The next day was incredibly awkward. Where as Delic would always be seen hanging around Hibiya, it wasn't happening now. Hibiya was avoiding the blonde, whether he realized it or not.
But Delic was about to get a surprise. After dinner, Psyche would be waiting for him upstairs in his bedroom - having been escorted here under prince Hibiya's orders. Was it an apology? Maybe.
Delic hadn't seen the prince in a few days, yet he told himself he didn't care. Why should he? Hibiya hasn't done any good for him since the moment he ratted Delic out to his father.
He let out an annoyed grunt as he ate his dinner slowly, not really looking forward to being confined to his room once again for the rest of the night.
Since the prince wanted to tip toe around the place after almost executing him, Delic wasn't allowed to go anywhere but his room after dinner. Good thing he at least had a tv in there.
Delic sighed, looking down at his food. He'd wasted too much time thinking, and now it had gone cold. He wasn't allowed back into the kitchen either, and he doubted the guards would be kind enough to do him any favors. So he dumped his food into the trash and slowly made his way back to his room, dreading it.
Once the door opened, Psyche waited behind it - just as bubbly as ever. And even more so, probably, since he was finally reunited with Delic.
"Deli~!"
He ran forward, almost tackling him in a hug.
"I'm so happy I'm here with you now, I thought something terrible must've happened-"
Delic stumbled back a step or two, surprised at his sudden armful. He looked down at shining sapphire eyes and bright pink headphones he remembered stealing.
"Psyche?" He questioned. "Oh my god, Psyche? How are you-
When did you-
What-" Delic was in such a state of shock he couldn't even form coherent sentences, instead pulling his friend tight to his chest and nuzzling his face into the short man's hair.
"I missed you so much!" He exclaimed, squeezing Psyche and lifting him off the ground.
Psyche giggled. "Isn't it great? Prince Hibi-sama showed up today in a carriage and told me I could live with you, Deli!"
He hugged back tightly, nuzzling into the blonde who'd practically raised him affectionately.
"Prince Hibi-sama..?" Delic asked faintly, listening to Psyche chatter and squirm about. He remembered telling Hibiya that his only condition of him living there would be if Psyche could stay there, too.
He didn't think Hibiya would actually go fetch Psyche, especially after what happened a few days back with the guillotine and everything.
Delic looked down at Psyche with a stern glare. "Psyche," He said firmly, cutting him off. "Where is prince Hibiya right now? Do you know?"
Psyche blinked. "In his study…"
Delic sighed, pulling himself free from Psyche. "I'm sorry, love, I have to go find him really quick. I'll be back soon, okay?" He said, hugging the smaller man tightly once more.
"You can watch TV or take a shower and relax until I get back, then we have some catching up to do." He wiggled his eyebrows for emphasis as he walked toward the door.
Hibiya sat at his desk in his study, elbow on the desk and chin in his hand as his other hand held the paper he was reading down. Dull golden hues scanned over the words, hoping to distract himself.
But the peace and quiet didn't last for long.
Delic burst through the doors.
"What the hell? Psyche's here? Why are you being so nice? What's your plan? I don't understand. Do you think I'll suddenly forgive you now or something?" The blonde spouted his questions.
Hibiya glared. "I didn't have to do anything for you. Get out of my study, peasant, I have no time to chat. Just be grateful."
Delic sighed. Maybe he should just thank him and leave. After all, Hibiya could revoke it if he wanted to and Delic wouldn't have any say in the matter…
"As you wish, my prince." He said mockingly. He turned and began unlocking the door, then paused for a moment.
He turned back, looking at him seriously. "Seriously. Thank you, though."
And with that, he left the room, excited to spend the night with Psyche once more, like they usually did.
Hibiya returned to his work, though he found himself even more distracted now than before. He couldn't concentrate. Delic probably loved Psyche, didn't he? So Hibiya basically just allowed their love to be. Fantastic.
Once Delic got back, Psyche hugged him once more - the TV on in the background. "Is Deli-chan okay?"
Delic smiled and hugged his friend once more. "Yeah. Everything is okay. I just went to.." He hesitated for a moment. "I went to go thank prince Hibiya. Don't worry about it."
Delic pushed Psyche back gently and instead led them bed, plopping down and relaxing on the soft surface. "What were you watching?"
"Cartoons." Psyche sighed, resting his head on Delic's chest. He inhaled the comforting scent, feeling much better now than he had been while the blonde was gone.
"Do you like Prince Hibi-sama?"
Delic paused at the question, which had been asked so innocently. It almost made him want to say yes.
"I don't know," Delic admitted. "Hibiya has done some nice things, like bringing you here, but he's also done some really mean things, too." He paused, trying not to upset Psyche since he did seem to genuinely like the prince.
"Sometimes I like him very much, and sometimes I don't. What about you?"
"I like him. He seems nice. But Psyche-chan likes anyone." He chuckled quietly, closing his eyes. Finally he could sleep soundly again at night, Psyche realized.
"Hibi-sama likes you, I'm sure.."
Delic snorted, shaking his head slowly, trying not to disturb Psyche where he laid on his chest. "I doubt it." Delic sighed. "He doesn't like thieves, and he's told me many times before."
He looked down at his friend, smiling slightly when he realized that Psyche was already dozing. He kept running his hand through Psyche's hair, settling into the bed a little more.
"Hibiya couldn't like anyone other than himself, I'm sure."
"I disagree...
After all.. he went and personally got Psyche-chan just to make you happy, ne?"
Psyche mumbled in a soft, tired voice. "And he blushes at the sound of your name..."
Delic paused, thinking for a moment. "I guess you're right.." He said slowly. "But I mean he only went and got you because I asked.."
Delic stopped again. Even then, Pysche had a point. Hibiya went out of his way to escort Psyche all the way here. Plus-
"He blushes when hears my name, you say?"
"Yes." Psyche giggled quietly upon remembering, reaching one hand up from cuddling Delic to hold the blonde's hand instead. Sure he loved Delic, but in a big brother way. He would love nothing more than to see Delic finally settle down with one person in happiness, rather than sleeping around as he used to.
"Prince Hibi-sama could have a crush, hmm~?"
Delic chuckled and squeezed the smaller man's hand, thinking about what Psyche had said. It could be true but, Delic had his doubts.
Even then, he knew it would fun to explore what Psyche was implying. "You think he likes me Psyche -chan? Think I got a shot with him?"
"Mhm." He nodded, snuggling into Delic's chest.
"Psyche-chan wants to see Deli-chan happy with someone... No more bouncing around... Just find love.. Promise me you'll try..." He mumbled, not even waiting to hear Delic's response before falling asleep.
Delic stared down at Psyche, his brow furred. The kid was too sweet for his own good; way too innocent to be in such a world like this.
"I'll try," He said softly even though he knew Psyche was dead to the world. "I promise."
He looked over at the door, chewing his lip. Maybe he should geniunely thank Hibiya..? Nah, it could wait till the morning. He settled back down, closing his eyes.
oOo
The next day, Hibiya's Father returned just before six with Hibiya's bride to be, along with her parents for a discussion of marital arrangements over dinner. Hibiya came downstairs in the usual dressy attire complimented by his royal cloak, only to be greeted by the annoyingly clingy princess Kanra hugging his arm.
"Darling, I missed you!"
He put on a small, fake but polite smile. "Miss Kanra. Nice to see you again."
Delic was sneaking a few snacks for Psyche and himself when he heard an unfamiliar female voice echo throughtout the house. Raising his eyebrows, he put down the fresh loaves of bread he had been trying to carry. He crept out of the kitchen, down toward the dining room and poked his head around the corner.
He saw a dark haired girl hugging Hibiya's arm to her chest, staring up at him with stars in her eyes.
Delic let out a snort, not even trying to hide his presence anymore. The prince was such a liar. He waited until Hibiya turned toward him, then grinned and waved.
Hibiya's eyes narrowed at the sight of Delic, and unfortunately - after their parents left and walked ahead into the main dining room - Kanra's gaze turned to the blonde as well.
"Hmm? Who's that? I don't recognize him from last time I was here."
Hibiya sighed. "He's just a new servant of mine, not worth your attention, princess. Come, let's go eat."
He led her away, glancing over his shoulder at Delic and giving him a look as if saying 'scram'.
Delic clicked his tongue in response as they walked away, probably the prince's way of dismissing him. "Spicy," He muttered to himself. Instead of leaving like Hibiya so obivously wanted, he followed them, smirking at Kanra. She was pretty cute; what was she doing with a guy like Hibiya?
They sat down at the table and Delic walked past them, straight to the king. He bowed respectfully, then asked for permission to speak.
"My king, Prince Hibiya thought it would be a good idea to let me watch the servants tonight; to get a better feel of what I will soon be doing."
"Oh? Well.. can't argue with that. Good idea, son." His Father nodded, only to be met with a glare thrown at Delic.
"Right.." Hibiya cleared his throat and shook his head, looking down. As the food was being brought out by servants, the two kings began to discuss business arrangements while Hibiya subtly tried to wiggle out of Kanra's arm hug.
Delic tried not to laugh as Hibiya tried to worm his way away from the princess. He did have to admit, he felt bad for the prince. The affections Kanra were showing him were so obviously unwanted by Hibiya; or maybe it was just obvious to him
Delic thought about Psyche, upstairs in their room and sighed, deciding that this would be his way of thanking Hibiya. Plus, that way they'd be even.
Delic stepped forward and tapped Kanra on the shoulder. "Miss, there's some dust on the table; Mind if I get that for you-" He said as he reached forward. Instead, he subtly dumped the water on her lap. "Oh, Miss! I'm so sorry!"
The princess cried out from cold water drenching her dress, standing up abruptly.
"How dare you!"
She spit on him. "Stupid peasant! How could my darling Hibiya hire someone so idiotic?!"
Hibiya placed a hand on her shoulder. "I apologize on his behalf... darling." He tried not to shudder before gesturing over to one of the main female servants. "Namie will help you with your attire."
"Hmph!" Kanra stalked away from the table, heel crushing Delic's foot in the process.
Hibiya rubbed his temple with a dramatic sigh before grabbing Delic's wrist, starting to walk upstairs. "Excuse me, everyone, I need to have a talk with this one."
Delic was still wiping Kanra's spit off of him when Hibiya started dragging him out of the room.
"Owowow," He whined as he walked, his foot throbbing. "Women's high heels are weapons, I swear." He muttered.
"Also, why are you angry? I was only thinking of you when I did that. You should be thanking me, not trying to punish me," He rambled as they got closer to Hibiya's room. Truth be told, he was kind of nervous.
Hibiya wouldn't actually punish him, right? And if he did... How the hell would he do that? A lashing? Delic shuddered just thinking about it.
Hibiya shut the door and sighed. "I'm not going to punish you. I'm actually rather... thankful?" He said it like a question.
"They just have to think I'm punishing you."
"Oh." Delic said quietly, blinking a few times. He was surprised; he honestly thought Hibiya had been angry. Delic let out a small sigh of relief, deflating a little.
"I thought you were serious for a moment there, my prince." Delic said, a few chuckles escaping him.
Then he paused and stared at hard at Hibiya. "Wait back up, you're actually thankful for something? Man, that must be a first."
Psÿchê Almøst'Hümân Oríhârâ "Say it again and I'll never make that mistake again." He glared, a light blush on his face.
"Though you're still an idiot.
"Now stand still. I have to leave some evidence of reprimanding you." Hibiya held up a belt.
Delic smirked, raising his hands up in surrender. "Whatever you want, my prince." He said, his smirk growing.
Though the smirk dropped when Hibiya held up the belt and told him there had to be evidence of punishment. "U-uh," He stuttered, inching away from the prince.
"I'll kindly decline. That's too kinky for my liking."
"Baka. I'm not going to do anything sexual to you now or ever." He flushed.
"I just need to leave some sort of mark on you... perhaps.." He didn't gave Delic a chance to react, punching him in the face.
"Good, that'll leave a bruise." He commented monotonously.
"What the fuck!" Delic yelped, craddling his eye. "You could have given me a warning!"
He whined as his eye throbbed. "I changed my mind," He moaned, glaring at Hibiya through his good eye. "I don't like you anymore. I dislike you so. Much. So much."
He stood up from his crouched position shakily, tossing one more heated glare Hibiya's way before he began the trek toward the bathroom. Somehow, the room seemed so much bigger with just one eye.
"I could not! You would've prevented me from striking!" Hibiya huffed.
Just as Delic started to leave, he grabbed him by the arm.
"Wait." Hibiya insisted, looking serious and apologetic.
He touched his face ever so lightly over the newly forming bruise, breathing a soft sigh before mumbling an 'I'm... sorry' and awkwardly squeezing his shoulder. Delic stood stock still as Hibiya trailed his fingers lightly across his throbbing eye, his heart pounding. What was the prince's deal? Hibiya had never been so nice to him before.
It was his attempt by Hibiya to try to make amends.
After all...
"No servant has done something so nice for me before."
Delic suddenly couldn't be mad at him anymore. He looked so uncomfortable, so sad, and most of all extremely apologetic. He sighed, ruffling Hibiya's hair lightly.
"It's alright." He said slowly, giving him a little smile to show Hibiya that it really was alright. Delic harbored no bad feelings.
Hibiya gave a small genuine smile, one Delic had yet to witness before before nodding his head and helping him to the bathroom inside his bedroom. He wet a rag with cold water, placing it to his eye and holding it there. As he did this, he fetched a tube of some cream from a cabinet above the mirror. It was almost disturbing how much Hibiya knew about treating wounds, indicating he had experience.
As he sat on the toilet with the wet rag held to his eye, courtesy of Hibiya, Delic couldn't help but comment on his mechanical actions. They seemed, almost familiar.
"You beat your servants often?" He joked, slightly uneasy for some reason. "Especially since you just so happen to have medicine for all of this on hand."
He glanced at Hibiya out of the corner of his eye, then looked away quickly.
"No, my Father usually sees to that. These are for me."
He avoided Delic's eyes as he treated him, obviously embarrassed. "Servants are not the only ones my Father punishes after all."
Delic let out a small breath in shock, staring down at his hands. "That's... Heavy." He said softly, refusing to meet Hibiya's eye.
He shook his head, a rueful smile taking over his face.
"I don't know why you put up with it. I wouldn't."
"I have no choice, if I'm to inherit the Orihara kingdom and all his fortune." And that was what he was meant to do, he knew.
He sighed, finishing up with Delic.
Delic hummed, taking in what had been said to him. He understand what was being said to him, but to deal with being beaten just for money? Royalty? He'd rather give it all up, but then again that was just him.
After the prince was done, Delic cautiously probed his eye, somewhat amazed when he realized it didn't hurt any longer. Then it hit him; Hibiya had probably gotten enough time to experiment and see what worked best for different types of wounds.
Delic grabbed Hibiya's wrist, looking up at him sadly. "Thank you," He said quietly. "Not just for the eye but, for sharing."
He made eye contact with Delic before scoffing and forcing his gaze away, not wanting to look weak in front of or share a special moment with a peasant.
"Don't mention it." Literally.
He stood, "I have to be going back now."
He then nodded and let smaller man go, ignoring the front Hibiya had put up. The one where he pretended that he hadn't just shared something important with Delic.
"Go on, then. I'm going to go back to my room. I doubt that princess of yours will be back anytime soon. If she does, just call me and I'll be there," Delic joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"At that point, I'd call anyone but you." He hid a small smirk, walking towards the door.
Once returning to the dining room, everyone else was there waiting for him. He sighed and tried to distract himself with dinner and business, pushing Delic out of his mind.
Delic smiled, shaking his head. He got up and exited the room too, going back to his own room where Psyche would be.
He let his mind wander to Hibiya, thinking on the little momeny they'd shared. A tired smile crept unto his face.
Even with his swollen eye, courtesy of the prince himself, Delic was starting to think Hibiya wasn't so bad after all.