, I’d rather you get it off your chest than keep it in.”

“Klint was a brilliant young man. He was the pride and joy of the van Zieks. Perhaps, I was cruel in writing that letter while you were in your youth; I was not aware the next heir was a boy. Even so, I can’t forgive anyone associated with the man that took my boy away. Klint… he spoke of his admiration for Genshin,” Barok’s Mother said, fists shaking and tears rolling down her cheeks, staining her eyeliner. “You don’t think I see the same going on between the two of you!?” The room went silent as Kazuma stood firm, hearing every word of grief coming from the elderly mother. “Give me one reason why I should believe you wouldn’t take away the only son I have left.”

“You’ve seen my father’s sword, haven’t you?” Kazuma asked.

“Klint told me about it. Karuma? Y… You don’t have it?”

“No, because I lent it to my most trusted friend. Like my father, I have a demon inside that almost got the better of me during the time I was searching for answers about my father. As a result, I betrayed and broke the trust of those that I loved. I intend on slaying that demon once and for all before retrieving back Karuma.

“I won’t say or prove I’d have done anything differently from what my father did. He made the decision to allow Klint to have his duel, but not by his own decision. That was Klint's choice. Had it been my father, he would have given him this,” Kazuma stated, retrieving a small dagger from inside the sleeve of his coat.

“Kazuma, what is that?” Barok asked, his face completely awestruck.

“In my country, when any of us have committed a crime that brings us dishonor, we are required to perform an action called seppuku. It means to cut one’s stomach with a dagger. It is an action us samurais do as an honorable and merciful act to cleanse us of our sins to the gods,” Kazuma explained as the family’s expressions turned to pure horror. “I carry this with me because I intend on serving my Lord until the bitter end, regardless of our relationship.” He returned his dagger inside his sleeve. “My father allowed Klint to decide how he wanted to die, even as dishonorable as it was to him. He did that because he truly cared for your son. Had it been me, yes, I would have done the same. I would allow my lord to decide how he wishes to regain back his honor, even if I found it to be in the most dishonorable fashion.”

The room was quiet, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Barok couldn’t find it in himself to say anything. It seemed that, even after that blasted trial, there was still more he had yet to learn about Kazuma. Barok’s Mother turned her face away, then got up.

“I’m going to look for my granddaughter. Please excuse me,” Barok’s Mother said, treading toward the garden.

“You should get back home too. I’ll come join you tonight,” Barok promised.

“Of course, my lord,” Kazuma replied quietly, taking a bow, before leaving on his way back to his house.

———

Kazuma knew today had been a disaster. Though, he’d be lying if he said he didn’t see it coming. With all the tension in the air, things were going to get out of hand sooner or later. He only wished he hadn’t lost his temper. Unfortunately, Kazuma was just as much of a hothead as his lord. Perhaps, he should have left the moment things turned sour. Now, he felt guilty for the way he acted.

Hearing the door open, Kazuma already knew who it was. He just continued to cook the rice, even as arms snaked themselves around his waist. He placed the lid on top of the pan.

“I’m not angry at you, you know,” Barok said.

“… I apologize for my behavior,” Kazuma muttered.

“Don’t. You were right. Mother should not have bottled her true feelings and caused you grief. I had a talk with her about it and… our relationship.”

“I suppose she doesn’t give her blessing?”

“It doesn’t really matter if she does or not. She didn’t like Lady Baskerville either. She’s a very critical woman and she has a strong distaste for the Nipponese.”

“As expected from my lord’s mother,” Kazuma replied with a slight smirk upon his lips.

“Hm…” Barok hummed, planting small kisses on Kazuma’s neck. Kazuma moaned as those kisses trailed up to his ear before he turned his head, so those kisses would be planted upon his lips.

Kazuma could get lost in Barok’s kisses. They were sweet, yet firm with a touch of tenderness to them. The taste of Barok’s mouth was so sweet on Kazuma’s tongue. It left Kazuma wanting more, moaning for more. He looked at the rice that was still cooking, trying to separate himself, but the kisses continued with Barok’s insistence. He could only get out muffled words that moaned into Barok’s mouth.

“My mthmmmmm~ My lorphmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned in the kiss. Was Barok intentionally keeping Kazuma busy away from the rice?

Barok slowly parted after a while, whispering, “allow me to spoil you tonight. I shall finish the rice and make you a bath.”

“A bath? Whatever for?” Kazuma asked, smiling lovingly as he slowly began running his fingers down Barok’s arms.

“I was hoping to accompany you.”

“Hm… sounds lovely. I thought you don’t associate with Onsen.”

“Only when it’s with a friend. A lover is completely different,” Barok whispered onto Kazuma’s lips.

“I see,” Kazuma whispered as Barok kissed him lovingly on his lips. “Surprised you’re in this kind of mood after tonight.”

“Hm… perhaps it’s me wishing for you to no longer remained stressed or grieved,” Barok said, taking Kazuma’s face into his hands, then kissing his lips quite fiercely. Kazuma made a helpless moaning into the kiss, squeezing Barok’s arms as if wanting to be closer.

“You’re making me more stressed by leaving the rice unsupervised,” Kazuma stated with his eyebrows furrowed.

“You’re impossible,” Barok sighed, moving to the rice to check on it. As a reward for checking it, he received a kiss on his cheek.

“If I am the sun that rises and you’re the sun that never sets, would that mean our sun shines brighter than any star in the sky?” Kazuma asked, laying his head on Barok’s shoulder.

“Hm… perhaps. Personally, I prefer just saying the words, 'I love you.'”

“Hm… doesn’t sound as nice and sweet.”

“Then, how about this?” Barok asked, turning, kissing along Kazuma’s jaw, then whispering in his ear with such a low seductive voice. “I love you.”

“Hmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned, his eyes fluttering closed. “Don’t ever set tonight, my sun.”

“I’ll warm your bath very soon.”

“Please do~”

Barok led Kazuma to his couch, laying a kiss on his head before heading back to look after the rice. Kazuma chuckled, watching as his lover finished his rice before heading to the tub to run the bathwater. He looked at the time, seeing it was already 10:00 at night. He swallowed while hearing the water pouring into the bathtub. Was Barok truly in the mood to be doing that tonight? Kazuma was certain that he’d be upset after tonight. Though he did seem insistent with the kisses, Kazuma took that as his lover trying to comfort him.

Once the water stopped running, Kazuma watched Barok appear in the living room, picking him up into his arms and kissing him senselessly. Kazuma found himself wrapping his legs around Barok’s waist, combing his fingers through Barok’s hair, while the kiss deepened. Oh yes, Barok was most definitely in a good mood today.

“What’s with the mood? I-I was certain that… tonight… I-” Kazuma asked before being cut off by the lips and teeth grazing his throat. “Ooooooh~”

“I did say I was not angry at you? What you did made me veryhappy.”

“I-I-I-I di- ahhhhhhh~ mph,” Kazuma tried asking before feeling those teeth and that tongue graze up his neck, feeling his earlobe being abused by tongue, mouth and tongue.

“You said that you would allow me to regain my honor in whatever fashion I choose, whilst you intend on doing the same with the trust that I would allow you that liberty,” Barok stated, then grazed his tongue around the shell of Kazuma’s ear before finishing his sentence with a, “despite its rather darkimplications.”

“Mmmmmmmmm~” Kazuma moaned throughout the licking. That tongue, those teeth. He wanted more. He wanted Barok. “My lord.”

“Call me by the honorific you’d call me from your nation’s tongue.”

“Barokku-kyou, could you…?”

“Shall I spoil you today?”

“P-P-Please~” Kazuma pleaded, hearing Barok’s pleased chuckle.

Barok took Kazuma to the bathtub. Kazuma could most definitely count this as the best night of his life. To be spoiled by his lord like this. What a privilege! One thing was certain, he was most definitely not going to be sleeping alone tonight or waking up alone the next morning.

softbedsfanclub:

Day 4:Trust

@asobaroweek

This is absolutely precious!

lattien:

bad end

@asobaroweek day 3 - injury

Barok thinking, “don’t tell me you’ve got amnesia again. Can I turn my head for one second without you getting memory loss again!?”

The rain is perfect for this XD

softbedsfanclub:

Day 3: Injury + Working
@asobaroweek

Note: I headcanon Lord van Zieks as left-handed, so here, I thought, I could show Asogi helping his mentor out with some paperwork after Barok injured his arm in some way.

I love Kazuma in his waistcoat and buttoned shirt. So cute

lattien:

your battle is just beginning, surely?

@asobaroweek day 2 - healing

Absolutely beautiful

softbedsfanclub:

Day 2 - Healing
@asobaroweek

Absolutely beautiful! I love the cracked portrait in the back, while they’re walking away. So epic.