Work Text:
“Your Royal Highness,” Doppio hears one of the servants call to him. “Your parents are calling you.” The Duke sighs as he puts down his rapier.
“Tell them I have to go bathe myself first.” The servant nods and walks out of their training room. “I apologize Hex, I wish we could’ve had more time.” Hex also sets his rapier down.
“It’s alright, it’s not your fault.” After saying their goodbyes, the prince cleans up the equipment and starts washing the sweat off his body. ‘Why would they be calling me now?’ is the thought that remains in Doppio’s head the whole time.
“Mother, Father, you called for me?” The king and queen turn to see the prince slightly disheveled.
“Doppio, we have some news to share with you.” The prince blinks at the sudden serious tone from his parents.
“We both have agreed that you have come of age and so…” The queen clears her throat and looks at the king to continue her sentence. “We have arranged a marriage for you.”
The duke stares at the two royals in… Disbelief? Surprise? But… this would eventually happen to all members of the royal family, wouldn’t it?
“I-I don’t know what to say…” The prince was wide-eyed and his mouth was nearly hanging open.
“We do know about your… preferences so we did arrange a marriage with another man.” She says with a face Doppio has seen many times. “He’s about the same age as you, shorter, a little shy, according to his parents at least, but he’ll-“ “What the hell!”
The prince suddenly interrupts the conversation. “You discuss this with each other and not me?! How could you do that?!”
“Watch your tone, Doppio.” The king says, wanting to quiet both parties. The prince does quiet down but then walks out of the room hurriedly. He runs through the castle, trying to find his royal advisors. He does eventually Hex and Meloco chatting along the corridors.
He gets to relaying everything that happened. “Guess I should’ve known this was coming.” The prince sighs while he lays his head down on the table.
“They didn’t give any clues or hints that this was coming?” Doppio hears Meloco, even with his head face down on the table. “No, that’s why I said I was surprised, Melo.” He looks up at her with an annoyed face.
She rolls her eyes. “No wonder they had to arrange it, you’d never get a fiancé with an attitude like that.” Doppio glares at the girl. “What’s your plan now?” Hex chimes in on their conversation.
“No idea honestly. Maybe if I say no enough, they’ll just stop the entire thing.” The duke leans back in his chair.
“You don’t even know the guy, Doppi.” Hex tries to rationalize. “He could be a genuine good person.” Doppio sighs. “Maybe, but I’m being forced to marry him… Just gonna be hard to get to know him when we’re getting pressured to get married already.” The advisors both leave after the prince leaves himself. Doppio practically falls on his bed with his thoughts swirling throughout his mind. He does eventually fall asleep, though not after many hours stewing in his bed.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
The weeks that follow are filled with planning for his ‘fiancée’s’ arrival and a lot of berating from his parents. At the very least his advisors are there to keep him somewhat sane. Soon enough he’s pulled to the side for the servants to ‘freshen’ him for his visitor. After far too long, they’re finally done. With his hair up in a ponytail, and his long, magenta royal suit, he’s called to see his visitor by his parents.
“Do be on your best behavior, Doppio.” He hears the queen chide him from the side. Doppio barely held back rolling his eyes at the remark. That’s when he sees their guests-many guards by the family, of course, two older royals, whom he assumes are the king and queen, and that’s when he sees the prince. He hasn’t heard an actual physical description from anyone yet, mostly from his own ignorance. He sees the prince’s vermilion hair slicked back with his red, and black suit.
Doppio’s parents greet their guests, although he tunes all the political talk and pleasantries from them. He looks over to the prince to see that he’s staring at him with curiosity. That stare was quickly broken when he was caught. He turns away, trying to hide the ever so slight blush on his face, of course to no avail.
The meeting flies by, at least for the duke, and his oh-so-beloved parents suggested that they spend some time alone. Even though they locked them in the room without asking if they wanted to.
Doppio sighs and turns to the other prince. “I apologize that you’re here. Well, um what’s your name?” The prince across the room blinks. “Do you not know my name?”
The duke clears his throat. “I think they have told me, but I’ve just been ignoring them lately.”
The foreign prince doesn’t respond for a beat then laughs. “It’s fine, and I also asked them to not tell me yours so it’d feel less forced. I’m Ver by the way.”
Doppio laughs. “Glad I’m not the only one. I’m Doppio.” He takes a seat at the table and crosses his legs.
They surprisingly got along quickly, both talking about their respective kingdoms and lives. A few minutes into their conversation, Doppio remembers their first meeting and how Ver was staring at him, ‘least till he looked over.
“Y’know, during our first meeting, I noticed you staring at me.” Ver suddenly stops and looks back to meet Doppio’s gaze. He clears his throat while trying to collect his thoughts.
“I'm not getting into it right now, but I just noticed something about you.” Sensing the tone, Doppio drops the topic altogether. They continue their banter till they're eventually interrupted by the servants calling for them. After saying their goodbyes, the duke looks for his advisors to confide in.
After a long search for them, he finally sees them talking with an unfamiliar person. They have the same designs on their clothing as Ver so he assumes they're from the same kingdom. Soon enough, Hex drags Meloco from the stranger, and they meet up with the prince.
Doppio illustrates the conversation between the two royal members. The royal advisors stand there with a-near-deadpan on their faces from the ranting. Afterward, the prince takes a deep breath, tired from the ranting he just finished. Both the advisors stare, waiting to see if he’s finally finished.
“You’ve had an eventful day, haven’t you?” Hex laughs.
“I have! Ver’s nicer than I would’ve thought.” Doppio replies in turn. “What were you doing when I was in there?”
Hex glares at the girl behind him. “Well, let’s say Melo found someone to bond with.” Said girl is glaring as well at her fellow advisor.
The prince smirks, picking up what Hex is saying. “Congrats Melo. Guess we both found some new friends, huh?”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
The two princes continue meeting up the whole week. Doppio learns the girl he saw was Kotoka, his royal advisor.
“Oh, she’s your advisor?” The taller prince inquires. The other nods. “Koto’s been there for me a lot of times, she’s my best friend after all.” Ver smiles after reminiscing. “How do you know her?”
Doppio pauses for a second. “I don’t actually know her. I’ve just heard about her from my advisors.”
“So you also got a lengthy chatting to, huh?” Ver laughs at their advisors having their drama in their lives.
“Definitely did.” Doppio laughs loudly. “At least everyone is having a good time.”
Ver sighs and his gaze lowers. The other prince’s sunny mood immediately dissipates as he sees the gloomy face of his…friend.
“Ver? What’s wrong?” Doppio reaches for the other’s hand in comfort. The foreign prince holds back a flinch at the contact and tries to collect his thoughts.
“Both your parents and mine have been pushing the marriage between us,” Ver looks anywhere but Doppio. “I’m worried that whatever we have between us will be pushed away for this marriage…”
Doppio is still holding onto Ver’s hand and rubbing his thumb on it. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize they were bothering you now…” He sighs, now moving his hands to cup the other prince’s face. “I’ll try talking to them, alright?”
Ver instantly feels better with Doppio’s words and touch… Though Doppi’s hand is still on his and now that he’s realizing it, his face is getting hotter and hotter-
“Anyway-“ Ver coughs into his hand. “Thank you, it means a lot, Doppi.” Doppio smiles at the other prince with his fangs bared and showing.
Soon enough, he does go to his parents about this problem.
“Doppio? Why the sudden visit?” He hears the king call out to him. He promptly ignores it though to get straight to the point of his inquiry. “If I could have a moment of your time, Mother and Father?”
The family sits down for their impromptu meeting, the young prince sitting opposite of them. “Please make this quick, Doppio. We do have business to attend to.”
Doppio clears his throat. “I’ve heard that you've been pressuring Ver about the whole marriage thing.” He explains plainly. “That’s what this is about?” His mother nearly scoffs at him.
“Honestly, we wouldn't resort to this, but since you are so determined to argue with us on this topic, we decided to resort to the other way.” The prince feels some anger bubbling up.
“You don't need to stress him out about this. We're building a relationship, and you're ruining it now.” Doppio tries to remain as calm as he can right now, but he can't help the irritation that starts edging into his voice.
The king seems to give in. “Alright, we’ll stop pressuring you both, but this marriage is happening.” The young prince is somewhat satisfied with the response, what he doesn’t hear is that he and Ver have to attend ‘their’ engagement ball. The princes didn’t have any say in their attendance or the actual ball. ‘How surprising’ Doppio thinks.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
The date of the event comes faster than expected. Both princes dread the event, but they really don’t have a choice on the matter. They both get ready in their fancy clothes and accessories, hoping the night will be slightly salvageable.
The two meet way before the actual ball starts, in the back where they won’t be chided by their parents. “You alright, Ver?” Ver would be startled if it were anyone but Doppio calling him, he looks up to the other. “Not that sure honestly…”
Doppio sits down beside Ver on the stairs to the back entrance. “I just don’t do well with crowds, and the fact that it’s a fancy ball doesn’t make it any better.” The shorter prince sighs as he fiddles with a few loose strands of hair.
“Listen, you’re not gonna be alone tonight, alright?” Doppio inches his own hand to the other’s and brings it up to his lips to softly kiss the fingertips. As he expected, Ver understandably starts blushing and gets embarrassed.
“We gotta go soon, the ball’s about to start.” The prince lets the hand in his go, and finally lets Ver take a breather.
The two walk over to the ballroom where they see their parents and a few guests already arriving. Doppio could already see Ver getting antsy when he saw the people pouring in. “You’ll be alright, Ver, I’m right here.”
Doppio’s parents start their speech (which Doppio could care less about normally), but he noticed how the other prince started hyperventilating while he was hiding behind the taller. Next thing he knew, Ver ran out of the room extremely panicked.
Doppio ditches the party and his parents to find him. He found Ver on the same staircase they were on before the ball. The taller prince wordlessly sits next to him, waiting for the other to say something.
“…I’m sorry, Doppi.” Ver finally starts after a few seconds of silence between them. The two don’t say much even after words are said. “Listen, Doppi, I have this… thing,” Doppio’s attention was immediately captured by that.
“I can’t explain it well, but I… see other people’s souls and futures…” Ver looks down at his own lap in nervousness, and Doppio doesn’t respond for several beats. “I genuinely can’t tell if you’re joking or not, but if you are this isn’t the time to joke.”
“I know it’s weird but I can’t explain it any better.” So he is serious…
“Why didn’t you tell me when we met?” Doppio tilts his head in question. “You hardly believe me now, you wouldn’t believe me when we had just met.” ..Well, he does have a point..
“It sounds cool and all but I can’t control it and it’s overwhelming in crowds,” Ver explains while tucking in his knees. “Actually that's why I kinda…kept staring at you when we met. Along with our advisors, I didn't see your soul so it was refreshing.” Doppio smiles at the other prince.
“So you were naturally drawn to me?” He smirks at Ver’s deadpan. Silence takes over the two for a while. “Guess we should go back huh?”
The taller prince seems surprised. “You want to go back there?” The other stutters a bit. “Well, no but-” “Then we don't have to go.”
Again, they don't speak for a bit, simply enjoying the moonlight. “What do you think about running away for the night?” Doppio springs the question on Ver so suddenly, Ver physically recoils. Doppio already knows what he's about to say. “I'll deal with our parents anyway.” “You’ll invite us too, right?!” Right after that, a load of shushing can be heard. The two are startled till they realize it was a very familiar voice. Their advisors reveal themselves from the corner, looking as guilty as they can be. “Y’know it’s not very polite to eavesdrop.”
“It’s not our fault we were late and heard you guys!” Kotoka tries to defend. “And then you decided to stay and listen to our conversation?” Ver’s very unamused face pops into their view. “Now that was our fault.” Ver just rolls his eyes at his advisor’s usual antics. “Now that we’re here,” Doppio smiles with his teeth.
“Let’s run.”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
The five run out of the castle walls, and into town. Luckily for the princes, anyone who would recognize them is celebrating in ‘their’ ball. They run all over town, making both memories and trouble together. Unfortunately, they don’t have all the time (or energy) in the world so the group splits from the advisors and the princes. The two find a small hill where they can rest. They sit down under a tree, both breathless from their nonstop laughing. Once they do calm down, they notice the rising sun. Ver takes a few deep breaths now that he’s stopped laughing.
“Guess we have to go back to reality now.” Ver’s smile fades. Doppio waits a beat then gets closer to Ver. “Sweetheart,” Doppio turns the other’s face towards his with his hand. “This is reality.” He leans in for a kiss which Ver gladly reciprocates, and just for a moment, they didn’t have a worry in the world.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Of course, Doppio got an absolute earful after that. Not that he listened nor cared about his parents talking The only thing that kept him sane was thinking about last night’s adventures. “Are you even listening, Doppio?!” The prince discreetly rolled his eyes. “Yes, of course.”
After a whole hour, the prince was finally allowed to leave. While walking back to his room, he saw Meloco and Hex strolling by in the gardens. Deciding to ditch his original plan, he goes into the gardens and runs after the two. All three of them walk around, enjoying the morning sun. In the middle of their outing, Doppio yawns. The other two laugh. “You still tired, Doppi?” Hex chuckles when the prince yawns again.
“Try going out all night, then get yelled at by your parents.” Doppio gives a very unamused look towards the two. “Speaking of last night, what happened with you and Ver?” Meloco grins while asking her question.
Doppio clears his throat. “Well, after you guys left, we sat under a tree and kissed..” While Doppio coughed into his hand, he didn’t notice Meloco’s smile growing. “Was it the really big, cherry blossom tree?!” The prince was taken aback at the girl’s excited voice and expression. “I…think so?”
Meloco let out a loud gasp of happiness. “Do you know what that means?!” … “No..?” The girl rolls her eyes at the prince’s ignorance. “It’s said that if you kiss under the tree, you’ll be together forever!” “How do you know that?” “How do you not know that?!” All the while the two are bantering, Hex is definitely laughing his ass off from the two.
“I’m not gonna hear the end of this, am I?” Hex is still laughing, even after all this time. “You never will, Doppi, you never will.”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
As much as Doppio resisted his parents, the wedding was happening. Which was evident since they were getting dressed in their wedding attire. He honestly didn’t expect to be nervous about this, but life just turns it to be full of surprises. Just like how he met the love of his life from a less-than-desirable arranged marriage. While fixing his suit, his two advisors burst in the room. “Doppi! I can’t believe you’re getting married!” Meloco runs up to him and wrapped her arms around him.
“Hello to you too, Melo!” Doppio returns the hug. “So I get nothing over here?” Hex says from the side of the two. “Just get over here, dumbass!” The three hug each other while they’re still chuckling. “We gotta stop this before I start crying.” The girl states after a few beats. “Think that goes for all of us, Melo.” The other advisor replies.
The advisors do leave after a while, and leave the prince on his own again, till another advisor comes by. “Hey, Doppio!” Doppio turns to see Kotoka greeting him. “Koto! Great to see you here.” The two share a hug for a bit. “Congrats on catching Ver,” The girl laughs at the other’s surprise. “Maybe he won’t rely on me so much.” Kotoka giggles, remembering their memories together. Doppio laughs along with the girl. “Oh, and before I forget,” The advisor adds before she has to go. “He really likes it when you rub your thumb on his hand or just put your hand on him.” She smiles while she exits the room, leaving a (very rare) blushing Doppio.
Just a few minutes before the ceremony, the door creaks open again. The prince thought it was one of the advisors again to wish him luck, but he was surprised to see a very lovely face. “Ver, you’re not suppo-“ Doppio is immediately interrupted by the shorter’s lips on his. (Not that he’s complaining) They pull away, breathless, and still wanting more.
“Just couldn’t wait till the ceremony huh?” The magenta-haired prince smirks meanwhile the other rolls his eyes for who knows how many times now. “Wanted to see you before it all happens.” Ver presses his face against Doppio’s chest. Now that they’re apart now, Doppio can see Ver’s all-white suit, adorned in gold and red jewelry. “You look beautiful in all white.”
Ver flushes at the compliment (as he usually does). “I can’t stay for long till my parents come scouting for me again.” Doppio laughs boisterously. “Again? I’m marrying such a rebel.” He giggles at Ver’s offended expression. “Oh, I’m the rebel now? Think you need to look closer in the mirror.” The two laugh together now. “That’s not a problem, I think they’re hot.” The shorter prince coughs into his hand at the unexpected comment. “Now I really gotta go!” “You’re just saying 'cause you’re flustered-“ “‘Kay, bye!!” The man left in the room chuckles again. He sighs, fiddling with his own suit.
“Your Royal Highness,” He sees a servant in the mirror’s reflection. “It’s time.”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
As expected, he sees the advisors in the front of it all. He was wondering why they called him so early when his fiancé hadn’t arrived yet when he saw Ver walking down the aisle. The ceremony begins shortly after, the priest saying his spiel. As usual, Doppio doesn’t pay attention to a word of it, focusing on his future husband. He’s pretty much out of it until he hears the question everyone’s been waiting for. He responds with the answer he’s supposed to say, and more than that the answer he wants to say.
“I do.”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
The married couple run to Doppio’s bedroom after their wedding reception, giggling the whole way, slightly tipsy from the party. Just before Ver can open the door, his husband pulls his arm and makes him face Doppio. “Aren’t I supposed to carry you over the threshold?” Doppio has a cheeky smile on his face, his new husband, however, only has a deadpan on his face. “Can you even do that?”
“Are you doubting me, beloved?” “I’m not as light as you thi-“ Before Ver can finish the word, Doppio effortlessly carries him in the bridal carry. “Say that again, I dare you.” He whispers in the other’s ear, dropping his voice lower. He lets go of his flustered Ver before he gets too embarrassed. Doppio’s bedroom is quite simple, considering he really only uses it to sleep when he’s not sneaking off.
“Why are you inspecting my bedroom? Are you trying to find something in here?” Doppio sits on his bed, taking off his coat and shoes. “That is usually what you do when you enter an unknown room.” Ver rolls his eyes (yet again).
“You alright sleeping here tonight?” Ver looks at him confusedly.. “I’ve slept in the castle before so… I think I’ll be fine.” Doppio’s expression changes to a very unamused one. “You alright sleeping here?” The other’s eyes widened, finally understanding the question. “I think I’ll be fine..” The two stay silent after that, unsure if they should go along with this.
“Let’s just try alright?” Doppio holds his hand out to comfort the other. After getting out of their stuffy clothes and accessories, the two sit down on the bed. Doppio wraps his hands around his waist. “Only if you feel okay with it, Ver.” He reminds Ver lightly, seeking to ease his nervousness. Ver only responds by lying down, waiting for Doppio to join him. He lies down with him, and Ver hugs him, inserting his face into the other’s neck. “I love you, Doppi.”
“I love you too, my love.”
⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡ ⟡
In the following months, Doppio and Ver are prepared to inherit their roles as kings, and soon their coronation rolls around. “You ready to do this?” Ver smiles at the comfort his husband offers. “Only if you join me.” Doppio returns the smile, and grabs his hand to go.
The two get in their positions for the ceremony, and as usual in any formal setting, Doppio doesn’t listen to a word. Something that Ver is clearly aware of from his knowing smile and gaze. They soon gain their crowns, encrusted in amethysts and rubies, showing their royal status.
“I know that it has jewels, but does it have to be this heavy.” Ver whines after the ceremony ends, and they’re all alone. His husband laughs at the other’s complaining. “Don’t worry, we’ll carry the burden of the crown together.”