Fanfiction - Once Upon Now and Forever (Part 2)
Title: Once Upon Now and Forever (Part 2)
Author: crazy_otaku911
Pairings/Characters: Yara/Yamamoto (with vague hints at one-sided Takahashi/Yamamoto) - with various appearances of Juniors (Tatsumi, Sakuma, THEY, Ebikisu) and Takki.
Rating: PG
Summary: AU (~14,000w) - based loosely on Cinderella, if you want to think loosely. A stable boy has fallen in love with his prince! When the prince gets engaged, everyone seems to have fingers in their business (questionably or otherwise) and the stable boy isn't sure if Happily Ever After is even an option. (Aka, Yamamoto pines after Yara and everyone is insane)
Disclaimer: This work is purely fiction.
Warnings: Some angst, kisses, and tears.
A/N: Written for snowqueenofhoth at je_holiday~♥! Beta'd by omoikkiri and suboshiyui ♥ They have my eternal gratitude for dealing with this. And to all the people I terrorized while writing because I was a total flangsting mess. ;; ♥♥♥
Part 1
*~*~*
It was already chilly when Ryouta went to relieve the watch tower guard, who looked rather puzzled by his appearance. Ryouta just offered him a smile as he leaned on the stone windowsill, staring out over the palace and town that sprawled beneath him. If it hadn't been such a wretched turn of events, he would have happily stared at the sight for hours.
He could hear faint sounds of the ball beginning, the thrum of life filtering up through the stones. Or maybe it was just his imagination. He hugged the heavy cloak tighter around him, alone with nothing but the dim light of a lantern for company.
He stood there, cold and bitter, wishing things could have been different. Wishing that he could have been able to change something.
“I would have been okay if they didn't take him away all the way,” He whispered, wondering if that was the truth or if he really did selfishly want all of Tomoyuki's attentions. It wasn't like he was the only one of Tomoyuki's favorites. There was Tatsumi, Tsukada, Goseki Koichi from the royal breweries, and one of the squires, Senga Kento. He didn't mind them, so why was the Princess so different? She would be coming to live with them, it wasn't like Tomoyuki was leaving.
It's because she'll have his heart and you won't, Ryouta told himself, feeling a tear slip down his cheek. It was stupid to think that he would have ever stood a chance against an enchanting royal beauty. He'd already lost Tomoyuki, what did he even want anymore?
He was broken out of his reverie by boots on the stone stairwell. Frowning, he peeked down at the entryway and nearly let out a shriek when he realized he was staring down at Tatsumi. “What're you doing here?”
“Don't ask questions now, give me the cloak,” Tatsumi sounded so authoritative that Ryouta didn't even manage another inquiry as he handed the heavy cloak over, shivering. “Get below, Takahashi's waiting for you.”
“But Tatsumi--?” Ryouta's words were cut off by a sudden embrace.
“I love you, Ryouta. You're the best brother I ever could have asked for and it's maddening, having to watch you. I'm insane for trying to make this work, but... go.”
Feeling another wave of tears, even amidst his confusion, Ryouta squeezed back, before letting go and dropped down the staircase. He made it down two landings before Takahashi appeared out of nowhere, seizing his hand. “We have to hurry.”
“Ryu, what's going on?” Ryouta tried to ask as the boy whipped him away, but Takahashi gave him no answer as they raced to the bottom of the tower.
As if the last five minutes hadn't been surprising enough, the person waiting for them at the bottom was none other than Prince Hideaki, looking resplendent in his formal apparel but looking hurried as well. “I've been told that there's a check on the guards at midnight. That gives us two hours at most and we're wasting time.”
Before Ryouta could again try to ask what was going on, Takahashi had managed to pull his tunic and shirt off, giving him a quick, rough scrub down with a towel that was probably warm but was now on the colder sides of lukewarm.
“Ryu!” Ryouta squawked as his trousers vanished as well. “What are you do--”
“Tatsumi approached me earlier today with a request. One that I didn't mind doing my best to fulfill,” The prince answered instead, gloved fingers rubbing something slick and waxy in Ryouta's hair, working like a professional and not getting a single smudge on his own clothes. “Ryouta, you're going to the masquerade.”
Ryouta had been flailing, trying to avoid Takahashi's toweling hands, but with those words, he froze. “C-come again?”
“Don't argue, just put this on, okay?” Takahashi was presenting him with a meticulously cared for wig. It was a simple one, glossy black and already pre-styled in an ponytail, simple but elegant looking. Ryouta gave him a blank stare and the boy rolled his eyes, carefully placing it over Ryouta's hair, easily fitting it on and stationing it.
Hideaki had discarded the gloves and was now holding up a shimmering garment. “Slip into this, if you would?”
Ryouta gave him a flat look, recognizing the garb. “That's a woman's outfit.” And it was, made in the fashions from Hideaki's own desert country. Loosely draped trousers with a flowing overcoat that belted around the waist. This one was a lovely set of black with silvery accents, like a starlight sky, the stitching was exquisite enough to make Fujigaya go green with envy.
“Women here wear skirts, you have no excuse.” Hideaki held the trousers out. “This is the only way you'll be able to dance with your Prince.”
“But why...?” Ryouta bit his lip, taking the pants and slowly pulling them on, bending over to help Takahashi strap his feet into boots that nearly went to his knees.
“Ryouta, anyone with half an eye can tell that you're in love,” Takahashi said softly. “We just want to give you some time. A chance.”
“But it's stupid...” It finally sank in, what they were doing. What Tatsumi was doing.
“Love is stupid,” Hideaki replied with a gentle smile. “But if we didn't have love, we would be nothing. Embrace that about yourself. You have a big heart, Yamamoto Ryouta.” The prince's eyes crinkled. “Besides, I'm a sucker for a good love story. I can't keep my hands out of this one.”
“Tomo doesn't even notice,” Ryouta hung his head, feeling the bangs from the wig brush down his face. A finger crooked under his chin and Hideaki guided his eyes upwards.
“The only reason he doesn't is because he's too stupid to realize what he has. He cares for you, Yamamoto. Now let's stop wasting time, they'll notice that I'm gone soon.”
Ryouta fought tears as he pulled the rest of the outfit on, letting Takahashi belt it around the waist. They were all doing this for him. He would never have thought anyone would go through so much trouble just to give him an impossible chance to have just one dance with the man he had fallen in love with.
“This is hopeless,” He realized as he looked down at himself. “Even if I'm dressed as a woman, my face will be recognized.”
“You're forgetting, my dear boy, that this ball is a masquerade,” Hideaki sounded smug as he held up an eyemask. It was made to match the outfit, glittering with silver amidst an inky black, held in place by ribbons. Most attendants of the ball would be wearing small masks mounted on a stick, easy to tuck away while dancing and to pull back out when searching for a partner.
“And because we need to hide that distinctive smile of yours for now...” Takizawa produced a black veil, attaching it to the mask. “Now, don't you look like quite the exotic beauty? I hardly recognize you!”
Ryouta smile, his face now hidden behind mask and veil. “Thank you, Your Highness...” He turned to Takahashi, speechless. His friend just smiled and offered his arm, like he had in the past when they danced. Ryouta hesitated for a moment before tucking his hand in the other's offered arm, like a lady would.
“Just go and dance,” Hideaki said, sweeping a bow to Ryouta. “Ryu, go the long way around and escort Yamamoto. Try to get him noticed but do not announce him, I don't need a random subject that nobody remembers existing before.” the man began to walk away briskly but stopped and turned. “Yamamoto, I know you're fluent in our tongue. Use that tonight, it will mask your voice as well. We don't want to get caught.” Blowing them both a kiss, the prince vanished out of sight.
Takahashi gave him a smile. “Ready to go, m'lady?”
“Call me that again and I'll brain you,” Ryouta ducked his head and let Ryu lead him. As they neared the ballroom, Ryouta's heart began to pound in his throat. What was he doing? They were all stark raving insane. He was dressed up as a girl with a wig and veil and one of his best friends was standing on a frigid tower to cover for him.
“Just remember. There's a midnight patrol to check on all the guards.” Ryu murmured in his ear. “So you have to be up there as soon as the bells start ringing.”
Numbly, Ryouta nodded as they stepped into the ballroom. He couldn't breathe. There were so many dazzling, lovely couples, he asked himself again what he was doing in this room. He didn't belong here.
But then he saw him and he stopped breathing for an entirely different reason.
In that moment, it was as if Yara Tomoyuki was the only other thing existing in the universe. Ryouta's heart began beating again, a quick staccato of longing. He was everything to Ryouta. Strong, loving, perfect and his arm was wrapped around the waist of the woman he was going to marry. Ryouta's throat constricted.
At this side, Takahashi bowed, kissing his hand, bringing Ryouta's thoughts back to earth. “Farewell and good-luck,” the boy whispered before withdrawing.
Ryouta became acutely aware that people were staring at him. He probably was a sight to see. Everything from his clothing to his simply hairstyle was odd and almost out of place. All the ladies of nobility liked to follow trends and local fashion and so the night was filled with women in full skirted gowns of pastel colors, their small masks jammed up to their eyes, as if they thought that putting them there would hide the fact that they were talking amongst themselves while examining him.
You're not a stable boy, Ryouta, he told himself. You're a foreign woman who has apparently no taste for the current style. Good job.
He could see Prince Hideaki on the other side of the ballroom, looking rather smug if Ryouta was reading his face correctly. It was hard to make it out from so far away.
As he descended the staircase, his hand gripped the railing, if only to keep himself from stumbling or falling. His steps felt deceptively light but he forgot about that all over again as he realized Tomoyuki was also staring with the rest of them, slowly letting go of the Princess.
All I want is one dance, Ryouta prayed, stopping at the bottom of the staircase, unsure of what to do.
Pressing through the crowd, Tomoyuki appeared before him, with an expression that he hadn't a clue how to read. “My lady, may I have this dance?” The prince dipped into a bow as he offered his hand.
Ryouta stared at Tomoyuki's hand, his heart skipping beats like mad. “I-it would be a pleasure to dance with you,” he finally managed, sinking into a strange cross between a bow and a curtsy (which is something else the woman of Hideaki's land did, aside from wearing pants. How Ryouta knew this, he couldn't even remember anymore.)
Like Hideaki had predicted, Ryouta's voice sounded different and enough like a woman's that Tomoyuki didn't even suspect who was behind the veil. He straightened and took Ryouta's hand, his other hand wrapping around his waist. “The pleasure is mine,” he replied in the same tongue as Ryouta had spoken. “I'm not familiar with you and I thought I knew everyone from Hide's envoy.”
“I'm shy at times,” Ryouta responded as they began to dance. Suddenly Ryouta realized how lucky he was that Hideaki and Takahashi had gotten such a kick out of making him dance the woman's part. He followed Tomoyuki's lead now without a problem, gliding among the other couples dancing. “It's easy to appear at such a gathering when one can hide behind a mask.”
“I'm going to say that Hide didn't tell you how to dress though, you're not really hiding, my lady,” Tomoyuki pointed out with a grin and Ryouta couldn't help but laugh, not because he was correct, but because he loved seeing Tomoyuki's smile again. “I like your laugh,” the man added. “Most women swallow their laughter and just giggle incessantly.”
“I can try that if you like?” Ryouta asked, the words coming out before he could stop them.
“No, no, I said I liked it!” Tomoyuki gave Ryouta a graceful twirl. “Don't change it. It reminds me of someone special.”
The rest of the dance felt like a dream, Ryouta's feet moving without his needing to think about it, which was a good thing because there was nothing on his mind but the man that was holding him so close, he could feel his breath on his cheek.
When the song ended, Ryouta was prepared to pull back, reluctant as he was. It was different, seeing Tomoyuki act charming and gentlemanly. It was something Ryouta never really got to see as himself and it made him fall just a little bit more in love.
But instead of releasing his hand, Tomoyuki drew him away, to the garden entrances. “Take a walk with me?”
“If you wish, Your Highness,” Ryouta dipped down for a moment and then let Tomoyuki lead him away. There were titters as they left, but the prince gave them no heed.
The moon now hung in the sky in fullness, bathing everything in silver light. Ryouta was pleased to realize that he was glistening in the moonbeams.
“This is going to sound ridiculous, but I feel like I've known you for a long time,” Ryouta tried to repress a smile at the prince's words and then remembered that he was veiled and smiled anyways.
“It's not ridiculous,” he replied honestly.
“It is though, kind of,” Tomoyuki replied with a laugh. “Here I am at my engagement ball and you... walk in. And I feel like I'm missing something and you have something to do with it.”
“You flatter me too much, Your Highness,” Ryouta replied demurely, thankful that he could imitate the kitchen maids when they were fantasizing and sound right enough.
Tomoyuki tugged him alone on of the garden paths. “I'm not though. It's very, very strange, but you feel like someone I've known my whole life and only just now met for the first time.”
Ryouta inwardly rolled his eyes. That was perhaps just a little on the sappy side of things, but he was ignoring the fact that it got him blushing. “Sometimes life is like that, my lord.”
They wandered in a companionable silence, fingers twined together as they walked deeper into the royal gardens. Ryouta couldn't tell if his heart was beating anymore. It felt as if he'd died. Heaven didn't seem so bad.
“Your fiancee is lovely,” He said as they sank down onto a shadowed bench.
“She is,” Tomoyuki readily agreed and Ryouta's heart clenched, but he continued on.
“You must love her a lot too~.”
Tomoyuki hesitated at that. “I've been wondering about that. I don't, but I thought that maybe it'd come with time,” He squeezed Ryouta's fingers and looked into his masked eyes. “Now I'm not sure about that either.”
You wouldn't be saying that if you knew who I was, Ryouta thought, closing his eyes and returning the small squeeze.
As if he was reading Ryouta's thoughts, Tomoyuki leaned a little closer. “Would you tell me your name, my lady. And maybe remove the mask? I'm curious as to what you really look like.”
“It's dark here, you wouldn't be able to see my face,” Ryouta swiftly pointed out, laughing lightly. “And would it matter? Would you think differently if I were ugly?” Or a boy?
“No, I just wish I knew who I was speaking to, you're so very strange and yet so familiar. You remind me of someone. The way you laugh, the way your hand fits in mine,” Tomoyuki assured him, pulling a face at his own ridiculously sentimental words (Ryouta knew well that Tomoyuki would normally never say anything to that effect). “But may I at least have a name?”
“My name is...” Ryouta didn't know what to say. He turned to look at Tomoyuki, at his prince, and felt the tears well up yet again. “My name is nothing more than a dream that will flicker and die tonight.”
Tomoyuki leaned closer. “I'm not quite sure what you mean by that...” But his fingers were moving, slowly pulling the veil away. “But I'm going to call you a falling star that has landed in my court and bewitched me. So excuse me for being so forward, but I think I'm going to kiss you.”
Ryouta sat there in a daze as he felt Tomoyuki draw him closer, lips gently pressing to his own. He closed his eyes and slowly began to kiss back. They were warm, curious kisses, colored by uncertainty that was slowly replaced by desire.
I want you, Ryouta's mind chanted as they traded another kiss and later on he'd realize he'd been stupid for letting himself fall into the fantasy so far, but in those moments, all he'd ever wanted was being given to him and he took it and held it close and silently begged for one more kiss.
They kissed until they were breathless and after that, Tomoyuki held him close, fingers caressing his cheek as Ryouta leaned eagerly into his touch. It was then that Ryouta began to cry, slipping down under the mask. He knew that once they left the garden, the spell that had been woven into the air of love and want would be broken and he'd be left holding nothing, watching Tomoyuki leave and marry the perfectly lovely Princess.
But I love you.
“Why are you crying?” Tomoyuki was asking, thumb wiping away the tear tracks on his cheeks. Ryouta closed his eyes, leaning up to capture one last kiss.
He opened his mouth as he pulled away, wanting to say sorry or to blurt out how much the prince meant to him, but the air was suddenly filled with noise.
The bells. Ryouta leaped to his feet. It was midnight and he had to get back to the tower. “I have to go,” He blurted out in their own tongue before racing away.
“What? Wait! Where are you going!?” Tomoyuki was stunned for a moment and then scrambled to chase after him. Ryouta ducked and weaved, moving out of memory to get into the service entrance from the castle, losing Tomoyuki among budding rose bushes.
Not giving pause once he'd gotten inside the castle, Ryouta raced away. If they caught Tatsumi at his post, he knew whatever happened would be unpleasant. He couldn't do that to his friend.
The last bell of midnight rang as he skidded to the bottom of the tower.
But as fate would have it, they were already waiting there for him.
*~*~*
Tatsumi was dismissed with a reprimand and a month of rationing. He tried to stay by Ryouta's side, but was dragged away soon after, leaving Ryouta to face the rages of Lady Julie on his own.
He deserved this though, he reasoned as he steeled himself for what was to come. He'd disobeyed and he didn't regret it. Lingering on his lips was Tomoyuki's kiss and that alone was proof enough that he'd done what he wanted to do.
There was a long silence before she walked up to him. He almost thought she was going to slap him, but she just stared at him for a few hard moments.
“Did you think, you little ungrateful brat, that we would not notice if you showed up so indiscreetly?” she hissed. “Did you think we wouldn't check and find that you had someone else standing watch for you while you tried to undo all that has been done? You filthy little peasant, you should know your place.”
She stepped back. “You will be banished from the castle and the surrounding city. If your face is seen, I will not hesitate to have you imprisoned. If you ever come within ten steps of the Crown Prince, I will have your head. Leave tonight. We will wipe out every trace of your existence by the morning.”
With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Ryouta with his head spinning.
Banished from his home? Where would he go? What would he do?
Hands slowly helped him up and he realized he was looking into Tsukada's concerned eyes. “Ryouta, what's going on?”
Ryouta looked around and then back at the man. “I... I have to leave.”
Tsukada looked lost and confused, but there must have been something in Ryouta's eyes because he simply nodded, leading Ryouta out of the room. Tatsumi, Eda, Hayashi, and Takahashi were all outside, waiting for him.
“Ryouta? What happened? What's wrong?” They surrounded him and Ryouta slowly sank down into a chair, slowly repeating what he'd already said, face ashen.
“They... they banished you?” Eda dropped to his knees, fingers fumbling for Ryouta's. “They can't possibly just erase you, you've been here for years...”
“Burn his records, fill his job, forbid anyone to speak his name...” Tatsumi stroked Ryouta's hair, looking grim.
“But what's he going to do...?” Hayashi asked quietly. “Ryouta?”
Ryouta was fighting tears as his world collapsed around him. He was now losing everything because he'd chased after what he wanted. His eyes stung and his heart was another black hole of pain, but he couldn't think straight. He couldn't answer them.
What was he going to do?
“I don't know...” He croaked, hiding his face in Tatsumi's stomach.
Takahashi stepped forward, taking Ryouta's free hand. “Ryouta... come with us. Come live with us.”
Ryouta shook his head for a moment, mostly just trying to clear it, half to refuse the reality of what was happening.
“Yes, leave with us,” Everyone scrambled apart as Prince Hideaki spoke. The man stepped forward, taking Ryouta's hands in his own. “There's nothing left for you here, Yamamoto. Come away with us and find a new life.”
Bleakly, Ryouta nodded. It was far more kindness than he deserved. “Y-yes...”
Tatsumi's arms were around his shoulders, holding him tight. Nodding, Hideaki looked to Eda, Hayashi, and his own squire. “Gather his things and ready two horses. I can't leave for another week and a half, but Ryu, you'll take him home. You have a purse and the roads will be clear.”
The three boys bowed and raced away.
Ryouta finally dissolved into Tatsumi's embrace. “W-what am I going to d-do without you?” He sobbed.
“Don't be silly... You'll be fine without me.” Tatsumi soothed, stroking his hair. “Okay? Don't worry, we can still write to each other...”
Ryouta sat and cried against Tatsumi until the two horses were prepared, his few possessions in the saddlebags. Takahashi helped him mount and Ryouta stared at the closest thing he had to an older brother and his two best friends. “I'll miss you...”
Hayashi gave him a watery smile. “You better, dumbhead.”
“Send us word, okay?” Eda said anxiously.
Tatsumi stood behind them and smiled, tears streaming down his cheeks, whispering 'I love you'.
Ryouta bit his lip and turned away, nudging his horse into a trot. He and Takahashi left the court behind just as the sun was beginning to rise and within an hour, they'd left the city as well, leaving the shreds of Ryouta's life and all his loved ones behind.
“Don't cry, Ryou~,” Takahashi spoke up as they set off down the road. “You'll be back here, one day.”
Ryouta wondered if that would ever be true and just nodded, trying to give his friend a smile, but it felt strained. He wasn't ready to smile yet.
I left my heart back there, he thought to himself. It's still in the garden, hidden from the moonlight, with Tomoyuki...
*~*~*
It was an entire year before Ryouta even thought of trying to return to his old home. He'd adjusted well to life at Prince Hideaki's court. With his knack with horses, he was given a job similar to his old one, caring for beautiful horses and contented to stay that way, even when Hideaki made him one of his consultants. (Which really was just a way to say that Ryouta got to do what he liked in the desert palace and nobody cared). The food was something he had to adjust to and while it was never quite as amazing as Totsuka Shouta's creations, he came to love it just as much as the land and the people.
His hair grew out to the point where he could tie it back in a ponytail and he kept it that way. He liked the way it would swish around him when he went riding, which he did often with Takahashi, who was now a full knight and he and Ryouta had performed their coming of age ceremonies together.
Hideaki was so casual about returning for the spring equinox festivities that it took Ryouta a minute to realize what he meant.
He thought about the possibility of returning and seeing Tatsumi. Seeing Eda and Hayashi.
Seeing Tomoyuki.
So involved with making a new life for himself, Ryouta hadn't kept up much with the juiciest gossip, but he'd been full aware that Tomoyuki had refused the engagement and nobody knew why.
The love that he'd left behind had never been forgotten. It was always there at the back of his mind, in his heart, on his lips. Yara Tomoyuki was always dancing with him in his dreams.
Besides, he missed Tatsumi and the others. Letters weren't comparable to the laughter and memories they'd shared together.
His answer was out of his mouth before he could stop it. “I want to go back.”
*~*~*
Nervously smoothing his hands over the black and silver outfit, Ryouta bit his lip. “Are you sure we can do this? I was banished, you know...”
“Doesn't matter,” Hideaki came behind him, smiling. “My subject, not theirs. You go where I wish.”
Ryouta covered a smile with his fingers. He loved his new lord fiercely (though in a decidedly different way than he'd ever loved Tomoyuki). “Yes, my lord.”
Takahashi burst in through the door, bodies piling in behind him, all of them a tangled mess of legs and arms.
“Ryouta!!!” Eda and Hayashi screeched together, tackling him. His hair was promptly turned into a rat's nest and he feared for his life and that of his outfit, before they were both pulled away, still shouting in delight as they danced around him. “You came back~!”
Tatsumi ran his fingers through Ryouta's hair, helping it lay flat again. “You're not as tall as I thought you'd be.”
Ryouta just grinned. “But at least I got taller.” (Even if not by much, really.)
They embraced and held onto each other for several long moments. “I wasn't sure if I'd ever see you again...” Tatsumi murmured. “I'm glad you're back, even if you can't stay.”
As they reluctantly let go of each other, Tatsumi went on. “Do you want to go see everyone? We've missed you a lot.”
Ryouta smiled and nodded. “I'd love to see everyone again. But before I can do that.” He gestured to the outfit. “I've got to present myself to court.”
“... You do know you're wearing womens clothes, right?” Eda ventured from the corner.
Ryouta threw his head back, laughing and dashing around to hug them all. “Yes, and yes, I know I'm insane. Love you too.”
Takahashi kicked Eda and Hayashi out of the room and Tatsumi lingered in the corner, watching as Ryouta fixed his hair and tied it up. He contemplated adding the mask for full effect, but discarded it in the end. “You grew up while I wasn't there to watch,” Tatsumi sounded mournful.
Ryouta's eyes twinkled as he dropped a kiss on the other's cheek. “I still have a lot more growing up to do, don't worry, brother.”
There was one more hug and then Tatsumi excused himself, knowing that they had things to do.
Ryouta gave his appearance one last look over in the mirror before turning away, letting out a long, nervous breath. “I'm ready,”
Takahashi stood there in front of him, giving him a lopsided grin, reaching out to gently brush Ryouta's bangs away from his eyes. “You're sure you want to do this?”
He nodded quickly, smile dimpling even if it felt like his head was going to jump out of his throat and run away. “For sure.”
To that, Takahashi just smiled, pulling Ryouta into a quick hug, squeezing him tight before pulling away. “I guess it's time to go then...”
Prince Hideaki passed by them both, patting Takahashi's shoulder. “Someday, Ryu. Someday.”
With Takahashi leading the way, Ryouta followed after his liege, shoulders squared and chin held high, proud despite his delicate appearance.
He bowed low, hiding his face, as Hideaki was introduced to the Royal Family and welcomed warmly.
“...I see you have a companion, Hide. Who... who is that?” His heart froze as he heard Tomoyuki's voice for the first time in a year.
Not waiting for a cue, he stood, stepping forward and facing them all. “My name is Yamamoto Ryouta.” he announced in a clear voice, proudly. When he'd left, he'd been nothing more than a broken and banished stable boy. He wasn't returning as the same Yamamoto Ryouta. He was his own person.
There was a moment of silence as they all stared at him. Lady Julie and her cohorts were in a corner and her face had gone very pale.
Tomoyuki launched himself from his seat, practically flying across the floor to take a hold of Ryouta. “Ryouta! Ryouta!”
Tomoyuki swung the younger boy around and around and then, in front of every single person present, planted a kiss soundly on Ryouta's lips.
*~*~*
They lay under the moonlight on Tomoyuki's balcony, comfortably wrapped up in each other's arms and a pile of blankets. Ryouta's smile was hurting his cheeks, but he was too happy to really mind or to try stopping.
“You. Never do that to me again.” Tomoyuki's fingertip dipped into the dimple on Ryouta's cheek. “You were suddenly gone and it was like everyone forgot you only they didn't. Yudai would just shake his head every time I asked, Eda and Hayashi wouldn't look me in the eye, and Tottsu actually glared at me, but you were just... gone.”
Ryouta snuggled deeper into his embrace. “Did you ever suspect it was me?”
“Yes... When you laughed.” Tomoyuki explained, replacing his fingers with his lips, kissing along Ryouta's cheekbone. “And then right before you ran away, you spoke normally. I wasn't sure though. And then you were gone and I knew something was up, but nobody would say anything.”
Ryouta hummed for a few moments and nodded. “You do know that I'm not your subject anymore, right?”
“... I hope you're not trying to say you'll be leaving,” Tomoyuki growled lightly, nipping him gently. “Because I don't think I'm going let you.”
“Mm... You know, there hasn't been an liaison or anything in your court for some time... Maybe that should change.” Ryouta would have gone on except Tomoyuki had caught his lips again, fingers tangling in hair as he rolled on top of Ryouta.
I was wrong, Ryouta thought to himself as he let Tomoyuki press him down into the mattress, meeting his lips eagerly. .
Even stable boys can get to Happily Ever After.
_______________________________________________________________________
A/N: So I really like this fic and snowqueenofhoth liked this fic and I don't even know how many ideas I tried and scrapped before settling on this one and going crazy with it. I literally had 10 half started fics in an attempt to write a decent Hols fic for her and then this came to mind and I wrote about 12,000 of it during Thanksgiving while dealing with a lot of sickness. 8D;; Ahaha oh my. IN ANY CASE. I really liked it and, minus nano, it's also my longest fic to date and I've always wanted to do JE fairytale retellings and I'm not sure how i came up with this one BUT I LIKE IT. x: ♥ *stops blathering* - NO WAIT. I just want to say that my first time doing JE holiday was AWESOME and littlemelonblue wrote me awesome fic and it was awesome and al;dskfj 8D!
Author: crazy_otaku911
Pairings/Characters: Yara/Yamamoto (with vague hints at one-sided Takahashi/Yamamoto) - with various appearances of Juniors (Tatsumi, Sakuma, THEY, Ebikisu) and Takki.
Rating: PG
Summary: AU (~14,000w) - based loosely on Cinderella, if you want to think loosely. A stable boy has fallen in love with his prince! When the prince gets engaged, everyone seems to have fingers in their business (questionably or otherwise) and the stable boy isn't sure if Happily Ever After is even an option. (Aka, Yamamoto pines after Yara and everyone is insane)
Disclaimer: This work is purely fiction.
Warnings: Some angst, kisses, and tears.
A/N: Written for snowqueenofhoth at je_holiday~♥! Beta'd by omoikkiri and suboshiyui ♥ They have my eternal gratitude for dealing with this. And to all the people I terrorized while writing because I was a total flangsting mess. ;; ♥♥♥
Part 1
*~*~*
It was already chilly when Ryouta went to relieve the watch tower guard, who looked rather puzzled by his appearance. Ryouta just offered him a smile as he leaned on the stone windowsill, staring out over the palace and town that sprawled beneath him. If it hadn't been such a wretched turn of events, he would have happily stared at the sight for hours.
He could hear faint sounds of the ball beginning, the thrum of life filtering up through the stones. Or maybe it was just his imagination. He hugged the heavy cloak tighter around him, alone with nothing but the dim light of a lantern for company.
He stood there, cold and bitter, wishing things could have been different. Wishing that he could have been able to change something.
“I would have been okay if they didn't take him away all the way,” He whispered, wondering if that was the truth or if he really did selfishly want all of Tomoyuki's attentions. It wasn't like he was the only one of Tomoyuki's favorites. There was Tatsumi, Tsukada, Goseki Koichi from the royal breweries, and one of the squires, Senga Kento. He didn't mind them, so why was the Princess so different? She would be coming to live with them, it wasn't like Tomoyuki was leaving.
It's because she'll have his heart and you won't, Ryouta told himself, feeling a tear slip down his cheek. It was stupid to think that he would have ever stood a chance against an enchanting royal beauty. He'd already lost Tomoyuki, what did he even want anymore?
He was broken out of his reverie by boots on the stone stairwell. Frowning, he peeked down at the entryway and nearly let out a shriek when he realized he was staring down at Tatsumi. “What're you doing here?”
“Don't ask questions now, give me the cloak,” Tatsumi sounded so authoritative that Ryouta didn't even manage another inquiry as he handed the heavy cloak over, shivering. “Get below, Takahashi's waiting for you.”
“But Tatsumi--?” Ryouta's words were cut off by a sudden embrace.
“I love you, Ryouta. You're the best brother I ever could have asked for and it's maddening, having to watch you. I'm insane for trying to make this work, but... go.”
Feeling another wave of tears, even amidst his confusion, Ryouta squeezed back, before letting go and dropped down the staircase. He made it down two landings before Takahashi appeared out of nowhere, seizing his hand. “We have to hurry.”
“Ryu, what's going on?” Ryouta tried to ask as the boy whipped him away, but Takahashi gave him no answer as they raced to the bottom of the tower.
As if the last five minutes hadn't been surprising enough, the person waiting for them at the bottom was none other than Prince Hideaki, looking resplendent in his formal apparel but looking hurried as well. “I've been told that there's a check on the guards at midnight. That gives us two hours at most and we're wasting time.”
Before Ryouta could again try to ask what was going on, Takahashi had managed to pull his tunic and shirt off, giving him a quick, rough scrub down with a towel that was probably warm but was now on the colder sides of lukewarm.
“Ryu!” Ryouta squawked as his trousers vanished as well. “What are you do--”
“Tatsumi approached me earlier today with a request. One that I didn't mind doing my best to fulfill,” The prince answered instead, gloved fingers rubbing something slick and waxy in Ryouta's hair, working like a professional and not getting a single smudge on his own clothes. “Ryouta, you're going to the masquerade.”
Ryouta had been flailing, trying to avoid Takahashi's toweling hands, but with those words, he froze. “C-come again?”
“Don't argue, just put this on, okay?” Takahashi was presenting him with a meticulously cared for wig. It was a simple one, glossy black and already pre-styled in an ponytail, simple but elegant looking. Ryouta gave him a blank stare and the boy rolled his eyes, carefully placing it over Ryouta's hair, easily fitting it on and stationing it.
Hideaki had discarded the gloves and was now holding up a shimmering garment. “Slip into this, if you would?”
Ryouta gave him a flat look, recognizing the garb. “That's a woman's outfit.” And it was, made in the fashions from Hideaki's own desert country. Loosely draped trousers with a flowing overcoat that belted around the waist. This one was a lovely set of black with silvery accents, like a starlight sky, the stitching was exquisite enough to make Fujigaya go green with envy.
“Women here wear skirts, you have no excuse.” Hideaki held the trousers out. “This is the only way you'll be able to dance with your Prince.”
“But why...?” Ryouta bit his lip, taking the pants and slowly pulling them on, bending over to help Takahashi strap his feet into boots that nearly went to his knees.
“Ryouta, anyone with half an eye can tell that you're in love,” Takahashi said softly. “We just want to give you some time. A chance.”
“But it's stupid...” It finally sank in, what they were doing. What Tatsumi was doing.
“Love is stupid,” Hideaki replied with a gentle smile. “But if we didn't have love, we would be nothing. Embrace that about yourself. You have a big heart, Yamamoto Ryouta.” The prince's eyes crinkled. “Besides, I'm a sucker for a good love story. I can't keep my hands out of this one.”
“Tomo doesn't even notice,” Ryouta hung his head, feeling the bangs from the wig brush down his face. A finger crooked under his chin and Hideaki guided his eyes upwards.
“The only reason he doesn't is because he's too stupid to realize what he has. He cares for you, Yamamoto. Now let's stop wasting time, they'll notice that I'm gone soon.”
Ryouta fought tears as he pulled the rest of the outfit on, letting Takahashi belt it around the waist. They were all doing this for him. He would never have thought anyone would go through so much trouble just to give him an impossible chance to have just one dance with the man he had fallen in love with.
“This is hopeless,” He realized as he looked down at himself. “Even if I'm dressed as a woman, my face will be recognized.”
“You're forgetting, my dear boy, that this ball is a masquerade,” Hideaki sounded smug as he held up an eyemask. It was made to match the outfit, glittering with silver amidst an inky black, held in place by ribbons. Most attendants of the ball would be wearing small masks mounted on a stick, easy to tuck away while dancing and to pull back out when searching for a partner.
“And because we need to hide that distinctive smile of yours for now...” Takizawa produced a black veil, attaching it to the mask. “Now, don't you look like quite the exotic beauty? I hardly recognize you!”
Ryouta smile, his face now hidden behind mask and veil. “Thank you, Your Highness...” He turned to Takahashi, speechless. His friend just smiled and offered his arm, like he had in the past when they danced. Ryouta hesitated for a moment before tucking his hand in the other's offered arm, like a lady would.
“Just go and dance,” Hideaki said, sweeping a bow to Ryouta. “Ryu, go the long way around and escort Yamamoto. Try to get him noticed but do not announce him, I don't need a random subject that nobody remembers existing before.” the man began to walk away briskly but stopped and turned. “Yamamoto, I know you're fluent in our tongue. Use that tonight, it will mask your voice as well. We don't want to get caught.” Blowing them both a kiss, the prince vanished out of sight.
Takahashi gave him a smile. “Ready to go, m'lady?”
“Call me that again and I'll brain you,” Ryouta ducked his head and let Ryu lead him. As they neared the ballroom, Ryouta's heart began to pound in his throat. What was he doing? They were all stark raving insane. He was dressed up as a girl with a wig and veil and one of his best friends was standing on a frigid tower to cover for him.
“Just remember. There's a midnight patrol to check on all the guards.” Ryu murmured in his ear. “So you have to be up there as soon as the bells start ringing.”
Numbly, Ryouta nodded as they stepped into the ballroom. He couldn't breathe. There were so many dazzling, lovely couples, he asked himself again what he was doing in this room. He didn't belong here.
But then he saw him and he stopped breathing for an entirely different reason.
In that moment, it was as if Yara Tomoyuki was the only other thing existing in the universe. Ryouta's heart began beating again, a quick staccato of longing. He was everything to Ryouta. Strong, loving, perfect and his arm was wrapped around the waist of the woman he was going to marry. Ryouta's throat constricted.
At this side, Takahashi bowed, kissing his hand, bringing Ryouta's thoughts back to earth. “Farewell and good-luck,” the boy whispered before withdrawing.
Ryouta became acutely aware that people were staring at him. He probably was a sight to see. Everything from his clothing to his simply hairstyle was odd and almost out of place. All the ladies of nobility liked to follow trends and local fashion and so the night was filled with women in full skirted gowns of pastel colors, their small masks jammed up to their eyes, as if they thought that putting them there would hide the fact that they were talking amongst themselves while examining him.
You're not a stable boy, Ryouta, he told himself. You're a foreign woman who has apparently no taste for the current style. Good job.
He could see Prince Hideaki on the other side of the ballroom, looking rather smug if Ryouta was reading his face correctly. It was hard to make it out from so far away.
As he descended the staircase, his hand gripped the railing, if only to keep himself from stumbling or falling. His steps felt deceptively light but he forgot about that all over again as he realized Tomoyuki was also staring with the rest of them, slowly letting go of the Princess.
All I want is one dance, Ryouta prayed, stopping at the bottom of the staircase, unsure of what to do.
Pressing through the crowd, Tomoyuki appeared before him, with an expression that he hadn't a clue how to read. “My lady, may I have this dance?” The prince dipped into a bow as he offered his hand.
Ryouta stared at Tomoyuki's hand, his heart skipping beats like mad. “I-it would be a pleasure to dance with you,” he finally managed, sinking into a strange cross between a bow and a curtsy (which is something else the woman of Hideaki's land did, aside from wearing pants. How Ryouta knew this, he couldn't even remember anymore.)
Like Hideaki had predicted, Ryouta's voice sounded different and enough like a woman's that Tomoyuki didn't even suspect who was behind the veil. He straightened and took Ryouta's hand, his other hand wrapping around his waist. “The pleasure is mine,” he replied in the same tongue as Ryouta had spoken. “I'm not familiar with you and I thought I knew everyone from Hide's envoy.”
“I'm shy at times,” Ryouta responded as they began to dance. Suddenly Ryouta realized how lucky he was that Hideaki and Takahashi had gotten such a kick out of making him dance the woman's part. He followed Tomoyuki's lead now without a problem, gliding among the other couples dancing. “It's easy to appear at such a gathering when one can hide behind a mask.”
“I'm going to say that Hide didn't tell you how to dress though, you're not really hiding, my lady,” Tomoyuki pointed out with a grin and Ryouta couldn't help but laugh, not because he was correct, but because he loved seeing Tomoyuki's smile again. “I like your laugh,” the man added. “Most women swallow their laughter and just giggle incessantly.”
“I can try that if you like?” Ryouta asked, the words coming out before he could stop them.
“No, no, I said I liked it!” Tomoyuki gave Ryouta a graceful twirl. “Don't change it. It reminds me of someone special.”
The rest of the dance felt like a dream, Ryouta's feet moving without his needing to think about it, which was a good thing because there was nothing on his mind but the man that was holding him so close, he could feel his breath on his cheek.
When the song ended, Ryouta was prepared to pull back, reluctant as he was. It was different, seeing Tomoyuki act charming and gentlemanly. It was something Ryouta never really got to see as himself and it made him fall just a little bit more in love.
But instead of releasing his hand, Tomoyuki drew him away, to the garden entrances. “Take a walk with me?”
“If you wish, Your Highness,” Ryouta dipped down for a moment and then let Tomoyuki lead him away. There were titters as they left, but the prince gave them no heed.
The moon now hung in the sky in fullness, bathing everything in silver light. Ryouta was pleased to realize that he was glistening in the moonbeams.
“This is going to sound ridiculous, but I feel like I've known you for a long time,” Ryouta tried to repress a smile at the prince's words and then remembered that he was veiled and smiled anyways.
“It's not ridiculous,” he replied honestly.
“It is though, kind of,” Tomoyuki replied with a laugh. “Here I am at my engagement ball and you... walk in. And I feel like I'm missing something and you have something to do with it.”
“You flatter me too much, Your Highness,” Ryouta replied demurely, thankful that he could imitate the kitchen maids when they were fantasizing and sound right enough.
Tomoyuki tugged him alone on of the garden paths. “I'm not though. It's very, very strange, but you feel like someone I've known my whole life and only just now met for the first time.”
Ryouta inwardly rolled his eyes. That was perhaps just a little on the sappy side of things, but he was ignoring the fact that it got him blushing. “Sometimes life is like that, my lord.”
They wandered in a companionable silence, fingers twined together as they walked deeper into the royal gardens. Ryouta couldn't tell if his heart was beating anymore. It felt as if he'd died. Heaven didn't seem so bad.
“Your fiancee is lovely,” He said as they sank down onto a shadowed bench.
“She is,” Tomoyuki readily agreed and Ryouta's heart clenched, but he continued on.
“You must love her a lot too~.”
Tomoyuki hesitated at that. “I've been wondering about that. I don't, but I thought that maybe it'd come with time,” He squeezed Ryouta's fingers and looked into his masked eyes. “Now I'm not sure about that either.”
You wouldn't be saying that if you knew who I was, Ryouta thought, closing his eyes and returning the small squeeze.
As if he was reading Ryouta's thoughts, Tomoyuki leaned a little closer. “Would you tell me your name, my lady. And maybe remove the mask? I'm curious as to what you really look like.”
“It's dark here, you wouldn't be able to see my face,” Ryouta swiftly pointed out, laughing lightly. “And would it matter? Would you think differently if I were ugly?” Or a boy?
“No, I just wish I knew who I was speaking to, you're so very strange and yet so familiar. You remind me of someone. The way you laugh, the way your hand fits in mine,” Tomoyuki assured him, pulling a face at his own ridiculously sentimental words (Ryouta knew well that Tomoyuki would normally never say anything to that effect). “But may I at least have a name?”
“My name is...” Ryouta didn't know what to say. He turned to look at Tomoyuki, at his prince, and felt the tears well up yet again. “My name is nothing more than a dream that will flicker and die tonight.”
Tomoyuki leaned closer. “I'm not quite sure what you mean by that...” But his fingers were moving, slowly pulling the veil away. “But I'm going to call you a falling star that has landed in my court and bewitched me. So excuse me for being so forward, but I think I'm going to kiss you.”
Ryouta sat there in a daze as he felt Tomoyuki draw him closer, lips gently pressing to his own. He closed his eyes and slowly began to kiss back. They were warm, curious kisses, colored by uncertainty that was slowly replaced by desire.
I want you, Ryouta's mind chanted as they traded another kiss and later on he'd realize he'd been stupid for letting himself fall into the fantasy so far, but in those moments, all he'd ever wanted was being given to him and he took it and held it close and silently begged for one more kiss.
They kissed until they were breathless and after that, Tomoyuki held him close, fingers caressing his cheek as Ryouta leaned eagerly into his touch. It was then that Ryouta began to cry, slipping down under the mask. He knew that once they left the garden, the spell that had been woven into the air of love and want would be broken and he'd be left holding nothing, watching Tomoyuki leave and marry the perfectly lovely Princess.
But I love you.
“Why are you crying?” Tomoyuki was asking, thumb wiping away the tear tracks on his cheeks. Ryouta closed his eyes, leaning up to capture one last kiss.
He opened his mouth as he pulled away, wanting to say sorry or to blurt out how much the prince meant to him, but the air was suddenly filled with noise.
The bells. Ryouta leaped to his feet. It was midnight and he had to get back to the tower. “I have to go,” He blurted out in their own tongue before racing away.
“What? Wait! Where are you going!?” Tomoyuki was stunned for a moment and then scrambled to chase after him. Ryouta ducked and weaved, moving out of memory to get into the service entrance from the castle, losing Tomoyuki among budding rose bushes.
Not giving pause once he'd gotten inside the castle, Ryouta raced away. If they caught Tatsumi at his post, he knew whatever happened would be unpleasant. He couldn't do that to his friend.
The last bell of midnight rang as he skidded to the bottom of the tower.
But as fate would have it, they were already waiting there for him.
*~*~*
Tatsumi was dismissed with a reprimand and a month of rationing. He tried to stay by Ryouta's side, but was dragged away soon after, leaving Ryouta to face the rages of Lady Julie on his own.
He deserved this though, he reasoned as he steeled himself for what was to come. He'd disobeyed and he didn't regret it. Lingering on his lips was Tomoyuki's kiss and that alone was proof enough that he'd done what he wanted to do.
There was a long silence before she walked up to him. He almost thought she was going to slap him, but she just stared at him for a few hard moments.
“Did you think, you little ungrateful brat, that we would not notice if you showed up so indiscreetly?” she hissed. “Did you think we wouldn't check and find that you had someone else standing watch for you while you tried to undo all that has been done? You filthy little peasant, you should know your place.”
She stepped back. “You will be banished from the castle and the surrounding city. If your face is seen, I will not hesitate to have you imprisoned. If you ever come within ten steps of the Crown Prince, I will have your head. Leave tonight. We will wipe out every trace of your existence by the morning.”
With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Ryouta with his head spinning.
Banished from his home? Where would he go? What would he do?
Hands slowly helped him up and he realized he was looking into Tsukada's concerned eyes. “Ryouta, what's going on?”
Ryouta looked around and then back at the man. “I... I have to leave.”
Tsukada looked lost and confused, but there must have been something in Ryouta's eyes because he simply nodded, leading Ryouta out of the room. Tatsumi, Eda, Hayashi, and Takahashi were all outside, waiting for him.
“Ryouta? What happened? What's wrong?” They surrounded him and Ryouta slowly sank down into a chair, slowly repeating what he'd already said, face ashen.
“They... they banished you?” Eda dropped to his knees, fingers fumbling for Ryouta's. “They can't possibly just erase you, you've been here for years...”
“Burn his records, fill his job, forbid anyone to speak his name...” Tatsumi stroked Ryouta's hair, looking grim.
“But what's he going to do...?” Hayashi asked quietly. “Ryouta?”
Ryouta was fighting tears as his world collapsed around him. He was now losing everything because he'd chased after what he wanted. His eyes stung and his heart was another black hole of pain, but he couldn't think straight. He couldn't answer them.
What was he going to do?
“I don't know...” He croaked, hiding his face in Tatsumi's stomach.
Takahashi stepped forward, taking Ryouta's free hand. “Ryouta... come with us. Come live with us.”
Ryouta shook his head for a moment, mostly just trying to clear it, half to refuse the reality of what was happening.
“Yes, leave with us,” Everyone scrambled apart as Prince Hideaki spoke. The man stepped forward, taking Ryouta's hands in his own. “There's nothing left for you here, Yamamoto. Come away with us and find a new life.”
Bleakly, Ryouta nodded. It was far more kindness than he deserved. “Y-yes...”
Tatsumi's arms were around his shoulders, holding him tight. Nodding, Hideaki looked to Eda, Hayashi, and his own squire. “Gather his things and ready two horses. I can't leave for another week and a half, but Ryu, you'll take him home. You have a purse and the roads will be clear.”
The three boys bowed and raced away.
Ryouta finally dissolved into Tatsumi's embrace. “W-what am I going to d-do without you?” He sobbed.
“Don't be silly... You'll be fine without me.” Tatsumi soothed, stroking his hair. “Okay? Don't worry, we can still write to each other...”
Ryouta sat and cried against Tatsumi until the two horses were prepared, his few possessions in the saddlebags. Takahashi helped him mount and Ryouta stared at the closest thing he had to an older brother and his two best friends. “I'll miss you...”
Hayashi gave him a watery smile. “You better, dumbhead.”
“Send us word, okay?” Eda said anxiously.
Tatsumi stood behind them and smiled, tears streaming down his cheeks, whispering 'I love you'.
Ryouta bit his lip and turned away, nudging his horse into a trot. He and Takahashi left the court behind just as the sun was beginning to rise and within an hour, they'd left the city as well, leaving the shreds of Ryouta's life and all his loved ones behind.
“Don't cry, Ryou~,” Takahashi spoke up as they set off down the road. “You'll be back here, one day.”
Ryouta wondered if that would ever be true and just nodded, trying to give his friend a smile, but it felt strained. He wasn't ready to smile yet.
I left my heart back there, he thought to himself. It's still in the garden, hidden from the moonlight, with Tomoyuki...
*~*~*
It was an entire year before Ryouta even thought of trying to return to his old home. He'd adjusted well to life at Prince Hideaki's court. With his knack with horses, he was given a job similar to his old one, caring for beautiful horses and contented to stay that way, even when Hideaki made him one of his consultants. (Which really was just a way to say that Ryouta got to do what he liked in the desert palace and nobody cared). The food was something he had to adjust to and while it was never quite as amazing as Totsuka Shouta's creations, he came to love it just as much as the land and the people.
His hair grew out to the point where he could tie it back in a ponytail and he kept it that way. He liked the way it would swish around him when he went riding, which he did often with Takahashi, who was now a full knight and he and Ryouta had performed their coming of age ceremonies together.
Hideaki was so casual about returning for the spring equinox festivities that it took Ryouta a minute to realize what he meant.
He thought about the possibility of returning and seeing Tatsumi. Seeing Eda and Hayashi.
Seeing Tomoyuki.
So involved with making a new life for himself, Ryouta hadn't kept up much with the juiciest gossip, but he'd been full aware that Tomoyuki had refused the engagement and nobody knew why.
The love that he'd left behind had never been forgotten. It was always there at the back of his mind, in his heart, on his lips. Yara Tomoyuki was always dancing with him in his dreams.
Besides, he missed Tatsumi and the others. Letters weren't comparable to the laughter and memories they'd shared together.
His answer was out of his mouth before he could stop it. “I want to go back.”
*~*~*
Nervously smoothing his hands over the black and silver outfit, Ryouta bit his lip. “Are you sure we can do this? I was banished, you know...”
“Doesn't matter,” Hideaki came behind him, smiling. “My subject, not theirs. You go where I wish.”
Ryouta covered a smile with his fingers. He loved his new lord fiercely (though in a decidedly different way than he'd ever loved Tomoyuki). “Yes, my lord.”
Takahashi burst in through the door, bodies piling in behind him, all of them a tangled mess of legs and arms.
“Ryouta!!!” Eda and Hayashi screeched together, tackling him. His hair was promptly turned into a rat's nest and he feared for his life and that of his outfit, before they were both pulled away, still shouting in delight as they danced around him. “You came back~!”
Tatsumi ran his fingers through Ryouta's hair, helping it lay flat again. “You're not as tall as I thought you'd be.”
Ryouta just grinned. “But at least I got taller.” (Even if not by much, really.)
They embraced and held onto each other for several long moments. “I wasn't sure if I'd ever see you again...” Tatsumi murmured. “I'm glad you're back, even if you can't stay.”
As they reluctantly let go of each other, Tatsumi went on. “Do you want to go see everyone? We've missed you a lot.”
Ryouta smiled and nodded. “I'd love to see everyone again. But before I can do that.” He gestured to the outfit. “I've got to present myself to court.”
“... You do know you're wearing womens clothes, right?” Eda ventured from the corner.
Ryouta threw his head back, laughing and dashing around to hug them all. “Yes, and yes, I know I'm insane. Love you too.”
Takahashi kicked Eda and Hayashi out of the room and Tatsumi lingered in the corner, watching as Ryouta fixed his hair and tied it up. He contemplated adding the mask for full effect, but discarded it in the end. “You grew up while I wasn't there to watch,” Tatsumi sounded mournful.
Ryouta's eyes twinkled as he dropped a kiss on the other's cheek. “I still have a lot more growing up to do, don't worry, brother.”
There was one more hug and then Tatsumi excused himself, knowing that they had things to do.
Ryouta gave his appearance one last look over in the mirror before turning away, letting out a long, nervous breath. “I'm ready,”
Takahashi stood there in front of him, giving him a lopsided grin, reaching out to gently brush Ryouta's bangs away from his eyes. “You're sure you want to do this?”
He nodded quickly, smile dimpling even if it felt like his head was going to jump out of his throat and run away. “For sure.”
To that, Takahashi just smiled, pulling Ryouta into a quick hug, squeezing him tight before pulling away. “I guess it's time to go then...”
Prince Hideaki passed by them both, patting Takahashi's shoulder. “Someday, Ryu. Someday.”
With Takahashi leading the way, Ryouta followed after his liege, shoulders squared and chin held high, proud despite his delicate appearance.
He bowed low, hiding his face, as Hideaki was introduced to the Royal Family and welcomed warmly.
“...I see you have a companion, Hide. Who... who is that?” His heart froze as he heard Tomoyuki's voice for the first time in a year.
Not waiting for a cue, he stood, stepping forward and facing them all. “My name is Yamamoto Ryouta.” he announced in a clear voice, proudly. When he'd left, he'd been nothing more than a broken and banished stable boy. He wasn't returning as the same Yamamoto Ryouta. He was his own person.
There was a moment of silence as they all stared at him. Lady Julie and her cohorts were in a corner and her face had gone very pale.
Tomoyuki launched himself from his seat, practically flying across the floor to take a hold of Ryouta. “Ryouta! Ryouta!”
Tomoyuki swung the younger boy around and around and then, in front of every single person present, planted a kiss soundly on Ryouta's lips.
*~*~*
They lay under the moonlight on Tomoyuki's balcony, comfortably wrapped up in each other's arms and a pile of blankets. Ryouta's smile was hurting his cheeks, but he was too happy to really mind or to try stopping.
“You. Never do that to me again.” Tomoyuki's fingertip dipped into the dimple on Ryouta's cheek. “You were suddenly gone and it was like everyone forgot you only they didn't. Yudai would just shake his head every time I asked, Eda and Hayashi wouldn't look me in the eye, and Tottsu actually glared at me, but you were just... gone.”
Ryouta snuggled deeper into his embrace. “Did you ever suspect it was me?”
“Yes... When you laughed.” Tomoyuki explained, replacing his fingers with his lips, kissing along Ryouta's cheekbone. “And then right before you ran away, you spoke normally. I wasn't sure though. And then you were gone and I knew something was up, but nobody would say anything.”
Ryouta hummed for a few moments and nodded. “You do know that I'm not your subject anymore, right?”
“... I hope you're not trying to say you'll be leaving,” Tomoyuki growled lightly, nipping him gently. “Because I don't think I'm going let you.”
“Mm... You know, there hasn't been an liaison or anything in your court for some time... Maybe that should change.” Ryouta would have gone on except Tomoyuki had caught his lips again, fingers tangling in hair as he rolled on top of Ryouta.
I was wrong, Ryouta thought to himself as he let Tomoyuki press him down into the mattress, meeting his lips eagerly. .
Even stable boys can get to Happily Ever After.
_______________________________________________________________________
A/N: So I really like this fic and snowqueenofhoth liked this fic and I don't even know how many ideas I tried and scrapped before settling on this one and going crazy with it. I literally had 10 half started fics in an attempt to write a decent Hols fic for her and then this came to mind and I wrote about 12,000 of it during Thanksgiving while dealing with a lot of sickness. 8D;; Ahaha oh my. IN ANY CASE. I really liked it and, minus nano, it's also my longest fic to date and I've always wanted to do JE fairytale retellings and I'm not sure how i came up with this one BUT I LIKE IT. x: ♥ *stops blathering* - NO WAIT. I just want to say that my first time doing JE holiday was AWESOME and littlemelonblue wrote me awesome fic and it was awesome and al;dskfj 8D!