wrong side of heaven//one on one (closed)

Shiroka couldn't help the way his previous little smile widened ever so slightly at that. "You don't need to thank me. I just wanted to do something nice for you," he said, glancing down at the grass to hide his smile a little out of habit

"I… I do, though," Oliver protested quietly, "You didn't have to bring me here or stay with me while I ate…"

"I'm just being a friend. And it's no chore if I really do enjoy your company when you feel up to it," Shiroka said again, a finger idly playing with a few strands of grass

Oliver looked back towards the pond, cheeks tinted slightly pink, "I-I enjoy your company, too."

Shiroka couldn't help but let his smile widen at that. "I'm glad that you do," he said, just the lightest hint of pink on his own cheeks from the little compliment

Oliver was quiet after that, just letting the peaceful silence wash over them. He probably could have fallen asleep if he'd let himself.

Shiroka fell into the silence comfortably, hunching ever so slightly forward as he dripped just a few more pieces of fish food into the water, watching the fish with a soft smile

Oliver wrapped the cloak tighter around his shoulders when the breeze picked up. He was grateful for the extra warmth. Even though he wanted to thank Shiroka for it again, he was too tried to speak.

Shiroka looked over at Oliver now, seeing that he had grown tired. "Would you like to go back in now? It's getting a little colder, and you look like you need some rest," he said softly

Oliver pouted slightly. He wanted to stay out here but knew he couldn't stay awake. He nodded a little, "Yes, please." He yawned slightly.

Shiroka gave a little nod before getting to his feet gracefully. He reached down, offering his hand to Oliver so he didn't have to pull himself up when tired

Oliver gently took Shiroka's hand. He stumbled slightly when he was pulled up but quickly corrected himself so he didn't fall over.

Shiroka instinctively leaned forward, holding his hands out in case Oliver fell. "It's alright, I've got you," he soothed gently, helping Oliver to his feet

Oliver blushed, embarrassed and looked down at his feet, "Um… let's go." He released a small breath.

Shiroka simply nodded, resisting the urge to rest an arm along Oliver's shoulders to help him along. So he just walked with Oliver, looking out at the courtyard idly

As they walked, Oliver kept peaking small glances at Shiroka and opening his mouth to speak before deciding against it. Because of this, a frown crossed with a pout was permanent on his lips

Shiroka glanced over at Oliver, and when he saw the upset look on his face he felt his somewhat good mood go down the pipes. "What's wrong? Did I do something?" he asked, concern etched clear in his features

"Wh-What?" Oliver's eyes widened a little and he quickly shook his head, "No, you didn't do anything wrong."

"Why are you frowning again? Did you not enjoy feeding the fish? If I've done something wrong, please tell me so I can fix it," Shiroka insisted, seemingly convinced he had done something wrong

“Shiroka,” Oliver placed a hand on his upper arm, stopping him from walking, “It’s not you. And… unless you can fix me and my people skills, It… it has nothing to do with you.”

Shiroka still looked like a kicked puppy regardless, a little pout on his face still. He felt awful that Oliver still felt upset, like he hadn't done anything really to help him. "Sorry I couldn't make you happy very long," he mumbled, keeping his head down as he fixed his gaze on the ground

Oliver sighed softly, moving his hand so it was resting on Shiroka’s cheek, “It’s not your fault I’m like this,” He whispered, “Surprisingly today wasn’t as dull as the others, and that’s because of you.”

Shiroka's head bowed ever so slightly lower when he felt Oliver's hand against his cheek. "I am…glad you felt a little better today," he murmured softly, otherwise staying silent

“Me too,” Oliver slowly and gently removed his hand from, letting it drop gently to his side, “Me too…”

Shiroka let the silence hang between them a moment longer before looking up at Oliver again. "Would you like me to escort you to your room?" he asked gently

Oliver bit his bottom lip and nodded slightly, “Yes, please.” He replied. He actually liked Shiroka’s company so he didn’t mind spending some more time with him.

Shiroka nodded at that, a small smile returning to his face. He fell quiet now, this silence a bit more companionable now that they had gotten past that little hurdle

The walk seemed to go quicker this time. They were inside soon enough, Oliver tried to not look at the passing servants.

Shiroka stopped once they got to Oliver's room, and he opened the door for him but stayed back towards the entrance. "If you need anything, feel free to ask for me," he said with a soft smile

Oliver nodded, smiling a little back, “I will, thank-you.” He unwrapped the cloak from around his shoulders and held it out for Shiroka to take.