Work Text:
Ring.
Ring.
Six in the morning- the academy’s bell rang across the campus signalling the rise of students and for them to get on their way to the cafeteria.
Mabu had already been long awake, dressing himself in his school uniform and setting Reo’s out before finally waking up his friend to head down for breakfast. It had been like this for as long as the kappa male could remember, ever since that fateful day. While living in a dorm was new and foreign to the two, Mabu helping Reo wake up and get ready for class was something he had fond memories of even when they were only attending normal school. Truly, it was hard to believe how much their lives had already changed.
“Reo? Come on, it’s time to get up.”
The black haired teen’s voice gently rang out, hands shaking the mound of blankets on top of the bed before a groan and arm escaped the pile. Typical Reo, Mabu thought fondly with a chuckle. He never was a morning bird, no matter how much he tried to inspire the other that embracing the day while the sun was shining was good for him. A tangled mop of golden hair finally caught Mabu’s attention and as Reo sat up from his cocoon with a yawn and rub of his eyes, he glanced back at the other before mumbling out.
“Mm… Good morning… it’s too early, Mabu.”
Like routine, the other wasted no time in lacing their hands together and giving him the warmest smile he could muster, even though he knew Reo was much too out of it to see properly. More reason for him to give the one he cared about so much extra affection in the morning before he became too coherent to slither away with a stutter. Mabu thought like this, he could forget all about their sudden distance since arriving at the Royal Academy. Since he could remember, they always slept together in the same bed. Not only for warmth, but to comfort each other’s worst fears as night brought them to life. However as time passed by and the two started to grow, the dark haired kappa noticed more and more how Reo began to put a distance between them.
He always stuttered out in the strangest way-
‘Mabu, a-aren’t we too old for this?’
Were they?
Did age have a limit on how he felt and his desires to be close to the one who meant the world to him? Mabu didn’t understand, though as he promised on that fateful rainy day- he wouldn’t pry.
Reo’s comfort was above all else.
Thankfully, there were still things Reo let Mabu still do, comforting the hollow hole in his heart when the other had insisted they make use of the bunk beds in their first dorm. The boy made gentle and quick work of helping Reo from the blankets, leading him off towards the bathroom to get ready for the day lest they be late for morning assembly.
As meticulous and thorough as he’d always been, Mabu pressed and folded the school uniform across the other’s body before moving onto his hair as they sat back on the edge of the mattress. For something that had always felt so comforting to the shorter teen, Reo found that the sensation of the brush and Mabu’s breath against his neck sent his stomach churning in the strangest way. Was it comfort? He didn’t know how to explain it as he lowered his head in thought, only snapping out of it when his friend leaned against him with ribbons spilling from his pale hand.
“Which one would you like today, Reo? Your hair has grown so long, we can use these cute ties now.”
Mabu chimed, watching as Reo turned to face him with an unreadable expression on his face. He remembered the day vividly enough. The two of them had ventured off into one of the street vendor’s shops and Reo had been too embarrassed to tell Mabu which of the ribbons he liked best. Mabu, in typical Mabu fashion, instead purchased every option available- stating that way Reo had a fun arrangement to choose from. A special ribbon each day. It had been so long ago, so to use them now gave him a fond feeling he couldn’t explain.
Given black was Mabu’s favorite color, Reo gingerly picked the velvet black one from the selection, mumbling how it fit his cool vibe for the day as the other smiled and got to work tying up his ivory locks. Each time a finger brushed across the back of his tanned neck, Reo couldn’t help but let out a small shudder as heat radiated every place Mabu brushed against. Mapping… marking… as if his touch was trying to stain his skin. This had been happening more often than not the past few months, leaving the blonde male writhing and confused over what his body was doing. So in turn, he found himself pulling away, even though he loved the contact.
There was only one explanation for this, one the troubled teen didn’t even want to consider as guilt and disgust for himself sent his butterflies fluttering in the worst of ways.
With time to spare, hand in hand even as Reo felt his hand ignite against the shape of Mabu’s warm one, the two found their seats at the cafeteria and settled down for their school breakfast for the day. Pickled cucumber, a classic- along with some egg toast and soup. It wasn’t /Mabu’s/ level of food, Reo thought with a scoff, shoving the piece of bread into his mouth regardless with little care of how his manners appeared towards other classmates in the area. In between his bites, the young kappa worked in his notebook, eyes flickering back and forth towards Mabu across from him as heat threatened to brighten his cheeks. Just as their gaze met, Reo quickly lowered his head, hand scribbling frantically against the paper as a chuckle left the other. He too seemed to be writing something, even as the assembly for the morning called for their attention.
Dear diary or whatever the heck you want to call this thing-
There are three rules to my life I must follow. One, desire is our life. Two, I owe my life to Mabu. Three, I have a secret that I must keep.
This secret, I keep hidden in a box. No one can find out about it.
If anyone should find out, my connection may be lost.
This secret…
I think…
I think I’m in Love.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Morning assembly went off without a hitch, students soon going off towards their classes for the day even as Reo kept getting lost in his own thoughts. If feelings weren’t enough to already put the blonde kappa in a weird mood, having to study the same pages over and over again in a class were sure to do it. He hated studying. Even with Mabu’s help and finger guiding across the textbook to keep his attention, all the other wanted to do was take the workbook and throw it across the table.
Just how many times did he have to read the same two paragraphs before the teacher let the class move on to something else? As Reo groaned and scratched at his chest in frustration, his friend only chuckled in amusement, deciding he’d read the contents to Reo instead to help.
Everything seemed normal, apart from the throbbing in his heart whenever Mabu looked at him with those warm eyes, sending his pulse racing before he turned away and shoved it off.
However, things were about to change in a way Reo never would’ve expected.
By the time the two had reached their third course of the day, a teacher had pulled them both aside, voice hushed as they spoke out firmly.
“Headmaster wishes to see you both immediately. Please forgo the rest of your courses and see him.”
Fear swirled inside the shorter’s mind, even as Mabu stood his ground and led the way towards the office where their presence was requested. How could he stay so calm after such a vague statement like that!?! Had he messed up so badly that the school wished to expel him? Had the other students complained about how strange he was so much that the officials had no other choice but to throw him out? Again…. Again… never belonging, never fitting in- those intrusive thoughts poisoned the teen’s mind before Mabu noticed his tense frame and stopped to grip his hand tighter.
“Reo.”
Mabu, please don’t look at me with those eyes...
Green hues hesitantly looked up even as teeth bore down into his lips, nervous and unsure.
“It will be ok, I’m sure of it.”
How could be be so sure, Reo so desperately wanted to ask. Why did Mabu seem so calm about this? What did he know that he didn’t? There was no time to ask though as his pale hand pushed open the door and led their bodies inside the office. As trained, both boys stood at attention, heads lowered in respect as Mabu held onto Reo’s hand protectively behind their backs. What the officials couldn’t see didn’t hurt them, Mabu would always say proudly. His desire was to comfort the one he cared about, even if it went against their protocol.
“Ah, Mabu. Reo. We summoned you here today to deliver these to you personally. Please open them in the privacy of your room. Everything you need to know is disclosed inside. Mabu, I assume you know what this is about.”
The man spoke, gaze shifting to the kappa in question as he nodded.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
Reo instantly shot Mabu a look of concern, dropping his form as he spat out in shock.
“W-Wait, what do you mean you know what this is about? Mabu, what are you hiding from me? I thought we would never lie to each other!”
Mabu simply shook his head, excusing themselves on Reo’s behalf from the Headmaster to return to their room before Reo’s outburst could make things more awkward. He couldn’t say it. Not out in the open, even if it hurt Reo for the time being. He hoped he’d be happy, even as Reo yanked his hand away from his own the minute they stepped foot into their dorm.
“Don’t ignore me, Mabu! What the hell are you keeping from me? This isn’t funny!”
Reo demanded, foot stomping on the ground before a crisp envelope was presented before his face.
Mabu’s expression only softened despite Reo’s anger, voice calm as he replied back.
“Forgive me Reo, I didn’t wish to lie to you. I had to keep a promise but now…. I can tell you. Open this together with me, then you’ll understand why I had to keep quiet.”
This letter… shaky hands took it from the other’s grasp and instantly, his eyes fell upon the symbol marked across the white paper. A symbol that meant everything to the kingdom, one he never expected to see addressed towards street scum like himself.
The Royal Kappa Family emblem.
He was terrified to open it. Even as the two of them sat down on his bed and fingers tore the wax seal off, Reo felt like he was going to be sick. What did the royal family want with him? Hadn’t he been dealt enough cruel cards in his life? Mabu rescuing him was the only joy he had in his short fifteen years of existence. Speaking of Mabu, the look on his face as he pulled out the letter was something he’d never seen grace his features. It wasn’t sadness, though he couldn’t detect a look of happiness either. It was almost as if it was a look of receiving something expected. But as he hesitated to open his own, the dark haired teen leaned over and rested a hand against his knee, gently urging him to continue.
“Open it, please. Read it.”
Tan fingers gently folded the letter open, eyes scanning the contents before his world stopped as a simple sentence caught his attention. No, this had to be some sort of joke. Him, of all people in the entire kingdom? No, there was no way! Unless-
“What did you-”
“For as long as I’ve remembered, my fate was sealed to become the prince’s vassal. It’s a duty those of my blood have carried for generations to the Royal Family. However… since I met you, Reo…. I knew I couldn’t be separated from you. I had my future planned for me, but it wasn’t a future I wanted without you there with me. So…
His voice paused, watching as Reo’s face scrunched up with an array of emotions at the truth.
“I made a wish to the prince. On that very day.”
Mabu replied with a loving smile, fingers moving to brush tears from Reo’s face that he hadn’t even realized started spilling from his eyes. Damn his crybaby antics, even to this day.
“Prince Keppi gave you his personal blessing. We’re destined to be his vassals.”
Between the closeness of the one he had a crush on and the overwhelming bout of emotions spinning throughout his core, Reo gently pushed Mabu’s hands away and curled into himself. His head could only shake in disbelief, the line repeating over and over as reality set in. Mabu was born to eventually serve the royal family. The entire Akutsu family was blessed with this honor, carrying tradition, values, and high class through their line. As for himself, where did he fit in the line? What on earth could the Prince see in him?
“I’m just a street rat, someone you picked up off of the ground. I don’t understand, why me? The infamous Reo who was feared by those on the outside, never let inside the door until you came along and convinced them… I’m unworthy of ever stepping in front of the Royal Family again. Why?”
Reo rambled with bitterness in his voice, only ceasing his self-hatred tirade when arms met his waist and pulled him into a hug he had shunned but desperately wanted for so long.
“Reo, stop this. If the Prince did not believe in you, he never would have agreed to my wish. Prince Keppi trusts you more than you realize, this I promise.”
Too close, Reo thought as his body squirmed against Mabu’s. If they kept this up, surely he was going to spill out something he’d regret. These touches, this care- Mabu would surely stop it all if he ever revealed how feelings had changed for something more serious. He had to get it to stop, even though he craved it more than life itself.
“D-Don’t you think this is a little uh… too close, Mabu? I’m not that broken kid on that r-rainy day anymore. I can tough it out.”
Reo forcefully laughed in response, only causing Mabu to frown. Oh no- that isn’t what he wanted. Mabu needed to smile- wait… he didn’t mean it-
“..Oh, right. Sorry.”
In his haste to comfort the one he loved, Mabu had simply forgotten the sudden distance Reo requested. It hurt, he had to admit. Going from hugs, hand holds, and cuddling whenever they felt like it to Reo shoving him away when things were too much. He didn’t understand what had changed, no matter how many times he tried to subtly ask. The answer was always the same… but if the hug had been enough to get him to stop hating on himself so much, the taller teen figured it was worth breaking a rule here and there.
“I promise though… Reo, you’re something very special and we’ll be wonderful vassals to our Prince.”
Reo felt like he was going to die hearing such words.
---------------------
Like the letters had indicated, life at the academy was to change for the two boys that day forward. To avoid suspicion and rumors, they would slowly be taken out of courses before finally transferring to their vassal duties in the castle. There was only so much the Academy could teach them without prying into private kingdom details. The rest of their schooling would be completed by private tutors within the kingdom walls, both to the excitement of one and fear in the other.
It started out with two fewer courses, much to Reo’s excitement. The less homework and studying he had to do, the better. He made quite a big deal about this as he bounced on his bed, watching as Mabu shoved his nose into yet another massive library book he had rented out involving kingdom politics.
“Mabu, I don’t get how you do this stuff for fun. I figured you would be happy to do less studying.”
Reo huffed, the white ribbon in his hair bouncing each time he rolled about on the mattress in his boredom. With nothing to do until their night course, it was starting to get to the young kappa that they really had to keep to themselves until the full transfer was complete. Had they been seen by other kids skipping out doing nothing, rumors would surely trickle about the school. Then again, Reo had a feeling it had already begun.
“The more studying I do now, the less I’ll have to worry about later. Plus, isn’t it interesting to learn about our kingdom’s laws- Reo…”
Mabu sighed, closing the book after shoving a bookmark inside upon coming face to face with said teen sticking his tongue out at him in response. Upon being caught though, he quickly turned around and puffed his cheeks out- the cutest red being visible from the tip of his ears.
“Politics and history are boring. I just want to slash things with the cool swords our trainer showed us the other day. That’s why-”
Reo started, slapping the embarrassment away from his face before pointing towards himself with a beaming grin.
“You’re the smart vassal, and I’ll take care of those Kawauso!”
Oh how quick Reo was to change his mind on their new roles at the mention of something cool.
Well, Mabu couldn’t fault him. It was yet another side of Reo that he adored. He wasn’t opposed to that reality becoming their future- just as long as Reo stayed by his side.
*
*
*
Hushed whispers.
That was the first thing that registered in Reo’s ears as the two of them made their way towards their usual table in the dining hall. The more classes they were moved from, the more whispers and chuckles he heard from their other classmates. No matter how much they tried to hide the contents in their letters, it didn’t stop the other kappa teens from speculating about what happened on that day- especially considering Reo had always been viewed as odd regardless.
‘Do you think he’s cheating?’
‘The Akutsu family does have a lot of money. Maybe they paid for their acceptance and they got caught.’
‘That Mabu kid is weird enough as it is, dragging that other guy around everywhere he goes-’
A tray slammed down on the table as Mabu tried to look away, long used to ignoring the jealous spiel of others regarding his life. It wasn’t his business to care what others thought. Reo was his only concern in life, even above his own. However, Reo being the more emotional of the two, was absolutely sick and tired of it all.
“You all better shut up and scram before I show you how scary I can really be.”
Reo hissed in response, flashing his fangs as the group before them shrunk back in fear and darted off- all while yelling their usual ‘that kid is creepy! Otter-like-!’ Typical weaklings, he scoffed to himself, finally settling into his seat and sinking lower as Mabu’s hand ruffled the top of his dish.
“Reo… you didn’t have to stand up for me, it’s ok.”
No, it wasn’t- Mabu really needed to learn how to fight for himself… though he knew his argument would fall of deaf ears as it always had when people brought up how weird Mabu was for rescuing him in the first place. People really were cruel, throwing their nose into situations where it didn’t belong. He never believed in gods or higher beings but since that day…. Mabu was his god. If people didn’t wish to open their eyes and see it, so be it.
“When we… when we become vassals for the prince, I swear I’m going to make all of these people realize how good we are. They’ll be the weird ones.”
To Mabu, that sounded nice.
---------------
“Stand still, sir. You can’t keep squirming around as I’m pinning this. Unless you wish for my needle to stab your leg.”
The royal tailor groaned, pressing and folding seams against Reo’s body as eyes met the full body mirror for the first time since the whole ordeal had begun. With only a month to go before the initiation, it was time for the two to be fitted into their royal vassal garb. Mabu was clearly beyond excited, glowing in the corner of the room and looking as though the black uniform had been designed just for him all along. He looked so poised, uniform fitted perfectly to his frame even as the other tailor worked at the cape’s folds so it draped properly across his shoulder.
Meanwhile, anxious and overwhelmed Reo couldn’t find it in himself to stand still as foreign textures and hands worked the cloth into place on his body. It was tight, though not too tight where it’d be deemed ill-fitting. He never really liked having things tight against his chest and throat- plus having something so expensive on him felt wrong. To be clothed in the royal gold… embellished and of high status- this was a look for Mabu.
On top of that, expecting him to stand like a rock for over an hour like this was really getting to the teen.
Once the tailor finally finished pinning the adjustments, they backed away to let Reo finally get a proper look of it on. Hesitant gloved hands trailed down the dark cloth, grazing the golden trim, following the ivory decoration cascading down his shoulder…. The young kappa was speechless at the sight that greeted him. This didn’t feel like him at all. Plus the gold collar crushing his throat, be it from the actual uniform itself or his own doubtful feelings making it hard to breathe, he didn’t know. Before thoughts could drag him down any further though, Mabu jumped into action and found himself on autopilot, much to the tailor’s frustration.
“Sir, what are you-”
“Here, like this. Reo prefers it like this.”
Mabu interrupted, ignoring Reo’s own flustered sputters as his hands worked quickly to pull the pins out and gently fold the collar down into a lapel shape. The look was beyond improper for one working in the Royal Family but he knew more than anyone about Reo’s texture sensitivity. If having it folded down even one button-length would help, Mabu would make sure it happened and they listened. Pulling back to admire his work, the stoic kappa couldn’t help the faintest blush starting to creep against his cheeks as he took in the sight. Reo was… handsome. Gorgeous. Breathtaking- just like the god he always had viewed him as. It took everything in his power to swallow back the words that threatened to spill out as Reo grinned back, thanking Mabu for the suggestion.
Mabu didn’t know how he was going to survive vassal work like this long term- having to see the one he loved looking so good.
“I can finally breathe… Like this, it looks great. I look awesome.”
Reo hummed, laughing as the other shoved the matching hat on top of his head so they could match in front of the mirror.
“It was made for us, Reo. I’m happy you approve.”
------------------------------------
Today’s entry
A hand scribbled against textured paper in between their private tutor lesson, words and directions spilling into his ear and flooding out the same time as his mind ventured elsewhere. How did anyone expect Mabu to pay attention as they sat in the private room dressed in their new uniforms, working through the initial documents involving their duties once they met with the family in a few weeks. Reo seemed bored out of his mind, chin resting in his hand as his pencil bounced against the edge of the table. He’d warned the other how study-heavy this job was going to be, though in typical Reo fashion, the teen brushed it off to have fun instead.
Emerald eyes danced between the lengthy text book in front of his face and the curl of Reo’s lips, chest throbbing faster and faster as desire and fear took hold of his composure. The way his hand curled around his cheek in the most gentle but firm way, how the shape of his profile was sharper than any he’d seen prior- these thoughts were driving Mabu absolutely mad as he gulped silently to himself.
To voice these thoughts to Reo, the young teen feared the worst reaction given Reo’s recent apprehension towards his affection as it was.
And so, Mabu resigned himself to write, sneaking glances here and there at Reo before their eyes could meet.
There are three rules to my life I must follow. One, desire is our life. Two, I would do anything for Reo. Three, I have a secret that I must keep.
This secret, I keep hidden in a box. No one can find out about it.
If Reo should find out, my connection may be lost.
This secret…
I love Reo…
And that may be wrong of me to feel this way.
*
*
*
Clink, clink-
“Niiboshi-kun, your posture.”
“R-Right!”
Clink
The two kappa teens gracefully waltzed across the padded mat, arms behind their backs as the other swung the silver fencing swords with calculated swishes. Like clockwork, they moved across the room with a poise only seen by the most talented of fighters, watched like a hawk by their trainer. It only made sense for them to learn only from the best after all. Their life now was to protect the lone heir of the kingdom. Should his life ever be in danger, they had to be prepared to throw theirs away. All for the sake of the kingdom, even though thinking about such an ultimatum made Reo’s stomach lurch.
At the worst moment, could he truly complete his sworn duty when it came to a place that had mistreated him for so long? He supposed only time would tell.
Shaking those thoughts from his mind, Reo instead focused at the task at hand. He needed to score two more points to win their practice round and he was determined to out-smart Mabu for once. As their teacher said, he was skilled at combat, quick on his feet and direct with his hits. There was no hesitation in his jabs as he pointed the sword at any open spot he could find. However, Mabu moved about in a way that was a polar opposite of his own, giving the blonde male quite a bit of a challenge. While Reo was one to charge head-first, no mercy- Mabu was more defensive, simply prioritizing blocks as he watched with stern, all-knowing eyes.
That serious look of his, the way he stood his ground and gracefully skipped back to avoid his swing- Reo hated how love struck he felt watching his friend fight. Neck positioned perfectly in form, breath gently huffing from his pink lips, eyes that shone like the most beautiful emeralds… Mabu was too gorgeous for his own good, further twisting his confused emotions as he stumbled over his footing and felt his eyes widen as a tender pain suddenly radiated from his shoulder.
“You’re open, Reo.”
Was all the other said, a slight smirk gracing his features with a chuckle as Reo’s own eyes widened at the realization. All this time, he’d been so good at moving away from Mabu’s attacks and yet- Mabu had been watching his every move carefully. Calculating the perfect moment to strike, it felt like the other knew just when Reo was going to crack.
Hands slowly met in a gentle hold and as Mabu helped him up, Reo couldn’t help but huff and scoff back playfully.
“Y-You cheated, Mabu! I would’ve won if I didn’t get distracted by-!”
You.
He wanted to say so badly, the word on the tip of his tongue as Mabu’s own face seemed to convey he was holding something back as well. But before either could spill it out, a loud clap snapped them out of their rose-tinted world.
“Good comeback, Akutsu-kun. Get back in position, round two begins soon.”
“Y-Yes, Ma’am”
Both stammered out, pinkies linking together for a few seconds longer as they were ripped away.
-----------------------
They couldn’t keep living like this.
With feelings only growing in intensity as the weeks passed, Reo only isolated himself more, fearing he’d slip it out at the worst moment. His heart felt like it was going to explode out of his chest, though unbeknownst to him, his dear Mabu was in the same boat. Perhaps even worse off than himself upon being told not to tie his hair on that fateful day.
A risk of a broken connection was better off than dealing with this pain.
In between courses, Mabu had forcefully grabbed Reo’s hand and instead of heading to their dorm, had insisted they go to the Royal Gardens for some alone time. It wasn’t like Mabu to sound so frazzled, voice laced with a strange urgency that didn’t sit well with him. With the clouds only just rolling in, the garden was quiet- not a soul in sight to Mabu’s relief. The only thing that surrounded them were the cascading vines of blooming cucumbers, mixed with the gentle rush of the river’s flow as the two faced each other.
“M-Mabu, what the heck was that all about..? People already think we’re suspicious- what were you thinki-”
A squeeze of his hands, followed by Mabu biting down on his own lips.
“Reo. Please, just… give me a minute.”
Calm yourself, he thought to himself, thinking about the best way to word what he had to say without frightening the one he loved. It was scary territory, also knowing that could really be the cause of their suffering. Something well-told in Kappa culture, even when things felt honest and true.
Did he really feel Love for Reo? Or was he tainted with Desire?
“...There’s something I need to tell you. A-And, it’s ok if you don’t agree. I just can’t keep living like this, you need to know…”
The black haired teen took a deep breath, ivory flushing a faint pink as he lowered into himself before finally facing Reo’s shocked face with fake confidence he’d been trained to possess.
“I have feelings for you, Reo. No, not just feelings…. I love you, Reo. I’ve hidden it for so long, fearing you’d be scared knowing the truth but… I had to tell you. It’s ok if you don’t feel the same- we can just continue as we have. I’ll…. I’ll leave you alone-”
What?
Did he… hear him right? Was he hallucinating? Was this some weird impulsive dream he was having and he was still sitting in that boring history classroom?
Mabu loved him. Mabu, the one who was the purest being in the entire world, the one who pulled his dirty remains from the ground and nurtured him back to something that Could be loved, wanted him.
His Mabu loved him.
“I-I-I..! Mabu, I-... I feel the same! B-But you deserve someone so much better than me.. I don’t-”
“Reo, you’re like a God to me. You may not see it, but since day one, you were like an angel who came down to enlighten me- to give me purpose.”
Now Mabu was just playing with him. Hearing such words instantly caused Reo to let out a whine and cover his face with his hands. How he could just say something both so cheesy and loving was going to send the poor weak kappa to his grave. A god? Him? No way. But… maybe it wasn’t so bad being viewed in such a light by the one he viewed as a higher being. Even though all his life, he’d never believed in such entities.
“Reo… C-Can I… Can I kiss you?”
Kiss!?! Mabu needed to stop being so bold, he couldn’t take this…
And yet, he simply nodded his head, breathless and shaking as the two hesitantly moved forward.
Inch by inch, hands laced tightly as thunder began to rumble across the sky. As if the Kappa Gods themselves wished to bless the two’s union with the holy life-giving rain.
The first attempt failed with a loud wheeze from Reo, much to Mabu’s embarrassment. Noses squished together, not taking into account how much Mabu’s glasses really did stick out on his face… Like this, Mabu really was the cutest…
“Reo… don’t laugh at me…”
Another wheezy chuckle.
“Sorry, sorry. Mabu you’re just… too cute..”
With the rain slowly trickling against their dishes, pink lips met in a tender display, hearts and pulses beating into one united being as the two connected.
*
*
*
For the first time in months, the mattresses were pulled from the bunk bed to rest on the floor. Curled up in each other’s arms, Mabu’s head tucked into Reo’s chest, he couldn’t help but nuzzle into the dark locks and wonder how he made himself suffer for so long over doubt and self-hatred. Like this, together and warm- it felt like Home.
‘I’m finally back where I belong.’
He thought with a smile, laughing under his breath as Mabu instinctively snuggled him closer before embracing the night’s rest himself.
---------------------------------
Tap. Tap.
Gentle giggles.
Hand in hand, traversing the hollow hallways with a twirl in their steps-
Reo and Mabu eagerly slipped out from school grounds.
The Royal Cucumber Gardens soon became a second home to the two lovebirds, whispers of secrets and love displays unfolding within the blooming ruins whenever they could slip away from their classes. Reo had been the one to suggest it first after throwing his textbook down in a frustrated huff over reading about the same Kappa history over and over again. The initiation day was fast approaching and as fears of their future grew, they returned to the very place their love began for comfort.
“Tomorrow is the big day, Reo. We’ll finally get to see Prince Keppi again. Are you excited?”
Mabu asked as he laid in Reo’s lap, humming as gloved fingers ran through his short hair in gentle motions. Like this, shielding by those judging eyes of their classmates, the two embraced their connection even if they were shunned by those not understanding.
“...I’m worried. The last time he saw me was… like that. It’s been years. But, we’ll do this together. Like we always have.”
He replied back, eyes widening when Mabu suddenly reached up and pulled him down into a quick kiss, silencing the words of hesitation before they could even begin. After everything they’d been through, this was going to be the start of something magical.
-----------------------------
The Royal Kappa’s tower… from the outside, it had always looked so menacing to the blonde male. Fully garbed in their vassal uniform, the two were carefully led through the kingdom grounds towards the audience chamber where their coronation was to be held. As with all tradition, it was a private affair- even Mabu’s parents were barred from witnessing even with their ties to the family. With each formal march forward they took, the music booming down the corridor only grew louder and more powerful. Reverberating in their core, Reo and Mabu stood firm before the royal doors swung open with a slam, voice proclaiming their arrival to the family.
“Niiboshi and Akutsu have arrived, my Prince.”
As trained, Reo and Mabu simply marched forward, led on by the classical music piercing their ears before kneeling at the end of the crimson aisle. Like this, Reo struggling to keep his head down like he had been taught, it was hard to resist shaking and slinking away from unworthy fear. The very prince who had seen him at his worst state was peering down upon him, perhaps even judging him. He wanted nothing more than to be viewed worthy by those in the royal family. If he could make a statement for himself, it was just to be accepted.
“My prince.”
They voiced, a white hand raising as a smile graced the heir’s painted lips.
“You may lift your head. The day has finally come. Reo-”
Keppi, the crown prince, addressed, instantly startling said kappa into looking up with a mildly off-guard look.
“Y-Yes, my prince..?”
Like this, he too could see how much the heir had changed since their first and last encounter. Keppi was so small back then, timid and struggling to find his place in the kingdom as the last survivor from the last war. Without his father, it surely was difficult for a child to run the kingdom all by himself. Even so, he held his head high and performed his duty. He allowed a dirty, rejected kid like himself to set foot into his quarters. He blessed him with a welcoming pure hand, much like Mabu’s own.
Now, only a few years older than himself, Reo could see the age wearing on the prince, maturity adding to his ethereal grace.
“You have done well, Reo. It pleases me to see you embracing your desires, as I feel for Mabu as well.”
Their first names…. The crown prince himself had addressed them not as peons he simply ruled… but someone worthy of knowing their individuality.
The fountain behind the prince suddenly began to overflow, Keppi’s helpers collecting the shimmering liquid in two saucer cups before presenting them to the vassals-in-training. Bells rang, taiko drums thrummed before the prince put his foot down to proclaim to those in attendance- all for the written records of history.
“Drink from the Fountain of Desires, embrace the balance of one’s life- know you may face truths you never wished to see. If you can surrender yourselves to what the circle can bring, you may continue.”
Of course, Reo and Mabu knew what this meant. The ancient song and dance, passed down through Kappas over generation. Sarazanmai. It was their sole duty to complete this task, collect the energy for their kingdom, open one’s self to the ultimate truth and connect in a way others in the kingdom would never experience. Keppi would bear witness to it all. Their strengths, their weaknesses… and yet, both of them were willing to take the step.
So, with a gentle clink of their dishes, the two bowed their heads and engulfed the sacred flowing river, completing their initiation and bestowing themselves towards their prince.
As keepers, given by their new title, the crimson door leading them to a life they never knew would soon open. The partners knew they could do it, love glowing in their eyes as they caught each other’s gaze.
Don’t let go of your desires, for you never know what it could bring.