flowerprince: (Eternity)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-08-18 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
flowerprince: (Paradise)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-09-10 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]

My victor.
flowerprince: (Love Me Do)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-09-26 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]

Right now, there's nothing I'd like more...
flowerprince: (Paradise)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-10-20 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
flowerprince: (Platonic Love)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-11-05 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
flowerprince: (Error)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2016-12-07 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
flowerprince: (Error)

[personal profile] flowerprince 2017-06-08 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]