Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pitter-patter. Pitter-patter.

Raindrops fell from the sky, dark and cloudy, only adding to the dreariness of the moment. Puddles formed on the ground with no children to play in them and people ducked inside their homes in hopes of not getting wet. Two red eyes watched the drops fall from behind a foggy window, full of dread and anxiety. Fukase tried to focus on the sounds of the falling rain, something that always calmed him, but he couldn’t manage to drown out the commotion of his parents rushing to get ready and the shouting of the town crier, who despite the fact that he was soaked from head to toe, was screaming out the exact news he was dreading.

Wedding rehearsal this. Wedding rehearsal that. Doesn’t he have anything more interesting to report?

Fukase hated the constant reminder of what was to come, trying his best to savor the last moments of peace he had, but failing miserably. He shifted his focus to the drawing of a moth in front of him. They were creatures regarded as pests by most, but Fukase rather liked them, despite what others thought. They kind of reminded him of himself. Judged by others before he even is given the chance to speak. Though, perhaps he was just surrounded by people who didn't have the ears to listen.

“Fukase! Hurry up! We’re going to be late!” Meiko called from downstairs, impatience clear in her voice.

“Coming!” He called back, gathering the papers full of drawings that were strewn across his desk and shoving them into his bag. His footsteps were heavy as he ran, but they paused right before he passed the threshold of the door. He didn’t want to have to face his parents almost as much as he didn’t want to get in that carriage. He wasn't quite sure how he would react upon seeing their faces. He loved his parents, he really did, but right now, he felt utterly betrayed. He hated the idea that they would sell him off to some man just for money and recognition. The thought hurt.

“FUKASE!” Meiko screamed once again, so loud that Fukase was sure his ears would be ringing if he had been standing right next to her.

“I’m coming!” He responded. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Fukase tried his best to reassure himself that everything would be alright.

It’ll be okay. He’ll be a nice man. Your parents would never force you to marry a man you don’t like. They know you’ll like him, right?

Fukase opened his eyes again, full of newfound determination and rushed down the stairs where his parents were waiting.

“Took you long enough.” Meiko scoffed, turning out the door and toward the carriage. “Now come on! We can’t be late for this.”

Fukase simply nodded as he followed her steps out of the comfort of his own home and into uncharted territory.

“Watch the puddles! We can’t enter the Kagamine manor with mud on our feet.” Meiko stepped into the carriage, her long red dress dragging in the wind behind her. When Fukase peeked inside, he saw his father already sitting there, who waved at him happily.

“Are you excited, Fukase?” Kaito asked. Fukase took a seat next to his mother and looked up at Kaito with nervous eyes.

“I’m not sure…” He answered, choosing his words carefully. “How can I be sure that I’ll like him? I’ve never even met him.”

“I’m sure you will, Fukase. That Kagamine boy is said to be very kind and caring. Maybe even a little shy at times.” Kaito reassured him.

“And he’s adorable!” Meiko added. “How could you not love a boy like that?”

“I guess…”

Fukase looked out the window at the falling drops. The window was foggy and cold. If it got any colder, it would probably begin snowing. The snow was prettier than the rain in his opinion, but the pattering of the rain hitting the windows always beat out the shimmering of snow. Through the drops he could see a large building coming into view. It towered higher than most buildings in town and was wider than any house Fukase had ever seen. He hadn’t even met his to-be-husband and yet he already felt intimidated.

Kaito got out of the carriage first and shielded Meiko from the rain as she ascended the steps to the mansion. Fukase followed close behind, nervously. He couldn’t avoid a run in with the Kagamine boy any longer, it seemed.

He felt like he was watching his mother ring the doorbell in slow motion. He was praying and hoping for that door to stay shut. That no one would ever answer and they could just go home with an “Oh well. We tried!” Of course, Fukase wasn’t that fortunate. A butler answered the door, and his mother seemed pleased, no doubt envisioning what her life would be like once she owned that butler as well. Fukase supposed it would be nice to have someone attending to your every need, but he just couldn’t feel eager about it the way his mother did. Sure, a butler would be nice, but it didn’t feel worth his freedom and individuality.

“Welcome!” Ms. Kagamine called, greeting them as they walked through the door. "It's so nice to see you again, Meiko!" 

The pink haired woman cleared her throat and elbowed the man with long purple hair who stood next to her.

"Ah! Yes! Nice to see you." He greeted.

"Your place is wonderful, Luka!" Meiko remarked. "Quite stunning!"

"Thank you. Thank you. We try our best." Ms. Kagamine responded with a wide smile. "Our Len is still getting ready I'm afraid, but he'll be down to meet you shortly. He's quite excited!"

"And who wouldn't be? My Fukase is such a sweetheart." Meiko laughed, pinching Fukase's cheeks.

"Mom, stop!" He protested, trying his best to swat her away.

Ms. Kagamine chuckled. "I'm sure he is. Now we must be going! The rehearsal will be starting the second Len is ready and you must see the room we've set up. It's gorgeous and I'm sure you'll agree!"

Fukase watched his parents follow the Kagamines to the room she spoke of, not even stealing a glance back at Fukase as they left. They didn't even bother to take him with them, not that he wanted to go. The longer he stayed away the better. 

Fukase turned his sights toward a lone table in the corner of the room and made himself comfy. The smallness of the table in such a large, open room was unsettling, but Fukase didn't have room to be picky. He took out the papers he had shoved into his bag earlier and uncapped a bottle of ink. He removed a long feather from the bag and gently dipped it, letting black engulf its nib. He dragged the tip across the paper, letting the ink flow into whatever shapes and sizes his heart desired. He ended up drawing a tree, its thin branches covered in snow from a long, cold night. As he drew, he hummed a quiet tune, which got gradually louder and louder as he got more lost in his own world, until eventually, he was quietly singing to himself. He was too caught up in the strokes of the tree and the tune of his song to notice the quiet footsteps that approached him from behind.

“Excuse me?”

Fukase’s song immediately came to a halt and he cringed at the long, thick stroke of ink that had made its way through the center of his drawing. This was why he never drew in public. This always happened when he was disturbed.

“You’re Fukase, right?” A kind voice asked.

When Fukase turned around, he saw a boy with long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail and a gentle smile on his face. His entire look felt very official. Very… royal. Fukase wasn’t sure how much he liked it. It made him feel small and weak in comparison to someone so bright.

“Ah, um… Yes.” Fukase stuttered. “I mean- uhm, yes, that’s me.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Fukase. You can call me Len.”

“Ah, mhm… nice to meet you…Len…” Fukase mumbled. He couldn’t manage to make eye contact with the blonde, as hard as he tried. He was just too nervous. He hadn’t had time to prepare himself!

"Are you nervous for the rehearsal?” Len asked. “I am too. I've never been married before."

"I would hope not." Fukase responded on impulse.

Len just laughed in response. Fukase felt relieved that Len hadn't taken offense to his statement. He seemed… nice enough, he supposed. 

“What were you singing?” Len asked him.

“Oh, uhm, just a song I made up. I haven’t named it yet.”

“It was pretty!” Len complimented. “I hope I get to hear more of it later on!”

“Thank you…”

“I like singing too. It’s fun.”

“It is.” Fukase agreed.

Fukase tried his best to decide what he thought of Len. There was so much to consider and not enough time. Len seemed nice. He seemed to like the things Fukase did too. And he was blonde, which was definitely a plus, though Fukase wouldn’t admit it. So really, he should be happy about marrying Len. He was his type and they seemed so compatible, but… something about Len just threw Fukase off. Every word he said… it seemed so forced. Though, Fukase supposed he was forcing himself to speak as well. Maybe Len was just nervous, just like himself. Maybe he had a whole script in his head in a desperate attempt to make a good impression. Fukase could relate to that.

He let himself relax. 

It’s okay. Len is a good person. You have a lot in common. This won’t be as bad as you thought. You were stressing over nothing just like you always do.

“I’m looking forward to our marriage, Len.” Fukase stated with a polite smile. He wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince, Len, or himself, but he wasn’t sure that it was working on either of them.

“As am I, Fukase.”

The doors behind them creaked open with a loud booming sound and the echoing of their parent’s voices returned. 

“Ah! Len is finally ready! And it seems you two have met already! How perfect!” Ms. Kagamine sung. “It’s almost time now boys! Chop chop!”

“Coming, mother!” Len called following behind her with light, graceful steps. It was yet another way Fukase felt out of place in a mansion like that. Fukase scrambled to gather his things and turned around to see everyone but his father had left. Fukase ran across the room to Kaito who stood with his arms folded, leaning against the doorframe. 

“I’m sorry I’m late. I’m ready to go now.” Fukase apologized.

Kaito smiled at him. “It’s okay. I can tell you’re nervous. You gonna be alright?”

“Mhm.” Fukase nodded his head.

“Great!” Kaito grabbed Fukase’s tie and readjusted it. “He’s already head over heels for you! Just look at that pep in his step.”

Fukase giggled. “Thanks dad.”

“Of course. Ready to go?”

Fukase took a deep breath and nodded.

It was okay. He could do this.

Chapter Text

He couldn't do this.

Absolutely not!

Heavy silence hung in the room. Tears pricked at the corners of Fukase's eyes and his hands gripped tightly at his sides. His mouth was pressed into a tight line, visibly frustrated, yet no one spared him any sympathy. He shook his head and took a deep breath, ready to try yet again.

Try after try, Fukase had recited his lines. He was trying his best, he really was, but when he wasn't tripping over his words, his candle wouldn't light, or he would forget when to walk closer to the table in front of him. One thing or another, he just couldn't seem to handle the many actions he was supposed to carry out perfectly. Len had roughly yanked him forward after he forgot to walk for the 5th time, and Fukase had slammed his head on the table in front of him. He didn't really mind since it didn't hurt that much, but what rubbed him the wrong way was how unapologetically apathetic Len looked, even when Fukase's nose began bleeding. 

He was given tissues, cleaned up, treated to a quick lecture from his mother, and thrown right back next to Len to practice yet again. He could feel the stares from his parents, willing him to finally get it right. He really didn't want to disappoint them. He was sure he could get the next one perfect, but, as with every other attempt that had come before it, his confidence wavered the second he began speaking. “With this hand! I will… um- lift your sorrows! Your… candle! No, uhm… Your wine will never empty? No…”

“Wrong.” The priest deadpanned, staring Fukase down with his tired eyes. His large cross necklace clanged against the wine glass as he leaned forward. “With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine. Let’s try again.”

“Right!” Fukase called.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows.” Fukase gently took Len’s hand and stepped forward exactly 3 steps as he was instructed. “Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will… erm…” Fukase could feel Len’s icy blue eyes glaring at him as he wracked his brain for the next part. “I will… I uh… I- I’m sorry…”

Len snatched his hand away from Fukase’s grasp. “You still can’t remember?” he asked, voice full of venom and irritation. “How bad must your memory be?”

“I’m sorry…” Fukase mumbled, looking at his feet.

“Sorry doesn’t cut it when you’re fumbling over your vows at our wedding. You’re going to embarrass me.” Len crossed his arms and looked away. Fukase felt humiliation seep into his body.

“I’ll get it soon… Surely!”

“Sure.” The sarcasm was clear in Len’s voice. Len didn’t believe in him. Len thought he was a complete joke. It’d only been a few hours and Len already thought so low of him!

“Why don’t we regroup tomorrow?” Kaito asked cheerily. “We still have time before the wedding and I think Fukase could benefit from a talk with his mother and I.”

“Sounds like a great idea!” Ms. Kagamine agreed. “I trust that Fukase will be able to recite his vows perfectly by tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Kaito put his hand on Fukase’s back and guided him out of the room, his mother following closely behind with a scowl on her face. He was led down the hall to a new room that Fukase had yet to see. There was a large table in the middle covered with a beautiful floral tablecloth. A sparkly chandelier that consisted of hundreds of crystal shards swung above the table. Fukase almost couldn’t take his eyes off of it.

“What was that?!” Meiko demanded, the second they were out of earshot. 

“I’m sorry! I- I- didn’t mean to! My mind just went blank!” Fukase could feel his tears dangerously close to spilling.

“It’s okay-” Kaito cut in, hastily.

“Okay?!” Meiko screamed, “At this rate there will be no wedding!”

“Calm down, Honey.” Kaito put his hand on Meiko’s shoulder, running his thumb back and forth in an attempt to calm her down. He took a deep breath. “Now, Fukase. It’ll be okay. I know you. You have a wonderful memory and you’re very capable of remembering. You just have to calm down and focus.”

Fukase nodded his head, rubbing his hands over his eyes, trying his best not to cry.

“Now, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to practice, practice, practice until you’re sure you will remember. You need to try your hardest. I know you can do this.”

“Thank you, dad,” Fukase sniffled, “Can I just… be alone for a while?”

“As long as you promise to practice.”

“I will.”

“Then we’ll leave you be. Come on, Meiko.” Kaito walked over to where Meiko stood with her arms crossed and linked his arm with hers. Meiko looked conflicted, like she wanted to scold Fukase. She looked like she wanted to tell him that he’s ruining her chance at recognition and scream at him until her throat was sore, but she knew that she couldn’t. She knew it would be wrong and she knew it would be cruel, so she bit her tongue and tried her hardest to place her trust in Fukase that he would be a master at reciting his vows by morning. As long as he could recite them by morning, everything would be fine.

Fukase was left all alone in that daunting room as he watched his parents walk away, hand and hand, heading back toward where they had come from. Without them around, he was free to explore as he pleased. Finally, he could get as far away from Len and their marriage as possible.

Fukase explored the many rooms in the mansion one after another. The first room contained a lone piano. He felt an overwhelming urge to play it until he could no longer. He wanted to let the music overtake him and forget about all his troubles and responsibilities. He decided against it, however, as he did not want to draw any more attention to himself than necessary. The music would surely send people running to see, and he wanted to avoid a situation like that at all costs. The more he explored, the more interesting things he stumbled upon, eventually coming to a room containing another long table, similar to the one he had found downstairs. He wondered what the reason was to have two of them. 

Fukase was surprised at the amount of rooms that were empty, containing nothing but dust and tile floors. He was sure the Kagamine’s had the money and power to furnish it, so it really did feel strange that empty rooms were so prevalent. Why have a house so big if you were not going to use it?

Eventually, he stumbled across a hall full of portraits, all of which, he assumed, depicted the Kagamine's ancestors. The ones near the front of the hall were worn and dull. They were obviously very old, and had withstood the test of time, seeming to wither away even more with each passing second. Toward the end of the hall, Fukase saw pictures of Ms. Kagamine, Mr. Kagamine, and Len, who was the very last portrait that hung on the wall. Fukase sighed as he gazed at it. Len really was good looking, and he was so nice before Fukase had screwed up. He buried his head in his hands. This opportunity was his best chance at love. His parents had put so much effort into arranging it for him and he had ruined it all with his stupid anxiety and forgetfulness.

“Excuse me, sir.” A maid spoke. She appeared behind Fukase while he had been lost in the piercing blue color of the painting’s eyes. Her gaze was very similar to the painting’s, and her short yellow hair swayed like golden strands at her shoulders. Atop her head sat the largest bow Fukase had ever seen.

He jumped, startled by her appearance, and blushed, embarrassed that he had been caught staring.

“I- Please forgive me. You startled me. Is there anything I can do for you?” Fukase smiled.

“You're Mr. Fukase, correct?” The maid asked.

“Yes, that would be me.”

She looked between Fukase and Len's picture, then smiled at him, knowingly. “Breathtaking, isn't he? You're quite lucky.”

“Ah- I suppose I am.”

“I was instructed to show you where you would be staying for the night, if that's okay with you.”

“Of course. Please show me the way.”

The maid led Fukase down the winding hallways until the walls were covered in doors on either side. Fukase was sure he would get lost in a place like this if it weren't for the blue-eyed maid to lead the way.

“That one is Mr. And Ms. Kagamine's room.” The servant girl stated, pointing at a room that was obviously bigger than the rest. “And this is Master Len's bedroom.” Fukase followed her finger and was surprised to find that Len's room was the only door in the hall that was painted a different color. It was a light, grayish yellow, that just barely stood out from the rest of them, but it was still noticeable nonetheless. Yellow must have been his favorite color.

The girl eventually stopped at one of the doors, which looked no different from the others, and instructed him that he would be staying there for the two nights that would follow until the wedding. Fukase thanked her and waved as she walked away, golden strands swaying with every step she took. 

The room's walls were lined with a rather tacky wallpaper colored white and gold that was just as dull as everything else in the house. There was a twin bed in the corner that looked barely big enough to fit him. It was covered with blankets that looked hardly warm enough to shield him from the piercing cold that came at night. He noticed no other furniture, not even a nightstand, just a sad, dull, and boring room. The highlight of its design was the large glass door leading out to the balcony that let the light of the sunset seep through the windows and color the ground in dazzling rays.

Fukase set his bag down on the floor, seeing as there was nowhere else to put it, and flung open the doors, stepping out onto the balcony and taking in the smell that always clung to the air right after it had rained.

Fukase rested his arms on the railing, not caring that his sleeves would likely be soaked. He always loved the outdoors. They made him feel calm and helped him collect his thoughts. Despite the chirping of birds and the sound of carriages with horses galloping through the streets, he felt like it was the most silent he had heard all day. No more nagging mother, no more town crier, no more Len.

Len… No matter how much Fukase told himself it would be okay, he still couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that accompanied any passing thoughts of Len or their marriage. He frowned as he recalled the unforgiving look scrawled across Len's face as he pushed Fukase into the table, empathy or regret never once appearing for even a fraction of a second. He didn’t even try to claim it was an accident. How far would Len be willing to go if Fukase screwed up even worse? Would Len be the type to lay his hands on him? He couldn't really tell. Perhaps Len was just having a bad day. The stress of the wedding may have gotten to him just as it had to Fukase. Still, it wasn't an excuse for Len to snap at him like that. Calling him an embarrassment… Fukase didn't want to live his life with someone like that… No matter how handsome or charming he may be.

The last signs of light sunk over the horizon and the darkness of night swept over him, but however dark it was, Fukase still didn't feel the need to go inside. In fact, he felt more like going inside that house would be giving up. He couldn't be here anymore. He had to leave. Absolutely.

Chapter Text

Fukase pulled open the heavy front doors, letting the cool wind rush across his skin once again. The roads were silent and darkness enveloped everything as far as he could see. The Kagamine manor was rather close to the edge of the city, just near the gates, so Fukase immediately knew where he would go. The town was rather unpredictable. During the day, it was bustling with people rushing through the streets in an attempt to make it to work on time or begging for scraps of food. At night, the town was illuminated only by the lights that seeped from the numerous bars and was crawling with people he wished not to encounter. It was a dangerous place to explore all alone. The forest, on the other hand, was quiet, only disrupted by the sounds of owls hooting and winds blowing. There was just enough light for him to see, his pathway lit by the stars.

Things got darker the further out he went, but he could feel his mind clear with every step he took. Some of that stress that had been plaguing him all morning seemed to finally be released. He was glad to be out of there. If nothing, he knew he still had this small freedom to wander about with no one in his way to stop him. He made his way through the trees, jumping over logs and ducking under branches, until he finally reached a clearing. The clearing seemed like a fine place to rest, and it had a tree stump that looked comfortable enough to settle down on, so he took a seat and closed his eyes, allowing the sounds of nature to overtake him. 

Fukase’s stomach growled, cutting through the silence of night. Only then did he realize how hungry he was. He was yet to eat dinner. In fact, they were probably preparing to eat dinner soon, while Fukase was out in the forest, far away from the house. His parents were sure to come looking for him soon. Or not. They might not care enough.

His hunger brought attention to just how tired he felt as well. He had been up and about for hours with barely a rest, so of course he was bound to feel an aching in his legs and a throbbing in his mind, telling him to go to bed soon. He realized just how cold he was as well. The night was much colder than the day. He could feel the freezing cold seeping into his bones. Fukase gazed at the frost forming on the grass, reflecting moonlight back at him.

Is this what every night would be like if he refused to marry Len? He knew his family was struggling, no matter how hard they tried to hide it. His marriage to Len was supposed to get them going again. It was supposed to stop them from endless nights like this where they were hungry, exhausted, and cold. The recognition from this marriage was supposed to make their business skyrocket, providing a safe and comfortable life for all of them. Fukase didn't really mind the cold and hunger, it was better than being married to a man he didn't love, but he didn't want his parents to have to undergo this pain every night. Would it just be better to suck it up and help them get the life they've always wanted? Would it be better than being hungry, exhausted, and cold for days and days without end?

Fukase sighed, looking up towards the sky and searching the stars as if they would give him an answer to all his problems. What was even the point of debating what's worth it and what's not? It wasn't like he had a choice anyway. If he ran, his parents would just find him, and he would have nowhere to go anyways. There was no way he could get his parents to call the wedding off either. There really was no way out for him. Fukase took a deep breath and exhaled, the air cold enough to see his breath as it escaped. He had to do his best. If there was no way out, the least he could do was try to fix the relationship between him and Len in hopes it would grow into something beautiful with time. Perhaps their love was just a flower that needed some water and encouragement in order to bloom. The first step towards that goal was to prove that Fukase was at least competent enough to say his vows without screwing up. Maybe then, Len would be willing to give him a second chance. Fukase removed his ring from his pocket, lifting it up to the sky, allowing starlight to reflect off of it in a dazzling display of light. He could see the moon through the middle of the ring, full and beautiful, promising a radiant night.

Fukase delicately held the air. The wind caressed it gently, as if Len's hand were really there, softly encouraging him that he could do it and that everything would be fine.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows.” 

He took a perfect three steps forward, one foot after the other. They left dents in the frosted grass, the flakes ever so gently shattering across the ground with a satisfying crunch. He wondered if they would have satisfied Len, if they'd be good enough for him, or if they would still have had something wrong with them. He was sure Len would criticize him for being a fraction off, even with how perfectly calculated they were.

“Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine.”

He lifted an imaginary glass into the air and spun around in excitement. He imagined he was dancing with the trees to the music of the forest. He heard the cheers of birds congratulating him and the wind blowing in awe. He was ecstatic that he had even gotten that far. He was doing it! He was really doing it!

“With this candle, I will light your way in darkness.” 

Fukase delicately broke a branch off a tree, the rough bark transforming into fiery wax in front of his very eyes. The imaginary sparks set the whole forest ablaze, cheering him on with crackles of light and dancing flickers of good luck. 

“With this ring…” 

Fukase noticed a branch behind him, its limb outstretched and its fingers long and bony. It beckoned him toward itself, drawing him in with all it had. It reached toward him like it was meant for him and him alone. He got down on one knee, reaching for it desperately.

“...I ask you to be mine.”

He swiftly slipped the golden ring onto its wooden finger, sealing their promise forever within its radiance. There was a pause of disbelief, then a flood of joy and happiness. He'd remembered his vows properly! Perfectly, in fact! His father had truly been right… He had done it… He still had a chance!

Suddenly, dread seeped through the air and the entire mood of the forest shifted to something more sinister. Winds blew rapidly, sending leaves scattering for cover. Owls called out in panic, frantically warning him that something was horribly wrong. Branches creaked back and forth, shivering in the cold. The moon felt as if it were staring into his soul, judging him, warning him of the unwise decision he had just had the misfortune of making. Fukase’s body froze. He felt something was terribly wrong. Terribly wrong indeed…

Fukase watched a finger of the branch twitch and he drew back in surprise, drawing the ring off its index and falling backwards onto his butt. He watched the branch, anxiously for a moment or two, just now realizing that the resemblance to a human hand felt a little too much to be just a coincidence. Was that why he had felt such a strong pulling toward it? 

Seconds passed without error and Fukase let go of the breath he had been holding for far too long. It must have been the wind manipulating the finger-like branches in the breeze. He firmly planted his hands in the dirt and wasted no time rising to his feet and making a brake for it, but the second his back was turned he felt something stop him. He screamed as he whipped his head back toward the branch, panic filling his body. The hand's fingers gripped tightly around his wrist, refusing to let go no matter how hard he pulled. The darkness of night cloaked his attacker, making it hard to make out the shape of who exactly had latched onto him. The silhouette of a short man with ribs sticking out of his sides stood before him, but any other details alluded him in his panic as he pulled and yanked and clawed at the hand, its ice-cold grip only getting stronger the more he struggled. Slowly and painfully, it pulled him in.

Long, slender arms wrapped around Fukase's frame, fingers creeping along his back and horrid breath hot against his ear. Fukase stopped struggling, frozen with fear. His body refused to move. There was nothing that he could do but wait, grasping for even the smallest opening and praying that something out there would give him the strength to escape the icy claws of his attacker. Fukase felt the air leave his lungs as the figure squeezed him tighter than was comfortable, snuggling its head into the crook of Fukase’s neck. It felt cold and slimy, like it had been rotting in the ground for many years before Fukase was even alive.

“How wonderful…” It whispered into Fukase's ear. “How long I've been waiting for this day! It's finally here! I've been set free!”

Slowly, the monster pried itself from Fukase's chest, staring him in the eyes with a glimmer so bright it could rival the stars. Its blonde hair glowed platinum in the moonlight and its soft, porcelain cheeks flaunted a beautiful baby blue color, dusted with rose and pink hues. The bridge of its nose was dotted in freckles, almost too faint to notice in the moonlight.

The most outstanding feature of all, was the gaping wound in place of where his left eye belonged. It beckoned Fukase forward, almost as if it was a black hole sucking him in. Escape was unfathomable. Fukase found he couldn't breathe; whether from fear or from awe, he couldn't tell. All he knew was that where he should be disgusted by this hideous, undead creature, he could only gawk at the sheer glory of it. He should have been repulsed by its exposed ribs and rotting flesh, but its single golden eye was soft and caring, promising the world to Fukase. He almost wanted to accept it.

“Oh I do!” Cried the corpse, its short golden strands swaying ever so gently in the wind. “I can't tell you how much I've dreamed of this day! I can't tell you how many years it's been! Death is so cold, and you've brought me back to warmth! Oh, how today must be the best day of my life! Well- The best day of my death I suppose!”

The corpse stared at Fukase, taking in his appearance, and smiled, wrapping its arms tightly around him once again. “Such a perfect man! My wonderful husband! How lucky I am that you were the one to wake me!”

“I--” Fukase started, but he found himself unable to speak. The monster was now staring at him intently, willing him to go on, but Fukase had no answer other than complete and utter shock. He felt himself slowly regain function of his limbs as the pieces were put together and realization set it. He placed his hands on the corpse's chest, pushing it back roughly with all his might and watching its pale blue skin make contact with the soaked dirt floor of the forest. An arm popped out of its socket and the boy went chasing after it, cursing about how this always happened at the worst of times. It would almost be humorous if he wasn't so scared out of his mind. 

Fukase saw his opening and took it, bolting like the wind and weaving past logs and bushes. His suit caught on trees, but he simply pulled it free, too fear stricken to even consider the impact it would have on his nicest clothes. He could see the lights of the city coming into view, at last providing another light source other than the glow of the moon and the twinkling of the stars.

His lungs were screaming, his legs throbbing. Blood rushed through his ears, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. He refused to spare even a glance behind him. Looking back always brought misfortune, and Fukase could not stand to lose even a single bit of time. Even when Fukase burst through the gates and felt sure he was safe, he still did not cease the pounding of his feet on the ground pushing him closer and closer to the Kagamine manor. He found himself craving the feeling of sheer entrapment the building held. At least there he knew nothing could get him. 

He found the door propped open when he arrived. Perhaps his parents had noticed his disappearance and this was their way of allowing him back in without having to waste even a single walk's worth of energy. He hauled open the door just enough for his body to slip inside, then slammed it shut with a loud creak. He sunk to the ground, breathing heavily and cherishing the dull lights of the unnecessarily large room. 

Never before had he been so relieved to be inside.

Chapter Text

Fukase’s tired feet eventually brought him to Len’s door, pounding on the pale, chipping yellow paint and waiting anxiously for him to finally answer. He wasn’t sure why he chose Len over his parents. Perhaps he still felt betrayed by them, or maybe he didn’t want to disappoint them any further, but going to Len felt like the right choice in the moment. He needed to be reminded that the monster outside calling him his ‘husband’ was simply delusion and that Len was a real physical fiance who’s hand he could hold tightly and feel his warmth seeping into his body. Len was the one he was meant to be with. Len was the one who would protect him.

Len emerged from his room with a wide, false smile on his face, which began to falter the second he caught sight of Fukase. Still, he tried to keep himself as put together as he could. “Hello, Fukase. What can I do for you?”

Fukase didn't hesitate to throw himself at Len, wrapping his arms around his neck and clinging on tightly. “Len! I've witnessed something horrible!” He screamed. “A corpse! It pulled itself out of the ground and clung to me! It addressed me as its husband and imprisoned me within its eyes. Its flesh was rotting off its bones and its skin was pale and blue!”

Len stiffened at Fukase’s sudden contact with him. It was very unexpected. Once he had time to process exactly what was happening, he didn't hesitate to unlatch Fukase’s arms from his neck and send him flying backward in anger.

“What are you on about?” Len asked. “Corpse's do not pull themselves from the Earth and certainly would never ask you to be their husband.”

Fukase rubbed his head, this push hurting significantly more than the one before it. He hit his head on the wall behind him and collapsed to the floor, his legs already weak from all the running. “But it's true!” Fukase exclaimed. “I saw it! I felt it! I heard it! A corpse in the woods! It claims we are wed! Does that not worry you?”

“A bad dream, perhaps. It does not worry me in the slightest.” Len glared at Fukase, his gaze almost as icy as the shivering hands of the corpse.

Fukase looked at him confused. “Not worry you? You are my fiance! Do you not worry of it stealing me away?”

“I have no need to worry of a false competition stealing from me the man I dread to marry.”

Fukase felt his heart drop in his chest. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. “Dread? Do you not wish to marry me?” He already knew the answer deep down, but he still had to ask. He had to be sure, and Len’s answer did not disappoint his expectations.

“Of course not. You're clumsy and forgetful. You have proven yourself worthless to me. How could I wish to marry you? But it is my parents desire and therefore my own, so I will still marry you as long as they would like me to.”

Len’s words snuffed out all of Fukase’s small remaining hopes. He felt light headed. After all he'd done to tell himself it would be worth it, to justify that he and Len would fall in love eventually and that it was surely meant to be, it was all false. Len did not want to marry him. Len would never love him and he would never love Len.

“Good night, Fukase.” Len spoke. “May you recite your vows properly tomorrow. Do not embarrass me.” Len closed the door behind him and turned the lock. He heard the pitter-patter of Len’s foot step against the floor as he got further away. Fukase sat staring at the door for who knows how long, trying to make any semblance of sense of the situation. He was secretly hoping that Len would open the door and flash him a big smile screaming “Just kidding!” but deep down he knew it would never happen. The look on Len’s face had been completely serious, and Len did not seem like the type to tell such cruel jokes. 

He finally gained the strength to shakily plant his feet on the ground and bring himself up from the floor. He had to get out of there before a maid found him. Perhaps even his parents. His shoes dragged on the ground and his legs shook as he made his way back toward his room. He had just wanted to be comforted, to be reassured that Len would be there for him and never let anyone steal him away, but he returned feeling much, much worse than before. Len would happily let the corpse take him. He didn’t care about him one bit. He dug through his bag, lazily looking for his night clothes. He slipped off his dirty and tattered clothes, and shivered at the cold feeling of the new cold and fresh ones. The thin fabric of his bed sheets barely did anything to stop his shivering, but his head was too hazy to even care. His mind hurt and his stomach growled, begging to be fed.

He felt tears race down his cheeks as he buried his face in his pillow, letting small sobs escape. He made an effort to stay quiet. He did not want his parents to witness his pain or to give Len any more reasons to view him as a failure than he already had. As Fukase slowly began fading into unconsciousness, the face of that corpse popped into his head once again. His soft blue cheeks, lightly dotted with freckles, and his short blonde hair that blew so perfectly in the wind.

He wondered if letting the corpse take him would truly be that bad. It would provide him an escape from the inevitably horrible life he would lead by staying here. He laughed at himself, his giggle full of pity and pain. How pathetic must his life be that even marrying the undead sounded more appealing? Still, he couldn't get the excited scream of the corpse as it called him its husband out of his head. So overjoyed and full of excitement… A concept that would surely become foreign to him if he allowed his and Len's marriage to proceed. Len was such a soulless and apathetic man. Living with him would be more boring and despair filled than death.

His thoughts had become nonsensical after that, nothing but pleasant dreams filling his head. He dreamed of the wondrous life he would have with the one-eyed boy. A life full of love and caring. A man who was passionate about him and willing to do anything to keep him by his side. A man who cared for him when he was sick and uplifted him when he was healthy. Everything was wonderful and joyous, just as he wished his real life could be.

But it was all gone by morning.