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When he was young, Prince Koushi of Karasuno had first met Daichi, bright-eyed and determined. Ukai, head of their defense, had seen him playing with a wooden sword, hitting what was a young Tetsurou in the village. According to the old man’s retelling of the day, Ukai had gone up to both of them and provided them each with a letter with the royal seal, requesting to have them as prodigies trained under his wing.
The prince would watch from the large window in his bedroom, staring as Daichi grew less clumsy and more confident, stronger, and maybe a little bit handsome. Instead of doing his work memorizing the history of their allied kingdoms (really, why would he have to know all that?), he much preferred to sigh dreamily and admire that tanned skin, strong jawline, and impressive physique from afar.
He grew more and more into the Daichi he saw before him, and he was Daichi enough back when he had been assigned to work with Koushi that the prince freaked out internally when they were introduced. He’d spoken with countless important figures, with dukes and earls and lords, but talking with one comely boy made his nerves skyrocket. He remembered how warm and enveloping Daichi’s laugh had been when he introduced himself as “Prince Kugawara Soushi,” then blushing as the other went to bow deeply to show his loyalty.
He memorized the timbre of the boy’s voice when they first met face-to-face, his deep brown eyes and how gentle he was when he kissed Koushi’s hand. Koushi was in serious trouble having something as trivial as an infatuation, but as much as he tried to bury it, nothing worked.
As his personal knight, Daichi had begun to spend all his hours at Koushi’s side, wielding a baldric with a large metal sword across his broad chest that reminded Koushi just how safe he was. Well, how safe he was because of how dangerous Daichi was.
They’d spent years together, never being far apart. When Koushi had a speech to make at a gala, Daichi would stand by his side, watching him with pride after witnessing all the practice he’d put into it. When Daichi had to train, Koushi would opt to bring his studies outside with him, sitting on the edge of the training grounds as he admired Daichi fighting with Tetsurou.
Once, he could’ve sworn he’d overheard Tetsurou mumble something towards his knight, something like, “Daichi, your prince is watching, you gotta try harder to seduce him,” but the head knight had been cut off with a jab to the stomach. Koushi spent that night staring at his ceiling, wondering if what he heard was true, as Daichi kept watch right outside his door.
As the comments from Tetsurou continued, and the time they spent together grew, Koushi decided to make a decision. One night—exactly five months, fourteen nights, and eight hours ago—Koushi had finished readying himself for bed, but decided to break his normal routine of simply bidding Daichi a good night before retiring into his room. That night, those months and nights and hours ago, Koushi walked into the hall, took a breath, and met his knight’s eyes.
“I have something to ask you, Daichi.”
The knight swallowed, brown eyes questioning. “Yes, your majesty?”
Koushi sighed. “Daichi, you know you don’t need to call me that.”
“Yes, Prince Koushi?”
The prince glared at him. “Daichi.”
Daichi swallowed, looking down at his boots for a moment before meeting Koushi’s hazel eyes once more, nerves increasing the longer he looked. “Yes, Koushi?”
The prince smiled, a genuine, kind one. The butterflies in his stomach were bouncing all around, the fluttering feeling spreading to his fingertips and toes. Very few people called him who he really was, just Koushi , but Daichi was special. He’d always been special. Nonetheless, hearing his given name on the knight’s tongue made him smitten.
“Thank you,” he said, stepping nearer. They were close now, closer to each other than they’d ever seen before, and Koushi reveled in getting to see the blush appear on Daichi’s face from such a view. He watched Daichi's Adam’s apple as he swallowed, eyes flitting from his neck to his eyes to his cheeks to his lips.
“What do you think about me, Daichi?”
Good lord . Seeing Daichi from this close, how his shoulders tensed and his eyes widened and his breath caught in his throat. Here he was, an incredibly well-trained knight, skilled beyond belief, nervous just because of Koushi. He could face an army, but couldn’t face his prince of a best friend. It certainly fed his ego.
“Uhm, well, uh,” Daichi cleared his throat, and Koushi could practically see the gears turning in his head. “I think you’re very intelligent.”
Koushi looked at him incredulously. Truthfully, it was sweet to hear that from him, but he knew there were other things. “Just intelligent?”
“And… and kind. Dedicated. You’re very charismatic.”
The more Daichi spoke, the closer Koushi moved towards him, and now they were only a short breadth apart. He could practically feel the nervousness radiating off the other, off of the reliable Knight Sawamura, known for his strategicness and rationality.
“Well, Daichi,” Koushi started, hand blindly reaching down to wrap around Daichi’s wrist. “I think that you’re just as amazing.”
Daichi blinked. “You do?”
“Mhm,” he hummed, thumb smoothing tanned skin. “I know you may not be the most perceptive, but I do.”
His brows furrowed. “I’m perceptive,” he huffed.
Koushi’s eyes glinted, feeling much more sly than he ever anticipated. “Tetsurou wants you to seduce me.”
“Wha- No, what? Koushi, uhm, what,” Daichi stammered, blush increasing tenfold as Koushi broke out in a grin, being unable to hold his laugh as his knight got more and more flushed. “You really have no idea what you’re- I mean, how ridiculous, right? Ha ha, yup, so ridiculous.”
“See? I’m perceptive. I perceived that. Also, you were never subtle, really.” Koushi felt more and more smug once Daichi ceased his stumbling words, now choosing to be resolutely silent in his embarrassment. He looked down at the castle ground, flush growing to his ears, and Koushi felt more and more enamored. He let go of his wrist, instead moving to cup the other’s jaw, skin warm beneath his hand. He tilted Daichi’s chin up, just to meet his view, and his smile grew wider as the brunette looked in his eyes.
“If it makes you feel better, you did a very good job.”
Koushi watched as the tension melted from his shoulders, watching fondly as the other sighed, moving his hand to layer atop of his own. The blush was still prevalent on his cheeks, and he loved watching the knight’s embarrassment diminish, exasperation coming through. “Was that your plan? Telling me that I’m successful at seducing?”
The prince smirked. “It is a very fine art, Daichi. You should be proud.”
Daichi shook his head, his look equally as frustrated as it was endearing. “I do wonder where all your training in manners and presentability went.”
Koushi shrugged. “You should be grateful that I’m this way. If I was any stricter, we would never do this.” He used that as an opportunity to move his other hand from his spot at his side to resting on Daichi’s waist, his playful smile becoming softer. His eyebrows raised in question, and when he saw the slightest nod that Daichi gave, he took the final step he needed to.
Their lips touched in the middle of that hallway, in the middle of the night, and Koushi would never have had it any other way.
Except, of course, he would have wished he had the oversight to plan his outing more carefully.
“Koushi.”
“Yes, Daichi?”
“That is the worst disguise I’ve ever seen.”
Suga huffed, pulling the cloak further over his head. He barely concealed his gold crown, glamorized by ornate carvings and patterns. His tailormade (Asahi-made, more accurately) outfit was made up of a pair of form-fitting pants with a clean, linen tunic, and he felt like it was a fairly good disguise.
“I have to disagree.”
Daichi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I do not mean to offend you, but I believe that the person who was actually raised as a commoner would know what a commoner looks like. Nobody’s dressed that well. Nor do we wear these,” he emphasized by pulling Suga’s hood down, gently plucking his crown off his head and placing it on the table.
He reached both hands up, approaching Suga’s hair. Before the prince could protest, Daichi had already messed up his hair, ruffling it all over. “There,” he said, hands on his hips. “Now you look less royal.”
Suga glared at him, though there was little malice behind the look. Honestly, Daichi was doing him enough a favor by helping him sneak out of the castle.
Daichi only smiled in response, ruffling his hair once more. “I’m having Ennoshita keep guard of your room, so we can lock up your crown and keep him by your cabinets in here. I’ve already told him that if anybody asks, you are taking me on a walk on the outskirts of the garden grounds, where nobody travels to anyway. We are very dedicated to appreciating nature, and due to our immense dedication, we will be out for a few hours.”
Koushi whistled. “I’m impressed, Daichi. I truly thought you would laugh at me when I said I wanted to visit the village.”
The knight shook his head, grabbing Koushi’s hand. “I would never. Truthfully, I’ve wanted to take you out for years, but I was too afraid. Each time I go to visit my family for a weekend, I think of all the things you would love about your own kingdom.”
Koushi’s smile softened, and he blushed as Daichi brought his hand up for a quick kiss. The other could read him like an open book, and as often as Koushi used his charm to get what he wanted, Daichi was no stranger. So, fine, a day of unruly hair was a fine sacrifice for a kiss on the hand.
“You know, you make it very difficult to be frustrated by you. You really need to learn to be less charming.” Koushi pulled his hand away, moving it to mess with Daichi’s own hair. His outfit was simplistic, with a leather tunic that looked unfairly good on him, but his usual neutral mood was replaced by sheer joy. As much as Koushi had always dreamed of sneaking into the village, it was obvious that Daichi had desired to welcome Koushi into his life as he’d been welcomed into his.
“Trust me, I’m not nearly as bad as Tetsurou. Each day, he winks at one of the chefs for a loaf of bread. He’s horrible.”
Koushi laughed. “Well, I’m glad mine is the only hand you're kissing. I don’t think I could compete with an old woman who gives you fresh-baked bread if you flirt with them.”
Daichi shook his head. “You don’t have to flirt. In the village, there are plenty of old widows who give me baskets of pastries.”
Koushi gaped. “What? Why is this the first time I’m hearing of this? Are you cheating on me, Daichi?”
The knight shrugged, placing the hood back on the prince’s head before leading him out his bedroom door. He looked both ways before he led the other to a staircase at the end of the floor, one primarily used for maids or cooks that led to their cellar.
“Believe me, once they see you, they’ll be falling all over themselves. I might have some competition for all my danishes.”
They tiptoed down the steps, which probably only served to make them more suspicious, but Koushi didn’t mind one bit. It was exhilarating, the first rebellious thing he’d ever done besides trying to bring a stablehorse into his bedroom when he was younger (horrible idea—horses are very inept at stairs), and having Daichi by his side made it all the more meaningful. There were not many things that he saw the brunette be actively giddy about, but it was sweet how much Daichi desired to show him.
“Okay, so, if we cut through the food storage…” Daichi mumbled to himself, opening a door when they reached the bottom of the steps. Inside, the ground was filled with bags of milled wheat, boxes of harvested vegetables, and jars of preserved fruits. It was a wonder that Koushi had never seen such a place, but he barely had a moment to glance before Daichi was dragging him across it, to a gate that had light streaming through it.
Daichi turned around, looking at Koushi proudly. “Yuu showed me a shortcut he uses to deliver fish from the village to the castle. If we go through this door, and follow along the barriers for a while, we should reach the back of town.”
Koushi smiled. “Lead the way, Sir Sawamura.”
—
“Koushi, please leave.”
“Nice to see you too, Asahi!” Koushi walked farther into Asahi’s tailor shop, small but welcoming. Fabrics were laden on different tables, and he could see the journal at Asahi’s side of a dress he was designing. He’d worked hard to get here, and Koushi was proud of him.
Asahi used to be an apprentice to the royal seamstress, and after all the sessions Koushi and Daichi spent with him, they’d become good friends. He was incredibly fun to tease, which Koushi was taking advantage of now.
Asahi whipped his head around to look at Daichi, attempting to glare. “Daichi, why would you let him come here?”
Daichi approached his friend, punching him in the shoulder. “Hey, do you not trust me? Koushi’s with me, so if anything happens, he’ll be safe.”
Asahi swallowed, rubbing his now-sore shoulder. “He’d be more safe inside the castle…”
Koushi waved his hand. “Nonsense. I’m going to keep to myself today, so I’m bound to stay out of trouble.”
Asahi nervously looked between them, barely deterred in his nervousness. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Koushi stuck his tongue out at him. “I will only be here for a few hours. Just a few hours for me to drop all my rules and manners and responsibilities and everything . It is ridiculous how much of a kingdom you can rule without ever seeing the life in it.”
Asahi sighed, acquiescing. “I guess that makes sense… but please be careful, Koushi, Daichi.” He addressed both of them, and Koushi ran up to where Asahi was sitting, wrapping his arms around his shoulders in a hug.
“Thank you, Asahi! I promise to be safe!” Koushi shouted, quickly running out of the shop as he waved goodbye. He was antsy to see more, to experience how wonderful Karasuno truly was.
As he ran out the shop, he gasped. He found himself in the village square, lively as ever. There were countless stands, littered with potters and blacksmiths and bakers. People walked around animatedly with their friends or families, arms filled with groceries or gifts or whatever they desired. Here, the freedom of choice was almost overwhelming, and Koushi reveled in it.
Daichi approached behind him, and Koushi almost jumped at the hand on his shoulder, breaking out of his trance. “How is it, Koushi?”
The prince turned towards him, smile wide on his face. “You really get to live here?”
The knight nodded proudly, approaching to wrap his arm around Koushi’s shoulders, giving him a moment to simply stare in wonder. “It really is amazing.”
Koushi nodded in agreement. “It is. Everything here is.”
The brunette shook his head. “Well, yes, but what I mean is that it is so amazing how different our lives were. I could never imagine that a prince would admire the commoner lifestyle, but I suppose you have always been unique.”
Koushi smiled. “I’m happy you grew up here. It seems very lively.”
Daichi shifted, removing his arm from the prince’s shoulder. He turned to his side, facing Koushi and placing his hand out. “Would you care to join me on this excursion, Your Majesty?”
Koushi had a fond sort of exasperation on his face when he took his knight’s hand, nodding. “I would be honored, Sir Sawamura.”
They had matching grins on their faces, smiles wide as Daichi began to pull him along. As they walked in the crowd, young children ran by them, excited to play with their friends, while tired parents called their names after them. They saw a band gathered in the distance, playing on lutes and drums and lyres, filling the town with lovely music. Koushi watched as young adults stopped to help the elderly walk, elbows looped with one another, and he felt his chest fill with pride at the people of his kingdom. They were so good that it made his heart ache.
“Hey, Dai-kun! Who have you brought me today?” Koushi stopped in his tracks as an old woman called for them, suddenly nervous at the attention on him, however minor. He eased up once he felt the knight’s thumb on the inside of his wrist, smoothing it up and down as they approached the stall.
It smelled heavenly , and Koushi could have sworn he had died when he saw the pure array of pastries at the woman’s stand. He had a certain feeling he already knew who she was.
“Hello, Sentou-san, it is always a pleasure to see you.” Daichi bowed kindly, and Koushi followed in a panic. “This is my dear friend from another kingdom. I have finally convinced him to come with Karasuno with me.”
Dear friend. Koushi grinned.
“Nice to meet you, Sentou-san. Daichi had been telling me of the most beautiful woman with the most amazing pastries, and I believe he has led me to the right place.”
She scoffed, waving a hand. “Always a charmer, Dai-kun, and now your friend, too. What am I ever to do with you?” As she spoke, she handed each of them a danish each, something warm and fluffy and filled with jam. Koushi had to use all his years’ worth of manners training to stop himself from devouring it then and there.
“Oh, you’ve always been as beautiful as you’ve been kind, Sentou-san. Your generosity has spoiled all other bakeries for me.” As he reached into his satchel to take out a silver coin, the old woman reached over the table to bat Daichi’s hand away, clicking her tongue.
“Who would I be to charge you? Please, you are practically family, consider these a gift.”
Daichi smiled kindly, bowing once more. Koushi followed suit, and he felt the knight’s hand squeeze his own. Success.
“I must insist-“
She waved her hand in his face. “No, no, no. Please, I would never. Now, you better scurry along before I come chase you from this stall myself.”
Daichi looked at the floor before meeting her eyes. “Thank you, Sentou-san, but trust me! I will get you next time.” Koushi felt Daichi drag him away from the stall, both of them waving at the woman as she waved back to them, turning after a moment to speak to a customer.
Once out of earshot, Koushi turned towards Daichi. “I would have never expected that you would have that in you, Daichi. Stooping so low as to seduce an old widow.”
Daichi scoffed, giving Koushi a look. “Excuse me, the first thing you did was call her beautiful. I hardly did anything.”
Koushi shrugged. He took a bite of the pastry, and shuddered. It was so good . “I couldn’t help myself. I can’t let you outshine me.” He winked playfully, laughing as Daichi rolled his eyes.
“Sure, sure.” After he spoke, his eyes softened. “How are you enjoying this all? I’ve really wanted you to enjoy today.”
Koushi’s grin softened, and he squeezed Daichi’s hand as he had done to the prince’s own. “I love everybody here, Daichi. It is wonderful. I really thank you for indulging me.”
“Nonsense,” Daichi scoffed, looking at the ground. “You’re indulging me . It had always been my dream to take you here, to show you my world as you’ve shown me your own, and I’m immensely happy that you love it.”
He picked his head up, eyes softening as he saw Koushi. If the prince had to guess, his expression was probably immensely honest, showing all his wonder and pride and love all at once.
Daichi perked up, eyes widening. “Oh, I completely forgot! There’s a place here that I would love to show you, Koushi.” Before he could reply, Daichi began dragging him somewhere new, weaving through people chatting and walking.
The further they walked, the less busy town became. They walked by homes, humble houses that Koushi admired for their coziness. After a life of luxury, nothing seemed better than a cup of tea and a nice, handmade blanket.
After a few minutes, it seemed they were completely alone in such a busy place. Far from the square, from the excitement, there was a new side of the town for Koushi to enjoy, one where it was just him and Daichi.
“Look up.”
Koushi had hardly realized they had stopped, but once he did, he gasped as he stared at an enormous oak tree. Its roots protruded out of the dirt, spiraling and fractaling all underneath the earth. Its trunk was thick, thicker than he had ever seen, and its height rivaled that of the castle. The foliage was marvelous, filled with the greenest leaves one could imagine. Even in a place where people could shine, it was nice to know that nature was thriving.
His train of thought broke as he felt another tug on his wrist, watching as Daichi began walking. Koushi followed, still marveling at the tree, as the knight led him to the far side. Here, they felt completely hidden, even among the empty street. All that excited was them.
Daichi kept his grip on Koushi’s hand, using his other one to drop his hood. It was dangerous, technically in broad daylight, but if there was anybody he could trust, it was Daichi.
Suddenly keen on the other’s intentions, Suga chuckled, moving his hand to hold the other’s waist, feeling years’ worth of muscle. “I do wonder if you brought me here just for a kiss, Daichi.”
The knight shrugged, moving his hand to cup Koushi’s cheek. “I have no clue what you are talking about, Prince Koushi, but I’m certainly willing to indulge you.”
Hazel eyes flickered to meet brown ones, both of them equally playful as they leaned in towards one another. There, in their little pocket of the town square, of the kingdom, of the world, it was just the two of them, and nothing would ever change that.