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Megumi hated almost everything right about now.
It wasn't like he craved a luxurious life somewhere up in the royal castle. Eating well and having food on the table would be great. Hell, getting away from Toji, his neglectant father would be just grand . Toji’s idea of answering all his problems looked different though…
“Are you ready?” Toji is standing in front of him, picking at the tie, “okay, my little blessing! Your pretty face is going to get us out of here.”
Toji has been persistent about making it out of the outskirts of town they lived in. Basically, outrun by people and mostly populated by rats. Megumi’s urge to roll his eyes is overthrown by the reality of what was going on. He feel’s both equally cursed and gifted. One one hand, Toji does try to provide a good life for Megumi, on the other hand, half the time he’s MIA or aboard doing who knows what.
It’s not really Toji’s fault either, the land they live on has been corrupted and doesn't treat commoners well, more money and efforts going into war and conquering new land.
“You’re going to find that prince and get him to fall in love with you,” Toji laughs. Megumi isn't sure if his father truly believes this ridiculousness, he doesn't know if he legitimately wants to accomplish this goal.
The ball spanning three nights is hitting off today, the hussle Toji pulls off grants them clothes for this ordeal, but the prices were definitely the reason he’s been fasting on bread and water for the last month.
“Now, it’s okay if you don't manage to get him to fall in love with you,” his father starts, “Just try okay? Just imagine how great our lives could be if we lived in that castle, Megumi!”
“Yes, dad…”
“Atta boy!”
Growing up, Megumi didn't always live like this. He once had a home that consisted of many members, the Zen’in clan, who were close to royalty themselves. After some point something happened with his father and the clan after his mother’s death. Now, he lives the farthest distance from the castle and he would've guessed his childhood growing up was a dream.
The ballroom is huge. Megumi definitely feels underdressed with the way he’s in a simple suit, but Toji seems compelled that his “good looks” would catch the prince’s attention regardless. His father was right to some extent, some men did approach him to dance, but even if he did want to say yes, he was hesitant. Being back in the castle, as a guest, these many years after made him feel sick and anxious.
The prince himself was an attractive young man. Megumi watches him stand in the centerpiece of the ballroom, about to make a speech of some sort. He seems a bit flustered, blushing under the attention. He seemed to grow up nice.
Years ago, back when Megumi was a child he would play with the prince in the courtyard and entertain themselves with childhood misdemeanors. It's funny, that after everything in his childhood the most he remembers is the Prince. Not even recalling the faces of the rest of the Prince’s family.
Sure, he had a crush on the prince, but everyone did at the age when he actually knew the prince. There’s no way the prince would even look at his direction anymore, he barely even remembers his face correctly from memory. And for Toji to tell him to seduce him? God.
God, the ball was just about to start and he felt himself needing space. Thankfully his father did leave him alone, preoccupied himself with robbing riches. How he feels bold enough to steal within the castle is barely understandable.
The lights of the castle are warm but electric, with joyful music and smiley faces. It is the prince’s 21st birthday after all, reaching adulthood and now looking to settle down, the King decided to orchestrate a giant celebration for all of the population to attend.
He pushes past the crowd, shoulders brushing against his and arms settling around his waist by random men as he walks past the hall. His heart is beating a mile a minute, and he feels himself crossing the point of vomiting. He needs to find someplace isolated.
He’s hungry but even with the way his stomach roars he doesn't feel like eating. Maybe he could bum a cigarette off someone. He did bring some of his own, but maybe these rich folk would offer him something better than the cheapest of the lot. It’s only night one, it’s not like he’s missing much.
As he tries to back into any place, whatsoever, where people wouldn't be, he pushes himself into the back garden. Crowd’s make him anxious and he’s never been in a space this full before.
There’s a lovely patio, it definitely seems like a space people would find eventually through the night. Though everyone now is clustered in the hall, all trying to sneak a look at the prince, now it’s quiet and practically empty.
The shitty cigarettes he brought with him must do, they feel stale and truly the worst out of the lot. The wall against him feels sturdy, different from the feeling inside the castle, he finally lets himself breathe.
God, though, this place was beautiful. If it wasn't for the immense amount of people, he’d be taking in the lovely architecture and flowers he's barely seen before. Magnolia’s spotted around the perimeter, the smell intoxicating. He almost feel’s sinister lighting up his cigarette.
There’s a perfect place to sit down and observe the garden, right in the middle of the patio, on a chair that seems softer than his own bed. It probably would be the nicest thing he ever sat on. He should spend some time in the castle within the next three days, taking this in like a miniature vacation from reality.
Although, nowadays, he’s just sick. Sick of being on the same stump in life. His father is trying to save up some money so he could attend some schooling, but hell, is it hard. It’s just so fucking shitty. Maybe life in other kingdoms was better…
Taking his seat, he inhales the smoke. Even though his father hates his smoking addiction, it pushes him to do it even more. It’s a bad habit though. He should definitely quit.
He hears some commotion to the side but pays it no mind, looking off to the side he hears a voice, “Care to share?”
He's a built guy, tall and muscular. He’s in a simple white dress shirt, with the cuffs rolled up and the front buttons let undone. Fuck. This guy looked hot as fuck. He did look familiar, maybe some sort of relative to the prince himself? With the same pink hair.
“Was hoping to bum something better in all honesty,” he reaches for his pack, “but feel free.” It’s always the hot ones that are troublesome…
The man seems to like his sincerity, as he laughs at the comment. The whites of his teeth looked too perfect, with a nice smile. Annoying. The man comes closer and makes a way to sit down next to him, his cologne strong but not too brash– musky, a bit comforting but also abrasive.
Lighting the cigarette, he takes a deep inhale, sinking into the seat and manspreading across the chair. Whoever this guy was, he looked stable as fuck. Definitely would be able to pick him up… why the fuck is he thinking that? God. He’s just bored. Yeah, that's it.
A part of him thinks that if he closes his eyes enough, he could imagine that this man was his childhood friend that grew up to be a charismatic, polite young man.
“So what's a pretty thing like you doing over here, all alone anyways?” The man has an arm around the shoulder of his chair, his muscles basically hugging the material of the fabric.
It feels equally annoying that this man is blatantly hitting on him, but also somewhat also makes him go red in the face. “Enjoying the fresh air,” he inhales, deciding to add, “quite busy in there.”
“Ah, yes,” he pauses, “the Prince,” there's a glint in his eyes, “you hoping he falls in love with you?”
A snort passed his lips before he could overcome it, it felt a bit silly, “I think i'm okay,” truth is, this whole situation is tricky..
“Why?” there's a slight smirk, “think you’re too good for a Prince?”
“Never said that,” he exhales the smoke, reaching the end of his cigarette.
“Hmh,” the man’s eyes are on him, inspecting him like he’s considering something, “the name’s Sukuna.”
“Fushiguro,” although he never felt too connected to his family name, he didn't want to provide this random man with his given one anyways.
It seems like Sukuna is about to say something, before they hear a horn from inside the castle, and a song starts to play.
“Care to dance, darling?” The man was intoxicating, the way the silly pet name rang in his ear made him feel warm but also roll his eyes in distaste.
“Don’t really wanna go inside,” walking out took enough time already and it was just so nice being alone.
“Neither do I,” Sukuna stands up, sweeping a hand over his hair, and pulls out his hand, “much more private here.”
For some reason, he feels himself get heavy and hot under his collar. It’s breezy outside, but he’s burning up, as he lets himself be pulled off the seat. Sukuna’s touch is electric, it feels nice, his hands are surprisingly warm, with his hand around his waist pulling him close. Sukuna does not try any funny business like reaching lower than his waist. Though, his hands are big and strong and feel like they could just engulf him whole.
Sukuna hums under his breath, “Do you know how to waltz?”
“Never learnt,” he doesn't think there's any situation in his life that would allow him to learn.
“I’ll teach you,” it feels even too much to make eye contact with Sukuna, as he feels his piercing gaze above him, making his cheeks heat up against his will.
Sukuna grabs him closer by his waist, as he hums along with the song, it wasn't very much dancing rather than swaying to the music. Sukuna is much taller than him and feels sturdy against him, like a brickhouse. Megumi almost blushes again because of the closeness.
"You live closeby?” Sukuna's voice is husky, low and very manly, but the pressure around his waist and the gentle flow of the words make Megumi a little tense, like he’s done this multiple times before.
“I’m from this kingdom, yes,” telling Sukuna more would just lead to more questions, and he definitely doesn't want to find out that he lives in below grade conditions with his father. “You?”
“Close,” he goes to elaborate more, “Really close.”
“Oh,” it was sort of ominous, but he didn't question it any further. Sukuna’s hands around him grip him close. It seems like Sukuna is somehow oddly satisfied with his answer.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?” It’s an odd question. Undoubtedly, a play to get at him. He thinks about when he was a child. Childhood crushes are nothing like a real first love, surely, but his heart feels different…“Figure, so many people came here for the prince, maybe if they shot for the sun they’d land amongst the stars.”
“Huh. I mean.” He kinda wishes Sukuna’s hand do trail lower, the thought coming out of him before he could even second guess it. “Love is complicated.”
“Of course, dove.”
They sway for a moment, Sukuna’s arms around his body. It’s a bit weird, there's an idea that he should feel threatened and awkward but instead he feels an odd sense of calmness.
“You seem unhappy,” Sukuna breaks him out of his trance.
“Uhm, I am happy. Just a bit overwhelmed right now with the people here,” God, what does this guy want him to say? Surely he doesn’t mean for him to be ecstatic in his arms right now.
“I mean, in general,” a pause followed by an exhale, “are you happy?”
There's really nothing to lose with this conversation, so he takes a moment to consider. He’s happy enough, he supposes. He has a roof over his head, and food for the most part and a father that cares about him, but there’s nothing really that makes him completely answer with a yes.
It seems like he did take too long of a moment to consider, as the man moves one of his hands up to brush Megumi’s cheek, “Excuse my forwardness but,” he moves his hand to brush Megumi’s hair back. “If you’d let me, I’d like to try to make you happy.”
“You don't even know me, we’ve been together for almost 10 minutes.”
“Isn't that the same thing the prince is doing tonight? Meeting their future lover in a span of a few days? Who says that we couldn't do the same…?”
Well, it isn't that Sukuna is necessarily wrong, but he isn't necessarily right either. Meeting someone and choosing to marry is one thing, but Sukuna is asking to make him happy, and what that entails, he isn't actually sure.
“How would you go about finding me happiness?”
“Well, I’d get to know you first love,” he simply responds, “everyone's definition of happiness is different.”
“I suppose so–”
“But if you're interested, I'm hoping for a little castle ball afterparty, just us two.”
Megumi questions it for a moment, surely this man means to sleep with him. God, he could do worse and he hasn't gotten laid in a while…this guy was hot.
“Perhaps, we’ll see where the night goes,” He responds as the wicked smile on Sukuna’s face grows. “Though, I'm unsure of the systematics, leaving this castle will take ages with the amount of people.”
“Darling, who said anything about leaving the castle?”
“Huh?” Who was this guy, to insinuate that they'd have sex in the castle grounds? What a pervert! “I–”
“Silly to say that I would leave elsewhere, when I own every room in the castle,” he laughs, “And for an individual not to recognize their King..? You must live very far away.”
Oh. What the actual fuck.
This couldn’t be happening. The King himself is asking to fucking sleep with him? This had to be a joke. Fuck. It’s this man’s fucking doing that he’s living in poverty in shitty conditions. He feels his heart drop to the ground.
Fuck, having sex with the king of his kingdom won’t lead him to any good, but he has to pull out now. There's no way he could say no to the corrupted king for Goodness sake. His heart is fucking pounding, what are the chances of this happening? Is it even possible..?
He needs a fucking drink now. God, there isn't anything more that he wishes he could do but sink down into the floor of the room. Though, a bit of him should also be excited, Sukuna is hot? In an unsettling way? But he can't help but think about all the damage and destruction he does for the Kingdom and how awful he is for the commoners living in the outskirts.
“Uhm, yeah,” he doesn't even know what to say.
“How about we go now?” Sukuna’s hand’s now wander down from where he was holding him around his waist, “no time like the present.”
“Uh, okay,” God. Fucking. Damn. “Let’s go.”
━
Sukuna ends up talking him to his private chambers. The room is beautiful, full of dark wooden mahogany furniture and detailed curtains and pillows. Everything is probably silk, so gentle to the touch.
“You stay up here, dove,” Sukuna seems to be leaving the room, though, the hell, is he just going to leave him up here? “I just have some matters to attend to and I'll be right back.” God, the fuck? “You can get yourself all prepared for me angel,” he says with flirtatious eyes, as he heads to leave. What a dickhead. He wouldn't have even prepped him himself.
Sukuna leaves the room, and before Megumi could consider trailing after him and following suit to leave, the sound of a click is heard and the door locks. Fantastic. At least he won't have to sleep with him… quite yet. Though, Sukuna is quite hot so he questions himself a little bit too…
There’s only so much he can do, as he decides to sink into the bed. It’s undeniably comfortable with room to lounge in and stretch his legs. Shit, he even feel’s dirty keeping his outside clothes on this bed.
He doesn't know how much time passes as he hears some commotion outside of the window.
Fuck, what is that noise? Before a man powers through the window. “Sukuna,” spits out the words before even looking into the room, “You’ve ravaged this kingdown for far too long–”
He’s holding a dagger and some other items in his hand, as he swings to make eye contact with Megumi who is stationed in the middle of his bed. “Uhm–” This night is only getting more questionable.
The man lowers his dagger and looks around more confused, “Is he here? And who are you?”
“I should be asking you the same thing!” Great, now this fool thinks he can plan to kill the King, it’ll probably end up looking like Megumi’s the one who did it, knowing his luck. “You better not kill him,” he hisses.
Megumi take’s a good look at his face, flashbacks to his childhood run through his head, now that he takes a good look at him, he’s young, younger then Sukuna but probably around Megumi’s age,and a bit oddly familiar, with the same pinkish hair but more boyish features. Sukuna and this man have a lot of similarities. Shit. he remembers how he saw the prince from a distance and this man did say he was a horrible brother.
This is the Prince . God. What is Megumi’s luck?
If he was the Prince, could he be the same boy he played with in the courtyard those many years ago? His pink hair was very distinguished and uncommon that it couldn’t be anyone else–
“He’s a horrible person and brother! He ruined this kingdom to the ground–”
“You think I don't know that?” At this point the man’s eyes widened with confusion, as if he wasn't exactly expecting that response, “but everyone saw me go upstairs with him! They’re going to think I'm the one who did it!”
He doubts his words would have any impact on the man, if anything it just helps his case, or he kills Megumi himself too. God. Just his luck.
Instead though the man goes to sit down next to Megumi, sinking into the bed, “Oh,” then a pause, as they sit in silence, “did he force you to come up here?” The man gives him a good look, almost as if he’s analyzing all his features.
“Well, no,” Megumi admits, “but it’s like I really could say no,” God he didn't like where this conversation was going, “Man’s a dickhead. He just left me here to get ready myself.”
The other man snorts at that, “Oh” but his eyes narrow. The man has a warm gaze, peering into him like he’s truly appalled by the fact but trying to be comforting. The way his eyes brush around him almost make him tremble, does he remember? Does he remember Megumi?
“Well, what are we going to do?”
“Well, you're coming with me, that's for sure!” His warm eyes and tone make it sound like it was never a question of leaving Megumi behind. Though, he looks at Megumi like he’s about to say more, hunting for some kind of familiarity behind his eyes.
“And your plan?”
The prince seems to consider for a moment before widening his eyes with determination, “I will handle it. I trust you will not say anything.”
“What exactly is your plan?” Megumi starts, his own eyes narrowing, “I don't think you had much going for you with this dagger.”
“I was planning on knocking him out,” The prince makes a little motion, as if he is replicating a punch. His boyish charm almost amke’s Megumi snort a laugh in this ridiculous situation, “I could take him.”
Oh Lord have mercy. The Prince is definitely built himself, but compared to Sukuna’s body mass and extra height, he is a very close competitor. “That’s not really the best plan,” he gives the Prince a good look.
“What are you thinking about?” the Prince’s voice snaps him out of his contemplation.
“I mean, something better than that …” God, this was a crazy idea, “I mean, almost anything would be better than just knocking him out?” What does Megumi really have to lose? His life is already quite disastrous.
“Oh,” The Prince looks a little confused, but bounces back up and hits him with an interesting look, “You're going to help me?”
“I suppose so,” Megumi doesn't even know himself, but he has nothing to lose, “but I'm not going to be your accomplice for free. I expect monterey compensation.”
The Prince doesn't even look appalled by the fact, but nods and agrees, “Well, I could give you anything you'd like in return –if we do kill him, that is.”
“Hmh,” Megumi looks over to give the Prince a good look, now that they are settled in and have a little bit less of chaos surrounding him.
Unlike Sukuna, the Prince looks more boyish in nature, but still has a mature look to him like he went through some hardships himself. His hair is styled a little similarly, but he definitely has more of a youthful glow. His cheeks start to warm up, like Megumi just stared at him a little too long and it’s starting to fluster him.
“What are you, uhm, thinking about?” The Prince’s voice is light and airy, more quiet than it was before when discussing Sukuna’s potential death.
“That I’m committing a felony with you and I don't even know your name,” Megumi gruffs out, what if this was all a test and Sukuna is behind the backdoor testing his loyalty.
“Oh, I’m Yuji,” Oh. Yuji . He always thought it was a cute name, fitting for a Prince. He’s definitely the same boy he played with in the castle commonground back when he lived with the Zen’in clan. God does he even remember him? Yuji looks at him like he’s expecting something else in return, ‘and yours?”
“Fushiguro,” he mutters before he even questions it. He’s familiar with that name, longtime not called Megumi Zen’in. Though, maybe he should've just stuck with his first name–
“Awe, common! I gave you my given name,” Yuji teases, almost looking like he wants to gently brush his arm against Megumi’s in a funny manner, “I gave you mine.”
“It’s Megumi,” he almost felt flustered in a way, not in a way that he did with Sukuna where he was more suckered in and sunken into his energy, but more in a lightheaded fashion.
“Megumi,” Yuji repeats. He likes the way his name sounds on his lips, almost as if it’s sacred and Yuji is whispering a secret, “It’s a pretty name.”
“Thanks,” Megumi says almost shyly, but then the severity of the situation gets to him. Sukuna might be here any second, what are both him and Yuji to do?
It sounds like Yuji wants to say more, before he reaches out and closes less distance between them. “I feel like I know you from somewhere,” as he leans in more, “Megumi Zen’in.”
He hasn't heard that name in a long, long, time. He feels his heartbeat pick up a pace. “Uhm, I’ve changed it, after my father and I moved away and separated from the clan.”
“Oh,” Yuji’s voice is quiet, low and soft, “you never said bye.”
It’s true. When Megumi left, it was in the middle of the night. He doesn't know the systematics of things, never bothered finding out, just knows that he lives in the middle of the wilderness now when he used to play catch with the prince growing up.
“We’ll uhm, talk later, so how are we getting out of here?”
“The window?” Yuji nods his head towards the direction, but does not take his eyes off Megumi.
Ugh. This was a mess. “Maybe I should just sleep with him,” he groans. Easiest solution. Then Yuji could kill Sukuna after…
The warm gaze that was on Yuji’s face turns a little darker, with no uncertainty he shakes his head, “Hell no. We’re not doing that.” We’re . Like they are a team. He’s a good guy. It almost makes Meumi blush before he questions why Yuji wouldn't be okay with that.
“How about this?” Yuji starts, “we just leave the room? Sukuna isn't going to comfort you in front of people outside. And I’ll just say, I went to his room to–”
Suddenly the commotion from outside the room could be heard, with someone moving towards the room. The loud steps of someone walking toward the door are evident.
“Oh fuck. We gotta go!” Yuji grabs him by the arm and pushes him towards the window, “just follow my lead!”
Escaping through the window was easier than expected, but Megumi’s heart was doing somersaults as Yuji grabs him by the hand and leads him through the ridges of the roof. Yuji’s hand intertwined with his, as his body brushed past Megumi’s softly as Yuji let out a little laugh, “he’s going to be so pissed.”
They hurry in silence a bit, trying to get away at the quickest time with their hands interlocked.
They’re both walking across the roofs of the castle, surprisingly it’s more walkable than expected, “It’s nice that you want to help me Megumi, but I don’t think your assets might be much help,” Yuji admits, “I was planning on beheading him.”
“Oh,” the warm feeling of his hands make him wonder how those very same plans on slicing someone’s head off.
Yuji stops suddenly, “It’s something that must be done. He’s the most corrupt ruler of this land. I hate to hurt my own family or anyone, but it’s something that I have to do for the good of the people.”
For someone so full of thoughts, Yuji isn't thinking quite logically, “You really think you could behead him? He looks at least 5 times stronger than you… like no offense.”
Yuji signs for a moment, before letting out a defeat, “you're right,” before he squeezes his hand again, and turns to him, “let’s just make sure you get home safely tonight for now.”
The nights went on longer than he anticipated, with many people leaving in either horse drawn carriages, by foot, or in one of the newest inventions, the automobile. Although Toji may seem like a stingy guy, with where they live and the inability to pay rent, even he has his hands on an older model, that's parked in the back some miles away from the castle.
“Would you like to walk me to my ride, or something?” Megumi asks, as they turn into the inside corridor of the castle, from one of the connections on the roof. “I came with my father, I'll probably have to wait on him.”
“If you don’t mind,” Yuji caresses the tip of his thumb against Megumi's hand, “I'd rather come and spend some time with you, who knows when I'd see you next?”
The words spoken softened and sweet made him almost want to die in embarrassment, moreso for the fact that he lives out in the slums and bringing the crowned Prince there was something he never expected. On the other hand, the lightness of Yuji's voice and his empathy make’s Megumi know that Yuji would never judge.
“Sure,” he settles on, “come home with me.”
“Ok! I’m just going to–” Yuji leads him off, holding his hands as they make it to the stables. “We’ll just borrow a horse for the night~”
The trip back to his home was exhausting, though, wrapping his arms around Yuji’s toresore was nothing to complain about.
“So this is, uhm, where I live,” Megumi starts as the horse comes to a stop and Yuji slips off, extending his hand to Megumi to help him jump off the horse's back. “It’s not much, but it’s home,” Toji does his best to keep their living conditions as best as he could, and honestly, it could be worse.
“Sweet,” if Yuji has any judgment in his body, it doesn't show, or he does a good job of hiding it. They lasso the horse up and make their way into the house. Megumi clicks the door open, as they make their way inside. “I’m fucking tired,” Yuji yawns, “and there’s two more nights of this ball.”
“Hmh,’ he almost wants to offer a pair of casual pants, shirt or pajamas but Yuji wouldn't fit in his size… God, is that man built.
“We’ll,” Yuji yawns again, “sleep on the decision on what to do with Sukuna, and regroup tomorrow?” Yuji’s already eyeing the couch.
“Yeah,” he almost feels bad offering the spare couch to Yuji, with its creeks and short length it definitely wouldn't be a comfortable sleep, “You can crash on the couch…” he pauses, does he offer…to share his bed or is that too weird?
“Okay,” Yuji says soundly, completely oblivious to Megumi's turmoil. Yuji starts to make himself comfortable, taking off his suit jacket and placing it on a chair. His few buttons for his dress shirt were already unbuttoned, exposing a little bit of collarbone. Fuck. “--Are you uhm, tired?” he didn't even notice Yuji talking.
Yuji has a hopeful feeling on his face, almost as if he’s hoping Megumi says no, “Nah, I'm not.” He goes to sit on the couch, with Yuji trailing behind him.
“Cool, cool,” there’s almost a bit of shyness on his face, as he goes to scratch the side of his head and look away from Megumi’s gaze as he sits down, “it was nice seeing you today,” a cough, “I mean, with circumstances aside.”
“Yeah you too–” Shit, the ball that they just attended was Yuji’s event. Yuji’s birthday party. Yuji’s birthday party to find someone to marry. Shit, and here he is taking him away from the possibility of finding a potential suitor. “Sorry though, that you had to leave early…”
“Huh?” Yuji snaps his eyes back on Megumi, “my whole goal was to kill Sukuna, and we’re still doing that so it’s all good.”
“No, uhm, other goals?” What is he even doing? The question of if Yuji found someone he liked at the ball weighed on him. It’s silly, really. Was Yuji single?
Yuji looks a little confused, but in good spirits, “To uhm, enjoy the party I guess?” He turns his body to face Megumi a little closer, the couch isn't too big at all, so their thighs end up touching each other. The warmth from Yuji’s body feel’s intoxicating. The way his fitted white dress shirt pressed against his body was almost sinful to look at, pressed against him damp with sweat.
“Mmm,” no point. Absolutely no point in being nosy and asking about Yuji’s lovelife. What could he offer a prince that could have anyone?
“Why?” Yuji’s voice snaps him out of his musing, light and welcoming but also an assertive tone that made Megumi feel a bit weak at the knees. “Did you enjoy the party?”
“The castle is really pretty, and the party looked fun, but I was kind of overwhelmed so I’m glad you found me when you did.” Complete utter honesty.
“Yeah,” Yuji sighs, “sorry about all that.”
“It’s not your fault,” silence fills the room as he feel’s Yuji’s eyes on him.
“It’s pretty unfortunate that we never got to dance.” There’s still 2 nights of the ball left, they could easily take a dance sometime then…Though, Yuji adds, “Maybe we could now?” as Yuji’s hand goes and slowly interconnects theirs together.
“I don't know if i have a music player nearby…” It’s a dumb response, but the feeling of Yuji's hand against his makes him go lightheaded.
“That's fine–” As he already starts standing off the couch, pulling Megumi alongside him with. Yuji’s hand that was around his softly gets dropped. Hell, he missed the feeling of it already, before he felt the weight of his arms wrapping around his torso.
Shit, he isn't even sure what to do but his body reacts before his mind as he wraps his arms around Yuji’s neck. It’s intimate, so fucking intimate. His whole body feels like it’s on fire.
“Your eyes look really pretty up close,” He’s heard this more than a couple times before, though, every time hasn't given him the same reaction as now. Yuji’s the one to speak, he’s himself is gorgeous–
“Thanks.”
His eye’s purely on Yuji,as the other man runs his eyes over Megumi’s. Vision falling on the small scuff on the side of his face, “What happened here?” he says softly, just as his fingers start to trail over Megumi’s face, as if to observe the harm, “are you okay?”
“It’s fine, just a tree branch,” he mutters, as one of Yuji’s hands rises up, caressing his face. It feels too intimate. Unwilling he feels a blush reach his cheeks. He needs to shake Yuji’s hands off his face before this gets even more embarrassing.
“You should put something on it, don't want it to scar…”
“It’s fine,” he responds as Yuji doesn't look amused.
As much as he feels embarrassed, he’s never felt so safe in anyone's embrace before. The way he feel’s around Yuji, makes him feel better about himself. Almost as if he’s cherished and protected in a way.
“What happened?” God, what does Yuji even want him to say? WIll he go fight the tree that caused him his minor scratch– "Why'd you leave and move from the Zen’in clan?” Oh.
He didn't expect this conversation so quickly, “I don't even know myself, something happened between my dad and then after my mother passed. I don't think my dad was ever the same.”
“That’s too bad,” Yuji’s hand cups his jaw. “I’m really sorry about your mom.”
“It’s okay Yuji, it was a long time ago and my life is completely different now…” The silence fills the air but it isn't awkward.
“You were my best friend.” The embarrassment floods him again, but the feeling of content follows though, with a warm feeling settling inside him. “I’m glad I found you again.”
“ I…” the words me too are stuck between his throat.
“My grandfather, he had this silly idea, but…” The way Yuji’s hand brushes against his face makes him feel like he’s melting into his touch.
“Yeah?” he barely whispers out.
“That we should have a ball to find you again once I’m older,” he pauses, tucking the stand of hair behind his ear, “To see if I could find you again.”
“Oh,” almost as if against his will, he feel’s a smile creep in, as the grip around his waist seems to get tighter if that was even possible, “that’s a little silly, though isn't it? Shouldn't you find someone to marry instead, rather than your childhood friend?”
“I was hoping for you.” Yuji shrugs, “It is a little silly, is suppose now–”
His heart was pounding, Yuji said he was hoping for him , not anyone else.
“Just a little silly, that's all,” Megumi laughs, there’s no harm in his words as he notices that Yuji’s face seems a little redder in colour. It’s cute. “I think it’s cute.”
Yuji blushes more but teases back, “you think I’m cute?”
He wants to almost pull Yuji closer, with Megumi’s arms wrapped around his shoulders he could almost feel his back muscles. Hell, the warmth of his body made it almost impossible for him to focus straight.
The next morning—
Bang. Bang. BANG !
The racket at his door scares the fucking shit out of him. What the actual fuck? Did Sukuna hunt him down… what was going on?
Then his father, stumbles into the room, eyes wide and completely in shock, glaring at him but also in awe, “Megumi,” he says in a low tone, “what the fuck is the Prince doing on our couch?”
“I can explain–”
“When I mean seduce the prince it doesn't mean bring him here! ”
God. He pushes himself out of bed and stands up, “I’m never settling foot in that damn castle again, Yuji was only helping me survive impending death–”
Megumi expects his father to ask what happened, or if he’s hurt, or if he hurt someone, but instead his eyes shimmer and glimmer after his sentence, “Yuji, huh?” As if he’s plotting something scandalous.
“Yes–”
“Sounds like you two became good friends,” his eyes bouncing with excitement like he just won a prized possession, “so what brings him here?” he narrows his voice, eyeing the prince on the couch.
At this point, they step out of the bedroom, where Yuji was slowly shimmering out of his sleep. “He, uhm, has a plan,” he sighs, and lowers his voice even though no one else could hear, “he wants to kill the King…”
Toji lets out a crackle and brings his hands together to crack his knuckles, “You don’t say, you don’t say,” he smiles, “let’s hear what your Prince has to say himself.”
“Let us at least have breakfast first,” Megumi sighs. Why his father was so happy about a potential murder gets him. “if we have anything in the fridge that is..”
At this point Yuji was simmering out of sleep, as a cute yawn could be heard and the toss of the blanket onto the floor.
Of course, Toji watches the boy with some questionable look, as he sets out a bag that he arrived with on the table, “Megumi,” he shrugs the bag of food it seems like Toji took from the castle. “I’ll plate some stuff up.”
Megumi makes his way to hover over Yuji, “sleep okay?”
“Yes thank you!” If Yuji is lying, he doesn't show it, but trusting the boy he passed out instantaneously.
“I was uh, gonna ofter up my bed last night,” God. what possessed Megumi to even say those words, “Sorry. I uhm-”
“No, no, it was completely fine!” He doesn't explicitly say share his bed, but still, he feels a little silly saying this with Toji in the room.
Seems like Toji does get the memo regardless, as he coughs and clears his throat. God. He can basically see the smirk on his face.
At this point, it seems like Yuji awakened a bit more and realized that Toji was in the room. “Oh!” he seemed a bit startled, “thank you for having me sir.”
“I should be saying the same, with that huge ball we all attended.”
“Oh,” the soft chuckles that Yuji lets out are so endearing, “It’s all my pleasure.”
They all crowd around the table, sitting down to enjoy some of the appetizers and snacks Toji brought in. It’s a little awkward with them sitting in silence but it doesn't seem like Yuji notices it too much.
Toji sets the table, “So, you're trying to kill the King…”
Oh God. His father didn't have to start with this. Megumi looks over to Yuji as he sees his eyes widen but settle after a moment. Is it okay that he told his father? It’s not like the man to snitched on him…? And to whom would he snitch too?
“Yes sir,” Yuji weakly responds before putting on a braver front, “it must be done. He has done nothing for this kingdom other than cause chaos and death. I don't think i could die peacefully knowing I did nothing to stop this– ”
“Enough kid,” Toji stops him, “I don't want you ruining your life over this if you're not a trained professional–”
“I don't see how I could do nothing –”
“I can do it.” Was he hearing this okay? His own father wanting to kill the King instead? “I’m a hitman, it’s my job.”
Shit. So that’s what Toji’s been doing to stay afloat. God. Megumi feel like everything pieces together now, but it is kind of nice that his father tried to shield him from those aspects of his life--
Yuji looks at Megumi, as he contemplates the statement, as he turns back to Toji, “I think we could work something out sir,” before he narrowed his eyes, “what exactly do you aim to earn if you followed through with this?”
“Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but I know you're in the market for a partner, and you seem quite smitten with my son,” Toji gives a sly smile. Is his father seriously asking if Yuji is interested in him, like that? Insinuating that he would kill the King for him, if he would settle down with Megumi? Goddess. “I wouldn't want my son-in-law to be behind bars before the wedding even happened.”
Megumi wants to sink in his seat, this was so embarrassing. As much as he’d like to settle down with Yuji, it’s impossible. Something out of a fantasy. Fuck. he has to stop before his father starts making this more humiliating—
“You’re completely right, sir.” Huh? He can feel Yuji’s gaze on him but Megumi can’t even make eye contact with his whole face feeling on fire. “If Megumi is interested, I’d love to be with him.” Yuji is saying this like he's starting the weather, with no hesitation in his voice, strong and steady.
“So it’s settled then, I’m killing the King,” Toji cracks his knuckles, as he goes and stands from the table, “I’ll let you love birds discuss while I get ready.”
As Toji’s strong presence leaves, another feeling enters the room. Gosh. Yuji just suggested that he wants him. Or maybe, he’s just doing this for Toji to kill him– that couldn't be it?
“Yuji, is what you're saying true?” For the first time at the kitchen table, Megumi makes eye contact with the man.
“Remember what I said? That I hosted this ball in hope of finding you again?’ Yuji looks the most serious he has ever been since yesterday, as Megumi nods. “I don't know if it’s just me. Fuck, maybe it is only me. But I felt this connection since we reunited, and I just can’t lose you again.” Yuji is looking at him, all warm eyes and hope, and like something he wants to delve into. “Please tell me it’s not just me.”
There’s something about the way Yuji places his hand on his thigh and his body melts into him, that he knows this is a good idea, that Yuji is good, that'd be good together. “We can take it slow,” Yuji adds, “We don't have to get married or anything, anytime soon. Come live with me and we’ll get to know each other–”
“Yuji stop,” he laughs a little at the cute ramblings of the prince, before he sees Yuji’s face tumbles a little as if he was rejecting him, Megumi adds, “I’d like that. I like you too.”
The blush is evident on Yuji’s face, “Good, ‘cause I like you too,”
Quite a while later—
Life in the castle is nice. There’s a lot of room, so it took him a while not to get lost in the inbetween. Once Megumi did manage to find a whole library once by accident, (that isn't even the main library) that it’s truly never possible to get bored.
It still surprises him that he doesn't even have to do anything, unless he wants to. That he can choose to pick up a book and lounge in a castle for hours, before Yuji snoops him up in his arms and lays them to bed.
Where is Yuji? Now that he thinks of it? He hasn't seen him since he left to do some royal duties in the morning. Usually he and Yuji try to spend as much quality time as possible together in a day, it’s been a while since Sukuna “passed” but still taking over King like duties and fixing for Yuji was quite a handful. Even some years later. Megumi does as much as he can to help.
He should go to his office and check, maybe see if Yuji would like a snack? He’s been working hard. Yuji is a good King to his people, taking initiatives to break cycles of poverty and introduce more affordable housing and jobs. Some of the measures that Yuji implements, Megumi helps with since he has first hand experience on how life was like on the edge of the Kingdom.
Suddenly he feels the warmth of arms wrapping around his waist and pulls him tighter towards the body behind him, “Looking for me?”
“Phhf, as if,” But Megumi is smiling into his touch with his words drenched with love.
Yuji's head falls into his shoulder blade, as he rocks their body together, “Then whatcha thinkin about?” He almost wants to sway here with Yuji, as the man’s hand’s play with the hem of his top. God. He’s never felt this content in his life.
Being here— being with Yuji, was like falling into a peace of mind he thought wasn't possible. Yuji makes sure he takes care of himself, he feels cared for in an intimate way he has never felt.
Yuji continues, his voice comforting and smooth, “I was thinking. I’m done for the day. What would you like to do?”
“Hmh, what are my options,” he tries for casual indifference but the smile on his face could be clearly heard. He goes to pull Yuji’s hands and intertwine them with his.
“Let me see,” Yuji slips his hands into his, “we could… go swimming, or horseback riding, or walk our dogs, hmhh… or we could…’ Yuji continues to list ideas as Megumi plays with his lean fingers, playing with the ring on his left hand.
The ring on his finger, a recent development, is exactly identical to the one that Megumi wears on his own hand. Megumi has the additional layer of the shiny engagement ring that Yuji proposed with.
“--So what would you like?”
He almost wants to say the words, anything, as long as it’s with you , before he spins around and meets Yuji’s gaze, though, looking at his husband’s face, he knows he’d say the same.