Stitches and Summers

by eijj

Summary:

The kingdoms of Sung and Zhang have kindled relationships—from the courts, people, lands, supplies, and might as well as the crowned princes.

Their bond began unnoticeably. Perhaps when their mothers first introduced them to each other, or when they had their first duel using wooden swords, or maybe when they were caught for the first time sneaking out the kingdom just to see the market. Even the people around them accepted the fact that two are insufferable yet inseparable.

However, their story is not without its trials. When Prince Zhang Hao’s father, the king, fell gravely ill, Hao had to prepare for his ascension. Meanwhile, Prince Hanbin of the Sung kingdom was far from ready for the changes that would follow, as his enemy, friend, and lover was about to be lost to him.

Notes:

I used a lot of reference when writing this fic such as Shadow and Bones, Trojan War, Moral Orel, Prince of Persia, and lyrics from songs I listened to while doing this. I might have put a lot more reference but forgot to mention them or where they came from so please bare with me.

I also don't recommend reading this in public, especially after chapter 8, because even me as the writer cried so hard while writing and reading it (maybe because I'm just so emotional especially with haobin). I'm giving a heads up because last time no one warned me about reading angst fics in public, I was so mad at the author (no hate though, it's just because they're too good in plotting the story so I embarrassed myself when I cried at the bus).

Follow @neulbinenjoyer at X for updates since I might give slow updates because I'm a very dedicated uni student :] this is still non beta read since it's an ongoing fic so please please please bare w me (im also a non native english speaker so T___T). I appreciate your kudos and comments too! Happy reading :)

Chapter 1: Zhang Hao

Zhang Hao was four when his feet first landed in the Sung kingdom.  

He closed his eyes as the breeze brushed against his skin. Their land was pleasant and cooler despite it being summer, and one of the first things he noticed was how the people smiled at him whenever he passed by—the exact opposite of his experiences at home, cold and eerie.  

"Zhang Hao," his mother called lovingly. "This is the Queen of the Sung court. Do you remember what I taught you?" she asked, kneeling to match his height.  

They were in another kingdom, he observed, where the ceilings rose higher than those at home, and the torchlight burned more yellow than orange. The chandelier, however, was smaller. He remembered because theirs had always been overwhelming for a child like him.  

Another queen. He finally glanced at her, taking in the extravagant robe that trailed on the floor and the warm smile that reached her eyes.  

"Your Majesty?" Hao murmured, lowering himself onto one knee while holding his mother’s hand. The large room echoed with gentle giggles as the two queens looked at him in adoration.  

"What a lovely son you have," the Queen said to his mother. "He’s so well-behaved, while my son is still—"  

She stopped when a child, no older than Zhang Hao, came running in with a bright smile. When the boy suddenly slipped, the Queen rushed to his side. Surprisingly, there were no tears—only a wide grin that revealed small whisker dimples on his cheeks.  

"Hello, Hanbin-ah," she cooed, gathering her son in her arms. "Who’s the naughty boy, hmm?"  

Hao’s mother stepped forward, offering a warm greeting to the young prince. "What a lovely boy, Prince Hanbin!" she said, making the boy laugh until his eyes crinkled shut. When the prince’s gaze landed on him, Hao tensed, inhaling sharply before stepping closer to his mother, seeking shelter from the boy’s bold stare.  

The queens giggled again at their exchange. Hao’s mother nudged him gently, urging him forward.  

"I apologize," she told the Queen. "He must be shy around unfamiliar faces." Then, she turned to her son. "It’s just Prince Hanbin, Hao. You can go and talk to him."  

All he could do at that moment was nod. He looked up, prompting the Queen to lower herself to his height. First, he glanced at the Queen’s kind face, then at the prince. The resemblance was clear—from the gleaming eyes to the small lips.  

Slowly, he reached out and touched the prince’s delicate fingers, their small hands intertwining. Zhang Hao’s eyes widened as the prince’s expression shifted from giddy to serious and curious.  

It was the first time he had touched another boy. He had been homeschooled, with only female tutors, and his playmates had mostly been girls, as boys were too unruly for his mother’s liking. It felt strange, looking at the prince as he toyed with Hao’s hand.  

"I am Zhang Hao of the Zhang court," he introduced himself softly. "Nice to meet you, Prince Hanbin."  

Notes:

The chapters/pov get longer and longer I swear !!! They just get short ones because they are based on their memories as children.