[ It hadn't really been a spur of the moment decision to join the competition. Although it's not like Haruki didn't consider it from the moment it was announced - it was a chance to kiss Noah, after all, his prince and the guy who had made his heart skip a few beats for quite a while now. (And made it skip even more when he realises that if he didn't join, Noah would be kissing someone else entirely.)
But on the other hand.. there were things stopping him too. Like the idea that perhaps Noah wouldn't like kissing him at all, and the idea of him forcing anything onto the radiant prince feels like a sin he'll never be able to forgive himself for. And the worry what other people might think about it.. he's the prince's personal knight, after all, and people might find it weird for them to do that sort of thing - even setting aside the matter of status. Even though he was no longer poor thanks to the job Noah had given him, he's still working for him. He's still following Noah's orders, and the fact that he's nowhere near Noah's level in his mind almost threatens to make him hate himself for even considering what it would be like to kiss the other.
It's why Haruki waffles and hesitates, the only good thing about it being the fact that he at least manages to hide his thoughts about the competition from the prince himself in the meantime. It's only on the day of the competition itself that his heart seems to make it into a spur of the moment decision after all, his worries over the thought of who might kiss Noah otherwise making him jump in at the back of the line for people to sign up.
At least the competition itself was nothing to worry about. Not for him. He'd trained hard ever since he was granted the position of personal knight by Noah, and even before that he had already trained during every spare moment of time he could find in his life (a not too common thing to find, honestly) to make sure he could even be good enough to be considered for the position of knight. It's why he easily got through the first few rounds of the competition without even breaking too much of a sweat during the jousting and the battles.
There's only one thing that Haruki can't find himself able to do in the middle of all this - and that's actually look at Noah. If the worry about with what kind of expression Noah is watching all this isn't bad enough, then there's the very true fact that catching even a glimpse of that person would make his heart pound so rapidly and his cheeks heat up so quickly he wouldn't be able to focus on a single match.
So he doesn't. Even though a voice at the back of his mind worries that Noah might be disappointed to see him here among the others fighting for a chance to get a kiss from him, he tries to ignore it the best he can and fight on with a steady hand and heart - looking a lot less like the bashful guy he is most of the time when he isn't holding a sword or lance.
And so the competition keeps going well. It's not that much of a surprise when he finds himself making it to the final round, even if he would hate to put it that way since he's way too humble to make a big deal out of himself.
Not that the final round is easy. He doesn't find himself on some extremely losing side in the middle of it, but he's at the very least evenly matched with the other guy. What Haruki has in skill, the other man is making up for in build - because no matter how good Haruki might be with a weapon by now, he's still a very slender guy with a near feminine-looking build. There's only so much he can do in the strength department. He doesn't want to give up just because of that though. If he's made it this far, then he should at least bother to win this last fight too.. and even if Noah wouldn't want to kiss him, he'd just bow his head to him and say he just wanted to prevent him from having to kiss anyone indecent. It'll work out somehow, he thinks, and his grip on his sword grows a little tighter as the metal of his sword meets his opponent's once more in this final swordfighting battle. ]
[Every kingdom has its own unique set of customs and traditions, naturally. And somehow, even a competition like this had become a tradition in their own home. It feels a little silly to him, even though it's inherently a sweet idea, isn't it? Although Noah still can't help but think that it's a bit much just for a kiss from him... But being a customary tradition, he knew it'd happen to him someday. It's all to do with a royal family member turning a certain age, and still being a bachelor.
His family had always talked of it like it was an easy way to raise the spirits of the townsfolk with a little celebration...and one where they wouldn't have to give much of a reward (not much of one in their eyes). Noah hadn't given it much thought at first...simply because he did know it would be coming soon. Of course he'd be happy to give a kiss- to anyone who won. Just like with his knight competition, he wouldn't discriminate against whoever claimed the prize.
Only...for some reason he couldn't place, he had felt some doubt swirling in his chest on the day of the competition, when all of that would actually become a reality. It'd been very hard for him to place...especially because by all rights, he should be happy. And flattered. Whether he realizes it or not, Noah is very well-loved by his citizens, and he'd turned out a large batch of competitors and an even larger crowd...much to his own surprise when he'd finally come forward.
Although...that was far from the biggest surprise so far that day.
If there was anyone he hadn't expected to anywhere on the competition field itself...it was his personal knight, Haruki. There's never been a doubt to Noah that Haruki is strong (he'd seen it for himself plenty of times)...but he'd never imagined...he'd be interested in fighting for something like this. A kiss from him...Especially when they already spend so much time together, and Haruki hadn't said two words about competing. It's not as if the surprise was bad though, by any means. In fact...if anything, it replaced the feeling of doubt in his heart with one that seems a lot more hopeful. And excited.
Without even realizing it, his face had absolutely lit up when he spotted Haruki on the field. He couldn't help it. He's never been very good at hiding his happiness like that anyway...even if he had realized it'd been so obvious on his face.
There's just...something about Haruki that he's always adored, even before all of this. It's why he'd been so grateful to have the other as his knight...and have him by his side so consistently. There was admiration there...and comfort...and happiness. Haruki's sweet, beautiful smile always seemed to make the world feel even brighter to him. So of course Noah was always happy to have that radiance in his life.
But he'd never considered before...how he wanted Haruki in his life. The other had always simply been his knight, and his friend- both incredibly valued aspects to Noah...But it hadn't been until today- when he'd seen Haruki down on the field...fighting so intensely over him...over a chance to kiss him ...that's when it'd all finally hit Noah. That he really, truly wants Haruki to be the victor in this competition. That there's no one else he'd rather see come out on top...no matter how unfair that is to the other participants (and no matter how much he's keeping that fact to himself for now).
All he can do though...is watch, and wait, and hope that Haruki will come out on top. The memory of the sweet, bashful boy who's always by his side seems like such a stark contrast to the one out there now. And the thought that all of that fierceness is simply to win a kiss from him...It makes Noah's heart feel weak in a way it never has before...and makes his head feel light and dizzy. Enough that he has to grip tightly onto the arm rests of his chair while he watches- trying to keep himself grounded while he watches each stroke of the swords.]
[ The final round is tougher than the other ones. So much that Haruki has to make sure to focus - he can't even look over to Haruki for a moment to see the other's reaction, although it's unlikely that he would do as much even if he did have the opportunity. He's still too nervous about Noah's reaction to all this, whether he would even want this as much as Haruki wants it, as the idea of it made Haruki's heart pound rapidly in his chest every time he thought about it in the days leading up to the competition.
For now he just lets that heartpounding feeling lead him into giving everything he's got here during the battle. The opponent is incredibly strong, but Haruki isn't necessarily weak himself - and he can make up for the difference in strength through technique and being light on his feet.
It does look like he might lose though. For a moment it seems like the other guy's sheer power might overpower him, but it only serves to drive Haruki more. Even though he'd love for himself to be the one to kiss Noah.. even moreso than that, he doesn't want Noah to have to give even the smallest and most platonic of kisses to someone he wouldn't want to kiss. Noah is so kind and handsome and charming, he doesn't want to give that up to some brute that's also after their prince's kiss for whatever reason.
So he dodges, and with a last thrust, just a little too slow for the other man, he manages to point his sword directly at the other's heart.
Haruki doesn't move it further forward than that. Of course he doesn't. All of this might be a fight, but it's not one to the death - there's no reason to at a festival that's meant for celebration, a competition meant to show their love for their prince. Haruki isn't naturally a very violent person, he knows he'd only kill when it's necessary for Noah's safety.. it's the only time he could drive himself that far.
So once he's been announced the winner, he instead just pulls his sword back before sheathing it to where it usually hangs at his side. He respectfully bows his head towards his opponent, who just seems to grumble something in disappointment before he wanders off back into the crowd.
... Haruki knows that's not where he is going though. One of the servants he usually sees around the palace helps guide him instead to the stage - the stage he knows Noah must be guided from his seat towards too right now. As he glances sidelong at the servant, the other gives him a very meaningful look, and Haruki feels his cheeks lightly up slightly as a rock drops in the pit of his stomach.
Maybe it's weird that he didn't feel nearly as nervous fighting as he does now.. but it's just how it works with him. He's always been easily flustered, and there's no one who would be able to bring that feeling about in him more naturally than Noah himself.
The nervousness at the thought whether or not Noah will like or even accept the kiss grows to a point where he can't even lift his gaze once he's on the podium. It sure doesn't help that he's in front of everyone, and although that usually doesn't bother him as a personal knight, it does bother him more when it's about his own feelings.
Stay professional, Haruki. He repeats it over and over in his head, bowing to greet the other - the only way he would even be able to tell it's Noah in front of him now is by his shoes. ]
My lord.
[ He doesn't even move up just yet. Something inside of him tells him that he'll melt just seeing the other's face right now. ]
[In all the previous matches, it'd seemed unquestionable that Haruki would take the victory, and so Noah hadn't felt any sense of anxiousness at all when he'd been watching. But the final match itself is different- because it's more of an even fight, and there's a lot of back and forth. This is the first time Noah really starts to feel worried while he's watching- worried that Haruki won't win, and he wouldn't be getting a kiss from his knight today after all. He feels a little guilty for even feeling worried about the prospect at all...mostly because he does want to be fair to the competitors. But it's not about not wanting to kiss the other participant...it's about wanting Haruki to be the victor.
His heart skips so many beats while he's watching that it seems like a wonder he hasn't passed out yet. With each and every single movement- each thrust of a sword, each small dodge step...it feels like something inside of him might burst from the intensity of it all. And with the way it's been during the whole competition...honestly, it's amazing he'd never realized his own feelings for Haruki until today. But now that the idea's been presented to him it's like everything's clicked into place, and it's all so much clearer.
Even as Haruki moves in to make the final move to win him the match- the knot of worry in his stomach disappears, but his heart just keeps on going. Faster and faster- when they announce Haruki's victory, when the servants start escorting him up on stage, when he's being guided towards the stage himself...and then finally, when they're standing before each other.
Noah might've gotten worried again at Haruki's professional reaction...if he didn't already know Haruki himself. Of course it's only natural for him to act this way after winning something that's even remotely formal. That's just how Haruki's always acted before, so it's not even a surprise in this situation. And besides, he can still see that red tint on the other's cheeks right now. Maybe he wouldn't have thought anything of it a day or so ago, but at least now he can understand why Haruki must seem a little flustered.
Still...Noah can't stop himself from smiling as wide and as brightly as he possibly can while he walks up to Haruki and takes a moment to just simply take in the sight of his knight. The very same person who fought so hard just to be standing on this stage...and even as Haruki keeps staring down at the ground, Noah can feel his chest tighten from how happy he feels.
He can't wait even a few more seconds though...soon his hands reach over and slide around both of Haruki's- giving them a gentle tug to pull his gaze back upward.]
Haruki...
[Even his voice seems sweeter, and happier than it normally does- speaking softly so that the exchange of words will only be heard by the two of them.]
I think you're staring in the wrong direction. Would you please look at me...?
[His hands tug on the other's again- gentle, but insistent this time.]
Here he is, on top of a stage with so many people watching, in front of the person he's sworn to protect with everything he has and who is his entire world. And said person is holding his hands, and speaking in such a soft and gentle voice..
And it makes Haruki absolutely feel like he's dying. Maybe it's a matter of "what did you expect," since it's obvious that winning the competition would bring him up on a stage like this so everyone could see the prize is being given out fairly and all, but he never really fully realised what it'd feel like. He never took his victory for granted this entire time, and now it's fully hitting him once he actually does have it. He's going to get a kiss. From Noah. From the prince that makes his heart beat faster just by Haruki looking at him, let alone...
Well, touching. Kissing. Noah touching or kissing him.
There's no way he could ever refuse any request from Noah though, and so Haruki's gaze quickly turns upward as he stands up straight again, looking directly at Noah. Even though his cheeks are definitely still red, his hair still a little messy from the battles (god, he looks like a mess, Noah deserves so much better--) and even though directly staring into Noah's eyes feels very much like directly looking into the sun - he's going to go blind and die if he keeps it up for too long.
He doesn't even know what to say. What's appropriate to say in this sort of situation? Noah seems happy, more than anything Haruki could ever have imagined, but every time he opens his mouth to say something, his throat feels way too dry to speak. No matter that he's a knight that was skilfully swordfighting only just now - standing in front of Noah reduces him to a teenage schoolgirl that's anxious about looking at the boy at school she has a crush on. A totaly romantic cliche. ]
I'm.. I'm sorry if it is not to your liking..
[ Not that Noah seems displeased by any of this, but he can't help but let his mouth rattle on anyway. With the way the pounding of his heart has practically even taken over his brain at this point, he can only let something like that flow out instinctively instead of think of something better to say - and every instinct in him says he ought to apologize to Noah for forcing him to kiss him instead of anyone else. ]
[For Noah, being up on this stage has almost the exact opposite effect that it does on Haruki. He's lived most of his life with other people watching his every move, and he's so comfortable with having an audience...that all of it seems to start fading into the background. All of the faces in the crowd- disappearing one by one...until it feels like it's only the two of them up there. Just himself, and Haruki in front of him.
And besides...Haruki is the only audience that Noah really wants right now. Maybe any other time he'd feel a little guilty about ignoring all of the other onlookers who'd come here for his sake. But right now- Haruki is the one who's won, and it feels fair to be able to devote every ounce of his attention to his knight. Even before...Noah had always loved Haruki's smile, and his sweetness, and moment's like these too- when he gets so blushy and shy.
This time though...he can feel that his own face is a little flushed too from how quickly his heart had been beating.
Every part of Noah wants to just drop everything and tug Haruki into a kiss right away...but he knows he has to wait, just a little bit longer. He doesn't want to scare the other half to death, for one thing. And especially after hearing those words- he can't let Haruki go on thinking that way.
His hands squeeze against the others- even more insistent this time- and pulling him a little closer once again.]
How could it not be...?
[To be able to kiss someone like Haruki...right now, Noah feels like he's the one who claimed the prize, despite not having competed at all. But no matter how much his heart feels like it's doing somersaults in his chest, Noah's at least able to keep himself composed. Maybe it's partially from seeing Haruki acting like a nervous schoolgirl...It's like he's seeing it in a whole new light too. And as much as it adds to the flips his heart is doing, it gives him the strength to help guide the other along, and reassure him too.]
[ There's nothing he'd want more. That's really what's happening right now, isn't it? Those are really the words coming from Noah's actual mouth, and not just something he's imagining - since that possibility seems more likely to him than this being reality. Noah, the one he worked so hard to get a kiss from, the handsome prince.. wants nothing more right now than to kiss him too, even though he's a mere knight who only got his position through the kindness of the prince to give anyone a shot at the position and not just noblemen?
It feels impossible. But if it's what Noah wants, if it's what his prince wants, the one he's supposed to serve more than anything else.. then he can't refuse him. He has to make sure his prince is as happy as he can be on top of being as safe as he can be, after all.
(But it'd be a big fat lie to say Haruki himself doesn't want this. It's why he entered the competition to begin with, and he knows his gaze has lingered on the other more than it had ought to at times, down to the time the prince got sick and his personal knight lingered at his bedside all night, unable to shut an eye himself and just watching the slumbering prince.)
His breath feels like it's stuck in his throat and he's pretty sure he's looking like a total idiot in front of a great crowd of citizens from the capital, but Haruki really can't help it. Not when he's this far gone, not when the possibility of getting a kiss from the person who's made his heart race faster multiple times before is being dangled in front of his face.
Haruki's mouth feel oddly dry, and he quickly licks his lips a little to wet them to try and combat the feeling, his gaze nervously moving back and forth between Noah and just about anything that isn't Noah. ]
Then, my lord.. please take what is yours.
[ It's still formal, and it makes it sound like maybe Haruki doesn't want this and only Noah does.. but it should be obvious to someone who knows him well enough - like Noah - that Haruki is just doing his best here. His shakey voice and the look in his eyes say enough about the fact his stomach is fluttering at the thought of the kiss, after all. But seeming eager and ready to melt at getting a kiss from the prince in front of such a crowd when you're supposed to seem like a tough knight... that's not something you can do. Besides, it'd almost feel like he would be insulting Noah by saying how badly he wants to kiss him too - after all, why would he deserve such a thing even after winning the tournament? ]
[As formal as Haruki's response might sound to anyone else, it really is easy enough for Noah to tell how nervous he is. And he can see too, that Haruki isn't nervous because this is something he doesn't want to do...it's just the opposite of that, in fact. Now that all of the pieces have come together in Noah's mind, it's all much clearer to him.
But the last thing Noah wants to do...is to keep Haruki in suspense, and make him even more nervous. Even though Noah could tell him that he doesn't need a knight who looks tough, and that Haruki is perfect exactly the way he is...The other boy is still waiting for him. So first and foremost, Noah will give him his prize.
This time, he doesn't say anything out loud in response. Instead, he does exactly what Haruki suggests...even though it takes a lot of willpower to keep himself from simply pulling the other into the kiss in that same instant. He wants to make it clear that this is still a very special occasion for Haruki...not just because he's the winner today, but also because Noah really means what he says about being glad that Haruki is the winner.
He moves both of his hands around one of Haruki's- cupping it gently and very carefully reeling him in closer. Noah himself takes a small step to continue filling the space between them- smiling the entire time. It's only when they're standing just a few inches apart, that Noah reaches up with one of those hands to stroke Haruki's cheek...tilting his chin up...And even as he moves, there's softness with each touch- every single one trying to convince the other that he's wanted here. Until finally, Noah himself leans down- pressing their lips together, and tilting his head gently into the kiss...enough until it feels like their lips lock together. Like they were made for each other.
There's nothing about the kiss that feels forced...or out of obligation, or mechanical, or anything of the sort. It's soft and affectionate in a way that can't be anything but genuine. That much should be obvious enough, even to the onlookers...Even though the kiss itself is still so gentle.
There's so much that he wants to say to Haruki...so much that should be saved until they're off the stage, and in an area where they could speak more privately. So for now...he does his best to put absolutely everything he has into that one, tender kiss.]
[ Everything about his prince is perfect. In this moment Haruki is only reminded of it once more. Not that he ever doubted that statement - even before he ever got this physically close to Noah, Haruki always admired the prince. He was gentle and kind, but he got done what he had to do, and he had no doubt that Noah would make a great leader of the entire country once he would inherit the crown from his father. He could only imagine what kind of great country Noah could shape if he was in full control of everything.
But this moment makes it more clear on a more personal level. Every gesture is so kind, every tough feels so gentle. It's like Noah constantly is thinking of other people and knows exactly how to treat someone as well as possible, how to make someone feel like they're on top of the world - because that's what he's doing for Haruki right now. Haruki who was always just a poor kid, who wasn't anything special.. and yet Noah is being so gentle with him like he's unique, precious, like he means something.
His heart is pounding so fast in his chest even before the prince's lips touch his own, but it might even pound a little faster once they do kiss, if that's even at all possible anymore with how quickly it's already going. All of this just feels so.. so overwhelming. Noah kissing him so gently, affectionately, despite it just being a prize for a competition. Noah, the person he admired for so much, the prince he wants to protect more than anything, and.. the person he likes, even if he's not meant to.
It's so overwhelming that Haruki almost instinctively cries, but he manages to hold it in. Barely, but he does manage it - he can't cry in front of this crowd, after all, not when he's supposed to be the prince's personal knight. If people thought he looked weak, they might take it as a sign they could try to hurt Noah since Haruki would be unable to stop it anyway.. and that's just about the last thing he wants.
Instead he just wills himself the best he can to keep standing on both feet, to bear all the feelings rushing through his body for now. He can collapse later, maybe when he's alone, and touch his lips as if the kiss felt unreal.
Later, but not now. Right now he doesn't even dare to back off out of the kiss, even when he feels himself slowly running out of breath with how worked up he is over all this. Noah is the prince, so Noah should decide when this ends. Haruki's role is to follow his every command, after all, even though they're technically here today as the victor and prize rather than the knight and the prince.
(Even so, his cheeks are a deep shade of pink that he can't seem to force down.) ]
[It's too easy to get lost in a kiss like this...almost dangerously so. With his eyes closed, it's even easier to imagine. Almost as if they were back in the palace together, with only each other and not hundreds of eyes watching them. And Noah does let himself forget about the crowds again...if only for a few moments. That way he can focus on Haruki's scent...the softness of his lips...and just feeling how close the other is to him. Even the sounds of a cheering audience fades into the background during a kiss like this.
Noah knows Haruki well enough by now to tell that he's putting in a lot of effort to hold himself together...but even Noah himself feels like he can barely keep himself standing right now. It's a small wonder they're both standing...and it's a small wonder that he's managed to hold himself back for even this long.
Except he can't help himself. Crowds or no crowds, Noah tilts his head into the kiss- deepening it just a little more...just for a little longer. It's subtle enough that no one should really notice except for Haruki himself. And even if they do notice...even if it does look like he wants this kiss a little too much...that thought doesn't scare him. Why hide it, when it's the truth? Haruki is his victor anyway...and more than that, he deserves to know how treasured he is.
Unfortunately, they're not in any private quarters, so even with the extra that he gives...Noah can't continue the kiss for as long as he'd really like to.
Pulling away still feels harder than he even imagined...Maybe because some part of him is still afraid that Haruki won't want to do this again. That this really could've been his knight's way of protecting him, and nothing more. And that this really could be both his first and last kiss with the other.
When they're apart- even by a hairsbreadth of space- both his his heart feel lonely...even as it's beating rapidly in his chest. Noah moves his head though- leaning over to press his lips against Haruki's ear instead- the one that's facing away from the crowds, as if that'll make it seem a little more private. But even as he does, it's slow...and his cheek brushes softly against Haruki's while he moves to whisper gently into his ear.]
Will you stay with me...?
[After the ceremony is over. And even though it's said in a soft voice, it still has hints of pleading in it. Like he's desperate to keep Haruki from running off now.]
[ It's not hard to answer that question. Or, well, it is hard.. since his heart is pounding so hard with just how close Noah is to him, how Noah is whispering into his ear, how he can even feel Noah's lips against his cheek and he knows those lips have been touching his own only moments ago.. it reduces him to what feels like a puddle of goo, and that does make it very, very hard to speak up.
But the answer itself isn't hard. He already could never deny Noah anything - not as his servant, his knight, but also just as a person. Noah doesn't deserve to ever get denied anything, he deserves to have the world at his feet with how kind and compassionate he always is despite his position, no matter who he's dealing with.
So hearing him so desperately... there's no way he couldn't answer as quickly as he could. He wants Noah to know that he'd do absolutely anything for him, that it's only natural as Noah's knight. ]
Of course.
[ It's said in a very quiet voice, like he really doesn't want anyone but Noah to hear it either... even though it'd easy to play it off as him obeying an order from the prince or something, he's still too shy to let anyone overhear even a tiny bit of their conversation - let alone a huge crowd that's still watching them.
(Not that he thinks any of this will be a lot easier once it's just the two of them, not when Noah's very presence does so much to him already.) ]
Anything you wish, my lord...
[ Unfortunately his wording and quiet shyness in this situation make it easy to interpret it as if Haruki himself might not want this, like he's just following up Noah's orders since he's meant to. But despite going out of his way to win the competition just to be able to get that kiss from him, Haruki still isn't able to just plainly tell him into words what Noah makes him feel every time he sees him. He's both too bashful for it and also feels like it can't be right for a knight to harbor that sort of feelings for their master.
But.. he does want it. He wants nothing more than staying by Noah's side, no matter in what situations, no matter what he'll have to go through. That's all he wants. ]
[Luckily, no matter what Haruki's reaction sounds like right now, it's not enough to dissuade Noah. If he hadn't already known his knight for a quite a while now, then maybe it would've been more worrying...but he already knows how nervous Haruki seems, and how formal he can sound when he's talking sometimes. Maybe it would do him well to worry a little more, but he's still too dazzled by the kiss itself to think that anything could possibly go wrong now.
Besides, it doesn't invalidate anything else the other's done so far...such as entering the competition in the first place, and then accepting Noah's kiss at all. So when he hears Haruki say that, Noah really believes that he means that...and it makes his heart feel like it's full of joy, and relief that he will have time alone with his knight soon enough.
He gives Haruki another one of his brightest smiles- added with a nod in response to his statement. Both of his hands wrap around the other's once again as he takes a small step back...enough to face him, but still not very far apart at all. His voice is still hushed in a whisper as he talks again- enough to keep it between the two of them.]
I'll try not to keep you waiting too long.
[As much as he'd like to go dashing off of the stage with Haruki, he has to, at the very least, address the crowd of people that showed up just for him today. Even though Haruki is his victor...even though Haruki is the only person he wants to be with- the one person he wants to be with more than anything...he still wants to be respectful towards the other citizens and competitors.
No matter how badly he just wants to be Noah for Haruki right now, he can't stop being the prince either.
So...as hard as it is, he tears his eyes away from his knight for a moment- turning towards the crowd, but keeping one of his hands on the other's. As he addresses all of the other people watching, he gives a small thank you speech for everyone who attended today, and everyone who took part. And most of all, for his victor. As sincere as it sounds, and is, to Noah it feels like the words are just flooding out of his mouth- like he won't remember them at all in just a few moments. All his mind can focus on is Haruki...and the feeling of the other's hand in his as he talks.]
[ God, Noah just had to make this hard, didn't he? Not that Haruki himself really gives the other the blame here, he would never think anything bad at all about his prince and - there's no way he can't at least admit it to himself at this point - his crush. But blame aside, there's no doubt about it that it's hard to face the crowd when he can still feel the other's warm hand around his own.
Haruki is not the most bold person, after all. Sure, he managed to become a knihgt, and he can look a little tougher when he has to. At the very least when he's fighting, and whenever there's a possible threat around, then he can at least scrape himself together enough to look intimidating, if not just by telling himself that if he doesn't look like he can stop anything from getting to Noah, Noah's very life could be endangered. So he can usually at least take a deep breath and force himself to look stronger.
But in this case? It feels impossible. He can look strong when he's being Noah's knight, but right now he feels very different from that. Noah kissing him so lovingly, saying all these things to him, holding onto his hand now despite not having to do so in any way. It feels less like being Noah's knight and more like being Noah's--
No, he can't think about that. He shouldn't think about that sort of thing when it's his prince, and he definitely shouldn't think about it right here in front of this big crowd of people. Unless he wants to be the shame of the nation by standing here blushing like an idiot, that is. He just tries to take a deep breath or two, gathering himself together just enough to maybe not entirely look strong, but at least not look like a gooey mess either, no matter what he feels like on the inside. It's taking him all his effort to not be shaking on his legs right now.
So it's very likely that Haruki won't remember a word of the speech either... he probably has no idea what the speech is about even as it's going on with how much he has to focus on the way he's looking right now. But he manages to hold out until the end of the speech, only then daring to cast a small glimpse in the other's direction. ]
My prince...
[ There's a slight sense of desperation in those words, no matter how softly they leave Haruki's mouth. Like it's a desperate request for them to leave the stage now before he will literally die of a heart attack - even though he doesn't voice the request out loud, too afraid it would be too much to ask from someone who's so much higher status-wise than he is.
With the way he's looking right now, it really is a far cry from the guy who was battling so fiercely only a little bit ago. ]
[Odds are good that Noah won't even remember most of, or all of his own speech either. If there's one thing he's gotten good at through from a lifetime of being a prince, and being in the public eye, it's how to make himself sound pretty convincing even when his mind is 1000 miles away. And to be fair, he does usually focus on what he's saying more...but there's no way he'll be able to this time. And right now, his mind isn't miles away, it's just completely focused on his knight beside him.
He wishes they could've left right away- without him having to do this at all...but it's one of the drawbacks of being royalty, isn't it? That he can't just leave whenever he wants to...he can't just forget about doing his duty just this once and leave a little early. Or he could, but he couldn't do it without there being any consequences for it.
Thankfully, he's done all he's needed to do, and he did it as quickly as he could without seeming forced. But that doesn't make him feel any better by the time he hears Haruki's voice. Noah can tell well enough that there is an edge of desperation in there..and it only makes him want to get out of there even more. Right now, Noah just selfishly wishes he could've skipped everything else right after that kiss- to right now when he really can give the other his complete, undivided attention.
With that thought in mind, Noah turns to Haruki- wrapping both hands around one of his knight's. He smiles a little apologetically, and lowers his voice again so that only the other will be able to hear him.]
Let's go...my knight...
[Right now. He doesn't waste any more time- even if it means leaving the stage rather abruptly after finishing his few words. That's one thing he won't pay any mind to though...if he seems eager to leave with Haruki, that's perfectly fine with him. He is eager to be with him, and he's not going to hide that from anyone watching. Not now, and not as the finally get off the stage- quickly walking Haruki to find somewhere more private.]
[ How would it ever have been possible to not fall some completely and helplessly in love with Noah? Haruki doesn't know how anyone can do it, not being completely enamoured by the prince, that is-- Noah is just too much of a complete package. He's charming, kind and caring to his people.. He's so radiant, and it feels like Haruki's heart is being squeezed a little in his chest when the other moves to hold his hand again, giving him that small apologetic smile. Even though Haruki is only a knight, Noah still feels apologetic towards him for making him wait.. His heart is just so big, and Haruki feels himself being filled up with warmth at the very thought of it.
So he just lets himself be led along by the prince without any resistance. He too wants to get somewhere more private, where they can talk with just the two of them without anyone interrupting. At least Haruki does keep somewhat of an eye out while they walk - even though his heart feels like it's about to explode with dokis for the other, it still doesn't mean he can just put the other's life in danger. And with Noah being the prince, you never know where someone might be lurking to try and do something to him.
Thankfully things seem to go smoothly though. But even though the walk is uneventful, it still feels like an eternity passes before they get anywhere. And the whole time Haruki can only think about everything that just passed - how soft Noah's kiss was, so caring and warm, how desperate the other sounded when he asked Haruki to stay with him. The thought that he might be enveloped again or even further in that warmth once they get there truly feels overwhelming to him.
But they do eventually reach a more private place where someone won't just walk in on the two of them. Haruki's free hand drops off the hilt of his sword, where he kept it just in case something might have happened, and instead he feels speechless once again when Noah's gaze meets his own again - any words he might have thought of to say during the walk are all completely gone again.
It takes a moment or two before he can even talk, bowing his head a little bit in apology. ]
Forgive me my insolence.. I participated without telling you about it or asking you for permission, my lord.
[ Which is something he did worry about a lot. Even though it ended well now, he was so afraid the whole time that Noah would have hated the fact he had to kiss him if he'd win... ]
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But on the other hand.. there were things stopping him too. Like the idea that perhaps Noah wouldn't like kissing him at all, and the idea of him forcing anything onto the radiant prince feels like a sin he'll never be able to forgive himself for. And the worry what other people might think about it.. he's the prince's personal knight, after all, and people might find it weird for them to do that sort of thing - even setting aside the matter of status. Even though he was no longer poor thanks to the job Noah had given him, he's still working for him. He's still following Noah's orders, and the fact that he's nowhere near Noah's level in his mind almost threatens to make him hate himself for even considering what it would be like to kiss the other.
It's why Haruki waffles and hesitates, the only good thing about it being the fact that he at least manages to hide his thoughts about the competition from the prince himself in the meantime. It's only on the day of the competition itself that his heart seems to make it into a spur of the moment decision after all, his worries over the thought of who might kiss Noah otherwise making him jump in at the back of the line for people to sign up.
At least the competition itself was nothing to worry about. Not for him. He'd trained hard ever since he was granted the position of personal knight by Noah, and even before that he had already trained during every spare moment of time he could find in his life (a not too common thing to find, honestly) to make sure he could even be good enough to be considered for the position of knight. It's why he easily got through the first few rounds of the competition without even breaking too much of a sweat during the jousting and the battles.
There's only one thing that Haruki can't find himself able to do in the middle of all this - and that's actually look at Noah. If the worry about with what kind of expression Noah is watching all this isn't bad enough, then there's the very true fact that catching even a glimpse of that person would make his heart pound so rapidly and his cheeks heat up so quickly he wouldn't be able to focus on a single match.
So he doesn't. Even though a voice at the back of his mind worries that Noah might be disappointed to see him here among the others fighting for a chance to get a kiss from him, he tries to ignore it the best he can and fight on with a steady hand and heart - looking a lot less like the bashful guy he is most of the time when he isn't holding a sword or lance.
And so the competition keeps going well. It's not that much of a surprise when he finds himself making it to the final round, even if he would hate to put it that way since he's way too humble to make a big deal out of himself.
Not that the final round is easy. He doesn't find himself on some extremely losing side in the middle of it, but he's at the very least evenly matched with the other guy. What Haruki has in skill, the other man is making up for in build - because no matter how good Haruki might be with a weapon by now, he's still a very slender guy with a near feminine-looking build. There's only so much he can do in the strength department. He doesn't want to give up just because of that though. If he's made it this far, then he should at least bother to win this last fight too.. and even if Noah wouldn't want to kiss him, he'd just bow his head to him and say he just wanted to prevent him from having to kiss anyone indecent. It'll work out somehow, he thinks, and his grip on his sword grows a little tighter as the metal of his sword meets his opponent's once more in this final swordfighting battle. ]
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His family had always talked of it like it was an easy way to raise the spirits of the townsfolk with a little celebration...and one where they wouldn't have to give much of a reward (not much of one in their eyes). Noah hadn't given it much thought at first...simply because he did know it would be coming soon. Of course he'd be happy to give a kiss- to anyone who won. Just like with his knight competition, he wouldn't discriminate against whoever claimed the prize.
Only...for some reason he couldn't place, he had felt some doubt swirling in his chest on the day of the competition, when all of that would actually become a reality. It'd been very hard for him to place...especially because by all rights, he should be happy. And flattered. Whether he realizes it or not, Noah is very well-loved by his citizens, and he'd turned out a large batch of competitors and an even larger crowd...much to his own surprise when he'd finally come forward.
Although...that was far from the biggest surprise so far that day.
If there was anyone he hadn't expected to anywhere on the competition field itself...it was his personal knight, Haruki. There's never been a doubt to Noah that Haruki is strong (he'd seen it for himself plenty of times)...but he'd never imagined...he'd be interested in fighting for something like this. A kiss from him...Especially when they already spend so much time together, and Haruki hadn't said two words about competing. It's not as if the surprise was bad though, by any means. In fact...if anything, it replaced the feeling of doubt in his heart with one that seems a lot more hopeful. And excited.
Without even realizing it, his face had absolutely lit up when he spotted Haruki on the field. He couldn't help it. He's never been very good at hiding his happiness like that anyway...even if he had realized it'd been so obvious on his face.
There's just...something about Haruki that he's always adored, even before all of this. It's why he'd been so grateful to have the other as his knight...and have him by his side so consistently. There was admiration there...and comfort...and happiness. Haruki's sweet, beautiful smile always seemed to make the world feel even brighter to him. So of course Noah was always happy to have that radiance in his life.
But he'd never considered before...how he wanted Haruki in his life. The other had always simply been his knight, and his friend- both incredibly valued aspects to Noah...But it hadn't been until today- when he'd seen Haruki down on the field...fighting so intensely over him...over a chance to kiss him ...that's when it'd all finally hit Noah. That he really, truly wants Haruki to be the victor in this competition. That there's no one else he'd rather see come out on top...no matter how unfair that is to the other participants (and no matter how much he's keeping that fact to himself for now).
All he can do though...is watch, and wait, and hope that Haruki will come out on top. The memory of the sweet, bashful boy who's always by his side seems like such a stark contrast to the one out there now. And the thought that all of that fierceness is simply to win a kiss from him...It makes Noah's heart feel weak in a way it never has before...and makes his head feel light and dizzy. Enough that he has to grip tightly onto the arm rests of his chair while he watches- trying to keep himself grounded while he watches each stroke of the swords.]
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For now he just lets that heartpounding feeling lead him into giving everything he's got here during the battle. The opponent is incredibly strong, but Haruki isn't necessarily weak himself - and he can make up for the difference in strength through technique and being light on his feet.
It does look like he might lose though. For a moment it seems like the other guy's sheer power might overpower him, but it only serves to drive Haruki more. Even though he'd love for himself to be the one to kiss Noah.. even moreso than that, he doesn't want Noah to have to give even the smallest and most platonic of kisses to someone he wouldn't want to kiss. Noah is so kind and handsome and charming, he doesn't want to give that up to some brute that's also after their prince's kiss for whatever reason.
So he dodges, and with a last thrust, just a little too slow for the other man, he manages to point his sword directly at the other's heart.
Haruki doesn't move it further forward than that. Of course he doesn't. All of this might be a fight, but it's not one to the death - there's no reason to at a festival that's meant for celebration, a competition meant to show their love for their prince. Haruki isn't naturally a very violent person, he knows he'd only kill when it's necessary for Noah's safety.. it's the only time he could drive himself that far.
So once he's been announced the winner, he instead just pulls his sword back before sheathing it to where it usually hangs at his side. He respectfully bows his head towards his opponent, who just seems to grumble something in disappointment before he wanders off back into the crowd.
... Haruki knows that's not where he is going though. One of the servants he usually sees around the palace helps guide him instead to the stage - the stage he knows Noah must be guided from his seat towards too right now. As he glances sidelong at the servant, the other gives him a very meaningful look, and Haruki feels his cheeks lightly up slightly as a rock drops in the pit of his stomach.
Maybe it's weird that he didn't feel nearly as nervous fighting as he does now.. but it's just how it works with him. He's always been easily flustered, and there's no one who would be able to bring that feeling about in him more naturally than Noah himself.
The nervousness at the thought whether or not Noah will like or even accept the kiss grows to a point where he can't even lift his gaze once he's on the podium. It sure doesn't help that he's in front of everyone, and although that usually doesn't bother him as a personal knight, it does bother him more when it's about his own feelings.
Stay professional, Haruki. He repeats it over and over in his head, bowing to greet the other - the only way he would even be able to tell it's Noah in front of him now is by his shoes. ]
My lord.
[ He doesn't even move up just yet. Something inside of him tells him that he'll melt just seeing the other's face right now. ]
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His heart skips so many beats while he's watching that it seems like a wonder he hasn't passed out yet. With each and every single movement- each thrust of a sword, each small dodge step...it feels like something inside of him might burst from the intensity of it all. And with the way it's been during the whole competition...honestly, it's amazing he'd never realized his own feelings for Haruki until today. But now that the idea's been presented to him it's like everything's clicked into place, and it's all so much clearer.
Even as Haruki moves in to make the final move to win him the match- the knot of worry in his stomach disappears, but his heart just keeps on going. Faster and faster- when they announce Haruki's victory, when the servants start escorting him up on stage, when he's being guided towards the stage himself...and then finally, when they're standing before each other.
Noah might've gotten worried again at Haruki's professional reaction...if he didn't already know Haruki himself. Of course it's only natural for him to act this way after winning something that's even remotely formal. That's just how Haruki's always acted before, so it's not even a surprise in this situation. And besides, he can still see that red tint on the other's cheeks right now. Maybe he wouldn't have thought anything of it a day or so ago, but at least now he can understand why Haruki must seem a little flustered.
Still...Noah can't stop himself from smiling as wide and as brightly as he possibly can while he walks up to Haruki and takes a moment to just simply take in the sight of his knight. The very same person who fought so hard just to be standing on this stage...and even as Haruki keeps staring down at the ground, Noah can feel his chest tighten from how happy he feels.
He can't wait even a few more seconds though...soon his hands reach over and slide around both of Haruki's- giving them a gentle tug to pull his gaze back upward.]
Haruki...
[Even his voice seems sweeter, and happier than it normally does- speaking softly so that the exchange of words will only be heard by the two of them.]
I think you're staring in the wrong direction. Would you please look at me...?
[His hands tug on the other's again- gentle, but insistent this time.]
My victor.
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Here he is, on top of a stage with so many people watching, in front of the person he's sworn to protect with everything he has and who is his entire world. And said person is holding his hands, and speaking in such a soft and gentle voice..
And it makes Haruki absolutely feel like he's dying. Maybe it's a matter of "what did you expect," since it's obvious that winning the competition would bring him up on a stage like this so everyone could see the prize is being given out fairly and all, but he never really fully realised what it'd feel like. He never took his victory for granted this entire time, and now it's fully hitting him once he actually does have it. He's going to get a kiss. From Noah. From the prince that makes his heart beat faster just by Haruki looking at him, let alone...
Well, touching. Kissing. Noah touching or kissing him.
There's no way he could ever refuse any request from Noah though, and so Haruki's gaze quickly turns upward as he stands up straight again, looking directly at Noah. Even though his cheeks are definitely still red, his hair still a little messy from the battles (god, he looks like a mess, Noah deserves so much better--) and even though directly staring into Noah's eyes feels very much like directly looking into the sun - he's going to go blind and die if he keeps it up for too long.
He doesn't even know what to say. What's appropriate to say in this sort of situation? Noah seems happy, more than anything Haruki could ever have imagined, but every time he opens his mouth to say something, his throat feels way too dry to speak. No matter that he's a knight that was skilfully swordfighting only just now - standing in front of Noah reduces him to a teenage schoolgirl that's anxious about looking at the boy at school she has a crush on. A totaly romantic cliche. ]
I'm.. I'm sorry if it is not to your liking..
[ Not that Noah seems displeased by any of this, but he can't help but let his mouth rattle on anyway. With the way the pounding of his heart has practically even taken over his brain at this point, he can only let something like that flow out instinctively instead of think of something better to say - and every instinct in him says he ought to apologize to Noah for forcing him to kiss him instead of anyone else. ]
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And besides...Haruki is the only audience that Noah really wants right now. Maybe any other time he'd feel a little guilty about ignoring all of the other onlookers who'd come here for his sake. But right now- Haruki is the one who's won, and it feels fair to be able to devote every ounce of his attention to his knight. Even before...Noah had always loved Haruki's smile, and his sweetness, and moment's like these too- when he gets so blushy and shy.
This time though...he can feel that his own face is a little flushed too from how quickly his heart had been beating.
Every part of Noah wants to just drop everything and tug Haruki into a kiss right away...but he knows he has to wait, just a little bit longer. He doesn't want to scare the other half to death, for one thing. And especially after hearing those words- he can't let Haruki go on thinking that way.
His hands squeeze against the others- even more insistent this time- and pulling him a little closer once again.]
How could it not be...?
[To be able to kiss someone like Haruki...right now, Noah feels like he's the one who claimed the prize, despite not having competed at all. But no matter how much his heart feels like it's doing somersaults in his chest, Noah's at least able to keep himself composed. Maybe it's partially from seeing Haruki acting like a nervous schoolgirl...It's like he's seeing it in a whole new light too. And as much as it adds to the flips his heart is doing, it gives him the strength to help guide the other along, and reassure him too.]
Right now, there's nothing I'd like more...
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It feels impossible. But if it's what Noah wants, if it's what his prince wants, the one he's supposed to serve more than anything else.. then he can't refuse him. He has to make sure his prince is as happy as he can be on top of being as safe as he can be, after all.
(But it'd be a big fat lie to say Haruki himself doesn't want this. It's why he entered the competition to begin with, and he knows his gaze has lingered on the other more than it had ought to at times, down to the time the prince got sick and his personal knight lingered at his bedside all night, unable to shut an eye himself and just watching the slumbering prince.)
His breath feels like it's stuck in his throat and he's pretty sure he's looking like a total idiot in front of a great crowd of citizens from the capital, but Haruki really can't help it. Not when he's this far gone, not when the possibility of getting a kiss from the person who's made his heart race faster multiple times before is being dangled in front of his face.
Haruki's mouth feel oddly dry, and he quickly licks his lips a little to wet them to try and combat the feeling, his gaze nervously moving back and forth between Noah and just about anything that isn't Noah. ]
Then, my lord.. please take what is yours.
[ It's still formal, and it makes it sound like maybe Haruki doesn't want this and only Noah does.. but it should be obvious to someone who knows him well enough - like Noah - that Haruki is just doing his best here. His shakey voice and the look in his eyes say enough about the fact his stomach is fluttering at the thought of the kiss, after all. But seeming eager and ready to melt at getting a kiss from the prince in front of such a crowd when you're supposed to seem like a tough knight... that's not something you can do. Besides, it'd almost feel like he would be insulting Noah by saying how badly he wants to kiss him too - after all, why would he deserve such a thing even after winning the tournament? ]
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But the last thing Noah wants to do...is to keep Haruki in suspense, and make him even more nervous. Even though Noah could tell him that he doesn't need a knight who looks tough, and that Haruki is perfect exactly the way he is...The other boy is still waiting for him. So first and foremost, Noah will give him his prize.
This time, he doesn't say anything out loud in response. Instead, he does exactly what Haruki suggests...even though it takes a lot of willpower to keep himself from simply pulling the other into the kiss in that same instant. He wants to make it clear that this is still a very special occasion for Haruki...not just because he's the winner today, but also because Noah really means what he says about being glad that Haruki is the winner.
He moves both of his hands around one of Haruki's- cupping it gently and very carefully reeling him in closer. Noah himself takes a small step to continue filling the space between them- smiling the entire time. It's only when they're standing just a few inches apart, that Noah reaches up with one of those hands to stroke Haruki's cheek...tilting his chin up...And even as he moves, there's softness with each touch- every single one trying to convince the other that he's wanted here. Until finally, Noah himself leans down- pressing their lips together, and tilting his head gently into the kiss...enough until it feels like their lips lock together. Like they were made for each other.
There's nothing about the kiss that feels forced...or out of obligation, or mechanical, or anything of the sort. It's soft and affectionate in a way that can't be anything but genuine. That much should be obvious enough, even to the onlookers...Even though the kiss itself is still so gentle.
There's so much that he wants to say to Haruki...so much that should be saved until they're off the stage, and in an area where they could speak more privately. So for now...he does his best to put absolutely everything he has into that one, tender kiss.]
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But this moment makes it more clear on a more personal level. Every gesture is so kind, every tough feels so gentle. It's like Noah constantly is thinking of other people and knows exactly how to treat someone as well as possible, how to make someone feel like they're on top of the world - because that's what he's doing for Haruki right now. Haruki who was always just a poor kid, who wasn't anything special.. and yet Noah is being so gentle with him like he's unique, precious, like he means something.
His heart is pounding so fast in his chest even before the prince's lips touch his own, but it might even pound a little faster once they do kiss, if that's even at all possible anymore with how quickly it's already going. All of this just feels so.. so overwhelming. Noah kissing him so gently, affectionately, despite it just being a prize for a competition. Noah, the person he admired for so much, the prince he wants to protect more than anything, and.. the person he likes, even if he's not meant to.
It's so overwhelming that Haruki almost instinctively cries, but he manages to hold it in. Barely, but he does manage it - he can't cry in front of this crowd, after all, not when he's supposed to be the prince's personal knight. If people thought he looked weak, they might take it as a sign they could try to hurt Noah since Haruki would be unable to stop it anyway.. and that's just about the last thing he wants.
Instead he just wills himself the best he can to keep standing on both feet, to bear all the feelings rushing through his body for now. He can collapse later, maybe when he's alone, and touch his lips as if the kiss felt unreal.
Later, but not now. Right now he doesn't even dare to back off out of the kiss, even when he feels himself slowly running out of breath with how worked up he is over all this. Noah is the prince, so Noah should decide when this ends. Haruki's role is to follow his every command, after all, even though they're technically here today as the victor and prize rather than the knight and the prince.
(Even so, his cheeks are a deep shade of pink that he can't seem to force down.) ]
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Noah knows Haruki well enough by now to tell that he's putting in a lot of effort to hold himself together...but even Noah himself feels like he can barely keep himself standing right now. It's a small wonder they're both standing...and it's a small wonder that he's managed to hold himself back for even this long.
Except he can't help himself. Crowds or no crowds, Noah tilts his head into the kiss- deepening it just a little more...just for a little longer. It's subtle enough that no one should really notice except for Haruki himself. And even if they do notice...even if it does look like he wants this kiss a little too much...that thought doesn't scare him. Why hide it, when it's the truth? Haruki is his victor anyway...and more than that, he deserves to know how treasured he is.
Unfortunately, they're not in any private quarters, so even with the extra that he gives...Noah can't continue the kiss for as long as he'd really like to.
Pulling away still feels harder than he even imagined...Maybe because some part of him is still afraid that Haruki won't want to do this again. That this really could've been his knight's way of protecting him, and nothing more. And that this really could be both his first and last kiss with the other.
When they're apart- even by a hairsbreadth of space- both his his heart feel lonely...even as it's beating rapidly in his chest. Noah moves his head though- leaning over to press his lips against Haruki's ear instead- the one that's facing away from the crowds, as if that'll make it seem a little more private. But even as he does, it's slow...and his cheek brushes softly against Haruki's while he moves to whisper gently into his ear.]
Will you stay with me...?
[After the ceremony is over. And even though it's said in a soft voice, it still has hints of pleading in it. Like he's desperate to keep Haruki from running off now.]
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But the answer itself isn't hard. He already could never deny Noah anything - not as his servant, his knight, but also just as a person. Noah doesn't deserve to ever get denied anything, he deserves to have the world at his feet with how kind and compassionate he always is despite his position, no matter who he's dealing with.
So hearing him so desperately... there's no way he couldn't answer as quickly as he could. He wants Noah to know that he'd do absolutely anything for him, that it's only natural as Noah's knight. ]
Of course.
[ It's said in a very quiet voice, like he really doesn't want anyone but Noah to hear it either... even though it'd easy to play it off as him obeying an order from the prince or something, he's still too shy to let anyone overhear even a tiny bit of their conversation - let alone a huge crowd that's still watching them.
(Not that he thinks any of this will be a lot easier once it's just the two of them, not when Noah's very presence does so much to him already.) ]
Anything you wish, my lord...
[ Unfortunately his wording and quiet shyness in this situation make it easy to interpret it as if Haruki himself might not want this, like he's just following up Noah's orders since he's meant to. But despite going out of his way to win the competition just to be able to get that kiss from him, Haruki still isn't able to just plainly tell him into words what Noah makes him feel every time he sees him. He's both too bashful for it and also feels like it can't be right for a knight to harbor that sort of feelings for their master.
But.. he does want it. He wants nothing more than staying by Noah's side, no matter in what situations, no matter what he'll have to go through. That's all he wants. ]
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Besides, it doesn't invalidate anything else the other's done so far...such as entering the competition in the first place, and then accepting Noah's kiss at all. So when he hears Haruki say that, Noah really believes that he means that...and it makes his heart feel like it's full of joy, and relief that he will have time alone with his knight soon enough.
He gives Haruki another one of his brightest smiles- added with a nod in response to his statement. Both of his hands wrap around the other's once again as he takes a small step back...enough to face him, but still not very far apart at all. His voice is still hushed in a whisper as he talks again- enough to keep it between the two of them.]
I'll try not to keep you waiting too long.
[As much as he'd like to go dashing off of the stage with Haruki, he has to, at the very least, address the crowd of people that showed up just for him today. Even though Haruki is his victor...even though Haruki is the only person he wants to be with- the one person he wants to be with more than anything...he still wants to be respectful towards the other citizens and competitors.
No matter how badly he just wants to be Noah for Haruki right now, he can't stop being the prince either.
So...as hard as it is, he tears his eyes away from his knight for a moment- turning towards the crowd, but keeping one of his hands on the other's. As he addresses all of the other people watching, he gives a small thank you speech for everyone who attended today, and everyone who took part. And most of all, for his victor. As sincere as it sounds, and is, to Noah it feels like the words are just flooding out of his mouth- like he won't remember them at all in just a few moments. All his mind can focus on is Haruki...and the feeling of the other's hand in his as he talks.]
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Haruki is not the most bold person, after all. Sure, he managed to become a knihgt, and he can look a little tougher when he has to. At the very least when he's fighting, and whenever there's a possible threat around, then he can at least scrape himself together enough to look intimidating, if not just by telling himself that if he doesn't look like he can stop anything from getting to Noah, Noah's very life could be endangered. So he can usually at least take a deep breath and force himself to look stronger.
But in this case? It feels impossible. He can look strong when he's being Noah's knight, but right now he feels very different from that. Noah kissing him so lovingly, saying all these things to him, holding onto his hand now despite not having to do so in any way. It feels less like being Noah's knight and more like being Noah's--
No, he can't think about that. He shouldn't think about that sort of thing when it's his prince, and he definitely shouldn't think about it right here in front of this big crowd of people. Unless he wants to be the shame of the nation by standing here blushing like an idiot, that is. He just tries to take a deep breath or two, gathering himself together just enough to maybe not entirely look strong, but at least not look like a gooey mess either, no matter what he feels like on the inside. It's taking him all his effort to not be shaking on his legs right now.
So it's very likely that Haruki won't remember a word of the speech either... he probably has no idea what the speech is about even as it's going on with how much he has to focus on the way he's looking right now. But he manages to hold out until the end of the speech, only then daring to cast a small glimpse in the other's direction. ]
My prince...
[ There's a slight sense of desperation in those words, no matter how softly they leave Haruki's mouth. Like it's a desperate request for them to leave the stage now before he will literally die of a heart attack - even though he doesn't voice the request out loud, too afraid it would be too much to ask from someone who's so much higher status-wise than he is.
With the way he's looking right now, it really is a far cry from the guy who was battling so fiercely only a little bit ago. ]
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He wishes they could've left right away- without him having to do this at all...but it's one of the drawbacks of being royalty, isn't it? That he can't just leave whenever he wants to...he can't just forget about doing his duty just this once and leave a little early. Or he could, but he couldn't do it without there being any consequences for it.
Thankfully, he's done all he's needed to do, and he did it as quickly as he could without seeming forced. But that doesn't make him feel any better by the time he hears Haruki's voice. Noah can tell well enough that there is an edge of desperation in there..and it only makes him want to get out of there even more. Right now, Noah just selfishly wishes he could've skipped everything else right after that kiss- to right now when he really can give the other his complete, undivided attention.
With that thought in mind, Noah turns to Haruki- wrapping both hands around one of his knight's. He smiles a little apologetically, and lowers his voice again so that only the other will be able to hear him.]
Let's go...my knight...
[Right now. He doesn't waste any more time- even if it means leaving the stage rather abruptly after finishing his few words. That's one thing he won't pay any mind to though...if he seems eager to leave with Haruki, that's perfectly fine with him. He is eager to be with him, and he's not going to hide that from anyone watching. Not now, and not as the finally get off the stage- quickly walking Haruki to find somewhere more private.]
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So he just lets himself be led along by the prince without any resistance. He too wants to get somewhere more private, where they can talk with just the two of them without anyone interrupting. At least Haruki does keep somewhat of an eye out while they walk - even though his heart feels like it's about to explode with dokis for the other, it still doesn't mean he can just put the other's life in danger. And with Noah being the prince, you never know where someone might be lurking to try and do something to him.
Thankfully things seem to go smoothly though. But even though the walk is uneventful, it still feels like an eternity passes before they get anywhere. And the whole time Haruki can only think about everything that just passed - how soft Noah's kiss was, so caring and warm, how desperate the other sounded when he asked Haruki to stay with him. The thought that he might be enveloped again or even further in that warmth once they get there truly feels overwhelming to him.
But they do eventually reach a more private place where someone won't just walk in on the two of them. Haruki's free hand drops off the hilt of his sword, where he kept it just in case something might have happened, and instead he feels speechless once again when Noah's gaze meets his own again - any words he might have thought of to say during the walk are all completely gone again.
It takes a moment or two before he can even talk, bowing his head a little bit in apology. ]
Forgive me my insolence.. I participated without telling you about it or asking you for permission, my lord.
[ Which is something he did worry about a lot. Even though it ended well now, he was so afraid the whole time that Noah would have hated the fact he had to kiss him if he'd win... ]