There was a gentle breeze sweeping in where he stood, bringing him the harmonious blend of fragrances from the garden.  The wedding was finished, the union between the two families made, which in turn satisfied unfortunate circumstances on both sides.  Kado had no problem with these outcomes, though his parents still worried.  Haruki’s concern was soft and restrained, like most disciplined men of his standing would be.  Keiden’s, however, was a restless, furious ocean lurking under a weakened mask of complacency.  It was in the eyes.<br/><br/>“Why do you have to look at me that way, Nisai?” he asked without turning to the strong presence behind him.<br/><br/>“In what way?” his father replied.  Alone, Kado’s voice seemed deep.  Next to his Schi father’s, it sounded softer, more melodic.  There was a sigh, and the younger turned to give his father a knowing look.  “Sacrifices are meant to be taken on by the parents to spare their children.  Is it so wrong that we feel as we do?”<br/><br/>“You have made your sacrifices.  I’ve heard stories,” Kado assured.  He gave a smile and motioned back toward the garden.  “I’ve lived in comfort since I can remember.  I’ve been happy, thanks to those sacrifices.  Besides, it could be worse.  At least my groom is a young and attractive man.”<br/><br/>“And you know nothing about him.”<br/><br/>“I can learn.  My friend, Yasuo, he married last spring to some affluent woman he had never met before arrangements were being made, and he’s happy.”<br/><br/>“Yasuo is simple.  And human.”<br/><br/>“I like humans,” Kado countered with a soft laugh.  “Besides, what’s done is done.  We are wed.  Both families have benefited, and now life can continue as it was, albeit with some little differences.  And anyway, I have the feeling that instead of trying to convince him not to go through with it, his family was the one who pushed for it.  He agreed with his own will, but only out of obligation and necessity.  Save your concern for him.”<br/><br/>He laid a hand on his father’s shoulder, gave a reassuring smile and a nod, then headed toward the other side of the house.<br/><br/>Kado would’ve liked to marry for love, like most, and something like this was an inconvenience.  That didn’t mean he had to be upset or feel cheated.  What his parents had was rare, though.  Union among those with wealth or connections was done to preserve or enhance those things, not over longing of the heart, and that was the world Kado had grown up in.  He wasn’t bitter or frustrated over it.<br/><br/>It was also true that Taiga was pleasant to look at and had an inviting scent.  Even as he walked down the hall, it lingered, causing his eyes to dilate.<br/><br/>He stopped just outside the room.  His faithful friend and servant didn’t hesitate to call him in.  When he slid the door open and stepped inside, his eyes shifted between the two.  Crow looked as he always did, but Taiga seemed displeased.  Crow wouldn’t have said anything out of the way to someone he was supposed to serve.  Was it because Kado had come, or was it being in this union in the first place?  Was there someone else whom Taiga preferred?  That could’ve made things more difficult.  He thought about that as he closed the door behind him and positioned himself beside his unimpressed groom.<br/><br/>“Thank you, Crow,” he murmured, then looked to his side.  Kado had always thought that men were his thing, and Taiga was the perfect example as to why.  Even unhappy, he was gorgeous.  What might that face look like brightened with a laugh?  “I hope you find it comfortable,” he began.  “The house, that is.  I know it has a few quirks, but it’s solid and reliable.”