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“Sir?” Normally Killer would not describe himself as being careful. He normally found that being upfront garnered his desired results, yet today was different. There was a foreboding fog that permeated the entire castle, sinking into the walls and infecting every person within its confines. Even the royal retainer himself was finding it incredibly difficult to keep appearances, not when he was entering the den of lions.
“Prince Kidd, you need to get ready.” Quickly, Killer steeled his nerves, knocking heavily against the door in an attempt to garner some type of response. Yet, there was nothing but silence.
“Yeah yeah, come in.” Honestly, the blond was about to walk away, but before he could even turn on his heels a familiar voice sounded out. Whether this was a breakthrough or a trap was still a mystery to Killer.
"Sir?" He kept his voice gentle, doing his best to not seem like a threat as he entered. Honestly, seeing the redhead's rigid form made Killer want to hold up his hands in mock surrender. No one wanted to be at the other end of the Prince's rage, and even though Killer knew that would never happen he wished to not risk it.
He didn't get a response.
"My prince. You need to get ready for the ball." It didn't take a genius to know that Kidd was dragging his feet. His well tailored royal attire still posed on its mannequin and bathroom attire thrown around the top of vanity in the prince's room.
Killer couldn't see his friend's face, only being met with the back of his head as the man stared deeply into the mirror in front of him. It was obvious something was bothering him, but what was still a mystery.
"Kidd? Are you alright? You don't seem like yourself." It was rare for Killer to drop formalities, but he had known the fairy prince since they were both children. It honestly just felt more natural to talk to him casually than with the speech that most butlers used.
"No." Finally, he spoke. Kidd's wings fluttered slightly as he spoke, showing how he felt in the moment. He was irritated, that was obvious.
"Is there any way I can help?" Killer flew a little closer, hands instantly reaching for a nearby brush the moment he landed. Hey, he was here, might as well do his job.
"I'm not sure." Now that Killer was closer he could see Kidd's reflection in the mirror. A mixture of emotions that the blonde couldn't exactly place, but also seemed so familiar. The expression didn't change as he began to brush the prince's thick red locks.
“Today is a big day, my prince. It's perfectly expected for you to be nervous.” The Hornet Fairy’s hair was always a mess of red locks. Each strand having a mind of its own as it curled and knotted in impossible ways. Despite that though Killer took extra care in being gentle, working out each tight knot until they were like silk.
“I'm not nervous.” His indignant voice came out more like a whine. His deep colored wings even fluttered at the words, flapping wildly like a Bee Fairy in the middle of work.
“I see.” The blonde didn't say anything about his observation. He's the prince after all, and the prince was never wrong. “Is there anything I can help with then? As you know, I am a very good listener.” Being a retainer made Killer no stranger to the normal dramatic rants, and though the man would never admit it, he absolutely loved every second of it.
“I don’t know…” Killer had moved on from the man’s hair, now taking care to gently shine the prince’s wings. Scoop some serum, spread it over the area, work it in until the wing shone like a star, and then repeat. It was a mindless process, but that only helped to make the discussion easier.
“What if I don't want to find someone at the ball?” Kid’s voice was welcomed, and to show he was listening he gave a soft hum. “I get the purpose and all. Marriage alliances between different kingdoms and all of that. But what if I already like someone? What if I don't want to marry some prince I meet?” It was normal to feel these things, and Killer wished he could do something to take away the man’s nerves, but he was powerless.
Killer couldn't say so out loud, but the ball wasn't his favorite idea either.
Most dreamed of the glamorous ballroom and extravagant outfits that came along with a royal ball, but for Killer it was heartbreaking. Kid was going to find a prince or princess to settle down with, solidifying an alliance, and becoming the king he was always meant to be. Yet for Killer it felt as if a knife was slowly being plunged into his chest.
“I understand your sentiment sir, but I'm sure you will find someone to spend your life with.” Killer wanted to puke the moment the words left his mouth. More than anything the blonde wished he was born in higher standing. Maybe then the pair could have met on this fateful night, dancing to the sound of strings and flutes.
Kid’s red wings fluttered against his grasp, flinching away slightly as the blonde touched a sensitive spot. A light pink blush brushed against the prince’s cheeks as he turned away.
“Sure.” It was unlike the man to speak quietly. That one word hidden within his breathless whispers and an air of disappointment that covered the man in a thick cloud.
There was so much more Killer wanted to say. He wanted to take the prince’s hands into his own and beg the man to just run away with him. The two of them leaving the world behind so they could live happily ever after. No worries about status, or duty. Just love.
“It's time for you to make an appearance, my lord.” Instead his words remained cold and disconnected. There were many who had been anticipating the prince’s appearance, and keeping him in his room for Killer’s own sanity would be selfish of him, but at the same time the man wished he could give into selfish desires just this once.
“Yeah yeah.” The prince just waved him off. Eyes locked downwards as he pushed himself away from his desk. The elegant fabric of his royal attire flowed behind him as he did. The way it hugged his body, and showed off his chest felt scandalous to Killer. As if he was looking at something only meant for the eyes of the gods.
“You coming?” The prince didn't spare him a glance, staring onward as he made his way out the door. He was practically gliding across the floor, and Killer needed to scramble just to catch up to his highness. Kidd had always had this ethereal air surrounding him, but today it wasn't the same. It almost felt dull, forced even, and the retainer wasn't sure if he was imagining this or if this was reality.
“Yes, my lord.” Ever loyal to the future king. That was Killer's purpose in life. Even as a child he had been by the redheads side, and that wouldn't be changing just because a ball was being held.
“You don't have to be so formal.” Kidd muttered under his breath, and if not for the proximity the blonde probably never would have heard him. His words took him by surprise. His highness had never minded formalities before? It was just an integral part of interacting with royalty, but now it just felt like poison on his tongue.
“My apologies.” His answer was not satisfactory, as the redhead growled to himself in response. What else was he supposed to say? Hey! I’ve liked you since we were children but never said anything because you’re the prince! That would give him a one way ticket to the dungeons.
The rest of the walk was drenched in silence, nothing but the sound of their footfalls to fill their minds. Kidd was ignoring him, Killer knew this, but any words he wanted to say quickly became lost in this throat. The fear of rejection was stronger than the need to quell his anxiety.
Suddenly, the sound of chatter flooded his senses. The party lively as fairies from across the realm congregated and enjoyed this momentous occasion. Of course there were many young lords and ladies swelling with anxiety as well, hoping deep down to be chosen by the revered prince.
“Everyone is awaiting your arrival, my lord.” Killer tried to remain passive, but he knew the disappointment was leaking through with each word he said.
“They can wait. I don’t care.” Kidd meant his words, that much was obvious.
“I’m sure your guests would be sad to hear that.” To be honest he didn't care what the guests thought. Killer just wished he was one of them, getting the chance to dance the night away with Prince Kidd.
“If you care so much about how they feel, then how about we make a deal.” It wasn’t a question, it was an order. And the glint in his eyes told a whole different story. Mischief, longing, and a strange emotion that Killer couldnt pick up on.
“A deal my lord?” His interest was piqued, and something told him this would be worth his time.
“You dance with me, and I'll play nice with the other nobles. How does that sound?” Kidd said each word with a smirk plastered on his face. Yet, Killer could only focus on the other man’s piercing eyes. So full of hope and longing. Did he really want Killer to say yes? Was this just a trick of his mind?
“Well, if you truly wish for that…” At this point he didn't know whether to call Kidd by his first name or by his title. Both just seemed so far from appropriate. Killer didn't get a chance to decide, as his hand was quickly snatched into another. The prince dragged him down the hall without even a glance his way. The blonde was thankful that his bangs covered his eyes, as it hid the shocked expression he was surely sporting.
Quickly, the ballroom doors grew closer. Their long strides make quick work of the hallway. At first it seemed impossible that they would make it to the ball, but now it was all happening too fast.
What would the people think if they saw a prince hand in hand with his retainer!? Would they get the wrong idea? The right idea!? Maybe the people would assume Killer was trying to wiggle his way into nobility?
He turned towards Kidd, trying his hardest to voice his concerns only to stop at one glance at the man’s face. He had never seen the prince so happy, so excited for something in his entire life. Killer knew then that he couldn't take that smile away from him.
All of the sudden the doors were thrown open, revealing a room bathed in golden light. The soft sound of strings and flutes flooding into the blonde's senses as he was unceremoniously tossed into the room.
The chatter had grown quiet, all eyes on the pair as they made their way to the center of the dance floor. There was an oppressive air around them. Eyes burrowing into the pair as they slowly enveloped one another into a waltz. Both knew how to dance, but that didn't stop the way their palms sweat from nerves.
Once the shock seemed to wear off the music once again swelled. Each syllable interlocking with the next as though the music was dancing itself. Then, Killer moved first. His feet seemingly had a mind of their own as they quickly swayed to the melody, sweeping the prince into the waltz.
Their eyes never once left one another as they spun and danced. They never even needed to say a word, as their gentle touches said more than words ever could. Honestly, Killer felt as though this was just a dream. That he would wake up in any second and realize that none of this ever happened. That would be a nightmare.
Killer tried to pull away after a few minutes. Allow the nobles who were waiting so patiently to have a turn with the crown prince, but that never happened. As he released his grip, the redhead’s hand snatched it back.
“No.” It was the first time either of them spoke since they ended up in the ballroom. “Not yet. I don't want to stop.” Those piercing eyes never once left Killer’s form, and quickly the prince pulled him closer once again.
“I swear you're so stupid. It's always been you, yet you've never noticed.” Kidd’s grip tightened as his expression became serious. “I only want you by my side. I don't care if you're not a noble! You’re perfect to me! So…just stay a little longer.” Never had Kidd been so open with his emotions and as seconds passed, Killer found his wings fluttering with joy.
“I…I love you too.” The words tumbled out of his mouth, and in just a few seconds the redhead’s expression changed. A blush consumed his features as pixie dust rolled off his wings in large clumps. The words were enough to send the prince off the deep end.
“Damn..get your ass over here!” All of a sudden Killer was pulled forward, his lips meeting prince’s as they melted into one another. It didn't matter where they were, or how many people were watching, it was perfect. They were perfect.