Rosy Skies (Otayuri)

Dusk

A hearsay began to be spread throughout the castle, among the staff and visiting nobles alike. From what Yuri could understand, they all thought that Oabe was going to marry soon. They spoke of how since Oabe was now of age, he must take someone as his wife soon. The gossipping mers speculated that he would get engaged to the daughter of a neighboring king.

From what Yuri could tell, anyways. It was only due to the fact that he had heard the story so many times that he knew as much as he did. It was everyone's favorite topic of conversation: the gardeners, the servants, the chef; the only mer that Yuri hadn't heard it from was Spotty. His disposition was far too sweet to talk behind anyone's back. Besides, he was too busy giving blushy smiles to one of the dancers (the one with the downturned eyes) to care about much anything else, besides his work.

Just when it seemed like the rumor was dying out, it was made know that the king and his daughter would be visiting. Everyone was convinced that it was really so that Oabe could meet the princess, although it was announced as a friendly diplomatic visit between allies. Merfolk would often speak about the supposed match when Oabe was right there. His shoulders would visibly tense, and Yuri would glare at the offenders until they stopped. However, they would continue their conversation once they assumed that the two of them were out of earshot.

In private, Oabe confided with Yuri on his opinion of the matter. He was gently playing with Yuri's hair when he admitted that the visit was indeed taking place so that he could meet the princess.

"My parents wish for us to be wed. It would help to form a strong bond between our countries," he clicked sadly. "It is my duty. It will be impossible for me to love her, for she is not the mermaid who belongs to the temple."

Yuri tried to turn to look at him, but a hand softly guided his head back so that he was facing forward. Oabe was doing a plait in Yuri's hair. When he was complete, Yuri felt him slide a shell bead onto the end to secure it. He peeked over his shoulder to be sure that Oabe was done, then got up and crawled beside him.

Oabe's expression gave no clue to what he was thinking, but his eyes were full of sorrow. Yuri kissed his cheek and then wrapped his arms around him. Oabe leaned against his chest. Yuri wondered if Oabe could hear his heart beating, racing at the contact they were making. Eventually they both lied down, and Yuri fell asleep.

He dreamed of he and Oabe getting married. There were beautiful, twinkling lights, and somehow Viktor and Nikolai were there. Yuri was able to speak again, and he professed his love to Oabe. It felt so vivid, so real. When he awoke, he grieved the loss.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The entire town that Oabe's family ruled over was buzzing with activity like a hive of bees. Everyone was preparing themselves for the reception of the king and his daughter. There was food to capture and prepare, jewelry to buy, and decorations to set up. The list continued.

Oabe was drilled with instructions on how to conduct himself in the presence of the princess and her father. Although he knew all of it already, he waited patiently every time he got the exact same lecture. He didn't say anything out loud, but Yuri could tell that he was anxious and stressed. He hardly slept, no matter how much comfort Yuri tried to offer him. His flesh took on a grayish pallor, and bags developed under his eyes. It was obvious that he needed some kind of escape.

And so, one afternoon, Yuri led a weary, fidgety Oabe out a back exit of the palace. Oabe seemed too tired to protest, so he followed along. Yuri took him to some coral reefs off of the shore. He hoped that the colorful, peaceful environment would provide Oabe with a much-needed respite from all of the hubbub. A seahorse nibbled on Yuri's finger as he stopped to settle down in the sand. To his surprise, Oabe took his hand to bring him somewhere else. They stopped in a rather shallow area.