Chapter Text
“Must I also come down there? Surely I could just watch from here and skip the boring speeches.”
Rui glanced up from writing on the scroll, his gaze settling on the half-dragon floating outside the window, arms propped on the sill, with a describable boredom etched across his face.
Rui’s lips curled into a faint smile as he took in the comfort of Tsukasa’s presence, setting down his brush on the fude-oki . Hours of writing had left a dull ache in his wrist, the strain creeping up his arm. With a subtle motion, he twisted his wrist in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Amidst the action, he responded. “Yes, you could. But wouldn’t it be better to see it up close? I hear the view from the pagoda is spectacular.”
Not that he was lying. The pagoda was a dedication to their dragon deity. As he would pass by the building every morning, he’d overhear the shrine priests chatting amongst themselves while they swept the steps and wiped clean the stone lion-dogs by the entrance. How the highest floor of the pagoda had an unobstructed view of the city square below, where the festival will be held.
Tsukasa lets out a huff as he mutters under his breath. “It’s just the same every year.” He lifted himself effortlessly on the windowsill, the wooden frame creaking from his movement. He sat onto the cool, solid surface, closing his eyes, letting his weight rest against the window.
Rui watched quietly for a moment, his gaze lingering on Tsukasa as he basked in the warmth of the afternoon sun. The dragon’s relaxed composure was a rare sight, and Rui had only seen it a couple of times in the months they’d known each other. Letting his guard down around Rui so naturally is something he would never quite grow accustomed to. And the thought of this made his heart swell, a warmth spreading through him.
He rested his chin in his hand. “It’s been years since you’ve attended. Even my ancestors probably never lived long enough to see you at the festival.”
Tsukasa clicked his tongue and turned to face him. “As I’ve said, they’re doing the same thing over and over. It’s nice that people go through all that trouble for me, I really appreciate it! But honestly, it gets old.”
Rui chuckled softly, amused by Tsukasa’s words as he stepped closer to him. With a gentle motion, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind the dragon’s ear. Up close, he always found himself mesmerized by the unearthly beauty before him.
If someone ever asked him to write an essay about Tsukasa, he’d fill a hundred pages with reasons why the dragon is the most captivating person he has ever known. No, he’d do it even if no one asks him to!
“That’s why I’m the one organizing it, dear.” He cooed, his voice teasing. “I’ll make it the best festival you won’t ever forget.”
Rui watched with quiet satisfaction settling in his chest as Tsukasa slowly turned red under his gaze. The way his cheeks flushed and the fact that Rui was the only who could provoke such a reaction from their deity was a secret he felt selfishly possessive of.
But then, there was a sharp thwack.
“Ow!” Rui flinched, rubbing the back of his head. He spun around with a glare, only to see Tsukasa’s tail swaying innocently, as if it had nothing to do with it.
Oh, it was on .
Rui lets out an exaggerated sigh, turning away dramatically like a man deeply betrayed by his lover. He clasped a hand to his chest, casting a look of sorrow over his shoulder.
“So you won’t watch?” he asked in despair. “After all the hard work I’ve been putting in? What am I supposed to do if you don’t even notice the things I’ve been sacrificing sleep for?” He shook his head as if the heartbreak was too much to bear.
Rui tilted his head back, casting a sly glance over his shoulder, eyes glinting as he waited for a reaction.
“I guess it’s fine,” Rui added, voice now painfully noble. “Maybe the great and powerful god such as yourself doesn’t have any time for someone like me.”
There. A twitch. Barely noticeable.
Rui’s lips curled into a teasing smile as he continued with deliberate drama. “And then,” he sighed, “I’ll watch alone. All alone. So heartbroken. Unappreciated… even by my dearest—”
A hand covered his mouth. “Okay, okay! I get it!”
But before Rui could even respond, Tsukasa quickly cut him off again. “But you don’t have to work yourself to the bone for my sake.” Slowly, he removed his hand, his gaze softening as he studied Rui. “I can already see the bags under your eyes!”
Rui blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected concern, but before he could process it, a hand slid into his. Tsukasa’s fingers tightened around his hand, the warmth of the touch caused his brain to momentarily short-circuit. “I’m going,” Tsukasa murmured. “Because you’ll be there.”
Rui felt the dragon’s other hand wrap around his wrist, the soft pressure of Tsukasa’s touch working to ease the strain he had already forgotten. The quiet, tender gesture was enough to make Rui forget his words, lost in the comfort of a god so humane.
Ah, that’s why he fell in love in the first place.
Rui couldn’t help but feel his heart full. “Well, that’s enough for me.”
When Rui said he was sacrificing sleep, he hadn’t been exaggerating.
These past few days, he had been depending on nothing but pure adrenaline and some snacks to keep his system running. There was no time to dwell on exhaustion, not when there were schedules to finalize, decorations to oversee, and every little detail to refine. His mind had no room for anything else.
The ache in his back reminded him of the hours spent hunched over scrolls and papers, scanning over every last note, every contingency plan. There was always one more thing to go through and it wouldn’t hurt to double-check everything just to be sure he wasn’t missing anything.
Business permits. The finalized floor plan for the decorations. Costume designs for the performers. Coordination with the head chefs for the feast with the emperor. Guard placement at the city gates and around the city square. Stationed at key points to ensure security…
Rui exhaled, his fingers tapping against the parchment in front of him
What else… what else…
His mind raced, sifting through the endless stacks of paper he had reviewed a dozen times that he failed to notice the quiet creak of the door opening.
“Kamishiro.”
Rui’s head snapped up at the familiar voice, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Immediately, he pushed himself to his feet, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty. Forgive me, I didn’t welcome you properly.”
The emperor merely lifted a hand. “At ease. Considering how tirelessly you’ve been working, I’m not surprised.”
Rui lets out a small, sheepish laugh. “That’s just the way I am, Your Majesty.” Without missing a beat, he stepped over to the nearby tea set on the table. “Would you care for some tea?”
The emperor hummed, his gaze lingering on Rui. “Usually, I leave the festival preparations to Akiyama. But seeing you so eager to take the lead, well, why not?”
The emperor continued. “Also, no need for tea. I’m only here for a moment to tell you to take a break.”
Rui blinked, his mind still catching up. “Pardon?”
The emperor chuckled, clearly amused at his confusion while Rui remained at a complete loss. A break? With the festival only a day away? That didn’t feel quite right.
“What more is there to prepare?” the emperor mused, a gentle smile tugging his lips. “Everything’s already finished. All that’s left is for you to enjoy the festival.”
Oh .
Rui hadn’t even noticed.
Somewhere between the amount of endless and meticulous paperwork and sleepless nights, he had forgotten to stop. And now that he was reminded of it, he did not quite know what to do with himself. The thought of resting felt… almost unnatural.
But if even the emperor himself had to step in, that was–well, embarrassing. Like a child being gently scolded.
His fingers twitched at his sleeves before he bowed again, letting the fabric slip forward to hide the growing embarrassment on his face. “I apologize if I caused any concern. I’ll… take a break now.”
“That’s good. Though I believe that apology might be better directed to the one waiting outside.”
Rui lifted his head once again, confusion knitting his brows. He saw the emperor’s knowing eyes, gazing towards the window past him.
He blinked, then slowly turned.
His eyes widened.
Outside, staring in quiet patience, was a full dragon. Gleaming scales shimmered under the dusk and sharp golden eyes that were so familiar were fixed solely on him.
“I’ll leave you two to it.”
The door clicked shut, but Rui barely registered it. His breath caught as he stood frozen in place, unable to tear his gaze away from the sight before him.
Through the window, Tsukasa’s dragon form began to shift. His scales receded, his talons shrank as he seamlessly returned to his half-dragon state. He landed in casual grace, his sun lit eyes gleaming in the dim light.
A huff. Then– “So you’ll listen to him, but not me?”
Rui could see a pout forming, along with the slight furrow of his brow. The sight elicited a sigh of relief from his lips. Seeing Tsukasa like this was quite endearing. “You’ve been waiting?” His voice came out quieter than he intended. He must have been worn out worse than he thought.
Tsukasa crossed his arms as his tail flicked behind him, clearly sulking. “Obviously.”
Rui lets out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair as he lets himself relax for the first time in days. His body sagged, exhaustion catching up to him all at once. “You could have come in.”
“I could have,” Tsukasa admitted as he stepped closer. “But I figured you wouldn’t listen until you hit the ground head first.”
A quiet laugh escaped Rui. “My fault for that one,” he admitted, shaking his head. Then he lets his head fall against Tsukasa’s shoulder. “But I couldn’t help myself. You should enjoy your own festival.”
He barely registered the movement before a steady arm curled around him, easily supporting Rui’s weight. He wobbled, but Tsukasa didn’t let him fall. Instead, he guided Rui forward, dragging him towards the bed.
The moment Rui hit the mattress, he melted into it with a sigh, the plush fabric swallowing him whole. His exhaustion tripled. Maybe even quadrupled because of the temptation to just sleep like a rock for eternity.
Rui stirred, a faint thought cutting through the haze. “Wait, I still haven’t changed yet.”
Tsukasa didn’t even hesitate. “You should have done that earlier.” His tone was infuriatingly matter-of-fact. The bed dipped as he settled in beside him. “Too late now. We’re sleeping.”
An arm curled around Rui, pulling him in with ease that left no room for argument.
Rui huffed, though it lacked any real protest. “I just hope I live up to your expectations tomorrow.”
Tsukasa snorted, as if the thought itself was ridiculous. “Anything you give me is cherished equally. Hand me a rock and I’ll put it on display like a prized treasure!”
A breathy laugh escaped Rui. “Aren’t you just a natural-born charmer?” He reached up, fingers threading gently behind Tsukasa’s neck. He tugged him closer, their breaths overlapping one another. “Thank you for waiting for me.”
Tsukasa only smiled before closing the distance. A quick, fleeting kiss against Rui’s lips.
But it wasn’t enough.
Rui pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, his heart thrumming, before leaning in once more. This time, slower, deeper.
He sighed into the kiss, his hand tightening against Tsukasa’s neck, drawing him impossibly close. He felt Tsukasa’s breath hitch with a slight tremor in his hold, and it only made Rui smile against his lips.
Tsukasa lets out a noise, one Rui felt more than heard. Before he could think twice, Tsukasa was shifting. In a single, fluid motion, he had Rui beneath him with their bodies pressing each other. Rui barely had time to react before his arms naturally wrapped around Tsukasa’s neck.
No words were needed. The next kiss came, frantic and more desperate.
Rui felt the warmth of Tsukasa’s body pressing against his in a way that made his heart race. His fingers tangled into his long hair, tugging just enough to earn a low growl. Rui swallowed it with another kiss, drinking in a way Tsukasa melted against him.
Tsukasa shifted, his hands pressing into the mattress on either side of Rui’s head, caging him in. “You’re supposed to be sleeping,” he said in a hushed tone.
Rui gave him a knowing look. “Kissing reduces stress, dear. You’re helping me stimulate the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which also lowers cortisol levels that induces said stress.”
“Uh-huh.” Tsukasa rolled his eyes, biting back a laugh before dipping back down, capturing Rui’s lips once more. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, hot and uneven. Rui felt the weight of Tsukasa pressing him deeper into the mattress, his body heat sinking into his skin.
The warmth of his lips trailed lower. Rui shivered as he felt them drag against his jaw, down to the sensitive skin of his neck. He couldn’t help but let out a whimper as Tsukasa gently nicked his skin.
Rough hands ghosted over his sides, sharp fingernails slipping beneath the fabric of his clothes. Rui gasped at the touch, his back arching slightly in response. He tightened his grip in Tsukasa’s hair just to hear that low, breathy sound again.
They parted for a second. Rui barely had a chance to breathe before Tsukasa was on his lips again, pinning him against the mattress hard. His hand moved to Rui’s jaw, holding him still for a moment before he nipped Rui’s bottom lip.
“Hnn..!” Rui mewled at the sudden pressure and Tsukasa was quick, parting his lips with a deliberate push of his tongue, slipping it right into Rui’s mouth.
His body shivered at the invasion, unable to suppress a loud moan. Tsukasa took his time, tongue tracing the inside of Rui’s mouth that made his breath hitch, swallowing every lewd noise that escaped him.
The mixed sensation of pleasure and heat had Rui’s heart racing as the kiss grew intense. Their lips met again and again, desperate for more.
Rui could barely think. His senses overwhelmed by Tsukasa’s touch, turning his brain to mush as if he was trying to drown Rui in every kiss. He felt his hands roam over his body before they found their way to his wrists. With effortless control, Tsukasa guided Rui’s hands above his head, intertwining their fingers together. One hand, then the other. Until both were locked in place with a firm grasp.
His movements were completely restricted, made even more so when Tsukasa slotted a leg between his own, keeping a knee locked between his thighs to stop him from squirming, further closing the space between them. Tsukasa’s free hand found his waist, palm hot as it pressed against his side, keeping him firmly in place.
“You’re so beautiful,” Tsukasa murmured against his lips before he reclaimed his mouth in another hungry kiss. His tongue slipped past Rui’s parted lips, mapping out every inch, leaving a wet trail of saliva at the corner of his mouth.
“Haah…” Every part of his rationality flew out of the window. Rui instinctively attempted to move, but Tsukasa’s grip held fast. There was a gentle squeeze at his waist, causing Rui to spill out a quiet moan from his lips. One that Tsukasa eagerly swallowed, deepening the kiss with a satisfied hum.
When Tsukasa pulled back, he lingered just above Rui’s lips as they both panted for air, leaving Rui absolutely wrecked. Eyes half-lidded, his kiss-induced mind tried to search for Tsukasa to continue whatever they were doing. Only to be held back by the hand pinning him down.
“Now, let’s go to sleep, dear.”
Tsukasa leaned back, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he admired Rui, who was downright an utterly disoriented mess still stuck in a daze, breath still uneven from the heat of their kiss.
“…You’re serious?” Rui finally managed to rasp out, his voice hoarse.
“Of course! Didn’t you say we have a festival to attend tomorrow?” Tsukasa huffed as if he weren’t equally affected. Rui could still see the flush lingering on his cheeks from the heated makeout session that just happened. His lengthy hair sticking out from different places, thoroughly disheveled. Tsukasa slowly let go, immediately missing the feeling the moment it was gone.
It was Rui’s turn to pout, wiping away imaginary tears with the back of his hand. Just when things were getting interesting . “How heartless. Leaving me like this…”
“You can’t manipulate me, you tactician.” Tsukasa shot back, yanking the blanket up and cocooned them both in its warmth, securing his grip around Rui’s body. “Now sleep or I swear I won’t go to the festival.”
Rui sniffled. “Yes, dear.”
Today was finally the day of the Dragon Festival.
Lanterns of every hue swayed above the bustling streets, casting pools of warm light onto the stone paths. The atmosphere was vibrant, merchants calling out, laughter weaving through the conversations, and the rhythmic clatter of hurried footsteps as the palace staff rushed to finalize the preparations for the ceremony.
Rui made one final round of double-checking, ensuring each segment of the ceremony was in order. His gaze swept over the preparations as he scanned through the papers he held. Once satisfied that nothing was amiss, he turned and made his way towards the towering pagoda.
The priests greeted him with deep bows. Rui returned the gesture in courtesy before making his way up the stairs. He took his time, running through yet another mental checklist with every step. Even now, with everything seemingly in place, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something might have slipped past him.
Rui tapped a finger on his chin, ignoring the faint ache in his head. Fatigue clung to him despite the decent rest he’d manage the night before. He had been up since dawn to personally welcome the performers that came from the west.
Yes , he had invited a theater troupe from overseas, approved by the emperor himself. The entire process was nothing short of taxing. He remembered the back-and-forth of the permit processing and winced, rubbing his eyes at the exhausting thought.
By the time he reached the top of the pagoda, he was out of breath. He exhaled sharply, hands braced on his hips as he steadied himself. The sheer number of steps leading up had been nauseating.
Thank the gods Tsukasa had been with him last night, or else he might have lost it!
With one last breath, he straightened up and moved to the terrace. He stopped just before reaching the railing, keeping himself hidden from view. He remained near the doorway, allowing himself a fleeting moment of rest as he closed his eyes. He could hear the festival in full swing below.
Not before long, a strong gust of wind swept through. Rui’s eyes fluttered open just in time to catch the golden strands dancing in the breeze.
Tsukasa stood in front of him, bathed in the soft glow of the sun, adorned in the finest garments he’s never seen before. The intricate embroidery, the regal layers of fabric in colors of black, yellow, and white…
Their deity sure was a sight to behold.
“I see that my god is well-dressed,” He remarked. With a graceful bow, he added, “So very beautiful.”
Tsukasa flushed at the compliment, though he quickly masked it with a haughty harrumph. “You should expect nothing less from me! I chose this just for you!”
Rui raised an eyebrow, the words sinking in a little too easily. Chose it just for him? That was adorable! His gaze flickered with amusement. “Really? I’m honored.” A chuckle escaped him. “And you’re just in time. The ceremony is about to start.”
“Well, let’s go watch then!” Tsukasa declared, stepping forward and placing a hand on Rui’s arm. With a slight tug, he expected Rui to follow, but Rui didn’t move an inch.
Confusion flashed across Tsukasa’s features. “Rui?”
Rui simply shook his head. “It wouldn’t be fitting for me to be seen with you. Today is your day. Go on, smile and wave at everyone.”
Tsukasa’s brows furrowed. “That’s nonsense! They should see the one who organized all of this!”
Rui didn’t budge. “I can watch from here. I already know every part of the ceremony by heart, anyway.” He gestured towards the festival below. As if on cue, the rhythmic beating of the drums had begun.
But Tsukasa didn’t move. Rui could see it in the way he scowled, his jaw set in defiance, obviously not happy about this.
With a soft sigh, Rui reached out, his fingers curling around Tsukasa’s hand in a gentle hold, offering a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll watch the play with you,” he promised, which was perfect as all eyes would be on the stage. “I’m not going anywhere, alright?”
Tsukasa huffed, clearly reluctant. He then squeezed Rui’s hand back. “You better.”
Rui wiggled his eyebrows at this. It was silly, but the genuine laugh from Tsukasa melted the tension between them in an instant.
Slowly, Tsukasa let go, stepping towards the other side of the terrace, where the cheers of the people erupted from below.
Everything was perfect.
The opening ceremony had gone off without a hitch, the traditional procession flowing seamlessly into the city square, which was then followed by the performance of the hōgaku . Rui watched as Tsukasa’s usual demeanor softened, genuinely enjoying every bit of the festival.
Rui couldn’t help but feel a sense of deep pride.
Next was the play, the western theater troupe finalizing the preparations on the stage. As the lights dimmed and the curtains fell, Rui took the opportunity to slip to Tsukasa’s side.
Rui glanced at Tsukasa, finding him already looking his way as a smile spread across his lips. His god reached out, intertwining their fingers. It was such a natural movement, so tender that Rui could feel the cozy warmth bubbling inside him.
Rui leaned against the railing, resting his chin on his palm, completely at ease as the play began.
He had seen the troupe rehearse countless times. It was about a soldier, who was driven by vengeance, cutting down an entire army with nothing but his fury and a blade. An interesting story, yes. But his system betrayed him as he felt a wave of exhaustion that was ignored since he woke up.
The first mournful notes of the shakuhachi filled the air. Then, the curtain was drawn back, revealing a lone figure in tattered clothes standing on the stage.
“Woah…” Rui heard Tsukasa murmur in awe as the character on stage began to sing a low, melancholic melody.
Rui let his eyes flutter shut, allowing himself to simply listen. The first act was all about building the soldier’s journey. How he wandered, how he grew, how he unknowingly stitched together a family of strangers along the way. Rui followed along at first, but fatigue pressed against him like a lullaby. His head dipped slightly as he fought to keep it upright.
Tsukasa was quick to notice. Without a word, he reached over, guiding Rui’s head to rest on his shoulder instead.
It wasn’t until the sound of roaring applause filled the air that Rui stirred. His eyes blinked open just as the curtain fell.
“Oh.” He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, realizing what had happened. “Did I sleep through half of it?”
“You did,” Tsukasa confirmed, amused. “They’re on intermission now before the second act.” With a hand already reaching toward Rui’s lavender locks, he began combing through them absentmindedly. “Are you hungry? I’ll get us some snacks.”
Rui lifted his head slightly. “No, I should be the one—”
Tsukasa cut him off with a sharp tut. “Ah, ah. The food stalls probably have long lines, and I can just fly back here with the food.”
Rui snorted at the mental image of Tsukasa, who was dressed in full divine clothing, casually standing in line with the common goers. The thought was so ridiculous he had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. “Fine. No vegetables for me!”
Tsukasa narrowed his eyes on him. A second later, he pinched Rui’s cheeks.
“Ow, ow, ow—!” Rui winced, trying to pry his fingers off.
“You humans need proper nutrition!” Tsukasa scolded, giving his cheeks one last, extra firm pinch before finally letting go.
Rui rubbed at the sore spots as Tsukasa disappeared into the festival below. How could he… forcing his lover to eat something he despises!
Rui lets out a sigh, resting his chin back on his hand as he leaned over the railing, watching the festival below. The crowd had scattered, some rushed to the bathrooms while others also lined up at nearby stalls for snacks. The air buzzed with chatter and laughter.
His thoughts drifted back to the play. Act Two would surely have the audience at the edge of their seats as the story would now focus into the soldier’s grief. His sorrow turned into vengeance against those beyond the border. Tsukasa would love it, Rui knows. He thrived on dramatic action after all.
A sudden, sharp gong ripped him from his thoughts. Rui startled, the ringing continued echoing into his eardrums.
The intermission was over already? They were supposed to have at least ten minutes and by his count, only a few had passed.
He glanced around, noting the confused murmurs spreading through the crowd. They were just as puzzled as he was.
Then, another ring of the gong. This time, the audience fell silent.
Rui’s brows furrowed.
Why were they starting early?
The curtains parted before the audience had even settled, the sudden movement slicing through the lingering murmurs of the crowd. A strange, uneasy tension gripped Rui’s chest as his pulse quickened.
Something was wrong.
The stage should have shown the soldier beginning his journey to the outskirts. Instead, the same figure stood in the center, clad in tattered garments.
And then, he sang .
It was the same song from the first act. The same melody. The same sorrow-laden notes.
But this time, there was no shakuhachi to accompany him. Only his voice echoed across the theater.
Rui’s breath hitched. This wasn’t part of the second act. There hadn’t been any mention of a change in the script.
Then the soldier lifted his head
and looked straight at him.
Rui’s stomach twisted.
The man’s gaze was empty. A fast, deliberate movement followed as the soldier raised a bow, nocking an arrow with unnatural precision pointing right at him.
Rui hardly had time to react before the bowstring snapped.
No whistle. No warning.
Rui moved—just barely.
For a heartbeat, everything went still.
Then, white-hot pain tore through his shoulder.
The arrow had sunk deep into flesh and bone. Rui gasped sharply as he bit down a cry.
The world blurred at the edges of his vision. He narrowly heard the panicked shrieks from the crowd, the rustle of movement, but none of it registered past the unbearable fire in his body.
The arrow pulsed with every shallow breath he took, shifting ever so slightly in the wound. He clutched at the railing for support, fingers trembling, his legs weak.
A crimson bloom spread across his robes, sickeningly fast. Rui didn’t have a second to brace himself before his legs buckled, his body giving out beneath him.
The jolt of impact sent another violent shift through the arrow embedded in his shoulder, wrenching a strangled groan from his throat. He sucked in a breath, each inhale stung like fire licking at raw flesh.
God, it hurts .
He forced himself to move, but the moment he tried to push himself up, a fresh bolt of agony lashed through his body. His body trembled, slick with sweat, causing his vision to waver as his arms couldn’t hold him any longer.
Something caught him, someone was calling out his name, but the sound barely reached him.
The metallic tang of iron flooded his mouth before he even realized what was happening. Then he choked. Blood surged up his throat violently as he coughed against the relentless burn of it clogging his lungs.
This isn’t normal . The faint, rational part of his mind thought. A normal arrow shouldn’t do this .
Through the swirling haze of his vision, there was a flash of gold.
Tsukasa.
Wide-eyed. Horrified. Screaming. Trying to say something.
He tried to focus but his body refused to obey. His fingers twitched weakly at his side, every ounce of strength draining from him. But with what little he had left, Rui forced the word past his bloodstained lips.
“...Poisoned…”
And everything faded into darkness.