always | akaashi keiji x reader

| ۝ |

| kuroo |

"empress, are you still not feeling well?" i asked her as i held her hand.

its been a month since the war officially started, her sorrowful expression behind every meeting, and the way her hands felt cold everytime i tried to bring her warmth.

i loved her.

despite offering a marriage for convenience.

there was nothing in this empire i wouldn't give her.

"i.. i just can't believe i lost the people whom i treasured the most.. all in one day." she sadly told me as she let her head rest against my shoulders.

"you're a strong woman, my empress."

"and you will be recorded as one of the strongest in all of history."

"you will not falter. i believe in you." i said as i gave her a hug.

hoping that a bit of my warmth reached her.

"thank you.." she mumbled.

"but please.. i would like to venture the palace alone for a moment." she said as she stood up and made her way towards the mirror.

"very well. please, stay safe." i told her as i quietly left our chambers.

'i guess she loved him.' i thought to myself as i walked over the palace to patrol. i secretly ventured to follow the empress.

even behind these walls, of course danger, may also lurk within. the empress seemed unfazed. she looked like she was lost in a spiral of memories.

and all i could do was watch.

i saw her break down, little by little. crumb by crumb.

and as i was walking around the upper segment of the ballroom, i sensed someone hiding from the balusters.

a figure a little too familiar.

yet it was dangerous to suddenly come forward.

so i observed.

and i saw. everything.

the empress suddenly started to speak, with her voice visibly well shaken.

"akaashi.. if you can hear me.."

"i had always.."

"loved you.."

"it hurts that i never had the chance to tell you.."

"but if you really are there.. "

"i loved you. with all my heart."

of course you loved him. you were troubled every night with his absence..

"(first name)" a deep voice lingered