I ran down the halls, worried that I would be late for my brother's coronation. The snow kind of held me up, not to mention that I. . . . I was skating, again. My parents said it wasn't good for someone who was going to have a high position. I wasn't the crown prince (thank god) but I was still expected to be responsible as future Dean of Citizens. JJ was the crown prince. My younger brother, Yurio, was destined to rule over the guards.

That made me laugh, how well my parents picked for young Yurio. Yurio was filled with enough fire and anger to make any guard listen, but also enough care to make them insanely loyal. He was a good choice for that. My friend, Phichit, said that I was charismatic, that I fit my role.

I was more nervous than anything, in my opinion. How could I deal with citizens that demanded attention and entertainment? Minako, my advisor, thinks I should learn dance. I think she's crazy for even suggesting that. Why would I learn to dance the polka or waltz when I already knew the ice?

I slipped on the said element but quickly recovered. I ran into the building, panting. My legs burned. I hadn't run in a while, and I needed to step up my game. I started to sprint. Mustn't be late.

"JJ is going to kill me," I whined, almost tripping again because I was running too fast. The doors were literally to the right, just-one-more-step! "How am I going to apologize to the king of Japan?"

I burst through the door, relieved to see that there was still time before it actually started. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding in. More people filed in behind me. They must have been at the other doors, greeting. I wiped my face and laughed, lifted of worry.

"Yuri," someone said behind me. "You're late." I tensed up. Spun around. Hope swelled inside my chest, threatening to make me screw up if what I thought would never happen turned out to be real. Viktor? What's he doing, talking to me?

I saw the back of his head. I deflated a little. Of course. He was talking to Yurio. He had arrived just after me. Viktor wouldn't talk to me; he didn't need to. I wasn't the person he needed to worry about in the future. He shifted in his armor a little, righting his red cape. He was just a few years older than I, but not much. His eyes were ice ponds that sparkled in the light.

"Stop nagging me," Yurio complained, fixing his crown and hair, glaring at Viktor. "You never listen to anyone, anyway. And JJ is a jerk! Why would I be on time for his event when he never shows up to any of mine?"

"Because he's your brother," he says, shifting in his armor once more. He appeared to me worried. He sighs and runs his gloved fingers through his platinum hair. He turns, spotting me. I jump a mile high into the air. Oh, God. Why was he so attractive? He smiles and waves at me, winking. I take a deep breath and try not to let my surprise show. "You want to—"

"No, thank you," I say, panicked and quick. I wasn't about to embarrass myself in front of Viktor. After all, he wasn't one to really let things slide, especially when he thinks it funny. I didn't want him to think of me as funny. I wanted his respect. "I'm not interested in anything you have to offer, right now." I bowed and sat down. Viktor follows me, looking a little put-out.

"Prince Yuuri, I'm sorry for offend—" he tries. I raise my hand and silence him. Sure, we've "known" each other for years, but he never really cared, and I didn't want to throw myself out there. Ironic, for the Dean of Citizens. I was already ready to pop, and Sir Viktor would only make me more stressed.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Sir Viktor," I sigh. "I just don't want anything from you." This new attention confused me. It probably would last for today, only. Sir Viktor had other duties, and I didn't need to add to them.

I pushed my glasses back onto my nose and tried to focus. Today was, unfortunately for my ears, about JJ. We were witnessing the crowning of a king, to congratulate him on his new feat. The kingdom of Iwatobi was here, as well, on the other set of pews. The knights had come, the elite men that King Tamaki trusted (ironically, as well, those boys couldn't tell water from land) with his life. He was busy joking with the only female member of his rookie, Haruhi Fujioka. The king didn't have a queen, yet. JJ was slapping Tamaki on the back. My eyes start to float elsewhere.

A boy with golden hair and red-brown eyes spots me and waves, smiling brightly. The boy next to him, with dark hair and purple eyes and red spectacles, scolds him and gently sets his hand down. "Nagisa, don't wave at the prince, he might not want to talk. Be respectful." He reminded me of Tamaki's most trusted advisor, Kyoya. Similar appearances.

"I'm trying, Rei!" he laughs. "At least let me make one new friend while we're here!" He beams at the boy next to him, Minami, I think, and Rei seems jealous. I guessed Nagisa was an optimistic, positive person, while Rei was a worrier. That smile never seemed to melt, even when Rei was irritated.

"I never said you couldn't make friends, I just don't want you to bother the prince!" he yelled, seeming irritated. Nagisa laughs again, resting his head on Rei's shoulder with his own heaving from an extreme fit of giggling. Rei blushes and turns his head, trying to avoid even the sight of the happy boy. I wondered how hard he had to try to stay mad at him. His head is turned toward me, now. I catch his eye and smile a little, a warm, shy smile. He looks a little stunned when I give a thumbs up. He mouths, "What was that for?" across the pews.

Viktor taps my shoulder, making me jump a little. I hoped he didn't notice. "Yuuri, pay attention. JJ is going to step up to the altar any minute." His voice is stern as if he's politely scolding a friend's child when their parent can't. I turn back to the front. He sighs and fiddles with something in his hands. He's taken his gloves off. He has strong, callused hands. "It would be rude to miss this."

I nod in response, though I wasn't going to take joy in listening to him. He was beginning to irritate me. Who did he think he was? I was the prince, not him. I crossed my arms and pouted a little. "I'm not going to—"

"Sh," he says, putting a finger to my lips. He points to the front. "Not now." I roll my eyes with confidence, but my face is on fire. I didn't enjoy the touch as much as others would. I hated it. He pulled his hand away, crossing his arms, as well.

Music started. It was JJ's self-composition. I found it annoying, but it seemed to fit. Sort of. JJ grinned and shook Tamaki's hand. He strode up to the altar. Took the ceremonial elements.

I watched with intensity, knowing I may never see someone as cocky and silly ever act so serious again.

"So!" JJ laughed, slapping me on the back. I yelped. "How's it feel, being related to King JJ?"

"JJ!" I yelled, punching him lightly. "Don't do that!" I turn to face him, adjusting my crown. He laughs again, a horrid, arrogant sound. I was having an awful time, and I was just standing by the refreshments table. I continue to avoid his gaze.

"I can't say hi to my little brother?" he jokes, clapping my shoulder. He stares in the direction I used to. "You were staring at him, again, Yuuri. You sure you don't want him?" He sounds kind about the whole thing, but I know he'll just tease.

"I'm sure," I say. "And I wasn't staring at him." My face is hot, and I know he's right. I've always been fascinated by Sir Viktor; who wouldn't? JJ puts his arm around my shoulder, shaking me.

"Yeah, yeah. Tell yourself whatever you need," he chuckles. He grabs a drink and gives me one more clap on the back, leaving me to go back to what I was doing. Probably because he wanted to either catch me staring or go flirt with Haruhi.

"I will," I mutter. I glance at the champagne. Do I dare. . . ? I shake my head, removing the temptation from my mind. No. No, I couldn't. Not after what happened last time. . . .

I think for a long, hard moment before deciding to join the crowd. Why not mingle? I was supposed to appear as social and charismatic; it was my job. I walk away from the table and plaster a smile on my face—that was how you got people to notice you.

I was just about to greet the first guest when Tamaki started yelling. "JJ! How could you? Flirting with my own daughter!" It wasn't exactly a kink, but Tamaki thought of himself as Haruhi's daddy. Literally. It must have been because he was such an idiot, because we all knew he loved her—er, except for Haruhi, herself, obviously. He thought it was "fatherly love." I whip my head around to look.

"Your Majesty, for the last time, I'm not your daughter," she whines. Tamaki didn't hear her. He gripped JJ's shirt, angry and eyes filled with jealousy.

"Well?" he snarls. JJ was bigger than Tamaki, but even he was cringing under that look.

"Tamaki, please, it was a habit, I didn't mean—" JJ tries, putting up his hands in defense.

"Stay away from her!" he says, letting him go. He goes to cuddle and hover over Haruhi, who looks completely done for the day.

"Up and at it again," two voices say behind me. I turn to face them. They wore matching suits, one orange, and one blue. They had hats to go with them, white feathers sitting in the nests of the caps. They went in opposite directions.

"What?" I ask, giving a puzzled look to the twins. They were the ambassadors of Iwatobi; I was quite familiar with them. We worked on a lot of projects together.

"Just the boss," Hikaru says, folding his arms. Kaoru wipes his face.

"Always getting overprotective of Haruhi," Kaoru sighs.

"It's worse at parties," they say synchronically. It was eerie how they could do that, but they were twins. I let it slide, even though the first time I ever heard them do that I shivered. I nod in response.

"Why hasn't he realized his feelings?" I asked, glaring at the blond king.

"Because he can be a little bit—" Kaoru was cut off by his brother.

"A lot."

"Of an idiot."

I smile a little. Even though he was caring, Tamaki couldn't tell a shoe from a glove. "I know. Maybe that's why he gets along so well with JJ." I glance at the rulers, again. They're laughing at a joke Rin had made, Tamaki holding on tight to Haruhi. Even though she looked annoyed, you could tell that she was slightly enjoying where she was.

"Maybe," they chime.

"Yuuri!" someone yells behind me. I turn to see who it was, and I start to worry when I see the dread on his face.

"Phichit?" I asked. "What's wrong?"

"Haru. . . ." He swallows. "He's stuck in the bath, again." We all groan.

"Let's go get him," I sigh. "Maybe General Makoto will thank us."