When the Universe Began [A Blackmadhi Fantasy AU]

Chapter Twenty-Three

Simon avoided Nahyuta the next day, and that seemed to be fine with him as well, because he kept his door closed tight. It was almost like they'd gone back to the way they'd been before they'd started to become friends. What in the world could've happened? Simon didn't think he did anything to upset him... so why was he avoiding him?Simon knew exactly why he was avoiding him, but Nahyuta was a mystery to him.

"Simon... here." Klavier said, coming to bother him again and waving a paper card in his face. Simon sighed, grabbing it from him and opening it. A date that was only a few days from now was printed on the crisp white paper... that stuff must have been expensive, either that or Apollo stole it from Nahyuta.

"Klavier, what is this?" Simon asked, shoving the open card into his face.

"Why, Simon. It's my wedding date. I finally got Apollo to agree upon an earlier date. I expect you to be there early."

"You know I can't leave the palace until Nahyuta wants to leave."

"That won't be a problem. Apollo's telling our dear sweet Nahyuta to be there early as well. So, no issue. Right?"

"Right..." Simon said, sighing again. He really didn't want to be there early, he hated functions like this. But, he supposed, he was his friend and he did have certain obligations. It would all depend on Nahyuta, if he intended to go early, Simon would have to as well. Klavier hugged him happily. Oh well, it was worth it to see him smile like that. Every smile was always so sad... like he missed someone who was too far away, but he also didn't ever want to see them again.

"Klavier... I hope you're not inviting your brother." Simon said as he pulled away. He froze, his face stuck between emotions of sorrow and fear.

"...I.... could-couldn't. E-even if I... I... had to. I... just can't s-see his face ever again." He smacked his forehead, that was really the wrong question to ask. His relationship with his brother had always been complicated, it must have gotten worse after he went to prison. Simon couldn't imagine what Kristoph put him through. He was such an idiot to ask about him.

"Sorry Klavier, I forgot."

"Oh no! Simon, you didn't do anything wrong! It's been a long time! You didn't know how bad it got!" he protested, placing his hands on his shoulders to reassure Simon that he didn't make him feel that bad, "though, if you were getting married... would you invite your sisters?"

"I'd have to. Even if I didn't, they'd show up anyway. It would be better to just invite them and know they're going to cause trouble then to have them show up randomly."

"Of course, of course," Klav laughed, turning to leave, "I gotta go now Simon, think of your precious prince constantly." Holy Mother, could he be annoying sometimes. Simon blushed, staring at his feet. He didn't have to remind him to think of Nahyuta, he already always did.

~~~

In the late afternoon, Nahyuta finally made an appearance before Simon and his heart almost stopped. Why did he have to be so gorgeous all the time? Even though it had only been for about six hours, he'd missed seeing his face more than anything in the world. Simon grabbed his right hand, ungloved- which was strange, tracing his fingers over the black ink dragon on his palm. Nahyuta's face turned bright red and he jerked his hand away.

"I'm tempted to smack you Simon. D-don't do things like that!" His voice cracked in embarrassment. Cute...

"I'd very much like it if you wouldn't do that..." Simon said as he entered his room again, slamming the door behind him. He sighed... why couldn't he just talk to him like normal? Every time he saw him, he just wanted some small connection between us. The brush of his fingers against his face or palm... why did he have to be so damn attractive? If he'd been just a little less pretty, then Simon wouldn't have to fall so hard in love with him.

~~~

Simon wandered out to the tiny balcony right outside his room, breathing in the night air. What a surprise... he couldn't sleep again. He glanced down at the garden, hoping to find something to keep his mind off of Nahyuta. Instead, he only found the prince himself, praying by the pond with the spirit butterflies gathering around him just like they always did. He always looked the most attractive painted in the nighttime light with the pale pink of the butterflies casting shadows on his face. Clonco wandered out onto the balcony with Simon, glancing up at him and meowing as loudly as he could with his tiny cat lungs. Why? Why would Clonco betray him like this? He's going to notice that he was staring at him! Nahyuta turned and glared up at Simon's balcony, at him. The perfect prince was attractive even when he was mad. Oh Holy Mother, how badly Simon loved him, how badly he wanted him.