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Various voices were muffled; Dark Choco wasn't paying attention. The beautiful stained glass windows let in the comforting sunlight, to which their colors illuminated the room wonderfully. The heroes had gathered once more; the world was on the brink of war with foes much larger than themselves. Dark Choco didn't want to listen, he didn't want to even be present, but he sat quietly next to his father.
He tried to convince Dark Cacao that he did not have to attend. The prince's pleads and begs did not waver the mighty king, instead he insisted that getting “accustomed” to these people was a necessity. And, to Dark Choco's dismay, his only options were to venture with his father to the Vanilla Kingdom, or be left without him at home; he quickly chose the latter.
He tuned in, at times, to grasp what was being said from those who were much older and wiser. People that he remembered from when he was younger, and some he did not. Dark Choco took close notes of their attitudes, manners, and their eloquent speaking. He formed opinions and judgements, as well as how he would potentially defend himself from each person. To Choco’s surprise, most if not all present at the meeting were very welcoming to him. Boisterous smiles and warm faces he remembered when he was younger, and even the ones he did not know were kind.
Dark Choco fidgeted with his hands, picking at skin and scraping off scabs; his thoughts raced mindlessly. He prayed the meeting would be over quickly, they had been here for almost a week. Not that he disliked the Vanilla Kingdom, he enjoyed the warm and merciful place, but sitting still was awful. How did he do it when he was younger? Unfortunately, he needed to be at the meeting, Dark Choco was a strong asset, coming from the cult itself, he knew a thing or two.
“...Son!” A shake on the shoulder jolted Dark Choco, he turned quickly to the direction of the whisper. He was met with his father's never-changing face, but he could notice slight worry.
“Hm?” Choco let go of the hand that he was picking at. Rubbing his sweaty palms on his pants, stupid nerves.
“You seem unsteady, what troubles you, boy?” Dark Choco took a moment to fully grasp the situation, he looked towards the rest of the table where Golden Cheese, and one he recalls to be Clotted Cream, argued diligently. Pure Vanilla sat with tired eyes, even while closed, White Lily watched with a heavy sigh, and Hollyberry laughed to herself in amusement. A girl, he believed to be Financier, stood next to the Consul, remaining at attention; though she seemed just as annoyed as the rest. As well as a certain, quiet, pink-haired man Dark Choco took accustomed too over the past few days, Wildberry . He sat with his own neutral face.
“Hm, do not mind their bickering…I take this as an opportunity to finally speak with you, my son. You haven't been paying attention, have you, boy?”
The dreaded question. Dark Choco sighed, leaning back in his chair as he subconsciously fumbled with his hands. He looked at his father’s face, and shook his head regrettably.
“...No, Father…” Dark Choco shamefully whispered back.
“...I see.” Cacao took one of Choco’s hands and held it firmly, assisting to try to calm his son’s anxiety. “Why don't you step outside, son? Nothing that is being spoken about pertains to you.”
“Are you certain, Father…? I-I am okay to remain…” Dark Choco sat up straight, letting go of his father’s hand as much as he didn't want to.
“No, go, child. Besides, if I had to guess, those two will be arguing for quite some time…” Cacao mumbled with annoyance, glaring towards Golden Cheese and Clotted Cream. He tenderly took Dark Choco’s hand and caressed his cheek with the other, feeling Choco lean into the touch. “Go ahead, son.”
“Thank you, Father…”
“Hm.”
Dark Choco quietly stood from his chair so as to not disrupt their petty fighting. He walked towards the large doors that enclosed him into the suffocating meeting space. Opening them with a tug, he slipped out and closed them gently behind him.
“Oi, where's he going?” Hollyberry took her turn to whisper to Dark Cacao, glancing concerningly towards the door. Wildberry couldn't help but follow his Queen Mother’s eyes towards the door as well. “Your boy okay, Cao?”
“Settings like these do not fare well with him, I’ve noticed, a moment is all he needs…What better time to exit than during…this.”
“Ha! Should have known these blockheads wouldn't get along well…” She took a sip of her drink, then nudged Dark Cacao again. “Will he fare well unaccompanied?”
“...Most likely. Although there are many occasions when he doesn't normally fare well on his lonesome.”
“Why don't I send my boy after him? They’ve seemed to buddied-up during these past few days. Ha! Most likely because of how quiet they are!” Hollyberry elbowed Wildberry with the tease, making herself snicker at her own joke. Wildberry’s face did not change, but he rolled his eyes internally.
“...Hm.”
“I will join the prince if you would like me to, Your Majesty. Per Mother’s…remark, we have indeed formed a friendly bond.” Wildberry matched their quiet tonality, giving a trusting nod to Dark Cacao and a side eye to Hollyberry, to which she laughed at.
“If he trusts you, then go along with him…” Dark Cacao nodded back to Wildberry, granting him his blessing to watch over his son. “He mustn't have gotten far…”
“Understood, Your Majesty.” Wildberry stood up soundlessly, nodding his head in a bow as he walked towards the same large doors and exiting out of them.
“Ah, these children are more mature than those two over there!” Hollyberry sighed as her and Dark Cacao’s eyes lingered on the door. Turning to see a solemn expression on her friend’s face, she placed a comforting hand on his. “Worry not about the boy, Cao, he’ll be okay…”
“...Hm, I cannot help but worry…”
Wandering the Vanillian halls, Dark Choco’s boots created a lonely noise. His eyes slid from one beautiful window to another; the halls decorated with the most breathtaking stained glass. The magnificent Castle in the Sky was truly mesmerizing, the last time Choco had seen the serenity of it…sadly, he could not recall.
He stopped in front of one window in particular, wondrous purple-colored glass, of all shades, came harmoniously together to represent Dark Choco's homeland. The sun’s comforting light created purple streaks all over this portion of the hallway. Dark Choco’s always untelling face sparkled slightly, he walked closer towards the giant window and touched the smooth, cold glass. Soft footsteps broke the prince’s thoughts.
Turning sharply behind him, he prepared automatically for an attacker, to which he was met simply by Wildberry. The knight stood next to him, staring thoughtfully at the Cacaoian-themed window. Dark Choco’s eye studied the guard, he wore armor and his family’s crest proudly, and his studious frame was impressive. His eyes were that of a strawberry, but pinker, which also matched his braided hair, and his silent kindness never went unnoticed by Dark Choco.
They spoke nearly the same language, silence, that is. Neither talked much, but out of the nearly week they’ve known each other, they spoke immensely through facial expressions. Dark Choco was marveled by his ability to be ruthless as a guard, but also a very caring man; he was also quite funny. A small, fluttering feeling churned in his stomach around the Hollyberrian guard.
“...Why are you here?” Choco spoke quietly, standing with flawless posture, hands clasped behind his royal cape. His ruby, red eye did not leave the stained glass window.
“...” Wildberry turned to face the prince, his eyes moving along the side of Choco’s face, and all around him. His hair was pulled back into a half-up-half-down style, with loose strains covering some parts of his face. Wildberry was able to note little scars and birthmarks all around his profile, small, raw features of the prince that made him human, and especially beautiful.
“I wanted to take a walk as well…” The guard finally answered, turning back to fixate on the window.
“Don’t be foolish, my father sent you, Knight?” Wildberry watched his lips curve into a small smile. Dark Choco reached his hand on the glass again, admiring what reminded him of his father.
“No, I offered, Prince.” Wildberry spoke in his usual deep tone, looking at Choco who turned in confusion.
“Truly?”
“Well, I would suppose he was thankful when I offered originally, but yes, on my own merit.”
“For what purpose, Knight?
“Hm.” Wildberry shrugged slightly, turning to gaze at another idyllic window opposite of them. “Queen Golden Cheese and the Consul were still arguing, so I was relieved to be able to leave. I also had noticed, from previous days, that being alone troubled you. I decided to kill two birds with one stone.”
Dark Choco rolled his eyes at his response and followed his gaze. Blush deepened his face as he lifted his hand near his cheek to feel the heat radiating off of it. He pursed his lips with shock. His eye fell on Wildberry, who, thank the heavens, did not notice his reaction. Coming to check on him on his own merit? How sweet…
“...You thought of me?” Dark Choco walked next to Wildberry’s side, looking at another Cacaoian inspired window. “If it were not you, Father would have come to find me soon, anyway…”
“Hm, of course I did. What reason do I have to not to? I have noticed your behavior…”
“ Ah , is it that noticeable?” Dark Choco sighed, crossing his arms now in front of him.
“Well, only if one paid close attention…”
“Mhn, watching me closely then, Good Knight?” Dark Choco stood in front of Wildberry, looking slightly up at him, his large frame and height made him bigger and taller than Dark Choco; the prince was particularly fond of that.
“...” Wildberry held his gaze, their eyes locked as they both aimed to read each other intently. “It is possible, you are the most interesting person in that room…”
The blush deepened happily with surprise on Dark Choco’s face, he broke eye contact with the knight. His shyness earned a small smile from Wildberry, who basked in his flirtatious victory.
“...Am I?” Dark Choco moved to another window, only looking at it briefly, something, or someone, far more interesting opposed him. Capturing the window's full beauty took some time, currently, he needed that focus elsewhere.
“I believe so.” Wildberry followed him, meeting his eye once more. “Your eyes are mesmerizing, I have enjoyed getting lost in them during those meetings…”
“Have you…?” A slight giggle came out of Choco’s mouth; it had been years since he truly flirted with someone, nonetheless, WIldberry made him bashful. “I do agree, I’d rather find anything to do than sit in there…makes me rather anxious…”
“I do not complain about many things, but I do not like when Queen Mother has to take me to meetings, of any sort…This is worse.” Wildberry crossed his arms and Choco laughed playfully at his comment. “You have made them immensely better.”
“Mhm, I supposed I have found myself staring in your… general direction…” Choco met his gaze again, stunned at himself for being able to play so koi. “You are a very attractive man…”
Dark Choco stepped cautiously closer to Wildberry, trying not to let his bizarre, anxiety-ridden mind better him. His tired eye followed Wildberry's curious one’s; the ones that traveled around his body respectfully but shamelessly at the same time. He felt his heart beat faster, anticipation ached in his chest, he hoped Wildberry felt the same.
“...Thank you, coming from someone as fair as yourself…You are very beautiful, Prince…” Wildberry felt the heat on his cheeks as Dark Choco's one eye pierced through him. The way he presented himself, spoke so eloquently, dressed, his actions, his beautiful face; what was there not to find alluring about the man in front of him?
“You are much larger up close…” Choco placed a nervous hand near Wildberry's wrist. The space between them has been decreasing as the two of them have been shifting closer slowly.
Wildberry moved his hand and gently took Dark Choco’s. His large, warm hand fought pleasantly with Choco’s cold one. Blush spread on their faces due to the sudden movement. The silence between them was comfortable, almost calming despite the fact that a heavy anticipation lingered in the air. Without thinking, Choco interlocked his fingers in Wildberry's hand.
“Prince…?” Wildberry finally spoke, he let his gauntlet gently drop to the floor to pull Dark Choco closer, his now free hand holding Choco’s waist. The prince gasped quietly at the action, biting his lip. Never expecting to be comfortable with bubbling feelings so quickly, Choco squeezed Wildberry's hand, reassuring himself.
“...Yes, Knight…?” Their faces were inches away; the stained glass window shone beautifully on them.
“...”
“Go on, Knight, speak… ” Choco’s voice quivered with nerves and anticipation. He spoke barely above a whisper.
“May I kiss you?”
“...” Dark Choco did not understand why he thought about it, he knew he absolutely wanted Wildberry to kiss him. Thoughts barreled his mind, he swallowed a lump in his throat. Was it too soon? Wildberry waited, anxiously, some of the same thoughts muttered in his own head; were those the wrong words to say? Was this moving too fast?
“... Yes, yes please…” Dark Choco mumbled, moving as close as he could to Wildberry. Instantly, without another word, their lips crashed tenderly. Their want was vocalized in the kiss they shared, it was soft but feverish. They broke the kiss to heavy breathing and nervous, blissful smiles.
They could not form words, but the smiles that invaded their faces that slowly grew bigger told everything. Wildberry held Dark Choco closer, holding him with the utmost care. Choco kissed the corner of his lips, never breaking eye contact. A playful smirk from Wildberry made Choco giggle, slightly giddy from their first kiss. Their lips met a second time.
“Good heavens! I sent you to watch him, not make-out in a corridor!” A boisterous, woman's voice frightened the two. They jumped with sudden fear. In the moment, neither of them could pinpoint the voice of the Hollyberrian Queen, and she was all smiles. “Ha! I don't think I've scared you so hard in ages, boy!”
“Mother…” Wildberry sighed, loosening his protective grip on Dark Choco, who also sighed in relief. “We were doing none of that…”
“Oh, no, you cannot lie to me, child. I was your age once, corridors were a hit!” Hollyberry laughed, and Wildberry sighed with embarrassment. Dark Cacao walked up next to the queen. Dark Choco’s heart dropped, he held onto Wildberry tighter. Wildberry grew quiet, staring at an unreadable Dark Cacao.
“...Father…” Dark Choco’s worried eye met Dark Cacao’s, he prayed to whomever would listen that he would not be in trouble, or that Wildberry would get in trouble.
“Oh, don’t scowl, Cao!” Hollyberry nudged him. “They’re just children…”
“I suppose you’re feeling better…?” Dark Cacao quipped gently, a rare, teasing tone invaded his voice. Choco blushed, and untensed hearing his teasing tone, taking a deep breath and smiling. “And you told me you would not fruit anything from his trip, hm?”
“Hush, Father…” Dark Choco rolled his eyes, he felt Wildberry loosen up again as well.
“When did you boys meet? Almost a week ago…? Tsk. ”
“...Yes, Sir…” Wildberry spoke normally, not wanting to mumble in front of the king, he heard Hollyberry snicker and shot her a look, which only made her laugh more.
“Ah, what are ya going to do, huh, Cao?” She winked at Wildberry, patting Dark Cacao's shoulder to usher him away. “Let's leave the boys now, hm? I’m sure they were busy~?”
“I still wanted a word, Holly-”
“Ah, you can get a word later!”
“Holly-”
“Mother…” This time, Wildberry rolled his eyes on the outside, as well as blushed and Hollyberry’s innuendo. Dark Choco also blushed, but laughed as Hollyberry dragged Dark Cacao away, who was defiant. Being alone once more, the two of them laughed together, holding each other close.
“I do not think I've heard you laugh, Knight…” Dark Choco, traced aimlessly on his handsome face, feeling the heat from him blushing. “You sound lovely…”
“...I have not heard you laugh, neither…You sound sweet, Prince…” A kiss engulfed them again, riding the high of the moment before. They broke it with more smiles, smiles that were rare from the both of them.