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"Castorice! Trinnon! Hey!"
"Little Gray," Trinnon greets with a smile.
"Mister Caelus, hello," Castorice says as he walks up to the duo. "Are you doing well?"
"I'm good! Finally getting used to sleeping while the sun's up," he replies with a smile. "So, I had a question about something."
"How can we help?" Trinnon asks softly.
"Oh, it's nothing serious, I was just curious. You know how I went with Phainon and Mydei to Castrum Kremnos?" Both girls nod. "Well, um…what's their deal? Is there something going on between them?"
To his surprise, Castorice and Trinnon turn to each other with twin looks of excitement. Castorice specifically seems elated, while Trinnon's usually passive expression has an amused tint to it.
"Oh? Did something happen in Castrum Kremnos?" Castorice questions.
Caelus, vaguely distracted by the unexpected reaction, shrugs. "It sort of felt like they kept forgetting I was there when they were talking to each other? It was weird. They say they're rivals and I can tell they mean it, but like, it seems like there's more to it than that. Like there's something else there."
"He understands," Trinnon comments to Castorice.
"He does," Castorice agrees.
"Does that mean we bring him in on it?"
"I think we should. We could use all the help we can get."
"Mhm."
"Um," Caelus interrupts them. "What's happening?"
"Caelus," Castorice says very seriously, and suddenly he gets the feeling that his curiosity has once again caused him to stumble into something much bigger than he expected. At least it's far from the first time this has happened. "We're recruiting you into Operation Phaidei."
"Operation what now?"
"Phaidei. For Lord Phainon and Lord Mydei. I came up with it myself."
"Snowy and Dei like each other but they haven't realised it yet," Trinnon explains. "So we're all trying to help get them together. But it's been hard, they keep denying it when we ask."
"…When you say 'we all'…?"
"Me, Lady Trinnon, Lady Trianne, Lady Tribbie, Lady Hyacine, Lady Aglaea," Castorice lists. "Lady Cipher too but she's barely in Okhema. Professor Anaxa thinks we're wasting our energy but he secretly also agrees with us. And now we've got you. Mister Dan Heng seems observant, he can join us as well if he wants."
"He is observant," Caelus agrees. "And you just named, like, all the Chrysos Heirs I know and more."
"That's how dire the situation is," Trinnon says solemnly.
"Damn…" He thinks about it for a second. It's such a trivial thing, given that he and Dan Heng are literally stuck on Amphoreus for the foreseeable future. There are so many more important things that he should be pouring his energy into.
But also, considering everything he's gotten up to in his trailblazing journey, this is far from the most menial challenge he's ever sunk his teeth into. And after that trip to Castrum Kremnos? He can only agree that those two need to get their shit together.
"I'm so in," Caelus declares, grinning with determination. "You're lucky you've found yourselves the best matchmaker this side of the galaxy!"
"Better than Lady Aglaea?" Castorice asks excitedly, and her eyes are so bright they actually seem to be glittering. Caelus winces when he realises he's put himself up against the literal demigod of romance. "How many couples have you played matchmaker for?"
"…So maybe I'm just really good at being a third wheel. But! Matchmakers and third wheels are kinda close, right? How hard can it be?"
Trinnon hums, unconvinced. "Knowing those two…well, you'll see."
For a mission like this, being upfront won't work. Caelus decides to go subtle for his first attempt—he needs to get them to spend time together away from duty and without competition. He doesn't expect to get the job done right away, but this should get them a step closer to where they want to be.
It's all about the building blocks with this sort of thing, you see.
("Why does it sound like you're quoting lines from a book?" Dan Heng asks when Caelus explains all of this to him. "And when have you ever successfully played matchmaker before?"
"There was that one time with Rocky on Herta Space Station…"
"That time you cried to me about facing a moral dilemma. I'm not sure that counts?")
He clears the plan with the rest of the Chrysos Heirs in their secret matchmaking group chat, then sends off a message to the duo at a time that Aglaea confirms they are both free.
Caelus
I've been wanting to explore more of Okhema, do you guys wanna come hang out and show me around?
Phainon
Partner! I'd be delighted to :D
Phainon
:chimera-smile:
Phainon
There are so many things in the area I think you should see!
Mydei
You're asking both of us?
Mydei
Surely the Deliverer is an enthusiastic enough tour guide for you, I have things to do
Caelus bites his lip as he reads Mydei's messages, considering. He'd figured Mydei would be the harder one to get on board, but he knows there's a certain charm he has as a trailblazer that he just has to play up to get what he wants. It's worked plenty of times in the past.
Before he can, however, Phainon jumps right to his aid.
Phainon
Come now, Mydeimos, this is our dear guest from beyond the sky! Your work can wait for a couple of hours
Phainon
Besides, I know you're usually free around this time, what's the harm in having some fun?
The blatant hint that Phainon knows Mydei's schedule well makes Caelus grin, and he can't help but throw in his own message to sweeten the pot.
Caelus
I did also just wanna get to know you guys better ;-;
Phainon
We'd also love to get to know you! Right, Mydeimos?
Mydei
…Fine
Mydei
Getting to know the warriors you'll share the battlefield with is always worthwhile
Phainon
Now why'd you have to put it like that?
Caelus
You can just say you wanna be my friend yknow
Mydei
Don't tell me you're always going to take the Deliverer's side, Trailblazer
Mydei
I am not dealing with two Deliverers
Phainon
Mydei :(
Caelus can't help himself from grinning at the conversation, and it's a feeling that rises again as he meets the duo outside the baths. It lingers as Phainon and Mydei take him on their personalised tour, with Phainon introducing him to a wide variety of merchants and Mydei pointing out food stalls and recommending dishes to try. They don't quite manage to escape their sense of rivalry (Caelus is pretty sure they're silently competing to see who can grab his interest the most), but they seem to have a shared unspoken goal of making sure Caelus is shown a good time.
It's nice, being doted on like this. He wouldn't mind hanging out like this again.
That being said, he still has a plan to carry out, so on the road leading out of Okhema, he pretends that something has caught his eye.
"I need to take a picture of this for March! You guys stay here, okay? I'll be right back!" With that, Caelus dashes off, leaving the pair alone in the hopes that they'll talk to each other as they wait for his return. He doesn't expect any major developments from this strategy, but it's his first attempt and any progress is still progress—again, it's all about the building blocks.
The mistake he makes, although he doesn't realise it, is running so far out of sight that he also ends up out of earshot. As such, Caelus completely misses the conversation that actually takes place:
"…What the hell did he see that he felt the need to take a picture of?" Mydei questions, watching Caelus's fleeing back. "We're at the edge of Okhema. There's nothing to see here."
"Let him be, he's not from here," Phainon admonishes him. "Who knows what seems worth capturing to someone not from our world? Perhaps he's taken by the view, or maybe there's a passing dromas he's decided to chase. Your Kokopo III usually passes through this area, right?"
Mydei huffs, but the faint smile from the mention of his dromas is undeniable. "Whatever. I just don't understand why you've grown so…attached, so quickly."
"Can you really blame me?" Phainon asks, affronted. "Our visitors are proof of life beyond our world! They come from a wider universe that we didn't know existed! With the stories they tell, how could I not be interested? Don't tell me you're not!"
"…It is interesting," Mydei admits. "But why do you seem so drawn to Caelus specifically? He says such…strange, unpredictable things, all the time. And from Dan Heng's reactions, his behaviour is abnormal even outside of Amphoreus."
At the accusation, Phainon shrugs. "You know, I couldn't really tell you. I just…feel a kinship to him somehow, like there's something between us in common. Something that runs deep."
"…Are you being serious right now, Deliverer?"
"I am, I promise! I mean it!" Phainon laughs. "I really couldn't tell you what it was. But it feels like there's something about Caelus that just makes him so easy to get along with, you know? Plus he's a great fighter, which I know you cherish. There must be a reason you've spent this long with us today, after all."
"He is an excellent fighter," Mydei relents, dutifully ignoring that last part. "He proved that by carrying you through our duel in Castrum Kremnos."
"Hey, we carried the weight equally, okay? I split our total so we each got half the credit, which means we both beat you separately."
"A surprise, given how much the two of you dallied throughout the journey."
"We had very valid reasons for doing so, okay—"
"I'm back!" Caelus exclaims, skipping back into view with March 7th's camera in hand. "I, uh, got distracted and ended up following a dromas for a while, sorry. You guys good over here?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't we be?" Mydei replies, folding his arms over his chest. At the same time, Phainon saunters over and links arms with Caelus.
"We're doing just fine, partner," he says, pleased at how comfortably Caelus settles into the contact. "If you're looking for more things to photograph, I've got some great spots to show you. And I'm sure Mydei does too, unless he's too tired to continue?" Phainon flashes a teasing smile over his shoulder at that, both a test and a genuine offer to split ways should Mydei wish.
Immediately, Mydei caves. "Who said that? Let's go. If your photo spots aren't up to par, Deliverer, I'll make sure to show Caelus the actual most photogenic places in Okhema."
"I'm sure I won't disappoint, Mydeimos," Phainon drawls, setting off with Caelus who can only laugh at their antics, his plan slipping from his mind as he listens to them bicker on either side of him.
The pair are so quick to jump to competition when they're together that Caelus decides he'll probably have more luck approaching them separately. Phainon is the easier of the two to get a hold of—he seems to jump at any opportunity to spend time with Caelus, much to everyone's visible amusement—and it's also very easy to get him to talk about Mydei. No matter where they are or what they're doing, if Caelus so much as alludes to the crown prince, Phainon will latch on and start rambling about what he's done with Mydei recently or something they talked about or even things he saw Mydei do in the distance. Any questions Caelus asks about Mydei, Phainon answers to the best of his knowledge with a level of enthusiasm he doesn't seem aware of. If there was any doubt that Phainon is smitten with the crown prince of Kremnos, these conversations have made it abundantly clear.
(Caelus makes sure not to ask any questions about Mydei that could be considered too personal. He doesn't think Phainon would air anything Mydei truly wouldn't want him to know, but with the energy he's faced with, it's better safe than sorry.)
Mydei, on the other hand, takes a little more effort. Caelus doesn't think he would accept a random invite to hang out without Phainon's persuasion, so he racks his brain trying to find an excuse to spend time with him alone.
"Food tour?" Caelus mutters to himself, writing the idea down before shaking his head and crossing it out. The notebook in front of him (not his trailblaze journal, don't worry, Dan Heng) is filled with similar rejected ideas, plus a couple he's labelled as maybe, such as dromas racing. "No, he's already pointed out all his favourite places in Okhema, he'd ask why I didn't check them out on my own. Uh, maybe if there's time on a mission…?"
"Ask him to spar," Dan Heng suggests, looking up from his work (documenting things in his trailblaze journal). His expression exudes an air of 'I can't believe I'm helping out' but he keeps speaking regardless. "Didn't he offer the day we first met him? He's a warrior, there's not much reason for him to say no."
"Oh," Caelus says. "That's perfect! You're a genius, Dan Heng! I'll do that!"
"Seriously," Dan Heng mutters as Caelus lunges for his phone and starts typing frantically. "How did you come up with 'faking a medical emergency' before asking to spar…?"
He meets Mydei at the training grounds with a spring in his step, half because his plan is making progress and half because he's really looking forward to sparring.
"You seem excited, Trailblazer," Mydei comments, an amused quirk to his mouth.
"Of course I am!" Caelus replies. "Phainon has a lot of praise for your body and I've been wanting to see what it's capable of for myself!"
"What—" Mydei coughs, his face flushing gold, and Caelus grins harder. It's true, Phainon does have plenty to say about Mydei's body, but Caelus mostly said it to get Mydei thinking about Phainon in a…less-than-innocent context. He knows full well what that sounded like.
He also agrees with Phainon, but Mydei doesn't need to know that.
"If you won't take this seriously, I'm leaving," Mydei warns after he's regained his composure.
"Nonono, I'll be serious!" Caelus exclaims, summoning his flaming lance to hand. "I always take fighting seriously, I'll show you!"
"You better," Mydei says with a grin, settling into a fighting stance. The confidence that settles into his features looks unfairly good on him. "Phainon's told me that you've mastered multiple fighting styles. I'd like to see for myself if his words hold any weight."
"Then I guess I'll give you everything I've got!" Caelus fires back, before launching himself into the fight.
There isn't much opportunity to talk to Mydei about Phainon while they're sparring, Caelus finds. That thought quickly slips his mind because Mydei isn't holding back, so Caelus gets swept up in the thrill of the fight, his focus turning to learning Mydei's fighting style and trying to figure out how he can best it with his own.
He gets so distracted from his goal, in fact, that when they're done he forgets entirely that he had ulterior motives for inviting Mydei out. The walk back to Marmoreal Palace would have been the perfect opportunity to prod him about Phainon, but instead Caelus spends it rambling about their fight while Mydei hums along and sometimes offers his own observations.
They're in the middle of Marmoreal Market when the chimeras appear.
Two of them, one grey and one white, crash into Mydei's legs as they dash madly around a corner. The two men watch in surprise as a third orange chimera skids to a stop a little distance away, growling and upset.
"What the…" Mydei says, not flinching as the white chimera starts using him as a climbing apparatus. When the grey one struggles to follow, he bends down to help it without hesitation.
Caelus, on the other hand, is focused on the snappy orange one. He takes a step towards it before crouching down to be closer to its level. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"They keep messing up our work!" the orange chimera yells, and Caelus is very glad that he got Cerces' blessing because it would've been much harder to figure out what was going on otherwise. "We'd be done by now if those two could just get their act together, but no, they just can't get it right! We have to work overtime now!"
"Okay, but why are you chasing them?" Caelus asks.
"You can understand chimeras?" Mydei questions in bewilderment. He's petting the grey chimera in his arms when Caelus turns to look at him, the white one snuggling into his shoulder while staring fearfully at their tormentor. The whole image is very cute, if a little silly.
"Hyacine helped me with that," Caelus shrugs.
"I can't deal with them anymore! I need to teach them a lesson!" cries the orange chimera. "They can't keep doing this without consequences!"
"But you're upsetting them and making it worse," Caelus explains patiently, gesturing back at where the chimeras in question are taking refuge with Mydei. "If someone is doing something wrong, you talk to them calmly and offer to help if they need it. Getting angry will make them upset and make it harder for them to do their job properly. And since you're all running around, absolutely no work is getting done, don't you see?"
The orange chimera hesitates, glancing between Caelus and its fellow chimeras, before its tail droops. "…You're right."
"Come here." Caelus holds out a hand, and the chimera cautiously pads forwards. When in reach, he gently pets it on the head. "Go back and take a breather. We'll calm those two down so they're not as frightened and send them back so you guys can have a proper talk, okay?"
"Okay," the orange chimera agrees, lingering to get a few more pets before pulling away and walking back the way it came.
"You're good with animals," Mydei comments gently, and Caelus turns to look at him. There's a soft look in Mydei's eyes, something akin to awe, and paired with the chimeras he's handling with such care he paints a much different picture than the rough warrior the public sees him as.
Caelus waves an arm at him, mentally brushing away the thought. "Me? Look at you, Mr Chimera Tree."
"Chimera tree?""Like a cat tree, but for chimeras."
"Cat tree…?"
"Is Fig Stew still mad at us?" the white chimera pipes up quietly, and Caelus stands to pet it since Mydei's arms are still preoccupied by the other.
"Fig Stew's gone to calm down," Caelus reassures. "When you go back, you'll have a talk about how to do your job better, but don't worry, okay? You'll both be fine."
"It seems like you all let your emotions get the better of you," Mydei adds, and Caelus jumps at how close his voice is. It's only then that he realises how close he got to Mydei in order to pet the chimera on his shoulder. He takes a step back to be polite. "I don't…know the full context, but…it seems like you just need to talk."
"Mm…thank you," the grey chimera purrs, nuzzling into the large hand petting its head. "I think we all needed to hear that."
"You're welcome," Caelus says, because Mydei still doesn't understand anything they're saying. "Ready to go back now?"
They both nod, so Mydei kneels down and lowers the two of them back to the ground. He handles them so carefully, like the life in his hands is precious, and once again Caelus is struck by how cute the image is. He doesn't say a word about it as they set off again, instead latching on to the questions Mydei has about the time he'd gained Cerces' blessing.
He does say a word about it the next day to Phainon, because he wants to plant the image in his mind. And also because he just can't stop thinking about it.
"I've only seen him with the chimeras, but I just know he's good with animals in general," Caelus says around his half-eaten wrap. "I didn't expect it but also it just feels right, somehow."
"That's Mydei for you," Phainon chuckles, already done with his salad. "Always taking people by surprise with what he's truly like. If it feels right, that means you already understand him better than most. I'm sure you'll see more of it in the future."
"I hope I do," Caelus admits. "I like hanging out with you guys and finding out stuff like this. You've got such big responsibilities, so the smaller moments always mean that much more, y'know?"
And he misses it (too distracted by his wrap starting to fall apart), but at that declaration, pure fondness melts into Phainon's gaze as the words settle into his mind.
Phainon and Caelus are in the baths together.
There's nothing wrong with that, really. Aglaea made it clear that the two outworlders were welcome to use the heroes' baths whenever they like, and it's not odd for Chrysos Heirs to bathe together.
Phainon seems to be spinning some grand tale that has Caelus giggling loudly at him. Mydei, unnoticed by the pair, turns and walks away, because he had only been passing by in the first place so there is no reason for him to linger.
It doesn't bother him. It doesn't. He knows later in the day, Phainon will come looking for him to drag him off to the baths so they can cleanse themselves of the day's efforts together, as he always does. There is nothing wrong with Phainon and Caelus spending time together in the baths—it makes sense with how close they've gotten recently.
It's just…Phainon really has gotten strangely attached to Caelus. Enough to constantly seek out his company when usually he'd spend all his free time bothering Mydei. He'd waved it off as some innate kinship when Mydei had asked, but that can't be the only explanation anymore. And Phainon does still pester Mydei every day, but…it feels odd, witnessing the way Phainon's attention has become split.
Especially since Caelus doesn't seem aware.
Mydei isn't jealous, that would be ridiculous. It's not like Phainon is actually his. He's simply curious what it is about Caelus that Phainon seems to be so enamoured by, enough to commandeer so much of the Deliverer's attention in a way Mydei's never seen before. So as he walks away from the bathhouse, he plans out the message he'll send to Caelus, asking him to spar again. Something Caelus will see after he and Phainon finish their bath. He knows he'll get a yes—Caelus had been plenty excited when he invited Mydei to spar that first time, he seems like the kind of person to jump at any chance to hang out with someone. It will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about him and see just what it is that has Phainon following Caelus's heels.
If there’s a bonus of cutting into the amount of time Phainon gets to spend with Caelus, well…that's not anyone's business, really.
"I wasn't expecting you to invite me back!" Caelus greets Mydei at their chosen sparring spot the next day.
"Why not?" Mydei asks, pretending he hadn't sent that invite on an emotional whim as he makes sure his gauntlets are adjusted properly. "You're a formidable fighter. Sparring against someone who can completely change tactics on a whim is a valuable trial in adaptability."
"Aw. And here I thought I was beginning to grow on you," Caelus pouts, twirling his bat between his fingers as if it were a baton. It's both strange and admirable how easily he interacts with the world in a way most people would never think to; a trait that can easily snatch anyone's attention and hold it tight.
"Is that something you're trying to do?" Mydei settles into his usual sparring stance as he poses the question, Caelus easily following his lead.
"Is it working?"
"Hmph. It's worked on Phainon, that's for sure."
A strange glint enters Caelus's eyes that Mydei doesn't like the look of, a mischievous grin growing on his face. "You sound like you don't like that."
Mydei, as much as he wants to deny it, knows exactly where Caelus is going with this. "I said nothing of the sort."
"Are you jealous?"
He lunges instead of answering. Caelus cackles, deflecting his first attack with practiced ease. "That's not an answer, Your Highness!"
"Be quiet!" Mydei growls, and blessedly Caelus listens, throwing his all into fighting back. This spar is just as exhilarating as the first—Caelus isn't quite Mydei's equal, that's a role only Phainon can achieve, but he fights with an agility and unpredictability that keeps Mydei on his toes. His ability to always do the unexpected is one of the most interesting things about him, and Mydei wonders if he could ever know Caelus well enough to one day predict his next action the way Dan Heng sometimes seems to. It's a challenge he's surprisingly eager to sink his teeth into.
When they're done, Caelus flops onto his back with a groan. In comparison, the only indicator that Mydei has expended any energy is his slightly laboured breathing.
"How are you fine right now?" Caelus huffs, looking up at him.
"Endurance training," Mydei answers. "And a regular exercise schedule in general. Do you not have one? It would be beneficial as a combatant."
"Ooh, Crown Prince Mydei's training regime, sounds fancy," Caelus teases with a boyish grin that reminds Mydei all too much of Phainon, which is just more proof the pair have been spending too much time together as of late. Unfortunately, it looks unfairly good on both of them.
"It's nothing special. I could show you some time, if you want," Mydei offers, holding a hand out to help Caelus off the floor.
Caelus's expression brightens as he takes Mydei's hand, launching himself back to his feet as if he hadn't previously been trying to melt into the floor. "Really?! Show me right now! Unless you're busy. But- please?!"
Mydei barks out a laugh at the display. "You're like an overeager chimera when you want something, did you know that?" This, too, reminds him of Phainon. Most days he'd berate himself for constantly thinking about the man, but he really can't help it this time. Maybe Phainon had a point when he claimed he and Caelus had some sort of innate connection.
"Usually I'm compared to a raccoon, but yeah, I've been told!"
"…Sure." What's a raccoon? "Well, if you insist, I have time. Follow me."
It becomes a reoccurring thing between them, meeting up to either spar or exercise together. Mydei learns Caelus's preferences and strengths, noticing the way he takes much more happily to less 'serious' exercises such as chasing chimeras and playing with the local children. He still approaches the more textbook exercises with his full effort, but as the days go by Mydei finds himself looking out for more of the fun opportunities, if only to see the smile that lights up Caelus's face as he enjoys himself.
Caelus is repeatedly mounting and dismounting one of the calmer dromases when Phainon catches them.
"You're not torturing our dear visitor, are you, Mydei?" he asks, settling at his usual place by Mydei's side.
Mydei scoffs. "He was curious about how I train. I'm merely trying to aid him in achieving his best potential."
"Personally trained by the crown prince of Castrum Kremnos? What an honour," Phainon teases, leaning in to rest his chin on Mydei's shoulder, just to be annoying. "Why don't you train me, Mydeimos?" There's a pout that Mydei can only hear in his voice, since their faces are too close.
"If you want something from me, just ask."
It doesn't matter that Phainon absolutely does not need personal training from him, because he's not only talking about training. Phainon doesn't notice.
"Hm, maybe later," Phainon hums, finally leaning back into his own space. "Oh, or maybe the three of us could spar together, how does that sound?"
A three-way spar? Not very common, but it sounds interesting. With Phainon and Mydei so evenly matched, Caelus would bring a fresh chaos to disrupt the scales—it would feel strange at first, adding something new to the routine that Mydei feels like he's known forever, but the thrill of it is getting more appealing by the second.
"You're taking too long to think," Phainon complains, walking away in faux annoyance. "For that, I'm stealing Caelus from you for the rest of the day. The two of you have been spending so much time together, I'm getting lonely. Partner!"
That's rich, coming from you, Mydei thinks as Phainon approaches his beloved partner who has just made it back to the ground again. The Deliverer swings an arm around the Trailblazer's shoulders with ease, and instinctively Mydei expects himself to bristle at the sight.
But he doesn't.
He's just…fond, looking at the two of them. Their matching enthusiasm and bright grins, laughing about whatever was just said between them. Carefree, in a way he's seen the two of them can't always be. Mydei's not sure when he stopped feeling indignant every time he caught Phainon and Caelus hanging out together, but it's admittedly a relief to just feel happy watching them.
Caelus looks back and waves at him as Phainon drags him out of the dromas workshop, and Mydei's heart stutters in his chest.
Oh. So that's why he's not jealous anymore.
…It seems he has a type. Damn it all.
"Lady Aglaea, may I…ask you something regarding more personal matters?"
Phainon hadn't thought this meeting with Aglaea would be about anything other than official business when he'd set off for Marmoreal Palace. He'd primed himself to discuss potential missions, how things were going in the city, their next steps—all the usual items on the agenda. He'd felt extra confident about it too.
That was how Tribbie and Trianne had found him as he passed through Marmoreal Market, choosing to tag along and keep him company. It had been a perfectly pleasant, unassuming morning as he laughed and chatted with the two of them.
And then he had spotted Mydei and Caelus off in the distance.
They were on the side of the road leading out of Okhema, sparring with each other. Mydei seemed to be coaching Caelus in hand-to-hand combat, since neither of them were wielding any weapons. From what Phainon could see, Caelus was having trouble getting past Mydei's blocks, but he also seemed to be fleet-footed enough to avoid getting struck—with the way he moved, he was basically dancing around the warrior.
As engrossed as he was in the scene, Phainon hadn't realised he'd stopped moving, which had caught the attention of his companions.
"Look out, Snowy," Trianne had jeered. "Looks like Little Gray is stealing your sparring partner!"
Phainon had merely chuckled at the thought, eyes still on the pair. "I don't mind. They look good together, I like watching them."
Tribbie hadn't said anything, but the look she gave him was so telling that if he hadn't already paused it would have stopped him in his tracks. Instead, he'd forced his focus away and hurried on ahead, waving off the implications of his words with a laugh and ignoring the knowing glance he knew Tribbie and Trianne were sharing behind him.
Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about it for the entire rest of the walk.
Which brings him to the current moment, after the official meeting is over, where he stands and waits nervously as Aglaea considers him. He's not sure what he's more worried about: the possibility of her turning him down, or the thought that he'll actually have to explain what's going through his head.
"Go ahead, Phainon. What's on your mind?" Aglaea says eventually, as patient as ever.
"You're the demigod of romance right?" Phainon starts, trying not to feel too embarrassed as he broaches this kind of topic with the woman who has acted as his mentor since he entered Okhema. "I was just wondering…um, is it possible to fall in love with two people at once? Is it…normal, at all, to do so?"
He feels like a fool stumbling over his words, but he has to know. Because if any of this is too unusual or, Titans forbid, not allowed, then he'll have to work on wrangling his feelings back into line as soon as possible, since he's pretty sure his heart has already gone too far.
Strangely, Aglaea doesn't look at all surprised.
"You've always had a big heart, Phainon," she replies with a gentle smile. "There is nothing wrong with loving two at once, nor is it unheard of. It may not be conventional in society but as long as you communicate properly, you can be just as happy with two people as you would be with one."
Phainon lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad—"
"Now, if you were to hide your feelings for one from the other, then it would become a problem. Dishonesty will be your downfall in this situation and you could very well end up hurting those you love."
"I would never!" Phainon exclaims, panicking at the idea of hurting either of them. "I may hide how I feel from both of them for now but if any developments were to happen with one of them, I'll make sure they know about the other right away! Besides, it's just a hunch, but I think something may be going on between them anyway. I may have only just realised the extent of my own feelings today, but I swear the two of them have been getting closer—"
"Phainon," Aglaea interrupts, amusement lacing her tone. "Are there any other details about this you'd like to tell me, or have I given you the answer you need?"
For a second, he considers telling her more, the words 'I'm in love with Mydei and Caelus' on the tip of his tongue. But then the embarrassment about his previous ramble takes over and he rubs the back of his neck bashfully, keeping the admission to himself. "Ah, no, I have what I need. Thank you, truly, Lady Aglaea, I know you're probably uninterested in this aspect of my personal life, so I appreciate your words."
"Nonsense," Aglaea tuts. "If anything, I'm glad you're comfortable enough to come to me with these kinds of questions. I wish you luck with your endeavours, Phainon."
He walks off with his head higher and a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Then, once he's out of sight, Aglaea pulls out her teleslate and creates a new group chat, as it seems one of the members of the previous matchmaking chat may now have a conflict of interest.
They're competing over him again.
Caelus hadn't exactly planned this meet-up with Okhema's two finest warriors. He'd been casually window shopping to try and find souvenir inspiration when he ran into Phainon at Treasure of Ages. The Deliverer had immediately offered to help, and they'd been wandering around throwing ideas back and forth when Phainon spotted Mydei lingering in a clothing store. They'd gone over to say hi, then Caelus had muttered to himself about how he had been thinking of getting some new accessories, and suddenly it seemed like some sort of switch had been flipped in both Mydei and Phainon.
Which leads to now.
After having spent ten straight minutes searching through the shelves, the pair have taken to arguing in front of Caelus about which of their picks is ultimately the better accessory.
"This is more practical," Mydei insists, holding a temptingly soft-looking shawl in his hands. It's a muted yellow, with a line of dark red running next to the edge, and Caelus finds himself being reminded of Mydei's hair by the colour combination. "It can be used both for fashion and for warmth, and is short enough that it shouldn't impede his combat ability if styled correctly."
"You're forgetting this is meant to be a souvenir!" Phainon argues, a golden ear cuff resting in his palm. A little charm of a star is attached to it, a mini blue gem inlaid in the middle. "He needs something special to remember us by! And you can't tell me this little star doesn't suit him."
"If it's a good enough gift, it should always remind him of us," Mydei counters, "Regardless of how flashy it is."
"Even so, that thing is so plain! At least I thought about how good this might look on him."
"And you think I didn't?!"
Caelus glances between them, an endeared smile stuck on his face despite himself. It's clear how much thought they've both put into this, how much they want to give Caelus the best they can offer, and it makes his chest feel warm and fuzzy. They're both too good to him, really.
…It feels a little selfish, but he really likes the look of both accessories.
"It's pretty but it's small," Mydei is saying, gesturing at the ear cuff. "I can only imagine how easy it would be to lose if not handled correctly."
Phainon gasps in offense. "Caelus would never lose such a precious gift so easily! Right, partner?" He whirls on him then, and Caelus jumps at the attention, having not expected to be addressed for a while longer. "You'd look after my gift, wouldn't you? You'd never lose it?"
"Wh- uh…"
"We shouldn't have wasted time arguing about this when you're right here to make the decision for us," Mydei declares, also turning to face Caelus. "Tell us, which of these items do you prefer?"
"I-I, um, I mean, they both look good!" Caelus splutters, because he can't bear to choose between them. "Maybe I could try them both on? See how they feel?"
Phainon and Mydei blink at him, apparently having not considered that themselves, before turning to each other. Some sort of unspoken conversation passes between them that Caelus can't decipher, before they both nod and Phainon steps forward, bringing the ear cuff up to his face.
"May I?" he asks softly and Caelus nods, allowing his face to be guided to the side by a warm hand as Phainon carefully clasps the ear cuff into place. He fiddles with it for a moment, adjusting its position and brushing against his ear with his fingers before he steps back with a satisfied smile. "There we go. Is that comfortable? No pinching?"
"Mhm," Caelus hums, a little frozen in place as Phainon steps aside to give Mydei space. The crown prince loops the shawl around his neck, tucking it into itself and adjusting it to sit how he wants. The material is as soft as Caelus thought it would be, if not softer, and paired with the gentleness of Mydei's hands he almost wants to melt into the comfort of it all.
Mydei finishes his adjustments, and the two of them look at him. Caelus gazes back, nervously anticipating their opinion.
"Huh," Phainon says, his eyes taking in the sight in front of him unabashedly. "They look surprisingly good together."
"It clashes with your usual style a bit," Mydei comments honestly, "But they both still suit you quite a lot. If you like both, you should get both."
"You really think so?" Caelus asks, his hands fiddling subconsciously with his new accessories.
"Look for yourself!" Phainon laughs, an easy grin on his face as he reaches out and guides Caelus towards a mirror. When he sees himself, his breath catches—Mydei was right that they don't quite fit the aesthetic of his favourite jacket, but the shawl and ear cuff do look good together and they also both look good on him.
It hits him suddenly, right then. Two accessories, different in intention but both carefully selected with him in mind. Chosen by the two people Caelus has spent most of his time with in the past few weeks—two people who care for him, enough to put in an exorbitant amount of effort into a silly little thing like an accessory.
He likes both of them so much that he doesn't want to choose between them even as they bicker like a married couple in front of him.
Phainon loops an arm around his shoulders, grinning at him in the mirror and so, so comfortable with the contact. "That expression tells me you agree with us!"
"We'll buy both, then," Mydei declares from behind him, stepping closer to gently pry the cuff off his ear since that's all he can reach with Phainon in the way. "Come on, Deliverer."
"Wait, you don't need to do that!" Caelus protests, even as he instinctively stays still to let Phainon slip the shawl off his shoulders. "I can pay for it myself—"
"Not this time, partner. Let us treat you, yeah?" Phainon teases, flashing him the type of smile nobody can say no to before turning to join Mydei so they can pay. Caelus stares after them helplessly, his heart beating a little too fast as he realises that he likes being doted on like this more than he thought he did.
Ah. Fuck.
…
This wasn't meant to happen?!
Caelus crashes through the door to his borrowed quarters as dramatically as he can muster with a door that opens automatically and also rather slowly.
He can never be sure if Dan Heng will be there to greet him or if the archivist will be out and about, conducting research or searching for information. Luckily, today is one of the days where Dan Heng got back before him, and he's brought a guest—Hyacine sits opposite him, both of them on the floor by the bath with scrolls and books laid out between them, as if Caelus has caught them in the middle of a study session.
"Grayie!" she exclaims in shock at his loud arrival, dropping the scroll in her hands. Behind her, Little Ica squeaks in alarm.
He pays them no mind, faceplanting onto his bed with a groan and dropping the bag with his newly-gifted accessories to the ground. "I fucked up."
"Welcome back, Caelus," Dan Heng greets him calmly, sounding unperturbed even though he's likely mildly annoyed that their work was interrupted. That's his usual reaction to Caelus's antics nowadays. He's probably developed a sixth sense for Caelus's presence and approaching chaos by now. "If you have not been arrested, then I'm sure whatever you did is perfectly fixable."
"Nooo, Dan Heng, this time it's different," Caelus whines, picking up his head to look at him only to pause as he actually takes in the scene. There's a ball of water casually hovering over Dan Heng's palm, held out between him and Hyacine, which is odd because Caelus hasn't seen Dan Heng use his cloudhymn magic in front of anyone other than himself since they crash landed. "…What are you guys doing?"
"Studying. That's not important right now." Dan Heng casually waves the water back into their private bath, which Little Ica chases after with a chirp and a splash. "What did you do?"
Caelus groans again, pushing his head into his pillow as he realises that if he wants to whine about his situation he has to actually explain himself.
("Is this normal?" Hyacine asks quietly, full of concern.
"Yes," Dan Heng answers immediately.)
"You know how everyone has been trying to get Phainon and Mydei together…?" Caelus starts, his words muffled by the pillow. He gets two hums of acknowledgement from his audience. "I wanted to help but…I've been spending more and more time with them as a result…and…"
"You ended up falling for them both," Dan Heng finishes, and Caelus groans louder as he hears it laid out for him so plainly. How the hell did he get that so quickly?
"Oh, that's what happened," Hyacine says. "You did slot into their dynamic very easily."
Caelus lifts his head again to glare at the pair on the floor. "Why do both of you sound unsurprised?"
"You said yourself that you have been spending a lot of time with them recently," Dan Heng points out, his eyes scanning the documents as if he's planning to get back to work now that he knows there's no imminent danger. The bastard.
"If you're not with Dannie, I can almost always find you with at least one of them," Hyacine offers kindly, her attention fully on Caelus's plight unlike his beloved companion. "You always look happy to be around each other, so I guess it's not that much of a surprise…"
"Despite the way I was raised, I am aware of what it looks like when people like each other, Caelus," Dan Heng says much more bluntly. "You are my closest companion. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
"I didn't notice until today!" Caelus cries out, turning onto his back and flinging an arm over his eyes for maximum dramatics. "Argh, what do I doooo…"
"Tell them," Dan Heng suggests.
"Absolutely not!"
"Then don't, and keep trying to get them together, as you were before? I don't know what you want me to say, Caelus."
"I dunno, give me any option that doesn't end with me nursing a broken heart?"
"Why are you so sure both of those options will end with your heart being broken?" Hyacine asks. "Maybe you tell them and they say they like you back. Maybe you get them together and they realise they also like you and ask you out too!"
"If only the world could be that perfect…" Caelus laments. Seconds later, water splashes him in the face, and Hyacine giggles as he rockets upwards to glare at the offender. "You said you'd stop doing that!"
"Stop being stupid, then," Dan Heng says, lowering his hand back to his lap. "You are not usually one to catastrophize like this. What happened to the Caelus who does whatever he wants regardless of the outcome?"
"This is a different situation," Caelus insists. "Have you ever liked two people at once, huh? Two people who are already stupidly in love with each other?"
"I haven't, no. That does not mean my opinion holds no merit. You are not the first person to have a crush on two people at the same time, it is not unusual."
"I really don't think this is as hopeless as you think it is, Grayie," Hyacine says, shuffling around to face him directly. "You might not have noticed, but nowadays you spend just as much time with Phainon and Mydei as they do with each other. And they look so happy to be around you!"
"I genuinely do not remember the last time you actually tried to play matchmaker instead of just hanging out, and you usually tell me every detail of those shenanigans," Dan Heng points out, "And yet they seem to be getting closer regardless, simply because you're there. That means something."
"Doot-doot!" Little Ica adds from the bath.
Caelus pouts. "Don't believe in me. It'll give me hope."
"You deserve hope!" Hyacine insists, reaching forward to push at his arm. "And hey, even if somehow things don't work out, it's not the end of the world. Romance isn't everything."
"Except that we are trapped here until further notice so you can't just leave the planet to escape them."
"Dannie! Not helping!"
"Thanks guys," Caelus sighs, petting a wet Little Ica who floats over to nuzzle at him. "I'll think about it."
Chatter in the bathhouse is normal—these are public baths, after all. Frequent goers learn to tune it out as they relax, the throng of voices melting into background noise that means little when the water is soothing your woes.
Tonight, however, one particular voice flows over the others, causing Mydei's eyes to drift open. It isn't particularly loud or abrasive, not the type of voice that would usually catch his attention, but in recent days he has found himself keeping an ear out for it.
He turns his head, peering over the edge of the heroes' baths to scan the bathhouse below until he finds him: Caelus, accompanied by Dan Heng, heading away from their borrowed quarters and towards the city outside. Mydei tracks their journey across the bathhouse, wondering what they're doing at this hour—a mission from Aglaea, perhaps? Or a late night trip to catalogue more information, as Dan Heng likes to do? Whatever it is, Caelus seems as excited as always, practically skipping ahead.
A chuckle from his side pulls him from his thoughts.
"You just can't seem to keep your eyes off him, can you?" Phainon teases. He doesn't need to say who—they both know exactly who he's referring to. "Like a lion stalking his prey. Are you aware that you can't pounce on him from this distance?"
"As if you're any better," Mydei shoots back, turning to face forward again. After all, how could Phainon know what he was looking at if he wasn't looking himself? "It's like your tail starts wagging every time your precious partner gets brought up. You'd become his shadow if you could."
"Oh?" There's a sudden lilt to Phainon's voice that puts Mydei on guard. "You suddenly sound rather bitter, Mydei. Have I done something to upset you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Could it be…the great undying Mydeimos is jealous?" Phainon keeps pushing, sounding absolutely delighted over something he has no reason to be excited about. "Tsk tsk, Mydei, I didn't take you for that type. Is that why you look so annoyed when I'm with Caelus? Are our hangouts making you green with envy?"
"Caelus can spend time with whoever he wants, and it's not up to me who you choose to give your attention to." Mydei bites out, unsure why he feels so defensive because he's not jealous, not anymore. Not over either of them.
His own words drift back through his mind and he realises that he basically admitted directly to Phainon's face that this isn't just about Caelus. It throws him off-kilter, because this, whatever he has with Phainon, is not something he ever acknowledges out loud. Somehow, somehow, Phainon doesn't comment on it.
"Well, good, because I like spending time with him, just as much as I like spending time with you," Phainon declares. "Speaking of, he's been hanging out with the two of us a lot lately, hasn't he? I wonder why that is. Do you think it's our charm?"
Mydei stares at him for a second, and all of a sudden he thinks to himself, to hell with talking around this. "You do realise that the reason he started hanging out with us in the first place was to try and get us together, right?"
Silence. Phainon, to his surprise, responds by staring back at him in shock. "I…did not realise that, no."
"Seriously? He wasn't subtle." The phrase 'Phainon has a lot of praise for your body' comes to mind, as does the scheming glint in Caelus's eye when he'd accused Mydei of being jealous.
(He doesn't know how to feel about both Caelus and Phainon calling him jealous. They're two completely separate people—they need to stop acting so similar.)
Phainon stares a little longer, recontextualising every recent interaction with Caelus in his head, before he shakes his head with a laugh. That does, in fact, seem like something Caelus would pull. "Yet here we are now, only focusing on him. Guess he, ah…wasn't quite successful in his endeavour, was he?"
At that, Mydei goes quiet, his gaze fixed on the water between them. Phainon lets the matter settle, content to leave this conversation as is for now, but then Mydei says lowly, "Maybe we should put the topic of Caelus to the side for a moment."
"…You want to do this now?" Phainon asks, ignoring the warmth that takes over his cheeks. "In the baths?"
"When else?" Mydei shoots back, and it's gratifying to see that he's also flushed with gold, that they're both flustered. "We've danced around it long enough."
"So you admit it, then?"
"…That's not what I said."
"Mydeimos." Bolder than he feels, Phainon drifts closer to Mydei until he's pressed into his side. As bare as they are, the contact makes them both shiver despite the temperature of the water. "You know that's what you meant."
"You know nothing of what I meant, HKS," Mydei hisses without any hostility.
"Prove it then," Phainon challenges, voice dropping as his eyes flick down. "Prove to me right now we're not thinking of the exact same thing."
With that, Mydei's restraint snaps, and he surges in to claim Phainon's lips, revelling in the shocked gasp he pulls from the other. This feels right. Like the only possible conclusion to come from years of rivalry and partnership and mutual understanding that whatever they were was more than friends but they just weren't talking about it.
It almost feels like fate. In the back of his mind, Mydei feels as if this is a moment he's come to experience millions and millions of times over, an inevitability that would always come to pass regardless of what path they took to get here and it drives him a little insane. After all, he has only known Phainon in this lifetime, regardless of what images his mind tries to conjure. So he presses himself closer, sinking deeper into the heat of Phainon's embrace so he doesn't have to focus on whatever his brain is suddenly trying to tell him.
Phainon pulls back with a gasp and he looks a treat, pupils blown wide and chest heaving as water clings to his skin. "Any chance we can cut our bath short?"
Mydei stands to leave immediately, heat curling in his gut as he notices the way Phainon eyes his body with hunger. "Let's go."
Much later into the night, when the pair are curled into each other in Mydei's quarters and drowsy with satisfaction, Phainon laughs to himself.
"What's so funny?" Mydei grumbles, his face buried in the junction between Phainon's neck and shoulder.
"Nothing, really," Phainon answers. "It's just…didn't this whole thing start with us both watching Caelus?"
Mydei doesn't answer for a while, and Phainon is half-inclined to believe he either fell asleep or chose to ignore him, but then he mumbles, "So what if it did?"
"…Humour me for a second, Mydei," Phainon says, shuffling so he can look down at the man buried into his side. "Do you like him?"
"I like you," is the immediate answer, muffled into Phainon's skin.
"I know," Phainon hums, unable to hide his grin at the outright declaration even though the last few hours made Mydei's feelings abundantly clear. "And I like you back, obviously. But do you like him too?"
"Don't you?" Mydei shoots back, finally pulling back to meet Phainon's eyes. The look he gives him isn't a glare, but there's still a challenge behind it. Admit it, it says, or I'm not telling you anything. "I've seen how you act around him."
"I do," Phainon relents, because Mydei knows him too well. 'Dishonesty will be your downfall', after all. But he's also almost a hundred percent certain this admission won't cause a problem. "And I think you do too. I've seen the way you soften around him, Mydei. You look at him the same way you look at me."
"Hmph," Mydei replies, which isn't an objection, and he buries his face back into Phainon's shoulder. Phainon figures it's as much as he'll get out of him, especially at this hour—maybe he'll get more details in the morning. He hopes he does, because he quite likes the idea of hearing Mydei talk about how he feels about their spirited, lovely Trailblazer.
"Can I ask," Phainon starts, one last request before they drift off, "That this, whatever this is between us and Caelus, doesn't turn into a competition? I'll compete with you over anything, but not…not him." Not when we both have a chance, he doesn't say. Not when I like both of you too much to risk losing either of you.
Once again, Mydei takes a moment to think about it. "Caelus is…new territory," he whispers, and Phainon's heart sinks. "He's…unfamiliar. Unpredictable. But—" Instantly, Phainon perks right back up, hope sparking in his chest. "I…wouldn't mind. Pursuing him with you."
"Yessss!" Phainon cheers quietly, causing Mydei to huff against him. "Let's do the pursuing thing tomorrow. As soon as possible."
"Go to sleep, HKS."
"No, I'm too happy now, I'm gonna think about this all night," Phainon argues, feeling like all the love in his heart is spilling into his body and making him glow. It's exhilarating, and he wants to bask in the feeling forever. "Titans, I like both of you so much."
Mydei, done with words, slugs him weakly in the arm. It doesn't distract from the fact that Phainon can feel him smiling against him.
Phainon
Are you busy?
Caelus
Not with anything important, what's up?
Mydei
There's something we wanna tell you
Phainon
We are NOT doing this over text Mydeimos don't just say it right now!
Mydei
?
Mydei
I wasn't going to? You didn't let me finish
Mydei
Caelus, we should meet up
Caelus
Ah…am I in trouble?
Phainon
What no!
Phainon
:chimera-shocked:
Phainon
We just want to see you
Caelus
Oh ok
Caelus
Usually when someone has something to tell me it means I'm in trouble
Phainon
Now why would that be the case??
Mydei
No, I can see it
Mydei
This time it's good news, though
Mydei
We're heading to your room
Caelus
WAIT IM AT THE DROMAS WORKSHOP
"What are you panicking about?" Dan Heng asks as he dusts redsoil off his hands.
"Phainon and Mydei are heading to our room to meet me right now and I'm not there," Caelus rambles out in a rush from where he's seated atop the dromas Dan Heng was feeding. He had been lounging about and watching Dan Heng talk to Hyacine and Castorice about dromases (something about Professor Anaxa really liking them?) when Phainon's first text came through.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go meet them!" Hyacine encourages excitedly, and Little Ica floats up to try and nudge him off the dromas and back down to the ground.
"We'll be fine here, you should go," Castorice agrees softly, smiling in amusement as Caelus jumps off the dromas and stumbles before he rights himself.
"Alright guys, this was fun, see you, bye!" Caelus calls as he sprints out of the workshop. The three watch him go until he's out of sight, then turn to each other.
"Should we inform the others about this development?" Dan Heng asks.
"We can," Castorice says. "Although I'm sure Lady Aglaea may already be aware of some of the details."
"Why are you smiling so brightly, huh?" Hyacine teases, although her own grin is even wider. "You really love these boys' romantic shenanigans, don't you?"
Castorice flushes with embarrassment but doesn't deny it, her smile turning shy. "I just didn't think something like this would happen when I invited Caelus to help with matchmaking. It's given me a few ideas for a new story…"
"If you write it, may I read it?" Dan Heng requests. "I could even save a copy in the data bank. I'm sure Caelus wouldn't mind."
Meanwhile, halfway across Okhema, Caelus races into Marmoreal Palace. He gets quite a few odd stares but pays them no mind, not slowing down until he spots two familiar figures outside his door.
"Partner! You're here!" Phainon calls out, waving at him excitedly. Caelus, infected by his happiness, waves back.
"Don't run in the baths," is what Mydei has to say as Caelus approaches. "You'll slip."
"Good to see you too, Mydei," Caelus quips, only to falter when he realises that the look Mydei is giving him isn't chastising, but fond—like the way one looks at a cheeky chimera. It makes his heart skip a beat, and he keeps talking just to distract himself from it. "And I don't slip, because I'm awesome, obviously. Hah."
Phainon snickers at him and even Mydei lets out an amused exhale, and Caelus feels a little like he's on top of the world. Even if it wasn't that funny at all.
"Do you want to invite us in?" Mydei prompts, gesturing with his head to the door, and Caelus happily leads the pair into his and Dan Heng's shared room.
"So!" he says once they're all in and the door has closed behind them. "What did you have to tell me?"
"Well…" Phainon drags out playfully, a mischievous smile on his lips. He's noticeably more upbeat than usual, which is quite a feat. "It's good news."
"So you've said."
"HKS, don't drag it out," Mydei snipes, but in contrast to his tone, the way he looks at Phainon is sickeningly fond. It's obvious, unhidden, and Caelus tilts his head as he notices it. Hang on…
"If you want it over with so bad, there's nothing stopping you from saying it," Phainon points out.
"You begged me to let you be the one to share the news, Deliverer," Mydei counters.
"Well if you'd just let me—"
"Guys, please," Caelus interrupts, because the two of them have now fully turned away from him in the usual about-to-argue-relentlessly way. "I love you, but you'll never get it out at this rate, so if you could leave the bickering 'til later…?"
Strangely, the two of them freeze. Some kind of look passes between them that Caelus can't decipher, and he can't help but feel confused—did he say something odd?
When Phainon turns back to Caelus, it's with a resolute glint in his eye. "You know what? Maybe it'll be quicker to show you."
"What are you talking ab- mmf!" Mydei is cut off by Phainon grabbing his face and smashing their mouths together in a kiss that he very quickly melts into, and Caelus gasps at the display. He'd had an inkling from the way they were acting, but to have it confirmed so suddenly and blatantly leaves him rooted in place, a mess of emotions swirling around his head.
He's happy for them, definitely. This is the exact outcome he's been working towards since he was recruited into the Chrysos Heirs' most secret operation. But there’s another part of him—a flower in his heart that he only recently realised had bloomed—that wilts at the revelation, because if Phainon and Mydei now have each other then they don't really need anyone else. They're perfect for each other, like fate itself has already decided they should be a pair, and the proof is right in front of him in the form of how comfortable they already are with this kind of intimacy.
Now that they're actually together, they'll probably start spending more time with each other and less time with me…
Well. At least this image is hot and I got to see it with my own two eyes.
Eventually, Mydei pushes Phainon away while muttering something that sounds like "don't forget what else we're here for." Quickly, Caelus schools his expression to make sure none of his previous thoughts are on display.
"Finally," he teases once the two are no longer in their own bubble, causing Phainon to laugh and Mydei to roll his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever."
"I bet you're happy for us, right, partner?" Phainon says, sauntering up to Caelus. He wraps an arm around his shoulders to pull him closer before his voice dips lower to a soft croon. "A little birdie told me you've been trying to get this to happen for several weeks now~"
Flushing at the sudden proximity, Caelus can't help but splutter. "Wh- you- you know about that?!"
"Everyone has been trying to pull shit like that long before you arrived," Mydei drawls, stepping forward until he's right in front of where Phainon is holding Caelus in place. He towers over him, and the way he looks down on him with that amused glint in his eye should be illegal. "You were just the most…blatant. And, in a way, the most successful."
Ah. So I caused my own downfall. Fantastic.
"I'm hurt, you know," Phainon claims, faux sadness lacing his tone as he pouts exaggeratedly. "I thought you were hanging out with us because you liked us. Then Mydei tells me you actually had ulterior motives this whole time…"
"I do like you! I do!" Caelus exclaims, panickedly glancing around because he can't bring himself to look at Phainon's pout or Mydei's piercing gaze for too long. Why are they so close?! "Recently, I wasn't even trying, I just- I wanted to hang out with you guys, so I did. I stopped thinking about it a while ago. And even in the beginning I wanted to get to know you better anyway!"
Phainon drops his fake-hurt act to flash a bright, blinding smile. "You hear that, Mydei? Caelus likes us."
"I'm sure he does, but what I'm curious about is—" Slowly, Mydei pushes forwards into Caelus's space, and Phainon lets go of him as he backs up. Caelus doesn't get far before there's a wall behind his back and Mydei is crowding him in, one hand on the wall behind his head. Voice dropped to a whisper, he continues: "How much do you mean that?"
…
What is happening.
"What…what do you mean…?" Caelus asks timidly, both frightened and mildly turned on by Mydei looming over him and Phainon watching on eagerly. He's sure he's blushing, and there's nothing he can do to prevent it.
"I think you're smart enough to figure it out yourself, but I'll spell it out anyway," Mydei says with a smirk. "If I kissed you right now, how would you feel?"
Huh?! "But…Phainon's right there?"
Phainon chuckles, resting his chin on Mydei's shoulder. Both of them are looking at Caelus with heat in their eyes, and he feels quite a lot like cornered prey. He knew he was into taller men, but goddamn.
"I'd take my turn next, obviously," Phainon shrugs, like he's talking about the weather and not about Mydei and himself both kissing Caelus after they've just kissed each other.
Oh, this is a dream. I'm actually still on Penacony and this is all just a very sweet dream. Yeah, that would explain it.
Caelus's mind is breaking a little. It must show on his face, because Mydei chuckles at him before tilting his head up with a finger to capture his attention. His mind breaks a little bit more.
"I'd like an answer, Trailblazer," he practically purrs, confident in himself like he already knows what the answer will be. He probably does, since it's likely written all over Caelus's face.
Faintly, he hears himself answer, "I'd let you."
"You'd let me?"
"I'd like it."
"What about if Phainon kissed you?"
"I'd like that, too."
"Please just kiss him already, Mydei," Phainon whines, impatient. "I'm gonna go mad."
Mydei only deigns Phainon with an amused huff before his hand cradles Caelus's cheek and he leans in. He expects to be devoured after the energy he's been surrounded with, but Mydei kisses him sweetly, like he's a treasure to be cherished and handled with care. He even tastes faintly sweet, like the pomegranates he likes so much, and Caelus thinks he could get addicted to the flavour.
Mydei pulls back all too soon with a soft smirk, although there's a hint of relief in his eyes that betrays the nerves he must have been hiding. He tilts Caelus's face sideways so he's facing Phainon and whispers, "Your turn."
The speed with which Phainon ducks around Mydei and into Caelus's arms takes him by surprise, and Mydei chuckles as he steps back. Phainon's kiss feels like the devouring he'd been expecting, all-consuming and passionate and so, so excited. Caelus can't help but laugh a little into it, hugging Phainon closer to match his energy, and if he thinks hard enough he can picture Phainon with a doggy tail wagging wildly behind him. Phainon even licks at his lips once before he pulls back, grinning brightly and entirely too proud of himself. One glance at Mydei tells him that this kind of behaviour from Phainon is to be expected.
"Wow," Caelus murmurs, dazed. "Okay. I'm happy to wake up now."
Phainon barks a laugh, his arms still looped around Caelus's neck. "Wake up? You're not dreaming, silly."
"Oh. I'm not?"
"You're not," Mydei confirms, leaning on the wall next to Caelus and reaching out to tuck some hair behind his ear. His hand lingers there like he wants to maintain contact the same way Phainon is, and maybe he also doesn't quite believe this is real. "Although it's nice to know that you're dreaming of us."
"Ahah…"
"You like us~" Phainon sings, lightly rocking side-to-side and pulling Caelus with him as if he physically can't keep himself still.
"You like me back!" Caelus exclaims, because he will not be teased when he's just been kissed within an inch of his life.
"Mhm, we do!" Phainon starts giggling like a child. If this is what he looks like when he's in love, Caelus doesn't think he ever wants to let go.
"It's why we came to you first," Mydei explains. He sounds like he's playing it cool, but his eyes flick between them as if he wants nothing more than to have both of them in his sight at all times. His golden flush also gives him away. "We wanted to see if we had a chance. Technically, we could have told anyone in that matchmaking group chat as a surprise. Whoever won the betting pool would have been a good choice."
Phainon stops, confused. "There's a betting pool?"
"I guess now we can check the results of the other betting pool they set up about the three of us."
"There's a second betting pool?"
"I don't…really wanna think about how long that's been a thing," Caelus says. He has a gut feeling the winner of the second one is either Aglaea or Dan Heng. "Can you two kiss each other again? It was hot."
That gets a laugh out of both of them. And if they listen to him, because apparently they'll both do anything to make him happy, well. He's sure that power won't get to his head in the future.
(He'll do anything they ask of him too, but hopefully they haven't figured that out yet.)