#mikkapi

He jerked up, sitting upright. His breaths were laboured as his arms, still outstretched, came into a resting position in his lap. He stared down at them as he tried to stop his erratic breathing.

Whether nightmare or dream, that scene had haunted him for years. Yet he still did not know who the other person was.

Oikawa Tooru, future king of Seijou, with all his resources and people helping him, was unable to find that person to this day. He buried his face into his hands, shaking with silent laughter.

How pathetic... A crown prince who couldn’t even find his heart’s desire could not be worthy of the throne and responsibilities that came with being King. He, who should know his people, should be able to find that person. How could he, when he remembered nothing from that day, no traits, no features, no - Nothing.

The shreds of his memory gave him only the calming voice that soothed long ago and the warmth of the hand that had gently touched.

Taking his hands off from his face, he sighed. He shouldn’t be thinking about that. Not when he was meant to be preparing to become King. Even if the job was at least a few decent years away, it was still important that preparation be done for when time came around to it. He turned and slid off his bed, feet making soft footsteps as he padded around his room. He could never sleep after that particular dream and normally ended up taking a walk outside instead.

A walk in the silence calmed him. Whether it was a stroll amongst greenery, flowers dispersed around or down the long corridors of the palace he resided in, it helped. Not to piece together the trailing thoughts of his mind’s inventions, but to bring together himself for the hardships yet to come.

A few minutes later, his shoes were on, along with a smooth outer layer to keep him warm. Slowly, he stepped towards the door and opening it, minding the squeak it could make. Taking a look around, he saw no one and relaxed slightly. The door clicked shut behind him.

“And where do you think you’re going, your Highness?” An annoyed growl could be heard in the undertone of the voice. The prince whipped around, on guard and cautious. His eyes brightened as he made out who it was.

“Iwa-chan!”

“Don’t call me that please.” The other grumbled as he stood up from the place he was sitting, beside Oikawa’s door.

‘Iwa-chan’ or Iwaizumi Hajime, was one of the top graduates in his year from the Academy. Recently, he was chosen to become a part of Equites Draconis, Oikawa’s personal guard, due to his power and technique with weapons as well as his level-headedness. Not to mention the fact that the said male had taken to him, holding a strange interest for him. And as one of the only knights who was able to keep up with Oikawa without being intimidated off - for the prince himself was also skilled in weaponry - or sent on a hunt and chase of some kind, he was normally set the role of bodyguard. Like now.

“Where are you-“ The ‘bodyguard’ was about to repeat the question again before he was interrupted rather abruptly.

“You shouldn’t be treating your future king like that!” Oikawa answered teasingly. “Especially since he’s taller than you~” A scalding glare was directing towards him, but he brushed it aside, continuing to poke fun at Iwaizumi.

“I’m in charge of guarding over you tonight; I should know where you are at all times. In case something happens.” He informs as he stared Oikawa down. “My height has nothing to do with that, Prince Oikawa.”

Giving Iwaizumi a petulant pout, he turned and began to walk off, still planning to go on that walk.

“You never told me.” Those words made Oikawa stop. “Where do you think you are going?”

“I might tell you if you get rid of the ‘your Highness’ and ‘Prince Oikawa’ that you are so fond of~”

“It would be against what I’ve been taught. Letting you out without knowing where you’re going is also against that, Prince.” Iwaizumi replied stiffly.

The prince thought for a while. He needed a reason. A lie should work, right? It usually did after all. He turned around and pulled on a bright smile.

“I’m going to get a drink!”

“You could have rung the bell and got a servant to do that.” Iwaizumi deadpanned.

“I wouldn’t want to wake up anyone at his hour.” He replied cheerfully, watching the knight’s expression. “After all, they all need their beauty sleep~”

The other crossed his arms, giving him a look to continue. As a part of his responsibility, he was to take care of this. Even if he was here all night interrogating the prince, it was worth it as his welfare and safety would have priority and be taken care of.

“If letting you out could cost your safety or life, I will personally lock you in your room if I have to. It is part of my duty, to both you and the royal family.”

Oikawa sighed. Iwaizumi hadn’t seem to have bought his act.

“I couldn’t sleep so I wanted to take a walk.” He answered honestly, looking down at the ground slightly in shame.

“It would have made my job a lot easier if you had just said in the first place.” Iwaizumi slowly walked over, minding his step in the darkness and making sure to keep distance between them, out of courtesy and respect.

Oikawa gave him a strange look, prompting the knight to explain. “Come on then, I can’t exactly let you go out alone. Who’s fault is it going to be if you end up kidnapped or lost?”

“I’ll be fine! You need your sleep, Iwa-chan.” A finger poked at the area above his eyebrows. “Otherwise you’ll never get rid of the wrinkles on your forehead!”

“Either you go with me or you don’t go at all.” He answered firmly, completely ignoring what Oikawa had done temporarily.

“Fine.” He huffs, whirling around and stalking out. Iwaizumi quickly caught up and walked behind Oikawa as he had been taught.

“If you’re going to walk behind me, how are you going to protect me if someone tries to attack me from the front?” Reaching out, Oikawa grabbed Iwaizumi and pulled him forward.

“I-I can’t stand beside you-“

“Prince’s orders~” He winked. “You can’t go against those right?”

The other shrugged the prince off, straightening up. “Where do you want to go for this walk of your’s then?”