Chapter Text
“Prince? Prince? Prince Haruka!”
Haru groans, feeling an excruciating wave of consciousness and exhaustion. He grasps desperately for a pillow, and when he finds one, he doesn’t speak or open his eyes as he throws the pillow, hearing it softly hit something. “Uhf - accurate aim. But I am still present.”
With a grumble of defeat, Prince Haruka lifts his eyelids and accepts being tortuously dragged from his slumber. Bit by bit, he wills himself from his big, plush bed and looks to his gentleman who is already so unbearably alert, neat and pressed. “Rei, why are you in my chambers? What could you possibly want?”
Ryugazaki Rei clears his throat, pushing his spectacles higher on his nose. “Prince, you have a very busy day. You know this. The king and queen asked me to fetch you.”
“Whatever for?”
“They want you pristine for the knighting ceremony.”
“No,” Haru decides, falling back onto his bed. “I don’t want to do that today. Or ever.”
“I’ve retained this information already, Prince Haruka,” Rei says calmly, as if he’s had years of practice trying to persuade the prince to entertain certain “non-ideal” scenarios. “You have told me at least eight times every day for the past week, but you know this is happening and you have no choice but to get up and be there.”
Haru can easily hear the severity in Rei’s voice, but there’s a hint of desperation in his tone as well. Haru turns his head to his gentleman. Rei is standing his ground, giving him a stern look. He’s not showing it, but Rei is anxious. Haru can tell. Rei must be worried that he won’t dress for the day or will be tardy to breakfast because the blame will not settle on the prince, but on his keeper. Something squeezes in Haru’s chest; it would be his fault but Rei’s consequence. ‘No, that cannot happen’, he determines. Haru once again rises. He may loathe waking up early and attending insufferable ceremonies, but he will do it if it helps secure Rei’s position as Gentleman of the Bedchamber for even one more day. “Very well,” Haru says, bleakly. “But I shall have my yoga first.”
Rei’s demeanor openly unwinds. “I believe that is acceptable, My Prince,” he says, bowing. “I’ll run your bath.”
At the idea of a bath, Haru awakens a little more. “And I believe that is also acceptable. I will call for you when I’m finished.” When Rei paces past the bedchamber to start filling the bath, Haru climbs out of bed. He pulls off his nightgown and walks over to his double doors, opening them. He closes his eyes as the cool, salty breeze wraps itself soothingly around him. He can smell the ocean from here, and it greets him like a lover. “Good morning to you, too,” Haru whispers. Now, he can start the morning.
Haruka silently stretches on the floor in just his underwear, repeatedly contorting his body and bending his muscles as far as he can will them. Feeling the strain centers him, and having almost total control of his body helps increase his stamina for the day. He then stands to perform his balance regime, clutching a leg and gradually raising it, breathing out steadily as his knee gets closer and closer to his torso. There’s a twinge of discomfort, but Haru has practiced yoga since he was a boy. His body is more than capable of handling any strain it’s put upon. As he releases his leg, staring out his open doors, he does everything he can to clear his mind. To stop himself from thinking about attending yet another boring and tedious knighting ceremony, and to stop realizing that he is going to have to spend most of the day with the king and queen, pretending to care and being forced to give the image that the royalty of the city is truthfully a family.
Rei utters something as he leaves the chambers all together, but Haru doesn’t hear him, only the swishing water of the bath that begins calling out to him. He takes no time stripping off the last piece of clothing and submerging himself completely into his tub. Haru closes his eyes, letting the water take him. Whatever he didn’t get out of yoga, the water is mending now. It feels so good on his body. Feels alive. Safe. At home where he wants to stay. But Haru’s chest compresses after awhile so he opens his eyes and shoots out of the water. He gasps, trying to catch his breath as he shakes his hair loose of liquid. Even though it’s all he wants to do, Prince Haruka knows that he cannot honestly live in the water forever.
By the time Rei returns to dress him, Haru is already cross. “I can dress myself in my own official robes, Rei,” Haru says irritably as Rei adjusts his tunic.
“This I know, Prince Haruka.”
“And why are you being so formal? What is wrong with Haru?”
“Nothing at all, Prince, but it is a ceremonial day. I want to do everything by law.” Rei pulls on Haru’s vest for him and fires him another stern expression. “With this in mind, stop calling me by my name, please.”
“Annoying,” Haru mumbles.
Rei gets on his knees, looking up at Haru as he attaches the belt and fastens it around him. “It could be worse. You could have the chambermaids bathe you and an additional three keepers in here dressing you. It took two days to convince the chancellor to let me do this alone.”
Haru’s eyes widen. Ryugazaki Rei is not a man who defies procedure. He has lived by the code of precision for as long as Haru has known him. The Ryugazaki family has always worked for the kingdom, meaning Rei was always around to play with the prince. He has been at Haru’s side since they were children; when they finally came of age, it seemed only natural that Rei would become Haru’s gentleman. From day one Rei has taken the position to heart and honor, so for him to openly express his will to diverge from the rules just to make Haruka more comfortable, forces the prince’s heart to feel a little heavier. Haru turns his head, slightly. “Well, thank you. I appreciate your persistence.”
“Of course, My Prince.” Haru looks back at a smiling Rei. Haru grants him a slither of a grin then continues looking forward, deciding not to give Rei any more trouble.
Haru does, however, convince Rei to let him brush his own hair, and when the black, soft strands are swooped perfectly at his temple, Rei is in front of him, kneeling with a small blue pillow in his hands. The pillow holds Prince Haruka’s silver crown that is embedded with a black opal stone. He doesn’t rise from his seat until after he has had at least a minute to accept what is about to happen - the annoying monotony. “Your royalty, My Prince,” Rei says, ducking his head.
“You may will it, Gentleman Ryugazaki,” Haru answers.
Rei clutches the crown with his thumb, pointer, and middle fingers, letting the pillow drop as he stands. He walks behind Haru. “Prince,” he says, placing the crown on top of Haru’s head. When Rei is back in front of him, Haru gives him the tiniest of nods, and Rei bows again. Somehow he already has another blue pillow in his hands, which carries an item that will feel just as weighty as the crown. It’s a silver ring; one that Haru must wear on ceremonial days. He picks it up, reluctantly sliding it on his right middle finger. He then reaches his hand out to Rei who takes it, kissing the ring. “Rule our kingdom, Prince Haruka.”
“With might and vision,” Haru rejoins.
Rei at last stands at the completion of the ritual. “Brilliant, My Prince.”
“How do I look?”
Rei pushes his spectacles further up his nose again. He cups his chin as he looks over Haru and sighs, blushing. “Quite beautiful, My Prince.” Rei says the words and gives an expression as if there is nothing else truer in his life. Haru can’t help it; he gives his first honest smile of the day.
“With your help,” Haru offers.
Rei boldly shakes his head. “Oh no, not possible. However, I will help you remember your schedule for today. Shall we go over the itinerary?” Of course, if Rei knows anything, it is how to ruin a good mood. Haru stares at him dimly before shrugging, something he can only ever do in front of his gentleman. “Firstly, the king and queen require you at breakfast. There will be a conference on the knights arriving and criteria for the ceremony and festival. The king requests you to be in attendance, given that you are toasting tonight.”
Haru scoffs, waving a hand. “No. I cannot possibly be forced to spend the entire evening with a bunch of drunken, arrogant knights.”
“Prince Haruka, the king-”
“ - my father will hear the extent of my anguish!” Haru interrupts. “Just as I have told you.” Rei takes a step back, and Haru instantly regrets his temper. He doesn’t mean to raise his voice, but he can’t help himself. The very idea of toasting knights who slay their chivalry the instant they dismount from their horses makes Haru ill. Furthermore, only being told such information now is ludicrous. Rei again gives Haru a look of nervousness, which he can’t handle right now. “Listen,” Haru says, tolerantly, “you have performed elegantly this morning. This has nothing to do with you. Just…announce to my parents that I will be arriving soon.”
Rei doesn’t move. “Are you quite sure?”
“Yes, I will be there,” Haru answers. Rei looks as though he wants to say something, but he only gives a bow then leaves the chamber.
Haru exhales deeply and looks over himself: His clothing and boots are immaculate, his blue cloak is perfectly trimmed, and Rei fit the crown flawlessly on his head. Everything about Prince Haruka presently is shiny and pristine and royal. However, all Haru feels right now is remorse. He walks over to the side of his bed, gazing wretchedly at his easel and blank canvass. He should have found time last night to paint. He should have let himself enjoy being mostly naked, his hair sticking out in areas, and his skin covered in fine colors. He touches the easel yet focuses on his ring; a raven’s face, his family’s seal, is carved into the metal. Haruka is a Nanase. A person of royalty. A raven that rules with might and vision. A bird that flies across the skies, reaping what it needs. He hates this ring. It mocks him every time he puts it on. Haru does not want to fly. He does not want to rule. He cannot possibly live forever in the sky.
Haru turns from his empty canvass, heading over to his balcony. He goes out and peers over the kingdom. He has the best chamber in the entire castle; the smell of the ocean is right at his doorstep, and the scent gives him chills. That is where he wants to be. More than anything else, Haru wishes he could live in the ocean. That he could swim free. That he was a dolphin instead of a bird - something that embraces water instead of air. Haru closes his eyes for a moment, letting the yearning rapidly fill him up then pass. He tells himself that he will find time to swim soon. If he cannot escape the ceremony or the toast or even the ring, Haru will make sure he fights for a chance to swim.
~~~
Haruka does not understand why his father always wants him present at a certain time. He’s either not there himself or doesn’t even notice when Haru arrives. Today, it is the latter. The king sits at the head of the table, quietly eating as his constable pops in and out to converse, but the king is not using any of his words for his son. Haru cuts finely into his mackerel and responds as courteously as he can to his mother who speaks to him from across the table. The saba is in good supply today, but it is not enough to satisfy him. He continues to criticize himself in his head for not sneaking away last night to paint. It’s the only vice he has, other than swimming, that makes him feel…like anything but what he is.
“Haruka?”
“Yes?” Haru promptly responds, looking up from his dish.
“Did you not hear your mother?” his father sternly inquires, “she asked you a question.”
Haru feels warmth on his cheeks. He nods down to his mother. “I’m sorry.”
“Rise, my son,” his mother says. Haru lifts his head; she’s smiling. It’s the same sort of expression Rei gives him. A smile that has bears no trace of disappointment. “I only asked if you were feeling well. You seem ailed.”
“I-”
“- he is quite well,” his father answers for him, looking from his mother then back at him. “Aren’t you, Prince Haruka?”
It sounds more like a challenge than a question, but Haru is a Nanase, too. He does not easily back down. “If I must be honest,” Haru begins, “then I have to say that I have no intention on going to the festival or giving the toast.”
“Haruka,” his mother breathes.
“I’m sorry, but do you believe you have a choice?” his father asks. “You will attend the ceremony, the festival, and give the toast. You are a prince, Haruka, and you are of age now. You have more responsibilities, so you may no longer just sit around and paint.”
“I never get to paint!” Haru protests, slamming his hand on the table. “I never get to just anything. Why did you have Re - my gentleman - only tell me this morning that I have to give the toast?”
“Because I did not want you moping around for a week or finding a way to get out of your duties,” his father explains. “Haruka, this kingdom will be yours someday. You have to grow up. You are no longer a child.”
Haru bites his tongue hard. He needs to sit down, shut up, and listen to his king. He can’t, though. He won’t. “How would you know, father?” Haru challenges right back. “You were never around when I was a child.”
“Nanase Haruka!” his mother says, gasping.
“Get out!” his father exclaims, slamming down his tablecloth. “If you want to throw a tantrum like some toddling peasant, then so be it, but you will be in attendance at the festival and you will give a toast worthy of this family because you are a part of it.”
Haru opens his mouth to fire back, but his mother finally raises her hand. “Haruka, my love,” she says. Her cheeks are slightly pink and her brow is furrowed, but she seems more concerned than cross. “What your father is trying to say is that you are our son. You are our only child. Our beautiful boy who is now a man. Everything we have is our legacy to you. This is your destiny, Prince Haruka. You have to embrace this fact.” Her words are unbearably tender yet unyielding. Haru swallows down something hard and sharp. He wants to protest that it is not his fault his parents only had one child – one son – who cares not for a kingdom or riches or elite power. The responsibility, pressure, legacy, and destiny - he doesn’t want any of it. Neither does he want to continue being dressed by other people, being told that he cannot learn certain skills because they are too dangerous or beneath his status, or being accompanied everywhere he goes outside of the castle by two different escort factions.
Haru wants nothing more than to scream all of his objections, but he won’t. He can’t. His parents’ black and blue robes match his own. All three have crowns with a black opal in the center, and the symbol of a raven is carved into each of their rings. These delicate, fundamental details are why Haruka will speak no longer of his grievances. The details are why he will never be anything other than what he is, and why he can never create a life for himself that hasn’t already been designed since birth. He is a Nanase. This is his family. This is his home. Here is his destiny – no matter what Haruka paints for himself or otherwise fantasizes about in the water.
“You are absolutely right,” Haru says quietly to his mother. “I’m sorry, My Queen.” He then looks to his father. “My King, I will be ready.” He stands from the table, bows, and leaves his parents. As he makes his way out of the dining hall, guards, servants, maids, and court officials stop to bow, offer services, and compliment him. He tries his very best to bask in the praise, as all his life he has been told that there is nothing better than being born entitled, but all Haru feels is boredom and irritation. That doesn’t matter right now, though. Nothing matters but the job he has to do today, because he is a prince after all. A prince that probably has less freedom than anyone else in the kingdom.
Haru goes through the rest of his morning prepping and preparing, receiving yet another brief from Rei. He takes it all in with his usual short and dull responses, so that by the time he and his parents take their seats out in the courtyard for the ceremony, Haru is stifling yawns. It’s warmer now outside; the sun is beaming. As a result, the dismal draft carries heat as it coils around Haru and his many layers of clothing. The atmosphere is painfully hot and dry; there is nothing Haru wants to do more as the ceremony begins than to sprint across the kingdom, dive in the ocean, and stay there.
~~~
Prince Haruka watches listlessly as men are introduced and offered. He can only sigh and move around in his seat until it is finally his moment to arise in front of the knights, the kingdom, and the people. He barely listens as his father gives a speech about these fine, select men becoming knights. There are six today, which means at least three will try to entice him in some way during the ceremony. Sly winks, extended kisses, and thick smirks are typical techniques knights use on him, but they are not the only ones who bore Haru with false charms. He isn’t blind to the cause. He comes from a handsome family, and he swims and performs enough yoga to realize he has an impeccable form. His appearance carries a certain weight, especially to men, and he is not above using his attraction to get things he needs or to be able to go somewhere alone. But flirtation in this manor, so haughty and out of Haru’s control, makes him bitterly uncomfortable.
He sits back in place, discreetly rubbing his middle finger on his breeches as the fifth man joins his brothers in knighthood. He had kissed just a little too hard for Haru, leaving moisture from his lips on Haru’s finger. He busies himself with cleaning his ring and barely hears the last announcement. He and his mother join the king in front of the crowd and before the final man to be knighted. Like the others, he too is dressed in chainmail but his smock and cape is a deep green. Haru tilts his head vaguely, noticing at once that there is something different about this man. Even though he is easily the tallest and broadest to be knighted today, he carries himself as if he is unaware of how greatly he towers over everyone else – or perhaps he simply does not want to realize such a thing. With his helmet now off, as well, Haru can also perceive how red the man’s ears are and that there is a faint blush on his cheeks. This man is either nervous or embarrassed – possibly both - but that does not seem logical to Prince Haruka. Every knight is conceited and sturdy, especially on the day of ceremony. That is why they are here…
Clapping begins, and the newly appointed knight commences walking down the line of royalty to profess his allegiance. Haru suddenly feels guilty for not listening when the knight’s name was called, but he can’t understand why that matters to him. Then, abruptly, Haru hears the man pledge to his mother. The voice seems younger, gentler than it should, and far too casual, but the man’s tone also carries a surprising amount of instability. It’s horribly immediate when the knight is somehow kneeling before Haru, and his hair is so much lighter and messier than Haru expected from someone so big. “It is my honor and privilege to forever serve your kingdom, Prince Haruka.”
Maybe it’s the heat, or the fatigue, or slight hunger from not finishing his mackerel, but something keeps Haru from responding right away. He has been to countless knighting ceremonies and has gone through this procedure many times, so why does he suddenly feel panicky? Why is he frozen on such a hot day? Why can he do nothing but stare down at this man who is offering himself indefinitely and said his name like superior silk? Haruka feels his mother shifting next to him, and it helps yank him back to reality. ‘This is stupid. You are annoying’, he tells himself, rolling back his shoulders. ‘Just get on with it’.
“May my kingdom forever bestow you victory and prosperity,” Prince Haruka finally answers as he reaches his hand out. The knight takes it, barely touching Haru as he grips his fingertips just so. His hand is much larger and rougher than Haru’s, but his handle is gentle, like his voice. The knight places a chaste kiss on the tip of Haru’s ring, his lips coming nowhere near him. To finish, the knight looks up at Haru, and the blush on his cheeks spreads. Haru too feels the back of his neck heating up as his heartbeat loses its rhythm. The knight’s eyes are fantastically green, and the reasoning behind the voice and hair becomes plain. This fellow may be a knight, but he is no more a man than Haru. His hairstyle and voice seem young because he is young. Young and blushing in a way that Haru can only describe as pretty this close up. But that is stupid. Knights are not pretty. At least, they’re not supposed to be.
The knight raises his lips from Haru’s ring, letting go of his hand. Haru reflexively closes his palm, still feeling a slight pressure that tingles his fingers. He doesn’t even know this knight’s name, but Haru cannot help but feel as though he has nothing to fear from him, and he cannot understand how he can tell that the knight must feel something, too. His green eyes seem to get wider, and his blush only deepens as time goes on. Haru feels a strong urge to say something. Anything to him, but before he can even plague himself as to what should happen next, the knight stands once more and walks past him, joining the rest of the brotherhood. When the clapping starts again, Haru sits back in his seat. His entire body feels warm and his fingers will not stop twitching and nothing makes sense.
For the rest of the ceremony Haru does his best to pay attention, but it is too difficult to focus. Not because he’s uninterested or upset, for once, but because he has no idea why he reacted so outrageously to the knight in green robes. He’s just a man, like every other man Prince Haruka eventually gets tired of, so what possible difference could large hands, a shaky voice, and a blush make? He keeps asking himself this question as the day goes on, so by nightfall his bewilderment has carried over to the festival. It’s held in the massive commencement tent just outside the castle and is full of buffet tables, mead assemblies, seating areas, and a grand space in the middle for dancing. All the attendants are permitted to dress down, and the alcohol, singing, and buffet quickly turns everyone into laughing, dancing, drinking jesters. Well, everyone except for Haru, who continues to sit at the royal table and watch as people become less principled through booze and flirtation.
Haru doesn’t like parties or huge gatherings, but he does enjoy dancing and considers himself very good. More often than not at festivals, he dances with noble women, causally flirts with men, and tries to feel as free as possible with Rei never too far behind him and an escort ready to snatch him away if word is brought down. However, tonight he can’t even attempt to be normal for both his parents are here – parents who often disapprove of his behavior - and of course want him to do or focus on nothing until after he gives his toast.
Haru runs a hand through his hair. He’s relieved to be in fewer layers and also to be without his crown or ring, but he still feels stifled. He glances over at his parents who are busy conversing with nobility. He doesn’t waste another second before hurriedly slipping out from his seat and joining the crowded party. Any person who isn’t drunk or spinning around on the floor greets him and gives him space to move, much more for the king’s benefit than his, Haru is sure of it. He doesn’t mind though, for it allows him to search around the tent and in corners where it is harder to see at night. He keeps looking around, peeking behind people, until he ultimately stops, realizing what is he doing. Who he is looking for, exactly. ‘Why? Why Haruka?’ he asks himself. Why does he need to look for anyone - especially a knight? It shouldn’t matter how nervous the man in green had appeared to Haru earlier; this is the knight’s party, and he is a part of the kingdom now. Haru is sure that the man must be off somewhere hiking up the dress of some maid.
“Prince Haruka?” Rei asks from behind him.
Haru jumps, turning around. “Rei – I mean, Gentleman!”
“I’m so sorry to startle you,” Rei says, bowing. “I’ve just been looking for you. Are you well?” he adds, taking off his spectacles to wipe them. It’s plain to see how exhausted he must be. Rei was undoubtedly awake hours before Haru, and, unlike the prince, was not given the luxury to sit for most of the day. Regardless, Rei will never admit fatigue or a desire to slow down. He is one of the most motivated and unrelenting people Haru knows.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Haru says. “I need a pause. Perhaps a little fresh air?”
Rei seems apprehensive. He looks back at the party then to Haru. “Granted, but come back, please? The toast will be soon.”
“I know. Thank you.” Rei begins to walk away but Haru touches his arm. “Wait,” he says, honestly unsure of what he is about to ask. “The…the last knight in line today. What is his name?”
Rei looks surprised by the inquiry, but he no less blinks, shifting his eyes to the side as he obviously tries to remember. “Oh, yes, green robes. That would be Tachibana Makoto.”
“Makoto?”
Rei gives a light guffaw. “Yes, he is one of us, Prince. Maybe we should start a guild.”
Haru discreetly rolls his eyes at the idea of having an entire society full of men with feminine first names. “He seems young.”
“He is young. No more older than you, perchance. Why do you ask?” Rei leans just a speck into Haru’s personal space. “I did notice you were indistinctly atypical when he presented himself.”
Haru looks away. If anyone were to notice his awkwardness, it would be Ryugazaki Rei. “I was simply inquiring, and I was not atypical. Just overheated.” Haru instantly realizes “overheated” is the wrong word choice, but Rei lets it go. Instead, he nods, briefly touching Haru’s elbow.
“Promptly back, My Prince,” Rei says while bowing. Haru assures him a few more times before excusing himself from the tent.
Haru sighs fondly as cool air caresses his face. It feels so good to be outside in the dark - alone. He stretches his arms as he strolls down the plush grass and to the slight hill that overlooks the lower division of the kingdom. It’s his favorite place to escape to on festivals nights, and he’s incredibly close to smiling about his return until he sees someone - big and tall and covered in chainmail - sitting in his exact spot. While it is dark now, the candles and torches from the tent, along with the moon and stars, help him to see without much problem. Although, even if visibility was an issue, somehow Haru is certain he would be able to make out this body anywhere – under any condition. It is the knight. Tachibana Makoto. He’s here. Alone. In Haruka’s spot. Resting back on his palms and staring up at the heavens.
Haru opens his mouth to say something. He’s not too far away so he’ll be heard, but for the life of him he can’t produce anything of worth to say. It’s so stupid. He’s been thinking about Tachibana all evening and has tried looking for him, yet Haru has nothing to articulate and doesn’t even know why any of this is happening. The longer he watches the knight, the sillier he feels for wanting to find him. Yes, he can just walk up to him now, but Haru is not quite sure he wants to anymore. He just feels nervous, which is blasphemy because princes do not get nervous. A Nanase does not forget his words, but both are happening now, just from looking at Tachibana. Haru balls his fists. He mentally decides to give himself another criticism before bed, but right now he needs to get whatever this is out of his system. He simply needs to meet the knight, properly this time, and get a better look at him. Haru is no more than curious of someone whose appearance and actions so blatantly do not match - that is all. So, he can do this. Haru is positive he will not go down without a fight. He can talk to anyone, whether he wants to or not. His confidence has always been one of the only traits his father believes has value, and it’s something Haru appreciates about himself.
He shakes off his tension and starts ambling over to the knight. ‘This is my kingdom. I can go where I damn well please’,he repeats to himself. Haru is quick and light enough that Tachibana doesn’t hear him come up from behind. This sort of greeting is absolutely improper for the occasion, but Haru has never been one to stick to every rule like Rei. He licks his lips, deciding to use his playful wit – Haru’s usual approach. “Are our facilities not to your standard?”
Tachibana jerks like he’s heard a poltergeist, making a high-pitched blare someone his size should not have the ability to create. He whips around, recognizing at once who is speaking to him. “My Prince!” Tachibana exclaims, scrambling to his feet and directly kneeling. He starts rambling apologizes and excuses into a long soliloquy, causing Haru to regret his tactic. He expected the knight to retort with something sharp or teasing or even rude – not start chastising himself in apparent fear. This is not what Haru intended, and it is definitely not something he anticipated from a knight.
Haru peers down at Tachibana who is shamelessly groveling before him. He feels embarrassed and mildly hot for some reason again. He has to make this man stop. “This is your knighting festival. The only person you bow to is the king. You can. You can rise.”
Tachibana instantaneously shuts up and stands. He still looks worried, and he bows shortly after. It’s remarkable, even bowing this man is a giant. “I am so sorry, Prince. If I-”
“ – silence,” Haru says, holding up his hand. Tachibana once again closes his mouth; he presses his lips tightly together and rises. It is unpleasant using his title against this man, but Haru is impressed by how swiftly Tachibana follows orders. Somehow, this fact makes Haru feel even more stifled; he will really, really need to go for a swim tonight. Tachibana merely stares as if he’s awaiting order, and Haru finds it difficult to find any with the knight watching him like this. He wants to turn away and cover the blush that must be present on his face, but he can’t. He has no power to look away. “I mean,” Haru attempts, after what has to be decades, “what I want to say is that you have no need to apologize. You are more than welcome to leave the tent or do whatever you please. You have complete freedom tonight.”
Tachibana’s shoulders slump; his face softens. He smiles big, giving a heap of a sigh. “This is joyous news.”
“I did not mean to frighten you, Knight,” Haru quickly adds. “I’m. I’m sorry.” Tachibana’s eyes widen at Haru’s apology. Haru himself is a bit taken aback. Despite the fact that he never apologizes to anyone - at least meaningfully - except to Rei, Haru has wanted to act contrite to this knight twice already today.
Tachibana shakes his head, looking pained. “No, please do not offer me your remorse. I cannot accept it, Prince. This is my fault.” He looks down at his hands, slowly closing his fingers into fists. “I just wanted a little fresh air. I’ve been too nervous all day to really eat or drink, and I don’t want to risk anything. This is an extraordinary day.” Haru nods, not knowing how to respond. No one ever opens up to him about anything, and it is purely just another boring day for the prince, but obviously that is not the case for Tachibana. Being knighted is momentous for a man, Haru supposes. He is also at a loss for words, again, because Tachibana is opening up so frankly to him. Speaking as though they are friends who have known each other for years and have not been segregated by class and culture their entire lives. Haru concludes that Tachibana cannot possibly act this way on a daily bases. At least, not in front of other people. He is a knight. A swordsman. A killer when necessary. So why is Tachibana…nothing like how he should be?
This thought alone seems to fill Haru up with some kind of energy, and it gives him more courage to be himself and speak. “It really is acceptable, Knight,” Haru tries to assure. “I didn’t come out here to fetch or lecture you. I wanted peace as well.”
Tachibana continues staring at Haru as if he is trying to decipher something written on his face. When the knight is satisfied by what he finds he perks up, taking off his cloak and laying it in the glass. He gives a slight bow. “You are more than welcome to sit here and find your peace, My Prince.”
This time Haruka does look away. His face is so hot that the cooks could prepare roast on it, and the heat has spread beyond his neck, smoldering his lower back and stomach. Haru tells himself this is happening because the offer made by Tachibana is completely against etiquette, or maybe he is having a physical reaction to being away from the water for so long, but both statements are falsehoods. The prince simply blushes around this man. Haru almost doesn’t want to accept the invitation because he cannot afford to look any more dense in front of the knight, but he also knows right now, deep down, that sitting on the knight’s green cloak is the best suggestion he’s received all day. Haru gives an accepting nod and unfolds onto the cloak as gracefully as he can muster. Tachibana continues standing, like he’s once again waiting for something. Haru blinks up at him. He is not sure if he should be more amused or puzzled by this knight. “You may rest as well, if you like.”
“Yes, right away,” Tachibana hastily replies. He sits beside Haru but not too close. He detaches his sword sheath from his chainmail, laying it next to him. Tachibana then looks up at the sky. He doesn’t rest back on his palms, but he does appear calmer as the night’s sky seems to memorize him. Only then does Haru look away and up, too.
The prince and the knight are quiet as they settle and watch the stars. Since they are strangers, Haru thinks that this should feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t. There is something peaceful to their silence, and Haru doesn’t feel pressured to care about the moment, although he does. This is first time in years it seems that Haru has been able to sit with someone and just be in the moment - no lectures or sexual advances or duties involved. He glances over at the knight who’s sitting in his exact spot - his secret sanctuary. The breeze flows through Tachibana’s hair and over his body, grazing Haru’s nose, making him shiver at the scent of grass and something else he can’t quite work out that must come from the knight. However, Tachibana does not respond to the gust of wind. He seems completely content, gaping out into the sky as if it is telling him a story. As if it is ordinary to sit on the glass with a prince.
“You must love these celebrations.”
“Pardon?” Haru asks in a much softer voice than he intended.
Tachibana turns to him, and his smile is still big and gentle. “You must love these celebrations, being a prince. You get to see everyone all the time and toast.”
Haru shifts the focus of his gaze just as Tachibana’s eyes meet his. “Actually, I usually find my way out here before the festival ends. That’s how I found you.”
Some of Tachibana’s relaxation disappears. He sits up straighter. “I am so very sorry, Prince. This is not how I wanted you to notice me. By leaving your festival.”
Haru has to stop himself from telling Tachibana he was noticed the second he was called to be knighted. “It honestly is no trouble or burden of any kind,” he explains. “In fact, I think better of you for coming out here. Most of your comrades are already inebriated and are finding a duchess or duke to escort back to chambers.”
Tachibana’s entire face bleeds red. He laughs shyly, looking away. “More customs I suppose I do not follow.”
Haru wants to smile. It is a blessing that he can make the knight blush too, and it’s even better that Tachibana is unspeakably charming when he’s coy. “I can accept that,” he says. “I don’t follow all of mine either.”
“My word,” Tachibana says, putting a hand to his chest. “I presume even I can have something in common with a prince like you.” The retort is clever, but it’s nothing Haru can’t handle, unfortunately, he has become frozen again. Tachibana is looking right at him, and Haru did not give himself enough time to peer away. He has no choice but to stare back at Tachibana. If Rei was sitting next to Haru, there is no doubt he would call this knight beautiful. This knight with bold green eyes displayed around turned-down eyelids that make him seem permanently at ease, and messy brown hair that is lighter than it should be, and a smile that just feels real.
Haru starts feeling ill, like he can’t breathe properly and his heart is beating two seconds too fast. He needs to look away but he can’t, and Tachibana isn’t either. The knight lowers his hand from his chest, placing it on the very edge of the cloak that Haru is sitting on. The wind begins another dance across the sky, and the air blows around and between them. Haru shivers again, and this time Tachibana tenses his shoulders, like he felt it, too.
“Prince!” Rei’s voice calls from behind them. Haru gasps. He whisks his body around and sees Rei near the side of the tent. The toast - it must be time. Haru’s heart returns to its normal rhythm but it is mostly from disappointment. He turns back to Tachibana, and he must make a face for Tachibana soon smiles.
“For the best,” the knight says. “I am not the only man who was knighted today. I’m sure you will find better conversation with one of the others.” He stands up; Haru follows suit. He feels disoriented and wants to say that there will be no better company at the festival, but he can’t, and Haru cannot state with certainly why he even feels the desire to say such a thing to a knight.
“I have the toast,” Haru tries to explain for some reason, picking up Tachibana’s cloak for him. The knight is startled, and Haru can practically hear Rei’s gasp from behind him. This too is nowhere near proper etiquette, but Haru doesn’t care. He wants to be respectful to this man, no matter his ranking.
“Thank you. I’m sure you will be exemplary,” Tachibana says, nervously taking the cloak and attaching it, along with his sheath, once more to his persons. When he is neat again, Tachibana bows, gracefully holding out his arm and looking right at Haru. “It was the upmost pleasure speaking with you, Prince Haruka. You…you’re just as I thought you would be.”
Haru’s face flips through five shades of red. ‘How long has the knight thought of me, and is it good or bad that I turned out as expected?’, he ponders. Haru doesn’t mean to but he bites his bottom lip, keeping his hands firmly at his side. He is completely taken by the knight’s candor – once again – and Tachibana speaks in such a caring, tender voice as if he truly means his words. “You are very welcome,” Haru says after too long of a silence. Tachibana either does not realize this or does not care for he simply stands up right again. He gives Haru a nod then starts jogging off. “Knight,” Haru calls. Tachibana instantly returns.
“Prince?”
Haru feels silly and flustered but he is still a Nanase. “It was nice to speak with you as well, Knight Tachibana.”
Tachibana’s eyes flare briefly but he shortly relaxes. He smiles at Haru, resting one hand on his sheath and the other against his neck, and Haru cannot understand how someone so massive can be so unassuming. “Well, this is probably against another custom, but if you want, you are more than welcome to simply call me Makoto. Knight Tachibana is almost painfully too formal and impressive for someone like me.” Haru says nothing as Makoto gives him one last bow before heading back to the tent.
When the knight vanishes completely, Rei casually strides up to Haru, adjusting his spectacles. “I take it you found Tachibana?” Haru turns away to hide his face that for sure has not returned to its normal color. “Hmm. Interesting,” Rei adds. “I hope this means you have energy for your toast.”
“Annoying,” Haru mutters, throwing up his hands and walking past Rei and back to the tent with his head held high. All the knights are gathering in the middle of the room while everyone else spreads out around them holding glasses. Haru’s parents are still at their table. He joins them, picking up his goblet and turning to the king. As Prince Haruka’s father begins his part of the speech, Haru looks out into the crowd, into the group of knights who have just been welcomed into his kingdom. The knight in green robes finds his gaze, gives him a minute grin, like it’s in encouragement, as if his encouragement would mean anything to someone like Haru. The prince finds himself vaguely covering his mouth with a hand.
“Makoto,” Haru breathes against his palm, grinning just slightly.