'Sparring isn 't 'protecting ' Shun. I 've seen you 'protect '. '

He wiped his nose and peeked over his shoulder, 'When? '

'How many animals have you nursed back to health in that back shed? ' Yang smiled.

'How did you know about that! '

'I saw you snatch that kitten in a dive roll before it got run over by the carriage, ' Duo added.

'It was so little and lost and crying! ' He gasped, 'DON 'T TELL MOTHER. '

'Duh. '

'Of course not, ' the prince squatted on the other side of the root, 'you 'll get it, the sparring, and then you can protect

me

like you do that cat. '

'Though we should probably find it a home so you don 't get in trouble. '

'No! MY little cat! '

***

He had no idea how much time had passed. But somehow there was a handkerchief in the hand around the young man and Duo was still rubbing his back, cheek resting on his shoulder, murmuring, 'Learned a new Western word today ' 'storge '. '