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alienaiver · 1 year

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Chapter 2: inches

Chapter summary: Becoming the crown has not been easy - you’re not sure how far you’d gotten without Sugawara’s grounding support. You’re no closer to solving your father’s assassination than before and it’s wearing on you - until an endlessly kind but loud visitor reveals information that might be useful in your search for answers.

Warnings for this chapter: the mentions of parental death is still a theme and there’s some behavior that definitely does not scream self-care (not taking care of yourself)

Wordcount: 7.9k

Chapter content: fluff, sfw, fantasy AU, royalty AU, mild angst, genderneutral reader (so neutral that both men and women can also insert themselves), poc and bodytype! friendly reader, no use of y/n, intense use of ‘your majesty’ is still very much a thing, theyre very soft your honor

notes: heres chapter 2!!! so far this is personally my favorite but we’ll see if i change my mind when i finish the final chapter! i also think this chapter is far less stunted in the medieval/fantasy-inspired language use which im very proud of! its very fun to see the improvements! thank you again for reading and for all your kind comments on the previous chapter! feel free to crucify me for being seven (7) minutes late posting this, since my cat sat on my pc and made me drop my pc to the ground OwO kdjskdskf

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” It’s common for the advisor’s study to be near the crown.” You tell Sugawara as he browses his bookshelf for a certain document. He hopes you don’t see the wince he tries to refrain from doing in your presence. It’s a subject he’s been avoiding – the tower where his study lies is inconvenient at best and inaccessible at worst. Asking the crown of the kingdom to climb the winding staircase each time they want something from him seems excessive – which is exactly why it’s common for the advisor to be close to the royal quarters.

But Sugawara’s attached. This is his domain, his corner of the castle that he’s turned into his own castle. The stained-glass windows that light the desk just right in the afternoon sun and the way his tea is the perfect temperature at arrival after he has carried it freshly brewed from the kitchens locks him into place. He’ll do whatever you ask of course, but he was hoping you wouldn’t.

“Would your majesty like me closer?” he asks as he drags his pointer across files, searching for the one containing information about climate crisis laws. He hears you suck in your teeth and he has to bite his own lip at the mental image of you he has right now, you’re cute when you’re frustrated. “I often find you here, roaming, existing. Would you like to stay?” you counter him with another – unexpected – question and he finds himself biting his cheek. “I shall be where you want me, your majesty.”

He hears you flop down and is not at all surprised at the position you’ve situated yourself in on the armchair when he turns back around. Only around him do you allow yourself to sit in such improper positions, but he doesn’t seem to mind – feels lucky that you trust him so. You sigh and blow out air dramatically, puffing up your cheeks. He smiles gently at you, “I did not intend to offend, your majesty. I only meant to serve.”

You huff and look away, your arms crossed over your chest before you bite out, “and yet you avoid answering my question.”

Sugawara sighs and leans against his desk with his palms on the edge. He looks at you, “it’s inconvenient and-“

“For whom?”

He raises his eyebrows at you as you interrupt him and you elaborate, “for whom is this inconvenient? It is a very lovely space you’ve carved for yourself over the years. I would like my advisor to be comfortable as well, not just correct and proper to old customs.”

Sugawara’s been your advisor for little more than a month now, but nothing takes him more back than when you go against the customs or traditions to make him feel at ease or like he matters. He doesn’t feel worthy of such accommodations, yet you continue to throw them at him. He has to lift a hand to hide his laugh behind a palm, taken aback once again by your almost childish yet considerate and mature way of behaving.

You snicker, a triumphant smile on your lips as you straighten your back, “it’s settled then. This will be the official quarters of the royal advisor and official business not directly related to the court shall be conducted here from here on out.”

“Eh?” is all Sugawara is able to get out, eyes wide and eyebrows shot up to his hairline. You laugh and dismiss his confusion with a shake of your lifted hand, “it’s fine, Sugawara. I can see that you’re comfortable here and I’d hate to take it from you. I am serving you as much as you are serving me.”

He doesn’t agree with that sentence but he also knows when to argue with the crown.

“Well, thank you, your majesty.” He bows at you and you nod back, “it is my pleasure.”

Your coronation went well and you’ve been the official ruler of the kingdom for four weeks. You’ve been doing a wonderful job, even if you’re sometimes fickle. He can schedule a meeting with a petitioner on Wednesday that he knows you’re aware of but suddenly you’re sword-training with the Royal Guard or riding into town on an errand for the kitchen, even if it’s never been your job to begin with. He’s had a hard time explaining to you how the errand boys rely on tasks like that for some loose coins but all you end up doing is paying the errand boy for letting you do it.

You remind Sugawara too much of your father and as much as he likes that side of you personally? It’s a nightmare professionally.

Okay, nightmare might be a stretch if he’s being honest because you feel so alive. While you have a habit of neglecting some responsibilities, you are building wonderful and deep relations to the people of your country, working up an image of a reliable and down-to-earth crown – which is needed, after the tragedy of your father’s death. It took a stronger toll on the people that any had imagined, so seeing you uplifting your kingdom is both refreshing and healing.

So he doesn’t say much to you about it. Observes you quietly from the entrance of the gardens, watching you plant seedlings with the maidens and blushing as you spar with none other than Sawamura, overthrowing him with a sword to his neck, triumphant smile on your lips. He’s embarrassed to admit that he wishes it was him, the compromising pose of your win stirring thoughts of what your lips currently look like – and how they’d feel.

///

“There’re not many leads to go on, anymore. The trail ends at Kotohira, the border town near the assassination site.” Sugawara scratches his head, frustrated as he looks at the map you’ve made together. You’ve written down any leads, notes and reports and sorted through them, trying to decipher where there might be a leak you can latch onto, but nothing seems to give.

You sigh as you pull off barbs from your quill one by one and ignore Sugawara when he scoldingly shrieks out a “your majesty!” explaining how that quill was a present from Prince Oikawa of the neighboring kingdom, Seijoh. You groan and throw your head back as you drop the quill on the desk, “he’ll survive, I suppose. I believe he might be more ticked off that I didn’t respond to his condolences letter.”

Sugawara sighs and relaxes his shoulders with a kind smile, “he’s your friend, your majesty. I doubt he’s any more ticked off than worried about you.”

With a guilty expression you sigh and nod, picking at the puffed sleeve of your shirt. The velvet of your vest is hugging you nicely and the color makes your shine all the more obvious. Sugawara smiles, “I’m aware of how frustrating this is, but I assure you, your majesty, that we are doing everything possible to solve this. And hey,” he nears you and places a hand on the desk in front of you, still not daring to touch you directly, “we’ve gotten farther than I imagined we’d be able to. I’m sure more will come up when Daichi returns from his scouting.”

And he’s right, you know this. But the time you’ve been spending in this stuffed map room has started to suffocate you and set roots up through your spine. Grief doesn’t come to you easily and while the tears have made their way through you a couple of times, it still doesn’t feel real that he’s gone yet - only unfair.

You suppose that is a feeling of loss, too. You wish it was less frustrating to lose someone.

Sugawara retreats from his position over the desk and straightens his back once again to become cross-eyed looking at the gathered information. With a clearing of his throat he once again goes over the economic distributions of the Hiashi region, specifically the two villages he was assassinated in between, unable to find the faults that he’d like. After the drought, the crown spent an adequate amount of time – if not more than advised – helping rebuild. Both with a physical presence during the crisis but the monetary value sent their way wasn’t anything to scoff at either so Sugawara finds it hard to establish the connections he wants with the location of the assassination. There’s not much else to do but wait for Sawamura to return with – hopefully – new intel.

There aren’t many people involved. Besides you and Sugawara, only Shimizu, Sawamura and Azumane has been entrusted with the entirety of the investigation. With a shorter leash and fewer intel, a few guards under Sawamura have been entrusted to support the scouting missions.

A knock on the open door is heard and you both turn your heads to see Yachi, Shimizu’s apprentice and – to Sugawara’s knowledge, lover – stand with a tray of teas. She timidly smiles and bows, “I come with afternoon tea. I-I’ve been looking for you in several locations, so I apologize for being sweaty!” she hastily says but immediately freezes after letting out the embarrassing phrase. You smile gently and beckon her closer, “thank you for going to such trouble for me, Yachi. That is very kind of you.”

Yachi smiles tersely before she enters on your demand, “I apologize if the tea is only lukewarm now, your majesty. I will happily fetch a new pot for you if needed!”

You chuckle and shake your head as you help Yachi prepare the cups, “I’m like my father in this regard, I prefer it lukewarm.” You wink at Yachi as if imposing on her a little secret, and the blush on her face is satisfying to watch. Whether it’s because the matron’s apprentice thinks you’re beautiful or simply because you’re her majesty, you’ll never know, but she’s adorable, nonetheless. Sugawara shakes his head at your behavior as he tries to take over from you. Yachi has started pouring the tea with skillful calmness and you lean back on the chair you’re situated in. “Oh! Your majesty!” she suddenly exclaims halfway through pouring the second cup, seemingly remembering a very important detail. You perk up at both the sound of your title but also the sudden loud voice she used. You nod and she sheepishly bows and apologizes for yelling in your presence. You dismiss her with a smile and she straightens her back, “a runner arrived a few short moments before I was sent here, so the matron told me to deliver the news. Emperor Bokuto is on his way from Fukurodani and will arrive within the next week.”

That perks both you and Sugawara up. No scheduled visits from anyone are in your radar for at least another month – not to mention the annual visit between the two kingdoms was completed by your father. Yachi bows and grabs the tray, “well then, I’ll return to the kitchens. Emperor Bokuto’s runner will be in the servant’s kitchens for a few more hours, I believe. Then we’ll instate him in the west quarters, if that’s to your liking for the Fukurodani Empire to rest when they arrive?”

You’re barely out of the stupor from the news, so you mindlessly dismiss her with a wave, agreeing without really knowing what you’re agreeing to. Sugawara takes over and politely thanks Yachi as he follows her to the door, telling her to say hi from Shimizu from him. As he closes the door after Yachi’s departure, he also steals a glance your way. Your underlip is worried between your teeth and your eyes look far away, like you’re not even in the room. Your body is lounged on the chair, but there’s no denying how tense you look, any care for pretenses thrown away. You’re worried.

It was early and quickly determined that the assassination of your father had nothing to do with Fukurodani – or any other empire for the matter, thanks to the few survivors. The attacker’s dialects were all from Karasuno and the few attackers that passed away or didn’t make it out was confirmed to be locals from the region in which the former crown was killed.

Early in your investigation, there was suspicions of hired contractors but it seemed highly unlikely to be the neighboring empire of which you were on such good standings with. Sugawara sighs theatrically as to call you back to the room, and you react as he expected by returning your gaze to him, “do you think…?” is all you seem to be able to get out.

Sugawara shakes his head and smiles kindly at you, walking back to his prior position on the stool next to the wall where he crosses his legs and furrows his brows, “hardly, your majesty. The relationship between us has never been better or more profitable than now. Fukurodani would do themselves a disservice to cut such a tie.”

You nod, about to zone out again so Sugawara continues, “however, I believe that Emperor Bokuto might fear that our thoughts lie there. He might just seek to rectify any misgivings.”

You smile and reach for your tea, “possibly. I guess he wouldn’t announce his arrival either if he planned for unfriendliness.”

Sugawara agrees. As he’s about to get up to reach for his teacup too, you hurry to reach for it and stretch out your arm towards him, “I hope you enjoy lukewarm tea too, I apologize I didn’t ask before I told Yachi not to fetch fresh water.” You grimace out your apology and Sugawara can’t help but feel butterflies flutter around his organs at your thoughtfulness and at the face you’re making. He gets light-headed just from knowing that he’ll probably be the only one close enough to see such reactions from you. When he reaches for his teacup in your hands, his fingers brushes yours and in a moment of electrifying excitement, you drop the teacup and you’re both brought back to reality by the sound of the fragile ceramic cup break into a thousand fragments, tea spilling onto both of your garments.

For a moment there’s complete silence as both your gazes are turned downwards to the mess you’ve made. No one moves until the door is abruptly forced open (it wasn’t locked, they had no such need to be this aggressive) as two guards come in, frantically calling for you. “Your majesty, are you alright!? We heard…!” A guardsman under Sawamura, looks at the scene before him and immediately relaxes his stance, even if he still looks tense. His partner, a smaller one with bright orange hair, does as well and laughs, “I’m so glad you’re safe your majesty!” he exclaims and you look up at the two guards in confusion.

They both hurry to straighten their backs, “we were walking past the room when we heard the crash!” the taller one explains and you nod, confusion still obvious on your face, not oblivious to the orange one’s starstruck facial expression towards you either. Sugawara tuts at them, “you can hardly call a teacup being dropped a crash. Also, you two,” Sugawara sends them a look that makes both of them tense up and the scene before you feel almost comical, “weren’t you supposed to be scouting with Daichi today?”

The small one hitches his breath and the dark-haired one looks directly at Sugawara flatly, “he told us to protect the crown instead… sir.”

Ah, Sugawara gets it now. While Sawamura always takes good care of his subordinates – and enjoys training them – these two has caused him more than enough trouble already. He probably took Tanaka and Nishinoya with him instead for the sake of the secrecy.

You start laughing as you get up and bow to the two knights in front of you, “thank you for your continuous hard work.”

Sugawara’s about to scold you for making fun of two freshly picked guards, but the way their eyes light up at your praise makes him realize that they might not be completely in on your teasing. They introduce themselves to you with straight backs and a pitch in their voices as Kageyama and Hinata. You salute them and introduce yourself as well as if they wouldn’t know your name. Sugawara shakes his head at your antics and you smile gently at the two as you put a palm up to your face to block Sugawara’s line of sight to your mouth, “I do need another protection from the two of you!” and they lean in excitedly, ready to partake any quest given by their crown. You lean in as well and in a whisper-voice tell them, “I need a new teacup for my advisor. You see, if he lacks tea, he will mercilessly make me recite laws I have yet to remember. Is there a possibility that you can call for a maid and bring about a new cup from the kitchens?”

The determination in their eyes is flawless, surprising Sugawara as well. They bow to you before they salute you, “we will return shortly, your majesty!” before they start bickering about who should exit the door first.

As they leave the room – with the door unclosed – you can hear their voices ricochet in the hallway, “did you see that, Kageyama! They spoke to me! I got to meet the crown before that stupid Tsukishima!”

You let out a chuckle, “new recruits?” you ask and Sugawara nods, “yeah. I heard they’ve been troublemakers for Daichi though.”

It makes you snort, “I can’t imagine how.”

///

The days up until Bokuto’s arrival passes in a blur. Official visits from other royal entities are usually meticulously planned from every angle. Firstly, their sleeping quarters need to be of a certain standard before arrival, meals and their related purchasing and planning are done a great deal beforehand to ensure highest quality of product, entertainers and minstrels are usually called in before arrival and settled in while the royal host’s schedule is altered so their time spent with the guests are adequate and satisfactory. Sugawara hasn’t known such busy days in the name of chaos before.

Sure, his workload is usually time consuming and all-encompassing to his usual duties, but the stressful chaos in organizing all of these factors with every part of the staff drains him.

He also never really saw himself as an organizer of that sort. That was more in line with Azumane and the head servants.

Sugawara’s in his study, reading up on the agreements made between the two kingdoms. He knows them by heart – but he refuses to misspeak if any of the terms come up in front of neither you nor Bokuto himself. He’s by the bookshelf, biting the inside of his cheek mindlessly as he tries to go through his own crow’s feet of notes to make sense of them. For reasons unknown to him, you’re here as well. He’d imagined you’d be busy with fittings, but you dodge his questions when he prompts them. Your quirky behavior does not always make much sense to him, so he simply lets you stay.

“There was talk of Bokuto’s arrival later today,” you say and Sugawara merely entertains you with a hum. You sigh exasperatedly, moving around in his chair to try and gain his attention. He humors you with no such thing. “The maids are all aghast and giggling through the halls. They’re swooning every time someone mentions his name.” you peer up at Sugawara but another indifferent hum leaves him, merely to mark that he seems to notice you finished your sentence.

“Well, Emperor Bokuto is quite handsome, isn’t he?” you try, doodling random constellations down onto the parchment in front of you on Sugawara’s desk. Sugawara keeps himself from visibly frowning as he stares harder at his own scroll, “his head’s full of white and gray hair,” is the first argument that comes to him, “and he’s so full of himself.”

Before Sugawara has even realized you’ve gotten up, a hair is plucked from his head and you fall back down onto your (his) chair in a relaxed pose not befitting the crown at all, spinning the strand of his hair between your fingers, studying it, “so are yours and that’s also fairly handsome, isn’t it?”

He straightens his back and wills his blush down. Through many years of training as the royal advisor’s apprentice, he’s become good at keeping his face neutral as to not let any information slip in unfavorable situations. However, Sugawara has a weakness and you have a feeling that he might not even be aware he’s suffering from such, but his ears have a habit of showing plainly what his face skillfully hides to the public – the flushed red of them seamlessly revealing the true emotion he’s suppressing.

You pretend to study the strand with more intensity as you keep him in your peripheral vision. You almost feel bad for him. A smile plays itself unto your lips upon seeing him flustered like this.

Sugawara clears his throat and you think his annoyance can be tasted in the air, “your majesty, am I correct to consider this teasing? If so, I would like you to refrain from such on a day as today.” He tries and you sit up properly, nodding at him with a salute. He sends you an unimpressed glare before turning his gaze back to his papers, “you’re hiding, aren’t you.”

It’s not a question, but a statement.

You look pointedly at the table, deciding to study every crevice and vein of the wooden desk. You hear him sigh as he turns his entire body towards you, making a point out of dumping his papers on the corner of the desk. “Your majesty, your competence as a leader is not measured simply in battle strategies or economics, you’re aware of that, aren’t you?”

You nod and like a child, keep your eyes downward. You’re well aware that being overwhelmed by something as simple as festive arrangements will be talk between the servants – and inevitably their families, and their families and then the chain continues. You can’t keep letting Azumane stand with all of the arrangements.

But how are you supposed to know what color curtain is appropriate for royalty? This part of the crown’s weight came easily to your father as well, and a pang of longing hits you. You wish he was here to tell you which colors would absolutely offend Emperor Bokuto and which wouldn’t.

Sugawara squats down to be in the height of the table as he tries to catch your gaze. When he succeeds, you’re blindsided by the absolute kindness emanating from him and his bright eyes. You hitch a breath and feel locked in place, like by a spell.

And there it is again; the smile you’ve come to love so greatly. It’s warm, like the sun and all-encompassing, like a hug. The ones where you’re being squeezed just the perfect amount. He quietly clears his throat as if warning you that he’s about to use his soothing voice, “I know how overwhelming this is, your majesty. I believe it’s a very natural reaction to absurd circumstances. I don’t believe that we’ve had to – at any point in history – prepare for royal visits on such a short notice as this,” Sugawara reaches out for the first time during his supportive speeches to you and touches your hand. You can’t help but notice how warm and soft they are – how they compliment yours. He seems to ignore the way you flinch ever so slightly, “I believe in you.”

The words are so sincere and you can feel his encouraging energy come off of him in waves as he holds your gaze for a moment longer. Against your will you break the eye contact in favor of your heart’s longing to look at his lips. They look soft and inviting. Subconsciously, you lick your own lips and don’t notice the way Sugawara’s ears again flushes red.

You shake yourself out of your stupor before you hope Sugawara notices and straighten your back, “thank you, Sugawara. Your confidence has given me confidence.”

He hurries back up from his crouched position and clears his throat as he corrects his cravat, “that’s what I’m here for, your majesty. I would not support you if I did not believe you’d succeed. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some reading to do.” As he finished his sentence he also sends you a pointed look that tells you, with no room for argument, that you have some work to do as well.

///

You’re standing by the grand entrance to the Karasu Keep in an over-glamoured robe, your jewelry carefully picked by Azumane. There’s the Moonstone, gifted to you by Emperor Bokuto himself, as well as the ring his late mother had picked out for you as well, once you’d joined your father on his visits. Your pants are uncomfortably tight on your midsection and Azumane’s frustration about the length still lingers in you – he’s skillfully hidden the surplus of fabric in the brown leather boots you’re standing in, balancing on your heels as you wait for Bokuto’s arrival. Next to you, Sugawara stands in his robe too, sending you a careful smile.

Sawamura and his finest men are by the vestibule, ready to salute Bokuto with raised swords as he in very few moments will arrive. It’s been quite some years since you last met Bokuto and while nervousness doesn’t exactly explain how you’re feeling, there is tension in your shoulders.

Bokuto’s close to you in age and eight years ago when the original negotiations proceeded there had been brief talk of the two of you marrying to unite the kingdoms. Being momentarily betrothed – however short – still made your heart race even if it was all disregarded right after the talk had been on the table.

You’re ripped out of your thoughts when the sound of a horse’s hooves rounds the courtyard in rapid succession, signaling a horse in gallop. There’s whisper behind you but you’re not surprised as Bokuto rides in, all pride and fun, riding a round and sending his killer smile to the maids ready to receive him and his men. You might even witness him send a wink or two to the poor stable boys throwing him heart-eyed glances as they observe his proper riding posture as he yells out a greeting to everyone, “hey hey hey!”

As he nears you, he slows down his horse and pats its neck, keeping eye contact with you. The horse quiets down and the stable boys stand ready to receive the noble mount. Bokuto lets out an airy laugh as he greets you on his way down, “there’s no better place to ride with the wind than here in Karasuno. The wilderness and mountains perfectly help the experience!” he says, dragging a hand through his face and up through his hair before he gives you a hug. It’s a bear-hug, one you wouldn’t ever have initiated yourself with someone you’ve met so few times. But that’s also what you like about Bokuto, you think. When he pulls back he also lowers himself into a bow before reaching for your hand and giving it a kiss, “I am pleased to meet the new crown of Karasuno Kingdom. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. He was truly a great man and crown.”

The officiality of his demeanor surprises you but you find a warm smile emanating from your face at his consideration. You nod back at him and offer your first words since he came in as a whirlwind, “thank you for your kind words, Emperor Bokuto. I am pleased to welcome you to the kingdom.”

He snickers as he levels you down, seemingly approving your behavior, “I’ve had a tedious journey, but not too long that I shall decline a wine and a talk. My men will arrive in moments with offerings and need for rest.”

You nod and raise your arm to point the attention on the servants, chamberlains and stable hands standing at the ready, “they’re all ready to accommodate any and all of your demands during your stay. Rooms have been prepared as well as hot food. You can rest easy that your men will be treated as they should.”

He nods and drags you by the shoulders, “let us go and talk, the two of us then. My fiancé shall arrive with the remaining entourage but he stopped to have a look at the local town first. I, however, was impatient.”

You throw your head back in a laugh, “I see that,” you turn your head to Sugawara and motion for him to follow you, “my advisor shall be joining us though I assure he will be no nuisance.” Sugawara trails behind you towards the courtroom where afternoon tea and refreshments has been put out as Bokuto loudly talks of his experiences with the locals on his journey.

Bokuto clears his throat after tasting the wine and says your name in a manner that makes your shoulders tense for a moment. Then, he continues, “I am truly sorry for your loss. Your father was in no worthy measure I can articulate, meant to be crown. He both inspired and guided me when I ascended the throne just a few years back. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the burial.”

You dismiss Bokuto with a kind smile that you hope exudes forgiveness, “I know he was in your thoughts so there is no need to apologize. I’m glad he was of such importance to you and your kingdom.”

Sugawara’s sure that Bokuto haven’t seen it, but he saw the clear shift in you at the mention of your father. Sugawara’s been by your side almost as much as Azumane has since his inauguration and he’s well aware of how stunted your grief process currently is. Grief is erratic, hard to predict but easy to push aside in favor of more manageable tasks – and you’ve had no shortages in such as the new leader of an entire kingdom. The conversation stays on your father and his deeds for a while longer until Bokuto steer them towards a heavier subject. After confirming that there’s no suspicion towards the Fukurodani Empire, Bokuto sighs a sigh of relief and hardens his eyes to start a new subject. One where Bokuto sends Sugawara a wary look, clearly contemplating whether or not he should open his mouth in front of him.

With your sharp eye, you notice this and turn your head toward him as well, “Sugawara is my most trusted ally in every aspect of both my life and work. You need not hold your breath in his presence.”

Bokuto nods at that and clears his throat, “your majesty, suspicious rumors met my ears on my travels to the kingdom. I originally journeyed to show my condolences but also to make sure our relationship did not change. Of course, I also wanted to welcome you into your role as leader and show my support of you,” he takes a sip of his wine as you nod, “through your lands I rested at inns and taverns. I enjoyed riding ahead, announcing that the emperor of Fukurodani was to arrive soon and book the rooms ahead of their coming,” he laughs at this and you think that it’s very like him to do so. After all, he does like to meet the people in a genuine fashion – especially in a country where his face isn’t necessarily known. You bet that he’s been relishing in such new kinds of attention.

“But in traveling like this, I also heard the tavern talk of genuine people. And through the duchy neighboring our borders was the first sign of brewing trouble.”

He sends you a hard gaze, “your majesty, while I’m aware you’re very new on the throne and may not have gone through all aspects of your new profession, I have a question pertaining to the economics shared between duchies.”

You raise your brows at the way he chose to phrase it but turn to Sugawara who clears his throat, “we have been looking back six years on the duchies near the assassination site.”

You nod, “exactly. Is there anything amiss in the people of my duchy?”

Bokuto crosses his arms and seem to be in deep thought, a pout forming. “There seems to be a general consensus that they’ve been cheated in the Hiashi duchy. Could it be my speech?” he seems to think the last part out loud before he deflates, “maybe I misunderstood? I do consider myself fluent in your language though.” You reach a supporting hand to his arm, “and you are, Bokuto. Can I ask you to explain in more thorough detail?”

He seems to puff up again at your praise and you hold back a snort. His heart really is on his sleeve. He continues on then, “there’s bitterness brewing towards the former crown – that he stole from them during their worst time. I remember a drought one year, isn’t that so?”

You nod at his question, “yes. My father journeyed there himself to help with emergency aid of the land and people,” you turn to Sugawara to confirm what you’re saying next, “we also lowered that specific duchy’s tax with 12 percent and have sent financial aid every year since.” Sugawara nods approvingly and you turn back to Bokuto, “I am uncertain how this lines up with such rumors.”

Bokuto winces and sucks in his teeth, “something has definitely been up. However, as soon as my entourage arrived, any and all such talks zipped. In the late hours of my night alone in a local tavern, I heard a group of men cheering to your coronation but in a mocking manner. They started whispering after that, so while I wish I could feed you more information, this is unfortunately all I have. I apologize if I have opened some unpleasant doors and that I can’t provide more.”

You nod and stare at the fruits on the table in front of you, unsure how to properly process this new information. None of this has been coming up in your investigations and your worst fears seems to be battling for your mind right now. Sugawara gets up from his stool on your right side to bow to Bokuto, “thank you, your majesty, for all of your knowledge provided. As you suspect, we’ve had investigations going on and this is vital new information for us to work with. I apologize on behalf of our crown as the grief of their fath-“ Bokuto dismisses Sugawara’s apology, “grief needs time and becoming a crown amidst all of that gives no space to do so. There is no reason to apologize for this.” You turn to Bokuto with a grateful smile and he pats your shoulder in support, “I do not intend for my entire visit to be gloom and doom. I just felt this information was important to deliver as fast as I was able. I will go to my room to freshen up before dinner. I suggest that you do the same.” He gives you a warm smile with shining eyes and you hug him as a thank you. You’re glad for the allies you’ve gotten and you have a feeling he knows more of what you’re going through than most. “I also cannot wait to introduce you to my fiancé.” he says, his eyes turning into heart shapes, his cheeks flushing a deep red. A big warm smile comes onto your face as well, “yes and congratulations with that! I do apologize a letter of congratulate wasn’t delivered but the Seven days of Mourning was proceeding when we heard the news!

Bokuto shakes his head with a smile, “you need to stop apologizing. I am looking forward to introducing the two of you. Care to show me to my room?” he holds out his arm so you can link yours to him.

Sugawara’s walking behind the two of you as your talk turns less official and more casual. He can’t say he’s ever been jealous of royalty, knowing what a pain it can be to be forced on a pedestal whether or not you’re interested but for the first time, a seedling is growing within his organs, cursing his bloodline for making him a commoner. If only he could converse with you in moods so casual, pat your shoulder or tousle your hair in a manner without having to worry about status. He’s well-aware of his position. He knows his feelings are arrogant and that being in love with the crown of his kingdom is an unobtainable dream in any scenario. He’s always been happy just supporting you, being there for you, but seeing you with other people of the same status – who gets the privilege to treat you like a human being like he’s craving to, to ignore status and titles and jobs and hug you whenever he sees the tell-tale signs of grief pushing you to your knees. Sugawara sucks in his teeth as he decides to swallow the bile growing in his throat and get it together again.

Bokuto takes your hands in his and give them a reassuring squeeze, “do not take the stories too deep to heart, my friend. More stories throughout your land was heard as well, and I promise that you’re held in high regard.”

Barely a second passes from the moment Bokuto’s left your side before your mask instantly melts off of your face and the worry lines appear, your underlip worried between your teeth, gaze far away like you’re not even the room while your brows are furrowed. Sugawara winces before he’s able to figure out how to get you back without touching you. The moment before he’s about to reach out to your arm, you seem to come back and shake your head as if to restart your brain and start walking down the hallway. Sugawara follows you and notices the way your hands are linked behind your back. Your current gait mirrors the way your father used to walk through the halls of the keep.

Sugawara expects you to return to your chambers, maybe wash up before you have to be refitted into the evening attire. The banquet tonight will be held to welcome Bokuto and it will surely be tiring. But you take a turn to the left through the halls instead of right to your chambers and he knows where you plan to go. He hurries his pace so he can overturn you and stand in front of you, effectively blocking your path.

“Your majesty,” he says sternly, unsure if he’s allowed to scold you in this matter. The intel that Bokuto provided is important for your stealth investigation so he understands your need to put it together with the knowledge already provided but you look exhausted.

Hurt, too.

You simply look at him, your gaze hardened and empty, emotion barren from your expression. He doesn’t budge though, as he continues, “I advise rest. I will happily write down the information and plot it into our system if you promise me to rest, your majesty.”

You almost pout but not entirely. Then, you deflate as your arms falls to your sides.

“I can’t sleep.”

Sugawara smiles, “I know it’s afternoon but maybe lying down will still do you good, your majesty.”

“No, Sugawara, I can’t sleep.” You give him a glare but there’s no bite behind it, just hope that he’ll understand what you mean. His mouth turns into an ‘o’ shape, “has this been a prior issue?”

You nod, “yeah. Sleep eludes me when I’m stressed. Asahi usually makes it easier but he’s busy.”

Makes it easier? Azumane? Sugawara swallows whatever impure thought comes into his mind before he asks, “what else will help?”

You pointedly avoid his gaze as you start to fiddle with the fabric of your pants, lip worried between your teeth. “Asahi usually holds my hand and caresses it. It’s childish, but he reads me stories too. Distracts my mind.”

Sugawara’s mind goes into overdrive. What exactly are you implying? Surely he can call a maid to help you with this, maybe someone you already trust that Azumane also trusts to do the job. He starts racking his brain about a possible candidate to do this with you. Maybe he should call on the doctor, Ennoshita? He knows you trust him after you’d gotten into an accident with a wild mare last year and he’d helped you recover. He might have some medicine. Ah, but you also shouldn’t be completely knocked out before the dinner tonight.

“Sugawara.” You say and he’s pulled back to the right now and looks at you. You seem flustered as you look anywhere but directly at him, “I’ll gladly retract my request if I am overstepping but… with my father’s untimely death I fear that I trust very few in the kingdom as of this moment. Would you…” you take in a deep breath and hold it for a few moments before you exhale slowly, “…would you mind… accompanying me to my sleeping chambers?”

Sugawara’s brain stops functioning for a moment. Without intending to he’s simply staring at you with eyes wide, mouth hanging open at the question you just asked him. It feels obscene. In all of his weeks with you he’s never been inside of your sleeping chambers – the closest he’s been is your drawing room where you’ve occasionally eaten breakfast as he prepared you for the day. Even in that room he feels like he’s overstepping, not belonging in a room such as yours. So to think that you just asked him to go in further is incomprehensible. It’s like his brain is unable to process the situation he’s suddenly put in.

“Sugawara, you are my advisor but you are also my friend. I will not hold it against you if you decline. Your comfort is equally important.”

Oh no, you think he doesn’t want to. You think you’ve made him uncomfortable – he needs to say something right away.

You stare at him for a moment more, unsure if he’s even alright before he suddenly inhales sharply after subconsciously holding his breath.

“Ah,” is all he gets out as a start and then sheepishly laugh and scratch his neck, “I’m so sorry your majesty, it seems my head took a short break. But if it helps my crown rest, I will go to the ends of the earth.”

“So you’re not uncomfortable?” you ask to make sure and Sugawara feels his cheeks heat up at your concern. He smiles warmly at you, “not at all, your majesty. You have my word.”

Your sleeping chambers are decorated with all kinds of trinkets and items and Sugawara’s eyes have a hard time finding an anchoring point. There’s paintings and books lining every flat surface as well as small hobby items – of course, he cannot ignore the sword either, hanging haphazardly from the bed alcove’s hook. It’s one of the royal family heirlooms and your father bestowed it to you the day you became the Crown-in-Waiting. He’s only seen you spar with it a handful of times in the past but recently you’ve gotten a habit of picking it up more often.

He's not entirely sure what it means.

The servant from your drawing room excuses herself as you place yourself in the middle of the bed, getting comfortable under your silken covers. Sugawara stands awkwardly next to the end of the bed until you clear your throat, “there’s a stool over there you can bring over.” And then you settle closer to the edge of the bed, on your side so that you face Sugawara. He does as he’s told and sits himself next to your head where you reach out your hand with a timid smile, “it’s okay if you’d rather just… tell stories.” You say with your brows slightly furrowed, clearly trying to hide what you think will be imminent disappointment. Sugawara smiles and tries to confidently grab your hand so he can start running his fingers back and forth on your palm. He decides to not comment on the small yelp you let out at the moment of contact.

“Is there a certain story you’d like to hear, your majesty?” he keeps his focus on your hand, on the veins, the way your joints bend and contract with every movement he makes them do, your hand limb in what he hopes is gentle care. You don’t complain as you sigh out in contemplation, “your childhood. What was it like?”

Sugawara doesn’t even notice how his hand had stopped moving or how his head had raised itself to look at you at your sudden question. You wince, “sorry, shall I leave that subject be?”

He regains his composure and refocuses his effort back to your hand with a smile, “it’s alright your majesty, I was just taken aback is all.”

He thinks about his childhood, how his life has a distinct before and after. The distinction usually were the before and after coming to Karasu Keep but he’s realized there’s a new line in the sand.

Before and after meeting you.

He shakes his head with a small smile and opens his mouth, “my childhood’s common, for this kingdom. I grew up by the northern duchies, in Hakone, tending to rice fields with my grandparents.”

He tells you of his parents, of his little brother and how he and his childhood friend dreamt of more. “There had to be more for us out there, that’s what we kept telling ourselves.” He laughs as he reminisces all the shenanigans he did in his hometown. When he originally left to become a traveling scribe’s apprentice, a lot of the town elders joked about how there’d “finally be calm” in their little rice village.

He tells you of his mentor, your father’s advisor, of how they met when he was just shy of 11 and how your father and his advisor had saved his life on the same day they met from a burning tavern they were all sleeping in. His scribe tutor had passed in the fire and while the crown offered to get Sugawara escorted back to his hometown safely, the opportunity to go to the capital had been far more interesting to him.

You giggle at that part of the story, “is it really that boring in Hakone? I’ve heard it’s beautiful there.” You say and Sugawara chuckles, “beautiful to everyone but eight-year-old boys.”

“I was offered to become the advisor’s apprentice shortly after reaching the keep. I think he’d taken a liking to me during the travels.” He sheepishly admits and you smile warmly, “well you are very charming.”

Sugawara’s throat constricts at your compliment and you pretend that you don’t notice the way his hand squeezes yours a little too tight in surprise. He then straightens his back, “your majesty, I was under the impression that this was supposed to have helped you fall asleep.”

You shift around on your pillow with a small smile but close your eyes, “I love learning about you, so I fear the subject may have been far too interesting.”

Sugawara shakes his head, “I will gladly tell you more at another time, your majesty, if you promise me to try and get some rest.”

You sigh out comfortably, “that’s a promise, then.”

The contribution from my cat was short this time around, however no less important:

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh444444444444444444444444444---

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#haikyuu x reader #hq x reader #sugawara koushi x reader #sugawara x reader #hq x you #nohr.writing #THE PARTYS GETTING STARTED YALL!!!!!!!!!! THE TENSIONS THERE!!!!#i love a good will-they-wont-they #and these two are fucking blEEDING OUT THEIR LOVE THATS HOW OBVIOUS IT IS #the star and the earth fic #boom baby i hope i forgot everything and caught every grammatical error in my prior reading"!!!!!!!#ilysm yall<3 thank u for ur kind words on ch1<3333

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