Chapter Text
He awoke to the usual sound of Lancer's shenanigans. It bothered him that he had let Lancer get so unruly, especially to the point of disrupting the sleep of everyone in Castle Town, (the Darkners who spent all night at Swatch’s Café probably felt the same), but there was nothing he could do now.
He debated sitting him down and teaching him proper etiquette, but he doubted Lancer would listen. He also knew how Susie would react if she found out, and he didn’t much care for being turned into a pancake for the ninth or tenth time. If he’s being honest he’s lost track of the amount times he’d been rendered into the main dish of a Saturday morning breakfast.
It became such a regular occurrence that Kris, rather endearingly, took to calling him “Pansei”.
The thought made him smile, a tinge of sadness shining through, they haven’t visited in a while.
He understood why. After everything that had happened, he asked them to visit less, as lousy a request as it was.
But still, the stretches in between visits have never been this long.
The sound of a wall crumbling somewhere in the castle quickly gained his attention and wiped the smile off his face, swiftly disregarding his thoughts.
He sat up, stretching before grabbing his glasses and wrapping his scarf around his neck, snug but not uncomfortable.
He sighed.
“I guess it’s gonna be one of those days.”
To Ralsei’s surprise, the now destroyed wall didn’t have anything to do with Lancer.
Well, it did have something to do with Lancer, but he wasn’t the one that did the deed.
Instead, he somehow managed to convince Rouxls that an open-floor Plano, sloppily drawn by Lancer in a colour Ralsei didn’t recognize, was all the rage in the Lightners world. By tearing down his wall, Lancer convinced Rouxls that he would be the leader in a brand new trend of home improvement.
Rouxls, being the attention-hungry Darkner he is, was utterly swayed.
Lancer, on the other hand, just wanted to see what a crumbling wall tasted like.
It wasn’t that bad, all in all, it would probably take him all day, but at least he would be busy.
For as many things he could do in Castle Town, he never took interest in any of it, at least not without the company of one of his friends.
And with visits being less frequent at his request, things got quite boring.
He sighed as he prepared himself for work.
”Why don’t you just use magic?”
Ralsei jumped, he hadn’t heard anyone else enter the room.
He swiftly turned around, and to his surprise, stood the human whom he had been missing.
”Kris!” He yelled.
He opened his arms wide, going in for a hug before he hesitated. Kris understood what was happening and slotted themselves in his embrace.
“I told you that it was fine. It’s not like that anymore, you won’t make me uncomfortable.” Kris said.
”I know, it’s just…” he let out a sigh, “I know. Anyways, where have you been? I’ve missed you!”
”Yeah, sorry, just been thinking about… things, been kind of distracted. I’ve missed you too.” Kris said.
”Distracted?”
”All these questions, least you could do is answer mine.” Kris chuckled.
”Oh! Sorry! Umm, just wasn’t expecting a visit today, and without anyone around, the towns so… dull. Fixing the wall would’ve kept me busy.”
”And now that I’m here?” Kris spoke, their head tilted with a smirk on their face.
”Now that you’re here…” he let out a chuckle before snapping his fingers, the once destroyed wall fixing itself in mere seconds. Ralsei placed his hands on his hips, giving out the big huff he would have, had he done it by hand.
“Et voilà! Done! Now! What’s been distracting you?” He questioned.
”Uh, later alright? Swatch’s?” Kris deflected.
”Kris, if something is bothering you, the least I could do is lend an ear!”
“It’s nothing bad, I have a feeling you’ll like it if anything, but later alright? Been a while, just wanna hangout first.” The human said.
”Something to look forward to then! To Swatch’s?” Ralsei cheered
“Way ahead of you,” Kris spoke walking off.
Kris was acting strangely, he tried not to pay attention to it. They were never one to keep secrets, well, small secrets at least.
He also couldn’t help but notice a blush on their face, where before there was never.
He loved the idea of what it could mean
As much as he dreaded it.
Thankfully, the walk to the café distracted him well enough.
The café was always the most lively place in Castle Town, every Darkner spent at least one night here, though Kris couldn’t help but point out that the Darkners that they recruited from the Dark World in the Lightners church were here almost every night. The beverages were also a lot… hardier than any other Darkners.
Ralsei didn’t dare try it, nor did Kris. The only one who ever did was Susie. The aftermath of that adventure wasn’t all that pleasant, though Kris would argue it was hilarious.
He always liked their sense of humour, as strange as it could be.
“Busy. Busier I should say, Swatch get his rest?” Kris asked, scanning the café for an open seat.
”I make sure he gets his rest, Kris. No one here is overworked.” Ralsei answered.
”And you, seems to me you try a bit TOO hard to keep this place perfect.” Kris darted their gaze directly over to him.
”I get my sleep. Besides, as I said, the work keeps me busy when no one’s around.”
”Maybe I- uh, we should visit more, don’t want you overworking yourself ‘cause we won’t visit.” Kris said.
It was unlike them to ask to visit more, they were the first to agree to visit less, they didn’t like it, but they understood why it had to happen.
“Kris, no. As much as I want to say yes, it’s for the best if things stay as they are. You know why.” He tried to sound stern, but he was never very good at it.
”But-“
”Kris, I’m sorry but no, besides if I was overworked, I’d let you know.” Ralsei affirmed his position.
“Yeah, okay, I’ll drop it, see anywhere to sit? Place is packed.” Kris sounded upset.
”I always have a table reserved, never know when it might come in handy!”
“Sweet, you go sit, I’ll get us something. Any requests?” Kris smirked.
”Surprise me!” He exclaimed before walking off, almost tripping over a tiny Darkner brought over from the Dark World in that strange man’s store.
He was never properly introduced to the man. All he knew was Kris wasn’t fond of him, something about befriending their mother. He never understood why that was such a bad thing. As much as Kris tried to explain, he couldn’t follow.
He pondered what was distracting them so much their behaviour changed.
It wasn’t a massive change, nor an unpleasant one, but it was just odd.
They were friendlier. More talkative.
Not to say they were mean before, but they were never this agreeable. No matter what the two of them did, they always found a way to twist it into a harmless prank.
He remembered disliking it at first, before ultimately conceding that it was fun.
And never before have they seemed so interested in talking. They were never silent, they always had something to say, but they didn’t waste a breath. Not a single word was without purpose.
“And here you are!” Kris spoke, dragging him from his thoughts.
In front of him, they placed a cup of still steaming tea. It looked familiar but he couldn’t put his finger on what exactly it was.
”Any guesses?” Kris asked, taking a seat just opposite him.
”None. What is it?”
“That would be telling!” Kris exclaimed, a smile appeared on their face, but once again it wasn’t filled with mischief as he would’ve expected.
”Hmm, what’d you get?”
“Uh, just tea!”
“What kind of tea?” He pressed further, confused as to why he had to press in the first place.
”Well, umm, you know, the uh, tea kind, with dried up leaves I found on the ground, and the bugs I found underneath for flavour!” Kris laughed.
Ralsei chuckled. That was the Kris they knew, but still, he couldn’t help but notice that they seemed… embarrassed.
Kris was NEVER embarrassed.
But the slight shift of colour on their face, he would blame it on a random heat wave, were this place not purposely kept cool.
“You okay? You seem a little off balance, not in a bad way, mind you! Just, not your usual self.” Ralsei asked.
”Yeah, just got a lot on my mind.” Kris said.
“Everything okay up there?” He said, pointing his index finger up.
”Yeah, nothing to complain about, if I’m being honest it’s more about down here. Someone I should say.” Kris said though they mumbled the last part to themselves.
“Oh?”
”I’m jumping the gun, in due time you will know all,” they smiled.
”Why not right now?” the prince asked.
”In this locale? Way too public! Anyways,” they lifted their cup and moved it towards the centre of the table, “To us?”
“To us!” Ralsei said, grabbing his drink and clinking it against theirs.
Taking a sip of the tea, he was met with what he could only describe as perfection. Bliss in a cup. He had to stop himself from chugging it like he knew Susie would. He knew it was something he’s had before, yet now…
“What is this?” He asked.
“Do you not like it?” Kris responded, sounding rather panicked.
“Oh, no, no, no! I love it, it’s… honestly, that's the only way I can describe it. I love it!” He exclaimed, waiting in anticipation for an answer.
He couldn’t help but notice a blush once again rising on Kris’s face and their newfound grin that was full of satisfaction.
“Umm, think I’ll keep that one to myself, I’ll have you know that I also loved mine,” Kris said.
“What was it?”
”Also gonna keep that one to myself for the time being,” they sighed.
“You’re secretive today. Sure everything’s alright up there?” He asked.
”Yeah, like I said everything’s dandy, down here is what’s distracting me.” Kris reaffirmed.
“What exact-“
”Say, why don’t we ditch this place and head to the dojo?” Kris said, standing up abruptly.
“But I-“ Ralsei protested.
”Perfect! Off we go!” The human said, grabbing Ralsei by the arm, dragging him with them.
Kris had a grip like none other, Ralsei wondered how they’d fumbled their sword so often, wherever this newfound strength came from, he hoped it would save him having to heal any nasty wounds they might receive in the dojo. Scrapes were fine, anything else made him queasy.
Though something tells him Kris will be quite reckless today.
“I had no idea a person could get bruised in so many different ways.” Kris winced.
"You wouldn't have to find out if you were just more careful," Ralsei said sighing.
"Ya ya, not my fault, I assumed Clover wouldn't be a problem anymore," Kris said.
"It is EXCLUSIVELY your fault!"
"Says who?" The knight said, a smirk appearing on their face.
”Are you- says me, Kris. And anyone else who was watching” Ralsei groaned.
”I think anyone who watched would a-“ the human was abruptly cut off, grabbing at their side where they took an especially nasty swipe from Clover.
“Oh! Are you sure you don’t need me to heal you? It’s no bother you know.” Ralsei asked.
”I’m good, Susie’s gonna be jealous,” Kris said proudly, “Uh, thank you though.”
“Of course.”
The silence between them was nice, to Ralsei it was familiar, he always understood that Kris enjoyed a comfortable silence every now and then. Though he’ll admit he enjoyed watching them ponder the room he made them. He never got any sign that they liked it, nor any that they disliked it. They spent enough time here for him to assume, but Ralsei learned fast enough that nothing is that easy when it comes to Kris.
“I ever say thank you? For the room I mean.” Kris broke the silence, looking at one of the many photos the two of them took throughout their adventure.
“You never needed to, what’s a friend for?” Ralsei smiled.
”Friends, huh?” Kris said, reaching for another picture on their wall, pulling it off to, presumably, get a closer look. Ralsei tilted his head as Kris patted a spot on their bed, inviting him to sit with them. Ralsei took the invitation happily, the familiar scent of apple growing stronger.
“What do you think of this picture?” Kris asked, handing the fluffy prince the photo.
It was that photo. The one that was taken at Queens mansion. He was fond of that moment, he wouldn’t admit it, but he enjoyed the affection. But he thought Kris didn’t… unless?
”What do YOU think of this photo?”
“It used to bother me, I’ll admit. But now? Now I’m quite fond of it, it’s a good memory, even if I didn’t believe so in the moment.” Kris said.
Ralsei could feel their hand brush against his. He was in utter disbelief, he could feel his heart in his throat, while at the same time a growing pit in his stomach.
”Kris? What’s been distracting you?” He asked.
“Umm, when I’ve said it’s this place, I wasn’t being entirely honest.”
”Oh?” He said though he had already put that together by now.
”It’s you. You’ve been distracting me. I can’t stop thinking about you.” Kris said, they sounded rather embarrassed.
”Kris I-“
”I thought if I just didn’t see you for a while, it’d get you off my mind, but it just made it worse” They moved their hand on top of his.
Why did this have to be happening?
”A few days ago, I realized what it was. You… you’ve done so much for all of us, changed yourself just for us, for me! You went from being a stranger to someone I feel like I’ve known for years!” Kris’s passion seemed to be unending.
He hated this as much as he loved it.
He wished it was just one of those days, he wanted to be sitting there, repairing that damned wall.
But this is so much better.
He feels Kris lace their fingers together.
“Ralsei, I really like you.”
He felt cursed, to hear these words from them, oh how it made him swoon. But he also knows he has an obligation, one he must keep, even if it hurts.
”Kris, no.” Ralsei barely managed to squeak out two measly little words through the tightness that enveloped his chest.
“What?”
"Kris I don't-"
"No, don't you dare! That’s a lie and we both know it!" Kris stood up.
”Who are you to say how I feel?” Ralsei said defensively.
”What do you think that tea was? It was mine! You said you loved it! We both know what that means!” Kris yelled.
“You mean you… Kris!”
”I… I know how you feel, I feel too. I want to be with you.” Kris said as they tried grabbing his hand, Ralsei swiftly pulled away.
This is what he’s wanted. From the moment he met them he couldn’t deny how they made him feel. But he made everyone a promise, he made himself a promise. And he can’t just turn his back on what he thinks is right.
”K-Kris, I wish I could.” Ralsei spoke, he could feel something building in his throat and eyes.
”Why? Is it really so wrong for a Darkner and a Li-“
“What? Kris, nothing forbids it. It’s my choice.” He could feel the tears welling
“Then why?” Kris pleaded for an answer.
”Kris… I… I…”
He wished he just stayed in bed.
“Because I love you!”
With four words, all of the strength Ralsei had left him. The tears pouring down his face weren’t unfamiliar but never had they made him feel so utterly defeated.
He wishes he was more like Kris.
”I love you, and I refuse to let you fall into this illusion as hard as she did! I… I can’t let that happen. This place… y-you have a life up there. I’m not going to let you lose yourself down here like she did. I can’t bear to see you like that.”
At least Kris knew how to keep theirself together.
”So please, I beg of you! Leave! Leave before I never let you go! Leave before you lose yourself here!”
Kris never cried, it was something he admired about them.
“I’m sorry.”
The silence that followed his words was deafening, only broken by the sounds of the human he had grown to love, the human who loves him back, heading towards the door.
He didn’t blame them, there was nothing they could say.
The door to the room he made for them. So that this place would feel like a second home.
He had been so sure of his decision but now? Now he had no idea what to think.
The click of the door being gently closed behind the human whom he loves was piercing.
He knew exactly what to think.
But it’s too late for that now.
He heard another wall crumbling somewhere in the castle.
He sighed as he tried to dry his tear-soaked fur.
He was right.
It really was one of those days