#i always forget she's married to eita...and that they have a kid?!?!?!?

[maira-writes-shit]

Salt, saltier, Yahaba and Shirabu

Haikyuu Yahaba Shigeru and Shirabu Kenjirou friendship

Fluff, mild angst, Yahashira childhood friends

Yahaba and Shirabu met when they were 8.Some may ask: How did that happen? Well this is the story:

Both of them had been dragged to a business dinner by their parents...

Shigeru’s parents were business people. That’s just what they were.Everything they did, they did it for business.

They got married for tax benefits and to combine their companies. Sure they did love each other but that wasn’t the main reason they got married.

They got children for image. They used them to seem closer to the „average family“, to try and seem more trust worthy and kind.

So that’s what he was here for.“And this is our son Shigeru.“,his mother said with a fake smile on her thin lips. She was talking to a small woman with copper hair. Something suddenly moved behind her legs and Yahaba tried to get a glance.

The woman took a step back and a boy with the same copper hair as the woman became visible.

He was a little bit shorter than Shigeru, had chocolate brown eyes and a pale complexion.

“Well this is Kenjirou!“, Shigeru’s mother put out her hand, she had to crouch down a little do to her wearing the heels that her son always wonder how she could even walk in, the boy -Kenjirou- took her hand and nodded to her.

The two women walked away chatting with equally fake smiles and cheerful voices, leaving their sons on their own.

The awkward silence between stretched out for multiple minutes until Kenjirou sighed.

“I’m Kenjirou Shirabu...“

“Well I know that.“, Shigeru whispered looking away.

“Hey jerk! I’m trying to talk to you!“ „Well you're not succeeding!“ „You’re talking to me, right?!“

Shigeru opened his mouth but shut it again.

He was right

The taller pouted.

“Why are you like this?“

“I’m trying to not fuck this up for my parents.“ at that Shigeru looked up at Kenjirou.

„What do you mean?“ „We just moved here and my dad says he needs friends under the other higher ups...“...“I’m Shigeru Yahaba. You’re the first other kid I’ve seen here.“

“Really?“ „Yeah. I only come along for the image.“„Well I guess we will probably have to cross paths a few more times so-“, Kenjirou extended a hand with a sly look on his face „-We should probably get along.“

Start

They were 11.

They had ended up on the same middle school.

Easy to say:The teachers both hated and loved them.

Both were smart and talented people and they knew it. And they abused it.

They didn’t pay attention in class and would always make snarky remarks only loud enough for each other to hear because they knew they could keep up.

Fun

They were 12.

“You know...I think I wanna join the volleyball club.“

Kenjirou looked up from his homework a bit startled.

“Huh?“ „I mean every time we play in gym class I just have so much fun and it makes me feel good! You know?“

Do I know? Yes I do know.

“I feel like I have the control yet at the same time I can play in a team!“

“I want to join too!“ „Really?!“ „Yeah! We can play together!“

Friendship

They were 14.

Sweat was dripping down Shigeru’s face.

24:23 for the other team...it seems useless...

The silver haired boy turns his face to his best friend.

I can’t do it. It’s too much.

Those thoughts wash away as soon as he sees him.

He was determined.

That’s what he admired the most about Kenjirou...he didn’t give up.

Shigeru was weak alone. All it took was a B on a test to send him spiraling but Kenjirou was always there.Kenjirou was his setter and Shigeru was his spiker.

They were feared for being able to know exactly what the other was thinking.

They were a threat.

Shigeru couldn’t do it on his own...but he wasn’t on his own.

Kenjirou was there and he was looking at Shigeru with that look of determination that always made him go though with all the shit they thought of.

They won.

Determination

They were 14.

This wasn’t normal.

He shouldn’t feel like this.

But he did.

Chikara Ennoshita.

The brown haired boy had been his and Shigeru’s friend since the start of middle school. He was smart, determined, kind and he was able to handle the combined salt level of both Shigeru and Kenjirou.

He had been his first real friend after Shigeru.

And now here he was...having a crush on him.

That’s all it was though: a crush. Still...he was a guy...This wasn’t right.

“Kenjirou? You ok?“

The copper haired boy jumped a bit at his best friends voice. He looked up and-“Shigeru I think im gay-“

Why did I say that? I never planned on telling anyone! Let alone Shigeru...what will he think of me now-?

“Same.“

“Wait what?“

“Well I’m not completely gay- I do also like girls...so bi? Maybe even pan or something...I don’t know yet.“

„Wait you aren’t surprised?“ „Shirababe...nothing about you staring at Chikas ass is subtle. Turn the horny down child!“ „I AM OLDER THAN YOU!“

“NO YOURE NOT! WELL AT LEAST NOT MENTALLY!“, Shigeru threw a pillow into Kenjirou‘s face.

The shorter got hit right in the face and let out a dramatic gasp while throwing the pillow right back.

“STOP WITH YOUR MENTAL SHIT, ASSHOLE!“

Acceptance

They were almost 16.

“Wait what?“

“I said I’m going to apply for Shiratorizawa.“

“But-we said we would got to Seijoh together!“

“Well there is still the possibility of me failing the exam because we both know I won’t get a sports scholarship.“

“Oh who are you kidding!? You are going to pass that exam with flying colors!“

“Well thank you.“

„KENJIROU YOU PROMISED!“

“I WAS LIKE 13!“

“YOU SAID- You said you won’t leave me alone...“

“Oh boo hoo! Little baby Yahaba can’t take being alone!“

Yahaba? He had never called me that...

“Well that may have to do with the fact that you always need to show me that your better than me in everything, Shirabu!“They stared each other down.

Sure they had had fights over the years but nothing quite like this.

There was so much to lose.

But also so much to gain.

I can’t do it. It’s too much.

Shigeru walked away.

Fear

They were 16.

Kenjirou had made it to Shiratorizawa.

He looked down at his test results with a grain of salt though.

He had passed with flying colors...just like he had said...

They hadn’t talked since their fight. They had graduated without a word to each other and now they were separated.

Shigeru got his test scores back some time ago, he would go to Seijoh after summer break.

Ennoshita would go to a different school as well.

Kenjirou‘s Heart hurt a bit at That thought as well. Not only was Chikara his only other real friend but Kenjirou also still had his stupid crush on him.

Kenjirou Shirabu was sitting in his room alone.

He was alone.

He had forgotten what that felt like.

Ever since that faithful day 8 years ago Shigeru- no Yahaba- had always been there somehow. Kenjirou had always seen him or texted him in some way and even when they were fighting he would always have Chikara to talk to.

But now both of them were gone.

Empty

They were 16.

Everything reminded them that the other wasn’t there.

It hurt.It hurt worse than when Yahaba got rejected by the girl he liked.

It hurt worse than Shirabu being beaten in his favorite subject.

It hurt more than the punches exchanged when they fought over something so seemingly little now that they forgot what it was.

How do you feel after the person you spent half your life with leaves?

Broken

Lost

Alone

They were 16.

„Yaha-Chan we Are playing a practice match today and I want to put you in.“

The dyed brown haired teen turned around a bit startled.

“But Oikawa-san I’m not even that good! I just started really playing this position! I can’t possibly-“ „Trust yourself more Yaha-chan!“

Yeah as if that’s so easy...Kenjirou was my setter and I was his spiker...I honestly just wanted to try this position but-

“I can see you overthinking Yaha-chan!“, Shigeru’s senpai snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts.

„You are a great setter Yahaba. Don’t forget that.“

The younger looked up from the ground.Instead of the usual sing songy voice of Oikawa those words were said with a kind yet very stern voice.

He cracked a little smile.

Change

They were 16.

Winning.

That was what he did all of this for.

Winning.

So this was being part of a real team, huh?

He only stood on the court for a few minutes but here he was...screaming, laughing and hugging his teammates.

The last time I was this happy I was with Shigeru-

The copper haired boy turned around to the other side of the net.

There he was.

Yahaba Shigeru was crouching over a third year crying on the floor.He went around giving everyone water bottles.

He hadn’t played.

He had sat on the bench observing and filling up water bottles.

Anger rose in Kenjirou. How could they not let him play? There was definitely more than one of the third year spikers that was way worse than Shigeru!

Why won’t they let him play?

Or did he choose to not play?

Did they think they could win against Shiratorizawa and then use him as a secret weapon?

What was up with him?

He was slapped on the back by his senpai, their setter Semi Eita.

One eye contact was all Semi need to check up on him...

One eye contact and he could feel himself falling.

He wanted to tell Shigeru.

Longing

They were 16.

Loss.

That was the worst part about this.

Losing.Shigeru was on his bed looking up at the ceiling, like he and Kenjirou used to do when they told story’s till 2am.

His phone pinged.

Bangsie:

“Heh“, Shigeru smiled. He had forgotten to reset the nickname.

What does he want though? Rub his win under my nose? Tell me how much better than me he is again?

He picked up his phone anyways.

Bangsie: Shigeru we need to talk...same place

Same place.

Shigeru knew what he meant by that.

When his older brother was younger their parents had bought him a little treehouse at the outskirts of the woods not far from the Shirabu residents.

They would go there when Shigeru‘s little brother was being noisy, they wanted to get away or they just didn’t feel safe enough at home.

The Fake brunette sighed and put on his shoes.

Fixing

They were 16.

He came.

They sat in silence.

Until The copper haired boy broke the silence: „I’m sorry.“

„I know I made a promise and I knew what it meant to you but-“„No no I get it! Shiratorizawa fits your needs as a person and for your future more...I was being selfish.“

“But you had all right to be! Your brother left you behind and he was the only one there for you, I did the same!“

“Don’t fucking blame yourself for my problems!“

They stared at each other down for a good minute until they broke and they ended up hugging and crying.

The next hours were spent catching up.

Shigeru learned about Kenjirou’s crush on his upperclassman Semi.

Kenjirou learned about a guy named Kyoutani that absolutely drove Shigeru crazy and now even quit.

He also learned that Shigeru had switched to being a setter.

The night ended like many nights in the treehouse ended: with them curled up in blankets falling asleep on each other.

Home

They were 17.

I need to get better. I need to work harder. I can’t stop-

„Yahaba!“

The ball dropped on the other side of the court and he turned around to see his spiky haired senpai Iwaizumi.

“You are overworking yourself, Yahaba...“ „Oh I’m sorry I didn’t-“ „Oh no you know exactly what you’re doing! I already have one of you dumbasses!“, he looked at Oikawa, standing in the door talking to a few fan girls.

“Don’t freak out too much, ok?“, he sounded concerned...

“I’ll try, Iwaizumi-san!“

Shigeru hurried out of the locker room.

He was late to his and Kenjirou’s weekly movie night!

While he was mentally crossing all the things in his bag off a list as to not forget what to bring the boy ran into someone...and crashed to the ground.

“Hey watch were your going!“ the guy he bumped into only gave a little growl as answer.Kyoutani.

Of course it was Kyoutani.

“You’re good...“ came a little murmur from besides him where Kyoutani had apparently set off into the same way as him home.

Shigeru raised an eyebrow.

“You’re a good Player...“ Shigeru shoot around at that.

“Wh-what? You t-think I’m a g-good player?“

“I mean yeah...“Shigeru could feel a flush creep up his cheeks.

Wait what? Im supposed to hate him! He quit the team! But...

Diffrents

They were 17.

“This arm has to be a bit higher.“

Kenjirou was maybe having a so called gay panic.

Semi was too close. He was also correcting his form and touching him in all these places- Kenjirou couldn’t do this.

He threw the ball into the air, jumped and smashed that ball to the ground.

“Not so bad-Not so bad! But there is still some things you need to work on.“

“Well I wanna see you do a jump serve.“, he whispered.“As you wish, Shirabu my highness.“ The older said with a little bow before he got up to serve.

Kenjirou refuses to admit that his heart danced a little cha cha cha when Semi said his name.

The ash blond threw the ball up into the air, the perfect hight, he took two large steps and leaped into the air and finally his hand made contact with he ball and hit the ground with a beautiful thudh.

Kenjirou stood in awe for a few minutes before he excused himself to the bathroom.

Beauty

They were 17.

The ball dropped.

They lost.

Again.

Shiritorizawa won.

Again.

Again

They were 17.

They were sitting in the treehouse again.

„You guys played really well you know...“The copper haired boy looked over at his best friend and found the tear rolling down his face.

Neither one of them have ever been good at putting their feelings into words so all Kenjirou did was hold him.

Hold him while he crys.

Emotions

They were 17.

Karasuno.

Every point was a battle for power.

Yahaba got to play again...

He got to feel the ball in his hands again...

He made points!

He let the ball drop...This was his fault.

He thought he could be better, he thought he could finally face off against Kenjirou but no.

He was still weak.That’s all he was.

Weak

They were 17.

“This will be our first practice match with you as captain Shirabu.“, Kenjirou’s Coach looked at him. „You can do it.“

The new captain smiled and walked behind his team again.

“Hello and welcome at Seijoh!“ a familiar voice said. Kenjirou smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to win agains you.“

“Hahaha win? Yeah sure! We will stomp you to dust, Shirabu.“

“Game on, Yahaba.“

“Well what do we have here?, a singsongy voice said from behind Shigeru.

Oikawa Tooru

To be continued

[atsumiyass]

With this Song Pt.1

hey guys !! this wasnt a request but we wanted to get something on the page so here it is, hope you enjoy !! - venus

Satori Tendou x F!Reader (soulmate au)

warnings: none

part 2 here !!

You never truly believed in soulmates. The thought of having one never pleased you anyways. I mean, shouldn’t you be able to choose who you would spend the rest of your life with? It just didn’t sit right with you. Either way, the moment you turned 18 during your 3rd year of high school, your parents told you about how you and your soulmate could hear when and what each other sang, and that would be how they could identify who you were. You didn’t really linger on the thought for too long, more pushing it to the side and leaving it for later. Ontop of graduating in a matter of a few months, final exams, and managing your school’s volleyball club, you didn’t need anything else to worry about. 

The next time you were at school your friends asked you a bunch of questions about it, but you brushed it off not wanting to think about the topic. Once you entered your classroom you sat at your desk and put your head down, not getting much sleep the night prior due to your parents constant nagging. “you look horrible” The ash blonde commented as he sat in his desk next to yours. The sound of his voice had you sitting up, an unamused expression on your face. “gee thanks eita…” you mumbled and put your head back down. “I just mean that…you look like you had a rough night. Is everything okay?” he asked in a concerned tone. “yeah its just, this stupid soulmate thing.” You sighed turning in your seat to face him. “I get it, my parents would talk my ear off about it all the time, they’ll leave you alone eventually.” He assured you to which you nodded. A part of you doubted his words considering how involved your parents were with your life. But he had already found his, so it was only a matter of time until you found yours. Before you could think about the matter any further the teacher walked into the classroom as the bell rang and ordered the students to get out materials for the lesson.

The sound of the lunch bell rang through your ears, making you jump a bit since you had been dazing off in class. “You coming? we have lunch practice today.” Semi reminded you as he started packing up his things. “Yeah sure, I’m just gonna get a drink at the vending machine really quick. I’m starving.” You told him. He nodded and walked out of the classroom, you trailing behind and walking in the opposite direction to the vending machine. Once you got there you felt around your bag for your clutch where you kept your money.

To no avail, you had forgotten it at home.

You sighed and closed your bag again. “there goes my somewhat lunch” you mumbled and started walking off. “heyy! y/n-chan~” you heard the familiar voice call out from behind. You turned around you saw the red head skip towards you, money in hand. “Didya forget your money at home? Silly y/n-chan. Your always so forgetful!” he teased, slinging an arm around your shoulders. “was it that obvious?” you laughed and looked away in embarrassment. “aw chin up! Here..” he started, putting money into the machine and pressing two buttons. A chocolate milk and a strawberry milk popping out of it. He handed the pink carton to you with a grin. You looked at him for a second and took the carton from his hand, your fingers lingering for a second before pulling away. “Thanks Satori-kun, I really appreciate it.” You said, giving him a small smile. “Now cmon, we’re gonna be late for practice.” You ushered, pushing the straw inside the carton and sipping on the pink liquid. The red head followed behind, little to your knowledge gazing at you with lovestruck eyes and a smile on his face.

It was now nighttime, and you were helping the boys clean up the gym. Mostly helping Goshiki pick up stray balls and putting them back into the cart. After everyone was done cleaning you informed the boys you would be staying back to fold the uniforms that had just finished drying. “Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you to the dorms l/n-san? I don’t mind staying behind.” Ushijima offered as he picked up his shoes from the floor. “Its no problem Ushijima-san, I’ll be fine walking by myself don’t worry. Have a good night!” You reassured him. He gave a bow in return and walked with Tendou towards the boys dormitories. You walked to the washing room and quietly started singing a song you’ve recently been obsessed with while folding the jerseys.

“He's singing, She's a, she's a lady…”

“And I am just a line without a hook…”

“Oh baby I am a wreck when I’m without you”

“I need you here to stay...”

“What was that Tendou-san? A hook with what?” Ushijima asked, making Tendou chuckle. “No no no Wakatoshi-kun…it’s the song my soulmates been singing a lot lately, they just started singing it again right now.” He explained to which Ushijima nodded. “So do you like the song they’ve gotten stuck inside your head?” Ushijima asked, making tendou smile and look up at the night sky littered with stars.

“yeah…it reminds me of someone special.”

 ~~~~~~~~~~~

For the next few weeks, you kept your soulmate to the back of your mind. Not paying too much mind to it considering you had much more important things to worry about. But when you weren’t singing, your soulmate definitely was. They would sing the strangest songs; you were pretty sure they were all made up but either way they were always in your head 24/7. You even caught yourself humming to some at practice. Okay maybe they were a bit catchy…

“Stray!” you heard someone call out, pulling you from your daze as you quickly moved to the side and let the ball hit the wall next to you. “Sorry about that y/n-senpai!” Goshiki quickly exclaimed in fear that you would be angry. You simply waved at him that it was fine and continued with your manager duties. One of them being updating stats, since it was the start of a new month. You grabbed your notebook and your clipboard and started jotting things down. You soon got to Tendou and started changing his stamina and speed stats, along with his height. Once again you started humming your soulmates song without noticing, which striked coach Saitous attention. “Whats that song you’re singing?” he asked which made you jump from surprise. You mentally scolded yourself again for humming it before answering “Just this song my soulmate got stuck in my head.” You laughed and continued to Shirabus stats. “Your soulmate? Well, if anything I thought that was one of Tendous weird songs he likes to sing on the court.” He added which made you abruptly stop writing. 

Tendous song? No, it couldn’t be. It sounded nothing like them, it was absurd to think hes my soulmate…I mean, I’ve never heard him hum one of my songs, and even if he has I’m sure it’s just a coincidence since we hang around each other a lot-’ your thoughts stopped as you heard the coaches voice again “It seems as though you have some thinking to do y/n-san. But whatever it is, please don’t let it affect the team. I wish you luck on finding your soulmate.” He stated before getting up and calling a 10-minute break. You processed his words for a couple more seconds before scrambling to get the water bottles and towels. Passing them out to each player, coach Saitous words still lingered in your mind. 

“Heya y/n-chan?! Im talking to you!” Tendou said waving his hands frantically in front of your face to get your attention. “H-huh?? Oh sorry I was just thinking.” You said, to which he just laughed and shook his head. “Anyways, I was just wondering if you’ve found your soulmate yet?” He said which had your eyes widening at the unexpected question. “Oh uh..haha yeah well uhh..its not really my main concern at the moment, considering we’re graduating soon and all that-” “but y/n aren’t you eager to know who it is?” He said cutting you off, bringing his face closer to yours. “I-I mean it would be great but its not really my main priority…” you said quietly while looking down at your shoes. “Hm...well I don’t know mine either, and I haven’t even the faintest clue! I just know they love singing this song about a line without a hook. It’s a pretty catchy tune though, Wakatoshi-kun also likes it….” He continued, but you didn’t hear much after that. 

It was him. He was your soulmate. There was no denying it. The songs you were singing, were his. The songs he was singing, were yours. It was all coming together. Your close friend of three years, Satori Tendou, was your soulmate. The person you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with. The person you would get married to and have kids with. Oh my gosh, kids with Tendou?!? I bet they would all have red hair…heh…cute…“Anyways, we’ll talk more after practice y/n-chan!” he said which made you meet his gaze. He handed you the towel and water bottle, throwing in a wink on his way back to the court. A feint blush coated your cheeks at the gesture. After sitting back down on the bench thoughts came flooding to your mind so quickly, the main one being…

How you were going to tell him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[musicprincess655]

Queen of His People, Ch. 9

Pairing: Ushiten

Rating: T

Tags: a/b/o, royalty

read on ao3

“Fly fast,” Satori told the pigeon, although he was pretty sure it wouldn’t understand him. It just cooed at him and left, heading for Rowanwood.

The letter it carried was short and to the point, but little traces of affection had slipped through. He had just meant to tell his mother that he was going to Shiratorizawa to be married, but he couldn’t hide how much he missed her. He’d barely seen her since he came to the castle.

Maybe she would come to visit him in Shiratorizawa. His father had restricted her movements ever since her affair, but if he was going to be queen, he had to have some power to change that. His parents weren’t mated, and probably never would be after everything, but she was a timid woman and had been dominated by the men around her for her entire life. From the stories she’d told him, her father had been just as overbearing as his, and she’d been given away as a bride far too young. He couldn’t begrudge her the affair, even if it had made his life harder. He couldn’t be mad for the one moment of freedom she’d had.

And she’d done her best to protect him when he still lived at Rowanwood. He’d never doubted for a moment that she loved him fiercely, loved him enough to send him away to the castle because she thought he’d be happier away from her.

He shook himself. This wasn’t a day to feel sad. He was going off on an adventure, he was supposed to be excited.

Tooru and Hajime were waiting for him in the courtyard, ready to say their goodbyes. They had been distant recently, Tooru’s fight for the throne keeping them busy, but Satori was going to miss them.

“I don’t suppose you know anything about Tobio offering to stay away from the throne as long as I promise not to marry him off, do you?” Tooru asked, but they both already knew the answer.

“Be good to him,” Satori told him. “He’s going to be loyal to you.”

“Yeah, he is,” Tooru sighed. “I have a lot of work to do to make it up to him, don’t I?”

“You were an ass,” Satori agreed, and Tooru made a face.

“You’re not supposed to agree!” he protested, but then he sobered. “I wish you the best. I’ve seen you with Ushijima. He makes you happy. I’m happy for you.”

Satori hugged him, because Satori was a hugger, and Tooru was clingy anyway.

“Take care of yourself,” Hajime said. “And don’t forget to write sometimes.”

“I will,” Satori promised. A young beta woman walked up behind Hajime, grinning at him. “Maiya? How long have you been here?”

“I just got back,” she laughed. “And I heard the little bug eyed kid who used to run around with my baby brother is all grown up and going off to get married. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, nee-san,” he said. She pulled him into a rough hug.

“Anyone gives you trouble, you just let us know,” she said fiercely. “Hajime and I will come up and kick some ass.”

She and Hajime stood strong beside each other. They were two of a kind, brother and sister. Satori was feeling the love.

Tobio was standing off to the side, fidgeting. He’d already said his goodbyes, but he came forward to give Satori another hug.

“Promise you’ll write to me?” he asked in a small voice.

“Of course,” Satori told him. “Someone has to tell you stories about the far north.”

Tobio looked happier.

“Don’t let your brother give you any shit,” Satori said. “But don’t hold a grudge. I think he’s going to try to earn your forgiveness. Let him.”

Tobio nodded, looking serious. Satori slung his bag over his shoulder, turning to where Wakatoshi and Kawanishi and Goshiki were waiting.

“That’s all you’re bringing?” Wakatoshi asked.

“I don’t need much,” Satori admitted.

“That moves up our timetable, then,” Kawanishi said. “We were expecting to have to use a carriage for the ride back, but if you packed light, we can make it back in a few weeks. Assuming you can ride, of course.”

“I know how to ride,” Satori scoffed, ignoring the fact that he hadn’t been on a horse’s back in years. He could keep up just fine. He wasn’t going to break.

“Consider this my wedding gift to you,” a voice broke in. The king was there, holding the reigns of a hearty looking horse. “She’s a tough one. She’ll survive just fine up in the north.”

Satori couldn’t respond for a moment, throat closing up.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “She’s beautiful.”

She wasn’t, not in the traditional sense at least, but she looked strong, and Satori thought there was beauty in that.

“Good luck,” the king said. “And have a safe journey.”

“We thank you for your hospitality,” Wakatoshi said. “I’ve already sent word to Shiratorizawa. A legion should be on its way down already.”

The king nodded, and then they were off.

“I didn’t realize you were going to pack so light,” Goshiki commented. They were riding at a steady pace, but not so fast that they couldn’t talk. “Most omegas need more stuff.”

“I don’t,” Satori shrugged. The jolting of the horse was already starting to get to him. “How far is it to Shiratorizawa?”

“About two hundred miles to the border, and another hundred to the capital,” Wakatoshi answered. “If we can keep the pace we had on the way down, it should take about two weeks.”

Satori tried to hide his grimace, and Kawanishi grinned.

“Semi is going to adopt him on the spot,” he said. Goshiki nodded in agreement.

“Who’s Semi?” Satori asked. “Is he like a head omega?”

Goshiki snorted.

“No,” Kawanishi said, laughter in his voice, “but he got all the motherly instincts his mate missed out on.”

“I’m sure Kenjirou will be a fine mother,” Wakatoshi argued. Kawanishi just gave him a look.

“The day Kenjirou gracefully accepts motherhood is the day I eat my own socks,” he said flatly.

“They have only been mated for a year,” Goshiki reasoned. “And they’re both busy since Semi-san is the general and Shirabu-san is the chief strategist. They might want children someday.”

“You still haven’t dropped the habit of calling him by his maiden name,” Kawanishi pointed out.

“Shirabu-san will always be Shirabu-san, even if he took Semi-san’s family name,” Goshiki argued. Kawanishi shrugged.

“My point is, Semi is going to like you,” he addressed Satori again. “He likes picking up strays, and you’ll be a young omega in a new place. He’s going to fuss over you, fair warning.”

“I can deal with fussing,” Satori assured him. “Semi and Shirabu are general and strategist? And they’re mated?”

“Yes,” Wakatoshi answered. “They hardly ever leave the citadel, save for wartime. Even then, Kenjirou will stay while Eita goes off to battle. They’re too important to risk going out too often.”

“What’s the citadel like?” Satori asked. “What are the people like?”

They spent hours telling him about the city up on the top of a mountain, nearly impenetrable from the outside. The walls had been redesigned over the years to keep the worst of the wind off, and natural hot springs below the palace kept it warm year round. There was a lower town around the palace in the safety of the walls, and was mostly populated by merchants that dealt with the farmers that had learned over the years to farm in the mountains.

They stopped for the night at an inn, and the keeper seemed to recognize them from their trip down. He offered them two rooms, one with a double bed, and one with two twins.

“Goshiki and I will take the double bed, and you two can have the twins,” Wakatoshi announced. Satori sighed happily, already glad to be able to res this aching legs. He wasn’t looking forward to getting back in the saddle tomorrow.

He dropped into bed, not even bothering to change out of his clothes. He was almost dead asleep when he heard Kawanishi drop into the bed next to him.

“I can’t wait to get back,” he sighed. “It’s so hot down here.”

“I’m sorry I’m keeping you from your mate,” Satori offered sleepily. Kawanishi shrugged.

“We’re knights,” he said. “It’s our job to make sure you two are safe. Besides, it’s only a few weeks. Then I’ll have him all to myself again.”

Satori was about to make a lewd comment, but he was asleep before he could, and the next thing he knew, Kawanishi was shaking him awake. It was time to get going again.

***

Two weeks later, and Satori was ready to never ride a horse again. He was almost ready to cry with happiness when they started to climb the narrow path that led up to the citadel.

Trumpets blared at the return of the prince, and the gates were opened. Satori sighed. He couldn’t wait to get settled and sleep for a week, if he could.

There were people waiting for them just inside the gate, cheering as their prince rode back in. Satori tried to sit up straight, smile, be the queen they were expecting him to be someday. No one looked at him angrily, which was a good sign.

They passed the second gate into the palace grounds, and fewer people were waiting for them. They handed off their horses to waiting groomsmen, and turned to face the small crowd. Satori steeled himself. This was his first test.

“Ushijima-sama,” someone said, coming forward. He had long black and white hair pulled into a ponytail, and though he was shorter than Wakatoshi, he radiated an air of power. “It’s good to have you back.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Eita,” Wakatoshi answered. “This is Tendou Satori.”

Satori tried to make himself look friendly. Eita – this was probably Semi – looked him over critically, before arching a brow.

“He’s perfect,” Semi said.

“I hope my mother thinks so, too,” Wakatoshi said.

“That’s why he’s perfect,” Semi countered, but he held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Tendou-san. I’m Semi Eita, but you’re welcome to call me Eita, most people do.”

A slightly shorter omega stepped around Eita. His light brown hair was cut with completely straight bangs. He was the polar opposite of Eita, and yet, they fit together.

“Hello, Tendou-san,” he said, voice much softer than Eita’s. “I’m Eita’s mate, Kenjirou. You’re welcome to call me by my given name as well. It gets confusing since we’re both Semi now.”

“Hello, Kenjirou,” Satori said shyly. He was almost overwhelmed by the people starting to crowd around.

“Everyone back off, give him some room,” a female voice ordered. An absolutely tiny omega woman stepped forward. She was classically pretty, if a little plain, and at the very least double Satori’s age. “Don’t scare him off before he even gets inside. Hello dear. I’m Ai, and this is Reon.” She gestured to the older alpha behind her. “If you need anything, you can come to us.”

“Thank you,” Satori said. He didn’t want to seem ungrateful, and he was happy that everyone was so nice, but he wanted to sit down.

“That’s enough niceties,” another female voice cut in. Satori looked up and…

This. This had to be the queen. Even without her resemblance to Wakatoshi, she was clearly royalty. She walked with her head held high and not even the idea that her words might be disobeyed.

She greeted Wakatoshi before looking over Satori critically. He tried not to squirm.

“He’ll do,” she said shortly. “Come inside. You’ve had a long journey, you must be exhausted.”

Not exactly a warm welcome, but she hadn’t greeted him with outright dislike. He could deal with this.

She led him and Wakatoshi to a wing of the palace, although Wakatoshi probably didn’t need the guide. She turned.

“Wakatoshi, I expect you to get him settled,” she said. “I’ll send dinner to your rooms for tonight. Tomorrow, you start training with me.”

She was off in a flurry of skirts. Satori turned to Wakatoshi.

“She’s not being rude on purpose,” Wakatoshi assured him. “That’s just how she is.”

Satori just nodded. He needed to sleep.

“These are your rooms,” Wakatoshi said. “I’m next door. We’re not connected, but you’re welcome to visit anytime.”

Satori nodded again, and Wakatoshi seemed to sense that he would collapse at any moment. He picked up Satori’s hand, kissing the back and leaving him alone.

Satori dropped into bed, face burning. That was such a sweet gesture. He didn’t have time to dwell on it, though. He was already burrowing under the soft furs on his bed, and it wasn’t long before he was entirely asleep.

Tomorrow, he could deal with the new home. Tonight, he had to sleep.

[everysongaday]

KAELA KIMURA (木村カエラ) - Yellow 

[musicprincess655]

Knight and Bishop, Ch. 5

Pairing: Semishira

Rating: T

Tags: a/b/o, royalty au

read on ao3

“Half the variations which are calculated in a tournament game turn out to be completely superfluous. Unfortunately, no one knows in advance which half” - Jan Tinman

Eita refused to describe what he was doing as sulking. He was merely removing himself from a situation where he was obviously not wanted. That was an adult, mature reaction. He was just outside, enjoying the sunset. He was not sulking.

“Is that pretty lad of yours givin’ you trouble?” Kaito asked.

“He’s not mine,” Eita argued back. “Besides, it’s the Ice Queen that’s botherin’ me the most.”

“She still holdin’ a grudge because you’re lowborn?” Mari asked, leaning around Kaito to address him. Eita took comfort in the familiar accent of the village around the castle, a relief after a week of clipped accents of the nobles.

“I don’t think she likes me as a person, on top of not likin’ me because I’m lowborn,” Eita shrugged. “Her son doesn’t seem to know what to do with me. I guess he likes me, but he’s not so great for conversation. His guard is fun, though. He’s the only one that bitches Shirabu out like he deserves.”

“Ooooo, pretty boy again,” Mari teased, and Eita resisted the urge to groan. It was never fun when the two of them tag teamed him. He loved them both, but they could be relentless, and he really wasn’t in the mood right now. “Maybe you should pursue him. I hear hate is a special kind o’ passion.”

“Pass,” Eita said, waving his hand. “He’d never let me close enough to try, and besides, I’m not in the business of beddin’ children.”

“Isn’t he seventeen?” Kaito asked.

“A child,” Eita said, nodding as if Kaito had proven his point.

“Please. As if any o’ us were children at seventeen,” Mari scoffed. “We were all fightin’ by then.”

“He hasn’t,” Eita protested. “I don’t think he’s ever left this citadel. Maybe we weren’t children at seventeen, but he is.”

“You like a challenge,” Kaito argued.

“A challenge. Not a virginal child with a stick up his ass,” Eita said firmly. “I came out here to forget about all of them for a while. Play a game with me instead.”

“What kind of game?” Mari asked, teasing desisted but not forgotten.

“Make up the story of whoever we see walkin’ through,” Eita suggested. “Look at that boy,” he nodded to a black haired boy with straight bangs practicing swordsmanship. “He’s young. Probably joined the castle guards as soon as they would take him. He’s probably nobility, but I’d guess his family are merchants. He grew up rich. He probably wants to join the army and work his way up.”

“Nice,” Kaito said. “Cute, isn’t he?”

“Not my type,” Eita dismissed. “Too earnest. Too eager to please. There’s no challenge there.”

“I’d expect nothin’ less,” Mari said. “My turn. That woman.”

Kaito and Eita turned to the short woman with black hair, hurrying about, pausing to say a word to the boy Eita had looked at before hurrying on.

“She’s in charge of a lot here, but not domestic chores,” Mari mused. “She’s dressed like she’s prepared for a fight. I bet she’s the captain of the guard. Definitely married, definitely has kids.”

Eita didn’t miss the way Mari clutched at her belly when she said that. Surely she and Kaito would be having their own soon. They’d been married for a few years; it was time for them to settle down with their family.

“Okay. Her.” Kaito pointed out a pretty blonde woman. Eita whistled under his breath, and Mari nodded approvingly. “Lowborn, definitely. She’s fetchin’ water, so she’s prob’ly a maid or a kitchen worker. I bet she’s single, but she has suitors chasing her everywhere she goes.”

“She’s pretty enough for it,” Eita agreed. “She’s gorgeous. She can’t be from the village. She’s not much younger than us, and I would remember someone with beauty like her’s.”

“Well look who’s speakin’ all proper like,” Mari teased.

“Don’t remind me,” Eita groaned. “I’ve had enough of these nobles. The Ice Queen scowls at me when I talk normal, and I have enough to deal with here without her glarin’ daggers into me. Ushijima-sama isn’t so bad, but Shirabu acts like he knows everythin’. I bet no one’s ever had to tell him he’s wrong about somethin’.”

“Spoiled?” Kaito asked.

“Probably, but I will admit he’s smart,” Eita conceded. “He’s not here for nuthin’.”

“He’s stuck in your head,” Mari pointed out.

“I’d much rather have that girl stuck in my head,” Eita said, nodding with his chin. “She’s pretty, and she doesn’t spend all her time snapping at me.”

“Semi-san,” a voice interrupted. They all turned to see Shirabu standing there, face carefully blank. “We hardly have time to be staring at every woman that crosses our path. There’s a war going on, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“We’re not gonna lose because I spent two minutes outside with my friends,” Eita argued, but he stood up anyway, schooling his voice back out of its village accent. He followed Shirabu without further complaint.

Shirabu held his head high, trying his best to look down his nose at Eita from his position of being shorter. Eita tried not to grin. Maybe Shirabu was annoying, but he was pretty obviously trying to compensate for feeling out of his depth. No matter how smart he was, he was still a seventeen year old surrounded by people older and more experienced than him. He deserved a little bit of slack.

“Ah. Good of you to join us, Semi-san,” the queen said coolly when he walked in. She, however, deserved far less slack. He’d done nothing to earn her treatment of him except being born to two poor bakers in the village instead of in some castle.

“What would you like to discuss?” he asked politely anyway, because she was still the queen, and he didn’t feel like being thrown in the dungeon or something.

“Contingency plans,” she replied. “Just in case what we’ve worked out already falls through.”

“There’s not much else we can do,” Eita sighed. “I know it’s not the answer you want, but we’ve done all we can with the information we have right now. We have to wait until we have more news from the Wall.”

“That’s not good enough,” she scoffed. Eita could feel the tension forming in his head. He’d had just about enough of these nobles.

“Highness, have you ever seen a battle?” Her silence told him all he needed to know. “I have. I’ve been fighting for this kingdom since I was sixteen. One of the first things you learn is that things don’t always go as planned, and the side that wins is the side that can adapt to the changes. We’ve done all we can do. You’re welcome to sit here beating your head against a wall trying to come up with something else, but I won’t stay to watch you.”

He turned to leave, not missing the horrified look Shirabu was aiming at him.

“You have not been dismissed.” The queen’s voice was frozen steel. Eita tried not to let his anger show on his face as he wheeled back around.

“Mother, that’s enough,” Ushijima broke in. “He’s right. There’s little else we can do. Everyone is tired and tense waiting for news. We shouldn’t fight among ourselves.”

The queen looked like she still wanted to rage, but logic won out.

“Very well,” she said. “You are all dismissed for the night. Shirabu-kun, if you don’t mind staying, I’d like your opinion on this.”

Eita and Ushijima left the library, Taichi trailing at a safe but still respectful distance.

“I’m sorry about her,” Ushijima apologized. “She’s just worried. We lost a lot last time Itachiyama invaded.”

“I remember,” Eita replied, thinking about the people who had died around them fourteen years ago. He and his younger brother Kenta had gotten the plague, along with their parents. Because they were bakers, they’d had enough to eat, which was probably why they all survived. The same couldn’t be said for the rest of their neighborhood.

“She’s overstepping, and Kenjirou is letting her because he doesn’t want to lose the position he’s gotten to,” Taichi explained. “I don’t know what Saitou-san still isn’t back. The rider should have been able to get to his home and back by now.”

“So instead we’re letting a seventeen year old run everything,” Eita sighed. Taichi gave him a strange look.

“Did Kenjirou tell you he was seventeen?” Taichi asked. Eita nodded. “That little shit. He’s not seventeen for a few weeks. He probably wanted to sound like less of a child.”

“He’s only sixteen?”

“Yep.”

“How did he end up here?”

“He’s smart,” Ushijima broke in. “He always outsmarted me in our lessons. Still, that doesn’t mean my mother needs to act the way she does with him. He’s not the only one that’s right.”

Eita had never heard such a long string of words from the prince before. He was a lot less boring when he actually talked.

“Anyway. Thanks for sticking up for me,” he said, nodding his head. “I’m heading to bed. I’ll see you two tomorrow when we discuss a variation on the same plan we’ve been beating to death for a week.”

Taichi offered him a smirk in response to that as he followed Ushijima away. He walked to his room, stark and bare and lacking in any kind of personalization. He probably wouldn’t be here much longer, if things kept going as they were going, so there was no point in trying to make it a home.

He was left alone with his thoughts for less than hour before a knock at his door roused him. He opened his door to reveal Shirabu.

“Can I help you?” he asked. “Done talking about the same thing with the queen?”

“We’ve done enough planning for one night,” Shirabu waved his hand dismissively, which Eita took as a yes. “You don’t have to be so rude about your opinion.”

Eita snorted.

“I don’t really want a lecture on rudeness from a sixteen year old brat,” he shot back.

“How did you know I was…? Taichi,” Shirabu grumbled. “Just because I’m young doesn’t mean you have to dismiss me.”

“I’m not trying to,” Eita sighed. “Look. A piece of advice. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to plan for everything and you won’t have control over every aspect of a battle. The sooner you learn to let that go, the sooner you’ll calm down about this.”

“I don’t need your advice,” Shirabu said coolly, face impassive. “I know what I’m doing.”

“In theory, but not in practice,” Eita argued. “You’re being too hard on yourself. There’s a chance we might not be able to use anything we’ve planned so far. Until we get new information, there’s no reason to burn yourself out.”

“I’m fine,” Shirabu insisted. Eita let himself roll his eyes. Shirabu didn’t have nearly the same power as the queen and Eita had no reason to fear him.

“Whatever you say,” he said, trying to be diplomatic, because he was going to have to work with Shirabu for a while. He hoped this war wouldn’t be too long. “Did you come here for something specific?”

“I…”

“You just came here because you wanted to bitch, didn’t you?”

“You’re so vulgar,” Shirabu complained.

“Please, as if you don’t have a worse mouth than me,” Eita laughed. “I’ve heard you talking to Taichi. You could make a village barmaid blush with some of the shit that comes out of your mouth.”

“Good night, Semi-san,” Shirabu said shortly. Eita watching him walk away stiffly, all self-righteous fury. He really did get ugly when he was arguing.

Kaito was right about one thing. Shirabu was a challenge, and he was too damn stubborn to make anything. Eita smirked to himself. He’d show this spoiled little rich boy what it was like to try and win an argument with stubbornness when he faced the oldest of four siblings.

Shirabu may have thought he was good, but he had nothing on Tomoko, and she was six.