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The sun glistened overhead as a light breeze carried rose petals through the air, wafting light fragrances to Kiran’s nostrils. Across the courtyard he could see Silque and Sharena, the two of them carrying a large flower vase between them, laughing as they set it upon one of the many lined tables surrounding them. Not far were Soren and Ike, standing quite close to one another, staring intently at a parchment that Soren held up between them. Further down were Celica and Alm, the pair seemingly not included in the preparations surrounding them as they appeared more interested in the unwavering gaze they shared with each other.
Kiran wasn't typically one interested in such activities. Especially ones that held such serendipitous and harmonious feelings as the Day of Devotion had. No, this was not something he was normally used to; however, with each passing festival, he couldn't deny the warmth such days like this would envelop him in. It was a bit silly he would think - watching countless lovers amongst the Heroes of Askr drop their guard on such a day and stand so dangerously close to one another. Before arriving at Askr, such trivial things wouldn't bother Kiran. He’d rather bat an eye than imagine the sentimentalities of a feeling so arbitrary, and yet, there he stood, feeling a tightness in his chest as he pretended not to witness Líf place a sweet kiss upon Thrasir’s hand, mostly hidden amongst the trees and bushes of the forest that surrounded them.
It was a silly notion, and yet, the feeling was so powerful, so desired, that Kiran couldn't shake it from his bones. He’d been in Askr for such a long time, and he’d never imagined he’d have gotten so attached to those around him. Especially to one person in particular who hadn’t escaped his mind since the first light of day blossomed in the sky overhead.
As if on cue, there he was, a short distance away, walking beside Her Majesty, Queen Henriette. His attire was different this day. He wore a long, draped tunic adorned in stunning golden trim, legs half-exposed, and a pair of sheen sandals fastened upon his feet. His hair was tucked into place with a fresh green crown of laurel wrapped around his head. He was stunning, mesmerizing - more gorgeous than the natural beauty the gods had already blessed him with.
A quick twang in Kiran’s chest forced his eyes away, to stare at anything but the young prince so nearby. How foolish the idea, to have become so smitten, though it was so difficult not to be. Alfonse was a born leader; dutiful, kind, strong, the pinnacle of perfection. He was everything Kiran could have ever asked for, and yet…
“Kiran,” Alfonse’s voice chimed as he slowly approached. “I’d not seen you this morning.”
“Apologies,” Kiran replied, hoping the warmth of his face was not evident. “I was asked to help with the decorations.”
“Ah,” Alfonse said with a warm smile. “You seemed to have accomplished that well! Everything looks quite nice out here.”
“Sharena did most of it,” Kiran said, glancing at the princes’ garb. “You look nice.”
A tinge of pink veiled Alfonse as he too looked down at his attire. “I’m not…typically one to join in the festivities, but Sharena insisted. As did my mother, and they wouldn’t take ‘no’ very lightly.”
The pair chuckled lightly as another breeze carried between them. Alfonse’s cape fluttered, causing him to slowly pull at its edges in an attempt to calm the folding fabric flapping about.
“It suits you,” Kiran spoke. “Maybe you should start wearing that from now on.”
Alfonse chuckled again, the reddening of his cheeks more prominent. “I fear wearing this on the daily would be a bit impractical.”
“Could spruce it up,” Kiran said as he lightly took hold of the edge of the cape that tapped against him. “Maybe add some feathers here and there. Oh, but I’d hate to ruin it. It fits so nicely on you as is.”
“Your flattery isn’t swaying my mind,” Alfonse said with a light push against Kiran’s arm.
“Oh, come now.” Kiran laughed. “The Heroes might just like their prince showing off a little leg every once in a while.”
“You keep at this and Sharena hears you,” Alfonse started with another smile. “That may well be the end of me. Pick your words wisely.”
“My words are always wise.” Kiran laughed again as he stared off to the tables. “You know, I was noticing how it hasn’t gotten too hot just yet this year. Might be a good sign that the summer may be bearable, at least.”
“Let’s hope so,” Alfonse said. “I fear that weather too hot would only give Sharena even more ideas.”
“She just wants you to enjoy yourself,” Kiran said, turning his gaze to the prince.
“You’re correct, of course,” Alfonse said with a sigh. “But I do have much to do.”
“It’s alright to take a break every once in a while.”
“True.”
“And yet, being here bothers you, doesn’t it?”
Alfonse was silent for a moment, before heaving another sigh with his response. “Of course, it does. I feel I’ve so much to do now and so little time. I’m…worried that I may overlook something if I’m not careful.”
“You and I both know that won’t come to be.”
“Truly?”
“Alfonse,” Kiran said as he crossed his arms. “Play is just as important as work.”
“I understand, but–”
“Enjoy yourself. You work so hard as it is, it’s only natural you relax. Even if it’s only for today.”
Alfonse groaned then, but said no additional words. He was always like this - working as if he were running out of time. It was admirable, of course, but it worried Kiran. Being so caught up in one's goings-on without a halt was only going to lead to burnout. He was persistent, and oh so very stubborn. Kiran watched him - watched the breeze pull at the long strands of Alfonse’s hair. Watched the many emotions that flashed upon his face. Watched as their eyes met, submerging him into the deepest pools of blue.
“Are you alright?” Alfonse spoke, his eyebrow slowly raising.
Kiran nodded, having only then realized he’d been holding his breath. It was getting hot. He turned back to the tables, then back to Alfonse and replied. “I should…see if Sharena needs any more help.”
With a quick bow, Kiran left the prince alone.
++++
“Have you told him yet?” Sharena whispered as she stole a seat beside Kiran.
“Whom?” Kiran replied coyly, hoping she’d drop the notion.
Sharena cocked her head as she replied. “It’s now or never.”
“It’s not a race.” Kiran sighed as he glanced across the table. He watched as Alfonse spoke with Líf about who knows exactly what - whatever it was must have been amusing for the two of them to share such a laugh as they had.
“I dunno,” Sharena sang. “If you don't tell him outright, someone else might.”
“That’s not really an issue,” Kiran said, trying to convince the both of them of just that. “Besides, he’s a prince.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And I’m just–”
“Someone he really trusts,” Sharena interrupted. “Kiran, really. He values you a lot, and I want nothing more than for him, and you , to be happy. You should be the one sitting over with him.”
“You stole his seat.”
“Did not.” She laughed as she lightly smacked Kiran’s shoulder. “I’m being serious, though. My brother might put things lightly, but he’s honest. The way I see the two of you working together, after everything we’ve been through, I think there’s something more planned for the two of you. Besides, you're making it pretty obvious you keep staring at him.”
“Sharena,” Kiran said as he tried to cover the giggling princess’s mouth. “Not so loud please.”
“It’s true though!” she said with a bright grin. “There’s no need to be afraid - this is Alfonse we’re talking about. He listens to everything you have to say.”
“Sharena, please.”
“Either you say something now, or you’ll never say anything at all. And I don't know about you, but I think it’s better to know where I stand with someone than never knowing a thing.”
Kiran sighed, and once again stared at Alfonse. Sharena wasn’t wrong, of course, but it was that truth she spoke that scared him so. He couldn't deny how much he adored Alfonse, but it was so terrifying to know what lengths he’d go for the prince. How could he say anything? Alfonse was the prince, and Kiran? He was just a lost soul from another world…who may just one day…vanish from this one.
It was foolish.
++++
Kiran heaved a sigh. Setting up the tables had been tiring enough, but taking them all down was another matter altogether. The festivities had been lovely, he couldn’t deny it. Good fun, wonderful meals, and much laughter. Last year’s festival had been wonderful as well, but this year was even moreso, and Kiran couldn’t quite place why. There weren’t many changes this time around - Sharena was still having the time of her life, as did the Heroes who joined in. The merriment was intoxicating and warm and welcoming. Something was different this year, and the knots that now formed in Kiran’s stomach only grew.
Everything felt as it ought to. There were no worries to be found - no fear, no threat. Nothing but happiness and love all around. Maybe it was that that made things feel so strange. Maybe it was knowing how powerful they all were together - knowing that everyone meant something, that everyone was important. Maybe knowing how much it would hurt to lose them, maybe that’s what terrified him so.
“Kiran.” That familiar voice called to him, only contristicting the knots tighter.
Kiran turned to find Alfonse slowly approaching. The setting sun emitted a warm glow around the prince as he drew near. The tightness from earlier returned to his chest. Gods, why would this feeling not end?
“We hardly had much time to speak together,” Alfonse said with a smile. “Is everything alright?”
“Of course,” Kiran reassured him.
“You left so hastily before…I worried something may have been troubling you. I hope it’s not my own workload that’s on your mind. My persistence isn’t causing you unnecessary stress, is it?”
“No, no,” Kiran said with a headshake. “It’s…did you have a good time today?”
Alfonse raised an eyebrow before replying. “I did, yes. The festivities were pleasant. Is there…something you need to say?”
Kiran stared for a moment, trying to find the right words. Strings of sentences filled his head, and yet not one seemed to break free. All he could do was stare at the wonder before him. At his eyes, his hair, his neck, his lips. Kiran pulled at the collar of his own tunic, hoping to relieve some of the pressure building within him. It was silly feeling this way - it wasn’t that he didn’t want to tell Alfonse the truth. It was that he couldn’t tell him. He couldn’t tell his friend, his prince, that someone like him, someone who didn’t even belong there, had fallen so madly in love with him.
It terrified him. Telling Alfonse terrified him. Losing Alfonse terrified him. He made it a personal task not to get close to people - not to get too attached. It complicated things when one is attached - it made a muck of everything. One’s own rationality, one’s own thoughts, one’s own heart.
Sharena’s words rang in his ears then – could he really lose something in doing this? Of course, he could. Alfonse might not feel the same, and from then onward the two could grow distant. Or…Alfonse could feel the same and in truth, that was a much more terrifying conclusion.
“Alfonse,” Kiran said, near breathless.
“Yes?” Alfonse said with a quick step closer. Gods, why must he step closer.
“I…value you. So much. You work so hard, and you do all that you can for everyone else. I just…I hope that you…I was being honest about what I’d said earlier. About taking a break. I hope you carry on doing so even beyond today. I know you’ve so much on your plate, but I do worry about you. I don’t want you to tire yourself out, so please know that. Know that it is okay to have fun, and enjoy yourself and rest when you need to. You were enjoying yourself today, I could see that, and I’m glad.”
“Ahh…” Alfonse said quietly, a small mischievous grin formed upon his lips. “You were watching me after all.”
“Only because I needed to make sure you were actually relaxing.” Kiran spoke quickly, feeling that dreaded heat bubble across his skin.
Alfonse laughed then, once more closing the space between them. He was so close now – so dangerously close – Kiran could feel the breeze brush the princes’ cape against his own leg.
The pair stood there in silence. A calming silence, really. Any time with him was always so calming. He felt like home, and that too scared Kiran. Claiming a person to feel as such was silly. They’d not even known each other too long, and yet, Kiran felt as though they’d known each other for ions.
Enchanting, the feeling was. Frightening. Maybe that’s why the words wouldn't come out. Maybe that’s why he dances around any question about his feelings. Maybe that’s how it ought to be. The Prince and the Summoner. Two beings betwixt logic and fate. Nothing more. Nothing less.
That would make things simple - make it easy. Being on friendly terms made detrimental outcomes less painful. That’s what made the ache in his chest hurt just a little less.
“Kiran,” Alfonse spoke then, soothing, assuring. “I too, value you, most ardently. You need not worry about me. All that I do, yes, is for everyone, but for you as well. Our time together has made me realize just how much I appreciate you. You sing my praises and yet brush off your own when you are just as important. You’ve helped Askr through so much already, and yet you never quite give yourself much credit. But I hope that you too realize that you're not expendable to me.”
Kiran shook his head, trying to ignore those words. “You give me far too much credit.”
“No,” Alfonse said, grabbing ahold of Kiran’s hands. “You’ve helped us countless times. No matter what may befall us, you are always at my beck and call. And…”
Alfonse looked down at his hands clasped around Kiran’s, his thumbs slowly caressing Kiran’s exposed skin.
“And…?” Kiran spoke, feeling his heart beating wildly in his chest. He shouldn’t have said anything. He should have stopped the conversation there. He needn’t hear more. He shouldn’t .
Alfonse looked up, his eyes locked onto Kiran’s as he spoke. “I…this is…much harder to put into words than I’d hoped.”
“Never would I imagine you getting so flustered,” Kiran replied sheepishly, the heat on his skin blazing. “It suits you.”
Alfonse laughed as he pulled Kiran’s hands closer, pressing them lightly against his chest. Kiran could feel the prince’s heart pounding just as hard as his own. It couldn't be real - surely, he was just imagining things. There’s no way Alfonse could–
“Feel that?” Alfonse continued, cheeks reddening even more. “That’s how I feel. How you make me feel. I…need you to know that I…”
“Alfonse,” Kiran spoke softly, watching the prince gaze into his eyes. “You’re taking a great risk doing this.”
“I’m willing to take my chances.”
“This can only end one of two ways.”
“I know,” Alfonse replied, squeezing Kiran’s hands. “I’ve made my choice, and my choice…is you, Kiran. I’ve never felt this way with anyone else. I feel hopeless without you. I need you, and it terrifies me. I don’t want to lose you, nor our friendship, but…if I go another day without saying anything, I fear I’ll never find another chance like this.”
Kiran stared at Alfonse, letting the words sink in. The most frightening of realities now coming to life. And yet, knowing the truth behind those words, a strange comfort came with it. Perhaps Sharena was right - knowing was so much better. It didn’t make anything easier, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy seeing Alfonse so embarrassed over the matter.
Maybe the risk could be worth it. It might hurt, it would hurt, but maybe that didn’t matter so much. Maybe…embracing it, taking the plunge into this cerulean sea, maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Even if it was temporary. So long as Alfonse would stay by his side, maybe…
“I made my choice long ago,” Kiran replied, leaning in to place a small kiss upon Alfonse’s knuckles. “If you’d have me.”
“Gladly,” Alfonse said with a bright grin, pulling Kiran closer. “...May I?”
Kiran laughed as he looked at the prince’s lips. “Always such a gentleman.”
The first kiss they shared was warm, soft, and enriching. Kiran’s entire being quivered as the heat of Alfonse’s breath warmed his cheeks. One kiss, two, three, four. Sweet like honey, and Kiran would have it no other way. For the prince was his, and his alone, for as long as this world would grant them.