Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Not many people of Death Kingdom knew about the Kings' son, D.T Kid, he was purposely kept secret from those not in the castle as to prevent the risk of assassinations. Not many were fond of the Deaths, despite their long, healthy rule. Some people were on a mission to dethrone them, but no matter how many wars, the Deaths always ruled one way or the other, and with honest wins at that. Still, that didn't stop the envious, didn't stop them from doing what was done that afternoon.

The members of the castle were on edge and frightened as news got out that the prince's life was threatened. A violent attack that left him bleeding from the torso, fortunately nothing more. Still, that didn't explain how it happened, it was too quick for any to process. One minute the prince was standing with his close ones, Liz and Patty, and the next he had a sword through him. Just barely missing any vital organs. Immediately, he'd been taken to the castles' doctor. A sketchy looking man with a usual unconventional way of doing things, but had just enough loyalty and smarts to get the job, despite what rumors may say. Spirit, the kings Esquire of the Body, reported to L.D about the recent events.

"Sir, if I may, I believe it could be those commoners..the Thompson sisters that the prince is so keen of, they could've done this" Justin said, following closely behind. He was on his way to being a religious part of the castle, his faith in God and the King were immense, especially that last one, it was almost an obsession. "With their background I wouldn't be surprised" L.D didn't bat much of an eye at that suggestion, Justin was always trying to get the sisters in trouble due to their 'commoner' origins. And despite his own concern when his son brought them home, he knew them better than to think they'd go against his and Kid's loyalty like that.

"A.. plausible theory, you don't have to come. I'm just checking on him" L.D wasn't usually too formal, he was awfully chummy with civilians, servants, and other high ups. It was like he had equal respect for everyone. Or no respect, depending on how you look at it.

L.D met up with Stein, with Spirit in tow. To their surprise, Kid was awake and sitting up, a new shirt on to cover the bandages and stitches. "He's as fine as someone stabbed would be. Took it a lot better than most people probably would. It came from behind, so he didn't get a good look. He needs to take it easy for the next few days and I'll be giving him medicine every few hours. Liz and Patty are Innocent though, he wanted to make that clear. They were in front of him with their backs facing him. Or something.." Stein said boredly, hands in his coat. L.D thanked him.

Kid didn't move much from his half reclined, half sitting up position. His father didn't speak until Spirit closed the day, getting silent permission that he could stay for whatever conversation was about to go down. "Maka and Soul are coming back today, unfortunately, they weren't here when the attack happened. With that, I have something I want to suggest. Spirit and I talked.." Kid suppressed his urge to groan at that. Never liking the outcomes that came from these 'talks'.

"Maka and Soul do a lot, and word of a son will get out sooner or later and people will have different reactions. I know you like to be independent, but I think it's best to have a guard of sorts. I'll make sure they're your age, but I think having a trained person will be beneficial for you" Kid stared at him blankly, unamused at the idea. "Well, I hope you like that idea because I'm likely doing it. I can't risk this happening again." L.D said sternly. Kid wanted to say something, wanted to point out how this was a one time thing and from fifteen years of life, this had been the only incident.

He didn't though, knowing better when his father was actually being stern. He sighed but L.D knew enough to expect that. "Its for your own good, kiddo, I'll have Spirit look, and when they come, please try to give them a shot. Don't shut them down so quickly."

"Alright, father.. if I have no choice" the discontent was evident in his voice, so his father did what he always did, ignored it in favor of changing the subject.

Now a week later, Kid knew he should've known better than to let Spirit of all people decide who this 'guard' is. At that point, he should've convinced L.D to get Stein to do it. He was willing to stoop there. He found Spirit annoying, he was someone who openly said how he felt, even if he was complaining most of the time. There weren't many redeeming qualities about him, besides maybe that he was a good scythe for his father. That was about it. So when he actually met the guard that Spirit had chosen and L.D approved, he had to grit his teeth from saying something. Seeing an odd semblance in the way Spirit and this blue haired boy acted, though he couldn't easily say who was worse. The blue haired boy certainly was a lot.

Kid was coming back from archery with Liz and Patty following when they met Black★Star. And it was an unfortunate experience indeed. Apparently, he had been lost, arguing with the weapon in his hands about which way to go. He had knocked over two vases, neither of which broke, by some miracle. The weapon untransformed and Black★Star helped, scrambling to stand them up how they were and thanking his awesome star power that it didn't break. Unfortunately, the way the soft designed vases were placed irritated Kid. They had the same basic design, width, and height, it wasn't hard to make them symmetrical.

"What do you think you're doing?" Kid changed course and was striding over to them. Liz gave an audible huff, mumbling to either herself or Patty "here we go.." Black★Star for a moment, was almost scared, hearing those words right after you drop an expensive vase was bound to make someone run cold. But seeing it was a teen, he relaxed. "Those vases aren't symmetrical, they were perfectly lined up before. You have the audacity to ruin perfect symmetry, yet not even restore it?" To Kid's dismay, Black★Star laughed, Tsubaki bowed apologetically, quickly bringing her meister in a similar position when she realized he wasn't.

"Huh? What? Why are we bowing?" Black★Star asked, searching around as if trying to find someone of high standing. Tsubaki suddenly felt sick. Shs knew Black★Star enough to know this was how he was, but it was dangerous doing this in front of royalty. It could be considered treason in some ways. "I don't know what you're on about- what was it? Sy-mm..etry? But I have an important mission to do. I get to protect the prince, because I'm so awesome" while he went on with his monologue, Kid was fixing the vases, stepping back and examining to make sure he did it correctly. Tsubaki didn't interrupt Black★Star despite the urge to speak over him and tell him that this was the prince.

"You're only here because I got stabbed and my father thinks I can't handle myself" Kid said, some spite in his monotone voice "I'm Death the Kid, most call me Kid for short. I'm not sure if I want you to, I already dislike you" Black★Star's mouth went agape realizing his mistake, though he didn't bother to bow.

"I apologize for him.. he's um.. unfortunately always like this, but he's sweet and he's very good at his job, I promise. You'll be safe with us" Tsubaki said politely. Kid internally argued that he was safe on his own, with Liz and Patty, and even Soul and Maka when they weren't running errands for the castle. But he didn't. Knowing that would just make him more irritated and make the situation insufferable. He chose to introduce Liz and Patty, his own weapons, despite being royalty and not needing to.

"Does my father already know you're here? Or do you still need to check with him?" He wished he had gotten a heads up, it had been a week since the conversation, this was out of the blue. The least L.D could've done if he knew was tell him.

"He knows. Told me you were either in the library or archery field at this time but I got lost trying to find where archery was. So, if I'm your guard and all, does that mean I always have to be near you? Like.. what's the hours?" It seemed more like a question for L.D but he hadn't thought of it then. Black★Star noted how gothic the prince looked, it definitely wasn't how he expected. He was expecting.. a more fairytale aesthetic but considering none of the past Kings and princes, sometimes even queens, all had an eerily similar darkness, it shouldn't have been surprising. Black★Star never paid much to politics though, too busy becoming the best and all to remember who had the throne or who was fighting who for it. Really, Tsubaki didn't know how they were qualified for this mission.

"I don't know.. though I have to say, I hope it isn't always, I don't think I could stand you that long. You probably have a room here now, I don't know if I was the only one unaware you were coming today, so the maids might have already prepared. While you're gone, you may as well get the details. Though, I feel like you should've already had them.." not that Kid had much more to say, Liz interrupted.

"Don't be so hard on him, it's the first day. Besides, you're not exactly easy so he's already got his work cut out for him. He doesn't need your uptight self breathing down his neck" Kid glared at her but didn't say anything. Something about that statement must've been true. "Good luck squirt, you're gonna need it" Liz dragged Kid away, he was starting to reanalyze the stupid vases again and it seemed as symmetrical as it was gonna get. While they left, Liz with a short wave and Kid with a small nod.

Patty left with a departing message of "bye blue boy! And pretty girl!"

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That evening went by without them talking much. Black★Star and Tsubaki had to undergo a few things and by the time they were done and ate, they were both ready for bed. They were given Kid's schedule and instructions that while Black★Star didn't need to heavily guard or watch over Kid, he could leave for a few minutes, maybe an hour, but he couldn't leave at the same time twice in a row and anything that happened to Kid would be charged on both him and the person who inflicted it. Which wasn't great, luckily, Black★Star was persistent and immediately had taken an interest in him. So he wasn't planning on leaving long, if at all.

Breakfast came and despite what people may assume about him, he had already been awake for hours. Just because he was a royal guard didn't mean he could slack off on his training. How else would he keep the title of the best assassin? That not anyone would dare try to take it for him because it was actually made for him. Even though Tsubaki and others would say different.

Black★Star and Tsubaki met Soul and Maka along their way to the dining hall, which surprised Black★Star.

"Bro, what are you two doing here? Don't tell me you guys have a job here too?" Black★Star asked, more in awe than anything. He knew he wasn't the best at paying attention but he didn't think he was that terrible that he didn't remember his best friends saying they worked for the king. Maka's eyes narrowed slightly.

"My dad works closely with the king, I don't think it should be too surprising. Soul and I are like… errand runners in a way but also like knights, I don't know if it really has a title, but we do knightly things, I'd say, so that's what we just refer to ourselves as. Sorry we didn't tell you guys, it was apart of becoming a part of this. We had to keep it a secret" Maka explained, Soul seemed a bit skeptical but laughed a bit at Black★Star's expression. Giving him a greeting fist bump, he said,

"What are you two doing here? Don't tell me you finally did something bad enough to get caught, whatever it was, I'm sure Tsubaki doesn't deserve to be dragged down too" Soul teased lowly, putting his hands back in his pockets. They had just gotten there an hour ago, so they weren't informed about the newbie's position there. The shock wiped from Black★Star's face immediately, replaced with a proud smile as he even stood up straighter.

"I'm personal bodyguard for the prince, Kid. I'm supposed to make sure nothing happens to him and all. I think he likes me, which is to be expected. Have you guys talked to him much? I wanna know more about him, he doesn't seem very talkative" Soul and Maka both had their eyebrows raised in surprise. Tsubaki had to smile had it, honestly, she couldn't believe it either when Black★Star bursted into the room, talking too fast to comprehend. Maka seemed a mix of surprise and…something not very friendly. It couldn't be called anger but it was definitely close. After all, she liked her peaceful way of doing things and it was bad enough having Black★Star or Soul by themselves, having them together wasn't exactly a peaceful workspace.

Because of that, and the fact Soul had to shut her mouth for her, he answered, "we talked to him a bit. Not much. He's usually with Liz and Patty. Whenever we did talk it was brief and usually formal, but we've seen him around. He's got some like.. weird obsession with even things. I think there's something wrong up there" Soul said, poking his own head slightly, Maka hit his head quickly after.

"Don't say that, he does like things symmetrical, and sometimes he'll have.. a moment. But that doesn't mens there's something 'wrong' with him. Be nice, Soul" he was rubbing the spot she hit, frowning at the abuse he faced from his meister.

"I don't know what else to call it. Besides, I'm not saying he's totally weird because of it. He's still pretty cool. Freakishly good at everything, I think you may have some competition Black★Star"

"Yeah right, no one can surpass me! I'm sure I'll beat him at something sooner or later. Speaking of him, I should go, it's not recommended I leave him alone too long" Maka and Soul were going that way anyway, it was breakfast after all. Despite the fact that they all ate in the same room, the royal family's seating was set away from the rest and on a small pedestal type place where you have to go up three steps. That was where they found Kid, Liz, and Patty all sitting. Patty waved Black★Star and Tsubaki over. The seats were the same size as the girls' and noticeably shorter than where the king sat, Kid's chair was only slightly higher. Liz and Patty sat on either side of him. The chair in front of him was one that was free for taking by the height of it so obviously that was where Black★Star sat.

Kid didn't seem very interested in the conversation Liz and Patty were having. He didn't seem very interested in anything, if Black★Star was being honest. Granted, they hadn't known each other for long, but he could already tell that Kid was going to be a hard to please person. Not that his standards were too high (though he was the princes they may be) but just because he lacked general interest in anything.

"Aren't you worried about like.. getting poisoned or something? You got attacked recently, what if there's a traitor or something?" Black★Star asked, genuinely curious if he was going to get penalized if Kid died from poisoning that Black★Star didn't know of. Tsubaki was sitting at the other table with Maka and Soul, wanting to catch up a bit, so there was no one there to chastise him.

Kid looked up, expression unreadable. "The only betrayal for sure we know of, is my father deciding to hire you. The attack was a week ago, I wouldn't call that recent. Besides, I'm not worried about poison. I can handle large amounts with little to no sickness" neither Patty or Liz commented on this so Black★Star was inclined to take it literal. Not that Kid probably could make a joke anyway. But that just brought on more questions.

"Uh.. I feel like you can't just say that without explaining. Why can you handle large amounts of poison? What, did you get experimented on until you didn't die from it or something?" Liz snorted, likely because she knew what Kid's response was going to be.

"In a way. I was slowly exposed to more, in a controlled environment of course. We wanted to take precautions in case someone did try anything" Black★Star's mouth stayed agape like Maka's did earlier. He didn't know what kind of psycho the king had to be to put his son through that, probably himself too.

Patty nodded confidently, "we tried it once.. a few times actually. Nothing really happened, at most he felt nauseous and dizzy. It's kinda neat" Kid didn't talk much during breakfast for the rest. Black★Star did have a pretty interesting conversation with Patty, and when he openly asked the sisters about Kid, he got chastised for talking about him like he wasn't there. Which Black★Star had to say he liked finally getting a reaction.

They were walking to.. okay.. Black★Star hadn't had time to memorize the schedule yet, Tsubaki was walking further ahead of them and himself beside Kid. Wherever they were heading, he was bored. And voiced this uncaringly. "This is lame, let's talk. Tell me about yourself Mr. Mystery, how come L.D never told anyone he had a son?" Kid glared at him from the corner of his eyes, or just looked, it was hard to tell his intentions, but considering it was impossible to be mad at Black★Star, he assumed it was just the angle.

"Some people aren't very happy about my family's long line of throne holders. Especially considering our name, they think having a queen or king with a name like that is a bad omen. So I was kept a secret in order to keep the risks on my life to a minimum. If you don't mind me asking, what did you do before this that made you qualified? I know you come from the Star clan, but what did you do?" Black★Star was a bit surprised, but thought about it. Really, he wasn't doing much. He shrugged,

"I guess my awesomeness is just so awesome it reaches the king. I am an assassin in training, I'm basically the best assassin though, a good one literally speaking. Like I'm not just gonna kill people for money or something, like a regular bad assassin does. Between training, I was doing school, I go to school with Maka and Soul, and Tsubaki obviously, I just do..everyday-regular person things, I guess" Kid didn't speak, Black★Star was quiet for only a moment before coming up with something. "Hey, do you go to school? Or some fancy homeschool stuff? Do you go outside into the city and stuff? Or are you just cooped up here?"

"Homeschool, Marie teaches me, you'll probably see her at some point. I do go out occasionally, but not very often. I don't really need to, nor do I want to. I don't like the heat, or sun for that matter, so the pros of staying inside outweigh whatever's waiting for me out there"

"Want to go out with me at some point? We can go… I don't know, somewhere. There's a lot you probably haven't seen so there's plenty of options" Tsubaki looked back at him, seeming like she wanted to say something, she wasn't too far nor was it loud enough that she wouldn't have heard what they were saying. Kid stayed quiet for an even longer moment, Black★Star wondered if he heard him.

"Maybe one day if you're still around. That sounds…. interesting, we'll see" L.D would definitely have a fit over it, he was overprotective about certain things when it came to Kid l, despite how laid back he was about everything else. Kid supposed he should feel loved or special knowing that, but it could be a pain at times. Going out for fun sounds like it may be indeed fun, but Black★Star would first have to stay around that long. Who knew how long this guard job would last. Or rather, 'assassin' because apparently that was what he was. Black★Star happily ignored the ominousness of the first part of that sentence.

"How come you don't like the idea of having a bodyguard?" Kid audibly sighed now,

"How come you ask so many questions? Are you always like this?" Right as Black★Star said no, Tsubaki chuckled a yes. "I admire your patience, you're a better person than I am, Tsubaki" Kid said, both exhausted and….. with a hint of amusement.

"Aww, was that a joke? I think you're warming up to me" Black★Star teased. Kid for the sake of his pride, hid his smile.

"No. I'm warming up to Tsubaki" Kid easily walked faster and caught up with Tsubaki. Leaving Black★Star gaping and dramatically making offended sounds behind them both, Tsubaki felt bad for laughing, Kid smiled, though it wasn't seen by the person behind him. Black★Star walked on the other side of Kid with a huff, shoving him slightly with his shoulder. Kid for a moment was uncertain, but the mood was too good for him to think as formal and 'uptight' as he normally would, so he let himself shove back. It was just as gentle, if not more, they did it once more before Kid put Tsubaki in between them by walking on the other side of h

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"How serious are you about hanging out with me?" Kid asked, it was a surprise considering Black★Star was finally leaving him alone. He thought Kid would want to be alone, with how much he huffed when Black★Star was around or when someone got overly protective of him. Black★Star was just training, Tsubaki wasn't in the castle, even though she swore to have the royal family as priority, that didn't mean she had to leave her life behind. Liz and Patty were doing their own thing, despite them not usually leaving Kids side, or maybe they left because he wanted them too. Black★Star didn't know for sure.

"Well?" Right, Black★Star had to reply, he nodded quickly, smiling more than he wanted to admit. "Hell yeah, I'm very serious. So, was that an invitation? You wanna hang out? Go out of the castle maybe?" Kid stood with his hands in his pockets as Black★Star went on, an unreadable expression, but that was needless to say at this point. It was more notable if he did show an emotion.

"Not that far. I haven't talked to my father yet about leaving the castle.. but we are going outside, so hopefully you're happy with that. Come, I'm hoping now is a good time for you?" Black★Star nodded and practically ran out of the room, even though Kid was still lingering by the door. He closed it. Then opened and closed it again, which didn't stick out too much to Black★Star at first. He just assumed maybe it was a problem with old castle doors or something. But then Kid did it twice more before taking his hand off the knob.

"You okay?" Kid stayed silent for a minute. Hand at his side but still facing the door, he seemed deep in thought. Black★Star's question wasn't granted a response, Kid let out a quiet breath before leaving, holding Black★Star's hand momentarily to signal they were leaving because Black★Star was thinking too hard to pay attention. If his question wasn't answered it was probably for a reason, and he didn't want to push. So he resumed regular conversation, "so, where are we going? I don't think you've said yet" a part of Kid wanted to keep him anticipation and have it be a secret. But the other part of him told him that someone as exuberant as Black★Star would just be disappointed with the planned activities.

"Have you been horse riding? I thought it might be something you may enjoy, you can also see the castle more this way, if you haven't explored already. I thought archery may be too boring for you, but we can do that too at some point if you'd rather. You seem like you'd be the type to enjoy sword training but my father doesn't like it when I spar with others, so I fence instead. I think that might be too complex for you though.. sorry, I'm going on, I already answered the question you asked." Kid was a prince, but Black★Star felt like he didn't have to be this formal all the time, the way he spoke was stiff and sometimes old timey, there was something endearing about it.

"Hey, it's all good. You act like you talk a lot. It's nice to hear that voice of yours" Black★Star said playfully, a bit flirtatiously, which surprised them both. "Horse riding sounds neat.. I've never been, but I know I'll be the best and the horse I ride will be the fastest. And I'll win at archery too if we do that! And fencing… hmm, that can't be too hard? You just try to hit the point on the other person's chest? Easy, I'll win that too. Let's do all three today!" Kid almost smiled, noting the earlier flirtation in his comment in the back of his head. Though it was a possibility he misread it, he had the tendency to do that with little interaction with people who don't treat him like a prized glass statue. Worried and always nervous around but strict and responsible. The only people as 'casual' as Black★Star was Liz, Patty, and his father. Stein too most of the time, he was surprisingly calm about everything.

"Let's start with one thing and see what happens. If you want to ride your own horse you have to practice at least a bit" before the conversation could end there for long, Black★Star found more things to talk about. Kid supposed he should cut him slack, if the positions were swapped then maybe Kid could see himself being curious about the mysterious prince. Though it was hard to imagine himself as energetic or self-centered as an assassin.

"You never answered my question" he stated, which was vague considering the time that passed since yesterday and Black★Star asked a lot of questions. Seeing his look, Black★Star elaborated, "about you not liking a bodyguard. What's so bad about it? If anything, I think you could use some more company, and if you get extra protection from it, then so what?" Kid resisted the urge to huff.

"If you just know, I just don't see the point. I am fully capable of protecting myself, I don't know a bunch of martial arts for no reason, and hardly anyone knows about me. I don't see why my father has always been so persistent on me talking to others my age or having someone watch me. I'm not a little kid. Besides, the people he wants me to talk to, I have no interest in. Since he hasn't let me into the city much, the only others I talk to that are my age are other high class people" Kid's rant seemed to come to an end there, but he didn't look quite finished. "You know, as annoying as you may be, you're a nice change of pace.. like Liz and Patty"

Black★Star smiled widely but held onto his words in order to not ruin the moment. Because yes, they were definitely having a moment. They arrived at the stable, it had three horses, two black one white. Black★Star assumed it was well kept, as much as a stable could be. It still smelled musty and overwhelmingly like hay. Kid took a brush and swiftly started to put it through one of the black horse's manes.

"You should brush yours as well, it doesn't matter which one you'd like to choose, though the white one is nicer" Kid said, not looking up from his brushing and petting. Black★Star chose the white one, mainly because it was right next to Kids' horse.

"Hey girl, …girl? Hey horsey, please don't like…kick me or something," Black★Star said gently as he picked up the brush and hesitantly rubbed his hands over the muzzle. "Not that I couldn't take it if you did, it'll just be inconvenient" he quickly amended, earning a small noise from Kid. Who was peering over to make sure he didn't do something to get it made.

Everything had been going smoothly, he hadn't noticed this earlier but all the horses already had a saddle on. L.D probably had someone to do that kind of thing, so Kid was mindlessly petting the creature that made him look even more scrawny, while Black★Star brushed and talked to his. Which Kid told him, was indeed a girl.

Suddenly, mid brush, Black★Star felt an itchy crawl on him. Thinking it was just a fallen piece of hair or maybe just a simple itch, he waisted a moment before looking down. To his dismay, it wasn't a hair or itch, but a malicious small spider. Quickly, he dropped the brush and yelped, smacking his arm and stepping back slightly like running away would do something. Kid jumped at the yell, wondering if the horse somehow hurt him.

Black★Star shivered and aggressively rubbed his hands on his pants, hating the black little curled body and its guts. It was good it was gone but the aftermath of having it on him wasn't pleasant. Maka and Soul who were passing quickly came, Soul in weapon form and everything.

"Was… there a bug?" Kid asked, unsure about what he just witnessed, he heard the slap of skin on skin though, "you're-" Kid laughed, trying to cut himself off, "bugs are what get you? Really?" Black★Star's face flushed and Soul turned back into a human, him and Maka letting out similar sighs of relief.

"Dude, you scared us, you also totally sounded like a girl" Soul laughed,

"It wasn't just a bug! It was a spider! I don't appreciate you guys attacking me like this. It's totally reasonable to jump when it's something as monstrous as that" Kid was still trying to contain his laugh, coming out in soft chuckles. Black★Star wished he got Kid to laugh under different circumstances when he wasn't embarrassed.

"An assassin who's arachnophobic? Interesting. You're kind of…stupid" Soul snorted at Kid, jabbing Black★Star who had gotten over the spider due to embarrassment,

"Didn't you say he liked you? I knew you were lying" Soul teased, referencing back to Black★Star's earlier declaration that Kid secretly did like him. Soul and Maka had known Kid for longer, but Soul had to admit, Kid definitely had to tolerate Black★Star more than he did most because they never got this kind of reaction out of him. Of course, Soul wasn't going to tell him that, Black★Star's ego was already too big.

Maka was making sure Kid was okay, saying who when they heard the… shrill sheak, they thought someone was injured. Not that it was Kid they assumed, but maybe someone who was with him. Or just someone completely different.

"You two go away, you're intruding on our date" Black★Star changed the subject and made a shooing gesture with his hands. Kid raised his eyebrows at that, Soul was laughing, and Maka looked skeptical.

"Fine, fine, let's go Maka, we don't wanna be apart of whatever this is anyway" Maka made a mental note to fill Tsubaki in on this when she would eventually ask how Black★Star was behaving. Something she did more often now that he was left alone with the prince. "Bye then lovebirds, have fun on your date" Maka smacked him but they left. Kid was slightly pink, a noticeable thing against his usual deathly pale skin.

"Why did you say date?" Black★Star shrugged, not actually having a proper answer to that. Or at least one he was ready to say yet. "It just sounded right, y'know?" Kid didn't know, nor did he reply to that. He did continue on with the horses as to not make things weird, he brought his own horse out of the stable and directed Black★Star how to do the same.

Kid thought Black★Star would need a lot more direction, but surprisingly, he caught on quickly. Though it was rather straightforward how to get on a horse, with their short height, Kid was surprised how easily Black★Star did it.

"Are you sure you don't want to be on the same horse?"

"Aww, do you want to hold me that badly~? Or I could hold you if you'd rather. But seriously, nah, it's fine. It can't be that hard"

It wasn't super hard. But it wasn't as easy as he expected. He kept feeling like he was falling even if he was still very much on the paddle. Kid instructed him how to move the horse and how to stay firmly on the horse. Black★Star was looking over at Kid and got slightly irritated that he did it so effortlessly. Elegantly.

At some point Kid and him did end up on the same horse. Black★Star with the rains and Kid behind him, turned out Black★Star was a much better hands-on learner. He still felt wobbly, but it was more grounding to know that he wasn't actually close to falling off the seat. Kid was slightly taller and debatably stronger, but he was much thinner, but with what weight there was, it was comforting.

That said weight meant body heat, and that heat was the reason why Black★Star was slightly red. That was the only reason, there quite literally was nothing else to put the blame on other than heat. They were outside after all, even though it was cloudy and windy, body heat and the humidity weren't great. And the horse's jolty movement had to be rushing some blood to his head or something, right? Geography.

It was almost dinner when they returned back to the castle. Kid got something thrown at him but easily caught it. Liz had thrown an empty tea cup at him, rambling like a worried mother about their kid who was late to curfew. It was cutely domestic, Black★Star decided. Patty just laughed at the scene.

"There's no need for that language, we were just horse riding" Kid reasoned, escaping to his room to freshen up before dinner, Black★Star should've done the same but Tsubaki was back and he was talking quickly to catch her and the sisters up on all they did. Leaving out the spider incident, even though he'd later find out Soul had already blabbed about it. Liz ruffled his hair when he was done,

"Don't be taking our spot as his favorite now, it sounds like he really likes you" Liz said, slightly threatening what was supposed to be good natured. Tsubaki didn't seem to share the same idea though that Kid actually liked him, and gently voiced this.

"I'm more so worried about him being too much for Kid.. he doesn't seem very happy around us" Liz waved her off and rolled her eyes, Patty giggled, being the one to speak.

"He's always like that. You have to tell by body language rather than facial expression or words, he's pretty formal all the time. And emo, he doesn't really like people. But he likes us! And I think he likes you too, right sis? He gets that look in his eye whenever Blue is around" Black★Star's heart hummed contently, but as cool as he was, no one noticed. Tsubaki was giggling at something Black★Star didn't catch onto before she shooed him away,

"Dinner is almost being served, go get cleaned up" she said politely.

"Yeah, Kid wouldn't like it if you come to dinner dirty, cleanliness is the fastest way to his heart" Liz winked.

Chapter Text

Black★Star had done his sporadic report to L.D. The king wasn't strict about the assassin, he asked for reports every other week and to note anything worth noting. It ended with Black★Star gushing about how much fun it was to go horse riding with Kid and how he was so good at it, Black★Star couldn't see the kings expression due to the mask he always wore but L.D was smiling in amusement. It was nice to know his son was bonding with another person. Usually the boy was so strict and formal, too much even for a royal status. He'd tried to tell Kid to not mind his king title, that above all, he was his father. But it was just the way Kid was. L.D couldn't say he minded, he found it oddly endearing.

Above anything to talk about, he was most interested in how Kid treated Black★Star, not that he thought he'd treat him poorly or below him, Kid wasn't that kind of person. He was interested in the way they'd interact. Kid was stubborn and liked things a certain way, he wasn't too fond of people either. Not that they were any fonder of him, many couldn't handle his personality, Liz and Patty being an exception. No matter how much coaxing L.D did, Kid never allowed anyone else close. Seemingly content with his two friends, father, and staff he only tolerated.

So to hear that Kid was the one who approached Black★Star about horse riding? He was overjoyed. Making a mental note to treat his son to something special as celebration, though Kid wouldn't know what for. It wouldn't be too out of character since L.D often did random things just because he felt in the mood to. He'd host a banquet just because the castle had been too quiet that week. Much to Kid's chargin.

These reports were to make sure things were going smoothly, that Kid wasn't pushing Black★Star away and that the assassin hadn't noticed anything suspicious. Keeping L.D up to date on any minor injuries Kid may have somehow obtained, or a purposeful one done by someone. It seemed like nothing of the sort had happened, as Black★Star went on about how he hoped they could do archery next cause Kid seemed interested in that one. He didn't stop the rambling.

Just like Spirit didn't stop L.D's. Maybe there was a reason he felt drawn to the kid, he was similar to the person who he spent most of his time with. He nodded along as L.D went on about how much improvement Kid was making when it came to others, even if by 'others' it was just one new person. He understood from a father view how important even the smallest things seemed. Even though he would never completely understand this exact situation. Maka was always good with other kids and she didn't cry when something wasn't perfect. Still, even he had grown attached to Kid, were even he felt a small amount of pride in the accomplishment. He knew Kid since birth after all.

"You did such an excellent job Spirit, I knew you'd be good at finding the right person!" L.D chirped, a much different tune than Kid did when he got Spirit alone. Those piercing yellow eyes gave Spirit the chills, Kid often looked at him like a burden. Apparently he 'tainted' L.D, which made Kid not like him. L.D insisted that was just his way of playing, and as willing as Spirit usually was to take his word, he genuinely didn't want think so when it came to Kid's feelings on him.

Black★Star had been wandering the castle for a while already, he couldn't find anyone he knew. He knew he shouldn't have told Tsubaki that he'd be fine on his own. He usually was, but directions weren't his strong suit. Not that they got the better of him completely, nothing was too hard for the great Black★Star. It was just a minor inconvenience. He gave up trying to find someone he knew and instead asked a familiar maid.

She hadn't known where Kid was, apparently he had a reputation of being uncrackable. They hardly knew where he went, which seemed like they were bad at their jobs, in all honesty. How do you completely lose the prince? (His situation was different, he was with the king for almost an hour). Luckily, she'd at least seen where the sisters had gone, so Black★Star tracked them down.

"Yo" he greeted, Liz was doing her nails and Patty seemed to be coloring something that hadn't yet formed a picture. He knew from experience that by the end it would. "You know where Kid is?"

"Isn't that your job?" Liz asked, not accusatory, just skeptical if the life of the prince was really in his hands. She'd be worried if she didn't know Kid could handle himself. Black★Star huffed,

"I was with L.D. Besides, don't you two usually hang around him? I was hoping he'd be with you" he said, looking around for any sign of the gothic teen. There wasn't, if he was there he'd be symmetric-fying Patty's colors, which were laid out of their orderly holder. Liz rolled her eyes.

"He's not our responsibility, we're allowed away from him for a while" despite this, I'm followed up with something useful. Her rough love was just an act… mostly. "He went to the library, I'm banned and Patty wanted to stay with me. He might still be there? Knowing him, he's probably reorganizing a shelf" Black★Star got directions to the library before he left, wanting to play it safe and not wanting to risk missing him. He left giving final thanks. He'd been to the library once before, the librarian with a ruler had been restocking the shelves. He couldn't imagine what Kid would find to fix since everything had seemed perfect the last time he was there. But Black★Star hadn't been to the library since, so who knows.

He searched up and down the boring place. It wasn't a public library, there weren't many people to bother. He did find the royal doctor Stein though, who boredly noted, "I haven't seen Kid, but I've been in this section basically the whole time, it wouldn't be surprising if I missed him. Good luck finding him" Black★Star took that as a sign to leave, Stein gave him the chills. He asked the librarian who hadn't seen him come in, with a frustrated huff, Black★Star stormed through he rest of the castle trying to find him. Grumbling to himself how high and mighty Kid must think of himself to make Black★Star look for him like this.

He barged into the room, it looked different during the day. Kid was laying on the bed, almost like a vampire in a coffin. His book was still on the bed, not closed but his page surely lost. A surge of something that he refused to call fear ran through him. His earlier frustration gone in an instant, going from cooing at the peaceful sight of the other, to panicked at the too peaceful sight, Kid was scarily still. Black★Star shook him violently back and forth, shouting nonsense in case the action wasn't able to wake him up.

Kid woke sleepily, his eyes not completely wanting to open or body wanting to come to sense to the scene. "Black★Star?"

"Yeah, it's me, it's okay, I'll get you to the doctor. I know where he is, come on. Just stay awake" Black★Star rambled, maneuvering Kid who started to struggle back into the bed. His mouth moved but no words came out, and his eyes threatened to close more. Black★Star frowned even more, "c'mon, let me carry you-"

"Stop. Black★Star… what- I was just sleeping. What are you doing?" Kid said, eyes opening wider than before but to his regular resting face amount. His tone was raspy with… sleep. He looked sleepy. From the small distance between them, he could see Kid had bags under his eyes. "How'd you get in here?"

"I have a key. I'm supposed to protect you," Black★Star replied dumbly, unsure of what was going on. "Wait so…you're not like, dead or sick?" Kid shook his head, "oh.. haha! I just assumed you never slept. I thought someone used chloroform or something. … can chloroform even work on you?"

"Why? Trying to get me unconscious for long?"

The sleepy tone he used really did something to Black★Star. If Black★Star was so courageous he'd say Kid even sounded joking. He laughed, "take your nap Kid, sorry for waking you"

Kid didn't reply, already seeming to be mostly asleep. Black★Star was going to get up and leave, he was just sitting there for a moment. He was definitely going to leave. Fate just didn't want him to. Why else would Kid end up resting his soft haired head on his lap?