Alone with Him

Alone with Him
by Jeanette Diaz Michel
Hakuren sat at the lone table studying for his exams. Mikage sat at the edge of the table. He was placid unlike many times before. Hakuren looked at the small pink dragon and wondered if it was because Mikage knew where Teito was at or he simply enjoyed Hakuren's company now that he and Teito were close friends. He knew the little dragon was still unaccustomed to being without Teito.
Hakuren had wondered many times before what Mikage had been like in his previous life and how he had acted towards Teito. Hakuren recalled upon seeing all the scars on Teito's back and the mark branding him as a slave. He could only guess Mikage had been his only friend after Teito had gotten out of that lifestyle. He could only imagine what it must've been like for Teito and how difficult it must've been for Mikage to break through his walls.
"You must really be someone extraordinary…" Hakuren mumbled absent mindedly. Only a really special person could bring someone out of the shadows that'd gone through what Teito had.
Mikage's elongated ears twitched lightly and he looked back at Hakuren. Hakuren smiled slightly at him.
"You gave him everything possible, and then some. What can I give him that you already haven't? Nothing will compare."
Mikage turned to face Hakuren and he reached over gently and pet the small furry dragon with a finger. The pink fur shined. Hakuren had known from the start he couldn't compete with the memory and presence of Mikage. Mikage leaned into Hakuren's finger and rubbed his head on his finger. He wagged his tail lightly. Hakuren let out a weak chuckle.
Hakuren knew Mikage was important to Teito and he'd never interfere. Never replace him. That didn't mean that he wasn't going to be there for Teito no matter what.
"I'm glad you were there for Teito. I'm glad you are still here now."
"Burupya!"
Hakuren's smile was frail but warm. "You make sure to take care of him; especially if I'm not there. Make sure he's never lonely." He was interrupted before he could say any more.
"Who are you talking to?" Teito asked as he walked in, closing the door behind him.
"No one, just studying." Hakuren watched as Mikage scurried off to the corner of the table, waiting for Teito.
"Studying?" Teito gave him an odd and disbelieving look as he neared the table and Mikage climbed onto his shoulder.
"Yes." Hakuren stood and went to his bed. "I was just memorizing some verses by saying them aloud. Repetition helps."
"Oh."
Hakuren changed for bed. "What did Bishop Frau want?"
"Just to see how my training and my studies were coming along." Teito went and sat on his own bed.
"Alright. I'm going to bed now, you can use my notes to study and catch up if you like; they're on the table."
Teito looked over at the table that had a few open books and Hakuren's notes. "Oh. Thank you."
"Hmm…" Was all Hakuren replied.
Facing away from them, he could hear the smile on Teito's face. Hakuren could only imagine Mikage was rubbing his cheek.
"I missed you too, Mikage."
Hakuren fell into slumber. After Mikage stopped rubbing his head on Teito's cheek, Teito looked at his sleeping comrade. A gentle smile formed his lips. His emerald eyes rested on Hakuren's back and they lingered there for a while before he turned to study.