Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Watching from a high up window as the sun sets over the roofs of the castle.

Down below a crowd of people grew, each different members of the Royal family, gathering on the patio to watch the new play written for the court. As the light of the day began to dim, a few candles were lit, an eerie glow surrounding the base of the stage like a fog. The wood flooring of the platform creaked as people began to make their way on, each dressed for the specific roles they would play. From up in his bedroom, Nathaniel didn't have the best view, the plant vines which hung around the door partially blocked the view, but it was better than not seeing at all. He was able to take his canvas and paintbrush and continue working on a portrait, showcasing the beauty of the performance which he watched, with the sun fading in the back, the silhouettes of the audience contrasting from the vibrant coloured outfits of the actors.

A knock at the door startled the daydreaming artist. He quickly pushed his canvas aside, trying to make it not seem obvious he'd been painting when he should've been working on his studies.

“You know you're not meant to be drawing right now.” Sighed a pink haired, entering the room and looking up to the other.

“I know, I know. But look how perfect the play is!” He spoke, pausing, glad of all the people to enter it was his best friend. “Look how perfect he is.” He continued to mumble under his breath.

“I have no clue what the last thing you said was, but I just came to tell you that my dad wanted help deciding where to put some of the family portraits, specifically ones of you, so yeah you're doing that in the morning.” She said, giving a thumbs up awkwardly.

Nathaniel exhaled, exhausted from the long day, and the anticipation of many longer days to come looming not too far in front.

“Good to know. Thanks Alix.”

“Yeah you can go back to your day dreaming now about the plays, see you later.” She waved, before shutting the door.

Nathaniel put his face in his hands, falling backwards onto the cushioned bed, his hair circling where he lay. He knew he would never be able to see the plays in person, his mother would never let him, but at least he had the balcony. The play writer would occasionally wave to him from down in the courtyard, his green eyes reflecting the light, his warm smile welcoming a sense of familiarity with him. They had never once spoken but he would do anything to meet the person who made his life just that small bit better with the shows he produced, an escape from Royal life, a way to forget everything which banged about inside his head.

He wrapped himself up in the blankets, his head resting on the pillows, his body surrounded by silk and woolen fabrics, made to embody the bedroom as another expensive work of art.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Morning soon came, the sun rising and casting a golden glow through the open window onto the Prince's bed. Nathaniel, not wanting to wake up, quickly covered his face and eyes with cushions, blocking any seeping light from interrupting his beauty rest. After a few moments of unsuccessful attempts to return to the slumber he had previously been in, he pushed himself up, tidying his messy hair, and heading down the corridor to the dining room.

The vast hall was usually empty, its hollow walls and ceiling echoing the sounds of a single voice. He sat down at the end of the large banquet table, began picking at the food on his plate, not feeling the appetite to try to eat, before heading out the room to find Mr Kubdel.

“Morning Mr Kurtzberg,” the man smiled upon seeing him.

“Good morning,” he returned, “Alix said you needed help with something?”

“Ah yes, do you think your parents would appreciate it more if there were two paintings on the wall of you, or one in the centre. The wall is rather large.”

Nathaniel didn't like seeing a fake image of himself plastered around the castle. The one of a prince trying to fit in with normal social behavior. He couldn't just tell the man neither, that would be considered “rude” or “unfit of royalty,” according to his mother.

“The one in the centre would be just fine.” He suggested, pointing to one of the paintings which lay on the ground.

“Good good, do you think you could help me put it up? I hate asking but I don't seem to know where Alix has gone.”

He nodded, picking up a corner of the frame and climbing up the ladders to raise the canvas onto the wall. The adjustments were corrected a few times before Mr Kubdel decided that it looked okay where it was.

As he was heading down the wooden rungs of the steps, he lost footing, falling backwards, taking his entire body with him as he plummeted to the floor. The fabrics of his clothes trailed behind him as he fell many metres down from the interior castle walls.

Instead of reaching the painful end he had expected, he landed softly in the arms of someone.

“Hey, careful there.” Spoke a soft voice, as he rested Nathaniel back down into the ground.

It was the play writer. He was so much more beautiful up close, the prince didn't know how to respond.

“Thank you.” Was all he managed to say, smiling.

“Anytime!” Smiled the boy, waving and heading off where he was originally going.

“Wait!” He called, taking his hand. “Uh…” He hesitated, not having thought out what to actually say. “Want to maybe go into the gardens some time? As a thank you?” He spurted out quickly.

The dark haired giggled, bowing slightly. “Of course! How about I see you by the back doors after lunch?” He suggested.

Nathaniel nodded, delighted he had finally been able to talk to the person he had been waiting to meet all these months. “See you there!” He beamed.

Chapter Text

“Nice to see you again!” Beamed the writer, seeing the approaching prince, making his way down the echoing corridor.

Nath returned the smile. “I realised I never asked your name?” He asked.

“Marc! Pleasure!” He spoke. “I already know your name, Nathaniel right?”

He nodded. From there he decided to take his new found friend’s hand and guide them out the back door and into the castle gardens. The plains stretched for achers, flowers trees and ponds embodying every corner.

“Where would you like to go firs-” Began the red haired, but turning around to see that the play writer was holding out a small bouquet of daisies he had collected from the hedge rows.

Nathaniel's cheeks began to shift to a hue of pink, hiding this adoration under his front bangs.

“Thank you!” He stuttered, gratefully, taking the flowers.

“Wait!” paused the dark haired, taking one of the flowers and carefully weaving it into the other's hair. “There!” He grinned.

Nath giggled, once again taking his hand and running off free into the fields. The two followed the path down and around the outskirts of a small forest and towards a pond, filled with small koi fish, the crystal-like water reflecting orange scales back as if gems. The next few hours which passed were peaceful,the leaves rustling quietly overhead, the occasional bird chirping in the distance. It was nice for the prince to be away from the stuffy castle. He wasn't greatly allowed outside without supervision, but he had Marc. That was all he needed.

The artist pulled out a small notebook from his pocket, retrieving a pen with it, beginning a small sketch while looking into the distance.

“So you draw?” He asked, gesturing his head towards the paper.

The other turned away, too embarrassed to show the small doodles he had done of Marc previously, when he was performing in his plays. His cheeks once again began changing a slight tint of pink.

Nathaniel stuck out his tongue, not wanting to admit to being scared of showing his work.

They sat and talked for hours, the water bubbles quietly rocking in the background. The sun passed overhead and soon the sun began setting, the blue sky soon vibrant with all the colours.

Nath's sketchbook was quickly filled with drawings of the environment around him, as well as a secret few of his friend. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon, nothing interrupting, just peace, being able to be himself finally.

“You should come watch my play tonight!” Suggested the writer, standing up, realising that it was coming close to show time.

“But, but my mum would never allow it.” The prince hushed, rubbing his arm up and down, looking at the tufts of grass on the ground.

“She doesn't have to know, I'll sneak you behind the curtains, and I can take you back into the castle after. That way you won't have to be spying on me from your window.”

For the third time Nathaniel's face burned a bright pink, the other giggling at his reaction.

“It's cute, don't worry.” The dark haired reassured.

The royal was led back through the garden and into the courtyard, guiding Nath to a small bench out of view from where his mother usually is.

The play soon started, the candle lights dimming, the moon highlighting Marc's shining face on the stage as he welcomed everyone for the night. The prince watched in awe, each soliloquy, each speech, each action, each word which came from the writer filled him with joy, his eyes lighting up, beaming in awe. It was beautiful. Everything was perfect.

Hours passed, and applause erupted from the audience, everyone elevated on their feet, the cast bowing, Marc being centre stage of it all.

“So, what did you think?” Asked the writer, as he stepped down off the stage, towards Nath.

“It was… incredible.” He paused, not wanting to admit that he was completely in a trance with how well everything was composed.

“Come on, let me get you back up to the castle corridors,” he smiled.

As Marc and Nathaniel ran out and around, behind a few pillars someone was watching. The bright red hair of your son is hard to miss, especially when they're running in the opposite direction to the rest of the crowd. Isn't it?

Chapter Text

A knock was heard from the door of the young prince. Before he could answer with a simple “come in,” a tall, regal, woman burst through the door, standing tall, her arms crossed, looking down at the smaller person who sat on the carpet, reading a book.

“Nathaniel Kurtzberg, what were you doing yesterday afternoon.” Spoke a strict voice, echoing across the rooms.

The boy stayed silent for a few moments, panic quickly rising. “I, I was in the garden for the early afternoon reading a book, before, before I came back to my room.” He stuttered nervously.

“I saw you in the courtyard after the play.” She said bluntly, maintaining eye contact with her son. “You cannot get distracted by this nonsense Nathaniel. You have your duties. You can't be off running around.”

He looked down meekly at his feet, his fingers fidgeting with the pages he was holding. “No mother.” He finally said.

“Good. Now you'll be having fencing practice later. Make sure to be there.”

As the woman left the room, shutting the door firmly in the process, Nath slumped back, looking up at the ornately decorated ceiling.

A small tap on the window awakened him from his thoughts, turning his head to see Marc peering round the door, on his balcony.

“What are you doing here?!” He mouthed, adjusting his hair so it wasn't a complete mess.

The boy just stared at him, his face lit up gently by the sun above, his smile making Nathaniel feel at ease again.

The red haired sighed, pushing himself off the ground and going to unlock the door.

“Hi there,” he spoke, offering the writer a hand as he entered the room. “Mind telling me why you're here now?” He joked, lightheartedly.

“I wanted to see you again,” he shrugged, taking off his boots, making sure he didn't trail any mud onto the carpets.

The prince pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head, before looking up at his friend.

“I'm sorry your mum noticed us last night,” he said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his leg with his foot.

“It's not your fault,” the other reassured, taking his hand, guiding him to a sofa, making sure to path a way past the many art supplies scattered across the floor. As they sat down, Marc leaned back and pulled a small leather bound note book, flicking to about half way through, the crinkled pages shuffling past his fingers.

“I was wondering if you could give me some opinions. On a new play idea? I had it this morning.”

He nodded, intrigued to hear what new wonderful idea had emerged and had started to form and grow inside his head.

“So I was thinking that there could be two jesters who live in a fantasy world where they have super powers. However such magic has been banned amongst the people of the castle they live in. As well they fight together to get rid of the bad people. Like a good versus evil thing. Something like that it's still a rough idea.”

Nath's eyes lit up. His idea sounded so magical, like something completely different, as if it's nothing he has heard before.

“I just don't know what their powers would be. Or what they would look like. I want them to be similar, but also different?” He sighed.

A moment of silence followed before the prince interrupted it with a proposition, “can I suggest something?”

Marc passed over the notebook and he started sketching down a few ideas. On one side of a double page he sketched a half black half white outfit, labeling it with the power to reverse anything. On the other he drew another plain outfit, still black and white striped, but with hints of colour splotches he had doodles using a few loose lying coloured pencils, writing that his power was to be able to draw and create anything.

“Oh this is perfect!” Remarked the writer, eyes shining bright like the sun, watching his friend draw. “Would you… Would you be willing to play the other hero with me?”

Nathaniel remained quiet. The play writer he had admired for so long was asking him to be in the play! Let alone one of the lead roles!

“My mum wouldn't let me…” He finally said, disappointed, looking downwards to the fook.

“If we give you a mask she will never know. We'll probably have to do something about your hair as well, bright ginger is rather recognizable.” He joked.

“I’ll do it then!” He decided, overjoyed.

“Obviously it'll take a while to write, but give me a few months and I can get it done. I'll ask Marinette to design the outfits, I assume she'll already have your measurements?”

Nathaniel nodded, a smile spreading across his face, the same beam making its way to Marc.

“Now you need to get to your fencing before you're late,” he spoke again, standing up, helping the prince to his feet.

“See you later?” Asked the artist, hopefully looking up.

“See you soon my prince.”

Chapter Text

Nathaniel sighed as he pushed open the doors to his fencing lesson. Two of his other classmates Kagami and Adrien were waiting there for him, gear on, sword in hand.

“We will be practicing defense today,” boldly stated Mr D'Argencourt, standing stiff.

The prince sighed, clipping back his hair with a slide, raising his blade, ready to practice.

Nath didn't want to be here at all. His mind was in another place, thinking about his time with Marc, about the afternoon and morning they had spent together, the way his smile filled up the whole room, how his voice sang more than any bird. He was a writer. No. He was the most beautiful poet. How had the boy with such bad luck managed to get such an incredible friend.

Friend is a funny word, but did it really describe how he truly felt about him.
He was being silly, he liked girls, that's how it should be. That's how his mother told him it should be.

“Nathaniel, pay attention!” Yelled the teacher, waving his arms around like a jellyfish on land.

“Yes. Yes sorry sir.” He stammered awkwardly, standing up, not realising he had been laying on the ground in a defeated heap for the last few minutes.

Once a painful hour of trying to not drift into other thoughts was over, it was finally announced that they could go back to everyday activities. Finally.

“So. What's up with you?” Asked Kagami, not showing any thought, looking up sternly.

“Wh, what do you mean?” Blabbered Nathaniel.

“You usually are terrible at this. But you were worse than normal.”

The prince laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head, loosening the hair clip, his hair falling back to its normal messy state.

As the exit door was pushed open Marc stood there, once again scribbling a few notes into his book, a smile spreading across his face when he saw Nath walk out.

“I waited for you!” He beamed, “I mean not in a creepy way or anything, just. Oh I'm bad at this. Want to go into the garden again?” Fumbled the boy.

Nathaniel laughed, achieving a disappointed expression from Kagami and a confused look from Adrien.

“Yeah, I'd love to!”

“Let me just,” began Marc, walking towards the other and raising his hand and putting the hair clip back into the ginger locks. “There!”

“Thanks!” Beamed the artist.

“Come! We can ride off into the sunset, like a princess and a knight, have a picnic under the stars, and spend time together!” He said, with a slight dramatic tone, spinning round as if he was in a lovely dream.

“I would be delighted to do that with you.” Returned the Prince as they headed off down the corridor.

“We just can't let the evil witch see us.” Joked the writer.

“Of course, of course. I'm just a humble princess who needs saving.” He giggled in response.

“Off we go into the fields then?”

“Together.”

Chapter Text

This was hopeless. Marc had spent the last 3 weeks trying to write this script. At this point he had completely rewritten the plot, having the now dubbed Reverser be the hero and Evillistrator be the villain. He hoped Nathaniel wouldn't mind, he didn't want to change the plot so drastically and not tell him.

He felt that having an evil person come over to the good side would be much more interesting, and would be more coherent for a plot line.

The one part he was struggling with, was the ending. The writer knew that Evillistrator would come onto the good side, joining Reverser in his mission to free the world of evil, but it didn't feel complete. He wanted the two new found partners to fall in love.

But would that make Nath uncomfortable? Maybe if he did it subtly he wouldn't notice. Maybe it was just Marc realising he was quickly falling in love with the prince.

He could never love the artist though. His status was much too low, Nathaniel had to marry someone of royalty, let alone someone of the same gender. Expectations or something he assumed.

The writer sighed, pushing his day dreams to the side, pinning a few more notes up onto his wall, looking distantly at the ever growing spiderweb of ideas on the play. He didn't think he could manage any more today, probably getting some fresh air outside would help clear his head.

Marc strode his way down to the courtyard, sitting under an arch of roses on a particularly cold marble bench, opening up his notebook and staring at it hopelessly, despite having said he wouldn't try to add any more.

“Marc!” He heard someone call in the distance, it was Nathaniel!

The way this prince could make anything seem like a ray of sunshine, even on the darkest days was a miracle to the writer. Despite his shy demeanor around other members who lived in the castle, Nath was full of energy around him, not afraid to show his true personality. He was glad the artist felt comfortable around him.

“You working on the play?” The red haired asked, peering over at the notebook, only to realize it was a blank double page.

“Trying and struggling,” laughed Marc, half heartedly.

“Can I hear what you have so far?”

“Ive changed the plot quite a lot, I hope you don't mind. I've also given them names, Reverser and Evillistrator. Originally they were both heroes but I decided to make Evillistrator a villain. And once they have their whole discussion of ‘oh why are you being so evil’ et cetera et cetera, Evillistrator joins the good side as Mightillustrator. It just… Doesn't feel finished.” He blabbered, after pausing for a few moments.

Nath hesitated for a while, processing everything which had been said.

“It's stupid I k-”

“They could fall in love?” Interrupted the prince.

Marc blinked. How had they both had the same idea? One he was too scared to admit, but would fit so well for the plot.

“Sorry, you don't have to…” He stammered.

“No, no I think that's a great idea!”

“You think?”

“Entirely! Thank you so much Nath!” He beamed.

The prince shone in response, glad that his ideas could finally be of use. He proceeded to wrap his arms around the other in a hug, grabbing tight and not letting go.

“Thank you.” Smiled Nathaniel.

Chapter Text

“So I basically am meant to be trying to hurt someone I don't like?” Nathaniel attempted to clear up.

“And I should be protecting that same person, even if they are a bit of a brat.” Marc giggled.

“Got it!” Announced Nath, once again reading the first few passages of the script and carefully tossing it to the side.

Nathaniel cleared his throat before beginning to recite his lines. Doing an ‘evil villain monologue’ as the writer described it.

“That was incredible!” Smiled the dark haired, pausing to take in everything which was said. “Can I make a few suggestions?”

Nath nodded as the taller walked towards him, slightly raising his head and moving his arms from awkwardly dangling at his sides. “Do you think you could try again like this?”

He once again read out his speech, his voice ringing like a cello around the bedroom. This performance caused the writer to beam in delight.

A small knock was soon heard on the door of the room, a few more minutes into practicing, the repeated taps echoing from the wood to the walls.

“Who is it?” Asked Nathaniel, turning his head.

“It's Marinette!” The girl announced.

“Come in then!”

She stumbled in holding many different fabrics, sewing materials and outfits, piled high, causing her to stumble over and land on the floor as she entered the door.

“Want a hand?” Laughed Marc in a friendly manner, offering her aid to get up off the ground.

“Thanks,” Mari awkwardly replied. “Do you mind trying these on?” She asked after a few moments, passing over two garments to the duo, brushing herself down from the dust on the ground.

Marc went into the bathroom and Nath to the walk-in wardrobe. Minutes later they both emerged in perfectly fitting garments, each flowing and trailing behind them.

The prince’s had a black and white striped shirt with puffed shoulders, red ruffles ran along the top and bottom, with a small magenta trail at the bottom of the sleeves and below the flounce. He only had simple black trousers with pink diamonds on the knees, with more black and white striped socks and similar mauve heels, (which Nath was struggling to walk in.) They also had a black masquerade mask which was carefully balanced on their face.

The writer was wearing a black and white corset, but split down the middle, a similar hood over their hair and likewise split trousers with black boots and white gloves. The sleeves of their shirt was also flounced, like his usual outfit, with the same colours as the rest of what he was wearing. The clothing was much simpler compared to Nathaniel's, but was still striking compared to the muted colours of the room the two were in.

“Oh they both fit perfectly!” Beamed Marinette, guiding the two to turn around where they stood.

Marc looked at Nathaniel. He looked so beautiful, his bright hair stood out perfectly from the outfit, his blue eyes shining like gems.

Nathaniel looked at Marc. His smile filling the room, his eyes reflecting the light from the sun, his outfit contrasting the costume he wore.

Nath quickly eyed something else in the pile of Marinette's supplies. “Is that a dress?”

She nodded, holding up a flowing lavender and white dress, lace and fabric flowing like water at the skirt.

“Can I… Can I try it on?”

“Course!”

Nathaniel once again returned to the closet, emerging a few minutes later with a stunning gown, trailing around him like a river. The writer looked in awe. How could this prince have gotten any more beautiful? Each sequin, each small piece of glitter shone like a star, around him, embodying him in a halo of constellations.

“MARC!” Yelled Marinette, suddenly knocking the boy from his trance.

“Wh, huh, yes huh, I'm Marc?” He stumbled.

“We have been asking you for the last two minutes if you think that Nath looks pretty in the dress.”

Marc blushed, feeling awkward that he had been completely out of it, “it's stunning!” He beamed, pausing“come here for a second?”

The prince carefully walked towards his friend, taking the others hand. The writer slowly spun Nath around, the dress spinning like a snow cloud, the two dancing in the centre of the carpet.

“Princess?” Marc asked, cautiously.

“Princess!” Returned Nathaniel.

Chapter Text

The time for the play had come, Nathaniel and Marc were ready. They had been practicing months together for this. Nath was scared, he had never done something like this before, but with the writer's help he knew he had the confidence to perform. He had managed to get temporary hair dye from Marinette, his hair now a light pink at the top. The girl had said it would come off easily after one wash.

“It’s time,” smiled Marc.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The candlelight shone an eerie glow on the illustrator’s face as he made his way onto the stage.

“The time has come,” he began, moving his gaze slowly from his feet to another actor to his right, “you will finally pay for the damage you have caused. To everyone, to all the people in this castle. You think I'm the villain, but I am just standing up for justice!”

The other person sat on the floor, hands held together in terror, looking up in fear at Evillistrator who was now slowly walking towards her. On his arm was a small slate like object, which using his pen he clutched in his other palm he drew a square. Someone who was managing behind the stage directions quickly lowered a glass box on top of the girl, who was still dramatically wailing like an orca.

“Oh please, you needn’t have any reason to cry, for simply you are the one making the lives of civilians worse, mocking and taunting them every day. I’m just doing you a favour and allowing you to spend the last few days of your miserable life away from everyone you have made suffer.”

“Stop right there!” Called someone else, walking onto stage, black and white garments shining against the candle light.

“And who do you think you are?” Retaliated Evi.

“I am Reverser! I am here to free this poor civilian!”

“Poor?! You think this is funny, she's hurt so many people, and you’re just going to protect her?!”

“Save me!” Cried the blonde haired.

Reverser pushed passed the illustrator, lifting the box from the girl and pushing her offstage to freedom.

“Why did you do that! I was helping us all!” Wailed the illustrator, beginning to draw something on their arm again.

While they were doing that, the black and white jester pulled out a paper plane from his pocket, throwing it at the other. “You were once drawing and talking all day, now please stay in silence!” They called.

They stopped midsketch, dropping their pencil to the floor, the echo ringing across the courtyard.

“Please listen to me,” hushed Rev, walking carefully towards the once evil illustrator. “You don’t need to do this, join us, protecting the good of civilization. I know she isn’t the greatest but think before you act, you are just turning into the person you hate.”

They turned, unable to speak due to the person's power, feeling helpless and small against everything. They reciprocated walking towards the other, bowing, an apologetic smile on their face.

“If I give you your ability to speak and draw back, do you promise to use your power for good?”

A nod was returned, holding each other's hand in promise. Rev clicked their finger and the voice was quickly returned to their new found friend.

“I’m sorry,” they said meekly, holding the other near.

Breaking away from the play it was at that moment that Nathaniel realised how close he was to Marc. Of course they had done this many times in practice, but now felt different. The moonlight and stars overhead were reflecting like dewdrops over the boy's head. Nath blushed, not listening to what the writer was saying. Even though it was just a play they were acting in, the love between them felt so real. No, the prince was being silly again. He pushed the thought out of his head.

“Who will you dub yourself as now?” Reverser continued, pulling the artist even closer.

“I will now be…” He paused, picking up his loose pencil, “The Mightillistrator, protecting the castle and village, with you by my side!”

“Always and forever.”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The play was over… Nathaniel wished it could've lasted forever. Maybe. Maybe it wasn't so wrong to love the play writer?

Chapter Text

“Oh yesterday was so magical!” Exclaimed Nathaniel, spinning between the wildflowers growing in the meadow, “and you do that all the time! I'm so jealous.”

Marc giggled at his enthusiasm. “Guess you'll just have to join me in more plays then!”

Nath beamed. Joining the writer in the afternoon plays made up for his dull life. The boring aspect had been slightly removed after meeting his new friend, finally having someone other than Alix, who was constantly busy, to spend passing hours with.

“Im annoyed still we had to slightly change the ending,” spoke the prince, sticking his tongue out, “but my mum really doesn't like people of the same gender falling in love. Your idea to make it more ambiguous was great!”

“I'm glad you liked how I changed it!” Smiled the writer, as he picked up a few flowers and started weaving them between his fingers.

Nath watched in confusion, but quickly realized that his friend was making a flower crown, adorned with many small daisies, dandelions and poppies.

“Here!” Beamed Marc, placing the new adornment onto his head, adjusting the ginger curls so they fell carefully over each petal of the flower.

“Oh it's so pretty!” Returned Nathaniel, falling backwards gracefully into a patch of pink, purple and blue plants.

The other sat down with him, adjusting his raven coloured bangs out of his eyes, and looking over to his friend, who was staring up at the clouds in the sky.

“Perfect, isn't it?” Spoke the artist quietly.

“It really is,” he nodded in agreement.

“Nath!” Called a voice, not too far away, after a few minutes of the duo sitting in silence.

The two turned their heads to see the familiar coral haired friend quickly approaching their location.

“Alix!” Beamed Nathaniel, waving his arm back and forth, “wait how did you find us?”

“Luck, guessing and time.” She shrugged, joining them on the floral ground.

“Don't have to stare at him through your window now, do you?” Whispered the girl into the prince's ear, turning him a bright shade of magenta.

“Alix, I will throw you off my balcony, shush.” Teased Nath, aggressively staring back at her.

“What did she just say?” The writer asked, laughing in confusion.

“Nothing!” The artist quickly, and all too loudly, blurted out.

“I was just saying how N-” Began the pink haired, before their mouth was quickly covered by the ginger's hand, with a disapproving glare. “Whaaaat, I wasn't going to say anything.” Joked Alix, moving the hand to the side.

“I feel like I missed something,” added the writer, glancing over at the two now bickering with each other.

“Dont worry about it!” Nath stumbled, once more pushing the girl into the flowers.

“Rude,” she laughed, punching him lightly in the arm.

Chapter Text

A few more months had passed, the warm summer air had shifted into a cool autumn breeze. Marc was by the lake at the back of the castle, skimming loose stones, waiting for any ideas to come to his head. The wind which rolled off the top of the water blew his hair over his face, limiting his vision, making it difficult to see anything which wasn’t directly infront.

“Marc Anciel.” A stern voice spoke, followed by footsteps.

The boy stood in shock, very few people called him by his full name. Alix when she was joking, the king and…

“I need to talk to you.” She finished.

The queen.

“You’re majesty!” He blabbled, stumbling to turn around, attempting to bow to the royalty. “What do you wish to speak about?”

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed you spending time with my son.”

The writer tensed up, fingers now fidgeting with the strings of his gloves.

“What about it?” He stammered.

The royalty sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“What’s your relation with him?”

“He’s just a friend…” He said, looking slightly disappointed.

Soon the king ran up, looking rather worried at what his wife was doing, his rather stiff hair not moving at all in the gusts which billowed around the body of water.

“Darling come on, let's not intimidate the poor boy.” He kneeled down in front of Marc. “Hey sweetie, what do you think of Nathaniel?”

The writer paused. “I like him… I like him as more than a friend.” He admitted quietly.

The man smiled, standing up straight and resting a reassuring hand on the dark haired’s shoulder.

“We accept that. Right love?” Asked Aton, turning his head to the disgruntled looking queen.

She paused. A long painful silence. Not even the birds dared to tear a rip in the brittle quiet.

“If it makes Nathaniel happy…” She sighed, crossing her arms across her chest.

The writer beamed. Did he just get told that he can ask the prince out? Nath’s bitch of a mum just said he can?! Please say he wasn’t dreaming, that he had fallen asleep while writing about the one he wanted to love so dearly.

“Go on… You can go tell him,” continued the King, “he should have just finished his horse riding lessons. You know where that is, right?”

The playwright nodded up and down, bounding his hair as he did so, starting to run off in the direction of the stables, notebook clutched in hand.

“Thank you.” He finished, continuing along down the path.

“Good luck!” The man called back to him.

He could do this. Hopefully the artist wouldn’t say no.

Chapter Text

“Nath!” Yelled Marc, sprinting down the path, dodging past people walking by and tree roots which protruded out the ground.

“You okay?” Asked the prince, turning his head towards the writer who was running at full speed towards him.

“Hi yes, I just uh…” he quickly realised he did not have a plan. Guess he was going to do this from nothing.

Nathaniel looked at him confused, seeing his hands fidgeting with his jacket sleeves. Carefully he took his palm and caressed his fingers across it. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

Marc smiled.

At first he mumbled something, Nath giggling in adoration because he couldn't hear what was being said. “I didn't quite understand, can you say it again?”

“Will you be my partner… Please?”

Marc turned pink from shyness and embarrassment.

Nathaniel turned the same red as his hair, love and joy filling his heart.

“Wh, you're asking me?!” He spoke shocked.

“I know it's stupid y-”

“Yes Marc!” He interrupted, wrapping his arms around the other in a hug.

The writer relaxed, relief and warmth flooding him.

“Im so glad,” he laughed, falling into the embrace.

“Can I do something stupid?” The prince asked, looking at the other after a long pause of calm silence.

He nodded.

Nath pulled him closer, gently pressing a kiss on his lips.

They stayed like that for what felt like forever, the flowers surrounding them, the trees casting a dappled light overhead.

When they pulled away from each other, they still held one another at the hand, not wanting for this moment to pass.

“I love you so much Nathaniel Kurtzberg.”

“I love you too Marc Anciel.”

Chapter Text

I once fell into your arms

As we travelled through garden paths

And soon we wrote a play

With distractions along the way

However I continued to fall for you

And as time went on

I realised I was in love

The stars above will guide me

With my ever growing heart

Who will be the one to tell this sweet boy

That he's the one I love

“Oh that was beautiful,” smiled Marc after listening to the kind words his boyfriend read about him. 

“Well we had poetry in literature class and I didn't know what to write about, so I decided to write about you and I ended up with this and I don't know if it's very good, it's my first time writing anything, usually you write,” Nathaniel spoke rapidly. 

The writer started giggling, blushing a light shade of pink, admiring the words of his love. 

“I'm rambling again, aren’t I?” Sighed Nath. 

“It's cute,” he smiled in response. 

The two paused for a while, leaning back into the fields of daisies surrounding them, looking up to the cotton clouds above. 

“Wanna hear a new play idea I had?” Asked Marc, looking over. 

The prince nodded.

“It's about to heros. Ones a goat, ones a rooster. Based on our favourite animals! The rooster hero can write any super power and it becomes true. The goat hero can draw any object and it comes to life. I haven't got much more than that but character concepts is always a good place to start. I think I'd want the rooster hero to be called Rooster Bold.”

“The goat one could be called CapriKid? Like the star constellation. You know?”

“Oh that's perfect.”

A warm quiet filled the air again. 

Nath held his hand up to the sky, drawing out what he was explaining with his finger. “The goat hero would have fluffy ginger hair with bangs covering his eye. Blue eyes obviously. Goat horns and a black and white costume with a giant paintbrush! Oh I'd love a giant paintbrush.”

The writer thought for a moment. 

“What about hm… the hair on his head could be like a dark blue, but he has a red mohawk, like the head of a rooster! He has a gold, red and blue costume with a dark blue jacket which resembles feathers. Oh and of course he'd have a quill.”

“Better start writing,” the prince giggled.

“For you I will,” he smiled. 

“Are you sure my mum is okay… With us?” Nathaniel asked hesitantly. 

“She told me herself. Don’t worry yourself my dear,” Marc reassured while picking up a few flowers. “Here, let me make you a better crown than the one you already have.”

He wrapped a few stems around each other until they formed into a circle, each leaf and petal balancing each other gracefully. 

“There!” He beamed, placing the new crown on the princes’ head. “You're like a princess now!”

“I'm the most beautiful princess,” he grinned, swaying his arms dramatically.

“Take my hand?” Offered Marc, standing up and moving his palm towards the royal. 

Nathaniel took it and was quickly swept off his feet into his partner's arms. The artist pouted, crossing his arms, his bangs falling limply over his face, sticking his tongue out. 

“I can walk perfectly well,” he sulked. 

“I know but you're a princess therefore I must carry you,” he giggled lovingly, placing a kiss on his forehead. “Come, let me carry you through the meadow!”

Nathaniel sighed, resting into the hold of the other, placing his head against the crook of his boyfriend's neck, using the momentum of the walking to allow him to close his eyes. 

“Sleep well princess,”

“I'm not going to sleep yet, I'm just enjoying being with you.”

“Well then have a lovely journey my dear.”

Canon Design Of Royal AU Nathaniel Kurtzberg