Chapter Text
Daichi walked down the long halls of the palace. It was neither the biggest nor the fanciest of places that royalty rested, but it had been his home since he was born. He had missed it’s far reaching corridors, the hidden tunnels underneath, and the sprawling gardens that were carefully tended to. His family had lived there for generations, had ruled their small part of the world for centuries.
It had almost crumbled to pieces within the past two generations. Draught had led to crop failure, which had led to starvation and money issues. The fish seemed to have fled from their bays, the seas turning against them as it pulled desperate fisherman and sailors to its icy depths. Sensing weakness, other kingdoms had attacked. A barrage of wars they barely managed to scrape through.
Daichi had fought in the last one. He had seen so much death and destruction around him. His once young body felt aged and worn. Guilt sat heavy on his conscious, knowing his decisions had cost so many their lives. Families torn apart, sons and daughters and parents who would never come home again.
Guilt and shame attempted to drag his footsteps, to make him spend his days and nights away in bed until his soul left his body. How could he enjoy his time spent in the palace, surrounded by comfort and loved ones when so many could not?
Daichi could not let that hold him down, he refused. That would be an insult to those who had put their lives in his hands, the ones who had fought by his side and who he had scars and wounds and aches that would never heal because he protected them with everything he had. He had sent man into battle but he had always been right beside them, out on the front lines, seeing the whites of his enemies eyes.
The eldest Sawamura, Daichi’s father, had gotten new allies. Through the hard work and dedication of Chairman Takeda and General Ukai, they had reforged links to an old and nearly forgotten allies to the far south. With the mere mention of new allies their enemies had retreated, pressing back to bide their time and see if the treaty worked before choosing their new path.
Marriage had been the easiest way to secure the treaty. Chikara, Daichi’s younger brother, had been the likely candidate. Having two male heirs marry would cement the the treaty without fear that a child produced from it could hold the reins to both kingdoms. Daichi worried for his younger brother but both Takeda and Ukai assured him that their new allies would treat him well.
Daichi walked through the opened doors that led to the library and stopped in his tracks. Several paces away and mostly hidden by bookcases was his younger brother, but he was not alone.
Chikara’s personal guard, Tanaka Ryuunosuke, stood behind Chikara with his head resting on the shorter mans shoulder. In front of Chikara was Futakuchi Kenji, heir to a kingdom to the west who was always kept safe behind their high walls. Chikara had his face pressed against Kenji’s chest, and Kenji’s hand was lightly caressing Chikara’s dark hair while his other hand gripped the side of Ryuu’s tunic.
It was a private moment and Daichi felt his face warm as he backtracked out of the library before any of them noticed. Daichi had been off to war since he was 16, over ten years had passed since then. His brother had only been 7 when he left, a shy boy who hid behind his mothers skirts. Daichi had feared Chikara reaching the age of 18, afraid he would go off to war and never be seen from again.
Daichi hadn’t even considered the fact that Chikara had grown in other ways while Daichi was gone. Ryuu had fought valiantly by Daichi’s side for many years. He fought with a rare fierceness that Daichi envied but he had lost an arm in a battle. Daichi wanted to make sure he wasn’t left wanting for work, so he made Ryuu promise to look after his brother.
Daichi had no idea where Futakuchi Kenji, of all people, had come into the mix but he wasn’t displeased with the notion.
They had all looked so heartbroken. They were still young, they could move on and find other people but Daichi did not want that for his brother. He wanted to shield Chikara from the harsh reality for as long as he could. Chikara was already so serious, Daichi did not want heartbreak to harden him even further.
With that in thought Daichi turned on his heel and strode back to his room. He had made worse decisions in his life, he had fought for his kingdom and he had held the dying in his arms. He had seen the worst life has to give and he had survived it. This was nothing compared to that, this could even be seen as a vacation. War did not rule the southern kingdoms. Daichi had always wanted to travel too.
So he packed the same satchel he had taken off to war with. It was falling to pieces really, but it had been a token from his mother. He could no longer remember the color of her eyes or if he resembled her in looks but when he touched that bag he knew of her love for him, and he would need that to carry him forward.
Daichi had just returned home but he would not let that break him.
“Daichi, Asahi and I were just about to-” Suga was cut off as he saw his old friend folding clothes to put into his bag. “What’s going on here?” There was a tightness to Suga’s voice but Daichi couldn’t look at him, not right then.
The three of them had promised to return home together and they had. Suga wouldn’t forgive him for leaving so soon.
“Did you know that my brother has developed a relationship with the future king of Datekou?” Daichi asked in what he hoped was a conversational tone but knew both his oldest friends could see right through it. They had experienced too much together, had sobbed and bled and killed together.
“I knew about him and Tanaka, though Tanaka swears nothing will happen until Chikara has reached of age, he swore me to secrecy.” Asahi apologized as he moved carefully around Daichi’s side. The war had damaged them all but poor, sweet, gentle-hearted Asahi suffered so much more than most. “He thought you would hate him.”
“I could not think of anyone I would like to be with my brother more.” Daichi’s fingers curled into a tunic as his throat tightened around his words.
“They are barely more than children, they will move on.” Suga’s own voice sounded strained. He hadn’t moved from his spot by the door. Daichi turned to look at him, at both of them.
“We were only a few months older than them when we went off to war. If we were old enough to make that decision than how are they not old enough to find love?” Daichi asked.
“That is not the same and you know it.” Suga scowled, the harsh look sitting oddly on his face. “You are not who the other kingdom agreed to, you are a soldier, a War General, they might find fault in that and see it as an insult or threat.” Suga argued.
“I will not be bringing any weapons.” Daichi stated.
“I have seen you do great harm without them and they would have to be complete fools to think you are harmless just because you don’t have a blade on you.” Suga snapped and Daichi flinched. He felt a large and warm hand land on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Enough Suga.” Asahi said softly, earning a dark glare from Suga. “Can’t you see you’re not making this any easier for him? He doesn’t want to go but he can’t stay by and let his brother suffer. He’s made his choice and we’ve stood beside him for worse.”
“Asahi,” Daichi grumbled about the last thing he had said though he couldn’t exactly disagree. They had all made poor decisions but Daichi had been the General.
“Then we shall simply come with you.” Suga said with determination but Daichi was already shaking his head. “You can’t make this decision without us!”
“I will not be bringing anyone besides the advisors they had already agreed upon.” Daichi explained, though Suga already knew what the terms of agreement were. “As you stated before, one soldier is threat enough without bringing two War Advisors with me. Plus you are an important part of the dealings with Aoba Johsai. Their old king was the one who had attacked us previously, but this new successor seems willing to broker peace amongst us.”
“You are the only one who doesn’t give into Emperor Oikawa’s whims, he likes you.” Asahi reminded Suga, who turned pink with the blunt admission. They had all been too polite to say anything up to that point, especially since the young emperor had a history of shameless flirting, but he was right.
“And if Chikara secures a place with Futakuchi Kenji that will mean another ally to have our backs.” Daichi pulled Asahi along gently to walk over to Suga. In public they remained a respectful distance but they had spent far too many nights huddled together, pressing their bodies against each others to give and take comfort, to really care much about little touches in private. “Karasuno is growing stronger but we have lost so much already having to defend our lands for so many years. This is our chance to secure the future.”
“But what about your future? Do you not deserve happiness too?” Suga asked, eyes glassy as he stepped forward to be embraced. Daichi curled his arms around Suga and felt Asahi press close, his breath stuttering against Daichi’s neck.
“I have always wanted to travel, maybe my new husband will be fat and lazy and will desire me to be gone as much as possible.” Daichi said to make them both laugh.
Daichi’s packing was interrupted by the arrival of his youngest brother. He welcomed the intrusion since Suga was mocking his choice of clothes, even though Daichi had explained that the Southerners were always mocking those to the North for their lack of fashion, so why even bother? He much rather be comfortable.
“No I can do it.” Tobio said when Daichi attempted to help him up onto the bed. True to his word, Tobio wiggled and clawed his way up onto the bed while the three adults hovered to make sure there was someone to catch him if he fell.
Tobio, like Chikara, were only related to Daichi through their father, the King, but that didn’t make Daichi think of them any less than brothers. Daichi had been away to war when Tobio was conceived and hadn’t met him until a few days prior but he had taken a great liking to him. Tobio tried to copy Chikara’s seriousness, it was a strange intensity to a six year old but he was rather adorable when he tried to be like his elder brother. Tobio had taken a quick liking to Daichi, who tended to give in to his childish demands.
“Why are you not with your friends?” Daichi asked as Tobio gave a great huff.
“They are stupid.” Tobio complained and the three men shared a look above his head.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” Suga said softly and Tobio turned pink before frowning down at his feet.
“Listen Tobio, you are to become a leader one day,” Daichi kneeled down in front of his small brother, made sure he had his complete attention. “And on that day you will need to surround yourself with those who will support you, who will help you grow and grow alongside you. You will have disagreements with them, but they will keep you alive and you will do the same, do you understand?”
“Yes.” Tobio said seriously, though Daichi doubted it had gotten through to him completely. “I will make them be better, thank you Dai.” He slid off the bed and stormed his way out of Daichi’s bedroom, a child on a mission.
“What have you done?” Asahi asked in horror.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Daichi said dubiously. Daichi closed his bag and slung it over his shoulder before looking at his two friends. “I am to tell the King now and I’ll be leaving tonight so Chikara can’t do anything stupid.”
“Like take your place so you can stay here?” Suga deadpanned.
“Right, I’m helping him not make such a foolish choice.” Daichi smiled at them, wanting the last thing they saw of him to be a smile even though his heart felt heavy. He turned and walked away before he could break. He would not be giving any speech today. Suga and Asahi both knew how important they were to him, how he could not have possibly survived half of the things he encountered the past decade if it weren’t for them. They kept him going when his soul felt drained, they helped him walk when his legs got to heavy, they held him at night when the nightmares came back.
“Daichi, the flowers have just started to bloom.” His father stated from his spot under a huge cherry blossom tree. Daichi sat on the hard stone bench next to him, glanced at the cane that helped his father walk. His leg had been badly damaged during his own time during the war, making it impossible to fight any longer. When Daichi had announced that he was going to fight when he turned 16, it was the first time he had seen his father cry. His father had lost three brothers and two sisters to the war and he thought he would lose his first son too.
“I dreamed of this while I was away.” Daichi said truthfully, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. He didn’t talk about what he had seen, what he had experienced and undergone while at war, especially not to his father.
“I had the same dream, your mother was always apart of them.” Daichi opened his eyes in surprise as he looked over at his father, he never spoke of Daichi’s mother. “She would have been so disappointed in me if she had been alive when you left. And it looks like you’re going to leave again.”
“I am going to take Chikara’s place.” Daichi stated firmly. He didn’t want to talk about Chikara’s relationships. He was their father but he was also a king and he had an entire kingdom to think about. If he got whiff that a marriage between Datekou and Karasuno could happen, he might push for something Chikara wasn’t ready for. Which would defeat the whole purpose of Daichi leaving.
“I thought this might happen.” His father sighed and stared up at the branches of the tree hanging above them. “I tried to push Takeda into making it sooner. Your brother has grown a lot since you have been gone, he is not the child you once had to protect. He is too clever by far, he could give our new allies a challenge but I can see you have already made your choice.”
There wasn’t anything to say so they sat in silence, listening to the soft wind whistle through the branches of the tree.
Daichi left on a ship to no fanfare. It was faster to travel by sea then overland and it would be the first time he had gone further than the cove by the palace. It was colder on the deck than Daichi had anticipated, and he was soaked through within moments but he stayed up there as long as his body could handle it. It helped, the splash of cold water and the sun warm on his skin.
Too soon the advisors were pulling him below deck, clucking over him and picking at his wet clothes as they told him explicitly what to do and not to do. Both were a long list, most of it common sense and the other things too bizarre or embarrassing for Daichi to even consider doing.
The five day journey was spent like that. Daichi spent what time he could on the deck, soaking in the ocean air and the beaming sun until he was dragged below deck and clucked over and told another long list of things about his soon to be allies. They did so until Ukai chased them away, giving Daichi a long look out of his one good eye. A blast had gone off near his face, a surprise attack on their camp when they had been sleeping. It had practically blew off half of his face, making him blind in one eye and leaving extensive scarring. Daichi had been 17 when it happened and Ukai’s screams still haunted his nightmares.
“You’ve met with them before?” Daichi asked Ukai when they were pulling into port. Ukai looked down at him and raised his one eyebrow. “Tell me the truth, what should I be concerned about.”
“They are not your enemy Daichi,” Ukai said softly. “I know what it’s like to see enemies everywhere but you cannot fight these ones, not with your fists or feet. They are clever, wickedly so and the more dangerous for it. Every single person chosen to be on their High Council is on there for merits because of intelligence. Do not underestimate a single one just because they appear less than some of the great enemies you have faced.”
“Keishin, don’t scare the boy.” Takeda scolded Ukai nervously.
“He’s not a boy and he doesn’t scare that easily.” Ukai said, though his tone was more mullish than normal. “Someone needs to tell him what he’s in for.”
“Daichi might have fought on battlefields but he was raised in courts, he will do fine.” Takeda gave him a charming smile and Daichi tried to answer back with confidence. It had been Ukai who had taught him that one, even if he didn’t feel it he was a leader and people would look to him, he would have to fake it and keep moving no matter what.
There was a large crowd gathered when they were finally docked. It made Daichi nervous but he unloaded with the advisors, listened to names and statuses and was only a little surprised to hear that his husband-to-be was not present. It seemed like a power move to Daichi, to send low level officials to greet them while the royal family waited for him to come to them. His opinion of these royals dropped, he knew those who sat in their tents and drew up battle plans, who sent others to fight for them.
Low opinions of the royal family disappeared from Daichi’s mind as they made their way through the market. His own kingdom had several markets but none of such grand scale. There were so many people and it was all so colorful. Daichi felt he might pull a muscle by looking this way and that, trying to take it all in at once.
Daichi couldn’t help but think that Suga would have loved this. Asahi would be a nervous wreck, clutching onto Daichi’s tunic and worrying about pickpockets and people being too loud.
The thoughts of his friends, so far away from him now, helped settle Daichi. He stopped stretching around to get a good look at everything and followed after his group.
Up ahead was a massive castle. Instead of the sprawling palace with its red roofs and long halls that Daichi had grown to know, the castle was tall and quite wide. He wondered how many floors it had and if a princess resided in one of the tall towers.
The walk to the castle was a long one. Ukai muttered darkly about damned cats not sending a carriage. Daichi thought they meant to tire them out and perhaps that was working for the advisors who knew very little exercise, but Daichi had marched for days in heavy army, weighed down by weapons or a stumbling soldier.
“How is their army?” Daichi asked, earning a shocked gasp from Takeda but he knew the officials from this land were too far ahead of them to have heard them. Ukai grinned down at Daichi.
“Small but vicious.” Ukai looked up ahead at the looming castle. “They’ll probably throw a tournament for your arrival.” Daichi looked up at him in confusion before it clicked.
“They fight for sport?” Daichi asked, the words hard to get out. Ukai lost his grin as he looked down once more at Daichi.
“Some are blessed with never knowing a true battle.” Takeda answered for Ukai, fingers grazing Ukai’s badly scarred hand quickly. Ukai looked forward without another word and Daichi’s opinion of these new allies went down once again.
The courtyard leading up to the castle gates was meticulously kept. There had been something wild in the way the gardens were kept at Daichi’s home, as if the gardeners worked with nature instead of trying to tame it. Not here, nothing wild existed here and it made Daichi feel much farther from home than he had initially felt.
The castle was full of stairs, the walls made of stone instead of the wood Daichi had known. He suddenly felt far more old than he knew himself to be and wary.
They were led to rooms and the door was closed behind Daichi was a final sounding click as he was left alone. The room was about four times the size of his one back home, which he already felt was far too big for him. The bed looked almost as tall as Daichi and several sizes larger than what he was use to.
It all felt foreign.
Even the tub was oversized and already filled with warm water. Daichi stripped and climbed inside, staring in confusion at the tray of bottles and soaps by the tub. What was the need for so many soaps? Wasn’t one enough?
Daichi washed quickly before pulling himself out of the tub and grabbing a towel to wrap around his waist. On theme with everything else, they had left him several garments to choose from to wear for the feast held in his honor that night. Even Daichi’s own father, the King of their land, dressed modestly. Daichi had worn the same type of clothing the soldiers around him had donned and they had worked well for him.
The clothes in front of him were made from fine material. Some soft, others shiny, some looked completely see-through. There were drapes or tassels on others, delicate looking lace or bows on some. Most of them were in bright colors, pastel blues or pinks. Daichi was seriously considering grabbing his own clothes to wear, insults to their customs be damned.
Instead Daichi took the tunic from one outfit and pulled on the trousers or another. The tunic was a dark green while the trousers were black, though the material whispered over his skin, made so finely and thin that he felt as if he needed more layers. He tied a black sash around his waist, cinching in the tunic and hoping that was enough finery for them. He pulled on his own boots, glad the sandals and slippers they left for him were several sizes too small.
Daichi felt like a fool. A useless fool that had to wait around for someone to fetch him. He was always in motion, always had a job to do and now what was he?
A soft knock sounded at his door and he stopped his pacing to say enter and stand at attention in front of the door. A short man walked in, looked surprised before glancing around.
“Are you Lord Chikara’s guard?” The man asked, still looking around as if he expected Chikara to pop out from beneath the bed.
“Ah, no, I suppose they didn’t have time to tell you.” Daichi relaxed slightly and spread his hands out in a slightly apologetic gesture. “I am Sawamura Daichi, Chikara’s elder brother, and I have taken his place.” The man looked at Daichi in shock before remembering his manners and bowing deeply.
“Please excuse my rudeness, my name is Yaku Morisuke.” Morisuke stood up straight. “I am here to escort you to dinner, my lord.”
“Daichi, please if you don’t mind.” Daichi requested. Morisuke looked shocked once more. “My father is the only one required for such formalities.” Daichi explained as he followed Morisuke out of his new room.
“You’ll have to forgive me then, such formalities are considered polite for everyone here.” Morisuke said, looking as apologetic as he sounded.
“Sounds complicated.” Daichi stated honestly, surprising a laugh out of his shorter guide.
“Overly so.” Morisuke agreed. Daichi felt himself relaxing while talking idly with Morisuke. There was the sharp intelligence that Ukai had warned him about, but there was something familiar about him too. Perhaps Daichi was looking for any familiarity he could hold onto, but Morisuke reminded him a little of Suga.
The feast was as overwhelming as everything else had been that day. There was so much food and so many people crowded into the vast banquet room. Dressed in their best, such finery and, if Daichi was being honest with him, gaudiness to be seen in every corner. He wished Suga and Asahi were there so they could make fun of the feathers stuck in some womens overly large hair or the tightness of some mens pants.
Daichi managed to slip out a side door for some much needed fresh air. He didn’t understand much of what was being said around him and he felt like he was being mocked for it. They kept asking about the war, as if it was a topic to be brought up for their enjoyment instead of the complete and utter monster that had nearly wiped out his kingdom.
“Escaping already?” A deep voice asked and Daichi glanced around before looking up into a tree. A lanky form was hidden within the lower branches, backlit by the moon.
“Needed some fresh air.” Daichi answered, wondering who this person was and why they were in a tree. “Why are you up there?” Daichi asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
“Why are you down there?” Daichi tried not to scowl at the ridiculous answer. He was quite done with being made a fool that day. But before he could work himself into a good temper, the figure leaned forward and jumped down from the tree, landing lightly on his feet.
Daichi was irritated to see that the man was quite a bit taller than him. What did they put in the water to make everyone so tall in this kingdom? And he was smirking at Daichi, as if finding something quite amusing about him. Daichi eyes took in his face as he stepped closer, and that’s when he got a good look at the man.
Daichi pressed a hand against his mouth as he looked away from the stranger in front of him. How absolutely absurd.
“Are you laughing?” The stranger asked, aghast as he took another quick step closer and peered down at Daichi. “You are! How rude you Northerners are!” If the stranger had truly sounded offended Daichi would have pulled himself together and apologized profusely, but that lopsided smirk was still on his face as if he was amused too, though he had no reason to be.
“I’m sorry but is that really the style here?” Daichi asked, motioning to the strangers hair. The stranger took a step back, as if Daichi had struck him, and buried both his hands into his thick black hair, that seemed to stick up in every direction.
“I didn’t come out here to be insulted.” The stranger complained but it only caused Daichi to laugh harder. If the stranger hadn’t been smiling, Daichi would have felt terrible but he suddenly felt as if the growing tension inside his body was finding a release.
“No, you came out here to lurk in trees.” Daichi teased him, having no idea why he felt the sudden need to. He only allowed that side to come out amongst Suga and Asahi. “Were you waiting for someone to come out here to do what? A big reveal?” Daichi grinned.
“How dare you.” The stranger said, his mouth twisting oddly as if he was fighting his own grin. “I mean you are perfectly right but still, how dare you pick apart my actions so easily.” Daichi laughed once more.
“Why were you not inside?” Daichi asked.
“How do you know I wasn’t?” Daichi motioned to the strangers hair with a grin. “Hilarious. Truthfully, I find this whole matter distasteful.”
“Become allies with Karasuno?” Daichi asked, his good mood fleeing away.
“No, that is an intelligent move, both countries prospered full when they were allies generations ago.” Daichi stood up a little straighter at the admittance. “It’s the child-bride I’m uncomfortable with.”
“Child-bride?” Daichi asked in confusion.
“I’m not sure how it works in the Northern countries, but here 17 it still considered a child.” The man stared down at Daichi as if doubting his intelligence.
“Actually-” But Daichi was cut off by Ukai calling out his name. Daichi glanced over at Ukai before turning back to his companion but he was gone.
“Daichi, please come back inside.” Takeda insisted in a worried and hushed tone.
“Why should he even bother? That damn boy-king didn’t even bother to come to his own feast.” Ukai cussed and Daichi turned back to them, wondering where the strange man with the ridiculous hair had gone off to. Perhaps back up the tree?
“He isn’t here?” Daichi asked but he really had little interest in the King who Daichi was to marry. Perhaps his guess to Suga and Asahi had been right and his husband would leave him be. It wouldn’t be all bad if he could speak to the stranger again, maybe get around to exchanging names.
“Apparently he has better things to do and will be gone for a fortnight.” Daichi looked at Takeda for confirmation, the man nodding back hesitantly. Daichi tried not to mourn the time he could have spent with his family a little longer. A fortnight would have put them right up to Chikara’s birthday. He had made Suga promise he would get something spectacular for Chikara and say it was from Daichi, since he could not be there himself.
“There will be plenty to do!” Takeda insisted, pulling Daichi back in and letting Ukai follow at his own pace. “They have many activities and you are to be shown around the country, I believe you showed a great interest in the market?” Daichi patted Takeda’s shoulder, trying to reassure the anxious man that he held no blame in this.
Maybe Daichi would search the trees for a lanky man with alluring amber eyes and ludicrous hair when out on his activities.