Chapter Text
"...I think we've covered everything that needed to be discussed today," King Akio said, smiling pleasantly at those gathered before him. "I believe this meeting could then be put to a close, unless you have something you want to say, Daiki? Since you are here today to grace us with your presence?"
Sometimes, Daiki had no clear idea if his father was just making fun of him. It was just so hard to tell when he was feeling playful and Daiki never really had the patience for it. Overall, he knew his father meant well, however, so he resisted the urge to frown at the little jab about his negligence when it came to official meetings with the King of Touou.
All eyes were on him then and really, it was just his father and his brothers and Ootsubo but somehow, their attention right then made him feel like squirming. He cleared his throat.
"There was just something I wanted to ask."
"Is it something concerning the armies?" His father asked, easing back against his chair again to listen as if this would take a bit more time. "How are the trainee's progress?"
That wasn't his purpose at this meeting though it should be. Patiently, he humored the King's inquiry, "The new recruits are doing well though as usual, we can never really tell how many of them will last the rigorous training they're put through. And as an added note, I've been working with Yamazaki and his shoulder would really slow him down but I think we can work on doing something about it anyway."
That last bit of information made the King smile. "I see. It's good to know that we'd have good news to send Matsuoka-san concerning his good friend."
Daiki almost felt like rolling his eyes. "Like I'd let Yamazaki waste away. Matsuoka owes me."
King Akio laughed. "I'll let you settle that between you two. Meanwhile, is there anything else, Daiki?"
They all stared and Daiki had to take a deep breath before finally spitting out why he was there in the first place.
"Is there any possible way that we could convince the priests to appoint someone else as the Sun Prince?"
For a long, quiet moment, you could have heard a pin drop.
"...Have the priests ever reversed their decision on their appointment?" Ootsubo, Satsuki's husband from Shuutoku, asked.
Shoichi was smiling a bit too gleefully; it was obviously both annoying and terrifying given the source. "Not since Aomine fell asleep in the middle of his orientation regarding his duties."
Daiki had to frown. "Oi, this isn't about me."
"We're sure it's not," their father, the King, stepped in smoothly before tempers flared any further. "However, Daiki, you know we couldn't even propose a change if there's no good reason for it."
"Why would you even want anything changed?" Kousuke put in, arms crossed over his chest and frowning at Daiki as he always did, "You don't want to do it."
Daiki saw Shouichi give Kousuke this look that Daiki had a feeling he didn't want to know the meaning of.
"A-and isn't Ryouta-san a good choice for Sun Prince anyway? It fits him..." and Ryou trailed off fearfully when Daiki turned his frown at him.
Yoshinori spoke evenly over Ryou's whimpering about not being shut up in a closet again, "Is there a particular reason you don't want Ryouta-san to do this?"
And that of course was the question of the moment.
Daiki was a grown man by anyone’s standards. He was at six and twenty, married and with children, Named Heir to a rich and prosperous kingdom but to those nearest and perhaps not exactly dearest to him, he was, for the most part, a child. This could be especially when he was not happy about something and couldn’t get his way.
Perhaps he should be embarrassed but Daiki had little to no shame when it came to a lot of things and that included running to his mother when Satsuki was preoccupied. He felt himself justified in his actions; his mother was wise and of course he trusted her not to ever lead him astray. He really didn’t think of it much when he walked with purpose into her rooms, practically barging in with urgency.
“Mother, did you hear the news?” He asked, coming into her seating room and hardly taking notice of, well, anything. After all, he had a more pressing concern than whatever was new in his surroundings. “Ryouta’s been made the Sun Prince. Can we do something about this?”
As always when he visited, he made himself comfortable by the low table, reaching for the display of food in the middle and helping himself to a juicy-looking peach. “I don’t want Ryouta to do it.”
There was silence as he bit and chewed on the fruit and Daiki didn’t really think much of it as his mother’s silences weren’t anything new. Aomine Yuri was usually more thoughtful and careful than the rest of her family so Daiki had learned through the years to just patiently wait for her to speak.
“But Dai-chan, don’t you think it would fit Ryou-chan really well to be the Sun Prince?”
He stopped mid-chew. That was not the cool, calming voice of his mother.
At the other side of the table, smiling at him in that way that always kind of made him squirm ever since he was a teenager, was Yoshinori and Satsuki’s mother, Hana. Compared to the tall and slender Yuri, Hana was more petite and curvy. Her hair was as pink as Satsuki’s, curling long and bouncy down her back, while her gay, laughing eyes were brown like chocolate. She was warm and affectionate, always happy to lend a hand or a shoulder and Daiki may have thought about her bountiful breasts more than he should have when he was younger. They were still plenty distracting now so he did his best to make sure he kept his gaze on her face or else he might embarrass himself like he almost always did just a few years ago.
“Aunt Hana, I’m sorry,” He glanced to the side to finally find his mother who was sitting at her usual side of the table. “I didn’t think you’d have a guest right now, Mother.”
His mother sighed though she seemed resigned at her son’s lack of manners. Daiki almost ducked his head at the sight of it. “You’re not really disturbing us, dear. At least I don’t think so.”
Hana smiled sunnily from the other side. “Not at all! And it sounded like Dai-chan was very concerned for Ryou-chan.”
And Daiki was but now it felt kind of awkward to be having this conversation with his mother with Hana around as if the topic itself wasn’t awkward enough already.
“Is there a particular reason why Ryouta shouldn’t be the Sun Prince?”
Daiki felt like hitting his head on the table or flopping down uselessly on the floor. Why was he getting this question so much? Why couldn’t people just accept what he wanted and do something about it? No one needed to know he was absolutely against Ryouta being half-naked in front of the whole kingdom. Why won’t people just do what he wanted them to do? So much for being Crown Prince. It doesn’t exactly grant him a whole lot of convenient privilege.
It was all very frustrating and he was pretty sure his mother (and Hana) could see just how much. He could feel it in the way his forehead was heavy with a frown and how he actually was not in the mood to eat more of the peach he pilfered from the table before him.
His mother looked at him for a long moment, understanding dawning not long after.
“My poor Daiki.”
She opened her arms to him like she always did, ever welcoming and supportive, while Hana cooed and fussed and if he took the offered comfort like a little, lost boy then no one was going to mention it.
The end was nigh when Prince Aomine Daiki sat in front of a hefty plate of meat and cheese stuffed pastries and didn't grab for two at once.
The kitchens had always been one of the Crown Prince's favorite places in the castle. If he couldn't be found at the training grounds or in his rooms, he most certainly would be in the kitchens, munching on something freshly prepared just for him. Daiki loved to eat, it was his second favorite pastime after sleeping, and it was rare when he didn't immediately eat food that was placed before him.
It took Daiki a while to realize that there was food set before him, hardly noticing that the mouth-watering scent of beef, onions, garlic and spices was so very near him it would be easy enough to grab the source. It was the shadow that loomed over him that alerted him and he found himself even sitting up straighter to show his presence of mind.
Touou's Cook was a god.
Well, Daiki sure thought so when he was smaller and younger. He was a big man, towering and strong, with a silent, commanding presence that had made his tinier self ease up on the mischief and loudness in the kitchens which was Cook’s domain. Even now, Aomine wouldn't dare cross him. He may not think the man could crush him with his muscled arms and large hands anymore but it still wouldn't be fun if he ever decided to stomp on him. Or worse. But Cook's real power lay in the dishes that he fed the royal family with, which were the best in the land and Daiki would fight with anyone who said otherwise.
Cook stood before Daiki with a copper and porcelain coffee set that gleamed in the low light of the room. He stared at the untouched tray of pastries. Daiki could never recall if he actually ever heard Cook utter more than a few choice words but Cook never seemed to really need to speak unless necessary. His stare was meaningful enough and Daiki felt like squirming like he was six again and caught with his hand in the jar of baklava before dinner. And just like any good, well-mannered boy, Daiki reached for a pastry and bit on it. Neatly.
Cook was still eyeing him.
Daiki almost frowned. "I washed my hands. Honest."
Daiki credited it to age and courage that he didn't look away first as Cook continued to stare at him. Still, he felt relief course through him when Cook placed the coffee set beside the plate of pastries and walked away. Again, Cook never said a word but it still felt to Daiki that he was being judged.
"What does a man have to do to be left alone..." Daiki muttered to himself before reaching for another pastry. And another.
The pastries were really good as always.
"Are we done for today?"
The calmly stated words made Daiki break off from his thoughts and narrow his eyes at the impudent speaker. Normally, no one breathed a word unless necessary in the Crown Prince’s presence during training for the troops. Then again, the one Daiki was currently with was no ordinary soldier.
Yamazaki Sousuke wasn't as tall as him but he was still big, built and skilled and not too long ago, he was one of the best fighters in Touou under Aomine's command. That didn't make him more enjoyable to be around, in fact he was even worse nowadays, with that injured shoulder and all, but Daiki wasn't letting him get away with it. He never did and he wasn't going to start now.
"No and I know what you’re going to do if I dismiss you now. You’re not doing this on your own, Yamazaki." Daiki tossed back, hefting his sword more purposely in his hand as he stood before his opponent. "I won't be the indirect cause of your best friend's tears so just shut your trap and try again."
He gave Sousuke another narrowed look.
"With your other arm."
That got him a bit of a smirk and even as Sousuke got into position, Daiki was asked, "You're not going to worry about Kisumi crying over me?"
"Kisumi can cry all he wants," Daiki answered easily. "He deserves it."
Teal eyes smiled at him over that growing smirk and it reminded Daiki that he actually kind of liked Sousuke, when he wasn't being a pain on his backside.
"I should probably defend his honor, shouldn't I?"
"Well you are marrying him..."
"Why am I doing that again?"
"Because you're stupid," and Daiki cut through the banter with an attack that made Sousuke immediately go into defensive, raising his own sword to block him. Daiki was quick and relieved to note that Sousuke's reaction time was getting better with the lighter sword that he was using. It was a lot of progress from when they started and it hadn't been easy. For a while there, they thought they had lost Sousuke to depression and anger but people had rallied to help him get through and now Sousuke was almost back to his old self, at least with how he dealt with people.
They continued on sparring for some time until Sousuke needed to rest. It was said by the healers that Sousuke’s shoulder wasn’t ever going to be the same, that the pain would haunt him for the rest of his life, but that didn’t mean that he’d have to give up his duties. They just had to find a way for him to work around it; thankfully the man fought two handed.
And he just had the kind of stubborn support system that would never let him give up just like that.
“Dai-chan! You better not be overworking Sousuke!” A voice called from the side and Daiki had to sigh, catching that little smirk on Sousuke’s face before they both turned.
Kisumi was making his way toward them, an umbrella shading him from the heat of the summer sun. Just like the rest of the population, Kisumi had changed into his summer wardrobe, lessening layers and donning lighter colors and fabrics. Despite the heat and sun, his skin somewhat retained its smoothness and fairness to the envy of the court ladies.Then again, the Shiginos had been in the trade of beauty and relaxation for generations. Kisumi was merely displaying the quality of their goods and services but then again he had always been a bit vain and with good reason. Kisumi was one of the most beautiful men in Touou and he quite enjoyed it.
Kisumi’s very fashionable and breathtaking appearance was only a bit ruined by the water gourds he had strapped across his chest that then hung on his hip.
He was smiling despite his earlier words as his violet eyes fell beyond Daiki, “I think it’s time for a bit of a rest, Sousuke~”
Sousuke moved forward to meet Kisumi, the smirk melting into a more bemused expression and Daiki almost sighed again at what was happening. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been an unwilling audience to this sappiness for years now though anyone would tell him that he was exaggerating. As couples went, Sousuke and Kisumi were pretty discreet.
“I’m fine,” Sousuke said to his very fussy betrothed and humored being put under the umbrella too and getting handed a gourd to drink from, “someone needs to make sure Aomine doesn’t get too comfortable, that’s all.”
“Oi, who said anything about being comfortable?” Daiki demanded with a bit of a scowl. “And why does he get a drink and I don’t?”
Kisumi laughed and easily gave the huffy prince the other gourd. “Because I would expect that Ryouta-sama would do the honors of giving you one.” He finished that off with one of his playful winks before looking around. “Where is Ryouta-sama, Dai-chan? I haven’t seen him in a while.”
Daiki took a long drink from his gourd before grunting, “He’s busy. And stop calling me that.” Kisumi and his familiarity with him. Where did the “Daiki-sama” go?
“Ryouta-san’s been appointed Sun Prince,” Sousuke put in helpfully.
Kisumi’s violet eyes widened. “Oh, I see. That would make him very busy.”
Sousuke nodded, taking a sip from his own gourd. “And Aomine misses him.”
Daiki almost spat out his drink. “I do not miss him!”
“Dai-chan is so sweet!” Kisumi cooed, violet eyes dancing and Daiki felt like drenching him with the water he just gave him. “Has there been any progress with Ryouta-sama, Dai-chan?”
“What progress?” Daiki asked, becoming busy with his water again. “There’s nothing to tell you about anything.”
Kisumi just gave him this annoying knowing look and he really wished Kisumi would just walk back to the palace and take Sousuke with him. Kisumi, for all his seeming airheadedness was actually quite sharp.
“Kisu, leave him alone.” Sousuke said, surprisingly, an arm coming up to lightly lean on the pink-haired man’s shoulder. Then again, Sousuke owed Daiki. It just wasn’t him who was inept at solving this huge problem caused by love and marriages and once upon a time, Daiki was giving him his own unsolicited opinion of what he should do with Kisumi who had been relentless in his support and affection for years.
Kisumi sighed dramatically, giving Sousuke a bit of an unimpressed but fond look, “You ruin my fun, Sou.”
Sousuke just smirked, “That’s what I’m here for.”
And before they could stop the world and melt into each other, Daiki cleared his throat and asked if they were to continue with Sousuke’s exercise.
Honestly, these two. He couldn’t take them anywhere and he was not exaggerating at all.
Daiki was napping which was always a good source of comfort aside from good food. Ryouta had left their bedroom some hours ago and was probably busy arranging his things. Napping was also a way to shirk tasks that he didn’t feel like doing at all and he was pretty sure Ryouta could get someone else to haul up his things for him and help him organize them. Daiki wasn’t good at that anyway. What if he just made things more work for both of them? So he just napped on, content with the world for once in a series of days that were filled with annoyance and discontent.
That was, until something smacked him awake.
He jumped, shouting in shock, and found himself looking wildly around himself, tensed and on edge.
Satsuki was holding a pillow and looking pinched, which was nothing new but given his current disoriented state, he couldn’t exactly recall what he did that she was making this face at him. Beside her and towering over her but keeping a bit of a safe distance was her poor husband who looked like he would really rather not be here but had no say in the matter. Daiki often really thought Ootsubo let Satsuki get away with too much.
“Why are you still here, Dai-chan?”
“Huh?” Daiki turned toward Satsuk before looking around to see for the time. “Is it late? Is it time for dinner already?”
“You’ve got an hour,” and before Daiki could protest the very rude (and painful) awakening, Satsuki continued with hardly a pause, “And Ki-chan’s sister is here.”
Daiki felt his blood freeze. Who was-- With that, he forced the ice out of his limbs and started scrambling off the bed. “Ryouta’s sister is here and you didn’t come up here to wake me up sooner?”
Usually, Satsuki was more efficient when it came to dragging him off to his many important but boring obligations and it was something he had come to expect. The look she gave him as he tried to think of what to do first could have frozen him again if he wasn’t damned determined to get moving. He had to get ready to meet Ryouta’s sister and he couldn’t be first seen in wrinkled clothes he napped in.
Satsuki crossed her arms over her chest, “I’m busy and I thought Ki-chan would come up here to get you.”
Ootsubo moved forward then and gently put his hands lightly, warmly over Satsuki’s shoulders, rubbing gently and trying to soothe her. Daiki watched as she actually turned to him a little though she still looked at Daiki like she wished she didn’t have to worry about him so much. Her husband doing that and Satsuki actually turning into it made Daiki see what he had almost always missed about his older sister. His sister was a force of nature; if something must be done, then it would be. But she was also human and there were limits to her. Satsuki had been busy with so much. Satsuki was tired and it was slowly starting to take its toll on her.
“You have an hour,” Ootsubo spoke, gentle but coaxing, always careful when it came to speaking up in the presence of his wife’s family. He knew his place but also knew when and how to speak up to make a valid point. “I think that should be enough time to make yourself presentable for Kise-san.”
The address eased Daiki somewhat. “So it’s not the Queen who’s here?”
Ootsubo smiled a little even as he continued to hold Satsuki, “No, but I think you should still be in your best behavior, Aomine.”
Daiki frowned though he saw the gentle reminder for what it was. “That goes without saying.”
With that, he left them to prepare. A quick bath and shave washed away what lethargy was left in him, as well as the sweat that dried on his skin and left him feeling sticky as was how it usually was during Touou’s summers. He even bothered with the perfumed incense as it was a special occasion. The clothes he chose were fit for summer, just one layer and light, though he settled on a more formal cut for his shirt with sleeves that went just a bit beyond his elbows and a bit of a fancy golden trim.
Coming back to his room, he was greeted by the sight of Ootsubo and Satsuki cuddling on a chair. Ootsubo had seated himself on the chair while Satsuki had settled herself sideways over his lap. Satsuki’s eyes were closed, resting, and looking a bit more relaxed as Ootsubo just held her quietly. Most of the time, it was so easy to forget how theirs was also an arranged marriage. Overtime, a closeness grew between them that just seemed so natural. Sometimes, Daiki looked at them and wished...
Ootsubo sensed that he was in the room and looked up. “Ready?”
Daiki nodded and looked to Satsuki instinctively.
Satsuki was smiling, looking better like the minutes she spent quietly sitting with Ootsubo helped a lot in relaxing her. “You look good.”
Daiki almost fidgeted uncomfortably but stayed the impulse. “Thank you. Let’s go? Unless you two still are--”
“I think I’m all right.” Satsuki said before smiling up at her husband. “It’s time for dinner.”
Ootsubo nodded and carefully helped her off before getting up himself. Even as they stood, they held hands and Daiki looked away.
“Let’s go.”
Daiki was prepared for it but it must still be said that Kise Hikaru was beautiful. Tall and golden with an infectious smile, she was definitely the type to turn heads and there was that slightly curious realization that he could have married her. They probably could have gotten along. From what he could see from just meeting her, she was warm and charming and with an air of playful mischief about her that he kind of liked.
But that was not really something he cared to think about further, even as he made a rare display of courtly manners and bent to lightly kiss the back of her hand after taking it in his. Princess Hikaru was beautiful but also very happily married and despite her womanly charms, still didn’t hold a candle to his own bride.
His bride who was looking at him in some kind of disbelieving awe that Daiki tried his best to ignore but it was hard. Ryouta never looked at him too long or too closely and it was making him self conscious. The scrutiny hardly wavered as he continued to act the gentlemanly and attentive Crown Prince when he had to be and tonight was definitely the time to be. He was trying to make up for not coming to see their honored guest earlier and he also wanted to make sure, to reassure her that Ryouta was in good hands. He couldn’t show her that Ryouta was in a loving marriage like she was but at least she would be able to see that he was being taken care of.
“You’re not eating,” he remarked, meeting Ryouta’s gaze directly while their sisters broke off for a bit of conversation on their own. If Ryouta thought he didn’t notice, he was completely wrong. It was hard to ignore being stared at so intently and how it was preventing Ryouta from enjoying his dinner.
“Not true,” Ryouta argued because that was what he did but Daiki was not going to be pulled into that kind of childish argument tonight.
Instead, he pushed a plateful of fruit at him and waited for him to take some. Ryouta ate lightly at night and he liked to have fruit most of all. Daiki watched Ryouta as he eyed him warily and moved to take some of the fruit, probably thinking that Daiki wouldn’t hesitate to feed him himself in front of his sister if he didn’t. Daiki had learned that that was practically the last thing Ryouta wanted him doing.
Dinner came to an end soon enough and everyone was in good spirits. Daiki was already feeling a bit tired; it was exhausting having to make the effort to actually entertain their guest and he looked forward to retreating to his rooms and just not talk or interact with anyone for a while.
“If you don’t mind, Ryouta,” Hikaru suddenly said, pulling Daiki’s attention to her as she addressed her younger brother, “may I borrow your husband for a little while?”
Ryouta gave them both some slightly suspicious looks though Daiki had no idea what he could be suspicious about. Despite his reputation, he was not going to do anything with his bride’s own sister.
“You’re married,” Ryouta reminded Hikaru then and Daiki had to glance at her curiously even as she took his arm.
“Yes, yes. I’ll give him back to you in the same state I took him in, don’t you worry, Ryouta.” And after giving her reassurances to her frowning brother, Hikaru smiled up at Daiki. “Shall we?”
“All right…” Daiki said though there really was no other answer. He was going to do whatever Hikaru asked of him no matter how tired he was and he was pretty sure they were going to be talking about Ryouta. What else could they possibly converse about? They had walked a few steps and turned a corner before Daiki opened his mouth again.
“So--” He paused when her grip on his arm tightened a little and when he looked into her face, there was this cheeky little grin that just looked so familiar. That definitely spelled trouble.
“Daiki-kun,” Hikaru began, leaning a bit closer to him conspiratorially, “I’m sure you know that Ryouta will be following us.”
Daiki nodded because that would be something Ryouta would do, especially given how he was eying them before they left. “He would.”
“So now, if you really want to impress me, it would be a good time to show me how to lose him.” She told him with a little wink.
Well, that was definitely a lot simpler than talking about Ryouta though Daiki was sure it was going to come. Ryouta may have been shown the many routes around the castle but Daiki had of course lived here all his life and would know more ways to get around. It was easy enough to lead Hikaru around a hall and down a staircase behind a large statue that led to the gardens outside. He had never shown Ryouta this particular path as it didn’t lead anywhere of use to them but if Hikaru wanted to talk, it was probably a good idea to do it somewhere Ryouta wouldn’t wander out into and Ryouta never seemed fond of heading outside at night if Daiki wasn’t with him.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say Daiki-kun was trying to charm me instead,” Hikaru said softly just as the stepped out into the gardens, walking along a lighted path under the stars with the moon glowing in the sky. “How romantic…”
Daiki froze and he scrambled for an explanation. “I didn’t mean--!”
Looking up at him, she held his gaze for a long moment before she laughed at the look on his face that was probably very flustered and uncomfortable.
“I’m just joking, Daiki-kun!” She patted his arm to soothe him, very proper and yet very friendly. “I know you only have eyes for my silly little brother. I have eyes too, you know?”
She kindly let him recover, walking with him at a leisurely pace until he was ready to look at her and not feel like jumping off a cliff. Shoichi probably also liked her a lot. He was actually kind of grateful they didn’t end up together. She was bad for his heart and in a way that was not good at all.
“Has he been difficult?” Hikaru asked after a while and Daiki was grateful for an easy question to answer.
“Of course,” he admitted without hesitation and she seemed to appreciate and even be amused by his bland honesty. “It’s hard to get him out of bed in the mornings even after all these months. For training.” He said to her directly with emphasis because it looked like she was going to say something that would make him choke. “And he keeps on whining the whole time even after we’re done. And he doesn’t eat as much as he should given how hard he trains.”
“But that’s a huge improvement on how he was before,” Hikaru shared. “Ryouta barely got out of bed before noon and he hardly did anything. You should be complimented for getting him to do so much.”
“I think he lacked motivation because he wasn’t challenged. Things came easily to him. Here, it looks like he found something that is worth doing because it pushed him to work hard.” As he spoke, Hikaru was watching him and it made him feel a bit self conscious again. “And...He’s doing well.”
She said she had eyes too. She could probably easily pick out how soft and stupid he actually was over Ryouta.
“I think Ryouta’s where he’s supposed to be.” Hikaru said, smiling up at him, and Daiki had the distinct feeling that he had gotten her approval somehow. “So please continue on taking care of him for us. He’s a lot of work but I think your efforts will all be worth it in the end.”
Daiki inclined his head to her. “Thank you, Kise-san.” It does make him feel...better that at least one of Ryouta’s sisters approved of him. “I’ll do my best.”
“Oh no, Daiki-kun!” Hikaru shook her head at him, looking disapproving at him with a pout that looked oh so familiar. “Don’t call me that, please? I think you’ve definitely earned the right to call me ‘Neesan’ just like Ryouta does.”
“Neesan.” Daiki tried it out.
She beamed. “Perfect!”
And Daiki found himself smiling a little despite it all. “Is it?”
“Yes! Very perfect and we are now officially related.” She declared with a bit of a bright giggle, clinging onto his arm a little. Daiki wondered if she was a bit tipsy. Did they let her drink too much wine?
“Welcome to the family, Daiki-kun! So now tell me, when are you and Ryouta planning to visit Kaijo? You have to meet Rika too, you know--”
Maybe he should walk her back to her rooms now.
Unsurprisingly, Ryouta was waiting for him when he got back to their rooms. He was seated on their bed, dressed for sleep in this light silky nightshirt in a yellow that complemented Ryouta very well. The heat had compelled Ryouta to change his wardrobe for summer and he had taken to wearing nightshirts that would be cooler to wear. Shorter too. They ended somewhere over his knees, displaying well turned knees and fair skinned legs and Daiki knew it was pathetic how he relished the view when he could. He also didn't know how to feel about Ryouta dressing like this so comfortably around him but that wasn't really something he could bring up with just anyone to examine.
Ryouta perked upon seeing him, looking more awake than he had been a few seconds ago before realizing Daiki was in the room.
"Is Neesan back in her room?" he asked.
Daiki nodded as he made his way deeper into their bedroom and started unbuttoning and pulling out of the shirt he was wearing. "I walked her there myself."
"So..." Ryouta paused and Daiki could feel his stare on his back in the way his skin prickled a little. He was always a little hyperaware of Ryouta when they were in the same room.
"What did you talk about?" The question was asked casually though Daiki knew somehow that Ryouta was dying of curiosity.
Daiki shrugged, tossing aside the shirt he had been wearing. "She was just asking how you are."
Ryouta was looking at him curiously, eyebrows drawn. "But we talked about me a lot already earlier today."
Another shrug and Daiki made his way to the small table to the side where a washing bowl waited. He poured some water into it and wetted his face, his neck, sighing at the relieving coolness.
"I told her about your training."
"And?"
“I said you could whine less."
"Rude, Aominecchi."
Ryouta was pouting and Daiki wished he could do something about it. Instead, he looked away and focused on cooling himself down.
"You say that but I'm your best student. Admit it."
Daiki snorted at the flippant, confident tone and looked over at his shoulder again to find that Ryouta had made himself comfortable on the bed. He was still turned towards him, looking at him with a bit of a smirk even as he rested his head on a pillow. The candlelight lit his cheeky but beautiful features and Daiki could imagine himself joining him there as he did every night. Only this time, he'd lean down and--
"Go to sleep, Ryouta." Daiki told him as he walked on off toward their wardrobe. "You can prove to me you're my best student tomorrow."
"But I already am your best student! Aominecchi!"
"Sleep."
Ryouta made more noises about Daiki being difficult and cruel as he changed into sleeping pants. He was still sulking when Daiki joined him in bed and only settled when Daiki put out the candles and threatened to make him run more tomorrow.
Ryouta was just so much work sometimes.
Normally, he enjoyed the Festival of the Sun. There was a lot of things to see and the fireworks at night were always exciting. Then there was the food being sold and Daiki loved the variety to choose from most of all. But this one was different for many reasons and that included the fact that he had to get up even earlier than usual.
Being part of Ryouta's guard was something he was able to insist on even though he would be sacrificing the rare opportunity of being able to sleep in. In his mind, if they weren't going to let him replace Ryouta as the Sun Prince then he was going to stay as close to him as he possibly could. It had been difficult but not impossible to sway the priests into letting him do this much. The High Priest (who had married him and Ryouta) was actually quite amiable with him and had allowed it, despite the many protests of the other priests (who hated Daiki for many, various reasons). And so that was taken care of and Daiki had the pleasure of getting up before the sun rose because of Ryouta.
Again.
Ryouta was up and about despite the early hour while he longed for a strong cup of coffee and some breakfast at least. He had no idea when they would be eating and being hungry would just make Daiki's mood worse. Ryouta was also as oblivious as always about why Daiki was actually coming with him, which was not a surprise. He didn't look hungry so Daiki wasn't going to give him any food if there was going to be any.
There was food in the carriage, just some freshly baked bread and fruits, but they were enough to stave Daiki's grumpy mood a little. He even let Ryouta have some out of the kindness of his pure, loving heart.
Daiki's good fortune continued when they got to the temple. They arrived with a lot of time to spare despite what the priests said and there was coffee. Strong coffee that would probably keep Daiki awake until the wee hours of the morning the next day but there was a festival so that was probably a good thing. He let the priests scold him as he drank, savoring the exquisite bitterness and flavorful spiciness while he hardly listened to what they had to say to him. He had heard these words thousands of times before. He had always been scolded by the priests since he was a boy and was perhaps the worst student most of them had ever had.
When Daiki was finally more alert, Ryouta had been preparing for the morning ritual for a while. He was dressed in paint and ceremonial clothes, mostly pants, sandals and nothing more. The painted patterns over Ryouta's fair skin were carefully and meticulously rendered and Daiki had to admit, they were very flattering. They were for a ceremony so each stroke and symbol had a meaning and if Daiki remembered correctly, the pattern of symbols were never the same for each Sun Prince. It escaped Daiki what the symbols meant as that required further study of the old language the priests used and of course Daiki had no patience for such things. It was enough that the paint looked good against Ryouta's skin. The crown almost blended in with Ryouta's hair when it was put over his head but the crown completed the ensemble and Daiki had to sigh a little at the sight of him.
He hated to admit it but yes, they did choose the right person for the Sun Prince.
Ryouta stood tall and proud amidst the gathering of holy men and his guards and somehow, Daiki also felt a flutter of something in his chest. It felt like pride though he had no idea what it could be that he should be proud of.
The Sun Prince was to carry a flame outside to the square to start the fire and Ryouta was handed a torch. Daiki watched as he turned to light it on the sacred flame that burned before him. Before he did, he seemed to seek something out and Daiki found Ryouta smiling at him.
It was quick and probably something Ryouta didn't even think too much about but it was something to Daiki, who felt a flame flare within him at that smile Ryouta unknowingly gifted him with.