Chapter Text
It’s been three months since the king's death and the kingdom is still in mourning. Black banners decorated with the Fukurodani family crest hang from the castle's balconies. Families have continued to leave flowers and gifts on the steps of the palace. There’s a portrait of the king that sits outside the palace doors at the top of the stairs. People still go to sit and grieve at the makeshift shrine that has developed since the queen left the portrait there. The queen felt it was the least he could do after locking the palace doors after the funeral, prohibiting anyone from entering. The only people who remained inside were the queen, the prince, and the palace staff. The queen had become paranoid for the prince's safety, the king's killer was still on the loose after all.
The funeral had been painful to get through. Osamu will never forget that feeling. To have so many people all in one place, feeling heartbroken and shocked to their core. The whole event was overwhelming. Everyone was dressed in black robes instead of the traditional golden Fukurodani attire. Queen Keiji wore a black veil to cover his face. It wasn’t dark enough to cover the deep pain that engulfed his gunmetal blue eyes.
Guests lined up to give their condolences to the widowed queen. Osamu was standing behind Atsumu and Kiyoomi. Atsumu was not in the best shape since receiving the bad news. His brother’s friendship with Bokuto had strengthened while Osamu had been busy avoiding Fukurodani like the plague. Kiyoomi was the queen’s best friend. So the couple were always visiting the Bokuto’s.
Osamu had felt numb. The morning he had walked in on Atsumu weeping in Kiyoomi's arms, he knew it was something bad. And yet, never in a million years would he have guessed that Bokuto Koutaro was dead. It was impossible. How could someone so bright and beautiful and full of life, be gone just like that? Osamu had taken a horse into the nearby forest. Until he reached a small clearing where a field of wildflowers grew. A glistening pond was at one end, an abandoned cabin at the other. Osamu had not planned to go there but it seemed his body led him there anyway. A private spot he had kept to himself for years. Except there was only one person he had brought there years ago. He paced back and forth trying to control his breathing until he tripped on his own feet. His knees hit the ground, his hands gripped the dirt, and he cried. Osamu shouted, wailed, sobbed. Memories flooded his mind, years of pent up emotions flowed out in a river of anguish. He had clutched at his chest. His heart ached so much he wanted to rip it out of his chest and throw it far away where it could no longer hurt him. Osamu hadn’t returned to the village until dark.
Osamu had decided to close off his true feelings in order to keep from being questioned by Atsumu or Suna. A week later they were at the funeral.
The prince stayed glued to his mother’s side, his face tucked into Keiji’s leg. Osamu recalls the prince’s outburst near the end of the funeral.
“Daddy come back! You can stop hiding! The game’s over now, you can come out now!”
The queen kneeling down to his pup and attempting to calm him down.
But what do you say to a child who has just lost half their world? A child who barely knows what it means to live. What it means to die.
“Osamu!”
Osamu is pulled back from his thoughts by his brother.
“What?”
“Samu we’re here. Get yer head out of the clouds.”
“I still don’t get why we’re here in the first place.”
“I told ya already. I don’t know all the details yet but the Fukurodani council has chosen yer ugly mug to take Koutaro’s place as king.”
“But why?? The prince is still alive, can’t they wait until he is of age?”
“Bokkun may have been able to change a lot of the old ways, but there’s still a few old bigoted buggers on the Fukurodani council. They don’t like the idea of a lone Omega queen in charge for the next 13 years. It seems they’d rather force Keiji-kun into marrying another alpha than let him call the shots on his own. Not that he’s even thinking about making any important decisions anytime soon.”
Osamu sighs and notices Suna being awfully quiet staring out the window of the carriage. He’s been acting differently since hearing the news about Osamu being chosen to marry into the position of Fukordani’s ruler. Osamu can’t help but feel bad. He and Suna have been more or less considered arranged to be married since they were young. Osamu being the second son, the spare, the back up heir to the Inarizaki clan, he was required to marry an omega outside the clan for any political reasons if the occasion presented itself.
The omega’s parents were close with the twin’s father and so he was a perfect match for him. An easy match that just made sense, no reason to question it really. They’ve been best friends since the beginning. Osamu accepted it a long time ago, he never really had reason not to. In the beginning there was that usual gross reaction to marrying your best friend, but then it just became a normal thing to expect in the future. If anything it just made things easier. No need to worry about future mates and matchmaking and having to make conversation with a complete stranger. If Osamu had to marry anyone he’s glad it’d be Suna. And yet, Osamu has been waiting for some kind of romantic feelings for Suna to just magically sprout from somewhere eventually. He usually just tries to force it. That usually ends up in some sort of awkward flirting, but thankfully Suna goes along with it.
Just keep pretending until it starts to feel real.
When he sees his brother with Kiyoomi. He notices the way Atsumu looks at Kiyo, the way he touches him, and speaks to him (when he’s not saying something idiotic). He tries to imitate it with Suna since he can’t seem to do it naturally.
Not anymore it seems.
And he thinks Suna likes it. Suna will usually take that as a chance to take things further. Osamu will even go along with it, but it's like he can’t quite get it right because Suna will notice how he stiffens or how his mind wanders while he body is just going through the motions and Suna will make up an excuse to stop. It makes Osamu feel like shit, because he wants to love Suna like that. It’s what Suna deserves. It’s what Suna wants, but he can’t give it to him. And now he’s forced to leave Suna alone. He hopes Suna can find someone worthy of being loved by him. He hopes this will give Suna a chance to find what he really wants, even if to Osamu it just feels like he’s running away, abandoning his best friend.
Atsumu catches his eye and nods toward Suna.
Well don’t just sit there ya moron! Say somethin!
Osamu has to restrain himself from rolling his eyes.
What the fuck am I supposed to say?? If yer so smart then start spitting ideas!
Atsumu narrows his eyes at him.
Just because I’m yer older brother doesn’t mean I gotta do everything for ya!
Osamu actually does roll his eyes this time.
Ya only older by two minutes dumbass!! And stop telepathically yelling at me, it’s not helping!
Atsumu pouts and looks away with his arms crosses and his nose in the air.
Osamu finally musters up the courage to say something.
“Rin, are ya feeling alright?” He nudges his hand against Suna’s thigh next to him.
Atsumu throws an unimpressed look towards him.
That’s it? That's the best ya got??
Osamu chooses to ignore him.
“I’m fine.” Suna doesn't even look at him, just keeps staring out the window.
“Oh. Okay.”
An awkward silence nests inside the carriage until they reach the palace.
——
There is no grand procession when the Inarizaki clan arrives. In fact, the roads leading to the palace are quiet and empty. The weather matches the mood as well, gray storm clouds ready to pour. The clan steps out of the three carriages, some palace staff are there to greet them and take their luggage to their rooms. They’ll be staying for a week. By the end of it Osamu will be married and crowned king, the rest of them will return home, leaving him behind.
Aran and Kita have accompanied the twins as Atsumu’s heads of council. They’ve known the twins since they were little. The mated couple both come from prominent Inarizaki families. Ever since the twin’s father passed away, leaving Atsumu as the new clan leader, Aran and Kita have stepped in whenever Atsumu needed guidance.
Komori Motoya has also joined them. The beta joined the clan along with Kiyoomi four years ago. They’re cousins and the only blood family they have left. They had been sold to human traffickers, but managed to escape. After traveling on foot for days they stujmbled upon the Inarizaki border. The twin’s parents had agreed to let them stay for good. Somehow, Atsumu managed to gain a mate in Kiyoomi, Osamu’s still not sure how that happened.
Osamu turns behind him to offer Suna a hand out of the carriage.
Suna easily waves away his hand.
“You don’t have to do that, Osamu. It isn’t appropriate anymore.”
“Rin, yer my best friend. That’ll never change.”
Ouch, Osamu didn’t mean it like that. He can’t seem to say anything to make Suna feel better.
“Right.” Suna brushes past him to join Komori.
Osamu is watching him walk away when Atsumu decides it’s a good time to play big brother. He grabs Osamu’s shoulder to shake him out of his thoughts.
“Don’t worry too much about him. Sunarin always bounces back, he just needs time. I mean I guess it’s a good thing ya didn’t return his feelings cause then this would be way worse. He probably woulda killed ya. I mean I don’t blame him, he’s been in love with ya for years and now he’s gonna watch you get married to someone else. Like damn what a—“
“Shut the fuck up Tsumu.”
As they are heading up the stairs to the front entrance, a breeze picks up. Flower petals begin to gather at their feet. Osamu has almost reach the top when he starts to see the memorial shrine set up for Bokuto Koutaro. He shouldn’t be surprised to see that the Fukurodani people have kept it well maintained. All the flower bouquets are fresh and neatly placed around the portrait of his royal highness. A pile of bags of treats and snacks has also collected. Heartfelt letters and gifts can also be found.
The Inarizaki crew take a moment to pay respect while they wait to be let in.
The tall, thick doors groan as they slowly open. Once there is enough room, guards immediately poor out. The Inarizaki are surrounded by the guards, faced with the tips of their swords.
“Woah! Woah! What the hell is going on??” Atsumu is furious.
“Calm down Atsu.” Kiyoomi appears after the last of the guards spill out. He’s been spending every other week in Fukurodani along with Kenma to support the queen.
“Everyone entering the palace is getting searched, it’s a precaution to ease Keiji’s mind. They can’t make any exceptions even for Inarizaki.”
Atsumu pouts and pretends to look bothered as they pat him down, but Osamu knows his brother would do anything to help Keiji. For some reason, they take twice as long to check Osamu. He tries not to think about that too hard.
“Omiiiii, my love, did ya miss me? Because I missed ya.” Atsumu bats his lashes at his mate as he wraps the omega in his embrace. Osamu rolls his eyes.
“Oh really? I couldn't tell.” Kiyoomi’s wears a deadpan expression.“He’s practically useless as clan leader when you’re not around.” Osamu can’t help butting in.
“He’s useless, period. Inarizaki has only lasted this long because of Kita-san and Aran-san.” Aran and Kita simply smile and shrug.
“Yer supposed to be on my side!” Atsumu throws a betrayed look toward the couple.
They’re interrupted by someone new clearing their throat.
Osamu turns to see Konoha walking towards them.
“Welcome back Inarizaki. I hope you all had a safe journey.”
It’s hurts to see Konoha like this. He’s got dark circles under his eyes and tufts of hair sticking out. It’s a strange sight considering he’s dressing nicely as always in Fukurodani attire. It’s almost as if he’s on autopilot. Osamu can tell he doesn’t get much sleep. Konoha was part of Bokuto’s head council; they had been close friends long before that. He was usually the one attending clan gatherings alongside Bokuto when they were teenagers. Supposedly, he’s the one who introduced Keiji and Koutaro.
“Come inside, before the rain catches you. The staff are almost done settling your belongings in your rooms. Dinner will be ready soon.”
As they head inside, some of the staff and guards are collecting all the flower bouquets and gifts left outside.
Osamu hears Komori behind him, “what do you do with all the flowers and gifts?”
Konoha is slow to respond, “Oh, we collect them everyday and give them to the children at the orphanage. Keiji’s idea. We keep the letters of course. Some people leave things for Koji as well.”
Atsumu finally asks, “How is he?”
Konoha glances at him.
“Still looking for him.”
Osamu’s not sure what he means by that.
“And Keij-kun?”
Konoha hesitates, and sends a glance toward Osamu.
“He’s trying.”
—
Osamu has finished changing and settling into his room. It’s just a guest quarters but still big. He’s hoping to get away with waiting in his room until someone fetches him for dinner. He fiddles with the straps on the maroon corset vest that accentuates his waist. He has a dark gray lace shirt underneath and black wide hem skirt pants with red embroidery on them. The usual Inarizaki fox patterns and styles. His boots make sharp taps as he paces the room.
The alpha decides he should at least start making his way in the direction of the dining room. He takes his time strolling the hallways.
Osamu comes to a stop when he sees a painting of the royal family. They’re sitting on a soft looking quilt in what looks like the royal garden. There’s food laid out and a toy tea set. They each have a flower crown adorning their heads. They look so happy and beautiful. In Bokuto’s hands is a not yet finished flower crown, his fingers in the middle of weaving flower stems together. He’s sporting a wide and bright grin. The queen is looking at his mate with a loving gaze. Their pup sitting between the two, looking up at them.
“Daddy!”
Osamu startles out of his trance. He looks over at the end of the hallway to see a little boy.
Oh, it’s the prince.
The little boy had opened a door to an empty hallway closet.
“Daddy are you in here? It’s safe to come out now!”
Osamu’s eyes widened, his skin turned cold. He suddenly had trouble breathing, he could feel tears swelling, stinging his eyes.
“Please come back daddy. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”
Osamu carefully began to make his way over to Koji, trying not to startle him.
“Mama misses you a lot. I miss your kissy attacks and your hugs and your stories and—“
He finally noticed me it seems.
Koji hid behind the open door as Osamu approached.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to scare ya. Koji, it’s me Myaa-sam, do you remember?”
Koji doesn’t make a peep.
“Um, I was friends with yer dad.”
Koji sticks his head out from behind the door. Those familiar golden eyes pin Osamu where he stands.
“You kinda look like uncle tsum tsum.”
Oh right, the kid is probably way more familiar with tsumu than me. I’ve only seen the kid two or three times now.
He knelt down to talk to the pup.
“Yeah he’s my brother. He’s here too.”
“I’m looking for my daddy, he’s hiding. Foxy and Owly are helping me.”
Koji holds up two plushies he’d been carrying, a crochet fox and owl. They were slightly worn down but clearly taken care of over the years.
Osamu let out a shaky breath. “They’re very cute. Where did ya get them?”
“Um, my daddy gave them to me. For my birthday. He said they were very special and to always take care of them. He made me pinkie promise!” Koji holds up his pinky finger.
Osamu can’t hold back a small smile, “Yer doing a good job. Yer dad would be so proud of ya.”
Koji gives a bashful smile, “You think so? Hey, do you know where he is?”
Koji looks up at Osamu with those wide innocent golden eyes, so much hope in those eyes.
“Well, um I—“
“Koko!”
A young woman turns the corner to see Koji and Osamu.
“Koji! There you are! Dinners ready. Oh! Miya-san, I didn’t expect to see you here. I’m Shirofuku Yukie, you may not remember me. I’m the prince’s nursemaid.”
“Ah right. Nice to meet ya.”
“I’m busy Yuyu! I gotta find daddy so he can eat too!”
Shirofuku winces and sighs, “Right Koko, um well, maybe he’s in the dining room?”
Koji pauses. Without answering he’s running down the hallway towards the dining room.
“I’m sorry if he caused you any trouble Miya-san.”
“No it’s alright.”
Osamu is thinking about the best way to broach the sensitive subject.
“It’s been three months. Has no one talked to him about it?”
Shirofuku wears a mournful look. “Yes, we’ve all talked to him and tried to explain as best we could, but it doesn’t seem to process in his mind. He’ll cry for a day, but then it’s like he forgets or is choosing to ignore it or maybe he doesn’t really believe it. Unfortunately, it just makes Bokuto-sama feel worse about everything. He doesn’t know what to do anymore. And to imagine what Koji must feel, it’s heartbreaking really.”
Osamu is still looking toward the end of the hallway where Koji ran off.
“Does he know my place in all of this?” He spares a glance to Shirofuku.
“We haven’t told him yet. We aren’t quite sure how to explain it to him. The fact that his mother is marrying a new alpha and there would be this stranger around all of a sudden.” The nursemaid appears to remember who her audience is.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”
Osamu gives a small reassuring smile. “No reason to be sorry. It’s all strange for me too. Maybe I can try talking to him. It’ll probably help if I try to be close to him.”
“I think he’d like that. He hasn’t been allowed outside the palace. We take turns trying to keep him entertained and distracted, but we’ve been extra busy preparing for the wedding and taking care of Keiji, especially since—“
Shirofuku looks almost guilty of a crime.
“Since what?” Osamu prompts.
“Nothing sorry. Dinner is ready, I’m sure everyone’s waiting on you. I can show you to the dining hall.”
She immediately hurries along leaving Osamu no chance to question what just happened.
Osamu is the last of his clan to make it to dinner.
“Jeez where have you been Samu. Yer usually the first one to start eating.”
“Shut yer trap Tsumu.”
One of the staff pulls out a chair for him. He’s been placed in the middle along one side of the table, there sits an empty spot straight across from him. Next to it sits Koji. Who is staring at Osamu with an affronted look.
“You can’t sit there. My daddy sits there.”
A heavy silence fills the room.
Shit.
Osamu doesn’t blame the kid. He’s pissed they were planning on having him sit here where Koutaro used to sit. He never would have sat here had he known, especially on his first day of the rest of his life here. Making him look like an asshole in front of Koji.
“Koji.” A soft voice calls out.
Heads turn to see Kenma at the door way. He walks over to where Koji sits.
“Koji, why don’t you go eat with your mama in his room. He wants to see you.”
“Mama’s not coming here?”
“He doesn’t feel so good right now. I think seeing you will help him a lot. I’ll send someone with your food in a minute.”
“Okay!” Koji hops off his chair and charges away.
“Keiji sends his deepest apologies but he won’t be joining you all tonight.” Without another word, the Nekoma royal leaves as well.
“Poor Koji.” Komori is shoveling his food around his plate.
“That’s one way to lose an appetite.” Suna slouches in his chair as he slides his plate aside.
“Suna.” Kita sends a disapproving glare his way.
“Sorry.” Suna looks down at his lap in a guilty gesture.
Osamu turns to his brother next to him.
“I didn’t know Kenma was here too.”
“He and Omi have been tryna help keep Keiji afloat and all. What great timing, right? Koji was ready to claw yer eyes out, heh.” Atsumu gives out a pathetic chuckle while Osamu glowers at his idiot twin.
“And here I was tryna to find ways to get the kid to like me.”
“He’ll warm up to ya I’m sure. He probably won’t be at the wedding anyway. It’s best to ease him into it slowly. The wedding will just confuse him and then he’d really hate yer guts.” Atsumu knocks his shoulder into Osamu’s.
“Ya never know when to shut up do ya.”