Chapter 10 ~ Subaru Sakamaki
Warnings: Smut
AN: This will be combining two fairy tales, just for something different. ^^
Thank you everyone who commented and stuck with the story, I'm sorry it took a little while to complete. This chapter follows on from Ayato's chapter and yes, all the Sakamaki's chapters are connected, but it's not necessary to read Ayato's to understand this one. You can decide your own timeline if you dislike mine, but I basically worked it out to be - Start: Laito - Kanato - Reiji - Ayato - Subaru - Shuu - End.
Title translation is: A two step - the swan and the beast
Un pas de deux - La Cygne et la Bète
When the third son, Ayato Sakamaki, took the crown, a murmur of sympathy rippled through the crowds. At his victory, a certain brother - the youngest, had lost his opportunity to provide for his mother. The White Rose remained uncured of her mental instability, and from his failure, she lost all hope of being restored to her former untainted glory.
After the coronation, the youngest Prince disappeared into the heart of the forest.
White fur brushed against leaves, a single snap of a twig signalling the creature's approach. Musty scents of a rabbit filled his nose, making his mouth salivate- jaws opening and spreading wide to reveal spittle coated teeth. Ears lay flat on his head, body slowly crouching down as prey was sighted. The forest lay completely silent around him as he remained still. Waiting...
A flurry of chaos broke out, but not from him. White feathers clouded his vision as swan burst from the bushes, making the creature's eyes fly wide. The rabbit fled, disturbed by the commotion. The swan disappeared through the foliage nosily, flapping it's wings.
Frustration welled up viciously fast inside him. A low growl escaped clenched teeth, before the creature took off running through the trees, pursuing the swan. He scented the lake nearby, and bid himself to move faster, running on four legs.
Branches and thistles of the surrounding greenery ripped into his face, but he hardly cared as he propelled himself forward, until the lake came into view. Smelling the swan just beneath him on the water, and uncaring of the depth of it, he jumped straight in from the bank.
Loud cries of surprise filled his ears as he snapped his jaws, biting down. He tasted feathers and felt the thin but strong bone of a wing under his teeth. If it wasn't for the need to kick his legs to keep afloat, he would've ripped the wing clean off. As it was, he was forced to let go. Water thrashed as the swan tried to fly away, but only succeeded in dragging itself over the surface of the lake.
He growled and swam after it, in hot pursuit of the swan as it's graceless form swam into a disk of moonlight on the surface of the water. Red eyes widened as a harsh light suddenly burst forth from the swans body, blinding the creature and forcing his eyes closed.
When the light died down, his eyes peeled reluctantly open as he tread water, starting at the sight before him.
A terrified woman stared back.
She clutched her bleeding arm to her as she kicked her legs, trying to stay afloat. Moonlight bathed her features in a soft glow, hair wet and curling in the water.
The two regarded each other in shocked silence. However, the woman's struggles to stay afloat became apparent as her head dipped under the surface, before rising again. She sputtered a few times and tried to swim, but sank under once more.
His eyes followed her form, hesitating a moment. When she didn't rise again, and bubbles floated to the surface, he plunged into the water after her. Through some difficult navigation, he was able to carry her partially on his back, her arms looped weakly around his neck. He could hear her breathing shallowly, her wet, trembling form pressing against him. The contact felt strange, foreign.
He sighed in relief when they reached the shore, and the woman let go, scrambling away from him a little.
"Why did- you save me?" She coughed, looking up at him warily.
Red eyes narrowed. He cleared his throat, as if forming the words in his head. "It's... not like I knew you were a human when I bit you. Tch..." His voice was tinged with hoarseness, like he hadn't spoken in some time.
Her eyes widened, having not expected him to be able to talk. "Is there...magic in you?" She breathed, clutching her bleeding arm a little tighter. Her underlying question was clear. She searched for signs of a curse silently.
Startled by how easily she'd come to that conclusion, he automatically frowned at her, not liking the vulnerability her question unearthed.
"You should worry more about that arm, idiot." He muttered gruffly, drawing himself up to stand on four legs.
He bristled at the way she looked at him, as if figuring out which parts of him looked human. His appearance at first glance was that of a large wolf, but upon closer inspection one would see his 'paws' were more like claw tipped hands. His hind legs were capable of letting him stand upright, and his upper body resembled something of a mans. Feathers were also mixed in with that of his coarse white fur, giving him all round a very odd appearance. He wore no clothes, as they'd long since been ripped to shreds from his time spent in the forest, and his eyes- at first glance, looked inhuman from their shade of red. Lastly though, and what the woman seemed most fixated on, were his jaws. He had the slight muzzle of a wolfs, and though shorter, his teeth were no less deadly sharp.
He glanced down at her shivering form, her soaked white dress clinging to her and leaving little to the imagination. He tsked and started to walk away from the lake.
"Wait, please!" She called after him. "That castle over there...it's the Sakamaki's isn't it? Do you think they would help patch up my arm?" Her shaking finger pointed to the castle not too far from the lake, overlooking the forest surrounding them. The telltale hesitance in her voice showed that she knew the reputation of the residents, especially the new King.
"How should I know?" He muttered, padding away from her and shaking his fur in a very undignified way.
An hour later though, despite himself, he approached the castle, keeping to the shadows as he watched the side entrance. He smelled the gentle suggestion of her scent, and spotted flecks of blood on the ground. She must have been accepted inside after all.
Something twisted in him at the sight of the familiar castle, as it always did. It stood tall and imposing, but the past horrors inside it's walls were what kept him away. In particular, a lone tower drew his gaze and held it captive. The creature drew back from his hiding spot, turning away. It didn't matter what happened to the girl anyway.
After that, he believed that he would never lay eyes on the swan-woman again.
His jaws sank into hide and bone, tearing it aside in order to gorge himself on muscle and flesh. It bloodied his mouth, coating his tongue and teeth with the hot red substance. He happily busied himself with the carcass of the stag, his audience completely undetected.
The swan-woman watched, fear, disgust and horror curling in her stomach as she hid in the bushes. And yet...she understood such things were necessary in order to survive in the wild. As a swan, she could vaguely remember eating pondweed, insects and tadpoles. Wetting her lips once his appetite appeared to be sated, she stepped out from the bushes.
The creature tensed, looking at her sharply with blazing, feral eyes. She stilled, before steeling herself and murmuring;
"You're cursed too, aren't you?"
A distrust filled silence answered her question. She introduced herself, dropping the title of 'princess' in there. Odette, he could call her. She curtsied politely, or at least, tried to. Her damaged left arm, wrapped in bandages, made movement difficult. The creature shifted warily from the body of the stag, his mouth still caked with blood.
"When I went to the castle, they treated my arm." She explained. "I spoke to one of the Princes there, Reiji. When I told him what had happened...he gave me your name."
A forced smile bent her lips at his narrowed gaze. "It's nice to meet you, Prince Subaru."
Between one moment and the next, a claw tipped hand met her collarbone. Her head hit the forest floor as he shoved her body down into the earth.
"Why'd you approach me again?" The words hissed out from bloodied teeth, inches away from her frozen face.
His body leaned over hers, pinning her down to the ground heavily. Her stomach churned from his hot breath, her hand drawing into a fist at her side as fight or flight kicked in. She automatically struggled, the instincts of the swan, prey, bid her to flee.
His weight pressed her down harder, a fierce snarl shuddering into her ear. It made her eyes widen, body automatically stilling.
She looked up at him, stiff with fright. "Because...we're the same." She gritted out, trying to shove down her fear, though her trembling betrayed her.
A thunderous growl escaped him, rumbling from deep within his chest. It hissed out like curling smoke from his jaws. "We're nothing alike. Got that?"
He glared down at her, slightly surprised when she continued to speak, meeting his gaze with wet eyes.
"I-I don't know the circumstances for why you got cursed, Prince Reiji wouldn't say. But I got cursed by a Warlock..." she tried to ease him into conversation. His brother had mentioned that Subaru had sank into isolation, and from the looks of things, being alone wasn't helping. It frightened her to see a former Prince so wild. It wasn't his appearance that unsettled her either; his manner, body language, everything nearly resembled that of a wild animals. It was as if he'd completely accepted his appearance to be his natural self.
"Hah? I ain't interested in your damn story!" He sneered. "Why'd you really approach me? I'm not gonna accept a shitty reason like us being alike."
"It's the truth! I'm just...I'm happy not to be alone." She revealed, feeling rotten for admitting it. "Sorry. I know that's awful. But, when I was in the castle...I felt like my heart was going to burst. I felt like a swan, even though I was human, trapped inside stone walls. Caged..." she trailed off, voice small. "Not to mention...Sakamaki castle is infamous for having cruel rulers. That's why I've stayed by the lake so long. It's more freeing being outside."
"...Tch." He glanced away, the weight on her chest easing away.
She slowly sat up into a sitting position when he drew back. Her heart continued to beat wildly in her chest, but the answers she sought loosened her tongue. "You felt that way too, didn't you, Prince Subaru? That's why you're out here in the woods instead of inside-"
Subaru snarled, rounding on her. "Just leave me alone! If you approach me again...I'll kill you." He glared, turning away again as he stood on all fours. "And drop the 'Prince' crap. I gave up that title a long time ago."
These were his parting words, as the former prince walked away from the clearing, leaving her alone.
She'd always found roses to be beautiful.
Since she'd arrived at the lake a week ago, the swan princess had found odd patches of them hidden in the bushes here and there. Their sweet scent drew her closer, like a moth to a flame. They were a source of comfort to her in this strange new land, filled with unknowns and a rogue former Prince. So it was that one night, after the moonlight had changed her feathers into skin once more, she was lured back to the castle.
She padded bare-foot around it's looming outer wall and stumbled upon a side entrance, which was laying open for anyone to wander into. She crept inside the castle grounds, feeling like she was intruding. Though they'd treated her wounds and were somewhat more decent than the rumours she'd heard, the Princes had seemed uninterested in her plight, much like Subaru.
The scent of roses filled her nostrils, distracting her. She was lured in further by their beauty, finding only pure white ones in the castle garden. She briefly wondered why, but it didn't stop her from reaching for one, wanting to touch it's soft looking petals.
"Don't touch it!"
A claw tipped hand closed over her own, and she started, looking up at blazing red. Subaru tugged her away from the roses, the feel of his calloused hand making the image of him gorging himself on the dead stag fade slightly. His touch felt warm and human even as he growled at her.
"You stay away from the roses. Got it? They ain't for you."
A brief flash of annoyance welled up inside her. "I know they're not mine, but you don't have to be so rough. I wasn't trying to pick them or anything."
"Tch...even touching them makes them dirty." He grumbled, gaze drawing up to the tower not too far away. When he realised that she'd followed his line of sight, and was now curiously regarding the tall, stone prison, he let her go quickly. "Just get outta here. Why are you even hanging around these parts?"
It was her turn to shrink away slightly, lips thinning. "...The lake near this castle is the only one that can transform me back into a human at night. The warlock who cursed me made it so...because here, I'm far from the one who can break my curse."
Subaru sneered. "Well if you know where that person is, then go to them. If they're so damn special, they'll know it's you even if you're a swan when you see em'."
The swan princess drew further away, holding her bandaged arm. It was then she realised that he was standing on two legs, looking more human. She blinked, and he drew himself down, muscles shifting to accommodate him. On all fours, his appearance looked...wrong. He'd become the twisted creature once more, that was neither man nor beast.
She was about to speak, when a scream reached her ears. It rang out loudly from the tower window, which only now did she notice had bars over it. The scream descended into hysterical sounds, and the princess felt a rush of air brush violently past her face. It was only then did she realise Subaru had ran away, melting into the shadows and safety of the forest. Her eyes shifted back to the lonely tower window, and her heart clenched at the sound of soft sobbing from within.
The White Rose sat on the window ledge, bathed in sunlight. Her dulled red eyes stared sightlessly at the bright outside world, barred to her. Fragments of her torn white hair lay in tatters around her 'room' though she didn't notice them. Vague memories came back to her, ebbing and flowing away like the tide. Just when she thought she'd grasped them, they fell through her fingers. But distantly, the image of a gentle boy with white hair came back to her. She was broken from her heavy thoughts by the flapping of large wings. A shadow darted past her window, before a flurry of white clouded her vision. Christa drew back, startled as the swan perched on her window on the other side of the bars.
It made a noise, but otherwise looked at her calmly, settling itself down. Christa blinked, carefully shifting closer, though the swan could do her no harm, barred from her.
"Hello..." she greeted softly. The swan looked at her curiously, and noticed the resemblance. How could she not? She knew it somehow instinctively...that the fragile, imprisoned woman was Prince Subaru's mother.
Christa hesitantly touched her feathers, her fingers pale, touch soft. Her timid, tense expression melted, and she smiled at the swan, reaching through the bars to stroke the swan's neck. The creature held still for her and was patient with the woman's timid hand. It was only when the sound of keys jangling in the lock did the swan draw away. Christa smiled tiredly.
"Thank you...please come back sometime." She murmured. The swan dropped away from her perch at the window, just as the door opened to reveal a servant with some food.
She soared down from the tower, looping around it a few times and then flying back to her usual haunt, touching down on the bank of the lake. She ruffled her features in the sunlight, and started when she heard the leaves rustle. Her webbed feet drew her back and large wings unfolded, sensing the threat before she saw it. Subaru padded out of the bushes, his lupine features standing out to her more, now that she was true prey.
But he didn't look angry with her, as per usual. In fact...his eyes only seemed worn, and searching.
"So...you saw her, huh?" He asked, voice a rasp of sound.
She couldn't reply as a swan, but folded her wings, looking at him silently. He sighed heavily, glancing away from her and looking at the lake. It almost seemed like he was less guarded with her as a swan, rather than when she were human.
"You probably...brought her more comfort in that single moment, than I ever have." He muttered, tone acidic. There was no jealously in it, just a hatred, that the swan was steadily realising was directed at himself. She wanted to ask him so many questions, but had to resign herself to settling down on the bank. Subaru remained with her mutely, and they watched the current of the waters, the light slowly dimming on the surface of the lake. When it was time for her to transform, the swan slipped onto the lake water, into the disk of waiting moonlight.
The princess soon breathed out into human lungs, but when she turned, treading water, only the empty bank greeted her.
She kept going back to visit his mother as a swan, and more often, when she left, Subaru become a silent presence at her side. He sat by the lake with her mutley, and always after transforming, the first thing she saw was his back as he walked away.
Finally, she could bare it no more, and shouted from the water, bathed in moonlight. "WAIT!" She yelled at the top of her voice.
He stilled, back turned to her. White fur shifted as muscle moved, and he turned to look at her. "What?" He grumbled.
She waded in from the water, heedless of the image she made. Wet clothes plastered to her skin, dress hitched up to reveal her thigh. She breathed out, trembling slightly from the cold as she frowned at him. "Stay." She breathed.
He frowned at her. "Ha? You orderin' me?" He uttered in a dark tone.
"No, of course not. It's just that...I want you to. Please stay and talk with me. Or it can just be like when I'm a swan. We don't have to speak. Just...please."
Subaru frowned deeper, ears twitching and flattening. He briefly inhaled, and her scent flooded his senses. Stifling it, he lifted a shoulder and dropped it. "...Tch. Fine, whatever. It's your fault if I end up hurting you."
She nodded eagerly, and the two settled into an awkward pattern. Their nights were composed of odd fragments of conversation, which she suspected were more from him being socially awkward, rather than him brushing her off.
"Why do you keep...doin' that weird posing shit?" Subaru grumbled one night.
She straightened her posture, standing a little ways away from him. "Ah...they're ballet poses." She admitted, cheeks heating slightly. "I used to practice all the time, but when I was sent here...I didn't exactly get to bring my shoes or tutu." She laughed softly.
Subaru tensed, eyes widening a touch at the sound. His gaze travelled over her, before fixing his attention firmly on the lake again.
Another night, she held a blanket around her shoulders, which had been waiting for her on the bank. She'd thanked him, but he'd just sneered at her, revealing sharp teeth. The princess had dropped the subject, but not without a smile.
"It's a pretty popular theory that all curses can be broken by true love." The swan princess grinned, looking at him as she made conversation.
Subaru snorted. "Sounds dumb. Like the whole thing's been romanticised." He glared daggers at the lake water as if it were personally responsible for spreading the misconception.
She lifted a shoulder. "Well, there's no harm in trying. My curse is a little different. I had to name who would break my curse right at the start. Name my champion, as it were. I chose Prince Siegfried."
Subaru's glare lessened, becoming pensive. "I've heard of him. Neighbourin' kingdom, right? What does he have to do?"
"Well, he has to proclaim his love to the world. You know, as an engagement announcement to me, or something like that."
"If it's that easy, why the hell hasn't he done it yet?" Subaru grumbled.
At this, the princess fell silent. She clasped her hands behind her and watched the moonlight on the lake, eyes unreadable. "He's just busy. I've known him for a long time. We've been set to marry since we were young. He can be a bit scatterbrained, a daydreamer. But he's a good man. He killed the warlock, Von Rothbart who cursed me...but the spell still didn't break."
"Why'd that bastard even curse you?"
The princess smiled, knowing she'd be thought of as one of the romantics he'd just sneered at. "I didn't love him, so I refused his offer of marriage. He didn't take the rejection well. When he died...I woke up here." She muttered, voice becoming quieter.
They lapsed into silence for a moment, both of them watching the lake before them. Subaru frowned. There were holes in her story, like why she hadn't tried to reach Siegfried in swan form if she couldn't transform anywhere else. But he didn't call her out on it. He hadn't revealed anything about his curse. He caught the faint sound of her sighing next to him, before she turned and forced a smile.
"Let's not dwell on that. What about you, anyway?"
Subaru's ears lay flat, his lip lifting in a warning sneer. "What about me?"
"You could always try to find a true love." She suggested gently.
His tail swished in agitation even as he laughed humorlessly. "That ain't gonna happen."
Setting her hands on her hips, she regarded him stubbernly. "Not with that attitude, it's not. You should try. I'll help you." She smiled encouragingly.
His hackles raised. "You're a damn busybody is what you are." He growled.
"I think I could be a pretty good match maker. What have you got to lose?"
"More like - what have I got to gain? Tch, no idiot would sign up for my crap, and I wouldn't want them to."
Her gaze gentled as her hands threaded in the comfort of the blanket. "...You don't give yourself enough credit." She muttered quietly.
"Just shut it, will you!" He snarled, standing up on all fours as his claws dug into the earth. "Just drop it! There's no point in breaking my curse anyway." Subaru turned, intent on leaving. "Nothing would change."
This time, she didn't stop him as he left. Guilt made her teeth tug at her bottom lip. Somehow, she got the impression he was punishing himself for something.
One night, instead of a dress waiting for her, as she'd found a few days prior, she stumbled across something which made her expression light up.
There, on the bank, lay a pair of pale pink ballet shoes.
She bent down and picked them up, stroking the ties gently. Gratitude swamped her, gentling her features. "You really...don't give yourself enough credit." The words escaped her softly.
After finding a flat expanse of earth with which to practice on, the swan princess excitedly tied the ribbons of her ballet shoes. It had been a month since she'd properly practised point work, and she'd missed it.
She straightened and felt a surge of nostalgia as she bent her knees and got a feel for the shoes. They'd need to be broken in before she could do more elegant dances. She rose up on her tip toes a few times, smiling slightly, before stretching. She then practised a simple set, manoeuvring around the parts that required a partner, though she felt it a shame there were no lifts. She spun gracefully, her hands crossed at the wrists near her waist, weaving a story with her actions that she unconsciously practised.
Leaves shifted almost silently as her spectator crouched low. Subaru blinked, unreadable features shifting slightly into something more humane. His eyes followed her figure as she jumped and rose high on her tip toes, raising her arms into the air and curving them. Her back arched, and his heart quickened, tracing the curves of her figure. Enraptured and simultaneously disgusted with himself, he breathed out, staying hidden for some time and just watching.
Her ankle gave without warning, sending her to the ground in a heap. Subaru's eyes widened just a touch when she picked herself up, not shaken in the least. A darker part of him recalled her fear that day with the stag, and how he'd enjoyed it. How he'd bathed in the scent of her terror. It was natural, he told himself. He was a beast after all, a twisted, ugly thing. The way they were now, her bathed in moonlight, and him in shadow...those were the correct roles for them. His teeth clenched together, eyes narrowing as he thought to leave.
But something inexplicable had him bursting from the trees when she slipped again, heading for the water. His claw tipped paw- no- hand, latched around her wrist, pulling her back toward him.
Her eyes widened as she fell against him, surprise written across her features as he stood upright with her. His arm insidiously snaked around her waist to steady her. She tried to catch her breath, panting softly from the exertion of pushing herself too hard. "Th-thank you."
Subaru looked down at her, shifting his weight and seeming to realise their positions. He swallowed and cleared his throat, wondering why her eyes and red cheeks made him linger, before his own feet threatened to give unexpectedly, unused to standing upright.
"Ah! It's alright, I've got you." She exclaimed, holding his arms as their bodies swayed. She desperately fought to keep him upright.
"Dammit, let go! I don't stand like this anymore." Subaru growled, wanting to be back on all fours again. It was so much easier being that way, being a beast. Being alone. Letting his mind bleed away into that of an animal's.
He started when she grasped his hand, and put her other on his shoulder. Muscle automatically tensed under her touch. If he could blush, he would have. "The fuck are you doing now?" He snapped, embarrassment blurring into confusion and heightening his temper.
She frowned slightly at him. "It's alright." She repeated, making her tone softer. "You're meant to stand like this. See? Your 'hind legs' aren't wobbling anymore. You should try a few steps."
Subaru glared at her, but she was correct. He was able to stand upright, but he wasn't certain he'd last two steps without her support. His lips curled as he waited for her to lead him forward, only to bristle. "W-well? Get on with it then, if you want to do it so much."
The princess just smiled. "You and I both know that a gentleman must lead. I'm not forcing you to do this...if you want to walk on two legs, then do so."
She eased slightly away, teasingly, which had the desired effect as he snarled and took a step after her. She then side stepped, still loosely holding him, as he followed her step and suddenly dragged her in close. His breath fanned over her cheek, white fur brushing her exposed collarbone. His teeth skimmed her neck. "I'll damn well lead, if only to put you in your place, prey." His voice, pitched low, made her shiver pleasantly.
He then pulled her back a step with him and braced himself, before side stepping, watching his feet as they both navigated a small space. His clawed toenails dragged across the earth, and his hackles raised in irritation as he stumbled. However, her hand at his shoulder curled in a reassuring squeeze. Her fingers brushed the feathers mixed into his fur, and his frown melted away.
Sharp nails dragged over her waist lightly, twitching into the material of her dress. It didn't really occur to him that they were dancing until partway through, him being more focused on moving with her and staying upright. Their eyes met, and he took in the happy blush on her cheeks, the glitter in her eyes.
Her breath caught, and his hand flexed wide on her hip, drawing her slightly closer.
"Subaru you're-" she exclaimed, gaze flitting around his face. She watched as his lupine features shifted away slightly, revealing pale skin. The snout disappeared to reveal his nose, lips thin without the monstrous jaws. He automatically stiffened at her expression and moved away a little.
"What?" He grunted.
"Your face it's..." she breathed, staring at him. He snarled, shoving her back and losing his balance. Just a second before his hands met the ground once more, she watched with wide eyes as his beastly features were returned to him, as if it were a trick of the light that had made him human. Fur and sharp teeth rushed back onto his face as he resumed his four legged position. He padded away from her a little, face unreadable.
"Subaru..." she murmured, trailing off. She didn't know what to say, but now, she was certain of it. "You're...keeping yourself like this. Aren't you?"
He doesn't answer her for a moment, but his quiet, subdued voice reached her. "I think it's about time we find your Prince, and get some damn answers."
"I...I can't."
He blinked and turned to look at her. "What the fuck are you goin' on about now? Course you can. He's only in the next kingdom. I'll drag his sorry ass back here if-"
"No." She murmured, holding her arms and turning away. "Please...don't." Her voice had become a whisper of sound.
Subaru padded forward, frowning at her. "What aren't you telling me? You a liar now or somethin?" He asked, red eyes trying to read her.
The princess folded in on herself and crouched by the lake, looking at her reflection miserably. He smelled salt on the air, and his ears pricked at the sound of muffled sobs behind her hand. "I-I'm sorry. I...I haven't been entirely truthful."
He padded closer, ears laying flat on his head as his fur brushed her side. The heat of his body drew closer to her bent form. "Spit it out." He demanded quietly, unnerved by the turn.
Her shoulders shook as she slowly leaned back slightly into his heat. "M-my...curse can't be broken, because Prince Siegfried ha- has fallen in love with someone else. He's...going to get engaged to her soon. When he announces it, I'll be trapped in the form of a swan for good."
Subaru's eyes widened a touch. "Why the fuck is he getting engaged to someone else?" He snapped. "I thought he-"
"No...we were supposed to marry but we never fell in love. I-I can't deny him happiness, Subaru." She turned to look up at him, cheeks red as tears escaped her eyes. "When I saw him last, and we realised the curse wasn't going to break just because Rothbart was dead, I...let him go. I want him to be happy. So I came here."
"...How long do you have?" His voice had become quieter.
"I don't know when his engagement is. I keep expecting one night not to be able to turn back into a human." She admitted.
"And what if I killed your old sweetheart, huh? Would that break the curse?" The words rushed out in a breath. His teeth ached.
She started in alarm, gripping his clawed hand tight. She barely noticed as his nails dug into her skin in harsh rivets. "Subaru- don't do that. Please don't...I'll never forgive you if you do." Her clear eyes bore into his.
His eyes strayed, unnamed emotions welling up inside him, clashing together in chaos. Desperation clawed at him.
"Subaru?" She murmured questioningly, when he didn't answer.
"I have to go." His heel drew back, and when she moved to touch his cheek, he snarled. "DON'T TOUCH ME-"
The princess froze, hurt crossing her features.
A claw tipped hand ran through his hair in frustration. "I thought...fuck, I don't know what I thought. That maybe you'd at least stay. I...wanted you to, I think. Doesn't matter..." Subaru trailed off. Her brows drew together as he retreated from her touch once more. As always, her heart swayed as if to fill the distance between them.
He didn't know what the hell he was doing. He hadn't stepped foot in the castle since his father's death. Unfortunately in his absence, Christa had been placed back inside that tower that resembled hell. He partly understood why, Ayato had no idea how to handle her outbursts, and it often took six guards to restrain her. He knew from experience...nothing could bring her mind back. Not after he'd ripped it to shreds just by being born.
But now, he crept down one of the many hallways inside the castle. Unannounced and unseen, his fur brushed against the walls as he stayed close to them, crouching low and ducking out of sight of the guards. Sounds of a party lulled him closer, until he found the entrance to the private gardens. He quickly darted for cover behind a rose bush, sneering as he heard tinkling laughter and polite conversation.
An unknown hurt twisted his heart painfully, but he figured it had something to do with the princess. She couldn't just invite herself into his life and then wander away unscathed, it didn't work like that. So...that was why he was doing something incredibly foolish. He burst out of his hiding place, heedless of the screams, and headed towards the tower.
"He has to proclaim his love to the world. You know, as an engagement announcement to me, or something like that."
"Mother..." He trailed off, looking at the woman before him with tired eyes.
After taking down the guards and knocking the door aside with his strength, he expected a shrinking violet, hiding in the corner. As it was, his mother stared at him with haze filled eyes, standing by the barred window.
"Who are you?" She asked softly, tonelessly.
Subaru swallowed, and his legs shook as he forced himself to stand upright. "You told me...never to show my face here again after I failed you. I know, Karl's death hurt. Shattered what was left of you... But I-I'm gonna talk to Ayato and see if he can find better ways to help you. Rather than keeping you locked up."
His mother tilted her head slightly, regarding him quietly. "You seem happier." She said in a subdued voice, piecing memories back together.
"Guess so. I think I fell for someone like an idiot though." He muttered the princess' name, avoiding Christa's gaze in embarrassment now. "I'd want to wait a while to say this, but I'm short on time, and I don't wanna lose her. Thing is...you're the only other person in my world who I give a shit about. So..I'm gonna tell only you that I want to marry her." He said, knowing it was a slim chance his confession would even mean anything. Her curse was meant to be broken by someone else, not him.
A hand reached out, and Subaru flinched- a reaction as natural as breathing. Even her gentle touch atop his head did nothing to stop the fear- the expectation of her hands turning violent unexpectedly as she took a turn- fingernails digging into his scalp. But Christa remained placid, and his eyes widened, tears pricking them without him realising.
"Don't...look at me like that, mother. I might think you've forgiven me or somethin..."
Her fingers moved from his head to his cheek, brushing the bangs over his eye aside. "There's nothing to forgive, my son." She murmured, a hollow pain in her eyes.
He started when the fur lining his arms began to slide off into the air, descending to the floor. He watched with wide eyes as his nails became shorter, and pale skin was revealed. Heart quickening, he flinched again as his mother wrapped a blanket around his shoulders to shield his suddenly nude form. He reached up and touched his human ears, his face-nose.
Subaru turned and saw the features he hated so much in the mirror. White hair and red eyes. The same hair from his mother and father, blood relations. He was that man's son once more.
His gaze returned to his mother, and her answering smile undid everything. All the pain over the years fell away. What he wanted most, was to smell the princess' familiar scent, and hold her once more.
"Go, I'm sure she's waiting for you." His mother encouraged.
Obeying this, his bare feet pounded on the stone steps down the tower. He clutched the blanket around him and ran as fast as he could through the gardens-the forest, until he reached the lake, driven by something inexplicable.
The scent of salt reached him once more however, and he frowned at the distant form of the princess. Her legs were dipped into the lakewater as she sat on the bank, her head bowed as she held her arms.
"Oi...what's wrong?" He asked quietly, standing behind her and panting softly.
She shifted to look at him over her shoulder and tensed in surprise. "Subaru..." she breathed.
"Ah, yeah the curse broke, what's up with y- gah!" He was cut off as she suddenly launched herself at him, arms wrapping around his neck.
He blinked but relaxed into her arms, the sensation strange. He buried his nose into her hair and inhaled, finding the scents more muted now that he was human. Nonetheless, it felt right to hold her.
When she drew back, she was smiling, lips stretched wide. Subaru dimly wondered at the tears in her eyes, and tensed, looking at her arms.
Very small white feathers were starting to poke out from her skin. He raised horror filled eyes to meet hers.
"I'm so happy for you, Subaru." She breathed, smiling genuinely.
"No." He spoke slowly, mind catching up with the situation. How much more could be taken from him? Why weren't his words enough?
Her gaze dropped to her arm. "I...think this might be my last night."
"No, damn it!" Subaru snarled. He gripped her tight and kissed her like she was hiding secrets behind her teeth.
He swallowed her brief inhale of surprise, holding her close. Her hand settled on his shoulder, as the other touched his hair gently. He didn't flinch at her hand, but his shoulders tensed, easing slowly. Their forms slowly sank down to kneel, kissing and mapping each other's skin, the plains of their bodies.
Subaru clung to her tightly, their bodies pressed close. He sought more of her warmth however, and ran his hands over the skimpy lace of her dress, the material riding up to reveal her thighs. The princess allowed this, kissing him with the same amount of vigour and need.
She willingly lay back onto the grass and beckoned him to follow, lips bent up painfully. "I don't think I have long...please just touch me as long as you can. I want to feel you."
He couldn't deny her and braced himself over her, the blanket slipping from his shoulders. She started at the feel of his palm on her bare leg, sliding up and disappearing under the hem of her dress. Subaru broke away slightly from her lips, their breaths mingling as his fingers stroked and rubbed at her clothed entrance. A blush spread over her cheeks as their eyes remained locked even as he touched her so intimately. When she began to squirm, the hazy desire in his gaze sharpened, and his lips turned up at the edges.
"...I've wanted to see you like this for a long time." His teeth grazed her jaw, kissing and licking her skin. "But it's still not enough...I want more. All of you. Give yourself to me quickly."
He marvelled at the feel of his skin against hers. Of his human body experiencing her touch. When he sank inside her, he groaned into her neck, shuddering. She felt warm and tight, gripping him like a vice. The princess gave a whimper, squeezing her eyes shut- until they peeled open and she nodded, moving her hips to try and ease the uncomfortable aches and pains of him stretching her. Subaru hissed out a breath as he bucked, grunting.
"Hah- don't make that face..." He muttered, looking down at her flushed cheeks. Teeth dragged over her neck, lips soon following as he kissed her hungrily. "It makes me want to break you..."
She made a breathy noise, gazing up at him with hazy eyes as her fingers stroked and gripped white strands of hair. "Go ahead...so long as it's you."
Subaru breathed out and clung to her as he moved, hips meeting hers over and over again. She, in turn, held onto his shoulders, making small whimpering noises. He bid himself to move faster, until his hips become a rough- bruising sensation. He panted harshly into her hair, digging her into the earth beneath them. He hitched her leg up and over his waist, holding it in place as he bucked and snarled, eyes darkening.
Her heart thudded with a surge of possessiveness, rising up and sprawling out along her veins. The steady chant of 'mine' sinking deep into her bones as she clung to him, screaming his name. Tears pricked her eyes as she gave herself over to the pleasure, wanting never to leave his arms.
Subaru rammed his hips forward a final time, letting out a harsh sound from the back of his throat as he released. She clenched around him exquisitely as she finished with him, panting hotly into his shoulder. Her lips pressed against his skin, her kisses starting at his collarbone and ending at his ear. The tears in her eyes spilled over as he stayed locked within her.
Subaru drew back slightly from her neck, and tensed at the early morning sunlight peaking out slowly from the tree tops. "No...just a little longer." He gritted out, panic lacing his voice.
He started as her hand cupped his cheek. Those sinful, beautiful lips that had chanted his name just moments before- pressed to his in a long, lingering kiss.
"I love you." She murmured, smiling despite the tears. "Don't...be sad, it's alright. You're human now. I want you to experience everything you can now that-"
"Don't start with that shit!" He snarled, holding her to him almost painfully. "Don't talk like you're dying. I ain't gonna experience shit unless you're there too." He muttered, shifting his hips and pulling out of her. He sat back, dragging her with him to sit across his lap as he held her.
"Subaru, what are you talking about? There's no time...I have to stay as a swan-"
"I'll fix it, alright! Trust me." He growled, glaring at her as the sunlight touched her cheek. His eyes widened slightly and he pressed his forehead against hers, heart constricting painfully. "Fuck..."
The swan princess closed her eyes and breathed out. She stroked his cheek and hair, committing the way they felt under her fingertips-in her human hands- to memory.
"It's alright." She murmured once more, as the light began to spill out from her body.
Subaru held her tight, trembling as he felt her form change under his hands. Her shape shifted and changed, skin becoming softer.
He watched with a distinct dullness to his eyes as the light receded. It paled and thinned to reveal the white feathers which he knew so well. The swan stared back at him as she stepped away sadly. The hollowness in his chest only grew as he touched her beak with his thumb, tracing it down her long neck. His hand then drifted away, clenching into a fist as he watched her turn and slip back onto the lake. Her head bowed in sadness as she drifted alone on the water.
"I'll fix this." He muttered hoarsely. Muscles shifted as he finally moved to stand upright, feeling the earth under his toes as he stood on two legs. "I promise...I will." He burned the words of commitment into his being.
The colours of the leaves slowly changed from green to orange as the months passed. Subaru searched endlessly. Within the pages of books, to old resident shops, to further kingdoms- even to the deepest recesses of the forest, knocking on a witches door, all in the name of a cure.
Reiji assured him countless times that one did not exist for curses of her magnitude, but he refused to hear it. No one else had been so desperate, he reasoned. No one else wanted it as badly as him. He wouldn't lose again like he had with his attempt at the crown. This time...he wouldn't be able to stitch himself back together if he failed.
But as the autumn breeze greeted him, Subaru realised something important he'd overlooked. She'd be flying south for the winter soon. He could see it in her eyes sometimes, that a worry plagued her. He supposed she'd never travelled it before, and she wouldn't be able to follow the other birds if she waited any longer.
He raised his head from the pages of another book, he'd lost count which volume. Tired lines creased around his eyes. Studying had never been his strong suit. He slowly raised himself from his chair, looking out of the window at the lone, tower.
His lips thinned as he turned away. His room felt too spacious and wide...empty. Not once had it ever resembled the warmth they spoke of in books. The warmth of home. He left his room, walking down the hallway silently.
Subaru didn't breathe a word to his brothers as he passed their rooms. They were merely strangers who lived together anyway, and they'd probably piss him off if he did so.
He walked the familiar path from the castle, down to the glimmering waters of the lake. He could practically taste the chill in the air, but strode on, boots crunching on the dry grass. She was waiting in the shallows, a pure white figure. She craned her neck up to look at him and Subaru nodded in silent, grim acknowledgement.
"Oi...so, I know I've been putting this off...but you've gotta go now." He said quietly.
She blinked slowly, unfolding her wings and beating them in annoyance, clearly not amused by his words.
He snorted. "It's not a joke. You have to go. It's turning winter now. Swans...they gotta head south like with all the other birds."
Subaru sighed as she folded her wings and shot him a dark look. "I know. You're scared of going. I said I'd fix things...so this is me keeping that promise. "
She started as he suddenly stepped foot into the lake, making a noise of surprise. He waded in further, until he was waist deep. "Shit it's cold." He cursed, gritting his teeth.
The swan circled around him worriedly, pushing at him with her head to go back to the shore. He batted her away gently. "Quit it. Just...trust me." He mutters, looking at her with firm red eyes.
She conceded, and he brought out a vile from his pocket. There was a curious shade of purple to it, but Subaru didn't hesitate to lift it to his lips, drinking. The swan backed away, something clicking dimly inside her mind. Her eyes widened and in a flurry of feathers- raced forward to try and stop him. The water thrashed as she was forced to stop, blinded by the light that burst forth from his form.
~ x ~
A pair of half lidded blue eyes watched the couple of swans. They drifted together on the surface of the lake, drawing closer. Shuu lazily broke some break off and tossed it to them. The more ruffled looking one glared at him as per usual, but ate the crumbs none the less.
Shuu's lips quirked as he regarded them tiredly. He shifted however, after hearing footsteps draw closer.
"Ah, what a nice night to feed the ducks." Laito smiled amiably, looking at the swans.
Shuu made an undignified noise. "I dare you to say that and stand closer to him," he muttered.
"Fufu, I'm sure his temper must have eased some-" the red head stepped closer to the water. Not a second later, the ruffled looking male hissed at him, beating his wings violently.
Laito eased away again, holding up his hands placatingly and chuckling weakly. Shuu smirked, gaze shifting to the female swan, who calmly circled around the male, nuzzling his neck with her beak. The male relaxed some, but kept his beady black eyes on Laito distrustfully.
"He really hasn't changed has he?" Laito mused softly as the couple drifted away from them, moving further out onto the lake.
Shuu hummed, eating some of the dry bread and chewing it slowly.
"I for one, think it was a foolish choice. A thoughtless act." Comes a new voice. Reiji approached, his folded arms curled around his form loosely. He regarded the swans with narrowed eyes.
"Naww, I see that marriage hasn't made you any more romantic, Reiji." Laito teased, green eyes glimmering as his elder brother snorted.
"...Seems happier though." Shuu's quiet voice was lost as Ayato knocked a branch aside, grunting as he stepped up behind them. "It's a damn pain is what it is! I can't hunt swans now!"
He righted his cloak, brushing himself off and standing tall. He didn't wear his crown, which was a surprise, as he insisted on wearing it at all times.
"But you never liked the taste of swans, your royal highness." Laito's lips quirked.
"Tch, yeah well now I can't try it one day and see if my tastes have changed. It's all his fault too. Selfish prick." Ayato grumbles, folding his arms and glaring at the swans retreating figure.
"...I heard that you made a law against hunting swans in the kingdom, Ayato. Heh, he certainly complains a lot, doesn't he, my love?" Kanato murmured, pushing his wife towards them as she sat, unmoving in her wheelchair. The rest of the brothers shifted uncomfortably, as they always did in her presence.
"Well that IS news to me. What a softie you've turned into." Laito smoothly side stepped Kanato's appearance, grinning at Ayato, who cursed loudly, launching into a rant.
"Oi, shut up. They're leaving." Shuu sighed, looking at the pair of swans. They opened their wings and started to glide faster on the water, flapping and eventually rising up, leaving the lake. Their pale figures soared into the air, climbing higher and higher into the sky.
The brothers watched them go, a brief, rare moment of silence swamping them. Only the sounds of crickets chirping and the lake water lapping at the bank could be heard. Ayato blinked, and then shook himself, grunting about dumb distractions.
Shuu stayed where he was as they all slowly parted ways again, as if nothing had happened. His blue eye cracked open to look at Reiji, who lingered for some reason, staring at the spot Subaru had vanished from sight. Reiji shifted his gaze down to meet his.
"And what are your plans now, Good-for-nothing?" He muttered.
Shuu sighed and closed his eyes. "What are you talking about? I never have plans."
"No, I suppose not." Reiji replied in a clipped tone. He turned, making to leave.
"I guess...it's time for me to be moving on too." Shuu's subdued voice broke the ensuing silence. He was unsure if Reiji heard him as he left, but it hardly mattered. The blond sighed and leaned against a tree trunk, the rough bark digging into his back. Blue eyes stared up at the brightening skies.
"Wonder if there's a witch nearby who'll grant my wish too." He muttered tiredly, before his eyes fell shut.
~ End ~