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The morning light felt harsh on his closed eyelids. Phainon stirs in his sleep, groaning at the disturbance of his slumber caused by the stream of light entering through the narrow gap in the curtains, illuminating a small part of the dark lit room. In response, the man merely burrows himself deeper into the covers, the soft material clinging to his skin — reluctant to get up.
Despite his efforts, sleep is slowly leaving his body — as evident with him struggling to return to the land of slumber. An exasperated sigh escapes Phainon and he is forced to gently open his eyes, vision still blurry yet the pair of cerulean shades quickly identify the messy strands of strawberry blonde hair from the person in his arms.
‘How does he look so effortlessly pretty even when asleep…? Seriously, what kind of genes does this man have..’
Phainon lifts his right hand up to comb the messy hair, “Honestly, Mydei. You’re too cute..” voice still hoarse from sleep yet one could hear just how fond the man is from his tone. Phainon could spend the entire day loving Mydei in silence like this, he finds that there are no words to describe just how deep his affections go for the man still sleeping — as cliche as that sounds.
However, despite his wishes of staying in bed with his beloved, Aglaea did ask him to assist her in matters concerning the Council of Elders and by Kephale he would never leave her alone with those people.
With a heavy heart, Phainon quietly lifts himself from bed but not before giving a quick peck to Mydei’s forehead, “Sleep, I'll meet you later at lunch.” as if understanding, the man lets out a hum in his sleep.
At the sight, Phainon has to actively hold himself from getting distracted and waking Mydei up just because he couldn’t hold the sudden round of cuteness aggression. He groans, a low rumble in his chest, “You don’t know what you do to me..” this isn’t going to be easy, isn’t it?
Admittedly, it was a great usage of time if you asked him. The white haired man swiftly made his way into the baths, face still flushed from adoring his beloved for about 5 minutes straight until he remembered he had an important errand today. Turning on the sink, Phainon takes a quick rinse to wash his face then he takes a good look at himself in the mirror. The man, unfortunately underestimates just how dishevelled he looks — strands white hair running in every direction and the eyebags under his eyes looked darker than before.
‘Well, it has been a tough week, even Cyrene wasn’t able to meet up with Hyacine and Castorice like they usually do every weekend.’
If Mydei were up now, Phainon’s sure he’ll be getting ten weeks worth of scolding from the blonde man about the importance of health and rest.
Emerging from the bedroom dressed and still mourning the thought of leaving the comfortable bed but the sudden hit of the morning breeze fills the air. Although a far cry from the sweet, wheat-scented breeze that he and Cyrene were used to back in the wheat fields of Aedes Elysiae, it still brings Phainon a sense of comfort.
Reminiscing of those peaceful days in his hometown, what Phainon would give to have it all back in his arms — to be with his family and friends again. Nothing could ever truly compare to that little paradise that he once claimed as his own little world, far away from all the danger in Amphoreus.
However, that remote village named, Aedes Elysiae, is now but a mere memory left behind in the past. Neither Phainon nor Cyrene will be able to play on the swing near the courtyard, eat dinner with their friends and families, play with the fairies, or sit by the gear bridge to admire the sea anymore.
However, looking back at it now, maybe that’s what stopped them both from straying from the path.
Although, his mind often ponders a certain question: would it have been better if they died along with the others?
Perhaps, it is his grief that’s speaking. Even Cyrene wasn’t able to answer such a question, all she could give him was — her own mournful gaze. But in the end, Phainon knew they wouldn’t have settled for such a fate.
Even so, he couldn’t help but think of that possibility.
Before any more could wreck the serenity of this morning, Phainon banished those thoughts away. Locking them up in the deepest crevice of his mind. There are more important things to do today than ponder on ‘what-ifs’. Before leaving, he wrote a small note for Mydei and made his way out of the house, carefully closing the door so as to not disturb the person still slumbering within.
—
After a rather arduous morning of assisting Aglaea and participating in negotiations with the council of Elders — thank Kephale for all the debate lessons from the Groove, Phainon finds himself standing outside of the Marmoreal Palace, having returned from Dawncloud.
As he slowly makes his way back to the inner city, he rewinds Aglaea’s words that are still fresh in his head, her eyes seemingly cold yet her action says otherwise.
“Although there is much work to be done, you’ve earned yourself a break, Phainon. Therefore today, you are free to do as you please. This is an order.”
It finally dawned on him, he’d been working so much these past few weeks. Barely getting enough rest and oftentimes skipping meals, Mydei nearly tied him up to a chair after he caught wind of what Phainon was doing. A tinge of guilt hits him, Phainon had never meant to worry Aglaea or the others — unfortunately old habits die hard.
Phainon left the thought of Aglaea resembling his mother unsaid.
The silence was interrupted by the ringing sound of his teleslate, “Ah, just in time!” A childlike glee overcame him, already knowing who it was. He had set a specific ringtone for Mydei, what he didn’t know was that the man also did it. Phainon excitedly opens his chat with Mydei, fingers already moving to type in responses.
Mydei :
Meet me at the temple of three fates. Don’t be late.
Phainon :
Well, good morning to you!
Oh, what could warrant the temple a visit from you? Don’t tell me you want us to elope and run away?
Mydei :
Good morning too.
Did you hit your head while running errands, Deliverer? Anyways, just come here quickly.
Phainon :
You’re not denying it! But since you asked so nicely… As you wish, your majesty~!
Mydei :
Good. Be safe.
Well, that was a bit unexpected but it seems his beloved wants to go on a little quick trip. Honestly, how is it that his Mydeimos just knows when to come in at the right time? “Can’t keep him waiting too long.” With a smile as bright as the sun, Phainon sets off happily towards the gates of Okhema. But not before buying some pomegranate juice first, can’t come up empty handed can he?
—
Honestly, he felt better after battling some leftover titankins and once again doing competitions with Mydei, unfortunately the latter winning by 6 kills. In Phainon’s defense, Mydei looked beautiful, covered in blood. Pummeling enemies to the ground and wearing that dashing smile of his when he realized he was winning. Because of this, Phainon could not in his good faith try to best him this time.
After their little nostalgia trip, they return back to the holy city and swiftly make their way to the Marmoreal Market — it’s time for lunch. Phainon can’t wait to indulge himself in those delicious honeycakes, if he had a tail — it would’ve been wagging up and down excitedly. Next to him, Golden eyes softened at the sight, it’s rather adorable for the taller man to be so excited for a simple lunch date.
Mydei walks to match the man’s pace, right hand never far away from Phainon’s. Their fingertips graze each other ever so gently, until the latter fully envelops Mydei’s with his own. A hue of red blooms on the blonde man’s face, looking away to hide a smile that threatens to appear. Had he decided to look at Phainon, he would’ve noticed the red ears on the man.
They eventually arrive at their destination, Marmoreal Diner. The owner returns to the front with a cheerful smile, “Well, it’s been a while since you two came here, what would you like this time?” Kyros greets them as usual.
Mydei nods, “Yes and thank you,” looking back towards Phainon, the sunlight hitting his face just right, “now come on deliverer, I'm sure you’re famished from those errands.” soft lips curling into with a cheeky smile that Phainon loves so much.
Oh, how he just wants to kiss those soft lips. Stepping a bit closer, “You know me so well Mydeimos…” now he’s close enough to kiss Mydei — until a hand covers his mouth.
A small whine escapes Phainon, playfully glaring at the shorter man, “You-” The flush on his face paints a rather funny sight for the citizens.
Honestly, everyone enjoys their little banter. It brings a smile to everyone who passes by them — even Aglaea, through her golden threads, could feel a sense of glee in her heart from sensing the young boy she raised be happy.
Though, everyone could barely keep a straight face when the little strand of Phainon’s hair fell as if deflated, like ears — puppy ears, to be specific. Some tried to stifle the laughter at the scene.
A few whines and a kiss later, they sat down and the owner took their orders. After waiting for 10 minutes, the food finally arrived. Phainon, as always, immediately goes down on the food as if the man had been starving for days.
“I ate a lot as a kid, mom and dad had to spend a lot on food for me.”
Mydei remembered that conversation from years ago, during their first lunch after patrolling around the city. Once again, his eyes soften at the sight. The deliverer of Okhema, currently munching on the honeycakes like a squirrel.
Phainon was far from reality at the moment, blissfully enjoying the slightly sweet, bready flavor, the texture soft and fluffy, and further enhanced by the strawberry syrup. The little strand on his hair was moving as well, clearly satisfied like the owner.
Mydei was busy trying to actively bite back a smile from how plump Phainon’s face is from consuming an egregious amount of honeycakes in a matter of seconds, “HKS, take a moment to breathe. You’re basically inhaling the food...” said Mydei with no bite in his tone, clearly far too amused by the sight.
Phainon narrows his eyes towards the man in front of him, he does not think about how pathetic he looks with his cheeks puffed up like balloons and trying his best to glare at the prince. To his credit, that's what finally got Mydei. He bursts out laughing, face scrunched up and gauntlet coming over to cover his mouth. Phainon huffs but considers that a win.
After carefully swallowing everything and a drink on the side, Phainon turns his attention to the strawberry blonde man, still far too amused by the sight before him. He smirks and wiggles his eyebrows, “Well well, I must be so handsome that you’ve barely touched your food. I’m flattered, really.” he leans over, hand propped under his chin and eyeing Mydei like the lovesick fool he is.
The blond man scoffs, ‘two can play at that game.’ He leaned close to Phainon, “What nonsense are you spouting now, HKS?” Golden eyes staring into the cerulean shades of Phainon’s. They’ve always been so captivating and it reminds Mydei of the clear blue sky, though he knows there are better words to express such beauty. Although, he can’t seem to find it — the fact that his soul understands is enough.
Unbeknownst to Mydei, Phainon felt the same way. From the very moment they met, those golden eyes have captured his heart long before he realized it. There were so many ways to describe Mydei and yet everytime Phainon always fell short of words. Perhaps, some things didn’t need to be said and maybe that's for the better.
Lost in thought, he didn’t realize the man on the other side had already closed the gap until he felt a pair of soft lips on his. Phainon’s gaze quickly snapped back to Mydei’s, a red hue appeared on his face. Admittedly, he was rather flustered at being caught off guard like that. Usually it’s him who does these things but by Kephale, whenever Mydei does it, he swore his heart swoons in delight.
Phainon smiled into the kiss, his free hand coming up to caress Mydei’s cheek. He tasted like pomegranates, a blend of sweet and slightly tangy flavour.
Phainon couldn’t help but feel a tad bit embarrassed, despite how lively he was in expressing his love to the Kremnoan, there’s usually a limit to how he shows it. That’s mostly because Mydei often gets embarrassed (but never mad, no of course, he enjoys it as well) when it comes to public displays of affections. However, here they are, shamelessly indulging each other to their hearts content — food thoroughly forgotten.
The streets of Okhema are filled with the bustling sounds of vendors and the people, the little sight of the two chrysos heirs in the diner becomes a highlight of the day for some. Bits of teasing and bickering can be heard from the couple, everyone secretly laughing at the adorable sight.
‘I could not stop loving him any more than I could not stop breathing. I am hopelessly, irretrievably in love with him.’
Even now, as he’s walking side by side with Mydei on the streets of the Marmoreal market, all he could think was how much he loved the prince of Castrum Kremnos — the man he had devoted his heart to.
—
The day goes on, the market continues to welcome people and business goes on as usual. Slowly, dusk hour approaches — the loud and bustling city of Okhema slowly starts to dissipate. Phainon and Mydei make their way back to their abode, hand in hand and a plastic bag filled with pomegranates. Having spent the day with each other, free from duties and the role of prince — just like an everyday couple enjoying their date with the person they love the most in the world.
They talk on the way back, chatting about anything they could come up with — mundane conversations that filled the silence. Seemingly too invested in the talk of a previous competition, they didn’t realize they'd finally arrived at the doorstep of their abode.
Phainon inserts the key and turns, the soft click brings a sense of comfort knowing that he’s finally back. The door opens to a simple place where they can let the image of the Crown Prince and Deliverer fall. There, it’s just Phainon and Mydei.
Mydei immediately walks in to store the pomegranate in the kitchen counter and prepare dinner while Phainon waits for him on the chair, he thinks of how smoothly Mydei moves in the kitchen — where he clearly enjoys spending his time in.
After a nice healthy dinner courtesy of his beloved. With a frilly pink apron on and a spatula pointing at him like a spear, “Don’t think I haven't noticed you skipping on meals, Deliverer. You’re on thin ice.” eyes glaring daggers at the taller man.
Khaslana felt himself sweating a bit, ‘Oh, I might actually die if I keep this up.’ quickly swearing to not skip meals (to the best of his ability when schedules become hectic). Though not the answer Mydei was looking for, it sufficed for now.
Before the blonde man could finish putting all the cutleries away, Phainon had immediately dragged him to take a bath together — as per usual in his routine. “HKS, the plates?!”
“They can wait!”
—
As he thought, a bath was all he needed to feel better. His muscles feel less tense and the drowsiness is starting to hit him. With his hair still a bit damp, he leans to put his face on to Mydei’s shoulder and wraps his arms around his waist. The other man hums in delight, lifting his own hand to ruffle the damp white hair.
Phainon glanced at the mirror set on the opposite wall facing their bed, he took this moment to quietly appreciate Mydei, he knew the man was beautiful but it felt as if he hadn’t said it enough.
In his arms was a well-built body with long, messy beige and red hair. His fingers play with the lock of braided hair hanging on Mydei’s right side. His eyes are yellow, with his irises in the shape of a sun. He was devoid of the usual jewelry; the large golden earring on his left ear that's embedded with a small sapphire gemstone as well as the large necklace that features golden plates and gems. Leaving bare his crimson tattoos that covered his body, a symbol of the divine ichor that runs through his veins.
Before his mind could think, his mouth moved first, “You’re beautiful, Mydeimos.”
The prince before him froze, lips parted, golden eyes shot up in surprise and a hue of red slowly bloomed on his cheeks.
Ah. Right, no matter how many times its been.. Mydei still can’t fully get used to being complimented like this. Phainon wonders what he did to deserve someone like Mydei, after all setting aside his golden blood, he’s just himself.
“Y-you..!”
The words had slipped out of his mouth before he could think, it seems some things still haven’t changed. But how could he not, when the one before him is a man that he feels was blessed by Mnestia herself? Body beautifully sculpted as if the titans themselves have designed him with all that is beautiful in mind.
“You speak as if you don’t attract the entire market with that blinding smile of yours.” golden eyes narrowed to the white haired man, cheeks evidently flushed from the compliment.
“Oh, so you think I'm pretty, Mydeimos?”
Mydei rolls his eyes, “No.”
Phainon pouts, eyes making that pathetic puppy look that Mydei is rather weak to before a grin overtakes his pout, “I don’t think that’s what you said before, dear.” leaning to give a quick peck to Mydei’s lips, “You think i’m pretty.”
The man only grumbles at the sight, though the tiny curl of his mouth tells otherwise. “Perhaps, you’re adequate enough.”
Phainon only laughs in return before a yawn escapes him, “Doesn’t matter, you said I'm pretty…”
A sigh leaves Mydei, leaning his lips close to leave a peck on the other man, “Rest, Phainon.” With how softly Mydei said it, Phainon would’ve missed it if he wasn’t focused on him. Cerulean eyes soften, his lips quirk into a smile — genuine and shown to only a few. To that Mydei feels his heart skip a beat, there’s something… ethereal about him, he wonders how someone like him was graced to be with a person like Phainon.
“Come here, then.” Without wasting another moment, Phainon immediately wrapped himself in Mydei’s embrace. There, he felt calm, whole — satisfied. Like there was nothing else that mattered to him besides indulging in what his heart desires.
“Mydei, did I ever tell you the things I like about you?”
To which Mydei only chuckles, “You say it everyday as if you’ll die if you don’t.” hand reaching up to flatten the white tuffs of hair while teasing him.
“Dare i say, Mydeimos, i would indeed die if i didn’t.” Never one to back down from a little banter, Phainon puts up that little cocky smile that Mydei secretly adores, though unable to tell otherwise he’d hear no end of it. “Then I'll ask you this, what do you like about me?”
Mydei stilled at the question. His face turned serious all of a sudden, thoughts swirling in his head, mulling over the right things to say but it’s impossible, he thinks. There’s nothing about Phainon that he doesn’t love. The man patiently waits, turning his focus to caressing Mydei’s neck, calloused hands gently graze over the red tattoos that cover the sharp collarbone.
The body under him shivers at the touch, still not truly used to being touched so intimately like that. It’s funny, when you think about it, Mydei’s the crown prince of Castrum Kremnos, a leader, a Chrysos Heir, and yet the one thing that undos him is simply his lover.
It lights a flame within him, hungry for more of Mydei. He wants to see the man come undone beneath him, the sight only for Phainon to witness, to savor — to love.
After a moment, Mydei finally regains his composure and looks at Phainon, “Your hair never quite lies flat, here.” He touched the white hair, feeling far softer than it looks, just behind his ear. “I don’t think I've ever told you how I like it.”
“You haven’t," Phainon replied, leaning his head towards Mydei’s touch, “what else?” His scalp prickled where his fingers had been.
A sigh of disappointment escapes Mydei, his calloused hand moving across the muscles of Phainon’s chest; the skin warmed beneath it. “What of this?” Hand drifted down to the vee at the base of his throat, drawing softly across the pulse.
“That you have told me.” Phainon’s breath caught a little as he spoke, silently as if afraid to ruin the moment.
“And what of this,” Mydei’s hand lingered over Phainon’s hips, drawing down the line of his thigh “Have I spoken of it?” Goosebumps follow whenever their skin touches. “You have.”
“And this? Surely I would not have forgotten this.” That smile. “Tell me I did not.”
“You did not.”
“There is this too.” His hand was ceaseless now. “I know I have told you about this.”
Phainon closed his eyes. “Tell me again,” he all but fully surrendered himself. Mydei leans closer, his left hand pressing over the closed eyelids, it opens and their gazes meet. He’s but a breath away from Phainon — pressing his forehead against the other, he murmurs, “I love it.”
It didn’t matter who leaned forward first.
They’re mouths opened under each other, and the warmth of Mydei’s sweetened throat poured into him — Phainon could not think, couldn’t do anything but drink Mydei in, each breath as it came, the soft movements of his lips. It was addicting.
Mydei was trembling, desperately so. Phainon kissed his neck, the span of his chest, and tasted the salt. He seemed to swell beneath his touch, to ripen. He smelled like pomegranate and earth. He pressed against Phainon, crushing his lips.
’Your love is burned in me no matter how many times I try to wash it away.’
Mydei went still as Phainon took him in his hand, soft as the delicate velvet of petals. He knew the curves of his neck, the crooks of his elbow, knew how pleasure looked on him. Our bodies cupped each other like hands. The blankets had twisted around them.
It's precious moments like these that make him think, Phainon retraces all of his steps that eventually led him to Mydei. He looked back at many things; from leaving Aedes Elysiae with Cyrene, reaching the holy city of Okhema, meeting his future companions, the other Chrysos Heirs. Their frequent spats, the sparring ground where they often challenge each other, first out of annoyance now perhaps something else? The marmoreal market and then the baths, lastly their house. Before he knew it, 8 years since he’d arrived in Okhema, 6 years since he met Mydei, and 2 years since they first kissed on that rooftop.
There were lots of things going through his head, leaving Aedes Elysiae with Cyrene, their journey to the holy city and then meeting the other Chrysos heirs.
He cherished those memories, always keeping them close to his heart — they became his motivation to continue on with his duty.
Lost in thought he didn’t register the gentle warmth of a hand against his cheek, snapping back when his own eyes locked to a pair of golden ones and for a moment, everything around him disappeared. He sits there frozen, gaze focused on admiring the person before him.
Phainon found Mydei’s hair between his fingers. Soft locks that always smelled so nice, sweet and comforting. He knew the man would undoubtedly scowl and say something along the lines of “There is no word for sweet in the Kremnoan language, HKS. Just what are you on about?” but honestly there would be no bite to his tone, only that odd fondness that he so desperately craves for.
What Phainon would give to live in these peaceful nights, forever tucked in the arms of the man he loves. Perhaps, in another life, they’d be just two young men spending their little lives with each other.
“Stay with me,” a whisper murmured between trembling breaths “forever and always, please. May death never do us part.”
’I will never leave him. It will be this, always, for as long as he will let me. For as long as I could.’
They reached for each other, and Phainon thought of how many nights he had lain awake loving Mydei in silence.