Chapter Text
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i am neon
cold neon
not a mystery
tokyo | lianne la havas
Akaashi Keiji sits in front of the golden dresser, applying the last of his lip stain. He swirled his middle finger in the reddish-orange hue and swiped it slowly over his bottom lip. He pressed his lips together and rubs, spreading it all over. He covers the tin when he’s done, wiping whatever excess remained on his finger with a cloth, then places the product within his drawer. His gaze rises to look himself in the mirror.
Ugly omega, a voice hummed in his head. He closed his eyes tightly. Makeup will do you well.
There was a gentle knock at the door, the head of fluffy hair peeking in. “You done, onii-chan?” Asked his younger brother, Akaashi Reo. He came in fully, dressed to the nines. In a gleaming nation’s colors; black and white. He was in his Navy uniform, the sails being the younger brother’s favorite pastime. The coat was decorated with bright gold pins and jewelry dressing the fabric. He had a cap slanted on his head, and he walked in with white gloved hands behind his back. He had a lovely smile on his face, giddy with a pink tinge to his cheeks. “You look amazing, future King Keiji. All you’re missing is the crown.” He said teasingly.
Akaashi groans but his lips twitch into a smile. No matter what foul mood he was in, Reo always managed to put a smile on his face. Akaashi stands at his full height, his full form apparent in the mirror. He dressed in a silk black blouse with a dull gold corset on to snitch his waist. He had black trousers and shiny dress shoes. “This is only a Pinning ceremony. I will not be crowned prince come summer.” His brother picked up the large black cape lined with fur off the chair and placed it on Akaashi’s shoulder, pinning it securely.
Usually, the pinning ceremony was to happen the day before a prince becomes king. But Akaashi’s father wanted to celebrate the creation of a new pin, as well as the fact the pins Akaashi collected were over 25, the requirement for any future king to ascend the throne.
“You are the youngest king to ever create a trade treaty between the six Unions that works. You have now earned more pins than anyone ever in royal Fukurodani history and create a new category, The Giver; a leader who exemplifies immense care and respect for those less fortunate.”
“For one, three more pins aren’t all that many. Stop being dramatic. And second, why do you even have that attributed to memory?” Akaashi mumbled. “This is what is being asked of me. You’re supposed to have as many pins as you can before your crowning-”
“No, you get crowned when you get 25. That can be at any age; whether you’re 27, 35 or 42, you overachiever-”
“Well, I finished my serving duties and didn’t want to sit around-”
“Yeah, yeah so in your spare time, you’ve created three new schools while children can’t even pretend to not be scared of father. You've created a blueprint for a new irrigation system so fresh water can reach smaller villages. That’s amazing, Keiji. You’re amazing. Give yourself some credit.” Reo says sincerely and Akaashi turns his head, a true blush taking his cheeks. Reo goes to pinch his cheek but the elder gently slaps his hand away. “You’re wearing makeup again? Why? I hate things like that.” Reo grimaces.
“Don’t pinch me as if you’re older. And it is because you’re as a brute is, that’s why you don’t like makeup.” Akaashi says easily and Reo squeaks in protest. “There will be alphas and mom said to groom myself as such.” He says, straightening out his cape so it doesn’t slip off his shoulders.
Reo groans, taking place on Akaashi’s bed. “You know all those alphas just want to be with you for king status, correct? They don’t hold true feelings for you nor care about our nation.” He says matter-a-factly.
“Why thank you, Reo. Those words are so sweet they could rot teeth.” Akaashi mumbles. As if I didn’t know that myself.
It isn’t the first time that an omega has graced the throne in the Fukurodani Nation. However, many of them were married to a duke alpha or an alpha of high status, making good on unity. It also always conveniently kept an alpha in power, the omega essentially acting like a figurehead. Akaashi knew this and it didn’t faze him. He was raised all his life to do just this. It didn’t make sense to act against plans now. However, if that was going to be the case, he was going to pick someone truly worthy of ruling beside him.
The door opens again, this time with their mother, Yuri, rushing in, placing the pearl jewel in her left earring. She rushes past Akaashi and moves towards Reo, dusting off the invisible lint on Reo’s shoulder.
“You had me running all round the palace just for you to be… here.” She says, cupping the tall boy’s face. At only 20, the young alpha stood at nearly 6'5, having to tuck his head down to his chest to look at his mother. His hair was jet black and curled at the ends like Akaashi but instead of deep green eyes, Reo had brown eyes similar to their mother, and her face shape as well.
“It isn't my day, so do not fret over me.” Reo says pleasantly and their mother's eyes finally look to Akaashi. He nods softly at her.
It's odd, their relationship, to say the least. It’s been such for a while now. Or at least since he's presented. Which was over ten years ago. But with every year, it seemed to sour further. Her mouth set in a permanent frown whenever Akaashi is mentioned, except when in front of guests. It may not be noticeable, the shift in energy, but Akaashi thinks himself as one who cares for the small details. He could tell, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
He didn't make mention of it. Akaashi didn’t have anything he could pinpoint the reason to, or at least nothing rational. Instead, he simply mirrors his mother's movements, speaking when spoken to and using the maids as middlemen so he didn’t have to speak directly to her.
“Mother. You look very beautiful.” He says, putting his hand out for the necklace she was struggling to unclasp. She pressed her lips tightly but gives in, turning from him to let him put the jewelry on.
“Are you ready for your Pinning, Keiji? Your father is extremely excited.” She says but no matter how pleasant she sounds, Akaashi can hear the strain in her voice. She was undoubtedly beautiful. A round face, pale skin with hints of pink on her cheeks and lips. She was a tall woman, towering a bit over Akaashi, and her hair was brown sugar, long but she had it clipped upward with diamond hair pins, the pearls decorating the golden chain as if they were beads of rain.
“Of course. It's my duty.” He answers simply. “There you are.” He finishes placing the necklace, taking steps away from her.
“Good. In your study you'll find three of the proposals I've set up for you. Read over them just so you get an idea of who you’re speaking to. Nothing's on the table, but if they enjoy you, we can schedule individual sessions to decide which is best to govern by your side.”
“How can you find out if a man is capable of ruling a region in two or so meetings? They can't possibly hold a candle to Akaashi.” Reo says flippantly and Akaashi blushes under the praise. He cleans his throat when he sees the look that cast over their mother's face.
“I'll will see to it that they're entertain well.” Akaashi says, giving his mother a slight bow. She nods, the anger lines in her face smoothing as she throws on an artificial smile.
“Good boy. Now let's put on a good ceremony and we will all reap a good party, no?” She lifts her kimono up a bit to walk out, head high and spine pin straight.
.
“The Royal Pledge, created by the first council of Fukurodani hundreds of years ago, writes that any Prince becoming King must prove themselves to their people. From the time of Presentation to the eve of 35, the future king is commanded to earn a minimum 25 pins through studies, determination and action. From the council or through the multiple asks from the people will the prince be granted their pins. My first son, my heart and pride, future King to this kingdom has surpassed every Ruler of Fukurodani, and his great, great grandfather specially who held 39 pins by the age of 29. Because of this great feat, being only 25 with 42 pins, Akaashi will become Prince come summer at 26 years of age. That being said, with the creation of a new pin, I'm honored to bestow The Giver to Akaashi Keiji.”
Akaashi swore he could feel the ground trembled as shouts and applause ran through the grand hall. He bit his lip to still himself from smiling, watching as his father applied the pin to his chest, the item gleaming under the warm light.
His dad and brother were his heart. They didn't treat him any different because of his Omega status. They thought he was just as capable as any other person and believe in him so blindly it hurt. He shook his head and broke out in a small smile anyway, his dad clapping him back fondly.
“Go on. Speak to your people.” His father says and Akaashi goes, holding tightly to the glass of wine handed to him.
“Good evening.” He says and sighs lightly. “I am not a man of many words-”
“Say more words then!” Rep shouts and the crowd laughs. Akaashi catches his father slapped the back of his brother's head, causing more laughter.
“This is- I am extremely grateful for this. I've read stories of how much our 27th king hated being stuck in the castle walls, that he'd would go about to see where he was needed. I admire that care and attention to detail. And now I think I'm down the path of doing something similar.
“My great, great grandfather was my anchor in much of the work I’ve managed to do. And my father has made the groundwork for that possible. I am grateful to soon be called your king, the 30th king of Fukurodani...” He gave a deep bow, and he knows a king isn't supposed to. But he would be nothing without his people. Being vulnerable made for good trust. “Now let us celebrate.” He raised his glass and took the first sip, everyone following.
.
The party was just like every other party. Elegant and demure, the symphony of strings, brass and bells in the background to the talk of gossip and money. It bored Akaashi to no end, especially when he had to focus on forming a response and sounding interested to all the chatter directed towards him.
He was currently standing with a beta, an alpha and his Omega wife he kept cutting off along with two single alphas. One of them by the name of… Well, Akaashi can't even remember. He truly could care less. The gentleman was one of the last proposals of the night and honestly Akaashi wasn't impressed by any of them. They were all too egotistical and didn't take any of Akaashi’s ideas for the future seriously. They were boys who never worked a day in their lives, nowhere near men that could grasp true power and fight through strife.
But Akaashi was thankful when the numbers of people started dwelling down. As a host, he must be the last to leave, making sure to bid his guests goodnight. Akaashi felt the sleep in his bones, his jaw tight from all this smiling.
Your makeup must be a mess right now.
“I hope to see you again, Akaashi.” The man—Ito-san? —says, bringing the back of Akaashi's hand to his mouth and the prince tries hard not to grimace. The man nearly 10 years his senior was still at home with his parents and although he wasn't ugly, his sarcastic smile and attitude this whole night didn't woo Akaashi in the slightest.
“Have a good night, Ito oji-san.” He says pulling his hands away and folding them behind himself.
Ito’s eyebrow twitches. “I'm not that old for you to call me oji-san. You may call me Riku.”
“I'll keep that in mind.” the omega said, not sounding the least bit sorry.
Less than twenty minutes later, the maids and helpers are cleaning plates and collecting waste. Akaashi offers but is rejected as always. It was both flattering and maddeningly irritating.
“Well, if you could pack the food. Me and some of the handmaids will be bringing them into town for the people tomorrow. Good night.” Before he could escape to his room, his mother was waiting expectantly, his fingers drumming against her folded arms.
“Well? What did you think of the candidates?” She asks.
“The first alpha isn't smart enough and wants more than one mate, which is against the crown, as you know.” Akaashi adds on slyly. His mother grits her teeth but nods for him to go on. “The others are simply not suitable as king. I won’t waste your time with the pitiful details. That's all. We can look at the rest at the proposals at noon tomorrow.”
“What makes them unsuitable?” She follows after him up the stairs, pressing the matter.
“I don't agree with their politics—” Akaashi starts.
“A rift in political view is hardly a reason to dismiss a candidate.” His mother scoffs, tone condescending. “Marriage is like one big disagreement—" Akaashi sighs, cutting her off.
“Mother.” He stressed, stopping at the top of the stairs. “I pushed my personal feelings aside and agreed to look for an alpha that matched what we are trying to strive for as a kingdom. I will not settle if that puts the kingdom in the line of fire. We just got on our feet again.” He paused and sighs again, not turning to look at the woman. “Good night, mother."
He continues down the west wing, passing all the empty rooms no one will ever use until he reached his own.
The lights were low and lit up the peach-colored walls prettily. He had asked the maids to fill his bed with as many pillows as possible at the age of nine and that was the only way he could sleep ever since. The room wasn't filled with much. Just a closet, bed and dresser. There was another door that led to the bathroom. Then another that took him to his favorite place, the balcony. On a clear night, he could stand for hours and talk to the Moon
He sat back at his dresser, six hours later at midnight and stared into the mirror. The small tuffs of hair curled every which way on his head. He refused to apply any gel for his hair, much to his mother’s dismay since his father was the exact same way. Sweat had shined up his matte face, making him look rounder. The small shimmer on his cheekbones and eyelids had sheered out and the powder had creased around his eyes and mouth, only slightly. He'd have to thank his brother, who was thoughtful enough to get him the rose-scented powder from the neighboring region on a trip he'd just come from.
Akaashi pulled out his aloe water and cotton pads, soaking the pad and began to cleanse his face. Slowly, all the perfection he created earlier that day faded away, showcasing his real self when he finished. He saw the scar, right above his eyebrow, forever ugly. He got it from playing with his brother and the ball getting stuck in the tree. Getting up the tree was easy. Getting down proved to be difficult. It resulted in Akaashi splitting his lip and gained said scar. Reo cried for days, apologizing even though Akaashi wasn't fazed nor upset about it.
Now, he couldn't bear to look at his face. His useless face. His unwanted face.
Even if I got to pick my mate, who would want me?