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The very first thing people noticed about Ralph was always that he was gentlemanly. Of course, he appreciated this, he was raised to be a gentleman-to be polite and kind, to rule and decide.
However, there were situations where he wanted just to let go of that. But that simply isn’t possible sometimes. Especially when you are on an important mission with your baby sister, a prince, and a few monsters. He was glad his father granted him this opportunity, but he did not expect it to drag on for this long. He helped his sister travel through the whole kingdom and more, it was seriously getting tiring.
Not only was he the oldest of siblings here, so it was his responsibility to take care of both of his little sisters (they could look after themselves, they were his sisters, but he worried alright?), but not only there were more and more people, beasts, monsters and who knows what, that were falling in love with his baby sister, but honestly who could blame them? But also, the prince was driving him crazy.
He no longer questioned his baby sister’s decision to call him a brute. The guy was annoying. He and Will, as he insisted on being called, got closer along the way, because, well, it was inevitable really. They were close to each other considering age, status, and care for a certain five-year-old girl. Still, he has never met a human so provoking. Not to mention they were together all the time. Honestly, Ralph had no idea how that happened.
It started with the prince coming along when he went after his father and sister, and then they were a part of a team. It was natural to stick a bit together when they knew each other and had similar intentions considering Néma. They did think alike too. The boy supposed that came with being raised to handle the weight of a crown and know how to sit on a throne. Then, when his little sister joined them, it was mostly Kana and Néma together and Ralph and Will trailing after. There were usually extra people around too, but oh well, they appeared and disappeared how they pleased. Trust him, he knew, he’s been doing this for two years.
He did not mind his presence most of the time. How could he (that’s the prince right there) there were times when Will stole his words right out of his mouth, times when he just wanted the prince to shut his mouth and stop with the remarks and smart wits and the knowing smirks and the spark in his oh so purple eyes-
Maybe he just spent too much time in Will’s proximity. The thing is, his highness seems to follow him wherever he goes. The younger teen had no idea if it was second nature to him by this point or if he just wanted to annoy him more than he already did.
But the thing is. Ralph wasn’t used to not being the gentleman everyone knew he was in front of people who weren’t his parents. His sisters naturally brought out that side of him, and he wouldn't pretend to be someone he wasn’t. Trying to get at least a while to himself, even if he’d relax just in his head, never worked out. Or lasted long
Right now, he was alone for around two minutes he’d guess. They stopped on their way to a place of another monster sighting to buy some food and stretch their legs. A small town they stopped in was not known well and none of their group has ever visited the place. Ralph got a little lost (Who’d think it was intentional? That’s right, no one.) and ended up looking at art one of the town folks was selling. It was a quiet little moment he was able to steal for himself and he enjoyed every second.
“It’s quite memorable isn’t it,” said a voice to his right. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was.
“Yes, the artist is very talented. If we were home I’d make sure to purchase some, even if just to support them.”Ralph replied, polite and all. There was a chuckle, pretty much next to his ear now and he suppressed the shiver it sent down his spine. It was the deep-deep one, the one that came before some smart, rude comment.
“Aw, what else to expect from the good little son of Duke?” Now what is that supposed to mean? Ralph couldn't not look at him now. Will was wearing that stupid smirk, looking at his face as if searching for something, and he really didn’t want to give the prince any indication that the words got to him, but his brows were already coming together into a frown. Good. Little. Innocent. Sweet. Dumb. All the things he has heard repeatedly for months. He could give him a piece of mind, he could turn around and walk away, he could do a lot in this situation actually, but none of those things were polite. He was raised to be polite. So he just took a deep breath, looked back at the paintings, and let the comment wash over him.
“It’s good to support people like this, especially when we have the money for it.”He smiled and looked back at Will, who wore an unimpressed expression as if bored with his answer. Only now did he notice the prince stood a bit too close for comfort. He slowly turned and walked towards another one of the many stalls, trying to stop the blood rushing to his face, hoping the other didn’t see.
Wandering around the market was spent with Will following his steps. But this time they could lead a proper conversation so it was more pleasant. After they regrouped, they continued to travel east. The ride was a quiet one as his baby sister took a nap and everyone present knew better than to disturb her.
The Sun was setting when they arrived at their destination, but they used the time before it got dark to take a look at the town nearby and find a place to sleep in there. They weren’t able to find information they weren’t aware of before, but they counted on the next day to bear fruit.
The prince had to catch up on some royal work so he had stayed locked up in his room ever since they arrived. Ralph was just checking on both of his sisters before they went to bed and was more than ready to just lay down in this hallway and let his exhaustion take over him. But, and this was his number one mistake, as he passed Will’s assigned room, there was obvious light coming from the bottom of the door and he didn’t have to think much about it to know that Will would surely be somewhat tired too, and should sleep before whatever adventure waits on them the next day. Before he could think it through he was knocking on the door and entering.
The sight he walked in on, left him freezing and gaping in the doorway. On a small table surrounded by sofas and armchairs were multiple papers, thrown over the surface without care, creating a simple chaos. But there was Will, vest open, almost falling off of his shoulders, shoes thrown next to the bed with the usual ponytail undone, hair sticking to all sides. His head was leaning on the back of a sofa he was spread out on, limbs spread in a lazy, relaxed manner and he was letting out soft, barely audible snores.
After getting over the shock of finding the prince asleep, like that, and quickly closed the doors after himself. He couldn't just leave Will here like this, could he? Well, he shouldn’t. He’s a gentleman after all. He took slow, cautious steps closer to the sleeping teen. As if approaching a wild animal.
What was he even doing here? How is he even going to wake the other up? Why did he go into his room in the first place? Won’t Will only get mad if he finds out? Before he could find an answer to his questions, he was standing in front of the sleeping prince’s form. Unsure of what to do, he let his eyes roam the teen’s face. He looks so peaceful. Was pretty much his first thought. No mischievousness, no smirks, no rudeness, no bored expressions. How rare was it to see him like this?
A strand of hair fell to his face. Ralph reached forward and put it behind his ear without a thought. It was too late when his mind caught up and he froze, fingers touching the blue, silky hair. It’s as soft as it looks, that's for sure. The teen swallowed and quickly brought his hand back before he could have more weird thoughts like that. That didn’t happen though, as another hand wrapped around his wrist, holding his hand firmly in place.
“What’re you doin’?”His words slurred together. He didn’t think he’d ever seen the prince look more real. He simply watched, his brain not giving him any helpful suggestions on how to answer that, as the boy wiped his eyes with his other hand. Will waited until his sight became focused and met the blond’s eyes. Ralph was sure he must’ve looked like a fish, gaping, eyes wide, but he could not look away. The other was analyzing him, taking him apart, piece by piece, and the younger was used to that. Right now though, he felt as vulnerable as ever. The older teen looked at him as if he was trying to figure out one last piece of the puzzle. As if he wouldn’t quit before getting it right.
His hand, still bound, was yanked forward. In order not to facepalm into the boy's chest or something much more embarrassing, he brought his knee up on the couch to catch himself, but the other pulled even harder. Then there were hands on his sides, holding him in place on Will’s lap. Ralph could feel the blood rushing into his face. He had his hands on the sofa’s back, trying to keep some distance between himself and the prince, the latter had different plans. One of the prince’s hands slid over to his back, pushing him even more forward. The blond was sure he stopped breathing.
“Did the pure, sweet Ralph Osfe sneak into the heir’s chambers to watch him sleep? Looks like you didn’t think of the consequences. It isn’t royalty-like to not think before acting, to do something so stupid, something as scandalous. And now you’re sitting here like this. What would your family think, I wonder.”The stupid smirk was back, eyes dangerous and calculating. And in that moment, Ralph was so done with him.
“The only one acting stupid and scandalous here is you, Your Highness, ” he as much as spitted right in his face, and the boy’s eyes widened, which was the only motivation he needed to keep going. “I’ll have you know that all I ever did was treat you — hell everyone — with kindness. I’m always polite. I never said anything untrue to or about you. But you -” he stabbed a finger to his chest. “You haven’t wasted a single opportunity to tease and make remarks and comments and- Honestly you’re so rude sometimes. I- I don’t get you at all. How can someone be so insufferable one second and so lovely the next? I have no idea how to deal with you. I have no idea how anyone deals with you. And I hate that I find you so interesting and amazing- Wait no you’re the worst. Well, not actually because you always help where you can and you’re really observant and kind to the people you like- that’s another thing, you don’t treat anyone else how you treat me. What is it about me that you find so annoying that you have to point out everything I mess up or do differently to put your mind at ease? Are you that obsessed with me? Because I’m sure that’s not normal, no matter your title. A stupid title, by the way, I don’t like titles, they’re kinda dumb. Why can’t we all just live? I always feel so sad when I see someone struggling to even survive in this world, and isn’t that crazy? We may have been born into wealth and power but most people don’t have that. Wait, what was I talking about- oh I’m mad. Right, you should stop talking about me like you know everything because you don’t, you really don’t and I don’t want to hea-”
He was not proud of the yelp he let out when his lips were captured in a kiss. A kiss. The prince was kissing him. It took him a minute to get back into his body.
It was so sweet and slow, but rushed and hungry and honestly, he did imagine the prince would kiss similarly. Hedidnotthinkaboutkissingtheprincewhatareyoutalkingabout-
The tenderness and roughness made his head spin in the best way possible. Will's lips were moving ever so slightly and he did try to mimic him, but he was losing oxygen and the older’s lips were oh so soft and hands were gripping his waist, and he completely forgot he was on the other boy’s lap and this is his first kiss, what is he doing- was he floating?
Will pulled away, just a little. One of the hands holding him was suddenly on his cheek and he was hyper-aware of how fast he was breathing, trying to get some air into his lungs, and of the eyes on him, watching, analyzing, observing.
He’s not even out of breath, this is embarrassing.
“That was the realest I’ve seen you.” What? Ralph only then realized his hands were on the other’s, one grasping his shoulder, the other spread out over his chest. God, he was so close. And his voice was really deep. And his lips looked soft. There was a snort right in front of his face. “What are you thinking about sweetheart?”
That is a dumb question.
“Dumb question.” Would it be rude to kiss him right now? For educational purposes. He should stop looking at his lips. Well, it felt amazing, what was he supposed to think about after an experience like that? The prince chuckled and when the blond finally tore his eyes away from his lips, purple stared into blue.
“Does that mean you’d like to kiss me again?” His eyes were bright, crinkling at the sides, probably because his smile was so big.
“Perhaps. Why don’t you find out?” He couldn't blame the boy under him though. His cheeks were starting to hurt.
“Oh honey, what’d I do to deserve such a thing? May they begin to call me the happiest man alive.”
“That’s even dumber.” Yet he couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. Honey . He had to stop and think, but could he when the older teen was still looking at him with that look in his eyes, which, his eyes are adorable with a real smile. Is this why he doesn’t usually smile?
The hand on his cheek brought him forward until both their noses were touching.”Is that so?”Their lips connected again. It was still so sweet, it was obvious that Will wanted him to think what a gentleman he was, but in the way he moved his lips, the way his hands held him firmly, yet still gentle enough to slip out of, he could tell the prince was holding back. Because of him . He let a giggle slip out, yet it was swallowed immediately by the other boy.
The blond’s hand found its place in the other’s hair, as he relaxed even further into Will’s touch, letting him lead the way. It was as if waves washed over him in such a calm matter he could melt into the boy under him. A thought occurred to him. He pulled away, curiosity getting the best of him.
“Wait, the realest you’ve seen me?” The older boy must have said something like that. First, he thought that was his thought. Wait, wasn’t it though?
“Yes. That was the realest I have seen you.”How did his voice get even deeper? Focus .
“What is that supposed to mean?” He slid his hand out of his hair, to let it lay next to his other one on Will’s chest. He could feel his heart beating now, with his right hand right on his heart. I was a bit faster than it’s supposed to be.
“Well, you’re always so gentlemanly and proper, and too polite. I knew there must be more to it underneath, so I figured teasing would eventually make you let go. It worked, I just thought you’d be a jerk. Turns out you’re always going to be a sweetheart. I hoped that would be the case.” With a tilt of the head from the younger, he continued. “It’s hard to observe someone so much and not find them endearing after some time. And we are together all the time. Did you expect me not to catch feelings, my love?” He has the nerve to chuckle. Because what do you mean feelings ? And, my love ? Really? His heart is going to explode. His face had to get red again because Will started laughing at him .
The prince’s thumb stopped running along his cheek and he wrapped his arms around him in a hug. Ralph watched how he did this to Néma countless times, but now he could finally tell why he was so jealous when it happened. Will rested his head on the other’s shoulder, breathing in the scent he was already acquainted with. The younger teen hugged back, even though the prince’s shoulders were still occasionally shaking with laughter.
“You called me lovely. Do you think I’m lovely?” Will looked up, a grin on his face. He will never get the wrinkles around his eyes out of his mind.
“Shut up.” Ralph looked away from his gaze. Doesn’t mean he couldn’t feel it on his face though. “We should um, we should go to sleep.” He realized how exhausted he was. Although there are too many feelings pulsing through him right now, there are things they have to do, and rest they need.
“Hm. I guess.” He tilted the younger’s head down by the chin to steal a quick peck. “How about you go back to your room, we change, and then I come to you and we nap together, does that sound good?” How can someone look so tired yet so perfect? Not in the usual perfect way, that became boring quickly. Ralph wanted to see him like this more often. Every day would be ideal.
“Um- I mean, yes that sounds…pleasing.” The prince snorted at his words, eyebrows raised. “I’m tired, shut up.”
“Sure, angel.” Another peck. “You have to get down for that though.”
“Shall I remind you, you were the one who pulled me on your lap? That is not my fault, do not phrase it like it is, plus you’ve been holding on real tight, so there’s also that.”He crossed his arms, looking him straight in the eyes. The eye contest took approximately five seconds before the prince snorted and broke the contact.
“What if I don’t let go? Like ever? You’re too adorable,” he whispered, like a secret, maybe a promise. And Ralph will never admit that made his heart beat a little faster.
“You’re really sappy, you know that?” he whispered back and hugged the other. If it was a little tighter than before, who would know? Who would know if he were a little bit more himself in front of the prince? Just because pretending is just not worth it. That’s the only reason. Not because he wanted to see Will being
real
, obviously. He couldn't hold back the smile that broke out on his face as the other boy hugged him back with as much, maybe more strength. Why would there be any other reason than that?