Short Ankh & Ryle Fic from Lil Sis

Father of mine

Tell me where have you been

You know I just closed my eyes

My whole world disappeared

Father of mine

Take me back to the day

When I was still your golden boy

Back before you went away

The song resonated throughout the tearoom, a baritone voice echoing across the walls and carpets. Ankh closed his eyes, pondering upon the words as he sipped his tea.

He'd asked for his Master Ryle to join him that afternoon. Ryle's sleepy expression, on the other hand, morphed into one of shock as the lyrics of the song hit his ears.

"Ankh," Ryle whispered.

He couldn't seem to be able to heighten the sound of his voice. Why? Why now? This stupid record player, why did he buy it...?!

Thoughts raced through his mind faster than he could chase after them, and time seemed to slow down. He could only register the sound of his beating heart and Ankh's breathing next to him.

I remember the blue skies

Walking the block

I loved it when you held me high

I loved to hear you talk

You would take me to the movie

You would take me to the beach

You would take me to a place inside

That is so hard to reach

"Ankh!" 

His voice finally came out as a cry. Ankh raised his eyebrows, slightly unnerved.

"Master Ryle? Is there something the matter?"

"Ankh." 

Ryle steadied his breathing, and tried to continue choking the words out.

Choking...? Why would I think of it this way? It's just a damn song!

"Ankh, turn the music off."

The tell-tale clink of the teacup started the spiral of nervousness. 

"As you wish," said Ankh.

Ryle looked up at his self-proclaimed butler to see him smiling, his eyes closed in bliss.

"The tea is exquisite, is it not?"

Ankh's formal small talk soon filled the tearoom, and Ryle resisted the urge to grit his teeth. Of course... He's trained for that, isn't he?

The thought stung. He found himself daydreaming about that young boy he'd taken in, the same boy that had grown into his vice-captain.

--

"Look, look, Ryle! What is that?"

A prepubescent boy's eyes sparkled brightly as he pointed at the large disks of fluorescent colour displayed at a stall. Ankh had been sheltered, only given the bare minimum with a butler entrusted with the task of raising him.

"It's candy." Ryle's response was short, but it satisfied Ankh's curiosity. He'd never had his questions answered before!

"May we get one, Ryle? Please?"

Ryle bit his lip, and he gripped Ankh's hand tighter as he fished around in his robes with his free hand. He couldn't deny the desire to please that boy.

"Alright." 

He'd have to go without a meal today, but looking at that boy's smile, Ryle felt like he didn't need anything else. Besides... he owed that boy so, so much more than a piece of candy.

"It tastes so good!"

-- 

"The tea is exquisite, is it not?"

When had that kid grown up?

"Master Ryle, it is nearly time for the yearly report. Shall I fetch the members for tea?"

Why isn't he asking to help me with work anymore? When had he learned to do all of this?

Ryle felt his throat constrict, but he nodded to Ankh.

-- 

"Here, mister. I'm sorry about your rat."

A little boy, with emerald eyes and blue hair, held out an apple to him.

Ryle could only stare up at that boy. His voice had faded away long before, the sign of hours of sobbing.

"H-Here. You need it more than I do."

Ryle snatched that apple from the boy. It was so clean, so new, and the red colour seemed to shine. Nothing like the bruised and battered ones that had been his meals for months on end. 

He took a bite, and for once, the world seemed a bit less cold than it normally was.

-- 

"Ankh."

His little butler didn't even miss a beat. "Yes, Master Ryle?"

"Before we see to that meeting... shall we have some candy?"

Author's notes: Self indulgent drabble designed to please my big sister on her birthday.

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This is beautiful ❤️ You know more of my comments about this, lmao.

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