AAAND WE ARE BACK, FOR THE LAST UPDATE FOR LION. Yes, that is right, this is the LAST and final update for LION. I really fell in love with writing LION and this is far by, my MOST favorite of all the works I've done. I've ALWAYS wanted to make a medieval AU, I like the details and the colors, and there is much you could do about it so I wanted to do it, but at first I was reluctant. I didn't know if it would come out the way I wanted it. But surprisingly it did come out nicely. First of all I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who followed LION from first chapter till now, and basically to everyone here reading, following and reviewing. But sadly we gotta say goodbye to the story of the Emperor and his beloved. It has been one heck of a ride, so I hope you guys loved it as much as I did.

So yeah, that's it I guess. I hope to see your reviews!

Chapter 40: Lion's Pride

"Not all bad comes from chaos..."
-Misha Collins as Castiel(Supernatural)

Once upon a time a naïve prince dreamed of living a fairy tale, he ran away from home dreaming of a new life. The naïve prince got caught by people who intended to sell him as a slave in some northern Kingdom, but due to some spark of luck he was showered with a mysterious shadow appeared before him. The shadow intended him to return home where he would have his old life back, a life of a prince, but rather he knelt before him and begged him to let him stay in return for everything he has. The shadow turned into a beautiful prince and said yes.

In a faraway kingdom, seas across from where he originally came, he was stripped out of everything even his very title, the once prince became an insignificant attendant in the palace blessed by the Phoenix God. However, the insignificant attendant who dreamed of a fairy tale met the very magic of it, perfection and beauty in flesh, the Emperor who clothed himself with pride and intelligence. Before he knew it, the insignificant attendant became significant in those strange yet beautiful eyes.

But from the beginning it was wrong, a naïve prince such as him does not suite a beauty and grace such as him. A majestic beauty such as the Emperor would only suite an equally beautiful princess, a smart and graceful soul, not him—not a naïve, weak and clumsy prince disguised in peasants clothes.

A liar.

Once upon a time a naïve prince fell for an impossible dream.

Once upon a time a prince started a war because he was naïve, because he is a liar.

Once upon a time he wounded the man he loved.

When he woke up he realized the fairy tale ended before him.

The war is already over.

He remember his father's arms around him, he could remember his brother standing behind his father a relieved expression filled him. The room was warm, and he could feel everyone welcoming him.

For weeks he spent his day in his room getting well, nobody spoke to him about the war or what exactly happened after that. His father in his usual demeanour would smile at him, he showed no hint of any other emotions, on the other hand his brother did his best to avoid speaking of the matter, they talked about frivolous things such as Minister Hyuuga finally proposing to Minister Aida. None was said about the war, or the people involved in it.

However, as time passes it becomes more difficult to act as if it never happened, because it did. People were hurt, some died, not to acknowledge it felt like a disrespect, and it was as if something was pulled inside him, something was missing.

"What?"

"The war…it is over."

His brother, the king, turned his back at me facing the flag of Seirin. He took a deep breath as if gathering enough courage to speak off the topic with me.

"It is."

"What happened?"

"Teiko retreated. We won the war by default."

"And?"

Shaking his head, the King picked up a scroll lying in his desk. The brunette prince recognized the scroll quickly, the color, the seal—it is something from the Emperor himself.

"It was decided," the King said as he placed the scroll back on the table, "they apologized, said it was a massive misunderstanding and because of that they are willing to compensate with money and gifts for those who were affected by the war, the soldiers' families, to the royal family, and other damages as well."

"W-What?"

"But—"

"It's an agreement, a treaty. I decided to accept this." The King said, "Based on the agreement as well, the Emperor who waged the war and inflicted you the injuries is prohibited to touch, speak or see you."

"W-What? That is—I cannot accept that, i-it was my fault that he waged a war!"

"That might be true, but it is him who almost caused you, your life."

"Didn't he already apologize?"

"Furihata…remember who you are, you are not just some commoner, you are a prince and he is an Emperor, he tried to kill you, the consequences that were given to him are merely light, even the fifth prince said this as well."

"What did the fifth prince suggested?"

The King stiffen, his shoulder's tensed and his hands clenched into a fist.

"He said that since they allowed you to become a servant, treated you as one, fed you like one, then injured you…a royal of birth must be inflicted the same treatment on their party, a sacrifice would be brought to us, one of the four princes would be given to us as compensation."

The brunette prince realized what his brother is saying then, in the Imperial Hierarchy it would be impossible to use the Emperor as a compensation, the second prince would be difficult too, especially that he houses the Head Priest of the Empire, the fourth prince would not be suitable as well as he holds two power now as he is wed to King of Kaijo, meanwhile the third prince leads the biggest source of food in the empire—the most suitable sacrifice is the prince who holds no physical title or land, a prince who have not yet taken any consort, to whom Teiko knows as weakest—the fifth prince.

"That's…terrible."

"I declined, and accepted the alternative, even if it is against our people's wishes." His brother said with a firm resolve, "Let us keep it this way."

The prince realized he is hurt as much as his brother is.

He realized, his fairy tale isn't just his.

.

.

.

Two years passed since the war ended, the money given by the empire of Teiko as compensation was used by the Kingdom as a capital and foundation for the iron works business of the Kingdom. Even the indifference of Teiko and Seirin, Kaijo deliberately bought all sorts of works from the tiny Kingdom in the West which made way to its popularity for other Kingdoms. Soon there were enough works for every family to feed themselves, and the tiny insignificant Kingdom of the West soon became a rising star of the West.

For some people the war is simply a story you will read in history books, a majestic story of how a tiny kingdom rose above, bravely in front of a force feared by every kingdom and empire known. But for some it is a scar, a scar that would remind them that once there was a fearsome Lion they stood and survived.

"Ouiji-sama, it's time."

The brunette prince stood up dusting his pants, a small smile painted his expression.

"Oh I will be there in a moment." The prince replied with a gentle voice.

The attendant smiled back, the female attendant looked fondly at the prince who set the small child down excusing himself. In a few years the prince had grown his hair a bit, he looked a bit more matured without destroying that youthful smile of his. He grew up a bit but not as tall like his brother, his skin and bones stature did change a bit.

Furihata waved to the kids and approached the attendant with his smile, people were starting to say that his smile looks more like the former King's.

"There are a lot of kids today." The attendant said calmly. "You seem to get along with them."

"They are very cute!" Furihata said chuckling.

After the end of the war, Kagami made the day of the end of the war as a celebration wherein the palace becomes open to the public, especially children of the soldiers who fights to protect the kingdom. Children's plays were held in the courtyard of the palace and small bazaars showcasing the very best of products and goods of Kingdom are found inside and out of the palace for a week, street performers are allowed inside, whether group or individual provided that they fill the requirements set by the ministers of defence and security. A part of Furihata knows that his brother did this to mask the darkness that once clouded their kingdom on that day.

"Unfortunately you have lectures today, yes?"

Furihata chuckled nervously, two months after he was fully healed, Kagami signed him up for lectures in sword fighting. He argued that it is important that he knows this, after what happened to him. A small part of him wanted to do this as well, not because he wanted to be able to protect himself but he wanted to be great as well. A silly thought though, he should have known, he wanted to be great so that perhaps one day, when he will be very bright, perhaps as bright as his brother, that person will be forced to look at him, then…perhaps he will be able to speak to him, know his reason for agreeing simply to that kind of agreement.

"I heard Izuki-sama's lectures are not to belittle, I hope he's not too hard on you."

Furihata chuckled nervously, "His lectures are more forgiving than Minister Aida's."

The attendant laughed back quietly as she led Furihata to the usual place. As the loud music and laughs faded behind them Furihata braced himself. He decided to take this seriously, even if it was only a stupid thought it is what kept him going. He knew it was impossible to see him unless he becomes a part of another kingdom which could only happen if he is wed to someone which he knows he couldn't do, no, he could but he refuse to. He knows it is impossible to see him again without waging another war, and he refuse to make any more sacrifices, he refuse to hurt others for his sake again.

But to love someone else is much more difficult.

Furihata stopped before a tall wooden door, for two years this is what kept him sleeping, the only thing that stopped him from spending his whole day thinking of unnecessary things. His attendant quietly knocked on the door to announce their arrival.

And for some reason, his heart began hammering in his chest.

"Lady you dropped this!"

The little boy ran up to the figure whose back faced him. The light colored clothes and strange arrangement made told the boy the stranger isn't from the Kingdom, perhaps a tourist or a traveller. The figure turned to the boy finally.

"You dropped this." The boy said as he showed the stranger the jade ornament the stranger dropped. It was a jade carving of a fox.

"Thank you."

The boy blinked at the person's voice. When the soft breeze of summer blew the stranger's scarf around his head, the boy realized a lapse in his judgement. The person had the strangest set of features, soft powder blue hair and eyes that were as blue as the sky above. His voice is cold but gentle like an ice. The person knelt down to level with the boy as he took the jade ornament.

"You're a guy, but…you're so pretty."

The person chuckled and dusted the boy's cheek that was slightly stained with dirt.

"Thank you, I hope that is a compliment."

"It is!" The boy said cheerily, "Your eyes are like the sky!"

"Is that so?" the young asked as he pulled his scarf down so that it laid carelessly around his neck.

The boy nodded, "Are you a tourist?"

"You can say that."

"And that thing," the boy pointed at the jade ornament, "what is that?"

"Oh, this?" The stranger with teal blue hair showed the ornament, "It's a gift, it's a handheld ornament."

"It's pretty, what is it?"

"A fox, it's a symbol for the prince of some far away empire."

"Are you a follower of that person?"

The blue haired stranger smiled, "Maybe."

"Ah, Kurokocchi!"

Kuroko stood up and turned to the source of the voice, he found himself a familiar face running towards him as if he is not a king, if anyone would hear that this man is a king they probably would not believe him. The blonde king ran to him wearing his usual fancy clothings, his elaborate kimono makes him difficult not to notice. Kuroko couldn't help but smile, he is wearing a new set of earrings, he egged his husband to get them a few months back.

"I've been looking for you!" Kise exclaimed as he panted, Kuroko peered at the back of the King and found three of their attendants running after the blonde. He ran off probably as soon as he spotted him. "Mou! Aominecchi will get mad at me if I lose sight of you!"

"I told him it is alright." Kuroko said plainly.

Aomine had insisted that he would come with him but Kuroko declined, it was stupid to bring too many people, especially Aomine. The King of the Kingdom and his brother was so alike that he knows as much that they would repel each other once they meet. It is not the best idea. However, his over protective brother couldn't have that and forced his consort to escort him, in which he couldn't deny since the blonde is too excited and happy about the idea of visiting Seirin.

"Please don't go on your own, I'm not familiar with this place I might lose you!" Kise complained.

"Are you afraid of losing sight of me or getting lost?"

"Both!"

Kuroko chuckled, he turned to his side almost forgetting about the little boy.

"Thank you again, but it seems that I need to go now."

The boy shook his head and waved at them. "Have fun looking around mister!"

Kuroko nodded and followed Kise's suite. The blonde started blabbering about how cute the stage play was, he also started enumerating the things he wanted to get for himself and Aomine. Kuroko could barely keep in track with the blonde, he swore he could go on for the whole day and still be not over it. He always wonders how his short tempered brother could calm down with someone so spontaneous like him.

The teal haired prince found himself lost at the sight of the kids running around the palace, some kids were playing cards in the grass under the shade of the trees with the guards, he assumed some of them are family members. Seirin always valued family and its closeness, a kingdom made with the heart and will of its former king. Despite the books saying that the weather in this Kingdom is extremely cruel during summer, Kuroko begged to disagree.

The sun is high, but it was not cruel, it is simply warm.

"Ah my goodness I've been looking for those!"

Kuroko blinked out of his reverie when he heard Kise exclaimed, he turned and felt a sweat dropped in his forehead when he saw the blonde running again into the see of stores, he bet it is another accessory he's been dying to get. Their attendants ran quickly to follow the King he seems to love to get himself in trouble. One their attendants turned to Kuroko with an apologetic bow, Kuroko shook his head and dismissed the man—if there is anyone who needs escorting it is Kise.

The prince watched as the attendants disappeared in the sea of crowds probably trying to find Kise amidst it.

He wondered when is the last time he had such quiet time all to himself.

"Boo."

Kuroko gasped at the proximity of the voice, he felt the warm breathe almost as close to his neck. Out of pure instinct the prince turned and raised a hand to defend himself. However he felt a much larger hand gripped his wrist. It was quick, he felt his scarf were loosen and quickly pulled over his head, he tried to trip the stranger by stepping on his foot but it was as if the man knew what he is thinking, the man raised his foot to avoid his movement and then he felt the man's other hand sneaks to cup his cheek.

His eyes widen in shock as he felt a pair of lips captures his.

His mind stopped, he felt his muscles relaxed as he inhaled the familiar scent.

Kuroko found himself mesmerized, despite never been able to kiss this person before, it was as if he just know that this is how it would feel, it was as if the first summer breeze blew pass him. It felt cool and warm at the same time. He smells like the first rain in the summer.

Breaking the kiss, Kuroko couldn't felt but take in the sight before him. He missed this face, he missed this man.

"Kagami-kun."

The tall red haired King was dressed in a commoner's clothes, a plain black sleeveless tunic and dark pants paired with brown leather boots stained with some mud. It was strangely attractive of the young king to dress down. The man grinned widely.

"S-Such vulgarity…"Kuroko stammered feeling heat rush in his cheeks, he found himself hushing the rest of his words, "t-to kiss me in public."

"No one would know." Kagami said shrugging his shoulders.

"S-Such impudence."

Kagami chuckled as he takes Kuroko's hand to pull him close causing the teal haired prince to crash in his chest. Kagami laughed when Kuroko squirmed in his hold obviously embarrassed.

"P-People might r-recognize me." Kuroko whispered, however he couldn't bring himself to push the taller man off him.

"That's okay, that way they'll meet their future Queen."

"H-How do you even say those things." Kuroko said looking up to the taller male with his bright blue eyes, "You are very embarrassing."

Kagami laughed out loud seeing the blush painting Kuroko's face, "Oh you love me anyways."

Kuroko pouted and buried his heating face in the King's chest. It would be a lie to deny the man's words anyways, he does love him despite his stupid embracing public display of affections.

"You thought I wouldn't find you?" Kagami asked before breaking their hug.

Kuroko sheepishly looked away, he did somehow wanted him to look and make sure he knows of his presence by secretly sneaking into the King's office and leaving a single black lily in the man's desk. He couldn't help it, it has been an awful two years for him.

"H-How did you…found me, aren't you busy?"

"I actually thought I'd see you before the fireworks display this afternoon but you tempted me."

"It's not my fault you can't control yourself Kagami-kun."

Kagami chuckled. "Oh yeah? Oh so you're using that card on me again, huh?"

"S-Stop looking at me like that." Kuroko stuttered as he found Kagami looking at him, staring at him, inspecting every small details and change in his face. It always bothered him that the red head could see every twitch in his facial expression.

"Looking at you like what?"

Kuroko's blushed darken at the other's question.

"L-Like you want to devour me or…something."

Kagami smirked and leaned to Kuroko's ear whispering.

"Maybe I do want that."

Kuroko blushed darker than Kagami's hair, the King's flirtous attitude is going to be the death of him. Throwing all the manners and graces he was taught, the prince jabbed the King's gut causing the taller male to curl on the ground and nurse the pain. Everyone turned to them and chuckled, whispering they were such a cute couple without realizing who they were.

Kuroko raised his scar to cover his lips and his growing smirk, he should have known better than to wish to marry the fifth prince of Teiko.

"Take care Ouji -sama."

That was the last words his attendant said before closing the door behind him.

Furihata stood in front of the usual practice room. It is an empty room in the back of thee castle. It used to be a storage room for wines when he was younger but now it is simply an empty room. The small window provided enough light for the room, and the white brick walls calmed him. Despite training for years Furihata still felt intimidated by others, he still didn't feel as if he will ever be as good as the rookie guards. The room is slightly lower than other rooms, and a flight of stair connected it to the door. The prince quietly climbed down and found his swords in it's sheath neatly placed in a table.

"Izuki-san?"

His voice echoed in the walls.

"Oh Furi!"

Izuki emerged from a door in the corner of the room. It's actually a small room, Izuki used it to store their weapons. It isn't too small but it is not big either.

Furihata bowed his head to the man.

"I'm sorry I was late."

"It's okay, I know it's busy there, you know lots of kids and all."

Furihata nodded.

"Did you enjoy the gathering?" Izuki asked with a smile.

"Oh…Oh yes, the kids were very lively and nice."

"That's good to here then." Izuki said as he walked approached the brunette prince, "His Majesty requested today's practice, but he can't be here but I assure you that I will know if you succeed today's special practice."

"B-Brother…requested?"

Izuki nodded. "All you have to do is win against your opponent, use everything I taught you."

"O-Opponent but I'm not yet ready Izuki-sa—"

"I'll count on you, so do your best!" Izuki said ignoring the prince's complaints. "Also I would be leaving the room and locking it, you won't be able to leave this room until you've won against your opponent."

"What?!" Furihata asked his legs started trembling at the thought, someone other than Izuki would be sparing with him, and he didn't have that much confidence in his own sword fighting skills yet.

Izuki laughs and waved to Furihata as climbed the stairs, "I'll be right outside, I will know so, good luck!"

"Izuki-san!"

Furihata didn't know what on earth was his brother thinking when he asked this. Furihata felt his heart leaped out of his chest when Izuki closed the door.

The prince heard the door in the corner of the room screeched as it slowly opened. Out of nervousness the brunette tried his best not to look.

Tip

Tap

Tip

Tap

He ccould hear the sound of boots against the concrete floor.

"Are you nervous Your Highness?"

Turning around Furihata felt his chest tightened at the sight. He felt his heart dropped on the floor as his eyes caught the glimpse of a painfully familiar scarlet hair.

"I hope you are not intending to take me to your room."

Kagami chuckled as he continued to lead Kuroko in the almost endless hallways of the castle. He had missed hearing the teal haired prince's snarky comments. It has been two years of having completely no communications to the teal blue haired and somehow, he didn't seem to change. Turning slightly to the teal haired prince, Kagami found himself smiling. He looked flustered, just like the first time he told him that he wishes to ask for his hand. Even after two years, he didn't seem to change at all. It was as if the Goddess of Youth—if ever she does exist—seems to be friends with the teal haired prince.

"You seem so nervous." Kagami said smiling at the other's obvious fluster, "Why, don't you trust me?"

The prince curled his lips in attempt to look angry but only resulted to him looking utterly endearing.

"I-I don't."

Kagami laughed, "Yeah, I love you too."

"I didn't say I—" Kuroko pursed his lips quickly finding the King expecting him to say exactly that.

"Come on, I just want to show you around."

Kuroko smiled a bit, he didn't know how Kagami knew that he would want to see the castle. It was as if he never needed to say anything when he is with the red head king.

"Did Furihata-ouji knew?" Kuroko found himself asking.

Kagami stopped and turned to stare at Kuroko for a solid minute.

"I don't think so."

Kuroko's eyebrows twitched in annoyance, "Why? Akashi-kun had been waiting for this time for two years and you didn't inform Furihata-ouji?"

"First, will you stop with that ouji? He's practically your brother-in-law."

"W-We're not yet—"

"Second, it's never in the agreement that I should inform Furi when you will be back."

Kuroko raised an eyebrow, "You didn't tell him…the treaty only last for two years?"

Kagami shrugged his shoulders, "I don't think he asked."

"Why?"

Kagami smirked, "Isn't it your brother's great idea? Time would only tell—"

.

.

2 years ago…

"He is no longer in danger." Kuroko said as he emerged from the room.

The former King Kiyoshi made a small smile and a thankful bow to the fifth prince. The fifth prince then turned to the two males standing at the opposite side of the door. Kagami is looking anywhere except at the Emperor. The man who was still soaked in the blood of the men he had killed looked dazed and utterly messed. Kuroko didn't envy his brother's current state.

"He will be alright, no vital organs were damaged, thankfully because the weapon was not removed immediately, that prevented blood from flowing out." Kuroko explained, "I am able to stop the bleeding and stitch his wounds close. He will be alright after his body has rested."

"Let's talk somewhere else." Kagami suggested.

Kuroko turned to his brother, he understood he is in no state to speak. Breathing in, the fifth prince nodded and bowed his head.

"Please lead us."

Kagami and Kiyoshi both escorted the two in Kagami's office. Kiyoshi asked the attendants to leave them alone. Despite the strange looks the blood soaked Emperor is getting the man merely flinched or made any change in expression.

When the door finally closed behind them Akashi finally raised his head only to bow his head.

Kuroko did not stop him.

"I take responsibility, for everything." Akashi said as he went down on the floor, kneeling and bowing formally to Kagami and Kiyoshi, "Not only I have caused great damage to your Kingdom, I have as well…almost took the greatest pleasure this world had given to you…a brother…and a son."

"I understand." Kiyoshi said with a calm voice. "I understand that you felt betrayed, I understand your anger. I am sure my son does too."

"I am willing to take the consequences of my actions."

"Are you sure about that?"

Kiyoshi's voiced echoed in the room.

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Kiyoshi said as he walked towards Akashi, "You took and made the prince a slave in your palace, in normal circumstances compensation would mean something of equal value. Our people will ask for you to give us one of your princes and have him serve us as a servant as well."

"What?" Kagami quickly interjected. He turned his father, his usual carefree smile no longer appears in his lips. "This is ridiculous its—"

"It is not." Kuroko answered quickly, "It is true. I am…I am willing to."

"No." Both Kagami and Akashi exclaimed.

Kagami shook his head, "No, that's out of the question!"

"N-No take me instead, this has nothing to do with Tetsuya!" Akashi reasoned.

"You are an Emperor, taking you would mean you are giving us the power to your Empire as well, we didn't ask for an Empire, we asked for compensation." Kiyoshi explained. "We need someone with lower power and yet still of royal birth, unless you have another idea."

"A treaty!" Kagami said out loud.

Kiyoshi turned to his son and saw the horror in his eyes. He didn't want Kuroko to suffer the consequences of someone else's actions, he loved him that much.

"Then so it shall be." Kiyoshi said and stepped back.

After a long discussion, the two parties agreed on the first term of the treaty, as compensation Teiko would be aiding the restoration of the damages from the war financially, they would send a fixed amount of financial aid monthly to Seirin. Second was—

"I prohibit myself to see the prince."

"What?" Kagami asked shocked to hear the Emperor's resolve, "What bullshit are you saying?"

"After what I have done, I think it is only rightful." Akashi answered, "The reason why he is in this state is because of me. I have inflicted those injuries and that is a fact, to touch, see or even hear his voice is something a person who hurt him does not deserve."

Kagami gritted his teeth angrily, "What's wrong with you?!" he roared loudly.

"I don't understand your fury." Akashi simply said, "I am saying that I should not see your brother, were you not angry when I hurt him? You were, weren't you? So why are you still angry that I decide not to see him?"

"You don't understand brother." Kuroko said in a small voice as he stood against the wall.

"Furi wanted to see you no matter what!" Kagami exclaimed, "He ran away from the palace just to see your sorry ass face! He did all those stupid things just so he wouldn't be away from you, so that he would see you, and now you just decide that yourself! Aren't one selfish bastard?!"

"Kagami-kun calm down."

"No, how thick is that brain of yours, ha?"

Akashi pursed his lips as he tried to look at anything but Kagami embarrassed at his weak resolve.

"I still do not think I deserve to see him anymore." Akashi said quietly, "However…I could truly not speak for him either. For two years…For two years I would prohibit that I should see, speak, or touch him. If then, after then if things, if he still feel the same way for me then…however, if those feelings are of no longer love, but rather hate, I would understand. I would keep my distance."

Kagami pursed his lips and turned to Kuroko and made the stupidest decision, "Then I shall do it as well, for two years…no such form of communication would be allowed between me and Kuroko, and to Furi and you. This way this would be fair."

Akashi nodded.

"Time would only tell. If even time could not change the resolve we have formed this day, then it must be bound deeper and then that is only when we would know."

Kagami nodded, "On this very day, two years after there will be a gathering, if you do not return then I would know your answer."

"Telling Furi would destroy the purpose of the two years, right?"

Kuroko sighs, sometimes the red haired King is unbelievably smart in things he shouldn't be an expert of.

"Akashi-kun returned…I just hope two years hasn't changed what Furihata-kun felt." Kuroko whispered as he felt Kagami's bigger hand held his.

"Two years, huh."

Furihata is shaking, no not the small kind of shaking but rather the whole-body- kind of shaking, he could barely feel his legs and his hands were sweating so much he swear it would pool down on the floor in a matter of moments. His throat is beginning to dry up. Right in front of him is the man who slaughtered almost half of the greatest men of the armed troop of their kingdom. Akashi Seijuuro.

The man was wearing a white tunic that obviously didn't belong to him tucked in a fitting brown pants and worn out boots that was put to shame by his intimidating aura of grace and wisdom. Furihata couldn't believe his eyes, is he dreaming or having a very lucid nightmare.

"Aren't you going to pick your weapon up?"

Furihata could barely comprehend what is happening, what is Akashi Seijuuro doing in the palace of a faraway Kingdom? They weren't supposed to see each other according to the treaty, right?

"If you don't pick your weapon up I would be forced to make you so."

What?—Furihata's mind quickly had his body moving upon seeing the other man pulling his sword out of it's sheath, the brunette prince grabbed the sword on the table quickly and raised it in front of him to defend him from the incoming attack. The brunette gasped as he felt the force of the other's attack. It was heavier than Izuki's attacks when they were practicing, he is obviously serious.

"You've grown a bit." The red haired Emperor said as he pressed his weapon against Furihata's sword putting half of his body weight on it, "Your hair as well."

"Y-You…W-What are you doing here?"

Akashi's eyes widen at the other's question, pulling away Akashi stepped back as he quickly inspected the brunette's expression, he's genuinely surprised and confused of his presence. Is he perhaps…Oh, that would make sense, they never agreed to remain faithful for that two years, they could have taken someone else as lover between then, especially when their answer is no.

A small lapse of concentration caused Furihata to find the opportunity to attack. Despite his shaking limbs he decided to take an attack, it was a simple head on attack. However, despite the lapse on Akashi's concentration, when the red head raised his head he was quick to dodge Furihata's attack by docking down. Furihata took this opportunity to continuously attack, as his body started heating with the energy it consumes question started rising in his mind one by one.

Where have you been?

Why only now?

Why didn't you say anything?

Why didn't you wait for me to at least wake up?

For two years I've waited for you, a small sneaky letter, even just a tiny proof that you still wanted me.

Did you truly hate me?

Without meaning to, Furihata found his eyes starting to be filled with tears, tears he intends to hide, tears he tried to conceal for years, because he didn't know if he hated him, he didn't know if he ever truly mean those words, if he ever want to see him again, or was that treaty simply his way of saying I simply do not wish to see you again.

His next attack was merely defended by Akashi, the man raised his weapon to block Furihata's petty attack. There was force with it but it was his usual clumsy movement.

"How dare you…"

"I'm sorry I—"

"How dare you leave like that and come back!"

Akashi was taken aback by the brunette's words. Furihata was always gentle, always kind and understanding, but right now he was seeing all of him at once, scared, small, weak, sad and lonely.

"Did you really mean it when you said you hate me? I didn't even get the answer to that, you never told me, you never said anything! You just disappeared like that, on me. Why did you agree not to see me anymore! Did you really hate me that much, if then why are you back? Why did you have to return?"

"I don't hate you." Furihata gasped, he raised his teary eyes to meet the gaze of the Emperor, and he found his one of his eyes flashed gold. It was only then he realized the Emperor he was speaking with since then was the other Akashi. This one is the one he met in the battlefield. "I'm sorry."

Furihata felt a sobbed erupting in his lips.

"We're sorry." Akashi said as his eyes shifted to the pair of crimson eyes. "We thought it was for the best."

"The best?!" Furihata exclaimed as he pushed the other further, "I waited, thought I wouldn't see you anymore for years!"

"I did too." Akashi said as he tried to push the brunette a bit, "Every single day I was tempted into writing a letter to you, ask you if you have woken up already, what you ate, who you saw, the things you did. It was difficult for me too."

"It didn't have to be like that!"

"It had to." Akashi said. Sighing, the red haired Emperor sneaked one of his hand to hold Furihata's dominant hand before switching his blade to face the blunt side before quickly disarming the brunette by making a swift movement to the sides.

Furihata's eyes widen as he found his sword out of his grip and sliding on the floor with a loud sound. To his surprise however, instead of using the moment to win against him, the Emperor discarded his own weapon and kicked it out of his reach. The red haired Emperor didn't waste any time as he looped one his foot with Furihata's and kicking it backward towards Akashi causing the other to lose his balance completely and falling in the concrete floor with his back against the cold floor.

Before he could even try to move, Akashi quickly took his wrist and pinned them down, the Emperor hovered over him.

"Listen to me." Akashi's eye glowed yellow again, "I was filled with guilt! Every second watching you, it was difficult."

"It didn't have to be that way." Furihata insisted.

Furihata watched as the gold eyes stares at him, taking his features in, examining the changes in him.

"Your hair, you grew it…someone told you its suites you?"

Furihata didn't answer, however it is true. An attendant once mentioned how it would might be a bit different if Furihata would have his hair a bit longer, but not long enough to cause fringes.

"You've grown a bit too."

Furihata tried to look away but the heterochromatic eyes till had the pinning effect on him, he couldn't look away from him.

"Who are you trying to impress? A girl? Someone…you've fallen for?"

"S-Stop it." Furihata asked as he tried to wriggle out of the vice grip of the taller male.

Akashi pursed his lips in a thin line, all those two years he tried to come in terms with the beast inside his mind. He decided to accept him as a part of him, rejecting that part of him would be ridiculous it's like the ocean deny it's waves. He thought that coming in terms with the other Akashi would able him to build a person that would be sane enough for this moment. But looking at Furihata Kouki, after those two years something inside him stirs, that strange sense of possessiveness, that massive need to be close to him yet again, that desire to be the only object of his attention.

He thought this time he would be a better man for him.

"Ah!"

Akashi's eyes widen as he heard Furihata's voice, he was thrown out of his daze and he realized he had been gripping the brunette's wrist a bit too hard.

"Are we just bound to hurt him?"

Akashi felt his breath caught in his throat as he heard the sad call of the red eyed Akashi inside their shared consciousness. Quickly, Akashi let go of Furihata's wrist. No, he didn't mean that, he didn't mean to hurt him again. He sat up looking at Furihata, the brunette stares back at him.

He has changed. He learned to fight with a weapon, he grew his hair, he looked a bit more matured than the last time he saw him. A lot could happen in a two years, the pressure of the council for a second prince to take in a wife could become unbearable, many women could have been presented to him, women with power and intelligence that could help the growing Kingdom of Seirin, it would make sense if he could find himself taking the tempting offer.

"Forgive…I did not realize." Akashi decided to say.

It is only logical that a prince of his age, of this kingdom would decide something such as that. As a bachelor himself, he knew the pressure the people around them would put to them, to take in a wife, a consort, a concubine, to strengthen the kingdom, the lineage and the territory. Furihata might have been preparing to see his future consort, he must be trying to impress a woman…of course, that was why he was dressing up, that was why he decided to learn sword fighting.

It make sense, now…this is his answer.

"What are you…talking about?" Furihata asked completely confused of Akashi's expression. Why is he the only sulking?

Akashi shook his head, "I'm sorry, I should have asked first."

Frowning the brunette prince sat up. This was getting tiring, he came here all of a sudden, giving him all sorts mixed signals. He isn't catching up at all, and all his questions weren't answered. Fuelled with frustration and confusion, Furihata took Akashi's arms and pulled him down before sitting on the red head's stomach before quickly holding down the red hair's arms on his side. Akashi's eyes widen at the other's boldness, but the brunette quickly brushed off to surge for the answers.

"First things first, I don't know why you are here, it's either you wish to wage a war with my brother or you simply don't care. Secondly, if you intend to break the treaty, why only now? I waited two long years for a simple, hi Kouki, you see I don't really care if you're already dead by now or what I just want to say I hated you more than I hate seaweeds. You know what I'm currently super nervous because you might kill me right at the second I let go of your arms but at the same time I know you can actually get me off right now but you aren't and I'm more confused than scared! I don't know anymore!" Furihata paused trying to catch his breath. He stares right at Akashi's eyes they were staring at him, blankly. Furihata's hand trembled, tears started streaming his eyes again. "I wanted to be…someone…great, something bright, so that…when time comes; you won't have any other choice but to look at me. I tried becoming more than plain, m-maybe…if I'm not weak anymore, if I look better…maybe you'll be force to turn to me, to face me and then…maybe I'd hear your answers. Maybe then…I'll be worthy…of a dream like you."

Akashi's eyes widen at the brunette's words.

"You were such a nice dream."

He…wasn't seeing a woman, he was trying to look better for him. He could feel the warm tears of the brunette falling in his cheeks drop by drop. Of course, the red eyed Akashi chuckled inside their consciousness, what did they expect, this is Furihata Kouki they are talking about. Furihata Kouki never did anything logical, Furihata Kouki is the epitome of surprise. The moment when you think he will do it, is when he will do the exact opposite of it.

"A generic flower ceases to be one the moment you call it such."

A generic flower ceased to be plain the moment he laid his eyes upon it, truly it was strange and peculiar to fall in love with Furihata Kouki, that today he could truly say with pride. Watching as every single tears in those eyes shed just like every single brick of his carefully stacked walls of kindness and warmth, it was like watching the earth at its simplicity and humility.

It looks majestic and…bold.

Without much effort Akashi was able to free himself from Furihata's hold, slowly he reached his hands on those tears streaked cheeks. He feels warm.

"You forced me to look at you when you stepped right into my life." Akashi said, his words and the other Akashi's synched. "Even if I didn't want to, I would always find you the most attractive sight, no art could stand comparison to you. You could never become any better than these, that would surpass logic, that's like saying that there something else darker than void. If you have become any better, any more beautiful than this I might start believing heaven exist on earth."

Akashi watched as red taints the cheeks of the brunette before him, his lips gaped attempting to voice some kind of objection but no words left his lips.

He remember the first time he saw his skin, his back marred with wounds from whipping, Akashi's other hand slowly slid down in the brunette's cheek, then his jaw and his neck. He had never been able to be this close to him, to be this bold.

"We made a treaty." Akashi started. "Your brother and I agreed to sign an agreement, we both didn't want Tetsuya to sacrifice himself to end the war instead we agreed that Teiko would pay a fixed amount of money monthly to help the families of the soldiers who died during the war, and for damages as well. I also suggested that…I would be prohibited to speak, touch or see you."

Furihata started sobbing louder, his tears started shedding uncontrollably.

"Why would you do that?!"

"Because I am the one who almost caused you your life. The guilt was killing us." Akashi explained, his eyes changed back into crimson. His expression softens. "My, our, hands were painted in your blood, to see you that's…how could we? After what we did to you."

"I deserved that! Even perhaps worse—"

"No you don't!" Akashi answered back, "At that last moment, you knew what we are, and yet…still you said you didn't regret meeting me, us. I was the one who always ran away, I am the one so confident that I won't need you, I am the one who was weak. You had all the rights to hate me and now you are here asking me why I left you in all those marvellous tears…you did not deserve a freak. How would someone like that deserved to be hurt? I don't deserve to see you, to feel that kindness and yet I still hope that you don't think the way that we do. That was why I agreed that the treaty shall end in two years, it was a wishful thinking."

Akashi waited for Furihata's answer, another exclamation, of how he was wrong, how selfish he was when he decided that however what he heard was definitely none of those—

"Can…you repeat that again?"

"It was a wis—"

"No, before that."

Akashi blinked in confusion, "I agreed that the treaty will end in two years."

Furihata's eyes widen, "T-Two years…that's today."

"Yes, today marks the second year since the end of the war and that is why I returned, just as stated in the treaty, I am here to receive your answer."

"H-How…T-That's absurd."

"What is?"

"B-But I…B-Brother, he said…he said y-you agreed not to see me anymore a-and that is part of the treaty."

"It is. That's partly correct."

"T-Two years…he didn't…" Furihata suddenly remembered, that was right, every treaty has a duration, his brother never mentioned when the end due is, he never said the exceptions and other details. "Y-You waited…two years…for this?"

Akashi nodded, "That was what I said, I wanted badly to know of your condition even if I don't know if you would still want to hear from me. From how you reacted earlier I thought you might have developed a sense of fright around me from what happened before."

"T-That's…"

"Did you not know?"

Furihata shook his head, "I-I have no idea."

"Your brother…did not inform you?"

Furihata shook his head, "P-Perhaps he didn't mean to…I-I mean I should have know there must be a duration and yet I didn't ask."

Furihata's eyes widen when he realized his words earlier, he blushed completely out of shame. He had been blaming Akashi the moment he opened his mouth, he kept exclaiming that he left him for an indefinite amount of time without trying to reach him, ask his well-being, or at least tell him of what he truly think of him when in reality he did his best, he was only trying to abide the treaty even if it hurts him, even if he wanted so bad to see him.

Furihata quickly pulled himself up and stood, bowing his head as Akashi sat up.

"I'm so sorry! I-I was so stupid, I let my mouth ran before I think, I did not listen to your reasons or tried to know the truth behind it, I blamed you f-for my misery a-and I shouldn't have done that, yes, uhm…I just…I'm…I just thought you hated me and I…just wanted…to see you."

Furihata was about to ran for the stairs when he felt a hand grabbing his wrist and another hand in his cheek. Before he could mouth a protest his lips were sealed with another. He felt like time stopped right then, it was strange and but magnificent like finding a special place and knowing you belong there. The brunette closed his eyes and drowned himself in the sea that was Akashi Seijuuro.

Breaking the chaste kiss the Emperor gazed at the flushed features of the brunette, he looks as if he will begin to cry at any moment, it was so like him.

"Is that all, to see me?"

Furihata flushed darker, he lowered his head.

"You've never spoke to me that way."

"I-I'm sorry." Furihata apologized quietly his head still hanging low, trying his best to hide his face from the other, it must have look ridiculous.

"No, don't apologize. I've always wanted to hear what you really think. You were always so meek and proper, I want to see your anger, your frustration and tears, I wanted to see you in all that you are."

Furihata blushed darker, Akashi found himself smirking at the redness of the tip of the brunette's ears. He really is so innocent it was difficult to keep his hands to himself.

"Perhaps you only wanted to confirm that I do not resent you, but I have a different agenda." Furihata blinked as Akashi stepped back and reached on the pocket of his pants. With the item in his hand the Emperor took left hand of the brunette in his. "I was told that in your tradition this is how one asks this very important question."

To Furihata's surprise he found the Emperor sliding in the ring finger of his left hand a gold ring with a small stud of topaz decorating it.

"Will you become my Empress?"

Furihata's eyes widen, "Empress?"

"I just removed the jurisdiction on the title, whether it would be male or female, anyone who is wed to the proclaimed Emperor shall be called so."

"T-That's pretty sly."

"Creative and intelligent is what I prefer."

"Y-You're…" Furihata blushed, "You are supposed to wait for my answer before…uhm, the ring."

Akashi blinked, "Oh…is that so?"

Furihata chuckled as he found Akashi reaching to his hand again, however the brunette moved his hand away from Akashi's reach putting it behind him.

"You can't take it back."

Akashi stared at the brunette for a second before founding himself chuckling at the realization.

"You could have just answered me." Akashi said before cupping the brunette's cheek and finally sealing their vow with a kiss.

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Knock

Knock

Akashi raised an eyebrow, he smiles seeing a familiar figure standing in the door way a small but fond smile painted across the brunette's face standing there.

"It's past bed time." The brunette says quietly.

"Don't worry we're done with this book." Akashi replies as he sat straight in the small bed. The red haired man looked in his side finding the quiet little boy sitting up and looking at him expectantly. "Isn't that right, Hakuryuu?"

The little boy with scarlet hair and red eyes nodded timidly.

"Isn't that a bit too graphic to read for a child?" Furihata asked his husband as he walks towards the two. He pulled his cardigan close to his body as he tipped his head a bit to the side.

"But mama it's a great story." The little boy of seven years of age said in his very tender voice making his father laugh with pride.

Furihata couldn't help but smile fondly at the two, "Okay, but its bed time Ryuu." He said before pressing a kiss in his son's forehead.

"Good night, mama."

Furihata nods whispering good night to the boy.

Akashi stood from the side of the bed and walk behind the brunette.

"Did you like it?" Akashi asked setting the book in the boy's night stand.

Hakuryuu nods his head, "But I never found out what happened to the fifth prince and King of Seirin. Is that the end? I feel a bit sad."

Akashi smiles at the boy, "No doubt endings are hard, but then again, nothing truly ends, yes?"

Furihata smiles at the two.

"Good night." Akashi whispers to the boy as he leans to kiss thee boy's head.

As the couple walk towards the door, the little boy glances on the book lying on the night stand, with a fond smile, the title is printed in black on the hard leather cover of the book. LION, it says in bold letters. The little boy closes his eyes falling into a peaceful sleep, he didn't need to read the last words beneath the title, it is a name he knows very well.

"Aren't he too young to be reading those books?"

"Let him, the worst thing we ought to do is to undermine his intelligence."

"But Sei he's just a boy."

Akashi stops midway closing the door of his son's room, a small fond smile spreading across his lips.

"Nothing really ends, does it?"

EEEEND NOTESSSS, so yeah for clarification purposes basically LION is a story Akashi is reading to their son. The whole thing is just a sort of fairy tale. And Akashi and his family is actually living in the modern world while the whole book is set in an AU. So yes, the rest I leave to your imagination.

I hope you liked it.

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sequel(?)