Memory 15 -Trying for Love

Pairing(s): AU!NatsumexRuka

Warning(s): nothing really :) just some fluffy shonen-ai ;D

Rating: K+

Summary: Forced to marry; trying for love.

When Ruka was coerced into an arranged marriage with the prince of the Heart Kingdom, he wasn't happy.

There were just so many things wrong with being married, he thought. Not that he wanted to be alone for the rest of his life or anything– but honestly? Out of all the other kingdoms that made up their world, did his mother really have to strike up an alliance with the stupid kingdom known for its fearsome cat hybrids? The long time enemies of the rabbit hybrids– his people! Didn't his mother have any sense at all?

Ruka wanted to scream in outrage, stomp his feet, and maybe throw an tantrum or two at mere the thought of it.

What made the whole thing worse was the fact that Ruka had no say in all of it. He was the royal prince of the Kingdom of Alice and he did understand the whole benefits outweigh the disadvantages thing, but why couldn't they at least meet? Ruka was just practically told a day and time to be there, forced into some kind of traditional women's clothing, and pushed into a carriage by a bunch of guards!

Even now, as he was walked down a long hallway that led to the large ballroom where they will be wedded, the anger did not falter. It was worse than he had first imagined, Ruka thought as he stared disdainfully at the white and silvery navy blue kimono. The fabric was as soft as silk, but the layers bunched underneath his legs as he walked, and it didn't help in the slightest to know that he had flowers in his hair.

As they got closer, his ears twitched on top his gold fur that matched his hair had been brushed until it was silky, his white tail getting the same treatment until it was thoroughly fluffed and poofy. He was made to look beautiful, but he doubted the cat bastard he was marrying would want to do anything with him other than having him as dinner or something.

Another step, another intake of fearful breath, another spark of anger at what was happening to him, and another moment where he was free until they arrived in front of the large stained glass double doors.

"Are you ready, Ruka-sama?" Mikan, his best friend since birth gripped tightly onto his hand, a sad look on her face.

Ruka wanted to scream out that NO he wasn't ready and NO he would never be ready, but the doors swung open and his eyes locked immediately on his mother's pale blue orbs. She smiled softly at him from where she sat on his side of the room and just like that, Ruka melted and took his first steps forwards. His hand dropped Mikan's and he was walking towards where the tall man stood, his bethrothed in all his princely glory.

He arrived at the altar and bit on his bottom lip to prevent the frown that threatened to take over when the raven cat hybrid engulfed his hand with his bigger calloused ones. Midnight black hair matched the fur on the sleek cat ears atop his proud head, and his tail, which was long and thin, flicked impatiently, seemingly having a life of its own.

His bethrothed's eyes were the color of the brightest flames, and Ruka vaguely remembered reading that the Heart Kingdom's royal family were also fire elementalists. The blonde pondered over the color of the raven's eyes while his mouth spoke off all the vows that had been forced on him to remember, and, sooner than he expected, dry lips were caressing his own with a spark that seemed to cause something to stir in him.

Ruka felt his eyes flutter closed then, but he gasped at his actions, mortified as he quickly pulled away. Turning his head to hide his blush, he ignored all the clapping that went on around him as he was led back down that red carpeted aisle. His new husband's hand was firmly intertwined with his own, and Ruka could only let himself be led as he stared absentmindedly at the broad, strong shouldered back of the regal prince.

"That was my first kiss," he would tell Natsume later in the carriage.

And he, never expecting the raven to reply, was surprised when he got a small squeeze in their still intertwined hands. "Me too."

Ruka nodded then. "I hate this," he said, continuing, "I really do."

Natsume stayed silent before he let out a little "Hn," turning his head to look out the window, "I'm sorry."

At this Ruka nodded, listening to Natsume's voice, a rich baritone that seemed to come from his chest. It was a comforting voice filled with no malice and soon, the owner of the voice was pulling him closer, strong arms gathering Ruka's body gently into a tight embrace.

The blonde was horrified to find that he was crying, but he let it slide as he burrowed his quickly tear stained face into his new husband's chest. His silent tears into sobs and, after months of bottling in all his frustration and his anger, Ruka let it all out.

"I-I hate this," he sobbed.

Natsume let out a sigh, "I know," he said.

"I r-really do," he cried, "I don't want to be h-here!"

The cat's arms tightened and a small kiss was pressed to one of Ruka's drooping ears. "I know," he said, "I believe you."

Ruka pulled away then, face livid. "You don't understand!" he shouted.

Natsume only shook his head, his fiery eyes dull. "I never wanted to marry you," he said gently. It shouldn't have hurt for him to say those words, but Ruka felt a pang of sadness shoot through his heart at that moment. "I had no choice too," he murmured as he pulled away, "I just had more common sense to let it go."

He looked away then, having scooted far enough for there to be space between them. Like an invisible barrier, Ruka felt as if he were watching from the other side. "It's a marriage of convenience," Natsume continued, "it's our duty, and I'm going to try my best to make this marriage into something salvageable."

"...How are you going to do that?"

The whisper was meant to be unheard, but Natsume turned his head and let the smallest of smiles tug on his lips. "I hope to fall in love with you one day," he replied evenly, "and I hope that you'll be willing to try to fall in love with me too."

"...What if it doesn't work?" Ruka murmured.

Natsume shrugged, a small sigh escaping his lips. "If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work." He turned again to gaze out the window. "I just don't want to give up without trying."

Ruka watched him then, watched the way the wind played with the messily styled raven locks framing his handsome face. Ruka watched and pondered before moving to sit back against the cushioned seats.

"I want to try," he whispered.

Between them, he placed his hand on top of Natsume's and didn't move them when fingers intertwined tightly with his own and squeezed.

"Good."

A/N: I had originally wanted to make this story stretch out for a couple of chapters (because i'm secretly in love with catprince Natsume and bunnyprince Ruka) but i guess this could be okay as a oneshot :)

anyways, if you like this universe, tell me and i might go back to it ^_^ one day... haha

Word of the Week: iggypan~ :D

see y'all next week!