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A little boy giggled as he kept running laps around his friend, who was focused on studying a little bug in his hand. The small brunet boy suddenly stopped his jumping and quietly sat beside the other, smiling softly at him.
“Iwa-chan? Can I make you a flower crown?” the other boy looked up from the squirming bug to stare at his best friend.
“Aren’t flowers for girls? And crowns for princes and kings? Don’t be stupid Tooru” was what he said at the time, making the other to furiously shake his head in protest.
“Iwa-chan! I’m not stupid! Besides, my sister said that flowers are for everyone!” he then frowned. “And… and one day you’ll be a prince with me! And then we can be kings together! I promise!” his little hands had already started to work on a flower crown. The spiky haired child scowled, his tiny hands playing with a small daisy tied on a stick of almond flowers before putting it in the other’s hair.
~
Iwaizumi was pouting profusely, shaking from the cold. The small brunette clinged on him for dear life, apologizing again and again, only managing to annoy his friend more, irritation slowly getting to him.
“Stop apologizing! It doesn’t matter, okay? I’m fine. We’ll get in trouble if you keep crying” the spikey haired child hastily pulled out of Oikawa’s pocket a tissue and wiped his tears. “Here you go. Now calm down” the other sniffled quietly and hugged his friend tighter.
“Tooru if you keep hugging me you’ll get wet too… I told you going to the lake without an adult was a bad idea…” that made the emotional boy to pull away and stare at Iwaizumi with a frown. Shaking his head he grabbed the raven’s hand and started dragging him back in the castle, making his way in the drying laundry room.
“If you change and we put your clothes away no one will know Iwa-chan!!” the older boy sighed reluctantly grabbing some dry clothes changing the fastest he could.
“We are not going back to the lake if that’s what you’re thinking by the way” he grumbled looking at Oikawa behind his shoulder, who immediately pursed his lips in annoyance.
“But Iwa-chan-” he stomped. His friend looked at him in disbelief. He only stomped when adults didn’t let him get his way.
“Fine. Let’s go. But that’s the only time I’m letting you get your way” he rolled his eyes. That was supposed to be their country’s Prince. Said prince was now sparkling with energy and joy as he led them back in the lake they always took their evening walks on. Iwaizumi giggled at his friend's joy.
~~
A yelp of pain was heard across the royal gym, immediately alerting the spikey haired teen on his feet and quickly making his way to the source of noise. His eyes widened and he felt a pang of annoyance as he looked down at the boy who was clutching his knee on the floor.
“Prince Tooru- I told you not to overwork yourself again, you should’ve done your history homework instead of hurting yourself while fencing” Iwaizumi said in an exasperated sigh, the only reaction he got from the other was an eye roll and an obnoxious huff.
“I told you to stop calling me that and to stop giving me advice that would end up being useful if I followed it, it makes me feel stupid.” that caused the other to grunt as he helped the other up.
“That’s because you maybe are stupid and-” the remark got him a probably well deserved flick on the forehead and a pout from the other. “You should start getting ready to go. You have been neglecting your homework all day” he completed his sentence.
“You’re only polite for the show and tell, aren't you Iwa-chan? Such a brute'' the brunete whined and muttered as he stretched, understanding the other’s worry and irritation by the way he looked at him.
Standing up he looked up and down the other. Iwaizumi Hajime. He was supposed to be Oikawa’s everything from day one. His friend, his advisor, his guard, his caretaker. He looked at him once more. He hoped that one day he’d be his lover too. The one who would be by his side while ruling their home country.
He smiled at the thought, only snapping back out of his daydream when someone flicked him on the forehead, immediately protesting at the sting of the flick, but followed his best friend to his chambers anyway almost robotically opening the book that was put in his hand, not having to exchange a word with him as he laid down with a book of his own as well.
~~
Laughter was heard across the huge hallways as two teens chased each other, coming to a stop as they reached the library, their booming laugh turning into soft giggles, embracing one another as to not let the other win in their childish game of tag until the playful embrace turned into a hug.
Iwaizumi chuckled in the other’s ear. “How did I let you convince me into something as childish as this?” his question was met with a warm smile and a tag at his hand, pulling him deeper in the library. He let Oikawa pull him until they were in their usual spot, their books in exactly the same position they’d been left just a day ago.
Hours passed, each lost in their own work. Unconsciously OIkawa’s head fell in Iwaizumi’s lap and the other just instinctively softly petted the other’s hair. Suddenly the raven cracked up, snorting at something he read that was apparently hilarious, attracting the boy’s in his lap attention who couldn’t help but giggle at the other’s genuine reaction.
“What got you laughing that hard, Iwa-chan?” he asked with a toothy grin as Iwa-chan looked down at him. He shook his head and ruffled the brown locks that he was petting the entire time, earning himself a protest.
“The main character just did something that you definitely would. Something pretty stupid on his part, I’ll admit. He resembles you a lot” he explained with a smirk as Oikawa whined in annoyance.
“Iwa-chan! I’m not stupid… plus, weren’t you talking about how you loved that character the other day?” The brunete raised an eyebrow and smiled like he just made a discovery, as he cupped the other’s face. “Do you love me, Iwa-chan? Love me in the sweet and kind way you said you loved this stupid fictional charachter?” His eyes gleamed at the low light of the library as he stared up at a stunned Iwaizumi.
“Do I love you? I- Well… I think I do… I love you...I’m sorry” he smiled sadly at Oikawa, who was taken aback by the boy’s confession and the fact that he felt the need to apologize for it. Sitting up, he brought their faces closer, rubbing his thumb gently up and down Hajime’s cheek as a reassuring gesture.
“You know there’s nothing to apologize for, right? I love you just as much. Remember the promise I made you when we were kids?” the question made the other shake his head in disapproval and slightly scowl.
“We were kids, Prince Oikawa, you didn’t know better” he tried to pull away but the brunette's arms were firm on his face, so he opted to look away so he didn’t have to witness the person he loved the most grimace in pain at the use of his last name and his official title at the same time.
“Then call me childish because I’m telling you again, one day we will rule together, and that’s a promise Iwa-chan. I’ve known you since we were babies. I can’t just get over it because it doesn’t meet the protocol. I’m the prince, I make the damn protocol Iwa-chan!” The strain in his voice was audible, Iwaizumi knew he was about to cry, and one thing he hated the most was watching Oikawa cry. Without thinking about it he brought their faces impossibly closer.
And there it was. They were kissing. At first lips frozen in place slowly melted into each other. Their first kiss, pure, tender. Soft. Staring in one another’s eyes, their hearts beat in sync. Everything seemed perfect. But perfect wasn’t their style.
Iwaizumi let out a wheeze that could be vaguely classified as a laugh, contagious as it was; they both broke out in a fit of laughter.
“Nice confession Tooru” he said through a snort, earning a slap on his chest.
“Shush, Iwa-chan, you literally almost made me cry” he said obnoxiously while puffing his cheeks. Turning around his head for a second, he got surprised when Iwaizumi pushed a small stick full of almond flowers into his hair and without giving him time to react, he pulled him in for another kiss.
“You have fencing class, we need to go...Race you there” Iwaizumi bolted out of the couch and tossed his book away, leaving a stunned Oikawa yelling behind him, something about getting a headstart, before running after him.
~~
His eyes shined under the blinding sun, his soft nutmeg hair all over the place as he laughed, throwing his head back in delight. All Iwaizumi could do was stare at him with a soft smile, a fuzzy feeling blooming in his chest.
Unexpectedly a pair of lips were on his. In surprise, he moved his head upwards, accidentally knocking his head on the other boy’s forehead.
“Iwa-chan! What the heck?” the taller boy whined, rubbing his head, his reaction making Iwaizumi burst out laughing.
“I’m sorry, but you took me by surprise, pffft-” he wheezed out, his laughter only increasing at the look on his lover’s face.
“You looked all sweet and romantic, staring at me. I just wanted to kiss you” Oikawa’s mumble along with a pout was enough to stop the other from dying of laughter.
Iwaizumi shook his head as he took the other’s face in his hands, leaving a light kiss where their foreheads bumped. “Happy now?” When he was met with a negative shake of his lover’s head he raised his eyebrows, leaning in for an actual kiss.
“How about now, you big baby?” The giggle that left Oikawa’s mouth was enough to make him fall in love all over again. In the whim of the moment Iwaizumi jumped on him, both of them falling back on the brunette’s bed as he attacked him with small forehead kisses, making the other boy giggle even more.
Once their laughter had calmed down, they realised that they were almost cuddling. Oikawa, smiling, wrapped his hands around his lover, allowing him to lay on his chest. Grinning down at him, he could only think about how this was the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He thought about every sweet moment between them, every soft touch and every smile. Every little whisper and loving promise. Looking back down at his lover he was met with a pair of bright green eyes.
“What were you thinking about?” the questioning look Iwaizumi got urged him to explain himself. “I just felt your heart beat faster and… nevermind” he shook his head on the boy’s chest again, not seeing the blush that spread across his cheeks. A giggle was heard in the middle of the silence that fell upon them again.
“You’re gonna call me cheesy but… I was thinking about you… Us” they stared into each other's eyes and for a moment everything couldn’t be any less perfect… and then Iwaizumi started laughing.
“That was cheesy as hell” his reply had the taller boy whining in annoyance and pouting.
“Iwa-chan! You brute! I open up my heart to you and that’s how you react?” that earned a chuckle from his lover and a kiss on the forehead.
“You give me butterflies when you smile or laugh too, if that’s what you wanted me to admit” he whispered in the crook of the other’s neck, earning a pleased smile. He felt a hand in his hair, but as he was about to protest, he felt himself immediately relaxing when his lover started petting his head.
~~
Iwaizumi felt someone shaking him into consciousness, a familiar voice calling his name. Cracking an eye open, he saw the young prince dressed in a white button down and his more used trousers. Looking at the clock, he groaned in annoyance.
“What the hell do you want in this ungodly hour, Oikawa?” The boy trying to wake him up gave him a small smile.
“I’m hungry” Iwaizumi shot him a glare as he sat up.
“At this hour no one is awake, you moron!” his angry remark only got a shrug as a response and another tug at his hand. Looking at his lover’s pout, he could only shake his head and get up to get dressed.
This man was going to be the death of him.
He tried to think of that one chocolate cake recipe he’d overheard some of the royal family’s chefs talk about one day while he was waiting to get Oikawa’s dinner. Slowly, one ingredient after the other came back in his mind as he let himself get dragged down the hallways and towards the kitchens.
Once they arrived at their destination, he made the prince sit down as he started working around the kitchen, hoping for a distraction-less baking experience.
But that’s Oikawa we’re talking about.
About fifteen minutes of mixing ingredients later, a familiar silhouette jumped on the counter beside him.
“Say, Iwa-chan, do you happen to know where they keep the alcohol?” Another glare was sent his way, this time as well as a flick on his forehead.
“The non-alcoholic beverages are kept beside the music classroom.” he responded pointently. For a moment, a frown passed the older boy’s face, soon to be replaced by a look of triumph as he bolted out of the room, leaving the other in wonder.
Another twenty minutes passed, the cake already in the oven when his lover came back in the kitchen, holding a violin case in one hand and a non-alcoholic version of their kingdom’s famous cherrywine. He rolled his eyes at the boy’s full hands as he settled in a chair.
“Music would be nice, don’t you think, Iwa-chan?” two green eyes stared at him in disbelief. “What? I’m just saying…” he tried to defend himself, but only got a smirk as a reply.
“You are extremely lucky you’re actually good at playing the violin” Iwaizumi shook his head as the brunette made an offended sound, too busy opening the bottle while simultaneously jumping on the counter to complain verbally. He could only do so many things at once.
The moment they locked eyes and Oikawa played the first note, they were already gone in their own special world. Hours passed and the cake got out of the oven, and was eaten between chocolate and cherry wine tasting kisses.
They danced slowly in complete silence, enjoying just being in each other’s arms, until they were interrupted by the morning chirping of birds, signaling the fact that they should probably make a run for it.
Sharing a look of mischief and a giggle, they both sprinted up and down the hallways and back in the prince’s room, immediately collapsing from laughter on his bed, once their shared childhood bedroom’s door was closed shut.
~~
The days passed, their love grew, the longing stares became more usual, less shy. All the sweet things that made them perfect. But as stated before, perfect wasn’t their style.
There wasn’t a single sound when the statement was announced, as if everyone was holding their breath until someone else reacted. And then all hell broke loose.
“Father, this is- This is insanity, this is literally a suicide mission-” Oikawa roared, the only person who had the guts to talk back to the ruler of the very country they lived in, but he was still silenced when the older man raised his hand.
“The decision has been made, Tooru, I apologize. I know you two have a special relationship. Plus, it isn’t entirely a suicide mission. There are chances of coming back, that’s why I’m sending him. Iwaizumi is tough enough, otherwise I wouldn’t have risked it.” Tears welled up in the brunette’s eyes , Iwaizumi was quick to wipe them away. “But father…” it came out as a whimper as he sniffled.
“Please don’t cry. I’ll be back. I promise. I love you.” was what he whispered gently in his lover’s ear before nodding at the man. “I will take my leave tomorrow” at which he only received a nod of acknowledgement from him.
The very same night, they fell quietly on Oikawa’s bed, cuddling against each other because who knew, that might have been their last time to do that. Tooru felt something being pushed into his hair and carefully looked up to see what flower Iwaizumi was gifting him this time.
A white chrysanthemum wrapped around a stick full of almond flowers. He smiled.
“I’ll be back. And I won’t stop loving you. That’s a promise.”
“I hope so”
He giggled as he snuggled up on his lover’s chest, looking up at him adoringly, staring at him like he was his world. He did hope that he’d come back and that their love wouldn’t fade. He was willing to wait. He was willing to go at great lengths. But until he came back, Oikawa thought he’d have to depend on his only loyal friends, the back of his mind could only cackle at the thought of Matsukawa and Hanamaki.
And like that they fell asleep holding each other tight, hoping tomorrow would never arrive.
~~~
But like everything else, tomorrow was inevitable. They were arguing in hushed tones hoping none of the side guards heard what they were talking about.
“You don’t have to go, Iwa-chan, if you just hear me out-” he was interrupted by the other shaking his head.
“You hear me out Oikawa, I have to and I will, that’s the end of it” Oikawa huffed, annoyed.
“Can you just listen to me when I’m serious for once dammit-” he was stopped by a pair of lips on his.
“I love you. I’ll be back. Wait for me.” The brunete felt tears streaming down his face, a frown constant on his face.
“Iwaizumi. Please.” The emotional turmoil in Oikawa’s voice and the use of his full name made his movements halt immediately. Looking at him, he waited for the solution he was trying to offer. “You don’t have to go. I can talk to my father, I can change his mind just- Please don’t leave for that damned place” Iwaizumi sighed as he realised that this was gonna be the same conversation they’d been having the entire day.
“I promise to you, I will be okay. I will come back.” He smiled as he reached for the crying prince’s face. “I have a promise to fulfill after all, don’t I?” He fished for something in his pocket, and once he found it, he smiled sadly at his lover.
“I was gonna give them to you a lot later but I don’t know when I’m coming back so…” gently holding his lover’s hand, he slipped a delicate silver ring with an almond flower made of small crystals in it, and after kissing the hand he was holding, he put a replicate of the same ring in his chain. Looking up, he realized that the taller boy was sobbing and a second later he was engulfed in a hug.
“I’ll love you until my last breath… I promise”
“And I’ll love you ‘till we’re old and wrinkly… it’s a promise” he was flicked at the forehead for the lack of romanticism, only giggling at the reaction.
They shared one last kiss, and like that, he was off, and Oikawa, for the first time in his life, didn’t have someone by his side.
~~~
He was convinced he was slowly losing his sanity. Or he was dying. Huh. Wasn’t that an actual thing? Dying from a loved one leaving you?
Broken heart syndrome, his brain supplied. How long has it really been since he left? A month? Five months? He laughed bitterly when it downed him. Two whole years. He could be dead or keep being successful in his mission. There was no way to find out. A knock on his door abruptly brought him back to reality.
Sitting up from his bed, he glared at the door as if to burn a hole in it.
“Who is it?” a voice of a servant informed him, muffled by the door between them about his fencing class. With an irritated click of his tongue, he yelled something along the lines of “I’ll be on my way” as he numbly prepared to do just that.
While he was absolutely embarrassing the sparing abilities of the third person this evening his mind wandered at the fact that the only person in that castle that could truly keep up with him was Iwaizumi, and his heart ached for a moment, before resuming to attacking the poor boy repeatedly until he wore him off.
“Good job your highness, but allow me to say that you, well… seem kind of, out of it, one could put it-” the person that had stepped in the sparring ring immediately stopped talking when the young prince’s glare fell on him.
“I’m leaving” was all he said before he stormed out, completely ignoring everyone’s protests, making sure to slam every door behind him.
He knew it wasn’t the servant’s fault but at the same time he couldn’t control his feelings.
Upon arriving in his room he simply crashed in his bed, fully breaking down.
As he sobbed, the only thing he could think of was him and how much he missed him. And afterthoughts of how he should probably pull himself together.
~~~
He watched his hand open and close above him, as if on its own accord. Lately all the responsibilities he didn’t know he had, had taken a toll on him, his brain disconnecting from reality more and more by the time. He heard a thud from far away, not paying much attention until the thudding became banging and the source of the sound woke him up from his mental slumber, as a familiar voice kept calling for him.
Sitting up in surprise, he told the person outside to come in, the door opening to reveal some of his closest friends. Immediately he got up to get dressed, as Hanamaki and Matsukawa made themselves comfortable on his bed.
“Hey, how come you decided to visit?” Oikawa questioned as he sat opposite of them. They exchanged looks, like they were trying to decide who would bite the bullet and say something.
“Tooru… You know your father loves you dearly right?” The prince frowned at Matsukawa’s words. Hanamaki shook his head.
“Look, there’s no easy way to tell you that but your father… he was coming from a meet and greet with Ushiwaka’s father, you know him right? Of course you do… Well you see… Sometimes people of high power have a few enemies willing to go at great extents to-”
Oikawa only shook his head at all this prologue. “Cut to the chase, Makki”
Taking a deep breath, the borderline pink haired boy decided to rip off the bandaid.
“Your father was killed”
The two guests' eyes widened when, before their eyes, the king-to-be burst out laughing at the news.
“Very funny Makki, you almost got me there, hilarious really. Now tell me why you’re actually here”
His intense stare had them awkwardly looking at each other, trying to think about how they were going to let him down easily.
“You’re… You’re joking right? He’s not actually dead, is he? Guys, that’s not funny anymore”
Makki shook his head again. “Oikawa…”
The man in question was curling in a ball, tears running down his face. “Fuck that, life hates me at this point”
His own voice made him still. How long has it been since he actually spoke to a human about anything but the basics, truly? A very long time, was the answer.
“Thank you for letting me know” he let out slowly, trying not to lose his cool.
“Your coronation will be tomorrow at nine”
“Thank you for letting me know” he repeated, his voice now straining with anger.
He didn’t want to lash out at them; he knew it wasn’t their fault. He was angry at his terrible luck and life’s love to make him miserable. He never intended to hurt anyone; he didn’t want to get hurt either, reasonable right? Apparently not.
~~~
The total black outfit, made out of the finest fabrics, seemed to be fitting with the atmosphere as he walked down the aisle to the throne. He would love to have a chat with whoever decided to schedule his coronation right after his father’s funeral.
Looking around, he felt something missing. Both physically, and a big space in his heart, that made him want to turn around right then and there and run away. Looking down at his hand he realized. Oh. It was him. He wasn’t there. A small tear slipped, as he stopped in front of the man who was just pulling the traditional words of the coronation out of his ass- He subtly shook his head in hopes to discipline his thoughts.
Replying and filling in where it was needed, everything went by slowly, until he was finally sitting on the throne that used to belong to his father, wearing his father’s crown.
Looking back at his childhood, they were never really close. He even remembers envying the servant’s kids because they got to interact with both their parents so much more. Yet he still loved this man, because in his eyes, he was still his dad. The one who taught him the very things he knew and how to use them.
And oh, how he wished he at least had his lover by his side. He’d do everything to see them at the very moment in the crowd, smiling at him and making their way towards him.
He didn’t realize tears were running down his face until someone handed him a tissue. Looking up, he saw the face of a man quite familiar, although his facial features seemed more… mature. Oh. That was Ushijima senior.
“I wanted to phrase our kingdom’s condolences for your father’s passing and our congratulations on you taking on the throne, at such a young age too...” Tooru gave him a tight lipped smile, but before he managed to respond, he was cut off. “And as a king you must be thinking of marriage too now, no?” he frowned at those words. People were gonna start demanding that he find a spouse. He was the king now, after all. He flashed the older man a smile.
“Thank you, and honestly, I haven’t thought so far. My father’s passing was sudden, you see.” he showed off the ring Iwaizumi had given him years ago. “And I do have a fiance that I am waiting for, so really, I think I can avoid the marriage pressure for a while” the older man nodded in what seemed fake approval.
“You’ll be keeping the peace between our kingdoms too, I’d like to assume?” That man really got on Oikawa’s nerves.
“I’m a man of book, literature and culture, you see, swords and war is not something I seek. So your assumption should be standing correct” he gave Matsukawa, who was looking at them from a distance with a look that screamed ‘get me out of this situation’.
And gods bless him, he did.
“Your Majesty, my greatest apologies but your horse-” Oikawa’s eyes widened theatrically halfly as an act and halfly in disbelief of the lame excuse his friend thought of.
“Carmen? What happened, is she okay?” The panic in his voice sounded so real, for a moment he almost convinced himself he owned a horse named Carmen. Or that he knew how to ride a horse for the matter. Matsukawa shook his head. What a great actor he was too, he thought.
“She was attacked by someone, we don’t know who, but she came back with two arrows stuck in one of her front legs” in all his dramatic flare, Oikawa let out a shriek of surprise and dismay as he stormed out the royal throne’s room, trying hard not to laugh, as he heard his friends behind him explain the situation to everyone.
Making his way into his room, he noticed two people laughing behind him.
Turning around, he rolled his eyes at his friends, who, in his opinion, couldn’t have thought of a more ridiculous excuse.
“My horse? Really? I can’t even ride those!” Oikawa’s exclamation made the other two laugh even harder as they all made their way into the now king’s rooms.
He’d do anything to have his lover with him at the moment, but the familiar sense of their shared rings warmed his heart even just a tiny, little bit.
~~~~
Another two years passed. And he never came. At that point everyone was expecting him to get married. The protocol about the king’s spouse gender was the first thing he changed, and surprisingly no one seemed to give it a second thought. But the person he had changed it for hadn’t shown up in those past four years he suffered through every problem alone.
He didn’t hold it against Iwaizumi, no.
He just knew that even if he was willing to wait for the rest of eternity, the people of his kingdom certainly wouldn’t.
Agreeing with himself to accept the next marriage proposal he got was the hardest part of it all, along with moving the delicate ring from his finger to a chain in his neck. His future husband would just have to deal with him being in love with another man.
What he did not expect was to get a proposal from Ushijima Wakatoshi, heir to the Ushijima legacy and the next ruler of his own kingdom.
Something else he did not expect was Ushijima to propose in the middle of a formal dinner between their courts.
At least he was prepared about what was about to happen when Ushiwaka-as he was commonly called by Oikawa- quietly explained everything about the situation with his fiance.
“Tendo was the most beautiful person I ever laid my eyes on” he had started, peaking Oikawa’s interest because in all honesty, he had never met the man who the guy that was sitting beside called his fiance. “We met at a ball at a very young age. We were both forced there and finding someone our age was truly pure joy. Our friendship grew into something more. He was a lovely person too, you know? He used to adore animals, he insisted that he took care of most of the animals in the royal garden… and his sense of humor…” he shook his head as he chuckled “it was definitely something special… he was a kind soul. The kind of person you either love or despise if I’m being honest. And oh I have loved him and still do, you have no idea so much. You’re looking at me weird, you wanna know why I’m talking about him in past tense?” The last question was offered with a bitter smile. Oikawa only nodded in response. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know but… he was still curious.
“You see, like most amazing people he… had a tragic end. He got news about a hurt animal in the woods. It was a trap, we all assume it was the very same people that are responsible for your father… The hound he had taken with him came and found me. Three arrows was the reason I’m now talking about him in past tense. He didn’t deserve a death like that but… you can’t really go back in time, can you?” he shook his head as if to shake off his feelings.
“You had a lover yourself too, no? What happened to him?” Oikawa shrugged.
“Father sent him on a mission with chances of survival being one out of ten people… four years ago. I was holding on the hope he was still alive but…” it was his turn to shake his head. “Just like you said, I loved him and still do more than anything. The ring in my chain, the one you’ve been staring at… He gave it to me before he left. He wasn’t the most gentle person but to be fair… anyone who treated me like a prince really never got their way in arguments about my own wellbeing” a bitter chuckle was forced out of his throat “We basically knew each other since babies, he was supposed to be my guard, my advisor, my friend… my everything. And he was. He truly was. His absence is like a huge blank space in my heart- You understand the feeling I assume… I miss him more than anything else. I’d give up anything for him… But the people demand you see, and the people get what they want, am I right?” they both chuckled sadly as Ushijima nodded in agreement.
“If you allow me then…” getting up he drew everyone’s attention to him. Oikawa looked more surprised than anything. Looking down at him he mouthed a quick sorry.
“Oikawa Tooru, ruler of this very kind kingdom, I’d like to ask for your hand in marriage” for a moment everything went white and the next thing Oikawa knew, he was getting up to respond.
“After all, I shall accept a marriage proposal as I’m honored it’s coming from you” he mastered all of his fake confidence and smirked. “Ushijima Wakatoshi”
The man in question was already putting the custom made ring on the brunette’s finger. To everyone’s surprise, a glass shattered out of nowhere, and Iwaizumi Hajime was storming out of the room in front of everyone’s eyes.
Oikawa could do nothing but stay frozen in place, watching the love of his life run away after all those years in hurt. He was there. He kept his promise. But he didn’t.
The thought hit him like a hurricane.
He had betrayed the one person he ever truly and genuinely loved.
Ushijima’s stone cold face didn’t help the situation either.
He had a role to play. He knew how to play it. Why was it so hard all of a sudden? The little voice in the back of his head reminded him to pull himself together as he sat down.
He’d be alright, he told himself. He’d find a solution. And Hajime would surely understand, right?
He hoped so.
Otherwise years of an unhappy marriage laid in front of him, he realised.
~~~~
Making his way towards his room, he really hoped he would find Iwaizumi there. Opening the door, he saw the man he fell in love packing up his belongings furiously.
“Iwa-” the other man turned around his expressionless face, cutting him off.
“Don’t” the word felt like a slap across his face. Two green eyes scanned him up and down as he was trying to find his words. Iwaizumi shook his head in disappointment.
“Should’ve known. I’ll be at your service, Your Majesty, however, since you and your fiance are planning to move into the royal couple's chambers, I shall claim a different room.”
The use of his official title coming from his loved one’s lips hurt him more than anything in those past years of his waiting. Shaking his head, he blocked the shorter man’s path.
“Why are you doing this?” a glare was shot his way.
“Relationships outside your engagement and wedding aren’t appropriate, Your Majesty” he stared in surprise at the love of his life.
“I can just call off the wedding, I-” the other only moved around as he shook his head.
“That’d be even more inappropriate, Your Majesty,” his refusal to look at him made Oikawa furious.
“Maybe if it didn’t take you four damn years to come back I wouldn’t have gone and accepted his proposal you know-” a sob tearing through him drowned the rest of the words.
“At least I stayed loyal to you in every sense of the word, Your Majesty” . His words’ impact had the brunette freeze in shock.
Iwaizumi was right. He had every right to be mad, honestly Oikawa would be too if he found out that his lover, whom he longed to come back to, just got engaged to another man.
He could only grimace in pain as he watched the other man walk away and lowly discussed his new room situation with a random butler.
It hurt, but Iwaizumi deserved better than this. He gave him his heart and Oikawa had… broken it down to shatters, he realised with a wince.
~~~~
Laying face down he sulked some more when Makki sympathetically patted his back.
“In all honesty neither of you are on the right here, Kawa” Matsukawa tried to console him, but as a response, he only got a grunt and some incoherent mumbling that sounded suspiciously a lot like he was blaming himself once again.
“You know, there’s still time to call off the wedding,” Makki pointed out.
“Or you can crash your own wedding day” Matskawa suggested with a chuckle, Oikawa perking up at his words.
“Matsun, your ideas are usually really stupid but… that’s genius. I’ll let Ushiwaka know about it!” his friends exchanged looks, immediately laughing at his excitement.
“I’m gonna ruin my own wedding!” The brunette laughed cheerily the moment his door knocked and opened to reveal Ushijima, who shot him an amused glance.
“Were you planning to tell me or?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow, basically earning a pout from his husband-not-to-be-anymore.
“Of course I was planning to tell you! I might be a dick but I’m not an asshole!”
Ushijima chuckled at that. “Sure you aren’t” as his words raised a round of protests, he silently sat on the floor staring at Oikawa, trying really hard not to make fun of his whining.
“Anyway, someone has to talk some sense into Iwaizumi too, so I’ll take one for the team and go find him” Makki said, dramatically getting up and storming out of the room, causing everyone to burst out laughing.
Oikawa made a small noise to attract the other two men’s attention, excitedly starting to explain his plan.
He tried to ignore the pang of insecurity that shot through his heart.
He always fought for what he loved, now was not going to be any different.
~~~~
Staring at his mirror, the white of his suit made him dizzy, the feeling that he was about to throw up wasn’t absent either.
Behind him, he heard a door open, the second he turned around to check who it was, the world flashed black and white, only feeling two strong hands catch him before passing out.
Next thing he knew a cup of chamomile was shoved in his hands and a pair of green eyes were glaring daggers at him.
“Did, or I did not tell you to always make sure you don’t get too stressed?” Iwaizumi was pissed. Oikawa’s eyes widened in realization. He was pissed. He was worried. He still cared.
Flashing him a smile he purred an apology that only had as a result Iwaizumi’s frown to deepen.
“If you don’t want to be late you have to hurry up.”
The brunette clicked his tongue as he got up, a smile still plastered on his face.
Time passed before he realized and he found himself walking in the ceremony hall with Ushijima by his one side and Iwaizumi, as the only person that was close enough to family other than his deceased father, by his other. Ushijima senior offered him one of his annoying fake smiles, leaving him no other choice but to return it.
The words of the wedding officiant, once they reached upon the altar, flew over his head, his eyes looking at the love of his life and him only. The officiant using his full name snapped him suddenly back into reality.
“Do you, Oikawa Tooru, take Ushijima Wakatoshi as your husband and accept your kingdom’s union?” he felt everyone’s eyes on him. Straightening his posture, he pretended to come back from some deep mental slumber, as he looked around him like he was upset.
“There’s been a mistake” Gasps were heard everywhere. “Wakatoshi-kun is supposed to be my best man, not my future husband, there has been a change of plans since the arrival of my previous fiance” he pretended to glare at his wedding planners who giggled between them. If Makki and Matsun blew out the plan with their giggles they’d get a piece of his mind.
Ushijima took his turn pretending to be annoyed by the outcome.
“I know! I tried to tell them but they wouldn’t listen”
Oikawa, internally, was already laughing a bit too hard. Turns out Ushiwaka was a lovely actor, huh.
“Anyway, since the entire wedding is already happening, Iwa-chan, won’t you switch places to where you’re actually supposed to be?” he smiled at the shorter man hopefully.
His green eyes looked at him in pure shock, soon a smile and something that looked like his usual exasperated eye roll took over his face as he stepped on the altar beside the man he knew he would never stop loving.
Behind Iwaizumi, Makki quietly replaced Ushijima senior, who seemed to be frozen because of an internal emotional turmoil.
The officiant seemed confused as ever, but soon replaced his last sentence with something more fitting.
“Oikawa Tooru, do you take Iwaizumi Hajime as your husband and as extent granting him the honor of being part of the royal family and bearing the royal crown?”
Tooru’s smile could have not been any brighter when he said his “I do”
“Iwaizumi Hajime, do you take Oikawa Tooru as your husband and as an extent accept the honor of being part of the royal family and bearing the royal crown?”
Hajime chuckled in disbelief of what his lover had pulled just to get him to forgive him.
He really loved that man.
“I do, of course I do”
“You shall exchange rings and kiss then”
Not taking their eyes off each other as if they could disappear at any moment, they exchanged the very same delicate silver rings with the pretty almond flower in the middle just like they did four years ago.
The distance closed between them, and finally, finally they were kissing, the familiar feeling they longed for, for so long.
Iwaizumi wiped away Oikawa’s tears, a small laugh making the other pout.
“I’ll never let you forget that you cried on our wedding day” he whispered, earning a small slap on his chest as they hugged tightly.
“Once a brute always a brute Iwa-chan” was the response he got, making him laugh a little more.
~~~~~
“Iwa-chan! Did you hear the news?” Iwaizumi sighed in amusement as he looked up from his book and to his husband.
“You realised that my last name isn’t Iwaizumi anymore or is it gonna take you more than a century for that?” he asked sarcastically, referring to the nickname Tooru had basically called him since they could remember themselves.
“Very funny Iwa-chan. It’s a habit I’m not about to change” the pout on his face was always worth teasing him about, but it disappeared quickly as he remembered he had barged in the room like a caveman and practically jumped on his husband’s lap. “My point is, Ushiwaka is getting married! And this time with someone he actually loves!”
The statement had Hajime raising his eyebrows as he sat up in interest.
“He is? With who?” He immediately regretted giving the man in his lap a reason to go on a rant when he saw the usual gossipy glimpse in his eyes.
“His name is Semi Eita! You remember Semi-kun right? We became friends in one of the balls Ushiwaka’s dad hosted and I introduced them to each other, since they’re both from the same kingdom!” Toory sighed in satisfaction. “Who knew I could be such a good wingman”
That made Hajime put down his book and look incredulously at the love of his life.
“Okay I get it, aside from our shit show of a love story” they both snorted at the remark.
Laying down on the shorter man, he made his head comfortable on his chest, lacing their fingers together, looking in admiration at their rings.
Glancing up, he realised Hajime was staring at a little vase, where all of the almond flower sticks they had exchanged through their life were gathered.
Pulling down the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, they shared a soft kiss.
“You’ve always known the meaning behind the flowers I gifted you, didn’t you, you little shit?”
Tooru only giggled in response.