Uncrowned King 12

Yamapi's View

Soundtrack: Miyavi – Aishiteru kara Hajimeyou

Getting into the castle wasn't a big deal for Yamapi, and so was the casting. There were so many people applying, but most of them were merely able to carry a plate safely. So it wasn't a problem to become part of the staff as well.

After the casting was over, someone who supposedly was Toma's private teacher announced who had to do what kind of job. Luckily Yamapi was announced as the prince's servant and so he was to follow the teacher into Toma's room, where the teacher finally left them alone.

“You really did it!”, the prince shouted excited. “Yes, although I was really nervous. I don't even know how I made it through...”, admitted Yamapi. “It doesn't matter...”, grinned Toma and pulled him closer. “... now that you're here”, Toma smiled softly and then kissed him passionately.

Pi had longed for this so much. He had been waiting a whole night to be able to feel him again and now he had him again. It had just been one night but to Pi it had felt like one year. He could feel Toma everywhere on his skin, smell him, taste him and he didn't intend to let go of him now. Trying to get closer to his prince Pi moved forward, but moved too fast and so they both lost balance and fell onto the bed. But actually they didn't really mind. Or maybe they did?

Pi broke their connection and looked at Toma.

“My prince,”, he began. “What are your intentions?” He grinned.

Toma smiled as well, though Pi could see a slight red shade on his cheeks. “I... I'm not sure,”, Toma said. “I've never done anything like this before, so...”

“Then please leave it to me. I'm quite fond of my skills regarding this kind of action.”

And Pi was REALLY fond of that. He continued to kiss the royal one again and let his finger slide to the first button of Toma's shirt and finally broke their connection again. “Please let me undress you, since I'm your servant and you should not do this yourself.” And he kissed Toma again. When he had removed Toma's shirt, he wanted to continue with the prince's trousers, but Toma stopped him, holding Pi's hands tight. “Wait a second... please.”

“Of course, my prince.”, Pi answered and stopped moving. “What's the matter?”

“I-It's nothing... I just... don't want to rush this.” Toma smiled and stroke Pi's hands.

“We don't have to rush, if you don't want to. Actually I... don't want this to end as well...”

And again he kissed Toma gently. After some time he continued removing Toma's trousers and this time Toma didn't stop him. When he was done, he wanted to unbutton his own vest as well, but again Toma grabbed his hands to stop him.

“Wait. I... want to do this.”, he said shyly.

“Certainly,”, Pi answered smiling and slowly got off Toma. The prince got up and hesitated. “Don't worry, your highness. I'm sure you'll do just fine.”

Encouraged by Pi's words Toma got in top of his servant quickly and pushed him down onto the bed. “I'll try,”, he said, before he carefully and very slowly unbuttoned Pi's shirt. Pi's eyes meanwhile lay on Toma's face and he tried to memorize every expression the prince's face made while he was on top of him. It took Toma some time to unbutton the shirt and as he was finished he removed the shirt carefully. He looked so serious that Pi almost started laughing, but luckily he was able to hold back and so he just smiled and said: “My prince... don't worry so much. You are able to unbutton your own shirt, aren't you? So it's no big deal to remove mine. Please have more self-confidence. You're the prince of this country still. And mine as well.”

Encouraged by these words Toma bent down and kissed his servant. Pi could have only kissed him the whole night through, if they weren't already gone that far. So he hesitantly touched Toma's chest, stroking over the smooth skin.

“Yamashita... I... think I love you...”, the prince whispered.

Pi looked up into Toma's serious face, shocked by what he had just heard.

“Prince... Toma...”, he murmured. He had just said he loved him. And he was so serious. Pi didn't know what to answer. He knew the answer already but he was scared. Afraid if he spoke it out aloud, he had to admit to himself that it wasn't just a game. That he really cared for the royal one and that his whole plan might be destroyed by these 3 words. He just couldn't say it.

So he pulled the prince down into a tight hug and kissed him passionately. While he kissed him, he hastily removed his trousers. He wanted so much more, even if he knew he didn't have the right to. Yamapi rolled over Toma, pressing him onto the bed and began to remove the royal underwear. But he rushed. And Toma began trembling.

“Wa-wait... Yamashita...”, he said and again held his hands. “That's too fast... Please...”

And Pi realized what he just had been about to do. He wasn't focusing on Toma any more. He was soaked into his own thoughts. And he was about to get it over with. Although he didn't want it to end, he'd acted so fast that Toma was scared of him now. And he didn't want this. He wanted Toma to love him, to stay by his side.

And so he got off the royal one.

“My apologies... I... I'm sorry...”, he mumbled and sat down on the floor, his back against the bed. What the heck was he doing? Yes, his father was imprisoned and he somehow had to get him out. But was that the kind of thing you thought about when you spend your time with someone like Toma doing such an important thing?

Toma got off the bed as well, stared at Pi for a second and slowly sat down on his servants thighs, facing him.

“Listen...”, he started. “I... want to do this... with you, okay? You probably haven't done anything wrong, but since it's the first time for me, I don't want to rush. I want to savor every touch, every gaze by you so I can remember everything even when I've grown old. So... please go on...”

Toma bent down and kissed him again. It was a light, soft kiss but it was full of love and Pi could feel it. And he knew he wouldn't rush any more. He wanted to enjoy this like Toma did. And he would make love to him.

He kissed him back, his one hand caressing Toma's neck while the other was sliding over Toma's back. He softly pulled him closer, felt Toma's skin on his and the places where their bodies touched became as hot as fire. It burned but still felt so good that Pi couldn't stop. He felt Toma's fingers on his chest, touching him with care.

The air around them became hotter with every touch and every adoring word they whispered. And they didn't care for anything but the here and now.

They enjoyed every second and while Pi was in Toma he was sure that there was no better place than here with his prince. “Toma... Toma...” he whispered all the time and he didn't want to say anything else ever again.

When their love making had come to an end, Pi still didn't let go off Toma. He wanted to stay like this forever, even when the floor wasn't probably the most comfortable place in this room. Toma was still on top of him. He looked exhausted but he still smiled. A smile filled with love and happiness.

“I love you...”, he said again and Pi leaned in and kissed him tenderly.

He pulled the blanket off the bed and wrapped it around them.

“I want to stay like this a little longer... please...”, he whispered. And again he pulled Toma into a tight hug and didn't intent to let go off him until the sun lit the next unbearable day.

Uncrowned King 11

Toma's View

Toma watched how Yamapi taking the ring off.

Pi pulled him up, so he was sitting as well. Then he put the ring on Tomas finger.

As if even this gesture wasn't enough, Pi said: “Just for now, okay? I promise... my heart... will always be with you.” Toma blushed but smiled softly. He couldn't tell how much this meant to him. Instead of saying something he leaned in and kissed Pi again. He didn't want this to end...He wanted to stay with him forever.

Forming out of this wish an idea came to his mind and he pulled back. “What if you work in the castle?”, asked Toma.

Yamapi looked confused and Toma looked at him seriously. “If you work in the castle... then we could see each other more often...”, he concluded still thinking. “I think they are searching for some people because of the... engagement.”, he said. “That... that would be great!”, answered Yamapi. The prince smiled. “Then we can be together every day and night.”, he blushed, but the smile wouldn't vanish from his face and he pulled Yamapi into a tight hug.

Oh, how much he wanted to be with him every day, every second. And if everything went well, he could have Pi by his side always... until they would escape together. And then they could be together forever and nothing could ever part them again. The young royal sighed satisfied as he still held Pi in his arms.

The next day started early for Toma. He had to attend lessons in preparations for the wedding and Toma went along with them happily, knowing that it wouldn't come to said wedding. As he had some spare time between two lessons, he thought about the public application which had started this morning. He hoped that Yamapi made it through and he would be able to work in the castle.

After lunch he got taken aside by Maki. “Toma-sama... would ...would you meet me in the garden this evening... I heard that there will be a shooting star shower. I think it is interesting...” She blushed. “Well...”, Toma hesitated. If Pi made it, then they could spent the time together. Suddenly he heard his father say: “Of course he will come to see you, right, my son?”, he smiled widely. “I'm sure he is just too shy to say how much he wants to spend time with you.” Toma caught his father's gaze, he had no other option than to agree. “..yeah... of course.::”, he tried to sound just as shy as his father made him just now. “Really? That's great, then until tonight!”, she smiled sweetly and hurried to her room, leaving the prince and his father alone. “My son, I hope you know what to do, right?”, said the king in a menacing voice. “I know”, he said in a low voice.
Yes, he knew, he just had to play his role a little longer. Although he had remorse because he had to be so nice to the girl, although he didn't want it. But he had no choice.

He went back to his room and sat on the desk. Shortly after he heard a knock on the door. “Yes?”, he asked. The door opened and his sensei stepped into the room.“Young Master, this is your new servant”, he said. Toma's eyes widened as Yamapi stepped into his room. The young man bowed. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Toma-sama”, he smiled politely. He plays his role very well, thought Toma. “Pleased to meet you, too”, said the prince smiling widely. “His name is Yamashita, he will take care of any of your issues from now on, so please rely on him”, the teacher told him. “Thanks. I will, be sure of that”, nodded Toma and gazed at Pi. “You can go now”, he added to his teacher, who excused himself.

“You really did it!”, shouted Toma after he was sure no one could hear him. “Yes, although I was really nervous. I don't even know how I made it through...”, admitted Pi. “It doesn't matter...”, grinned Toma and pulled Pi closer. “... now that you're here”, he smiled softly and then kissed Pi passionately.

The prince was so happy, he had Pi right there, with him. And he wanted to have him by his side forever. His kisses felt so good and right. He began to stroke Pi's cheeks and his neck. His skin was so smooth...

The young prince was amazed by the feelings which Yamapi was causing him. He wanted to feel more of them, to feel more of Yamashita.
And as they kissed and tried to get closer and closer to each other, they suddenly stumbled over each others feet and landed on the bed.

Uncrowned King 10

Yamapi's view


This kiss was better than the one before. It was a gentle, warm kiss and Toma was into it as well. He wasn't as unmoving and shocked as he had been the first time they kissed. And this time it was more passionate than anything else. He felt Toma's arms around him, smelled, tasted him. He was about to lose himself in it, but then his mind told him it was wrong and he immediately broke off their body connection, starting to shiver. This situation was too awkward. And the fact that Toma suddenly confessed to him that he'd never been so free before only made things worse.

While Toma cleaned Yamapi's wounds, Pi tried not to tremble too much. The scratches hurt as hell when Toma put the alcohol-drained wool on them but Yamapi felt like he deserved it. [A/N: don't we all think so? *lol*] Pi tried his hardest to avoid Toma's gaze. He couldn't bear looking into the prince's eyes right now. But he was thankful. Thankful that the prince was the one hurting him right now. Even if he was just hurting his body. It didn't make Pi feel better, but it calmed down his nerves.

"Ok, done!", Toma said cheerfully. Oh, how Pi wished he could be as happy as Toma was right now.
"Thank you...", Pi answered. It wasn't a thanks for cleaning his wounds but for anything Pi had been able to experience with him so far.

Toma got up and went to the river to wash his hands in it. Pi's eyes followed the young prince. Even Toma's back was beautiful.

"Your life must be very interesting, right? The life in the castle is so boring... I wished... I could come with... you instead.", Toma said.

Toma wanted to come with him? But he was the prince, the one everybody's eyes lay on right now. But Pi wanted him to leave together with him as well.

And if he came with him, this would be the chance to finally free his father. Everyone would be looking for the prince, once they found out he was gone, so probably no guards in front of the jail entrance. And there it was again. The inner fight. Wanting the same for two so different reasons.

"You could...", he finally managed to say. The prince's face brightened. "Really? Then... I wouldn't have to marry her... I told you about her, didn't I? My fiance... maybe you saw her at the ball." "Don't worry. I... won't allow you to marry some stranger..." No, he wouldn't. At least not until he had rescued his father.

Toma came closer and sat next to Yamapi. Yamapi's heart started beating faster again. So close. There wasn't much time for them left to be so close. And Pi wanted to taste all of it.

"You... are wearing my ring, don't you?", Yamapi said. "So you're mine now. And nobody will take you away from me." And if somebody dared to try, he would smash their faces on a rock.

Automatically he laid one arm around the other one's back. He wanted to be with him forever, wanted to possess him, to take Toma with him when he escaped together with his father. But it was just too dangerous. He couldn't allow this to happen to Toma. So he had to keep his mouth shut about the situation. And their relationship would be destroyed soon enough, so he should just smile and enjoy the time they had together.

"Yes, I do wear the ring.", Toma said, smiling. "It would be to obvious wearing it on my finger, so I put it onto a necklace instead. And now it's closer to... my heart.", the prince said, blushing.

"You... are beautiful, when you smile, you know?" And finally Pi managed to smile as well. "You are, too.", Toma answered. They felt like they had so much to say and didn't know where to start. But looking into each other's eyes was enough for both of them right now. And again, Pi leaned over and kissed Toma gently. He lay one hand on Toma's, the other on Toma's cheek. His skin was so smooth that he couldn't help but stroke him over and over again. After some time Toma leaned into the kiss so much, that suddenly Pi lost his balance and fell off the small chair he sat on, pulling Toma with him.
So Pi lay on his back, Toma on him and both looked at each other in surprise. And then they had to laugh. Laugh so hard they couldn't stop for a whole while.

After a while Toma went serious again, saying: "You know... that time in the castle... that was my very first kiss." He smiled. "And I'm happy you took it. Yamashita."

Pi smiled as well. "I like the way you say my name. You should stick to the long version, so I can listen to your voice longer." "Okay!", Toma answered, grinning. "But aren't I heavy?" "Uh, no. I like this just fine." Pi grinned as well. And how he liked this. Again he took Toma's hand and intertwined it with his own. Even though his hands and face still hurt, he didn't mean to keep his hands off the prince. Not now, when almost everything was just so right. He turned around, putting Toma under him.

"What a feeling, sitting on a prince. Maybe I should apologize to you later." Pi laughed. He took Toma's necklace from Toma's neck, took off the ring and pulled Toma up, so he would sit as well. Then again he took the prince's hand and with slightly shaking hands he put the ring on Toma's finger. "Just for now, okay? I promise... my heart... will always be with you."

Uncrowned King 9

Toma's view

And they danced and danced. Toma didn't know how long they were moving like this, but it didn't matter to him. He wanted to continue like this forever. Suddenly he bumped against a tree and they stopped moving. But they still continued to look deep into each others eyes. Toma was about to loose himself in them as Yamapi spoke, whispering the words he wanted to hear so much. “I... missed you.”

And this time the prince was prepared for Pi's kiss, he had been waiting for it desperately. This time he enjoyed it to the fullest. He put his arms around Pi and pulled him closer, never leaving his lips. Unspeakable feelings rushed through him, it felt so good to be here with him and he wished he would never have to leave him. If only he could be with him forever...

It was as if all of his hopes had materialized into one person, someone who would save him from his gray life. Someone who gave him what he needed so much. Someone who could give him security and love, someone that Toma could trust no matter what. And he felt that Yamapi was all this and even more.

Suddenly Pi broke their kiss and breathed rapidly. Toma also had to catch his breath, but then he looked at Yamapi tenderly. “You know.. I can't really believe it...”, he said smiling mild. “What?”, asked Pi frowning. “ This all.. that I can be here with you...I thought.. I would be stuck in this castle forever... But now.. I feel so free like I never felt...thanks to you”, he smiled brightly and held Pi tight.

But Pi squirmed himself out of the embrace and walked back to the tent.

“W-would you mind... helping me with the... bruises?”, he asked in a voice that Toma couldn't interpret. He guessed that the injuries must still hurt more than Pi wanted to admit. “Sure, do you have alcohol?”, he asked cheerfully. Pi pulled a bottle out of his tent and Toma took some of the cotton that Pi had also found in his tent.

They sat down facing each other and Toma opened the bottle. “OK, I have never done this before, but I've seen the doctor do it over and over again. It could hurt a bit though...”, he said and eyed the young man in front of him. “I don't mind”, answered Pi, his gaze fixed on the ground. The prince soaked a bit of the cotton in the alcohol and took Pi's hand gently in his own, careful not to hurt him anywhere. Then he slowly touched the scratched skin with the alcohol soaked cloth, he could feel how Pi's hand twitched in his, but he didn't withdraw it. “Did it hurt? I'm sorry...”, spoke, continuing with his work even more careful.

After some time Toma had disinfected the wounds on the hands and had dressed them. He continued with the face, in order to do so he approached closer to Pi. He dabbed the little scratches on his face. Yamapi sat there, not moving, he had already closed his eyes and didn't even twitch a bit as the alcohol came in contact with the open wounds. “Ok, done!”, said Tom and stood up to wash his hands in the river.

He could hear Yamapi whispering “Thank you” behind him and turned around again and smiled. “Your welcome.”

“Your life must be very interesting, right? The life in the castle is so boring... I wished... I could come with... you instead.”, he said hesitantly, waiting for Yamapi's reaction. After some seconds he answered. “You could...” The prince's face brightened. “Really? Then... I wouldn't have to marry her... I told you about her, didn't I? My fiance... maybe you saw her at the ball.” “Don't worry. I ... won't allow that you have to marry some stranger...”, Pi said seriously. Toma blushed a bit as he heard his serious tone. But he felt very happy that Yamapi also seemed to have him by his side. He sat down next to Yamapi again, leaned on his chest and closed his eyes. He could hear Yamapi's heart beating fast. He also felt his heart beating happily in his own chest, maybe they were even , beating synchronous. Maybe, he thought. Maybe everything will be good at last.

Uncrowned King 8

Yamapi's view

Yamapi left the castle in a hurry through the front entrance. He wore a mask so nobody would notice he didn't belong here.

Right, he just didn't belong to this world. He belonged to the dark side of life, from now on until forever. How could he even think of such a cruel thing? Toma wasn't only the prince any more. He was someone different from anyone he ever knew. He was warm-hearted, fair, with a smile that would melt any frozen heart away. His smooth skin, his beautiful hair, his eyes - oh yes, those eyes. Yamapi was afraid that if he was looking into those eyes for to long he would lose himself in them. He didn't want to image how they would look like when Toma found out that he was just used by Yamapi. Right, he was the bad one in this cruel game that he couldn't stop anymore. He regretted ever coming to this city.

And the kiss. He had stained those beautiful lips with this tainted kiss. But still... it had felt so unbelievably right that it hurt. His whole body hurt, but most of all did his heart. He felt like someone wanted to rip it out of his chest. But he also felt he deserved it for deceiving the person he longed for, wanted to be with so much that he couldn't breath from just thinking of him.

He was outside of the castle already but he didn't really realize where he went. But he was heading for his tent, the only save place in this cursed world. When he reached his plain home, his feet didn't want to carry him any longer, so he sank on the bare floor. When had he started crying? He hadn't noticed, but it didn't even matter to him. He didn't stop the tears as they ran over his cheeks. When had he become like this? Probably when his father had left home. Or after his mother had died. Or probably it was both that had influenced him so much? His mother was as warm-hearted as... Toma was and she had always looked after him, even when she was to weak to leave the bed. God, how he missed her right now. She would tell him the right thing to do and dry his tears with a lovely song. But she wasn't here so the only thing he could do was fail.

Pi was so angry with himself. He was a bad person, a fraud, a traitor. He was going to free a person, who was imprisoned for murder. He was going to deceive the crown prince, fake true love to make him free his father. He slapped himself in the face, again and again. He wasn't worth living. That's what it was about. He hit his own face again and again, fell on the ground, got up again and continued bruising his hands, scratched them until he could see blood coming out of his right. And all the time he cried. When his face and his hands hurt to much, he stopped, lying down on the floor and continued crying until there were no tears left. And finally he fell asleep.

Early in the morning he woke up again. It was cold, because he was still lying outside in the grass. He wanted to heave himself up again, but somehow failed. His hands still hurt so much that he could barely touch anything. So he rolled on the back and on the third try was able to get up without using his hands but only his elbows. His face also still hurt. He got on his feet and kneeled beside the little river that was right next to his tent. Wow, he really looked awful. All over his face were bruises and scratches, his lower lip was swollen and his hands were full of dried blood and mud. He carefully started to wash off the blood from last night, although it did hurt like hell. But it didn't matter to him. He didn't have to face the prince like this. If he actually came. Yamapi wished he wouldn't but he had no idea of the prince's mind, so all he could do was to be prepaired for what could happen today. So he went into the tent and put on some more decent clothes, since he'd worn the fancy dress all night long.

And then there were footsteps. Something he didn't want to hear. As much as he didn't want to go outside, he wanted to be with the prince. Stay at his side and protect him from any evil. But he was the evil, wasn't he? And still, there was no option left but to go out and face him. He would be confused, maybe even disgusted when he saw his face and his hands and immediately take a turn and leave. But Yamapi couldn't but go outside. For his father's sake.

When the cold air hit his face again, he hesitated to look into the prince's eyes. He felt like he still wasn't prepared at all.

When the prince saw Yamapi's injuries, he came a step closer. Yamapi wanted to take a step back, but it felt like his feet were tied to the ground. “Wha- what happened to you? Where did you get all those marks from?”, Toma asked. "It-it's nothing... I just... got beaten up, that's all...", Yamapi answered, his voice trembling. “Be-beaten up? By whom? Was it when you escaped out of the castle?”, the prince asked again. There was something in his voice that made Yamapi lift his eyes.

Toma was so close to him right now. He wanted to touch him, to kiss him again and tell him how much he wanted him and that he didn't mean to harm him but that all of this was for his father's sake. No, not all of this. His feelings for the royal boy were sincere. He'd fallen in love with him the second their bodies touched in the castle. Or maybe even before that. But time didn't matter, did it?

He'd fallen in love with Toma, once and for all, and he couldn't help it. Didn't want to. But still they didn't have a chance from the beginning. So Yamapi had to try to make the best out of it.

“It doesn't hurt as bad as it looks, don't worry anymore”, he said. “But...” The prince wanted to protest, but he was cut off by Pi.

“You see... on the ball, we didn't have the change to dance, right?”

Pi smiled. Make the best out of it, he thought to himself. And so Pi closed the distance between them, lay one arm around Toma and took Toma's hand with the other. Carefully he pulled Toma closer and started to dance a slow waltz, the only dance he was able to dance thanks to his mother. He wanted to say something, keep up the conversation, but he couldn't. All he could do was stare at Toma's angel-like appearance.

And then Toma looked him in the eyes. It was as if the world had stopped turning, giving them the time they wanted and needed so much. They danced as if there was no tomorrow and neither of them knew if there really was one for them. Suddenly Toma bumped with his back into a tree. It didn't hurt, but they both stopped moving. Continued looking into each other's eyes.

“I... missed you...”, Yamapi whispered, right before he closed the distance between their lips once more and kissed his prince.

Uncrowned King 7

Toma's view

Pi's face was unreadable.
"Come with me...please", he said and left the hall without any further explanation.
Everything in Toma was in uproar right now. He looked around and sneaked out of the hall and followed Pi,who was standing in a dark corner now.

"Answer my question... why are you still here? I don't understand this...", Toma said, more and more confused.  He waited until his counterpart took a deep breath and said: "I... I couldn't leave. I want to... see you again."
The prince's eyes widened and something in his stomach was puring happily. He wanted to answer him, but when he tried to speak, there were no words left.

"Meet me tomorrow at my tent. I will wait for you." Then Pi laid his hands on his shoulders and a second later he was pressed against the wall, another second later he got kissed passionately.
It was so strange and yet so nice and it felt so damn good. But too fast Pi parted their lips again and said: "Good-bye, my prince."

Then he left huridly. The young prince still stood there, unable to move. A hundert of butterflies flying around in his belly. And he couldn't believe what just happened. He stared at the spot where Yamapi disappeared into the darkness. Suddenly everything was so clear within him. The warm feeling which was now spreading all over his body was more than obvious. Toma couldn't
believe it and maybe even didn't want to believe it. But now he could name what was bothering him about the young artist. And it hit him with such a great might that his feet couldn't hold his weight anymore. With his back still against the wall, he slided down and came to sit on the ground.

He was in love with Yamashita.

The ball had ended fast after this. Toma had been in a trance-like state for the rest of the evening.
Later, back in his room he sat on his bad, his back leaned against the wall and let the necklace with the ring on it swing in front of his eyes. How is it possible?, he asked himself.
Didn't he only knew the young gleeman for a few days? How could he fall in love with someone he hardly knew?
And also: It was a guy! How could a guy fall in love with another guy? If someone would find out it would be a scandal! Not that HE cared so much. But his father would... he would never allow something like this. In his eyes and in the eyes of society it was wrong. But how could
something that felt so right be wrong?, he asked himself as he thought about the kiss again.

He wondered if Yamapi loved him too. But why should he kiss him if it wasn't like that? Everything was so damn confusing. Plus it was the first time for the prince to fall in love. He hadn't ever met someone who captured his heart as much as the young artist did. So he didn't really know how to deal with that kind of things.

Tomorrow... he didn't know how to sneak out of the castle, when the whole city was going crazy for this damn engagement. There would be tons of guards... but he had, he just had to go and see Yamapi. He had to be sure about his feelings...

This night he couldn't sleep much due to his nerviness. It hadn't even dawned when the prince, clothed in some old clothes he lent from his servant and the black coat.

Toma tiptoed through the corridor and down to the kitchen. Fortunately the whole castle seemed to be still asleep this early. He took the same secret passage he had taken the last time. As he came out in the city he got more and more nervous by every step he did.

As he could see the river he couldn't nearly breath. He stopped his pace and took a deep breath. Then he crossed the river and could already see the little tent standing in the grass near the forest. His lump in his throat seemed to grow every time he breathed. He never had been so nervous in all his life.

As he stood right in front of the tent, Yamapi came out. Toma held his breath, when he saw his face. It was over and over full with little scratches and marks. Even his hands looked like this. Toma took a step closer to Pi. “Wha- what happened to you? Where did you get all those marks from?”, he asked worried. "It-it's nothing... I just... got beaten up, that's all...", he answered, avoiding Toma's gaze. “ Be- beaten up? By whom? Was it when you escaped out of the castle?”, Toma got more and more worried and his remorse was now slowly calling in his head. Pi's face softened. “It doesn't hurt as bad as it looks, don't worry anymore”, he answered. “But-”, Toma started but then Yamapi already knelt down and held a hand out to him. The prince's face looked questioning. The young man smiled. “You see on the ball, we didn't get the chance to dance right?” Toma couldn't even reply as Yamapi already grabbed his hand and pulled him close. He began to lead a slow waltz, his eyes always focused on the prince's face. Toma thought that he was a god dancer but Yamapi was even better than him. He felt very secure and thought that every girl he danced with must have enjoyed it. His heart twitched as this thought crossed his mind. As he looked a bit down he found Yamapi staring at him, their gazes locked and Toma could feel the tension between them.

Uncrowned King 6

Yamapi's view

Yamapi was following various corridors and didn't know where to go. It actually had been a bad idea to search the exit on his own. He really had no idea where he was right now. He felt like he ran deeper and deeper into the palace and he pleaded that he wouldn't be found. Running deeper and deeper into the stone building he had no idea where he was or where he went. All he knew was that he still was inside, not outside where he should be.

Suddenly there was a strange dull noise. Sounded like pigs. As Pi cautiously went on and looked around a corner, he saw two guards sleeping on their wooden chairs. That's what the noise came from. And those two really somehow looked like pigs. At least they were as fat as such.

Pi wanted to turn around and go back, but suddenly there came voices from behind. So no going back. And those two fat ones were sleeping. So the only option left was going through that door beside the guards. Pi sneaked through the door as silently as he could. The corridor in front of him was lighted by some torches on the walls. He went on, afraid that the source of the voices came after him. This was the jail. He knew it by the voices coming from the cells. He could see faces. Horrifying faces which were pale and skinny and looked frightened to death. And Yamapi was frightened himself. This view really was scary. But since this was the jail, those people were to be here. Pi went on.

A hand – a hand coming out of one of the cells, reaching out for him. Startled, Yamapi jumped back, desperately trying not to scream. The arm that was still reaching out for him belonged to a middle-aged study man with a unreadable look on his face. But Yamapi knew this face. The face he had been searching for for so long.

“Father? Is this you?”

He didn't really believe it. Didn't want to believe it. After all those months he had found the person most important to him. One day four years ago his father was gone, leaving Yamapi and his sick mother behind. Shortly after that Yamapi's mother had died and so nothing would hold Pi back from trying to find out about his father's whereabouts.

“... Tomohisa?”, the man answered.

“Father! It's you! Why... are you here? … I have to get you out of here...” Yamapi got up quickly and closed the distance between them. He had so many questions he wanted to ask him, so much he wanted to know. But first of all he had to get his father out of here.

“Son... my son... I'm innocent. You believe me, don't you? Help me! Please!” His father sounded desperate. And The young one was desperate as well. Desperate to get his father out of that cell, putting him into freedom again.

“What happened?”, he wanted to know.

“They say I killed someone, but I didn't! You believe me, don't you? I would never kill someone!”

“Yes... yes, I do believe you. I... I'll think of a plan to get you out. Just wait a bit longer, okay?”, Yamapi said. “I'll come back. Wait for me.”

Yamapi went back to the door he had come through. Those fat ones were still asleep and no other voices so far. Maybe he could steal the key and free his father right now?

Cautiously he opened the door, trying not to make any strange sounds. He approached the key but did an unconsidered step and kicked over a steely cup and the cup skipped cheerfully over the stone floor. “Sh*t...”, Yamapi whispered. Of course the guards woke up, but luckily it took them some time to realize that there was someone who was trying to steal their precious key. They got on their feet and shouted for him.

Yamapi hurried down the corridor and ran until he couldn't hear the heavy steps anymore. But he recognized the gangway. He was somewhere near the great hall where the ball was taking place right now. Out of breath he sat down in a dark corner and thought about what to do next. He had to get his father out of here. But going back was impossible now that the guards were on alert. He had to think of a plan, a good plan.

His gaze fell on his hands. His finger felt awkward without his precious ring that he had gotten from his mother years ago right before she died. He had given it to the prince and he didn't regret it. The prince...

The... prince... He could use the prince to reach his goal.

No, he couldn't. He just couldn't do it. Imposing on the prince's kindness was impossible. But how else could he help his father? “Hello, my name is Yamashita Tomohisa and I want you to let my father go.” Of course, it would help to just go to the guards and explain the situation, they would surely be nice enough to open the door... and imprison Yamapi as well.

So, the only solution was the prince, huh?

Although Yamapi hated to do this, but he had to help his father. And the prince? He had known him only for some hours right now. He would make him help and free his father and then take the ring back and then Yamapi would vanish and everything would turn back to normal again. It should be easy right?

With trembling knees Yamapi got on his feet. He had to find the prince. On the floor some meters away was a green mask. It absolutely didn't fit his costume but whatever. He took it on and stepped into the great hall. It wasn't very hard to make out the prince. He was the one everyone was staring at, despite the fact that he wore a mask. He was talking to a young lady but she seemed somewhat disturbed and hurriedly left the hall. This was Pi's chance. He approached the prince and hesitantly put his hand on his shoulder.

Toma looked confused and upset as he turned around, paused and then asked: “Wha-what are you doing here? I – I thought you ran...”

Pi didn't bother to answer. “Come with me... please.”, he said before he turned and slowly left the hall. He went back to the same dark corner he had been thinking in before and waited for the prince to come after him. And he came.

“Answer my question... why are you still here? I don't understand this...” Now Toma looked really confused.

Yamapi took a deep breath. “I... I couldn't leave. I want to... see you again.”

'You are such a great actor,', Yamapi thought, disgusted by what he was doing.

Toma tried to answer, but somehow no words left his mouth as he moved it.

“Meet me tomorrow at my tent. I will wait for you.”

Pi laid his hands on the prince's shoulders, pressed him against the wall and kissed him passionately.

He was amazed by those feelings, wanted to continue until eternity but still he broke their contact.

“Good-bye, my prince.”

Yamapi hurried and left, leaving a numb Toma behind.

He felt as if his heart was torn apart. But he knew he deserved it.

Uncrowned King 5

Toma view

For a few seconds they looked into each others eyes, then Toma took a deep breath, pulled himself together and squeezed himself out of the notch. “Come one, get out. I'll help you leave without being seen.”, he whispered. “No, don't... If someone notices, you'll also be in danger. I'll find a way out. Don't worry, sire”, answered Pi. Toma was scared. “But if they find you...”, started Toma but was cut off by Pi. “Be sure they won't. Please don't worry. And one more thing. Please... close your eyes for a moment.” Toma was surprised. “Close my eyes?” He was nervous as he closed his eyes hesitantly. He didn't know what was happening, he didn't feel something and he also didn't hear something. He wanted to open his eyes to see what Yamapi was doing, but couldn't somehow. Suddenly he felt how Pi grabbed his hand and put something cold on his palm. His skin began to prickle where Yamapi touched him. Then he felt his breath on his ear as he whispered hastily: “Please keep this, my lord. And remember, that there'll always be someone who will put his life in danger to save you... and not only because you're the prince.” Toma opened his eyes in surprise and saw Yamapi running away from him now.

The prince stood there and looked after him, the words Pi had spoken still echoing in his mind And remember that there'll always be someone who will put his life in danger to save you. His heart pounded fast and he clenched his fist. Then he remembered that Pi had given him something. He opened his fist and saw that it was a small silver ring. It looked like it was very old. It seemed like Pi had worn this ring for years. He was touched that Pi would give him something important like this. Suddenly he felt an indescribable pain in his heart and he hoped that the young man made it out of the castle without being caught. He wanted to see him again no matter what... “Toma-sama what are you doing down here?”, the voice of his teacher was right behind him. Toma hadn't even heard him coming. Then he remembered what was actually happening. Today was the great ball... “You should get dressed soon, the ball will start in some time. And don't forget the dance steps!”, he lectured him. “Hai”, Toma headed for his room, on the walk he put the ring on his finger and examined how it looked. Quite nice, he had to admit.

Back in his room he stripped off his clothes and put the special suit on. He wasn't in any mood to dance or whatever right now. But he had no choice, yet again. His thoughts drifted back to the young man and the short moments he had spent with him. Toma sat on his bed, staring at the ring on his finger and turning it around until he recognized that it was indeed weird to daydream about a guy. What was happening to him? Why was he focused on this young man so much? He tried to think about it clinically. He admired him, he wanted to be like him. That must be it, he thought. But then the beautiful face and the smile came to his mind. The way he spoke to him. There must be more to it... Toma was confused, he never had been so confused his whole life.

“Toma-sama are you ready?”, asked a voice from outside. “Hai, I'm coming!” His gaze fell on the ring again and thought that he shouldn't wear it. If anyone would see it, they would start asking questions. So he took one of his necklaces, put the ring on it and hung it around his neck, carefully hiding it under his clothes. He could feel the cold silver on his skin, it calmed him down. Now he had to dance with his fiancée. He put on his mask, because it was supposed to be a fancy ball. The ballroom was already filled with people in magnificent clothes. All of them were wearing masks to hide their faces. It was useless, thought Toma. Cause once he entered the hall everyone would be staring at him, knowing quite well that he was the prince.

Then a girl in a wonderful dress approached him. “Toma-sama... can I have this dance?”, asked the little girl, avoiding his gaze shyly. It was quite unusual that a girl would ask for a dance herself. He figured out that it must be Maki. He tried to concentrate on her and smiled. “Of course.” The face of Maki brightened and so they started their dance. She was a good dancer, thought Toma. It was really easy to dance with her, he even enjoyed it a bit. Every now and then their gazes would lock and Maki would turn red. In her way, she was cute. “Ano ne Toma-sama...”, she seemed nervous. “... do you remember when we first met?”, she asked warily. When they first met? Toma was shocked, did he meet her before? If that was the case, then he couldn't really remember. “I'm afraid... I don't”, he answered slowly. She looked hurt, but continued talking. “Well... it's no wonder... it was a long time ago... my father and I were here... and I was playing in the garden of the castle... I remember how you helped me when I fell and got hurt. You were so kind and your smile was so warm”, she turned even more red. “... since that day... I always loved you...”, she looked at him shyly. Toma hold his breath when she confessed. What was he supposed to say now? He didn't want to disappoint her, but he knew that he didn't love her and maybe never would...”...well, I feel honored... really.. but I ...”, Toma started. “...it's okay!” , she interrupted him. “It's ok if you don't love me now.. we have our whole life, don't we?”, she smiled but Toma could see tears tingling in her eyes. “Would you excuse me now, Toma-sama?”, she said and walked into the crowd.

The prince stood there alone feeling like crap. Toma didn't want to marry her, even if she was really nice. But he didn't love her...and she... , she loved him and was now also in all this mess, which Toma called his life. He pitied her as well as himself. Then he felt a tip on his shoulder. He turned around and found a young man with a mask smiling at him. At first Toma asked himself who this was, but then he looked in the eyes of his counterpart. A weird mixture of happiness, fear and confusion formed inside his body. “Wha-what are you doing here? I – I thought you ran...”, Toma asked upset, totally swamped by the whole situation.

Uncrowned King 4

Yamapi's view 

Sneaking into the castle might really have been a bad idea, Pi thought. But... he didn't regret it yet. Knowing that the prince wouldn't be able to come back again he tried to find a way to get into the castle. And then he had remembered the party. So he was a gleeman... and who was more needed on a party than an entertainer? Sneaking in was quite easy as he just followed the other entertainers inside. He followed them through various gangways into an enormous hall that was filled with graceful people wearing expensive clothing. Pi's eyes wandered around the hall and there he was: The prince. Toma. Looking bored. But only until he answered Pi's gaze, who was strangely excited although he never was before his shows. He would have been able to stand there the whole evening watching those beautiful eyes, but suddenly he got a light punch in the back and he stepped forward heading towards the space in front of the royal family and their guests. He thought how awkward it was being here and juggling in front of the royal family. Normally he would have been to nervous to even hold one ball, but with Toma watching him everything was so easy. He remembered the day before, when you watched Toma against the orange sunlight and how... perfect this picture had been. So perfect that Pi started smiling during his act, never taking his eyes away from the prince's. To early his act was over and he had to leave the great hall, but didn't lose hope that Toma would come after him. Even if it was more that unsure that Toma wanted to see him as well or even had recognized him. Waiting, he sat down in front of the servants' room and juggled. But only until suddenly Toma left the room came after him. Pi dropped the balls and got on his feet quickly.

The prince didn't seem amused as he started talking, and first Pi thought Toma was annoyed to see him again but then he realized the prince was worried. Worried that Pi got caught and imprisoned. And suddenly Pi was happy, but also sorry at the same time. “I'm sorry... I shouldn't have come. I just... wanted to see you again.”, he said in a low voice, avoiding the prince's gaze. “...thank you...”, the prince whispered. “That you put yourself in so much danger, just to see me...” And then Pi wasn't sorry any more. But he was more and more unsure why he had come here. He actually hadn't known in the first place. He wanted to think about what the reason was, but he was interrupted by voices coming closer. Without knowing what happened, he got drawn behind some tapestry and found themselves in a small space between the tapestry and the wall. Toma was nervous, he listened carefully to the voices until they faded. Pi's thoughts instead were all about Toma. Being pressed against each other, feeling the prince's warmth, smelling him. Pi should have been frightened that he was put into prison and still he couldn't think of anything but the young prince. Then their eyes met. Paralyzed Pi felt every cell of his body heating up.

But fortunately Toma had more self control than Pi had. He squeezed himself out of the little space they had been trapped in and stepped into the gangway. “Come on, get out. I'll help you leave without being seen.”, the prince whispered. “No, don't... If someone notices, you'll also be in danger. I'll find a way out. Don't worry, sire.” Pi wasn't sure if he would make it without being seen, most of all because of that colorful dress he wore. “But if they find you...”, the prince started, but Pi interrupted him. “Be sure they won't. Please don't worry. And one more thing. Please... close your eyes for a moment.” Pi wasn't sure if he did the right thing. “Close my eyes?”, Toma answered surprised. Pi nodded. The young prince seemed unsure, but finally he did as he was told. Watching Toma with eyes closed he took a step towards the prince and lifted his hand. He wanted to touch him. His hair, his face. Touching the air, Pi's hand followed the outlines of Toma's face. Pi wanted to stay with the prince, but he also knew that this was impossible. So he took off his most important ring, took Toma's hand and put it in his palm. Then he whispered into Toma's ear: “Please keep this, my lord. And remember, that there'll always be someone who will put his life in danger to save you... and not only because you're the prince.” And so Pi turned around and followed the corridor without looking back.

Uncrowned King 3

Toma's view

"M-my lord, will I... see you again?" The prince was taken aback by this sudden question, he turned around to face the young artist once again, his face unreadable. "...it would be a pleasure...", he could see Yamapi's face brighten. "...but I don't know if it will be possible", he added sadly. The young gleeman's face fell. "Oh... of course... My apologies... I know you have better things to do...", said Pi hastily. Toma felt bad for disappointing him, he wanted to explain why it was so difficult for him. "No, that's not it.. you see...I will meet my...fiance... tomorrow... it will be a great festival...", he tried to explain. "I don't know if I can sneak out again...." He sighed, head lowered. "I envy you for your freedom, young artist... I wish I could be like you. Go wherever I want to, do whatever I like... marry... whom I truly love...", his voice got lower with every word and the sadness flooded his whole body. He looked up to meet the eyes of the young man again and saw something like shock in his eyes. Of course it wasn't what you expected from a prince, he thought. He didn't really know why he told him what he never dared to speak out aloud to someone else. "Well.. I have to go now... I'm sorry...", so he continued his walk back to the castle and left the artist behind.

He didn't sleep well this night. Somehow he couldn't forget the young man's disappointed face. It was early as he got up, he looked out of the window to the trailer on which Pi had stood yesterday. He really wanted to see him again, but he knew that it was impossible to sneak out a second time. Especially today. He sighed and got dressed. The lord and his daughter would arrive soon. After he ate he went into the throne room and sat next to his father. The king eyed him closely. “You have rings under your eyes. Didn't you go to bed early yesterday? “I did....I was too... nervous to sleep...”,he answered slowly. His father seemed to be satisfied by that answer. Suddenly the door opened and one of the messengers hurried in and bowed in front of the throne. “My lord, the earl and his daughter arrived!” “Alright, let them in.”, Toma could hear him smirk. Then the great gates opened and a small man with an even smaller young woman entered. They both bowed and said their greetings. Toma observed the girl, she was small and pretty, kept her eyes down. So this was the girl Toma had to spend his life with? “Welcome to our kingdom, please make yourself at home! I'm so glad to meet you and your wonderful daughter. She really became beautiful.”, the king said. Toma hadn't heard him talk like that his entire life. “This is my son Toma!” Toma stood up and took a bow. “It's a pleasure to meet you.” His gaze went to the girl and for a second their eyes met. There was something in her eyes which confused him... maybe it was affection? Toma wasn't sure, maybe he had even imagined it. Her eyes went down very fast again. “And this is my daughter, prince Toma. Her name is Maki!” And she bowed once again. After the greeting the guests were shown to their rooms and Toma also got back to his room to relax a bit. Tonight would be a ball and this afternoon would be a festival on the court... The prince sat on his bed, his head pillowed in his hands. Why did he have to endure all of this, he was sure that Maki was a nice girl, but he wasn't sure if he could love her... why couldn't he be free like Yamapi? Once again his thoughts drifted to the young man. How disappointed he had been, it was heart aching... he sighed. It was noon already and he had to attend the royal lunch. Somehow he didn't feel like eating at all...

It was after the lunch when the four of them sat in the throne room, when the minstrels began to sing. They were 5 men colored in red, blue, green, yellow and violet. Toma always liked those singers and was happy to see them perform again. It raised his mood at least a bit.

Later on were some random joke tellers, Toma listened without great interest. Suddenly he felt something and looked to the side and found Maki observing him. When she noticed that he caught her, she turned around quickly and her face went red. Toma sighed once again. After the joke teller came a group of jugglers and fire-breathers. Toma watched them, still with little interest until he found a pair of deep brown eyes that were fixed on him. His heart began to beat faster in an instant. He thought he couldn't believe his eyes as Yamapi stepped forward, now dressed in a more expensive looking costume and started to use his juggling skills. He smiled like it was the most common thing to be here right now. It was hard for Toma to not call for him and ask him, what he was doing here. Wasn't it dangerous? Toma knew perfectly well that Yamapi wasn't one of their castle entertainers. So how did he manage to sneak in here... The prince's thoughts went in circles as he watched the artist do his job. He was relieved in some way and happy to see him, but also afraid, that if his father found out that he originally didn't belong here, he would be imprisoned. After the performance the entertainer went out of the throne room, to one of the servants' rooms. Toma couldn't sit still, so he excused himself for a moment, earning an unpleasant but allowing glance by his father. He headed for the room immediately and found Pi sitting in front of the room, again juggling with the balls. Toma caught his breath. “What are you doing here?”, he whispered out of breath. Yamapi's face brightened when he saw the young prince. “I thought, when it is difficult for you to come out, then I could come in”, he answered brightly. “Or shouldn't I have come?”, he asked, unsure if he had made a mistake. “Of course not! Isn't it dangerous for you? If they find out then you'll be thrown into prison without any questions!” The young gleeman smiled. He was happy that the prince was worried about him, but he was also afraid to be a burden to him. “I'm sorry... I shouldn't have come. I just...wanted to see you again..”, he said in a low voice, avoiding the prince's gaze. Toma's heartbeat went faster again, without him understanding why. “...thank you...”, he whispered. “That you put yourself in so much danger, just to see me...”, he said softly. The young gleeman looked flustered now, his cheeks went red and he didn't know what to say. Then they heard voices coming closer, Toma recognized the voice of his teacher. He panicked and grabbed Yamapi's hand and pulled him with him behind a tapestry from which he knew that there was a small notch in the wall, where originally had stood a statue years ago. [A/N: yeah the castle is pretty much like hogwarts xD]

There wasn't much space for two grown up people so they were practically pressed against each other, trying not to make any noise as the voices echoed from the stone walls. When they were gone, they sighed in relief and Toma noticed just then how close he was to Yamapi. He looked down to the smaller man, now also flustered, but he couldn't turn away from those deep brown eyes.