Chapter Text
From when he went to sleep the night before, he knew from how comfortable the mattress was, that it would be quite difficult to wake him up.
“Your majesty!?”
This bed was so lush.
“It’s time to get up! I don’t want to walk in on you.”
The pillows were as if someone yanked a cloud down from the beautiful blue skies Inaba always had. And personally shaped them for him to lay his head on, and never get up again.
“Prince Ryuji?”
Bolting straight up, he could feel dried drool on his cheek. Quickly wiping it away, and glancing around, the frantic feeling of being startled awake like this really disoriented him far more than it should’ve.
He had a habit of not listening anyway, nevermind the deep sleep he was in, so the dainty voice behind his door asking him to wake up probably had been standing out there for a while. Feeling bad, he blinked away what was left of his drowsiness, and sighed. Running a hand through his hair and thinking about everything that had happened last night. The memories practically rushing to him as soon as any smidge of coherence came back.
Although he was momentarily distracted by the beautiful rays of sunshine filtering into his room. The fresh smell of summer flowers deep into bloom had floated in, curtains around his balcony door swaying with the most lovely breeze. Feeling good about himself for choosing to leave it open, he grinned. Today was going to be good.
The mumbling out in the hall was merely background to his day dreaming. Finally standing to go get a feel of the land in the morning. Not caring how early it truly was, he stood in the doorway with warmth in his chest. The sight of distant mountains, the golden sun beating down before it even rose high enough to signal afternoon… if life was like this all the time, he was sure he’d be able to survive here.
And, if he thought he was startled earlier when he was woken up by someone calling his name, boy was he in for something else.
His door swung open, hitting the wall aggressively, Ryuji clutching at his chest. Feeling his eyes practically bulge from his eyes, his heart had fallen to his ass, and he was scared shitless.
Hopefully nobody was in the yard below… because when he says he screamed… he screeched. Loud, and terrified, it probably curdled the milk being prepped for breakfast two floors below.
“HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE SOMEONE CALL FOR YOU!”
Catching his breath, and realizing, oh yeah, someone’s been trying to get me up for the past fifteen minutes- he hissed in response. Stupidity probably rolled out of his room when the door opened.
Laughing nervously, and trying to unwind himself from the defensive stance he took, Ryuji cleared his throat, “Ah hah… Hi… Ann.”
She shook her head, already dressed up in her guard uniform, donning the West Shujin colors, she was fuming. The guard of Inaba, Okumura stood with a slight look of bewilderment at his personal protector yelling at him. Huffing, eye twitching with all her anger.
Just as she was about to go at it again and scold him, Mishima popped into view. Putting a hand on Ann’s mouth despite her muffled protest, “Be ready in twenty five minutes, Ryuji! Breakfast is being served soon!”
Okumura nodded, and Mishima made a noise of disgust, recoiling his hand to reveal Ann with her tongue out. Satisfied with her action, “No more bullshit, okay?”
“Yes of course,” he had finally caught all of his breath, “I’m sorry.”
Narrowing her gaze, Ann began to close his door, “... you better be.”
She shut the door. And he immediately sighed, his heart racing. Ann could be intense sometimes, and her threats were mostly never empty.
And, so. He got dressed.
Which, as small of an action, doing it in a place such as this made it seem so strange. Like the walls of his new home we’re watching him, even if he never undressed fully, he had the feeling that he’d feel naked just about everywhere he stepped in the castle.
Especially when he finally left his room, and immediately bumped into a very short girl.
She had no problem looking up with a scowl, her fiery red hair practically spewing embers as her annoyance flared. Adding yet another to the long list of people who he’d been a pest to in the past 24 hours, she quickly dropped her frown. And he quickly dropped his fear of being scolded at, due to the grimace she expressed.
Well, it was more like; she dropped her crown, jumped a bit at realizing who she was sending dirty looks to, realized she was acting up in front of royalty, realized she was in front of royalty going through all these emotions, and quickly perked up, standing straight as a board.
Her eyes screamed fear, but her mouth crafted into a wide smile said otherwise.
“Prince Sakamoto, greetings,” she stepped away from him to reach out her hand, “I am the Royal planner of Inaba, wonderful to finally make your acquaintance.”
He sighed, another person being all too formal with him, of course, he’d rather have her be rightfully pissed off at him for bumping into her, than being compliant and nice. Maybe a shorter- more feisty version of Ann (judging by the look on her face when he bumped into her told.) would spice things up, but all he could do was dream, “It’s my pleasure, but ah- may I ask your name?”
Blinking hard, she laughed nervously like forgetting that part was detrimental, “Oh- my- my mistake your majesty! I’m Sakura Futaba, and although my title says otherwise, you can count on me today to be your guide!”
He grinned, sensing the practice in her voice just as well made as his own, “You don’t have to be nervous, I apologize for my rudeness of bumping into you! I’m a bit wonky in the morning, y’know?”
Looking up to him for a small moment, there was something in her eyes he couldn’t quite place. But the feeling radiating off from her felt like, comfort, or the slightest bit of relief. Wondering deeply if the Royal life had made her to be this way, or she was just naturally a shy and meek person.
Rather fast, she put her gaze back to the hall, avoiding him like the plague, “Ahem- yes thank you. Let’s take you to breakfast, and then we can run through the schedule for today, hm?”
Nodding, she didn’t necessarily let him answer before she began to walk. Her short height causing her feet to move faster than his own, he had to jog a bit to catch up with her as they made their way down the hall.
Looking out the windows he passed, the beautiful morning sun had bathed the view of the city beyond the castle in a golden hue. Seeing the smoke rising from the chimneys on their roofs, and the movement of wagons being pulled by horses, it was crazy what you could spot from up here. A whole view of all the people he’d rule over in a short period of time, he could just stand and people watch all day. If he could just get closer to the walls that guarded the castle so he could look better into the streets... He knew he wouldn’t have any time to do it now, but… if .
Sakura flipped through a list, “After breakfast you’ll be meeting up with Akechi. He’s the Royal detective alongside Niijima’s sister. He just needs to write down all your information, heaven forbid something happen to you.”
She snorted before even so much as uttering a joke, “I’d hardly call him a detective. He’s just basically,” she stopped, turned on her heels and did air quotes, “ The Royal pretty-boy who roams the castle and annoys people for fun.”
Chuckling to herself for a few seconds. She quickly widened her eyes, fear so visible beneath her frames. Like what she had just said was a crime, she slapped her hands over her mouth, and her skin flushed a vibrant red color. Obviously finding her joke on the inappropriate side, Ryuji held in a long sigh, deciding that a girl that young shouldn’t have her spirit ruined by a certain image she had to paint herself.
He had needed a bit of humor, so, his laughter that spilled from his mouth echoed down the corridor. Causing Sakura to arch a brow, hands slowly falling from their spot as she watched the prince giggle like a fool.
Her joke wasn’t even that funny… but her face had already begun shifting into a pink blush, spreading across her features in mere seconds. The look of embarrassment could rival his own.
“I should call for Kitagawa.” He took a deep breath to get more words out, “He’d love to paint with the,” and then put on his best impression, “Magnificent coloring of your face, it’s truly something so… awe inspiring, I just capture it!”
As fast as she covered her mouth, she popped a hip out, and crossed her arms. Obviously annoyed, and irritated at being teased, she had taken his bait, “Uh, no your majesty. The last time he painted me, he told me I looked messed up. And then said my posture of my neck was like a vulture.”
“He told me I was obnoxious and then said my angry face was something worth putting on these walls.” He gestured above, not even processing that they were moving again. The smell coming down the hall was a sign that the dining room was close, and so was the food he’d been dying to taste again.
Sakura shook her head, “God, Inari sure is something.”
The girl seemed to have a fondness for the painter, if her expression could tell him anything. Like she was remembering what it was like to be next to the painter.
Ryuji scrunched up his face, a bit puzzled by her words, “You guys close? You call him ‘Inari’ hm?”
Scoffing, her avoidance to the subject was evident as she hid her face away from his view, “Well he’s just- I can’t- really… describe him..? He’s an interesting person. It’s something you don’t see too often, especially working here in the castle.”
Boy did he know that.
“Everyone takes things too serious,” Ryuji nodded, watching as she lifted her head, and the feeling of resonance befell her, “My guards aren’t afraid to be real with me. It’s good to have people around to keep you sane… can I count on you to be one of those?”
They stopped in front of the dining hall, and Sakura’s expression showed something of shock. Like such a proposition was a trick, like if she accepted, she’d be committing a crime.
But, he flashed her a smile. A genuine one. One built on the foundation of trust, rather than force, he watched her tension dissolve. And his eyes shift to meet his, “Of course.”
And. Then, well. Maybe he was scolded by Ann for being so late.
And maybe that made him feel a little better too. Watching Sakura smile at him getting yelled at before she made her way back down the hall.
Eating among those who understood him to his core, and put up with such bullshit. He felt at home, despite the miles that separated him from his own bed, and own kingdom. Things did feel a bit more balanced over the warm food served to him by kind-looking cooks.
They teased Mishima for getting food on his face, which had practically just been shoved into his bowl. Even the guard Okumura had giggled alongside them as they tried to point to the exact location of the oat that was stuck to his cheek so he could wipe it off.
Beyond the giggles, Suzui had no fear in expressing her love for the castle. Rightfully talking and all but drooling over her comfortable bed she had the pleasure of sleeping on last night.
Ryuji was glad he wasn’t the only one who got a good rest despite the circumstances. Everyone’s thoughts surrounding the idea that the stress of moving kingdoms would cause a sleepless night, were miscalculated. And if he could, Ryuji would love to just go back to his room and lay in that bed once more.
It felt… normal. Like he wasn’t in a land he hardly knew, marrying a man he’d never once seen.
Normal, up until someone dressed lavishly stood in the doorway. Knocking on the wood to draw attention to him, everyone in the room looked to see the slender smile spread across his face.
Okumura rolled her eyes, and Ryuji felt a pit in his gut. Wondering exactly why she had that sort of reaction to the guy, it was answered quite quickly, “Hello Akechi. What is it that brings you to this side of the castle?”
So Sakura wasn’t the only one annoyed by the man. Fantastic.
He shrugged, lazily moving into the room, “Just my duty, of course. I’m here for my go at speaking with Prince Sakamoto… did Niijima not inform you?”
She sighed, “No, no. I do recall her saying you needed to write a report on him.”
Ann shot Ryuji a glance. Suspicion written all over, before she could interject and cause the hostility she always managed to when met with someone like the detective. He took the liberty to not have any animosity between the two kingdoms right away.
“Oh, yes.” He stood, patting down his clothing to get any residual crumbs off, “Royal Detective Akechi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Why did he look like a snake. What was it about this dude that just screamed: “I’m a serpent.”
Despite how it should’ve been impossible, his smile grew, “If you would follow me your highness, we can take a simple stroll around the hall to gather the information needed for our files.”
Swallowing a grimace, he gave an apologetic look to his guards. Who, sitting with their arms all crossed, and happy expressions long gone… didn’t look happy in the slightest. Which in all honesty was kind of an uplifting thing for Ryuji, to see them be so protective over him over someone official in the kingdom.
Out into the hall for yet another walk, this time, their feet fell with a different mood. Unnecessary tension as they made their way around a corner, and the familiarity of the dining room all but disappeared. Walking straight into a path he’d never taken before.
Sure, he did this yesterday. But he was accompanied by his protectors… and even if he wasn’t? Akechi didn’t seem like the type of person anyone would want to be alone with.
But maybe he was wrong, “So, what is it you would like to know, Detective Akechi?”
He tested the waters as they made yet another turn down a corridor he’d never seen. Not even bothering to look out the windows to find what view might be blessing them this time, he kept his eyes straight.
“You seem tense, Prince Sakamoto,” he commented lightly, “I won’t bite. I promise.”
Forcing a smile, he tried to pick up a better vibe to their meeting, “I’m aware! I’m just a tad nervous, meeting so many new important people at once can be overwhelming.”
They stopped. And suddenly Ryuji processed the fact that he hadn’t been paying attention, and had no idea where the hell he actually was. Looking around the spacious room before settling on the man standing so elegantly-it-was-scary in front of him.
It’s not like the guy would murder him. And even if he did, everyone knew who had taken him. So, he used that to his advantage, and tried to shake the feeling he was having.
“I’m going to cut the crap right here, if you don’t mind, your highness.” He leaned forward, invading the prince's space, eyes digging into the skin on his face, and pulling at his pores with every breath that hit him.
Okay, so maybe he was wrong about the ‘murder,’ thing.
Laughing nervously, he moved back, “What do you mean?”
Again, Akechi had stepped closer, and Ryuji could feel his heart beat out of his chest, veins pumping fear all through his body, “I know about your little flower boy.”
Oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit-
He immediately paled, and felt like crying. Crying out of terror, rather than sadness, he told himself to never shed tears in front of the enemy. Because it showed weakness. But hell this guy was scary.
How did he know? How did anyone not know? Akira had literally snuck into his bedroom last night. Anyone could have witnessed that crime.
Ryuji would be tried for treason. This whole deal between kingdoms would be over, and with the Inaba army, West Shujin never stood a chance. Akira would be executed for sure, hung, or beheaded at the viewing pleasure of thousands. He’d failed his mother. He’d failed his kingdom over his own selfish desires.
Every worst fear of his was becoming true in the matter of minutes.
“No-“ he couldn’t hardly breath, and somehow in falling apart, he was cornered, “I didn’t- you-“
Akechi clicked his tongue, and ran a finger along Ryuji’s jaw before lifting his head up, “Kurusu Akira, hm? Royal gardener from West Shujin having an affair with the prince himself!? The one who’s to wed in just a few weeks time?”
If anyone deserved punishment. It was him for betraying a contract, and abusing the trust of the two kingdoms for his stupid stupid lust for a man that tended to rose bushes.
Panic was setting in.
“What a shame. We really need a prince like you to round out our king. I wonder what will happen to your lover?” He pushed away from Ryuji, and began pacing the vacant room they were in slithering like a god-damned snake , “Thrown in the dungeons to rot? Tortured? Hands cut off for stealing?”
Where the fuck in the castle were they anyway?
It was a circular room. Like one in the towers at his own kingdom that stood taller than the rest of the castle, the ones that were visible for miles. The only two exits being a large wooden door, and the hall from which he came… which was currently being blocked by the detective.
Akechi laughed to himself, “However. Decipher my last words, and you’ll find fault. I do not support Inaba's king.”
Ryuji sucked in a shaky breath before speaking once more, “What.. do you mean by that?”
Scoffing, he sort of… fell into a state of annoyance, rather than the overwhelming intimidating aura he had just been giving off. It now seemed a tad more mischievous.
“He’s arrogant. He’s easily manipulated by his council. I would know, I’m on it. ” He smiled to himself before pointing it at the prince, “You have the power to change him. Get what you want.”
Before he could ask, Akechi interjected with the answer he was looking for, “You haven’t seen the man you’re going to marry. Not once. And you have every right to march in there, and see him for yourself. Make a few demands in the process.”
He furrowed a brow, “You’re telling me to go against the King?”
The detective pointed at him, “Your mother is providing valuable resources he can’t afford to lose. And like I said, he needs to be knocked down a few pegs. He’s obnoxious in trying to be so.. cunning.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Well.
No. He wasn’t wrong in the slightest.
Ryuji had every right to storm in there and demand what he deserves. Standing silent in compliance the whole journey to this kingdom, if he was going to be a leader, he had to learn to take charge.
“Show me to his throne room.” He looked the man straight in his eyes, and was met with a grin that stretched a mile wide.
On the way back, he grabbed Suzui for his own good, and… well. So he felt better about himself, giving no explanation as he drug her along, away from the other two who stood confused and left out of the equation.
Glad that she just obediently followed without question, the march to the throne room was as quiet as could be. The sounds of their footsteps filling whatever void that could be filled by speaking. He watched the detectives coattails fly behind him as he walked, and planned out his confrontation with the king.
The walk seemed longer than it probably actually was. Blinded by the mission he was on, he’d barely processed anything other than the goal of walking up to that throne and showing his fiancée who was boss. The Royal shit-stirer guiding him the whole way.
They’d stopped abruptly in front of the largest of the doors he’d seen in the castle. Patterns and various symbols carved into the frame by careful hands, brilliant candles lined the walls, and buff-looking men in suits of armor stood guard at the door. A far cry from the girl that protected him, who currently stood beside him and was looking up at the molding on the ceiling.
“Detective Akechi,” he greeted the two standing so still, “I have business with the King.”
Pointing to Ryuji, only the one on the left had spoken, “Our majesty has requested to not have Prince Sakamoto enter the throne room for the time being.”
And boy did that piss him off.
Maybe Akira was right. Maybe he only was royalty when it was most convenient, because right now he was about to lay his privilege on thick.
He wanted to crack his knuckles for dramatic effect, but chose not to break his cool demeanor. Walking straight up to the men.
“As your future ruler I can have you fired on the spot at my will. I demand to speak to my fiancée, and I will have no hesitation to tell him about the two guards outside his door who had the audacity to tell a noble man such as Akechi, and to tell the prince, that he couldn’t do a simple task.”
“But your highness-“
Ryuji put a hand up, “If anyone is to be punished for my actions, it will be me. So kindly part from the door, and let me through… or. Suffer the consequences.”
He felt so uncool. But he sure hoped he looked tough from other people’s view.
Ending it with a smile was all he needed.
The doors opened for him, and he gratefully walked through with his head held high like he’d just won the first ever battle of his life.
If he wasn’t about to tear his future husband a new one, he’d be hopping around gloating. But, celebrating the victory of speaking for himself had to take a backseat to the fury he had inside.
“EXCUSE ME, KING OF INABA!” He shouted down the long and narrow hall extending towards the thrones. The red carpet leading the way to his final destination, plush and thick beneath his feet with each contact they made.
A bit of a ways back, Suzui had stopped, and called out to Ryuji. Of course though, he wasn’t good at listening, and didn’t hear the call from his guard. Too occupied with screaming, he was quite literally to blind to see what was in front of him. Too caught up in himself to actually become concerned with why she had left his side.
Shaking out his jitters, he stood at the foot of the chair, and took a deep breath. His impromptu speech created on the way there ready to fly out of his mouth like a bullet. He finally opened his eyes.
And then, finally realized that Suzui was behind him.
And he discovered why she was behind him not too long afterwards, shock written on her face. Looking straight past him, and directing her stare to whatever lingered beyond his shoulder.
Suzui had never worn this expression before.
Also, to add to the list.
He realized that Akechi truly was a Royal shit-stirer. Only getting him so jazzed up for his own entertainment, propelling him to his doom so he could smile and watch as Ryuji stood completely numb.
Akechi knew everything. Which of course he did, he was the detective.
In all of that, he managed to cause a tsunami of emotions to ripple through him. Rage, sadness, guilt, RAGE.
What the actual hell was going on with this kingdom? And why the hell did his mother ever agree to come to such a fucked up place?
The person in front of him sighed, and Ryuji refused to turn around just yet, “Goro, I’m going to kill you.”
When he did finally spin on his heels, he looked up to the throne. Watching as the king placed a hand to his forehead to show the annoyance, had caused Ryuji to practically shake in anger.
Treating such a situation lightly.
Of course he’d know that voice from anywhere. Sure. He was dumb enough to not catch on to all the cues and hints over the last few months, but that tone.
He closed his eyes and reopened them just to validate what was occurring in front of him… and it pissed him off even more.
Kurusu Akira, who sat on the throne all dressed up, had tricked the prince beyond any comprehension.
He wasn’t the gardener. He was the fucking king of Inaba, the ruler who had conquered many lands, and who was ready to snatch the prince of West Shujin away from his home so cold-heartedly.
Kurusu Akira had been posing as the one who trimmed the bushes outside Ryuji’s room. The one who made him swoon, who gave him roses and winked at him, who listened to his problems and rants like they were nothing. Posing as the love interest to him, and feeding into the process of falling in a forbidden romance.
Kurus Akira was the King Ryuji had dreaded meeting and marrying this whole time.
No.
No no no, no.
“No.”
The king arched a brow, and before he could so much as sense what Ryuji was going to do. Instincts told him how this situation would play out when the prince stepped back, shaking his head profusely. Glancing behind him to see the last sliver of Suzui as she disappeared back into the hall.
“I’m going crazy.”
Shaking his head now too, Akira tried his best to calm the other. Knowing this plan would end with something along the lines of this, he had prepared himself for the absolute horror that filled Ryuji's face, “You’re perfectly sane, your majesty.”
Gaping his mouth open, expression relaying just how scorned he had felt, “You…”
A smile spread across that beautiful face, sun filtering through the large windows of the throne room, some panels of stained glass never bothering to touch the man. Orange glow giving that hair Ryuji only dreamed about raking through, magnificent undertones. Akira, in the flesh. In a crown of all things.
Akira, his fiancée.
Really he didn’t know what to feel in that moment. Frozen in the initial shock, it's like the second reaction was thawing through the chill. Slowly coming through that ice to reveal what he truly was thinking in that moment.
Rage started to bubble through his skin, heat spreading across his face at all the agony he caused himself over these past months.
Coming to terms with sacrifice, giving up a world he knew, a man he loved… just to be slapped in the face like this!?
“Your mother and I met as your kingdom's famine had started, Ryuji. When she suggested you, and I saw you-“
“No.”
Stopping, he looked to the prince, fists clenched at his side, anger forcing his brow down, “No?”
“No.” He returned again. Confidant in his words, with no hesitation, he stood his ground.
Akira blinked, “No… to what exactly?”
“This whole situation.”
“Ryuji-
“Is ‘effed.”
“Let me explain-“
Shaking his head, scowl showing just how furious he was, the prince slowly started inching away, “No.”
“Where are you-“
“No freakin’ way, man!”
His voice echoed through the room, hitting the ceiling, bouncing around, until it settled upon Akira’s ears. Arms falling flat at his side after all the reaching out they’d been doing. Awkwardness filling the space that occupied them.
Certainly, the prince could’ve taken this situation better… but it was evident their calculations were far from perfect.
A moment of silence fell between the copious oppositions, and he tried again, “Lets go about this in a calm manner.”
Offended now, look of pure skepticism painted on his face, the distance grew, “Calm? You’re joking! How in the hell could I be calm about this situation you PRICK!”
Before all hell broke loose within the castle, Akira tried to reach out once more. Falling short as the fiery boy he would give the world to, stormed out of the doors. Stomping, anger evident at his tense shoulders, his huffs of breaths filled with anger had bounced around the room.
Arm still out, Akira couldn’t do much but stand still. Guards around standing with as much composure through their confusion on what to do, the plan had gone far more rough than any side of the kingdom could’ve predicted. Looking around to see that Goro had already vacated the area after witnessing the downfall of months of planning.
Ryuji’s guard, the rather calm one of the trio, dipped into the room with a frown. Ignoring the frazzled look on the King's face as she sighed.
“Do we go-“
Shaking her head, the guard looked over her shoulder, finally over her initial shock, most likely watching him storm down the hallway in his rage, “I think he’d like to hear something from you, rather than a guard, your majesty.”
Nodding with a grimace, he signaled the other guards to stay put. Patting down his clothing and adjusting his crown as he mentally prepared himself for a fight he didn’t know he was going into.
He’d slain hundreds by now, fought in real wars. Watched people perish around him for the sake of something that was all up to him. Held a few soldiers as they took their last breaths, or cried in pain as they had their wounds sewn shut in some medical tent nestled safely away from the carnage…
So why did this confrontation make him more nervous like any of the battles he’d fought before? This wasn’t the same circumstances… not nearly. Again to beg the question, why was his stomach churning like he was riding a steed head first into a fight?
Should he have waited?
Feet echoing down the corridor, it wasn’t difficult to know where the prince was heading.
Should he have let Ryuji cool down before running after him? Or was this the right move?
It was warm, naturally the heavy garden doors would be open. Letting in that lovely breeze that he often sought out in such stressful times… right about now though… It seemed suffocating. Like the nice outside air was wrapping around his lungs and squeezing tight.
Would he forgive him? Why did it have to end up like this?
A maid passing by nodded towards him with a gentle smile. And despite all the positivity that radiated from her grin, as he finally planted his feet in the garden grass… nothing could ease his worries.
All those questions he asked himself on the speed-walk from the throne room, could only be answered by the guy currently ripping at a bush of peonies. Cringing at his carelessness, he couldn’t deny that it hurt to see him like that. To know their connection of flowers was tarnished in one go at it.
He knew it was on purpose that he chose to take his anger out on the flowers, rather than anything else around him. Associating Akira to them by even the faintest smell, how could it not sting?
They flew behind him, pinks and reds. Petals landing on the ground without any thought to it, destruction of the beauty he’d created himself being ruined right in front of him… and it was his fault.
Breathing steadily. He closed his eyes. Trying to absorb the brightness of the world around him rather than the darkness emitting from the prince a bit in front of him.
When he opened them, he was already on his way over.
And when he realized what he was doing, it was already too late for his mouth, “Ryuji, please.”
Suddenly the aggressive flower destruction stopped. Movements halted as if his words were a command, the king swore his heart stopped in his chest.
A bunch of petals escaped from his hands, fluttering to the ground to join the rest of their fallen fellows. His fist unclenching and letting them go, what had hurt the most out of all the actions in the past few minutes, was the back currently facing him. Avoiding eye contact, and so upset to not even look in his direction…
“You were oh- so serious, Akira!” He shouted, thinness of the air between them making the battleground of finely trimmed grass and extravagant flowers something of a nuisance. Not matching the mood one bit had made him even more frazzled, Ryuji's ears were red, and his face matched it when he turned to confront the man, stepping closer in a few stomps of his feet, “I put aside everything!”
Clenching his fists tightly once more, his chest tightened, “I thought you were some sort of thief! All secretive, never telling me more. I ignored that. And! Turns out, the only thing you’ve stolen, was my sanity! I would’ve rather had you be a criminal than…”
He stopped. Fighting back the tears, or whatever was going to come out, that he was told to never shed as a prince, showing his weakness to his character, and kingdom. He was told by himself to never cry in front of his enemy.. So what was Akira? Getting so worked up over this, was far more stressful than any other royal duties he’d ever had to suffer through. Thoughts of him stupidly risking his own people for the sake of some gardener, had all seemed so idiotic now.
Looking at the finely made robes on his shoulders, and the crown atop his beautiful hair, Ryuji almost gagged. Taking in the rich gold encrusted into the fabric, and the embroidered crest of Inaba, his anger took a turn for the hopeless, “I would’ve rather had you be a criminal, than a king.”
“Let me explain,” Akira had finally been able to place himself in the rant. Cautious, of course, but all the more sincere as he placed his hand over his heart. Trying not to let that previous comment sting too bad in doing so.
“I came to your kingdom undercover by request from your mother. She wanted me to see the hardships-“
Scowling, Ryuji could only think of all the time he was smitten with the man. Leaning over that balcony and sending down flirty remarks, knowing his bashful ways were directly going against castle rules. The whole time, that man he blushed about, knew he was going to marry Ryuji.
When it was announced that the king of Inaba was proposing a marriage to the only son of the queen of West Shujin, it almost seemed more thrilling to indulge on his crush. Trying his hardest to tone it down a bit, and to not embarrass himself, with the weight of accepting such a proposition heavy on his mind.
The heavy guilt that began to stack on his shoulders as time went on...
“After knowing what I had to do to benefit both our lands, your mother had started to speak of you.” He smiled, trying to catch the gaze of the other, “And when you walked passed… I knew I was in love… and somehow so did your mother…”
Well. Even if he was an awful person for lying and doing nothing but deceiving him for the past few months, he did have a point about the queen.
….
Despite himself, he nodded, “She does have a way of reading people, huh? It’s like a weird super power.”
Eager now, receiving a reply to anything he was saying a blessing enough, let alone as slightly positive as the one he’d just gotten, he pressed forward, “But she knew you wouldn’t fall for me as easily. And we set up a plan to see if you were willing to accept me.”
Flushing pink at the memory, there was no way in hell he wanted that jackass to continue speaking. Following along in the storyline, he knew exactly what was going to be said next.
“You saw me tending to the yellow roses. Hopped straight over your balcony and came over to me-“
“Akira, oh god don’t,” he scrunched up his nose and hunched away from the faded scene being spoken about.
Continuing, and slowly inching to the prince, he couldn’t help but grin, “You told me I was handsome, and then immediately slapped a hand over your mouth.”
Ryuji was about to burst. Every emotion felt in just the last hour, starting to bubble to the surface of the metaphorical soup. About to spill, his liquified mind was keeping the lid on, barely.
Not to be swooned, he ducked away. Hand over his mouth unconsciously, he quickly yanked back feeding into his past self, dropping his hand and settling both of his arms at his sides in his attempt to look away. It was a specialty of Akira’s to coax out the brighter side of things even when it was something as deep as what they were in right now. But, he refused to be swayed. Ignoring the wave of heat he could feel radiating off his face, all he had to do was make himself pissed off at Akira again.
Thinking about being made out for a fool usually did it, thoughts and speculations going above his head… had his guards known? Akira had played him like a fiddle, tuning him to his liking before stealing him away like a monster… did he mean to break those strings in the process? Or was it simply collateral in the name of love ?
“Your mother agreed when you came back to do a report on me.” His voice sent daggers into the back facing him, not daring to turn around, Ryuji took the blow. Wincing as if they were real, “She said you were all frazzled, and flustered. Asking who I was, why I was there… the marriage proposal came soon after our talk.”
Trying not to sound too snappy despite being absolutely infuriated, the prince closed his eyes and stepped away from the hostility he’d been building up, “You don’t usually speak this much. It’s out of character… and weird.”
Really freaking weird.
Why was he so used to pulling away from these confrontations? Why couldn’t he power through it, and pretend he was in a battle himself?
Daring to test his own limits, he finally let the tension in his shoulders go. Straightening his posture, and putting on the show he’d done a million times before his kingdom… he couldn’t let this get to him. He had to stand his ground.
Really hoping to see a shocked face as he turned back around, stiff as a board, expression lacking any insight to his true intent, he let it go, “How do I even know this Akira is the same?”
Nothing but the sound of trees singing the song of the summer wind had filled the air. They stood in silence for a moment, Ryuji taking notice to the analysis he was getting with those grey eyes somehow beautifully highlighted (which didn’t make sense. Their tone was far too dark to do that.) weeds could’ve started to grow between them, and neither would take notice.
“I love you, Ryuji.”
Weeds and thorns and-
What?
God how he wished to color match the red hue that filled his face then. The realization hitting him just as the other had smiled, “Excuse me!?”
“I love you.” He stuck his words firmly, not moving an inch, watching the prince step back in surprise, “Ryuji.”
Shaking his head, everything started to crumble. His tough exterior threatening to expose the facade… of course Akira would see right through him. Of course he could tell Ryuji was barely holding it in, bursting at the seams.
“Stop-“ he couldn’t get the right words, “stop doing that! It’s not fair!”
“I love you, your majesty.”
Gasping, he grabbed at his chest in complete offense, knowing just what was being done to him, “You jackass!”
Their back and forth began, the steps taken, Akira now moving along, following Ryuji like a child, “I loveeee you, Ryuji.~”
Shouting, surely they weren’t the only ones witnessing this moment. Someone had to be seeing them play the interesting game of impromptu tag around the yard. And whoever it may be, would have to have known that the two were getting along quite nicely. Teasing, running, smiles on both their faces, their young age shone through in their actions.
Like the kids they were, or should have been, they weren’t focused on anything but the two of them. Thrown into the mess of royalty, titles, and duties, of course they could let their age seep through a bit.
Neither looked like royalty. Ryuji with his hands over his ears, Akira with them behind his back, trying to act all sweet and innocent, accompanied by the incessant banter.
Dashing away with a, “Screw you!” He was only followed, letting out a groan of despair as he rounded a rose bush. Hearing the slow footsteps behind him as he did so.
“Stop running!” Was returned. Something new, yet- followed by the old, “I love you!”
Laughing, and running to Akiras distaste, did not stop , Ryuji weaved through hedges taller than the both of them, disappearing through the leaves and being spotted right away by his hair, “Leave me alone!.. you dork!”
Was this a maze? Because surely by now as they’d taken so many spontaneous turns, they were both entirely lost.
Or… not. As they met in the middle. Packed in by rows and rows of leaves, heaving and resting on their knees. Running in royal attire was never something fun to do, and now the both of them had just done it willingly.
“This-“ Akira breathed hard between his words, the prince knowing there was no escape at this point, “This dork, is madly in love with Prince Sakamoto Ryuji, of West Shujin.”
“And- and,”
Laughing lightly, Ryuji didn’t care about his clothing as he plopped down into the grass. Disappointed in himself for not having the stamina he used to, his chest hurt from a multitude of things. How could such a noble man be so cheesy and childish?
“King Kurusu Akira,” he too took a seat, closer to the other, “ the dork of Inaba, would like to know, if you would still accept his proposal.”
Scrunching up his nose, through this whole ordeal, he would’ve never expected a firsthand experience. Rather than being told by his mother, he could see the hope in the man’s eyes while he asked him the question, Ryuji so used to his quiet nature.
Quiet… like the time he chased Ryuji around the yard with a flower known to make people sneeze. Laughter louder than his voice ever was, the fluttering feeling that made his stomach feel light, had caused him to rethink a few things about his life. Taking note to his flushed cheeks whenever the gardener spoke…
Children at heart, they’d run around. Deja vu suddenly hitting the prince as the past mimicked the present, and how they found themselves where they were. In a hedge maze, after an impromptu game of tag took them too far
The one in front of him, although a king, dressed beautifully with a crown and all… hadn’t changed just because his status had. He was still teasing, poking fun and flirting like always. Never failing to make Ryuji laugh, even to this point in time when all he wanted to feel was anger.
Sidetracked by his tendency to think too hard about most everything, he’d forgotten the man sitting in front of him waiting for his answer. Coming to a quick conclusion of his never fading adoration, and coping with all of the hardships he’d had over the past months all in one moment. (Let’s face it, he’d think about it all over and over in his head later on.)
With a smile, gracious, not practiced, and all the more real for Akira with his hopefulness, Ryuji nodded, “Of course.”
Before he knew it, he was laying in the grass. Akira on top of him, lunging before he could even finish his reply. Tackling him with a squeal that no grown man would have made.
It truly was weird to see him like this. Carefree, lively and talkative. So out of character from the reserved guy who showed up in his garden with a pair of hedge trimmers on hand.
It was perfect at this point. Looking straight into the eyes he’d always longed for, ones he’d stay up late thinking about, mulling over how to deal with everything going on. Grey, dark, therapy in the form of some color in a man’s eye had all boiled down to where he was right then. Blushing as Akira leaned in.
He couldn’t help the little grin he’d put on when the other-worldly lips fell upon his own. Not knowing anything about kissing in the first place, Ryuji could only hope that this was a good frat as any could be. Surrounded by flowers that seemed far too plump for the season, warm sun above touching their skin to mimic the heat between their mouths.
They’d only pulled away for just one short second. A small breath between them, a start to a giggle cut short as they went back to it. Ryuji reaching up blindly as he wove his fingers into that silky black hair he’d always longed to touch. Lips moving against his own, not daring to go any further as to open his mouth. Fearful for what might be a death wish.
If they went into full on territory, he was scared they’d both be consumed by the grass. Idle in each other’s presence that time could go by so fast, and transition them over into fertilizer… and honestly? If the softness of the king pressed firmly to his lips could go on for eternity, he wouldn’t necessarily mind all that much.
“YOUR MAJESTYS!” They both stopped abruptly, shout echoing, eyes widening and mouths halting dead in their tracks, still stuck to each other like glue.
Niijima’s uniform could be seen through a hedge, and the two quickly scrambled away from each other as she spoke again, “This is no time to be playing hide and go seek! We must go to the portrait viewing-“
The flash of her armor was one of the last things they’d both seen before her screech echoed through the kingdom.
To be fair, the two Kings sat in the grass, stains all over their most likely expensive clothing . Hair messy, sweaty from running around. The representation and rulers of the whole village beyond the walls were currently playing like children, and Niijima was rightful to have the look of anger rage in her eyes.
“I see you’ve finally met.” She gritted. False smile so much scarier than anything Ryuji had ever faced in his life.
“Makoto we were just-“
She put her hand up, stopping Akira in his tracks, “Were just what? Completely destroying your beautifully crafted clothing? Forcing your staff to scramble around looking for you frantically? Or, is it that you’re both acting entirely inappropriate for your status. Which is it?”
Grimacing, Ryuji stood, “Niijima, I apologize. I was distraught by the whole situation and ran away from him.”
He swore her eye twitched when she looked at him, “ I don’t care. If you two aren’t ready within a half an hour you’ll be sleeping in the dungeons with the spiders tonight.”
Before she disappeared through the bushes again, she took another good look at the state they were in, and sighed heavily. Seeing the green stains on such lovely garments, it was easy to ignore the big picture. The giant picture, that they were with each other, sitting, together in the grass.
They’d deal with it later.
Most likely, Suzui had gone and told Mishima and Ann the truth about the king. And Ann was probably being thwarted from leaving and going to punch Akira for all the trouble he caused. Because even if it didn’t show, she still valued and protected Ryuji as if he were her brother, and nobody hurt her brother.
Akira sighed, “I am sorry, Ryuji. This wasn’t the best way to go about things.”
It really wasn’t… like. At all.
But… he picked at the grass beneath him, bringing his knees to his chest, “I’m still pissed at you. It was a shitty way to go about things. But, I can say, I am deeply in love with you already. So, you accomplished one thing.”
The king smiled, and Ryuji felt a bit embarrassed sitting there like that. Forced under a gaze that never left him, it was never easy to admit you love someone, when they’re a gardener tending to some flowers. So, doing it to a legend who won wars, and led a successful kingdom, gave him more of a blush than before.
“Can we agree on one thing though?” Ryuji turned his head, catching the eyes glued to him.
Scrunching up his nose, Akira laughed, “What is it?”
Feeling the anger from earlier fizzle out, he grimaced, “Akechi is the worst.”
“Oh my lord- that.” The guy rolled his eyes, and shook his head in disappointment, “I don’t know why I didn’t think he’d do something like that. He’s an insanely annoying man.”
Nodding along and letting out a laugh too, he felt more comfortable now, like he was genuinely at home, “He got me going. I was about ready to punch you in the face on the walk to the throne room. Like he’s a snake!! He’s good at stirring the pot. Huh?”
Akira and him shared a fit of laughter, and Ryuji began to feel settled into his skin once more. Both walking back inside to change, hand in hand, both blushes unseen as their eyes set forward.
It wasn’t long after that they made their public debut under the advice of Niijima.
For once, he could breathe easily. Feet no longer wobbly, heart no longer heavy and anxious. The sunny skies blinded him as he stepped foot out the door, and he could’ve been fearful, facing a crowd like this…
‘Could’ve,’ was key.
He met his guards smiles, pointed towards him with all the pride in the world, the most elated he’d probably ever seen them all together. Glancing over and meeting eyes with the castle staff, Niijima, Okumura, Kitagawa, Sakura, and evening Akechi all dolled up and controlled compared to his own staff.
He wasn’t fearful.
He couldn’t be fearful, fingers intertwined with the man who smelled of roses, who’s wispy hair fluttered in the wind. Kurusu Akira, his husband, and the love of his life standing side by side with him. Gleam so bright it rivaled the sun itself.
The warmth that filled him was unmatched. And the crowd seeing their King together with his future husband, and future ruler, was the loudest sound he’d ever heard. Sun now beating down on them dressed to impress in thick fabrics, they would’ve been warm anyway if they were stark naked. Just the touch could make either go hot.
Looking to Akira, the glint in his eyes told a story nobody but the two of them could process. One of absolute and unparalleled infatuation, and undying love. All directed at Ryuji, and returned just the same as he shot a smile right back at him.
Leaning over, they shared a kiss, one gentle, one you could feel was two separate grins coming together. A rumble of applause and cheer filled their ears, and if bliss couldn’t be described with words, it most likely could just be a photo of this moment.
Because when their hands rose up together, reaching for the sky while holding another. Bliss, didn’t even begin the long list of heavenly adjectives you could use to describe the feeling.
The crowd cheered, and their court standing besides them all began to clap.
Over everything, the hardships, the pain and shitty feelings… they’d made it through, and were ready to be joined as one.
Lies, status, tricks, and travel. They’d finally stood together.
If love was elastic, then Ryuji was quite sure, people were born to test its reach.