Shuusei was nervous. But he didn't want to wait any longer. It was summer and his relationship was developing well. And he wanted to tell his father about it. He had noticed Hotsuma wanted more from him and if he was honest with himself, he wanted to be closer to his boyfriend as well. But he couldn't give in to this desire without his family knowing there was someone in his life. Yes, he didn't care about several conventions but when it came to family he was strict so he wanted to formally introduce Hotsuma to his father. He had talked about it with Sairi first and of course with Hotsuma.

When he had seen the only suit Hotsuma owned he had to drag him to a tailor. He couldn't introduce his boyfriend in these cheep clothes.

"I am sorry... But it has to be..." he apologized to his boyfriend when they left the tailor's shop with an expensive suit. "I don't think father will be happy if he learns about us... So you need to be presentable."

Hotsuma nodded. He didn't seem to like it and Shuusei understood him. Hotsuma didn't care about a shiny facade. But his father did and if possible he would like to have his acceptance although he had already decided that he would stay at Hotsuma's side even if his father rejected him. The last months with Hotsuma had been wonderful. He felt as cared for as he hadn't in years. And he did his best to also care for him. Although it wasn't too much he could do besides making a present from time to time. He didn't know how to cook or anything which had the same value as all the things Hotsuma did for him. But Hotsuma seemed happy about the time they spent together and that was important.

Two days later Shuusei welcomed his boyfriend at the palace just in time. He wore the new suit and had tried to tame his always tousled hair. Tried. Shuusei grinned and brushed his hands through it.

"Hey! It was you who said I should look presentable!" Hotsuma protested.

"Sorry. I couldn't resist. I love your hair."

"Only my hair?"

"Your everything." Shuusei replied and took Hotsuma's hand. "Come. Father is waiting."

"Does... he know?" Hotsuma asked on their way to the throne hall.

"He knows I want to introduce someone to him who is very important to me. But I could not read him clearly. I do not know if he has a guess. But there are not many people I regularly spend time with. Even less on a private basis."

"I see." Hotsuma's grip around his hand got tighter. "I don't wanna embarrass you..."

Shuusei tried to smile to encourage Hotsuma, but he was nervous as well. "You can't embarrass me. And I will stay with you no matter what he says. I just want him to know that I will not marry a random princess."

"But..."

Shuusei squeezed Hotsuma's hand. "It will be fine."

They reached the hall and a guard opened the large doors and announced his Highness Prince Shuusei and his friend Hotsuma.

Shuusei was relieved that Sairi was at their father's side and nodded at them. It would be okay. Or so he hoped.

They walked towards the throne hand in hand and Shuusei bowed slightly while Hotsuma bowed much deeper as Shuusei had instructed him two days before.

"Father. I am here to introduce Hotsuma Renjou to you. My boyfriend and the person I will spend my life with." Shuusei said with a clear voice although he was shaking inside. His family meant so much to him but he didn't want to live without Hotsuma.

They both straightened up and Shuusei looked at his father, while Hotsuma didn't dare raising his head. The king looked at the two young men and their linked hands.

"So... You come to me and say you want to be with a shoe maker?" he asked sternly. So he knew who Hotsuma was.

"Yes. I want this man to be at my side. I am sure I know enough about him to fully trust him."

"How do you know he is not after your title and your money?"

"He has never asked me for any. He didn't even want me to help him and his father when they were in desperate need."

"I would never ask your son for money. I only ask him for a bit of his time!" Hotsuma spoke up and now looked directly at Shuusei's father. "Please allow me to be at his side! I promise I will take good care of him. I don't ask for more! Just... I want Shuusei to be happy. With his family and if he wants to also with me." He let go of Shuusei's hand took one step further and fell to his knees.

Shuusei had not told him to do this. He had wanted to tell his father that his decision to spend his life with Hotsuma was final. But now he couldn't.

The king stood up from the throne. "Renjou was it?" Hotsuma looked up.

"Follow me."

Hotsuma gulped but stood up and followed the king when he left the room. Shuusei wanted to come with them but Sairi held him back.

"Father wants to ask him some questions before he makes a decision." He said.

"I have decided. If he doesn't accept Hotsuma I guess I will learn a job and live with him." Shuusei said seriously.

Sairi smiled. "You have grown so much. I am proud of you. And father knows you are serious or else he would have sent him away. But he wants to get to know him. You know we don't have the luxury to decide ourselves. And you chose a very peculiar person. Let them talk."

"But... Hotsuma still has problems with talking to the aristocrats. And he is so nervous. What if he messes up?"

Sairi chuckled. "Trust father. Hotsuma is a sincere person and father will notice this. Come, what do you think of a quick game of chess? That will keep your mind busy."

"Against you? I doubt it..." Shuusei had not lost against his brother in five years and lately it really didn't take him too long to beat Sairi. But then he agreed. It was better than staying here and waiting anxiously.

When his father and Hotsuma entered the room Shuusei looked up. Hotsuma looked like he was very exhausted. His hair seemed even messier than usually.

"You have found an interesting person, my son," the king said.

"Yes. And I will spend my life with him whether you like it or not." Shuusei said clearly.

The king laughed deeply and raised both hands in defence. "Hey, I didn't say I didn't like him. You could have told me he was the boy who 'borrowed' you the blue ball when you were kids."

"So... You accept him?" Shuusei asked.

"Do I have a choice if I want to keep my son?"

Shuusei shook his head and first hugged his father shortly and then Hotsuma without wanting to let go of him. They did it. His father was not against their relationship.

"But he has to learn much. As your partner he will have to learn how to properly address the lords and ladies and how to behave in front of everyone. He still is no more than a shoe maker. I cannot just give him a title like this."

Shuusei nodded and let go of Hotsuma so that his boyfriend could better talk.

"Thank you, your Majesty. I don't want to have a title. As I said, the only thing I ask for is a bit of Shuusei's time..."

The king looked at the couple. "You can have that. As long as you keep him happy."

"I will never hurt him intentionally."

The king nodded. Then turned around and left the younger generation.

"I'll leave you alone as well. I'll go to France tomorrow and need to prepare some things."

"Impress Princess Antoinette?" Shuusei teased.

"I am the eldest and the only one who still has no relationship. It can't stay like this." Sairi grinned and also left them.

Shuusei smiled and embraced Hotsuma again. "I am so happy. I didn't think he would accept you just like this!"

Hotsuma smiled as well and held Shuusei close. "But he did. He really loves you. He made that very clear."

Shuusei sighed. And then looked at Hotsuma. "I love you. And now I can say this officially."

Hotsuma smiled brightly. "I love you too. So damn much."

"Do... you want to stay the night?" Shuusei asked a bit coyly.

"The... Shuusei, are you sure?"

"Father knows about us. There is no need to hold back any longer." Shuusei said and kissed his boyfriend deeply.