When the Universe Began [A Blackmadhi Fantasy AU]

Chapter Thirty-One

The early morning sky was bright pink like the spirit butterflies that always gathered around Nahyuta. Simon wandered out onto the balcony, Clonco trailing after him. He glanced down to the garden, to the pond where Nahyuta always was. So many times that he hadn't known that he was watching him... all the times he never knew that made him fall for him harder. Remembering last night made his face flush, but he couldn't stop thinking about it. What in the world were they now? He hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Nahyuta then because he'd passed out soon after Apollo left. He... had a chance to be with Nahyuta. Simon could be something to him. Where they would go would depend on the two of them, he only hoped his dear Nahyuta wanted to go the same way that he did. He scooped Clonco into his arms, holding the small cat out in front of him.

"You know what Clonco, I'm so lucky to have a..." Simon paused, unsure of how to refer to Nahyuta. They weren't exactly... dating, but it wasn't like they weren't not dating either, "...someone like Nahyuta." He set the cat down, dressing for the day and heading out to Nahyuta's room, noticing Clonco clinging to his pant leg as he opened the door. He picked up the tiny calico, dropping him down on the bed. He didn't need to deal with that thing right now. He had to... be by Nahyuta's side.

~~~

Simon walked into Nahyuta's room before he could stop himself. This is a stupid idea, he was basically setting himself up to get slapped. Though, it was worth it this time. He didn't care if he got slapped, he wanted to do this. He walked over to Nahyuta's bedside, pressing a gentle kiss to the half-asleep prince's forehead.

"Good morning Nahyuta." Simon said as he reached a hand up to his forehead, turning a bright shade of red.

"...yes... good morning..." he muttered out shyly, averting his eyes from Simon's gaze.

"Miss Maya Fey is coming today... walking human disaster..." The last part was muttered under his breath so Nahyuta wouldn't get mad at him. The last thing he needed right now was an angry Nahyuta. Upon hearing that Miss Fey was coming, Nahyuta jumped out of bed, dressing in a rush. Simon couldn't help but be pulled in by that tattoo on his back, it always made him curious. It spanned pretty much his entire back, he must have been pretty determined about whatever it stood for to sit through that pain.

"Nahyuta... I've been meaning to ask for a while, but what's with the tattoo on your back?" He might as well ask, he'd seen it before, hopefully he wasn't going to slap me this time.

"Oh, that. It's important to me." He didn't say anymore after that, so Simon figured that he didn't want to tell him. He didn't want to bother him into telling him more if he didn't want to.

~~~

The walking human tornado, Maya Fey. She hugged everyone in her path, confusing most of them. Her bodyguard trailed behind her, bowing and apologizing to everybody. Simon was the most confused, but gratefully accepted her hug anyway. The way Nahyuta was glaring at him made him feel like he was going to kill him if he didn't. Simon didn't want to die. Maya greeted the prince with an especially big hug, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"I'm happy to see you again Yuty." she said, as he grabbed her hand to lead her back to his room. Franziska and Simon followed after them, they both had duties to attend to and he was sure they both wished the other wasn't there at all.

~~~

"Hey Nahyuta, oh you have visitors." Apollo said as he entered the room, Maya running over to him and giving him an eager hug.

"Hiya Polly. Been some time. How's Nick?" Nahyuta glanced at Simon, his eyes filled with confusion. He just shook his head to tell him that he had no idea either.

"Maya... who's 'Nick'?" Nahyuta said, voicing the thought that was surely running through both of their minds.

"What? You mean you still haven't met him yet?" Maya looked at him confused. How could they have met someone whose name they didn't even recognize? If they'd met him, surely Simon would know his name. He glanced over to Apollo, who seemed to be the only one in the room who didn't seem completely and utterly confused.

"Maya, I don't believe I have."

"Um... Nahyuta, you definitely have. 'Nick' is her nickname for Mr Wright." Apollo said as Maya began to laugh.

"Sorry, sorry. That nickname is just a bad habit I can't seem to curb. I've known Nick for forever." she said, wiping tears from her eyes as she laughed. Simon glanced over at Nahyuta and he shrugged his shoulders as a soft giggle came from his mouth. His laughter was like the sound of bells, a sound Simon loved more than any other sound.

~~~

Maya and Apollo eventually left around dinnertime, leaving Simon all alone with Nahyuta. This situation could not end well. He wanted to leave but Nahyuta stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"Please stay for dinner... Simon." Oh Holy Mother, the way he said his name was beautiful. Just hearing his name from his lips made him want to stay for a lot more than dinner.

"I... of course, Your Highness." Why? Why did he say yes? This wouldn't end well, he just knew it.

Like everytime they ended up in a situation like this, it quickly turned to awkward silence. Simon was too distracted by how pretty Nahyuta was in the pale early evening light to eat. He had always been pretty, but after what he'd said to Simon, told him how much he loved him, he couldn't help but find him even more gorgeous.

"Simon..." Nahyuta said, jabbing Simon with his fork and causing him to jolt out of his own thoughts, "are you okay? Why aren't you eating?" What did he tell him? Sorry Your Highness, I couldn't eat because I was too distracted by your beauty. That just sounded... wrong. Especially coming from Simon. He definitely couldn't say that.

"...um... agh... I... sorry..." Good gracious Simon, at the very least he could've spoken properly. Nahyuta laughed at his inability to form words. Go ahead and laugh, he was an idiot.

"You have such a beautiful smile Nahyuta..." And like a good and proper idiot, those were the words that came out of his mouth next. Nahyuta turned bright red, staring down at his hands and plate of food.

"Is there something wrong with the food Simon? Please eat..." he said, changing the subject in his embarrassment.

"Oh no! There's nothing wrong with it!" Simon exclaimed, starting to shovel food into his mouth so he wouldn't worry him. It was Simon's job to worry, he shouldn't have to worry about him.

"You don't have to force yourself Simon. Tell me what's wrong so I can fix it." He rested his hand gently over Simon's, his delicate fingers tracing a small pattern on the back of his hand. Simon flushed, why did he have to be like this right now? He almost preferred him flustered.

"You don't have to do that! Nothing's wrong!" Simon deflected. He couldn't understand why he wasn't acting this way. The way they felt about each other was a bit different, his love was much stronger and deeper.

"Are you sure? I want to help you Simon." Stop pressing it Nahyuta. He was only going to regret it. He was only egging Simon on.

"Fine, I'll tell you what's been bothering me..." Simon said, sighing and running a hand through the white half of his bangs. He was going to regret this, "all day... I've been worried... Nahyuta, what are we now?"

"...it's been bothering me as well." Simon stood up, walking over to him. It was barely a few steps, so he was beside him in little less than an instant. He placed his hand on his shoulder, gently squeezing it.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince Nahyuta Andreas Sahdmadhi Khura'in... would you do me the honour of dating me?"