#yourtigerdaddy

I Hear The Music of Your Soul

Bardo breathed in the air of the market. The scent of hot cider and snow greeted him. The holiday season had descended upon Ransen, and it was a spectacular sight to see. Colorful lanterns decorated the streets, and Ribika were swarming around like bees to honey. He watched as a child cheerfully tuged his mother along to see a street magician, almost stumbling in the thickening snow.

He grinned slightly, he loved this time of year. The weather, the food, and especially the overall feeling of the season, it was just beautiful. And this was the first Christmas that he and Konoe would spend together. Which put a little pressure on him to get the perfect gift. He’d never had anyone significant in his life to get a meaningful gift. Sure, he’d get simple presents for friends, but this was Konoe, it had to be special. With that in mind he braced himself and fully entered the market.

He, like many other Ribika flitted through many of the shops. Nothing really catching his eye, he finally stopped at a booth selling swords. What had caught his eye was the unique engravings on the blades. As he examined them further, he noticed that the engravings were ancient sigils to ward against evil. He toyed with the idea of getting one for Konoe, but he decided against it. He recalled with a shudder at the last time Konoe tried fighting with a sword, the kid had nearly stabbed his eye out. No, the sword was a bad idea. He continued searching shops, for what, he didn’t know, but he knew what he didn’t want. He was close to leaving when he heard a soft melody.

His eyes lit up, how did he not think of it before. Approaching the shop he quickly haggled with the shopkeeper, and not ten minutes later he had an almost perfect gift for Konoe.

Slipping the gift in his pocket he hurried along the darkening street. Almost giddy with joy he hurried to get back to the Inn, ducking in between shops and trying his damnest not to slip on the thick snow. It didn’t take long until the Inn was in sight. Dazzling rainbow lights illuminated the dark wooden building. He always decorated for the holidays, it really helped the guests get into the mood. But this year he had outdone himself. Well, he may have had a little help from Konoe and the gang.

Still lost in his thoughts, Bardo didn’t notice when the front door opened.

“Where the hell have you been?”

Startled, Bardo jumped a little when he saw Konoe’s face staring at him from the doorframe. Shaking off the surprise, Bardo stepped forward to embrace him, but Konow ducked away before he could.

“Nah-ah, you can’t just leave me in charge of the Inn for half the day and expect me to give you a hug.”

Bardo made a face,” But Konoe, I had important errands to run, plus you’re smart enough to be in charge of the Inn for a couple hours.”

Konoe’s face still showed irritation, but his eyes softened “Compliments won’t help you now, it’s the busiest time of year, and you can’t just be sneaking off.”  Konoe continued on with his little rant, never noticing Bardo inching slowly toward him. Before Konoe could finish, Bardo scooped Konoe up with ease, ignoring the yelp of indignation from the small Ribika.

“Look,” Bardo said softly.” You can scold me more inside, but it’s getting chilly. And you know how you are when you get sick.” That shut Konoe up, the last time Konoe had gotten sick the Bardo nearly had to close down the Inn. Not from any chance of infecting anyone else, but because of how irritable and rude Konow got. Honestly,he put Rai to shame with his cutting remarks.  

As he stepped inside he was greeted with a wave of warmth. Setting Konoe down, he started to take off his heavy clothing. Before he couldn’t even take off his scarf though, Konoe started up again.

“So, where were you? And don’t say ‘errands’ I know for a fac-”

Bardo held up a hand, a gleam in his eye.“If you must know, I was searching for a present for Rai. Sadly, Rai is a lot harder to shop for than Asato or Shui.” Konoe’s still looked as if he wanted to argue some more, but he refrained himself.

“Fine. Just don’t disappear on me during the middle of a rush…Dumbass. Now, I’m going to bed. And you get to stay out here and finish up some of the inventory.” With that, Konoe gave Bardo a quick peck on the cheek, yawned and walked off towards their bedroom.

Sighing, Bardo ducked into the kitchen to further examine the gift. It was a great gift, but it wasn’t a perfect gift yet.For that he needed help, magical help He wouldn’t have time to go to him tonight, but tomorrow morning he’d go visit Leaks. Leaks was almost never in a good mood, but he was always a bit more agreeable in the morning, early morning. Inwardly groaning at the thought of getting up well before the sun, he had to remind himself that it was for Konoe and that it was worth it.

Making quick work of the inventory, and some of the smaller jobs that still needed to be done. He slipped into the bed with Konoe and promptly went to sleep.  

Bardo was not a morning person.Forcing himself to get out of bed was not easy. It didn’t help that the bed was warm and Konoe was pressed against his chest, and the fact it was fucking freezing outside. Getting dressed in layers and layers of thick cloth, he left a note telling Konoe where he’d be, and he got the package from where he hid it under the front desk.

The trip to Leaks took most of the premorning, he had left when it was still dark, yet it was well past dawn. Arriving at Leaks place, he knocked firmly at the door. Leaks answered the door, looking  more relax than he usually did. However, as soon as he saw Bardo his mouth twisted into a frown.

“What in the name of everything good and holy are you doing at my house?”

Bardo had been rehearsing what he was going to ask the magician on the way there, but in the face of the glaring cat his mind had gone blank.

“Uh, can I come in? It’ll take a bit to explain.” Bardo started to go forward, only for Leaks to block the door.

“No, now what do you want?”

Rolling his eyes, he explained what he needed.As Bardo explained the problem. Leaks slowly relaxed his stance. Eyes lighting up with the prospect of the challenge.

“So,” he said after a brief pause,” can you do it?”  

For a heartbeat Leaks said nothing, but slowly he nodded, “I suppose I could do that. I’ve heard about that type of enchantment, but I haven’t tried it myself,” and almost as an afterthought he added, “I could talk to Shui about it. I’m sure he can help with that type of magic.”  

Handing Leaks the package, Bardo started to thank him when a clear voice called from Leaks house.

“Leaks, when are you coming back to bed?” The voice clearly belonged to Shui. A sly grin crept on Bardo’s face, while Leaks own face flushed red. Before Bardo could say anything Leaks slammed the door shut.

Releasing a deep chuckle, Bardo turned away and started his way back to the Inn.

The next few weeks was a flurry of activity. The Inn was packed, with Ribika coming from faraway cities to visit family for the holidays. This just meant more work(and profit) for Bardo and Konoe.  Rai and Asato had also arrived, and of course they couldn’t be left alone without them trying to murder each other. Bardo made sure they were put to work though, so Rai spent most of the time in the kitchen. Preparing food and yelling at Bardo to get out. While Asato helped Konoe clean and take care of the guests.

Leaks and Shui arrived the day before Christmas. Leaks had pulled Bardo aside and had given the gift back to him. He had started to explain the science of what he had done, but even with Bardo’s above average knowledge of science and magic after a few minutes his eyes had started to glaze. Which lead to Leaks stomping off, probably to Shui.  

Gazing at the gift he knew, he knew that this was the perfect gift for Konoe. All he had to do was add one last finishing touch and then he could wrap it.

As the day started to wind down,  Bardo joined everyone in the dining room. Where they ate some roasted duck, he and Rai had prepared earlier. The conversation at the table was loud and chaotic, Shui was talking to Konoe, while Leaks discussed something with Kaltz(who apparently shared his sons love of just popping up in places). Rai and Asato were butting heads, and Bardo was content to just watch and occasionally join in on teasing Rai. Soon the food was gone and the conversation died down. And one by one they each left to go to bed. Bardo, however, stayed behind to cleanup. Konoe had offered to help,but Bardo just shewed him away, assuring him that he could make it up later in bed.

Once everything was cleaned and the fire was put out, he joined Konoe in bed. Arms wrapped around him, Bardo drifted off to sleep.  

He woke up with Konoe shaking him

“Bardo! Wake up, it’s Christmas”

Bardo tried his damndest to ignore him. But Konoe continued to shake him and eventually when the shaking didn’t work, started  threatening Bardo with violence.

“But Konoe,” he whined,”It’s still dark out. Just five more minutes, or five more hours.”  Bardo was suddenly pushed out of bed. Konoe had actually had the audacity to shove him out of bed. However, he wasn’t going down without a fight. Before he could hit the ground he grabbed Konoe’s tail. With a small yelp, Konoe was pulled after Bardo. Both landed heavily on the wooden floor. A deep chuckle came from Bardo.

“Alright, alright, I’m up. I’m going to get dressed. And since you’re so good at bothering people, you can go wake everyone else up.”

Konoe made a face at Bardo, but left to do as he said. Bardo dressed quickly and grabbed the present for everyone he had hidden under the bed.

Going down to the common area, he wasn’t surprised to only find Kaltz and Leaks. Shui was not much of a morning person. And Rai and Asato’s morning hair  routine took forever(though they’ll deny it zealously). Deciding to try and do something productive he started stoking the fire, he listened to Kaltz and Leaks talk about some magic mumbo jumbo. And slowly everyone came into the room, most of them holding gifts.

Bardo was actually pleasantly surprised on how well the gift exchanged how’d gone with everyone. Everyone had seemed happy with the gifts, even Rai had given him a small smile when he had received a blessed dagger( which was not easy to come by). Konoe and he hadn’t exchanged gifts yet though, they were going to wait  for when they were alone. He pulled Konoe back into the bedroom, and then he took out the gift.

“You have no idea how hard it was to find you a gift. Honestly, I should have just gotten you some Kuims and been done with it.” Handing the beautifully wrapped package to Konoe, he watched eagerly as it was slowly unwrapped. As the paper was pulled away, a beautiful wooden box was revealed.

Konoe studied the box carefully. It was made from a beautiful chestnut wood, and carved onto the box were sigils that was supposed to protect against negativity. Slowly opening the box, he was stunned to hear a soft melody, it sounded like a mixture of his father’s music, and his own. The inside of the box was even more beautiful than the outside. Carved Lillys and Forget-Me-Nots dotted the interior, all of them framing a small piece of iridescent glass.

Kone’s eyes started to glisten, tears threatening to fall. However, when he caught sight of the inscription at the bottom of the box, tears started to fall in earnest. At the bottom of the box it said:

‘To my one and only love, you are the music of my soul.  So, it seems only fair for you to hear your own song.”

Konoe shoved himself into Bardo’s arms, hugging him tightly. Closing the box in the act, and the soft music ended abruptly.

“It,” Bardo began, “ was difficult finding something as perfect as you. The box actually plays the music of the soul holding it. Now, I would love to take all the credit, but Leaks is actually the one that enchanted it, but I did everything else.”  Wrapping his arms around Konoe, he buried his face into his lovers neck.

“That’s not fair,” sniffed Konoe,” you give me this amazing gift and all I have to give you is this.” Pulling away from Bardo, Konoe pulled out a small wooden carving of the Inn, with what looked like Konoe and himself standing in the front. It was crude, but had a bit of charm to it.

“I carved it myself if you couldn’t tell.”  

Bardo let out a snicker, which grew into full blown laughter. “ No. no. I couldn’t tell at all. This is professional work right here.”

Konoe punched him playfully on the shoulder, Bardo sobered a little and looked into Konoe’s dazzling eyes.

“It’s beautiful, I’m gonna place it on the front desk later. Everyone deserves to see this masterpiece.”  Bardo pulled Konoe closer to himself.  “It really is amazing,” he murmured into Konoe’s neck.

Still clutching Bardo, Konoe reopened the music box, they both sighed in contentment as the music of Konoe’s soul filled the air.

Bardo breathed in the air of the market. The scent of hot cider and snow greeted him. The holiday season had descended upon Ransen, and it was a spectacular sight to see. Colorful lanterns decorated the streets, and Ribika were swarming around like bees to honey. He watched as a child cheerfully tuged his mother along to see a street magician, almost stumbling in the thickening snow.

He grinned slightly, he loved this time of year. The weather, the food, and especially the overall feeling of the season. And this was the first Christmas that he and Konoe would spend together. Which put a little pressure on him to get the perfect gift. He’d never had anyone significant in his life to get a meaningful gift. Sure, he’d get simple gifts for friends, but this was Konoe, it had to be special. With that in mind he braced himself and fully entered the market.

He, like many other Ribika flitted through many of the shops. Nothing really catching his eye, he stopped at booth selling swords. What had caught his eye was the unique engravings on the blades. As he examined them further, he noticed that the engravings were ancient sigils to ward against evil. He toyed with the idea of getting one for Konoe, but he decided against it. He recalled with a shudder at the last time Konoe tried fighting with a sword, the kid had nearly stabbed his eye out. No, the sword was a bad idea. He continued searching shops, for what he didn’t know, but he knew what he didn’t want. He was close to leaving when he heard a soft melody.

His eyes lit up, how did he not think of it before. Approaching the shop he quickly haggled with the shopkeeper, and not ten minutes later he had an almost perfect gift for Konoe.

Slipping the gift in his pocket he hurried along the darkening street. Almost giddy with joy he hurried to get back to the Inn, ducking in between shops and trying his damnest not to slip on the thick snow. It didn’t take long until the Inn was in sight. Dazzling rainbow lights illuminated the dark woodend building. He always decorated for the holidays, it really helped the guests get into the mood. But this year he had outdone himself. Well, he may have had a little help from Konoe and the gang.

Still lost in his thoughts, Bardo didn’t notice when the front door opened,

“Where the hell have you been?”

Startled, Bardo jumped a little when he saw Konoe’s face staring at him from the doorframe. Shaking off the surprise, Bardo stepped forward to embrace him, but Konow ducked away before he could.

“Nah-ah, you can’t just leave me in charge of the Inn for half the day and expect me to give you a hug.”

Bardo made a face,” But Konoe, I had important errands to run, plus you’re smart enough to be in charge of the Inn for a couple hours.”

Konoe’s face still showed irritation, but his eyes softened “Compliments won’t help you now, it’s the busiest time of year, and you can’t just be sneaking off.”  Konoe continued on with his little rant, never noticing Bardo inching slowly toward him. Before Konoe could finish, Bardo scooped Konoe up with ease, ignoring the yelp of indignation from small Ribika.

“Look,” Bardo said softly.” You can scold me more inside, but now it’s getting chilly. And you know how you are when you get sick.” That shut Konoe up, the last time Konoe had gotten sick the Bardo nearly had to close down the Inn. Not from any chance of infecting anyone else, but because of how irritable and rude Konow got, he put Rai to shame with sass.  

As he stepped inside he was greeted with a wave of warmth. Setting Konoe down, he started to take off his heavy clothing. Before he couldn’t even take off his scarf though, Konoe started up again.

“So, where were you? And don’t say ‘errands’ I know for a fac-”

Bardo held up a hand, a gleam in his eye.“If you must know, I was getting a searching for a present for Rai. Sadly, Rai is a lot harder to shop for than Asato or Shui.” Konoe’s still looked as if he wanted to argue some more, but he refrained himself.

“Fine. Just don’t disappear on me during the middle of a rush…Dumbass. Now, I’m going to bed. And you get to stay out here and finish up some of the inventory.” With that, Konoe gave Bardo a quick peck on the cheek, yawned and walked off towards their bedroom.

Sighing, Bardo ducked into the kitchen to further exam the gift. It was a great gift, but it wasn’t a perfect gift yet.For that he needed help, magical help He wouldn’t have time to go to him tonight, but tomorrow morning he’d go visit Leaks. Leaks was almost never in a good mood, but he was always a bit more agreeable in the morning, early morning. Inwardly groaning at the thought of getting up well before the sun, he had to remind himself that it was for Konoe and that it was worth it.

Making quick work of the inventory, and some of the smaller jobs that still needed to be done. He slipped into the bed with Konoe and promptly went to sleep.  

  Bardo was not a morning person.Forcing himself to get out of bed was not easy. It didn’t help that the bed was warm and Konoe was pressed against his chest, and the fact it was fucking freezing outside. Getting dressed in layers and layers of thick cloth, he left a note telling him where he’d be, and got the package from where he hid it under the front desk.

The trip to Leaks took most of the premorning, he had left when it was still dark, yet it was well past dawn. It was oddly peaceful  out there alone with the unsold snow gracing the ground. Arriving at Leaks place, he knocked firmly at the door. Leaks answered the door, looking  more relax than he usually did. However, as soon as he saw Bardo his mouth twisted in frown.

“What in the name of everything good and holy are you doing at my house?”

Bardo had been rehearsing what he was going to ask the magician on the way there, but in the face of the glaring cat his mind had gone blank.

“Uh, can I come in? It’ll take a bit to explain.” Bardo started to go forward, only for Leaks to block the door.

“No, now what do you want?”

Rolling his eyes, he explained what he needed.As Bardo explained the problem. Leaks slowly relaxed his stance. Eyes lighting up with the prospect of the challenge.

“So,” he said after a brief pause,” can you do it?”  

For a heartbeat Leaks said nothing, but slowly he nodded, “I suppose I could do that. I’ve heard about that type of enchantment, but I haven’t tried it myself,” and almost as an afterthought he added, “I could talk to Shui about it. I’m sure he can help with that type of magic.”  

Handing Leaks the package, Bardo started to thank him when a clear voice called from Leaks house.

“Leaks, when are you coming back to bed?” The voice clearly belonged to Shui. A sly grin crept on Bardo’s face, while Leaks flushed red. Before Bardo could say anything Leaks slammed the door shut.

Releasing a deep chuckle, Bardo turned away and started his way back to the Inn.

The next few weeks was a flurry of activity. The Inn was packed, with Ribika coming from faraway cities to visit family for the holidays. This just meant more work(and profit) for Bardo and Konoe.  Rai and Asato had also arrived, and of course they couldn’t be left alone without them trying to murder each other. Bardo made sure they were put to work though, so Rai spent most of the time in the kitchen. Preparing food and yelling at Bardo to get out. While Asato helped Konoe clean.

Leaks and Shui arrived the day before Christmas. Leaks had pulled Bardo aside and had given the gift back to him. He had started to explain the science of what he had done, but even with Bardo’s above average knowledge of science and magic after a few minutes his eyes had started to glaze. Which lead to Leaks stomping off, probably to Shui.  

Gazing at the gift he knew, he knew that this was the perfect gift for Konoe. All he had to do was add one last finishing touch and then he could wrap it.

As the day started to wind down,  Bardo joined everyone in the dining room. Where they ate some roasted duck, he and Rai had prepared earlier. The conversation at the table was loud and chaotic, Shui was talking to Konoe, while Leaks discussed something with Kaltz. Rai and Asato were butting heads, and Bardo was content to just watch and occasionally join in on teasing Rai. Soon the food was gone and the conversation died down. And one by one they each left to go to bed. Bardo, however, stayed behind to cleanup. Konoe had offered to help,but Bardo just shewed him away, assuring him that he could make it up later in bed.

Once everything was cleaned and the fire was put out, he joined Konoe in bed. Arms wrapped around him, Bardo drifted off to sleep.  

He woke up with Konoe shaking him

“Bardo! Wake up, it’s Christmas”

Bardo tried his damndest to ignore, him. But Konoe continued to shake him and eventually when the shaking didn’t work, started  threatening Bardo with violence.

“But Konoe,” he whined,”It’s still dark out. Just five more minutes, or five more hours.”  Bardo was suddenly pushed out of bed. Konoe had actually had the audacity to shove him out of bed. However, he wasn’t going down without a fight. Before he could hit the ground he grabbed Konoe’s tail. With a small yelp, Konoe was pulled after Bardo. Both landed heavily on the wooden floor. A deep chuckel came from Bardo.

“Alright, alright, I’m up. I’m going to get dressed. And since you’re so good at bothering people, you can go wake everyone else up.”

Konoe made a face at Bardo, but left to do as he said. Bardo dressed quickly and grabbed the present from where he rehide it under the bed.

Going down to the common area, he wasn’t surprised to only find Kaltz and Leaks. Shui was not much of a morning person. And Rai and Asato’s morning hair  routine took forever(though they’ll deny it zealously). Deciding to try and do something productive he started stoking the fire, he listened to Kaltz and Leaks talk about some magic mumbo jumbo. And slowly everyone came into the room, most of the holding gifts.

Bardo was actually pleasantly surprised on how well the gift exchanged how’d gone with everyone. Everyone had seemed happy with the gifts, even Rai had given him a small smile when he had received the blessed dagger( which was not easy to come by). Konoe and he hadn’t exchanged gifts yet though, they were going to wait when they were alone. He pulled Konoe back into the bedroom, and then he took out the gift.

“You have no idea how hard it was to find you a gift. Honestly, I should have just gotten you some Kuims and been done with it.” Handing the beautifully wrapped package to Konoe, he watched eagerly as it was slowly unwrapped. As the paper was pulled away, a beautiful wooden box was revealed.

Konoe studied the box carefully. It was made from beautiful chestnut wood, and carved onto the box were sigils that was supposed to protect against negativity. Slowly opening the box, he was stunned to hear a soft melody, it sounded like his father’s music, but was fundamentally different.  The inside of the box was even more beautiful than the outside. Carved Lillys and Forget-Me-Nots dotted the interior, all of them framing a small piece of iridescent glass.

Kone’s eyes started to glisten, tears threatening to fall. However, when he caught sight of the inscription at the bottom of the box, tears started to fall in earnest. At the bottom of the box it said:

‘To my one and only love, you are the music of my soul.  So, it seems only fair for you to hear yours.”

Konoe shoved himself into Bardo’s arms, hugging him tightly. Closing the box in the act, and the soft music ended abruptly.

“It,” Bardo began, “ was difficult finding something as perfect as you. The box actually plays the music of the soul holding it. Now, I would love to take all the credit, but Leaks is actually the one that enchanted it, but I did everything else.”  Wrapping his arms around Konoe, he buried his face into his lovers neck.

“That’s not fair,” sniffed Konoe,” you give me this amazing gift and all I have to give you is this.” Pulling away from Bardo, Konoe pulled out a small wooden carving of the Inn, with what looked like Konoe and himself standing in the front. It was crude, but had a bit of charm around it.

“I carved it myself if you couldn’t tell.”  

Bardo let out a snicker, which grew into full blown laughter. “ No. no. I couldn’t tell at all. This is professional work right here.”

Konoe punched him playfully on the shoulder, Bardo sobered a little and looked into Konoe’s dazzling eyes.

“It’s beautiful, I’m gonna place it on the front desk later. Everyone deserves to see this masterpiece.”  Bardo pulled Konoe closer to himself.  “It really is amazing,” he murmured into Konoe’s neck.