Chapter Text
P.O.V – Akaashi
At the very age of only 10, Keiji’s photo and some of his personality traits were sent to the Kingdom of Fukurodani, since the word had spread that the crown prince was seeking a mate and there was one requirement demanded from the crown prince’s parents that the mate was to be an Omega due to their son being an Alpha.
This was one in a lifetime chance for Keiji’s parents to give their son a nice life due to their economy crumbling. They were hopeful that the picture of their son was to satisfaction of the future king. They surely knew that they were going to have competition but they kept their heads up high.
Luckily, they got a paper roll delivered to their small suburban home one day by two men in uniform, more correctly the castle guards. The roll included various information about the future king, but no photo as of then. But also that they would be provided with money to keep the young Omega boy healthy up until the day the pair would meet. But also, the young boy had to start to get home schooled by teachers from around the kingdom. They sure had their reasons for it too. One of them being that the Omega had to learn finesse and etiquette, to behave correctly, but also royal courtesy. Plus how to dress properly when living in the palace, at least before the crown prince takes the throne.
Also smaller things like holding the teacup correctly in the presence of the current King and Queen. To have table manners as well along with greeting the current heads with respect. That including the Crown Prince, King and Queen.
Akaashi had accepted his fate to be wedded, already understanding the concepts of arranged marriage at a very young age. He wanted to help his parents in any way that he could at such an age as well. That’s why Akaashi always stayed home after his teachings to spend as much time as he could with his parents. The only outsider Keiji could have around was his best friend Tsukishima whom he had become friends with during the time he did get to spend in school. He was an Omega too.
Of course Akaashi grew quite interested in the whole marriage ceremony as well… Also feeling a bit tense, what if he mess something up? Even if it was a few years until then and the fact that he would be teached, he was still worried. Though he was intrigued as well, it was not common for a normal commoner to wed the crown prince after all.
Though one thing Akaashi was sure of was that he would be dressed in a pure white piece, otherwise called Shiromuku at the ceremony of course that included the Wataboshi as well... He had seen a documentary about it once and due to his fiancé being a Royal offspring, there was no question about what the clothing attire they would be wearing. Every piece of clothing Keiji would be wearing would be pure white. Also having makeup applied to his face, that would be something new entirely. Something he would have to grow used to.
Some might say it was a blessing and some other might think it was a curse.
Akaashi didn’t think it was a curse at least.
Akaashi had been quite natural to the whole arranged marriage idea, though his interest in the crown prince was high, he didn’t know how he looked like at all and he himself didn’t know much about him either other than him being full of energy. What if he was rude? Or even grew to be mean? How would he survive with an Alpha who didn’t treat him nicely? That’s why he still hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed.
He was curious about his looks as well… Did he have dark or light hair? Were his eyes narrow or wide? What could the color of his eyes be? Was he tanned or pale? Or maybe even smack in the middle? Did he have a nice smile? Was he tall or average height? Maybe height was something he shouldn’t be thinking much on since superior Alphas usually had a higher stance. But he couldn’t help but to still wonder.
But one day when one of the royal teachers actually had gotten permission to give the 15 year old Omega a picture of his future husband who was one year older. He didn’t have to imagine how he looked anymore; he had an actual picture of him.
Akaashi fell for him the moment he saw the male, stupid right? Though he couldn’t exactly change the way he felt. Those bright round golden orbs were too mesmerizing to look at. He couldn’t wait until the day he would get to see the man in person
Of course the teachers requested to take a photo of the young Omega to take back to the kingdom in return, to which Keiji had complied.
Due to the lack of not being able to socialize with people, except his parents, Tsukishima and of course the royal teachers, Akaashi had eventually caved in at the very age of 16 and began to experimenting with his body while having the picture of the crown prince fresh in his mind or in front of him. Who could blame him? He had had no sexual experience whatsoever, though that experimentation led to his very first heat. That wasn’t pleasant in the slightest without an Alpha but he had to pull through. He was not to be touched by any other Alphas prior to meeting the prince. That had been an order.
They wanted an untouched Omega to be the next Queen and mother to the future King’s pups.
That was a rule that could not be broken.
Since the first heat Keiji would experience after the wedding would be spent with his newly wedded husband. In expectation of the Omega be conceiving the Alpha’s pups as soon as possible.
If his heat would occur prior to the wedding the pair would be kept separated until his heat would be over with. They were absolutely under no circumstances having sex before marriage. The furthest they would be allowed to go was cuddling. Of course kisses and hugs but nothing remotely close to sex.
There was one exception. That being scenting. They could scent mark but definitely not in public. Bonding and mating would occur during Akaashi’s first heat since it would most likely trigger Bokuto’s rut. In other words, their bond would be fully sealed after the wedding ceremony.
The day Akaashi would be taken away from his parents was on the evening of his 18th birthday, so that he would arrive in the morning the next day.
The kingdom had been kind enough to let the Omega spend his last birthday with his parents the whole day, then to be escorted with his best friend to the palace.
That was a deal that would be upheld as well.
The lessons Akaashi was homeschooled with was the same as he would get in school but the addition of the Kingdom’s own finesse and etiquette. He would get the basics of it all before his 18th birthday then when he would arrive within the Kingdom walls, he would go in a deeper lecture about it.
Good thing Akaashi had a passion for books and learning ever since he was a toddler.
P.O.V – Bokuto
Bokuto was an only child and also the heir to the throne once he become of age and when he would take over to be the head of the family he needed a mate, an Omega. Of course young Bokuto was really excited to be getting a mate, since he didn’t exactly understand the concept of how he got one until he was about 15.
Though the day he had received a bunch of pictures up in his face, he was a bit overwhelmed, he had thought something along the lines of ‘Do I really have to look at them all?’ but of course the answer was as clear as day and the young crown prince had to sit there and scan every picture. Though when he stumbled upon the picture of his now future mate, he refused to look at the rest of the pictures of suitors, he wanted That specific Omega and he was determined, no one could change his mind. He had said. ‘That one! I want him! He’s so pretty!’ And then he had begun to run around the throne room excitedly and full of life.
When he was about 15 he actually began to understand the concept of what his parents had made him do and he felt a bit guilty. Yet the Omega’s parents had sent his picture to the palace because they wanted to assure his future right? That was what Bokuto had received information about when he had sneakily talked to the teachers when they had gotten back to the palace.
He had received information from one specific teacher though that the male was quite neutral about it all and very understanding, that had made Bokuto relieved for sure but he really had to ask the male face to face when they’d meet. It would be a few years until then but he would remember it.
It wasn’t until Koutarou turned 16 that he would face a lot of challenges; he had to start acting his age and be prepped into a full-fledged king. Of course Bo did not like it at all but what he wanted as of now didn’t matter. He had teachers poking at him all day and correcting him and telling him things like: ‘No not like that.’ Or ‘No Bokuto-Sama, you have to do it this way.’ For a superior Alpha and prince, it wasn’t exactly a dream scenario.
Though in the end of the day he always had his best friend; Kuroo Tetsurou. Who per request from Bokuto had begun facing challenges as well to be a full-fledged guard. Though he was the only Alpha Koutarou trusted with the task of getting his Omega to the Kingdom safely with. He would be the guard that would escort Bokuto’s future wife and friend to the palace, no one else.
One day when he had done well most of the day, his parents had provided him with a newer picture of his mate that he would be allowed to keep in his bedroom chamber. His mate had only grown to become more and more beautiful, how was that even possible? Those perfect gunmetal orbs with that pale beautiful skin along with those black short curls of hair, that slight curl of lips as well. How had he become so lucky again?
Every night the young prince had gazed at the photo of him, and every morning that was the first thing he would see, how perfect. The picture gave him some type of boost to make another successful day of lessons worthwhile. He had to grow to become an outstanding king but also a loving, caring Alpha for his Omega. He had to learn to balance those two efficiently before he would meet his future spouse.
Bokuto would do anything to protect his Omega, if anyone even as much as looked at his mate in the wrong way, he’d bare his fangs. And if someone dared to touch him or hurt him, Koutarou would rip their damn throats out, he wasn’t afraid to take action, even if it would cost him greatly or not. It would be his Kingdom by then anyway. So hopefully no one would be stupid enough to touch his Omega once he got here. He couldn’t wait to meet him. An Alpha should protect his Omega, just as the King should protect his Queen.
As a crown prince it was quite obvious in what he needed training with, keeping a whole city or even a country balanced and those boring speeches every now and then of course. Create good communication with neighboring countries and kingdoms since he would obviously be the face of Fukurodani. With that came great responsibilities. Take that and the fact that he would have to care for an Omega as well, that was indeed a lot. Yet he had been determined to do it, despite his downfalls, he always got up again by the help and encouragement of his best friend and just the mere thought of his fiancé.
Bokuto could definitely make it, with a little encouragement along the way.
Though now on the morning of his 18th birthday, Akaashi was both excited and saddened. Excited to soon get to see his fiancé and saddened to leave his parents behind, but he knew this day would come and he had prepared himself for it. He was a grown man now and he didn’t want his parents to see him sad. He would be sure to keep his demeanor normal and composed as to not let his parents whiff any sad emotions through his scent.
Tsukishima would be arriving around lunch with his luggage so that gave Akaashi about 2 hours to have a nice private talk with his parents and get ready. The car to pick the Omegas up wouldn’t be arriving until around 8 Pm which would give Keiji a good 8 hours with his family. He and Tsukishima might be arriving in the Kingdom with a car but he had learned that cars weren’t frequently used out there. It was horse carriages mostly. The cars that were around were usually driven if it was further distances.
Keiji was quite sure that there was other means of transport there too, but he liked the idea of horses greatly though.
The Omega had requested that he just wanted a calm birthday with his parents, just having a nice dinner and stay inside, not anything bigger, he wasn’t much for party celebrations anyway, especially not his own. Sure he knew the celebrations would be big when he starts living within the palace walls, that’s way he’d prefer to have one last calm celebration before his eventful life would begin.
When Keiji had gotten downstairs he greeted his parents with a gentle smile as he should, they had tried their best to raise him and give him a good life.
“Good morning sweetheart and happy birthday!” His mother hugged his son and Keiji obviously hugged his mother back.
Yes Akaashi’s parents were both male.
“Happy birthday my boy.” His father gave him one of his gentle smiles and a ruffle of hair after the hug.
“Thank you mom, dad.” He spoke in a calm tone with gentle curve of lips. “And good morning to you as well.”
“Please have a seat, we made you a nice breakfast.” His mother said and Akaashi complied by nodding and sitting down.
“Thank you.” He spoke.
His mother only shook his head with a loving smile perched upon his lips.
When Keiji’s mother had placed the breakfast dishes upon the table, he too sat down along with his husband.
The dishes varied from sushi rolls to grilled fish and vegetables but also a bowl of miso soup and rice. Keiji didn’t really understand how all that would get down since he wasn’t a big eater but he’d try his best to eat as much as possible. His parents also had about the same dishes.
He clapped his hands together and bowed his head slightly. “Itadakimasu.”
His parents did the same as well.
“So… Keiji.” His mother took a deep but soft breath before continuing. Akaashi of course looked up at his parents at that and nodded. ”Yes mom?”
“You’ve been awfully quiet about your feelings to meet the prince… We both want to hear what you think of it, you wouldn’t mind telling us that right sweetheart?” His mother’s brown orbs showing a bit of sadness along with that smile, his scent also adding to it.
Akaashi placed down his chopsticks and finished what he had in his mouth and wiped his mouth clean with the napkin. “Of course not.”
“Of course I’m curious to meet him, I am but… I’m also a bit frightened, what if he isn’t nice? What if he ignores me most of the time?” He started as he was fiddling with his fingers underneath the table on his lap. He tried to keep himself composed and so he breathed out and continued. “I mean… I can’t say for certain that I like him but I do have an interest for him just from that one picture but yeah…”
His father stopped him before he could continue. “Keiji… I understand. But try to not think of unnecessary things-“
There Keiji’s mother cut his husband off. “What your father is trying to say is that… You don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to your feelings… I’m not saying for certain that you will love him right on the spot.” He sighed a bit sadly.
“And I really wished we could’ve spared you from going away from us but…-“ His voice cracked a bit and Keiji reached his hand over the table and placed his hand atop of his mother’s.
“Its okay mom, don’t worry, I know you two only wanted me to have a good life… I just wished we could have had more time together.” He said and his mother flashed him a sad smile and then brought his hand up and nuzzled his nose against his knuckles before he kissed them. “Me too.”
He gave his mom a gentle smile and a sweet scent filled the kitchen, yet there was a hint of sadness buried within his mother’s smell.
“I’m sure he’ll be good to you Keiji… from the information we received about the young prince, he’s a very sweet man, and has lots of love to give.” His father said after Akaashi and his mother had detached.
“I hope so… thanks for telling me that, dad.”
“That’s nothing to thank me for son, you deserved to hear it.”
Keiji could distinct the worry and sadness behind his father’s strong Alpha persona, it was understandable. He was their only child after all. “Still… thank you.”
Though Keiji would whiff their scents as much as he could today, since today might be the last time he’ll see them, but at least Keiji helped his parents in a way by being the fiancé of the prince. Since his family would be financially stable by the help of the Royal family due to him being in engaged to the crown prince and soon to be the new Queen and mate to the new King.
The breakfast meeting continued in a calm manner and they chatted a bit every now and then about their feelings about Keiji going away but also how proud they were of their only son to be so understanding of what they had done to him at such a young age.
The clock ticked and soon Tsukishima was knocking on the door and so Keiji excused himself to go open the door, letting his friend into the house. Once the blonde Omega had stepped inside and Keiji locking the door, they did what they usually did to one another as a greeting or calm each other down or also simply to make each other feel safe in their hold or presence; scenting.
Rubbing their scent glands together as they hugged, smelling the aromas of each other’s scents.
Many would think that Kei wasn’t the type to do such a thing but that was where others were wrong. The blonde Omega usually did such a thing with his brother as well, since their parents weren’t around much so they only had each other to feel safe.
Soon they pulled back and Keiji let his friend step in to greet his parents with a bow.
“Hello Kei. You’re good?” Keiji’s mother asked the other Omega with a smile as he hugged the tall boy.
“Yes. How are you?” He hugged him back carefully.
“And you as well, Akaashi-san?” He referred to the Alpha.
Both of Akaashi’s parents nodded and almost simultaneously replied. “We’re okay.”
Of course that wasn’t the complete truth and Kei knew that but he wouldn’t dwell on it too much. It was obvious as to why anyway.
Kei himself wasn’t very fond of leaving his brother behind but he couldn’t let his best friend leave without him either. That’s why he had agreed to all of this. Akaashi deserved to have someone he felt safe with too. Tsukishima couldn’t imagine how his best friend would feel to be all alone in a Palace where he didn’t know anyone.
The blonde did surely know how it felt to have someone with him to feel safe, he had had his brother and now he wanted to continue that with Keiji. They would at least have one another.
After that casual chatting ensued while Akaashi’s mother was in the kitchen, conversations about life in general and their few memories from Kei’s and Keiji’s times as friends, it was a few hours of smiles and genuine laughs with the four of them, yes even Akaashi’s father.
The closer it got to the time of departure the more sadness could be smelled from all of them, after all this might be the last time they see one another, though Akaashi did hope he would get to see his parents again of course. Hopefully his future husband would be kind enough to let him speak to them at least.
They all ate a nice dinner with one another and shared small thoughts here and there and it wasn’t until about close before departure when Keiji’s father actually shed one tear, which wasn’t out of laughter but sadness.
“Dad…?” Akaashi was a bit surprised to say the least.
He didn’t wipe it away either and instead shared his thoughts. “You know Keiji… If I could rewind time, I would’ve made sure you and your mother had a good life without having to do what we did.” He sighed cheerlessly.
“But sadly I don’t have the power… And I’m sorry…” Keiji’s mother placed a hand on his husband’s shoulder, releasing some of his soothing scent.
“Dad… Please don’t worry, I know you and mom did all you could and I’m grateful for that. I’ll always be.” He shared a gentle smile towards his parents. “Now it’s my turn to help you.” He stated.
At that Akaashi’s parents couldn’t help but to feel proud and they didn’t hide it either, Akaashi could smell it and see it and so could Tsukishima who actually smiled a bit himself.
“You’ve really grown up to be an exceptional man and Omega, Keiji…” His parents said in unison as they both hugged their son for the last time, or at least the last time in a long while.
“We love you so so so much!” His mother said out loud, his voice cracking a bit as he held his son close.
“And we’re so proud of you my boy!” His father spoke as he held Keiji equally close, his own eyes now watering too.
Akaashi now sobbed in their hold and his whole body trembled, his parents holding him both securely and protectively in their arms.
All three of them standing there just being close as a family for the remaining time they had left until Akaashi and Tsukishima would be escorted away. The Omega’s parents now trying to calm their son down by letting their scents ooze out for him to whiff and remember.
Akaashi did the same to let his parents smell him as throughout the day Keiji had made sure to leave parts of his scent all over to keep his parents sane for at least some time.
Shortly thereafter there was a knock on the door and Tsukishima opened the door only to smell the scent of an Alpha. He lightly gulped, he smelled breathtakingly good for sure.
He winked at the blonde who had piqued his interest earning a lightly flushed nose from the blonde Omega.
Kuroo spotted the Omega that would be his best friend’s soon to be wife. “Hello Akaashi-Sama, I’m Kuroo Tetsurou and I’ll be the one escorting you and…” He glanced at the blonde briefly with a slight grin on his lips before gazing back fully onto the raven. “… Your friend here to the Kingdom.” He bowed and then bowed to both of the future Queen’s parents.
Akaashi was about to question the way he was greeted but refrained from doing so. “Nice to meet… you Kuroo-san. We’ll be in your care.” He spoke respectfully, only earning a nod and a slight curl of lips from the raven Alpha.
He then went to give his parents one hug each and gave them one of his most sweetest smiles as he exited the house he had grown up in. “I love you both…” He said just before he got seated in the car as Kuroo had opened it for him and then closed it.
Their luggage already packed into the trunk of the car.
Then proceeded to offer the same for the blonde but Tsukishima quickly denied it. “I can open the door myself than you very much.”
“Sassy aren’t we?” Kuroo chuckled but let Tsukishima do as he pleased, just watching him get inside with a huff and a, “To you, yes.” Which made Tetsurou all the more intrigued about the fine specimen.
When the blonde had gotten seated inside with the raven Omega, he got in as well, closing the door and looked back to see so both had their seatbelts on before he himself attached the seatbelt around himself. Then started the engine and drove off.
Akaashi gazed through the window at his parents and waved a bit before he sighed, his scent becoming all the prominent to sadness.
Kei was there, holding his friend’s hand and releasing some soothing pheromones for his best friend.
“I’ll be here for you, I promise.” He said only for Keiji to hear, not that Kuroo would hear much anyway due to the piece of glass that separated them.
“Thank you Kei.” He whispered and leaned his head against Tsukishima’s shoulder.
The rest of the ride was fairly quiet, or at least the part of it they were awake.
Since around 11 Pm both of the Omegas had fallen asleep, of course not sitting, they had folded the seats down and fetched a big warm blanket that had been there with them since the ride begun and laid down underneath it.
Kuroo obviously found it to be rather adorable; he had never seen two Omegas do such a thing, that’s where Kuroo came to the conclusion that they must be very close friends.
It wasn’t until the voice of Kuroo woke the pair up the next morning, telling them that… they were indeed there now.
Akaashi opened his eyes, rubbing them slowly, quickly fetched his smaller bag to fix his hair and face to at least look presentable for anyone that could possibly meet him on the way in. Tsukishima did the same.
As soon as they were out of the car, another guard drove the car away from them, leaving Kuroo with their luggage as he also escorted them into the palace, walking through the big white and golden door only to be met with the same color inside just that the furniture varied from in color between black and creamy white. “Wow…” Keiji mumbled to himself. He didn’t know what to say at all.
The walls surely had paintings too and he felt relaxed to see that his interest of owls was shared with the family he’d be married into at least.
Tsukishima and Akaashi were led into the room he’d be staying in with his best friend until the day he’d get married. After the wedding he’d be sharing a bedroom with his Alpha and that did flighten him a bit, he only had about a month to get to know the Prince before the ceremony would be held. He felt attraction to the male from only the picture but what if he didn’t fall in love with him? Would he learn to love him or would he be stuck in a marriage where he couldn’t form a bond with his Alpha? Sure this was a part of what arranged marriages was but being here made it all even clearer for the Omega.
Tsukki noticed the distressed pheromones emitting from his friend and he immediately went over to him and hugged him, releasing his scent. ”Calm down Keiji… I’m here… breath in and breath out okay?” Keiji nodded.
”Inhale…” They both did it simultaneously
”And exhale…” They both did it. ”Good… now one more time.” He repeated the words again and repeated the steps as well with his friend who began to slowly but surely calm down for real now.
”Thank you…” He kept on taking in Kei’s soothing pheromones for a bit while still hugging him a while more.
”Sorry to disturb you two… but Bokuto-Sama has requested to have lunch with you Akaashi-Sama.” Kuroo spoke as he had settled the Omegas luggage’s down.
Akaashi gulped and nodded. ”What time?”
”You have two hours to get ready. Your Kimono should hang in the dresser over there.” He pointed to a large white wardrobe within the spacious room. ”I’ll be going now.” He stated and exited the room.
”Kei… help me.” He referred to getting ready and Kei nodded. ”Of course.”
12:15 Pm
”You look perfect Keiji.” He spoke calmly with a light smile perched on his lips.
He was wearing a plain white Kimono with a golden sash around his waist that was held in place by the golden bow on his back. Attached to the side of his hair was a red rose, his face was covered in makeup but not unnecessary a lot, just foundation and powder that of course matched his skin tone and a very faint layer of nude pink lipstick, barely noticable if you didn’t look closely, but also an easy stroke of thin black eyeliner.
”Thank you Kei…” He smiled gently yet faintly at his friend, he couldn’t hug him now but he would surely enough hug him later. ”I didn’t know you couldn’t do makeup.” He snickered a bit.
”Oh shut up…” He actually did blush a little as he gazed away. ”While you got your lessons… I got mine.” He mumbled.
Akaashi only chuckled lightly. ”Cute.”
Tsukishima didn’t have time to retort before there was a knock on the door.
”Yes?”
”It’s time. Can I open the door?”
”Yes.”
Kuroo had to gulp when he opened the door to witness Keiji looking damn fine like that. ”Wow… your pretty friend over there did a great job.” He winked at a slightly flustered Tsukishima, not that one couldn’t see his face but his demeanor exposed everything his scent didn’t.
Keiji did not miss that wink, it was clear as a day that the raven Alpha had caught an interest in the blonde.
”Anyway, Bokuto-Sama is very excited to meet you, so I think we should get going, don’t you think?” Kuroo asked and Akaashi nodded. ”See you later Kei.”
”Yeah, try to have fun.” Tsukishima’s cheeks had returned to their usual tone now at least.
Son enough his arm was hooked with Kuroo’s as they made their way to the dining hall where he would mest his fiancé for the very first time. If he was nervous before… It was most certainly worse now. His scent proved that and Kuroo had to bite down on his own tongue to stay composed and not touch Akaashi in any way except holding his arm.
”It’ll be fine, just try to relax.” Kuroo tried to calm the male down before they would enter the dining hall.
That would be easier said that done, Akaashi was nervous, what if he fucked up? ”Right… s-sorry.”
”Don’t apologize Akaashi-Sama.”
Keiji nodded and took a deep breath as the door was swung open and he caught a glimpse of his fiancé for the very first time, fuck. It was like his pheromones went haywire as if his body knew who he belonged to.
”Akaashi!” The Alpha chirped a bit loudly yet so happily. Kuroo was nowhere to be seen as he somehow was behind closed door alone with the Alpha. Had he been in his own thoughts for too long so he didn’t notice the change of scent beside him? His heart thumped loudly at the sound of his voice, smelling that overwhelming superior Alpha scent could most definetly have kicked started his heat if he hadn’t just had it a month ago.
Akaashi bowed. ”Bokuto-Sama.” He spoke sweetly as he saw the Alpha head towards him in a black and gold Kimono. God he could only imagine how strong that scent would be up-close when it was this strong when they were apart. Ye this whole body had already submitted to the Alpha Prince.