Agape (a marlo story)
for context this is a story involving me and my friend’s oc masato, asami and daphne doesn’t belong to me only Carlos does. some more context it’s a knight x prince story! enjoy!
Not everyone in this world is born equal, no matter how much one wishes and hopes for it. For Carlos he was born to be a tool, a little boy who would grow to be a knight of masato hisakawa, prince of the country and next in line for the throne.
How could they have ever known that their lives would change like that? Carlos remembered how they would sneak out to the gardens to climb trees when they were kids, how Masato called him brave after he had fallen and scraped his knee or how they both got scolded for accidentally scuffing up the floors, they were small back then, so innocent from the realities of the world.
Years can change lots of people but Carlos kinda wanted masato to stay exactly the same, stay his best friend..his masato. What a stupid thought. Carlos was a tool, and tools don’t get what they want, they serve their purpose with a smile.
“…and it’s so annoying, like who the hell do they think they are? the utter audacity! Ugh it’s just so- Carlos? Carlos are you listening?” Masato’s slightly whining tone snapped Carlos out of his daze, brown eyes blinking rapidly to ground himself back into this moment of sitting on the gardens and the first sight he was graced upon was Masato, he wasn’t the tiny kid he was before he grew to be someone Carlos would describe as ethereal. Long Raven black hair that was perfect with not a strand out of place, brown eyes but with flakes of gold that always seemed to captivate Carlos in ways he couldn’t describe. Skin so clear and without blemishes that Carlos swore the male wasn’t human, he was nothing like masato. He wasn’t perfect and pretty.
Carlos had blonde hair that was curly and constantly ruffled from how many times he would ruffle it in frustration with strands constantly falling in his face and reaching his shoulders in a mess of curls, his face and body covered with so many freckles that it resembled mud splattered all over him. His eyes lacked gold flakes but instead were a dark brown, almost black on some days. Deciding to stop studying masato’s face he moved to pull his own strands of hair back desperately needing the curls out of his face for a moment but the moment he touched his hair he felt hands ontop of his making his entire body shiver as Masato rushed to take over.
“Ah ah! Let me!” He gasped out in a tone Carlos recognized as a mixture of excitement and sheer confidence, not wanting to disobey his majesty he felt masato shift to a better position behind him. He could feel his breath on his neck, the way he smelled like expensive fruits and spices in a manner that made Carlos want to drown in these scents til he lost his breath. “You know you don’t have to do this, I can do it..” Carlos spoke softly, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty.
“I know but I can’t have my knight looking anything less than perfect! I mean where I go you go so you can’t make me look bad” Masato spoke in a tone Carlos recognized as teasing, when alone like this they always felt closer it was childish of Carlos to think that it could always be like. “Well of course, it would be an utter crime if I looked like a slob next to the prince himself” Carlos joked back as he felt masato finishing putting his hair in a small ponytail.
“Its like treason, I mean I know no one can look as good as me but still” Masato cheered out as he moved his hands back to preen his own hair ensuring the grass didn’t get into it. “You’re right..no one can ever look as good as you” Carlos whispers as he turned to face Masato his tone being slightly too earnest for his own liking so he clears his throat deciding to change the topic before Masato could rebuttle. “We should get back, you must be excited for tonight. The queen has put a lot of thought into the ball” Carlos urged as he stood up holding a hand out for masato to grab while bowing slightly, his eyes to the ground with his other arm behind his back in submission.
“Ugh..it can be so boring sometimes I can only handle so many dull conversations about politics!” Masato whined with a slight pout while grabbing Carlos’ hand to help himself stand, his hold on his hand lingering for a few more moments than necessary before pulling back “oh but you light up a room anywhere you go, so I’m sure you will be the life of the ball” Carlos praised earning that smile he so very much adored. The walk back from the gardens to the palace was one of small chatter, Carlos mostly let masato rant about the outfit he was going to wear, something flashy and probably covered in gold.
Upon entering the palace though Carlos immediately tensed when he heard the sharp steps of heels clicking coming towards them, the sight of the queen made Carlos drop his head quick, bowing submissively as Masato spoke to his mother in a hushed tone. Carlos couldn’t focus on what they were saying due to the anxious ringing in his ears, queen daphne was terrifying she had this commanding presence to her that made Carlos’ knees buckle and want to puke on his own leather boots.
Daring to glance up he looked towards Masato watching the way his back seemed straighter and his tone far more regal, so that was what Masato looked like when he was trying to impress his mother? He felt so..cold. Carlos gulped as the urge to reach his hand out to touch Masato nearly overcame him, to let him know he was still here to just acknowledge him.
Biting his bottom lip Carlos watched as Masato joined his mother the two walking away, Carlos picked his head up feeling his heart sink but his eyes sparkled with a childish joy when he saw Masato turn back and give him a smile that could warm even the coldest of nights, the slight wave of his hand and hushed laugh while his mother wasn’t looking. Carlos felt his knees finally give out as he dropped to them, hand clutching his chest wondering if it would explode from all these feelings he had inside, his breathing was heavy as his face felt so red he was sure steam was wafting off him. Masato might truly be the death of him, and he was okay with that.
The ball was loud with chatter, different smells and sounds made Carlos’ head spin as he stood off to the side with other knights and hand maidens like the disregarded tools they probably were, Carlos wasnt quite paying attention to them though his focus was on the one thing it always was on..Masato who was dragging along his twin sister who looked like she would rather be anywhere else on the planet than here, it amused Carlos how they could look so similar with their dark hair and ethereal looks but yet so different.
Asami hisakawa was someone Carlos would refer as a crow in a family of doves, he was sure she rather preferred to be left alone than talking to some duke about how many horses he owns. Carlos almost felt bad for the girl but his eyes caught masato’s who gave him a wave and a beckon, like the loyal dog he was Carlos followed. He walked over just as asami was moving away seeming to have escaped her brother’s pleasing and pestering for a moment now that his focus was on Carlos. “So? It’s perfect right? Absolutely amazing?” Masato gushed as he rested a hand on his hip with his other hand gesturing to the clothes he wore.
Carlos took in the dark clothes with gold jewels glittered about resembling stars on a dark night, the way masato’s hair was slightly pinned up with a hair comb that looked like it coated more than Carlos would ever hope to afford. Carlos felt the way his heart fluttered as his words fell out before he would reel them back. “Not even the stars in the sky can compete with you” his tone was soft and gentle, masato’s eyes widened and Carlos caught the way his face looked a little redder than normal before a cocky grin was on his face.
“Well I mean, I am pretty amazing so that’s to be expected” he boasted which made Carlos laugh in a manner that felt almost freeing. Masato’s prideful expression melted into one far more genuine as he watched the way Carlos laughed and he found himself laughing too, the chatter of the ball almost fading as it felt like just them. “Are you enjoying the ball? I mean it is for you after all..to meet suitors” Carlos said his tone growing softer with each word immediately scolding himself for even mentioning it, way to ruin the mood.
It was as if he couldn’t shut up cause before masato could speak he spoke again, the bitterness and jealousy on the tip of his tongue like bile that he had to gulp down. “I’m sure you’ll find someone that suits your fancy” Carlos spoke with a forced smile, his smile twitching when he saw the way Masato looked towards the crowd of mingling people now flashing an excited grin. “Only one way to find out” he chimed out as he grabs Carlos’ hand a soft squeeze of affection before walking away to go mingle leaving the knight standing there feeling hopeless.
As the night wore on Carlos tried to remain in good spirits, he knew it was bad but he couldn’t help but to subtly express his joy at the sight of masato looking almost bored by the men and women who would try and hold his attention only for him to casually excuse himself out of the conversation, every time masato’s eyes found Carlos’ the young knight made sure to make an amusing face to make the prince hold in his laughter, if the night continued like this then maybe there was a chance the two of them could escape later to their special spot in the gardens to talk, just a few more hours.
Carlos felt his pride and cockiness surging with each dull conversation masato was engaging in, masato wasn’t like them he wasn’t some boring snobby high society idiot who was entertained by anything. Carlos knew that was nothing to worry about-
Then he heard a familiar laugh, his blood ran cold as he looked to see masato talking to some guy, the way his eyes softened and a more genuine sounding laugh escaped him. Carlos felt his heart beating in his ears as Masato was standing slightly closer to this noble, engaging in their conversation as the man leaned in to whisper something in masato’s ear only for Masato to laugh at whatever nonsense he was spewing.
Carlos felt like his blood was boiling, the loud heartbeat replaced by a ringing in his ears, this is how it starts right? They start courting and before one knows it Masato would be married off, in love with someone who wasn’t him. He should have expected such a thing to occur, Carlos was a knight and Masato a prince it could have never truly worked could it? Carlos felt his chest rising and falling rapidly, the room was spinning and the final straw seemed to be seeing this stranger place his hand onto masato’s lower back seeming to wish for a dance. Carlos felt as if he blacked out, fear and jealousy bubbling within him to the point where his body moved on its own watching as he walked over to the table of expensive glasses of wines and other drinks, grabbing a glass of red wine Carlos stared into the cup the red liquid sloshing slightly from his trembling hands.
It was a blur of a moment but he found himself walking straight over there and throwing the glass of crimson red wine all over both Masato’s and the stranger’s fancy clothes. The loud gasp followed by Carlos dropping the glass hearing it shatter to the ground made him realize what he’s done. His eyes grew wide as he wanted to apologize but all that came out was a passive aggressive response. “Oops, my hands slipped” Carlos whispers out eyes glaring daggers at the gentleman who looked both enraged and humiliated but Carlos was so focused on his jealousy that he failed to notice masato until he felt a grip on his wrist, one of rage.
“What the hell was that? How clumsy can you be?! Carlos, seriously?!” Masato’s rage filled tone made Carlos twitch, all that pride and jealousy deflating as he looked into Masato’s eyes seeing not only rage but fear, a crippling fear that grew as the whispering in the room only seemed to grow louder, the staring in their direction filling the room with so much tension it made Masato want to choke, a frustrated sound escaped him as he started to drag Carlos out of the ballroom feeling humiliated enough to want to go somewhere else to yell at the male.
“That was so..embarrassing!” Masato’s frustration rang out as he finished dragging Carlos away from the gwaking ball guests the two of them now in the gardens that became known as their signature spot. Carlos could feel the way his cheeks burned, adrenaline hitting his veins but when he opened his mouth to speak it seems Masato wasn’t finished speaking. “You embarrassed me infront of my peer, my sister..my mother! I mean what is your problem?!” Masato’s tone grew an octave now stepping forward that regal intimidating presence hitting Carlos in full force as he found himself fumbling over words.
“I-I can’t..I can’t do this anymore Masato” his tone was shaking, hands trembling as he kept his eyes towards the ground. “Every suitor is like a knife to my heart, how much longer are you going to play with me like this?” Carlos found his voice, brown eyes once full of rage now directed at the one person he would do anything for.
“I-I..what?” It was a true challenge to get Masato to stop talking but it seems Carlos had managed that, not waiting a single moment he stepped forward grabbing masato’s wrist and slamming his hand to his chest letting the male feel the way his racing heart, eyes glittering with tears.
“I don’t know if this is some kind of game to you, but damn it my heart burns for you..I BURN for you! So forgive me for being unable to sit there while some man who doesn’t even know you pretend that he knows anything about you cause I..” his words choked on him, hands moving to run through his curls giving them a painful tug as he put some distance between them both. “…I can’t stand it, please..don’t make me watch as you fall for someone that isn’t me” Carlos sobbed as masato seemed to be in slight shock. “Are you..kidding?” Masato’s tone was quite not one of disgust or annoyance but genuine shock.
Carlos gulped ready for whatever punishment came his way, of course Masato didn’t feel the same way. Of course he was delusional into thinking a prince would love him like how he did. “I-I’m not kidding, I’ve never been more serious” he said and let out a shaking breath. “Look I know I’m not the most graceful or strong, I mean I’m not some shining prince who can sweep you off your feet” Carlos started as he now resumed his pacing. “But I’ve known you my whole life, I mean we played and grew up together..” he continued barely registering masato walking closer to him.
“Carlos..” Masato spoke out but Carlos just kept going, cheeks a burning red and words moving faster. “I’ve liked you since the moment I first saw you as children, you’re so headstrong but amazing and you’re stubborn but good stubborn. I can’t just let you marry some snobby know it all who won’t even appreciate you” Carlos ranted with a huff a slight pout on his face.
“Uhh Carlos..?” Masato tried once again to get his attention.
“One sec. I mean it’s like, would we ever work? I don’t know! We can try can’t we? Oh but the queen, ugh she would have my head if she knew how I felt about you and I haven’t even asked you if you felt the same and I just..ugh maybe this was a bad idea to confess but I couldn’t keep it in even after that jerk was holding you like that I mean who does he think he is? He doesn’t even know you and he’s- mphh!” Carlos felt his words cut off by masato grabbing his face and pressing his lips to his, Carlos felt his knees buckling and his hands gripped onto Masato’s shirt desperately needing to hold onto him or else he was sure he would crash to the ground.
When Masato pulled back his face looked nearly as flustered as Carlos’ though he seemed thoroughly amused with how Carlos was in shock. “As I was GOING to say, I like you too..a lot.” Masato said softly as he softly rubbed Carlos’ cheek wiping away the tear stain. “I’m sure we can figure something out with mother, but I do like you Carlos. For a while now, I just didn’t know if you liked me as well” Masato’s confession felt like the final straw for Carlos, he gulped and was unable to wipe that stupid grin off his face.”you kissed me..” he whispers as he threw his arms around masato planting soft kisses on his cheek now unable to hold back his affection now that he knew it was reciprocated, Masato liked him and that’s all he needed.
Carlos wasn’t sure how they would inform the queen or even what was the next step but all Carlos knew was that maybe life wasn’t always unfair.