Heathcliff could’ve had anyone else as his servant. It necessarily didn’t have to be him and yet Heathcliff insisted to his parents that he had appointed Shino Sherwood to be the one to be by his side and guard him at all times. The two of them were polar opposites, almost like the sun and moon. Day and night they were. Heathcliff shone brightly in the sunlight, well loved and liked by others around him and had a family to belong to while Shino blended in with the silence of the night, bathing underneath the moonlight. All those times of solitude by his lonesome were always interrupted by the blond who stuck by his side. Shino felt like he was rather undeserving despite being so welcomed.

 

As the night sky rose once more, Shino sat on top of his broomstick as he could only see his country become smaller by his feet. One might say the nighttime is the loneliest part of the day as creatures, wizards and humans alike all prepare to go into a slumber and repeat the next day. The night was always a friend to Shino, it almost felt like it was his only friend until Heathcliff came into his life. It wasn’t long before he could hear a familiar voice calling out for him.

 

“What are you doing out here by yourself?” Heathcliff looks at him with concern, “It’s late, who knows what-”
 

“I’m fine, my liege.” Shino responds with a hint of sarcasm dripping in his tone, red hues glancing over at docile blue ones. “No need for that type of title.” Heath laughs, “Besides, you know you can just keep referring to me as Heath like you usually do.” the blond smiles at him as Shino remains silent as usual. Truth is that he is grateful that someone like Heathcliff took an interest in him as his intimidating aura scares many people off, but he was different. While Shino always had his guard down, Heath was the opposite as he glowed in the sunlight. Shino was only the shadow lurking just behind him, willing to do just about anything to protect the Blanchett name and also his friend.

 

Seeing how Heathcliff had received silence on his end, it got him frowning a tad bit. Heath knew Shino always had trouble expressing his emotions, but that just made him grow with worry as if he had hurt his best friend somehow. Perhaps he was just being over worrying considering that the younger one was not the best at expressing himself. Shino on the other hand always was grateful enough to have Heathcliff as a friend, let alone serve him. So what if Heathcliff was stubborn and a bit of an idiot in his own words that could be worded more politely - Shino was almost the same as he is. Silence drew upon the two as Heathcliff fidgeted at his hands before Shino was the one to break the tension again.

 

“I just wanted to take a walk out here. Felt too cramped back in the castle… no offense but..you know.” Shino shrugs his shoulders, “What? You worried that I’ll turn into Murr and then get all starry-eyed at the moon?” He snickered which got Heathcliff to panic, shaking his head and waving his hands in front of him to dismiss that thought of Shino’s. It was a favorite pastime of his to playfully bully his own friend and Master and watch the blond be sent into a panic in fear of being misunderstood. Before Heathcliff could voice out his defense, Shino draws out a sigh after laughing it out.

  “I’m just kidding, don’t worry about it.~” Shino says which gets Heathcliff to just sigh back at Shino. “You know I worry about you no matter what you do, Shino..” Heath mumbles which makes Shino drop his smile. There was Heathcliff worrying about him again. It’s not that he disliked it when the other always fretted over him one too many times since Shino is just as guilty of it too only he’s more abrasive and blunt than Heathcliff. Shino always appreciates whatever Heathcliff does, just wishes that he could see how amazing he is without the need to put himself down while Shino could just remain as the shadow of him.

 

“Heath,” Shino sternly looks at his best friend, “Don’t start worrying about me again. Hate to see you just worry yourself sick over someone like me. You know I can fend for myself if trouble were to happen!” 

 

“But-” Heathcliff interjects which makes Shino shush the young lord.

 

“Didn’t I just say I can handle myself? Idiot.” a simple flick to the forehead which gets a resounding ‘ow’ from Heathcliff who rubs at the spot where Shino flicked him. So much for getting time to himself today, he thinks to himself. Maybe it was for the better.

 

Shino slowly lands back onto the ground, hopping off his broomstick as it dissipates followed by Heathcliff right behind him. He feels like he’s most likely gotten most of his thoughts out before the other had interrupted him, now heading back into Blanchett castle. The sense of duty and responsibility weighs on his shoulders again the moment he steps foot into the grand place again, only to stop in his tracks when he notices a vase filled with a wondrous, white bouquet of sweet peas. Next to the vase was a small card addressed to Shino in elegant cursive. Confused but also on guard he approaches the sweet pea-filled vase, soon picking up the card and opening it up to read its contents.

 

“Shino, 

 

I know you have been struggling a lot lately. While you may say that things are fine and that you just have to brush up on your skills and then work out more so you can get stronger to protect me, we both know that’s not the case. You get mad at yourself for the smallest of things to the point you only hurt yourself and me in the process. I wanted you to know that I care about you very much, not just as a servant to the Blanchetts but as my best friend. Sweet peas are meant to symbolize gratitude I have heard. Therefore, I went out of the way to buy some for you. Know that you are not alone now and that whenever you find yourself needing a hand, I am always going to be by your side.

 

Yours Truly,

Heathcliff”

 

“...Oh Heath,” Shino turned to him, sighing but there was a grin on his face. “You really don’t give up, do you?” 

 

“Of course not.” Heathcliff laughs softly in return, smiling, “It’s my duty after all to make sure my servant is aware that he is much more stronger than he gives himself credit for.~” the blond takes a hold of Shino’s hand, now getting on one knee. “I am sworn to not only ensure that you protect me, but to also protect you as well to the best of my ability. That itself is stronger than any promise.” 

 

The very words that escaped Heathcliff’s lips left Shino speechless. While it wasn’t all that necessary to make a big scene out of that, he still appreciated it regardless. Placing a hand on top of the blond’s head, Heath looked confused only to let out a startled noise as Shino ruffled his hair.

 

“That’s for the whole speech.” Shino huffs, “But thanks, Heath.” he adds which makes him smile at the young lord ever so slightly.