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Tsukasa Tenma was the crowned prince, and thus having such a high title had precautions around it to protect the boy.
The most important of them was a retainer, since it would drive any person mad to be constantly surrounded by guards.
The retainers role was simple, protect their lord and help them with anything. Sort of like a personal guard and butler in one.
In addition they get assigned to the lord at a young age, and also end up serving like a friend. It’s not quite forced, since if the royal gets annoyed or bored they can ask for a new one, so many take care to be close with the noble. It also is a high role for commoners, since they get treated rather well being the closest servant to that particular lord.
That’s where Rui came in for Tsukasa, Rui was his retainer, and a damn good one.
Not only had Rui always been there when they were young, but no matter what Rui always did his job well. The two were close, able to find comfort and trust in the other, as well as protection.
Tsukasa knew in Rui’s job obligation he was forced to put his life on the line if it meant saving Tsukasa, but the prince had still made the man promise to take care of himself and not die.
Although… Perhaps the two took comfort in each other in a slightly more significant way than most nobles would.
Tsukasa couldn’t remember quite when he noticed the stranger feelings for the other boy, but it was after his first assassination attempt he finally acted.
It’s not that Tsukasa was ever defenseless, far from it, but surprise attacks can always hit at the worst times.
It was during that attack it was also the first time Tsukasa saw Rui hurt, as he got a fairly deep cut on his arm. Then again, better than that cut going on Tsukasa’s neck. In a matter of seconds though one of Rui’s daggers made itself at home in the assassin's side, and the man fell quickly.
In a matter of seconds Tsukasa found himself clinging to Rui, starting to cry softly. Rui had been quick to comfort, offering gentle words of comfort before Tsukasa pinpointed the feeling he had.
It was love, and Tsukasa was too emotional to not act on it. In that moment he had quickly pulled the other into a kiss, and was delighted in that moment to find out his retainer felt the same.
It led to some interesting situations though, as half the time it was easy to hide their relationship, and other times it was not.
Saki found out quickly, since there was a time he had also barely made it away with his life and as he had pulled Rui in for another kiss his sister had come over to check on him.
It’s not like she had any problems, simply just that at that point she knew. Which was helpful to have another person covering for them, but also the little bits of teasing.
The second set of people to find out was, somewhat regretfully, his parents. They were once again much more supportive than he feared they would be, but it also led to a long long conversation. In the end, they all settled to an agreement that once Tsukasa took the throne he could marry who he pleased, but to keep the relationship currently quiet, in case things got major and an arranged marriage was needed.
Tsukasa understood, and Rui that night was simply happy he wasn’t hung.
Having to keep the relationship quiet was certainly amusing on days like these, when he was at a ball and having to help entertain guests with pleasant conversation.
Rui was… well god knows where he was, but Tsukasa knew in the end it would never be too far.
But chatting with other nobles was always interesting, since more often than not there was quite a bit of biting his tongue and smiling. It’s the main reason he never lets himself drink too much during these evenings, lest he say something he shouldn’t.
But somehow the conversation had settled onto his retainer.
“You know your highness, you and your retainer are rather close are you not?” The noble in question had been in relatively high status, but was also known for being devoted to the throne. “I mean, you two always understand the other so well, it’s incredible. I know my daughter's retainer isn’t nearly as devoted to their job, so it’s truly impressive to see.”
At the first part he had been slightly nervous, but quickly realized there was no risk yet of their relationship. He would prefer to end this conversation rather quickly though…
“Aha, well of course I’d have to have a good retainer! I am the crowned prince, but Rui is equally as dedicated to me as he is to his job. He’s been by my side from a young age, so of course we’d understand each other well. I wouldn’t be worried about your daughter’s retainer though, from what I’ve heard the woman protecting her is still rather dedicated,” Tsukasa offered the older noble a smile, before managing to excuse himself after a bit more conversation.
Instead of staying in the ballroom of course, Tsukasa excused himself and went to the courtyard. Taking a moment to breathe, he went over to one of the benches and sat down, gently reaching over to one of the flowers and rubbing his thumb across the petal.
“My daughter’s retainer isn’t nearly as devoted… it’s truly impressive to see.”
The thought made Tsukasa laugh softly to himself. Devoted… the nobel wasn’t wrong, but he had no idea how devoted Rui was. Being devoted to your lord was one thing, but being your lord's lover was a different.
Keeping him alive at least was a bit higher a priority though.
Suddenly though, Tsukasa felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind, as a low voice ghosted over his ear. “My lord, isn’t it dangerous to go somewhere alone?”
Before he could respond, he felt Rui press a soft kiss to his neck, hands gently trailing to his side with a soft hum. Humming right against his neck made Tsukasa shiver, before lightly pushing him away with a sigh.
“I know you’re never far from me Rui, it is your sworn duty,” Standing up, Tsukasa held out his hand for Rui, seeing his retainer smile and take it, thus letting the prince guide them.
Quietly the two made their way to the princess room, stepping out to the balcony to stay in fresh air, as Tsukasa leaned on the railing.
“Your devotion has been noticed by other nobels my dear,” Tsukasa hummed, still looking out across the castle grounds, but could tell Rui had moved to stand beside him. They stayed quiet for a few moments, before Tsukasa turned to look at Rui with a small smile. “Rui, could I ask something of you?”
“Anything you request I am obligated to fulfill best I can, but what is it?” Rui did also look over, smiling softly at Tsukasa. It was sweet to see the love in his eyes, as Tsukasa stepped back and held his hand out again. This time it wasn’t as an offer, with his palm up, but instead presenting it to him with the back of his palm.
“Remind me of that devotion you have then.” With a smile, filled with confidence from not only being in higher status, but knowing he had the other man’s heart, their eyes locked before Rui walked over. He kneeled down, gently taking Tsukasa’s hand and kissing the back of it.
That alone would be a rather sufficient proof of loyalty and devotion, as Rui had to do it so many years ago when he first got his job, but Rui would never leave it at that.
Rui then flipped Tsukasa’s hand over, pressing a soft kiss to his palm, then his wrist, never once breaking the eye contact they shared. Gently, Rui let his fingers trace up Tsukasa’s arm as he stood, before he then lifted the prince’s chin up, and gave him a kiss.
A kiss Tsukasa was more than happy to indulge in, wrapping his arms around Rui’s neck, as Rui carefully wrapped his arms around Tsukasa’s waist.
As they parted neither let go, keeping their faces close, but both taking a moment to just look at the other, with a smile so full of love.
“Although,” As Rui started, Tsukasa could almost feel Rui’s lips as he spoke, making the moment feel even more intimate. “I must question why you had us move from the courtyard to here, when this is open to the whole castle.”
“No one looks up my love, even more when they’ve likely at this point had enough wine to lose some of their wits,” Rui let out a soft laugh at that, letting Tsukasa steal a quick kiss. “With how much they talk to me about you when still mostly sober, I have to make it a point to not get too drunk, I wouldn't want to break the promise made to my parents.”
“Truly a pity, as I would love to see how you are when you let yourself indulge in the festivities and drink of the night,” Tsukasa knew Rui was just teasing him, but didn’t mind as the taller of the two moved to rest his head on Tsukasa’s shoulder. “But you are saying I must wait to see you drunk until we are known to the people, but we must wait to be known until you are king?”
“That was the agreement we made, better than you being executed and I needed not only a new retainer but a new lover,” Tsukasa did feel Rui move his hand up to undo the ribbon tying his hair back, before starting to gently play with the other’s hair. “Once my father steps down or thinks I’m ready, then you get to see it ok?”
“Of course my lord, I’d wait however long it takes, so long I can spend that time by your side,” Rui did step back after saying that, doing a small bow with a smile before standing up straight. “Although, I have to admit as much as they ask you about me the same can be said in reverse for me.”
“Oh? I know occasionally nobles will pull you into conversation, as well as other retainers, but I find it intriguing that it’s about me,” Tsukasa distantly heard another song start from the ballroom, and stepped forward to pull his retainer into a dance. Being the prince his balcony was rather large, so it was very easy for them to fall into a calming dance. “Do tell, what is it they talk to you about? Think of this as an order, knowing your duty.”
The two of them knew well that Rui wouldn’t deny him anyway, but occasionally it was fun to jokingly say something was an order to avoid teasing from Rui. “Well my lord, lots of them find it incredible that I seem to care for you so deeply as a person. It’s almost surprising, how even though our first job was being your friend and companion to not risk betrayal, how little the others care. They treat their lords like an object to protect, not a person.” Tsukasa noticed Rui hold Tsukasa a little tighter, almost in fear of the prince disappearing, making him pause. The two kept dancing though, before Rui continued. “Some of them envy me though, some of them just the position of being the crowned prince’s retainer and thus the respect, but some the bond. Other nobles don’t always treat their retainers like people as well, so the fact we understand and show and care outside of duty impresses them. Being a retainer would be lonely if the only person you were around didn’t care.”
They fell silent for a bit after that, before the song ended. Neither moved away though, as Tsukasa gently pulled Rui’s head down so they could press their foreheads together. “Darling, you know I’d never ask for another retainer. You were my only friend as a child other than my sister and her retainer, and you’ve saved my life more times than I could count.”
“I’ve saved your life more times than you even know, you’d be surprised how many poison attempts people try, hence why I’m always watching the cooks,” Rui did smile softly though, as Tsukasa shifted to cup Rui’s face.
“It’s sort of amusing, this love story we find ourselves in,” Rui gave Tsukasa a confused look, making Tsukasa laugh softly and continue. “It’s sort of a forbidden love here, but it’s not going to have to stay that way once I take power. Sure, there will have to be an arrangement made to get an heir to the throne, but I’ll still be yours. For now, and forever.”
Rui smiled back, pressing a soft kiss to Tsukasa’s lips before sighed, resting his hands on Tsukasa’s hips. “Even if all I can do at the moment is enjoy these small kisses stolen in between politics and meetings?”
“These small kisses are all I ask of you, although don’t be afraid to be a little braver when it’s just the two of us,” Tsukasa in return pulled Rui down for another kiss, this time a bit deeper. It’s not like Rui had any protest, instead gently slipping his tongue into the prince’s mouth and tightening his grip on Tsukasa’s hips.
When the two pulled back just to breathe, Tsukasa gave a very loving smile to Rui, before whispering quietly. “We should probably head inside my room, after all if you’re only allowed to do this with these small stolen moments away from the rest of the world, why waste them with the chance of someone seeing?”
“Of course my lord, head in and I’ll be there in just a moment,” Tsukasa nodded, and walked inside, leaving Rui out there for a moment. Walking to the railing again Rui let out a small sigh, tracing his fingers across it before hearing Tsukasa call for him. “Coming my lord!” Turning back to the warm Rui walked just inside, looking back out and smiling to himself. Perhaps leaving some parts of their relationship behind closed doors was important, as he shut the doors to the balcony and then pulled the curtains shut.