Chapter Text
Mydei likes strength.
He’s very much into strong people. He has always known this. Yet, he’s never indulged in it before, partly because he didn't have time for such trivialities, but mostly because no one tickled his fancy quite like he wanted it. Mydei is so strong that hardly anyone can keep up with him for too long, let alone be his equal, and anyone weaker than him simply wouldn't do.
So he spent most of his life only imagining what it would be like to find an equal in strength, a person that can rival his battle prowess no matter how long or how difficult the battle is, but no one lived up to that expectation, Mydei was just too strong.
That is, until he met Phainon.
Mydei didn't take him very seriously at the start, he treated him with his usual snarky attitude and proud demeanour, not expecting much from some random boy with a sword frankly too big for him, in Mydei’s opinion.
And yet. When their bickering picked up pace and they ended up challenging each other, one duel turned into two, and then three and four, and before they knew it, they had fought for ten days straight. Mydei expected the man to drop on the first day, but Phainon surprised him and kept going on the next, the prince was shocked, but pleased. Despite that, he still expected Phainon to fall in a matter of hours on the second day, but Phainon surprised him again.
The fiery blue eyes didn’t lose their edge the entire time they fought, Mydei could hardly believe it. He was immortal, so this was nothing to him, but that man kept going without immortality, without any unique powers either, just sheer strength and willpower.
It was so hot. Mydei could hardly contain his arousal. But he was sure they were both too caught up in the battle to notice, heck even he didn't glance at Phainon's crotch once, he was simply too engrossed in their endless spar.
By the tenth day, even Mydei was exhausted, but couldn't give in. He wasn't going to lose to a mortal in a battle of endurance.
“Giving up yet, boy?” He provoked, wiping blood off his mouth with the back of his hand, a proud smirk on his lips.
“As if!” Phainon retorted, but he wasn't fooling anyone, he was visibly worn out, bruised all over his body, bleeding from multiple ones, his breath ragged, his legs barely holding him up. Mydei was in better shape due to his immortality, most of his injuries would just heal within minutes, only the deeper cuts would take hours, but he was completely healed from the last nine days’ worth of fighting, while Phainon was only piling up the wounds.
Mydei chuckled and rolled his shoulders. “Don't blame me if my next blow knocks you clean out.” He stated, taking on a fighting stance and readying up to strike. But he didn't realize how much damage he had taken from today’s fight, Phainon had truly put his all into hammering him out with his ridiculously large sword, and while immortality helps, it doesn't prevent exhaustion. Mydei felt his vision blur and his knees buckle.
This can't be. Was he going to lose to a powerless mortal? This man was strong. Irritatingly so. But also painfully attractive for it.
But before Mydei lost his balance completely, Phainon fell to the floor first. Mydei’s eyes widened in surprise, and he just looked down at the man laying flat on his face at his feet, completely still. Mydei huffed out a small victorious chuckle, pleased with himself for being the last one standing. But not for long. He was refusing to admit it to himself, but he was drained from all his strength as well, and before he knew it, he was unconscious on the floor too, right next to the other man.
Naturally, they were both scolded by Hyacine and Aglaea respectively, first when they were getting treated by the healer, and then when the lady goldweaver summoned them for a stern talk about self restraint.
Following that ten day battle, the two of them would regularly spar, which started taking place after they were both fully healed— mostly Phainon, it took significantly longer for him to recover. They would meet in the rooftops of Okhema and trade blows, Phainon with a wooden sword this time, while Mydei kept his gauntlets, they were harmless if he just pulled his punches, which he had to do, he promised Aglaea he would.
It became a sort of tradition, along with going to the baths together. Phainon initiated that second one, Mydei had been a little surprised at the suggestion when Phainon first brought it up, but didn't mind. Then Phainon started taking him there twice a day, and once again it just surprised Mydei the first time, but he simply went along with the man’s whims, it was harmless and he didn't mind cleaning up twice a day.
Over time, their daily routine became sacred. Whenever Phainon was late to the spar or the baths, Mydei would scold him, they even competed over who was more punctual about it.
“Five minutes late, deliverer. You're slacking off.” Mydei teased in the bath, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist as he waited for the man to show up to their daily scheduled 11pm bath. Phainon was still fully clothed when he walked in, he stilled and stared at the blonde for a few seconds. “....Sorry. I was held up by two ladies who needed directions.” Phainon finally said, his usual cheerful smile now dancing on his lips.
Mydei felt very slightly irritated at the mention of random ladies talking to Phainon, but there was absolutely zero justification for his irritation, so he completely brushed the thought aside. “Is that so.” He simply said, tone flat but not harsh, then made his way to the tub filled with boiling hot water. “Hurry up and get in here, we don't have all night.”
Phainon quietly got to work, taking all of his clothes off to wrap the towel around his waist much like Mydei did. The prince had his back to the other man, hearing the rustling of clothes behind him and trying very very hard not to turn around and take a peek.
But he failed.
He looked back as subtly as he could, he decided he would play it off as just a casual glance due to getting impatient with the man if he got caught. But he didn't. Instead he was met with Phainon's back as the man was stepping out of his pants and underwear. He was broad, muscular, tall— he looked powerful, every part of his body screamed strength. Wide shoulders, sculpted back, thighs, arms, calves, and ass— that last part was not necessary, Mydei fought the thought.
But a worse one creeped in. Mydei wondered what Phainon’s dick would look like. They had been bathing together for many months, but always made sure to give each other enough privacy to change without seeing the other completely naked. Mydei wouldn't mind displaying himself to the other man, but he wanted to preserve Phainon’s privacy so he refrained from flashing the man.
And now he’s thinking about Phainon flashing him instead. Mydei wanted to smack himself across the face for such thoughts, he quickly turned back around and tried to think about something else. Anything. Anything but Phainon's size, how girthy he would be when hard, how many fingers Mydei would need to wrap around it fully, how it would feel inside him—
By Nikador, what was he even thinking. There was no word for ‘pervert’ in the Kremnoan dictionary, he needed to get a grip, and fast, before he popped a boner in the baths.
“Something wrong, Mydeimos? Don't tell me the water is too hot for you.” Phainon teased and then chuckled as he dipped in the water beside Mydei, completely oblivious to the other man’s indecent thoughts. He let out a groan when he settled down, and Mydei sucked in a breath.
Not helping, deliverer.
“Hah! You wish. This is my natural habitat, Kremnoans bathe in scorching hot waters from sword forging, I'll have you know.” Mydei stated as confidently as he could make himself sound. He wasn't sure if he was fooling the man, but he sure was trying. Phainon chuckled, his arms settled behind him on the edge of the bath, head tipped backwards and eyes closed as he enjoyed the warmth of the water around him. He seemed too engrossed in the feeling to notice anything, didn't even talk back, much to Mydei's relief.
Somehow, Mydei got through that bath unscathed. He could hardly believe the things he was thinking, as he lay in bed recalling what happened just earlier. It was a first since he met Phainon. Of course he had always thought the man was attractive, after that ten day fight, Mydei knew he had found a perfect equal and it certainly ignited something in him, but thus far he had kept it under control.
Perhaps he repressed those desires too long and there was a limit to how much he could contain. Mydei would love to avoid the fact, but something definitely shifted that day. For him, that is, because that puppy of a man was completely oblivious.
For the next few days, Mydei was avoiding Phainon. He thought that if he kept his distance long enough, things would settle back to normal and he would stop feeling and thinking the things he did. But it didn't help. Mydei wouldn't stop thinking about Phainon’s naked form in the baths, how strong his frame looked, and it didn't help that he was painfully aware of how strong Phainon actually was, having tested that strength himself on their numerous spars and competitions.
Oh god, Mydei was too far gone. He was never going to be able to brush these thoughts aside, now that the deep seated desires surfaced and manifested themselves into concrete, elaborate thoughts, rather than vague, abstract observations. Mydei was walking the streets of Okhema deep in thought, wondering how he was going to deal with this situation, how would he face the deliverer now? Would he be able to act normally around him again?
Just as he thought about that, the deliverer in question showed up. Mydei heard hurried footsteps running toward him quickly and looked forward, only to see a very impatient Phainon almost running in his direction.
“Mydei! Out of the way please, I'm in a hurry!” Phainon exclaimed as he got closer to the blond, he started fidgeting right and left, trying to find an opening on either side of Mydei to slip through and hurry wherever he needed to be, but to no avail, there were merchant stalls to the left, and far too many people crowded and walking to the right.
“HKS. Just stop moving so I can—” Mydei tried to scold, but before he could finish his sentence, two strong arms were lifting him by the sides, the hands settled just under Mydei’s armpits, carrying him like a cat. “Sorry Mydei!” Phainon exclaimed apologetically, holding the man up in the air like he weighed nothing, then immediately settling him down to the side, and walking away through the opening he just made for himself by moving Mydei out of the way. “Sorry…” Phainon apologized again and hurried off.
Mydei was frozen in place, looking down at his own feet, eyes wide, and blushing furiously. What. What was that. What just happened to him? Deliverer just… Lifted him up so effortlessly, as if Mydei wasn't a heavy tall muscular man but just a dainty little boy.
Mydei was in so much trouble. He was desperately and hopelessly into this. Phainon was exactly his type, he met all the standards Mydei thought no one would ever be able to live up to.
Mydei rubbed his hands over his face to try and shake himself off this trance, he had to move away from the bustling street at some point. And he did. But he wasn't sure where he was going, he was mindlessly walking, until he found himself on a rooftop, the one he and Phainon usually spar in, no less. Guess his subconscious leads him to this man every time.
He sat over the edge of the roof, legs dangling off, looking down at the city where people went about their lives, merchants selling goods, children playing together, people shopping.
He stayed there lost in thought, and before he knew it, it had already been a few hours, and the streets were starting to empty up as people were going back home, done with their activities for the day. Mydei was calmer now, he was still very much worried about how he would deal with his newfound feelings, but at this very moment, he was enjoying the peace and quiet.
“Mydei?”
Nevermind.
The voice came from behind him, and he heard footsteps approaching him slowly. “Mydei, what are you doing here all alone, getting emotional about something?” The voice spoke again. Phainon. There was teasing in his tone, of course there was, but Mydei wasn't in the mood for their usual banter, and Phainon was the last person he wanted to see right now. “Not now, deliverer. Leave me alone.” Mydei asked simply, tone calm and neutral.
Phainon stilled for a few seconds, then he settled down beside Mydei quietly, feet dangling off the edge just like him. Mydei looked at him with a subtly surprised expression. “What are you doing?” He asked. “Leaving you alone.” Phainon said, matter of factly, as if that made complete sense. Mydei raised an eyebrow. “That is the complete opposite of leaving me alone.” He stated.
“The expression ‘leave me alone’ isn't meant to be taken literally— I leave you alone by not pestering you further over whatever is troubling you, but that doesn't mean I leave you by yourself and go away. I can sit next to my friend in silence, can't I?” Phainon explained cheerfully, his usual big smile on his lips. Mydei’s expression softened and he chuckled. What a nerd. Oh he was so weak for this man. “Do as you please.”
Phainon chuckled softly, and the two men looked ahead, watching the city go quiet for the day, only a few people left here and there, but never for too long. Mydei was leaning forward, his forearms settled on his thighs supporting his upper body. Phainon’s hands were on his lap, fingers intertwined together, was he nervous? Mydei didn't know. However, he did notice the man stealing glances every now and then through his peripheral vision, but he didn't comment on it.
“But really, if there's anything I can do to help, please tell me.” Phainon announced after a few minutes of silence. He seemed worried, when Mydei looked at him. “I'm not sure you can help with this, deliverer.” He said in a quiet voice. “That sounds like a challenge. Lay it on me! There's nothing I can't do.” Phainon insisted, balling his hand into a fist in determination. Mydei sighed, a faint smile on his lips. “That's not far from the truth, you're great at everything.” He concurred. That took Phainon by surprise, Mydei never agreed when Phainon praised himself, let alone praise him further. Of course, they both knew Mydei admired Phainon's qualities, and vice versa, he just would never praise him to his face because where was the fun in that? It's better to constantly tease each other. “Something must be really wrong if you're saying nice things to me. Did someone poison you or something? Wait no, that can't be- you would just heal or die and come back-” Phainon rambled, a futile attempt at figuring out what was wrong, He was painfully oblivious to the fact that he was the problem.
Mydei watched him quietly, as the snow haired man continued talking. How can one man be so attractive and adorable? Even his stupid ramblings were endearing to Mydei. He stared at those lips as they continued moving, sometimes they would be covered by Phainon's large hands as he went quiet for a while, deep in thought, only to be revealed again and start moving once more. Wow, he sure could talk. Mydei wanted to shut him up.
Without thinking, Mydei grabbed hold of Phainon’s jaw with one of his gauntlet hands, and pulled the man’s face toward his own, leaning in dangerously close, but before it was too late he caught himself and froze in place. Their faces only inches apart, both their eyes were wide open, looking deeply into each other, Phainon was in shock over Mydei’s actions, and Mydei over his own. “M-Mydei…?” Phainon hesitantly asked, a few seconds into them being in this position, his face fully flushed.
Mydei immediately pushed Phainon's face away, but not too harshly, just enough to shake him a little, then quickly stood up. “I have to go.” He said flatly, then turned around to leave.
“What?!” Phainon questioned in complete shock, and swiftly followed after the blond before he could leave the rooftop, he took Mydei's arm into his hand and stopped him from leaving. “You can't do that and just- leave!” He exclaimed. Mydei of course was standing still, looking ahead of him, Phainon holding his arm from behind, where he refused to look. “Do what? I didn't do anything.”
“You almost did! You pulled my face so close to yours I thought you would... k-kiss me! what was that about?!” Phainon insisted, clearly he wasn't about to let it go, and Mydei just couldn't free himself from this man's strong hold. Which wasn't helping his mental state at this moment. “I don't know what you're talking about. You were talking too much and I wanted to silence you, that's all.” Mydei tried playing it off as just that, but they both knew the truth. That was clearly going to be a kiss if Mydei didn't stop in his tracks at the last second. “Do you seriously think I'll believe that?” Phainon asked, tone slightly exasperated. “Let me go.” Was all Mydei said in response, trying to pull his arm away again, to no avail.
Instead of letting go, Phainon pulled Mydei toward himself and turned him around to make the prince face him. It was too easy and effortless, Mydei tried very hard not to linger on that thought. Phainon held the man in place with two strong hands on either side of Mydei’s arms. The blond was trying his utmost to not look the man in the eye.
“Talk to me Mydei, please. Whatever it is, I won't get mad, I won't see you any differently, I won't judge- whatever you think will change, it won't! I promise.” Phainon tried reassuring, looking at Mydei’s face directly, his gaze burning holes into the blond’s skin. Mydei said nothing. “If you were really going in for a... kiss, I don't mind. In fact I—” Phainon added, then hesitated, he started blushing and looked away. Mydei finally looked up, taking in Phainon’s expression.
“In fact you what?” Mydei questioned, voice quiet and steady, despite how fast his heart was beating now. Phainon’s face was fully red at this point, and he looked back at Mydei with a somewhat pathetic expression, lips slightly parted, face flushed, eyebrows furrowed. “Well I- I wouldn't… I wouldn't have minded it.” He trailed off, voice dropping lower as he spoke, until it was nearly completely quiet at the last two words. But it was enough for Mydei to hear.
Mydei was a blushing mess as well. Golden eyes wide open as they stared into ocean blues, unsure of what to do next. They both stood still, silently looking at each other.
Maybe it wasn't so bad after all. Maybe Mydei’s thoughts and desires would be accepted, and reciprocated? He didn't know, but what he knew for sure was that he wanted to kiss Phainon at this moment.
So he closed the distance between them slowly, gently holding Phainon by his nape with one hand, stepping into his personal space, face so close to Phainon's their lips almost touched, they could feel each other’s breath on their faces. Phainon stood still after letting go of Mydei, examining the situation, blushing hard.
Mydei had been looking at Phainon’s lips, then he directed his gaze up to meet the man’s eyes once again, and Phainon somehow blushed harder. The blond cracked a smile, then closed the distance between them completely and captured Phainon's lips into his own. Phainon immediately melted into it, it was as if he waited for this his whole life. He gently settled a hand behind Mydei’s head, and directed the other one onto the man’s waist, pulling him so close Mydei thought they would merge together. Their lips danced together hungrily, both men letting out soft moans and breaths, engrossed in the feeling of having each other like this at last.
Phainon licked Mydei’s bottom lip experimentally, and Mydei parted his lips to welcome him in. Phainon’s tongue slipped inside and they deepened the kiss. Mydei was losing all common sense to the taste of the man in his arms. Unexpectedly, Phainon grabbed hold of the underside of Mydei's thighs and lifted him up, propping each of Mydei’s legs on either side of Phainon. Mydei gasped at the sudden movement, but he wasn't given much time before his lips were trapped in Phainon’s again, and he melted into it without protest once more, then wrapped his legs behind Phainon’s back, then his arms around the man’s neck. Mydei was starting to get turned on, being manhandled like this was everything he ever desired.
Their kiss was deep, passionate, impatient at times, like they were catching up on all the time they went without this. Phainon walked toward a wall and carefully pressed Mydei’s back to it, not because he needed the help, but because he wanted to give Mydei’s back some support in case it was uncomfortable for him.
After several minutes of passionate making out, their lips finally parted away, and the two of them looked longingly at one another, catching their breath. It was a comfortable silence for a few seconds, but as they were coming off their high, they started feeling embarrassed. Mydei blushed and averted his eyes, covering his mouth with one hand. Phainon's blush was evident as well, but he chuckled. “Chickening out, Mydeimos?”
“Shut up.” Mydei breathed, frustrated. “Aw, but you aren't kissing me anymore, I can't shut up.” Phainon pressed on, he sounded far too cheerful for Mydei’s liking. “Do you like being carried or something? What's this about?” Phainon spoke again before Mydei could even respond. Mydei’s eyes ripped open in shock, and he looked at the man below him with an even deeper blush. “Wha— what are you talking about….” He tried feigning ignorance. “C’mon, I heard the way you moaned when I carried you, your reaction was priceless by the way. What is it? So I can do it more, or better, I want to please you.” Phainon insisted. What a persistent man.
Mydei’s stomach did a backflip at those words. Maybe he can indulge.
“I like… Strength.” Mydei admitted after some time.
“Strength?”
“Yes. I find it attractive. Someone who is equal to me in strength is very attractive. You're the only one I've ever met who has met this standard.” Mydei explained further. No harm in telling him, their tongues have been down each other’s throats now, it wasn’t the worst secret anymore.
Phainon smiled wide, seemingly very pleased, he looked flattered and surprised at the same time, a deep blush across his cheeks. “Wow, haha, really? I'm very glad for all the training I've put in then.” He said and chuckled, then moved Mydei’s weight onto one arm, holding him from under his thighs, in order to free his other hand and scratch the back of his nape sheepishly in true Phainon fashion, unaware of the effect this one move had on the prince. Mydei couldn't help the small moan that escaped his lips. Phainon looked up in surprise. “Oh.” He whispered, it was as if he just truly grasped the situation, Mydei was really into this, it's not just a funny thing he said or a superficial one, this is… a kink.
Mydei wanted the ground to split in half and swallow him. He hid his face in one of his hands, the other one wrapped around Phainon’s neck. “I hate you.” He whispered, beside himself with embarrassment.
Phainon chuckled, very pleased at how much effect he had on Mydei, he’d always wanted to impress him, but to think he was exactly his type all along. He was thankful once again for all the training he put himself through all these years. If he were to tell his younger self that it would help him seduce the crown prince of Castrum Kremnos, young Phainon would laugh at him. Yet here we are. “You sure?” Phainon teased, then lifted Mydei higher with the one arm he was holding him on, only to drop it back down slowly, and repeated the motion a few times, as if he was doing weight training using Mydei as the weight. Mydei tried his best to remain collected. “Stop.” He almost pleaded, holding onto Phainon's shoulders for dear life, he could feel his pants tightening with his arousal.
To his surprise, Phainon listened, he settled Mydei back down on his feet. Mydei looked at the man in confusion. “What? You said to stop, unless you didn't mean it? You want me to be pushy? I can do that.” Phainon teased, then chuckled. It was too fun seeing Mydei’s reaction to everything he does. Mydei knew that, he realized; now that Phainon was aware of the effect he had on him, he would take advantage of it. Well shit. “HKS.” Mydei cussed out, blushing furiously and crossing his arms.
Phainon chuckled again, then walked a little closer, expression less like a tease and more like a pleading puppy. “Can I come to your room?” He asked, voice low. Mydei looked at him, then smiled. No matter what, Phainon was still Phainon, he will always revert to his wet puppy personality, especially when indulging in his own desires, which he usually just ignored for the sake of fulfilling everyone else’s wishes. But not right now, not with Mydei.
“If you can carry me there without being seen by anyone, I'll consider letting you in.” He whispered, one hand softly combing through the man’s white locks. “You're on.” Phainon accepted the challenge with a smile.