Archive of Our Own

***

“Mydei!” 

The Kremnoan prince scoffs as the cheerful voice reaches his ears. He tilts his face toward the sun, soaking up its warmth. Maybe if he ignores the other for a little while longer, he will just go away. Not that Mydei minds engaging with the Deliverer, just at times he can be a bit—

“Mydei! Can you hear me?”

Too much.

Mydei sighs as he cracks an eye open. It never works; Phainon is restless. He’s always somewhere doing something, it makes Mydei feel restless too. He looks down into the street where the other is standing, waving at him. There’s a foolish grin on his face and Mydei can’t help the spark of affection. 

“What are you doing all the way up there, your highness!”

Hiding from you, Mydei wants to say, but he restrains himself before the words slip out. No need to fan the flames of rivalry, it’s best if he avoids Phainon’s taunts altogether. 

“Why don’t you come down, esteemed prince, and spar with me! I’ll buy you a glass of pomegranate juice!”

Mydei feels his temper spike. Phainon is highly adept at getting on his nerves. What a highly talented individual, it’s almost like he’s studied for it. Mydei can buy his own drinks; he doesn’t need the Deliverer to pay for them.

“Come on, Mydei, don’t be like that! Let’s spar after dinner, I will pay!” 

Mydei groans, gritting his teeth. This is starting to draw far too much attention. His plans for peace and quiet have been ruined, no sense in trying to preserve something that never stood a chance in the first place.

“Stop yelling,” he scolds Phainon and jumps off the rooftop, landing right in front of him. Phainon yelps, stumbling backwards, hands raised up in surrender.

“Hey! Don’t look at me like you want to murder me! I just happened to be walking by!”

Mydei rolls his eyes. Of course he was.

The other alpha is so dramatic, and always says the most ridiculous things. Everyone knows he has a weird obsession, Mydei’s heard the comments about his body. It is as unnerving as it is embarrassing, why does Phainon have to be this way?

“Somehow, you always end up walking exactly where I am, care to explain why? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re stalking me.” 

“I’m not!” Phainon protests, eyes wide. 

Mydei lets out a long breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. Sometimes, he has no idea what to do with the other, there’s just something about him that rubs him the wrong way. Those big, sad eyes, the soft hair, the thick thighs and narrow waist… What kind of alpha is he really? His scent is off, too, but not in a bad way. Something just doesn’t add up.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Phainon, yet he always leaves Mydei feeling restless. Despite his reputation, he isn’t an aggressive person, so why does he always fall for Phainon’s taunts? 

“What do you want from me?”

Phainon pouts.

“To share a drink?”

“What for?”

“We’re friends!”

Are they? Mydei’s got to wonder, but he doesn’t have the heart to say that out loud. Whatever his problem with the Deliverer is, he doesn’t actually want to hurt him.  

“Fine, but you are not paying.” 

Maybe they really are friends. Mydei’s always thought of them more as rivals, but he’s not sure about that either. Phainon is just too strange, trying to put a label on him seems useless. 

Yet, as they stroll side by side, the alpha chattering on about trivial matters, Mydei can’t shake the feeling there is something else. Something he should definitely take notice of, if only he could figure out what.

—

“So…” Phainon says as he lounges against a nearby tree, holding a glass filled with some kind of green liquid. Mydei decides he’d rather not ask; Phainon will consume the most scandalous things. “Have you always drunk pomegranate juice with milk, or is that a recent occurrence?”

Mydei exhales heavily and takes another sip. The other hasn’t stopped talking for a single moment, his mouth moving in time with whatever his brain produces. It would have been nice to just stand here and enjoy his drink in silence, but no. If only there were a way to make Phainon shut up—

You could kiss him

Mydei snorts. 

Sometimes his brain comes up with the most absurd ideas. Him? Kissing the Deliverer? What a ridiculous thought. He would not want to kiss another alpha, least of all his fiercest rival.

“Mydei?”

“Hm?”

“The pomegranate juice?”

Right.

He looks down at the liquid swirling inside the cup, his brows knitting together in thought. When did he start? He can’t quite recall. Does it even matter to anyone but Phainon? The alpha always asks these pointless questions, and somehow Mydei always indulges him.

“It’s more palatable that way. Besides, I like the color.”

“Really?” Phainon blurts out, holding back his laughter. “Pink?”

“And what’s wrong with pink? Since when is it a crime to have a preference for a color?”

“Uh— it’s not, but,” Phainon mutters, glancing at Mydei like a scolded dog. “I think it’s cute?”

Mydei doesn’t understand. Why would something like that make him cute? 

“That is a weird statement.”

“It is not!” Phainon squeals, one hand rising awkwardly to rub at his neck. “It’s just that… a lot of young girls like the color?”

“So what of it? Do you see me as a young girl?”

“Certainly not!”

“Then what?” Mydei huffs. “Does a color have inherently feminine or masculine traits?”

“Oh, by the Titans, I was just joking…” Phainon sighs, fixing his gaze on the ground. “You always turn everything into something so serious.”

Then, with sudden determination, he meets Mydei’s eyes. “Why don’t we go spar instead? I bet I’ll put you in the dust in record time!”

It’s a clear and awkward pivot from their previous conversation, but Mydei lets it slide; the alpha has clearly talked himself into a corner.

“Put me in the dust? You wish,” Mydei sneers, setting down his cup. Phainon is acting stranger than usual, but that doesn’t matter, Mydei has been itching for a fight. He’s never had a problem putting the other in his place, on his back, underneath him, where he belongs. 

“Be prepared to yield to me. I promise I will make you beg.”

—

“Yield!” 

Mydei’s eyebrow twitches. He tries once more to throw the other alpha off. Phainon slams his arms back to the ground, looming over him like a mountain.

The Deliverer is strong, Mydei has to admit, yet this time he won by sheer luck. Mydei has been too distracted, too troubled by his own thoughts. It wasn’t really a fair fight, though that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.

“I told you to yield,” Phainon sing-songs as he leans in closer, his long locks falling over his face. They frame his eyes, his cheeks, his lips…

“Fine, I yield,” Mydei snaps. 

He hoped a fight would help to settle his mind, yet he feels even more restless now. He turns his head away, frustrated, battling the blush that threatens to overwhelm him. What in the world is happening? Phainon is far too close for comfort.

“Ha! I knew I’d best you today,” Phainon gloats and Mydei grits his teeth. Squirming underneath the other’s weight, he sharply bucks his hips up. He’s trying to throw the other off, uneasy with the position they’re in.

“Mydei!” Phainon yelps, a blush spreading across his face, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief. He looks so vulnerable like this, so pretty, that Mydei could just reach out and cup his cheek and—

What?

Mydei snaps back to reality. Why would his mind come up with such thoughts?

“Get off me, I am not a mattress.”

“Alright alright,” Phainon huffs. 

He lifts himself up before moving away, Mydei suddenly missing the heat of his body.

It’s annoying, Mydei thinks as he pushes himself up. He rubs his temple, thoughts swirling too fast to follow. Next time, he swears, he will win, even if he has to play dirty.

“Do you want to—” Phainon begins, but Mydei’s had enough for the day. He’s indulged the other for long enough, all he wants now is to go home. He will take a relaxing bath, maybe relieve himself of some frustration, and not think of Phainon in those private moments.

“See you tomorrow,” Mydei says, sounding nonchalant as he passes the other. Phainon laughs awkwardly, wipes the sweat from his brow; the scent makes Mydei pause for a moment.

What is this? His senses suddenly sharpen. Why is it... why is it driving him mad?

It makes no sense.

Mydei shakes his head.

He really needs to keep himself in check.

“Wait!”

Mydei turns. Phainon is looking lost, as if wanting to say something but holding back. “Mydei, tomorrow I may not...”

May not what?

“Are you already making excuses?”

Phainon laughs, but it sounds strained.

“Oh? Excuses? No, no, it’s not that. I’m just— ah, no, let’s see each other tomorrow.” 

Mydei studies him as Phainon’s voice trails off. Is the Deliverer feeling sick?

“Are you unwell?”

Phainon’s head snaps up, his eyes widening in surprise. He fidgets, clearly uncomfortable, before his usual smile reappears. 

“No, I guess I’m just exhausted. You did put me through quite a lot.” 

Mydei narrows his eyes, not buying it. The Deliverer is clearly lying to him. If he’s not feeling well, why not just say so? Did he overexert himself during their fight? Mydei wouldn’t think any less of him, Phainon should know at least that much. 

Something feels seriously off, about this entire situation, about this entire day.

But what?

Mydei doesn’t know and he’s too tired to care. He can’t figure it out today.

“All right then. Till tomorrow, Deliverer.”

“Till tomorrow,” Phainon answers. 

He’s never sounded quite so unsure and Mydei feels uneasy as he leaves. 

***

Phainon doesn’t show up the next day.

At first, Mydei doesn’t notice the absence as during mornings Phainon runs errands for others. The alpha has quite a list of tasks he likes to finish early in the day. Helping the elderly, carrying their bags, answering questions from curious children… those are just some of his usual tasks, so normally Phainon can be found all over the city.  

It’s a bit concerning that Mydei can’t spot him, even if he hasn’t been deliberately looking— he just happens to be in the places where the alpha can be usually found.

Maybe he is a little worried, considering how strangely Phainon was acting last night. Surely the Deliverer will turn up soon. Surely there is no need to worry? 

Mydei stands on the rooftop, keenly watching the street below. No white-haired calamity in sight, no Deliverer with his brilliant smile. Perhaps that's a good thing; maybe he should just enjoy the day. He should feel relieved without the constant agitation, except the agitation is still there. Even worse, now he’s worried and voices nag him a the back of his mind. 

Phainon hadn’t looked well. Has he fallen ill? Can he even get sick? An injury? Maybe something more serious? He should search for the other alpha. 

Mydei jumps off the roof, landing heavily on the ground. He really should use the stairs next time, this is drawing too much attention.

“Lord Mydeimos? Are you interested in buying some antiques?” a man — Theodoros?, perhaps — asks. Mydei has landed in front of his shop, so much for trying to be inconspicuous.

“No.”

Mydei has always thought of Theodoros as a professional; he’s good at what he does, and he’s respectful. He’s taught some valuable lessons to the Deliverer, preventing him from being scammed one too many times.

Mydei should like the man, should appreciate his knowledge, yet for some reason he can’t stand the sight of him. Seeing him with the Deliverer leaves him angry and bitter, such ugly feeling unfurling in his chest. 

He’d always chalked it up to the man’s personality, yet now, meeting him like this, he doesn’t feel the same way. It’s curious. Mydei may have to sit and think about it. Is it only because of Phainon that he feels this way?

“Have you seen the Deliverer?”

“The what—oh, you mean Lord Phainon!”

“Yes.”

The irritation returns. 

How close are Theodoros and the Deliverer? Mydei has seen them engaged in discussions, and once he even spotted them at a diner. Did antiquities appraisal truly require such familiarity? And the way the Deliverer had smiled at the man— 

“Lord Mydeimos?”

“Hm,” he responds with a grunt. This is why he’s earned a reputation. He gets lost one too many times in his thoughts and ends up missing the social cues. 

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t seen him today. He seemed a bit worn out yesterday, so maybe his hea— oh, I mean, his head. Perhaps his head is hurting?”

Mydei’s ire peaks once more. Does the man take him for a fool?

“Do not bother, I shall go look for him myself.” 

“Maybe you should not?” Theodorus interrupted. “Lord Phainon may not be feeling his best?” 

“All the more reason for me to find him.” 

Mydei is struggling to control his tone, this little beta is truly something. Is the Deliverer and Theodoros hiding something? But what secrets could they possibly have? Phainon is such an open book, Mydei’s never met a worse liar than him. 

“As you wish, Lord Mydeimos,” Theodorus says with a strange finality.

Without another word, Mydei leaves. He might do something he regrets if he stays. 

—

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Lady Aglaea,” Mydei says as he spots the goldweaver. She is, as usual, at the Hero's baths, her all-seeing eyes staring far into the distance. He had hoped to find the other alpha, but no luck, he seems to have vanished into thin air. “Would you happen to know where… Phainon is?”

Is he really ill? The thought seems absurd, he’s never seen the Deliverer so much as cough. How could he have fallen ill, especially in such good weather?

“Ah, Lord Mydeimos. I fear I must inquire after your intentions before I can give you an answer.” 

She wears a mysterious smile that conveys nothing and Mydei’s always struggled to decipher her expressions. He remains blind to her true implications. 

“What are you seeking Phainon for?”

“I was promised a spar.”

He can sense her hesitation. There is a slight pause before she speaks.

“In that case,” she places a hand to her chest, surely to emphasize her sincerity, “there is no need for you to seek him out. Phainon is in no condition for a spar today.”

What a cryptic way of speaking, Mydei’s getting tired of all this nonsense. It feels as though everyone’s privy to something and he’s the only one kept in the dark.

“Thank you for your input, Lady Aglaea.” He says. “I’ll be on my way then.”

If the Deliverer truly is feeling unwell, he should be the first to pay him a visit. Even if they are rivals, or perhaps because of it, he would like to offer a helping hand.

He knows how difficult it can be to ask for assistance with delicate matters. As an alpha who’s had his own share of mishaps, who better to understand the Deliverer than one of his own?

Having decided that, Mydei leaves, unaware of the goldweaver’s growing smile.

—

The first doubts about whether he should visit the alpha start to creep into Mydei’s mind as he arrives at his quarters.

There must be a reason why Phainon is hiding, a reason for Theodoros and Aglae’s mysterious warnings. And what if the Deliverer isn’t feeling well? Why should Mydei be the one to care?

He should go back, he most definitely needs to go back, but he’s already at the Deliverer’s door. At this point it seems almost foolish. If he’s come this far, he may as well see things through. He could even offer to make some food; Phainon’s not that great at cooking.

Or perhaps he could bring some pomegranate juice; it’s good for the body and the mind.

You’re stalling

Mydei closes his eyes. There is truly no reason for him to overthink this. He is simply visiting a comrade. Anyone would do the same as him.

“Deliverer!”

He calls out as he knocks. He should at least announce his presence. Who knows what the Deliverer is doing? He’s never been to his place before.

There is no answer, which is almost a relief; now Mydei can leave and pretend this never happened. Maybe Phainon went out for a walk or maybe he is sleeping and can’t hear him knocking.

“Deliverer!” he calls out again, knocking a couple more times. 

But what if the other has a high fever? What if he’s fallen and can’t get up? He really should check, Mydei bites his lip. It pays to be careful; anyone can have a bad day, he can’t just leave a companion in despair.

“Deliverer, open up!” he bangs on the door. If he were asleep, Phainon should have woken up. If necessary, Mydei is fully prepared to break this damned door down. He will do whatever is in his power to help, he will not abandon a mission halfway.

After a few more knocks and still no answer, Mydei is ready to follow through on his promise. But then he hears shuffling from the inside and a weak, “I’m coming, I’m coming, wait!”

Finally

The Deliverer truly has no sense. If he's unwell, he should have used the teleslate. Mydei isn't so cruel as to ignore him or refuse help if his help is needed. Even if they are only rivals, he can still bring over some hot soup.

“Deliverer,” he says as the door opens, fully prepared to scold the alpha, but his senses get overwhelmed by the scent of cut grass and wildflowers during late summer. It smells like an entire meadow in there, and Mydei is momentarily stunned.

“What—?”

He’s always thought of Phainon as attractive, but right now he seems utterly irresistible.

“What are you doing?”

Phainon laughs awkwardly, his face red and sweaty as he looks at Mydei. Has he been working out or something? Is that the reason why he’s been neglecting his duties? Did the Deliverer want to train in secret? Mydei’s mind is running in circles.

“Ah, Mydei, it's great to see you! I know I promised to meet you for a spar, but… I’m not feeling my best right now,” Phainon says with another uneasy laugh. His hand clutches his chest, Mydei’s eyes follow, as he struggles to breathe as he normally would. “I’m sorry, you see, my heat came early, so I won’t be able to go out. I should be alright in a couple of days, so please do not worry about it too much.”

“Oh. Alright.” 

Mydei nods. A heat. Of course. That makes perfect sense. Of course Phainon is not feeling well, he should leave the alpha alone.

Mydei turns to leave but then, finally, something clicks in his mind.

“Wait— what?” His eyes narrow as he turns back. “What heat, Phainon? You are an alpha!”

Has the Deliverer gone mad?

“Alphas do not get heats!”

Phainon lets out yet another awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his head as he smiles. He’s trying to appear casual about it, but it’s quite obvious that he is struggling.

“I know that.”

“Then what are you talking about?”

“Well…” Phainon looks down at his feet. “I am an omega, Mydei.” 

Mydei’s brain stops working. 

He stands there, dumbfounded, staring at the other. The pieces start to fall into place. 

Click

That pretty face, Mydei always thought him beautiful. 

Click

Those hips, far too wide for an alpha.

Click 

The small waist he could encircle with both hands...

Click click click

The pleasant scent. 

That cheeky temper. 

His lovely smile.

His soft skin.

Phainon is an omega. It all makes sense, how did he not see it before? Why had he assumed Phainon was an alpha?

“Why were you hiding this from me?”

“Hiding?” Phainon asks, his face confused. He’s flushed, fanning himself with his hand. Mydei’s heard that the beginnings are the worst; Phainon must be suffering greatly.

“I never hid this from you, Mydei. It just... never came up. Besides, why would any of this matter? I don’t want to be treated differently because of it—”

Mydei may as well be the world’s biggest idiot; he’d simply assumed it himself. No one ever told him Phainon was an alpha, he just always saw him that way.

He stands there, unmoving, not saying a thing, and Phainon’s smile starts to falter. 

“Now that you know about it,” he says, a droplet of sweat rolling down his temple, “please excuse me as I retreat, I’m really not in my best shape.”

He’s about to close the door, but Mydei is faster, alpha instincts kicking in. He wedges one of his feet inside, holding onto the door with despair. 

“You can’t just drop that on me and leave!” Mydei snarls, grabbing Phainon's arm. Phainon’s eyes widen and Mydei realizes what exactly he is doing. 

“Oh—“

What is wrong with him? Why is he yelling? 

“Phainon, I—” 

What was he going to say? Why can’t he think of anything all of a sudden? That he didn’t know? That he came here to help?

He is breathing heavily, mind jumbled. He’s never felt so out of control. Even around other omegas, he’s never felt this burning heat.

“Phainon, let me stay.” 

“What? No!” The alpha, no wait, the omega squeaks out. He tries to close the door but Mydei wrenches it open. There is no world or existence where he will let that happen. He can’t leave Phainon on his own, not when he knows exactly what he is. 

“I want to help you,” he says, desperate, still holding onto the omega’s wrist. He’s trembling, though he doesn’t know why. “Please let me stay with you. I need you.” 

Phainon’s face goes red. 

“Mydei what are you saying!”

“I don’t know.” Mydei’s entire body is on fire. Somewhere, deep in his mind, he recognizes this sensation. But this can’t possibly be happening, he can’t be experiencing a rut. In this immortal body of his, he thought such fleeting instincts didn’t affect him anymore.

And yet, as he holds the omega’s hand, staring into his face, there is only one thing on his mind.

“Let me breed you.”

“Mydei, what the actual fuck!”

The omega sounds panicked but his scent is intoxicating, exciting, alluring, and his body is ready. Mydei smells the slick, the omega is leaking, inviting him in, begging to be taken.

“Do not deny me.” 

He draws phainon in his arms, noses at his neck, inhaling his scent. The trembling eases; his heart is still pounding, but his senses are slowly returning to him.

What is he doing? What is he doing… but he needs to hold onto Phainon, he can’t let go.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t understand. I always thought of you as a rival.” He inhales again, the omega shivers. “But that all must have been my pent-up frustration.”

“Mydei, please—“

“Don’t tell me you don’t feel it.” He draws back, holding Phainon at arm’s length. Phainon’s face is crimson red, his eyes avoiding Mydei’s gaze. “Tell me you don’t feel the same way, and I will leave without looking back.”

“I—“

Don’t reject me

Mydei doesn’t know what he will do if Phainon drives him away. He knows that they are made for each other, there is no one more perfect for him. And yet, he understands why Phainon would hesitate; Mydei’s never shown any interest in him.

“Be honest.”

“Mydei, you are terrible! Why didn’t you say something before?”

“I know. Forgive me, I didn’t want to offend you. An alpha does not proposition another alpha.” 

He feels such fondness it’s hard to describe. He wants to pull Phainon back into his embrace. He knows he’s been completely blind, but he can mend this rift between them.

“You must know that I have always cared, even if I didn’t understand why. Do you know how many times you drove me completely crazy?”

Phainon is staring at the floor, not daring to glance up at him. 

“How should I have possibly known?” His tone is hurt and he sounds bitter. “I thought you couldn’t stand the sight of me. Can’t you care for me as a friend?”

“That’s not it.” Mydei moves closer. “A friend, you say, yet you know that’s not— that’s not what you want us to be. Or is friendship truly all you desire?”

Phainon inhales, then shakes his head. 

Mydei lifts his chin up, fingers gliding down the smooth skin. 

He leans in, kissing the omega slowly. The kiss lingers, warmth filling Mydei’s chest. When they part, Phainon is panting, and Mydei is in a similar state.

“You’re in a rut,” Phainon whispers. “Mydei, how?”

“Your fault.” 

Their lips meet again, this time Phainon initiating, leading the kiss as he explores Mydei’s mouth. His hands glide down Mydei’s sides, fingers tracing, mapping.

“Not my fault.”

“It is.”

“Is not.”

Mydei’s hands land on Phainon’s back, sliding upward, curling around his neck. His fingers linger at the nape.

The collar.

Click 

Another realization.

“Do you wear this because you’re afraid to be claimed?”

Phainon laughs— short, abrupt. He wants to look away, but Mydei won’t let him. Mydei holds his chin, gazing at him with all the seriousness the question demands.

“Ah, no,” the omega replies, hesitant, as if trying to hide. It’s not the first time Phainon has withheld information; he seems almost careless with his own well-being. “I— I don't... I don’t really know. Maybe? It’s not like— well, maybe before. But now? I’m strong. I can protect myself. There’s no need for me to keep this collar. And yet… I guess it’s a habit. I know it’s silly, but—”

“Deliverer, stop.”

Phainon’s breath catches, as if only now becoming aware of his own rambling. 

“Who hurt you? What happened?”

“It’s a long story,” the omega mutters.

Mydei watches him in silence, quietly making up his mind. He can wait, will wait for Phainon, but that’s not what the other needs. Right now, he needs to be held, loved and worshiped like he deserves.

“It doesn’t matter,” Mydei whispers, kissing the omega once more. “Let me take it off.”

Phainon freezes in his embrace. He exhales sharply, then whispers against his skin.

“All right.”

Mydei rejoices. It’s a permission. He hooks a sharp claw beneath the collar. He pulls carefully until it snaps, revealing the smooth skin underneath. Phainon’s breath shudders, but nothing apart from that gives away his nervousness. 

Mydei marvels at his handiwork, pressing his lips against the sun marking. 

“Mydei.”

“I know.”

They stumble toward the bedroom in a haze, leaving a trail of discarded clothes. The armor comes off as well, Mydei’s gauntlets crashing to the floor. He presses his fingers to Phainon’s thighs, holds him, then splays a hand across his chest.

He spots a bed, leads them both towards it, presses Phainon into the mattress. One hand on his hip, the other hooking behind his knee.

“Please—“

“Yes.”

Phainon is already wet, loose and eager to let him in. He must have been fingering himself before; the thought makes Mydei burn with desire. He hurriedly shoves his pants down, stroking his hard cock a couple of times.

“Do you need to—?”

“Just fuck me.”

Mydei obeys. 

He lines up his cock, slowly pressing inside. Phainon tenses, face screwing up.

“When was the last time—?”

“Don’t talk.”

It’s rare for Phainon to refuse conversation, but perhaps now is not the time for words.

Mydei kisses him, easing in another inch. Words are useless here; he can only act. Gently, he finds his way forward, guided by the moans spilling from the omega’s lips.

“I didn’t really want anyone else,” Phainon mutters, gazing up at Mydei. “I thought about it, but I wanted only you.”

“You should have told me,” Mydei murmurs.

The teasing, the jeers, the accidental touches — all of them were hints of affection. But all Mydei ever saw were the flames of rivalry, he really has been terribly obtuse.

He presses his face into the crook of Phainon’s neck and stays there, breathing in his scent. The omega’s limbs are wrapped around him, soft, warm flesh pressed to his own.

Phainon smells divine, and the small huffs of breath falling from his lips urge Mydei to move.

“Can I—?”

“Yes.”

“You’re very direct.”

Phainon lets out a shuddering laugh.

“I can’t exactly think in circles.”

“I never expected you to be thinking at all.”

“So mean,” Phainon chuckles, kissing him. His fingers press into Mydei’s flesh, not breaking the skin, but threatening to. He’s careful. Always so careful.

“I won’t let you think,” Mydei says as he grabs the omega’s thighs and snaps his hips. The breath is knocked out of Phainon with a loud “ooh,” and then he relaxes, watching him. 

“You’re beautiful.”

“You say that now.”

“Out loud? Yes. But in my mind, I’ve thought so since the first time I saw you.”

“So you sa— aah!” Phainon lets out a loud, desperate moan as Mydei thrusts inside of him. The omega’s breaths come in ragged gasps and Mydei waits until Phainon calms down.

“What are you— aaah!” Mydei drives in again, and Phainon’s eyes widen with sensation.

“Mydei, what are you...”

Another hard thrust. Phainon wails, hand clutching the sheets. Mydei holds his knees wide apart, leaving him completely exposed. The omega’s cock is hard and leaking, just as his hole is leaking slick.

“This isn’t fa— ah! Mydei! Stop that!” Phainon cries as Mydei sinks in once more. He lets Phainon’s breathing settle down, the omega’s cheeks flushed a vivid red.

“What kind of torture is this, Mydei?” Phainon mutters, gazing at him with hooded eyes. “Why are you acting so erratic? Why are you stopping?”

“I want you desperate.”

Mydei stares down at where their bodies are joined, Phainon’s hole clenching around him, tight.

“I am desperate,” Phainon insists, his voice trembling, urging the alpha to move.

“Are you?” Mydei asks. Slowly, he pulls out, presses himself all the way in. He moves over Phainon until they are face to face. “Are you desperate for me enough? Drooling, begging, out of your mind? You seem awfully coherent for someone who’s desperate.”

He pulls out slowly once again, sinking back in the warmth with tender care. 

“I will keep you on my cock for as long as it takes for you to forget your own name.”

“M-Mydei,” Phainon breathes, face flushed all the way to his ears. “What are you saying...”

Mydei kisses him. 

He sets a languid rhythm for them, sliding repeatedly into the heat. Again and again until Phainon is whining, hands clutching his shoulders, nails dragging down his skin.

“F-faster.”

“No.”

Mydei kisses him again. Skin against skin, Mydei can feel Phainon’s heartbeat.

“Please.”

“Patience.” Mydei scolds before grabbing one of the omega’s legs. He hooks it up higher to keep Phainon open, to find a better angle to fuck into him. He pulls his cock almost fully out, then watches himself sliding back in.

“So wet for me. You’re practically dripping.”

Phainon’s breath hitches, his face burning. He looks away, Mydei catches his chin, and turns his head back, forcing him to meet his gaze.

“Tell me just how much you want this.”

“M-Mydei!”

“What? Have you lost your mind? I thought you were stronger than this, Deliverer.”

Phainon huffs, puffing out his cheeks. Mydei pushes his thumb into his mouth. Phainon licks at it, Mydei closes his eyes. He crashes their lips together once more.

Phainon’s hands slide down to Mydei’s ass, grabbing and massaging his cheeks roughly. His thighs tremble, yet he makes no sound, determined to hold out as long as he can.

Mydei moves agonizingly slow. He doesn’t snap his hips but rocks them in deliberate waves.

“You’re stubborn.”

“You started it.”

“This is stupid.”

Mydei stops, Phainon peers up at him.

Time to switch it up, Mydei decides as he lifts himself up, one hand braced against the bed. Phainon’s eyes follow his every move, confusion settling into them.

“Suck me,” Mydei says as he pulls out, his length still dripping with the omega’s slick.

Phainon grimaces, both irritated and desperate.

“Why would I—?”

“Because I told you to. I want you to taste yourself, to struggle on my cock, as I lovingly fuck your throat.”

Phainon looks away, eyes shifting. But Mydei knows that he wants it now.

“Backing out?”

“This doesn’t seem fair.”

“Not confident enough you can make me come?”

Mydei isn’t sure where this bravado is coming from, his alpha hormones must be in overdrive. He still wants to love Phainon, still wants to take care of him, but he also wants to make him submit.

“Of course I can make you come,” Phainon mutters as he moves, his knees sinking deeply into the mattress. “Watch me.” His eyes flick up, face now close to Mydei’s cock.

He looks at it for a moment, marveling at its sheer size, then wraps his palm around the base, the sudden touch making Mydei hiss. Phainon looks up at him with hooded eyes, breathing heavily as he opens his mouth. 

He lets the tip slip past his lips, sliding the length into the heat of his mouth. Mydei grits his teeth, he’s an idiot — this is so much harder than he thought it would be. 

Pleasure shoots through him, muddling his mind, making his fingers restless, twitchy. He wants to grab Phainon’s hair, press his head down, deeper, until his cock is swallowed fully.

“Fuck,” he groans as Phainon starts sucking in earnest, hand moving together with his mouth. He hollows his cheeks, lets the flat of his tongue glide along the length up and down.

Mydei’s breathing is ragged, self-control slipping. One of his hands finds its way into Phainon’s hair. He tugs, and Phainon’s eyes snap up, blue like the endless sky above.

Mydei lets out a pathetic sound, a half whimper, half scream as he holds his orgasm off. Later, he will deny that sound’s existence and Phainon will never forget about it.

“Mmm.” Phainon hums as he swallows him whole, his throat vibrating around the sensitive skin. Mydei comes with a cry, his eyes rolling to the back of his head. He blacks out, for a moment floating in subspace, unaware of anything but the aftershock. When he comes back, blue eyes are still looking at him, a hint of gold shining in them.

“Told you I’d win,” Phainon grins, white teeth flashing, and Mydei’s mind short-circuits. Instead of replying, he grabs Phainon’s jaw and crashes their mouths together.

Phainon lets out a whine. Mydei swallows every sound. He can taste himself; he can taste them both.

“I yield,” he mutters, taking Phainon in his hand, stroking him quickly, watching his face tense with pleasure. “Now give yourself up to me.”

And Phainon does. As if on cue, he comes, crying out and clinging to Mydei.

“You’re impossible,” Mydei murmurs, kissing his temple as he sweeps some hair out of his face.

“And yet I won.”

Mydei silences him, covering his lips again and again. He moves over Phainon until he’s on his back, knees spread wide, making space for the alpha.

Mydei lines himself up, doesn’t say a word, pushes inside in one smooth motion. 

Phainon throws his head back, white hair splayed against the pillow. 

“I’ll make you forget,” Mydei promises, starting slow, with loving care. But with each thrust, each pull, he puts more force behind his movements, until he’s pounding into Phainon, the bed creaking from the force of it. 

All Phainon can do is cling to him, moaning his name in broken cries.

“Mydei—” he breathes out, knees pressing deeper into his sides. “Touch me, please.”

Mydei takes his hand. He entwines their fingers, kissing Phainon again in response. The omega whimpers, reaching for his own cock, but Mydei stops him with a warning growl. He grabs his wrist, pins it to the pillow, and fucks into his body even harder.

“Oh gods, Mydei, please—I—I need to.”

“Come. Come from my cock stretching your insides.”

Phainon whimpers, breath catching, his limbs lock up and his mouth falls open. As if on command, he comes again, white seed painting his stomach.

“Mydei— I’m sensitive,” the omega whines as he comes down from his high. “Slow down.”

Mydei pauses. He inhales deeply, exhales just as slowly as he pulls out. His cock is painfully hard, dripping. He could use his own hand to finish, or—

No.

He flips the omega over, Phainon’s world tilts. He yelps in surprise, confused for a moment. Then, he quickly composes himself, getting up on all fours. He looks back; Mydei is gripping his hips, pressing his cockhead against his entrance.

It feels so good, even though he’s still sensitive, Phainon still wants to be fucked. He urges Mydei to enter him again, to pound him into the mattress if he wishes so. He thrusts back, Mydei’s cock slipping inside, making them both moan in response.

“Mydei— what are you waiting for,” he breathes out, head turned to watch the other’s reaction. Mydei’s fingers dig into his skin, anchoring himself there in his rightful place. “Oh, come on. Please, do something.”

With renewed vigor, Mydei slams in. He’s stretching Phainon beyond his limits, making him cry out until his voice gives out. The alpha is so deep inside, it’s maddening, breaking his mind. He wants to press a hand to his stomach to see if he can feel the other’s outline.

“M—Mydei…”

“Phainon,” Mydei mutters, one hand settled on the small of his back. The other remains pressed into his hip, guiding him in time with his own thrusts. “Will you be mine?”

Phainon falters, his overheated mind struggling to process the words.

“M-mine?”

Mydei presses on his spine, making Phainon arch his back even more. The sensitive rim around his cock is flushed, swollen, soft to touch. The omega is still leaking slick, desperate and trembling in his hold.

“I want to breed you,” Mydei mutters, more to himself than to the other. He knows Phainon can’t fully grasp what he’s asking from him in this state.

“Breed me then,” the omega mewls, half-lost to pleasure and overstimulation. Mydei chuckles at the answer. Oh, the other truly is gone.

He can feel it deep inside of his belly, the heat that is threatening to unfurl. To take control of his mind, to make him into just a rut-driven creature. 

But he can’t let it consume him fully, he needs to take care of both of them. 

“In the morning,” Mydei whispers, pressing their bodies together. His breath is hot against Phainon’s ear. “Let’s talk about all of this in the morning.”

The omega shivers in response.

Mydei closes his eyes, teeth clenched, focusing on a single purpose. The weight and pressure low in his belly come sharply to the forefront of his mind.

He could try to stop it, but he’s not sure he can, or if that’s even what they both need.

“Can I knot you?” Mydei asks.

“Yes, please!” Phainon cries out. 

Both their bodies are slick with sweat, exhausted from the relentless fucking. Mydei knows he’s the one in control, the only one with some sanity left—

And yet, that fragile control shatters as his orgasm overwhelms him. His knot swells, pressing forward, demanding entrance against Phainon's already-stretched rim. Phainon cries out, his shoulders shaking as Mydei holds him through the intrusion.

Mydei nudges forward, once, twice until finally there’s some give. He slides in, both of them gasping in tandem as the world fades to white.

Joined like that, they collapse on the bed, Mydei’s weight pinning Phainon down. They both are breathing hard, their chests heaving, and all the omega can do is whine.

For a while longer they stay like that, the only sound in the room their breathing. Then, finally, Phainon speaks. He sounds weak, his throat raw from screaming.

“I came all over myself again.”

Mydei can’t help but laugh fondly, pulling the other’s warm body closer. He kisses Phainon’s sweat-soaked hair, tenderly seeking out his mouth.

“We’ll get you cleaned up once we part.”

“Alright,” Phainon mutters, as if only now realizing just how they are connected. “I’ve never— had anyone knot me before.”

A warmth fills Mydei’s chest, almost shameful in its intensity. He kisses Phainon sweetly, with loving attention, caressing his lips with his own.

“Honored to be your first knot. It won’t be your last, trust me, Phainon.”

Phainon sputters, shaking his head, but the affection in his voice is unchanged. “What a shameless thing to say… yet I’m eagerly looking forward to more.”

Mydei presses his nose to Phainon’s neck. He wants to bite but he knows it’s not the time. Later, when they talk about it, he will ask the omega to become his mate. 

He may not be sure about a lot of things, but he’s confident in his affection for Phainon. 

“I won’t make you wait long, but rest now, you will need the energy later.”

The omega laughs but says nothing, cuddling deeper into Mydei’s embrace. Mydei feels his eyelids grow heavy, too tired to keep them open. He’ll just rest his eyes for a moment, then they can get cleaned up.

But for now, he basks in the contentment spreading through his limbs, the restlessness in his chest finally settling.

—

It’s early morning when Theodoros spots Lord Phainon, the Hero making his usual rounds through the city. He’s relieved to see the omega about; he had been worried when Phainon went missing for a couple of days. But judging by the cheerful smile on his face and the spring in his step, things are well.

Theodoros looks at the clay pot in his hands, should he show the Hero his newest acquisition? 

“Lord Phainon!” He calls out, but his voice falters when he notices the Kremnoan prince on the roof. The alpha is watching the omega intently, his sharp eyes following Phainon's every move.

Oh.

Of course.

Theodorus can’t help but smile. He better not draw the alpha’s ire. He will let those two simmer in their newfound affection, choosing not to insert himself between the two. He’s glad they have finally worked things out, they were both too smitten for it not to happen.

As he places his clay pot on display, he feels the alpha’s eyes on him. He should save this as their mating gift; he would much rather have the prince on his good side.

***

End