kaitou | Gone Fishing

For Twig

twigcollins, both for her birthday and because she asked for it. This drabble is for my "In for a Penny" nano project, Cael and Hal all grown up. Mostly.

"You're never going to catch anything that way," Cael said watching as his little brother cast his line into the cool waters of the Kalin.

King Wilhelm snorted, "Just because you taught me when I was a child doesn't man I haven't improved on your technique, brother."

Cael grinned and settled abck, letting his shapeless colorless hat slide down over his eyes, and said nothing.

Hal continued, "I'm not even sure why you wanted to do this of all things anyway. Fishing is an old man's sport."

"I am an old man."

Hal snorted again, "You just turned thirty."

"You see? Positively ancient. I have gray hair coming in."

"Then they won't call you Black Michael anymore, will they? Besides, you only have gray hair because you insist on being with Anton. That man makes a mess of my Parliment, I tell you, an absolute mess. With te best intentions of course." the king grimaced, "He gives ME gray hair."

"Blonds don't gray, they ash."

"What?"

Cael shrugged, "I don't understand it either. It's something Theresa says."

Hal finally settled at the edge of the bank with Cael, propping up his line and laying back on the cool grass. The tension went out of his shoulders and he relaxed for what felt like the first time in forever. He didn't have to think about being King, or his subjects, or laws, or politics...He didn't have to worry about getting married...he could just be himself.

Which was exactly what Michael planned all along, he realized suddenly. And what Michael had been doing for him ever since he was a child. He turned to look at his older brother, who was ooking at him with an expression equal parts affection and smugness.

"Maybe fishing wasn't such a bad idea," Hal admitted.

Cael laughed and moved his hat back over his eyes. With one hand he blindly patted his little brother's shoulder. "I love you too, Hal."