Lui leaned against the door frame of the medical room watching the unconscious boy laying on the bed. Valt was sitting on the edge of the bed, his face contorted into a concerned expression. Free placed a hand on Valt's shoulder with a reassuring nod which for the latter gave a small smile with a nod. Lui just watched, the sunlight filtering from the curtains shining against his pale face. He looks so peaceful, Lui thought absentmindedly as Free spoke. "I've never seen his health get this worse"

Valt shook his head. "It gets worse sometimes."

"Worse?" Lui asked, raising his brow. He couldn't even imagine how much worse this so-called illness can get.

Valt nodded, letting out a shuddering breath. Even the picture and the memory inside his mind was enough to bring chills down his spine. He had seen it one time, one time getting much worse. He still remembered his friend's painful cries as he struggled to breath, clawing at his throat. It was not something pretty to remember either. Lui didn't question furthermore. He could see the uneasiness of the other male just talking about it. So he just let it go. "You two go and train," Lui said. Valt was about to reject his offer when Lui opened his mouth again. "Shu wouldn't like to see you two slacking off because of him. I think you must know that better than me"

Valt ducked his head. As much as he hates to admit it, he knew if Shu finds out that he missed a training session because of him the male would be frantic. Valt wordlessly got up and turned to Lui. "If something happened"

"I'll inform you," Lui said, nodding. Valt exited the room with Free following close by. Lui pushed away from the door frame and walked to the bed standing in the opposite corner of the room, just beside the window filtering the sunlight through the half closed curtains. He crossed his arms, looking at the boy. He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that this could get much worse. Why the hell did his parents agree to send him to a training school when he's in this much of a critical condition, Lui thought groaning. The silent overtook the room again. Everything was silent except for Lui's own storming mind. It was as if the thoughts were pouring out from his heart. If Shu ends up every time they try those new technique there's no use doing that. Then his mind suddenly went back to Free's statement. According to him Shu trained the whole night the other day without taking a rest and that might've been the cause of his sudden collapse. Lui clenched his fists looking at the albino. "You're so stubborn" he muttered under his breath. The albino twitched, grabbing the attention of the other male. A groan escaped his lips as Shu turned around from the window cracking one of his eyes open. Lui just watched him with an apathetic look as Shu sat in an upright position.

"What're you staring at?" Shu asked, raising his brow.

Lui scowled. "What a great way to greet the one who kept company"

A sudden feeling of guilt washed over his mind. Did Lui really wait by the bed till he wakes? That's not exactly a much of a Lui thing to do, Shu thought, looking up at the white tyrant. "Thanks...I guess"

Lui just nodded, taking another step toward the boy. Shu blinked as Lui leaned down against his face reaching one of his hands to his forehead, pressing his cold hand against the warm skin of the albino. Shu peered at those majestic violet eyes. For the first time he realized how beautiful they looked up close. It was like galaxies inside them as they reflected the sun rays. Lui hummed. "The fever is down and you'll live"

Shu drew his gaze away from him. "I won't die that easily"

Lui smiled, "I know. It's annoying though"

Shu clicked his tongue as a yawn broke through his features. Lui sat down on the edge of the bed taking the other off guard. Shu crossed his legs, raising his brow at the other. Lui narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you take enough rest yesterday night? You should know about your own limits by now"

Shu pursed his lips. "How'd you know that?"

"Answer my question"

Shu turned his head away. "I wanted to..." Shu stopped, what did he exactly want anyway? Shu sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know... I just didn't want to hurt you again"

Lui crossed his arms, not knowing to say anything in reply. Shu fidget with his fingers as an awkward silence took place in between them. "Lui"

Lui turned to him. "Yeah?"

"Can I ask you something?" Shu asked, almost uncertain about his request.

"What's it?"

Shu hesitated for a few seconds. Then at last, he curled to himself pouting. "Promise me you won't laugh at me..."

Lui frowned. "Okay?"

"You know how to ride horses, right?"

Lui shrugged. Of course he knew, it was like one of the most basic knowledge a prince acquired at a young age and almost all of them princes knew how to ride a horse. Then he stopped, his eyes widening in realization. No way, he thought, turning to Shu. He doesn't know how to ride a horse? Shu was just watching him, his cheeks coloured in a healthy pink. The albino was clearly embarrassed, Lui mused grinning. "Never mind" Shu said, "You're already laughing at me"

"I mean, knowing to ride a horse is basic knowledge as far as I know"

Shu stuck out his bottom lip in a complaining manner. "Dad never let me try. He think it's dangerous and exhausting"

Lui stood up. "Well, if you request from me more kindly, I have time right now"

Shu scowled. "I don't know how to be kind to donkeys"

Lui's eyes twitched. "The hell"

Shu got up from the bed, stepping on to the cold floor without even giving the other a second look. "I'll ask someone else. It's my fault for asking you knowing that you won't care" He walked away from him when a sudden grip on his wrist stopped him. Shu turned around to see Lui with a simple smile, not arrogant or mocking.

"I didn't say no, did I?"

"Will you then?" Shu asked, hope filling his eyes.

Lui clicked his tongue, releasing his grip. "Okay fine. C'mon" He said, leading the albino to the stables situated behind the buildings of the school. Behind the school ground stood a clear plain just beside the river and it was the ideal place to ride a horse. Many students raced down the banks in their free time trying to bath in the fresh wind passing them. Shu followed the male to the stables. Horses stood in each one with their manes flying in the breeze. Shu always loved animals, and horses always held a special place in his heart and he always wanted to try riding one of them, but sadly he was restricted to try many things in his life and riding was one of those. Lui stopped in front of a black horse. The black skin shone in the sun as its complete black mane flowed down it's neck flawlessly. Shu's eyes wandered to a stallion standing beside the black one. It was clear white without a scratch of dirt ruining it's velvety coat. Unconsciously, Shu reached his hand to its snout for the stallion to react, licking his palm pressing it against the boy's soft skin.

Shu smiled, "You're beautiful"

Lui hummed beside him. "But black horses are prettier"

Shu ran a hand through it's soft white mane and skin. The soft hair tickling his hand as the albino let out a chuckle. "It's so soft"

Lui took out the black horse from its stable showing Shu the way to put on the saddle and everything else needed for a ride. Shu watched closely, mimicking the actions of Lui. After he's done, Lui walked to his horse and tightened the straps of the saddle but he was impressed that Shu followed everything almost accurately even if he watched him do the straps one time. "This is Kuro," Lui suddenly said. Shu laughed.

"Fits. What's his?" He asked, gesturing at the white stallion. "Shiro?"

"Bingo," Lui said, without even a hint of a smile. Shu opened his mouth and closed it again.

"Wait, for real?" Whoever the one who named the horses are a simple person that they decided to call them just by the colour of the horse. Lui just shrugged as if to say, duh. Lui walked to Shu.

"Now get on" He said. Shu blinked at Lui passing looks between the horse and the flame haired boy. Lui sighed as he gestured to him to get closer, then he clenched his fists and pressed them together. "Step on and get on"

Shu did a double take. "Step on your hand? You burnt it yesterday!"

Lui sighed again. "It's almost healed now. Don't slack off, just do it"

Shu uncertainly walked to the white tyrant. He looked at him for another look of reassurance and after confirming to himself that Lui is serious he stepped on his hands getting to the horse's back. Lui stepped back, instructing Shu to hold the reins rightly and not to pull on them. Shu nodded, watching Lui hauling to Kuro's back. The stallion neighed loudly standing on two of his back feet while Lui grinned. "Now now boy, calm down"

Shu watched him, awed by the control the other boy had. It was almost like Lui was seriously good at anything he just or he's just bad at everything. Shu bit his lips closing one of his eyes, the latter statement sounded more accurate. Lui guided his horse to the plain running behind the school ground. Shu mimicked Lui's actions guiding Shiro to the grassy plain. The soft yet cold breeze flew past them tickling their skin and sweeping the bangs off their faces. It didn't take much time for Shu to get the hang of the basics. He had always been a fast learner and sometimes, even his teachers were impressed by the skill of the young prince. But the sad truth was that because of his illness his real potential was always clouded with a mist of uncertainty and worry. Shu felt his mind calming down and the exhaustion draining away from his body. It was almost like nature is always the perfect doctor for his illness and he always finds tranquility in nature. Shu turned his head to see Lui, his violet eyes hidden behind his eyelids as the male took a deep breath. Shu didn't realize he was staring. It was the first time he saw these soft features of the boy. The rough edges and the scowl had left his face for a moment, only to be replaced with a soft and calm look which looked foreign to his face. That fluttering feeling inside his heart grew wilder at the sight. Shu blinked, turning away trying to calm his hitching breath and his thumping heart. This would've been the perfect first lesson for Shu, but quite suddenly Shiro neighed, breaking the calmness around the environment. Shu tried to calm the horse down as it started to race down the river bank with an unbelievable speed. The rest of the world passed by a blur as he pulled on the reign to stop it but it only grew wilder and faster.

"What the-" Lui cursed, racing behind the excited stallion racing down the plain. Soon, he was able to catch up with it and he guided Kuro to his side making him run at the same speed just beside the white stallion. Lui's eyes moved to Shu, who looked terrified from the occurrence. "Shu, calm down! Nothing is going to happen"

Shu didn't move, his eyes were plastered to up ahead where the plane stopped only to be replaced by the woods. Lui waited no time as he balanced himself on the black stallion. He needed to jump to the other horse and try to stop it. Shu was too terrified to stop it, much less listen to him. Lui tried to get himself used to the wind rushing through his ears. He had to balance himself, the male thought guiding Kuro to the other horse that they are closer and would make their jump easier. "Shu" He called out again, and this time the male looked at him. "Calm down okay? I'm gonna stop the horse"

Shu gulped. Fear was evident in his crimson white orbs, but the male nodded trying to realize Lui's plan. Lui counted to three in his mind, it's now or never, he thought launching himself to the white stallion successfully ending up behind Shu. The latter let out a surprised yelp as Lui landed behind him perfectly, his hands already working their way toward the reigns as he pulled them backward, stopping the horse. Shiro stopped, nervously jumping and running around in circles now. Shu closed his eyes tightly, pressing his back against Lui's chest trying to feel the reassurance from the white tyrant. Kuro had stopped farther away from the scene and now was watching them. He was used to Lui's command, unlike Shiro who wasn't used to the command of his new rider. After some attempts the horse stopped. Lui let out a relieved breath as Shiro neighed almost nonchalantly. Lui let loose his grip on the reins looking at his companion who was still breathing wildly. His hair, devilish after catching up with the rush of the wind. His cheeks were flushed bright red from nervousness and fear. Amidst this all, he could feel that Shu was shaking. He was grabbing into a handful of his clothes trying to calm down, trying to push away the frustration. Lui got down from the horse first and tapped on Shu's arm. "Get down Shu, it's over now"

Shu opened his eyes, glistening with unshed tears. The boy was frightened and surely shaken from the incident. Lui could tell just by the sight of his shaking legs as he stepped on the grass falling to his knees. Shu took huge gulps of breath in between his pants. He knew that riding was not enough, but this was terrifying. The tears inside his eyes threatened to fall down his cheeks, but the albino forced them down. He didn't want to cry, not in front of Lui specially. It had been a long time since he cried in front of someone. The last time he cried was in front of Valt when they were young and after that Shu stopped crying in front of others, because as he knew it was a sign of weakness. Terrifying things happened to him, but he always ignored the pain or the fear inside his heart but right now he was beyond help. Right before he could even force his eyes shut and block the tears, they flowed down his cheeks. Shu immediately ducked his gaze hiding his face away from the other. He waited for Lui to yell at him, or call him childish but instead Lui got closer to him and wrapped one of his arms around his shoulder rubbing his back comfortingly. "Whoa there...It's fine."

Shu couldn't stop the sobs escaping his throat. The albino curled to himself as broken sobs escaped from his mouth breaking the silence. Lui, quite surprisingly pulled the albino to a hug. Shu faltered for a second, surprised by the sudden gesture of affection but gratefully opened his heart later for he needed comfort. Shu pressed his tear stricken face to Lui's chest, damping his cloth with his tears. The white tyrant didn't mind, instead he pressed his hand to the back of his head running his hand through his white bangs comfortingly. Lui had never been the one to give anyone affection. Close intimacy was something he despised all along his life. His sister, Yuki was the only one who was allowed to get closer to him and he's the only one who received his affection to the fullest. As the others interpret it, Prince Lui changes whenever he's around his sister. But right now, seeing Shu Kurenai, who always kept himself composed, broken in front of him made Lui feel a bit guilty. He should've checked Shiro's condition before they took off to ride. He couldn't clearly place the reason why he hugged the albino, or why he's consoling him. But it was a moment of sudden affection that he rarely showed to others and at the moment he almost unconsciously hugged the albino, in a moment of lunacy, but in his heart Lui knew that he didn't regret the action.

Lui waited till Shu calmed down. After some moments, the albino pulled away from him wiping away the stray tears from his eyes. "Sorry" He mumbled under his breath, averting his gaze to the ground.

Lui stood up beside him, offering his own arm to the albino to stand up. "Let's walk back to the school" Sure, the walk back to the school would be quite long but as exhausting it might be it was clear as day for Lui that the albino didn't want to try that again. Especially just after the incident that happened just a few seconds ago. Shu took his hand, offering him a grateful look and for some reason Lui felt his heart skipping a beat at the sight of the albino. The sun was almost setting by the horizons and the evening sun rays reflected in his crimson eyes and shone against his white hair. It was a beautiful sight, Lui thought quickly chasing the thought away from his mind. That was random, he thought again, starting to walk as the other male quickly followed him. His steps were lighter against the sound of the river. It was almost like Shu had been trained to become a spy all along his life. Lui whistled, gesturing at the horses as they started to trot behind them. Shu moved away from the two animals taking a step closer to Lui. Their shoulders are almost brushing together. The walk was mostly silent which Shu appreciated. After his breakdown he wasn't sure how to face Lui again. And out of everything it was his reaction to the situation that surprised him the most. Shu was slightly out of breath as they arrived at the school grounds. He quickly excused himself and walked to the medicinal room without another look at the other male. He needed some time alone, and it seemed like Lui understood it more than any other at the moment. He walked toward the corridor slowly, looking at the ground as he tried to shoo away the terrifying feeling suffocating his mind and unconsciously he ran into Valt who looked frantic.

"Shu" The latter cried out, running to the white haired male with a crossed look. Honcho, Wakiya and Sisco followed close by. "Where have you been? I was looking everywhere for you!"

Shu ducked his head with an apologetic smile. "I went for a walk a bit. To breathe in some fresh air I guess" He half lied, he did need some fresh air but not on a horse who was running a thousand miles at a second.

Wakiya crossed his arms. "You aren't healthy enough to wander alone you know?"

"I wasn't alone" Shu said, "I was with Lui"

Honcho raised his brow. "Didn't take Lui to the caring type honestly"

A small smile ghosted his lips. "Me neither"

Shu wanted to wander out a little more and ignore Lui at all costs but Valt wanted him to rest so badly that he had no option except to follow his friends through the halls to their dorms. He walked inside to see the exhausted princes, lying on their beds. Most of them are talking about their day to day activities and the incident happened in the morning. Xander waved at them. "Yo Shu! How are you?"

Shu nodded. "I'm fine, thanks"

Zac walked to him with a concerned face. "But you have to rest a bit more"

Shu nodded again, forcing a smile. He knew he should be grateful about all the love and affection of his friends but sometimes he just wanted to be left alone and when everyone treated him like someone so fragile, almost like a porcelain doll that could be broken at any moment pissed him off. Before any take cares could rise from the crowd, Lui spoke from his bed. The white tyrant was leaning against the headboard with a deep, yet annoyed look. "Stop with all those petty stuff. The guy is not dying"

Shu blinked. "Oh" He muttered stupidly. Seriously, Lui is acting really weird today, Sh thought walking to his own bed and sitting down cross legged on the sheets. He slept for a few hours in the noon and now he didn't feel sleepy at all. Free was already sleeping on the other bed, quite snoring escaping him as he breathed. Valt seemed to be exhausted by all the training. It was almost like everyone was training except for them and they did make a tiny bit of progress and it might've been a good try if he didn't collapse just after the mighty achievement.

"Oi" Lui called, taking the attention of the albino back to the present.

Shu raised his brow. "Yeah?"

"Wanna try it again? Riding I mean?"

Shu let out a shuddering breath. There was no sarcasm in his voice and Shu realized that Lui was asking that for real, not to mock him but the memory replaying inside his mind made it harder to convince himself that everything would be just fine. "Listen" Lui spoke again, swinging his legs off from the bed and turning to him with a serious expression. "That was just an accident. I should've looked into Shiro before we took off and I promise everything will be fine next time. Don't develop a ridiculous phobia about riding horses after such a small incident."

Shu frowned and got off from the bed walking to Lui. He put one of his feet on the edge of the bed and leaned closer to his face and scowled. "Who are you?"

Lui looked taken aback for a second as he spoke. "What does that mean?"

"You can't be Lui! Lui go all mocking and ridiculing while you're just..."

"Just" Lui said, raising his brow.

Shu made a face at him and groaned gripping his hair. "You're just weird!" He said, plopping to Lui's bed beside the white tyrant and laying down with his feet hanging over the edge of the bed.

Lui frowned. "Get lost. That's my bed, not yours to casually lie down like that"

Shu huffed nonchalantly. "As if I care. The new Lui is too good for his own character"

Zac crossed his arms, looking in between both of them with a confused look. "Seriously, what are those two playing at?"

Xander shrugged, walking to his bed. "We'll never know Zac"

Lui growled, trapping Shu into a headlock as he tightened the grip, choking the other male on his hold. Shu coughed, he knew that he was just exaggerating and the grip was not too tight. He slapped Lui's arm several times making Lui draw away. "Go to hell"

"Thanks for the invitation" Shu shot back, walking to his bed adding. "Let's try tomorrow then. I mean... I guess?"

Lui nodded, a hint of a smile evident in his features as he laid on his bed. But before anyone could utter a word Zac spoke. "Wait wait wait" he interrupted. "No plans for tomorrow"

Shu sat on his bed, crossing his legs. "Why?"

Xander grinned. Valt and Free were already sleeping and Xander didn't even attempt to wake them up which clarified the other two that both of them knew whatever the thing Zac was going to say. "We're having an archery competition tomorrow"

"But there's still time for the tournaments?" Lui asked, resting his head against his palm.

Xander shrugged. "It's just a competition. You know about the Sky God Festival here right? Every year a person is chosen to shoot an arrow and pick one of the sacred apples from the immortal apple tree standing in the middle of the kingdom and this year the person is chosen from us."

Shu gasped, "You mean for real?"

Zac nodded with a small smile. "Why would I lie about that?"

Xander grinned. "Get ready for tomorrow you two. The act is done individually, not in pairs"

"Good," Lui said, rolling to his side. "I'm not sure whether this idiot knows how to shoot an arrow at this point"

Shu narrowed his eyes while Zac talked. "I thought you two would be unhappy because you two were talking and getting along well like best friends earlier."

A sudden flinch flashed through Lui. He couldn't let his guard down and let Shu become a friend of his. No matter what the others said, Moeru and Hyoketsu kingdoms are enemies and that's the last conclusion. Even if he ends up becoming friends with the albino, the war would not come to a close. And Lui had pledged not to have any friends, especially from an enemy kingdom. Because they are more than capable of stabbing his back while he's distracted from this so-called friendship. "As if" Lui growled. "That weakling doesn't deserve to be a friend of mine. I'd rather go solo"

Shu gave him a stunned look. Just a few moments ago Lui was helping him, and telling him to move on from his phobias and insecurities and now he's targeting his poor health again. Shu clenched his fists realizing that Lui Shirosagi won't be a friend of his, he was an idiot for even thinking that he would change. It's all a fluke, the albino spoke in his mind turning around and closing his eyes. He should just close his heart for him and let that thought of friendship go. 

Finally an update. Sorry if it's bland and boring. These days My brain is short circuited XDD

Sayonara!