"So, Usagi-san… what do you like to do?"
"I like to write."
"Uwaa, really?" Misaki asked eagerly. "What do you like to write?"
"Oh, this and that. I enjoy contemplative novels or the occasional romance - or sometimes," Akihiko shot Misaki a sly look that made him blush again, "BL novels."
"Uhh, BL? What's that?"
So innocent, Akihiko thought to himself. "As a matter of fact, I'm actually a-" he cut himself off, pausing in shock. He had been about to say I'm actually a famous author, but had barely caught himself. He swore mentally. That might've given away my identity... damn it, why is this kid so easy to talk to?
He looked up again at Misaki, whose jade eyes were creased in worry. Akihiko's heart beat faster as he beheld the depths of genuine concern in Misaki's eyes. "Usagi-san, are you alright?"
Snap out of it, Akihiko. "Yeah, sorry. Lost my train of thought."
Misaki nodded in answer. "It's fine. If you need anything, let me know, 'kay?" He stuffed his mouth with more of the morning biscuit on the table and rubbed his stomach contentedly. "Also, today we're going to the marketplace. I need to trade some of the furs and hides I have." Misaki looked at Akihiko pointedly. "Since I have to keep an eye on you, I want you to come with me. Also, I don't exactly know who you are or how well-known you are, but you should probably wear something to cover your face. It's safer that way. You can borrow one of my cloaks."
Akihiko smiled, looking forward to spending another day with Misaki. I know it's necessary, but at least he doesn't hate it.
Akihiko gazed in amazement at the arrangement of stalls around him as he and Misaki made their way through the bustling town marketplace. Misaki noticed his slightly ajar mouth and laughed. "Why are you gawking at everything?"
"It's my first time at a town market."
Green eyes glanced up in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah." His tone convinced the boy, but Misaki still found it hard to believe that anyone Akihiko's age hadn't been to a market at least once.
Who is he? Misaki wondered, not for the first time. Must be some rich noble or something, if he's never even had to go to town to buy something. He shrugged off his thoughts. Doesn't matter who he is, I shouldn't pry. I've only been paid to protect him after all. Yet even as Misaki sighed in resignation, he still harbored some curiosity about the man's identity.
Meanwhile, Akihiko continued to observe his surroundings in awe. It's just like in the novels I've read, he thought. So many commoners... "How is everything so CHEAP?" he asked.
"Umm, Usagi-san, this is normal," Misaki stuttered as the townspeople around them looked at Akihiko, who was currently inspecting a stall selling fresh bread. He walked up to the vendor.
"I'd like to buy all of them," he said, waving his hand at all of the loaves in the display.
"Usagi-san!" Misaki exclaimed, then blushed at the looks people directed at him. He quickly gestured to the vendor. "I'm sorry, he doesn't know what he's saying. We'll just take one." He quickly took the bread from the confused man and paid him, then grabbed Akihiko by the arm and dragged him into a nearby alley.
"You can't do that!" Misaki reprimanded. "Seriously, what were you thinking?"
"I don't see what was wrong with it," Akihiko replied truthfully. Misaki buried his face in his hands.
"Just... we're trying not to attract attention, okay? So just let me do the talking."
"Fine, I'll stay out of your way." Misaki looked relieved at his easy compliance until Akihiko smirked and added, "On one condition."
Misaki scowled cutely. "What now?"
"Just this." Akihiko leaned forward and met Misaki's lips, his arms coming up to box Misaki in against the brick alley wall. He pressed the boy up against it as he ran his tongue against the seal of his lips, forcing his it through.
"Nng!" Misaki's eyes were wide as he felt the sensation of the other's tongue pulling at his and then licking along the soft parts on his mouth. He raised his hands to push Akihiko away, but the latter was leaning into the kiss and barely budged at Misaki's attempts. "Hnn!" he was quickly becoming out of breath and he soon he sagged against the wall, but Akihiko's arms came around him to support him. The brunette gathered his strength and shoved his the taller man away harshly.
"D-don't do that!" he said indignantly, his face burning brightly.
"Hm? But you looked like you were enjoying it," Akihiko said innocently.
"No way!" Misaki shook his head adamantly.
"Your cheeks say you were," Akihiko teased, causing Misaki to look away.
"I definitely didn't! Don't be so full of yourself!" he retorted angrily. Akihiko just laughed at him and ruffled his hair.
"You're so cute."
"I'm a man, you know!"
"Boy," Akihiko corrected.
"What?! I'm twenty-five," Misaki pouted. The prince stared at him in surprise.
"For real?"
"Of course! Why is that so unbelievable?"
"You look younger... it must be because you're so cute." Akihiko leaned forward and pinched his flushed cheeks.
"S-stupid," Misaki muttered, slapping away the hands on his face and averting his gaze as the other laughed at him.
Suddenly, Misaki turned towards Akihiko with a look of fear on his face. "Usagi-san..."
Just as Akihiko was about to ask what was the matter, Misaki took his hand and started to run. "There's someone following us," he panted, coming to a stop between unfamiliar buildings.
Why did we stop? Akihiko thought. Did we lose them? Then he glanced up and saw that there were people on top of the buildings. No...
Misaki looked panicked. "U-Usagi-san... run..." He drew a dagger from within the folds of his cloak. I should've brought my bow...
Akihiko stood there until Misaki nudged him and hissed in his ear. "Run! To the left!" He complied and felt relieved when he heard his bodyguard's footsteps behind him. "Right! Right!" Misaki said urgently as they wove through the buildings. Akihiko was beginning to tire, but a hand in the small of his back gently encouraged him. "Almost there," Misaki whispered as a third pair of footsteps began to sound behind them. Then, as they rounded another turn, the marketplace was in view. "Just make it there!" The brunette panted desperately as he noticed two more men following them closely from the tops of the buildings. If we can just make it to the crowd, we'll be safe...
As they reached the edge of the buildings, Akihiko slowed, drained. No! Don't stop yet! Misaki wanted to scream, but he was too out of breath. He watched in horror as one of the men atop the buildings took aim. Get out! You're still in range! Move!
There was no time for words as the assassin loaded his crossbow and fired at Akihiko's unsuspecting back.
thanks for reading! *sigh* school has begun :c
SuzukiChiyeko, you're right, it should've been Takahashi-kun. i had the first and second chapters written out differently before i uploaded them here, during which Fuyuhiko introduced Akihiko to Misaki as a commoner. so i had him calling the other "Takahashi-san" out of respect and deference to position (at his father's insistence bc they're both pricks to each other lol). i totally forgot to change it, ty for pointing it out and reviewing c:
