Chapter Text
In the far kingdom of Aoba Josai, in the midst of a garden of roses, loomed a darkly beautiful castle. Tall columns surrounded sharp walls, high edges and intricate windows, grim statues scowling at intruders and protecting the innocent. Stone towers with soft moss, and alluring details.
In the unmoving night, nothing could be heard except for the gentle breeze through dried leaves, the cold smell of rain and nature.
High in the castle stood a grand balcony, with a stone ledge, a single potted rose on it. The glassy doors to the room were opened, letting the cool midnight air in. Silky curtains were blown back by the wind, silently fluttering.
A lone, black figure jumped from tree to tree, unheard. Reaching the closed, dark gate, the silhouette jumped on one of the walls of the castle, unseen by the unmoving guards posted at the entrance. A distant whirring sound was heard and with a poof a string was released from the person's belt, attaching itself to a column near the fated balcony.
The person jumped from tower to tower, just a shadow through the night. Anyone who passed by would think it was merely a bird, for the silhouette's movements made it seem like it was soaring through the heavens.
The cloaked person landed on the stone ledge, the movement causing the rose to move a couple centimeters to the right. Jumping on the balcony noiselessly, the figure reached towards its belt. Gloved hands unsheathed a sharp, detailed dagger which shone innocently in the pale moonlight.
The assassin crept closer to the room, passing the fluttering curtains which almost seemed to dance to a secret song. The room was huge, with intricate gold designs on the walls. The person didn't inspect it any further. It had a job to do.
Approaching the huge bed, a pile of quilt came into view, slowly rising and falling.
The silhouette stood by the edge of the bed, simply staring down at its harmless target.
Aristocratic cheekbones and elegant nose, long eyelashes casting dark shadows on cheeks, plump rosy lips parted open. In the darkness of the room the sleeping person's hair looked a dark brown, its edges brushing the pillow with each inhale.
The assassin felt a weird coiling warmth around his heart, but he didn't wait to see what it was.
Raising the dagger over his head, the silhouette froze when the man below fluttered his eyes open. Not taking the time to admire the beautiful shimmering orb looking up at him, the assassin allowed himself to say “Goodbye.” before thrusting the dagger down.
The cloaked person stumbled backwards when the knife went straight through the other's body, now under him.
The previously asleep man lurched forwards, one hand clutching his abdomen as if feeling the object that should've been there.
No way. This man couldn't be his-
The assassin looked at the other, wide-eyed. That was the only reason the knife could've gone straight through without leaving a scratch.
The man on the bed turned towards him, pinning him with his glinting eyes. A slow smirk formed on his face.
“Well hello to you too, soulmate.”
The assassin jumped to his feet, backing away never once taking his eyes off the brunette. The other just looked at him bemusedly, a lazy smile playing on his lips. The man gracefully pulled the cover off his body, before standing up from the bed.
He was wearing a silky white shirt, with black pants with golden detailing.
'Surprisingly fancy, for a random noble' the silhouette thought, backing even further away, towards the balcony.
The other had an aura that demanded attention, an intimidating presence commanding obedience. He stood tall, looking down at the masked assassin with something glinting in his eyes. The smirk never once left his lips.
The silhouette moved backwards, before his behind hit the balcony's ledge. He made the mistake of looking behind him, before snapping his gaze forward once more. In front of him, standing very close might he add, the noble placed his arms on either of his sides, effectively trapping him in.
The brunette leaned in, and he could see the sparks of golden and dark brown in his eyes, illuminated by the lone moon. Thin eyebrows framed his face, giving him an aristocratic feel.
How can he look this good after waking up?
“What, not going to stay and chat?” the man asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
The silhouette roughly pushed him away, pinning him to the floor, a dagger at his throat.
The man below didn't even look scared, as he raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him, his smirk still perfectly in place.
“Haven't you tried that already?”
How infuriating.
That wouldn't stop him from trying, though. He slashed his hand downwards, hoping and hoping that he had just somehow missed the other time.
Before his very eyes, the knife went clean through the other's body, and hit the stone floor with a clang.
He flung himself backwards, as if burned. Fumbling with his belt, the silhouette finally got it right and a string was released, attaching itself to a random nearby tower. Jumping right before slender fingers clasped around the air where he had been moments before.
Reaching the tower, he grabbed the stone wall looking behind him.
The noble stood on the edge of the balcony looking at him, a single rose his only companion. His hair moved softly in the wind, the white of his shirt a pale light in the lonely night. Even from where the silhouette was he could see the kindled, shining brown eyes.
A silent moment passed the both of them, only looking at each other, the moon their only witness.
The assassin remembered where he was, and he quickly snapped his belt towards the forest. A string was released, and just like that the shadow was gone, flying over the castle.
Rose petals were blown by the wind.