Chapter Text
5 times Wilhelm used his Royal status to get what he wants (and 1 time Simon used it)
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1 - No reservation? No problem.
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The day had been awkward as hell.
Simon’s mother and Wilhelm’s parents had only met face to face that morning and if bringing together the families of two dating teenagers wasn’t stressful enough, the fact that the rest of the day was full of meetings with the royal court sure was. For hours Wilhelm and Simon had to listen to the court talk about their relationship like some sort of business deal, explaining rules and regulations and allowing the adults to argue items more than they allowed the two actual people it concerned. The long table was full of men and women in suits with briefcases full of paperwork for them to go through, Simon and his mother signing non-disclosure agreements after security detail documents after social media allowances till Simon barely recognised his own name, let alone Wilhelm’s next to his and the Prince Consort’s below next to Linda’s. He was secretly relieved someone had had the foresight to only place one parental witness signature line for both him and Wilhelm after he had explained well in advance that Micke was not joining them for the meetings - though perhaps it was customary, some weird rule about the Queen signing documents regarding her sons sex life.
The only think keeping Simon in his seat was Wilhelm next to him, their hands clutched under the table as Simon nervously jostled his leg and Wilhelm chewed the inside of his lip bloody. It had seemed so simple that morning when Wilhelm was stealing Simon away for kisses while their parents met and Sara was given a tour of the stables to keep her entertained for the day; but the longer the day went on, the more people said the words ‘alternative lifestyle’ or ‘video scandal’ everything seemed to get more complicated. Simon desperately tried not to think about the fact that everyone in the room had seen him and Wilhelm dry humping - probably multiple times, Simon imagined some of the people in the room had analysed every pixel of the video and been paid to do so. Simon’s mother kept glancing at him, checking in and calling breaks when he clearly looked ready to bolt and it was only at the end of the day when he noticed that neither of Wilhelm’s parents had done the same.
When the day had finally come to an end, Wilhelm tugged Simon into a small alcove while his mother went to collect Sara and his parents thanked the court members. Immediately, Wilhelm was pulling Simon into him, curling his arms around his shoulders.
“I love you.” He muttered into Simon’s hair, ducking his head to burrow his face into the curls and leaning against his boyfriend when he felt arms wrap around his waist.
“I love you.” Came the reply, breath warm against his neck where Simon was nuzzling his nose.
They stayed there a long time, not talking, just absorbing comfort from the other person. Touch had always been a large part of their relationship - part of their love language, Wilhelm had delighted in telling Simon after a therapy session. And whether it was because Wilhelm was touch starved as a child or because an inebriated Micke was heavy handed and likely to slam things they didn’t know or care; all that mattered was that touch was safe between them. And after such a long and stressful day they were loath to part more than necessary, clutching hands when Wilhelm’s parents said their goodbyes and when driven into the busy city so that Wilhelm could take Simon and his family out for dinner.
“What are you in the mood for?” Wilhelm asked, visibly more relaxed than he had been in the palace meeting rooms as they walked along a street, an arm slung around Simon’s shoulders. “There’s a list of places that I’m meant to choose from but if anyone is craving something in particular we just need to give Malin the heads up so she can have someone check it out before we get there.”
Simon rolled his eyes, slipping his arm around Wilhelm’s waist under his jacket. “So it’s either somewhere fancy enough to be on the royal good list or we have to make your security team do extra work - what a choice.”
Tutting, Linda hushed at her son. “Don’t be rude. Wherever is fine, your high- um, Wilhelm.” She caught herself and was rewarded by Wilhelm’s delighted smile at remembering his request.
Sara looked much more excited than Linda or Simon. “I’ve heard there’s some amazing restaurants here, with award winning chefs or unique dishes.”
With a bright smile, eager to please Simon’s family, Wilhelm agreed and began listing off places and names, explaining what they served or why they were special.
One caught Simon’s ear and he pulled a face, snorting, even as his mother asked questions, tempted by the French menu. “Don’t be ridiculous; there’s horror stories of people trying to get reservations there. Anything less than like a year in advance and you’ve no chance, they literally laugh people out the door.”
Wilhelm stopped walking and narrowed his eyes at his boyfriend. “Is that a challenge, Simme?”
Linda was backtracking on her interest but neither Simon or Wilhelm looked away from each other, Simon raising an eyebrow at the cocky smile on Wilhelm’s face.
“Yeah. It is. It’s eight o’clock on a Saturday night and you wanna try to waltz into an exclusive restaurant without a reservation? I know you only order in, Wille.”
In response, Wilhelm signaled to Malin who appeared out of thin air and told her their dinner plans. Simon was vindicated when her eyebrows rose in surprise and then furrowed in concern but she dutifully nodded and touched a finger to her earpiece to inform the other guards spread in the crowded streets.
The line outside the restaurant was huge, patrons awaiting their time slot dressed in suits and fancy dresses and even though Simon knew they weren’t actually going to get in, it made him want to brush down his jeans. Wilhelm didn’t stop them at the back of the queue though, and instead strolled up alongside the waiting people with Simon still tucked up against him until they passed the front of the line. They stopped at the velvet rope barrier where a woman stood impeccably dressed, eyes downcast on her tablet, two security guards easily twice her size behind her.
“A table for four, please.”
She didn’t even look up.
“Reservation?”
Simon winced at the cool tone but Wilhelm sounded amused when he responded.
“I don’t have one.”
The woman’s eyes rolled as she finally tore herself from her tablet. “Then you obviously don’t get a ta- oh my god.” Wilhelm smiled at her. “Crown Prince. Of- of course. One moment.”
Simons jaw dropped as she tapped a button on her tablet and spoke into her headset at the same time, her eyes glancing over their party. Clearly summoned, another woman appeared, smoothing down her suit jacket as she held out her hand to Wilhelm.
“Crown Prince; it’s an honour. A table for four, you said?”
Regrettably sliding his arm off Simon to shake her hand, Wilhelm glanced back to Malin. “Anyone hungry? We can always get something to go after?” Malin looked fond as she shook her head and Wilhelm shrugged, turning back to who Simon assumed was the owner. “Just the four then.”
“This way, please.”
They were lead through the restaurant, Wilhelm tugging Simon along by his hand while Linda and Sara followed them, looking giddy and slightly awed by the elegance around them.
“Wille,” Simon hissed, pressing close as people did double takes as they passed. “This is insane.”
“You literally asked for this, baby. I don’t back down from a challenge.” Wilhelm shot back as they were shown to a table in the middle of a hall, the crisp white tablecloth set for four with china plates and golden candles. Simon flushed at the nickname and when Wilhelm pressed a kiss to his cheek before untangling them so he could thank the owner, shaking her hand again. A waiter was filling up glasses with water and another lighting the candles and they both finished at the same time so that, in unison, they could pull out chairs for Sara and Linda, Linda giggling nervously as she was tucked in.
A cough made Simon look over to see Wilhelm holding out a chair for him.
He glowered at his boyfriend who stood waiting patiently, a smug smile on his stupid handsome face.
“Fine.” He gave in, walking over and letting Wilhelm slide his chair under the table. Simon couldn’t help put pout as Wilhelm sat in the chair next to him and the two waiters handed out menus, leather bound books for drinks and different courses. The owner hovered as they settled in, ensuring them that if they needed anything - anything at all - to ask for her personally. Somehow, Simon managed to hold back his scoffs and eye rolls but clearly something was showing on his face, as Wilhelm was fighting back a laugh.
Slightly put out by the turn of events, Simon begrudgingly slipped his hand into Wilhelm’s when it was laid on the table, fingers interlacing as he took a deep breath before opening the menus, trying not to look too closely at the prices.
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2 - Move, bitch, get out the way.
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Wilhelm heard about the store robbery about two minutes before he got the call - he had been being driven to Simon’s after being invited for a Sunday dinner and was typing an email to his mother in the back seat, a bouquet of flowers next to him filling the car with a soft smell. Across from him, Malin had suddenly sat up straight in her seat, head tilting as something was said in her ear; she had snapped back an order before explaining to Wilhelm they had to take a detour due to a shop being held up by a man with a gun. It had made Wilhelm frown but Malin knew very little expect for the location of the store so was unable to answer any of his questions; who was it and was anyone hurt.
So there was already a tight knot in his stomach before Linda called his phone, flustered and anxious and barely making any sense at all as she switched between languages, getting more agitated the more Wilhelm asked her to slow down or repeat herself. When he finally got her to speak clearly the air was pushed out his chest painfully.
“It’s Simon, Wilhelm. Please! Please, I can’t get hold of him. We needed cream for dinner and he went to the shop - I saw it on the news. Please Wilhelm, I don’t know what to do. Simon’s there!”
Malin had sworn viciously but obeyed when she was ordered to get the car to change direction again, a phone pressed to her ear as she called up her contacts in the local authorities. Wilhelm stayed on the phone with Linda for the next few anguishing minutes, grip white knuckle tight as they turned a corner sharply and only relinquished the mobile to the security officer in the front of the car next to the driver when they pulled up at the scene so that Linda could stay in contact.
“The threat is in custody.” Malin informed him as she followed him out the car, and through the gathering crowds towards the taped off shop. “He was apprehended almost immediately. The police won’t give out information on those in the store as they haven’t got a full list yet.”
Wilhelm’s stride was long and fast as he walked through the crowd, people stepping out of his way even as the mass of people got thicker the closer they got to the caution ribbons. Malin was a half step behind him, snapping orders into her earpiece, but he was barely paying her or the other guard behind her any attention, head raised and eyes darting around to try and find Simon. He lifted up the tape and ducked under to head towards the front doors, not caring when a police officer jogged over to him.
“This area is restricted!”
“Fuck off.”
“Look, I’ll be forced to- ah!”
The man hadn’t had the chance to actually touch Wilhelm, his hand barely brushing his coat before Malin had grabbed the officers arm and yanked it away with a sharp order to not touch the Crown Prince. But Wilhelm heard nothing, hadn’t reacted at all as he was so sure his officers would sort out things as needed and personally didn’t care anyway. All he could focus on was Simon; where was he; was he hurt; how to find him.
Wilhelm stopped short as a flash of purple caught his eye, a relieved sound coming from him when he took in the sight of Simon standing in the cold, hugging himself as he waited obediently to be spoken to by police. Looking shaken but whole and safe.
“Simon!”
The boys head snapped up and he looked confused to see Wilhelm walking towards him, his expression turning amazed and then utterly desperate as he ran forward to meet his boyfriend, throwing himself at him as they collided. Wilhelm could finally breathe as Simon slammed into him, wrapping his arms around the smaller boy and lifting him bodily from the ground, Simon curled his arms around his shoulders and his legs around his waist, clinging to the Crown Prince. Taking a staggering step back, Wilhelm took his weight happily, holding him close and shoving his face into his curls, feeling Simon’s cold nose against his neck as he burrowed his face there, shaking and sobbing.
“Simme, Simme, Simme.” Wilhelm gasped out, almost light headed with relief. It didn’t pass his mind that this picture would be all over the internet later - may already be circulating - or that the public relations team were going to go nuts when they heard he swore at a police officer doing his job or even that, thankfully, his guard should be relaying Simon’s safety to Linda. All that mattered was Simon safe in his arms. He knew that some people - even his parents - didn’t understand what Simon meant to him, knew that people thought them obsessed about each other but how could he explain that he had never felt safe till he had met him? Had never felt known or seen?
“You’re here,” Simon was gasping out, mid sob, pulling his mind from wondering. “D-don’t leave.”
Scrunching his eyes closed, Wilhelm clutched his boyfriend tighter. “Not going anywhere.” He said furiously. “Tell me you’re ok.”
Simon nodded his head where it was shoved at the crook of Wilhelm’s neck. “Fine, I’m fine, he didn’t hurt anyone, Wille. I’m okay.” He almost vibrated with how hard he was shaking; from shock and cold. “I love you.” He said. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
“I love you.”
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3 - Anything you want, you got it.
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Simon whined as he laid his head on Wilhelm’s lap, so hard that the Prince let out a huff of air.
“I hate maths.”
Chuckling, Wilhelm patted his head sympathetically. “I know baby.”
Felice cleared her throat, exchanging an amused look with Sara across the living room as Wilhelm ducked his head to press a kiss to Simon’s cheek. “Alright lovebirds, don’t get too amorous over there and forget there are other people in the room.” Simon curled his arms around Wilhelm’s waist, the Crown Prince looking absolutely delighted at the fact, and flipped his sister off when she gagged. Felice rolled her eyes at them. “Wilhelm, my parents wanted me to thank you for the invite to the summer gala.” She pulled a face. “They’re obviously over the moon to be able to tell their friends about how close we are to the Royal Family.”
It took a moment for Wilhelm to respond, having to physically force himself to stop looking at Simon with adoring eyes while he stroked a finger around the shell of the boys ear. “Ah, of course. Does your mother want to know the colour scheme so she can get outfits sorted?” Immediately his eyes snapped back to Simon when his boyfriend huffed at the attention being stopped. Wilhelm happily trailed his fingers through his hair and down his cheek rhythmically, pleased when Simon’s eyes slid shut in relaxation.
“Oh, please. Sara, do you know what colour you’re wearing?”
The girl blinked, confused. “No…? Should I know already?”
Shaking his head, Wilhelm shrugged without jostling Simon. “You’ve got another two weeks before the tailor’s appointment I got for you and your mother so don’t panic too much. But if you want to start thinking of colours it would help them out.” He switched hands so that one could continue memorising the shapes of Simon’s half asleep face while the other could rub at Simon’s lower back. “Simme’s will compliment mine in some way so he has less say.”
Simon made a distasteful noise. “Ridiculous.” He muttered. “Can’t even fully choose m’outfit for a party I don’t wanna even go to.”
Both Sara and Felice scoffed at him, talking over each other as they tried to convince him how fun it would be.
But Wilhelm grinned down at the boy pouting in his lap. “Would you wear a hoodie and jeans?” He teased.
Simon yawned and squeezed his arms around Wilhelm’s waist tighter. “Maybe I want something more exorbitant than even the royal court want me in.” An idea came to him and he sniggered. “Maybe I wanna wear a jewel from the royal treasury.” He laughed into Wilhelm’s lap, not noticing Wilhelm’s hands still their petting for a second.
“Really?” And if Simon had been less sleepy he may have registered the breathlessness of his voice.
Instead he twisted himself round so he could nuzzle against his boyfriends stomach, blocking out the light better. “The Queen’ll do that when pigs fly.” He said, enjoying the ridiculous idea.
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Just over a week later Simon found himself biting his tongue as the tailor in Wilhelm’s room muttered to himself about colours needing to compliment the Crown Prince’s suit but also Simon’s skin tone. He was delighted when Wilhelm offered to change his own outfit colours instead which made the man’s face go alarmingly white and then purple at the prospect. They settled, and by they Simon meant the tailor and his team, on shades of dark cool-toned charcoal for the whole outfit including shirt to set off the blue in Wilhelm’s dark suit and match the almost black of the Crown Prince’s shirt.
“Well that gives us plenty of options at least.” Wilhelm said, though Simon knew he had been secretly hoping for something bolder to show Simon off in. He shot his boyfriend a confused look at the statement as the tailor hissed at him to stand straight as they checked, yet again, his measurements. A knock at the door came as Simon was pulling his shirt back on and an older lady entered carrying a folder and a much kinder expression. Simon immediately liked her as after bowing to Wilhelm she barely glanced at the tailors before greeting Simon.
“It’s very good to meet you, Mr Eriksson, I have heard a lot about you this past week.”
“Oh, um, thanks? It’s nice to meet you, too.”
Watching with interest, Simon saw her purse her lips as the tailor gave her a piece of paper detailing his outfit colours and fit before the man left the room, practically sweeping the floor with his nose as he bowed to Wilhelm and ignoring Simon completely, his team following in a titter. The woman made little noises over the paper, glancing at Simon and then Wilhelm.
“Crown Prince? I think you were hoping for something more colourful for Mr Eriksson?”
Wilhelm nodded, moving around the room to offer her a chair before standing next to Simon and gently straightening his shirt collar. “It’s definitely more muted than I wanted.” He muttered and Simon rolled his eyes at his pouting tone.
“Well I can help with that.” The woman said firmly, making Wilhelm grin. “You’ll be in blue?” At his nod, she began to flip through her folder with careful hands. “Then I think we should look at a sapphire piece.”
Brain working overtime, Simon made a choking noise. “Um, what?” The two looked at him blankly. “What?” He repeated in a sharper tone, looking at Wilhelm who blinked innocently.
“This is Linnea,” Wilhelm said in a suspiciously soothing voice. “Head of the Royal Treasury.”
Simon stared at his boyfriend and another noise spilled from his mouth that sounded like a squeak. “The royal- Wille, I was joking!” A sheepish smile graced Wilhelm’s face and Simon smacked his arm none too gently. “You can’t just get things out of the royal treasury for me to wear because of an offhand comment!”
Behind him, he could hear one of the guards Elias turn a laugh into a cough but Wilhelm was still smiling at him. “I absolutely can. And I want to. Simme, I want to give you everything you ask for. If you want the moon I’ll try and find a way.”
And what was Simon meant to do but stare dumbly at his boyfriend and fall in love all over again?
“But- but the Queen won’t allow this, surely. You can’t just let anyone borrow literal national treasures.”
“You’re not just anyone. Besides, mama has already agreed.”
“Wha- how?”
Linnea coughed gently. “The Crown Prince came to ask me directly and we filled out the paperwork to take to her Majesty together to ensure he had the best chance to have it accepted.” A slight smirk grew on her face. “I am very good at my job. The Crown Prince very rarely requests items from the treasury; it delights her Majesty so to see him wear pieces so part of the deal was that he would also take something out.” She looked apologetically at Simon. “That and to restrict some pieces from your choice.”
“I agree you are amazing at your job, Linnea.” Wilhelm said smoothly; Simon speechless with how Wilhelm had managed to sort this out by playing the royal court at its own game and, judging by Linnea’s soft blush, a bit of flirting.
“You’re ridiculous.” He told Wilhelm softly as he was guided towards the desk where the pictures and descriptions of several sapphire jewels were being laid out.
Wilhelm tucked a curl behind his ear and kissed his cheek. “I know.”
-
The sapphire sat at the base of Simon’s throat, the delicate chain it had been on removed for a velvet choker-like attachment instead so that it was clasped close to his skin above the opening to his shirt instead of disappearing below. The glittering jewel was more than a statement piece, it seemed as if both his and Wilhelm’s outfits had been designed around it; the blue of Wilhelm’s suit bought out by it and the cool dark colours of the rest of their clothes complimenting it. Simon tried not to reach up and touch it, not wanting to risk knocking it off it’s necklace but every time someone came to speak to Wilhelm - or him, because apparently people wanted to speak to him at things like this - their eyes darted down to the jewel and it made him want to toy with it, the only thing grounding him from reaching up was Wilhelm’s hand at the base of his back.
Even though the Queen had signed off on the item, her lips were pressed into a tight line when he went to greet her with his mother and sister, eyes narrowed on the jewel. Sara had been awed at it and Felice impressed both of which reactions made him wonder exactly how much the jewel was worth - he had specifically asked Linnea not to tell him, after all, but from their reactions it was far, far too much to be sitting on Simon’s neck.
The double-take from August across the room almost made it worth it, however.
His mother cooed over it but was more delighted by the smaller sapphire in his ear who’s twin sat in Wilhelm’s.
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