I’m always here for more Washuu angst. ❤
“What are you reading?” Matsuri enters the bedroom he unfortunately shares with Iyo to see his dashing Captive Prince series in her hands.
“Your novels. They’re quite engrossing, actually.” Iyo smiles at him.
Matsuri’s heart races. “You went through my things!”
“Do you prefer Damen or Laurent? I see you more as the Damen Type.” Iyo closes the book.
Matsuri turns red. “Iyo.”
“Matsuri, you didn’t even touch me on our wedding night.” Iyo laughs. “I know, okay?”
“Iyo!”
“I actually appreciated it. I was raised to breed with all of you, remember?” Iyo sighs. “It made me happy you would’t force me.”
Matsuri sputters. “I mean – of course I wouldn’t.”
“Then you’re better than half your family, but you know that already.” Iyo hands him his book. This is a forceful, matter-of-fact side to her he’s never seen before. For the first time, Matsuri admires her.
“It’s okay. I’m not angry. We’re both…being forced to play sexual roles we don’t want.”
“They don’t have to be sexual,” Matsuri mutters. “They won’t be.”
“I agree,” Iyo says. “We’ll just tell them we’re having trouble conceiving as long as we can. But now the question is, what can we do to help you?”
“Nothing.” Matsuri flops dramatically across their bed. “Urie doesn’t love me.”
“Urie?” Iyo rolls her eyes. “I should have known!”
“I hate to break it to you, but even I could see he’s not interested.” Iyo sighs and runs her hands through Matsuri’s hair. “We’ll figure out something. We’ve got time.”
“Iyo?” Matsuri says as they prepare for sleep that night. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, too.” Iyo takes his hand, and he no longer feels nervous. They’re friends now.
He’s not alone. Together, they can figure this out.