.Disclaimer: Don't own shit

Warning: cursing (maybe), mentions of m-preg, OOC but yea you would expect that

(Btw it's around winter in the story so yea )

Chapter 4: The Ball- Night 1

The ride to Japan was long and boring. Akihito knew that Japan was far away, but to take more than two hours and counting was far to long sitting. He was starting to get nervous, the way his hands shook from time to time and the constant playing with his gloves were a dead give away.

Feilong had given him such a beautiful suit. The older, torn clothes turned into a light silver-blue dress shirt that perfectly covered his slim figure. The dress pants were not black, but a light baby blue with a couple of chains and gold buttons along the sides. On his hands were a pair of gloves. On the boys neck was a black choker and just underneath, made of pure silver, the long chain hung on the boy's neck, leading up to a circle locket. Akihito had never felt as proper as he did now. It was all that he dreamed of, but that didn't stop his anxiety. He was going to a high-class ball where there would surely be many people. He couldn't have people staring at him, or anyone flirting with him. Last time a man tried everything to get his attention it ended up with him being dragged out of the room by his friends and the man on the ground nursing his head that took a direct hit from a tea-pot. What if people stared at him? What if someone tried to jump him or violate him?! What if a gang of bandits tried to rob him and then proceed to rape him!? What if -

"Calm down Akihito! I don't read minds, but I could hear you think from all the way up front!" yelled an amused Feilong. He had watched his little bearer for a while now and the boys expressions told the story. Though entertaining, he did not need the boy passing out from nervousness. Once he had Akihito's attention, "I will be with you the whole time. I am to make sure everything goes well and that you have the time of your life. Nothing bad will happen, so stop worrying," he stated.

Takaba sighed. Feilong was right. He should just relax and have fun at the ball. That is, if they actually get there on time. Why was is taking so long? Well, they did stop a few times when the horses needed feeding or had to... do their business, but that couldn't have slowed them down by much. Reaching for his locket, Akihito carefully opened it to check the time. It was almost eight. Looking out the carriage window, he saw the sun slowly start to set. They would never get there on time!

"Feilong!" he called, "We will never make it by the end of the night. The ball has most likely started. Can you not use a spell of some sort to take us their faster?" the boy asked hopeful.

Feilong laughed, "Akihito, magic is a very complicated skill. You can't just say willy-nilly and poof, your problem solved. I can't just-" Feilong stopped himself. Wait, why not use magic? He pulled on the rains, telling the horses to stop. Looking back, he was met with the smug smirk on the boys' face. "Not a word," he warned as he took his wand out from his boot.

Mumbling something Akihito could not make out, the bearer watched as Feilong waved the wand in the air, light sparkles floating around the carriage, then watched as a sort of light enveloped them all. He blinked, a magnificent palace right in front of them when he opened his eyes again. It was breathtaking, to say the least. Steps led up to the main entrance, a huge set of wooden double doors, reaching 1/4 of the palace height, stood open for all, two guards on either side. There were three levels from what could be seen from the front. The complex designs of it all was amazing.

"This is where you get off," Feilong motioned towards the door, indicating the boy should step out. He saw the frown on the boys face then, "Don't worry Akihito. I'll be there to help you, just call me when you need me and I shall appear," he explained.

Akihito nodded. Looking out, he took a deep breath before summoning up all his courage and stepped out.

0o0o0

"Presenting, the daughter of ..." yet again called one of the palace announcers as he introduced one of the many, many singles hoping for the prince to notice them.

Asami had stopped paying attention since the twentieth person, it wasn't like he would remember their names. He stood in the middle of the elegant ball room, nodding as each person came forth to bow at his feet. All of them, nothing but worthless trash. He could see the greed in their eyes, arrogantly thinking they could seduce the prince of Japan and take all his money. They all can just forget about it. Asami wanted someone who didn't care if he was a prince or not. Someone who he will enjoy spending time with, more so his life. It seems that person wasn't anywhere near Japan, or there isn't one.

Sighing, Asami glanced to his right, spotting someone by the windows.

King Asami looked down from the balcony overlooking his son's ball. He had stared at his boy, seeing if he could spot a reaction. But, so far nothing, nothing! His son has shown no interest in any of the boys or girls presented. He was starting to visibly worry, his knee bouncing up and down as he continued to watch. Him and his wife have not said a word as of yet, but as the minutes went by of hearing the announcer say name after name, he couldn't take the silence.

"This isn't working!" the king finally stated, getting his wifes' attention.

"Be patient my husband. The night is young, you never know when fate will shine down upon us," replied the patient queen, staring down at her only son.

The king scoffed, "Forgive me my queen, but it doesn't seem to me that our son has found someone worthy of his attention. What did we expect to happen?" the king asked, "Our young prince would look up and spot a beautiful maiden..."

The queen listened to her husbands rant, glancing back to her son in time to see him look toward the pillars. Following her son's gaze, she laid eyes on a person, in an elegant suit looking out towards the garden. She half listened to her husband as he went on, "He gazes at her, she doesn't see him, but the she had caught his eyes from first glance. In a trance he makes his way," the queen watched as her son walked off as soon as the last name was called, " He greets her, apologizing for startling her, taking her hand to give it a charming kiss," the queen stared at Ryuichi as he startles the person and leans in to grab his/her gloved hand, placing a soft kiss to it,"They begin to chat, the prince immediately fascinated by the mystery maiden," the king chuckled.

"Honestly, we should be lucky if he speaks to someone tonight," he laughed out.

"...Oh?" the king felt his ear being pulled, forcing his head to turn back down to the ball room, "And what do you make of that?" his wife asks calmly. His eyes widen as he sees his son standing just behind a white pillar, talking to a person he did not recognize. The look his son was giving to the young person was one he had never seen. It was as if this one person had done the impossible and had gotten the princes' full attention. Without knowing both parents smiled knowingly.

"Well... that was unexpected, wouldn't you agree?" said the king, sitting back down on his throne chair.

"Agreed," replied the queen. She motioned for the band to start the music, as everyone was just standing around or staring at the prince, whispering and pointing. It was time to start this ball.

Akihito was amazed for the second time that night. It was all so gorgeous, he couldn't stop looking around like a lost child. There were so many people and, being the shy boy that he was, stayed hidden behind the more shaded parts by the windows. He glanced outside, seeing the large garden, but missing the man approach.

Asami wouldn't take his eyes off this person. As soon as the last name was called he made his way toward the window, dodging the people who tried to converse with him. The young man or woman, as he has seen his fair share of pretty men, did not seem to notice him. Quietly, he tapped the boys shoulder, successfully scaring him. The boy turned around and for a moment he was struck speechless. By far the most beautiful being he had laid eyes on. The silver hair complemented the natural sun kissed skin, but also shining in the faintest of lights. The boy had the softest hazel eyes full of innocence and wonder.

Shaking out of his thoughts the prince took the others hand, giving it a light kiss, "My apologies. I did not mean to startle you. Please, forgive me." The boy offered a tiny smile, a bit of red appearing on the bridge of his nose. When the boy nodded he took the opportunity to step a bit closer.

"Tell me, what brings you here?" he asked.

"Nothing in particular. I have always wanted to visit the lands my mother and father once resided in and this gave me a good excuse," Akihito explained.

The prince nodded, "Oh? You are not here for the prince?" Asami wanted to see the boys answer, concluded that the boy did not know who he was with the lack of recognition in his eyes.

Akihito gave a small snort, "Please, like I will waste my time to catch a prince's attention, only to get turned away at the end or get trampled by others."

"Is that so?" he questioned, liking the boy more and more.

Aki nodded, " Why would I waste my time? I came here to experience a ball for the first time, not spend the night running after a man. I am not 'princess material', and do not care to become one. Besides, considering my situation it would take a lot of trust for me to even consider being someone's bride," he added as an afterthought. Takaba had no clue why he is talking to a complete stranger, but it was a ball and he did seem nice enough.

Asami nodded his head offering a rare smile, "What is your special situation?" he asked. Asami had to hold back a smirk when the little bearer blushed as he reveled to be a bearer. Perfect. They both turned as the music started and they saw people go out to the dance floor. Turning back, "Would you like to dance?" seeing the slight hesitation the prince took Akihito's hand already leading the way, "One dance won't hurt. Don't worry, I won't bite." Akihito blushed a shade deeper, though he still allowed himself to be pulled to the dance floor.

When they left the sanctuary of the shaded window corner all eyes fell on them. Aki lowered his head, he never liked being stared at, worse was the fact he was in a dress. He didn't notice the envious or awed stares.

The prince noticed the boy's anxiety and gave his hand a light squeeze. Now in the middle of the dance floor the prince turned to face Akihito. He took one of the boy's hands, raising it at shoulder level, while the other laid to rest on the slim waist. Hesitantly, Akihito put his unoccupied hand to lightly rest on the prince's shoulder. As the music once again picked up the older man began to sway back and fourth, Akihito joining in moments later. The prince took the lead and Akihito let him . They moved gracefully on the dance floor, not once missing a beat or turn. Through out their dance Asami would make small comments on the other guests, even saying one "looked like a big pumpkin" in her oversized orange dress, constantly making Akihito giggle.

The king of China looked on as his son danced with the prince. Out of everyone in the entire palace his son happened to catch the prince's attention. His boy was growing up right before his eyes, his parents would have been proud.

"Sweet isn't it?" said the man to his right.

The king glanced toward the beautiful man, "It is. He's having so much fun. It's a pity I no longer have that baby boy I saw all those years ago, but they all have to grow up some day right?"

Feilong nodded, " That they do."

"Do you have any children?"

Feilong shook his head, "No, sadly I do not. I can be with a man or a woman, but I have not found that 'special someone'," he sighed.

Tao, who was at his father's side eating a plate of sweets, decided to speak up, "My papa doesn't have a special someone yet. You can be it, you would make a good mommy," effectively making the two men blush, "Why don't you go dance papa?" he asked.

Feilong and King Yoh looked at one another, "Well," Yoh started, a smile appearing on his face, "It wouldn't hurt now would it?" He held out an inviting hand to Feilong, who stared at it for a moment before the bearer gave in, placing his hand in Yoh's, allowing him to lead the way.

From behind Tao smiled, which soon turned mischievous. It was time to get a new mommy.

0o0o0

The night went on, Akihito and Asami were still dancing. When the song had finished and switched to a more lively tune the couple made their way to the garden. Hand in hand, the pair settled down on the side of the large fountain. The night was almost to an end, midnight not far away.

The garden was magnificent, more so then the garden at the Chinese palace. The clearing at the front of the garden held a fountain, a white bench on either side. A straight path led from the castle to the back exit, along with other turns leading to the eastern and western wings of the garden. One large, alluring maze, the walls made of bushes of a mix of white and red roses. Occasionally one would see statues of a leopard, the animal on the royal shield of the Asami family, along with portraits of past rulers in glass cases. The whole scenery shimmered in the almost full moon.

Asami watched as the young bearer smoothed out his shirt and asked, "What do you think?" referring to the garden.

Akihito looked at him puzzled for a moment, then looked around and smiled, "It's... beautiful," he breathed out, the cool air fogging his breath.

"Not as beautiful as you," Asami whispered, reaching out to caress the boy's cheek with his hand, his thumb moving up and down soothingly. Asami watched, pleased when a blush formed on the flawless skin and the bearers eyes coming to meet his. The air was tense in anticipation, Akihito just waiting for the other to make a move. Finally, Asami started to lean in, his other hand coming up to grab Akihito's face. His eyes slid closed, he would feel the prince's warm breaths coming closer, just a little more-

"Takaba-sama!"

They both jolted at the sound. Looking up, they faced a smug looking Feilong at the entrance. The man smiled at Akihito," Takaba-sama, it is time to be heading back."

Akihito cleared his throat, "Thank you, Feilong. You may go retrieve the carriage, if you do not mind," he was about to get up when someone grabbed his hands.

"You will not be staying?" the king stopped his new found interest. He would not let the boy leave, not now. When he nodded, Asami continued, "Will you not stay as a guest? The guest wing is open to all, there are plenty of rooms for you to take," truthfully not many have decided to stay in the guest wing, as only loyalty usually stay over night.

Akihito looked down, biting his lower lip, "I don't know... I was only planning to come one night..."

"Takaba-sama," Feilong interrupted, "I had taken the liberty to pack you a few clothing items just in case. You can also go to the market to buy what you believe necessary." Akihito gave him a look, to which he responded with a wink.

"Well... I guess if it's no trouble-" he started.

"No trouble at all," cut in the prince. He stood, taking Akihito's hand, already leading the way back inside, "I'll show you to your room."

Akihito blushed, but said nothing. He ducked his head down, not only to avoid the teasing look on Feilong's face, but to not see the hate filled stares given to him by the other ball guests, especially those of the servants from his own home who managed to get a ride to the ball. He stole a glance their way, sighing in frustration that they were staring straight at him. They walked for a bit, through a few corridors, passing many portraits and paintings until they came by a set of doors.

"This will be your room," the prince announced, opening the doors to show a large room. There was a small area good for reading, with a few couches and love seats to rest upon. The bed was off to the left, right beside a large window, leading to a balcony overlooking the garden. There was another door, which Akihito assumed led to the bathroom, and another leading to a large closet, "Is this to your liking?" the prince asked.

Akihito looked up smiling, "Yes, thank you for your kindness."

Asami nodded, frowning a bit when he turned to discuss the other man, "Would you like a room as well? The one to the end of the corridor is open," he suggested. In truth all the ones in the hall were empty, but he wanted to be able to get alone time with the boy without annoying butlers to intrude.

Feilong nodded, already guessing what the prince was thinking, "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," he walked off to his room.

Now alone, the prince took the opportunity to take the boys hands into his own, making the other smile, "Thank you for a wonderful night."

"It was my pleasure, I had a wonderful time, " he replied, waiting for a moment to see what would happen.

When nothing occurred, he stepped back as if to closed the door, when he was pulled forward. The man's lips were just a hair width apart. He sighed in satisfaction when Asami leaned the rest of the way in to press a soft kiss to his lips. Akihito let his eyes slide closed, his hand coming up to rest upon the man's chest, while Asami placed his hands on the slim hips. The kiss lasted only for a few seconds, though, it felt as if hours had passed.

Asami looked into the hazel eyes asked, "What is your name?"

Akihito hesitated a moment before answering, "...Akihito. And what may yours be?"

"Akihito," the prince tested the word out, liking how it sounded, " Well, Akihito, I am Ryuichi. Pleased to meet you," he answered, adding a mock bow making the boy giggle,

"Well, Ryuichi, it's getting late," to prove his point the distant clock tower chimed, indicating it was midnight, "I had a wonderful time tonight...Good night," he moved away from the man, not able to hold back a yawn.

"Goodnight, Akihito," Asami watched as the boy stepped into the room, closing the door.

The most wonderful time he has had in a long time. Takaba Akihito, huh? Let us see where this will lead...

Review and until next time!