Chapter Text
It's easy to start to forget and mess up dates when you're the king's eldest son, and you have responsibilities stacking up. And so, Tsukasa doesn't realise what day it is until someone mentions it during breakfast.
Friday. February 13th. A day before Valentine's day.
It would be wrong to say that the prince had forgotten about such an important day, it just… kinda slipped his mind. Especially after weeks of polite nodding and responding that he “does not have anyone catching his eye” at that time. Which isn't entirely a lie, but not completely true either. There is someone, but they're already past the eye-catching stage.
It's been over a year since Tsukasa met Rui, and a few months since they secretly started dating. The only people who knew about their relationship were Tsukasa's sister, Saki, and some of their friends. Keeping it a secret was very important, because what would happen if the world would learn that the future leader of the kingdom is not only dating someone behind everyone's back, but also another man, but also a commoner! Although, anyone who knows Rui for more than a day knows better than to classify him as just a simple commoner.
Even if isn’t from the top parts of society, Tsukasa's boyfriend is a very intelligent and a really talented alchemist despite the young age. And although he lives alone deep in the forest like a hermit, he's certainly a person worth being around. Even though he finds comfort in solitude in nature, he loves spending time with his friends.
Even after all these months, Tsukasa still has no idea what exactly made him fall for the alchemist. Was it the cheeky grin? Was it the sometimes-a-bit-too-maniacal giggling that could be heard whenever Rui got engrossed in his work in the lab? Or was it his surprisingly gentle side with which he could understand nature around him so well? The prince knew that it was a question probably meant to never be answered. But he also knew that none of the elegant ladies he was forced to regularly meet and dance with at the balls could ever flutter his heart like that once eccentric alchemist, who could brighten up Tsukasa's day with just a smile. Or when he would come back from working in his garden, his gardening apron and face smudged with dirt, holding a potted plant that definitely would not be kept at home by any normal person, looking more beautiful than any princess in the most sophisticated dress…
“Tsukasa! Are you daydreaming again? The maid just asked you if you wanted tea or coffee!”
Saki's voice immediately breaks the prince out of his thoughts, bringing him back to reality. Right. Breakfast. A time spent in the family circle. Presenting yourself from the best angle, because even though his mother would always say that during their private meals they can just be themselves, he knew that his father would be judgemental over his children's behaviour as always.
“Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Yes, tea would be nice, thank you.”
Upon hearing his response, the maid takes his teacup and pours the hot liquid. Afterwards, she bows politely and walks away, not wishing to disturb the royal family any longer.
“So, Tsukasa.” His mother turns her head to him. “When will you finally start paying any attention to any of the ladies we're introducing to you? I know we promised you the real decision can wait until you're 24, but it doesn't mean you can avoid the topic until the last day. They're all born well, they have our approval, and we would be pleased to see you getting along with one of them. But I can always see it in your eyes, they don’t seem to catch your attention.”
Tsukasa takes a slow sip of his tea, not wanting to burn his tongue. Avoiding his mother's gaze, he tries to also find his way out of this conversation.
“As you said, I still have time. I want to find the right one. And I can wait until I meet her.”
Of course, the blond prince seriously doubts such a thing ever happening. His eyes are locked on one alchemist and he doesn't want anyone else.
“Just don't leave it for the last moment, okay? We're giving you so much time so you can choose a girl you will truly love as your wife, and so we won't have to force you into a marriage. But to choose the one you truly love, you will need time to actually build the bond. So, you should start engaging in conversations from the next event, alright?”
Tsukasa sighs, hearing his mother's words again. He knows she's right, but he doesn't want to listen.
He manages to keep it in until the meal is over and lets himself panic only when he's back in his room.
“Valentine's day is tomorrow! What am I supposed to do?! I can't just not do anything, I have to do something outstanding for Rui! Something only I, Tenma Tsukasa, the prince, could do! Something that will shock, impress and amaze even an alchemist like him!”
The prince looks around his room in panic, hoping to see something that could be any inspiration. But what can a prince do for his secret alchemist boyfriend?
“Think about it. Rui loves… What does he love? The most strange and random things I'm sometimes scared of. But he also loves sweets! Oh, he absolutely does. And theater, and flowers!”
Feeling some ideas coming in, Tsukasa grabs a pencil and starts planning out in a notebook.
“I could book us a table in one of the elegant cafés! But, it's probably going to be full for Valentine's day. We might not get a table. But even if we do, everyone will see us together! Wait a minute… I can book the entire place! Or just a floor! And I know which one!”
Feeling extremely smart for his idea, Tsukasa smiles proudly to himself and writes it down. He's sure his friends would let him and his boyfriend get some time together, wouldn't they? And there is a point of his princely expenses no one will question. And this date must be perfect.
“Next! I need some gifts. He deserves everything best, but since I can't give him it all at once, I'll have to choose something… what are the most common valentine's day gifts? Flowers, chocolates, candles… hey, he likes all of them!”
So far, everything in Tsukasa's plan looks straightforward. He's going to visit his friends’ café, book the whole second floor for them to have privacy, and then visit a few more places to order some special things. What can go wrong here?!
It's Friday 13th, and it's a world where magic exists on a daily basis. And there just happens to be a panicked prince in a rush.
A few demons of misfortune are already getting ready to play on his nerves.