melon!!

What a beautiful late spring's day, where the wind blows just enough to shake the leaves into a melody. 

You step out of the real estate agency, brand new house keys in hand. They're a bit dull in color, but your excitement makes them shine like precious gemstones. Delusion, perhaps, but you're finally the owner of a house! 

Now, as required by the law, the lady selling the house had to inform you that someone had died there. Fell down the stairs in an accident. At least it wasn't murder! You'll probably be fine. 

⁺‧₊˚ A few days later 

The last packages are in your car, mostly consisting of delicate plates and vases, with some papers. Although with the wind and rain trying to bust through your window, it can probably wait until tomorrow. 

Shedding your dripping wet boots and raincoat, you set your bag down. Your furniture are already set nearly perfect, but the massive amount of boxes are something you're not exactly excited to tackle. It's not like you're in a terrible hurry though, with it being a Friday afternoon. 

Now, where is the box of plates? Leaving the entrance, you enter the living room. Not that, or that, or… a quiet sound of paper rustling in the corner alerts you. Before your eyes can focus in the dim light, you could've sworn you saw a figure there, too tall for a human. But it's not, instead a rolled up carpet leans against the wall. It was a pain to wrap up on your own. The box next to it has 'PLATES + CUTLERY' written on it. Bingo! 

⁺‧₊˚ 

The house is a bit cold, as the heating hasn't quite kicked up yet. The rain doesn't seem to die down either, a wild pitter patter beat sounding all throughout the halls. You should probably set up the bed. Finishing the last of your takeout, you head upstairs with your bag. 

The stairs creak a bit, the cold darkness of the upstairs going ignored because of it. The lightswitch at the base of the stairs doesn't work either, as told by the saleswoman. You fumble at the wall on the second floor, the wall having a strange, wiry texture… aha. The lights turn on. 

Your bedroom is a traditional one, with tatami floors and a futon bed that you'll have to unleash from it's plastic wrap prison. Taking out a pair of scissors, you start to cut it open. The wind howls outside. 

⁺‧₊˚

Phone in hand, head on pillow, you've done all you can manage today. It's time to get a good night's sleep and start early. 

You turn off the small lamp, and drift off to the sound of the rain. 

⁺‧₊˚ 

She nudges the closet door open just a slight bit, sliding out to the floor. Her black, thick and long hair drags behind, covering most of her body as well and rooting deep into the woven mat. Her protruding spine cracks a bit when she stretches upright to her full height, the crown of her head almost grazing the ceiling. 

Pitch-black irises with their bloodshot backgrounds stay glued on to your form, dozing away without a care of the spirit in the same room as you. 

She could kill you. 

Choke you and suffocate you with her hair, or crush your bones with it. 

Or perhaps, send you down the stairs like she did so many years ago. 

But she won't... 'cause you're so cute!!! ☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆

I mean, she was totally a loser while she lived (╥﹏╥) But maybe she'll turn her fate around now, in death (≧◡≦) ♡ 

Miwako was a total otaku back then (￣▽￣*)ゞ not going but instead reading yuri manga all day everyday!!! (//ω//) 

She was too busy doing that even notice such a cute and beautiful princess enter her home! ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡ｏ♡ She's so glad you weren't scared off by her death here!!! (*♡∀♡) 

You'll definitely become her girlfriend!!! It'll be like My Melody and Kuromi!!!!!!!!!!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ 

In any case, you won't leave. Her long, bluish fingers brush away a stray eyelash of yours. She blows it to the air, making a wish of true love. 

⋆₊ ♱ bag? check. wallet? check. keys? check. 

⋆₊ ♱ you set out to the park, making sure you've got 10 minutes to spare just in case. wouldn't want to be late, after all. 

⋆₊ ♱ your neighbors greet you and you return the gesture, smiling gently. the cherry blossoms on your neighbor's tree are just past full bloom, delicate pink petals starting to scatter on the streets. 

⋆₊ ♱ nearing the park, in front of the gate made of two pine trees and some hedge borders, you see a woman fiddling with her perfectly curled and bleached hair while looking at a sparkly hand-held mirror. 

⋆₊ ♱ she spots you quickly despite being a bit far away. she pivots on her tall, thin heels and starts rapidly approaching you with a glittering smile. 

"BESTIEEEE!!!" Her long-nailed hands grab yours, jumping up and down in excitement. Sure, it's nice meeting your old friend again after what? 10 years? But you didn't quite manage this kind of reaction in response. 

"Good afternoon, Yamase." Her overwhelming mood falls a bit, an exaggerated pout appearing instead. "Cool as ever, honeypie!" She immediately bounces back to her sunny attitude. She turns around with a wave of sugary sweet perfume, dragging you into the park with one of her soft hands still entangled with yours. "Just call me Rei-chan, like you used to! Let's go catch up at the waffle stand, m'kay?" 

⋆₊ ♱ the waffle with all it's toppings was a bit costly, but reina flashed her card without blinking an eye. though, her dessert seems a lot more excessive… you didn't know she had a sweet tooth. then again, you didn't hang out much outside of school. 

⋆₊ ♱ settling down on pastel purple chairs, you take a few bites before she starts speaking again. 

"Soooo…" She leans in, like you're about to divulge government secrets. "How have you been? What have you been up to? How's your job?" Her bright contact lens-covered eyes sparkle in the sun, despite the shade of trees blocking most of the heat. 

"I've been alright. I got married about 6 years ago." As you focus on catching a trail of melting whipped cream from your dessert, you fail to notice her eyes losing a bit of their shine. "My job wasn't all that exciting, and so I decided to become a housewife. It's not exciting either, but at least I don't really have to send e-mails." It's a bit delayed, but she hums as acknowledgement. You look back up, to see her taking a bite of the strawberries and white chocolate. "How about you? What are you doing nowadays?" She covers her mouth a bit while chewing, looking up while searching for words. 

"Ah… Well, I went to accounting, but 'cause I was really into fashion, I joined this fashion brand startup, ya know! And we've actually gotten succesful and stuff!" Her hands flutter while talking, making motions that make you a bit dizzy if you try to follow with your eyes. "So I actually bought a house like a couple years ago! I'm still trying to make it look cuter, but I love it! What's your house like? Where do you live nowadays?" She settles her chin on her hand, the other one holding the waffle as she stares at you with expectant smile. Her long lashes don't move, eyes following your facial expressions like a hawk. You feel the slightest alarm in the back of your head, but ignore it. 

You tell her of your neighborhood, not giving the exact address but describing the few small shops and cafes there, and how one of the neighbor's huge cherry blossom trees once dropped a branch on someone's car. 

⋆₊ ♱ 

⋆₊ ♱ cute. adorable. perfect, sweet, cool. she can barely restrain herself from hugging you then and there and never let go. she settles for chewing on her waffle instead of chomping on your cheeks in cuteness aggression. despite perfectly listening and answering to you, her mind drifts a bit in the background. 

⋆₊ ♱ it was sooooo difficult to find your number after so many years, you couldn't even imagine! you don't have a social media presence of any kind that she could find, and she knows none of your friends from before kept in contact with you either. she got your number by coincidence, by meeting with your cousin by chance and luckily remembering their relation to you. 

⋆₊ ♱ unfortunately she was too late. you already married some mid schmuck. no wonder it was difficult to find you, with a different (worse and uglier) surname of that bastard. 

⋆₊ ♱ but, as you talk, you don't seem that fond of him. 

"Yeah, we don't really go out much. I don't like the hassle and he doesn't either." Reina pouts. "Please tell me he at leastbrings you flowers every week?" Why do you laugh at that? It's cute and makes her heart race even more, but she's serious. You deserve that and so much more. "Well, what about you? Have you found anyone else?" "Eh, not really. Nothing serious yet, anyways." A technical lie. She's found you years ago, but everyone else just doesn't get her attention or is just plain disgusting in her eyes. But, it's not like she can tell you that she's saved herself for you just yet without messing all of this up. 

⋆₊ ♱ as you describe your simple and plain life, reina comes to the conclusion: you can do better, and so can your husband. you can run away with reina and get spoiled for the rest of your life, and that idiot can go die in a ditch all by his lonesome, far away from you both. 

⋆₊ ♱ the sun starts setting, your waffles eaten and you both take a walk around the park. she almost takes your hand and pleads on her knees that you elope with her, but instead takes a couple selfies together. your confused face is soooo frickin cute!!! 

Before the day turns to evening, you remember the time. "Ah, I forgot the time. I've gotta go now." No, not yet! "Whyyyy? Do you really have to?" She tugs on your blouse, trying to hold back tears before they smudge her makeup. "Yeah, sorry. I still have to make dinner-" "Can't he do it?" How often does that useless piece of trash even help you? She should tear his eyes out. "It's my turn today… and it's my specialty that I've been looking forward to." Reina's selective hearing ignores that. You seem resolved though, so… sigh. "Fine. Let's hang out soon though, okayyy?" Finally giving in, she embraces you with full heart. Your perfume melts her annoyed tension, the strands of your hair caressing her cheek like a gentle lover. 

As you wave goodbye, she waves back. When you're out of sight she whips out her phone, already planning your husband's downfall and writing down the details of where you live. 

⋆₊ ♱ having lived together for a couple months now, the two of you have settled into a routine. 

⋆₊ ♱ before you wake up, he has freshened up and made breakfast along with a packed lunch for you. he pouts if you don't want it, so you've left your days of near daily fast food far behind. when you get back, a hot meal and the offer of bathing together awaits you. in the late night, he clings onto you like an octopus. 

⋆₊ ♱ but, as winter fades and spring arrives, you start seeing more people on dates at the parks, cafés, malls… 

"I hate happy couples. I wish I wasn't single- wait." Sitting in your office's kitchen, muttering ominously while staring through the window in disdain at young couples affectionately holding hands and acting disgustingly cute you remember: you're better than them. YOU'RE MARRIED!!! 

Instead of finishing the dishwater-esque coffee, you pick up your phone and look up 'where to take spouse on date near me' 'cute coffeeshops near me' 'what to wear to date' with a frantic hurry, as though if you don't plan a date right at this second god himself will descend down and kill you. And… you find the perfect place! A bit nicer, not a chain store but run by some people who clearly care about the quality. It's located in a mall, a bit to the side and not as popular as the one downtown. Perfect to thank your husband… hm. You'd already nearly forgotten he broke into your apartment back then. But he folds laundry so well… 

⋆₊ ♱ 

Tap tap tap tap. 

Where are you? Yuzuru can't help but chew on his inner lip in anxiety, fingers smoothed by hard work almost making a dent on the polished wood. He checks his phone screen again, dreadfully empty of your messages. Did you get hit by a car? Are you in danger? Veins pop from his fair skin, as he does his best to calm down by gripping at the edge of the table. 

She isn't hurt. She isn't dead. She's probably getting a sweet little treat. She'll be home soon. Despite calming down, a hollow pit forms in his ribcage. He's about to leave to get his jacket, when the familiar sound of a key jingling and opening the door rings through his ears like an exquisite melody. 

"MY LOVE!!!" He scrambles to the entrance, veins itching beneath his skin to embrace you at once. Just as the front door clicks shut, he gets his wish fulfilled. He takes deep, hurried lungfuls of your scent, lips wobbling a bit. Yuzuru can't help the slight tears of relief from forming. 

Your hands pat his back softly. "Oh Yuzuru… you're squeezing a bit hard." 

⋆₊ ♱ he's both excited and a bit embarrassed at his reaction when you tell him you were just checking out a perfect place for your first real date! but, he just can't help but worry a bit for you whenever he can't know every detail of your location and wellbeing. 

⋆₊ ♱ but for now, he has to get ready! 

⋆₊ ♱ a lacy babydoll top, corduroy pants, and a nice cardigan will do! he gets flustered and fiddles with his ring when you tell him he's pretty. the shirt he picked out thankfully covers the zipper area of his pants. 

⋆₊ ♱ it's a lovely spring day, and as it's a nice friday afternoon, families and couples fill the streets and restaurant terraces. yuzuru imitates some of them and hugs your arm excitedly, his soft chest warming the limb up even through your light jacket. 

⋆₊ ♱ the mall isn't the most modern, but is of a moderate size. the crowd isn't horridly packed up but yuzuru still takes the opportunity to cling even harder, not missing the opportunity to cuddle up. 

⋆₊ ♱ the location is on the first floor in a quieter part. the coffee shop is quaint, with wooden chairs and only a few other people's conversation melting in with the smooth jazz. 

⋆₊ ♱ the menu is quite extensive, with options of sweet cakes and pretty sandwiches served with all kinds of beverages. while you chat about what to choose, he just can't help but hear the young men whisper to each other a couple tables over. 

⋆₊ ♱ crude. uncouth. undeserving of human decency, worthless waste. it's all that he can repeat in his head as they continue to whisper insults and demeaning assumptions of you. 

⋆₊ ♱ so, a moment later when one of the louses excuses himself to visit the bathroom, he excuses himself as well a bit later. 

⋆₊ ♱ yuzuru always carries certain things in his pockets when he goes out. a plain mask, a hair band, rubber gloves, a plastic bag and a small knife. not very long, but thin and sharp. 

In the small hallway where the bathroom is located, is a door marked 'employees only'. Click, and it seems they don't bother to lock it or surveil it either, what with the absence of cameras. His pitch-black eyes notice a cleaning closet, door open and perfectly empty of people. 

Now, that random man couldn't possibly have guessed what would happen that day. He'd done it before, talking shit about random people even without their knowledge. He's probably too unconfrontational to even say it to anyone's face. It's just unfortunate luck that he did it to you near Yuzuru. 

The man doesn't even manage to make a sound of surprise before he's yanked off of his feet and gotten his head slammed into the concrete wall of the maintenance hallway. When he finally manages to get his head up, the door has already closed, the broad shoulders of his attacker dropping in a sigh of disappointment. 

"Ugh. This was supposed to be my perfect first date, you idiot." With how softly Yuzuru had presented himself, even in his injured stupor the man can't help but flinch at the dead empty voice and void-like eyes staring at him. An eagle against an injured rabbit, really. 

Yuzuru scrunches his nose at the wretch, disgusted at his face but used to the sniveling and spitting of crimson and shattered teeth. He carefully takes off the cardigan, not wanting to risk getting it stained. A smile blooms on his face, the sweet image of you handing it to him so coolly casually only a few days after he mentioned needing one warms his heart! 

With his gloves still on, he firmly drags the man into the closet, using the zip ties on one of the shelves to handcuff him to a pipe. With another look around the barely-lit space, he spots a rag and a roll of tape, just perfect for the job. Grabbing them, Yuzuru squats down to the man's level. "I'm going to need you to shut the hell up now. And quit squirming, I can't waste time here!" 

⋆₊ ♱ 

He did tell you to pick something for him… hopefully he likes peach cheesecake. If he doesn't, well, too bad! "Honey, I'm back!" His serene smile pops up in your peripheral, before he sits back down. "Ooh, that looks nice! What did you pick?" His leg touches yours, like he always needs to be touching you in some form in order to not die. 

You finish chewing the bite, "Chocolate cake." Your fork pierces into it, scooping a bite. "Want a taste?" Your husband's smile turns bashful, fingers pushing a strand of hair behind his ear to show his face and ears flushing even pinker. 

"Y-you mean… like an indirect kiss…?!" 

obviously, chitose is an absolute brat of a sub. he ragebaits like he wants to die just so there's a chance of you disciplining him. gets pouty if you ignore him. 

yuzuru is a pleasure switch. he's glad to take the reins and make your mind melt from pleasure, or to get the same treatment from you. gets flustered if you suck on his tiddies. 

kaname is a pathetic and whiny sub, wanting to be taken care of softly UNLESS he's jealous. which is a lot of the time… but in those occasions he either rails you until you both pass out OR he makes you mark him up and fuck him until he ascends. 

rowan is submissive. he'll do anything you want him to, even if he's a bit embarrassed to bend over and present himself. really wants to get railed by a tentacle monster and for you to watch. 

yvon is one the only doms. no matter if he's railing you dumb in the palace gardens or making you peg him until you're both wringed out, he's in control. though he dresses so elegantly, he's still strong and manhandles you if needed. he makes sure you're taken care of afterwards, of course. 

⋆₊ ♱ it's an ordinary, mild-weathered wednesday. you've hung up a load of laundry to dry in the late spring breeze, and go get a snack from the pantry. 

⋆₊ ♱ your days are quiet, being a housewife to a pleasant man. housekeeping is quite tough, but at least you don't have to listen to managers complain to you. 

⋆₊ ♱ it's one of the main reasons you chose this life. the most social interaction you get is talking with neighbors, meeting up with friends every so often and of course, living with your husband. 

⋆₊ ♱ mid-bite, your phone buzzes. is it a delivery notification? maybe a message from the grandmother next door asking you to go to the store with her? 

⋆₊ ♱ no. it's an unfamiliar number, and you're about to delete it until… well, you read it. 

⋆₊ ♱ unknown number: HEY GIRL!!!! it's reina from high school, remember me? 

⋆₊ ♱ attached is an image of a blonde, tanned woman grinning with a blinding set of teeth. you can't remember a person like that in your school, but she seems a bit familiar. 

⋆₊ ♱ another message pops up. 

⋆₊ ♱ unknown number: sooooo i'm arranging a class reunion and wanted you to come too!!! it's at- 

⋆₊ ♱ the address is about 4 kilometers from you, a quiet kissaten you've visited before. the date is on saturday, at noon. 

⋆₊ ♱ it's not like you have anything to do that day… 

⋆₊ ♱ you: sure, i'll come by. 

⋆₊ ♱ you immediately receive a reply. 

⋆₊ ♱ unknown number: OMG really?! it's been so long since we've seen face to face!!!! 

⋆₊ ♱ unknown number: if u want we can meet tomorrow as well!!! 

⋆₊ ♱ you: i suppose. where would you like to meet? i'm free at 3 pm. 

⋆₊ ♱ you save her number, before sipping the last of the juice in your glass and taking your dishes away. 

⋆₊ ♱ reina: ooohhh how about we go get some dessert?? i know a great spot near the park!! 

⋆₊ ♱ reina: my treat ofc!! 

⋆₊ ♱ reina: is that alright with you? 

⋆₊ ♱ you: alright. i'll see you then. 

⋆₊ ♱ reina: :D <3

⋆₊ ♱ while making dinner, folding the laundry, eating with your husband and preparing to sleep, she sends you excited texts and photos of her day. long, glittery nails swirling a pink lemonade booster, buying a new top and asking for your opinions, your phone is constantly buzzing to the point your husband asks about it. he seems a bit surprised you had friends in high school, as you don't really talk about it. 

⋆₊ ♱ before going to sleep, you dig up a class photo in curiosity. and, standing right beside you, is a girl with dark hair and eyebags. 

⋆₊ ♱ reina yamase. a shy classmate of yours, that would hangout with you and your friendgroup. mostly you though. 

⋆₊ ♱ she rarely even spoke, only acting as your shadow after you stuck up to her bullies and made sure she didn't get teased. 

⋆₊ ♱ compared to the selfie you were sent, she looks so incredibly different. 

⋆₊ ♱ you are a marquess, assigned to be prince yvon's right hand when the both of you were 15. 

⋆₊ ♱ each morning, you would brush his beautiful, silky black hair, before dressing him up in clothes of quality most can only dream of. before he had to study hard with his tutors until sunset, the two of you have breakfast together, accompanied by delicate desserts you've chosen for the day. 

⋆₊ ♱ at age 18, he was formally announced to be the crown prince. he's already well beloved by the citizens, and is known as a shrewd and reliable figure. 

⋆₊ ♱ as he is now of age, he is to cut his hair to be recognized as a man. chest length hair is shorn by one of the priests to a near buzzcut, the strands looking like ink in water on the marble floors. 

⋆₊ ♱ yvon becomes different, more mature. devoted to being the best king there ever was, the only moments of relaxation he has now at age 21 is in the morning and evening, when you lather his scalp with luxurious shampoo and massage the tension away from his hands with exotic oils. he misses the simpler days, back when you'd spend an hour or two each day to take care of his hair, to brush it and style it… how soft your hands felt against his face. 

⋆₊ ♱ then, one day, he realizes how plain he looks in his outfit. it may have cost a fortune, and the fabric is woven with the utmost care and best material, but… his suit is so plain… as opposed to you. do you find him good looking? he wouldn't blame you if you didn't, gray wool and plain patterns compared with pearl earrings and exquisite velvet that hugs your figure? he's embarrassed for you. 

⋆₊ ♱ what if… he wore clothes like that too? glimmering silks and shiny necklaces? deep red lipstick, to leave proof of his affection on your neck? 

⋆₊ ♱ it seems you've noticed his daydreaming. "my liege? what seems to be the matter?" it's a pleasant evening in the library, fireplace illuminating your concerned face. he tries to wave it off, but you've learned to read him well enough to know that he's not just thinking about his calligraphy lesson. 

⋆₊ ♱ you are his most trusted person, so maybe you could answer what to do in this situation? 

⋆₊ ♱ "i've… grown tired of my clothes. they look rather plain." "ah, would you like me to call the tailor to update your wardrobe?" you've supported him through everything, so why would you stop now? "it's not just that…" why does his heart beat so fast? why does his face, handsome and sculpted seem to melt when you approach and sit next to him? 

⋆₊ ♱ your thumb caresses his palm. "i'd like to, well… try a new style, like a dress." yvon feels embarrassed, stumbling over his words like a newborn fawn. he dares to look at you, deep in thought. "hm. i suppose your usual tailor is specialized in menswear, so i'll have to look for another. it may take a few weeks to find the perfect one, if that's alright with you." why did he even worry in the first place? of course, it's not like crossdressing is unheard of, but for a member of the royal family to suddenly change their style so wildly? 

⋆₊ ♱ and so, after a few weeks you've managed to find the perfect seamstress, and he gets fitted in front of mirrors the size of grand doors. he chooses deep jewel tones and light pastels, to see what'll fit him best. 

⋆₊ ♱ after a few months, the dresses arrive. from puffed sleeves and voluminous skirts to fitted bodices and lacy trim, it's difficult to choose what he likes best. 

⋆₊ ♱ that is, in the matter of dresses. what he loves most is when you apply his makeup, thumb settled on his lower lip, deep in thought as his heart races wildly. 

⋆₊ ♱ he's supposed to think of his kingdom first and foremost. 

⋆₊ ♱ but… he'd accomplish his duties even better if you were by his side, as queen. 

⋆₊ ♱ so, when you announce your father is considering marriage candidates for you, how does he react?