When the Universe Began [A Blackmadhi Fantasy AU]

Chapter Twenty-Nine

As Simon stood guard by the door that day, Nahyuta reached out for his sleeve, trembling as he did so. Simon immediately turned to him, placing his hands gently on his shoulders.

"Nahyuta?! What's wrong?!" Simon could feel him shaking beneath his hands. He glanced up at him, sighing and running a hand through his long lilac hair. He shook off his hands, leaning back against the doorframe.

"This is terrible..."

"What?! Tell me so I can help you!"

"An absolute tragedy..."

"Please Nahyuta! Tell me what's going on!" He sighed again, brushing more errant strands of hair off his face.

"Simon... we're going to be holding the yearly ball in a few days... I'm required to bring a date this time. I dearly wish I didn't have to go, but as a member of the Royal Family of Khura'in, I have certain obligations. It's kind of a law that I have to attend... and uh...," he paused here, his face burned bright red as he touched the back of his neck. He seemed to be embarrassed about something, Apollo had told Simon that he always touched the back of his neck when he was nervous, "if I had to choose a date... I'd want you to be that date, Simon. Of course, I can't make that decision for you... so please just... uh... think about it..." He flushed even brighter before running back into his room. ...what had just happened? He'd basically been asking him to go with him as his date to the ball. Simon would have to go regardless of if he asked him or not... so maybe he just thought it would be better if he got both a bodyguard and a date at the same time. How could he have known that just by bringing Simon's name into the conversation that it would make his heart flutter like this? He was making it even harder for him to hold back, his feelings were beginning to overflow. The dam Simon always kept his feelings trapped behind was about to blow. Dammit Nahyuta... why?

~~~

Simon agonized over his request the whole rest of the day and night; did he ask him or did he not? Was it what he really wanted or did he ask Simon to ask him because he felt like he was his only option? Don't get him wrong, Simon was honoured that he could feel like someone like him was his only option. He was abrasive, rude, half-asleep most of the time, and quick to anger. He honestly wasn't the best option for a date to a formal function. Did he want him to go with him or did he just want someone convenient? Simon hoped it was the former, while in his heart he did know that it was the latter.

~~~

Simon knocked gently on the pale green and for some reason, the only thought in his mind was that it was the same colour that Nahyuta always painted nails. Betray him as much as possible, mind! Now is not the time! Nahyuta opened the door groggily, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"...morning Simon..." he muttered sleepily, leaning against the door to support his still tired body. Simon grabbed his tiny and delicate hand, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it while bowing before him.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince Nahyuta Andreas Sahdmadhi Khura'in... will you allow me to accompany you to this ball as your date?" Nice, Simon got to use his full name. Rare occasion, he thought he'd only used it once before. Unsurprisingly, Nahyuta's face flared red as he dipped his head toward the ground, nodding shyly.

"...I might as well allow it." Don't try to act like that with me Nahyuta. Simon had been by his side for this past month and a half, and while he couldn't say that he knew him inside and out, Simon knew him well enough to know that this was just an act he always pulled. Acting the overbearing, courageous prince. In truth, he was still just a shy embarrassed little boy.

"Wouldn't want to leave someone as beautiful as you in the hands of some old noblewoman." Oh shit, what had he just said? Simon had called him beautiful, maybe it could be played off as a slip of the tongue. He was dreadfully happy, looking forward to a ball for once in his life. Would he get to dance with his prince again? If so, Simon would hold him just a little bit closer this time. Hold him close as if he was never going to let him go. Hold him close as if he was his lover.