hey hey!! I was wondering if I could request headcanons of Prince soma from black butler falling in love with reader (they/them pronouns pls :3) and how he would go about courting them pls and Thank u :D!

//Absolutely my dear!!! Pairing: Prince Soma/ (they/them) reader Warnings: mild conclusion jumping, mild intoxication.

One thing about Soma that you found endearing was that he never did, or asked Agni to do anything, in half measures. No, if he was going to do anything or ask anyone else to do something, it was going to be at a hundred percent effort or nothing at all. Which was exactly why his sudden absence was so jarring to you. After all, you were his "Favorite Person", and thus one of the people he did his best to spend all of his time with. Yet for going on almost a week you hadn't seen him, even in passing. You'd over heard conversations of course, Soma wasn't a quiet person, and hadn't been for as long as you'd known him. And what you heard didn't exactly help what you were feeling. "Ciel, you don't understand, there's just something about them!" You'd heard Soma nearly sobbing through the study door and decided you could wait to talk to both of them until that, whatever it was, had been taken care of. "Agni, I can't take it anymore." You'd paused mid step outside the library when you heard him start. if something was bothering him you wanted to know, partly because he was a dear friend, and partly because you are nosey by nature, "Every time i spend time with Y/N it's just like -" He breaks into a sound that is somewhere between a groan and a scream and it made you hurt a little. There was no way to construe that sound other than being one of distress.

You retreated into your thoughts gradually. Had you done something wrong? Was there a reason Soma wanted to end your friendship? Why hadn't he said something? You've been friends since childhood, there had to be a reason he didn't tell you about this. Agni would probably tell you if you asked, as long as Soma hadn't made him promise not to. Unless of course the end of your friendship with Soma also ended your relationship with Agni, in which case he would be pleasantly evasive and you would remain in the dark. Going to Ciel or Sebastian was out of the question. Ciel tolerated you only slightly more than Soma, and Sebastian wouldn't tell you just to hold it over you that he knew something you didn't. Or, at least that was the feeling he gave off. Which ultimately left laying low and hoping this would pass like all of Soma's other low moods. None of that of course explained the weird questions you got asked by Sebastian and Agni throughout the week. Preferred drink with a long meal? Rose wine or a dark tea depending on what's being served. Favorite dessert? Anything sweet as long as it comes with coffee. Favorite music for a gathering? Anything upbeat but quiet enough not to impede the conversation. Any specifications for new clothes? Light colored and easy to move in please.

And then more nothing, at least from Soma and Ciel. The Phantomhive Servants seemed to be rushing to get something together for something big happening within the next few days. Meanwhile Agni didn't seem keen to let you out of his sight, especially when you were around Soma. Acting almost like a chaperone whenever Soma would ask for your attention and would struggle through a short conversation with you before panicking and rushing off. It was awkward, but cute. It reminded you of when you were growing up and he would have a crush on someone, though you were relatively sure he was just trying to find a polite way to say he wants nothing to do with you. Which he could do without Agni, it's not like you would start a fight just because Soma has outgrown you. It was bound to happen eventually. Has to grow up and be a royal, and well, you've got your job as a court musician. Which begs the question of what the hell you are supposed to do when Soma inevitably fires you.

Come Sunday you're startled awake by the sound of someone in your room. You open your eyes slowly while reaching for the knife you keep under your pillow just in case; a gift from Soma ironically enough; and then relax at the sight of Agni. You should have been surprised as it had been two weeks since the last time he had done something like this, but instead you found yourself overwhelmed by the familiarity of it. He waits to start speaking until you've sat sup some, a silent way of letting him know that you're coherent. "I've laid out your clothes for the day, they are for a party this evening so try to keep them clean." He opened the curtains as he spoke and you followed the trail of light down the bed to the outfit laid at the foot of your bed. It was a suit made of light, nearly pastel blue fabric with the suit vest being a darker blue than the over coat and pants, but lighter than the shirt. The suit coat caught your attention the most. It was a slimmer fit, which was something you preferred, the waist was close cut and the tailcoat to it flared out in layers almost like a skirt. You adored it. "The party will begin shortly after tea time and will include dinner and dancing."

You nodded slowly, "Okay. But why am I invited? I am not a member of the house, and it sounds like you already have a band to play..." "Soma wants you there." Agni replied as though it was that simple, "Don't be late, please, after so much planning I think it would leave him upset." Weird, but you could do that, "I was under the impression he didn't want me around anymore, but I'll be there." Agni smiled slightly, the same pleasant but tense one that he used when mediating your and Soma's arguments growing up, "You'll probably have to ask him about that. Now on to today's breakfast and morning tea..."

With something to look forward to, that wasn't trying and failing to improve Ciel's skills with a violin, the day seemed to pass in a blur. Soon enough it was time for the party, which was really less of a party and more of gathering of nobles and some music. In total it was you, Soma, Lizzy, and Ciel. With Ciel and Lizzy dancing and you and Soma standing awkwardly a part from each other. He would try to start a conversation, only to stop and sigh, then take a drink from his glass of something that smelled much stronger than the rose wine from dinner. He'd shoot a desperate glance at Agni, who would only shake his head. You were so fucking confused. After he got two drinks into his system Soma finally asked you to dance. It was less a dance and more you guiding him around the room to the music while he tried to keep his feet under him. He seemed content and almost pliant, so the last thing you expected was conversation. "Are you happy?" His voice came out right above your ear, because even drunkenly slouched he was still taller than you. "Is this okay?" "You know I always enjoy dancing with you So." You were aiming for reassuring, but it fell flat even to you, "This is perfect." He hums, and you know more is coming, "But are you happy, with the way things are now?" "Soma, I'm not sure what you're asking me?" You're gentle as you come to a stop so he won't fall, "Are you asking me if I'm happy that you avoided me like a plague rat for a week? Because honestly between that and what you said I'm hurt and confused."

Under any other circumstances you would have found the owlish way he blinked at you comical, but right now you could have slapped the confused look right off his face. Violence could wait for now though, you wanted answers. "I...." He sighed out his frustration and tightened his grip on you just slightly, "I was trying to figure out a way to confront this.... the feeling I get when I am around you." You quirked an eyebrow tilting your head in a way that encouraged to him to continue, "So I tried asking Ciel, but well, you know how he is. Then I went to Sebastian, and well.... that didn't go as planned. So then I went to Agni and he said to talk to you, and I tried that and i... couldn't say what I wanted to. SO i thought I would throw a party, try and recreate the night we first met but no one really wanted to come on such sort notice." "So how do you feel then?" You succeed only barely in keeping the laugh out of your voice. "I haven't drank enough to answer that yet." He answered, "Can I show you instead?" "Sure. If that's easier for you." You figured there wasn't much he would risk doing negatively in such a public setting. You weren't expecting to be on the receiving end of a strongly whiskey flavored kiss. His nose bumped yours in his eagerness, but you didn't mind, pressing just a little closer. When Soma pulls away you smile softly. "I can live with that." You hum and he grins.