One the night Aki was meant to meet with Adkin, he had thought carefully for an excuse to visit Dreue's place without coming off as suspicious. All he needed to do was stay calm during dinner.
Aki already served Ryuu and Yang separately as he went to Yani's room. Standing before the door to his room, Aki found his feet become heavy. Unable to enter with what happened the other day.
"It's okay… j-just breathe…" He mumbled under his breath before knocking on his door. "M-…master? I'm coming in." Aki swallowed before opening his door.
"Just leave it on the table and go," Yani spoke in the dimly lit room. The only light came from the moon. Illuminating his master's sluggish figure. In his hands was a book that was shut.
Aki sat the plate of meat on the bedside table before standing in front of him. He just needed to say the words.
"I've finished my night task early. So I want to spend an hour or so in the Roses Thorn. Is that alright?" Aki asked in a monotone.
Yani dropped the book on the ground with a loud thud echoing. "… What a coincidence. I planned on visiting there tonight. I've been meaning to get informed on some issues that have been occurring."
"O-oh no. You don't need to go all the way there! I can take a report and bring it back to you." Aki felt his heart race in his chest.
"It's dark enough to take a portal there. You've pushed yourself enough to take the time to go. I'd hate to add more to your agenda." Yani stood up as he picked his cape off his bed and attaching it over his shoulders. "Let's go."
The room became brighter as a portal opened before them. Aki stared into the swirling darkness as his stomach twisted itself in knots. His plan fell apart so easily, all because of an unexpected visit. Normally, Yani would've informed Aki about planned visits…
With no other choice, Aki went through the portal and stood before the bright tavern. The air was still slightly warm, but still better than the scorching heat during the day. Aki opened the door for Yani before walking inside.
The Roses Tavern was far different at night. Rather than the fun atmosphere that normally filled with workers, it was filled with sketchy residents of all colors. The prices became insanely high after Dreue realized that more wealthy residents would visit around this time.
They both approached the counter where Aki spotted a long red cape hanging over the back of the chair. Adkin was already waiting…
"Greetings Dreue, a pleasure seeing you burning both ends of the candle," Yani greeted before taking a seat far away from Adkin. Aki sat beside him, knowing better than to act anymore suspicious. "I apologize for the sudden visit. I wanted a few drinks before bed."
"B-but, didn't you–?" Aki started before looking at Dreue. "Hello, prince Dreue. It's nice to see you…" he mumbled. "Can I get a Silent Ale, please? No ice…" he ordered.
"Of course. Would you like anything, my king?" Dreue asked.
Yani shrugged. "Something that feels sweet like a lover's kiss yet bitter from betrayal?" he asked with a smile.
Dreue seemed unphased as he nodded. "Of course." He walked off while picking up mixers and several drinks. Preparing complex drinks at once.
Aki couldn't help but glance over at Adkin who was sketching as he took a sip of what must've been non-alcoholic. He hated alcohol for personal reasons…
"I'm going to greet Prince Adkin! Please excuse me." Aki stood and attempted to walk over to him. He teased as the stool behind him moved.
"I want to pay my greetings as well. I should thank him for taking good care of my beloved servant."
Adkin glanced over to see Aki with an unsure look and Yani smiling. "What is hell's worth do you want? I came here to relax so don't start acting like I did anything."
"I happen to be here to just drink. But since you were here, I wanted to thank you for hosting Aki." Yani glanced down at Adkin who was holding his sketchbook close to his chest. "You never show me your drawings. Are you that awful of an artist?" He asked with a grin.
Adkin simply clicked his tongue as he shut it quickly. "I let Aki see it. You just enjoy criticizing it and making fun of it… you're blind to what real art is."
"Blind? I'm sure you're just sensitive to anything you don't want to hear. You got a trigger finger to lash out whenever things don't go your way, like a toddler."
Dreue slammed a drink between Adkin and Yani. "Be civil. My customers expect visiting royals to bring ease. Not fear a brawl will break out." He walked off to take more orders after that.
Yani took a seat one over from Adkin, making Aki sit between them.
"Hey, Adkin! Do you have any new drawings to show me?" Aki asked in a cheery tone. It was hard keeping it up seeing Adkin with such a harsh scowl. He'd rarely ever smile unless he was inside his castle.
Without a word, Adkin handed the small sketchbook for Aki to see. While it seemed like a detailed sketch of Dreue working behind the counter, Aki looked closer to see a hidden detail. On the bottom left of the corner, there was a small dark spot made from graphite. Below it was two stools, one with the letter 'Y' and the other 'N'.
"Wow! It's honestly amazing you can make such details no matter where you are!" Aki praised before glancing over his shoulder to see Yani enjoying his bubbling green drink. He looked at the sketch again and didn't hesitate to make his move. He pressed his thumb into the dark spot until it smugged. He then dragged his thumb over the 'Y' stool and handed it back to him. "Last time you made one of the central market, right? You should start showing others your work! It's an impressive skill that others would appreciate."
"It's just a hobby to pass the time. So long as you like it, I'm satisfied." Adkin looked at the sketch before flipping to another page. He was already starting on another one without his expression changing.
Dreue came back over with a clear drink for Aki. Floating in the center was a purple orb floating in the center. He picked up the toothpick that was placed on the rim and gently poked it. A purple dye spilled from it and began changing the clear drink into a swirling purple one. Just watching it made the drink his favorite, but tasting it made him feel at ease.
He'd wonder if drinks on Earth had creative ones like this one.
Aki sipped it with a look of bliss on his face. Soon, he would no longer have to question it anymore. All he could think about was what he could get to do when he got there. The food, people, sights, even the idea of the air made him excited.
"You're smiling like an idiot again. Is the drink that good?" Yani asked.
"It's really good! You should order it sometime!" Aki exclaimed as he sat it down.
"Why wait? You already have it." Yani then picked up his drink and finished it for him. Licking the lip of the drink before giggling. "Wow~ It really is good!" He groaned as he held his head.
"Ah, master! This drink is not meant to be chugged! The fruit can cause strong effects if you're not careful." Aki took the glass from him. "Are you alright?"
Yani raised his head and giggled more. "You're so silly, Aki!~ You always act like my mom when you talk like that. Will you give me a good night kiss as well?" he asked before laughing with pink cheeks.
"Alcohol is so disgusting…" Adkin muttered as he kept sketching.
"You're just jealous~ Kids like you shouldn't even be here!" Yani reached his hand out to take Adkin's sketchbook when Aki grabbed his hand. He groaned again as he held his hand with his other hand.
"Master. Let's go home and sleep this off." Aki looked at him with a stern look.
Yani suddenly became quiet as his face became redder. "A-Aki… you're quite forward to suggest such a thing. But I'm still interested." He winked before leaning on him.
Aki's face became beet red before relating his hand to cover his face. "How am I supposed to walk all the way here with you like this?" He asked before looking over to Adkin who looked disgusted. "Adkin? Can you–"
"No. Don't even ask…" Adkin interrupted before going back to his sketch.
"Please? I can't ask Dreue. He's working!" Aki gave him a pleading look.
Adkin looked over to see Yani already mumbling to himself. "Effing hell… let's go." He slipped off his stool and walked towards the door with a trudge. Aki sighed in relief as he picked up Yani carefully. It was a shame he couldn't enjoy his drink, but he at least got to answer Adkin. Though he wasn't sure when it'd happen…
Once they were outside, Adkin snapped his fingers, opening a bright red portal.
"Every time I leave, I end up dealing with you two fools…" Adkin stood beside the portal. "Get outta my sight before I throw up…"
"Thank you! I won't forget this! G'night!" Aki said quickly before stepping through the portal and ending up in the front of the crumbling castle. Unlike the cold portals Yani made, Adkin's were much more comfortable to walk through.
Aki carried Yani inside where Shade was waiting for them.
"Ciao cutie! I see you two had fun!" She commented. "Do you want help?" She offered.
"Oh no thank you, Shade! It was my fault he ended up like this! I wish you lovely dreams." He smiled before hurrying up the stairs and towards Yani's room. It was rare for Yani to get careless with Dreue's drinks unless he was in that bad of a mood.
He had no patience to undress Yani's complex clothes, so he took off his cape and boots before laying him down. Yani's face winced and groaned as his head touched the pillow. "Oops. Sorry…" Aki rolled the royal on his stomach and made his hair into a loose bun. "Night master… I hope everything will be okay…"
Aki closed the door behind him quietly before leaving to his room. Exhausted, he threw himself on his bed, having no energy left to undress and change even himself.
Deep down, he hoped that this was all meant to happen. Like fate was finally favoring Aki after everything he'd been through. Though he'd never hold his breath. Nothing ever went as planned.