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Langa POV.
Langa smiled watching the boy across the table from him laugh. The two were enjoying breakfast in one of Langa’s favorite places, the castle's private garden. Reki had been telling a story about one of the newer guard apprentices he had been training and how he reminded Reki of himself when he first started his training.
“No! I'm serious Langa, I think younger me would have given him a run for his money when it came to recklessness.”
“You're still reckless, just last week you jumped from my window because it was faster than the stairs.”
“it was calculated recklessness! I knew that I could catch that branch and I did!”
“Sometimes I wonder if all your training has made you even more of a danger to yourself.” Langa scolded despite the smile on his face he knew was getting softer by the moment.
“Me a danger? I thought your mom was going to kill us when she found out we used the shields from the armor sets to slide down the main staircase! Which was your idea!”
“Are you still using that against me? We were 13!”
The two continued bickering back and forth while laughing. Despite their ages and responsibilities when they were alone together, they got to be stupid young adult boys—something they both desperately needed. With one training to be the next ruler of the kingdom along with other princely duties and the other training to be the crown prince’s personal guard and a high-ranking knight, they both lacked places to let loose.
Langa truly doubted he would find anyone other than Reki he would get to share that part of himself with. The others in their small group of friends sometimes got close but even then Reki was special. Langa didn't know if it was because they had known each other since they were 9 and 10 or because Langa had fallen hopelessly in love with the redhead in their early teen years.
After a few minutes, their voices died down and Langa used the pause to grab a muffin from the table between them. The next few moments were comfortable and Langa looked across the small courtyard. it was a sunny and warm morning in the gardens, there was a slight breeze, the only way it could have been better was if the flowers were in bloom but there wasn't a single bud in sight, only walls of green. They would have to wait a couple of months until the garden was in full bloom.
Thinking of the blooms Langa looked over to Reki, in a couple of months there was also a special event that Langa had been thinking of for almost a year and a half dreading it. He was turning 20 which was the age he would be expected to start looking for a partner. With that came the fact his attendance at the Saint Valentine's Day Ball would be mandatory. The ball had started as a simple and lighthearted affair but over the years had become one of the most important matchmaking events of the year.
While the ball wasn't much different than others there were a few key differences like the party always had a pink, red, and white “love” theme and instead of the normal sprawls of fancy and savory food with a few sweets the main menu was always things like fruits, cute desserts, dozens different kinds of chocolate and a few smaller savory food that were perfect for sharing or taking to the garden for a picnic like effect. The biggest difference was the flower trading and confession tradition where one would confess to their crush with a special flower from the castle grounds. Most times flowers were picked based on meanings, significant memories, or whether or not your crush liked that flower. if the person returned their feelings both people would pin the other’s flower somewhere to their person to show they were taken.
Iit would also be Reki’s first year going. Langa couldn't tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, Reki and Langa could spend the night together enjoying most of the festivities, but on the other, he knew both boys would probably get at least one confession from girls and boys with either genuine crushes or strong political motivations. The thought of Reki watching him get a confession embarrassed him but the thought of Reki making a confession of his own or accepting one was infinitely worse. He had considered taking the opportunity to confess to Reki himself but the idea seemed too daunting to really think about.
His main comfort was the fact Reki hadn't mentioned anyone catching his eye in the rare, brief conversations they had about crushes and love. The main thing he knew about the others' love life was that he was bisexual.
Although there was the possibility that Reki wouldn’t get to attend at all. He was one of the guards chosen to watch Miya and Cherry, their kingdom’s main diplomats, on a trip to the kingdom on their southern border. The trip would take roughly a month and a half if everything went well but could drag on longer. Langa’s anxiety bubbled up at the thought of Reki being away that long but it was a necessary point of his training and an amazing opportunity to move up the ranks quicker. Still, the two had been attached at the hip and hadn't spent even a week apart from each other.
They had promised to write to each other though. Langa had even made it a point to commission two matching stationery kits. The kits were a surprise for Reki that would hopefully be arriving this afternoon.
Pushing everything else from his mind, he looked back to Reki, who was finishing his breakfast. His smile only widened seeing the bit of jam left on the corner of his lip. Before he could doubt himself he leaned forward and wiped the jam away with his thumb tasting it for himself with a small smirk.
“You should be careful, you could have gotten your uniform dirty.” The redhead rolled his eyes smiling back seemingly unaffected by his sudden closeness.
“it would have been fine. Besides, you would have helped me if I did.”
“Well of course.” Langa found himself agreeing because he couldn’t see himself denying the redhead anything.
Sooner than he would have liked they finished breakfast and had to start their days. Gathering their plates to bring to the kitchens they walked side by side. A soft breath caught in his throat as Langa noted the way Reki’s hair caught like fire in the sun and his eyes melted to caramel. A few seconds later he caught Reki staring back. There was a nervous air around him, Langa watched as his best friend started to chew on his lip. Just before he could ask Reki what was wrong the boy supplied the answer himself.
“We only have one more week like this until I won't see you again for at least a month, maybe I should stay home…” A shadow of self-doubt flicked in those soft brown eyes. “There will be other cha-”
“Reki, you have to go. You were so excited when you got picked and I know you can do this.” Carefully taking their plates and setting them on the ground he stepped closer. “I promise when you get back I’ll be here waiting for you safe and sound and we can take a whole week to goof off– but I know you’ll regret not going.”
“Maybe you’re right... But…”
“Hey now, no buts. Everything is going to be fine, and I’ll send you a letter before you have a chance to miss me too much.” Langa winked at the last part which coaxed a small laugh out of Reki. His laughter was pure music to Langa’s ears and made up for the fact that his best friend was laughing at his very real feelings. Oh well, as long as he could make Reki smile he would bear anything.
The rest of the day passed quickly, Langa was currently staring at his clock urging time to move faster, he had changed early for his sword fighting practice with Reki and was dreading every extra second he had to wait. Sighing, he got up from his bed and made his way from the sleeping area to his sitting quarters, waiting on the table where he left them were two boxes with handles. The first was for Reki and had a gold, yellow, and red color scheme that was hibiscus-themed while he was silver, white, and blue with lily imagery. inside the boxes were full stationary and letter kits with themes matching their respective boxes. Both kits were one of a kind and something only they would share.
Packing up the small boxes he decided waiting there was better than waiting in his room.
When he got there he saw Tadashi sparring with his boyfriend, Harry, the two were a few years older than Langa and Reki and taught them most of their sword fighting. Waving to the two he sat by the wall waiting for the redhead. He arrived just a couple minutes after they were supposed to meet.
“Sorry, sorry I know I'm late, I got caught up and-” Reki came running in, already looking a bit red from running.
“Hey, it's ok. I would wait forever for you.” Langa got up from his spot beside the wall and stretched. He caught Reki eyeing the boxes so he grinned. “But… now you have to wait till we're done to see what I brought.” Reki pouted at him but got his gear ready without argument earning a chuckle from Langa.
Soon both boys stood at either side of a sparring ring armed with a wooden practice blade. Langa waited to see if Reki would pounce first, when he didn't he jumped forward slashing forward in a strike that Reki parried before stabbing forward. Langa easily managed to step back and to the side. They continued trading moves strike for strike. They had been training together since Langa turned 13 and he knew Reki’s fighting style even better than his own. The downside is that Reki also knew his fighting style and weaknesses.
Like the fact that he had trouble guarding his right side during pivots. This flaw was exploited when Reki jammed the hilt of his sword into the back of Langa’s knee causing him to tumble to the ground to be followed by Reki pinning him and throwing his sword farther away. Once they were settled and still Langa was left with Reki straddling him, pinning his hands above his head in one hand and holding a mock blade to his neck with the other.
“Got you.” Langa almost forgot to breathe looking up at Reki’s cocky grin.
“Yeah, but I can't say I mind too much.” Langa paused taking everything of the moment in, Reki’s soft but untameable red hair which the other was leaning up to push back with the hand that had been holding the sword, how his cocky and light-hearted smile matched the joyful light in those amber eyes, how every point of contact buzzed, and maybe he stole a glance at Reki’s tanned, toned arms. This boy might actually kill him one day.
They got up and fought a few more rounds both winning at least a couple of rounds, stopping only when they were exhausted and desperately in need of water. After water and a couple of moments rest he caught Reki’s eyes back on the boxes he had almost forgotten about.
“Alright, I think I can show you now.” Setting both boxes on a bench he pushed the red one to Reki who took time to examine the red and yellow flower-printed box before opening it. “Since we won't be able to talk I wanted to make sure we could at least write to each other.”
REKI POV
Reki was amazed looking at the kit Langa had just gifted him. Every piece was incredibly well made and looked like nothing he had seen around town. It was even decorated with his favorite flower, something he noticed held true for Langa’s box.
“Where did you find these?”
“I had them made, there's a new shop in town that does them.” Langa smiled at him with a glimmer in his stunning blue eyes.
Reki spent the next half hour going through the contents of the box before they had to leave for dinner. Still, it didn’t feel like enough time when everything was so beautiful. He could only imagine how Langa’s fit together in the cool tones he picked. He was impressed anyone could craft paper and writing tools on this level.
The rest of the day passed with the two young adults hanging out with their friends, everyone hoping to jam in time together before three of them left. He was dreading being away from everyone but couldn't help feeling extra sorry for Kojiro who was going to be missing both his husband and their son.
The rest of the week followed the same pattern with Reki stealing every moment he could to spend with Langa, even sleeping over most nights. On the last night, he found himself lying away watching Langa sleep. He smiled, noting the cute way his cheeks puffed out just slightly. He thought about how much he would miss these moments, the small times when he could admire the boy he loved more than life itself openly. He was going to miss his laugh, his smile, the way he pouted when something didn't go his way but would light up when Reki comforted him, and just everything about him. He almost wanted to cancel; give any reason he could to say he couldn't go. But he knew he couldn't pass up this chance that would lead to his goal of being Langa’s personal guard. The role that would make it possible for Reki to always be there to protect him. He had to go for both of their sakes.
The first letter arrived on the third day of being away from home. Reki had known it was from Langa before it was even handed to him, the envelope and seal being the parallel made it obvious. Once he got the Lettle he retreated to his tent to read in piece bypassing everyone in the process.
“See, I told you I wouldn't give you a chance to miss me. If my guesses are right you should be in Snow Meadows by now, how has everything been? I hope you and Miya have been behaving but I’m sure Kaoru is keeping you both in line.”
Reki took a moment to snicker. Langa had read them to a T.
“What is Snow Meadows like? From my lessons, I know that they have about the same temperament as us but sometimes their plant life bounces back from winter quicker than ours.
You know I’m almost jealous, by the time you're back you’ll have seen more of the kingdom than I have. I would like to explore the kingdom with you one day. not as a prince and his knight but as Langa and Reki.”
Reki’s smile morphed into something more bittersweet. Langa with his curiosity and charm was going to kill him one day if he kept treating him like he was the only boy in the world when surely there was someone that would steal his heart one day. Reki was sure all of Langa’s seemingly flirtatious comments had simply been a case of Langa being so comfortable around Reki he wouldn’t realize it could be seen as flirting. Still, there were moments where he let himself believe it was. Before he could dwell on it much more he kept reading, starting a new paragraph.
“Since you’re not here my sword practicing time has been spent in Joe’s gym/laboratory and talking with Hiromi in the garden. You guys have only been gone a day but Joe already misses you guys like crazy and I can't say I’m far behind him. it almost makes me grateful for the distractions of my mother making me help plan the Valentine's Ball this year in addition to my other responsibilities, Still, I think if I have to listen to a lecture on proper confession etiquette one more time I might resort to hiding in one of the less used towers or have Joe turn me invisible.
I can’t fault her too much though, I know she’s anxious about the ball this year because I’ll be attending. I’m a little anxious too, mostly at the thought of you missing it. I can't imagine going without you.
Wishing you safe travels with care~
Langa”
Reki reread the letter, considering an answer and a response to each question before getting out the letter kit Langa had gifted him. He was still a bit in awe of the gift and had been extremely careful with it. The yellow background had been carefully printed with red hibiscus flowers in a uniform pattern while each edge and opening had been made to look like gold along with the golden handle. Each object inside had been crafted with the same care. small vials of gold and red ink with two matching fountain pens, a thick pad of paper with each page having a simple red hibiscus on the bottom right corner and small elegant gold swirling on the left side reaching from the top to the bottom of the page that somehow managed to shine through the slight yellow tint of the paper that gave it an aged autumn-like feel despite being new. Matching the paper almost exactly was a stack of envelopes and last but definitely not least was a wax seal kit with tea lights, matches, yellow and red wax in separate vials, something to melt the wax in, and most importantly a wax seal stamper that had the imprint of a hibiscus flower being circled but two twisting lines, The kit was one of the most valuable things he had ever received and have even impressed Kaoru when he saw it. The fact that Langa had its only twin made it even more special.
LANGA POV
Langa had been eating lunch in his study when Reki’s first letter arrived, he had almost knocked his plate onto the floor in his haste to open it. And he had the nerve to scold Reki over a bit of jam just over a week ago. A small chuckle fluttered from his throat as he left the most at ease he had been since Reki had left. He took an extra moment to look at the red and gold swirled flower-marked seal.
“Speaking of missing people, I hope you haven’t been missing me too much.
Also you were dead on, Snow Meadows is gorgeous! No hint of flowers though there are clover patches. Don’t worry about me exploring too much without you, after all, there’s not much time for fun since I’m technically working.
I guess I'll just have to take in as much as I can when we go together.”
Langa’s heart jumped a bit. Reki wanted to go too. it wasn’t that he doubted he would want to go but still, it was something completely new to both of them and somehow felt like it carried more weight than appeared on the surface.
“I’m not surprised you’re slacking off, after all, I’m the only person at the castle aside from Kojiro or your dad who can really give you a challenge, but try to get some practice in otherwise I’ll beat you too easily.
Is there anything new? I’m sure breakfast is boring without me.
Don’t tell Joe but I think Cherry already misses Joe too, Miya is more excited than anything but I can also tell he’s a bit nervous. I mean it is his first big job and he’ll have his dad watching over him the whole time but I know he’s got it. Speaking of Cherry he complimented the kit you got me! I wouldn’t be surprised if he cornered you and demanded to know where you bought it.
How is Hiromi? I bet he’s super busy making sure there will be plenty of flowers for the ball, probably pouting over the amount of flowers that will get picked too knowing him. Maybe he’ll work up the courage to give one to Oka this year. if I’m back in time we should make that our goal this year!
And I’m sorry about your mom, dude. I know I’ll be in for an earful about the ball from my mom when I get home, I’m just grateful Koyomi is too young to go. The last thing I need is her in my love life. Although I am happy we’ll be there together. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make it home in time. I couldn’t imagine going through that alone or making you spend a night with beautiful girls throwing themselves at you. Truly the worst fate one can imagine.”
Langa laughed. He could hear the taunting tone in his friend’s words. He wasn’t really out to anyone but Reki so he had received more than his share of flirting and dreamy eyes from girls around the castle or at social gatherings. Reki alone was really the only one who understood how much he hated it but somehow Reki’s teasing made it more bearable in some odd way.
Reki always made everything better. Reading what Reki said about the ball also had those gears turning again. Langa could try confessing at the ball… if he was brave enough. But that was a thought for another day. He shook his head and read the last bit of the letter before reading it over and starting his response.
“P.s.
I really love the kit, thank you Langa
Your favorite knight in shining armor-
Reki”
REKi POV
Dodging the small black cat that had somehow convinced many of the people around them he was human Reki ducked into his tent for the night. The aforementioned cat and one of his closest friends, Miya, had taken one look at the envelope and smirked. It had taken 10 minutes of teasing to get away from the boy to finally get the chance to read it.
“if you're my knight in shining armor does that mean you’ll rescue me from suit fittings?”
The first line coaxed both a laugh and a pink tint. Reki could imagine Langa pouting at the thought of the hour-long poking and prodding. Lord knows Reki hated them just as much. imaging himself as Langa’s knight was slightly more flustering though.
“There isn’t really anything new, the only thing is that I eat most of my meals in my office while I work. Without you there’s not much reason to eat anywhere else.
It sounds like Kaoru and Miya are keeping you busy but we guessed that would happen. I know you’ll find time to have fun though you always do. I just hope you’re careful. After all, I’m not there to nurse you back to health.
Speaking of Miya and Kaoru, tell them I say hi and tell Miya I told him not to give you too much trouble– not that he’ll listen. I know Kojiro wrote something similar in one of his letters. As for Cherry’s wondering where I commissioned the kits, I’ve already had the craftsmen’s information and several pamphlets sent to Kaoru’s office. (Although Kojiro already put something in for commission.)
You were right about Hiromi, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so worked up. Between caring for the rest of the gardens, making sure the flowers for the ball are ready, and grieving said flowers he’s much more on edge than normal. The good news is that Kojiro offered to help keep certain parts of the garden perfect for flowers that wouldn’t normally grow there. I’ve also been helping where I can as part of the party preparations. I have to say it’s my favorite part of the whole thing– Hiromi even lent me a book on the language of flowers. I never knew you could say so many things without saying anything, for example, daisies can mean joy, innocence, and new beginnings while snapdragons can mean graciousness, strength, and deception. It’s almost like a secret code.”
Reki had never imagined Langa taking up gardening but he could see it. The quiet boy sitting and tending to a small patch of flowers as he talked to Reki. Maybe he would take the time to tell him about each new flower and its meaning and name. He could even see the bluenette dragging him down with him to help with a pout because “how dare Reki make his ‘delicate’ prince do all the work” which would probably draw a snicker and insult from the redhead, even as he helped.
“I know what you mean by your little sister being there. I’m dreading Mom and Dad being there watching. I’m hoping we’ll be able to slip into the garden for most of the night. If I’m lucky my dad will help distract my mom. Thinking about my dad, I should get the kitchen to send sweets up to his office till then. He might be a little more sympathetic to my cause.”
Reki belly laughed at the last sentence and just how true it was and how true it held for Langa too. Reki was convinced there wasn’t a task on this Earth that Langa couldn’t be tempted to complete for one of his favorite snacks.
P.S. Breakfast is boring without you, it’s quiet when you're gone. I don’t think I like it.
You're waiting prince charming -
Langa”
Over the next two months they kept sending letters back and forth telling each other everything. With each one of Langa’s letters came at least two new flower meanings, Reki didn’t know if he would ever use them but still, he tucked away each meaning as he received them. He also collected all of Langa’s letters, he kept them neatly folded in the safety of the writing kit and reread them in moments of quiet and home sicknesses. Every day away made him slightly more anxious but Langa’s letters seemed to soothe him. Knowing that Langa was waiting at home for him was all he really needed.
It was maybe halfway through the trip when Reki decided to confess without ever really meaning to. If Reki missed Langa this much on a simple trip how much would he ache if he lost him for good either to someone else or anything else? Once he decided on telling Langa how he felt the rest was easy: where? The ball. How? In the garden away from prying eyes and with a handmade paper hibiscus from the paper Langa had gifted him. Something about it just felt right. At first, he had a bit of trouble with the folding but that was resolved with a quick lesson from Kaoru. The pinknette hadn’t pried but did give him an all-knowing look that reminded him of each time his mother claimed to have eyes in the back of her head. (Something he still half believed.)
Langa was in his study, trying and failing to focus on the paper in front of him. Tomorrow night was the ball and Reki was expected to get home tomorrow with just enough time to get ready and meet him at the party. The peace meetings had unfortunately run on much longer than expected due to the appointed ambassador catching a thankfully minor illness. The delay had made both of the boys antsy but had also been the deciding factor for Langa to commit to telling Reki how he felt. The sickness he had felt in his own core at the reunion being delayed was the last nail in the coffin he needed.
After a bit of time, he decided that he wasn’t getting anywhere, so he retreated to his room to get ready to visit town. While in his room, he checked on the paper lily that rested on his bedside table like he did every time he passed it. Sitting on top of a pile of Reki’s letters was the white and blue lily made of the same paper he wrote to Reki with. He was planning on gifting it to Reki tomorrow night at the ball. The paper flower instead of fresh had been something Joe had recommended. Deciding he liked the idea, Langa had spent a few hours practicing on regular paper before using the white, silver, and blue paper.
40 minutes later he was walking into the garden supply shop where Hiromi had the majority of the castle’s gardening needs. Just over 24 hours later he was getting ready for the Saint Valentine's Day Ball, with his mother helping.
“I can’t believe how big my baby’s getting, it seems like just yesterday you were causing trouble and mischief”. Queen Nanako spoke while brushing his hair and Langa found himself pouting at her statement. While she wasn’t wrong he also hadn't been THAT bad.
“Mom-”
“Oh, I’m only teasing.” A soft kiss was pressed to the top of his head. ” I am a bit sad realizing you're all grown up though, soon you’ll be getting married and taking over for your father and me”.
“W-wait, married?! Mom.” Langa swore he would melt in embarrassment as his mom watched him in the mirror.
“Oh come on. No need to be embarrassed, you’ll find the lucky girl soon~.” Just when he thought his mom’s teasing couldn’t get worse.
“Unless… Langa, do you already have ‘someone’ in mind?” She raised her eyebrow while watching for his reaction. The only defense he had was to turn from the mirror, but she didn't give up. He groaned, dreading his mother’s persistence and insight.
“There might be ‘somebody’.”
“I’ll be waiting to meet her, so go show them they're a lucky girl!”
“Lucky ‘boy’ actually.”
“That's perfect too, I know I’ll love anyone you pick” His mom smiled and finally let him get up, deeming him presentable. Langa thanked whatever gods were watching him to finally be free of the conversation. He took a deep breath carefully grabbing the paper lily and headed out to meet and wait for Reki in the ballroom.
As it turned out he wouldn't have to wait long, Kaoru and Reki arrived at the same time. Reki looked amazing in a fire-toned long-sleeve tunic and a male corset that had Langa choking on his own breath. He had only managed to recover when they were halfway across the floor and Kojiro intercepted them looking like a puppy who had found their favorite person after a long day. Reki said something to Kojiro before stepping away to meet Langa who had closed the rest of the distance between them.
“Re-”
“Lan-”
They both laughed, each of their faces sparked with pure joy seeing the other. Langa’s eyes darted down to sneak a glimpse of Reki’s lips. He wished that they were anywhere else than a crowded ballroom so he could confess right then, but Langa could be patient for just a bit longer. What was an hour in the same room compared to two months of separation?
“Miss me?” Reki smirked at him playfully.
“More than anything,” Langa said with a soft sigh and softer smile.
“Then come on! We can take a walk and you can tell me everything you couldn’t tell me in your letters.” Reki grabbed his arm and pulled him to the grand set of doors that led outside to the darkening sky and main garden.
They lost all sense of time while exploring the garden. The sky soft, dusty orange of the sky bled perfectly into the dark blue of the night until the inky dark, brilliant stars, and full yellow storybook moon took over the sky completely, there were dozens and dozens of different breeds and colors of flowers, the maze of hedges and flowers seemed to go on forever every turn leading somewhere new as they talked sometimes running into others. The air was clear, fresh, and hung heavy with the scent of flowers, food, and the sound of music and laughter. Langa told him about the different plants he had helped take care of and Reki told him about every new or interesting thing he had seen. They laughed together sharing stories of their friends and the different events they had managed to get themselves into. Somehow at some point they had ended up at their normal breakfast spot and sitting on the familiar stone bench leaning against each other. It was during the comfortable silence with only the music from the party to fill the air Langa was reminded of the paper flower carefully tucked into his tunic. He shifted carefully, drawing out the flower. He looked at the boy next to him, his heart so full of love and anxiety that he thought the mix might make him sick. He opened his mouth to speak but was stopped before he could.
“Hey, Langa? I really hated being away from you, I missed you so much..” The redhead shifted to where they were facing each other with maybe a foot separating them. Just from the corner of his eye, Langa could see that Reki was holding something.
“I felt the same, everything just seemed to lose its color and I thought of you constantly, I was counting down every day until you were back.” Langa watched Reki closely, this was it, the perfect time to tell him.
“I was looking for you everywhere, thinking about what you would say, wondering what you would do.”
“I spent so much time thinking about just what I wanted to do when I saw you again.” He watched Reki swallow and move forward, following a movement Langa didn’t realize he was making.
“And just what did you want to do?” Reki asked.
“Well…I uh…I wanted to give you this.” He carefully pressed the lily into Reki’s hands. Reki’s eyes both lit up and softened as examined the lily. After a second, Reki presented a folded hibiscus and Langa held it to his chest like it was the most delicate and precious thing he had ever received. Looking at the careful folds of the “petals” Langa was in awe, but also suspecting Joe and Cherry had something to do with the matching flowers.
After a second without saying anything Reki surged forward and kissed him. Langa happily kissed him back, cupping the back of his neck and pulling him closer (careful not to crush the flowers between them.)
They stayed in the garden for a bit longer exchanging small kisses and sweet words that had been long overdue... The look on Reki’s face, when he realized all of Langa’s flirting was genuine, was something he would treasure for the rest of his life. They almost didn’t want to return to the festivities but knew they would have to at some point. Langa was half worried his mother would hunt them down herself if they stayed missing much longer. They both stood to leave taking a moment to pin their gifted flowers to their clothing to show they were taken.
They had joked that they didn’t know who would find them first, Kojiro and Kaoru or Langa’s parents. As it turned out the pink and green duo were the first to spot them. They sent them looks of approval from Kaoru and joy from Kojiro. Langa’s mom had been the next to find them, her eyes lighting up with a childlike joy when she zeroed in on the matching flowers.
“So Reki is the lucky boy, I should have guessed.” Nanako chuckled, covering her mouth.
“So you talk about me~” Reki raised an eyebrow at Langa.
“Something that won’t happen again if you two make a big deal out of it.” Langa glared at both of them but it lacked any heat.
“Oh come on, I’m just excited. I couldn’t think of anyone better for you.” Stepping closer she ruffled the two boy’s hair. “I've watched you both grow up together. It feels right for you to take this step in life together too.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“Now you boys go have fun! There will be time to talk more tomorrow.”
The rest of the night passed quicker than Langa could have imagined. There was dancing, talking, and flirting; and chatting with their friends who were able to attend, which happened to be everyone but Miya. There was a point where Hiromi tried to lovingly tease them but was quickly shut down by Langa glancing between Hiromi and Oka in a very pointed way.
As the night was coming to a close, they left a bit early to head up to Langa’s room. During his trip to town earlier, he had picked up something he was hoping they could do together.
Reki sighed deeply when they stepped into Langa’s room. The familiarness was soothing after the long night. They had spent many nights here together since their childhood and it almost felt more like home than his room. There was something on the bed that caught his eye, walking over with Langa just a few steps behind he found a box waiting for him with his name across the top.
Inside the box were several small packets, he tilted his head and picked one up. The label read “Red Roses,” and the meaning came to him in a flash: love and passion. Looking at the others were flowers that Langa had told him the meaning for: daisies, cheerfulness, and new beginnings; sunflowers, devotion, positivity, and hope; carnations, love, and fascination; and a few more.
“The flowers you told me about…”
Langa sat on the bed looking up at him. A light pink covering his face, a sight Reki was enjoying more and more now that he was able to actively flirt back and openly show his affection.
“I was thinking we could grow them together”
“I would love that” Reki carefully set the box to the side on Langa’s nightstand, noticing the pile of letters as he did. Knowing that they both kept the letters sparked an idea in his tired brain he hoped would make sense in the morning. Before he had the sense to make both of them get ready for bed before they passed out in their formal clothing. Even though neither of them had been too fond of staying up later than they had to, it was worth it to fall asleep cuddled up with his now boyfriend in comfortable clothing and without the risk of crushing their flowers.
it was almost a week later when they were outside in their favorite part of the private gardens, the space around the bench they sat at the night of the ball had been cleared by Hiromi and a couple of the other gardeners for Reki and Langa to start their own area and today was the first day they had been out to it.
The sun was warm on his face as he watched Langa start to work the earth openly admiring the boy's soft peaceful smile. Reki was sitting just a bit away sorting through both sets of letters and getting them ready for binding. He had come up with the idea to turn them into almost a scrapbook so he and Langa could look back at the conversations they had when they were separated. Reki thought about being able to show it to their kids one day. Same with the garden. Reki just had the feeling both would last for years and years to come, Just like the two’s relationship.