Chapter Text
Thanos stood alone, watching hundreds of people go by in the busy marketplace. Waiting to strike on an unsuspecting victim. He needed to get enough to feed the others. Their sources were beginning to deplete.
Thanos resented the rich, he scorned those who spent precious money on measly entertainment. Thanos used to be a renowned bard, praised near and far. One day it all slipped from his fingers, scandal chasing him out of his town. He moved to this new kingdom in hopes of a better life. He quickly learned how foolish he’d been. This place was even more corrupt, the taxes far higher than any other neighboring kingdom. Streets filled with more beggars and peasants than he could count.
Thanos spotted the perfect target. A young man, face obscured by a tunic. He didn’t look special but he walked with the confidence and arrogance of someone who had never gone hungry, whose silver spoon had never been taken away. With a sly smile, Thanos pushed himself off the wall and followed this stranger. The man weaved through the crowd, Thanos right on his heels. The man eventually paused at a stall with gleaming jewels on display. Thanos saw his chance. He snatched the bag of gold off the man’s belt, darting off before he could be grabbed. He ran into a nearby alleyway, crouching swiftly before opening the bag. His heart raced, but his hands moved with practiced ease. He took a moment to breathe, feeling a sense of triumph. For the first time in days, he had enough. Enough to feed those who relied on him. Granted it wasn’t much, but it was something.
"You shouldn’t take things that don’t belong to you.”
Thanos froze, breath catching in his throat. The young man stood at the end of the alleyway. He began to advance towards Thanos, who tightened his grip on the bag, his options narrowing. He could fight this stranger, sure, but that would draw attention and Thanos couldn’t afford to let the guards discover his activities.
“I’d like it back.” The man said as he stood opposite of Thanos. He held a hand out, waiting for his belongings to be returned. Thanos glanced up at the man, fingers still curled around the bag of gold. The arrogance that had dripped from the young man’s voice only stoked the fire of resentment that burned in Thanos’s chest.
“Any day now,” the man sneered down at Thanos, “if you give it back right now I won’t call the guards.”
Thanos scowled at the man before smacking away his hand away. He refused to back down from this pompous asshole, consequences be damned. Thanos’ hand moved towards his belt, gripping his dagger.
The man’s eyes flashed with anger. He muttered something about peasants and disobedience before standing tall once more. “I’d have been merciful if you’d just given it back.” He replied and lifting his hand to his mouth, preparing to shout to the guards. Thanos shoved him against the dingy wall, he placed the dagger near the man’s Adam apple.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Thanos whispered. The man’s eyes widened, breath hitching. “You’re gonna head home and you won’t mention this to anyone, got it?”
The man glared at Thanos, eyes filled with anger and a silver of curiosity. Thanos annoyed at the man’s silence, pressed the dagger closer to the man’s neck. The man winced as the metal connected with his flesh, a drop of blood cascaded down this throat. The man surged forward, kneeing Thanos hard in the ribs. Thanos staggered back, the man used this to his advantage and tackled Thanos to the ground. They wrestled on the ground for a few moments, both landing blows on each other. Thanos eventually overpowered the man, resting a hand on the man’s throat while catching his breath. The man’s hood fell off while they were fighting, it revealed short black hair. The man was surprisingly attractive, without shadows dancing across his delicate features.
“Alright,” the man panted out. Thanos scowls down at the man once more before getting up. He brushed himself off and readjusted his cloak.
Before either of them could do anything else, a figure turned into the alleyway. Thanos stiffened as he saw who it was. Lee Myung-gi. One of the many guards assigned to the prince. He’d had a few encounters with Myung-gi before, mostly after Thanos had been kicked out of pubs. Myung-gi strode forward, glaring at Thanos before his attention drifted to the man on the ground. His eyes widened and he knelt down next to the man immediately.
“Sire! What happened? Are you okay?” He asked quickly, eyes looking for any major injuries. Thanos froze, panic flooding his chest. The prince, Thanos had just robbed and attacked the prince. This is it. This is the end.
The prince’s voice cut through the panic in his head, dripping with disdain. “I’m fine. Get off me.” He pushed the guard away, brushing the dirt off his clothes. He turned back towards Thanos, a smirk appearing on his face.
“Well, well,” the prince mused, “it seems we haven’t been properly introduced. Nam-gyu, Prince Nam-gyu.”
“Thanos.” He muttered, still dazed and weary of this whole situation. Myung-gi scowled at Thanos. He clearly put together what had happened. The prince paid him no mind as he stepped towards Thanos. He leans in right next to Thanos’ ear.
“Keep it, you’ve certainly earned it, don’t you think?”
Thanos didn’t respond. His thoughts raced, he didn’t know what to make of this. The prince stepped back, eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Sire, this man should be arrested at once.” Myung-gi said, voice tight, “He- “
The prince held up a hand, Myung-gi’s mouth snapped shut and he stood straighter. The prince tilted his head slightly, eyes roaming over Thanos.
“I hope to see you around Thanos.” He said swiftly before turning and walking back into the busy marketplace. Myung-gi spares Thanos one last glance before chasing after the prince.
Thanos exhaled slowly, heart still pounding in his chest, his mind racing to piece together what had just happened. He attacked the prince and yet he was able to leave with his life and the gold he’d stolen. He didn’t understand it but he doubted this would be the last time he’d see the prince.