i like me better (when i'm with you)
○ fandom: deltarune
○ main pairing: kralsei (kris x ralsei) | minor pairing: suselle (susie x noelle)
○ characters: kris | ralsei | susie
○ genre/warnings: romance (mostly fluff… for now) | a bit of coming of age angst
○ tags: fake dating | celebrity au | social media au | meet ugly | kris is a tiktok musician | ralsei is an aged-out disney channel star | kris is afab | house parties | slightly underage drinking | mentions of blood | mild nudity | kris is a bit of a mess but we love them anyway | AND ralsei is too! | Aren't they perfect for each other??
○ chapter word count: 8,566
→ summary: Kris Dreemurr, the eccentric musician SilentKnight on TikTok, hadn't meant to trespass through Ralsei Prince's backyard and fall into his pond. But to be fair, they were utterly plastered at the time.
○ note: Heeyy, sorry about that abrupt week off. I was dealin' with some stuff. But now I'm back with the commencement of Act Two! Now, we get to get to the good stuff. Cue the falling in love montage music!! Oh, also, there are some things in this chapter you might judge me for, but I would just like to defend myself and say that it's not my fault there's no gender-neutral long-form name for Kris. Okay? Not my fault! If you have a problem with it, DM me on Tumblr. Meet me in the pit.
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Chapter 6/23: Masquerade Birthday Balls & Chivalrous Silent Knights
Ralsei
Faux Relationship Contract
This Faux Relationship Contract (hereinafter referred to as the “Contract”) is entered into as of September 3rd, 2022, by and between Ralsei Lorgaso O’Connelli Prince (hereinafter referred to as “Party R”) and Kristinopher Asgiel Luffjoie Dreemurr (hereinafter referred to as “Party K”), of which both parties agree to be bound by, establishes an exclusive partnership. Party R and Party K are hereinafter to be collectively referred to as the “Couple.”
“O’Connelli?”
“It’s my mother’s maiden name, what of it?”
“Never knew.”
“Hmm, well, there are a million things about your name that I could be asking you about.”
“Shoot.”
“Kristinopher?”
“Heh, my egg donor had such shit handwriting that they couldn’t tell which she’d written down, Kristine or Kristopher, and since my parents couldn’t settle on either, they combined them. It’s the Boss Monster way.”
“Your parents are Boss Monsters?”
“Do you think Asgiel is a normal name?”
“You never thought to mention—”
“Young ones! Back to the contract, if you’d be so inclined.”
“Apologies, Dr. Gaster. Ahem.”
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises and agreements contained herein, Party R engages Party K to act under the terms and conditions hereby agreed upon by the Couple.
I. Term. The term of this Contract shall commence on September 3rd, 2022 and terminate on February 15th, 2023.
“Who breaks up with someone the day after Valentine’s Day?”
“Thou wouldst be surprised.”
“Young one.”
“Right.”
II. Partnership Outline.
2.1 The Couple will not take any temporary lovers or permanent romantic relationships over the allotted term to maintain the guise of engaging in an exclusive relationship.
2.2 The Couple will only begin to engage romantically once the public is adequately aware of the “burgeoning relationship.”
2.2.1 When in public, The Couple will act as if both parties have a romantic affection for the other and partake in public displays of the aforementioned affection, which include but are not limited to: hand-holding; brief kisses on the hand, cheek, or lips; arms around waists/shoulders; coordinated outfits, when appropriate.
“Absolutely not. Strike that last one out.”
“What do you have against couple’s outfits.”
“Literally everything.”
“At some point you’re going to have to accompany me to an event with a red carpet, we’re going to have to coordinate then. My stylist won’t have it any other way.”
“Fine, they can complement each other, but nothing to matchy-matchy.”
“Very well. Now, where were we…?”
Originally, Ralsei’s nineteenth birthday party was supposed to be a small affair.
He’d take his boat out, watch the sunrise over the mountainous horizon, and spend most of the day lounging as he flipped through old scrapbooks. Then, once it got late enough, get ready for dinner with Uncle Rouxls and Lancer at his Uncle’s place. Nothing fancy. Nothing like what they’d come up with that fateful Saturday.
You see, he and Kris needed an organic way for them to “run into each other” again in public, where influential (read: gossipy) people would see. If they wanted everyone to buy their relationship, they couldn’t jump into it out of nowhere. There had to be a sort of build-up. A will-they-won’t-they type of situation. That’s when, over a lunch of Caprese salad, Uncle Rouxls had brought up his birthday. Kris had crashed one party before; why couldn’t they do it again? Answer to all their problems, right? Not quite. They soon realized that there actually needed to be a party to crash.
And it had to be big.
Big enough that people wouldn’t think that Ralsei had invited Kris to it. Which meant that they had two weeks to arrange a nineteenth birthday extravaganza. It was a tough ask. Especially since they had a strict theme, a masquerade ball. What? He was a sucker for period clothing. And Kris had been in as soon as they’d realized they had a good reason to wear their suit of armour outside.
With only a smidge of eye-rolling at their dual love of dramatics, Dr. Gaster and his Uncle somehow managed to pull it off. Finding the perfect venue deep in the Agoura Hills, Colibrí Castle. Something straight out of a fairytale with its cobbled exteriors and medieval-styled interiors. The perfect romantic backdrop to a courtly costume party.
Even now, as he got dressed in the castle’s main bedroom, he couldn’t help but feel as if he were transported back in time. As if he really was a Prince preparing himself for a ball.
Thanks to the vintage candle-like sconces, the entire room was bathed in a golden glow. Rich amber fabrics hung from the lancet windows and the traditional canopy bed frame. In contrast to the cream ones that covered the pillow-filled bed. On one side of the room sat the red and gold fainting couch his Uncle had thrown himself across as soon as he could. On the other was dark wooden vanity.
As he perched on its cushy seat, he clasped an onyx pendant around his neck. Humming along to the muffled jaunty bardcore covers coming from downstairs. Bopping his head to what felt like his very own grand theme music. Once the pendant laid flat against his sternum, his claws lingered for a moment, caressing it before they ventured elsewhere.
Picking up his glasses, he settled them on his face before wrinkling his nose and adjusting them. After a few moments of fiddling, he let out a tiny huff. He’d have to get used to wearing them with the green and black flamboyant mask attached to the front.
Prying his paws away from his glasses, he let them drift upwards to put his horn ornaments to rights. They were similar to a floral chandelier earring and inlaid with emeralds and pearls, dangling from his (finally!) curling horns. Then, turning his head this way and that way, he gazed at himself in the mirror to see if they were even.
They were, and yet, he still found himself hesitating to declare his outfit perfect and head downstairs to greet his guests. All of them came here to see him, after all. It’d be insulting to sequester himself up in this room for the whole night. Not to mention he’d be letting Kris down as well. Just the thought that all this trouble was for not made his stomach feel leaden. This was their first real test to see if this whole fake relationship thing would work. But maybe that was the problem.
What if tonight didn’t go well? What if he couldn’t convince his peers that this was the beginning of a romance between two budding stars? What if he couldn’t leave his innocent persona behind and step into one that was in keeping with the legacy he had to uphold…?
Well, then, fuck him, right?
He doesn’t know how long he stared at his own reflection. Spaced out, avoiding his hosting duties. It had to be long enough for him to jump in his seat when the bedroom door opened, though.
Uncle Rouxls’ head popped in with a half-smile. His long, platinum hair swept back in a low ponytail while a white and copper-hued harlequin-ish mask on his face. “Dearest nephew, I believe it high time that thou greeted all thine guests.”
“Yes, yes, I suppose you’re right.” He said, sighing as he rose to his feet. No going back now, he thought as he straightened out his clover green embellished jacket. Squaring his cloaked shoulders, he put on a sweet smile. “Can’t leave them waiting all night.”
Following his Uncle out, he congratulated himself on only longingly glancing at the library next door once as they headed down the hall. A corridor that narrowed further as the floor on either side of the center opened up to them. Giving them a birdseye view of the bustling entryway. Filled with costumed Monsters and Humans alike, all wearing elaborate masks. Someone must’ve seen him pass by. His name echoed in his ears as they made their way down the spiralled staircase. His paw trailed against the thick chain links they had as a railing. And as soon as he made it to the last time, it was showtime.
If there was one thing his parents had taught him was how to be a gracious host. Instilling the importance of keeping your guests happy and attending to their needs into him at a young age. Mainly in the form of asking him leading questions. Like if he thought it’d be wise to include a variety of juice boxes at his birthday lunch and not just his favourites. Or wondering out loud if one of his shyer friends was feeling left out. So he liked to think, even with a guest list two hundred names long, that he’d spent the first few hours of his party as flawless of a host as they were.
Greeting every guest he could, thankfully a lot of them had bunched up, and thanking them for coming. Using his actor brain to do his best to memorize names to masks and using them wherever he could. People loved it when you remembered. Taking photos with whoever asked, fixing any problems brought up. He did it all with a pep in his step, a smile on his lips, and a swish in his cloak. Doing his best to exude an effortless elegance, he was only half-sure he was pulling off.
By the stroke of eight o’clock, he was beginning to feel the wear of all his hostly obligations. At this point, the only thing propelling his feet forward and onto the next guest was the thought of, at some point, running into Kris. They hadn’t planned anything out further than both of them being at the party. No meeting spot or secret code word. Only vague proximity. He couldn’t deny the excitement bubbling in his chest. How his soul skipped a beat at every glimpse of tanned skin or deep brown locks. But, unfortunately, every time he looked further, he was left disappointed.
Where were they?
It’s not as if he isn’t enjoying his party. He is! Reconnecting with some of his old castmates and catching up with his current ones was a joy. Sometimes he forgot how nice it was to talk with someone who understood his professional plights. And some of the influencers his Uncle had invited were downright bearable to talk to! Not all of them. Thank Darkness, not all of them.
He was currently talking to one of those influencers (Audrey…something) but had long since gotten lost in his own thoughts. Don’t worry. Every time he forced himself to listen, it didn’t seem he was missing anything of interest. Back to his point, though. Despite all the other delightful people he was connecting with, the longer the party went on, the harder it was to keep up his pleasantness.
Had Kris decided not to come?
That’d be ridiculous. Between the contract they’d signed and their eagerness to wear their armour, there’s no way they’d stand him up. And yet… Why else would they not be here?
Colibrí Castle isn’t that far from the Valley, a quiet, icy voice in the back of his mind hissed. The one that loved to ponder the kinds of questions his Therapist had helped him work through. It shouldn’t have taken them long to arrive. What if something happened to them? Even the shortest of car trips can end in disaster. How would you know?
His throat began to tighten, causing his answers to Audrey’s questions to become nothing more than hums and head shakes. Somehow carrying on the conversation as his mind filled with chaos. How would he know?
No matter how much it seems like it, their Uncle isn’t clairvoyant. He’d be just as clueless as you. You might not know for hours, days, maybe, if Dr. Gaster doesn’t pick up when you call. If Kris is dead in a heap of crushed metal, consumed in flames and smoke, how would you know?
The tightness grew downwards until it seized his chest as well. His soul beat an imprint against his ribcage as his paws started to shake so bad he had to hold them behind his back.
The only thing you’d know for sure is that it’s your fault. They wouldn’t have needed to take their fatal drive to the castle if you hadn’t insisted on this fake relationship. Just like how your parents hadn’t needed to come home the night they did, but you begged them to. They’d still be alive if it wasn’t for you. Kris would still be alive if it wasn’t for you.
Selfish, spoiled, soulless little brat. Your parents would be ashamed—
“You know what, Audrey. I am so sorry, but I believe I need to step out for a moment.” He doesn’t know how he’d gotten all that out, but he did. Doesn’t know how Audrey had taken his abrupt exit from their conversation either. He was too busy hurting out of the castle’s morning room, his breaths quickening.
Through the dining hall and the living room’s archways, apology after apology fell from his lips as he weaved his way through the clusters of guests. Finally, making it to the entry hall, he looked around before making a beeline towards the spiralling staircase. Following them down and around until he reached the bottom. Pushing through the heavy front door and into the fresh night air. The sounds of the party dimmed in his ears if only a bit.
Tears welled in his eyes, his chest heaved as he tried to take in as much air as he could. So, why did it feel like it was getting none at all? Growing dizzy, he let himself fall back against the oak wood door, sliding down it until he felt the cold stone against his tail. Closing his eyes, he pressed his paws to his chest and tried to slow his breaths. The rise and fall were soothing enough for him to try to ground himself. Okay, alright, okay.
“I’m Ralsei Prince. I’m eighteen, no, nineteen years old. I live in Beverly Hills, California. I’m currently in the Agoura Hills. Today is Saturday the seventeenth of September, my birthday. I’m sitting on the ground on the stoop of Colibrí Castle. There’s only me in here—”
“—Yeah, that one’s not true, dude.” The smell of cigarette smoke had hit his nose before the rough, husky voice had hit his ears. But he still jerked backwards, banging his head against the door. Despite the sudden jolt of pain, his eyes shot open to find a tall, mauve-skinned monster staring back. At the bottom of the grand staircase, leaning against the stone handrail, cigarette hanging between her lips, she quirked a brow. Round yet sharp eyes darting back and forth as she asked, “Ya’ need me to leave or…?”
“Oh, Darkness, no.” He said, shaking his head and waving his hands. Mentally kicked himself for having his meltdown in front of one of his guests. Every good host knows that you have them in bathrooms or closets. Amateur move on his part. “You were here first….”
The draconic Monster took a long drag of her cigarette, blowing out the smoke in a cloud befitting her heritage before she answered. “Susie.”
“Susie, I wouldn’t want to put you out.” He said, pulling his knees up to his chin and burning his face in them. Trying to make himself as small as possible. Maybe he’d disappear. Or at least get rid of the vertigo that came along with the waning of his panic attacks. “What are you doing out here, though? Do you need anything? Sorry if—”
“Ugh, don’t apologize. I needed a fucking break. No offence but all that glitz was gonna give me hives.” Hooking a claw inside, she yanked at her collar with a grimace. Loosening it enough for her to let out a sigh. “My girl loves it though and my best friend… invited us, so, here I am. You too?”
“Yes, something like that. I got into my head about… It’s silly,” He said, trailing off as he shook his head and immediately regretted it. Forgot about the dizziness. Wincing at the world’s sudden tilt, he tucked his head back down between his knees. Susie didn’t seem to mind the lapse in their conversation, thankfully. Not everyone would be as patient. He knew it first hand. Once his dizzy spell finally faded, he raised his head. Flashing her a brittle smile before trying to regain his train of thought. “Sorry about that. It’s just that my friend hasn’t arrived yet, and I thought the worst.”
Underneath her dark, shaggy bangs, Susie’s brows furrowed. Another puff of smoke drifted up into the night air as she took another drag before she asked, “Didn’t you throw a masquerade party?”
“I mean yes,—”
“Isn’t the whole point not to know who’s who?”
“Historically speaking—”
“How do you know they aren’t here?”
“I’ve been waiting for them all night!” Ralsei snapped, his voice fiercer and more uncouth than he’d usually allow himself as he slammed his fists into his lap. “I’ve been wandering around the castle for hours now, if they were here, they’d have plenty of chances to find me.”
As his final word rang out into the night, he drew a steadying breath. Trying to quell the wrathful frustration building within. It got much easier to do once he saw how Susie’s eyes had widened as she froze in place. Darkness, damn it all, he hadn’t meant to blow up at her.
It seemed like more and more these days, he was losing his composure where everyone and anyone could see. Like when Kris and Dr. Gaster had shown up at the family beach house, and he hadn’t stopped squabbling with his Uncle. Their twin stunned looks had made him want to disappear into a void. This wasn’t what he meant by wanting a reputation change. Yes, he wanted people to think of him differently, as a proper adult, but nothing that was too out of the ordinary for him. He couldn’t imagine that anyone would take the more… unpolished sides of him well at all.
No.
No, they definitely wouldn’t.
“Alright, cool, umm,” Susie said, her words now slow and hesitant. “So, do you know what they’re wearin’ at least?”
More than a bit ashamed, his shoulders shrugged as he answered, “Approximately.”
“Approximately. Fucken’ nerd.” Susie said under her breath with a sharp bark of a laugh and a roll of her eyes. “Sounds like you better start hunting, dude.”
“Is it too much to want them to come to me?”
“’s a good way to waste your life.” She said gruffly, though with a devil-may-care shrug as well. Plumes bloom from her cigarette as she waved it about, here and there, as she made her point. “Now, are you gonna sit there like a tool or are you gonna go find your friend?”
Resting a cheek on a propped-up hand, he couldn’t resist the urge to pout. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re rather blunt.”
“Heh, they mostly just call me rude, but sure.” She said with a chuckle. Then, blowing out one more puff of smoke, she threw the bud on the ground and crushed it with her heel. “Better get back into the fray. Left my girl in there.” Her lax shoulders tightened as her eyes darted over to him. As if to see if he caught her mistake. Feeling a bit cheeky, he arched a brow, even though he didn’t fully comprehend her misstep. “I-I mean, she not my girl, you know, but, well, we’ve been—ugh, y-you know what I mean.” Shoving her hands into her pockets with a rough sigh, she ambled up the stone steps until she was standing next to him. Stopping, she squinted her eyes up at the sky before offering a hand. “You hittin’ the bricks or not?”
Taking her hand and helping him pull himself to his feet. His legs were still a tad shaky from his panic attack. Smoothing down his costume, “Thank you for your wisdom, oh faithful advisor.”
“Yeah, keep talkin’ like that and see where it gets ya.”
Ralsei gasped, holding a paw to his chest. “Is that a threat on the reigning sovereign’s life I hear?”
“I don’t care if it’s your birthday, I’ll trash you.”
For some reason, he didn’t believe that. And not just because he had celebrity privilege. With a dramatic sweep of his arm, he smiled wide and bowed. “Twas a joy to meet you, Sir Susie.”
“Okay, fine.” She said as she pulled out a black scaled mask from her pocket. Settling it in place on her face and tying the ribbons under her long ponytail, she sighed. Looking back down at him one last time. “I don’t hate that one.”
Making sure to give a firm nudge on the way, Susie made her way up the left side of the bifurcated staircase and down the cobbled walkway. Heading towards the castle’s deck and gardens. Leaving him alone with his thoughts, truly this time.
She did have a point.
It was improbable that they’d gotten into a car crash on the short half-hour drive from their home to the castle. They were here. He just had to find them… in a way that wasn’t suspicious, of course. There still had to be some level of “coincidence” to their second meeting. But how do you search for someone without it looking like you’re searching for them? He could try to lure them out. But then he was left with the further question of how.
As he went back to strolling around his party, the question rattled around his mind. In between thanking compliments on his latest velvet suit for the VMAs and indulging in some of the finger food, he mulled. What do you do when you want to bait a Kris? From a cursory glance at their TikTok, he knew they liked eating moss and chocolate. Not together, of course. Or at least, he hoped. Either way, neither of those things weren’t going to help him attract a wild Kris. He’d have to keep them in mind as potential gift ideas when their birthday finally rolled around, though.
Hold on a second…
That’s it!
It’s his birthday party so there would obviously be gifts. And Kris had made an offhanded comment about getting him one in the brief text conversations they’d had in the past two weeks.
He’d assured them that he wanted nothing fancy, that they didn’t even need to get him anything. Then they’d texted back, “what kind of datemate would I be if I didn’t get my boyfriend a birthday present?” and then changed the subject altogether. He’d been keen for it; his soul had fluttered at the “my boyfriend” bit. Made his insides feel all weird. Whew, he really did need all this romance practice if Kris’ teasing was enough to trip him up.
But never mind that, in the end, Kris had never backed down from the notion of giving him a gift. So, if he announced that he would open all of them all at once, they’d want to see his reaction, right? It was the perfect plan.
Finding Uncle Rouxls near the deck bar was unsurprising. He was a middle-aged man surrounded by a hoard of people under or around the age of twenty-five. So Ralsei couldn’t blame him for throwing back a gin mojito or two.
Sure, he seemed a tad wavy as he set off to wrangle both the guests and presents into the castle’s garden after Ralsei asked. But he got the job done. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail, he had the entire party gathered around where he sat on a raised cobbled platform near the castle’s large babbling pool. All of his presents stacked on his right as Uncle Rouxls dutiful stood on his left. There weren’t many of them, thank the Dark Fountain, but enough to have created a small pile of all shapes and sizes.
The ambient murmur of the crowd was soon hushed as he plucked present after present from the top of the heap. He couldn’t lie; anticipation fluttered in his chest every time he held one up, asking whoever gifted it to step forward. Those short, few seconds betwixt his ask and the answer felt like mini eternities. Like he and the world were both holding their breaths until someone stepped forward. His thoughts raced as the tension grew and grew. Questions of whether or not this gift would be the one pinged about in his mind. Only to have to stop himself from withering when someone who was decidedly not Kris answered his call.
It’s horrible to admit. But with every gift he held up and every non-Kris person speaking up, he grew more and more despondent. Unable to fully appreciate all the presents. Expensive watches, an old-fashioned instant camera, a bubble tea kit, vinyl records, all of them were wonderful. But none of them had done the one thing he wanted them to do. Bring Kris to him.
With the last gift sitting on his lap, rectangular and weighty, he sighed as he gazed down at the semi-bad wrapping job. Already checked out, he raised it up and asked as he did for all the others, putting on a princely act. “Tis the final gift, my good people. And I have a feeling it’s something grand. May I ask which one of you fine courtiers graced me with this here gift?”
Just like every time before, he was left in suspense, but instead of being let down moments later, there was no answer.
Perplexed, he looked up at Uncle Rouxls with an arched eyebrow. A silent question to which Uncle Rouxls could only give a shrug as a reply. Very well then, perhaps they didn’t hear him. Lifting the gift even higher above his head, he called out again, “Now, now, don’t be shy.”
Nothing.
“No, seriously, whose gift is this?” He asked, dropping his act altogether. Searching the sea of guests for a sign of the gifter’s presence. But nothing popped out at him. Only faces that were just as confused as him stared back. At this point, the anticipation within him threatened to consume him whole. Until the crowd began to move. Rippling like the sea before parting just enough for a single figure to step forward.
They were short yet still long and lanky with a familiar tan skin with warm peachy undertones that only showed because their arms were bare. Unlike the rest of their body. Which was clad in a black jumpsuit with not quite a full suit of armour on top. But what they did have was this stunning silver with engravings along the borders.
Not to mention the hot pink cape draped around their shoulders. The edges of it all cut up and worn down as if they’d just come back from a gruelling yet thrilling quest. And, dragging his eyes back up, navy blue locks hung around the sleek, full masquerade mask that hid their entire face. Except…
Except for their eyes.
Twin red giants, he’d know them anywhere. They swirled with mischievousness and vibrancy and never left his form as they bowed deeply. Yet, still, they didn’t say a word. Guess their SilentKnight username was more literal than he thought.
Accepting this, Ralsei bowed his head back in acknowledgement, doing his best to hide a smirk. His plan had worked, after all. Relief washed over him as he began to open up Kris’ present. All there was to be found was a note on top of a glass container. Picking up the note first, he read it quietly.
Happy Birthday.
I know your father never wrote that recipe down.
So, I hope this is the next best thing.
Flip me over.
Doing as the note said, he flipped it over to find a list of ingredients and instructions for—
“Apple Muffins.” He gasped, bringing a paw to cover his mouth. For the second time tonight, tears began to well in his eyes. Oh, Kris didn’t. Did they?
Remembering that the gift wasn’t only the note, he tucked the recipe underneath the container. Revealing a dozen apple muffins inside the thick, clear glass. Forgetting where he was, he opened it up and was hit with the warm, cinnamony smell. Picking one of the muffins up, he held it up to his nose, breathing in deep before taking a bite.
Half-forgotten memories hit him like a freight train. Being at his father’s side on a stool, standing on the tips of his toes as he helped stir the batter. His mother’s bell-like laughter as he diligently sat by the oven watching the muffins bake. The scents engulfed him in a cocoon of love. And the best part, biting into a warm, freshly baked muffin with his parents on either side of him, a trio of satisfied ‘hmms’ ringing out. Oh, Darkness, how he’d missed it.
Slowly but surely, he came back to reality. His cheeks were wet from the stream of big, fat tears running down them. Brushing them away, he looked up from Kris’ wonderful gift to thank them. Only to see the edges of their fluttering cape disappear into the crowd.
No!
“Uncle Rouxls, watch these for me.” He said as he placed Kris’ gift down as nicely as he could before leaping from his seat and running after them. Bobbing and weaving through the crowd that tried its best to make room for him. Bursting into the dining hall, he caught a glimpse of Kris’ speeding figure dashing through the living room and around the corner. Towards the entranceway. Damn this Human to the Angel’s Heaven. They were not about to slink off into the night. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Following the sounds of clanking armour and metal boots echoing in the stone halls, he ran down the stairs and through the front door. Only to find himself alone in the cool night air. What? How did they—where could they’ve gone? Damning his luck, he was just about to head back inside when he heard metal ring out against stone to his left.
Ah ha. Gotcha, Kris.
Creeping, he made his way up the section of the forked staircase that led to the castle’s east wing. The sounds of the party grew fainter and fainter as he crept. Across the narrow cobbled walkway encircling most of the outer castle, passing by many archways that led to nothing he was interested in. So concentrated in his search that he almost missed the one that led him to his soul’s desire.
All too fairytale-esque, the archway led to a courtyard, tiny thing that it was. Open-air with only a leaning willow tree to hide them from the upper decks that overlooked it. A single lantern provided a flickering golden glow as the moon’s pale beams provided the rest of the light. And, in the center was a wishing well, one that was currently being looked into by Kris. Silhouetted in the moonlight, they almost didn’t look real. He was starting to think they really were some kind of child of the Fair Folk. A changeling of sorts. They undoubtedly were tricksterish enough to be one.
Oh, how he wanted to be angry with them. For avoiding him all night and making him worry, for running off when he wanted to thank them. But any fury that burned within him vanished as they turned around to face him. Silent as ever, they shifted their mask to the side.
Uncovering the half-smile tugging on their lips as glee danced in their eyes. Quirking a brow, they bowed before uttering the first words Ralsei had heard from them in weeks. “I take it you liked my gift, your highness?”
That’s just not fair.
A blend of euphoria, delight, and fondness surged inside of him. Building and building until he felt lighter than air. The only thing he could think to do was dash across the courtyard and throw his arms around them. Pressing his face into their caped shoulders as thanks fell from his lips. But instead of feeling their arms wrap around him, he felt them go stiff.
Pulling back, he could now see how their arms had froze, hovering in the air, stiff, awkward. Unsure of what they were supposed to be doing. Worried that he overstepped, he asked, “D-do you not like hugs? You hadn’t mentioned it when we were signing the contract.”
“No, no. It’s just that, ah,” Kris stammered, a hint of nervousness in their voice as they took a step back. “Not so sudden a-and tight.”
“Duly noted.” He said, tucking his hands behind his back. If only to resist the urge to reach out for them as they began to saunter around the wishing well. “Thank you for the gift, by the way. It’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever gotten me.”
“Really? Guess the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach after all.” They mused, running a gauntleted finger along the edges of the well. Then, with a laugh and a wry smile, they said, “If only you’re admirers knew you were so easy to win over.”
“Oh, yes, my legions of suitors.” He said, his scarcely used skill of acerbic wit coming out in full force as he motioned to all of his invisible admirers. “Poor things. Never stood a chance.”
“Hey, you joke, but I’ve been on Twitter, okay. Seen some shit.”
“Regardless of my handful of stans on Twitter,” He said as he began to follow Kris about the well counter-clockwise. Ducking and craning his head around the well’s bucket, roof and pickets to keep as much of them in his sights. “I’m still grateful of your gift. Did you bake them yourself?”
“Nah, I was due for a visit back home.”
Hold on. Back home? Ralsei stopped dead in his endless rounds. Kris did as well, pausing in the middle of one of their unhurried strides to lean back and peer around the well with a raised brow. He asked, “You’re mother made them?”
“Wrote the recipe, too. Figured it was high time you had a copy. And, you know, nothing beats parent made food. But it was no big deal. Didn’t someone get you an antique tea set?” They said with a simple shrug.
Sure, Ralsei had to agree. He’d give anything to taste his mother’s cooking or his father’s baking again. But he couldn’t wrap his head around how Kris thought a tea set could compare. It’s not like they went to a random bakery in Glendale a picked up a dozen chocolate chip muffins. “Isn’t your hometown in Oregon?”
“Accurate.”
“Did you at least take a plane?”
“Nope, drove.”
For the love of—“Kris, please tell me you live in southern Oregon.”
“Nah, we’re kinda near Salem.”
There was a single beat, one spent mentally calculating distances and time frames, before Ralsei erupted. “That’s like a fourteen-hour drive!”
“I needed to visit anyways. Don’t get your horns in a twist.” They said, sticking out a single finger to boop his nose before heading downwards to ruffle his cloak. “Nice. Green’s your colour.”
With a dramatic, exasperated sigh, Ralsei allowed Kris to change the subject. But not without noting to himself that his gift for their nineteenth birthday had to be just as meaningful.
“Thanks, yours is lovely too. Your whole ensemble is gorgeous. When I’m not seeing the back of it.” He said as he turned on his heel and began to circle the well clockwise. More than a bit chuffed when, with a quick glance back, he saw Kris following him around. “Why did you make me run after you, oh, SilentKnight? In fact, why have you been avoiding me all evening?”
“Come on, Prince. You have to admit our moment out there wouldn’t’ve had the same kick, if everyone had seen us chatting all night. Don’t feel too bad, I’d been avoiding everyone.”
He stilled, looking across the well. “How?”
“Did you know this place has a dungeon?” They countered.
“Kris, please, dear Darkness, tell me that you did not spend hours lurking in a cold, dark dungeon.”
Their eyebrows raised up underneath their bangs as they took a step back. A hand clutching their chest and a shocked expression that couldn’t hide their puckish smile. “You want me to lie to you? My Prince? I could never, I’d have to forsake my vows to the crown.”
Shoving his face into his hands, he groaned. This Human really was going to be the death of him. “For how long?”
“Couple ’a hours. Worry not, your head, your highness. There was plenty of moss down there. Tasty too—”
“Kris! Not the point!”
Throwing their arms in the air, clearly confused about why he was freaking out about this. “It was for the reveal!”
“You’re not the Phantom of the bloody Opera!”
“Why can’t I be?”
“Because,” He began, crossing his arms as he let out a huff. “I simply refuse to be Christine.”
“You’re a soprano, aren’t you?”
“Countertenor, actually.” He said with a bit of a proud smile. “What about you? Do you consider yourself a tenor or contralto?”
“No clue. I’d probably know if I’d join my church’s choir like my brother. He’s a tenor-baritone-ish, I think.” They said as they leaned over the edge of the well, staring into the pitch-black depths. Lost in their own head for a moment. Ralsei made no moves to awaken them from their thoughtful trance. Kris discussed so little of their family. So to hear Kris bring them up was a cause to listen intently. “Dad’s definitely a bass, the man sounds like a subwoofer and when he sings you can feel his voice in your chest. And Mom’s one of those Kelly Clarkson types where it seems like she has a lower range but can hit those soprano notes like it’s nothing. And it’s like, don’t go where I can’t follow, you know?”
“My, my, what a well rounded family,” He said, chuckling. “The perfect four part harmony.”
“Heh, if you could get us in the same room long enough.” Bitterness tinged their voice as they brushed a stray pebble off the rim and into the well’s murky abyss. But as they settled their gaze on him, it soon dissipated. Replaced with, well, he doesn’t exactly know, but it was something much warmer. “We should duet sometime.”
“I’d love nothing more.” He said, perking up at the thought of getting to harmonize with Kris. Over the past few weeks, he’d found himself listening to their songs on TikTok throughout his days and singing along. “Especially since I’d get to hear your voice without any modulations. Don’t get me wrong, your covers are a delight to listen to, but I bet your raw voice is a wonder to hear.”
No thanks to their ducking head and lengthy bangs, Ralsei could see their cheeks flush as they murmured, “I’m sure yours is too.”
“It’s nothing too special.” He said, wrinkling his nose.
Their head shot back up, blush forgotten as their eyes narrowed. “Shut up.”
“There’s a reason I’m not pursing a singing career like other Disney kids.”
“Shame. Not even—” A loud ding rang out, interrupting Kris. Scowling down at their hip, they sighed and pulled their phone out of a hidden pocket. Their face lit up a moment later.
Peeking over their shoulder, he asked, “What’s this now?”
“My surprise for you is ready to go.”
“Surprise?”
“Oh, yeah.” Shifting their mask back into place, they bowed as they offered him a hand. “May I take you back to the ball, your highness?”
Lifting his chin and taking their hand, Ralsei put on his princely voice and said, “You may.” Allowing them to lead him back to the party. Stepping back out into the deck/garden area where everyone was still gathered.
A couple of folks had noticed them reentering the party and began to whisper amongst themselves. His first instinct was to pull away, to go and hide out of sight, but he forced himself to stay put. This is what he wanted. Sneaking back into the party hand and hand after spending prolonged time alone together? If that didn’t start to shift people’s perceptions of him, he’s unsure what would.
Taking a deep breath, ignoring the whispers, he turned and asked, “So, Silent Knight, what’s the surprise?”
“Well, if I told you—” They smirked. Hopping up onto a stone railing, Kris flagged down one of the robotic DJs. The Cap’n in ‘Sweet, Cap’n Cakes,’ he’s pretty sure. Cap’n flashed Kris a thumbs up before turning down the music and grabbing a mic. Looking pleased as punch, Kris hopped back down beside Ralsei. “—It wouldn’t be much of a surprise then, would it?”
Before Ralsei could question them any further, Cap’n got onto the mic. Getting the entire party’s attention and said, “Alright, listen up, ladies, enbies, and gents. These next few jams are special requests in honour of our birthday prince.” A round of applause rang out as everyone pivoted towards Ralsei, prompting him to give a wave. “The requester has since informed us of a super intriguing fact. Sweet?”
“Very intriguing, Cap’n. Were any you aware that our dear Prince was a singer?” Sweet asked. The crowd erupted into a veritable cacophony of shouts of “No, duh” and “Of course.” Chuckling at the guests’ enthusiasm, Sweet went on, “Yes, you’ve likely heard some of his more recent works. But, did you know that his musical debut was on a little album named, what was it, K_K?”
Hang on a moment. Surely they couldn’t be talking about—
“Kidzbop 25, a modern classic,” K_K answered with a dopey smile, his voice airy and a bit ditzy but still ever effective in sealing Ralsei’s fate.
Oh, no. This can’t be happening.
It was when, as the beginning cords of ‘Best Song Ever’ began, he had to come to terms with the fact that, oh yeah, this was absolutely happening. Whether he liked it or not.
Oh, Darkness, this might be the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to him in… well, ever. He had hoped that none of his time working for Kidz Bop would ever be unearthed. Like the “Cross his claws and pray to the Dark Fountain” kind of hoping. Because who the hell proudly says that they were a Kidz Bop kid? You don’t see Zendaya going around screaming it from the rooftops. So this? This might be his worst nightmare.
Adrenaline spiked in his veins, sending his heart racing. He wasn’t sure which one he wanted to do more; let out a scream or run and hide? Which was more appropriate? You know what, don’t answer that. Not like it mattered much anyway. His body had gone and froze on him, his shoulders drawn up high and tight while his feet felt like they were rooted into the ground.
But before mortification could devour him whole as his pre-pubescent voice hit his ears, he felt Kris shift. Leaving his side.
Taking slow, sauntering steps forwards before they turned and held out a hand. “Come on. It’s your birthday, have a little fun.” They said, and despite only seeing their eyes, he knew they had a roguish look on their face. “Don’t make me dance alone, your highness.”
The tension in his shoulders eased as he glanced around and saw all of his guests having fun. Laughing as they danced along to the beat, but it wasn’t in a mocking sort of way. No, they all seemed to be relishing in it for what it was. Something silly and foolish that made them feel like a tween again.
Well, if everyone else was enjoying themselves, perhaps, just for a moment, he could join in.
“Well, when you put it like that.” Hesitantly, he placed his paw in Kris’ hand, sharing a smile with them before being yanked into the middle of the mass of dancing Humans and Monsters.
Following them deeper into the throng of bopping bodies until they were right in the middle of it all. For a few moments, they stood as still as they could. Letting themselves get carried away. The undulating movements of the crowd were so much like rolling waves when he was out on his boat. It was all oddly soothing. But Kris wasn’t satisfied getting lost in it all.
Lifting their mask to reveal their face, Kris grinned wide as they began to rock their lithe body to the beat. And above all the din, he could hear them shout, “You said you wouldn’t make me dance alone!”
He… did say that. Rolling his eyes, he reluctantly started to sway along. Which seemed to please Kris to no end, especially when another one of his Kidzbop songs began. Their rendition of Iggy Azalea’s Fancy left much to be desired. Still, it didn’t stop Kris from goading him into properly dancing to the “rap” song. Making sure to punctuate every beat with a different pose and roll of their hips. Reciting the verses off by heart, only to burst out laughing at the ridiculous change in lyrics to make them more family-friendly. Never letting go of Kris’ hand as they partied the night away.
Slowly, bit by bit, all of his worries about embarrassment and shame washed away. Leaving behind a young monster who was having the time of his life.
At some point, they’d run into Susie out on the dancefloor, who, by the way, was Kris’ best friend. Which, had he known earlier, would’ve made his life thousands of times easier. But he couldn’t complain as they all continued to get down and sing their hearts out to the tacky tune. And it wasn’t just the three of them. Susie’s not-girl girl, Noelle, and a strangely haughty blue bird monster named Berdly had joined them too.
But, alas, all good things came to an end and eventually, he had to break away from the chaotic foursome. As the clock struck ten, he remembered his hostly duties of mingling with the rest of the guests. Lest anyone think he was playing favourites. Which he was, by the way.
As the night got later and later, the party began to die down. With each passing minute, more and more guests came up to him to say their goodbyes before heading out. All the while, he did his best not to yawn in their faces. It was way past his usual bedtime, and he wanted nothing more than to fall into a bed and sleep for a thousand years. Falling into a deathlike sleep didn’t sound too bad right now. The one thing you couldn’t say about Sleeping Beauty was that she wasn’t well-rested.
Just as he thought of kicking the rest of the guests out and calling it a night, someone tapped his shoulder. Turning, he couldn’t help the smile that blossomed on his lips at the sight of Kris, even if their mask was back in place. Tamping down on a yawn, he asked, “What’s up?”
“Headin’ out. All my friends got shit to do tomorrow, er, today. Came to tell you. That’s the polite thing to do, right?” They asked with an adorable tilt of their head. “Tell the host that we’re dipping?”
Right, they couldn’t stay here with him forever.
“Yes, quite.” He answered. Pushing off the pillar he was leaning against, he straightened his costume before motioning towards the front of the castle. “May I walk you out?”
“Lead the way.”
Admittedly, the two of them took their sweet time leaving the castle. Walking through the halls at a glacial pace, chatting all the way. That feeling of lightness returned to fill his chest and his head. At first, that weightlessness was nice, but he soon found himself having to fight the urge to take Kris’ hand in his paw. It was right there, so close but practically unreachable. Perplexing, really. He knew, logically, that if he did take Kris’ hand, it would ruin the story they were trying to cultivate. But there was something inside of him that desperately wanted him to bridge that gap.
So, he kept his hands clutched behind his back as they strolled out of the front entrance. Down the front steps, they went and across the winding gravel trail until they reached the front gates that led to the parking lot. It was almost a shock to see all the remaining cars. The year was twenty-twenty-two, not thirteen-twenty-two.
A little less than a foot away from the towering, wrought iron gates, the two of them stopped. Standing side by side, they let the sounds and sensations of night wash over them. Crickets chirped as cars rumbled away on a distant highway. A cool breeze blew past them, blowing a few of the silky locks of Kris’ wig along with it. Such a delicate moment. So fragile yet so all-encompassing.
“I’ll be expecting you over one of these days for that duet,” Kris said quietly as if they, too, were afraid to break the peace. Though, that didn’t stop them from teasing him. “After all, you do know where I live.”
Taking a step closer, Ralsei lifted his chin and asked with an innocent smirk, “Oh, but why can’t you come to me, Silent Knight? You know where I live.”
“Only one of us lives within a gated community—” Not backing down, they took a step closer of their own, their eyes blazing. “—Your highness.”
“Fair enough. Well—”
HONK! HONK! HONK!
The two of them jumped apart at the sudden blaring horn coming from the parking lot. Whipping their heads around just in time to wince as a pair of headlights shone in their eyes.
“Can you two hurry this LARP session up!” So came Susie’s gruff voice as she leaned out the driver’s side window of her beat-up truck on the other side of the gates. “I’m tired, and I wanna go home sometime in this century!”
“Sorry, Susie!” Ralsei squeaked, shielding his eyes from the bright rays. Turning back to Kris, he shot them a smile. “I suppose this is it. Thank you again for coming, Kris.”
But they didn’t take his paw when he offered it. No, instead, in one fluid movement, they took off their mask with one hand, hiding it behind their back, as their other lightly snatched his paw.
“Pleasure’s all mine, your highness.” Their ruby-red gaze was trained on him as they leaned down and brought his paw up to their lips. Pressing a kiss into the center of it before returning it to his side. Then, with a hint of a smirk, they said, “Farewell, Prince.”
And with a swish of their cape, they were gone through the gates and into the truck. Before he knew it, that was gone too.
Cradling the paw Kris kissed up to his chest, his soul racing just beneath it, he had to wonder.
What had he gotten himself into?
Well, hello there! Thanks for making it to the end of another chapter. I hope this one was worth the wait! Poor Ralsei's beginning to catch feelings, the nerd. Don't worry. Kris will be well on their way to falling for our fluffy boy too. But it might take them a while longer to admit it. In due time, folks. The next chapter, though, will be slightly more chaotic than this one, if you catch my drift.
That's all for now. Thank you again for reading. I will see all y'all in the next update.
Later Days!
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