AU: Royal + Butler
Requested (I had a Butler Sakusa idea in my head so I'm happy that he was requested)
Tags/Warnings: GN! Reader,
Word Count: 13.1k+
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
"Drat, where is that child? (Y/N)! Your parents request your presence! (Y/N)!"
The poor butler ran around the palace gardens, desperately searching for the young royal through the shrubbery. His white gloves tore as they got caught on the thorns of rose bushes. He sneezed as the pollen got in his nose, mentally cursing the active 4, going on 5, year-old for making him run around without his mask.
"Snip."
The butler's dark curls bounced as he looked up. His son, age 7, carried a single-handed clipper in his two hands and chopped off the odd twig and branch that stuck out of the rose bush's neat shape. The young boy kept his eyes on the pants, meticulously trimming as he sniffed underneath his mask.
The butler, Daiki, sighed. "Kiyoomi, have you seen the young royal?"
The boy paused for a moment, eyes shifting to the side before shaking his head silently. The older man whined.
"That rascal. The king will very well take my head if I don't find his kid soon."
The small Sakusa giggled quietly into his mask. His father leaned down to peck his head before standing straight and flicking the sleeves of his suit jacket and running off. Beckoning calls for the young royal followed him.
A small rustle was heard overhead, causing Kiyoomi to look up at the pink petals of the garden's only cherry blossom tree. Within the bloom, a pair of small legs swung in time to airy giggles.
"Your Highness, you shouldn't be hiding from the king."
Your voice chirped like the birds that hopped cautiously around you. "I'm not hiding!" Kiyoomi tilted his head up just in time to see the birds fly off at your little screech. "I'm just not being found." You let out small harrumphs as you tried to step your leg onto the nearest branch.
The small leaves at the end of the branch rustled as your weight was added. "Ah, how did—?"
Kiyoomi watched your head swivel wildly as you look for your next step. "How did you even climb up there?" Setting down the clippers he came to stand beneath you.
"I," your bottom lip jutted out, and your brows pinched, "I don't know! Help me!"
The curly-haired boy sighed into his mask, before pulling it beneath his chin. The pollen, though bothersome, could be dealt with easily. He reached his arms up as high as he was able. "Jump."
"Jump? That's scary." You hugged the tree trunk a little tighter. The bark scratched the expensive material of your sleeves. Looking closer, Kiyoomi could see little tears and stains everywhere.
He sighed. "You don't have to be afraid of falling." Seeing you hesitate, he turned to the rose bush, snipping the stems of one of the flowers. Breaking off the thorns, he raised his arm to present you with the bright red rose. "I'll even give you this flower when you jump down. Don't worry, I'll be here to catch you."
"Will you? Forever?" Your hands shifted to let you sit on the shaky branch.
"Forever. Now jump."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
"Now, unlike the king and queen, your position doesn't hold any power in the legal sense. Many people look your way for social etiquette, fashion, and overall trends," your tutor drawled on, scratching a small piece of chalk against the dusty mobile blackboard.
The palm of your hand felt warm and plush against your cheek, but the wood table underneath your elbow was not. Your eyes wandered over the tall book filled wall of the library and the ornate carvings on every available surface. The lateral light bathed every detail in a cool glow. An armless statue peaked over your teacher's board, glaring. You were about to pay attention when a soft rolling sound hit the back of your head and echoed through the giant library. You turned.
Kiyoomi, your ever stoic personal butler, silently wiped down the surfaces of shelves and the covers of books while standing perfectly straight on an inclined rolling ladder. You pinched your lips between your teeth, trying to stop the pointed smile that was inching its way onto your face.
You spun in your seat. "Now, as you turn 19 your participation in such events will skyrocket—" You pressed your left hand into the centre spine of your book, then took your right to pinch the corner of the page. Silently, as your teacher's back was turned, you ripped the page out. Jotting a quick note onto the lines of the page, you eagerly crumpled the sheet into a ball and turned.
Pulling your good arm back, you send the paper ball through the air and into the back of Kiyoomi's head.
Kiyoomi, raised in the family that had been by yours for generations, had taken up the very position his parents had been in for decades prior. While his father remained the best friend and right-hand butler to the king, and his mother the same for the queen, Kiyoomi had taken his position by your side. He was the one put in charge of cleaning up your messes and mistakes, all while suffering through the spring as his allergies began to pick up with dust and pollen flying around.
His diligence to his job sometimes pulled him out of focus, eyes and mind frozen on the task at hand until there wasn't a speck of dirt to be seen. It left him forgetting that, while he always had a job to do wherever he went, he was always in your presence.
The ball of crumpled paper never made contact with the skin on the back of his head. Instead, bouncing off his dark, cheek length, curls and hitting the floor beneath his feet. He blinked for a moment. When he turned his head around to find the source of the paper ball, he was immediately swept up like a relaxed dust bunny under a bed at the sight of your conniving smirk directed his way.
Your hand flicked and brows raised in a pissy manner, gesturing to the white ball on the floor.
You watched attentively as Kiyoomi stepped down from the ladder and picked up the balled paper. Your heart rate picked up as he stood straight, and you smiled.
"Now, what I'm drawing here is the formal wear that you'll be expected to wear—"
He tossed it into the trash.
You gasped.
"Yes, very exciting. Beautifully crafted."
You spun around again, repeating the process, and tossing the paper back Kiyoomi's way. You could hear him grumble before tossing your second note into the trash.
Again, and again, he never read the damn notes. You threw another one just as he was turning around. It crunched a bit as his fingers curled around it.
"Always introduce yourself to the host—"
He threw it. You ducked, and it hit the chalkboard, right where your old teacher's hand was about to write.
"(Y/N), balls don't actually have balls in them, not even paper ones. Please, pay attention."
Your shoulders hiked up as you took in a breath to protest. Only to be met with a light smack at the back of your head.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Kiyoomi sneezed into his mask as he worked on the rose bushes.
"We can go inside, I just wanted to get some sun for a bit, so if your allergies are picking up—"
"It's fine, I got work to do anyway."
You huffed, kicking your shoe along the surface of the grass as you hobbled over to the blooming cherry blossom tree. You jumped up to grab a hold of its lowest branch, swinging gently.
The calm wind felt nice washing over the layers of your clothes. You listened to the little petals rustle above your head as you watched the butler delicately pluck away stray leaves. The navy colour of his uniform stood out in the sunlight. He glanced over his shoulder, catching you staring briefly before you turned your head away.
"Hmm, want to go into town later?"
"You're not allowed outside of the palace grounds right now."
"When have rules ever stopped me?"
"Evidently, less than they should." He paused for a moment, letting his arms fall from clipping and turning your way. "Do you ever plan to get serious? Actually fit the role of a royal."
You let go of the thick branch, falling onto your feet and hissing as the small scrapes in your palms. "Well ya, of course." He watched your playful smirk drop, making his stomach sink with it. "But look at us Yoomi. Someone's gotta try and have fun while we can. You're always trying to take care of my messes."
"If you stopped making messes we could have fun."
You didn't respond, causing Kiyoomi to look away from the view of the gardens. Head tilted down and sideways against the tree's trunk, your eyes drooped, staring at the grass beneath your feet. "I just—"
"Your Highness!"
Your head turned, shooting up to find the maid that was carrying the weight of her skirt as she ran.
"Your Highness, the King wishes to speak with you."
Kiyoomi watched your lips purse, annoyed at being interrupted before your expression completely changed to a kind one. You looked his way, giving a slight nod as you pushed yourself off the tree and padded dirt off your garment. "I best be going then. Thank you, Lydia."
Lydia panted, hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
"Any idea what it may be about?" he asked.
Idle gossip, though looked down upon, typically came from truths and kept the staff informed on what to be mentally prepared for.
The maid sucked in a large helping of air. "Not too sure, but my guess would be a ball."
"A ball?" A wave of nerves tickled the back of Kiyoomi's neck. For what? He wasn't sure.
"Well yes, it's common to hold an event for the 19th birthday for a member of the royal family." She paused, sucking in more air.
"Ah, that—"
"Got to find a suitable spouse, of course."
The tingles on his neck fizzed out, sending a cold wave of discomfort through his body. He choked on his sentence, coughing harshly.
"Is the allergy acting up? Might want to put your mask back on."
Through his fit of coughs, he brushed his hair back while pulling the mask over his nose. Between the sharp exhales, he managed to choke out a couple of words.
"Damn it."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Dinner was quiet. On a large, elongated table, the three royals sat far apart. King (L/N), took his place at the head of the table, on a large seat with an ornate backrest with blood-red fabric and gold detailing. The queen, almost oblivious to the tension carried on eating at the opposite end of the table, on her own special chair.
Kiyoomi stood against the wall behind your small decorative chair, watching as you slowly picked at the food in front of you. An unsettling feeling made a home in his stomach. He sent side glances to his parents, who took position behind their respective royal. They looked concerned but not confused. They knew. His father bit his lip slightly when Kiyoomi made eye contact with him.
Taking in a deep breath, he turned back to studying your hunched posture, watching your decorated fingers reach blindly for your glass. Likely some sort of tea.
"(Y/N)."
You jumped, your hand pulling back too quickly and effectively spilling your drink all over your fresh pair of dress pants. "Shit!"
"Language," your mother laughed.
Kiyoomi rushed to your side, towel-cloth in hand. Taking a knee beside your chair, he began to pat against your soaked thigh with the towel, hoping to soak in as much of the spilled drink as possible. His focus wavered. Now closer, he could see your hands clench under the table. He frowned slightly.
Your closest hand reached for his under the table cloth and he moved to clean the floor next, pulling it onto your now dry knee. He looked up at you, hoping to get some sort of response to his silent question.
You stared at his gloved hand in yours, watching how his long fingers completely enveloped your hand and covered the bulky rings you wore.
Kiyoomi was made to choke silently as you shifted to weave your fingers between his own, squeezing tightly. He was thankful to still be soaking up the liquid on the floor, worried that without his mask on that the adults in the room would take notice of the sudden heat in his cheeks.
"Sorry," you knew he hated germs, but for the moment he couldn't quite care. The warmth of your hand in his was enough to quell any germaphobic tendency. "But thanks."
He squeezed your hand a little tighter, separating his lips to respond.
"(Y/N), we must speak of your birthday."
Right, your birthday. The young Sakusa's stomach dropped. Were you going to be put up for marriage? Buy yourself a spouse, or worse be bought as one? His heart rate picked up.
Shit, shit, shit.
He wanted to say something to you, but it wasn't his place. Standing to his feet, he brushed his thumb along the back of yours, ready to separate your hands. You reciprocated the movement but quickly held his hand tighter.
He froze, holding his position on the floor next to your chair. Setting the towel down for a moment he held your hand between his, then let go. Kiyoomi grabbed the towel, stood up, and began soaking up the tea from the tablecloth.
"We, of course, will be holding a ball. And On top of celebrating your birthday, we hope that you'll be able to find a partner among the guests."
A jolt shot up Kiyoomi's spine. Not just from the sudden confirmation of the rumours, but also the light pull on his pants as you took hold of the fabric behind his knee, pinching it desperately. He searched your face for an emotion other than desperation. Not saying a word, he straightened his knee against your fingers, permitting you to hold a little tighter.
Your mother spoke up, "We wanted your input on the theme and such, it is your birthday," she emphasized the word sending a poignant look towards your father, "after all."
The palm of your hand pressed against his knee for a moment. Fingers pushing through the slick fabric to squeeze his skin gently. He finished soaking up the tea quickly, having to leave your side and face your parent's questioning gazes alone. He stepped back, making your hand drop. You paused for a moment, taking in a slow breath.
Once back in his position against the wall, one of the working maids rushed over, swapping his damp cloth for a clean one, before running back into the kitchen. His parent's concerned gazes continued.
"How about a masquerade? And maybe theme it like a night under the stars?" Your hands, now separated from your usual companion, ringed together anxiously. Your teeth felt sharp against the inside of your cheek. "But does it really have to be some sort of spousal search? Is me getting married that big of a deal right now? I'm barely 19 yet."
"Your father and I started courting at 18, and Kiyoomi's parents it was 20, isn't that right Ichika?"
Kiyoomi's mother hummed, "Ya that's about right."
Not helping, mother.
The queen spoke up again, "are you sure you want a masquerade? How will you know what people look like?"
You paused for a moment, fiddling with your favourite silver ring out of the gaudy bunch that were given to you by your parents. The simple band spun around your finger. A gift from Ichika on your last birthday.
"The anonymity will help me get to know their personality rather than just judge based on their appearance, no?"
The king hummed, "Not a bad idea, but if that's the purpose, you better find a suitable partner among them."
Your heart felt heavy. "Yes, of course."
"Ooh!" your mother sat straight in her seat. Nearly bounding. "How about a three-day event?"
You looked horrified. You felt it too. "Three days? Mom, that's—"
"Wonderful idea! That'll be enough time for you to find a spouse. I'll go write the letters."
"Wait but-"
Mr. Sakusa followed him out the door with a surprised look.
"I'll go figure out decorations! Ichika, your assistance please?"
"Of course."
You were left standing in front of your chair, mouth open like a fish waiting for food. Your hands shook mid-air. "What just happened?" You turned to face your personal butler.
Kiyoomi looked just as frazzled, shrugging at you.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Kiyoomi switched the fitted sheets as you sat on the windowsill of your room. The moon was half full and letting off a dim blue light. You fiddled with the solid band on your finger while studying the stars.
Kiyoomi had finished fluffing the last pillow when you finally spoke up. "We never did get to go visit the town."
Standing straighter, he walked to your side and wiped the empty surface of the window sill before sitting down in front of you. "I suppose we didn't."
Keeping your head in the same position, you flicked your gaze over to the older man. The blue light made the highlights of his hair look purple. It sharpened his cheekbones and made his old butler's uniform his regal. The two moles above his right brow pulled your attention back to his eyes.
"Will we be able to?" You looked up again, not seeing his head shift your way.
"What do you mean?"
"Like, forget my birthday ball. I want to be able to have fun, run around and be free. I want to spend more time with you."
"You already spend all your time with me."
He wasn't sure if it was the moonlight or just his imagination, but he could see tears begin to build up in your eyes. You sniffed, meeting his eyes. "I want to keep it that way."
You listened to the fabric of Kiyoomi's pants slide against the surface of your windowsill. Watching as he reached to hold your hand, he sucked in a deep breath, chest expanding and pushing against the tight fabric of his vest.
"Forever, right?"
"Yes, forever." His thumb ran over your rings, settling onto the flat band his mother gave you.
"Even if I get married?"
The cogs turned in his head, imagining up hundreds of scenarios at once, trying to paint the most ideal outcome. He breathed again, nearly choking on the dust that flew around your room. One second, and another. You waited desperately for his response.
"Especially if you get married."
A knock broke out at the door, "Incoming!"
Kiyoomi strategically rose to his feet dropping your hand quickly despite the fleeting tug you gave his fingers. He heard you sniff again, and wipe your tears away, not that they'd be visible in the dark.
The queen and her best friend. "Ah Kiyoomi, you are here. Could you help Ichika with decorations and accessories?"
Kiyoomi nodded, quickly heading for the door to leave with his mother.
"Accessories?" You moved to stand, only to be shushed down by your mother.
"For the staff, of course." She sent a wink Ichika's way. Before the maid closed the door. she gave a nod and smile.
"You're really going in on the masquerade thing, huh?"
The two of you sat alone, bathed in moonlight.
"I think it'll be a great opportunity." She patted your shoulder. "Alright, you should sleep. I got work to do."
"What kind of work." You stood up with her, pacing to your bed as she went for the door.
"Oh, just something. Rest up!"
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Tailors had woken you up, knocking loudly against your bedroom door. They barged in, pulled you out from out of your covers while you were in a groggy state and had you stand.
Your mother came in a bit later, a new fancy dress hanging off her shoulders.
You yawned. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Well, all the guests are arriving tomorrow and we need your clothes done."
One of the tailors put the end of the measuring tape to your waist, pulling it down to your ankle and calling out a number to the one with a pen and clipboard in hand.
"Shouldn't clothes be made ahead of time? Not the day before guests arrive." You yawned again, looking around the busy room as you tried to find a missing body among them. "Here's Yoomi?"
"Ah, Yoomi? He's, uh, helping Ichika and Daiki with organizing everything. They've got a lot on their plates, you know. Speaking off, I should go check up on the progress."
You sighed as the head tailor lifted your arm up.
Later on, once you finally managed to escape fittings, you ran down to the main ballroom where most of the castle's staff had been. The ornate chandelier had strings of sparkling lights meticulously streaming off it to tie to the walls. The typically red curtains had been swapped out with midnight blue ones, tied back to let the natural light in, and later give a view of the stars.
You found Ichika in the centre, clipboard in hand as she directed the positioning of tables around the back wall.
"Ichika!" You ran over, nearly tripping over unhung decorations. "Have you seen Yoomi? He wasn't here when I woke up this morning."
"Ah, Kiyoomi? I have him helping pick out plates and utensils as Daiki is organizing the menu."
You gasped out a thank you, before sprinting towards the kitchens. You passed by various staff on the way there, doing your best to weave through them as you ran through the hall. A trip happened here or there, but you managed to get to the kitchens without a catastrophe occurring.
Cooks ran around the kitchen, various samples in hand.
"Yoomi!"
He stood at the other end of the room, sleeves rolled up as he inspected the beautifully handcrafted plates in front of him.
Despite the lack of breath, you ran again.
"Yoo—ACK!"
You liked tea, you did. Especially on a cold day, where you could sit in the library and read while Kiyoomi took a break and sat with you. A book with a wandering knight with the power of the moon, any book. Lemon, chamomile, all the soft flavours that were never too harsh for your throat.
You loved tea, just not on your body.
"Hot, hot, hot."
The cook was quick to calmly apologize, brushing his dark silver bangs off his forehead as he handed you a towel to dry your chest with. It wasn't his fault, not that he seemed all that worried.
"You clumsy fool." The wavy-haired butler had come to your side before you even noticed. He took the towel out of your hand and began slowly dabbing at your collarbone, leaving you standing awkwardly with a racing heart (Likely from all the running). "It doesn't burn does it?"
"Only as much as hot water. Just got shocked."
"Good." He pulled the towel back, examining the stain. "You should go change, that shirt should get washed."
"But I ran all the way down here to spend time with you. I've been locked up in my room all day," you whined pitifully, stomping your heel against the tiled floor.
He didn't meet your eyes, instead choosing to look at the shuffling feet of the nearest chook as they fed his father samples of the proposed meals. "It's alright, we'll have time to hang out later."
Hands on your shoulders, he began walking you towards the kitchen doors. He held you facing forward when you tried to turn around.
"But the guests will be arriving—"
"Later."
The door closed on your nose, leaving you in the silent hallway alone. You clicked your tongue, looking down at your feet and pressing your head against the door.
"Damn it."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
"Mom, why do I have to wear a mask? They already know it's us," You huffed, adjusting the stiff costume piece on your face.
"For aesthetic purposes. You're the one that wanted a masquerade remember? Now hush, the last family is coming in," she said as he lightly smacked your hands away from your face. "And keep it on."
"But—"
She interrupted. Making your father chuckle next to you.
"Ah, hello, hello. I see you have your masks on! Did the guards treat you nicely?" Your mother cheered, inviting the incoming guests with open arms.
The next royal family that walked through the door wore masks with warm colours, complimenting their blonde hair. You didn't recognize them with the accessory covering their faces. Standing just a bit shorter than you, the daughter wore a salmon coloured dress to match her mask. Her heels seemed to throw her balance off.
They were the last family to approach you after all the guests had arrived, and although it was a masquerade, it's hard to not notice the most overdressed royals in the room. Your father, especially, as he boated a thick blood-red cape that dragged across the floor
You gave the princess a grin and offered her a hand as the four walked over to the food.
She smiled broadly, maybe a bit nervous, before dragging you into the centre of the dancing pairs. Her short hair, braided on one side and pinned to her head, bounced slightly as you waltzed.
You're not sure how long you had danced in total, having switched from one partner to the next with no break. You supposed it had to do with the fact that the ultimate goal of this event was to find you a partner. One other than for dancing.
After being whisked away from the blonde princess and into the arms of a flamboyant prince in teal, you were being passed around the guests like they were playing hot potato. Only the loser happened to be you as the balls of your feet began to ache. Now, with the pain becoming tiresome, you swayed limply in the arms of a dark brunette in a dark maroon suit with gold accents.
You looked over the prince's shoulder, resting your chin on the soft velvet of his suit. He held you a bit tighter, successfully preventing you from falling or tripping on his toes. You watched the staff on hand as they moved gracefully among the guests, offering drinks and snacks away from the back tables. Kiyoomi wasn't among them.
You sighed into your partner's neck.
"Is everything alright?" His voice was rather deep, harmonizing with the winding down music that the orchestra played. You stumbled onto his toe, he didn't even seem to notice.
"Oh, yes, sorry about that. Thank you for the dance, but I best get something to eat."
He bowed. "Of course," he said, and then went on his merry way.
Finally. Dancing with —for what you could only recognise as— strangers was tiring. And despite it being the majority of your job considering your position as a royal, you couldn't help but want to limit your social circle to a chosen few. One, to be specific.
Your stomach rumbled as your eyes browsed over the staff. Sighing again at the lack of Kiyoomi in the room, you started walking towards the slowly disappearing food. Your gaze shifted. Despite the dark curtains being pulled open, it almost looked like they weren't except for the fact that the stars were shining brightly in the sky. You continued to walk, not noticing the tail of one girl's skirt dragging across the floor.
"ACK—"
Something constricted around your wrist, holding your face a few feet above the floor.
"You've taken more than a few fumbles this evening. If you need a cane, I'd be honoured to offer my assistance." The owner of the smooth voice pulled you to your feet, turning you to face him in the process. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"
His top eyelids hug over his iris' slightly, making his already dark eyes seem darker. They reflected the ballroom's lights like the stars outside. His mask, midnight blue like the curtains with light gold detailing around the rim and centre, looked like the night sky and covered all but his mouth and eyes. His dark hair was slicked back, looking neat and polished. The mask's design carried out through his clothes, a three-piece suit with inner soft gold lining and detailing.
You let out a silent gasp at the moon and star cufflinks he wore.
"You were heading for the food right? Let me accompany you." He offered you an elbow, letting you slip your arm through at your own accord.
His chivalry felt near fictional. With your eyes still zeroed in on his profile, your mind began to wander into the depths of stories you've read.
"You look like a prince." The words seemed to slip out of you unconsciously.
"Aren't all the guests here royals?" He smirked, giving a side-eye glance to all the other people in the room.
You laughed lightly, embarrassed by your own mistake. He grinned with you. "You're right. I just, I don't think anyone looks as fantastical as you do."
"Fantastical?" He grabbed a small plate from the table, using the tongs to place various treats on it and handing the plate to you. He didn't seem to think about which ones you'd like, not that he had to, they were all your favourite. He reached for his own as you took a bit out of a small pastry. "Have you been reading too many fantasy novels?"
A knight? The memory of a dark cloaked saviour in the dead of night popped into your brain. You chuckled. "Possibly." You faced the large crowd again, searching.
"Looking for something?"
"Huh," you blanked. "Oh, it's nothing. Just a bit tired. I'm never around so many people at once."
Plate in hand, he stood straighter offering his arm again. "Would you like to step outside? I saw a nice place to sit in the gardens." He saw your hesitant glance at the crowd. "They won't even notice you're gone, and if you're worried about me, there are guards at every corner. I wouldn't dare harm you, Your Highness."
Though trying to weave through the crowd was difficult, the fresh cool air that rushed into your lungs once you made it outside was worth it. The prince guided you to a bench in the centre of the circular rose-bush, nodding politely at guards as you walked by. You laughed happily as the cherry blossoms went over your head.
You sat down on the bench, stretching your tired legs and back. Standing, and dancing, for hours on end did a number on you, him as well. That masked prince's clothes blended nicely with the surroundings, looking like a piece of the night sky had fallen to keep you company.
He stretched, raising one arm above his head while the other continued to carry his plate, before taking a seat beside you.
"It's a lovely garden," he hummed, watching you take a bit from the plate of food in your hand.
You chewed quickly before swallowing, licking your lip to get rid of leftover crumbs. "It's one of my favourite places in the castle, along with the library. I spend so much time here my friend has taken it upon himself to keep the rose bushing in top shape. It's not even his job."
"Your friend?" he prompted. The gentle tone of his voice told you that he wanted to listen.
A slow sigh rolled off your shoulders. "My butler. Haven't had the chance to make many other friends than him. He's always by my side."
"You seem to enjoy his company at least."
You laughed. "I do. Can't throw away my only friend, and he can't escape me either; it's his job."
The prince let out a sharp laugh, a bit louder than you expected. The embarrassed look in his eye from making such a loud sound made you laugh along with him.
He took a deep breath, leaning against the bench's back-rest and throwing his head back. "I have a friend like that."
"Really?" You rested your arm against the back of the bench, holding your head up as you studied the prince's mask and listened.
He hummed. "Growing up isolated in a castle isn't fun, but having someone there for you makes it better. Even if it wasn't their choice."
"I guess all royals have some similar experiences huh."
"I suppose, but we all have slightly different expectations and backgrounds, live in different cities and towns. Each is unique in their own way."
"What's your town like?"
He turned his head your way, mouth open. His eyes flicked to look up at the cherry blossoms, before coming down to meet your eyes. You didn't realize how close you had been sitting.
Your propped up elbow rested nearly behind his relaxed head, and his shoulder pressed into your arm. He maintained eye contact as he sat up, taking your plate in his hand and setting them both on the end of the bench. He blinked slowly.
"I— I don't really know. Thinking about it now, it seems that I've only ever gone through but never to visit." He laughed at himself.
Pinching your brow, you jumped to your feet. "Let's go." You held your hand out to the prince, beckoning him to his feet.
"Go where? Aren't you tired?"
"Yes, tired of not having fun. I've been wanting to go into town with Yoomi for days but haven't had the chance."
He placed his hand in yours, allowing you to tuck him onto his feet. "Are you sure—"
"Your Highness." Lydia stood and the opening of the rose bushes, hands held together. "The guests are heading to their rooms. Your parents are requesting your presence." She gave the prince next to a confused look. "You best head inside."
"Ah, wait, Lydia." You stepped her way slightly. "Have you seen Kiyoomi today?"
Her eyes flickered, and her brow pinched together. "Sorry, I can't say I have."
Your shoulders slumped slightly. "Ah, it's alright. I'll be in soon."
As the maid left, spun on your heel. A rose was presented to you and the hand holding it was attached to the night prince. The view of him in his dark suit surrounded by a giant bouquet of pink was an image that would be ingrained in your mind forever.
He spoke calmly, a joking undertone pushing through. "I hope I don't have to vie for attention over this Kiyoomi fellow you keep speaking of?"
"Well, he's definitely not going to like you picking the roses, that's for sure."
The prince laughed, coming up from his gentle bow to place the thornless rose in your hand. He smirked beneath the nose of his mask. "I'm trying to woo his friend here. I'm sure he won't mind." He then reached for your empty hand, placing it on his elbow, and grabbing the stacked plates. "Let's head back in."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
You had been spending a lot of time on your windowsill as of late, staring at the moon as it slowly becomes whole. You sat and stared, arms around your knees, as you slumped against the glass. Waiting.
It was long past midnight when you finally decided to return to your bed for some rest. The door opened when you stepped onto your feet.
Your heart swelled.
"Where have you been?" You ran to the door, wide eyed, as you held the curly-haired butler by the shoulders. His uniform matched those of the rest of the staff, new and crisp with celestial accents. "I wanted to spend time with you, but you weren't there."
As he spoke, you wiped off a pink stain from his white collar. "Icing, I was working in the kitchen?"
"You can't cook."
"But I can bake."
"Right. I'm still mad at you though, I was alone!"
"Really?" He walked over to your clothes that you had hooked onto the wardrobe. He draped the fancy clothing over his arm before walking to the door again. "I heard from Lydia that you snuck off with a mysterious prince." He smiled lightly, blinking as he met your eyes. "It's late, get some rest."
He spoke curtly, pulling the door.
Where was he going; tugging the door without a thought despite you desperately wanting him around. Your heart seized as your hand reached to try to catch the door before he left you in the cold room alone.
"But—"
The door shut.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Why your mother had chosen a lean fitted, sun orange garb for the second day of three, you weren't sure. Already standing out amongst the other royals for being the host of the party, the vibrance of your clothes seemed near embarrassing. You couldn't imagine being surrounded by so many people for another day, but it was too late to change plans.
You flicked the large handkerchief over your waiting for everyone to pile into the dining room. Staff had set up two extra tables for the number of guests, having you and your parents sit at the head of separate ones. You looked to the right and watched the king and queen speak happily with the guests sitting closest to them.
Each seat had a name card on them, guiding people to their assigned seats for the midday meal. You couldn't read the names from your vantage point, but it wasn't hard to tell that one was missing.
You looked over your shoulder, hoping to find Kiyoomi behind you, standing against the wall. You sighed at the empty space before waving one of the nearest butlers over. Guests continued to slowly find their chairs.
"Bellamy, is there a name tag missing here?"
The butler leaned down to hear your words over the crowd. He tilted his head, making the grey hairs on his head bounce slightly. "I was certain there was one earlier when we were setting the tables. Do you want me to look?"
"No, it's alright, they'll find their way here eventually." He moved to stand straighter. "Oh, and Bellamy? Have you seen Kiyoomi at all today?"
The old man's eyes widened and back straightened. "Ah, yes, he was helping lay out the cutlery earlier. I believe he and the other head's are working in the kitchens. Do you want me to get him for you?"
You bit your lip, looking at the rings on your hand as you fiddled with the solid band. "It's best not to interrupt him, he's probably working hard. I'll see him soon."
"Not talking about me are you? Did I leave that good of an impression?"
The night prince slid into the unlabeled seat, smiling kindly. He gave a nod to Bellamy. The tails of his coat flicked as he sat down. He wore all black with silver accents, fitting the midnight theme better than you did.
"I was asking about Kiyoomi," you explained. "This is your seat?"
He grinned, showing off the pearly colour of his teeth in a sharp, thin line. "Trying to get a peek of my name were you, your Highness? That would defeat the purpose of a masquerade wouldn't it?"
You shivered under his stare as he slid into the seat. "I'll admit that not knowing your name is turning me into a cat, but I was more concerned about someone not finding their seat."
"That curiosity will kill you." You smirked at his anecdotal reply that finished off the little phrase as you reached for your glass of tea. "Besides, any seat next to yours is rightfully mine, so you don't have to worry about me not finding it."
You choked on the warm liquid as the plush chair next to you slid back. "Oh my, are you alright? I didn't mean to frighten you." It was the blonde princess from yesterday.
A hand held your chin, tilting your head over towards the masked prince. In his other hand held a handkerchief, dabbing the sides of your mouth and chin gently. He looked at the blonde. "Don't worry princess, they're just clumsy. Can't take care of themselves." His thumb rubbed your cheek before dropping both hands.
Had Kiyoomi been around he would've done the job himself. Gentle brushes, making sure that you would be tidied up and presentable without irritating your skin. He would chuckle at your slip ups and laugh at you in a way that the other staff wouldn't. Would've had be not been avoiding your presence like the plague.
Kiyoomi wasn't here.
Your heart fluttered as you watched the prince's eyes glitter. Heat washed across your chest and rose to your cheeks. It nearly sent you into another coughing fit.
Kiyoomi wasn't, but the prince was.
"Oh thank goodness, I would've been killed for scaring a crowned royal to death."
You finally stopped coughing as entrees were being placed in front of people. "I really don't think—"
"It could happen! I'd be an outcast, a murderer to the nth degree!"
You laughed. "Princess, please. Just eat."
As you reached for your fork, something landed on your knee underneath the table. You took a small bite of the prepped meal and lifted the table cloth as you listened to the other two royals talk.
"Have you ever visited the Bahamas, it's quite lovely."
The prince's closed hand rested on the orange fabric on your knee, thumb brushing gently. Giving you a side glance, he lifted his hand but kicked his foot out taking your ankle with it.
Already flustered, you reached over to smack the back of your hand lightly against the prince's shoulder. He gave you a kind smile in response.
"I can't say I ever have. I don't travel unless it's work matters, and even then I'm typically held up in one building or another."
Your leg used his ankle as a footrest. Furrowing your brow, you tried to take your leg back, only for the masked prince to place his other one on top of it. You were shackled to the man. You huffed slightly, leaning into the back of the chair as you tried to hide any darkness that had risen to your cheeks. "The most exploration I get is of the town. Like the prince said, even outside of our city, I'm typically restricted to where I can go. I always have Kiyoomi to keep me company though."
The light on the prince's slicked-back hair glistened as he turned his shoulders more your way, mimicking a similar posture to that the pink princess (now in baby pink) took. "You speak very kindly of your butler. I don't think I've seen him around though. What's he like?"
"Oh please tell." The blonde smiled, light brown eyes shimmering.
"Huh, well he's my closest friend of course. I don't have many in the first place unless you consider the other royals we sometimes visit." Hitoka and Wakatoshi came to mind suddenly, you haven't seen either of them in years though. "Those connections aren't as well built as I would like though. I'm not sure if they'd call me their friend."
You could see the princess' eyes darken underneath the cut out of her mask. "I'm sure they do, (Y/N)."
You forgot that the anonymity of the mask didn't apply to you for a while. You gave her a genuine smile. "Thanks."
The hand was on your knee again, brushing it in a calm, soothing manner. You reached for the last bite off the plate, swallowing it down quickly.
"Well anyways," you continued, "Kiyoomi is calm, clean, very clean. He's always by my side unless I don't want him to be, which isn't often. He takes care of me in a way my parents can't since they have to work all the time. He used to read me stories from the library when I was young. I still use the same old chair."
You hummed happily and took a sip of your tea as the plates were exchanged for the next course. "I love him a lot."
The meat looked lovely. You went in for a bite as the hand on your knee pressed into your skin a bit. "I better not have to fight for that affection," the prince teased.
You only gave with a silent, non-committal, laugh.
After all the food had been eaten (staff taking the place of the full royals to help finish the untouched food) and none was left except for bones, The guests were free to roam and mingle around the castle grounds. Most took it as an opportunity to dance in the ballroom and network amongst the heads of states. Even with the masks, kings and queens could easily tell each other apart.
A hand held your arm back from joining your parents in talking to the blonde princess' family. The kind smile the price gave you beneath his mask made your stomach flutter again. "You like the library right? Care to show me the best books?"
You tried to choke down an embarrassed yelp as his hand slid down to hold your own. "I'd love to."
Taking one last second, you looked over your shoulder to the cleaning staff, hoping to find a wavy mop of black hair before you were stolen away.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
How this prince managed to take up a vast majority of your time thus far, you didn't know. Maybe it was the dark hooded eyes that seemed to give people a death stare when they approached, or possibly the lips that seemed stuck in a permanent downturned position.
He seemed to assess the situation of the crowd around him, then turn his attention your way with a small smile. Each expression was minute, letting his posture and words speak for him.
He grabbed a wet wipe from off the librarian's counter, wiping his hands down as he scoured through the library's titles. "So, is there anything you've been wanting to read?"
"Me? I did finish a book recently but haven't chosen a new one yet. Anything you recommended?"
He hummed, tilting his head at the book spines, before turning around and speed walking toward the fiction section of the library. It didn't take long before he wiped his hands again and pulled out a green-covered book from the shelves.
"'Night Pirate'. Have you read it?"
Standing in the centre of the tall, open room, hands clasped together, you shook your head. "Can't say I've had the pleasure."
Coming to your side, he placed his open hand between your shoulder blades, turning you in the direction of the old chairs. He sat you down on the large, plush red one, the one you had claimed since you were little, and took his place in the matching dark green one to your right. The one Kiyoomi had started using once you were too big to share a single seat.
He got comfortable quickly, kicking up one ankle to rest on the opposite thigh. "'To the open waters of the great unknown, a pirate makes home among the fish and mermaids.'" He paused looking up from the first page. "Might as well get comfortable, the book is 500 pages long."
You followed the suggestion, leaning your head back against the soft velvet backrest and studied the intricate details of his mask, and how his lips parted as he read each word. His hands looked large against the book, carrying it with one hand, no effort required. You noticed the small spots that decorated the back of his palm with a smile. He pinched the book's read ribbon tucking it away as he continued. His voice, mellow and calm, reflected the atmosphere that the words in the book were trying to paint.
It was five, maybe six pages into the book before your eyes closed, and another three before you had fully dosed off.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
You weren't entirely sure of how you got to bed, but judging by the warm cup of tea and a new set of clothes for the last day, Kiyoomi had been there. You couldn't let the warm feeling in your chest settle for long though, because within minutes the tea was gone, your outfit was on and you were rushing down to the banquet hall before the quests could beat you to it.
Today, the food was set up in the middle of the ballroom in a large circular table with a multi-layered cake in the centre of it all. The guests swarmed your and your parents as they waited for the knife in your hand to hit the bottom of the cake. Once it did, deafening cheers that made your shoulder's scrunch, erupted throughout the castle.
Everyone got a slice, you even managed to get a piece for Ichika and Daiki, ensuring that they each got a bit of galaxy coloured icing and fondant stars.
"Do you like the design? Kiyoomi thought of it, though Osamu did help bake it," Ichika said.
You looked to the slowly disappearing desert, admiring what was left of the black, blue, purple, and pink layers that got lighter as they reached the top with small star-like details.
"He knew you wouldn't want anything too extraordinary. I better save him a piece of his hard work."
You felt something tap your red-clothed shoulder. "Excuse me, you two, but I hope you don't mind me stealing (Y/N) away for a bit do you?" You looked to the masked prince, who now wore a dark forest green suit with gold accents. The mask remained the same shape but had a chain hanging from the edge near his right eye down to the right point of the mask near his chin.
Butterflies were already fluttering in your stomach.
Ichika gave the prince a wide smile, elbowing her husband. "Of course, of course. We don't mind."
Twisting his feet to point your way, he offered his hooked elbow and waited for your silent permission to escort you away.
"What are you planning?"
"Hmm, not much, a small trip." His eyes shifted your way as he kept his head angled forward toward the castle's nearest exit. "I heard that the town is having fireworks for your birthday tonight. You've been wanting to go, right?"
"Well, yes but— How did you know about that? I haven't heard anything."
The corners of his mouth flicked up. "The staff like to talk."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
So there you were, with the princely stranger in dark clothes at your favourite cafe in town, definitely sticking out like a pair of sore thumbs. The obnoxious laughing pouring out of you didn't help keep eyes off, either.
"What do you mean you bleached the crown?!"
"It was a mistake! Luckily, it wasn't the real one or else my father would've sent me to France to be beheaded," he sighed, and then noticed your raised brow and slow bite into the puffed sugar cloud with a hard shell. It crackled under the pressure of your teeth.
"We— well," he stuttered, "What happened was, I was helping clean the crown case, and the crown gets swapped out with a duplicate so it can get polished. And I accidentally got bleach on the velvet portion."
He shut his eyes as if replaying the memory, wincing at your laughter. "I knew you'd find that funny."
"Of course I would, you seem so put together it's hard to believe you'd make a mistake."
"I hope that means I've made a good impression thus far." He leaned forward, setting his crossed arms on the table and letting his elbows carry his weight.
You mimicked the movement, letting your chin rest in the palm of one of your hands. You wore a squinted smile. "Not like you would let me get much of an impression about anybody else."
"Not my fault. No one else was trying hard enough."
You laughed through your nose as you drank the last few drops of tea. The cup didn't make a noise as it hit the table again. The waitress, who had been watching idly from behind the counter, rushed over to bring the check and collect the dishes. Her dark hair swished over her shoulder fluidly. You saw her every time you visited.
"Thank you."
"The sun is going to set," the unnamed prince spoke as he set a bill on the table. "How about we walk through town and look at the shops before the fireworks start."
Your cheeks hurt a bit from smiling. "Sure."
He offered an open hand to you as you got to your feet. Wiping your hands on your legs first, you graciously took his open palm. Pulling you to his side, the prince led you to the cafe's exit waving at the workers as he did.
"Hmm, How about— Woah!"
You pulled his hand, dragging him towards the slowly moving crowd that grouped around the various shops. His hand shifted in yours, twisting so he could fiddle with the ring on your hand with his thumb.
"Your Highness, if you wanted to steal me away, you could've just asked. Of course, I'd have to tell my parents first—"
"That wouldn't be stealing," you snorted, dropping his hand.
You stopped at an accessory store browsing over all the little pieces of jewelry that sat on display, glittering in what was left of the available sunlight.
You jumped as the light near your head flickered on. Hand on your stomach, you played it off by looking for the masked prince among the crowd. Two young boys giggled behind you, running off when you glared their way.
You eventually caught sight of the midnight prince bowing his head to a blonde man who had his hair brushed back and a cigarette balancing on his lip. He appeared to be the shop owner. Soon after he began walking your way, bare hands tucked into his suit pockets. He nudged your side. "Come on, the fireworks will begin soon."
Slinging your elbow around his, you followed. "What do you do in your typical day anyway?"
He started walking towards the large fountain in the centre of the pavilion. "I typically help the staff where I can. Don't have many responsibilities as of yet."
You looked up to the gold chain on his mask, hypnotized by its swaying movement. "As of yet? How old ar—ACK!" The tip of your shoe slammed into a lifted brick, flinging you forward.
"Clumsy, clumsy. Watch where you step, or I'm gonna have a lot of cleaning to do."
Your trip luckily didn't end with your head slamming into the edge of the fountain. Which made you breathe a sigh of relief (wouldn't be the first time it happened). With his elbow still locked around yours, and hand securely tucked into his pocket, the prince had managed to catch your arms between his and his side before you dove into the concrete.
You huffed, taking your arm back and sitting on the fountain's ledge. "So, how old are you anyway? I never asked."
He sat next to you as the first —test— firework went off. "Hmm, 21."
You hummed. "That makes sense, I would've been too young to go to your party. I'm glad that you didn't find a partner I suppose."
"My parents are rather lenient. I didn't want to find someone immediately anyways."
"I can't say I did either."
Two pops went off in the air, pulling your attention to the dark sky. The lights flickered, falling as they did before burning out. The burnt-out fireworks were quickly followed by a slew of others.
"I got you this. From the shop." From his pocket, he pulled out a small box and flipped it open to present it to you. A muted gold band sat in the slit of the velvet cushion.
"Proposing already? I didn't think you were so forward."
Even with the ornate mask on his face, you could see him falter. Eyes darting around as he puffed out some hot air. "Think of it as an offer. Who knows, you might regret it later if you fall in headfirst."
Your heart felt like it was tearing in two, competing on different teams. But when you met the prince's hesitant eyes that darted back and forth between your own, it felt like the two sides were coming to an agreement. Your whole body scorched.
The feelings you had would always be there, but what could Kiyoomi do if he wasn't around to reciprocate them, and would your heart be able to take it?
You flushed, staring more intently into the prince's dark eyes. "I think I've done enough falling as it is."
Looking at your fingers, you paused, thinking, before pulling the ring out of the box and exchanging it for your beloved gift from Ichika. With no warning, you grabbed the prince's bare hand and slipped the warm metal onto his ring finger. It stuck at the knuckle for a moment before sliding down to the base.
You analyzed the hand that now wore your favourite ring. Holding it delicately, you slid your fingers over the few small dark specials that decorated the back of his hand.
No going back now.
"Well, at least it won't fall off. Don't lose it okay, that ring is dear to me." You looked up to his face, watching as the bright fireworks brought out the green of his mask, and saturated his straight slicked-back black hair with shifting iridescence.
"Does that make me dear to you, as well?"
The fireworks were loud, but your heart was louder. And all you could remember from those few fleeting seconds were the smell of clean clothes and mint toothpaste as your eyes stared into the bleak darkness of your eyelids and the feeling of his lips pressed oh so gently into yours.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Kiyoomi tirelessly worked on the final meal for the departing guests. His shoulders ached as he worked his hands into the bread dough, trying hard not to let any sweat fall off his nose. His curls bounced with each push. He grunted as he flipped the dough over, before yawning.
"Woah there, little Sakusa, what got you all worked up?"
The butler huffed, picking up the large pound of dough and tossing it into the oven. Once the oven started cooking, he made his way over to the sinks, desperately hoping to scrub away the remnants that stuck to his skin.
"Nothing, Bellamy, just trying to get all the bread ready before the guests wake up."
Daiki entered the kitchen patting down the sides of his suit jacket. "Is there a loaf good to go? The family is awake."
Kiyoomi cursed quietly, throwing on his signature white cloth gloves and grabbing three plates. Lifting his mask over his nose, he began cutting into one of the loaves.
His father's brow furrowed as he watched his son rush to cut the bread. He went to collect the condiments from the fridge. "You okay there? You seem a bit stressed."
"I'm fine, just didn't sleep until late last night."
Daiki slathered a large clump of peanut butter on a slice of bread, prepping it for the king's stomach.
"Hmm, no sleep? I wonder why that is," Ichika said in a reading manner, walking in with one of the finished loaves in her gloved hands.
Kiyoomi's head drooped, hair falling in front of his eyes. His straight arms pressed into the counter, causing his shoulder blades to jut out. Having his parents giggle behind his back, quite obviously, made the pit of anxiety that had been growing in his stomach collapse into a ravine.
Ichika coughed slightly, transferring away from teasing her son. She reached for fruits to add to the plates. "Bellamy, gather the staff won't you? We need to deliver breakfast to the bedrooms." She grabbed the plate with jammed covered toast before wrapping her arm around Daiki's. "The three of us will bring breakfast to the family. Okay?"
"Of course, Mrs. Sakusa. Right away. Lydia, Osamu!"
Kiyoomi tightened the gloves around his fingers, pulling them tighter and keeping them secure. He took a slow breath, trying not to yawn as he did so, before grabbing your plate.
Kiyoomi had woken you up with his eyes squinted in a soft smile. Though you couldn't see, you could easily picture the smile itself behind the white mask he wore over his mouth. Camomile tea in one hand, and fresh toast in the other, you walked down to the foyer of the castle to meet your parents with Kiyoomi yawning into his mask by your side.
"Tired?"
His eyes squinted in a relaxed smile again. "Ya, but this morning everything will be done, and I can rest."
You hummed, swallowing your last bite of bread before taking a sip of tea. You began walking down the large steps that took you into the castle's main entrance. "Why don't we go to the library to read after they've all gone? There's a book that I recently started, I can read it to you from the beginning."
"Hmm? Sounds nice. What is it about?"
"A pirate? If I'm being honest I fell asleep, so I don't remember a whole lot," you laughed.
Your parents stood by the large double doors, guards on either side as they finished off their tea and handed the dishes off to Daiki and Ichika. "(Y/N) hurry down. The guests will be leaving soon."
Kiyoomi stood behind you as you shook hands with the leaving guests, desperately wanting to wipe your hands clean between each interaction. He held himself back though, not wanting his germaphobic tendencies or possessiveness take over.
The queen's head turned your way. "So, did anyone catch your eye?"
The question went unanswered as the last family came your way. You recognized the short dark-brown hair of the tall prince from the first night. He silently took your hand in his, letting out a deep hum as his chin hit the back of your knuckles. You heard your parents thank the father, and seemingly grandmother for visiting before they headed for the door. Guards opened it for them.
Kiyoomi rushed in front of you, taking your hands in his gloved ones and wiping them clean. Maybe he's let them take over a little. You didn't seem to notice though, too fixated on the memory of the unnamed prince.
"Was that the last family?" you asked, brows furrowed.
Your parents' eyes widened. "Were you expecting someone else?"
Kiyoomi's fingers tightened on yours. Unconsciously, you squeezed back. "There was one. A prince. He had slicked black straight hair. Wore navy colours with metal accents. His mask covered everything but his eyes and mouth."
Your father hummed before calling for Daiki's attention. Having been talking quietly to his wife, Daiki and Ichika both shot straight up as the royals turned their way. You sidestepped towards Daiki, letting Kiyoomi join the circle.
"How many guests were on the list." Your father's tone was heavy.
"80, your Majesty," Daiki replied.
"And how many chairs were there total?"
Ichika spoke up, "84." Her eyes flicked to your mother's for a moment.
Your father hummed again before calling the nearest guard, a strong looking white-haired man and his red uniform. "Gather the knights, there will be a search for the intruder. And he will be punished for disturbing the safety and peace of the castle."
You opened your mouth to protest, heart beating painfully at the thought of the man being in danger.
"No!" It was a chorus. It seemed you weren't the only one. Everyone's heads turned on swivels at the other's outbursts.
A puff of hot air blew out of your father's nose. "What's wrong with all of you? Why not?"
You took the chance to speak before the others could. "I spent plenty of time alone with the, uh, prince. If he wanted to harm me he very well could have."
"Also," your mother continued. "Wouldn't sending out the knights be a bit much? I know they don't have a lot to do, but that seems overboard."
Daiki sighed. "Your Majesty. You could ask the guards on watch if anyone has left the grounds since last night. They might still be in the castle."
The king's posture seemed to slouch. "But what about the knights?" He blinked for a moment before standing straight again. He called for the guard. "Find out if anyone has left since last night. If everyone is accounted for, send the knights through the castle, if not, they go on an expedition."
The guard only hummed and nodded, before walking off.
Your chest hurt, squeezing tightly around nothing. It felt like you were going to vomit. You lifted your now mostly ringless hand to your mouth in a fist.
"I'm going to write letters to the families, best find out if they've seen anything. Daiki?"
The head butler nodded. "Kiyoomi, care to join us? We might need some help." Daiki gave his son a pointed look and an urgent beckoning wave.
Kiyoomi placed a gloved hand on your back, pushing heat through the fabric of your clothes. He spoke quietly into your ear, dragging down his mask with a hooked finger. "I'll find you later. Alright? We can read in the library as you said."
You looked into his eyes, watching how his lids relaxed, and ten the small pair of moles above his brow. You lowered your clenched hand away from your mouth and nodded.
His hand fell from your spine before he was off, following the fathers up the grand staircase and to the king's study. Your stomach tightened a bit.
"Is that a new ring?" Your mother slid over with Ichika at her side.
The maid gave a teasing laugh. "I sure hope you didn't toss my gift away."
"I wouldn't say toss." A cold sweat ran down your neck. "You both seem very put together, aren't you a bit scared over all this?"
"Not at all, I'm sure everything will be sorted out quickly. But isn't it fun? It's like you're experiencing your own fairy tale instead of one in those books." Your mother teased, taking your hand with the simple gold band and lifting it to her face. She paused. "I don't recognize this one."
"Oh! Did you?" Ichika bounced like a child despite her age. "Oh, you did, didn't you?"
"Did what? OH!"
Sometimes you forgot that they were best friends.
"You exchanged rings?!" they both cheered, giving you large smiles.
Your stomach sank more, thinking of how not only did you lose the mysterious prince, but your favourite ring as well. The tightness in your chest continued, and despite it still being the morning; "I'm gonna go lie down."
You heard your mom chuckle as you tripped on the top step.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
You weren't sure exactly what time it was or how long you had been in your room. But, after stomaching a couple of meals and sitting by the window with a blanket on your shoulders as the sun began to lower with a purple sky following, you could hazard a guess.
A knock vibrated your door. "I'm coming in."
In a casual white shirt, instead of his authority screaming clothes, your father kept a neutral expression as he sat at the end of your bed. He weaved his fingers together and pushed his bottom lip up in a perturbed pout.
It was silent for a moment.
"So, did you finish the letters?"
"Hmm? Oh, ya. Ya, we did. Had to rewrite them all, but we finished them."
You sat straighter. "Re-write? Why?"
He hummed shutting his eyes as if replaying a memory before looking up at the moon through the large window. He scratched his neck, mumbling quietly, "We found out who the prince was."
"You did? Where—?" You nearly shot to your feet. Your heart pumped in your ears and hands began to clam up as they gripped the blanket. If they found out then he must be nearby.
"Calm down." He clicked his tongue, moving his hand from the back of his neck to his forehead, rubbing away a dull headache. "No reason to get worked up about it right now. I still got to grill the guy."
The growl that took over the end of his sentence was menacing, like a rabid wolf with a chunk of meat being teased in front of his snout. Your shoulders curled at the sound, imagining the fire that the prince would have to walk though under your fathers scrutiny.
"Please don't." If your father was that put out by the man's identity, you couldn't help but feel overly curious. Sometimes cats really do need to sedate their curiosity.
Your father let out a deep chuckle before rising to his feet. He walked to your side and placed a large hand on your blanket-covered shoulder, patting it slightly. "There's no need to get worked up about it. Get some sleep; you've had a long few days."
As he walked to leave, you began to climb to your feet, following after. Something tickled the back of your brain at your fathers demeanor, but you hadn't gotten any answers "Wait but—!"
"Get some rest, (Y/N)." He pulled the door a bit before pausing, giving you a tired and rugged smile. "You have nothing to worry about."
The door closed behind him.
Despite everything that had happened, the three day party, your 19th birthday, a charming prince that had somehow swept you off your feet, all you wanted was to talk to your best friend. It felt like forever since you were last able to lean on his shoulder.
Maybe tomorrow. You looked at the gold band on your finger, heart swelling as your mind shifted.
You'd search for your friend tomorrow.
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Kiyoomi wasn't there to wake you up the following morning. Only a cup of lemon tea sitting on a dust-free side table, and a clean poet shirt with black slacks, were left to prove his presence in your room at some point.
You yawned, stretching your arms as high as they could go before grabbing hold of the cup's handle and taking a sip. The smell travelled up your nose.
You noticed that the sour feeling in your stomach had dissipated as you slipped the shirt on and started making your way down to the kitchens, cup in hand.
The wooden door to the cooking domain pushed open beneath your hand, suddenly revealing the same silver-headed chef you had run into a couple days earlier. He stepped backwards.
"Don't worry, the cup is empty."
"Not exactly what I was being cautious about, but good to know. Just didn't want to be in your line of fire."
You gasped, "Am I really that much of a hazard?"
He looked at the plated onigiri in his hands before holding one out for you. "More to yourself than to us. Want one?"
You huffed but took one anyway, biting into it immediately. Suddenly, out of your drowsy haze, you remembered your search. "Have you seen Yoomi around?"
The chef hummed, "This morning, but not since. Let me take your cup."
You handed it over sadly, letting your shoulders droop at the news of your absent friend before stepping back into the hallway to begin your trek to the library.
Was he avoiding you? Running around and busying himself with work to keep himself away from your side?
You paused in the large hallway with towering windows that overlooked the front garden. The sun was soft and warm, letting you easily look out the window without being blinded. Lydia stood out in the rose bushing with Bellamy, trimming the hedges and talking happily. The bench underneath the cherry blossoms held a pitcher of iced water and three glasses, both empty.
Did he know? He was with your father helping write the letters. Did he find out?
Your footsteps echoed through the empty wall as you continued your way down to the library.
You froze for a moment. Was he disappointed? Shaking your head, you quickened your pace.
The librarian just so happened to be stepping out as you got near, his light grey hair bouncing as he fiddled with the books in his hands. When he heard your heels hitting the floor he looked your way with a big smile. "Ah, your Highness, are you going in?"
"Sure am. May I ask where you're heading?" You walked by him, through the doorway as he held it open for you.
"Oh, I'm joining Lydia and Bellamy in the garden." He lifted the shoulder that was attached to the hand holding the small stack of books. "We plan to take a break and read in the sun."
"Sounds lovely. Have fun."
"You do too." He winked before letting the door go and walking down the hall.
As the door closed behind you, your smile fell slightly and the sick feeling began to eat away at your stomach again.
From across the way, you could see the same green book from the second day of the event sitting on the coffee table in front of the two chairs. Its red ribbon poked out of the spine that became a bookmark as it hid between the pages.
Your steps echoed as you walked through the room, eyes trained on the novel that sat out of place.
Your fingers wrapped around the spine as you pushed your weight back to fall into your red seat. Kicking your legs up on one of the armrests, you twisted sideways to face the matching green chair and tilted your head to rest against the backrest. You opened the cover and began reading out loud to yourself from the first line.
"To the open waters of the great unknown, a pirate makes home among the fish and mermaids."
You paused, stomach sinking as the sunlight lit up the view of the empty seat in front of you.
The pages shook as you turned them, quivering lightly, sounding like a bird's wings flapping. Even with the sun's warmth pouring onto you through the skylight, it felt unbearably cold around you.
You eventually caught up to the marker, pausing as you held the ribbon between your thumb. Your mind wandered off the contents of the page in front of you to the mysterious man's hand tucking it into the cover of the book.
Shutting your eyes for a moment, you shoved the ribbon back in place before flipping to the next page.
Only once the words stopped abruptly halfway through the page did you notice you had come to the end. Your mouth shut around the last syllable, swallowing the air as the story finished. Flipping the book in your hand to read the spine, you breathed slowly, readying yourself to rise to your feet and put the book away.
"You should read out loud more often, your voice is very soothing."
The feeling that had dissipated in your stomach came back, shooting into your chest to make your heart race quicker.
Frozen in place, you watched out of the corner of your eye as a freckled hand with your favourite ring adjourned on one finger came over your shoulder with a thornless rose balanced between two fingers.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around as of late."
"Pri—" You swivelled in your seat, coming face to face with a familiar mask.
His arm now rested fully on your shoulder from the movement, giving you wide eyes beneath the crafted frame of green and gold. His hand lowered and arm moved, dropping the rose so it bounced off of your back and landed behind you, and came to rest on the back of your neck. The ring burned your skin.
His breath was clean, warm against your cheeks. You bit your tongue as his other hand came to obstruct the view of his mask. Fingers gripping the top edge, he pulled the mask back, brushing over what you began to notice were loose wavy hairs. All the air in your lungs was stolen as you caught sight of two stacked moles through the moving eye socket of the mask.
You quickly raised your hand, brushing the pads of your fingers against the skin of his neck and weaving them through his shorter hairs. He breathed calmly as he pushed his forehead against yours. As he held the position you lifted your other hand to rest on the side of his neck, feeling his speeding pulse.
His moving hand dropped the mask, making it drop on the floor, and came to brush your side, gripping the flowy fabric of your poet's shirt between bare fingers.
Your stomach fluttered as his eyes closed and the tips of your noses touched. He hummed a happy sigh.
"I'm sorry that I've been rather absent the past few days." You heard him kick the mask. "If you couldn't tell already I was working two shifts at once."
"Shut up. Yoomi."
You pushed forward, lifting your knees onto the armrest and straightening up to get a higher vantage point, fingers pressing into his skin as you breathed against his lips. He held you tightly in return, pushing his chest into yours as his fingers danced along the centre line of your back. He pulled you closer, pushing your lips against his in a desperate manner.
The opposite side of the chair lifted, shooting your weight forward before falling back against the floor with a bang. You pulled away with a gasp, almost having fallen backwards if it weren't for Kiyoomi's arms gripping you tightly against his form.
"Clumsy aren't you?" He smirked with half-lidded eyes.
You huffed through your nose, leaning toward his again. "I thought I told you to shut up."
•──────⋅☼⋅──────•
Guest appearances (not just by name) by: Yachi, Oikawa, Ushijima, Osamu, Ukai, Kiyoko, Aone, Sugawara
.....So I did say I'd write a long one. I was originally only going to be around 4k words.... Then I had an idea and kept writing. Normally I would write faster but this one took three weeks total. I'm proud of it though.
Also makes me want to do a mini series in this same universe... Maybe. Not sure how I'd have to set that up.
I'm sorry for making you edit so much Kiwi. - Bacon
(Don't worry about it! It's amazing! - Kiwi)
Posted: 28/02/2021