It was nothing more than a pile of ash and dust when Korekiyo woke up the next morning. The lingering smoke was something Korekiyo didn't inhale in years.

It refreshing despite what he'd heard.

He could only imagine being able to sit comfortably in front of a fire with family. If only his family wasn't busy deciding what weapon was the most effective against a certain type of armor, things like that would've happened more often.

He could always understand though.

He slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes, his hair in disarray. Did he really forget to grab something to tie his hair?

Then again, him being here was a series of sudden events.

He pushed the sheets off of himself and stretched his arms, passively listening to the creeks of the bed as he moved.

On the floor, he spotted a messy assortment of sheets, purposely moved to the side. Did Rin sleep here?

It's must've been extremely uncomfortable...

After the slightly hurtful realization, he slipped his feet into the black slippers set out before him and opened the front door. The warmth from the sun felt nice on his face and would feel even better if his face didn't have a layer of sweat on it. He stepped out a bit more to observe if there was a river nearby.

He could faintly hear the sound of water to his right and peered out to his right slightly to observe. He took off the slippers and set them to the side before putting on his dress shoes and walking outside.

The feeling of being alone without eyes always being on him when he left his home was a comforting feeling he'd wish could last forever. It felt as if he could do anything he wanted and nobody would judge him.

His anxious side would thrive here.

He walked to the right, admiring the tall trees, the soft winds allowing the leaves to slowly fall from their branches, the occasional squirrel running around;

It was absolute peace.

He distracted himself by sifting through the leaves with his feet. As he walked closer to the river, he could hear the splashing of water. It was soft, like a natural bathtub.

And it was a surprise to actually see someone in there.

It was Rin, turned around and washing himself in the river, humming softly. Korekiyo jumped slightly at the sudden presence and blushed slightly to see his... fine form.

Rin hummed slightly when he heard something behind him, slowly turning around to avoid soap from getting into his eyes. He drenched his hands with water and rubbed his eyes, trying not to ruin his mask when he saw the awestruck prince frozen in place.

He chuckled, "I wasn't aware that my treasure was looking for me," Korekiyo looked at the ground, not saying a word.

Korekiyo huffed and straightened his clothes, "I desired to take a bath since I woke up recently. Finding you wasn't my first intention," Rin laughed. He really was a treasure.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Join me why won't you?"

Korekiyo was taken aback before clearing his throat, not washing up because you're embarrassed is a stupid excuse, "Yes, of course."

He went to the far end of the river and took off his clothes by the nearest tree, carrying them with him as he got closer to the middle. He placed his clothes by an erected rock and started washing his hair.

"Please, allow me," Rin took the bar of soap and rubbed his hands with it then, lathering it over Korekiyo's locks.

Rin's hands were soft and gentle. When Rantaro was around, he would do the exact same thing. Korekiyo sighed, he wonders where his friend is right now.

But no matter if Rantaro is dead or alive, he just hopes he's okay.

Rantaro would've been happy with his progress on being more social. He would be happy he was actually interacting with this nice stranger instead of being cooped up in the cabin he took him to.

Maybe he would even smile at him as a reward.

The soft hands went to his shoulders when Korekiyo dipped his head down.

"Is there something the matter, my prince?" The figure behind him said.

Korekiyo shook his head, "It's really none of your concern, really."

Rin laughed, "You can tell me anything, my prince."

'Don't let my work be for naught,' He thought comically.

"I am serious, Rin. You have more significant things better to do than to be affiliated with my issues, " Korekiyo's shoulders tensed as he increased the pitch of his voice and aggressiveness.

Rin has been here before.

He smiled, "As you wish, my prince, but you can always discuss anything bothering you to me."

He nodded.

After their bath, they departed to the cabin again, silence overtaking their surroundings. Rin could tell that Korekiyo was still upset about something but experience led him to know better.

Take your time. Go bit by bit, step by step, etc.

It hurt his heart that Korekiyo was still as defensive as he was before but at least he wasn't as quick as to tell people to leave him alone.

He was happy about that.

He carried firewood on the way to the cabin as Korekiyo shivered from the cold.

He must remind himself that he must leave people to their own devices, no matter the issue.

But making small talk is okay.

"Are you still cold, my prince? I can lend you my coat if you'd like," He took off his coat as an offer before Korekiyo shyly took it.

"I commend you," He responded as Rin nodded.

As Rin made the fire for tonight, Korekiyo couldn't help but stare. He wasn't trained in survival and it was curiosity? Or was he passively thinking?

A 'good night' from Rin drive him out of his thoughts, making him also lose his train of thought also.

He can ask him tomorrow.