A/N: Sorry for the wait. I had a hectic two weeks for some field demo performance thing. Oh, if any readers wanna know, Taichi's hairdo is not the wild mop, sadly. Imagine the one he had during the epilogue, and then put it on a younger but still older-than-zero-two-period form, that's what you'll get… roughly, in any case. Yamato, Koushirou, Jyou and then everyone else's… Pretty much the same, except maybe Yamato's is slightly longer, like a few inches below the neck, Koushirou still the same shape and style but longer on the ends, and Jyou… Well, his hairstyle as is... I have nothing against Taichi's hair, mind you; I just didn't think it suited well on Taichi, him being a noble in the story after all. By the way, I put some minor changes on the Previous Chapters. Well, minor depending on you. Oh, TaKari fans, or maybe just Hikari fans, the younger Yagami will be showing up here with Takeru. How when Takeru was already mentioned to have returned? You'll see! Just read!
Royal Fiancé
Chapter Three: Floraison
Koushirou's POV
Only a few days left before our wedding ceremony at Ecuratan. The Royal Queen's Education has started before leaving Japan. A man called Ichijouji-sensei has been teaching me most of the time, particularly in History and Politics. He is always calm and laid-back, but whenever his partner, Daisuke-kun, comes along to ask for something he gets all flustered and easily distraught. I don't have to be an expert to know what that means. Taichi offered to teach me basic tradtions of daily life in Ecuratan and during Holidays as well. Despite his tendency to behave differently than the rest of the people in this manor, that is to say informal and a little less than dignified, I find him to be an efficient teacher. A maid whom was also a seamstress that goes by the name Sora took my measurements for my future wedding attire and other Royal Garments. I was nervous about that since they are calling this a Queen's Education, I do hope they do not intend to put me on a gown or have me wear dresses for banquets and such.
A surprise was that Takeru has returned, but with a change of hair color… And companion. While she was here, Hikari-chan, Taichi's young sister, volunteered to teach me about Etiquette. Needless to say, I have trouble grasping the importance of so many silverwares on the dining table and their requirements for different functions. During my short break for lunch, Taichi, Takeru and Hikari kept me company, and the younger two explained to me why they were here.
END of POV
"Hikari and Lord Taichi…" Takeru trailed off as the said Lord slapped him on the forehead. "Ow!"
Taichi huffed. "Hey, hey, it's just us. No need to be stuffy, Takeru-kun. There's no one to remind us of formalities." He pointed out. Hikari rolled her eyes. I chuckled lightly. For a Noble, Taichi-san could easily pass off as a normal high school guy.
Takeru frowned. "There was no need to hit me," he complained when Hikari urged him to continue. "Fine, well, as I was saying, Hikari and her brother are considerably close. While she was glad I came to her, she wished her brother came along."
"Yes, you haven't told me why you chose to stay. It's not like you have a lot to do, brother." Hikari mused.
Taichi frowned. "That hurts," The lady brunette shrugged. "I wanted to keep an eye on things here. More precisely Koushirou and Yamato. Apologies to Takeru but…" He paused to think. "Yamato can be a little cruel when he doesn't like something."
"Yes, but you couldn't blame him," Takeru sighed. "My brother has been through quite a lot; it's bad enough that he cannot even choose his fiancé, he is bearing it also for my sake to wed the one I love." On that, Hikari placed her hand over Takeru's and smiled softly. Takeru managed to feel better at that.
"What I cannot figure out," The red-head mused with an arched brow. "Is why you had to color your hair…? Erm… Green, of all color?" He thought about the question more. "Or color it at all?"
Takeru flushed, Taichi snickered and Hikari giggled nervously. "Ah, well, that is mostly my fault." She ventured. "You see, picking up to where Takeru left off about why we are here, I missed my brother terribly. Takeru does not like seeing me sad, so he proposed the idea of going here. Of course, my parents were too busy to accompany me on our Private Plane and I couldn't very well much go alone. And we didn't want to let the Royal Family know, because… Well, how to put it?" Hikari placed a hand to her cheek in thought.
"Because you didn't want Lady Natsuko to tag along," Taichi guessed easily with a shrug. "Because she will be overbearing and make this whole thing awkward on us all."
"Brother!" Hikari snapped at him.
Takeru shrugged. "Well, he is right, though."
"Uhm, okay… But that still doesn't answer the question…" Koushirou said shyly.
Takeru answered at last. "It seemed like the only way to get past the media since we were taking the local airlines like regular people. The people at the airlines knew who I was and kept the fact I was on disguise to themselves. Hikari isn't all to famous and it would not cause a storm if she were discovered, especially since it is not yet public knowledge that I proposed to her." The blond explained. "But if word were to get out about this sudden visit, mother would definitely find out and they will be heading back here to make sure all goes well. So she simply wore a cape to hide her face as disguise, not too uncommon in our country."
"They?"
"Ah, you see, the Queen can't go anywhere out of the country without the King anymore. It is the Council's decree. But don't worry, when you're Queen, it won't have to apply to you." Taichi told Koushirou. "And when Lady Natsuko demands to be taken somewhere, the King almost can never refuse."
Koushirou put a hand to his chin. "Ah, now I see the requirement to dye your hair… But… Takeru-kun," He glanced at the younger boy across of him. "Won't it be easier if you simply wear a wig?"
They three nobles stared at Koushirou blankly. The red-head simply blinked and cocked his head to the side.
"That… That would've been the better plan of action…" Takeru mused, unconsciously bringing his hand up to his hair. "I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me. Now, I have to wait to get back to change the color before mother sees it." The blond sighed.
Hikari giggled lightly. "Well, you keep hurrying when I told you there's no need to rush." She pointed out. "I suppose it's your own fault, silly."
Taichi laughed, and patted the blond's shoulder. "Always listen to a Yagami, that's what I'll say."
Now, it was Taichi's turn to have three people look at him blankly. This time, The brunette simply blinked and cocked his head to the side.
"Uhm… Maybe… As long as it's not you, Taichi-oniichan." Hikari said wearily.
Taichi blinked at her. "Huh?! What's that suppose to mean?"
"Well, to be honest since you ask, Taichi, um… There was that time you told me Hikari-chan loved any flowers, and so when I came to her birthday, I brought her some orchids."
Hikari huffed and interjected. "Which, If you recall, I am allergic to." She complained. "I had to absent myself from my own banquet!"
Taichi flushed heatedly. "So I forgot. It's a common mistake." He defended.
"You make one too many mistakes, let alone common mistakes." Hikari rolled her eyes. Koushirou politely held back his laugh.
Taichi sighed dejectedly. "Well, at the bright side, father will still give Takeru his blessing… And I didn't get any cake that day."
Takeru and Hikari narrowed their eyes.
Koushirou simply smiled at their bantering but felt a little sad, wishing Yamato was there to enjoy with them. Possibly, he could see him with that smile again.
Then again… Koushirou pondered back to the last moment he saw him, when he… did those things to him, and just left without saying a lot.
Clean it up…
Koushirou looked down a bit. Maybe he's avoiding me… That thought made him depressed. That means I just have to try harder not to irate him next time...
Koushirou's POV
It well into the night, I just finished my dinner with Taichi-san and the other two and was currently reviewing my lessons quietly in my room. After a moment, Jyou-san came inside. He laid down and cup and poured me some tea before speaking.
"Koushirou-sama," He said politely. I told him once that it was okay if he leave out the honorific –sama and just call me –kun but he insists. "You should get some rest."
I smiled politely at him. "Thank you, but I still have a lot to learn." I turned back to my books.
"Aren't you working too hard?" I simply shrugged, not saying agreeing, but not disagreeing either. I did not wish to worry him. "… I also suffered before getting used to Ecuratan life." Jyou suddenly tells me.
I looked at him and blinked a bit. "Ah, Mr. Secretary… You are also Japanese?"
Jyou nodded slightly. "I have been watching over Prince Yamato since we were both young kids… Along with Lord Taichi." I arched my brow at the odd tone when he said Taichi-san's name. "He bears a load of burden more than anyone else."
I feel bad for Yamato… But then, there is a person who I think is as equally burdened. Jyou-san. The Royal Secretary who the King loves… Cannot have a relationship with another while working for the family.
"I think..." Jyou-san continued and finished his statement. "as the queen, you should give him your full support."
I laid down at my bed that evening, still with books in my hands, thinking of what Jyou-san told me. It sounded like he was making an earnest request.
I think... as the queen, you should give him your full support.
Instead of giving support, I only make Yamato-san mad all the time. We don't match from the beginning: An enchanting, captivating Prince from a far off land deserves a lot more than me. What can I give him? All I'm good for is being a computer repairman, never mind my skills for programming. Without the proper education for the career, and even with it... Still... I'm...
I'm nothing compared to him.
I rubbed my eyes and decided to take a little nap before reading more. I closed my eyes and thought about Yamato, how to make him happy, and to stop making him so angry at me. Enough to smile, because his smile was so beautiful, even more so than that voice.., when he's not angry, at least...
That will be fine even if there's no love... Maybe it will be enough... To have him smile at me?
Yamato... Whatever I did to make you hate me so... Is it all right if you forgive me for it? Can we go back to that day in the roof?
*Onegai, Yamato-san... Gomen-nasai...
END of POV
Yamato's POV
When I returned from the meeting with the country's President, a courtesy call more than anything, that night, I figured he was probably asleep now. I quietly entered his room and found him at the bed. Sleeping, as I thought he would be. I haven't come to seen him since the last time... I wonder if he noticed. But would it have mattered to him eitherway?
He only wanted the money, after all.
I sighed, before taking notice of the books scattered around the bed. I don't why, but I decided to go over and gather them.
How can he sleep with these around him?
There was one book under his left hand, he was facing right so I gently lifted the said hand and slipped it out before laying the hand back down. He suddenly turned over and he was facing my way, I stiffened. Still, he remained asleep. But then, I noticed steady tears at his eye lids. Puzzled, I unconciously wiped them off. He spoke:
*"Please, Yamato-san... I'm sorry..."
I froze for a moment. He was still asleep, it seemed, so he was probably dreaming... But why was he dreaming of me? And how does that make me feel? And... Why was he saying sorry?
I don't understand anymore. I studied his features. He has beauty, it is not as explosive or eye catching like other nobles I've come across, but something about it makes my heart beat and also makes it heavy...
Heavy... Because I know he doesn't love me.
When I left Koushirou's room a little later on to leave for my room, I found Hikari, Taichi and Takeru still awake with a cape on Hikari and my younger brother has changed his hair color back to it's original blond and Taichi was handing him a wig.
I walked up to them. "Are you leaving already?" I asked both my brother and his would-be fianceé, but my eyes were mostly on my brother.
"Oh, Prince Yamato, konban wa..." Hikari bowed to me. "I'm sorry but if we don't leave tonight, our next flight takes off a week after, and we won't make it for the wedding."
I was about to suggest that they can just go with Koushirou and I when we leave instead of the local airlines, but then Mother will know. "That's a shame. Takeru and I didn't even get to talk much."
He smiled sadly at me and gave me a sudden embrace, that I welcomed anyway and returned. "Once you're back home, we will have to go hang and chill out, all right, Oniichan?"
I smiled as we pulled apart. "I would like nothing more than that." I told him and thought about his words. "Hang and chill out? Taichi," I looked at my best friend. "You are corrupting my brother." I joked lightly.
"There's nothing corrupting of informal slang, Yamato." Taichi huffed. "And it's no more corrupting than your mother is."
I glared at him. "Don't say that about her, at least not when Takeru's here."
"It's fine, Oniichan. I allow Taichi-san to speak freely about his thoughts when it's just us." Takeru assured me. "I wish I can complain, too, sometimes. But I don't want to burden our family when we all have our problems."
"You're anything but a burden, Takeru. I promise." I told him sincerely. "Well, you don't want to miss your flight now, do you?"
Takeru nodded and gave me one last hug. When he pulled away, he spoke: "Take care, Oniichan. And you know, this wedding business... You can make it work, I'm certain."
"What do you mean 'Make it work'?" I questioned, confused. Of course our plan for me to marry first so I can claim the throne when the time comes will work. Koushirou can no longer back out, in any case. Why does he need to assure me?
Takeru read my expression and laughed. "I didn't mean that, Oniichan. I meant Koushirou." He pointed out. "He's a really good person, and he's very sincere."
"You like him."
"I do, and I'm sorry that we can't wait till morning to say bye to him." Takeru conceded. "Hikari, Taichi and I spent most of our free time with him. He's shy, but he's not trying hard to be someone else. And I think... If you met in normal circumstances, he wouldn't need to be paid to agree with being your fiancé."
I highly doubt that you're right, Takeru. But I didn't reply to that. Mostly because I didn't want to snap at Takeru. And they had to leave soon, in any case. So Taichi and I merely walked them out to their ride.
When the vehicle left, Taichi spoke. "Just give it a chance, Yamato."
I faced Taichi.
"Things aren't always what they seem. Love doesn't come in nicely wrapped gifts with perfectly tied ribbons. At most times, they come with dark chocolate coating with delicious cream on the inside." Taichi grinned. "You gotta bite from the bitter taste of dark chocolate first before getting to the mouth watering taste of the vanilla icing inside."
I narrowed my eyes. "Sounds to me like you're hungry for a confection."
"I'm serious, Yamato." Taichi glared at me. "Even if you make the winning shot for the goal, the victory means nothing if you don't love the game. I mean, be serious with me. Do you really hate Koushirou? Or are you only trying not to like him because you think he can't like you?"
"He can't like me, he doesn't even know me."
"And who's fault is that? You're not exactly giving him the chance."
I sighed. "I'm tired of this conversation." I turned and went back inside.
"And I'm tired of you, but I still put up with your angst."
I almost wanted to lock him out right then. Don't know why I didn't... Maybe part of me thought he was right.
Days later, after I attended school for the last time, I was walking at the orchards outside while talking over the phone. "We'll arrive there in the evening tomorrow, speed up preparations for the ceremony."
I pulled out my harmonica again and played the same tune I always do, as I walked on through a path with arrays of trees on each side when I heard rustling from above. I stopped in my tracks, pulling the instrument from my lips. An intruder?
"Who's there?!"
"Ah!"
I looked up and found Koushirou on a tree, one hand holding on to a branch and the other on a yellow, laptop with a pineapple logo on his lap. I blinked, not expecting that. Wait, since I startled him, he could've fallen and he'd...
"What are you doing up there?" I sounded annoyed. Why do I sound annoyed?
Koushirou's cheeks were red and he looked sidewards, away from me. "Uhm, I'm speculating... How the growth of grapes are done here, so I can see the difference of it later in Ecuratan." He said almost so quietly that I nearly couldn't make out what he was saying. "I was wondering why your wines are the best in the world. And... I'm checking if it is due to your methods or maybe the country's climate."
"[1]When the grapes are harvest here, we take either take it back to our country for the rest of the wine process or import it to other countries. We believe the quality of our wine grapes are based on our climate, but some aren't as good as others. Those that don't measure as great as the best wines are still sold, because it's still a better wine quality than the other country's imports, and it's sold at a lower price. That's the wine mostly purchased, and the best ones are usually drank by Elite groups of the world or the Royals of our country themselves." I cocked my head, and eyed him confusely. "You could have just ask the ones who harvest the grapes. In any case, As a royal princess, while the creating of our wine may be of concern, it is not your job to check on it this way." I eyed him above the tree pointedly.
He smiled shyly. "I do it because I like discovering new things; I like doing it myself because there are some answers that can only be known if you do things yourself, because people understand things in their own perspective, right?"
I stared at him, thinking about his words. Often, I am told by Taichi to look at things at the positive side. In context, he meant that your situation is only as bleak as your perspective is. But can one really improve his situation by seeing it in a positive light? If I consider mother having positive motives for hating me so, does that change anything? If... Koushirou had a better motive for accepting money aside from greed, will it change how I feel about him? Will it affect... How he feels about... Me? What does he feel about me, really? Do I even want to know?
Then, Koushirou broke me out of my reverie. "You... Went to school?" He sounded a bit sad. Well, if he likes discovering new things that much, not being able to attend school anymore can be saddening.
Well, we all have our problems. "Ah, yes. But today will be the last." I said, my hand pulling off my tie. "Because I have to do some preparations before leaving Japan."
Koushirou stares at me for a brief moment of silence, then I take notice of his hands, they look slightly bruised and splintered.
"What's happened to your hand?" I demanded.
Koushirou blinked, looking surprised before giving a yelp. I've startled him. "Ah!"
"Koushirou!"
He fell like a blur, and probably in the same manner, I just leapt towards him.
END of POV
Koushirou's POV
"You... Went to school?" I asked him when I noticed his uniform. It saddens me, that I can no longer attend a regular highschool or get into Tokyo U, the University I've always wanted to attend. I had a slot reserved for me with full-scholarship, as long as I can graduate high school.
But even though I would've graduated this year, I had to drop out of school. Even now, the future studies will be home-schooled in Ecuratan.
"Ah, yes. But today will be the last. Because I have to do some preparations before leaving Japan."
I stare at him, thinking back to the last time I was at school, at the roof top...
In his uniform, just like that day.
"What's happened to your hand?"
He shock me out of my thoughts and I involuntarily leaned back in reflex. But there was nothing behind me but space. "Ah!"
"Koushirou!"
Things happened so fast, I shut my eyes and waited for the impact with the breath-taking pain that was sure to follow. But instead, what I didn't expect, was something warm beneath me... When I opened my eyes slowly, I saw that Yamato's face was right in front of mine, and his arms wrapped securely around my torso.
"Are you all right?" He asked, a hand to my cheek, moving it side to side, probably to check for any injuries or scratches.
"Ah..." I stared at those piercing blue eyes, so close, so mesmerizing that I just got lost staring at them. Then the realization struck me, he saved me. "Yamato..."
Then we heard rustling and the sounds of several footsteps.
*thud, thud*
"Yamato-sama!?" The security officials with Taichi came rushing in. "Are you hurt?"
Yamato gently pushed me off of him and move away to stand. "I'm all right. Watch over him." He said, and just like that, he left before I could even thank him.
When will I see you again?
Taichi knelt before me. "Are you okay? Your face is burning red. Do you have a fever, maybe?"
I shook my head and dismissed the question with no answer. My eye caught on something and I found Yamato's harmonica. Without thinking, I slipped the object to my pocket. It will give me a reason to talk to him later and thank him properly. Taichi helped me up and offered to walk me back to my room, deciding to cancel all my lessons today for the sake of the fever which he thought I had. I didn't bother to correct him.
My phone rang and vibrated in my pocket. I checked the ID, and saw that it was the hospital. But I only remembered giving the land line of the room I had in the school dorm, not my mobile phone's.
"...Hello."
My eyes widened, and I run off.
Mother!
"Koushirou!?"
I ignored Taichi's call and continued, grabbing my green jacket along the way which had my wallet in it's inner pocket. I had to get to the hospital.
END of POV
Yamato simply stayed in his room organizing and preparing for the departure to Ecuratan. When that was over, he decided to pace around the corridors. Inevitably, his mind went back to Koushirou, and he was still thinking about what Jyou-san told him the other day.
But maybe Koushirou-sama truthfully has no clue about the whole engagement thing.
Maybe he didn't know he was going to be my fiancé when he accepted the money, huh? So, why'd he accept it?
Unbeknowst to him, he found himself at the hall that led to Koushirou's current room. Hesitating for a moment, he decided to go ahead and try talking to him.
He gave the door a knock first. When no one answered, he put his hand on the door knob. "I'm going in..." He turned the door and opened it, looking in.
The room was empty. And the books were untouched, which was unusual. The blond panic.
Jyou came up from behind Yamato with some things, and he turned to him. "Where did he go?!" I demanded, gesturing to Koushirou's empty room, and Jyou jumped, startled and nearly tripping over but Taichi came out of no where and caught him
"He went out during the daytime." Taichi chose to reply to that, as Jyou was caught off guard by Yamato's rage.
Yamato huffed. "Don't you think he already went out for too long?! Find him. Now!"
"Yes, Yamato-sama!" Jyou left hurriedly. But the brunette grabbed his arm.
"Taichi-sama, please..." Jyou tugged but Taichi didn't let go.
"It's only Taichi when it's just us, Jyou-chi." Taichi shrugged then narrowed his eyes at Yamato. "Jeez, will it kill you to be calm? You ought to watch your blood pressure, Yamato." Taichi sighed, shaking his head. "If you just learn to cool it, maybe you wouldn't scare Koushirou away."
The blond prince glared at his best friend. Said brunette just rolled his eyes.
"In any case, you don't need to find him. He went to the hospital, when we asked the driver where he took him to."
Yamato remembered the events earlier today... The hospital... Is he...hurt? "...You're kidding me."
Koushirou took a deep breath, flopping himself down on a chair. "My heart's still racing, you know..."
"What did you say?" His mother glared at her son. "You wouldn't have come if I didn't lie. Willis was the one who answered the phone to your shared room when I called, and said he had no idea where you are these days." She huffed. "And the last time you were here, you were gone before telling me any reason. Just what are you doing?"
Koushirou laughed nervously but in the end, he opted to tell his mother the truth.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Because... you wouldn't approve it... I had to quit school in order to work a live-in job." Well, sort of the truth, anyway. "I'm sorry to disappoint you..."
His mother reached out and patted his head. "Silly boy, you are..." Koushirou looked up and saw his mom smiling affectionately at him. "We're family, you know?" She stroked his cheek. "Having a kind-hearted son like you is my happiness."
Koushirou looked down, teary-eyed.
It's not true, Auntie... I already lost his smile. But still, maybe someday I can see him smile at me again. I'm looking forward to it. That's why... Even if I'll have to tell you the truth later on, even if you disapprove, I don't regret trying. Trying to make Yamato happy...
But if I can't do that, then I'll just...
"I feel relieve if you can understand me," Koushirou chuckled, rubbing his eyes. "And maybe I'll call Willis, too. It's been awhile."
"Yeah, and I have yet to meet him personally. Maybe you can get him to visit. He's a blond, right?" His mother smiled. "In any case, in regards to your job, I should be thankful that you received the salary in advance." She said. "Because of it, we are able to pay for the hospital bills and my surgery."
Mother and son talked about the matter a bit more and then some, not knowing about the person just outside the door.
Yamato stared blankly into space with wide eyes. Yes, he heard everything Koushirou and his mom had been discussing. And now he knew the reason why Koushirou accepted the money... And what kind of person he is. But...
Are you seducing me for the sake of money... You're bought with money...
All he did to Koushirou, how he treated him, for the person he thought he was... But... Koushirou is not like that... He is...
It's all right... For someone like you, they will surely choose a wonderful person...
Yamato put a hand over his mouth. Koushirou is that wonderful person... Why didn't I see it before?
Moments later...
Mrs. Izumi watched her son, who was fast asleep at her bed side. "He seems exhausted." She mused. Then, there was the sound of a set of footsteps. She looked at the doorway and found a handsome, blond man, carrying a bouquet of flowers. "Oh, hello." She smiled. "Are you Koushirou's friend?"
"..."
Another moment later...
Koushirou got up a little later, and was preparing to leave when he noticed something different.
"Oh, were this flowers here a little while ago?" Koushirou asked noticing the beautiful set of flowers on a vase.
Mrs. Izumi smiled. "While you were sleeping, your boss came by and delivered those. He is such a handsome, gentle, kind-hearted, man."
"Ah... Perhaps..." Koushirou thought of who that could be when he decided it was no other but him.
Yamato was waiting restlessly, he wanted to play his harmonica but when he tried to pull it out of his pocket, it wasn't there. He must've left it in his room when he rushed to the hospital earlier. Then Koushirou arrived.
"Ah, there you are. It's late." Yamato couldn't hide the impatience from his tone. He wanted to know how Koushirou reacted to what he did.
The red-head misunderstood. He's upset with me again. Koushirou frowned. "... Sorry, I came back so late. I visited the hospital where my mother had her surgery."
Yamato arched a brow. Doesn't he think I know? Didn't his mother mention my visit when he woke?
"Well, Yamato-san, I... Beg a favor from you." Koushirou took a deep breath, clenching his fists. "Can... Can you break off our engagement?"
Yamato couldn't believe his ears. What...? That wasn't what he was expecting.
"As for your money, I will return it even though it will take forever." Koushirou continued. "I know you needed me for the sake of the throne but..." Finally, the red-head took the courage to look at Yamato's eyes. "I want you to marry someone that you really love..." He said with heart-felt sincerity. Yamato can hear it in his voice.
This hurts me but... Koushirou thought to himself, a hand to his chest as if to ebb his heart ache. I don't want to hurt the man of my dreams...
Yamato couldn't believe... Couldn't understand what was happening... What was happening?
"By the way," Koushirou continued, despite Yamato's confusion and inner turmoil. "Can you tell me which way is Taichi-san's room?"
Yamato turned to him, puzzled and with [2]an emotion... he couldn't even quiet understand what it was.
"Looks like he bought flowers to my mother."
Yamato's mind reeled at that. What... WHAT?
"What a kind person... Taichi-san is," Koushirou muttered to himself.
Yamato gritted his teeth. To Koushirou's surprise, he grabbed him forcefully by the arm.
In the next second, Yamato dragged the weaker male to his(Koushirou's) room, tossing him unto the bed; pinning the red-head beneath himself.
"What are you doing?" Koushirou managed to get out with a gasp, gripping Yamato's upper arms as if to prevent the man from crushing him.
Yamato ignored the question. "Tell me why," He muttered coldly, leveling himself higher as if to prove his dominance over Koushirou. "Why do you like to stir me up?!"
Koushirou's black, pool of eyes looked at Yamato's icy, oceanic ones, his expression reflected something that of confusion and even fear. Then, Yamato brought his face nearer and nearer to Koushirou's, cupping the red-head's face firmly with both palms of his hands. The young red-head stared wide-eyed at what he was he doing. "Yamato-sa..." His voice caught in his throat as he felt the blond's breath so close. Koushirou gripped on the sheets as Yamato's lips was already brushing his ever so slightly. Koushirou gripped on the Prince's front before Yamato finally connected their lips brutally. Not asking if it was okay, the Prince intruded the red-head's mouth with his tongue. Koushirou was too weak to refuse, he wasn't given the chance to refuse. His heart thump hard against his chest, but the young male only felt fear and pain. He couldn't think clearly, he couldn't breath properly. He was powerless against the Royal Prince, as the tongue delved deeper into his mouth's cavern, he felt it touching every place it could reach.
And the kiss... There was no passion. It wasn't gentle. It felt like it was made to assert authority, not love... There was no love. It felt empty, yet the same time full... Full of hate.
"Try saying another man's name now," Yamato hissed as he pulled away slightly. Koushirou gasped, saliva running from the corners of his mouth. He breathed heavily but wasn't given the chance to regain composure or intake enough air as Yamato connected their lips agan, pressing even harder.
"Nn...!" Koushirou choked on a sob.
Finally, when it was over, Yamato grabbed Koushirou's face once more, not any gently, and shouted at him as the red-head could only stare while tears flowed down from his eyes.
"I won't let you escape for the second time!" Yamato growled. "I can do anything I want to you, see?" Then he leaned closer once more, Koushirou flinched thinking he was going to do it again but the Prince merely whispered vehemently into his ear, and Koushirou almost wished he did just kiss him again. "Don't forget that you are my future wife."
All Koushirou could think about that night was the kiss, as he curled up into his bed. He pressed his fingers to his bruised lips. So this is it...? He thought depressingly. That rough kiss... Was my first kiss.
A kiss that had no love.
The Next Day...
Everything was prepared for the flight back to Ecuratan. Unlike Hikari and Takeru, they were chartering a Private Plane and not taking the public airlines. Out of command, Koushirou was made to walk closely beside Yamato despite how uncomfortable he still felt around him since the kiss.
What did I do wrong, Yamato? What can I do to make it right... Is there anything I can do?
When Koushirou went up into the Plane first, Taichi yank Yamato back slightly. Yamato turned to meet his gaze with a glare but Taichi beat him to it. "What on earth did you do to Koushirou-kun?" He growled quietly. "He looks so out of it and depressed! Honestly Yamato, the way you treat him..." He shook his head. "He's not the person you think he is."
Yamato scoffed, pulling his pair of shades down to his eyes. "What do you know?" He shrugged Taichi's hands away from him and stomped up the plane after Koushirou. Taichi grumbled and followed not so far behind.
During the flight, Taichi tried to sit beside Koushirou and cheer him up. But after Koushirou's first trip the rest room, he went to sit in a different spot when he returned. It was obvious he wanted to be left alone. Taichi heaved a sigh and opt to sit beside Jyou instead. Who had mixed feelings of the young noble doing so.
Even while Yamato's observed this all, his resolve did not waver nor did he feel guilt. I can't act gentle now...
With their mind's passing each other, they move forward to their wedding in Ecuratan!
A/N: Wow! That took forever to write. Apologies to my readers. But I won't bore you with more excuses. Hope you forgive my slackness. Oh yeah, please PM me or tell me in the review if you want me to follow the manga and still let Koushirou wear a suit or if you want me to make him where a kind of dress XD R&R
[1] I am actually making this stuff up. Don't take it seriously or sue me please. There's a reason it's called fanfic.
[2] Jealousy, duh
