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Phainon is a certified, grade A, organically sourced from Aedes Elysiae-
-pain in the fucking ass.
A fact which is rather obvious, but if one ever needed proof of that- as anyone in Amphoreus could tell you- just ask Mydei about it.
“For the love of Nikador, I am NOT trying on that ridiculous piece of ‘clothing’ Deliverer.” He shouts at the offending hero, who’s currently holding up what can be described as a dress, although that was more than a bit generous of a description- considering how the slight few strips of fabric that compose its small form would barely cover anything- even on the most petite of individuals.
Obviously, Mydeimos, demigod of Strife and crown prince of Castrum Kremnos is far, far from that category. If he were to put it on, Aglaea would have to arrest him for public indecency, Krateros would die of dissapointment, and the thing that kills Mydei won’t be the black tide but his own embarrassment.
“Why not? It’s hotter than lava right now- loosen up Mydei!” Phainon replies innocently, as if he’s unaware of the weight behind his words, or the playful lit to his jubilant voice.
Mydei rolls his eyes, debating slapping some sense into Phainon for the scene they’re causing, with half the people around them staring at them like they’ve gone mad- especially Phainon. Unfortunately, they’re currently both A) in the middle of Ohkema’s biggest market and B) Mydei knows damn well if even lays a finger on the Holy City’s precious Deliverer in public, some individuals will never let him nor his people hear the end of it. Mydei’s not willing to spark that bullshit up again right before he leaves… especially because he might not even come back to resolve it.
No matter how beloved the two of them are in the eyes of most people, nor how much the city has grown to expect their antics by now- indulging in Phainon’s banter is best saved for more private companies- lest they have a repeat of the bath incident.
Oh, the bath incident.
“Well, why don’t you try it on first then- I don’t think that will fit me.” He retorts, turning his nose up a bit at Phainon.
“-You! -You know we have the same build!” Phainon scoffs.
“So then, why offer me something that clearly won’t fit?” Mydei asks smugly. “Is our dear Deliverer’s vision waning?”
Phainon looks frustrated back for a brief, beautiful moment before he forces himself back to calm again, taking Mydei’s taunts as encouragement instead of dismissal. “The Crown Prince of Castrum Kremnos- making fun of someone’s eyesight! I didn’t know you could stoop so low!” He exclaims, feigning offense and crossing his arms dramatically.
Ugh. Mydei groans inside his head, knowing damn well where this conversation is going to lead. He wants my attention badly- doesn’t he? Why else would he try and bother me so incessantly…
Mydei sighs, not giving into Phainon’s words, merely deciding to turn his heel and walk away from him instead. Mydei has no desire to waste his time, nor indulge whatever the hell Phainon’s trying to get at. He only has a few more days left until he has to return to Castrum Kremnos. A few more days until he has to fight off the black tide and fulfill his duties as the demigod of Strife, maybe for the rest of his life.
A few more days until he might never see Phainon again.
The prince clenches his fist.
But instead of spending our lessening time together well- all he’s doing right now is driving me crazy!
“-Mydei! Mydei wait!” Phainon shouts from behind him, as Mydei leaves, the ‘dress’ he was trying to get him to wear already long forgotten.
“Finally given up on that ridiculous purchase of yours, I see?” He scoffs, glancing back at him.
Instead of regret, Mydei spots that familiar, frustrating yet unforgivably endearing hint of mischief in Phainon’s eyes.
“For now-“ he smirks, “-cause I know something better to do.”
With no warning, Phainon grabs onto Mydei’s hand and drags him through the streets, all the way to-
-a bakery?
A rather famous one at that- Mydei had even met the owner several times, but unfortunately, they didn’t exactly get along. For whatever reason, the old woman behind the counter does not like Mydei one bit- a strange occurrence, considering she’s friendly with literally everyone else- but he doesn’t take the grudge personally. Mydei’s long since chalked it up to her just not being a fan of Strife; having lost her whole family to the wars racking Amphoreus. It’s no surprise she’s not exactly delighted to see the literal embodiment of that walk through her door every now and again when Phainon gets hungry.
Moreover, Phainon’s rather aware of this animosity between them, and although he tried to mend their relationship- he’s long since given up on that, realizing there’s nothing he can do to change her mind.
Therefore, Mydei’s rather surprised by Phainon attempting to set up a honeycake cooking competition between the two of them out of the blue.
“Gather around everyone!” Phainon shouts, voice as loud and crystal clear as a waterfall. “Mydeimos and Phoenicia are going to see who makes the best honeycakes!!!!”
“Deliverer.” Mydei scolds, trying to tell him that just about the last thing he wants to do today. However, he’s already being dragged beside the building by the other man, and before he can even blink, Phainon’s somehow set up two cooking stations in the middle of the square- him versus Phoenicia with about a thousand citizens as their curious onlookers, excited to see just who will come out on top.
Aglaea is going to kill him.
Mydei can’t just back out now though- not when some of his own people are watching- not when Phainon’s watching.
He takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the worst.
“May the best chef win.” He announces politely, giving Phoenicia a small bow.
“Eat shit.” She whispers back smugly, before shifting back into her normal, kind, old lady demeanor, repeating what Mydei said for the rest of the crowd.
He hears a few of them “aww” at her words, and Mydei realizes that even though he likely can’t beat her- he shouldn’t even bother anyways. Victory will only cause more problems for him.
I’m not upsetting an old woman before I leave.
Mydei nods cordially, but glares at Phainon out of the corner of his eyes, frustrated that he shoved him into this harrowing position. Unfortunately, the other doesn’t notice his piercing gaze, too busy hyping up the crowd and finishing preparing everything to notice.
What a waste of time…
He sighs under his breath, promising himself that the honeycakes won’t be the only ones facing his fiery scrutiny today.
______________
Mydeimos loses with flying colors.
His honeycakes were incredible, and he might have even had a chance of winning-
-up until Phainon sabotaged him.
In the Deliverer’s defense, it really was an accident this time.
There Mydei had been, focusing on the frying pan clutched in his fist like his life depends on it, more stressed than he’s been in weeks and pretending not to hear the quiet insults Phoenicia’s been throwing his way when all of the sudden, Phainon trips, falls…
…and knocks Mydei forward, causing him to stumble into his own food, ruining it completely. A half-cooked handprint greets him cordially when Mydei pulls his sticky gauntlet out of the pan. A pan which used to contain a perfect, jaw-droppingly gorgeous honeycake, whose remains only serve as even more of an insult than the guilty expression Phainon’s currently giving him- like he’s not the reason Mydei’s in this situation to begin with.
“Did you mean to push me?” He whispers harshly, voice almost drowned out by the disappointed screams and hysterical laughter of the crowd.
“No-no! Honestly!” Phainon replies nervously, waving his hands back and forth. Strangely, the other man is being sincere in his apology, meaning…
“…I concede my defeat, Phoenicia.” Mydei announces solemnly, hanging his head in genuine respect; but all his attention is on Phainon…
…and even stranger, he finds the other is not saying a word in protest.
The masses erupt into furious uproar, but Mydei couldn’t care less- even if the rare expression of confusion and genuine respect flickering across Phoniecia’s face tickles him a little- he’s got a much bigger problem to attend to.
“Phainon.” Mydei says firmly, turning back towards him while wiping his hands off. “Why did you want to see us compete so badly- only to let me give up so easily?” He asks earnestly, tilting his head slightly at him.
Phainon annoyingly avoids Mydei’s gaze, eying the dispersing crowd. “I guess you just didn’t have it in you.” He huffs theatrically, shrugging slightly.
This motherfuc-
It takes everything in Mydei’s power to prevent his eye from twitching. He takes a deep breath, trying his best to stop his mounting frustration from seeping into his souring demeanor.
“-I guess I didn’t.” He deadpans, turning to leave.
“-Wait!” Phainon shouts, grabbing Mydei’s shoulders as he walks away.
Mydei looks back, seeing Phainon staring at him with pleading eyes.
“…Yes?”
“I- I still have more things to do with you today!l He exclaims earnestly.
“I think you’ve done enough for now.”
“Look- there’s a cool place I need to show you.” The Deliverer explains worriedly. “You’ll love it, I promise!”
“A place… you’ve showed me practically everywhere in Okhema, Phainon. Where could you possibly drag me this time?” Mydei asks incredulously.
“I promise it will be fun!” Phainon urges, shaking Mydei’s shoulders.
The prince sighs, knowing he can’t say no to him, especially not when he’s looking at him so earnestly.
“Alright then, show me.”
__________
“THIS IS NOT FUN IN THE SLIGHTEST.” Mydei yells at the top of his lungs, voice lost to the rushing wind as they try their best to climb the steep, jagged hill.
The trail they’re hiking (although that description is a bit generous) is located on the outskirts of Okhema, alongside the stiff cliffs that the city calls its home. Admittedly, the view is quite beautiful, but Mydei can hardly appreciate it with how the raging gusts cascading against the hill are practically battering his eyes shut. He recalls the Trailblazer mentioning their experience in a wind tunnel once- and he bets that whatever the hell Phainon’s brought him to now is somehow worse than that.
A normal person wouldn’t dare venture here… but Phainon and Mydei have never claimed to be normal.
“I CAN’T HEAR YOUUU.” Phainon shouts back from behind him, attempting to guard himself from the fierce blows rocking his body.
“HOW DID YOU EVEN FIND THIS?!” The prince screams, giving up trying to fight against it, choosing to sit down against a nearby rock for shelter instead.
Phainon smiles, finding his own cover as well. “ITS ACTUALLY REALLY COOL- THE CLIFFS HERE ARE ANGELED PERFECTLY TO PUSH THE WIND UP INTO THE AREA, CAUSING IT TO-“
“-BLOW REALLY FAST. I GET IT. BUT DID WE HAVE TO COME HERE NOW-?”
Mydei squints, attempting to make his way towards Phainon who’s huddled further down the hill, but just as he’s about to make it, the air shifts directions, going from hitting against the cliffs to sliding down them-
-completely blowing Mydei towards the bottom of the hill.
“AAAAAAAH-“ Mydei screams, barely able to stop himself before he goes flying headfirst into a tree trunk.
Meanwhile, just as the wind’s slowing down, he hears the unmistakable sound of laughter coming from Phainon, who’s doubled over, practically crying at the sight id Mydei; currently looking like he just lost a fight against a Dromas with a bad case of the flu.
“YOU.” Mydei grumbles, trudging his way up the hill and backing Phainon into the rock he was hiding behind.
“-I sense that you’re mad at me. I’m sorry I just had to bring you- the wind switches direction once a day, so I wanted to see what would happen if you were caught in it.” Phainon blurts out sheepishly, words tripping over themselves as he raises his hands in surrender.
Mydei shakes his head, remaining silent.
The dress, the competition, and now this… utterly ridiculous things to drag Mydei to for no reason.
Which is why he knows there are reasons behind this.
“-are you okay Myde-“
“-Enough, Deliverer.” Mydei finally says, cutting Phainon off at last.
“Hmm?” The other continues, still maintaining that faux ignorance.
“I said enough. You know exactly what you’ve been doing this whole day.” He strides up to Phainon, closing the distance between them until a book could barely fit inside the remaining space, forcing Phainon to shrink against the rock. “-and I know why.”
“Hmm?” Phainon repeats, but this time, genuine surprise- and more than a little fear- seeps into his voice.
“If you just wanted to spend time with me before I left- you could have just said so.” Mydei says plainly. “No need to waste both our days with your incessant games- ones you don’t even enjoy playing all that much.”
Phainon deflates a little, eyes darling away from Mydei’s gentle scrutiny.
Ah, I guessed right… but what do I say now? Mydei wonders.
“…yeah.” Phainon admits, hanging his head low. “I- I’m sorry, Mydeimos. I wanted to distract the both of us from the inevitability of your departure… I figured if I could bother you with my antics, you would be less bothered by leaving- but this was not the way to do it. I apologize.”
Mydei is stunned.
He’s… he’s being honest- with me? The Deliverer, a man partaking in a never ending performance… dropping the act fully for once? Sure, he’s gotten close before with me, but now…
Mydei gazes into Phainon’s eyes, finding a rare honesty in them that’s usually hidden behind his upbeat cheeriness- he truly is devastated to see Mydei go.
He sighs.
I suppose I should stop hiding as well… I’ve always indulged him, after all. Always let go around him, as he does the same for me. This goodbye might not be forever, but if it is?
Then I shouldn’t waste it.
When words fail, actions take their stride, so Mydei steps forward as well, closing the gap between him and Phainon, capturing the others lips in a desperate kiss. Phainon gives in immediately, grabbing onto Mydei’s head and pulling him in, dragging them backwards until Phainon’s forced to sit up against the rock as Mydei continues to ravage him. Seconds feel like hours, and the two only pull away when they’re both gasping for air, breathless forms hunched over each other, with Phainon’s legs wrapped around Mydei’s waist for support.
“Is that all you got?” Phainon taunts, leaning in for another kiss when Mydei stops him, holding up his chin gently with his clawed hand.
He flashes an intense smile. “-You want my attention, Deliverer?”
Phainon nods, eyes sparkling with desire.
“…Well then, I hope you’re ready to handle it.”
______________
Phainon’s going to die at this rate.
“-Ah, Mydei, calm down!” He pleads as the other man pounds him into the mattress, not granting an ounce of mercy. Phainon’s legs shake, only able to hold his lower half upright due to Mydei’s steady grip on his hips, keeping him firmly in place even as he slips towards the pillows.
The pace is brutal- slow, deep and methodical- Mydei’s moving with the expressed goal of driving Phainon nuts…and so far; it’s working.
Phainon had prayed at the start that Mydei wouldn’t go easy on him since it was his first time. However, it’s only now he realizes he’s ended up with even more than he’d initially bargained for… more than he can probably take if this keeps up.
However, it didn’t begin that way. Mydei was extremely gentle at first- almost annoyingly slow even- well aware that no matter how eager Phainon was, his body needed preparation anyways. Otherwise, he’d end up in a lot of pain- and not of the fun variety.
He was thrown onto his back, and enjoyed the feeling of Mydei manhandling him more than he’d like to admit, with Mydei pulling his pants haphazardly down before Phainon could even react.
Phainon takes a deep breath.
Now, Mydei’s thick, long fingers have easily found their way inside Phainon’s pussy, carefully working him open as Mydei gages Phainon’s reactions at his movements with a mixture of aroused interest and genuine concern. As much as he wants to punish Phainon for his aggravating behavior- Mydei doesn’t want to seriously hurt him, nor ruin this moment for either of them. They haven’t had sex with each other until now, so he wants to make it count.
Therefore, Phainon’s being scrutinized carefully-
almost to an embarrassing degree- considering how Mydei studies every minor twitch and turn of his body, eyes trailing up and down his sweaty, still-clothed skin.
“Does it feel good?” The prince asks mildly, his calm tone of voice unable to disguise the smile that spreads across his face at the sight of Phainon writhing on his bed.
“-yeah,” Phainon moans shakily, gripping the sheets and trying to press his head into the pillow-
-only for Mydei’s other hand to grab it, and gently force Phainon to look at him instead.
“Don’t turn away from me- I need to see your expressions.” Mydei says plainly, even as a mischievous twinkle sparkles in his eyes.
“-Sure you do!” Phainon exclaims, but he doesn’t try to turn away, orgasming with a violent shudder, squirting onto the bedsheets when Mydei adds a third finger.
Mydei doesn’t stop when Phainon cums, continuing to thrust inside him until he’s a twitching mess, begging for Mydei to slow down.
“You alright?” Mydei says when the other’s words finally get reduced to meaningless nonsense, gently dragging out of Phainon and caressing his face with his clean hand while he brings the slick-covered ones inside his pants, fumbling through his underwear and stroking on his hardening dick.
“Yeah, yeah… just give me a minute.” Phainon gasps, leaning into Mydei’s touch. He allows his breathing to steady, knowing that if he doesn’t pull himself together- he’ll fall apart.
“I’m ready.”
Mydei smirks.
“Prove it.”
Phainon tilts his head, confused.
“What do you mean?”
Mydei gestures to Phainon’s twitching form, still mostly clothed- with his pants draped indecently around his thighs still.
“Strip for me.” Mydei says firmly, with a lit of curious amusement to his words- anticipating Phainon’s reaction.
And boy, does the other man live up to his title with how he delivers.
“Me? But minus a missing gauntlet- you’re fully clothed! That’s unfair!” Phainon protests, leaning forward to poke at the prince’s chest, a rather ridiculous sight considering his state of undress.
Mydei raises an eyebrow. “I wasn’t under the impression that I was so modest; considering how much you stare at me, and linger around my waist, and enjoy talking about my exposed ches-“
“-enough!” Phainon shouts, realizing he’s lost this argument. Mydei simply has too much material to embarrass him with. His cheeks burn as he presses a hand to Mydei’s mouth, silencing him, unable to hear another word.
Bad idea.
“Oh, but I thought the Deliverer was willing to accept his punishment? Surely removing his clothes isn’t going to be the thing that stops him?” Mydei questions incredulously.
“You-“ Phainon groans- but he does not continue to protest, hanging his head in defeat as he slowly strips, maintaining spiteful eye-contact with Mydei until he’s fully naked.
“Satisfied?” He hisses, voice harsh even though they can both tell how excited he is.
So, keeping that in mind, Mydei decides to push him a little further.
He shakes his head disappointedly. “Not quite- unless you desire for me to finally shut that annoying mouth of yours- there’s no reason for you to be facing me right now like this, Phainon.” His voice drawls on like the edge of a knife, sliding across the other’s skin but refusing to break it- daring him to question Mydei’s authority. Daring him to acknowledge what Mydei really means.
Daring him to adress the elephant in the room.
The words exit in Phainon’s mouth before he even realizes he’s speaking to him.
“I- I’m not presenting myself to you Mydeimos!” Phainon protests, turning his head dramatically away from Mydei in embarrassment.
A twinge of disappointment curls In Mydei’s chest- and not because Phainon rejected him.
He’s not ready to let go just yet. Mydei realizes.
Phainon’s too nervous, too tense, too scared right now. Mydei wants to push him further, wants to encourage him to just let go and listen to him. He wants to silence those never-ending worries, that painful strive for perfection; things which both of them have been plagued with for a while. However, in this anxious state- especially since it’s Phainon’s first time- Mydei knows that degrading him won’t work. Phainon’s too afraid of failure for it to work- he’ll only build up his walls further instead of letting them crumble. If Mydei wants Phainon to surrender himself to the moment, he needs to start speaking his language…
…so Mydei reasons there’s no better time to indulge that long-buried tenderness inside himself as well, and admit just how much he wants to worship Phainon.
Mydei lets that tight, claustrophobic restraint finally snap.
“I know you can do it.” He encourages kindly, bringing his hand to gently massage Phainon’s neck; kindly urging Phainon to look back at him… and enjoying the pleased noises he makes.
He considers leveraging Phainon’s ever-present desire to please- but immediately decides against it. The point is to get rid of it. Phainon should want to do this for himself- not for the sake of making Mydei happy. Neither of them will truly enjoy it if it played out that way. Phainon’s submission must be given freely- otherwise Mydei wants nothing to do with it.
As selfish as it feels… this isn’t just for Phainon’s sake; Mydei wants to know if Phainon’s willing to fully surrender himself to Mydei. For too long have people been impersonal with him, swearing their loyalty out of duty or necessity rather than a genuine desire to be by his side. The few that did no longer stand before him.
Just how much is he willing to give?
Mydei’s heart starts to race, recalling that lonely, never-ending road he seems doomed to trudge along for all eternity. One he will never allow himself to stray off of. A path he forged himself… despite how much pain it causes him to walk.
In this brief, vulnerable moment- Mydei ceases his journey. He looks back upon the land he’s walked, desiring to give it one last farewell before he brings it the Strife this world needs to move forward.
Even now, the prospect of fighting the black tide for the rest of his life looms dreadfully over his head. Perhaps he wants more than just a goodbye- a promise that Phainon won’t abandon him no matter what happens. Does he really want to walk side-by-side with a man as cursed as I? Mydei’s scrambled brain questions nervously. Does he really trust I won’t take advantage of his vulnerabilities?
Can I feel safe letting go around him as well?
“I trust you, Phainon.” Mydei continues, leaving the implied, ‘do you trust me?’ silent. He leans forward to kiss the inside of Phainon’s shoulder. “If you don’t want this- we can do it another way.” Mydei reassures earnestly, teeth lightly scraping against the other’s exposed skin. A denial would not necessarily mean Mydei’s fears come true- this is a big ask. Phainon simply might not be into it, or might not be ready for his own personal reasons; feelings that have nothing to do with Mydei. Either way, he’d be happy to try something else- so long as Phainon’s pleased, Mydei is too. All he wants is him.
Phainon stills, pausing to weigh his options as he processes Mydei’s words, shuddering under the hot breaths battering against his neck. He knows Mydei really means it- means every single word- that part is obvious. He’s always been an incredibly sincere man. As much as Mydei wants this; they both know he wouldn’t enjoy it in the slightest if Phainon isn’t on board as well.
So… Should I do it? Phainon wonders.
Will giving himself up like that be humiliating? Absolutely. Perhaps one of the most embarrassing things he could ever do. Something he can never come back from.
But maybe he needs that.
“What happens here, stays here. I wouldn’t let another soul get even an inkling of you like this.” Mydei soothes, pulling away from teasing Phainon to stare warmly back at him, nervous golden eyes meeting similarly anxious blue ones.
“O-Okay.” Phainon finally replies, his voice trembling with fear and anticipation.
Mydei grins mischievously.
“Good boy.”
Phainon swears he blacks out for a moment at Mydei’s praise.
Kephale save me.
He quickly recovers, looking back at Mydei again.
This man… he’s too confident now that I’ve agreed… If he wants me to put on a show…then he’ll never appreciate another one in his life. If I’m doing this- if we’re doing this- I’m going all in.
With the grace of a man who’s practiced, Phainon turns around, getting into all fours and holding his behind incitingly in the air. He rests his head and arms into the pillows, looking demurely back at Mydei, begging him to react.
The prince takes the bait.
He hears his opportunity- Mydei taking a sharp inhale- and takes it.
“Surprised I’d do it?” He questions immediately, swaying back and forth teasingly. “And I thought you were ready for this?”
Mydei quickly composes himself, before taking a deep breath, and giving Phainon’s ass a precise, harsh slap.
“-Ah!” He moans surprisedly, not expecting Mydei to retaliate like that.
“That’s all you got?” Phainon taunts, not giving the other a millisecond of victory.
It will take more than just a slap to shut him up.
Mydei barks out a laugh. “Did I give you permission to speak- let alone talk back? You want me to hit you again- don’t you?”
“No…?” Phainon lies unconvincingly.
“Your desire is written all over your face, Deliverer,” Mydei taunts, his voice teasing yet firm, a lion finally having cornered his slippery prey. “Fortunately- I’m a generous man; I’ll spank you so long as you keep counting how many times I do so.”
Phainon bites back the urge to say ‘deal,’ knowing Mydei will likely call it off then- this is supposedly meant to be punishment, after all.
“Ready?” The prince asks earnestly.
“I should be asking you that question!”
Phainon jolts as he feels Mydei’s gauntlet-covered hand strike him.
“-you’re using that hand-?!”
“-I said count if you want this, Phainon.”
An annoyed groan exists said man’s mouth.
“-sorry, sorry! One.”
Mydei smirks.
“Good.”
Slap.
“Two.”
Slap.
“Three.”
Slap.
“F-four.”
…
Slap.
“A-ugh, fourty… fourty-seven.”
Mydei palms Phainon’s red ass, causing him to moan softly again.
“That was only thirty-seven… I believe you’re done now, Phainon.”
The nameless hero frowns. “No…” tears prick in his eyes- and not just from the pain. He really thought they’d get much further. “…I failed.”
Mydei shakes his head, manhandling Phainon so he’s facing him.
“Far from it- an ordinary man couldn’t withstand even five of my strikes, especially with my gauntlets on.” He wipes the other’s cheeks, wipes Phainon’s layers away, one by one until all that’s left is his raw, beating heart.
I’m going to get to the bottom of you, no matter what it takes.
“You’ve done such a fantastic job… Do you think you’re ready for me now?”
Phainon nods. “Please.”
“Then turn around for me again,” Mydei replies, “and I’ll give you a night you’ll always remember…”
…So, that’s how they end up where they are now.
Phainon really shouldn’t have begged for Mydei to give him everything he’s got.
Even if the Deliverer’s mind fails, his body will never forget the way Mydei’s making him feel.
Faster, harder thrusts would show more restraint than what Mydei’s doing right now- a self indulgent destruction of Phainon’s sanity. The prince relishes every noise that slides out of Phainon’s mouth, every slight tremble and shake of his form, every shudder of his legs and desperate claw at the sheets. Mydei’s never been a selfish man- but right now? Right now he’s greedily drinking up Phainon’s every action, consuming him with the desperation of a man who’s been years without water, a man who needs him more than oxygen, more than life itself.
“Calm down?” The prince gasps, finally replying to Phainon’s almost-forgotten plea. “You- you don’t know how long I’ve wanted this.” Mydei babbles, words slurring into a desperate mess. “You’re so-“ one of his hands detaches from Phainon’s waist and moves down to the back of his head, pressing him further into the pillows, “-so difficult to get at. I may struggle to articulate myself-“ he gasps “-but you? Everything’s a game with you.” Mydei leans forward for a moment, kissing the back of his neck tenderly, in a way that only causes Phainon to moan even more.
“-Mydei.” He croaks out, writhing in his grip, sensing the insecurity in Mydei’s words. “This was never a game to me. None of it.”
The prince grips Phainon’s hair, forcing him to turn around slightly to face him, eyes shining with anguished disagreement. “-Your feelings, no, those were always earnest. But your behavior?”
He holds Phainon up and slides out for a moment to bring him flush to his chest, grabbing the other’s chin and kissing him roughly before pulling away.
“-a fervent smokescreen, one trying it’s best to hide all of those bitter, repressed emotions. I’ve always known what’s lied on the other side… but I never knew how to pierce through it… not until now.” Mydei concludes, watching the vulnerability flicker in Phainon’s eyes- the fear of being seen for who he truly is, especially by someone he loves.
Mydei can’t help but shake his head, admitting something he’s been pushing aside for so long.
“-I don’t want to do that charade with you anymore.”
Phainon inhales sharply. “Mydei, you- you know that will change everything between us… even more than this already has.”
Mydei nods, tears pricking in his eyes. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”
Phainon’s stunned into silence for a moment, staring back in shock as Mydei continues to make love to him.
“You big, stubborn, overgrown kitty.” He scolds warmly, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of Mydei’s eyes. “You dumb, stupid, repressed oaf, I’m supposed to be the only one crying-“ Phainon continues as his voice shakes, nuzzling into Mydei’s neck as sobs wrack his body, love and regret intertwining into a disorienting mix.
“I-if you needed me this desperately-“ Phainon moans, “-you should have just said so. I’ll do anything for you.”
Mydei gasps into Phainon’s shoulder, remorseful tears pricking in the corner of his eyes, and they shift so that Mydei’s arms are wrapped tight around Phainon, clawing into his back as Phainon grips onto Mydei’s waist, starting to ride him instead.
“I might hold myself back- but this is the first time I’ve ever seen you put your desires before anyone else’s.” Phainon remarks, causing Mydei to keen as he kisses the space between Mydei’s jaw and neck.
“My duties pull myself towards others… but yours only push you away- yet you believe I’m the only one who needs to relax, the only one who needs to let go.“ Phainon begins, slamming Mydei down onto the bed, admiring the way his golden hair drapes everywhere, framing his beautiful, handsome face, and the way those blurry, radiant eyes inside it watch helplessly as Phainon rocks back and forth over him.
“-h-how are you so relentless.” Mydei stutters as he begins crying in full.
“In this? Or in pursuing you? Phainon replies earnestly.
Mydei chuckles softly. “-both, hah- both I suppose.”
Phainon smiles. “-because I’ll never give up on getting what I want… no matter how scared or hesitant I may be along the way. Right now- I want to see what you’ll do with what I’ve offered you.”
The prince's eyes widen, and he looks away in shame.
“I’m the world's biggest fool, aren’t I?… I should have said something sooner. Those were more than just games… and my choice to play along was more than just courtesy. Everyone knew, didn’t they?! Everyone but ourselves… Now, we have so little time left..” He mutters, voice cracking with grief and regret.
“Hey- don’t leave me out of this equation, Mydeimos… I deserve some credit for playing with your heart so recklessly.”
“Mmph- I, I suppose so.” He whines, gripping onto Phainon harder.
“You’re so adorable, Prince… Do I really feel that good?” He teases back, rubbing small circles into Mydei’s waist.
“Yes-“ he brushes away his tears, steadying himself, and remembering how this all started. “-But don’t forget- I’m in charge today, and I’m going to make sure you don’t forget the feeling of me inside you either.”
Phainon smirks.
“That’s what I was hoping for.”
______________
“-Okay, that’s enough, for real this time.” Phainon groans after what must have been the 7th round, collapsing onto the sheets for good. Mydei carefully pulls out, moving to lay gently beside him.
Well, that’s a polite way of putting it.
“Ugh- Mydei!” Phainon exclaims affectionately feeling the other man snuggle up to him, pulling him into a warm embrace. He giggles as Mydei nips at his shoulder and wraps his arms tenderly around him. Phainon swears he hears a small “mine” exit Mydei’s mouth, but he doesn’t bother arguing against it- knowing he feels the exact same way.
I swear it’s like he’ll start purring… Phainon muses to himself, running his fingers through Mydei’s hair. Kremnos’s most fearsome warrior… and the sweetest man Phainon knows. Sure, it takes a lot to draw it out of him, but once he’s like this- Phainon swears there’s nothing better.
He’s beat, feeling more tired than he has in years. Phainon relaxes into the mattress, attempting to sooth his aching muscles, barely able to move.
Mydei senses his discomfort, realizing that they should probably get cleaned before they go to bed, as they’ll likely be too tired in the morning to do so. He sits up, quietly apologizes to a protesting Phainon, reassuring him that he’s not leaving his embrace so soon. Carefully, Mydei picks up the other man, who hangs limply in his arms, and draws them a bath. He briefly darts back to change the soaked sheets before returning to Phainon, getting in with him and helping scrub him clean.
“You’re ruthless…” Phainon groans affectionately, wincing as the soapy water touches the several bite marks Mydei left on his skin.
Mydei smiles. “Don’t pretend like you’re any different… just because I heal quickly doesn’t mean that you didn’t scratch the living daylights out of me.”
Phainon barks out a laugh at the concept of his fingernails putting Mydei in mortal danger. “The fearsome crown prince- dying because his partner held onto him a little too hard! What a headline that would be!”
They both collapse into hysterics, Mydei elbowing Phainon harshly while the other splashes water towards him, forcing Mydei to cover his eyes, so he retaliates by dunking Phainon’s head into the water, which causes Phainon to drag him down with him, leaving them both soaked.
“How do you even have the energy to do this?” Mydei asks amusedly.
“I don’t.” Phainon heaves, leaning into him. “You really are a beast…” He teases, panting profusely.
Mydei smirks, getting a bright idea from the stupid comment. “…I’m your beast.”
Phainon sighs affectionately. “-And you’re the most insufferable, embarrassing man in all of Castrum Kremnos.”
“-Bold of you to say that- Phainon of Aedes Elysiae- after the day you just put me through! I’m surprised Aglaea didn’t arrest us for the scenes we’ve caused- the scenes you started!” He taunts back. “My soldiers said I looked like the air itself got mad at me- I’ll never hear the end of it!”
Phainon quickly shoos him back, but Mydei can sense the shame that invades the other's posture, causing him to droop against Mydei’s over things more than exhaustion, hung up on how he keeps shooting himself in the foot in his attempts to get Mydei’s attention. He’s tired, and the teasing is start to get to him far more than it normally would.
“…Deliverer.” Mydei begins, bringing a hand to Phainon’s chin. “I’m not seriously mad at you- if I was I’d make it far more obvious than that.”
Phainon perks up a bit, and as much as he teases Mydei for acting like a disgruntled cat- his demeanor right now is no different from an excited dog- excited immediately by Mydei’s praise.
He really does hang off my every word… the back of Mydei’s mind mutters. I’m wrapped around his finger, there’s no doubt about that… but you really are so eager to please, Phainon…
A quality which both delights and endlessly frustrates Mydei, one which he’s been rolling around in the forefront of his mind this whole day. Mydei will never stop wanting Phainon to want for himself- not just for his sake, or anyone else’s for that matter. As enjoyable as seeing Phainon give into those shameful desires of his is, it’s that focus on himself which pleases Mydei. In these moments, he’s no longer the Deliverer of Amphoreus, he’s simply Phainon, acting not for his duties but for his own benefit.
Mydei knows Phainon needs to look inwards more before it’s too late.
Soon, Mydei won’t be able to be Phainon’s hero anymore.
I will always fight for you… but you need to fight for yourself even harder. You’ve always admired me the most out of the other Chrysos Heirs…
…but for both our sakes, I hope you outgrow that.
That cold, dreadful prophecy hangs over Mydei’s head. He knows the other Heirs earnestly believe the “witness” part of it merely means that Phainon will be the only one aware of the Era Nova… but Mydei knows better. Their last goodbye won’t be a merciful one, and he can only pray that in the next life- in whatever form it takes- they’ll find each other again.
He can only hope that when that day comes, they’ll both be ready.
Shaking off both the water and his lingering doubts, Mydei picks Phainon up again and dries the two of them off, carefully placing the other back in bed before shuffling in himself.
“Mydeiii~” Phainon whines, using all his remaining strength to climb on top of him as soon as Mydei’s inside the covers.
“Ugh.” Mydei groans, feeling the full weight of Phainon push him into the mattress. It’s strangely comforting, grounding the Prince back to the earth, gently reminding him of what he’s been fighting for all this time- the futures of those he loves.
Phainon’s future.
Mydei would be lying if he denied his never-ending desire for another’s touch. After spending so much of his life alone, the embrace of another is something he’s always longed for. Lingering brushes past others, light taps on the shoulder, encouraging pats on the back from his subordinates- Mydei appreciates each and every one of them-
-but nothing can compare to the way Phainon holds him now.
He treats Mydei like he hung the moon and the stars- like a precious being the rest of the world simply can’t appreciate the beauty of- merely because of the ideas they’ve already formed in their heads about him. Ideas he never even gets the chance to disprove most of the time.
But Phainon is different.
When they first met, that insatiable curiosity of his had immediately made Mydei it’s target, and soon the Prince was being picked apart and examined down to the most minute detail, his walls and pretenses slowly dismantled to reveal the tender man underneath, one Mydei had long since buried for the sake of the future. The him of a year ago would find it frivolous to indulge in Phainon like this- even if he’d wanted to back then just as desperately- therefore Mydei can’t help but be grateful that he’s grown beyond that point.
That painful, longing ache no longer resides inside his chest. He’s gotten what he wants- who he wants- now. No matter what happens going forward, this satisfaction will propel him gently onto the next life.
Phainon rubs his head against Mydei’s shoulder. “I’m gonna miss you so much…” he whispers solemnly, eyes going glassy.
Mydei grabs Phainon’s back, pulling him into a tight embrace. “I’ll be back before you know it.” He reassures, snuggling back into Phainon.
The Deliverer giggles, amused by the sight of his favorite fearsome warrior clinging onto him so desperately. “You weren’t this gentle an hour ago.” He teases, bringing his hands to run over the scratch marks he’d left in Mydei’s back.
He earns a playful scoff in response.
“I needed to teach you a lesson before I’d be gone for good.”
Phainon playfully raises an eyebrow. “You want to tame me, Mydei?”
The bed shakes as the prince lets out a drawn, affectionate sigh. “Never- your disobedience is what I love about you- even if you’re a pain in my ass.” He replies warmly- though his words may seem harsh.
“It’s my honor.” Phainon teases.
“However-“ Mydei starts, grabbing onto Phainon’s waist and flipping them over with remarkable speed, leaving him the one on top again, “I do adore putting you in your place.”
“Which is?” The Deliverer says breathlessly, his heart skipping a beat when he glances up at Mydei.
The offending lion smiles, leaning down to kiss Phainon softly on the cheek… just collapse beside him. “Right by my side, where you belong.”
Phainon laughs warmly, pressing his forehead against Mydei’s.
“I can’t argue with that.”