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Title: Emperor Thief
Fandom: Original Fiction
Summary: [This story was written for 2021 November’s Yaoi Otaku Forums Writing Challenge. This month’s theme - Villain.]
Sometimes even behind the cutest and innocent face, there might be hiding the most cunning villain…
Unfortunately, one couple, which is on the date, has no idea what kind of villain is lurking at the zoo.
Who could it be? Read and find out~
Writing challenge - Accepted and completed!
This month’s(November’s) theme: Villain
3 given words: Penguin, whimper, eyeglasses
Word count: 955
Click here to read
Finally, after a month of carefully planning, one familiar couple is on the date. This time, Iriyu and Eric decided to hang out in the local zoo. Surprisingly, even such a simple thing as observing how the wild animals are chilling out or being encouraged to do tricks by the zookeepers can be so much entertaining.
More so, in the afternoon, one of the visitors might even have a chance to feed the penguins. After arriving near the penguin observatory, both noticed that this place is already crowded with many people.
‘‘What are we going to do now? We could barely see what is going on. Therefore, there is no way that we’ll get noticed. Should we try it another day?’’ — Or so, Eric asks in a slightly concerned tone.
However, the fluffy silver-haired young man is stubborn and replies in a determined voice ‘‘You won’t know it unless we give it a try. ’’. The brunette already knew that once Iriyu decides something, it would be impossible to over-talk him. For now, Eric plays along with his partner’s rules.
In the meantime, one of the zookeepers shows up with the buckets of fish. Now, she cheerfully greets the crowd and asks the question, which everyone has been waiting for. Suddenly, the gathered people got excited even by such a simple thing. Each person’s voice tries to over-power the others while the mass of hands is raised. Despite that, the brunette observes how Kurama shows a natural enthusiasm. Even if he is sure that someone from the front line would get picked, Eric is surprised how the zookeeper points towards their side and invites them to join. Nevertheless, just seeing Iriyu's bright face sparkling with pure excitement warms Eric's heart and makes him glad.
After entering the observatory, the zookeeper gave them a pair of rubber gloves and a bucket of fish. At first, the group of penguins doubtfully stares at this couple. But soon enough, their attention is caught by the tasty content of the buckets. One by one, the emperor penguins gather around them.
Meanwhile, they are busy feeding the hungry army, one of the penguins from Kurama’s side decides to use another tactic to get a delicious meal. When it gets in front of him, Iriyu innocently chuckles and adds in a nearly singing voice ‘‘Why hello, there! Are you hungry as well? Here you go, little fella~’’. Now, he picks another fish and shows it to this bird. The fluffy silver-head was about to give it to the penguin, which leaned on the tip of its feet. Iriyu only comments ‘‘What an impatient little fellow are you…’’.
Unfortunately, very little he knows what kind of master-plan behind these cute beady eyes, this penguin plots. As this bird squawks, it jumps at a fluffy silver-head with its wings flapping. It was followed by Kurama’s whimper and losing his balance. Fortunately, Iriyu is lucky to land on his bottom. Yet, he notices that his vision is blurry. Meanwhile, the zookeeper scolds the penguin ‘‘What are you doing, Flipper?’’. Now, Eric rushes to his boyfriend’s side. Of course, the penguins are distracted by scattered fishes all over the floor, and the so-called Flipper swallows the tasty snack and indignantly squawks at that woman. In the end, the zookeeper sincerely apologizes while this mischief-maker ignorantly enjoys its feast.
In the meantime, the brunette picks the eyeglasses. However, after cleaning it, Eric noticed that the left side of the eyeglasses got cracked.
‘‘Eric, did you find my glasses? Where are you anyway?’’ - Or so, Kurama asks while he kneels and searches for his eyeglasses by his hands.
As the brunette helps Iriyu stand up, he explains in a nearly apologetic tone ‘‘Unfortunately, the glass of the one side got cracked…’’. But now, he asks ‘‘Apart from that, are you alright?’’. After the fluffy silver-haired young man nods, both finally leave the exhibition. Even on their way, the brunette can't help himself and worry about his lover. Now, he asked in a concerned tone ‘‘Are you going to be alright? Should I call a taxi to the nearest optician?’’.
Yet, the fluffy silver-head objects with a warm smile on his face ‘‘There is no need for that. We could make it on foot. Besides…’’. After a brief pause, he continues ‘‘Even if I cannot see anything right now, but when are my guiding light, I should be alright. So, let me be under your care, Eric.’’.
For sure, hearing such an honest reply made Eric cover his face with his hand and hide his blushing face.
‘‘Even so… I don’t want to see you struggling like this for too long. A-anyway, can you tell me where did you get your glasses? I’ll take you there.’’ - The brunette asked in a shyer tone.
Even if Kurama cannot see, but he can still imagine what kind of expression Eric made. Now, the fluffy silver-head sighs, he agrees and tells the needed address. After arriving at the optician's office, they explained what is happened. All they are left to do is until the glasses will be fixed.
In the end, their date at the zoo may end up with a disaster. Despite that, there were these small moments, which they enjoyed. More importantly, Kurama could appreciate how Eric is taking care of him and by his side. Perhaps, the emperor penguin accidentally ‘has stolen’ his vision. Even such an incident might be only a lesson to have an extra pair of glasses. However, at the same time, it also taught that even at the times when Iriyu might be weakest, there is that one person, whom he can have faith and rely on no matter what happens.
