Chapter Text
”This fucking clock” Chuuya curses as the bell woke him up from a perfect dream. What might the dream be? It was about him drinking a lifetime supply of 1889 petrus but no that was too good for someone like him.
”CHUUYA” Came a demonic screech from downstairs. Knowing it was his step-sister Sasaki. She was the second worst of the family, his stepfather being the devil that spawned her; he must be the worst. But Sasaki didn’t look bitchy, she actually looked quite pretty. She had shiny black hair and her eyes were ivory green. She wore a cropped cardigan over a shirt with ruffles at the top; the shirt hung slightly over the blue skirt she always wore. She also always wore black tights and black shoes. If only she didn’t have a demonic attitude to counteract the outside maybe then she would find a husband then. She would throw a temper tantrum whenever she didn’t get her way. She didn’t know how to do anything without the help of him.
Climbing down the stairs to the small kitchen he started to prepare some tea for them. Grabbing three of the china teacups from the glass cupboard. He placed them on the newly cleaned tray. Looking around he saw a black furry thing waiting at the door for him. He grabbed some milk and poured it into the bowl he placed it down for the small cat. “Here Arahabaki, drink it up.” Turning his head he took the tea from the stove and poured some into each cup. Placing a small plate next to each cup and placed a small pastry on each. He picked up the tray opening the door hurrying across the tile floor. And climbing up the stairs he rushed to the first room. It was Yosano’s, Yosano was only about three years older than him. She had a black bob with straight bangs, magenta gray eyes. And she wore a gold butterfly clip (that was given to her by kouyou) on the side of her hair. She wore a white button up with puffy sleeves, a black tie slung around her neck and black gloves. A black high waisted skirt was over black tights and red heels.
“ Wake your bitchy ass up you demon!” He screamed sure she was an angel but she was also awful and annoying when drunk although he loved to get drunk with her. She would always ramble about what Sasaki was doing to annoy her or just lean on him and talk about how men were awful.
“Bitchy ass demon? You must have confused me for someone else because I am a lovely person.” She screamed back as he set the tray on one of the side tables. He walked to the drapes and pulled them open, letting the mourning light pour in. Yosano groaned, turning to the side trying to block the light from hitting her face.
“I’m about to wake Sasaki and Ace up, you might want to get dressed before that” The redhead warned, Ace wasn’t nice. He was cruel when he first married kouyou after about four years after his father died. She didn’t need the money Ace brought in which wasn’t a lot. She remarried to try and give her son the father he deserved. Sadly she passed away two years later some thought she died of an illness she contracted and others thought Ace had killed her for her wealth. Not even Chuuya knew the answer to this.
Walking out to the next room he hesitates before knocking on Sasaki’s door. A loud “WHAT” was heard from the other side of the door. Before he slowly opened the door taking in the sight of a bunch of dresses thrown on the floor. Walking over to this side of her bed he sweeped the hairbrush and other contents onto the floor and placed the tray carefully onto it. Standing he moved over to the window he pulled the drapes away. And turned taking in the sight of Sasaki sitting up and glaring at him. “All the clothes I want them washed and dried.” She spat, so before leaving he picked the multitude of dresses on the floor.
The last room was Ace's room. Ace had straw-like white hair that covered one of his eyes. He normally wore suits that were quite fancy. He had never liked Ace even from a young age. After his Mom died Ace just got worse. When he first tried to make him into a servant Chuuya refused. He had brought Chuuya to the basement and starved him. That lasted a few days before Chuuya caved. The abuse didn’t stop, it got better but never fully stopped. Sure Chuuya learned ways to get around without full force punishment. Walking in you would see a neat room with a large bed. He walked over and placed the tray on the side table before moving over and pulling the drapes away. Before adjusting the dresses in his hand, he started to walk toward the door before a hand grabbed his wrist.
“ Is there something you need Ace?” The younger asked, turning toward the other man.
“Not even a hello? That’s sad how you treat me. I've been so nice, I’ve even let you stay in MY house.” Ace answered with a smirk.
“I'm sorry good morning Ace, I was just hoping to get my chores done earlier so I can get more done.” He answered before turning and walking out the door.
Walking down the hall and down the stairs he walked over to the bucket and carefully putting the dresses in. Adding soap and scrubbing lightly to each dress he pulled his hands out. Turning to leave the dresses to soak.
“Do I have to?” Dazai whined as Mori told him the situation at hand.
“Dazai if you want to rule you will have to marry” Mori tried again. “This is because you are about to take the throne and yet you aren’t mature enough to hold a partner. How are you supposed to rule a kingdom?” Mori questioned bitterly.
“I agree” Ranpo states while snaking on a bag of chips. Lounging on the sofa with his feet propped up on Poe. Who was actually trying to do work.
“ Not helping but fine, maybe I’ll find a beautiful woman to die with me.” The room collectively sighed at Dazais comment.
”Fine, Hirotsu send out the invitation.” Mori started before turning to Dazai “ Maybe you will get one person that actually can tolerate being around him. I give up!” Mori exclaims while storming out of the room and down the hall.
“Why would you agree to this? No one’s gonna marry you because they like you and most won’t take you seriously if you ask them to die with you. They just want to marry you to get the kingdom’s riches.” Yumeno stated looking questioningly at their older brother.
“You think I don’t know that!” Dazai happily admitted.
“I don’t care for the throne or the kingdom's riches, but if a pretty lady would only die with me if I smother her with all the finest things then I don’t mind using my power for that.” The brunette stated happily before skipping out of the room.
“ Who’s being invited again and what’s being served for food and more importantly will there be sweets?” Ranpo asked sweetly to his boyfriend.
”There will be an Appetizer table, a Main course table and a dessert table with a drink table on the side in case someone gets thirsty.” Poe answered, staring at Ranpo.
“As for who’s coming, everyone's invited!” Q explained, without a care. Hopping off the chair he headed towards the door. “I’m gonna pick out an outfit!”
He had just put Sasaki’s dresses up on the line to dry. When he heard the clomping of hoarse, turning his head he saw the grand duke ride up to him. “ Young lady, can you take this to your father? It’s an invitation to the ball where the prince can find a bride.”
The man explained while giving Chuuya the letter. “I’m not a girl, but yeah I’ll take it to him.” The younger explained while finishing the chore and turning back to the house.
“Apologize Mister, and thank you.” The man said turning and riding to the next house to do it again.
Walking in through the door, he saw Sasaki scrambling around seemingly looking for something. While Yosano looked amused watching her run around. “What’s in your hand Chuu?”
“It’s a ball invitation, the prince is apparently going to settle down and the balls gonna get him a wife.” Chuuya explained while sitting down across from Yosano.
“ WIFE?!” Sasaki screamed, turning and grabbing the letter from Chuuya’s hand.
Yosano turned to him, smiling “ Want to come to Chuuya, get some wine and get intoxicated. Maybe you’ll get lucky and go in a dress, maybe the prince will fall for you and you’ll have all the royal bank accounts.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Ace appeared with a creepy smirk placed on his lips.
“The prince is having a ball to find a wife, isn't that great?” Sasaki questioned, turning to Ace, while grinning from ear to ear.
“ That’s lovely dear will have to get your fanciest dress for this occasion.” Ace answered before turning to Chuuya. “And Chuuya shouldn’t you get back to your chores? Wouldn't you want your pretty face to get messed up do we?” Ace asked sinisterly.
“ No sir we don't,” The redhead replied bitterly, before walking to grab a mop to clean. Dusting and sweeping came easily to him. Cleaning the windows was a bit of a challenge because they were so much taller than him but he managed. Then there was moping. There were so many corners in the mansion that it was hard to really get everywhere. Going outside he grabbed the dress Ace was talking about earlier and put it aside for her. The dress was a light pink with off the shoulder puffy sleeves, the top had a sewn in corset and the shirt went up to a strap that wrapped around the person's throat there was lace in the back. The skirt was flown and was huge and puffy. But it was as light as a cloud.
Sasaki came bursting into his area “ Chuuya were the-“ She stopped when the dress she was talking about was pushed in her hands. “At least you're useful for something.” Before turning on her heals and walking away.
Climbing up the stairs to his room where Yosano was staring at the Kimono he was going to wear. It had been one of his mother’s favorites. The Kimono had a black base and with a black and white wrap in the middle there were intricate flowers, some white some light pink. It was honestly beautiful. He had a beautiful choker that was snug but comfortable on his neck with white flowers on it. It hid the nasty scar Ace gave Chuuya when he tried to run away when he was eighteen. It was an ugly burn mark the hurt but showed him he had no control and couldn’t leave this life without it being in a coffin.
“ You gonna we’re this?” Yosano questioned politely. Looking the kimono up and down before turning and smiling at the red head. “We should get you ready for the ball!” She turns excitedly.
“ I still can’t believe you convinced me to do this.” He stated shaking his head.
“ The wine did all the convincing I should thank it.” Yosano screamed back. He is lucky that Ace and Sasaki weren’t in the house or he would get screamed at. He was strong, stronger then Ace but that didn’t mean Ace didn’t have things to hold above him. He had burned the wine he had gotten from her, he also burned some of her favorite kimonos. When he tried to escape. This was the only one he could save from the clutches of Ace.
She started doing his hair twisting the strands so they tied neatly into a bun securing it with a pin with a white butterfly on the top. A few strands were left undone framing his face. Light makeup making his features look rounder.
Dazai had picked a black suit since it would go with whoever he so chooses. He had seen the ballroom being set up and the normal black drapes that covered the large windows were pinned up. Exposing a beautiful view of the kingdom while the sun dusted a light pink light on the houses. White and pink flowers were set up in the middle of the food tables. The balcony where his fathers throne sat was high off the ground; two smaller thrones sat on each side of his fathers throne. One was his younger sibling and the other was his. Moving around the spacious area he saw the bustling carts of food being placed on the tables, each plate looking perfect. Heading out of the ballroom he headed to Q’s room opening the door he saw the younger struggling to button the last button up. He walked calmly to the younger moving his hands. He did what the younger one was struggling to do in mere seconds.
“Are you actually gonna look for a wife?” Q asked, breaking the comfortable silence. Moving over to brush their hand through his hair he answered. And putting a small white butterfly clip on the side of his head.
“ Maybe if there’s someone who catches my eye I’ll try to grab their attention. But I can’t guarantee I’ll try. And we're, did you get this clip?” He questioned the other feeling of the curves of the butterfly.
“Some lady gave it to me a while ago. I thought it would look good in your hair.” Q answered shrugging before pushing him out the door.
“Do you really think he’s gonna find a wife?” Hirotsu asked the king. Looking over at the other man. Mori had been king for a long time but as he was starting to get old he needed his heir to take the throne with a strong partner.
“ He better, I put a lot of effort into making this ball special for him.” Mori said coldly, staring at the empty ballroom.
“Daddy Yosano took my makeup and hairbrush!” Sasaki screamed. Stomping through the house to try and find Yosano who was giggling. And Chuuya who was just stepping into the house from hooking up the carriage to see. Sasaki was in her dress but her hair was messy and unorganized. And it was blatantly clear she had tried to make do with the little makeup Yosano didn’t steal. Which was overly pigmented blush, dark magenta eyeshadow, and gray green lipstick.
“ Yosano, did you take Sasaki stuff?” Ace asked harshly “and Chuuya why are you all dolled up?”
“ Well Me and Chuuya are gonna get shit-faced drunk but we need to be pretty so I stole some of Sasaki stuff to make him look more like a girl.” Yosano explained, looking up at her father with dull eyes. Before handing the makeup and hairbrush back to Sasaki who ran back up the stairs to fix her face.”
“ You didn’t need to steal Sasaki’s makeup to make him look like that, it's not like he’s going to the ball anyway.” Yosano looked surprised at the new revelation.
“ But Da-“ Yosano started before being cut off.
“ Yosano get in the carriage, wait till me and Sasaki get in the carriage and don’t get out.” Ace screamed, making both Yosano and Chuuya flinch. Not wanting to anger him more, Yosano turned and made her way into the carriage.
“Ace let us get drunk, we won't cause trouble I promise.” Chuuya went up to him trying to change his mind but was struck down by a hand. Send him flying against the hard rocks outside. Tearing the thin fabric of the kimono. He sat up and stared at his mothers kimono torn in places. Dirt and blood rubbed on his arms, legs and face. Sasaki walking out the house saw the mess and just laughed as she stepped in the carriage with her father and it skirted away.
Leaving him bloody, dirty, muddy, and crying in the shreds of his mothers kimono was one of the only things he had left of her. He shakily stood up grabbing the wall for support. As he wobbled his way inside grabbing the small black cat as the gravity weighed down on him. Making his way to the garden he collapsed exhausted with the effort. Of just getting here.