The Prince's Princess (26/28)
Title: The Prince's Princess
Author: ai_ai_gasa2
Pairing: Lots! Takanoo and some Hikabu, a bit of Ariokamoto, and Chiitaro~
Rating: Probably, overall, PG-13. But they're all individually really safe. Like PG or something.
Genre: Romance, Fluff, very AU.
Summary: The Queen of the South Kingdom died of a sickness quite early on in life. The King never remarried, but did adopt 5 sons. Many years later, it is time now for his children to begin looking for wives, and the King also decides to adopt a daughter, planning a matchmaking ball for her in advance. But the adoption process is delayed... And Prince Inoo has no choice but to step in and play the princes in his to-be-sister's place.
A/N: I finally got done with all the formatting and stuff, and I couldn't believe I only had 2 chapters left! Don't worry about it; since it's me, I probably counted wrong or something. :/ It's really late, so I'll probably respond to comments tomorrow. But I read and love every one! But yeah. Enjoy!
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Listen to me. No-listen. He’ll be fine.” The word was stressed in a strong, persistent tone. Yabu’s voice.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> There was silence. Then Inoo had a sudden thought.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Takaki.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> His eyes shot open.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo tried to sit, but made a small pained noise and had to recline back onto where he was resting again-a bed, with many white and fluffy pillows behind him. Two people, Hikaru and Yabu, looked up at him. Hikaru sprung from Yabu’s lap, making his way to Inoo’s bedside.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “You’re awake.” His chest fell in relief. “How are you feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Fine.” Inoo responded distractedly, watching Yabu make his way to the open doorframe, exiting the room. Hikaru gave him a skeptical look.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “How are you actually feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo sighed. “I just tried to sit up and kinda forgot there was a hole in my side.” He said with a light wince. “How long-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo!” Yamada burst in, Shintaro, Ryu, and Takaki following, and behind them, Yabu. Just seeing him seemed to be enough-there was silence after they all trailed in, crowding around the bed.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “A week and a half. You’ve been asleep that long.” Hikaru answered Inoo’s unfinished question.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo, the trial is over. Guilty, of course.” Yamada reported. “But part of Mr. Okamoto’s rights enables him to travel back, and to be in a jail in his country. Are you up for a trip home?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo opened, then closed his mouth. A trip home? He couldn’t even sit up.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I need everyone except for Takaki to come with me to find the nurse!” Shintaro said loudly. They all gave him a look for his blatantly obvious statement, but in return he just shrugged. “What?” He asked. “I’m scared to go alone.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> With sighs and a bit of laughter, everyone soon exited. There was a moment of silence, then
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise.” Inoo mumbled. “I’m sorry that I…”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Takaki placed a finger over his lips, causing him to trail off.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I don’t care about that. All I care about is that you’re safe, and you’re here with me.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “But… But I… I ruined your step-mother’s dress, and-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “D’you think any of that matters to us now?” Takaki gave him a smile, taking his hand lightly. “All that has been threatened is protected. All that was stolen has been returned. All, except-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo-sama!” A woman bustled in, followed by everyone that had gone to get her. Inoo sent daggers in their direction.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We did it again, didn’t we.” Yamada whispered. Inoo nodded, grumbling to himself.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Everybody out! Shoo! I need to redress his wounds!” The nurse insisted.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I’ll leave this with you then.” Ryutaro told Inoo, placing a folded piece of parchment on the table next to his bed and leaving with the rest, Takaki sending him a look, the last out the door.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The redressing was a long and painful process, Inoo taking the parchment and finally able to read it once the nurse had gone. It was a letter from Chinen and Daiki.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Dear Everybody,
I love you! Just sayin’. How’re you all doing? This is Chinen right now, Dai-chan’ll add later…
It’s been relatively boring without all of you, ya know. I miss you guys. I hope you’ve already gotten Rensuke back and everything’s ended, safe and sound. Because… You are coming back really soon, right? Tell Ryu that I love him, ‘k? Even better, bring him back with you!
Love,
Chii
Hi Guys! Dai-chan here. I hope you’re alright, and that you come back soon. Chinen’s been insisting that we wait up for you until 10:00 every night, just in case you come in late, and I really like my sleep…
Keito’s been waiting up with us too. We’re all alright now, and I swear to God, I’m going to marry him some day…
Ayaki has been suspicious like you wouldn’t believe, anxious, barely eating… Chii and I catch her pacing in the hallways sometimes. She’s really worried about that “lost letter from a friend”. Hurry up and return here, so we can arrest her already.
Wishing you were back,
Daiki
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo could help but smile as he read. He missed them too.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> His door opened, and he looked up, pausing from reading the letter a second time. It was Rensuke, looking battered and bruised, but not necessarily broken. He sat down on a chair next to Inoo’s bed.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I really can’t thank you enough.” He finally spoke up. “What you did was incredible. I… I’m really sorry I yelled at you.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo laughed. “It’s fine. I’m just glad my disguise was that good.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Rensuke nodded. “Had me convinced...”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> They talked for the next hour or so, stopped only by the Hashimotos’ son, Ryosuke, bringing them bowls of soup for dinner.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And really, thanks again.” Rensuke stood, the nurse insisting he leave so Inoo could get some sleep.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “It’s fine, really….”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> After one last smile, Rensuke shut the door.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The next week was devoted to Inoo getting stronger. He could get out of bed, and even walk short distances, everyone making sure he ate and drank more then he really needed to. His main worry was how he was going to deal with the jostling of the horse as he rode. Sure, the wound had scabbed over nicely, but that in no way meant it was going to stay. Unless he was asleep, he was going to feel it and it was going to hurt.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Finally, the big day arrived. The little that they had brought was on a pack horse along with a few meals, and everyone was mounting the horse they would be riding back on. Inoo, confused, did a quick count.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Hey... Where's my horse?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Then he caught Hikaru smiling, quite mischievously, at him.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “...What did you do, Hachibee."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Nothing~ Ne, ne..." Hikaru patted behind him, Inoo noticing the double-seated saddle "Get on."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Wha... Why don't I get my own horse?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Doctor's-ehm-nurse's orders. C'mon."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Grudgingly, Inoo got on behind Hikaru, putting his arms tightly around him, under his ribcage.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Hey, Inoo-chan, are you thirsty?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Kinda, why?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Here." Hikaru handed him a canteen.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Thank you?" Inoo took a large drink, then gave it back, leaning his head between Hikaru's shoulder blades. He suddenly felt drowsy. Before they had set hoof off the palace grounds, Inoo was asleep.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He woke in the late afternoon to 3 people shaking him. Cracking an eye open, he groaned, placing one hand on his side. That made him hiss in pain, opening his eyes the rest of the way. He and Hikaru were still on the horse, though it was no longer moving. Hikaru was shaking his shoulder slightly.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “C’mon Inoo-chan~ Wake up, I wanna eat lunch~”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Someone else-Yamada-was swinging his arm, holding him by the hand. But… Then who was shaking his leg?
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo looked down. Shintaro had hold of his ankle.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “What are you doing here?” he asked, rather bluntly.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Our sleeping beauty is awake!” Takaki exclaimed, walking over,
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And you too! Why…” He trailed off, simply looking confused. Yabu burst into laughter at his expression.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We came to give your father a more official thanks.” Ryutaro answered. “They gave us the option to stay or go.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And Ryu wanted to see Chinen.” Shintaro added without missing a beat. Ryu just nodded with a shrug.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo-chan, I’m getting off, but d’you wanna stay on the horse?” Hikaru squirmed a bit in the saddle while Inoo considered the request. He was about to say yes when he realized that his butt was numb.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “No. Get me off this horse.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The first week of the trip was spent wincing and nearly bleeding through his bandages. With a walk too slow and a canter much too fast, the horses were all stuck at a trot, the bounciest gait of the four. After the one week mark had passed, everyone began to get restless, tired of camping, eating rolled dried meat packed in leather, and riding day after day. Then the eighth day passed. Nothing exciting happened.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> At dinner on the ninth night, the Northern King made an announcement.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We have made better time than we had planned for, and it is estimated that tomorrow will be our last day of travel.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> A cheer went up from everyone. Dinner was long, spent talking, everyone in high spirits about the mood. Inoo couldn’t wait to get home.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> A surprise awaited him on the last day. He walked over to Hikaru’s horse to clumsily mount it when he realized that the double-seated saddle was gone.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Hey… What happened to-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Over here!” Takaki called. Inoo looked. He was patting the spot behind him, smiling. Inoo opened, then closed his mouth, breaking out into a grin. He got on behind Takaki, wrapping his arms comfortably around the older man’s waist as he leaned into his back, snuggling close. They set off at a slower, more considerate pace, Inoo enjoying the closeness. All too soon however, the drought had kicked on, and Inoo felt the world slipping away.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The first thing he recognized when he awoke was the surroundings. He could tell, despite the early evening light, that they were close to the castle. The second thing he noticed was that Takaki had a one-handed grip on the reigns. While he had both of his arms around Takaki’s waist, the Prince’s left fingers were entwined with his right ones.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Welcome back.” Takaki rubbed the back of Inoo’s hand with his thumb-he’d felt Inoo stir “How’re you feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Alright, I suppose. Better now that I know where we are.” Inoo sat up straighter. “We’re almost here.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He saw the prince smile, squeezing his hand once before letting it go. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, unbroken until Hikaru let out a loud whoop, signaling that the castle, home, had come into view.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo waited while the rest put up their horses in the stables, feeling quite useless, when the door opened. Daiki burst in, nearly bowling Inoo over in a hug.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Hey Dai-chan… Can’t… Breathe…” Inoo muttered, though in honesty, he was hugging Daiki back just as tightly, rocking back and forth, somehow relieved to see him.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We’re eating dinner, and… Keito told me you were here, saw you through the Kitchen window…” Daiki let go of him. “I just jumped up and ran out-I’ll have to tell Chii that you’re all here.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He ran around, giving slightly shorter hugs to Yamada and Hikaru before leaving as quickly as he had came.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Needless to say, Chinen had arrived within the minute, stopping in the doorway to look at them all, Daiki trailing behind.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Ryutaro!” he ran over, literally leaping into the younger boy’s embrace. A slightly disgruntled Hikaru walked over to Inoo.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Really? He hasn’t seen us in weeks, and… and you almost died! And we’re his brothers, and he treats us like stable walls.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Well, I‘ve got four of you.” Chinen responded, loud enough for the whole barn to hear. “I only have one Ryu-chan.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Laughter rang around the stables, Ryutaro putting Chii’s feet back on the floor. Keito appeared in the door, Yuto behind him with a huge smile on his face.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Dad-” he coughed, pink-faced “Your dad sent us to see what was taking so long.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Ah, sorry. C’mon everyone.” Daiki motioned for them to leave. Everyone’s animals were packed away comfortably now, so they left in a large group. Inoo seemed to catch all of the Public Displays of Affection, though no one else did (except the time Shintaro nudged Inoo and pointed, both watching Chinen pull Ryutaro behind a tree by his shirtfront, Shintaro bursting into giggles) as they made their way to the path and up the stone steps. Yuto and Daiki threw the double doors open grandly, to reveal the King standing there with open arms.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo fought his way through the crowd, arriving there first. His father’s embrace was huge and comforting, and he almost wanted to cry. He was safe; it was over… he closed his eyes with a sigh.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The King’s large hand drew slow circles on his back, the man kissing the top of his head before the reassuring voice responded “Welcome back.”
Author: ai_ai_gasa2
Pairing: Lots! Takanoo and some Hikabu, a bit of Ariokamoto, and Chiitaro~
Rating: Probably, overall, PG-13. But they're all individually really safe. Like PG or something.
Genre: Romance, Fluff, very AU.
Summary: The Queen of the South Kingdom died of a sickness quite early on in life. The King never remarried, but did adopt 5 sons. Many years later, it is time now for his children to begin looking for wives, and the King also decides to adopt a daughter, planning a matchmaking ball for her in advance. But the adoption process is delayed... And Prince Inoo has no choice but to step in and play the princes in his to-be-sister's place.
A/N: I finally got done with all the formatting and stuff, and I couldn't believe I only had 2 chapters left! Don't worry about it; since it's me, I probably counted wrong or something. :/ It's really late, so I'll probably respond to comments tomorrow. But I read and love every one! But yeah. Enjoy!
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Listen to me. No-listen. He’ll be fine.” The word was stressed in a strong, persistent tone. Yabu’s voice.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> There was silence. Then Inoo had a sudden thought.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Takaki.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> His eyes shot open.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo tried to sit, but made a small pained noise and had to recline back onto where he was resting again-a bed, with many white and fluffy pillows behind him. Two people, Hikaru and Yabu, looked up at him. Hikaru sprung from Yabu’s lap, making his way to Inoo’s bedside.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “You’re awake.” His chest fell in relief. “How are you feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Fine.” Inoo responded distractedly, watching Yabu make his way to the open doorframe, exiting the room. Hikaru gave him a skeptical look.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “How are you actually feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo sighed. “I just tried to sit up and kinda forgot there was a hole in my side.” He said with a light wince. “How long-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo!” Yamada burst in, Shintaro, Ryu, and Takaki following, and behind them, Yabu. Just seeing him seemed to be enough-there was silence after they all trailed in, crowding around the bed.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “A week and a half. You’ve been asleep that long.” Hikaru answered Inoo’s unfinished question.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo, the trial is over. Guilty, of course.” Yamada reported. “But part of Mr. Okamoto’s rights enables him to travel back, and to be in a jail in his country. Are you up for a trip home?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo opened, then closed his mouth. A trip home? He couldn’t even sit up.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I need everyone except for Takaki to come with me to find the nurse!” Shintaro said loudly. They all gave him a look for his blatantly obvious statement, but in return he just shrugged. “What?” He asked. “I’m scared to go alone.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> With sighs and a bit of laughter, everyone soon exited. There was a moment of silence, then
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise.” Inoo mumbled. “I’m sorry that I…”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Takaki placed a finger over his lips, causing him to trail off.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I don’t care about that. All I care about is that you’re safe, and you’re here with me.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “But… But I… I ruined your step-mother’s dress, and-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “D’you think any of that matters to us now?” Takaki gave him a smile, taking his hand lightly. “All that has been threatened is protected. All that was stolen has been returned. All, except-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo-sama!” A woman bustled in, followed by everyone that had gone to get her. Inoo sent daggers in their direction.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We did it again, didn’t we.” Yamada whispered. Inoo nodded, grumbling to himself.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Everybody out! Shoo! I need to redress his wounds!” The nurse insisted.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I’ll leave this with you then.” Ryutaro told Inoo, placing a folded piece of parchment on the table next to his bed and leaving with the rest, Takaki sending him a look, the last out the door.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The redressing was a long and painful process, Inoo taking the parchment and finally able to read it once the nurse had gone. It was a letter from Chinen and Daiki.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Dear Everybody,
I love you! Just sayin’. How’re you all doing? This is Chinen right now, Dai-chan’ll add later…
It’s been relatively boring without all of you, ya know. I miss you guys. I hope you’ve already gotten Rensuke back and everything’s ended, safe and sound. Because… You are coming back really soon, right? Tell Ryu that I love him, ‘k? Even better, bring him back with you!
Love,
Chii
Hi Guys! Dai-chan here. I hope you’re alright, and that you come back soon. Chinen’s been insisting that we wait up for you until 10:00 every night, just in case you come in late, and I really like my sleep…
Keito’s been waiting up with us too. We’re all alright now, and I swear to God, I’m going to marry him some day…
Ayaki has been suspicious like you wouldn’t believe, anxious, barely eating… Chii and I catch her pacing in the hallways sometimes. She’s really worried about that “lost letter from a friend”. Hurry up and return here, so we can arrest her already.
Wishing you were back,
Daiki
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo could help but smile as he read. He missed them too.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> His door opened, and he looked up, pausing from reading the letter a second time. It was Rensuke, looking battered and bruised, but not necessarily broken. He sat down on a chair next to Inoo’s bed.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “I really can’t thank you enough.” He finally spoke up. “What you did was incredible. I… I’m really sorry I yelled at you.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo laughed. “It’s fine. I’m just glad my disguise was that good.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Rensuke nodded. “Had me convinced...”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> They talked for the next hour or so, stopped only by the Hashimotos’ son, Ryosuke, bringing them bowls of soup for dinner.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And really, thanks again.” Rensuke stood, the nurse insisting he leave so Inoo could get some sleep.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “It’s fine, really….”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> After one last smile, Rensuke shut the door.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The next week was devoted to Inoo getting stronger. He could get out of bed, and even walk short distances, everyone making sure he ate and drank more then he really needed to. His main worry was how he was going to deal with the jostling of the horse as he rode. Sure, the wound had scabbed over nicely, but that in no way meant it was going to stay. Unless he was asleep, he was going to feel it and it was going to hurt.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Finally, the big day arrived. The little that they had brought was on a pack horse along with a few meals, and everyone was mounting the horse they would be riding back on. Inoo, confused, did a quick count.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Hey... Where's my horse?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Then he caught Hikaru smiling, quite mischievously, at him.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “...What did you do, Hachibee."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Nothing~ Ne, ne..." Hikaru patted behind him, Inoo noticing the double-seated saddle "Get on."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Wha... Why don't I get my own horse?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Doctor's-ehm-nurse's orders. C'mon."
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Grudgingly, Inoo got on behind Hikaru, putting his arms tightly around him, under his ribcage.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Hey, Inoo-chan, are you thirsty?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Kinda, why?"
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Here." Hikaru handed him a canteen.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> "Thank you?" Inoo took a large drink, then gave it back, leaning his head between Hikaru's shoulder blades. He suddenly felt drowsy. Before they had set hoof off the palace grounds, Inoo was asleep.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He woke in the late afternoon to 3 people shaking him. Cracking an eye open, he groaned, placing one hand on his side. That made him hiss in pain, opening his eyes the rest of the way. He and Hikaru were still on the horse, though it was no longer moving. Hikaru was shaking his shoulder slightly.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “C’mon Inoo-chan~ Wake up, I wanna eat lunch~”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Someone else-Yamada-was swinging his arm, holding him by the hand. But… Then who was shaking his leg?
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo looked down. Shintaro had hold of his ankle.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “What are you doing here?” he asked, rather bluntly.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Our sleeping beauty is awake!” Takaki exclaimed, walking over,
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And you too! Why…” He trailed off, simply looking confused. Yabu burst into laughter at his expression.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We came to give your father a more official thanks.” Ryutaro answered. “They gave us the option to stay or go.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “And Ryu wanted to see Chinen.” Shintaro added without missing a beat. Ryu just nodded with a shrug.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Inoo-chan, I’m getting off, but d’you wanna stay on the horse?” Hikaru squirmed a bit in the saddle while Inoo considered the request. He was about to say yes when he realized that his butt was numb.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “No. Get me off this horse.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The first week of the trip was spent wincing and nearly bleeding through his bandages. With a walk too slow and a canter much too fast, the horses were all stuck at a trot, the bounciest gait of the four. After the one week mark had passed, everyone began to get restless, tired of camping, eating rolled dried meat packed in leather, and riding day after day. Then the eighth day passed. Nothing exciting happened.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> At dinner on the ninth night, the Northern King made an announcement.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We have made better time than we had planned for, and it is estimated that tomorrow will be our last day of travel.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> A cheer went up from everyone. Dinner was long, spent talking, everyone in high spirits about the mood. Inoo couldn’t wait to get home.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> A surprise awaited him on the last day. He walked over to Hikaru’s horse to clumsily mount it when he realized that the double-seated saddle was gone.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Hey… What happened to-”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Over here!” Takaki called. Inoo looked. He was patting the spot behind him, smiling. Inoo opened, then closed his mouth, breaking out into a grin. He got on behind Takaki, wrapping his arms comfortably around the older man’s waist as he leaned into his back, snuggling close. They set off at a slower, more considerate pace, Inoo enjoying the closeness. All too soon however, the drought had kicked on, and Inoo felt the world slipping away.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The first thing he recognized when he awoke was the surroundings. He could tell, despite the early evening light, that they were close to the castle. The second thing he noticed was that Takaki had a one-handed grip on the reigns. While he had both of his arms around Takaki’s waist, the Prince’s left fingers were entwined with his right ones.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Welcome back.” Takaki rubbed the back of Inoo’s hand with his thumb-he’d felt Inoo stir “How’re you feeling?”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Alright, I suppose. Better now that I know where we are.” Inoo sat up straighter. “We’re almost here.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He saw the prince smile, squeezing his hand once before letting it go. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, unbroken until Hikaru let out a loud whoop, signaling that the castle, home, had come into view.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo waited while the rest put up their horses in the stables, feeling quite useless, when the door opened. Daiki burst in, nearly bowling Inoo over in a hug.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Hey Dai-chan… Can’t… Breathe…” Inoo muttered, though in honesty, he was hugging Daiki back just as tightly, rocking back and forth, somehow relieved to see him.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “We’re eating dinner, and… Keito told me you were here, saw you through the Kitchen window…” Daiki let go of him. “I just jumped up and ran out-I’ll have to tell Chii that you’re all here.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> He ran around, giving slightly shorter hugs to Yamada and Hikaru before leaving as quickly as he had came.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Needless to say, Chinen had arrived within the minute, stopping in the doorway to look at them all, Daiki trailing behind.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Ryutaro!” he ran over, literally leaping into the younger boy’s embrace. A slightly disgruntled Hikaru walked over to Inoo.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Really? He hasn’t seen us in weeks, and… and you almost died! And we’re his brothers, and he treats us like stable walls.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Well, I‘ve got four of you.” Chinen responded, loud enough for the whole barn to hear. “I only have one Ryu-chan.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Laughter rang around the stables, Ryutaro putting Chii’s feet back on the floor. Keito appeared in the door, Yuto behind him with a huge smile on his face.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Dad-” he coughed, pink-faced “Your dad sent us to see what was taking so long.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> “Ah, sorry. C’mon everyone.” Daiki motioned for them to leave. Everyone’s animals were packed away comfortably now, so they left in a large group. Inoo seemed to catch all of the Public Displays of Affection, though no one else did (except the time Shintaro nudged Inoo and pointed, both watching Chinen pull Ryutaro behind a tree by his shirtfront, Shintaro bursting into giggles) as they made their way to the path and up the stone steps. Yuto and Daiki threw the double doors open grandly, to reveal the King standing there with open arms.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Inoo fought his way through the crowd, arriving there first. His father’s embrace was huge and comforting, and he almost wanted to cry. He was safe; it was over… he closed his eyes with a sigh.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> The King’s large hand drew slow circles on his back, the man kissing the top of his head before the reassuring voice responded “Welcome back.”