fhq oikage | 460 words | originally posted here
“Tobio, do you remember what I said to you on your first day of training?”
Tobio tries to recall, but he’s a little distracted by the way Oikawa’s fingers are idly combing through his hair. “Don’t slouch?” he guesses and is rewarded with a laugh that vibrates against his cheek.
“I might’ve said that,” Oikawa agrees, “but I was thinking of something a little more, ah, important than your posture.”
Tobio is mildly tempted to make a comment about how essential good posture is to archery; however, he refrains from doing so and tries to figure out what the demon king is referring to. Oh, of course. “You asked us if we were willing to die for you and the cause.”
Oikawa hums his affirmation. “And little Tobio-chan blurted out, ‘Yes!’ in front of everyone even though it was supposed to be a solemn, thought-provoking moment.”
Scowling, Tobio looks up and into Oikawa’s amused face. “Because I meant it.” He pauses and adds, “I still do.”
Like a shower of rain on a hot day, the lightheartedness dissipates almost immediately, leaving behind the stark reality of the situation. “I know.”
Oikawa sits up and so does Tobio. “The war is already upon us, Tobio,” he says. “No side is playing coy or trying to bargain anymore.” Tobio nods. “Everyone is going to lose something in some capacity.” Tobio nods again.
Taking his hand, Oikawa says, “When you joined our army, you had to pledge your life to me. But as your king, I am going to make an amendment to that.”
“You’re not allowed to die for me. You have to live for me or else I’ll do something stupid like try to die for you.”
Tobio blinks rapidly, but the demon holds his gaze, crimson eyes showing no hint of joking. “Don’t die for me,” is all he can think to say.
Oikawa scoffs. “You can’t give me commands, I'm the king.”
He has a point. Still, “It’s not a command. It’s a request.” He squeezes Oikawa’s hand. “Please.”
Oikawa leans forward so his forehead rests against Tobio’s. “As long as you keep your end of the deal, it shouldn’t be an issue,” he says before giving Tobio a kiss.
Tobio has never been one to go back on his word, but if there is a point during this war where he can save Oikawa, then he will, even at the cost of his own life. He knows no other way to serve, no other way to love. It’s one of the few things they both have in common, no matter what sort of stipulations they try to give each other.
After all, all’s fair in love and war and unfortunately, they are in the midst of both.
annaxmalina
stormborns
origamiaround
snowghoul
germansingergirl
ellievsbear
gummygunk
kianamaiart
theartofmadeline
