Forever With You

By the time they reached Nekoma, Hitoka was almost dead on her feet, and followed behind Princes Kuroo and Tsuki as they made their way into the palace. Aiko was cooing softly, her beautiful blue eyes reflecting the way the light sparkled off the golden chandeliers, sconces, and candelabras. A little pudgey hand would sometimes reach up and grasp the air, as if trying to catch one of those sparkles. Normally, she’d marvel at all the finery along with her daughter, but tonight, she just wanted to get the children settled in bed, and then follow suit.

She was barely listening to the men as they walked, carrying their own sleeping children, but one thing snagged her attention more than she’d like to admit. They were discussing their plans for Kuroo’s thirtieth birthday celebration, and he was more excited for this year than any other (according to Tsuki).

“Eita is due to arrive the day after tomorrow, isn’t he?” Prince Kuroo asked as they went up the grand staircase.
“Yeah. He wanted to explore the islands a little more, but I think he saw everything he wanted to already.” Prince Tsuki replied as if he were hinting at something.
Hitoka wasn’t sure what it meant, and her brain was too tired to care, but she listened anyway.
“I think so, too,” the former agreed. “Anyway, since it’ll be considered a state visit, and all that nonsense, we’ll need everyone on hand to help out. So Yacchan will need extra help, too.”
“Wait. I will?” she asked as they passed through the halls toward the nursery. “I’ll be fine, your highness. I can manage all three kids like I always have.”
“Oh, we don’t doubt it,” he said. “But there will be more than our three, so you’ll need the help.”
“More than three?”
“Yeah, once the council got the idea of making Tetsu’s birthday a big party, they sent an invitation out to everyone. Only one hasn’t sent back their confirmation, yet. I should talk to Ukai if anything came in while we were gone.”
“Yeah, do that, because it’ll be better if they don’t come.”
“Right.”
“Either way, Eita will be the first to arrive out of all of those coming. We should celebrate his birthday, too. Have a little party.”

As the two of them quietly discussed making arrangements for their friend, Hitoka was struggling to understand more than putting one foot in front of the other. The door to the nursery opened, and a maid stood aside to let them in. She informed them that the twins’ bed had been turned down, ready for them to be tucked in. When she turned to Hitoka, she rushed over to take Aiko from her.

“Come on, ma’am. You’re about five seconds from falling over.”
“Oh, but I should…”
“We’ll take care of the children for you,” Prince Tsuki assured her. “You go to sleep. We’re just sorry we didn’t notice it sooner.”
“I’ll wake up,” she still tried to protest.
“Follow me, ma’am,” the maid said gently, guiding her to the nanny’s room. “I’ll take care of everything.”
“But…”
“Go to bed, Yacchan. We’ll see you in the morning,” Prince Kuroo ordered kindly.

Hitoka tiredly followed the maid into her room. It took a few minutes for her to put Aiko in her crib, and she stood there exhausted, unable to even think about moving. Smiling kindly, the older woman helped her out of her dress and into a night shift, guided her into the bed, and tucked her in like a child. She barely heard the woman whisper goodnight before she was fast asleep.

[Three Hours Later]

With a steaming hot cup of vanilla chamomile tea, Hitoka sat on the bench of her window seat, admiring the stars and the view she had. It was almost as pretty as the Crow Islands, she thought. Night dark water lightly choppy from the current and the breeze coming in. White sand beaches that almost glimmer in the faint moonlight. Palms swayed, while further inland leaves rustled on trees. There was so much… more here. Nekoma held its own beauty, but she loved it more on the islands she now called home.

Taking another long sip of tea, she tried to get herself back together. The dream that woke her had been unpleasant, to say the least. It wasn’t more than flashes of memories; of her homeland, of her mother, of being sent away to live with family she’d never met, and who didn’t care too much about her while she lived with them, of falling in love with a man who didn’t love her back… and the result of that one-sided love.

Finishing her tea, she put her teacup down and went to check on Aiko. Sleeping soundly, her little baby breaths were too adorable, and there was the faintest hint of a smile on her cherubic little face. Hitoka’s heart melted all over again. Her daughter was the best thing in her life, and she’d make sure Aiko was always happy.

Bending to give her baby a butterfly kiss, she padded quietly out of her room and to the boys’. There, she found them tangled up in the bedsheets, and each other, but both sleeping soundly. Taking care of these two little princes was an adventure, and she was glad to be a part of it, for however long that would be. Reaching down, she gently untangled both boys and bedsheets, tucked them in, and kissed them goodnight. Then, she retreated back to her room to try and sleep a little more before morning.

~*~

[Two Days Later]

Sunrise on the sea was breathtaking, or so Eita thought as his yacht slowly approached Nekoma. He was at his customary place at the bow of his yacht, leaning on the railing. It would be another hour before they docked, but already, the island gave an impressive view. White sand beaches, swaying palms, and further inland, deep rich greens on the mountains. Nestled in the middle was the castle, all white marble and shimmering glass. He could just make out the red and black banner floating in the wind from one of the turrets.

“You’re up early, your grace,” he heard Taichi say from behind him.
“Couldn’t sleep anymore,” he replied, straightening up and turning to face his best friend.
“Oh?”
Eita shrugged. “Too excited, I guess.” He took the mug of coffee handed to him. “Where’s Kenjiro?”
“Making sure everything’s perfect. Again. I really don’t think he’s slept at all.”
“Probably not.”
“I think he’s also still under the impression you don’t know Prince Kuroo, or Prince Tsuki.”
“He’ll figure it out. I hope.”
“Semi…”
“There won’t be time to tease him while we’re here,” Eita replied, a little defensively. “Not much, anyway.”
“You’re incorrigible, sir.”
“I gotta have some fun, ya know.”

The two of them laughed and turned to watch the steady approach of Nekoma. It had been a while since he’d been here, even for a state visit. If he had the chance, he wanted to revisit a few of his favorite shops in the castle town, as well as the beach, and maybe he’d get a chance to visit his favorite spot with the gorgeous view.

He wondered if she was here, too.

She had to be, right? Kuroo told him about the boys’ “new” nanny, and he did see her with them. Then again, he also heard Yuki and Haru call her Mama, so maybe the nanny was someone else, and she stayed with them all the time. But then again, when she spoke to him, her accent, though faint, suggested she wasn’t originally from the Crow Islands, or from Nekoma. She knew the lullaby from his homeland, and as far as he was aware, Shiratorizawa was the only place you could hear it. There was also the fact that she asked if he was from Shiratorizawa, too…

Clearly, she didn’t recognize him. Not that it truly mattered, really. And besides, their little meeting hadn’t lasted more than a minute or two before she was gone again.

“Your Grace?” Ah. Kenjiro.
“Already speaking with capital letters,” he groused with a grin. He straightened up and turned to face his younger advisor, who was in possession of a clipboard (terrific), and he noticed Taichi rolling his eyes. “Good morning to you, too.”
“Oh, yes, good morning to you, sir,” the man practically folded in half with a bow.
“Oh, get up, Kenjiro. It’s too early for that.”
The man snapped back up. Eita sighed as his plans for a little fun were washed away with the tide. Kenjiro was already in his element, and that meant everything had to be razor-sharp and perfect.
“Right! It’s time to get ready, Your Grace. I’ve laid out your clothes for the procession, and made sure they’ll have a horse ready for you.”
Eita smirked. No doubt the horse would be white, and draped with Shiratorizawa’s colors. This being a state visit, and all.
“Of course. But first, breakfast is in order.” He swept past his advisors, though Taichi was quick to follow.
“But, Your Grace,” Kenjiro scrambled after them. “We’ll be there soon. You have to be ready!”
“Is there anywhere in your schedule that includes meals, Kenjiro?”
He could practically hear paper rustling. He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Taichi snorted, and then sneezed.
“Nice cover,” he murmured.
“It’s the salt air, sir,” Taichi whispered back.
“Of course it is. You're mildly allergic, after all.” He smiled brightly. “Come on, men! Breakfast awaits! We’ll have plenty of time to make me look every inch the Grand Duke, and even if we’re a little late, I’m sure Prince Kuroo will forgive me.”
That sent Kenjiro into a diatribe of making sure his liege knew the Importance Of Punctuality.

[One Hour - and a half (totally on purpose) - Later]

The crowd cheered as he rode by, throwing confetti and streamers. Dutifully, he smiled and waved from side to side, glancing wryly over at Taichi occasionally. He was indeed riding a white stallion, draped in royal purple, a black saddle adorned with silver trimming, and purple ribbons braided through mane and tail. The horse had been trained well, his gait smooth even though his step was high. The sounds of horseshoes clattering against the cobblestone avenue was nearly as loud as the people cheering.

Eita reached up and ran a finger under his collar; he really wished he could’ve worn something less… official. The silver coronet he wore sat firmly on his head, no doubt catching the sunlight enough to shine. His white coat and pants were crisp (almost blinding), and set off the royal purple sash across his chest from right shoulder to left hip (draped just so), over which was his chain of office, heavy but regal (did they add a few more links?). He had to talk Kenjiro down from wearing brand new white boots with silver spurs; his black, well-worn and comfy ones would do just fine, thank you very much. Kejiro still insisted on the spurs.

Eita had to admit, the man had outdone himself. But he was having a little trouble keeping his seat on the horse he rode behind him. Loyal advisor he may be, but he seriously needed riding lessons.

The closer they rode to the castle, the better he could see Kuroo and Tsuki standing together, arms and hands linked, with sunny smiles, waving and waiting patiently. They were also in their royal Nekoma finery; their matching red and black coats looking suitably grand. Their golden crowns and chains of office caught the morning sun just enough to look like they shone. They were perfect together, definitely happy and content, and that was something he was beginning to want for himself.