Richass Week Day 04: Confession

Disclaimer: Tales of Graces belongs to Namco~

"You wanted to see me, Richard?"

Richard raised his eyes from his papers, looking at the man in front of him. His heart began to run; as always, Asbel was beautiful. His soft hair, his beautiful blue and purple – it suited him a lot! – eyes, well shaped body…Especially his well shaped body. Wait, no. It's dangerous to go there, Richard thought, shaking his head.

"Richard?"

"I'm sorry Asbel, I was thinking about an important matter." It wasn't a lie. Asbel's body was an important matter for him, after all. "Yes, I wanted to see you." He continued.

The Lord of Lhant tilted his head and the king stood up, coming close to him. When he found himself in front of his best friend, he began panicking but he tried his best not to show it. He wanted to tell Asbel but he couldn't. Not like that. He shook his head, not noticing that Asbel had frowned, worried. Be courageous, Richard. It's now or never.

The King of Windor gathered his courage and without a fail, he said:

"Do you want to have dinner with me, tonight?"

Wait, it wasn't what he wanted to say! Why did he ask that when he just wanted to tell his best friend about everything?

"Hm…Okay."

Asbel looked totally confused, looking at him with worried eyes and Richard avoided them. After a little while, the Lord asked softly:

"Is that all…?"

"Yes."

His brows furrowed.

"Are you alright?"

"What?"

"You're acting strangely."

It was Richard's turn to tilt his head. He needed to make Asbel believe that everything was fine. Fortunately, Cheria was right: Asbel was a little bit too dense.

"What do you mean? Everything is fine."

"Sure?"

"Yes."

Asbel smiled and Richard laughed inside.

"Okay, then, I'll see you tonight."

"Yes, thank you Asbel. And sorry to have bothered you."

"Don't worry. Anything for you!"

After that, Asbel bowed and left the room before Richard had the time to scold him. How many times did he tell him not to bow? That man…! Richard sighed and sat down in front of his desk. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. He had totally failed now, but tonight, he would have another chance.

He would definitively confess to his best friend!

The surroundings were lovely. They were having dinner in the garden, surrounded by the roses, the lilies and all the other flowers that could bloom there. Light was provided by the moon and the stars, and also the candlestick in the middle of the table. They were sitting face to face, a big smile on Asbel's lips, and a shy one on Richard's lips.

The King wondered how he would confess to Asbel; he didn't think that it would be so difficult to start the conversation. He sighed – something that Asbel didn't miss – and took a bit of his wine.

"Is there a problem?" Asbel asked suddenly.

Richard took his time, enjoying the taste of the wine and when he felt ready, he began:

"I have to tell you something."

Instantly, he saw worries in Asbel's eyes. It wasn't the best way to start a conversation.

"What?"

He knew that in his mind, Asbel was thinking of every possibility, and especially bad ones. In Richard case, he was wondering what was the best way he could confess. Knowing Asbel, it would be better to be direct.

"It's not something bad, don't worry."

Or rather, it could be bad according to your own feelings…, Richard thought.

"Richard? I'm more scared now."

"I love you."

There. He had said it. Asbel blinked a lot and Richard drank all his wine glass to hide his embarrassment. Silence surrounded them for around two minutes until Asbel spoke:

"I love you too, Richard."

The king dropped his glass, and it broke against the ground. In front of him, the Lord of Lhant had a big smile. Had he heard well? Had Asbel really said what he had heard?

"Really…?" He asked in disbelief, pouring wine in another glass. He would ask maids to clean the broken one.

"Of course! I love you since our childhood!"

"I see."

Richard sighed and took another sip of wine. He knew it. Asbel misunderstood it. He gave up. Even if Asbel had answered favourably to his feelings, it wouldn't have been useless. He was the king of Windor and he could only have a wife, not a husband. He knew it since the beginning, of course, but he wanted to try with Asbel, at least, even secretly.

They finished their dinner, talking about things and other and when it was near midnight, they finally decided to enter the castle. They were side by side, walking silently. And then, Richard felt it: Asbel had taken his hand and now, their fingers were intertwined. Richard blushed whereas his heart was beating quickly against his chest. What was happening? Was he dreaming? He had his answer soon, when they arrived in front of his bedroom. Without a word, Asbel leaned towards him and kissed him. At first, Richard was too shocked but next, he answered the kiss. When they separated, they smiled to each other and the king had never felt so happy since a long time, since his first meeting with Asbel and Sophie, to tell the truth.

Eventually, Asbel wasn't as dense as Cheria thought.