True Love
Title: True Love
Pairing: technically KinKi Kids... but I think there's actually more tackey x tsubasa instead x___x;;; oh well!
Rating: G
Summary: AU - Beauty & the Beast
“YOU!”
The piercing shriek caused the entire ballroom to freeze: the orchestra screeched to a discordant stop with a squeal of violin bows on strings, guests stumbled mid-twirl and everyone from the tiniest lapdog to the prissiest princess turned their eyes to the couple in the middle.
Prince Koichi eyed the furious witch waggling a bony finger in his face with increasing alarm and giggled nervously. “I sincerely apologize if you took it as an insult?” he hastily offered and executed a neat turn of his heels. Of course it wasn't exactly princely to run away, but a speedy exit wasn't uncalled for or out of the ordinary in certain situations and he was pretty sure angry witches fell under that category.
“I’m not done with you!” the witch hissed, the venom pouring out of her mouth in visible puffs of green smoke.
Force of habit through years of good breeding in manners proved to be much stronger than Koichi's dim sense of self preservation. He spun around automatically mid-flight only to get a wad of phlegm on his cheek for his efforts.
“Hey,” he said, mild surprise and hurt registering on his face. No less than five young maidens (and quite a few not very young ones as well) scurried forward bravely, waving embroidered handkerchiefs. He shooed them aside and they retreated meekly. He dug in his pockets for his own handkerchief and wiped himself off.
“Just you watch, my pretty prince,” the witch snarled. “I’ll show the world that you're just as ugly as a beast!”
Unfortunately for the witch who was preoccupied with searching in her robes, she didn’t notice the effect that her words were having on her intended victim. Koichi’s eyes lit up, the corners of his mouth began to twitch, and by the end of her mini-speech, he was just shy of breaking out in unseemly gleeful clapping and skipping. Finally locating her wand in her boot, she turned her attention back to Koichi who immediately slumped his shoulders, a somber expression appearing magically on his face. “What do you have to say for yourself?” she sneered.
Koichi bowed his head in angelic contrition. “As you wish, ma'am,” he murmured.
There was a loud crack of lightning and then the whole castle was enveloped in smoke.
**
The castle staff gathered in the kitchen to hold an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Everyone looked over their new bodies glumly and went around reintroducing themselves. The dour atmosphere was broken occasionally by bouts of giggles as some of the less mature staffers forgot about their own fates momentarily in laughing at a coworker’s changed appearance. (Prince Koichi’s squeals of glee could also be heard every now and again from the garden when they were particularly spirited.)
Tsubasa moaned. “I can’t believe I’m going to be stuck like this for the rest of eternity.”
“It’s not that bad,” Takki said with a decidedly cheery lilt to his voice. He batted his eyes coyly. “You’re still the light of my eyes and you always enjoyed tidying up around the castle anyway.”
Tsubasa glared at Takki. “Your lights are in my eyes,” he said icily. Takki immediately lowered his hands. “Plus, that’s not the point. Even if I do like dusting, I don't want to be the feather duster.” Takki rushed forward, both arms outstretched to offer the distraught Tsubasa a hug. Tsubasa squeaked in terror and beat a hasty retreat, swishing away rapidly to cower behind the safety of a large pot. “Don’t touch me,” he wailed.
Takki skidded to a stop and frowned. Maybe this “transformed into household objects” thing was going to be a lot more complicated than he had originally thought. He moved each of his arms in front of his mouth and blew out his candles.
The pot sneezed.
To Takki's delight, Tsubasa jumped into his arms. Fortunately for Tsubasa, he recovered his senses quickly enough to blow furiously at the lit candle that was perched on top of Takki's head. Immediate disaster averted, Takki and Tsubasa turned simultaneously and eyed the pot.
“Takizawa and Tsubasa, I presume?” the pot drawled. “Well, well. If it isn't two of my favorite staffers!" The pot paused and gave them a once over. "Hrmph. I see you two still can’t keep your hands off each other - even when one of you doesn’t have hands.”
Tsubasa’s mouth dropped open and he scrambled out of Takki's hold, inching closer to the pot cautiously. “Nakai-aniki?”
“That’s right,” the pot said, tipping his lid and fixing it at a jaunty angle. He waggled his handle thoughtfully as he contemplated the chaos in the kitchen. “Well, it looks like it’s about time to get this show on the road,” he said briskly. “Transformed or not, castles don’t run themselves.”
**
“Please, Koichi,” Nagase begged, “You’ve got to find your true love or else we’ll all be stuck like this forever!”
“I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Life is so much easier as a beast." Koichi sighed contentedly. "Quite honestly, if I had known it would be this great, I would’ve insulted more witches and wizards earlier.” Catching his reflection in the mirror, he walked over and preened, admiring the way the fur on top of his head fluffed up. “Hey, I think I’m even a little bit taller." He beckoned eagerly at Nagase. “Come stand next to me. I bet I reach your ears now!”
Nagase shot him a pained look. “I can’t exactly stand up anymore,” he said enunciating each word slowly for Koichi's benefit.
Koichi giggled. “Sorry, forgot for a second there that you were stuck like that.”
If Nagase could lift his front paws up high enough, they would’ve been around Koichi’s neck, royalty and best friend be damned. As it was, he settled for nipping Koichi on the ankle and collapsing in a pile of disgruntlement on the ground. “Even if you don’t care about falling in love yourself, you should at least think about the rest of us,” he said trying a new tack. “This whole 'stuffed hunting trophy' bit is putting quite a damper on my love life.”
Koichi leaned down and scratched Nagase behind the ear. “There, there,” he said soothingly. “I’m sure there are plenty of fair maidens out there who appreciate the hirsute. You'll just have to find one with a Neanderthal fetish."
Nagase growled one more time in frustration and left Koichi’s room with as much speed and righteous anger as shuffling two inches at a time allowed him. Stupid, practical princes.
--
“Nakaaaai-kun!” Nagase bellowed, barreling his way slowly into the kitchen.
Massu smiled nervously. “He’s making curry right now.”
One more irritated glare from Nagase was enough to make Massu close his oven door quietly.
Nakai lifted his lid. “What’s the problem now, Nagase?” he said through a yawn. “Can’t I take a nap without being woken up every five seconds?” He looked around irritably. “Tea! I need tea."
Taichi giggled and poked Ryo with his handle. “Nakai-kun is calling for you,” he said in a sing-song voice.
Ryo turned bright red. “He can’t have tea without a cup,” he said pointedly.
Taichi smiled agreeably and followed in the wake of the trundling bundle of wrath.
Takki launched himself off the table and joined the group gathered around Massu. Ryo tipped himself over and poured into Taichi. Takki picked up Taichi and threw the contents into Nakai’s top.
“This isn't working out,” Takki said glumly, giving voice to the sentiments of everyone in the room. He stared forlornly at Tsubasa who was chatting animatedly with a group of fellow feather dusters by the doorway. Nagase let loose a tortured wail again. At the commotion, Tsubasa turned around, noticed Takki, and promptly whisked his way out of the room with a haughty flip of his bottom. Takki flailed his arms around wildly in frustration. (A tiny wooden fork and spoon set passing by ducked automatically.)
Nakai furrowed his brow. “Well, we're trying. It’s not our fault that all the maidens in town are either disgusted or bored to death by Koichi.”
“Then clearly, Koyama’s doing a crap job at picking out the chicks,” Nagase grumbled.
Koyama wrung his hands and looked anxiously from object to object. "In the interest of harmony - "
"I'll bring one back myself," Nagase interrupted.
Nakai nodded approvingly. “Make sure you bring back a cute one! One with nice, big boobs,” he yelled at Nagase’s retreating back. Nagase raised his left forepaw in acknowledgment.
**
Everyone crowded around the doorway to take a peek at their new guest.
Silence.
Takki cleared his throat. “That isn't a maiden."
“But he's certainly different from what Koyama-kun was bringing back,” Tsubasa added diplomatically.
Everyone nodded in silent agreement. True, there was nothing about the man in the straw hat with a fishing pole slung over one shoulder and a colorful tackle box in the other hand that resembled the delicate town maidens that Koyama had been luring back to the castle, but he was cute in his own fashion with long locks of hair that curled around plump, rosy cheeks.
Inocchi pushed to the front and flashed a toothy grin. “I’ll go get the dirt on him.” He struck a heroic pose.
Everyone groaned except Jin who burst out in laughter.
Matsujun rubbed his temple. “When will they stop with their incessant puns?”
No one answered because everyone feared that at the rate Koichi was going, the answer was never.
--
“Excuse me?”
Takki scrambled to his feet and bent over in a deep bow. “My apologies, Domoto-sama. I didn’t notice you entering the room. Would you like some light?” Takki’s candles, which had been flickering softly, flared up.
Tsuyoshi laughed. “Oh no, no. Please don’t bother yourself. And really, for the last time, Tsuyoshi is fine.”
Takki grinned and held out one of his arms. There was something about the other man that made him feel completely at ease as if he had known him for years even though this was the first time they had spoken to each other. “Tsuyoshi-san it is, then. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Takizawa Hideaki, the butler.” He blew out the wick on his right side and extended it.
Tsuyoshi held onto the profferred candle end with two fingers and gave it a solemn shake. They bowed politely to each other for good measure.
Tsuysoshi straightened up and eyed the bread basket hungrily. “I didn't have any breakfast this morning. Would you mind if I took a roll?”
“Oh no, please help yourself,” Takki said, pushing the basket forward. “They were baked three days ago so I’m afraid they might be a little stale but they still ought to be edible.” He looked anxiously for Tsuyoshi’s reaction as he took a bite. “The prince is the only that does any eating around here,” he added apologetically, “and he never cares how it tastes.”
Tsuyoshi swallowed and took another enthusiastic bite. “It’s delicious,” he announced.
Takki's shoulders slumped forward in relief.
“So, what were you up to before I interrupted?”
Takki blushed. He hesitated and then flicked his eyes to the left. "Just admiring the scenery," he said with a short, embarrassed laugh.
Tsuyoshi followed Takki’s line of sight. A solitary feather duster was working industriously away at the window drapes. Tsuyoshi scratched his chin. Ahh… so it was young love then. "Isn't that Tsubasa?"
Takki raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Yes, it is. How..?"
Tsuyoshi smiled. "I met him a little earlier." He took another look at Takki’s glum expression and corrected himself. Unrequited young love? He coughed lightly. “Well, actually, I think he likes you too.”
All three flames on Takki’s candles flared up again and danced merrily. “Really?”
“Yep, he just so happened to be complaining to me earlier about dumb candelabras being fire hazards,” Tsuyoshi said with an amused grin. He lowered his voice. “And watch, he keeps looking our way.”
Takki sat down on the edge of the table and glanced furtively over at the windows. Sure enough, Tsubasa had paused at the bottom of the drape and was sneaking a glance back at them. Takki grinned like a maniac and then he frowned. “But he’s always avoiding me,” he said, swinging the lower half of his body in the air fretfully.
“Then you're probably doing something to embarrass him.” Tsuyoshi picked up another roll.
Takki’s jaw dropped. Tsuyoshi took pity on him. “Look, just try approaching him when he's alone. You seem like a bright kid, I’m sure you can figure something out from there.”
(Half an hour later, if anyone was looking, they would have seen a pink-faced Tsubasa with very ruffled feathers and a ridiculously ecstatic Takki exiting quietly from the third floor supply closet.)
**
And so it continued. Slowly, but surely, Tsuyoshi charmed his way into the hearts of all the enchanted inhabitants of the castle. His quick humor, patient ear, and polite manners earned the approval of all from Nakai all the way down to the tiniest saltshaker (Koichi, of course, was another story). Nagase beamed with pride and strutted around the castle with the air of He Who had Done Good, basking in the knowledge that it was his impeccable taste that had brought Tsuyoshi into their circle.
Life at the castle settled into a comfortable routine. Tsuyoshi would usually show up around mid-morning with either his guitar or his fishing gear in tow and leave after dinner. As a bonus, with the presence of someone who actually remembered to eat on a consistent basis, mealtimes became more of a fixed affair. Nagase was even able to bully Koichi into sitting down at the dining table at regular intervals to eat.
As for Tsuyoshi, who knew what brought him back day after day to the castle. The fishing was certainly excellent (as with any other respectable castle, the estate was conveniently located on the bend of the river) but there must have been something more that drew Tsuyoshi to make the trek from the village everyday to visit.
**
“You know what you need?” Tsuyoshi said casually as he speared a piece of broccoli with his fork.
“Eh?” Confusion was written all over Koichi’s face. “Wait… who are you?”
“Domoto Tsuyoshi." Koichi's jaw dropped and before he could squeeze in a word, Tsuyoshi added, "And no, we're not related. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Again.”
This answer seemed to satisfy Koichi who returned to poking at his steak.
“You need a haircut,” Tsuyoshi continued smoothly, unperturbed at having just reintroduced himself for the umpteenth time to the same person in the span of less than a week. He squinted and made a makeshift frame by holding his fingers in a box shape up to his eye. “I think a close trim up the left side with some asymmetrical bangs across the forehead would do nicely.”
(Tsubasa tickled Takki with one of his feathers to get his attention. “Did you hear that?” he whispered, starry eyed. “Tsuyo-nii is going to give the prince a haircut.”
Takki patted Tsubasa lovingly on the head - Koichi’s snarled mane had been particularly trying for the fashion-conscious Tsubasa.)
“I like my hair now,” Koichi said stubbornly.
“Good!” Tsuyoshi said cheerfully. "You'll like it better after I'm done with it." He reached over and plopped the last steak on Koichi’s plate. “You need more food in you too."
Koichi frowned at his fork but took another bite obediently.
**
Tsubasa sighed.
Takki hovered around him anxiously. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm getting tired of living an enchanted life. I miss being normal - Tsuyo-nii promised to teach me how to play the guitar the other day, but with no hands..." Tsubasa smiled wanly.
Takki frowned. Ever since Tsuyoshi had brought cheer back into the castle, he had somewhat forgotten about the difficulties of their situation. Still, Tsubasa was right. Now that he thought about it... he blushed furiously as he considered the possibilities that could be explored if they had real bodies. Yes, life would definitely be so much better. He pushed the unpure thoughts away hastily and forced himself to concentrate on comforting Tsubasa. "Well, the only way the spell can be broken is if Koichi finds his true love, which in itself doesn't sound too impossible a task. The real problem is Koichi doesn't even try to break the spell - he loves being a beast."
Tsubasa nodded glumly. "Nothing we can do huh?"
"Well, we miss being human. Maybe if we help him remember things that he misses, he'll make more of an effort to break the curse?"
Tsubasa turned to stare at him, starry eyed. "You're so clever," he said.
Takki puffed up with pride. "Let's brainstorm together," he urged. "What does Koichi miss about being a human?"
"Sleeping. Eating." Tsubasa said promptly.
Takki blinked in confusion. The transformation wasn't doing much for Tsubasa at all - in fact, to be honest, it was turning him into quite the feather brain. "Koichi still sleeps as much as he wants as a beast and he never cared for eating," he explained patiently.
"Oh," Tsubasa made a small sound of disappointment. "Anything else?"
The desperate look on Tsubasa's face made Takki more determined to find a solution. What does Koichi love that he could only do as a human? It hit him like a bolt of lightning.
--
Koichi's ears twitched at the sound of a distant hum. He rolled over lazily and pulled the sheets over his head. It was too early in the morning for someone to be gunning their engine, he grumbled sleepily to himself. Wait. He sat up with a jolt. Engine? Impossible. He scrambled out of bed and pulled on a pair of pants hanging on the bedpost. Engine! Car!
He half-skipped, half-ran out the front door. He wasn't dreaming. He drew his paw across his mouth subconsciously, wiping away the drool that had pooled automatically. It was a beauty - a genuine, fire engine-red Ferrari F40. He squeaked in delight and attempted to hug the car (gently, of course. It would've been a travesty to scratch the paint.)
"Umm?" The door opened and a man stepped out.
Koichi focused enough to recognize that it was Tsuyoshi before his eyes zoomed in on the keys dangling from his fingers. "For me?" he asked eagerly.
Tsuyoshi's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Well, yea, Takizawa said you wanted me to..."
Tsuyoshi never got to finish his sentence, as he was promptly half-smothered in a hug.
"I love it!" Koichi exclaimed happily.
--
Once again, the castle was surrounded by a cloud of smoke.
omake~
Tsuyoshi poked Takki experimentally with the blunt end of his chopstick. "How about we put him in one of my aquarium tanks?" he proposed.
"I hear fricassee frog is quite good," Nagano said, licking his lips and eyeing it hungrily.
"I don't care what we do with it, just make it go away," Tsubasa wailed.
Takki croaked miserably and hopped inside Tsubasa's water glass.
Tsubasa promptly chucked a breadstick at him.
Notes:
This made more sense in my head when I started writing it a year ago which I suppose isn't saying much at all o___o;;;
The AU for the omake is the Princess and the Frog :D
Pairing: technically KinKi Kids... but I think there's actually more tackey x tsubasa instead x___x;;; oh well!
Rating: G
Summary: AU - Beauty & the Beast
“YOU!”
The piercing shriek caused the entire ballroom to freeze: the orchestra screeched to a discordant stop with a squeal of violin bows on strings, guests stumbled mid-twirl and everyone from the tiniest lapdog to the prissiest princess turned their eyes to the couple in the middle.
Prince Koichi eyed the furious witch waggling a bony finger in his face with increasing alarm and giggled nervously. “I sincerely apologize if you took it as an insult?” he hastily offered and executed a neat turn of his heels. Of course it wasn't exactly princely to run away, but a speedy exit wasn't uncalled for or out of the ordinary in certain situations and he was pretty sure angry witches fell under that category.
“I’m not done with you!” the witch hissed, the venom pouring out of her mouth in visible puffs of green smoke.
Force of habit through years of good breeding in manners proved to be much stronger than Koichi's dim sense of self preservation. He spun around automatically mid-flight only to get a wad of phlegm on his cheek for his efforts.
“Hey,” he said, mild surprise and hurt registering on his face. No less than five young maidens (and quite a few not very young ones as well) scurried forward bravely, waving embroidered handkerchiefs. He shooed them aside and they retreated meekly. He dug in his pockets for his own handkerchief and wiped himself off.
“Just you watch, my pretty prince,” the witch snarled. “I’ll show the world that you're just as ugly as a beast!”
Unfortunately for the witch who was preoccupied with searching in her robes, she didn’t notice the effect that her words were having on her intended victim. Koichi’s eyes lit up, the corners of his mouth began to twitch, and by the end of her mini-speech, he was just shy of breaking out in unseemly gleeful clapping and skipping. Finally locating her wand in her boot, she turned her attention back to Koichi who immediately slumped his shoulders, a somber expression appearing magically on his face. “What do you have to say for yourself?” she sneered.
Koichi bowed his head in angelic contrition. “As you wish, ma'am,” he murmured.
There was a loud crack of lightning and then the whole castle was enveloped in smoke.
**
The castle staff gathered in the kitchen to hold an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Everyone looked over their new bodies glumly and went around reintroducing themselves. The dour atmosphere was broken occasionally by bouts of giggles as some of the less mature staffers forgot about their own fates momentarily in laughing at a coworker’s changed appearance. (Prince Koichi’s squeals of glee could also be heard every now and again from the garden when they were particularly spirited.)
Tsubasa moaned. “I can’t believe I’m going to be stuck like this for the rest of eternity.”
“It’s not that bad,” Takki said with a decidedly cheery lilt to his voice. He batted his eyes coyly. “You’re still the light of my eyes and you always enjoyed tidying up around the castle anyway.”
Tsubasa glared at Takki. “Your lights are in my eyes,” he said icily. Takki immediately lowered his hands. “Plus, that’s not the point. Even if I do like dusting, I don't want to be the feather duster.” Takki rushed forward, both arms outstretched to offer the distraught Tsubasa a hug. Tsubasa squeaked in terror and beat a hasty retreat, swishing away rapidly to cower behind the safety of a large pot. “Don’t touch me,” he wailed.
Takki skidded to a stop and frowned. Maybe this “transformed into household objects” thing was going to be a lot more complicated than he had originally thought. He moved each of his arms in front of his mouth and blew out his candles.
The pot sneezed.
To Takki's delight, Tsubasa jumped into his arms. Fortunately for Tsubasa, he recovered his senses quickly enough to blow furiously at the lit candle that was perched on top of Takki's head. Immediate disaster averted, Takki and Tsubasa turned simultaneously and eyed the pot.
“Takizawa and Tsubasa, I presume?” the pot drawled. “Well, well. If it isn't two of my favorite staffers!" The pot paused and gave them a once over. "Hrmph. I see you two still can’t keep your hands off each other - even when one of you doesn’t have hands.”
Tsubasa’s mouth dropped open and he scrambled out of Takki's hold, inching closer to the pot cautiously. “Nakai-aniki?”
“That’s right,” the pot said, tipping his lid and fixing it at a jaunty angle. He waggled his handle thoughtfully as he contemplated the chaos in the kitchen. “Well, it looks like it’s about time to get this show on the road,” he said briskly. “Transformed or not, castles don’t run themselves.”
**
“Please, Koichi,” Nagase begged, “You’ve got to find your true love or else we’ll all be stuck like this forever!”
“I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Life is so much easier as a beast." Koichi sighed contentedly. "Quite honestly, if I had known it would be this great, I would’ve insulted more witches and wizards earlier.” Catching his reflection in the mirror, he walked over and preened, admiring the way the fur on top of his head fluffed up. “Hey, I think I’m even a little bit taller." He beckoned eagerly at Nagase. “Come stand next to me. I bet I reach your ears now!”
Nagase shot him a pained look. “I can’t exactly stand up anymore,” he said enunciating each word slowly for Koichi's benefit.
Koichi giggled. “Sorry, forgot for a second there that you were stuck like that.”
If Nagase could lift his front paws up high enough, they would’ve been around Koichi’s neck, royalty and best friend be damned. As it was, he settled for nipping Koichi on the ankle and collapsing in a pile of disgruntlement on the ground. “Even if you don’t care about falling in love yourself, you should at least think about the rest of us,” he said trying a new tack. “This whole 'stuffed hunting trophy' bit is putting quite a damper on my love life.”
Koichi leaned down and scratched Nagase behind the ear. “There, there,” he said soothingly. “I’m sure there are plenty of fair maidens out there who appreciate the hirsute. You'll just have to find one with a Neanderthal fetish."
Nagase growled one more time in frustration and left Koichi’s room with as much speed and righteous anger as shuffling two inches at a time allowed him. Stupid, practical princes.
--
“Nakaaaai-kun!” Nagase bellowed, barreling his way slowly into the kitchen.
Massu smiled nervously. “He’s making curry right now.”
One more irritated glare from Nagase was enough to make Massu close his oven door quietly.
Nakai lifted his lid. “What’s the problem now, Nagase?” he said through a yawn. “Can’t I take a nap without being woken up every five seconds?” He looked around irritably. “Tea! I need tea."
Taichi giggled and poked Ryo with his handle. “Nakai-kun is calling for you,” he said in a sing-song voice.
Ryo turned bright red. “He can’t have tea without a cup,” he said pointedly.
Taichi smiled agreeably and followed in the wake of the trundling bundle of wrath.
Takki launched himself off the table and joined the group gathered around Massu. Ryo tipped himself over and poured into Taichi. Takki picked up Taichi and threw the contents into Nakai’s top.
“This isn't working out,” Takki said glumly, giving voice to the sentiments of everyone in the room. He stared forlornly at Tsubasa who was chatting animatedly with a group of fellow feather dusters by the doorway. Nagase let loose a tortured wail again. At the commotion, Tsubasa turned around, noticed Takki, and promptly whisked his way out of the room with a haughty flip of his bottom. Takki flailed his arms around wildly in frustration. (A tiny wooden fork and spoon set passing by ducked automatically.)
Nakai furrowed his brow. “Well, we're trying. It’s not our fault that all the maidens in town are either disgusted or bored to death by Koichi.”
“Then clearly, Koyama’s doing a crap job at picking out the chicks,” Nagase grumbled.
Koyama wrung his hands and looked anxiously from object to object. "In the interest of harmony - "
"I'll bring one back myself," Nagase interrupted.
Nakai nodded approvingly. “Make sure you bring back a cute one! One with nice, big boobs,” he yelled at Nagase’s retreating back. Nagase raised his left forepaw in acknowledgment.
**
Everyone crowded around the doorway to take a peek at their new guest.
Silence.
Takki cleared his throat. “That isn't a maiden."
“But he's certainly different from what Koyama-kun was bringing back,” Tsubasa added diplomatically.
Everyone nodded in silent agreement. True, there was nothing about the man in the straw hat with a fishing pole slung over one shoulder and a colorful tackle box in the other hand that resembled the delicate town maidens that Koyama had been luring back to the castle, but he was cute in his own fashion with long locks of hair that curled around plump, rosy cheeks.
Inocchi pushed to the front and flashed a toothy grin. “I’ll go get the dirt on him.” He struck a heroic pose.
Everyone groaned except Jin who burst out in laughter.
Matsujun rubbed his temple. “When will they stop with their incessant puns?”
No one answered because everyone feared that at the rate Koichi was going, the answer was never.
--
“Excuse me?”
Takki scrambled to his feet and bent over in a deep bow. “My apologies, Domoto-sama. I didn’t notice you entering the room. Would you like some light?” Takki’s candles, which had been flickering softly, flared up.
Tsuyoshi laughed. “Oh no, no. Please don’t bother yourself. And really, for the last time, Tsuyoshi is fine.”
Takki grinned and held out one of his arms. There was something about the other man that made him feel completely at ease as if he had known him for years even though this was the first time they had spoken to each other. “Tsuyoshi-san it is, then. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Takizawa Hideaki, the butler.” He blew out the wick on his right side and extended it.
Tsuyoshi held onto the profferred candle end with two fingers and gave it a solemn shake. They bowed politely to each other for good measure.
Tsuysoshi straightened up and eyed the bread basket hungrily. “I didn't have any breakfast this morning. Would you mind if I took a roll?”
“Oh no, please help yourself,” Takki said, pushing the basket forward. “They were baked three days ago so I’m afraid they might be a little stale but they still ought to be edible.” He looked anxiously for Tsuyoshi’s reaction as he took a bite. “The prince is the only that does any eating around here,” he added apologetically, “and he never cares how it tastes.”
Tsuyoshi swallowed and took another enthusiastic bite. “It’s delicious,” he announced.
Takki's shoulders slumped forward in relief.
“So, what were you up to before I interrupted?”
Takki blushed. He hesitated and then flicked his eyes to the left. "Just admiring the scenery," he said with a short, embarrassed laugh.
Tsuyoshi followed Takki’s line of sight. A solitary feather duster was working industriously away at the window drapes. Tsuyoshi scratched his chin. Ahh… so it was young love then. "Isn't that Tsubasa?"
Takki raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Yes, it is. How..?"
Tsuyoshi smiled. "I met him a little earlier." He took another look at Takki’s glum expression and corrected himself. Unrequited young love? He coughed lightly. “Well, actually, I think he likes you too.”
All three flames on Takki’s candles flared up again and danced merrily. “Really?”
“Yep, he just so happened to be complaining to me earlier about dumb candelabras being fire hazards,” Tsuyoshi said with an amused grin. He lowered his voice. “And watch, he keeps looking our way.”
Takki sat down on the edge of the table and glanced furtively over at the windows. Sure enough, Tsubasa had paused at the bottom of the drape and was sneaking a glance back at them. Takki grinned like a maniac and then he frowned. “But he’s always avoiding me,” he said, swinging the lower half of his body in the air fretfully.
“Then you're probably doing something to embarrass him.” Tsuyoshi picked up another roll.
Takki’s jaw dropped. Tsuyoshi took pity on him. “Look, just try approaching him when he's alone. You seem like a bright kid, I’m sure you can figure something out from there.”
(Half an hour later, if anyone was looking, they would have seen a pink-faced Tsubasa with very ruffled feathers and a ridiculously ecstatic Takki exiting quietly from the third floor supply closet.)
**
And so it continued. Slowly, but surely, Tsuyoshi charmed his way into the hearts of all the enchanted inhabitants of the castle. His quick humor, patient ear, and polite manners earned the approval of all from Nakai all the way down to the tiniest saltshaker (Koichi, of course, was another story). Nagase beamed with pride and strutted around the castle with the air of He Who had Done Good, basking in the knowledge that it was his impeccable taste that had brought Tsuyoshi into their circle.
Life at the castle settled into a comfortable routine. Tsuyoshi would usually show up around mid-morning with either his guitar or his fishing gear in tow and leave after dinner. As a bonus, with the presence of someone who actually remembered to eat on a consistent basis, mealtimes became more of a fixed affair. Nagase was even able to bully Koichi into sitting down at the dining table at regular intervals to eat.
As for Tsuyoshi, who knew what brought him back day after day to the castle. The fishing was certainly excellent (as with any other respectable castle, the estate was conveniently located on the bend of the river) but there must have been something more that drew Tsuyoshi to make the trek from the village everyday to visit.
**
“You know what you need?” Tsuyoshi said casually as he speared a piece of broccoli with his fork.
“Eh?” Confusion was written all over Koichi’s face. “Wait… who are you?”
“Domoto Tsuyoshi." Koichi's jaw dropped and before he could squeeze in a word, Tsuyoshi added, "And no, we're not related. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Again.”
This answer seemed to satisfy Koichi who returned to poking at his steak.
“You need a haircut,” Tsuyoshi continued smoothly, unperturbed at having just reintroduced himself for the umpteenth time to the same person in the span of less than a week. He squinted and made a makeshift frame by holding his fingers in a box shape up to his eye. “I think a close trim up the left side with some asymmetrical bangs across the forehead would do nicely.”
(Tsubasa tickled Takki with one of his feathers to get his attention. “Did you hear that?” he whispered, starry eyed. “Tsuyo-nii is going to give the prince a haircut.”
Takki patted Tsubasa lovingly on the head - Koichi’s snarled mane had been particularly trying for the fashion-conscious Tsubasa.)
“I like my hair now,” Koichi said stubbornly.
“Good!” Tsuyoshi said cheerfully. "You'll like it better after I'm done with it." He reached over and plopped the last steak on Koichi’s plate. “You need more food in you too."
Koichi frowned at his fork but took another bite obediently.
**
Tsubasa sighed.
Takki hovered around him anxiously. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm getting tired of living an enchanted life. I miss being normal - Tsuyo-nii promised to teach me how to play the guitar the other day, but with no hands..." Tsubasa smiled wanly.
Takki frowned. Ever since Tsuyoshi had brought cheer back into the castle, he had somewhat forgotten about the difficulties of their situation. Still, Tsubasa was right. Now that he thought about it... he blushed furiously as he considered the possibilities that could be explored if they had real bodies. Yes, life would definitely be so much better. He pushed the unpure thoughts away hastily and forced himself to concentrate on comforting Tsubasa. "Well, the only way the spell can be broken is if Koichi finds his true love, which in itself doesn't sound too impossible a task. The real problem is Koichi doesn't even try to break the spell - he loves being a beast."
Tsubasa nodded glumly. "Nothing we can do huh?"
"Well, we miss being human. Maybe if we help him remember things that he misses, he'll make more of an effort to break the curse?"
Tsubasa turned to stare at him, starry eyed. "You're so clever," he said.
Takki puffed up with pride. "Let's brainstorm together," he urged. "What does Koichi miss about being a human?"
"Sleeping. Eating." Tsubasa said promptly.
Takki blinked in confusion. The transformation wasn't doing much for Tsubasa at all - in fact, to be honest, it was turning him into quite the feather brain. "Koichi still sleeps as much as he wants as a beast and he never cared for eating," he explained patiently.
"Oh," Tsubasa made a small sound of disappointment. "Anything else?"
The desperate look on Tsubasa's face made Takki more determined to find a solution. What does Koichi love that he could only do as a human? It hit him like a bolt of lightning.
--
Koichi's ears twitched at the sound of a distant hum. He rolled over lazily and pulled the sheets over his head. It was too early in the morning for someone to be gunning their engine, he grumbled sleepily to himself. Wait. He sat up with a jolt. Engine? Impossible. He scrambled out of bed and pulled on a pair of pants hanging on the bedpost. Engine! Car!
He half-skipped, half-ran out the front door. He wasn't dreaming. He drew his paw across his mouth subconsciously, wiping away the drool that had pooled automatically. It was a beauty - a genuine, fire engine-red Ferrari F40. He squeaked in delight and attempted to hug the car (gently, of course. It would've been a travesty to scratch the paint.)
"Umm?" The door opened and a man stepped out.
Koichi focused enough to recognize that it was Tsuyoshi before his eyes zoomed in on the keys dangling from his fingers. "For me?" he asked eagerly.
Tsuyoshi's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Well, yea, Takizawa said you wanted me to..."
Tsuyoshi never got to finish his sentence, as he was promptly half-smothered in a hug.
"I love it!" Koichi exclaimed happily.
--
Once again, the castle was surrounded by a cloud of smoke.
omake~
Tsuyoshi poked Takki experimentally with the blunt end of his chopstick. "How about we put him in one of my aquarium tanks?" he proposed.
"I hear fricassee frog is quite good," Nagano said, licking his lips and eyeing it hungrily.
"I don't care what we do with it, just make it go away," Tsubasa wailed.
Takki croaked miserably and hopped inside Tsubasa's water glass.
Tsubasa promptly chucked a breadstick at him.
Notes:
This made more sense in my head when I started writing it a year ago which I suppose isn't saying much at all o___o;;;
The AU for the omake is the Princess and the Frog :D