Work Text:
Beneath the Masquerade
“Akechi-kun, can you look over this?” A voice called from above Akechi. He looked up to see Makoto Nijima, Shujin’s student council president holding out a file to him. He let out a bored, confused hum as he took it and started flipping through it. His eyebrows furrowed for a moment before letting out a frustrated huff.
“The hell is Kobayakawa telling us to do now?” He groaned, “I thought all the plans for the school festival were already approved?”
Makoto sighed in solidarity, “They are. But apparently, due to the Kamoshida scandal, Kobayakawa-san is trying to do whatever he can to raise Shujin’s reputation again.”
“And he thinks that a school dance is going to erase what Kamoshitstain did?” Akechi raised an eyebrow in incredulity. “We’ve never had a school dance.”
Makoto shook her head, not even trying to hide her own frustration and skepticism, "Believe me, I don’t even know what’s going through his head either. All I know is that this is ‘non-negotiable’ and needs to be ‘absolutely perfect’” She said in a voice mocking their egg-headed principle. Ever since Makoto awakened to Johanna and vowed to live her truth, she got better at not brushing off all the ridiculous things the adults around her tried to push on her and instead became vocal about her misgivings about it. That was something that Akechi first noticed after Akira– or rather Ren, as he went by at Shujin– clarified during his report of the Phantom Thieves’ mission against Kaneshiro. The newfound openness that Makoto adopted somehow led to a straight-up bitch session between her and Akechi about Kobayakawa one night in the cram school library, which–in turn– led to them becoming actual friends and better student council leaders. Akechi, in particular, found Makoto’s newfound honesty refreshing, especially since he didn’t have to censor himself around her anymore. At least, when it came to school duties.
The whole crown-prince thing was still something he kept close to his chest.
Akechi snorted at the sheer annoyance glazing over the president’s face. “Is he really expecting perfection? From this student body?” Akechi asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Well seeing as he appointed you in charge of it, yep” Makoto didn’t even bother to hide the smirk at Akechi’s noise of disgust.
“Why the fuck do I have to be in charge of it?” He couldn’t help but whine.
Makoto just giggled as she started making her way to one of the file cabinets, “That’s what you get for always being on top of things and presenting yourself as Mr. Perfect, Akechi-kun.”
Akechi groaned, nice and loud, “How fast do you think Eggman will regret his decision if the theme I pitch is Lolita?”
Makoto paused and glanced back at Akechi suspiciously, “I am going to assume it’s not the fashion you’re referring to?” Akechi responded back with a mean grin. “Asshole.” Makoto rolled her eyes, but couldn’t fully hide her own smile.
“Better yet, I’ll make it a drag theme. All the boys have to be the ones in dresses.” Akechi continued. Although he said this, Akechi did actually start writing down some ideas, both ridiculous and legit ones. For as much as he complained about getting appointed, Akechi did tend to take the tasks he was assigned seriously. It’s what made him such a good vice president.
“Drag theme, huh? I'm sure all the students would love that.” Makoto mused, sarcastically. As she said so, a new thought crossed her mind. She peeked over to where Akechi was bent over the desk in thought, scribbling something down every so often. Eyes twinkling in mischief, she turned back to the file cabinet and added, “Although one person I’d definitely like to see in drag is Ren-kun.” She bit back a chuckle when she heard the quiet snap of pencil led and a low curse. Emboldened, she continued, taking on a conversational tone, “Did you know that he works part-time at a drag bar in Shinjuku? He doesn't serve alcohol, mostly cleans up, but he has expressed interest in crossdressing a few times.”
The scribbling ceased briefly before continuing, albeit a tad slower. Grinning at the fact she clearly got his interest, Makoto added, "He's worn some of Ann’s heels already– stilettos– and I gotta say, I am a little bit jealous he can walk so easily in them. His legs looked amazing." She glanced back towards Akechi once the scribbling stopped a second time and bit her lip to hold back a laugh at the shade of red on Akechi's cheeks as he stared, slightly wide-eyed, down on the desk. She kept her eyes on him as she said, “Ann mentioned she put eyeliner and mascara on him one time and nearly died at how, and I quote, ‘unfairly gorgeous’ he was. She said all he needed was a wig and he'd run her out of a job."
Akechi let out a slightly pitched hum while keeping his eyes glued to the piece of paper in front of him, trying his hardest to not react. It was taking all of Makoto’s willpower not to burst out laughing. It was a rather popular rumor among the Thieves that Ren and Akechi had something going on between them. More than once, one of the Thieves had noticed how different the two acted when they thought nobody was watching. Granted, none of the interactions they witnessed implied any explicitly romantic inclinations, but the amount of flirtatious comments and close quarters they kept suggested otherwise. As a result, they all started a little game on ways to catch either one slipping.
As it stood, most of the scores came from Ren since they interacted the most with him, and because most of the Thieves were absolutely terrified of Goro Akechi.
Makoto Nijima, however, was pointedly not.
“You know, I wonder what shade of lipstick would look good on Ren? I would think maybe a cherry or wine red.” Makoto mused, sauntering over to where Akechi sat. Apparently the idea of Ren in drag had successfully distracted the vice president, because he didn’t even react when Makoto stopped next to him and leaned down. That is, until she whispered directly into his ear, “What do you think, Akechi-kun?”
Akechi jolted up violently, snapping the pencil and causing multiple papers to flutter and a pencil holder to clatter onto the floor. He cursed loudly as Makoto finally released a torrent of laughter. The slight blush on Akechi’s cheeks deepened as he scowled up at her.
“The fuck you laughing for?” he demanded, voice slightly cracking.
“Oh my god. You really are down bad for Ren-kun.” She snickered.
Akechi glanced to the side, his blush deepening, “I don’t have the slightest idea on what you are talking about.”
“Suuuure.” Makoto drawled, looking smug.
“Are you going to help me with the planning, or are you just going to waste my time, Nijima?” Akechi snapped. He bent down to pick up the papers, the pencil holder, and the scattered pencils, for nothing more than to avoid Makoto’s gaze. “If I’m supposed to spearhead the dance planning, then I need to get on it. If you don’t have anything to contribute, then please leave me alone to think!”
Makoto snickered again at the flustered VP, but shrugged, “I’ve got to meet with a few of the teachers for the booths anyway, so I’ll leave you alone.” Then, as she walked towards the door, she added in a teasing voice, “Good luck trying to think about what theme will cause Ren-kun to shine the most, Akechi-kun~”
Akechi huffed for a moment before his eyes flashed with mischief of his own, “Maybe I’ll come up with a theme that plays to Takamaki-san’s strengths instead!”
The sudden comment caused Makoto to fumble opening the door momentarily. She let out a curse of her own, to which earned a loud cackle from Akechi.
*******
“A school dance?” Ren asked, sheer confusion written all over his face as he moved his pawn, “Last I checked, Shujin doesn’t really have those.”
Akechi let out a sneer after he took a drink of his coffee, "Apparently it’s Kobayakawa’s newest endeavor to raise Shujin’s reputation after the Kamoshida Scandal.” He moved his knight. “Check.”
Ren’s eyes narrowed then moved another one of his pieces to counter the check. Akechi expelled a curse.
“I don’t see why he thinks a dance will counteract the bullshit Kamoshida put the student body through. The therapist was already bad enough.” Ren said. He moved his bishop, successfully claiming one of Akechi’s pawns.
“Unfortunately, there’s no getting out of this.” Akechi clicked his tongue, “And to make matters worse, I’m the one he put in charge of it to make sure it’s perfect.” He took another angry swig of the coffee.
Ren couldn’t help but laugh, “I see your penchant for perfectionism has bitten you in the ass, Your Highness.”
“Ugh, don’t start. You sound like Nijima.” Akechi groaned, “She said the same damn thing.” He angrily moved his rook to claim another one of Ren's pawns. “The most annoying part is coming up with a theme for it.”
“What do you have so far?” Ren asked, moving his knight, “Check.”
Akechi grumbled, both from the check and also from the question. He bent down to his briefcase to retrieve the file, along with the notes he made earlier that day. He handed the papers to Ren while moving his queen to counter the check.
Ren flipped through the file and stopped on the scratch paper that listed the different theme ideas down. He hummed as he read through them. “Hollywood, casino, black and white, enchanted garden…” His eyes brightened for a second, “Drag theme? I’m game!”
Akechi froze, then nearly shouted, “No!” quickly. A bit too quickly. “That is crossed out for a reason!”
Ren batted his eyes, “Aw but why? I can totally rock a pair of stilettos, you know!”
Akechi coughed into his fist, averting his eyes as a flush of color passed through his cheeks, “A-as I said. It’s crossed out for a reason.”
Ren’s grin stayed in place as he read through the rest of the themes. Suddenly, his face contorted, “I’m vetoing the outer space theme. Absolutely not.”
Akechi couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh? Not a fan of the Final Frontier?”
Ren looked up and glared, “I’ve had my fill of outer space thanks to Okumura’s Palace. Fuck those airlock puzzles.”
Akechi snickered for a second, then got serious, “Speaking of Okumura, how is she doing? I know the death of her father probably came as a shock.”
Ren sighed, “She’s coping. Everyone’s been doing their best to support her. But she’s hurting.”
Akechi nodded, “It’s unfortunate, but not really a surprise, all things considered. Kunikazu Okumura has always been a rather volatile variable to my father. One day, he would be his biggest supporter. The next, he’d try to weasel his way to the opposition.” Akechi sighed, “It was only a matter of time before my father decided to make him a sacrificial lamb.”
Ren looked up, “What do you mean?”
Akechi cocked his eyebrow, “Come now, Akira. Think about it. The Phantom Thieves are gaining notoriety and establishing a clear opposition against the Emperor. However, so far, the Phantom Thieves are only credited with the Changes of Heart, putting themselves upon a pedestal of heroics by exposing the corrupt nature of Emperor Shido and weakening him. They haven’t been connected to the shut-downs and break-downs that we have been carrying out. Until now.” He started tapping on the table, “With the Phantom Thieves going after such a powerful asset to my father, it gave him the perfect opportunity to both get rid of a thorn that plagued his side for years, and frame the Phantom Thieves as murderers.” He released a breathless laugh, “Got to admit, he is clever. More than I thought, honestly.”
Ren glared, “So what I’m hearing is, you knew that Shido would go after Okumura, right? Is that what you’re saying?” He then added, “Also I told you not to call me ‘Akira’ anymore. I go by Ren now.”
Akechi waved his hand, “Right, right. Apologies, Ren.” He then got serious again, “I didn’t know for sure if my father would go through with it, but it was definitely a possibility. Cutting out Okurmura would’ve been a huge gamble for my father since Okurmura was one of his biggest benefactors.” He brought his hand to his chin. “The fact he was able to follow through with it meant that he could justify and reconcile this loss in some other way.” He shook his head then glanced back at Ren, “I will be honest, had my father not taken out Okumura, I would’ve in order to cripple my father exponentially. No matter how you look at it, Okumura was a dead man walking.” His expression hardened slightly. “You should count your luck that it was my father that pulled the trigger instead of me. At least now you don’t have to live with the guilt that you orphaned your friend.”
Ren huffed out a frustrated sigh, “I know that. I know. It’s just…”
“Are you regretting your vow to me?” Akechi asked bluntly.
Ren raised his head up, “Never.” He immediately said. “Getting you on that throne is what I care about the most. You know this.”
“Then what’s the issue here?”
Ren groaned resignedly, “It’s starting to get harder to keep our activities a secret from the others. Both Kaneshiro and Madarame mentioned that there was another Metaverse user going around killing and torturing Shadows. And that’s got the others on edge.” He pulled on a lock of his hair, “I’ve tried to reassure or throw them off your trail, but you know how Makoto can be.”
Akechi straightened up, leveling an icy glare at Ren, “And you didn’t tell me any of this until now because…?”
“I thought I could handle it on my own.” He admitted, “And it was working for a while. But after Okumura… well… I don’t know if I can keep up the act much longer. Doesn't help that Futaba is an expert hacker and has a habit of bugging everything she gets her hands on.” He stopped for a second as Akechi narrowed his eyes even more, “She hasn’t bugged any of my devices!” He added quickly, “I told her I have this thing about privacy due to my parents always being on my case about everything and so…” He paused, “Not important. Point is, as long as we don’t discuss anything downstairs in the cafe, we’re fine. In the meantime, I think I’ve earned their trust enough that they won’t react too badly, so…” Ren trailed off.
Akechi sighed, but shot him a fond smile, “You idiot.” He got up and walked over to Ren’s side, only to flick the other boy on the forehead, earning a startled yelp. As he loomed over him, though, he let his hand softly caress his cheek, “You never change do you? Always trying to take on all the responsibility yourself with little regard to your own wellbeing or sanity.”
Ren rubbed his head and grumbled, but still leaned into the touch, “Not that hard when every single person treated you like trash in your life.”
“Thus the unfortunate life of a slave.” Akechi mused. He then looked directly into Ren’s eyes, “I know I don’t say it often, but you do know how grateful I am for you, right?”
Ren looked up and smiled. He brought up his hand to hold onto the one on his face, “Yeah. I do. Out of everyone in my life, you never once treated me like the slave I was. You’re the reason I’ve been able to keep going. Keep living. I owe you so much, Goro.”
Akechi returned the smile, “And I owe you as well, Ren. You’ve always been a loyal and faithful friend to me all these years. Kept me safe from those who would see me dead.” He leaned down to gently brush his lips against Ren’s. “My beloved knight.”
Ren all but melted against the kiss, "My dearest prince."
They broke apart to stare into each other’s eyes. Years of history passed unspoken between them. A banished prince hiding from his narcissistic father's assassins. An abused slave that nearly lost his will to live. Two souls betrayed by society finding solace and purpose in each other.
It was Akechi who broke the silence, “‘Ren Amamiya’ suits you, by the way. It's a beautiful name. I've always been fond of lotuses.”
Ren smiled wide and bashful, "Thanks. I found out it was my grandmother's name before she was sold into servitude. The characters for ‘Amamiya’ mean ‘rain palace’."
“How noble. If everything goes our way, then you will be able to live up to your namesake." Akechi paused, absentmindedly rubbing his thumb on Ren’s cheek, "I think you're right. It's time your merry band of Thieves know who it is that is pulling your strings.”
Ren scoffed, "You make it sound like I'm not willingly going along with this. You are my prince, Goro. I am your shield and your sword. I do what I do for you because I want to. You gave me my freedom and a purpose. This is what I'm doing with it."
A genuine laugh snuck out of Akechi, “Always with the dramatics. But I have a question for you. You made friends with your Thieves. What will you do if they don't accept me and my mission? If they view me as a murderer and a monster and try and fight against me?"
“Then they become my enemy. Plain and simple." Ren said seriously. Immediately. “The only reason I put this team together and chose these guys was for you. The mission of the Phantom Thieves is to take down Shido on your behalf. If they don't accept you, then they are out and I'll start from scratch. Yeah it'll suck to cut ties, but what else is new for me?" Ren shook his head, “I've had to cut ties with people I liked for less. I'll say it again, Prince Goro, my loyalty is only for you. You have and always will be my priority. I made a vow to stand by you and you know I keep my promises. If I break it, well…just know that it wouldn't be my choice. I would rather die than-”
Ren was cut off by Akechi claiming his lips once more. But just as quickly as it came, Akechi pulled back, amusement dancing clearly on his face, "I get it. Enough with the melodrama.” Akechi pulled away (much to Ren’s dismay) and went back to his seat on the other side of the table. “We can iron out the details about how to introduce me to your group later. Right now," he groaned, all amusement gone, “I need to focus on this fucking dance The Egg roped me into! Help me pick a theme.”
Ren laughed, "Okay, okay!” He scanned the list of themes again, humming and tapping his cheek in thought. Suddenly his eyes sparkled as a thought struck him. He looked up, "How about a masquerade?”
Akechi blinked, "A masquerade?” He brought his hand to his chin in contemplation before his eyes started sparkling. He broke out into a grin, "Yes. I think that would work wonderfully." He grabbed the file from Ren and jotted down some notes, “Masquerade it is! You have my thanks. That's one headache cleared."
"’Tis nothing." Ren waved it off. His gaze settled on the board of their semi-forgotten game, “Oh and Goro?"
Akechi looked up briefly, “Yes?"
Ren flashed him a shit-eating grin, “Checkmate."
Akechi blinked at the board. Then snarled, “Oh you motherfu-"
***
Despite the headache of throwing the dance together at roughly the last minute, Akechi had to admit that it turned out quite well.
The concept of a masquerade ball was a resounding success amongst the Shujin students and actually did get people excited for it. Akechi, along with Makoto decided to make entry donation-based as a way to raise money for the school, especially since they did anticipate non-Shujin students attending. Of course, it was a “pay what you could" instead of a flat rate.
It was about an hour and a half remaining of the dance when Akechi found himself lingering against the wall of the gymnasium, finally getting a moment to breathe after running around making sure everything was in order. He released a long sigh and observed the groups that remained.
There was a group of athletes he recognized as being members of the men's basketball team all sitting around while their dates chatted and danced around. Some of the drama students, somehow, were doing the choreography to an American play. Chicago, if his memory served him. He noted a handful of first-years glancing around wide-eyed at the set up of the gym, happily raving about the dance to each other (a fact that brought a tiny, self-satisfied smile to Akechi's face). His gaze then settled on the group he knew as the Phantom Thieves all at a corner table chatting with each other.
He spent a little more time making note of each Thief: Makoto Nijima, of course, stood elegantly in a floor-length, dark blue gown with a lighter blue mask looking slightly flustered at something Ann Takamaki had said. The model in question wore a knee-length, fiery red dress with a pink printed shawl and black-and-pink cat-like mask (Akechi couldn't help but let out an amused snicker at how Nijima acted. She was not going to hear the end of it from him).
His eyes wandered over to Ryuji Sakamoto and, from who he understood to be, Yusuke Kitagawa. He couldn't help but let out an impressed hum at how well Sakamoto cleaned up: a simple gray dress shirt with a black-and-red suit vest and black slacks, accessorized with a skull chain and a– questionable– yellow and blue ascot, with the skill mask settled askew on his head (he had to wonder if Takamaki had some input there). His approval, however, dipped once he settled on Kitagawa's hot mess of an outfit: white slacks, paired with a gaudy black-and-white, diamond-patterned vest, with an electric blue dress-shirt under a long purple-and-pink tailcoat, and striped tie. For someone who apparently went on about aesthetics, Akechi had to wonder how blind he came to fashion (he hoped Takamaki DIDN'T have any input, or at least had her input ignored).
Haru Okumura– wearing an elegant pink, tea-length, high-low dress with golden embellished mesh over a dark pink bodice and a traditional masquerade mask on a stick– giggled at another duo of flustered girls, who Akechi recognized as Futaba Sakura and Sumire Yoshizawa. He noted that Sakura wore an off the shoulder, black a-line dress of similar length as Takamaki’s, adorned with electric green print on the skirt and straps. Her attire reminded Akechi of some sort of sci-fi theme, so he very much wondered where that dress even came from. Finally, Yoshizawa spotted a rather elegant black-and-white high-low dress with filigree-like embellished bodice, black skirt that transitioned into white mesh, and a diamond-like choker. He didn't see a mask on Sakura, but Yoshizawa sported a simple lace mask.
One person, he noticed, was not with the group: their ring leader Ren Amamiya.
As Akechi started to swivel his head around in search of the boy, a hand holding a glass of punch next to him caught his attention. He glanced at the owner, surprised to see the aforementioned Leader of the Phantom Thieves giving him a warm smirk.
“Didn't peg you as a wallflower, Your Highness." Ren teased.
Akechi scoffed, taking the drink, “Little surprised you're not with your Thieves."
Ren shrugged, “Saw you weren't running around for once, so figured you could use some refreshment.”
“Oh? Were you keeping an eye on little old me?" Akechi teased right back, grinning as he took a drink.
Ren returned the grin, "What kind of knight would I be, if I didn't have eyes on my king at all times?”
Akechi paused, then murmured lowly, "I'm no king.”
"Yet.” Ren drawled, also taking a swig of his own drink.
Akechi scoffed again, but decided to change the subject, "You clean up well, by the way.” Ren, who Akechi was so used to seeing in either the Shujin uniform, jeans, T-shirts and over shirts (or servant gear), sported a deep crimson suit with a long tailcoat, accented by a black vest, a white dress shirt, and a white ascot-like tie. His hair was combed back to give way to a red-and-black half-mask with a horn extending up and over.
Ren grinned, "Well, I had to try and match you, after all.” Once Ren said that, Akechi realized that, yes, the suit Ren wore was a near-mirror to his own stark-white suit with gold and red accents. Even down to the red-and-gold half mask he wore.
Akechi couldn't help himself, "Oh, you were supposed to be my date?” he glanced over with a mean smirk, “I don't seem to remember being asked out!”
Ren brought his hand up in mock offense, "You wound me, Your Highness! Even after the serenade and flowers I got you?"
“Serenade? Flowers?” Akechi brought a finger up and tapped his cheek in faux-contemplation, “You mean the way you dragged me to karaoke, sang a poor rendition of Love Story, and bought me the chamomile tea packets because, and I quote, I was ‘a stressed-out tightass’?"
“I think I used the phrase, ‘Tightass, stress-hole.’" Ren shot back with a teasing smirk of his own, “But yes!"
Akechi snorted, "Such poetry. How could I ever have misunderstood?” He said, sarcastically.
“Truly a wonder." Ren affirmed, “The dance looks incredible, by the way. You really outdid yourself.” He added, changing the subject once more. "Reminds me of when we were kids.”
Akechi nodded, “I've always enjoyed masquerades. That's probably the one thing I don't mind sharing with my father." He leaned against the wall, “The extravagant clothes, the whimsical masks, the illusion of anonymity. All of it.”
Ren nodded, "I remember all of them.” He also leaned back against the wall, “Shido never hesitated to pull out any stops for those.”
“He didn’t.” Akechi agreed, “Nor did my mother.” He laughed suddenly, “It’s funny. Whenever it came to a masquerade ball, my parents were always on the same page. It was one of the few times I would see them not fighting each other.” He looked down and murmured, “One of the few times it actually felt like they loved each other.”
Ren peered over at Akechi lost in his own thoughts, before knocking back the rest of his punch and extending out a hand, “May I have this dance, Your Highness?”
The abrupt shift and the extended hand caused Akechi to blink dumbly, “Huh?”
Ren reached his extended hand down and gently took Akechi’s. “May. I. Have. This. Dance?” He repeated, letting all the charm and charisma of Joker seep into his smile.
Akechi swallowed and looked around. “Not in here.” As he spoke, he pulled Ren’s hand towards one of the outer entrances of the gymnasium. After being sure nobody was watching, the two fled out the door and into the courtyard that was also decorated according to the theme. Music from the main dance flooded outside via speakers, allowing a different atmosphere that students could enjoy. There, Ren and Akechi found a rather secluded spot away from crowds or any other onlookers.
“Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” Ren couldn’t help but tease.
Akechi pulled a look, “Shut up. You know I can’t afford any rumors.”
“I’m already friends with Makoto. Is it really that hard to imagine that I would be friends with you?”
“Therein lies the problem. How exactly would you explain somehow befriending both the student council president and the vice president, hm?” Akechi hissed.
“I’d just say by using my wit, charm, and impeccably good looks.” Ren snickered.
Akechi huffed, “You are insufferable sometimes, you know that right?”
“And that is my charm talking.” Ren’s expression softened, “C’mon, Goro. I never got a chance to dance with you at one of your father’s balls. Indulge me? Please.” He reached out his hand once more, with all the grace and charm of a debonair socialite.
Akechi opened his mouth to argue further, until a familiar tune flitted through the air. Caught off guard, Ren gently grasped his hand. Entranced by that crooked grin, Akechi let Ren guide his hand to the latter’s shoulder, while barely reacting to feeling Ren’s other hand drop to his waist. A smile pulled at his lips as they began to move.
“Usually I’m the one who leads. This is quite new.” Akechi joked, “Since when do you know how to waltz?
His grin still plastered on his face, Ren answered. “Since I spent a good chunk of my formative years watching a bunch of royals and elites do it. I’ve always been pretty quick on the uptake. You know this.”
Akechi couldn’t help but chuckle knowingly, “That I do. You took to the Metaverse like a fish to water. Not even I acclimated as fast.”
“Well maybe I had,” Ren took that opportunity to spin Akechi around, “a really good teacher.”
“Insuffereable.” Akechi’s expression softened, but he didn’t say anything more, just let the music guide him.
Between the fluid movements, the soft melodies, and the sure way Ren held him, Akechi’s mind flitted back. Back to his childhood and the grand palace he grew up in. Back to the many parties, and galas, and balls he attended with his parents. Extravagant gowns of every color and shape. Sharp and elegant suits excluding power and wealth. Whimsical masks and fantastical jewels adorning every body swaying along the chorus of classical music. Sensational sights and smells of delicious hors d'oeuvres, and every type of meat and pastry under the sun. Laughter from all ages; kids and kings alike.
Go-…
Akechi thought of his mother, warm and graceful smiling proudly at him as he danced with her, a bright smile of unbridled joy clear on his face every time he looked at her.
-ro…
He thought of her terrified face the night their estate went up in flames. The desperate calls for him to run, and the stubbornness when he refused to leave without her.
Gor-!
His loud sobs echoing through the hollow night as his former home collapsed, leaving him all alone in the world. Dead to everyone. Dead to the world. Dead to the country. Dead to his Father. His wicked, narcissistic, piece of shit-
“Goro!”
Akechi blinked back to the present, staring in front of him in apt confusion at Ren’s concerned face. Ren reached up to cradle his cheek, to which Akechi flinched at some unexpected wetness where the former’s hand rested.
“What ails you, my prince? Why do you shed tears?” Ren whispered, his voice relapsing to the old servant’s phrasing he always used when they were together in the Palace.
Akechi peered at Ren’s face for a moment before pulling away, angrily wiping away the stream of tears that poured down his cheeks. “I’m fine!” he croaked.
“Your Highness.” Ren murmured.
“You aren’t a slave anymore, you know.” Akechi snapped, not looking at Ren, “And I’m not a prince anymore. You don’t have to refer to me by that title anymore.” He wrapped his arms around himself, retreating.
“I-” Ren stopped, then sighed, “I’m aware of both our statuses. But that doesn’t change the fact you are still my prince, Goro. And I am your knight.” He reached towards Akechi’s face again; An act Akechi didn’t fight. “Your current status to the Emperor means nothing to me. I recognize you as my true king. Not Shido.” He paused as he saw the conflict blooming in Akechi’s eyes, “However… If you want me to stop referring to you like that, just say the word. I’ll stop.”
“You’d stop if I ordered you to?” Akechi asked roughly. Ren nodded. Moments passed before Akechi let out another sigh, stood up, and rubbed his eyes, composing himself. “No. That’s not necessary.” He muttered after a while. He looked back at Ren, “Apologies. I guess I just got caught up in the nostalgia and lost in my own head.”
Ren smiled softly and extended out his hand again, Akechi not hesitating to take it. “You don’t need to apologize, Goro.” The music had changed, so instead of a waltz, the two just swayed against each other. Silence passed between them for a few moments, before Ren decided to break it again, “Yen for your thoughts?”
Akechi hesitated, before asking, “Do you think I would make a good emperor? All I’ve been thinking about is revenge against my father and taking the throne from him. But I found I haven’t really thought about what would come after.” he swallowed, “Would I even be cut out for that? Be able to lead the country to success? If I go through with my revenge, would my mother be proud of me? I don’t… I just don’t kno-”
Akechi’s words were cut off with a soft brush against his lips. Ren opened his eyes slightly and smiled against the prince’s startled expression, “I think,” he murmured, “You will be the greatest emperor Japan has ever seen. You are kind, Prince Goro, and charismatic, and powerful. The way you command a room when you walk in never ceases to take my breath away. I’ve never been as mesmerized by anyone else as I have with you.” Ren bored directly into Akechi’s eyes, “It’s no wonder that I fell so deeply in love with you.”
Akechi’s breath hitched at Ren’s admittance. He could feel a deep, warm feeling start to burn in his chest the more Ren held his gaze. He gulped, “You’re… In love… with me?”
Ren nodded, as confident and sure of himself as ever, "Irrevocably. Been that way for a long time.”
“I-” Akechi paused. Did he love Ren? He couldn’t be sure, as he never really thought about love that way. All he knew was that Ren was deeply special to him and there was nothing he dreaded more than the thought of losing him.
Sensing his inner turmoil, Ren smiled, “It’s okay. You don’t have to return my feelings right now. We have a mission, and I fully intend to see it through, no matter what. I’m yours to command. Yours to do with whatever you please. Yours-” This time, Ren’s words were cut off as Akechi crashed his lips against his.
They broke apart, long enough for Akechi to whisper, “Mine.”
“Yours.” Ren agreed before their lips met once more.
In the pale moonlight, another vow was forged between their breaths.
A vow of loyalty.
A vow of devotion.
A vow of pure, untamed and unabashed love.