Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Malleus Draconia had a problem.

Now it is often assumed that people that live in the lap of luxury have it easy. Well, obviously. If your every need was attended to, you were cherished hand and foot, you would also be an obnoxious asshole. Yet that is not what Malleus Draconia thought. Born to the long line of draconic fae, and sole heir to the throne of Diasomnia, life should have been at least pleasant, dare he say, fantastic. Yet he found himself yearning. His chest heavy, and heart half full. Malleus believed his life was somehow less fortunate than he had once believed. He was a dragon without a flame.

The sun was warm against fair flesh, the duvet that was slung over the Fae was hotter than need be, hence it was discarded at once. Tossed to the floor half haphazardly as he arose from his slumber. Malleus grumbled, despite his normal, very regal air. He was never one for mornings. Dragons were nocturnal creatures, so the fact that his princely duties were caused to arise this early was enough to cause the dragon to want somebody's head. 

The obnoxious tweeting of youthful birds partially bugged him. His sleep the night previous was far from restful leaving him in a slump. A gentle voice called from the hall, smooth as morning dew, accompanied by the warm scent of fresh flowers and rain. He relaxed in the young guards presence. Silver was a gentle soul, well the gentlest Malleus has come to see in his many years of life. He was not deserving of his ire. 

“Young master? Did you sleep well?”

The Prince did not want to grump at the boy. But the reminder of his uneasy sleep brought back his stifled scowl. Silver winced, a reassuring hand pressing firm of his bicep.

“That bad?”

Malleus would never tell his young guard his thoughts. But a part of him wished that the illness that plagued the boy would take him in its grasp and wring the sleep from his bones. Though such a curse would be more a hindrance than a rescue. He offered him a nod, carding a clawed hand through slightly matted hair. Silver chuckled softly, lifting his own hand to pet the Prince's shoulder. Such action from any other would have been met with a scowl, or a glare. But the silver haired boy was exempt from such punishment. Malleus had helped raise him since he was just a babe. The memory is still fond deep in his hollow chest. 

Today was the day his grandmother offered him his verdict. Engagement. A foolish ideal, one that he did not desire. He did not need a spouse on his right hand. Nor did he want one. Though perhaps a friend? That would be a better idea. He was not at all content with the idea of being touched. He allowed it for closer relationships, but he was never one to actively seek it out. Dragons are cold blooded. But the fire that often burnt in the belly was hotter than any sun. 

His belly never burnt.

Which left him cold.

But the idea of having hands on flesh, heat pressing against limbs made his stomach roil in such a way he squirmed. He did not desire such touch. Nor did he ever think he would. A hand stirred through his hair, gaze lifting from the tiled floor to land on the man who had offered much guidance since his youth. Lilia looked as dapper as an average day, his tunic tucked firm into the rim of his trousers, fastened together with a roped belt. His youthful face creased in a broad brimmed grin that cut his expression. Blood red eyes crinkled with glee as he flipped down from where he hovered, feet landing with little sound.

“Malleus! Now, I am aware you have few nerves with the possible idea of having your hand given in marriage, though i can not sway your grand mothers mind, i have aided you as much as i am given leeway too”

The elder man was always one to support him. Despite his baby face he was older than the majority of the castle staff, his own guards included. They all fell to a halt as the large stone grey doors stood in their path, blocking the entrance and exit to the start or end of his life, pointed ears down turned at the idea. Fortitude would be needed to take the verdict with an open palm. Fortitude he did not have, nor want. He did not wish to vow his life to another, tangling soul with soul in a marriage he would rather miss. A thumb rubbed the meat of his palm. Lime green fixing to the swirl of blue and pink as eyes met eyes. Silver offered him a smile, the slant of his lips a fickle thing that made his heart ache. Yet he gave enough strength to the other to push open the awaiting door. So he could find the start of his future, and the end of his life.

Idia shroud was in trouble.

All the tech in the world, all the plans he had. All the grief he had served, and yet he was punished like this. Why in sweet hades did the planet have it out for him! He was an introvert, what part of that did his parents not understand! And now…now he wasn't allowed his safety net. His ipad was taken from his hands like a disgruntled toddler! He was 18 for fucks sake, not three! He pouted, shrinking further behind the metallic body of his younger brother. Ortho frowned, nudging forward with a calming palm.

“I assure you brother! All the news says the prince is a very polite man! You shouldn't stress!”

Idia didn't want to be rude. Hades below he never wanted to snap at his darling baby brother. But his nerves were on edge! He let out a half audible whine, curling closer behind the android who offered him a half pitying look. Idia whimpered once more, hiding his face in his knees. The woman who stood beside him, his mother. Jested him a half pitying look before lifting her nailed fingers to scratch at his skull under the flame of his hair. The action offered an inch of reassurance before the doors of the throne room burst inward, the regal men entering with a flourish. 

The leader of the group was tall. Taller than Idia anyway. His sable hair coiled around his neck like a snake's tail, draped over his shoulders, and split from his head, under his fringe sat two twisted horns that dazzled like obsidian. They were stunning. He had met the queen, Malficent was an older looking woman. Her own coal black hair was long and braided away from her thin bony features. Her lithe figure could almost rival Idias own if it wasn't for the fact the blue haired man's ribs were almost visible through his shirt. She stood, commanding the room with her tense but nimble hand as she raised it to gesture towards the Shroud family.

“My darling Grandson…I would like you to meet your husband to be”

Idia Shroud was fucked.

Malleus looked at his spouse to be. The man was thin, his sickly pale flesh hidden under layers of loose fitted fabric. His amber yellow eyes averted to look at a rather fascinating tile. The prince stepped forward, leaving his confidants behind as he approached the throne. The lanky royal before him shrunk away from the intensity of his own gaze. Malleus' flesh warmed as the others' flickering hair popped and crackled with a consistent sound of flame. The heat it emitted felt semi pleasurable to the dragon. He swept himself into a bow, lowering his head and long ears in welcome.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance…Prince Shroud, I am Prince Malleus Draconia”

The other flustered, his thin hands waving about in a commotion of mumbles and rejections, the words “no need” slipped from the bluster, therefore stopping Malleus’s bow. The Dragonic Fae straightened, crossing palms over the top of his lap. Idia blinked up at the other like a stunned deer. Thin eyes blow wide at something. Did Malleus have something on his face? He reached his hand up to feel over his cheeks just to make sure. The smaller responded with a subdued squeak.

“...Idia Shroud…”

Malleus’s ears perked up, lizard green eyes met the others simmering yellow and they were locked. Stuck in a stalemate the small robot child Malleus had yet to regard slowly inched in front of the other.

“Hello Prince Malleus Draconia! It's very nice to meet you! I am sorry for my brother, he's not that good with people!”

The prince gave a quick nod, straightening up once more, his tail flicking as his brain drifted off to what exactly he thought of the other. Idia Shroud. He seemed timid, skittish if anything and the scent of sadness lingered in his smell. Malles understood his presence was overbearing, he was a strong mage, and he was descended from the Great Thorn Faery herself. He was a powerful figure. Yet he did not want to frighten this odd slender Prince from the islands. Maybe a smile? People smiled to comfort others, right? He could be incorrect, then again he was sure it would be helpful to this situation. 

Malleus looked at the small metal boy, whose short flame hair crackled just like his brothers did. His lips quivered, pulling back over teeth as he attempted a comforting smile.

It looked more like the bearing of teeth.

Idia shrunk back, body pressing into the woman Malleus could only assume to be his mother. Ortho's eyes squinted as if copying the smile without the need to show his covered mouth. Malleus hummed, his voice silky smooth. His lips let the words drip from his tongue.

“It is pleasant to meet you as well, you are…Ortho, correct?”

The child nodded, bowing slightly. Malleus bowed back, smiling toothfully once more. Ortho let out the smallest most adorable sound he had ever heard in his startling long life. He hadn't heard a child giggle in almost 17 years, sure silver had laughed when he had been just a babe, but he had been rather quiet all things considered. Sebek was the opposite, holding the same obnoxious noisyness he had in the present. Yet none had laughed quite like that. It was the sound of wind chimes. 

It pleased Malleus.

He huffed back, the noise akin to a laugh but not just. It hovered in the air around them as silence fell. The other queen, or…Idias mother, pushed her son forward, urging him with a chuckle. Idia sputtered, body frozen and his arms clenching to his chest.

A prey animal in the presence of a predator. 

He cowered like a frightened doe, his eyes skittering away. The dragon shuffled forward, point ear twitching as he extended a hand, his voice gentle as he attempted to lower it.

“Hello…Idia Shroud…it is very nice to meet you”

The blue haired beauty's lips quivered into a nervous smile, taking the hand and gently shaking it in greeting. The dragon Queen preened, standing up and crossing her hand politely.

“Let us give the two some time, come, come we have plenty of refreshments in the dining hall”

The guards and royals all fled from the room, leaving the Princes with their own devices. An awkward silence blanketed the room as the two fidgeted in place. Malleus took time to look the other over, taking in his features and posture. How his body hunched over itself, subconsciously curling into a ball. Malleus felt dejected.

Chapter Text

Idia had to be dying.
Because there was no way in the 10 hells that one of the greatest mages, and one of the most revered Princes alive was to be his husband. They had to be shitting him. Idia glanced beside him. He had to admit, the other was rather attractive. Albeit to the fact he could smite him in seconds. Idia didn't miss the way the draconic prince leaned towards the warmth of his hair. Idia could sense the flames flicking against the flesh of his neck, the endless heat somewhat soothing in this stressful situation. They had to talk. What could he say? No DRACONIC prince was going to be interested in any kind of video game, let alone anime. He wanted his ipad, where was his safety blanket when he needed it! Curses to his family!! Malleus shifted beside him (When had he sat down???), his tail twitching. His voice was deep and smooth, gliding off his tongue like honey.

“So…”

He trailed off, clearly unsure how to start the conversation between the both of them. Idia cleared his throat, rubbing a thumb along his inner wrist.

“..So…”

Awkward silence shifted back to the other two. The question was, how is one meant to start a conversation with someone!!

Malleus inhaled deeply, his body stock straight as he spoke once more.

“What is the isle like?”

Idia nodded in response, fiddling with the sleeve of his baggy hoodie, picking at a loose stitch along the cuff.

“....cold”

Malleus nodded, perking his cheeks as his eyes flittered away, glazing around the throne room, he looked everywhere but the other prince. Eye contact seemed to disturb him. He didn't enjoy eye contact either. He didn't need to look into someone's soul. Idia cleared his throat this time, his hands still toying with the thread of his clothing.

“...uh, so…you’re a…dragon?”

The fae nodded, his tail flicking from side to side. Coughing to remove the thickness from his throat. Yet he did not depart anymore words. What were they meant to speak of?...Malleus lit up in recognition, his eyes shooting right to the other and a smile spread over his clear skin, he could share some of his expertise on old architecture.

“Uh…did you know, we have many gargoyles around the castle?”

Idia perked up, he wasn't very in tune with old decorations, but it was something to talk about so the silence wouldn't take over.

“Uh…really?”

Malleus nodded rapidly, his fangs poking his lip as he gave a full toothed smile.

“Yes! We have a few canine themed gargoyles but my favourite is the chimera themed one! They make such odd yet intriguing sounds as it rains! Though I dislike how the castle staff mistakes them for grotesques, the difference is very important!-”

Idia watched as the fae dragged on about different versions of statue and their meaning to the throne, and all he could think about was the fact this tall, regal, dangerous prince…was currently looking like an excited 4 year old who had been asked what their favourite dinosaur was. As Malleus moved his hands and arms around thematically, his gestures becoming more excitable with each word that spewed from his annoyingly plump lips, Idia felt himself lean forward. He wasn't quite listening, but just…admiring how passionate the other was. Maybe this wouldn't be too bad.

Malleus thought he might just explode.

In the many years he has been around other royals, no one had ever listened to his rants. Sure Sebek would listen enthusiastically, but that was more based on the fact that the young guard was extremely loyal to the dragon and not exactly interested in such a topic. Lilia had listened as well, yet he always ended up half asleep, pulling the face most seemed to bear when he began speaking of the old stone statues he had slowly grown to love. Yet Idia leaned in, bright yellow eyes embedded right against his skin like a beam of light. He was listening and that made Malleus even happier. He grinned wide as his spiel came to an end, tail wagging like a content puppy. Idia nodded, rubbing his nose in thought before the quiet took back the room. Then the prince's voice cut to the surrounding area.

“...that was…intresting, uh…well, I have an interest too but…I mean you most likely are unfamiliar with it…”

The fae perked up, leaning closer to the other with wide eyes.

“Speak of your intrigue your highness, i am grateful to share or even discuss such interests with fellow royals”

Idia averted his eyes, gee…this man will be the death of him.

Malleus listened with great interest as the other began to speak of this thing called “anime” he had heard Lilia mention such things but he himself had never had time to himself to indulge in such pleasantries. Yet he was giddy to see how the other had unraveled like a blooming flower, his bony face growing with color as he took his time to rant of his own fixation. The draconic fae focused on the other with such intensity that the other seemed to shuffle at the taunt tension. But he continued his words. And Malleus was happy with that, his body wiggling with the impacts of his tail against the stone of the steps. This was nice.

Malleus took a deep breath, his body flopping back against the mound of pillows and blankets, a lower rumbling groan exiting his body as he slackened into the plush bedding. He laid there for a moment, his brain moving through each interaction of the day, some hyper analysed, others released with little threat.

Yet his mind seemed to lodge on a certain man.

Blue flame-like hair drifted through his mind. The warmth that it had admitted as he had sat next to the other royal

And Malleus, slept.

Idia collapsed into his bed, curling up against his body pillow. He pushed the old packets of stale chips and used energy drink cans away from his body, dumping them onto the cluttered floor as he let himself process the day. His social battery would be dead for weeks after the day he had. Exhaustion tugged at weary limbs. Yet Idia didn't feel any closer to sleep than it had been 4 hours ago. He sat up, tugging the gaming console onto his lap as he flicked through all the games he had. Yet none seemed to catch his eye. He groaned, discarding it against the scaffold of his bed as he turned onto his stomach. His mind whirls into action.

He was going to get married.

He should feel troubled, angry.

…so why did he feel…content?

Malleus growled as he was forced out of bed with the morning sun. Soft light peaking through the old curtains, dusting his flesh with yellows and oranges. He inhaled deeply, but let off a light purr at the warmth. Lime eyes squinted open to meet a flamboyant red. Lilia chirped, his face squinting with a loose lipped grin.

“Mor’en Malleus~ how are you!”

The fae hummed, his ear twitching while his cheek pressed deeper into the casing of the pillow.

“...could be better?”

The statement was released more like a question, tight and rumbled through the grogginess of sleep. Lilia hummed his normal hum, and flopped onto the royals bed, scratching between obsidian horns, nails clipping over flesh. Malleus leaned into the reassuring touch, closing his eyes as he basked in the comforting hand. Lilia cooed, his fingers trailing down to cup his chin and lift his face. Rubbing over his cheek with such care it almost hurt.

“Burnt out? Social situations often leave you as such sadly…”

He nodded sluggishly, his eyes looking at the closest thing to a father he had in his glamorous life. Memory from the day previous flicked in and out of his mind, bony features, sheet white flesh, sharp amber yellow. Beauty does become him. Through Malleus's mind the man's gentle smile and even softer voice echoed through his chest. His heart beating an unsteady rhythm at the idea. Lilia did not halt his comforting actions, his nails still swiftly scratching over the bed of his scalp.

“You have another meeting with your spouse to be, do with him as you will young prince”

Lilia lowered his lips, pressing a chaste peck to the crown of his brow. Nudging his nose along the dip before despelling himself from his bed chambers. Malleus woke himself, dressing his robes he left his chambers with hope in his heart.

Idia leaned fast against the outer wall of the large stature that was the castle belonging to the draconic fae. The smooth cool stone gentled his nerves as they sparked and shimmered over his spine. A voice erupted from beside him, curt and low.

“Greeting Shroud”

Idia jerked, jumping forward from his spot with an undignified screech. His body coiling tight as he clutched his hands to his chest, blue flame sparking with lights of green and yellow. Malleus found himself intrigued, moving forward and glancing down with intensity, his wide lime eyes searching the others bluish fire for the accents once more.

“Your…hair, does it change with emotion? Or do thee choose the color it burns?"

Idia coughed into his fist, hand shifting to fiddle with the cuff of his shirt before he swallowed thick, missing the weight and comfort of the hoodie he took to normally that had been discarded for a frilled lace button down.

“...uhhh…yeah”

Malleus hummed with understanding, his eyes quirking at the sides forming crows feet as he straightened his spine back up. His tail flicked behind him slowly as he dipped his head in a formal greeting. Idia copied the action, anxiety still roiling his stomach.

“Well…uh…what…do you wanna do?.”

Malleus brightened instantly, his fangs poking his lip as he took the blue haired man's hand and dragged him forward.

“I am going to show you the gargoyles!"

Idia felt an odd bubbling sensation in the depths of his chest. He excused it without a thought.

Malleus moved through the castle grounds, his voice an excited whirl of emotion. Idia listened as the man before him spoke of statues and history like it was a new fad. He had never been a history buff, yet the way he talked was like a fairytale. Like his own personal rendition of “look at this stone dog, it spits out water, YIPPEEEE”.

It was humorous.

And Idia liked that.

Malleus turned to the other, tail flicking behind him like an over excited dog. Idia looked at him with such focus it almost made him uncomfortable. Key word, almost. He was listening. He wasn't averting his eyes, or spacing out. He. Was. Listening!

Malleus cleared his throat, turning back to the large stone figure that sat along the side of the building.

“So! This is my favourite! It was first formed when the thorn faery was in power. It was told that they protected her from possible threats, all speculation of course. But it is an interesting fact!”

Idia looked at the large stone figure with sharp eyes, his head tilting as he observed it with great interest. The fae cleared his throat, his nose twitching as he shuffled closer.

“I…aplogise, i have predominantly taken over the…convosation…”

Idia shrugged, scratching a nail through the moss of the wall before jerking back and rubbing his hand on his trousers. That was not a pleasant texture. He glanced at the stone as if it had scorned him before turning back to the other.

“It's all good…i ain't that good at the whole…convasation thing anyway”

Malleus nodded, toying with his nail in thought, his ear flicked and Idias amber gaze shot to the pointed appendage, brow furrowed with curiosity. The fae tilted his head like a confused puppy at the sudden focus on his ear. When it twitched again Idia gasped.

“Your ears twitch!”

The dragon gave a half toothed grin, nodding softly as his tail curled behind him. Idia looked very cute when he was excited. It almost made Malleus want to see it all the time…

“Yes? Its very common with fae”

Idia grinned, allowing the other to finally get a good look at the sharp teeth that lined his mouth, they looked akin to a shark. He huffed, lifting a hand to the fae's ear, but hesitated when his pointer brushed the flesh. Malleus went rigid. Touch sending alarm bells echoing through his brain and body, yet…a part of him wanted to lean into the waiting hand. To accept the affection so easily it would simply be a small hitch in the road. But he pulled back, obeying the fear as he took a step back. Idia lowered his hand, looking somewhat dejected before humming.

“Sorry…it…it just reminded me of a cat…”

The dragon tilted his head once more, offering a chirrup of interest. Idia laughed softly, shaking his head with hints of humor. Malleus chittered, his voice soft.

“You…like felines?”

The bluehaired man nodded, his hands tugging at the frill of his sleeve. He scowled down at the fabric, it was bugging him. It kept brushing his hand too softly. Too commonly. It was annoying. Malleus’s greenish yellow eyes hovered down. He reached out, taking the hem of the sleeve and giving it a firm tug, tearing off the offending frills with no mercy. Idia froze…that was one way to do it he supposed. Malleus offered his hand for the other sleeve, his gaze moving back up to the other thin face. He gave up his wrist with little regard. There was a sharp tug once more and the other hem was ripped out of the stitching, leaving his hands free. The bony man nodded, jesting a smile in the other direction as he took the frilling and tucked it into his pants.

“...thanks”

Malleus offered a scant chuff, crossing his hands over his thighs politely once more. Idia was much an interesting man, and Malleus found himself wanting to understand the strange fire lit stranger in front of him. He wanted to know his secrets, his desires. His needs and his wants. Everything and nothing all in one. He needed to know this blaze like he knew the times of day. He yearned, for the knowledge no one else had laid eyes to. He wanted to gaze upon the others words with ribs open, heart bared. Some place deep in his chest the idea of sinking teeth into heated flesh, to tear and to destroy caused his body to preen yet he discarded it with little trace.

“..you are…very welcome, Shroud”

Idia nodded in return, stuffing the frills deeper into his pocket as he scuffed the dirt with the toe of his boot. His eyes flicked up to the draconic fae, then back down at the floor. Awkwardness settling over them like a thick duvet. Malleus nodded again, looking up at the sky, his ear flicking once more, his voice a gentle rumble.

“...would you like to…watch the clouds?”

Idia perked up, YES! Finally! An idea that won't leave them awkward! The blue haired boy nodded rapidly. Shuffling after the other prince as he strode off to find a good spot to lay.

Chapter Text

The sky was so beautiful this time of day. Blues and whites mixing with the ebbing pinks of dawn. The sun gazing down upon them like a caring mother, basking her child in her warmth. It was a nice day. Yet Idia’s eyes trailed to the dragon prince, who seemed to be shivering softly. Was it cold? His hair always acted as a blanket in cold weather, which made it hard to tell the environment apart from his own heat. Yellow eyes gazing down at the others figure as they laid there against the grass green of the hill. He slowly sat up, his hand hesitating before he nudged his shoulder. Malleus’s slanted pupils shot to him instantaneously. Idia flinched at the sudden redirection of attention, but he soothed himself by rubbing his wrist.

“Are you…cold?”

The other prince slowly sat up, placing his hands delicately on his lap. He sighed but nodded in agreement.

“I am a cold blooded Fae, temperatures…effect me, regrettably”

Idia nodded in return, looking back at the roof before shuffling closer, tucking his hair to the side and letting it flicker near Malleus’s hip. His reaction was almost instant, rolling into the warmth and closing his eyes. His tail swayed as the soft blaze trailed over his body. It wasn't burning. Nor painful. Just warm.

And Malleus thought just how warm he could be from now on.

The wedding came quicker than expected. 4 weeks after they had met. Malleus looked at himself in the mirror of his room, the white of his suit contrasting his coal locks that had been tied neatly into a low hanging bun. He scowled at himself. He didn't enjoy how the suit clung to his body, nor how it trailed up his form like a glove. He was used to tight clothing, but this was overkill. He looked like a god damn condom. Lilia sat on his bed, leaning back with his legs crossed over one another, he was wearing an expression between a smile and a frown, stuck between the two emotions. He turned to his oldest advisor, holding his arms to the side with a pout.

“....I look like a glove”

Lilia rubbed his neck awkwardly, giving a small laugh that sounded more like a groan. His eyes flicking away from the soon to be groom.

“...uh..hahah…a very cute glove?”

Malleus gave his older friend a look, his eyes narrowing in a deadpanned expression. Lilia sighed, rubbing his face.

“It’s only for a few hours, you’ll live”

Malleus scoffed, turning back to the mirror as he efforted an attempt to fix his tie. He really did look like a condom. Great.

Idia shot around his room as he brother tailed after him, tailored suit in hand. He would rather die than put that shit on. He may love his brother but he would have to catch him first. Ortho whined like a child, thrusting the white clothing at him like a sword.

“IDDYYYYY, pleaseee!! You need to wear your suit!!”

Idia gave a sound, scrambling under his bed, bolting for the door. He would rather have Hades' guard dog tear him to pieces than wear it. He really would. He ducked under his brother's arms once more, rolling out of the way like a ninja.

“ORTHO! NO! IT'S TOO TIGHT! IT'S A SENSORY NIGHTMARE WAITING TO HAPPEN!!!”

He was desperate at this point. Why did he have to do this again? Why couldn't he wear his hoodie?? A hoodie for a wedding isn't that abnormal! Ortho finally grabbed his brother in his metal arms, holding his firm as he tugged off his brother's clothing.

“YOU HAVE TO IDDY! I DONT CARE!”

Idia looked like a condom. And he hated it.

Malleus shifted uncomfortably as he tried to act regal. But the suit he had been stuffed in was way too tight in all the wrong areas and it was bugging him to no end. He missed his robes. Lilia softly petted his arm, an act of comfort, but it simply caused Malleus to squirm more. He didn't want to be touched. Not right now. Not when he felt like he was inches from throwing up flames at anyone who got near.
The music played but his mind could fixate on the synthetic fabric rubbing against his thigh. He hated this. His eyes flicked up as Idia stepped in front of him by the altar. Malleus was in awe. He cleaned up well all things considered, apart from the fact Idia was pulling a face that seemed almost identical to how he was feeling at that moment. They both looked at each other, both squirming and both overwhelmed. A sense of understanding settling between them. The priest started yapping, speaking of vows and eternal life. Yet all the dragon prince wanted to do was peel his skin off. No part of his mind wanted to be stern, to be princely. Right now he wanted to be vulgar, he wanted to tear apart the offending fabrics and scratch all his skin off.

Idia looked up at his soon to be groom, he was dead faced, but his eyes were laced with irritation and what he could only assume as built up rage. To be fair, they both looked like a certain birth control item. And a part of Idia was thoroughly amused at seeming this revered, regal, cold face prince wiggle in discomfort. It made him seem human. And that made his chest warm.

The vows were rushed through. Malleus wanted nothing more than to go and change out of this annoying offensive sock he was wearing. Yet he did not comprehend one thing. One teeny tiny detail.

“You may now kiss”

FUCK THAT!

Malleus’s eyes shot right to Idia, whose hair turned a pungent pink, yet the underlayers of purples and greens hurt Malleus. Purple…he was scared. Rightfully so, he didn't want to kiss him and he doubted Shroud wanted to kiss him as well. Yet he knew that no one would accept anything less. Trapped in a stalemate between want and tradition, he was unsure on what to do. Should he kiss his groom? Or reject the tradition of a binding kiss. He was overstimulated, the clothing, the sounds, the air, the light. Everything was too bright and too loud and too TIGHT! He wanted to get out. He was trapped, tied down like a bound beast. The dragon in the back of his mind yowled and roared with fury, begging to be let free. Idia was looking at him, amber yellow scanning each inch of his face. Then he hummed, his hair slowly moving back to its soft blue hue.

He felt hands on his own, his body involuntarily bolting back at the sudden touch. Yet the grip did not falter, it squeezed, tight and firm, not moving, not shifting. It was a frequent pressure. His brain slowly retreated, calming and lulling to the touch. Idia’s voice was soft as he mumbled to him, words only for his ears to hear.

“Its alright, im gonna peck your cheek and we can leave”

There was a soft touch on his cheek, it was chaste and sudden. Barley there before it was gone. But the feeling lingered. It lingered in the depths of the dragon's mind. Tingling over his skin. He felt himself get pulled, half disassociated half in a trance he was led away from the bright lights, from the loud sounds and all his brain could focus on, was the firm pressure that was tangled into his palm.

Chapter Text

Idia couldn't believe him. He couldn't believe anything right now. Malleus Draconina, the first and only prince to the throne of Diasomnia…had just had a melt down.
His eyes roiled over the other. He had been changed, his white suit discarded from his form. Idia had been very flustered, but it was what had to be done. He couldn't find the others robes so he had simply put his hoodie on the prince. It looked good on him. What didn't look good on him was his dazed eyes looking at the floor with little emotion in their depths. They were often so vibrant. Yet now they were dull…Idia didn't like it. He hated it in fact. He had meltdowns frequently, it was something he was akin too. But had Malleus ever had one? Was this a first off? He couldn't remember his first meltdown, but he knew it SUCKED!

Idia scooted closer to the other prince, lifting his hand slowly as if not to startle him and slowly looping his fingers between his own, offering the same pressure as before. Normally if he had a melt down he would hide under his weighted blanket and let the deep pressure soothe him. Yet deep pressure might not be grounding for the dragon. But then again, Malleus had responded positively to it…he was going to try. It was time for him to return a favor. He steadily inched closer before lifting his hand once more, hesitating before softly touching the flesh of his cheek. Malleus’s skin was freezing, compared to his own warm flesh it was ice. He loved his flame like hair some days, partially when it was cool. But due to it, he always ran ridiculously hot. The contrast was like the buzz of electricity, warm and smooth as it trembled up his arm. Malleus slowly looked at the other, his gaze a haze of focus and derealization.

“Hey…C’mon, i need ya to move more into the bed so i can put a weighted blanket on ya”

Idia spoke in a low coo, not knowing what tone to take with the dissociated Prince before him. Yet Malleus slowly, but surly, shuffled into the middle of the bed. Idia smiled softly, moving to the bag his mother had made him pack, tugging out his large weighted blanket and slowly shuffling to the bed and placing it over the draconic fae, tugging it and adjusting it till it covered his lap and waist. Malleus’s eyes were still dazed, but a hint of recognition settled among the lizard green depths. His voice was soft, cracked on the verge of crumbling a low monotone sound that was unlike idia had ever heard before.

“...you…helped me”

Idia was a little in awe. Why wouldn't he? Sure he didn't really wanna be here, nor be married to a man he had met not even a few weeks ago, but that wasn't Malleus’s fault. It was their station. It was their family and birth rights that had put them in this situation. Idia couldn't help but wonder what life would have been like if he had been born a lower class… would he have been able to hope? To dream?...would he have been allowed happiness?...it was a foolish craving, one he should have stifled long ago. Yet here in front of him sat a prince. A prince who he had thought long ago to be dangerous, fearsome and scary. Looking like nothing more than a child who had been hurt, a child who had yearned just as he had. A prince trapped in a cage of tradition and allyships, with no way to express them.

And Idia felt his chest swell at the realisation that this man was not just a prince. But a Fae, who knew every fact and every gargoyle around the castle, this was a Fae who had noticed his discomfort and tried to amend it. This wasn't a prince, no, this was his husband, Malleus. No titles, not crowns or ropes or binds. Just them. And Idia couldn't think of a better way to continue this day…they were a marriage of convenience…he hoped Malleus Draconia didn’t hate him the way he thought.

Because he didn't think he could handle it.

He couldn't handle the idea of Malleus Draconia hating him.

And that scared him.

Malleus traced the lines of the blanket. The velveteen fabric is a soothing lull to the ebbing panic of his winding mind. He knew of meltdowns. Yet he had never witnessed one so very disarming. In all honesty it frightened him. He knew this would be a slight on his family's image. A royal Fae having a meltdown like an impish child. How uncloth. He regretted it immensely. He was a Draconia! And there he was, tossing a fit like an infant without a teat. He often didn't think much of him, but at this very moment he loathed himself. His grandmother was most certainly going to scold his ear off for that impartial reaction to clothing! What was he? A new born??? He let himself groan, lifting his hand to push away his bangs from his forehead. Time had lost meaning during his little fit, curiously he was unsure of the hour it was. He finally looked up, his own line green meeting his new husband's flaxen for a curt moment before he swiftly avoided the other's stare. The bed dipped and a hand slowly threaded through his own, offering a soothing pressure.

“Ya good now?”

Malleus cleared his thickened throat, slime catching in his oesophagus and he held his fist over his mouth, his voice was raw. Too broken for his liking. He was weak, and he hated it.

“Yes…i apologise for my…indecency, it was rude of me”

The others fickle, bony fingers were swift to wave him off, scoffing softly at the idea. He was very thin, alarmingly so. Malleus had only just noticed as he was no longer wearing his…hoodie….Malleus looked down at his frame, becoming startlingly aware he was wearing Shroud's very baggy (oddly comfortable) hoodie, this was far from proper clothing, yet he found himself wanting to bask in the fact he was surrounded by an oddly sweet scent mixed with what he could only assume as the others cologne, which smelt strangely to strawberries, His basking was cut short by the very man he had just married.
“Its fine, i get it, i mean my suit was a pain in the ass, but your literally looked like hell…talk about a sensory nightmare”

Idia mumbled the last part, but his hearing picked it up rather simply. Why in the name of twistedwonderland was he not…mad?...disgusted? He threw a tantrum like a child! He was a grown man! Why was Idia understanding him and not yelling at him? Degrading him? He was confused. Idia noticed the confused expression and frowned.

“Is this…your first meltdown?”

Malleus froze for a moment, contemplating if it was safe to answer before slowly shaking his head.

“No… I have had few, but I often have them in private”

Idia raised a brow, he slowly moved closer, crossing his legs on the bed as he looked at Malleus with a questioning stare.

“Alone?....”

Malleus gave an indignant snort, his spine snapping into his normal tight posture, his eyes stressing as they flicked the room.

“Of course! They are undignified! Foolish insolent childish tantrums! Such actions would have my family condemned!”

Idia stayed quiet for a few moments before slowly looking down at his hands, thinking of something Malleus couldn't read. Did he think he was undignified? Did Idia think he was childish? He wasn't a child! He was a crown prince, a strong mage and a dependable grandson. Idia spoke once more, his voice was gentle, so woefully soft it almost hurt him.

“I have meltdowns too…they happen more often than not and I struggle…with people, and with social…cues. I stay in my room all the time, and use a tablet to talk when i dont want to be near people, but my mother said i…i can't stay there anymore cause i need to come live with you guys…”

Malleus frowned, looking down at the shorter with strangely empathetic eyes. Idia gave a self deprecating laugh, his hand moving up to fiddle with the hem of his sleeve.

“I’m not smart, i’m good with tech, but i can't…i can't figure out people, humans aren't just a line of code i can unravel, they have emotions, and cues and tones and it's all too much for me to understand, so i meltdown”

Malleus slowly nodded, looking at his own lap in thought. He was a lot more like him than he had believed. Should he speak of his struggles? Would he finally be allowed to share his true feelings? His loneliness? His sadness and his pain? He was a Prince, but…could he just be Malleus, around this fire haired prince from a foreign land?, he took a deep breath, wringing his hands in his lap as he thought.

“Sometimes…things and places and people are…really loud, and it gets overwhelming…and i dont know how to fix it so…i space out…and panic”

He readied himself for yelling, for rough hands tugging at his arms and harsh words assaulting his ears. But they never came, the hands that were meant to hurt did nothing but clutch their palm against his own and squeeze it. Slowly he lifted his face, expecting a scowl, or a look of pure disrespect, only to find the most gentle smile looking back at him. Idia’s eyes were soft, the blaze of his hair rippling and crackling as it flowed around him like a halo. He looked…beautiful, like the sky on that day they went cloud watching…blues and whites mixing with the ebbing pinks of flame. Idia rubbed a bony thumb over his knuckles, not doing any more than touching his hand. For once, Malleus would have liked to believe…he was safe.

And maybe finally, he had a friend.

Chapter Text

They sat in the quiet for quite some time. Yet it was not jaded, or edged nor uncomfortable in any way. It was comforting and warm. Malleus tilted slightly pressing his side precariously against Idia, a soft brush at first, and when the smaller of the two did not immediately shift away he leant fully into him, resting his cheek into the flame of his hair. The blues tickled over his cheek as they danced and wiggled around, leaving his skin warm and cozy. Idia smiled softly, leaning back into him as well. It was a moment of comfort soothing and warm. Idia wasn't huge on touch, but he let the other preen into the heat of his long curls. His mind flicking back to Malleus’s first reaction, the fear, the anger...it was all too familiar. And he loathed it. Why was he so scared of having a meltdown? They happen, he wasn't really sure of what was wrong with himself but his mother said he was normal. Wasn't Malleus told the same? He couldn't imagine having to go through a meltdown alone. All of his meltdowns he had his mother or his brother by his side, ready to ground and assist. Was this the first time someone had helped him through it? He was unsure.

Why was Malleus Draconia so scared of melting down?

Malleus was inches from purring like a cat. Idias hair was so very warm, like a blanket there in itself. He wished he could cut out this pure comfort and turn it into a blanket or a throw, yet he knew such actions may hurt Idia. And that was something he never wanted to do. He slowly lowered his hand, tucking it around the other wrist. Yet Idia went rigid and shot back with a squeak. Malleus was on the other side of the bed in seconds, putting distance between him and his anxious spouse. Idia fiddle with his sleeve, taking a shaky breath.

“S-...sorry, sorry, really It’s ok, you just startled me”

Malleus gave a swift nod, slowly crawling closer as he looked at Idia’s face, his eyes searching the depths of his soul as they scanned over amber eyes. Emotions swirled like a typhoon behind the glaze. Fear, hurt, anger and anxiety all mixed into one hateful storm. Malleus frowned, his hands lifting to snag the other's face between his palms and drag it towards his own. Their noses touched as Malleus glared into those depths as if he could decode each emotion. Idia shifted uncomfortably, pupils flicking every which way in hopes to avoid the confrontation. Malleus frowned, his grip was tight around the others face, he was so startlingly scary up close. Idia whimpered, his eyes shutting firm as he tried to will away the fear, then slowly he withdrew, lowering his hand to Idia’s wrist and lifting it. His voice was rough and thick with an emotion the bluehaired man couldn't place.

“....you have scaring on you arm”

Idia flinched as if he had been struck, his eyes shooting down to the floor in what Malleus could only assume as guilt. He let out a long breath, slowly lowering Idia’s hand to his lap, messing with the fingers and fiddling with his nails.

“...you do not have to disclose such information if you do not desire it…but, as your spouse…i will be here should you need to speak to me…”

Idia hummed, looking down to where Malleus was toying with his hand, he slowly nodded, looking up at his husband. But he shook his head. And Malleus didn't push.

Idia stood in the bathroom, his eyes trailing over his sunken skin, the pasty hue of his flesh contrasting the blues of his hair. He looked dead if anything, he sighed, tugging off his shirt with a soft grunt as the fabric rubbed over healed and unhealed marks. The lines of reds, whites and pinks that covered his wrist were a constant reminder of his imperfection. His stupidity, his foolishness.

His weakness.

The orderly lines along the inside of his wrists and upper parts of his thighs gave him a sick sense of satisfaction. A punishment for actions long ago. Actions he should have forgiven himself for, but never could. And that was why he couldn’t let the prince in the other room into his heart. Because everything comes to an end, be it a life, or a marriage.

He dressed in his favourite hoodie, having taken it back once Malleus was vivid enough to tell his surroundings. The blaze of his hair tickling the back of his neck irritating his already shot nerves. He frowned, digging around his bag before pulling out a hair tie and swiftly tying up the tangled blue, he checked the bun in the mirror before nodding and pulling up his hood and walking out. Malleus was curled into the bed, his face tucked into a pillow, tail hanging from the side of the bed. They were to share a bed…and Idia was unsure what to feel about it. He pulled up the covers, slipping under them onto the silken sheets and preening when he realised they were sensory safe. He settled down, tugging a throw pillow to his chest and slowly dazing off. His mind was filled with dragons and swirls lime green.

Chapter Text

It was warm.

So very warm.
Malleus coiled around the heat like it was his life line. The heat fanned over his skin, flickering and waving like the water of the sea. Everything was so very warm. His throat clogged as a loud, soul rumbling purr poured from his lips filling the air around him. A hand caught in his hair, slanted pupils opening sluggishly as he fluttered between the world of dreams and reality. He felt his ear flick against his cheek, his tail dragging his heat source closer, his nose dragging along something solid, his leg looping over what he could assume was a pillow. Everything was so very warm. Is mind looped like a broken cassette, the world around him static as all he could think about was warm, warmwarmwarmwarmwarmwarmwarmwa-.

“Uhhh….M..malleus?”

The voice was fuzzy against his ears, but he knew it…Idia, what-.

His eyes opened fully, shooting up to the boney features of his newlywed spouse, whose hair and face had turned stark red. He was confused for a moment, why was he so flustered? Then he recognised.

He was hugging him

Nay, he was cuddling him!

The red wisps of flame tingled and danced over his body, engulfing him in a comforting blaze. It was a woeful situation to be in, he was a Prince, and he was cuddling, the man before him. Malleus shot back as quickly as he could register what he had done, his leg catching in the blanket sending him to the floor with a loud yelp.

He looked at the roof, his legs still half on the bed as the sheets tangled around his sprawled form, what…had just happened? He slowly lifted himself up, wincing as his skull burned. Upon the bed sat Idia. Lord he was stunning, his hoodie had half fallen off his thin shoulder, his hair tied back in a modest bun and his eyes no longer covered in that startling blue he used to shadow them. He blinked back at the fae before his face contorted and he burst into fits of giggles…what a glorious sound…Idia flopped on the bed, clutching at his stomach as he laughed like a man possessed, his head tingling back as the giggles turned it to out right cackles. Malleus looked at this man, who was currently laughing like a child, and his heart burned with something he couldn't place.

He wanted more of it.

The world had to be fucking kidding him! This draconic fae, a prince who could kill him with a single word, had just fallen off the bed in a flurry of fluster! He hadn't meant to laugh, but C’mon! Peak comedy! He wiggled his feet in the air as he kept laughing, his lungs burned in that happy giddy way they do when you laugh. Malleus stood looking at him for a few moments before a soft puff came out of his mouth.

And then he laughed!

Wild and untamed his deep voice vibrated through the air as he chuckled warmly. Slowly sitting himself back in the bed, crossing his hands in his lap.

“You seem to be quite amused at my misgivings?”

Idia smirked, poking his tongue out in a jest of a tease. And Malleus smirked, pouncing on the bed like a cat on a mouse and pinning the other but the shoulders, his tail flicking behind him. Idia squeaked, fear shot through him for a moment, thinking this was in fact the end. Yet the dragon who was pinning him down was soft, his weight mostly leant on his knees. The pupils of his dazzling eyes blown wide like a kitten…like a-...kit…

“YOU CAN PUR!???”

Idia gaped up at the other as the memory of early stabbed back into his mind, the low churling sound that had vibrated his entire being and sent soothing tremors up his spine. Malleus smirked, his tail swaying behind him as he dipped his head to nose over the other's cheek. Then Idia heard it once more, a purr. Undeniable. Idia let the man nuzzle his cheeks as he vibrated like a jet engine, each touch searing his skin, the Malleus jumped back, landing on the floor, crouching. His ears flicked, pupils wide and tail flicked excitedly. Idia knew cats well, he loved felines. And he could read them well.

He could read Malleus.

And that made him over joyed.

Chapter Text

Malleus was unsure how exactly he ended up in the situation that currently plagued him. He was a dragon. A prince. A fae. One of the strongest living creatures alive to date. He was fury, he was grace, he was death incarnate. His teeth razors that protruded from his gums, able to tear through metal if need be.

He was to be feared, revered and above all else…hated.

Yet here he lay, splayed out on a rock just adjacent to his home, chin propped up in a certain shut-in’s lap. Whose nails were currently scratching through ebony hair, amber yellow eyes wide with glee as the rumble of his pleasure echoed through the air. Idia Shroud had become oddly touchy since he found out Malleus could purr. Such a difference was…startling. Of course he never touched anywhere else but his head, and Malleus never let him. But despite his grown hatred of touch he found himself lulling at the feeling.

His chest burned. But he willed himself to ignore the growing feeling of dread. How his body screamed at him that this was incorrect, how allowing himself to calm and give to the presence of comfort would leave his belly open. Leave his heart beared. He was a predator. He was a prince. And here he was acting as if he was nothing but a simple lap dog. Yet the kindness of the touch was of one he had never felt before, and he found himself curious of this odd little prince. Idia shifted, his thumb rubbing over the top of Malleus’s forehead before he peaked down at him.

“Uh….Malleus-Shi?”

The dragon perked up at the sudden honorific taking him off guard. The Prince swiftly waved him off with a curt puff of air.

“Simply Malleus is fine, we are wed”

Idia nodded jerkily, his eyes skittering away.

The truth was, Idia thought that Malleus draconia was handsome. So utterly ridiculously handsome. It had been 2 days since the wedding and the blaze haired man found himself falling deeper and deeper into his ridiculous curiosity. He wanted to know more about him. He wanted the Fae to yap and talk and drag on about gargoyles, or his life, or even a story. Yet since the day they had been wed, he had been…oddly quiet. Not that Idia can fully complain, he didn't like talking. But the way Malleus was now…it was wrong. And he knew it. They hadn't seen his family or Malleus’s since that fateful day, and Idia knew it was weighing on his spouse's mind. He might keep the dragon at a distance, but that didn't mean he wanted him to feel upset. He looked back down at his husband, who had curled up like a kitten against his knee, his chin resting comfortably against its socket.

“Uh, as I was…going to say, Malleus?”

He peaked up, his hair shading his sharp eyes in a way that accented the whole mysterious spooky vibe he was giving off. Yet the head tilt urged him to continue. He tugged himself up, stretching his maw open in a yawn that displayed his rows of very sharp, very intimidating teeth. Idia swallowed once more, folding his hands in his lap while he picked at his slacks.

“...Are you…avoiding your grandmother?”

Malleus’s eyes shot open instantly, the drowsy look of content vanished in a blink. Idia reeled back at the change, shifting away with subtle fear. Don't get him wrong, he wasn't SCARED of his husband. But then again, he was a lanky, bony tech guy, and his spouse was a DRAGON. So…he was going to be skittish of him, he could smite him! Give a guy a break!

Malleus was reeling. Was he avoiding his grandmother? Maybe he was…truth be told he knew what she was going to do. He had lost his composure at his WEDDING! He was certain she was going to scold him, and he would rather not get cuffed over the ear like a dragonling. Particularly in front of his new life partner (Which he didn't really want). But he supposed he had also been avoiding his guards and his mentor. He had been wondering why everything had been so very quiet. Idia didn't speak much, yet it wasn't a bad thing, simply unexpected. Malleus sighed, looking at his partner, who had since scooted himself off the rock as he sat on the grass of the sunny clearing, considerable dispense placed between them.

“...I suppose I have…Would you accompany me to the barracks? I need to speak with my attendants”

Chapter Text

THIS WAS THE BARRACKS????

Idia looked up at the large, startlingly proper building with awe. The Barracks back home were a lot less…flamboyant, yet then again most guards were robotic. The gothic theme matched the rest of the castle, the large stone building attached to the stables that were just as stunning. Malleus strode into the stables, sporting his normal regal air as they halted in front of a stall. Inside was a silver haired man. His soft feminine features were gentle as soft snores came from his chest. His pale lashes brushing his cheek as they fluttered in sleep. The horse settled behind him, the white geldings's face tucked into the side of his thigh, its own snores settling the air. Overall it was an adorable scene. Malleus let a rare smile grace his face, opening the door and striding onto the hay. The horse awoke, letting off a nicker as he approached. Taking a piece of sugar the prince had pulled out of who knows where.

“Hello Samson, I apologize for interrupting your rest. I must speak to Silver”

There was a soft sound from the man Idia now knew as Silver…was he named after his hair color? The man sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes with a grunt.

“My liege? Why are you in the stables?”

The fae offered a warm deep chuckle, lifting a hand to pet over the other's head like a caring brother. It was an odd look on him…but it suited. Silver gave a soft chuckle in return. Looking up at his prince. Malleus hummed.

“I apologise, I came to realise I haven't spoken to you nor Sebek since my wedding, and an unfair account on my part. Please accept my deepest apologies”

Silver gave a soft huff, waving him off with a small impassive smile. The tilt of his lips lifting his eyes ever so slightly.

“Think nothing of it My lord, it is understandable…Uh…are you… alright?”

THe question didn't take Malleus off guard, he knew he had most likely worried his guards and carers with his foolish tantrum on the night he had wed. But he found himself questioning…Was he alright? A foolish idea! Of course he was alright…right?

“I am fine Silver, I simply lost my composure…how have you and Sebek been?”

Silver nodded, his multicolored eyes creasing in worry but it vanished as soon as it appeared. A coo came to Malleus's chest at the childish concern for his well being. Silver sat up fully, his hands pressing into the hay under him.

‘I have been well….Sebek has been…uhh…well himself, i believe his is suffering from Malleus withdrawls”

A laugh bubbled in his chest once more. Of course. Sebek had always been woefully clingy. I supposed he should blame himself…and maybe Baul, the boy's grandfather, who had put far too many ideals into his little head. And now as he grew up, he found the young crocodile fae a little bit insufferable. But it was humorous, and he couldn't find it in himself to reject the bubbly guard, having helped raise him every excited look reminded him of the same happy expression he would make as an infant.

As if the thought of his had summoned him, the door of the stable that connected to the barracks burst forth, revealing Sebek in all his green haired glory. The young Guards eyes landed on his Lord and brighted like the summer moring.

“My lord!!!! Good morning!! What brings you here to the stables!?”

The sharp lond tones of the young croc hurt Malleus’s ears, the horses around them stirring with the sudden booming intrusion to the rather mellow environment. Yet he could help a warm chuckle at the young boy's bubbly nature.

“Good morning to you as well young Sebek, I am simply here to see you and Silver as i noticed i hadn't conversed with you for quite some time”

Malleus’s voice was a crooning sound, and the Guard seemed to lull slightly. He dipped his head, moving forward with a bright smile, his sharp teeth flashing while he bounced on his heels.

“Yes! It is quite al right my lord! You are deserving of rest after such a draining situation! As a royal guard it is my duty to be patient! It may be trying but I will succeed!!!”

Idia squeaked. Why was this kid so loud?? He shrunk behind his husband, who noticed almost instantly and offered an apologetic smile. Turning back to his Guards. Silver had stood, moving to stand by his fellow brother in arms, who gave him a scowl but didn't say anything more.

“Sebek, Silver, this is my spouse Idia Shroud, Idia, these are my closest attendants”

Idia gave a rushed nod, shrinking behind Malleus once more. Silver offered a warm smile and a gentle wave, with the more boisterous of the two yelled out.

“It is pleasant to meet you! Human!”

Human????

Idia looked at Malleus who sighed and rubbed his face, stressing his brow between the pads of his fingers.

“I apologise…Sebek is still…learning?”

Learning his ass. The stink eye the boy was giving him told him otherwise. Idia coward behind the dragon once more, his skittishness normal for his demeanour. Silver looked at the boy beside him and sighed.

“Sebek…”

The croc Fae hissed, his eyes narrowing at his brother in arms.

“Shush human! You missed your responsibilities once more! Why can't you simply stay awake!!!”

Silver's impassive face contorted slightly, but he didn't retort, he simply looked away, ignoring the jab with a regal facade. Malleus’s lips tilted in a frown. Silver had a curse, or a disorder…or something, Lilia first believed it to be narcolepsy, yet when the doctors found nothing wrong with his brain. It left them stumped. So a curse is more than likely. His disordered sleeping annoyed and frustrated Silver to no end, this Malleus knew. Years ago the boy had collapsed into the Prince's arms and wailed out his woes and worries, they had never spoken of it again, but…he knew of the pain the Silver haired guard suffered. Sebek scoffed, huffing as he averted his head and crossed his arms, but the slight tense in his face told Malleus he felt guilty for his words, and knew he had stepped over a line. But his prideful young mind was too stubborn to apologise for indecencies. Sebek fiddled with the hem of his tunic, his eyes flicking over to silver then swiftly back to the flesh of his hand. The hesitation is apparent. Sebek huffed, lifting a hand to pat silver's shoulder with a stern expression.

“...I notice you had cleaned the main room, though i can not pardon the trespass of sleeping on the job, you have done…an alright job”

Malleus had to stifle the chuckle that threatened. Sebek was a stubborn young man, and he would never apologise to someone other than his prince, mentor and Queen. But that didn't always mean he couldn't show remorse. Silver offered a small passive smile in response, nodding as he recognised the apologetic tone. They had made up. Idia slowly peaked out, curiosity getting the best of him, Silver dipped his head at the blue haired boy, his gentle voice a light airy tone.

“You needn't be afraid, Sebek doesn't mean harm, he's just…Flamboyant”

Sebek gasped from slightly behind, his fist hitting his chest over his heart.

“Do not apologise for me Silver! I AM ENTIRELY CA-”

Malleus held up a hand, silencing the boy instantly, his head dipping, eyes peaking out from under his fringe. Idia softly waved the other off, still not coming out from the safety that Malleus provided him. Silver blinked a few times and smiled once more.

“You are very different then i would have thought…timd”

Idia choked slightly, poking out his head again. Confusion drifting over his face.

“How do you think I would be??”

Silver chuckled, shaking his head. Sebek gave a harsh snort, his arms crossing over his chest and looking away, his lip tugging up. A low vibrating hiss echoing. Malleus sighed, shaking his head.

“Your family are renowned inventors and you come from the largest trading capital, little to say…you have a…reputation"

Idia squawked, his eyes shooting to his husband with horror. His hands moving to cover his face with a disturbed sound.

“And my reputation is?”

Silver pulled a face, his eyes flicking into avoidance. He didn't want to answer. Sebek chuffed, his inability to read the room becoming clear in his tone.

“Mere gossip tells you as a cruel Prince with a cold outer expression and even colder heart”

Silver butted in, the look of panic over him did not suit his delicate features. Eye blown wide as he pushed his way in front of his fellow guard earning a yelp of anger from the green haired boy.

“But gossip is often mere speculation! It would be advised not to listen to such drivel! If my Prince believes you a good man, then a good man you are”

Idia looked horribly dejected, sulking over to the corner and crouched, his finger petting the ground as he murmured to himself, pouting deeply.

“...cold heart….”

Malleus offered a bone deep sigh. His husband was certainly an odd prince. A very odd Prince indeed. The dragon strode over to his spouse, resting a hand on the other's shoulder, his ear flicking curiously.

“Shroud?”

India turned around, Amber eyes filled with crystalline tears as they bubbled and boiled in the concave area of his socket. His voice a willful wail and his own palms clutched at his partners forearms desperately.

“I aint coldhearted! Yer know that right?? Please tell me yer dont think that???”

Malleus was taken aback at the sudden plea. It was a desperate, depressing sound. Malleus did not like it. He did not like it one bit. He softly lifted a hand, cradling the other heirs cheek in that cup of his palm, thumb rubbing over the starting lines of running tears.

“Not at all Shroud,from what you have willingly displayed to me you are a gentle man. Your heart is bright and warm, just as your hair, and I am sorry these meaningless tales are being spread”

Idia’s eyes were wide at the touch. Malleus was touching his face. His face. Alarm bells trilled and screeched in his mind to pull back, put distance between his soul and the others. Yet…He ignored the shriek. He ignored the alarms. He ignores his want, his desire to pull back. And leant forward instead.

Malleus’s hands were cool.

They were so very cold, the overbearing warmth of his skin lulling at the icy touch.

It was nice.

Malleus was nice.

He wanted him closer. He needed him closer. He wanted him to be his. Idia wanted to be Malleus’s and he wanted Malleus to be his own. Yet…

He was not a fool.

Kindness be damned, he was a prince. This was not for love, this was for politics. This was for law. His life would always be a fight between the need to want and the want for need. He was a prince.

And that is all he would ever be.

Maybe in another life, he could love another.

Maybe in another life, he would deserve to love another.

But life, how it was, was never…what he wanted.

And that was a fact.

Chapter Text

Malleus looked down at Idia, who was seemingly spaced out. His cheek pressed tightly against his palm, the heat of his flesh swiftly contradicting his own ice cold skin. His brow furrowed, the look of regret and hesitance enveloping his expression. He sighed, scooping his lover into his arms bridal style. The blue haired beauty doing nothing to reject the action. Silver sighed, dipping his in shame, his hand grabbing Sebek's head, dipping him as well.

“We apologise my lord, we did not wish to insult your spouse. Right, Sebek”

Sebek seemed to choke at the stern tone the other spoke to him in, but swiftly nodded, dipping himself lower.

“U-uh…YES MY LORD! I AM SORRY!”

Malleus waved them off with a sigh, shaking his head dejectedly.

“No need…you are dismissed”

Malleus’s eyes trailed Idia’s face and posture. He was laid on the bed next to his spouse, who was tucked firmly under his weighted blanket, his eyes dazed. Glaring at nothing in particular. Had he triggered this? He did not mean to. He was spaced out and Malleus had no clue why. Was this a medical thing? Was a healer necessary? What was one meant to do! His lack of ability to aid the other frustrated the Fae. How was he to aid him if he wasn't sure what was wrong!!!! His tail flicked irritably, showing his clear distress.

The other voice cut him from his spiral. His tone was gentle. A coo if you would. But it wasn't fully present.

“...Malleus?”

The dragon was instantly up, hovering over the other with worried eyes. Brushing the flame like locks from the expanses of his face.

“Yes, Shroud?”

Idia’s amber eyes met Malleus’s own, they held the contact. None pulling away. As if every word and every emotion could be transferred through a single look. Idia’s voice was still dazed but it was airy.

“...do you think…we could have loved each other…if we hadn't been royals?...If we had been commoners?”

Malleus was shocked.

But it was true.

Could they love each other? He had to be honest with himself. Though they tolerated each other, and listened to each other. He doubted they would ever love each other. How could love be born from a loveless marriage? How could Malleus…Idia, look past the fact they were only with each other for politics. When it came down to it, this was a means to an end. If one of their countries broke the allyship, either one of them would die. They were collateral. And that was all they were.

But, in a world where they were nothing but people. Nothing but commoners. Could they have loved each other?

Malleus found himself thinking, Yes. Yes they could have.

And that…hurt.

It was quiet for a while after. Neither of them knew what to say. Their lack of autonomy is becoming prevalently clear. Idia turned to his side, tucking his hands under his head and throat, gaze fixed on Malleus’s own disturbed expression, his stern noble face contorted in a deep frown. Idia sighed, closing his eyes as he let peace wash over him. His voice was so small it could barely be heard by the mice that scurried through the walls.

“...Malleus?...”

The dragon fae hummed in response, a dulcite sound. Idia frowned again, his eyes flicking to the crinkles of the bed sheets to the cold stone of the walls.

“...tell me about Gargoyals…please?”

Malleus’s saddened face lifted into a small smile, his fangs poking his lips, but the look of grief was clear in the depths of his eyes. Idia hummed, lifting a hand to lift the others bangs out of his eyes, brushing them back to lay eyes upon the scales that laid on his brow. They were the same soft obsidian as his horns. Smooth and cool against Idia’s warmth. Malleus smiled again, sitting up slightly so he was leant on his hand, looking down at Idia with kind eyes.

“...Their name was derived from the Old Trade’s word for throat…-”

Idia listened like he had never listened before, his eyes meeting the others and he talked and talked over the statues he held so dearly. Idia was a prince. Malleus was a Prince.

But for now.

They could be nothing more than people.

Chapter Text

Malleus looked down at his plate as he sat at the head of the main dining hall. His throne cold against his skin, even under rodes the chill drifted into his soul. Idia sat next to him, his hands tucked into the hem of his sleeve, fretting it between his fingers. His grandmother had requested an audience, more than likely noticing Malleus’s clear avoidance. He loved his grandmother, she raised him after all. But she could be a bitter woman. And her regality made speaking to her as not a prince but as her grandson difficult. His meltdown from about a week ago is still fresh in his mind. He was not in the mood to be scolded. But he knew what was coming.

The thin woman strode in, her draped robes flowing behind her as she stalked across the stone of the floor, ascending the dais. Her heels clicking with each step like the countdown to his death…well emotional death. She halted short to the prince. Her crinkled old eyes swirling with wisdom and ice. She looked at her grandson, her voice the same apathetic drawl as Malleus on a bad day.

“Malleus”

He stood, dipping his head respectfully, Idia following swiftly in tow, dipping his head clumsily. Malleus kept his voice impassive, but it was clear his nerves were manifesting.

“Grandmother”

She shot a glance to Idia, but swiftly moved back to her family member. She spoke in a smooth voice, but there was no warmth.

“You know what I wish to speak of, correct?”

Malleus looked down guiltily, biting his lip to will it not to wobble. He would not cry like a child. He was a man. He would not cry like a baby. Malleus took a deep breath, yet a hand found its way into his own. Clammy and far too sweaty for Malleus’s liking, Idia stood next to him, his chin raised stoically in a way Malleus had never seen the introvert hold himself before. The comfort was instant as the palm in his own offered a tight squeeze. Idia dipped his head, drawing in a breath.

“...Your…Highness, i would like to…uh…-” He cleared his throat, shaking off his anxiety “- I would like to ask you do not scold your grandson for his melt down”

Malleus was taken aback, his head shooting to Idia instantly. This man kept on surprising him. Everytime he thought he had him figured out, he would pull something and he would be lost once more. The queen raised a brow, her voice still stern.

“And why is that?”

He took another breath, squeezing Malleus’s hand again, more for his own comfort than the Fae’s.

“The prince had a meltdown, and a public one at that, i…understand how that would impact the regal presence your family holds, but I request you pardon him as such breakdowns are not the victims fault…”

She raised a brow, but did not speak. Instead she sat, crossing her legs and urging for the other to continue. To back his facts. Idia nodded, drawing in another long calming breath.

“...Meltdowns are a panic response to excessive amounts of sensory input, Malleus was trying to maintain his composure, yet his mind could only take so much”

Her face turned up into a sharp smile, leaning into her fist as she rested her arm on the side of her throne.

“...Intreging…you certainly are an interesting young man Idia Shroud…Intresing indeed”

Malleus blinked at his grandmother's expression, his bewildered expression shooting between her and his spouse, his eyes wide with confusion. She waved them off with a sigh, shaking her head subtly.

“Very well then, you are dismissed…i have much to think over, You may return to your quarters”

Idia gave a rapid nod, taking Malleus’s hand and dragging him out of the dining hall. Once the doors shut behind him, Idia drew in a quick breath, hand clutching his chest and he drew in each wheezing sound. Malleys blinked a few times, his brain still not fully registering what had just happened.

“...you…got me out of a scolding?”

Idia rubbed his neck, laughing awkwardly. Geez he makes it sound like he had rescued him from utter death.

“Yes-”

Before he could speak anymore, Malleus had scooped him up by the arm pits and spun him around, his tail wagging like an over excited puppy.

“You were so stunning!! How you stood up to grandmother!!! How did you do it?? How in the seven did you survive???”

Idia didn't know what to say.

Malleus blinked down at him, lowering his head to press their cheeks together and nuzzle Idia in something of either affection, or thanks. But Idia accepts the token happily, leaning into the comfort. Malleus’s voice softened, his eyes half lidded with relief.

“Thank you…Idia shroud, You truly are an interesting man”

He shrugged, tilting his head in a smile that shined light on the brightest sun. His sharp edged teeth were visible for all.

“There is no issue…I’m glad you’re happy”

Queen Malficent hummed as she flicked through the pages of her note book. The page labeled ‘Idia Shroud’ She smirked as she added to the rows of notes. He was an interesting boy indeed.

Chapter Text

Malleus laid at the end of the bed, his hands tucked under his chin. He had been sitting like that for about an hour. Normally, seeing a well known, feared Fae prince perched near your feet would frighten you. However, there was one key fact that was left out.

His tail was flicking.

His eyes were wide, pupils blown, allowing only a slit of green to glint behind. The reason?

Idia Shroud.

Idia was sitting at the head of the bed, his hood up and his fingers flying over the keys of his laptop. His eyes laser focused on the screen in front of him. 

He was coding.

That is what he had told Malleus when he had asked. Now the reason for Malleus’s behaviour was….not fully known.

Malleus had become more open in his actions since Idia had stood up against his grandmother for him. The dragon often takes time out of his busy day just to sit and observe Idia’s day to day life as if it was a comedic show. Every time he would perch nearby, eyes wide and observing and tail twitching excitedly. He never moved, never flinched, even after Idia tried to welcome him up he didn't move from his spot.

So they were stuck in a stalemate.

Idia peaked over his laptop for what felt like the 100th time in the last 3 hours. He was still there. Why in the twisted world was this man looking at him like that??? Malleus noticed Idia look and shuffled a little closer, the first time he had moved since he had arrived, Idia slowly closed his laptop and placed it to the side.

“Uh…Malleus? whats..up?”

Malleus grunted, shuffling closer again before pressing his head against the other cheek and swiped it down. Idia balked at the Fae whose arms were pressed either side of his hips. Malleus Draconia, was NUZZLING him???? Him?? Idia needed to calibrate, there was no way in the seven hells that this man was expressing this touch so openly, what…happened? Malleus had never been this…gentle? No that's not the word…maybe, affectionate? As Idia seemed to question his path of life, Malleus lowered himself more, resting his chin against the meat of the other’s thigh. Idia frowned, lifting a hand to rub through the man's hair, softly pulling the coal locks away from the flesh of his face and cheeks. The dragon's horns were there. Right in front of the blue haired prince. The urge to touch them tugged at the deep curiosity that had lingered ever since meeting him. He wanted to touch them, he wanted to touch him.

…when did his hatred for touch leave?

When did he start welcoming the caresses and the kindness that came with them?

When did he start to want touch from another person so badly?

The realisation snapped forth like a bullet, cutting through all his rationality.

It wasn't the fact he liked touch.

He didn't.

The fact was he liked Malleus’s touch.

And out of everything in the world, that is what disturbed him most.

Malleus’s skin was pleasantly warm.

He supposed he had Shroud to thank for that, after all the man's pale flesh was daringly heated, even through the fabric of his trousers. The dragon had to will away the urge to give into his want and finally lay fully into the other's lap. He understood this was uncharacteristic for him, after all he was a noble fae. It was in his blood to be composed and statured. However, there was a simple weakness all cold blooded fae faced.

Winter.

Unfortunately for the dragon, the seasons were beginning to change and the gentle trails of fall air had been shifting. He understood the necessity for the seasons, yet he could not find it in himself to enjoy the freezing depths of snow. He was a dragon! Normally the fire in the stomach kept them warm throughout the change in season, and if the environment got too cool, torpor was always an option. However, he was neither a wandering dragon nor did he have the same fire most did. Hence winter became his worst enemy. He often found himself experiencing bouts of exhaustion and increased fatigue, leaving him woefully groggy. Normally he would simply power through and pray he did not collapse. However he had found a solution.

Idia shroud was warm.

Not just warm, he burnt in such a way it rippled through his skin into the air. The blue flames leave a halo of what Malleus could assume to be his saviour.

So his odd behaviour.

It was simply because he was cold, and Idia happened to be a very close, very available heat source.

The hand in his hair slowly stopped, and Malleus found himself whining at the loss. How childish, yet he could not find it in himself to mind his manners, the hand was warm and he wanted it. After a moment of absence, the hand returned. Except this time it was on his horn. Dragon horns are…rare, and seen as collectable items to poachers of other kingdoms. Due to their connection to the Royal family of Diasomnia they fetched a high price on the darker sides of the market. Though sort after, a dragon's horn was filled with small nerve endings. The base in particular was sensitive, the ends not so much. Malleus was slightly shocked at the sudden touch, none had dared to even brush against it since he had been a babe. The only one who got close enough was Lilia, and even though he was cautious. 

Idia’s hand slowly caressed the pads of his fingers down the black material. It was smooth. He blinked softly as he slowly descended his hand, ending it in the tangles of the other's hair. His horns were nice to touch. However he noticed that the fae had gone stock still, his breathing having stopped short. Idia felt panic raise its ugly head as he reeled back, looking down at the other in horror.

“Shit! I’m sorry! Did that make you uncomfortable? Or is it like…sensitive?? Crap, i am so sorry, i didn-”

Malleus’s voice cut his floundering, his tone breathy and softly, Lime green rising to meet the other as he blinked sluggishly.

“...You…are not scared?”

Idia frowned, tilting his head in thought. No? Why should he be? Sure Malleus is this big bad scary Fae prince. Who is mostly known to be brutal and quick tempered. But from the man he had met, Malleus was as docile as a small kitten.

When did he stop being scared of him?

Idia shook his head, offering a half smile.

“No…not really”

Malleus blinked back, eyes blown wide in what Idia could only assume was disbelief. Geez…why did his lack of fear  surprise him that much?

Chapter Text

Malleus rested his cheek upon his hand, the pillow underneath offering him comfort as it attempted to pull him under the bliss of sleep. Yet he could not find it in himself to let it. His eyes drifted over the subtle flesh of his spouse's face as he rested, his sharp cheek bones accented by the blue of his hair as it danced and flickered. It was late, almost twilight. The moon drifts lazily across the sky, allowing itself to sway with the stars. Despite the beauty of the night, his eyes could not move. Malleus frowned softly, his tail swaying before he turned onto his back, looking up at the canopy above. His mind was a knot, tangled and incorrigible. He was stuck in the same loop. Over and over again. He sat up, tugging back the covers and stalking from their bed chambers. Sleep would not come to him should he remain where he sat.

The winter air was harsh against his flesh. Malleus couldn't find it in himself to care. The stars were stunning. His tail coiled around his body, the end flicking softly against the tile of the roof. He leant into the fabric of his knees, pupils fixated on the dazzling lights. 

“My~ you certainly are up late”

His ears perked up, turning to see Lilia striding across the paving as if it was second nature. Malleus sighed, hugging his knees back into his chest. Lilia flopped next to him, leaning back onto his hands as he offered a glance to the face of the moon.

“What ails you my dear prince?”

The dragon puffed, but shimmied into the older man's side, who did not mention the needy action. Malleus thought for a moment before he hesitantly spoke.

“...Lilia?...what purpose do I serve?”

The bat fae blinked at the odd question, crossing his legs and cocking a brow. Yet he nodded softly, laughing humorlessly.

“...that depends who you ask”

The prince sighed, shaking his head and letting his tail tug the older fae into his side fully, leaning onto his head. He had been thinking of this since Idia had arrived. Since his life had been given for the sake of a truce. He wanted an answer, not some work around, he wanted to know. He needed to know.

“Please tell me…Lilia, i-...i must know”

He looked sternly at the depths of the sky, it truly was beautiful…but…was he deserving of it? Was he allowed to be…him?Who was he? Under the masks and the robes and the crown. Who was he if not a prince? Who could he be if not king? What purpose did he pose if not a royal? Lilia looked at man's face, brow creasing softly, his delicate hand lifted and cupped the other's cheek, tilting his head to look at his own.

“Malleus…your purpose is unknown…i understand your fear, the uncertainty of tomorrow. But the purpose is not mine to give, you must find it yourself, or you will be condemning yourself to live in another's shadow till the day your bones join the earth.”

Malleus leaned into the grip, his eyes squinting. He felt weak, hopeless. He was a prince, he was a royal, he was a man. 

Yet Lilia looked at him not as that.

No.

Lilia never saw him as any of those.

The bat fae smiled gently, cooing softly.

“Oh little dragon…you’ve kept firm for so long…”

The words were so soft, so kind. He melted into his mentor's arms, curling around the man with a sad puff of air. Lilia didn't say anything more, only carding his hands through the tufts of hair on his neck, rubbing the flesh that laid underneath with such love Malleus felt as if he would cry.

He wasn't a prince to this man.

Nor was he a man.

He was a boy.

Lilia leaned against the windowsill of the royal bedroom, his arms crossed and face bland. The queen hummed, not glancing up from the parchment she was writing on, her voice was deadpanned and emotionless.

“Do you require something, Lilia?”

The bat fae seemed to think for a moment, his mind fighting between rationality and emotion. He huffed, ear flicking slightly.

“You put too much pressure on the boy”

Malficent gave a humorless chuckle, dipping her quill into the ink once more. Her tone held an edge that told Lilia he was stepping out of line.

“You seem to forget he is no longer a boy, don't tell me all these years have made you soft, General?”

Lilia scowled at the title, one that had been taken from him the moment he had lost the one most important to his heart. His lips tugged up, but he didn't fall for the bait, he kept his tone even as he retorted.

“I am far from soft, your highness. But your grandson is struggling, I would have hoped you give him mercy, for Maleanors sake”

This made the queen bristle, the calm facade slipping at the mention of her late daughter.

“You do not get to speak of Maleanor, vanish her name from your mouth! You seem to forget I am in control of everything that passes and comes to be in this kingdom…or do I need to deal with a certain silver haired young human?”

It was Lilia's turn to bristle, his lips tugging up to show his fangs. The threat was clear. If he didn't drop the topic, his son would be in trouble. He was allowed to raise the human child under the guise of mercy, yet Lilia knew it was a tactic to make him toe the line. He huffed, eyes narrowing.

“Do not speak of Silver, he has done much for our prince”

She hummed, looking back down at her paper, tail swaying back and forth teasingly.

“I am not denying that, however, should push come to shove, his condition is a liability, it seems to part your mind that we are fae, he is human. I allow him here in an act of gratitude for caring after my blood, however should the young man get in the way…well It would be easier to simply…vanish him from my ranks”

Lilia growled, his ears pressing down, but he reeled in his temper. Twitching his nose in irritation.

“...Very well, I will hold my tongue, but when Malleus is forced to choose between his happiness and your kingdom, do not be surprised when he picks the latter”

Silver's eyes fluttered open under the star lit sky. He had fallen asleep once more. Guilt cut into his chest as he felt the tug of rest once more, his constant absent phases annoyed him greatly. He needed to get to his room should he desire more rest. He closed his eyes once more, a hand finding its way into his hair, a hand that was not his own. He sluggishly opened his eyes to look at his father sitting at his head. He closed his eyes once more, he found it easier to pretend to rest when his father sort him out as such, he was far more open when he believed Silver was incapable of hearing him. His head was lifted into the soft plush of the faes lap allowing him to turn and cuddle into the base of his stomach. Lilia softly petted the strands of his hair, yet the touch was too soft. Lilia was sad. Silver snuggled as close as he could, his father letting out a bone deep sigh.

“...Sweet boy…you know nothing of this world, and I hope you never do…i am…unsure what i would do with myself should you go”

There was a wet snuffle from above him, causing Silver to tense slightly. Small drops of water hit the back of his neck as he father cried softly.

“...how you have grown, heh…you used to be so small…you are older now, stronger…braver. I just-...i wish i could help you more”

Silver wanted to jump up. Hug his father, tell him he had helped him, tell him he was not alone in his grief. But he knew if he did, his father would revert back to his normal mask. He truly was a hypocrite. He could tell where Malleus had learnt his self deprecation, his father was the culprit, despite all his comfort, he was imperfect. Then again, who wasn't? He just hoped the ex General would see that not all death is in the warriors hands. 

Idia was hopelessly lost.

To be fair it was his own fault for trying to find his spouse in a castle far too big to navigate. He had no clue how the occupants did it, it was like a maze of identical halls and cobble stone floors. It was like trying to navigate a path full of mirrors. He pouted at his situation, he truly was a pathetic man.

You see, Idia hadn't been sleeping when his betrothed left. It was a farce. He was an insomniac! Sleep never came easy to him, and the fact he was sharing the bed with a deadly (handsome) Fae made it even harder! So when he had left, Idia had contemplated and followed soon after, however I greatly underestimated the size of the place he was currently living in! Which led him to his current predicament.

He slumped against the wall, ready to sulk the night away till someone stumbled upon him and told the first prince that his odd blue haired spouse was currently sooking in a corner. The sound of feet caught his attention. Yet they didn't sound quiet like feet… there was a click as if coming from claws.

Idia swore if some kind of beast came around the corner he would shit himself.

Luckily it wasn't.

Chou was late!

Sebek was going to murder him if the queen didn't first!!!

He stumbled down the halls, talons clicking against stone as he scurried as fast as his body could take him. He didn't have thumbs alright so it took ages to grab anything! He tried to flap the wings that sat in place of arms, but the scrolls and other items of paper scattered to the floor with a clack.

Curse his existence!!! 

He slumped to the floor defeated, ready to accept his fate as owl nuggets only for a stuttered voice to cut his morning.

“Uh…Are you alright?”

Chou lifted his ear, ear feathers pricking up as his eyes landed on the prince's mate. He couldn't contain his startled squark, what on earth was he doing up? It was rather late to admit, not for him! But still, for a human. Idia blinked at him as he blinked back, stuck in a stalemate between speaking and silence.

“Uh, what are you doing up this late my lord?...and why are you on the floor in the halls?”

Idia buffered for a moment before rubbing his neck awkwardly, his laugh a tangle of sheepishness and anxious acceptance.

“....I got lost”

Chou would not laugh.

He would not laugh at this man

That was uncouth.

Chou nodded slowly, standing up with a soft chitter, his wings flapping but proving useless due to their clipped nature. Idia stood as well, scooping the papers and other things up and smiling a gentle smile at this odd bird man.

Idia didnt really know what he was looking at.

A bird? A man? A beast man?

All seemed to be incorrect names for him, he was short, his skin covered in thick feathers, apart from his chest where pin feathers took their place, his hair seemed too thick to be the same as his own, rather a more bird like floof and the most questionable of him was the talons and curved appearance of his whitish claw like legs and his thick yet clipped wings that sat in place of arms.

He looked half bird, half man.

Idia handed the items back to him and frowned.

“Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but…what and who are you?”

He perked up, and flustered, dropping the material once more as he dipped himself in a bow, his wings spanning out to the side.

“I apologize my lord! How rude of me not to introduce myself, I am Captain Chou, head of the 10th battalion and main strategist to our Queens army…I am also a harpy”

Idia blinked at the grand title and deep bow, feeling a little flustered about the way the other was treating him.

“Stand up, it’s fine…uh, I’m Idia”

The harpy nodded enthusiastically, his tail feathers wiggling.

“You need no introduction sir! It's a pleasure to meet you, however I am almost an hour late to my meeting…so, I must scurry on!..”

Idia observed as he fumbled the materials once more, whining as he tried to pick them back up. He scooped up the scrolls and maps and hummed.

“Ill accompany you, I’m lost regardless”

Chou grinned wide, flapping his wings happily.

“You are too kind sir!”

As they walked though the halls, Idia made note of the others wings, the largest feathers were clipped, most likely to ground bind him which baffled Idia. Why would they make it so he couldn't fly, an aerial striker would be a lifesaver in battle, particularly an owl harpy. Owls were known to be quiet flyers which would be good for sneak attacks. The prince cleared his throat, trying to play it cool.

“So…why are your wings clipped?”

Chou blinked a few times before looking away nervously, his feathers puffed up slightly but he was swift to stifle them down.

“Well…Her majesty didn't want me to…uh…migrate, so she had my wings clipped”

Idia’s brow creased, his lips perking slightly.

“...dont you need to migrate?”

He gave a downtrodden expression, pouting deeply.

“Yeah, it's really cold and it's making me sleepy, which is why I'm so late! I'll be lucky if I don't get killed for this”

Chou looked to the other and noticed the horrified expression, his own eyes widening as he waved his wings around.

“HYPERBOLE! HYPERBOLE!!”

Idia exhaled deeply, lifting his empty arm to his chest, pressing it over his screaming heart. He observed the harpy with a keen eye, the short male was skittish, a lot like him. Honestly he was unsure just how he was able to talk to him so easily. Social interaction never came easy to him, he just summed it up to anxiety and overall lack of conversational skills. Chou turned to gaze at him, his tail feathers flicking slightly.

“So, how is your marriage with our lord going?”

Idia had to really think about the question, good wasn't exactly the right descriptor, but then again bad wasn't either. Nothing against his spouse, but the idea that he was all but sold off kinda ruined the whole ‘romance’ thing. He nibbled at his lip, hand tugging on the hem of his hoodie.

“It is…interesting”

Chou laughed lightly, nodding as if in agreement.

“Our lord is indeed interesting, but gentle. I despise how others perceive him, not to mention the whole ‘smiting’ thing.”

His feathers puffed up and he pouted, a loud clicking sound coming from his throat.

“It really ruffles my feathers! Our lord is a kind man, sure he can be temperamental, but he has an entire kingdom on his shoulders, anyone would be snappy!”

Idia was a little surprised at the sudden defensiveness. It was a lot different than what he had heard through the grapevine. Other servants had whispered about Malleus’s aggressive nature and eruptive temper. Some even muttering about cruelty and other harsh rumors. Idia wasn't very partial to gossip, after all he had been a victim to it before, so he always took it with a grain of salt. Yet this angered response from the harpy made him realise that he had

— at the beginning — believed the rumors of the prince. And now after seeing his true colors. He felt guilty.

Malleus was a kind man. He had been nothing but patient with him, he was an open honest Prince, and others saw him as a beast.

He supposed that Malleus simply acted how he was treated.

Idia looked at the stone under his feet, his brow creasing at the thought. Truth be told, he admired his spouse. Who couldn't, his magic was unparalleled, but he never truly let it get to his head. Never once since they had met had he ever used it. Was it fear? Did he worry he would frighten him?

They arrived at a door and Chou let out a long breath, he turned to Idia and took the papers back into his wings. He dipped into a bow and preened.

“The Princes room should be down the main hall, take a right and it will be on the left”

Idia let his own breath, smiling softly and dipping his head in return.

“Thanks, See you later Captain!"

Idia turned down the hall and went back to bed. His mind still full of worry.

Malleus turned as the door opened, his legs drawing in from the window. He jumped off the ledge and closed the pane behind him, looking at his husband, who appeared to be worse for wear. Idia stopped, looking at him than back at the floor, a long sigh coming from his chest. Malleus was a little confused, he assumed the man took a walk, but why on earth did he appear so dejected? The Fae glided across the room, taking the others cheek into the cup of his palm.

“What is the matter?”

He watched as the blue haired prince worried his lip between his teeth before his voice cracked out from hiding.

“...Malleus, does it upset you when others say bad things about your character?”

The dragon was slightly taken aback, but he could not deny it. He despised how others perceived him. He was not a beast, this he knew, but sometimes…Regardless, he spoke the truth.

“...Yes…I suppose”

Idia took in a sharp breath and looked up, eyes meeting eyes. Yet this time they did not scatter away.

“I…i dont think you’re a monster Malleus”

He blinked down at his spouse, yet his eyes burned something mighty. What was going on? He lifted a hand to his own cheek, feeling small specs of water fall from their lids. He was crying…

When was the last time he cried?

Idia’s own eyes softened, lifting his arms before pulling him into a tight embrace. Malleus dipped his head, pressing his nose into the other's crown and let off a wheezed exhale. Idia said nothing. Simply patting his back and humming to him.

Lilia liked humming as well.

He hadn't cried in so very long.

Princes didn't cry.

Yet he did, and it felt like he was nothing but a fledgeling, back in the arms of the man who raised him.

Chapter Text

Idia offered a glance at the man sprawled in his lap. After the stoic man had broken down they had resigned themselves to the bed, curling amongst warmth of the quilts and sheets. Malleus flopped lazily over his spouse's lap, watching on as the latter played some odd game on his mobile device. Idia felt bad for the dragon, he was rather sweet, yet here he was, filled with angst because some took his appearance for personality. The fae peaked up, his ear twitching before nosing his head under the prince's arm, pushing his hand from the phone. Idia blinked, but lowered his hand to the other's head, rubbing through his hair earning a content purr.

The only dangerous thing about Malleus was how stinking cute he was. 

As morning broke forth, Malleus found himself moving to the barracks. Wishing to seek comfort in the familiarity of his guards. He poked his head into the sleeping quarters, expecting no one to be awake, only for sebek to scurry over like an over eager puppy.

“Lord Malleus! Good morning! What brings you here?!”

The younger fae's boisterous voice broke the serenity of early day, but he could not fault the boy. After all his overly excited greeting reminded him of a fledgling. He smiled softly, dipping his head in greeting, the crocodile instantly ducked his head.

“I was simply on a stroll and thought I should pop in to vist”

Sebek nodded excitedly, hitting his chest with his fist as he dipped himself into another bow.

“Then allow me to accompany you my lord!”

Malleus chuckled, his tail flicking with subtle amusement, but he nodded none the less.

“I suppose I wouldn't mind it, Come along then Young Sebek”

The boy happily trotted after him as he turned to leave. Malleus looked around as he observed the gargoyles and grotesques of the castle. He felt himself lulled as the familiar spots and spaces came to view, the knowledge they were unmoving gave him an odd sense of joy. Sebek remained by his side, tailing him like the loyal retainer he was. Malleus peaked over to him, his ear flicking as his voice rumbled out.

“How has your training been going?”

Sebek's spine snapped straight, puffing up his chest with pride.

“Master Lilia said I have been improving greatly! I even bested Silver in a fight!”

The prince felt himself preen at the younger's accomplishments, yet his face remained blank, his tail flicking against the boy's leg in soft pride.

“Well done young Sebek, you will be a mighty soldier and an even more gallant retainer”

Sebek looked proud at the praise, his head tilting up as he lavished the kind words. Malleus wanted to laugh, he was rather adorable. The young crocodile followed after once more, silence befalling them again.

Sebek fidgeted with his hands, the action not missed by his prince, however if something was bothering the boy it was up to him to speak his mind. Malleus may have helped raise him, but he was at the age where he could no longer be coddled. Sebek cleared his throat, dipping his head.

“Pardon my crudeness My lord, I do not wish to step out of line, but..um”

His voice was quiet for a change, an odd and rare occurrence for the young soldier. It sent off alarms in Malleus’s head, had something happened to the boy? Did someone wound him? The quiet protectiveness he held for the fledgling tugged at the reptilian side of his mind, screaming for him to maul, to maim, to end whoever had harmed the fae in front, Sebek cleared his throat once more, his ears dipping slightly.

“...Uh, how do you tell…if..you uh, like someone?”

Malleus’s eyes shot open for a moment, but he was filled with relief that the boy had not been harmed. A sly smile slipping onto his face against his better judgement.

“...Is there someone you like?”

Sebek jerked back, his slightly pale flesh turning a stark berry red. His mouth opened and closed before he managed to blurt out his words in a hurried scrawl.

“M-maybe?! Perhaps!? I AM UNSURE!”

Malleus purred, lifting a hand to pet the boy's head, soothing his befuddled expression.

“Settle yourself my boy, you maybe my retainer, but i also aided in raising you since you were a babe, you needn't get so flustered over a simple question”

Sebek calmed slightly, leaning into the hand subconsciously, his face turned into a slight pout, reminding Malleus just how young the other was. Due to his half blooded heritage, the boy grew as a human, but his heart ran with the fae. In terms of age, he was 16. To a dragon such as Malleus, that was nothing more than a new born bub. Malleus felt his heart swell with both sadness and pride. This boy would live a strong, long life…But Malleus would live longer, all those in his life were not his age, and he would continue aging, just as his grandmother, and those he loved would sooner fade. The idea of living a life without the two boys he had helped raise. A life without Idia, a life without Lilia…It sounded as if his worst nightmares had bloomed into being. 

Sebek looked up at his young lord, noticing the dazed expression on his face. Malleus often had a habit of drifting off into his own thoughts. He reached forth, taking the other's hand and squeezing it slightly. Malleus blinked back to awareness, causing the other to swiftly withdraw his palm.

“Apologise my lord! You were drifting off once more!”

Malleus smiled gently, his ear flicking while he let off a sigh.

“Thank you Sebek, now…Tell me about this romantic interest~ do you wish to court her?”

Sebek flustered again, his gaze shooting to the floor as he grumbled to himself, but his voice peaked out from under the pouting.

“...it is not a female”

Malleus’s eyes widened once more, his ears perking up before a smile settled over his features.

“...Then, do you have an interest in courting him?”

Malleus watched on as the other nodded in his fluster, his cheeks a bright red.

Idia was lost. Again.

You couldn't blame the poor guy, everything here was near identical! And he wasn't really one for fine details. Earlier that day after Malleus had left for a stroll, he had woken up and farted around, playing games, messing with his hair, looking out the window, the normal things to do in the morning. Which led him here.

He was hungry.

So in a dumbass moment of courage, he journeyed forth to find the kitchens or the dining hall. Neither of them he found. No, instead he was now looking down upon a slightly smaller man before him. Both stuck in a daze, unable to look away. To be honest, Idia couldn't see the guys eyes under the fluffy of hair crowding over them, two golden floppy ears hanging down with the poof, the golden curls crowding his neck and face. He was stunning to put it simply. The other finally spoke, taking Idia off guard with just how deep his voice was compared to his dainty appearance.

“Ya lost?”

Idia nodded jerkily, his body vibrating with anxiety, this guy’s aura was wack, he was nothing like Chou. The man sighed, looking at his watch and jesting his head to the side.

“Come with me, I'll take you to the young lord”

Idia swiftly tailed, not wanting to piss the man off more than he already seemed. Idia kept shooting glances at the other, curious about the neatly cut tail wagging behind him. He opened his mouth to ask, only to be cut off smoothly.

“I’m a Poodle Beastman, my mother was a Fae, my father was a beastman, I was the result”

Idia shut his mouth, thinking for a moment before opening his mouth again. He was cut off once more.

“No I am not a servant, yes I do work at the castle I am one of the queen's ambassadors, yes I know your name is Idia, and you're our prince's spouse, and finally, no you may not touch my tail. Does that clear it all up?”

Idia was in shock, the man had predicted all of the questions with ease and answered them fully. He supposed that saved time, he nodded softly, fiddling with his sleeve.

“Yeah…Just about, Uh..whats-”

The man turned on his heel, looking at idia with a hum, dipping into a soft bow.

“I am Ambassador Froufrou George Randercliff the 3rd, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance”

He straightened up, his tail flicking. Idia blinked, overloaded by all of the information, but he nodded none the less. Why every time he got lost he ran into some kind of oddball? He cleared his throat, dipping his head back.

“..uh, yeah…nice to meet ya”

FrouFrou hummed, turning back around, his tail wagging softly as he offered a small smirk.

“Follow me then”

They walked for some more times, till they reached the courtyard, where Malleus was sat, looking at the Gargoyles happily. The poodle hummed, clearing his throat and catching the prince's attention.

“I believe this is yours?”

He stepped to the side, showing off the gamer, who rubbed his neck. Froufrou sighed, rubbing his face as he looked at Malleus.

“Malleus, darling, you need to teach your spouse how to properly navigate the halls! What if there is an assanation attempt and he can flee cause he can't find his blasted way around! Chou told he he found him lost last night as well”

Malleus pouted at the scolding, standing up with a grumble, Idia was in shock. How was this man speaking to Malleus so freely? The dragon sighed, tail flicking irritably.

“I apologise, I shall teach him”

The poodle smiled, nodding.

“Thank you, also one of your little soldier boys picked a fight with an elder and had his ass handed to him on a dining platter, he is lucky that the man took pity upon him and didnt kill him for the tresspass!”

Malleus was instantly alert, striding to the Poodles' side.

“Which one? Who did they pick a fight with? How bad are their injuries?”

FrouFrou raised a hand to settle him, sighing and he crossed his arms and cocked a hip.

“Your little loud mouthed pet project, They picked a fight with general major Vexen, he's lucky to have left with nothing more than a few light abrasions and a sprained wrist. As for the source of the fight, I am unsure”

Malleus groaned, pinching his forehead in an attempt to stifle the growing headache, Sebek had been fine this morning, what on earth triggered this…he looked towards Idia who looked very out of place, his hands bunched awkwardly in the hem of his hoodie. He grumbled, striding forward and glaring that the poodle.

“Bring Vexen to the first meeting room in the right wing, I will be having a talk with him about playing rough with the fledglings…”

FrouFrou dipped his head, his ear flicking softly.

“As you wish my lord”

Malleus strode down the hall with a hurry, clouds shrouding the castle and the area surrounding it, rain starting forth. Idia followed after him, trying his best to keep in pace with his husband, who scowled deeper. They turned down a hall, into a room where Sebek was sitting on a cot, his face holding different sized bandages, his right eye swollen slightly and his wrist in a brace. Lilia sat adjacent, trying to comb what could be registered as blood from the tangles of green hair. Malleus moved into Sebek's space, gabbing his face with the care of a worried mother hen, turning his face this way and that so he could look at each wound with scrutinising precision. Idia stayed hovered in the back, his eyes flicking over the Fae and his guard. Malleus growled low in his throat, lighting cracking outside, hitting a tree and exploding the wood.

“What happened”

Lilias eyes narrowed, but scooted back slightly. Silver, who finally made his presence known, spoke in ductile tones.

“Vexen was taunting him about his father, so he got mad and hit him…”

Malleus sighed loudly, looking at the fledgling with worry.

“Vexen is almost a senior warrior! You are a junior, I understand he was being mean, but you do not start battles you can not win!”

Idia watched as the younger Fae looked down, taking on a dejected expression. Malleus took a deep breath, placing a hand on the younger boys shoulder and frowning.

“...you need to learn to rein in your temper, a quick tempered guard is an unthinking one, breath, think and either retreat or fight”

Sebek nodded, his lip wobbling, but he inhaled deeply, refusing to cry. Idia noticed the boy looked quite a bit younger than the others. Explains the over protectiveness. Malleus grunted, pressing his head swiftly to the others before straightening up.

“....i will speak with Vexen, think of my words”

He turned, sweeping out of the room with elegance, but his face was contorted into a scowl.

Chapter Text

Malleus glowered down at the elder soldier, his eyes narrowed. The lighting outside cracked and sparked, sending light over the taunt expression he wore. Vexen cowered under the glare, his fox-like ears pressing against his head, eyes averted. The prince hissed, the sound echoing from his throat, rebounding off the cold stone wall. The small window offered little light from the storm outside. Malleus was furious, and Idia finally got to see the rumored beast that trailed through the grape vine. The blue haired man was shrunk in the corner, attempting to appear as small as physically possible, the shine of his blazing hair rewarding the room with a reflected blue that rippled along the walls like water under a torch. Malleus’s voice was rough with anger, his tail whipping.

“Do, tell me General Major, do you get off on bullying young fledglings?"

The foxen fae shrunk back at the rhetorical question, his eyes shooting to Idia for aid, only for the prince to shrink back further, wishing to be part of the wall. Malleus slammed in fist into the table, the wood cracking under his firm strike. Vexen yelped, his ears shooting back and his neck bearing in submission. This only seemed to annoy the dragon. He roared at the soldier, lips pulling over his fangs.

“I AM YOUR PRINCE AND YOU WILL ANSWER ME!!!”

Vexen flinched at the command, the dragons order quaking the room with a thunderous clap. The lights outside raged, crashing through the opening in the wall. The soldier cowered, his breath shaky.

“N-no! No sire..i-”

Malleus snapped his jaw at the other, his hand slamming down against the wall this time, the stone breaking with ease.

“You do not get to cower, your actions harmed a young fae! A young fae under MY PROTECTION!!!”

Vexen clicked his maw shut, gritting his eyes tightly, his body shivering as if cold. Malleus’s eyes narrowed, a scoff passing his lips.

“Pathetic…you are all talk till faced with your actions, truly a cowards approach"

Vexen dipped his head, his tail tucking fearfully between his legs. Malleus sneered.

“You are lucky I choose mercy, however, should you ever dare to threaten my guards, you will find your head on the other side of a stake”

Vexen dipped his head before skittering out of the room, leaving an empty chair and a seething dragon in his place. Idia watched the fae with wide horrorfilled eyes. This man truly was a power to be reckoned with. Malleus turned to the other, his ear flicking.

“...Come”

The simple word held so much power, yet there was an ebbing tone that idia was unable to pick up on. He moved after his spouse, tailing him like a puppy. Silence settled over them like a thick fog, the only sound left over was the soft crackles of thunder and the pounding of rain against the roof. Malleus slowed as they reached a courtyard, his eyes lifting to the gargoyles that sat on the side of the castle, the loud sound of water spilling into their mouths disturbing the peaceful air. Idia peaked up at his lover, his face turning into a frown. He lowered his hand to the others, curling fingers into fingers and holding the prince's palm. Malleus didn't respond, but he gripped back. They sat in peace for a moment. Idia was the one to break it.

“...youre mad?”

The statement came out sounding more like a question, and Malleus tensed, his ears tilting down. His eyes moving to the raindrops as they fell.

“...Sebek is young, and he is foolish in his youth”

The blue haired prince nodded, urging the other on, Malleus frowned, moving his gaze to the wet paths.

“Vexen is a war hero, he has fought for years, but his temper is quick…he could have killed him”

Malleus took a stuttering breath, gritting his eyes shut as if reminiscing a memory, Idia swiped a thumb over the meat of his palm.

“...when Sebek was a hatchling, he would always stray away. He was a curious little thing you know? Wanted to see, to hear, to feel everything”

Malleus’s tone shifted, and the warm laugh changed to something more grave.

“But he was impulsive, and one day he had strayed too far…he journeyed too close to the waters edge…”

He opened his eyes, remaining his glare to the stone of the pathways.

“He walked right into a water nymph nest, should lilia not have been nearby…he would have been lost to his own curiosity.”

Idia’s lips tilted down at the story, noticing the quiver in the others tone, it must have really shaken the fae if he still remembered it to this day. Idia rubbed his husband's hand again, letting him continue if he wanted to.

“...I swore to protect him, to guide him…and yet he is still as impulsive as that young hatchling…and it scares me”

The others eyes widened, Malleus was admitting…fear? Sure they had been opening up, but fear?...he nodded, pressing his side into the dragon responding.

“...you don't wish to lose him”

Malleus shook his head rapidly, his tail curling around his leg and his ears flopping down.

“I want him to live a full life, a happy life…one filled with love, and kindness and pride. Yet he would die for me, what if I am attacked and he perishes because I was too weak to protect him?”

Idia nodded in understanding, pressing closer and rubbing his wrist.

“...then tell him”

Malleus sighed, but agreed with a shake of the head, closing his eyes before glancing at the other prince.

“I do apologise for dumping this on you”

He was swift to wave him off, his pale face turning away. The human sighed, looking at Malleus with warm eyes.

“...I killed my brother..and…-”

Idia’s voice trembled, but he pushed past it. It was his turn to share, it was his turn to give his burden. He just hoped the others did not hate him after.

“...i…it was late, and i wanted to play…a..a game”

Malleus looked at the other with wide eyes, but let him speak, his tail coiling around his spouse's ankles in hopes of comfort.

“Where we grew up…it…it was dangerous, and we…i wanted…i pressed a button…and.”

Idia felt his eyes burn, flame hot tears searing their way down his face.

“I didn't mean to release it…I never meant to hurt him…but before i could blink he was gone, it…it was so sudden”

Malleus nodded, his hand moving up, hesitating before he took the other's face in his hand, swiping off the droplets with tender care. Idia’s chest squeezed, his mind yowling that he wasn't worth this care, that he was not allowed to love or be loved, that he had killed his baby brother. He deserved every cut, every burn, every piece of pain he had given and received. Yet why was Malleus being so gentle? Why was this man, this sweet, warm, misunderstood man wiping his tears like he was worth the world. Why did his presence make him feel so light? Why did he want to give in? Why- why- WHY-...

…Because Idia loved him.

…somehow this man had torn past the brick and the steel, the wire and then thorns. Somehow he had nestled himself deep into the bed of his heart. And instead of cutting it, instead of burning it…instead of hurting it…he had cherished it. Idia had left scars and wounds along his flesh, along the very essence of his being, and Malleus had bandaged them and stitched them and nursed them. Unlike any before.

Idia looked up at the dragon fae as he preened warmly, rubbing away tears and pain like a willing mother hen, his tail coiling tight around the others legs, arms rested delicately on the bone of his shoulders. Idia blinked a few, but then he shut his eyes and spoke.

“...you asked me about my scars?”

Malleus blinked at the change of topic, but he nodded slowly.

“That I did, yes…”

Idia nodded, raising his hand to rub along the sleeve of his hoodie, angst changing to anxiety, his hair flicking a small green before sighing.

“After…my brother's death, i…fell into a depression. I rebuilt his body, a robotic replica to the boy I had killed…but I hated myself so much for taking something so innocent, so…so”

He exhaled a puff of air, his eyes averting to the floor, hesitation moving his tone but he nodded to himself to continue.

“I wanted to hurt…like I had hurt him, and so…I…I, used to…harm my own body…to repent”

Malleus’s eyes shot open, horror contorting his expression. Idia readyed himself for scolding, for punishment, for hate. Instead the fae lifted his face, lizard green eyes filled with pure worry.

“...are…uhm, have you done it…recently?”

Idia shook his head, leaning into the hand and seeking the comfort the other willfully gave.

“No, i…i havent”

Malleus nodded, pressing his forehead to his husbands, his tail pulling the other closer.

“...I see…i am…here, with you. You do not need to suffer any longer, I believe your debts are paid”

Idia’s shoulders shook as he let the other draw him into a tight hug, for once…he didn't hate it.

Idia glared at himself in the mirror, anxiety twisting his gut, it had been years since he had worn anything less than a hoodie and sweat pants. The mirror stared back at him with disgust. The scars painting his thighs and arms like lines along a tree's stump caused an all familiar guilt to swell. He bit his lip to stop it from trembling, his shoulders quivering. He felt ugly. He was wearing a baggy shirt, one he used to wear all the time before his scars had become too much to bear, and a pair of sleeping shorts he had found. What if Malleus took one look at him and decided he wasn't worth it, that he wasn't a real prince, just a gangily, pale, mistake.

But his mind flicked to the times the dragon had been open with him. How he had opened up to him about his sadness and his fear. It was his turn to trust the other to protect his heart. He just hoped he would be gentle with it.

Idia poked his head out, his blue hair curling around with, tinging with greens and purples. Malleus turned to his spouse, blinking softly at him, but shielded a reaction. He wanted the other to feel safe enough to come out, to show him his pain. Idia took a deep breath, his voice pulling at Malleus’s chest.

“Uh…i’m..sorry if you..think i’m gross..uhm..”

Malleus wanted nothing more than to sweep the other into an embrace, to curl his tail and his body around him to shield him from the world. He had never been one to seek out contact, but for this man..he would. Malleus lifted an arm, urging the other to come forth.

“I will not judge you for your body Shroud, you are a kind man, and that is all i care for”

Idia’s eyes glanced at the offered hand before inching out of his hiding place. Idia’s arms and thighs were lined with old scars of pain, each thin and orderly along the expanses of his paper white flesh, some raised others not. They seemed to tremor under the light, and Malleus was taken aback by the pure quantity of them. Each old slice is a mark of a harmful thought. The dragon stood, striding towards the other, he watched as the man shrunk away as if expecting to be struck. The action made something ugly raise in his chest, but Malleus was swift to dim it, instead he took the other hand with the utmost care and guided it forward so he could see the old pain better.

“...you did all of these?”

Idia hesitated but nodded shakily, eyes flicking away as tears started to bubble in his amber depths.

“...yeah”

Malleus nodded, his tail coiling around Idia’s legs and tugging him into his chest, his arms encircling him.

“...I think they are beautiful, in fae culture…a scar means a battle won…and you have won very many battles my darling flame”

The pet name sent a shiver up Idia’s spine, call him simple but the words made his heart swell. He leaned into the other's arm, feeling full for the first time since all those years ago. He peaked up, his cheek slightly pressing into the other's oddly hard chest, Malleus blinked down at him slowly in response. Malleus lifted his hand, pressing it against the side of Idia’s face, rubbing his thumb lazily under his eye. The other prince leaned into it like a content puppy, his eyes shutting with the pressure.

Malleus was unsure of what he was doing.

But he knew if he did not do it, he would never do it.

Anxiety coiled through his stomach, slicing through stomach and gut before he slowly lowered his head, his ear flicking. He was unsure how to go about this, but…

Taking a leap of faith he tilted the others face up, his hand moving to his chin and pressing their lips together.

Idia’s heart raged.

It was loud, screaming in his ear, yowling, howling,the ringing didnt stop, his lips burnt, where the others hand laid burnt, it all burnt so very hot.

He felt his hair flare up, pinks and reds swirling and melting together into a raging storm of flame. Yet he did not retch, he did not pull back and scurry back to his hiding place like a frightened dog.

He faced it like the person he wanted to be.

He faced it like a prince.

He pressed back, his arms hooking around malleus’s neck slowly, letting the dragon pressing the faces together rougher. None opened their mouths, but Idia was content just pressing lips. The burning dulled into a warm comforting heat…it was so..very warm.

Chapter Text

Idia woke to darkness, his hair giving him little light to survey the room. It was late, most likely early morning if not midnight. Malleus was warm against his back, a deep contrast to the cold winter air that had broken forth as they had slept. The open window leading to a path of stars that dazzled the sky like the glow of fireflies. He stepped out of bed, his feet freezing against the cool stone floor, but his mind nudged him forwards, to the light, to the dots like a call for something. Unsure of what the prince almost hesitated, but curiosity took ahold of his mind as it pushed him further, and further and further, guiding him to get closer and closer as if he could catch those very stars in the cup of his palm, he reached forward, craning for something to fasten his bony fingers against. Only for him to be pulled back with a mighty tug, tumbling into the warmth of a broad chest, he peaked up, noting his Malleus’s face was contorted in worry.

‘What in the name of the queen are you doing, my flame?”

Idia was confused for a moment, his mind winding back to reality, his eyes flicking to the open window where he had been Dangling from. What had gotten into him? He looked back up at his husband's face, considering each and every creased feature he had caused. He deflated into the other's torso, letting an obsidian tail tangle around his hip, clutching him tighter.

“Idia? You've gone quiet, why were you leaning out the window?”

Idia shook his head, turning around and tucking a face into the dragon's thick chest, inhaling the other's sharp scent.

“I…dont know”

Malleus’s face contorted into a scowl, his hands guiding the other to face him, cool flesh cradling the meat of his cheek. A smooth thumb glided over the expanse of Idia’s face, skin not yet calloused due to a pampered life. The fae’s voice was smooth as honey, but snipped with hurry.

“My darling please do tell me the truth…were you…were you trying to harm yourself?”

Idia was taken aback, sure he had his past…his…attempts, pain he refused to depart upon his inhuman spouse, but he was no longer in his debt, he no longer craved for his body to lay within the earth. Idia shook his head quickly, his hands grasping the others desperately.

“No! No, i wasn't, i’m sorry for scaring you”

Malleus nodded, but his expression led Idia to believe the others didn't quite believe him, he felt a tail guide him back to bed, a large body coil itself around his own, tucking him so close he could not move more than an inch. Malleus pressed his nose into the junction of his spouse's neck that joined his head to his shoulders, the pulse underneath the thin flesh roared against his cheek. The sweet metallic scent of moving blood drifting over the dragon's senses, soothing his anxiety that stirred under his own skin. Idia seemed to slacken into his grip like a boneless body, letting the rise and fall of his lover's chest lull him into the safe security of sleep.

Idia woke to warmth once more, his eyes fluttering open to what he would describe as darkness. Only once he pulled back he noticed the darkness had just been a certain prince's chest. Malleus looked peaceful when he was sleeping, long eyelashes brushing against soft cheeks, lips slightly parted, long elf-like ears lowered in a resting position. Idia let his mouth curve into a smile, lifting a hand to brush through long strands of coal hair, Malleus’s flesh was rather cold in comparison to Idia’s own. It always was, but today it seemed almost unnatural. He lowered his head, pressing a chaste kiss to his brow, the man twitched, eyes flicking open to glance at the other royal. Silence stretched over them, eyes locked unable to move. Till Malleus grunted, shifting onto his stomach and tucking his face into the expanse of Idia’s stomach, a deep sound echoed through the room that seemed a mix of a purr and a chitter, once again far too cat-like.

The blue haired man smiled a gleeful gin, laughing in response.

“That was an interesting sound my dear”

Malleus opened sluggish lids once more, lime green stunted behind enlarged pupils. His voice a low rumbly curl.

“Call it as you will my flame…i am not one to argue”

Idia felt bemused at that, his head dipping once more to press kisses into his hair, he could not recall the last time he had ever been this affectionate with someone. He liked it. Just as the two settled against each other, Idia scratching his lovers head, the dragon purring like a jet the door burst open, interrupting the serene atmosphere. A flurry of feathers and fur rolled into the room, making the two sit up, Froufrou was the first the straighten up, his ear twitching. He dipped into a bow at their bedside.

“I apologise for the interruption my lord”

Chou was next, he jumped up, his wings flapping as he caught his balance, his own head dipping, wings reaching out in a bow.

“Yes! Hello! I am truly sorry!”

Malleus sat up, raising a hand in a settling gesture.

“At ease, what seems to be the problem Captain? Ambassador? Is something an issue?”

Froufrou shook his head, his tail flicking Chou in the hip, getting the harpy to stand up, wings tucking to his chest. A sheepish expression crossed his face. The poodle cleared his throat, his eyes moving away from the two.

“I simply wished to inform you of the gala you are in need of attending. The coronation of the new king of the Heartslabyul kingdom and the future allyships he wishes to create, all other kingdoms have been invited”

Malleus perked up, his ears twitching curiously, his tail still fastened around his lovers hip.

“Prince Rosehearts has taken the throne? His mother was rather young, i wish him my condolences, did she die of illness?”

Chou shook his head, his tail feathers twitching, his once anxious skittish expression shifting into a serious one, displaying just how much he was suited for his task.

“No sire, from what we hear he obtained the throne through usurpation, according to our feedback, his mother was displaying dangerous, if not risky behaviour in relation her others and her own kingdom”

Malleus nodded, taking in a long breath.

“Very well, You two are dismissed, My husband and i will get dressed for the gala, do tell Lilia to bring me my robes, leave us”

With a dip of their heads, the two retreated from the room, closing the door behind them. Idia looked at Malleus for a moment, observing the creased lines of his face. He took up his hand on his own and pressed a calming kiss onto his knuckles.

“Be calm my dear, i'll be with you”

The dragon preened at this, leaning down and kissing his husbands lips just as they had done the night before, it was clumsy and impractical yet delightful nonetheless. Malleus stood, his tail unwinding from his husband's hips, letting himself stretch out tense muscles and popping locked bone. 

“We needn’t wait any longer, let us get ready”

Idia nodded, getting himself out of the bed…he had a bad feeling about this.

Chapter Text

Idia shifted as hand ran up his spine, tying lace in an orderly fashion. Froufrou was silent as he dressed the prince, his finger nimble and skilled as he pulled and tugged on threading and fabric. Idia felt awkward at the over shadowing peace, as if it was a looming predator readying to strike. Froufrou spoke, low and steady. A tone that could only be recalled as regal.

“...You are anxious?”

Idia gave a jerky nod, the hair on the back of his neck raising as the poodleman's breath brushed against it. The ambassador hummed, moving so he was face to face with his prince's spouse, fussing with the flame of his hair.

“I will not say everything will be ok, because reassurance is the coward's excuse, but I will tell you that my lord is a strong man, and an even stronger mage. If something were to occur, you would be his first priority”

Idia nodded, letting out a long breath. Not in relief, but in settlement. Froufrou puffed out his breath and tilted up the others face to apply a light layer of make up that made his sickly skin appear flushed and healthy. He continued to speak.

“In the time I have served the queen as an ambassador, I have learnt much…”

His ears seemed to droop as he pulled back to look at his work. He moved back in to fix up a few errors, Idia looked at the man. Noticing how the thick curly fridge covered the expanses of his eyes, leaving little to sight. Curiosity killed the cat after all…and in this situation, Idia was his own blade.

The prince lifted a hand and tucked a piece of hair from the man's face, showing off a set of bright sapphire eyes. One eye was milky and unfocused, the skin over it torn away leaving a large scar. The two sat a moment, blinking at each other before Froufrou sighed and tucked his fringe back down, ignoring the elephant in the room.

“...i’m finished, Go see Malleus and he will walk you through the night”

Idia stood, now dressed in a long black and blue robe, a corset tucked around his thin waist, a cape hanging off his shoulders, his blue flames he called hair was styled to the best of its ability and his face looked healthy. He gave a jerky nod, fiddling with his fingers.

“...sorry…”

Froufrou waved him off, his tail flicking.

“No need, off you go”

Malleus pouted as Lilia fussed over his hair for the 6th time in the past hour. The dragon was a little tired of being pampered like an infant, but he allowed the man to tend to him with little abhorrence. The door slid open and the dragon lit up as the familiar scent of his lover bloomed through the room. He expected his flame, tucked away in a hoodie, or roughly stuffed into a tux. Yet he was not, Idia was wearing the traditional robes of his kingdom, just as he was. It was form fitting but the very image of this grand man made the beast deep inside the fae roar with emotions far too complex to confess. He just hoped that the fabric was not too rough upon the others flesh, knowing of his distaste of certain textures. Idia flushed, blue hair turning pink along the edges. Malleus was swift to cross the room, pulling the other into his arms and hugging him into his chest.

“...you look stunning my flame…”

Idia chuckled, rubbing his neck and glancing away.

“Not too bad yourself…so! Uh, gala?”

Malleus afforded a soft snort, holding out his arm to the other with great nobility, his tail swaying swift behind him.

“The mirror awaits us, my dear spouse.

The Kingdom of Heartslabyul was a grand place. The castle itself was massive, slung with roses and vines that greeted guests with the wave of the winds. Other royals dwindled about, snooping and speaking to others about gossip or matters within their own township. Idia shrunk closer to his lover, feeling severely overdressed for the grand occasion. His eyes moved up to Malleus, whose face was settled into a cold contortment of his normal docile features. The prince felt his chest twang as he realised this was not his spouse, but rather the next in line for the throne. He grasped onto him tighter, wanting the dragon to do nothing more than purr and chirp and soothe his already shot nerves. Yet he remained impassive. A short stern redheaded teen strode forward, his brow adorned with a crown, a fur cloak placed over heart theme robes. Malleus bowed, crossing his hand over his chest, his ear tilted down.

“King Rosehearts, may the thorn queen be with you”

The man, Riddle, smiled in response, dipping into his own bow.

“May the queen be with you Prince Malleus, I am glad you could come”

Malleus straightened up, his tail twitching as he offered a small respectful smile.

“But of course, it would be unethical of me not to come to your coronation, after all Diasomnia does wish allyship between our kingdoms”

He turned to Idia, his tail nudging the man forward.

“Before I forget, this is my husband, Prince Idia Shroud”

Riddle looked a little startled before smiling in response, dipping his head to the blue hair man.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Go, mingle”

The dragon nodded, taking Idia’s arm and moving into the crowd. 

Malleus did most of the talking while Idia chose to look at the floor with keen interest. It was uneventful until a loud deep voice echoed through the room.

“Well if it aint the lizard, I see your horns aint stuck up your ass”

Malleus perked up, turning to the lion beastkin who stood with a snarled expression, arms crossed, ears back. The dragon smiled in response, his tail flicking with intrigue.

“Leona, I'm surprised to see you here, isn't it about time for your cat nap?”

The feline man sneered, raising a brow and cocking a hip.

“I’m as surprised as you, you don't often see the elusive dragon out and about. You finally got invited to something?"

Malleus huffed, his ear twitching before they settled back into a neutral expression.

“At least I am important enough to be invited, do tell me, how is the next king in line? The cub still as bubbly as ever?”

Leona snapped his maw at the dragon, looking away with irritation. Malleus gave a small triumphant puff looking at his spouse, who remained focused on the tile. Leona raised a brow at the blue haired prince and his clear lack of reaction.

“What's up with the radish sprout? He looks inches from passing out”

Malleus glanced back at Idia, his tail moving to curl around his partner's leg, thumb rubbing soothingly over the flesh of his hand.

“iddy?”

Idia did not respond, And Malleus felt a surge of panic spark up his chest.

Chapter Text

It was loud.

Too loud.

The fabric of the once non restricting robes constricted around his throat like a boa, cutting off the air he was so desperately lacking. The lights, stark and blinding, shot through his retinas chaining him to the world around him. His skin burnt with every touch, the lightest brush of a sleeve felt like pins stabbing through his flesh, drawing unseen blood. It hurt, It hurt. He wanted to go home. He wanted his bed, his tablet, his brother, his mother. Anyone, he needed someone, his brain begged for freedom for this all consuming hell he was trapped in, the voices around him felt like thunder cracking through his skull, shaking his brain so roughly he felt he may pass out, the flames of his neck crackled and popped, the incessant heat sending another wave of irritation through his bones. He wanted to sob, to wallow and to yowl this pain to the night sky in hopes that someone, anyone would hear him.

And then someone did.

The sounds faded out as two firm cold hands pressed over his ears, shielding the sensitive cartilage from the rampaging noise. A soothing voice perking through the sudden silences.

“My Flame, Sweet darling blaze, you simply must move. I can not move us to a different area if you are frozen, I shall protect you, this I promise”

The purr sent shimmers through his spine, not the ones that the sounds had, no. These were calming, like a thick blanket on a winter night. He gave a jerky nod as he rubbed at his face, wet drops of salt and waters stuck to his cheeks like a clingy sweat. When had he started to cry? The voice crooned all so gently as it navigated him through the crowds of people, the hands never moving from their perch. He didn't find himself wanting them too. As the lights dimmed, and the crowds thinned. He soothed, slumping into the arms like a ragdoll. Apart of him knew that the protective hands would catch him, the voice lulled him with light purrs and murmurs allowing him to relax into their grip.

Idia finally opened his eyes, glancing up at a familiar face of his husband, Malleus’s face was soft, his tail tucked firmly around the smaller Prince's legs, ears tilted slightly down in worry.

“Are you with me Idia?”

The human nodded with a long, bone deep sigh. Nuzzling his face into his husband's throat like a needy kitten seeking its mothers warmth. Malleus had no reserves allowing him to indulge in his childish behavior. Simply scratching long nails into the tufts of blue flame that swallowed the other's neck. The dragon's voice was low and gentle, not wishing to startle the other.

“Was it too loud, beloved?”

Idia gave a weak laugh, curling more into the protective touch that the other supplied so eagerly.

“It was a bit of everything, I’m sorry for making you look bad”

Malleus scoffed, pressing his lips into Idia’s brow in an affectionate kiss.

“Banish the thought my dear spouse, your panic was justified and such anxiety should not go unseen, you have taught me as such”

Idia laughed again, this time he was stronger.

“You’re too nice to me”

Malleus gave a rumbling grumble, his tail tucking the other tighter to his chest.

“Nonsence”

The Dragon and his flame stood on one of the many clefts left for the visitors to glance upon the land around them. Idia sat with his legs threaded through the gaps of marble, his head pressed against the cold stone. Malleus opted for standing, leaned precariously against the top of the railing. His tail flicked behind him, softly tapping his spouse's back with ease, Idia did not have any issues with letting the other touch him. Silence crowding them, but not smothering. It was peaceful for the two to just sit in the presence and watch as the bushes of roses shifted shade as the sun sunk below the horizon. Idia waited a moment before he spoke, hesitant to break the comforting quiet.

“Hey…Malleus?”

The dragon hummed, the sound a rumbling coo that called from his chest. Idia stifled the urge to giggle as he continued.

“...Can you fly?”

Malleus perked up, glancing down at his partner with a sly grin that didn't suit his normally calm features.

“Indeed I can, one of the many upsides of being a dragon~”

Idia snorted, tapped the mans shin with a closed fist in a teasing notion.

“Careful there dragon boy, be more cocky and your head will get stuck in your ass~”

Malleus tilted his head, pulling a slightly confused face. He looked like a confused puppy now more than ever. His voice was low but more startled than aggressive.

“...I do not believe I can bend in such a way as to stick my head into my bottom…”

Idia couldn't hold back the bark of laughter that choked out of him, clutching at his stomach as he cackled like a hyena.

“No- Oh my sevens! Malleus, Darling…its a figure of speech”

Malleus perked up once more, nodding again.

“Ahhh, I see, that seems to make more sense” 

Idia’s laughs tapered off, leaving them in another comfortable silence, Malleus curled a tail around his lover, and Idia leaned into it, watching the moon rise into the dulling sky.

On the other side of the castle, a tall lanky man turned to his brother with a sneer.

“Are ya sure the prince is ‘ere? I can’t see ‘m”

The other beastman rolled his eyes, snapping back with bared teeth.

“Have patience will ya, Rocco? Or are ya too stone headed to fuck’n wait five bloody minutes?”

The taller twin grumbled at his siblings' snark, his ears dropping into his in a sign of submission.

“No need ta call me names, y’know! ‘M gonna tell Ma that yer be’n an asshole”

The elder of the two scoffed, nipping at his brother's shoulder causing a yelp.

“Ill stop when you stop, butt face! And of course you’ll tell mum, that's all you're good for, BLABBER MOUTH!”

A groan called from between them, a sharp voice shutting up the two doberman beastmen up with a simple command.

“Shut your mouths will you? Or do I need to muzzle you again?”

Four thin ears dropped into hair as echoing whines called from the once vicious brothers, necks bearing in submission as the other stood. He huffed a laugh, lifting a hand to card through black curls.

“Easy now pups, i aint mean it. Such good boys, aint ya?”

The two lit up at the praise, tails wagging in response. Their owners' voices are sharp but cool.

“Just a few more hours, and the prince will be ours…and we will get what we deserve…”

Chapter Text

The two princes finally agreed it was time to rejoin the crowd. The noise had tampered off enough for Idia to be calm. The two split off, Malleus moving to speak with other royals and Idia going to retrieve drinks. 

Idia stood at the drinks table, scanning each glass and each bowl for something that would suit both his and his husband's taste. Just as he turned he came face to face with two young faces. Both of the teens had tan skin and fluffy black hair that curled around their faces like tangles of vines, pointy ears poking from the nests twitching with every sound. The closest one with a red collar smirked, tilting his head in a smug sneering way.

“Well heya there lil prince~ Nice ta meet ya”

The other, whose throat bore a blue collar grumbled, but offered a reluctant nod as his brother offered his palm.

“I’m Rocco, ‘n this here is Digger”

Idia blinked at the taller teens, and nervously took his hand.

“...Idia Shroud”

Rocco gave a happy yip, leaning forward as his tail wagged softly behind him. His voice was a low chirping timbre that threw the prince off.

“Watcha doing all alone there kitty cat?~ i could’a sworn that ya had a big scary guard dog wid ya a few moments ago, Ain't that right Digger?”

The blue collared man gave a firm nod, his stern face twisting into an expression Idia couldn't quite place. Rocco seemed to sense his anxiety, cooing at him like an infant.

“Now now ain't no reason ta stress Princey, Me ‘n my bro ‘ere just wanna play a fun game of fox and rabbit~”

Digger smirked, flashing his teeth behind his lips.

“Youll be rabbit-”

Rocco finished his twins words, his eyes narrowing with a predatory glint.

“-And we’ll be fox~”

Idia didnt like that. The words sent tremors up and down his spine. Something was wrong with these two teens. And not the good kind of wrong. He needed to get to Malleus, and he needed to move fast, but he was frozen. His legs refused to budge no matter how much he willed them, no matter how much he begged to run from this situation and go and hide under the arm of his fearsome spouse, he couldn't move.

Rocco seemed to sense his hesitance, pouting deeply.

“Awww c’mon! Run! Otherwise it take all the fun outta it!”

Digger scoffed, glaring at his brother.

“This aint about fun knuckle head, just snatch ‘im and we can go”

Fear coursed through Idia like a howling wind, the urge to flee growing ever more prevalent. Beads of sweat spouted along the back of his neck, begging for him to wipe them, but he was unable to, locked in a stalemate between fleeing and hiding he was unsure of what to do. He wished Malleus was next to him, the dragon would speak sweet words to him and soothe over his sparking nerves. Yet Malleus was not next to him, and he had never felt more alone in that moment. He watched the two teens as if observing a falling building. Finally the ice drained from his veins and he could move, and move he did.

Idia was never a runner, he was gangly and thin but he was far from fit. Each step sent him more and more into breathlessness, but the scream of adrenaline pounded his ears like a drum. He knew he could not stop, his lungs could hold the air a little longer if it meant he could get to safety. He urged himself forward, his legs aching and his brain melting out of his ears as his vision blurred with terror. He would not die like this, he refused to die like this. After all those years of yearning for death, now he could do nothing but yearn to live. He had a husband. Someone who saw him as him, finally he was safe enough to show the person the hid deep inside, yet it was inches from being ripped from his grasp. His feet pounded on the ground with each weary step. He heard the beastmen behind him, horror flooded his veins as the sinking realisation that he was their prey fitted into place. He wheezed, skittering around a corner, pushing himself onwards like a desperate rabbit running from the beast. Yet a foot made impact with his knee and he crumpled to the ground like a piece of wet cardboard. Laying on the tile, his mind flicked through memories,  begging for a solution to this welling dread. A sneering voice called next to his ear, the taunting tone making him sick to his gut.

“Night night little kitty~ dont worry, we’ll look after the dragon for ya”

Something hard came down on his skull with an echoing crunch, and the world faded into black. No purring pressed to his body, lulling him to his dreams and sevens did he miss it.

Malleus chuckled as the smaller white haired boy snorted a humorous anecdote. Young lord Kalim was always rather hilarious when it came to such stories. Though he missed the presence of his spouse. He did not believe he had become so dependent on the blue haired man's presence until it was gone. His head perked up for what felt like the 50ths time to search the surrounding crowds for his lover. The familiar blue hair was missing from the spot it had sat mere moments before. His ears twitched, flicking around to see if the sound of his heart drifted through the air. He could not hear it. Idia, wherever he was, was not here. Panic flared up his back as the all surrounding feeling of dread tugged at his chest. He pardoned himself from the other prince and moved through the crowd to where Lilia stood. The older fae blinked at his charge, noting the clear distress in his tensed features.

“My lord? What ails you?”

Malleus grasped the elders shoulders, his ears pressing against his face as he gave a desperate warble.

“My husband, Idia, can you hear him?”

Lilia frowned, but obeyed the simple command, straining his ears in search of the distant pitpat of the other princes' beat. Yet the sound never came. He looked at Malleus with  frown.

“...I am unable to hear him, BUT do not distress so soon, perhaps he arrived home safe and sound”

Malleus snarled at his mentor like a beast possessed, his lips curling over sharp pearly fangs in a threat to not the guard in front, but to the situation they had found themselves in.

“Idia would not simply leave, He would have told me! I know my husband! He is not the type to do things without clear permission! Do not question me Lilia!”

Lilia held up his hands in a lulling gesture, a soft purring sound coming from his chest in an attempt to soothe the other, a childish attempt.

“Now, now little dragon, we shall find him, i am not questioning you”

Malleus growled, but his temper soothed as he hissed at the other.

“Do not patronise me…I am not a fledgling”

Lilia frowned, reaching up to pet over the dragon's cheek and hair, tracing his nails through the strands and scratching between his horns.

“I am not, but you calm yourself, your temper will not help Idia. Come, we shall take our leave and see if he is at the castle before we begin to panic, I shall leave Sebek and Silver here to watch out for anything suspicious”

Malleus took a long deep breath, his tail hooking around his leg before he gave a jerky nod, taking Lilia's hand and allowing him to be guided through the mirror, back to his home.

Idia felt cold. As if his bones had been dipped into the very depths of the underworld. He permitted himself to drag his eyes awake yet he shut them once more when the beams of light burnt the inside of his skull. His clammy throat reached for water that didn't exist, swallowing down drying spit as if it was the last drink he would get. His brain danced in a painful throb, each pound a beat of its own drum that resisted the urge to split his head. His body ached in a dreadful way that made him wish he was curled once more in his mother's womb, anywhere was better than here, facing each agonising movement like a beaten dog begging for scraps. He curled into himself, yet the chains that curled around his joints permitted most movement, leaving his stomach to the open, he felt like a cat trying to shield its soft underbelly from the predators around it. The cage-like gate slid open, revealing one of the doberman pups. Rocco to Idia’s recollection. As he slunk forward, Idia flinched back, pressing his back against the cold stone of the wall. His head begged for sleep, for mercy yet he did not believe he was going to be given such. The boy chuffed, holding up a hand in a placating gesture.

“Easy there kill’a, I aint here ta hurt ya”

Idia gave an indignant snort. He remembered very little, but the clammy feeling on his head and face could not be water, rather blood. His eyes narrowed at the young teen.

“Lil late for that”

He snapped, looking away with a scowl. He wanted to go home. He missed his brother, his husband. He wanted anyone but this fucker in front of him. Rocco laughed, leaning back on the heel of his palm as he sat on the floor in front of the other.

“Yeah…Guess so, ya thirsty?”

Idia gave him a sideways glance, clearing his throat as if to test if his throat still burned with the lack of water, which it did. He gave a nervous nod, to which the beastman tugged out a water pouch and slid it over the floor.

“‘Ts water, my personal one so theres no poison or nuthen”

Idia gave a reluctant sound before picking it up and opening it. He snuffled the water as if he had the same sense of smell as his lover before desperately guzzling it down. The water was cool against this throat, soothing the throb with a balm. He gasped, tugging the water away as he rubbed his mouth, taking a long breath. The young teen frowned, his ear twitching.

“...hows the head?”

Idia gave him a look, rubbing his nose anxiously.

“How do you think?”

Rocco sighed, rubbing his neck and looked away, if Idia didn't know any better he would say the pup looked guilty.

“...Yeah look, dude I am sorry about the whole, knock you in the head thing, but a guys gotta do what ‘es ordered…I aint got nuthen against ya”

Idia glared at him, tucking his knees up as far as his chains would allow, the tug rubbing at his skin uncomfortably.

“Yeah, I’m sure every victim forgives their kidnapper”

He snarked back, his face tugging in a way that he had never let it. Rocco nodded, grumbling something about “idiot princes”.

“Look bro, just level with me here!”

Idia scoffed, crossing his arms and narrowing his gaze.

“Level with you? You kidnapped me!”

Rocco flinched, his ears flicking down at the raised voice, a low whine coming from his chest. His nose twitched.

“...I know, but I was…I was just…”

He sighed, shaking his head, standing up and tossing a small bag at him, his eyes now no longer holding that regretful hint.

“...’ts food, Boss will come ‘n take to you in due time…”

And with that, the puppy left. Leaving behind the captive prince.

Rocco entered the main room, his tail tucked between his legs as he flopped onto his bunk, tugging at the collar on his throat. The smooth steady voice of his twin calling from the bed beside him.

“What has you all wiggily?”

The other scoffed, tucking his knees to his chest and his ears dropped to his head.

“...Digs?...Do ya think we’re doing the right thing?”

The other slowly sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed, his legs crossed. His ear twitched in thought. Digger released a long sigh, shaking his head.

“Ya can't be questioning stuff ‘ere Rocco, we do the work we’re given, and that's it”

His twin scoffed, curling his tail into his leg but he allowed them to fall back into a deep quiet. The blue collared teen kept sketching in the book of his lap, tracing lines. Rocco called again, his voice low and rarely variable. 

“Digs?”

The other twin looked up at his brother, who curled more into himself at the attention. He stood slowly, moving closer and flopping onto his brother's bed. Lifting a hand through tufts of black curly hair. Rubbing over Rocco's ears, he spoke once more.

“...I know…But we gotta stay strong, a’ight? To what we’re told and we’ll be outta here before ya know it”

Rocco curled into his brother's shoulder, letting him shush him like he had when they were cubs. He took a long breath, pressing his nose into his twin's arm. Digger sighed once more, kissing his brother's head.

“We…we just gotta do what boss says Rocco…even if you don't agree with it…boss is boss, and we listen ta him…Thats what life is meant ta be fer our kind”

Rocco didn't say anything, but he felt his heart cry in response, he wanted to go home.

Malleus paced his room, his tail lashing behind him as Lilia, Froufrou and Chou watched on with varying layers of worry. The dragon tugged at the hair on his brow, his words hissed like venom being spat from a snake's mouth.

“So let me get this straight, not only is my HUSBAND missing, he seemed to have just disappeared off the planet??? Do tell me how in the name of the seven kingdoms does that MAKE SENSE!!!!?”

Each word was spat, a crack of thunder splitting the earth with each bellowing shriek. Chou shrunk back behind the poodle beastman. Froufrou sighed.

“My lord, you must temper yourself, throwing a tantrum like an infant is helping no one”

Malleus snarled, smoke blooming from his nose as he roared at the ambassador.

“DO NOT CALL ME AN INFANT AMBASSITOR! MY MATE IS MISSING!!!! MY MATE!!!”

Lilia took a sharp breath at that, trying to soothe his own nerves as the dragon spat and hissed like a tiger on a war parth. He sighed, standing up.

“We will find him Prince, but you must soothe yourself, such anger will not aid the search”

He growled, tugging at his hair and his horns as he continued to pace the room. The air inside still smelt of his husband, but it was stale, bleeding from the room like a stuck pig. And Malleus despised that. The beast in his chest wailed and yowled at it, the dragon deep inside murmured about how his hoard was missing his treasure. How he needed to get it back. He panted in fury, body shaking as he felt his back sting with the urge to fly and burn all those in his way. He wanted to tear apart the earth, the mountains and the sky itself until it revealed his fortune. He wished to make the ground weep in blood of the fallen, cry out to those he would dismember for his lover, for his husband, for his mate. 

He was a prince, he needed to remember that he was a royal. He was not like the dragons that wandered the mountains, the dragons who killed and maimed for food and for survival. He would not revert to how his brain wished him too, no matter how much it burned and rumbled in his belly. 

Yet he knew one thing.

Whoever had taken the man he loved.

Would not live to tell the tale.

Chapter Text

The stone floor was still cold against the old scars of Idia’s thighs. He grumbled as his head burned with a fury of 1000 suns. He wanted Malleus. He wanted his dragon. He curled into himself and bit his lip to stifle the rising sob lodged deep inside his throat. How long would he be stuck here? He shut his eyes tightly, the sticky tack of blood still clinging to the skin of his face and neck causing his brain to crawl. He drew in a shaky breath, trying to calm himself and block out the world around him. But he couldn't stop the ringing that echoed his ears like a howling banshee. The gate slid open once again with the familiar grate of metal against stone that made his head pound. A sleazy voice sneered from above him, the sound sharp and tainted with anger.

“Looks like the dragons lil pet falls eh?~ how are ya feeling there little rabbit? Trapped?”

Idia flinched away from the tone, the question was not ask in worry, not soothing in the way Malleus purred, it was harsh. Spat out and snarled like the Prince was paying a debt for a pain he did not inflict. He didn't move, fearing what would happen should he looked up and gaze upon the man who had trapped him in this hell. The man's body shifted, the slight click of knees sounded next to his head as a presence felt closer than desired. A rough calloused hand moved into his hair and gripped. The fingers caught the strands under the flame, yanking up so roughly it jerked out a yelp from the fallen royal. His head was torn off the cool floor under him, eyes shooting open to gaze upon the offender.

He was tall, grey hair curling from his brow and hanging over slightly plump features, a scar split his eye and lip and the smell of cigars hung from his figure like an aura. Idia swallowed thickly, shutting his eyes tightly. Praying that he would leave, that he would let him go. The man scoffed, letting Idias head dropped back to the ground with a hard crack. The impact made Idia see stars.

“You’re pathetic, how in the wonderland the prince finds you dear I will never know. Alright, lets get talking business”

He flopped back on his ass, tugging out a cigar and bringing it to his lips, taking a long drag before humming.

“Alright, look ‘ere lil rabbit, you are gonna be our bait~”

Idia gave a wheezy breath, hefting himself up with shaky effort, his brain screaming at the action, a fresh wave of nausea stuttering his gut. The man continued.

“Ya see, Your big scary dragon is worth some of those big bucks. He’s practically a whore house of cash, however he’s a man of very little weakness…Untill you came along~ so, if ya stay nice and calm and just sit there and be our lil hunka meat, then I might consider letting you live”

Idia flinched, taking a raspy breath as he curled into himself at the deal he was given. He didn't want to be the bait. This was his husband. Why was it him? Why did he have to be the one to choose between himself and his lover? Just when he had just started to live…he couldn't let them kill Malleus, the dragon had so many people who depended on him. Idia hefted his heavy head up, glaring at the man with new found vigor. He gave a weak pained hiss.

“Go ‘n choke on a dick”

The man raised a brow, gave a long sigh as he stood, flicking his cigar across the room.

“Thats too bad…You’re rather a cute lil thang…I could have had some fun”

He reared his foot back and lunged it forward into the Prince's ribs. Idia crumpled to the floor with a pain gag, curling around his bruised chest. The man huffed, turning and leaving the room with a sneer.

FrouFrou sighed as he dragged a brush through his prince's hair, gentle fingers parting the strands to tug away any existing knots. They had managed to calm Malleus enough to allow the prince time to think, but to be sure the dragon didn't try anything foolish Froufrou had been put on watch. The poodle had worked in the castle for many years, having seen most of the staff and even the prince grow with every passing day. He hummed to the man before him, once small and gap toothed was now regal and tall, his nails scratching at his skull. Malleus’s voice poked into the silence like a nosy tot, the sound cracking.

“Froufrou?”

The other fae hummed, putting the brush down and splitting off the others hair to start braiding it. Malleus took a long breath, his tail curling around his leg.

“...Do you think Idia is alright?”

The ambassador bit his lip, taking a breath of his own. He grasped the younger's seat and swiveled him around, looking into his eyes.

“Young lord, Master Idia is a strong man, do you doubt this?”

The dragon shook his head quickly, his long elf like ear twitching. Froufrou nodded back, rubbing his nose.

“Do you doubt his love for you?”

Once again Malleus shook his head, looking down at his hands where they rested tucked in his lap. Froufrou smiled, lifting a hand to tuck a piece of hair from his face.

“Then do not doubt him, in my years I have found the greatest meaning to survive is to have someone to live for, so you live for him, and he shall live for you”

Malleus nodded, relaxing slightly into the other's grip, Froufrou gave a soothing puff, kissing his head.

“Have faith pup”

Idia’s eyes fluttered open again, his body hurt, his bones aching under his flesh. A hand ran through blue hair and he imagined the face of his husband. He imagined that the dragons were next to him, petting his head and telling him it would be ok, that he would be ok. He begged for solstice in the arms of the man who had sworn to protect him. Yet his fantasy was not reality. And he remained chained to the mildew scented stone beneath him. He glanced up to the owner of the hand. One of the doberman boys were back, sat next to him with a stern expression. His nails though sharp didn't hurt as they ran through bloody curls of hair. His throat was sore with dehydration once more, yet he rasped out his words.

“And…which one are you again?”

The boy looked up from his book, his tanned skin was the same as his twins, the same sharp eyes and sharp face. His throat bore a blue collar. So not Rocco. The beastman hummed, looking back at the print. He pulled back his hand, his voice sharp.

“Digger…”

Idia nodded, leaning his head back into the floor with a small wince. Digger glanced at him again, his ears twitching.

“You should just listen to boss, it’s easier”

Idia scoffed at the words, his face bunching up from where it was pressed into his arm.

“He wanted to kill my husband and sell parts of his body?”

Digger didn't flinch, but his face twitched in response, glancing back down at the floor.

“...I suppose that is…correct”

Idia managed to drag himself into a sitting position, leaning into the wall behind him as his head pounded once more.

“...How ol’ are you ‘n the other puppy ‘nyways?”

Digger hummed, looking at his book once more, flicking through the pages for a long quiet moment before sighing.

“...We are 15”

Idia’s face pulled, nose screwing up in something akin to insult.

“Yer…children?”

Digger scoffed in return, leaning into the wall himself.

“We have not been pups for many years sir, Boss keeps us busy…a few more years and we can leave”

He looked at the prince before him, his ears pinning into his hair.

“So DONT fuck this up for us…if you get away boss wont let us get away with it, so STAY PUT!”

Idia flinched at the change in tone, his brain shrinking back from the blistering migraine threatening to breach. Digger huffed, licking his lips before looking back at his book.

“...My brother is a gentle soul, he can be a hardass but he takes stuff to heart. If i hear that you so much as spit and insult at him, you wont have to worry about boss killing you, because I will”

With that the boy shut the book with a click, giving the captive one last sideways glance before dropping a water pouch next to him and leaving the cage.

Digger slipped into the eating room, as soon as he stepped in his eyes flicked to the hulking figure sat at the table. His handler was smoking and reading the paper, his eyes flicking over each word in process. Digger gave him a wide berth, shuffling into the kitchen to look for some kind of food. The silence was so loud between the man and the mutt. His deep voice broke the air. The bellow was low and rough, snapped out like a beast hunting a deer.

“Do tell me puppy..-”

Digger froze, his ears flicking into his hair as he coward back. The collar on his throat seemed to tighten. His nose twitched patheticly as his boss continued.

“- why do you runts keep going back to check on the prisoner? I told you to let him be, he won't argue as much if he is desperate for water. Yet you still disobey”

Digger shuffled back, bearing the inside of his throat, his ears pinning back with a weak whimper.

“W…we can't not…give ‘m water boss, ‘es a liv’n being”

The man shot up, he moved over to the pup in a matter of seconds, a meaty hand grabbing the back of his neck and pulling him down like a dog.

“You ‘n that little shit of a brother are MUTTS! YOU OBEY! YOU LISTEN! AND YOU DONT FIGHT BACK!!! Do ya got it?”

Digger yelped and yipped, trying to pull away from the painful grip, stern eyes flashing with fear.

“Yes! Yes I understand! Please!”

The man sneered, his eyes narrowing in on the other.

“Youre lying again mutt, do you know what happens to bad dogs?”

Digger shrunk back, just as another voice cut in, Rocco standing at the door with a horror filled expression.

“Wait! Boss! Please, he dun mean it! He’ll be good! We’ll be good!”

The man sneered, grabbing Rocco by the shirt and dragging the two teeth to the side room, throwing them onto the floor with a snarl. He moved to the cupboard, digging through the objects and pulling out two thick metal muzzles. He glared at the boys.

“Come ‘ere”

The two shrunk back, Diggers fur puffing up as his lips curled back. Though he regretted the snarl as soon as it came as the man before him shot forward, snagging him by the scruff and shoved the muzzle over his face, tying it behind his head. The lock clicked into place and the pressure on his nose made him cower. Rocco was given the same treatment. Now both muzzled, the boss grabbed the eldest twin by the ear and pulled it harshly. Making Digger yelp.

“Think better next time, foolish mongrels”

As he left Rocco shuffled over to his elder twin, curling into his side and snuffled weakly.

“...M sorry Digs”

The other beastman nodded, leaning back.

“I know…”

Chapter Text

Idia set his gaze on the wall beside him, the tack of blood still lingering on his skin as he curled into himself, he had no idea how long it had been since he had been dumped into the cage, his throat was growing more clammy by the hour and his chest burned with every wheezing breath he managed to suck in. He felt tears threaten once more, yet he pushed them away, tucking his face into the sleeve of his robe, hoping to at least smell a hint of his lover's scent, yet all that tickled his nose was the arid scent of mildew. The gate slid open once more with a sound akin to nails upon a board. Idia tucked his face more into his arm, praying that whatever intruder had entered would leave in due time. A soft palm tucked into his hair, petting through bloody locks once more.

“Princey? Ya ‘wake?”

Idia grumbled his displeasure, but lifted his head. Rocco looked rough, the young teens eyes were blood shot and a muzzle that was far too big for the pups nose swallowed his face, leaning raw chunks of flesh in its place. Idia blinked, a frown passing his lips as the imposing mask.

“What….happened there?”

Rocco's ears flopped into his hair. He swallowed thickly, his tail tucking between his thighs. He cleared his throat, fiddling with his sleeve.

“...A…do you..think, if i help ya ... .would…would ya Husband help us?”

Idia’s face tensed, shuffling so he was sitting on his knees. Lifting a hand slowly to where the muzzle sat. Rocco flinched as if struck, a scared whimper coming from his chest. Idia shushed him, his hand meeting the boy’s cheek. Now that Idia got closer he could really see just how young the pup was. His thin face still held the traces of baby fat that most teens held in their cheeks. His pouty lips were chapped and scars littered fair flesh. Idia’s mind flicked to Ortho. His brain shoots images of his younger brother into the forefount of his head.

Idia took a deep breath, petting up the boys face and tucking a hand through tangled hair. Rocco looked at Idia with wide surprised eyes, confusion passing his face. Idia reached behind his ear and scratched at the spot at the base and Rocco melted into the touch, pressing into the hand like a needy puppy, whining and yipping as his tail thudded on stone wildly. Idia smiled softly, huffing a weak laugh.

“Malleus will forgive you regardless, you're just young…Why do you work for him anyway? He does NOT seem like a good boss”

Rocco chuffed, leaning into the hand joyously, his voice rumbled.

“Cause Mama gave us to ‘m, as beastmen we gotta serve the master we are given too, our Dam gave use ta bossman so we gotten obey ‘m”

Idias face bunched up painfully, pressing a soft kiss to the young boy's head.

“Ya know….I know a beastman, ‘n he doesn't have any master”

The doberman perked up, tilting his head curiously.

“Really?!”

Idia chuckled at the pure befuddlement in the pups voice, nodding.

“Yeah, Froufrou is part poodle beastman, ‘n hes the sassyest guy ive come ta know…He even tells off Malleus”

Rocco gaped, shuffling to lay on Idia’s lap, his ears perked up.

“Tell me more!”

Idia talked about Chou and Froufrou and Malleus and all the people he had come to know in his time with the dragon. And he found that speaking to the boy lulled the throb of his body into a dull ache. He hoped Malleus got there soon.

Froufrou sighed as he tugged on his sleepwear, tucking his hair into a bonnet to stop the curls from getting out of hand (matted fur was always the hardest to brush). He ran a brush over his ears and tail, applying his face cream and doing his normal before bed routine which a knock at the door rudely interrupted. Face mask on and tugging on his soft feather lined robe that hugged his body. He tugged open the door to come face to face with a tired looking silver. His eyes were drooping and he seemed to wobble on his feet. Froufrou took his arm and slowly guided him to the bed, sighing as he tucked the blankets over the boy's form. Silver's sleeping spells were well known by every worker in the castle, so the ambassador let him snuggle into his silk bedding and left to go find the lads' father.

He entered the war room, robe still tucked around his frame. Lilia and Chou were talking about the prince's missing spouse. The old general talking about possible places he could have been taken while the harpy listened on with a keen ear. He cleared his throat, leaning half haphazardly against the door, brow raised.

“As much as I hate to break up this little party, Lili darling I have a silver haired knight currently wrinkling my saturn sheets”

Lilia sighed, weary eyes shutting to push away the growing migraine. He nodded, moving to leave the room.

“Sorry, Georgie dear, could you take my place until I have had silver settled in my lodgings?”

The ambassador thought for a moment before nodding with a soft huff.

“I am able to do that”

The room fell into silence as Lilia left the poodle and the harpy alone. Froufrou knew the harpy well, he was a few years younger than him after all. However he was acting rather strangely, sure they were not close, but they were far from strangers. Which begged the question-

“Why are you on the other side of the room captain?”

Chou had shuffled so far away from the other he was almost at the wall of the large meeting room, tail feathers puffed up as if he had been cursed at. The owl cleared his throat,flicking his wings.

“...You’re….uh you are not…wearing much clothing”

Froufrou glanced down at his robe; the fabric was soft against his flesh but left little to the imagination due to the mesh-like coating. The ambassador nodded, sighing loudly.

“I did not have time to change, I was about to go to bed…Are you uncomfortable?”

Chou shook his head, shuffling back to the planning table with a huff.

“...Ignore it, uh…Would you like to hear what we have so far?”

The poodle nodded, moving closer and looking at the papers scrawled over the desk. Chou cleared his throat and began to update the other.

“We believe that Master Idia was taken as bait for Malleus. We have a few leads thanks to Sebek and Silver who scouted the area after Lord Lilia and the Prince left the ball. A few guests claimed to see Idia speaking to two young Beastman pups, who later chased him through the hall, One said that the pups beforehand were seen with a man called Sykes. Who’s a known loan shark in the Heartslabyul slums…that is all we know so far”

Chou turned to the poodle, but as soon as his eyes laid on the other, his beak clicked shut. Froufrou had turned stark pale, ears back and tail tucked between his legs. Never had the harpy ever seen the man so frightened. Chou touched the other's arm cautiously. Froufrou flinched away, taking a long sharp breath.

“...Sykes?...as in..Williem Sykes?"

Chou frowned, his brow raising as he looked at the other softly.

“Ya know him?”

Froufrou scoffed, tucking his face into his hands with a long wet draw of his breath.

“Know him?....he used to be my boss”

Chapter Text

The beastman trade was a harsh place. Froufrou had lived it first hand. The air was always frosted with the lingering scent of death. Beastmen locked in cages, Pups, adults, teenagers. All stuffed into tiny class cells with only a pile of blankets and a bowl of water. To the guard they were not humans. They were mutts, clean and well for the taking. 

Froufrou had not felt clean. Not a day in his life. 

The clothing on his back stuck to the lingering stench of sweat. The young poodle curled into the blankets that acted as his bed. He had long since stopped mourning his freedom. After a while the body moves into survival. The clear cased room had become a home to him, as sad as it sounded. He had stopped missing his mother and his father. Now all he felt was the dull, empty ache of hunger. The door of his cell beeped and scraped open. The young pup curled more into himself, hoping to disappear from the hurting hands that were coming. Yet they never came. A honey smooth voice cooed against his ear, a calloused hand scratched through tangled strands.

“Well aint you a bute? Hey there lovely…’m here to take you away”

The boy lifted his head, tangled curly hair hanging over his eyes. But through the blur he could make sure of his saviour face. The smell of cigars was clearer than any other scent. And Froufrou found comfort in it.

As the times passed, The young pup had grown into a cocksure young man. He would run through the town, bouncing from house to house with pure unbridled glee. His freedom was his everything, and he was certain he had obtained it.

Until he hadn’t.

A man that had once soothed aching bones began to cause them. Each shout and yell was like the slave master's whip cracking down on the boy's back. Froufrou stayed with his master, after all that is what a good dog does. But each word became too much, each blow caused more than just bone to snap, and the poodle found himself yearning for something other than freedom. Other than life. 

Then one night, the man had taken it too far. In an episode of rage, he had brought down a dagger upon the pup. 

And the small free poodle could no longer see.

In a rush of fear and urge of survival, he had fled.

Right into the arms of a man with blood red eyes.

And he was safe.

Lilia petted Silver's head as the boy snored obnoxiously into the pillow of his fathers bed. The small nudge of fatherhood preen from his chest, this was his son. His little human, and he could not have been more proud of the man he had become. A voice called from behind him, a familiar rumble echoing after. Lilia chuckled and lifted an arm t urge his faeling into his chest.

Malleus slowly crawled into the bed, shifting to rest his head into his mentor’s lap. He was much too big for such actions. But he had found that sleep evaded him without his flame laying beside him.

Lilia shushed his two boys, humming a lullaby that was both familiar and unknown. Each word purred in the native language of the valley, dripping off the older fae’s tongue into swirls of lyrics and melody, and with a small hum. Malleus drifted into the world of dreams, the lingering scent of fire dusting his nose.

Idia pet over the tall boy’s head as he snored into his stomach. Rocco had been exhausted, the puppy was out like a light within moments of laying down. The muzzle rubbed against his face, leaving angry raw lines. The prince felt subtle pity for the boy with felt-touch hair. He shifted his fingers to tuck under the metal in hopes to relieve the sores beginning to form. The beastman gave a soft snort in his sleep, but curled closer and hovered back off. Idia wished that the two boys were born into a different life. Or destined for different things. Because of two ‘fearsome’ kidnappers. They were rather soft. Which brought to question just why they were here. Just why were they sticking around this horrid excuse of a man. He moved his hand down to the collar on Rocco's neck, two bumps on the inside answered his question instantly.

Shock collars.

Idia didn't know how more disgusting this man could become, hatred curling up his stomach into his throat. He swore to himself. That when Malleus came for him, the two pups would come with him.

And he intended to keep his promise.

Chou leaned into Froufrou's side, chin resting between the junction of his throat and shoulder. The poodle was clueless as to why the harpy had refused to unpress himself from his hip, but he was not complaining. The owl was rather warm on the cold winter night. The ambassador poked the captain's cheek, his brow nudging up.

“Why are you trying to crawl under my flesh Chou?”

The man huffed, his beak clicking as he curled closer.

“Because! You had a shitty ass man be your boss!! He sounds like a flaming asshole!”

Froufrou raised a brow, flicking the others forehead softly.

“You overreact, i am not so weak i can not handle my self”

The harpy nodded, glancing up at his face, then back down at the floor. Then back up at his face. He shuffled closer, bumping his nose against the other's jaw with a low hoot. His obnoxiously large eyes blinking up at him like a child's. A wing lifted. The poodle got confused at the action, only connecting the dots when the captain lifted the fluff of his fringe to look at his eyes. Chou tilted his head and the poodle wanted to jerk back. To flinch away from sight. He did not wish to be seen like this. His scar was hideous. Slitting over his eye and face it throbbed with the memory with rough hands. Yet the small owl man smiled a horribly soft smile and hummed in what would be considered awe.

“You really are truly beautiful Froufrou…i dont know why you hide your face”

The poodles jaw dropped, his cheeks burning with a vengeance as his hands shot up to cover his face with a low yelp.

“You can not just say that!!!!”

Froufrou looked at the younger fae. Malleus’s expression was blank, but the edges of fury and fear peaked out. They suspected that idia was being held in the northern mountains. Said mountains were days, if not weeks away from briar valley. No mirror lead to them, it was essentially a dead zone. In weeks many things could happen. None of which they wanted to think of. Malleus drew in a long growling breath, he pivoted and slammed his fist into the wall beside him. The stone cracked under impact, making a path for his fist to pass through. Chou jumped with a startled squawk and Froufrou remained deadpanned. Malleus breathed heavy as tears made past his eyes, falling down his cheek. The poodle moved forth, cupping the fae’s cheek, swiftly wiping the tears away. Malleus sobbed, leaning into the grip like a starved puppy, elf like ears lowered in anguish.

“Please calm my prince, please settle”

Malleus wailed louder, his claws clutching at the poodle's sleeves with dire need.

“WHAT IF HE'S DEAD?! I just obtained him and what if now I am forced to live the rest of my time without him??”

The poodle chuffed, tucking the fae to his chest. He hesitated, but nodded to himself firmly.

“...it is a week-long carriage ride…but a day-long flight…”

Malleus blinked up at the man, rubbing his cheek with a snuffle. The poodle glanced around and sighed to himself.

“...I can cover for you until you are far enough away, but you would need to travel through snow and ice…could you do that?”

Malleus rubbed his face, standing up with a long snuffle, his tail flicking behind him.

“...For my mate?...anything”

Froufrou nodded, tugging the taller into a tight hug before pulling back and tucking his hair away from his face.

“Be brave, be strong, and…and fight, fuck…you need to fight Malleus, no matter what you can not die, understood?”

The dragon nodded, pressing a kiss to the poodle's head. Nuzzling him warmly.

“Understood”

Froufrou nodded as the man turned to leave. His chest throbbed painfully as he watched the fae exit. Memories burned forever inside stirred with each step. He sighed, looking down and carding his hand through his hair.

“...please…Pup…come back safe”

Chapter Text

The first frost nipped at Malleus’s lip as he thundered up the spiral staircase of the tallest tower. As he breached the balcony he looked out towards the mountains, where snow had begun to settle atop of the stone. The wind brushed against his cheeks as if warning him of a growing storm. 

But he knew that this time, he was the storm.

He felt his stomach bubble, a growing heat of flame rising through his throat and spreading over his limbs.

He dived off the building, scales and wings bursting forth, lifting him through the air on a pillow of wind.

He was coming, and nothing was going to stop him.

Idia trembled as the cold air snapped at his skin. He had long since lost feeling in his fingers, his nose turning red with the threat of frostbite. Each shiver was stifled in an urge to not wake the boy still laying in his lap. Yet the action was futile. Rocco's stormy grey eyes opened with a flutter, leathery ears twitching as he pushed himself up with the grace of a new born lamb. Idia offered him a shaky smile, the flame of his hair dimming slight as storm ridden winds battered his back from the grate like window behind.

“Heya pup”

Rocco blinked, lifting a hand to touch Idia’s very cold nose. The boys hand was startling warm compared to the room around them. The Prince rasped as the clammy dry of his throat grated roughly together. Rocco jerked at the sound, turning and digging through his pants and pulling out a small bottle, handing it off. 

The other happily guzzled down the life saving liquid, almost drowning himself in the process. Now hydrated and less dazed, Idia cleared his throat.

“How do you feel?”

Rocco snorted, his ears flicking into his hair in an attempt to ward with wind around them.

“Been better…I should be ask’n you that, how’s the head?”

Idia winced in memory. His bones still ached, but they were just a buzz in the back of his mind. His hand came up, carding fingers through long tufts of hair. Rocco happily leaned into it, sighing and closing his eyes.

“...i dont wanna leave”

Idia frowned, tilting the boys head this way and the next. Looking at the raw spots were the muzzle was still rubbing. He hummed gently.

“But you have to, dont you?”

The teen’s ears dropped, his nose twitching like a dejected puppy.

“Boss is gonna come and check on you, and if he finds me ‘ere…well it won't be pretty…”

Idia scowled at the suggestion, his hand rubbing at the boy's ears. He looked mad, Rocco didn't like that. The pup released the saddest, most pathetic sound the Prince had ever heard. Idia shifted his expression, refusing himself the right to be mad while the young teen was all but sat in his lap.

“I ain't mad at you lovely, im just mad at ya boss…Go on, ill be ok”

Rocco nodded, pressing his head affectionately against Idia’s cheek before trotting off. 

The cage opened once more about an hour later. The man slunk back in, his sleazy expression doing nothing for Idia’s nerves. He kneeled at Idia’s level once more, a sneer painting his face.

“Hey there again lil rabbit~ How are ya feeling?”

The cooed words made nausea raise in his throat. He cleared it away with one rough cough. Glare up at him once more, fear mixing with fury as he spat at him like a frightened cat.

“Worse now that your here”

He chuckled, tilting his head in a way that made Idia feel like a piece of meat waiting to be torn apart by a beast. Sykes lifted a hand, tucking a piece of flame-like hair away from Idia’s face, humming.

“You really are a pretty lil thang Prince, You would fetch a fine dime on the market, you’d be surprised how many men want a piece of a royal”

Idia flinched back, his body curling around itself at the pure suggestion in his voice. He glared at him, tucking himself closer to the wall behind him. Sykes scoffed, raising a brow.

“Easy there~ I wont give you off just yet, i dont think you lil dragon with like if I sold off his treasure before he got a chance to see it one final time~”

He stood back up, staring down his nose at Idia before crouching down once more, grabbing the buttons of the Prince's upper robe, and tearing them clean off. The fabric fell open, showing off his collar bone and the fair flesh around his throat. The shark smirked before leaving Idia in the freezing cold room, his body no longer hidden from the world.

He didn't think he had ever felt more disgusting that that moment

Digger tugged his brother into his arms as soon as he spotted him across the main hall. He cleared the space in 3 long strides and yanked him to his chest. Rocco’s muzzle knocked into his brother's shoulder, but the twin ignored the obvious pain.

“Where in the FUCK have you been??? Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought Boss fucking took you, you know the things he can do! YOU KNOW-”

Rocco grabbed his brother's face roughly, looking him in the eyes.

“I am fine Digs, I…i went to as the Prince…about his husband”

The other doberman pulled a face, glaring at his twin with an expression of horror. His gaze narrowed and he hissed under his breath.

“Rocco- what the fuck were you thinking! He MUZZLED us for giving him water, and you Tal-”

Rocco snarled, his ears pinning back as he bared his teeth at his sibling. Tears pricking at his eyes.

“I am tired of him treating us like shit digs! I am tired of watching the shit he does to you because you think your some fucking martyr! Ok? We’ve been here for years, face the facts! He will never let us go!”

Digger looked at his brother, biting his lip as he glanced away.

“We are beastmen, it is in our duty-”

Rocco growled at him once more, his eyes narrowing.

“But it’s not! The prince knows a hound beastman! And he has no master!...”

The younger's ears flopped against his head, lowering his face as he gave a weak wet shaky wheeze.

“Please...Digs…I can't keep watching him hurt ya, I can't keep waiting for the day he kills you because you set a paw wrong! Prince Idia said that his mate would help! All we gotta do is help him…”

Digger looked down at his brother, his own ears tilting back. His nose twitched before he let off a slow sad sigh.

“...Rocky, if this goes wrong…one of us could die”

Rocco pulled a face akin to grief, his tail tucking between his legs as he gave a pathetic snuffle.

“Then don't be a moron and do that same self sacrificing bullshit…ok? Cause I can't live without ya Digs…”

Digger tugged his brother back into his arms, tucking his face into his shoulder with a sigh.

“Ill try”

“YOU LOST MY GRANDSON????!!!”

Froufrou dipped his head as the queen shrieked her anger at him. Thunder raged outside, rain slamming against the tile of the roof with each passing moment. Lilia looked at Froufrou from across the room. Face creased in worry but anger was mixed in. Froufrou refused to falter. He refused to let the side of him that begged to cower under the woman's terror win. The royal snarled, smoke pouring from her nose and mouth with each animalistic snap that came from her throat. She turned on her adviser, her pearl white teeth bared in a horrifying growl. Froufrou wished to bear his throat, to shrink down and beg for mercy. But he refuted it. He had done something foolish, and this was the price.

“I am sorry My Queen, I understand your fury and I do not refute it…However, I believe my choice was fair. Prince Malleus was in great distress, he was missing his mate and he wished to search for him”

The queen scoffed, looking down at the beastman with a sneer.

“And was it your choice to make? No, it was not!”

Froufrou dipped his head, drawing in a sharp breath as instinct and survival fought for the straw.

“...I apologise”

The fae scowled, glancing away.

“Take the mutt away…He is on house arrest until further notice. Should my grandson not return with his life…We take his.”

Malleus’s heart pounded in his ears with every beat of his wings. He released a puff of flame once again. The fire passed over his scales as he flew through it, warming the cold that was threatening to invade. Chasing the drowsiness away from his mind. The mountain region was cold at this time of year. His eyes scanned each crook and cranny over the forest edges. The winter air was making it hard to breathe and scent the air for the familiar smell of sweet flame. He gave a low grumbling sound as he dived down and dipped under one of the arches. His nose flared at the scent of humans filling his nose. The scent of tobacco etching its self in the air.

And under layers and layers of rot and blood…sat the edged sweet scent of the man he loved.

Chapter Text

Rocco ripped open the gate of Idia’s cell, his face stern and tail stiff. The boy strode across the room and crouched at Idia’s shackles. The prince glanced at the pup in confusion, his hand shooting up to grip his wrist.

“What is the matter? What are you doing?”

The doberman smiled in a way only a child could, his tail flicking in a small wagging motion.

“I’m getting you outta ‘ere, Boss said he saw a dragon nearby…Ya mate has come fer ya, which means we need to get you out”

Idia felt relief shoot through him like a rouge bullet. His heart pounded in his ears as the idea of being in his lover's arms once more came to his mind. But there was a lingering sadness. His eyes moved up to the puppy who was fiddling with the lock, a hair clip jammed inside. He grabbed the boy’s wrist once more, his tired eyes a mix of worry and grief.

“Come with us, You and your brother”

Rocco looked at the other, his leathery ears tilting back as his nose twitched anxiously.

“Are ya sure? I mean…really? We aint really…the best dogs”

Idia scoffed, grabbing his face and tugging him down slightly, his voice hissed but gentle.

“Well good, because we don't want dogs, I want you”

Tears pricked the boy’s eyes as he all but pounced into Idia’s chest, a wet sob coming from his chest as he curled into the man’s arms. Idia shushed him calmly, rubbing his back. Rocco’s breath stuttered, rubbing his eyes.

“C-can we play tag? An..and games?”

Idia nodded, kissing the boy's head.

“Yes, yes of course, we can play all the games you want”

Rocco dragged Idia through the halls. The prince's knees were giving out with every step. He had forgotten just how injured he really was until his head spun and his ribs screamed with every step. Rocco chuffed softly at him, nudging him forward with every bolt of pain the shook him. As they cleared the hall the other twin was waiting at the end, his ear pricked. He looked skittish. When they got close enough Digger grabbed his brother's arm.

“Rocky! Collar!’

The doberman growled, but nodded. He turned to Idia and took a long breath.

“...Can you take…it off us?”

The man nodded, lifting a hand the fiddling with the buckle until it clicked free, dropping to the floor with a soft thud. He repeated the same with Digger until the boys no longer bore the mark of ownership. Digger blinked in shock as he rubbed at his throat, bruises and old burns obvious on the soft flesh of their necks. Idia felt dread drop into his stomach, but he pushed it away. Offering the other puppy a smile.

“C’mon…Its about time you guys get to be kids”

The three ran through the strong hold, feet and shoes hitting the ground with soft taps. Rocco rounded the corner, his ears twitching back and forth. His voice was sharp and barked. Very different to what Idia was used to.

“Boss is in the main room, moving to the cells! We don't have a lot of time!”

Digger growled, grabbing his brother's arm and Idia’s hand. Ducking under a hole that was etched into the stone wall. They kept moving, shoulders and arms knocking against jagged edges of the path. They stopped at a door, the two pups grinning wildly.

“The exit!”

They shouted in tandem, tails wagging excitedly. Idia smiled back.

“C’mon pups, lets go home-”

“I dont think so…”

The small group shot around, the sharp scent of cigars and rot filling the area around them. Digger and Rocco bristled, hackles raising at the same time. Their lips curled over their teeth, bearing them in a tight threat.

Sykes snorted, crossing his arms and tilting his head.

“You really think you're free pups? Do you truly believe that someone would want mistakes like you? Runts of the litter? Weak pathetic whimpering mess’s?”

Idia scowled at the man, but fear tightened in his chest. His lover was so close. He could just leave, he could just run. But he made a vow to himself. He swore he would save the pups. He SWORE he would not let another child die. So he pushed himself forward, placing himself in the line of danger. Doing something he had been too scared to do all those years ago. He would not let history repeat itself.

“I want them…Runt, mess, mistake and all…They are mine”

Rocco and Digger looked at each other, then back at the man before them. Whose voice was etched out in a savage snarl. Rocco scowled, stepping forward and growling low in his chest.

“Years…Years I've watched you hurt my brother, I’ve seen you do things that no pup should ever see…I am not your pet! I am not a tool, and you certainly are NOT MY MASTER!”

Idia gave a firm nod. A pride bubbling into his stomach at the boy’s defense. Digger took a wheezy breath, looking at his younger twin before stepping forward with a weak snarl.

“You…will never hurt us again”

Sykes glared at them, his lips curling up as he hissed at the two with a sneer. He stepped forward threateningly.

“You are MUTTS! I GAVE YOU PRIDE! I GAVE YOU STREGTH! I GAVE YOU SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOU PATHETIC LIFE OTHER THAT ROT!”

Idia snapped back, his eyes narrowing at him.

“YOU ARE NOTHING TO THEM!...And from now on, they have no master”

The shark shrieked, his pen jerking up in his hand.

Time went in slow motion. The winds died in Idia’s ears, replaced with the ring of adrenaline. The bang of a spell being released echoed around the room and all Idia could do was watch it with horror. A snarl snapped as Rocco was shoved to the side. A sickening snap echoed as the spell collided with Digger's body. He went limp as his body was shot back against the wall with a loud wet sound. His body crumpled to the floor, unmoving.

Rocco’s wail of despair tugged Idia out of his daze. The pup collapsed as his ears shot back, tears breaking forth with no resistance. Idia turned and ran to the pup's side, lifting him onto his back, grabbing his face and tapping his cheek.

“C’mon pup, C’mon! You’re ok, you’re just fine!”

Rocco wailed again, turning on their master with a sharp snarling sound. He shot forward with no hesitation, vengeance and years of abuse powering his lunge. Grief etched the air as sharp teeth latched into flesh. Rocco snarled and snapped at every inch of skin he could reach of his captor. Sykes screamed and thrashed with each bite and each snap. Bone breaking, skin ripping. Idia pressed his fingers to the pup’s throat. The thready thud of his pulse beating into his fingers.

Sykes shoved the pup off. Earning a yelp of pain as the boy hit the wall with a crack. Blood dripped down his face and he stood, moving to lunge at his old handler once more. Sykes hissed, raising his pen to Idia, his eyes narrowing.

“Move pup, and ill off your little saviour”

Rocco froze, his eyes shooting between the two. They were trapped in a stalemate. Rocco wheezed, tears dripping down his face. A snarl echoed from above. The roof tore open, a mouth of fire and spire snapping down on the man in one fell swoop. His wails cut short as blood bubbled from between the dragon's teeth.

It was over.

Idia dragged in a sharp breath as he looked up at the dragon before him. It was massive, maw bloody, purples an black scales covering its stomach and side, massive wings towering over them, blocking the sun from invading space. Lime green slanted eyes glowered down at him. Idia flinched, but stood on wobbly legs, stumbling over to the dragon's head, holding out a hand.

“Malleus?”

The beast warbled low in its throat, body shrinking and bones reshaping untill the man the Prince had fallen for stood in its place. Malleus wasted no time in tugging my mate into his chest, tucking his face into blood silken hair.

“My love! Oh my flame! You are alive, you're alive! Thanks be to the thorn faery!”

He grabbed his husband’s face, tiling it every which way. His eyes landed on the blood drenching the man's head, red dried on his face and skull. Malleus growled low in his throat, but tugged back in.

“You are injured, how badly?”

Idia shushed him softly, rubbing over the man's face. Tears bubbled in the depths of his eyes, a sob rising as he tucked his face into Malleus’s neck, his body trembling. Malleus crooned, shushing the other with gentle purrs and pets.

“Ive got you, oh my sweet flame. I have you”

Rocco limped to his brother's side, his legs giving way as his ears flattened into his hair. He collapsed, nudging his twins face with his own. His shoulders trembled as each stuttering breath tore from his chest, raw and grating.

“C’mon…C’mon digs, I…its time ta get up, c’mon this aint funny…please…”

He tucked his face into his brother's chest, sobs slipping from his lips with each wheeze. Claws tugged at his siblings shirt, shaking him roughly.

“C’mon Digger! Please! Get up!”

He pushed himself under his arm, hefting him up as if getting him to sit would fix this. Would fix everything. Rocco sobbed, biting his brother's arm and hefting him up again. His own limbs burnt, bones certainly bruised at the very least. He wheezed as his legs gave way once more. Rocco wailed, curling into his twin's side.

“PLEASE! DONT LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU SWORE! YOU FUCKING SWORE!...Please we…we need to play tag still…we still gotta try ice cream, we gotta see ma again, so get the fuck UP!”

Idia shuffled forward, crouching next to the boy. Hand resting on the beastman's shoulder.

“Calm down, it's alright…”

Rocco sobbed, shaking his head rapidly as he turned and curled into Idia’s arms.

“No…’ts not…”

Malleus moved over, slowly crouching down and frowning. He bent at the hip, hefting the smaller teen into his arms. His limb body hangs uselessly in the air.

“Come, we will see what the medics back home can do, My flame, do you have the other pup?”

Idia nodded, hefting a sobbing Rocco up, letting the boy lean on his weary bones. Malleus nodded.

“Than home we go”

Froufrou watched from his window. Chou perched next to him, snoring softly amongst his feathers and the poodle's bedding. The halfling sighed, until a small black shape took form in the distance. Malleus.

The man jumped up, grabbing the sleeping harpy without warning, to which the owl gave an indignant squark. They shot through the halls, pushing passed guards and maids until they made it to the main field. The dragon landed clumsily, faceplanting into the soil. Yet he shrunk himself back down, 3 others stood with him, Froufrou shot across the field with no regard of his lack of apparent shoes and proper wear. He jumped at the dragon and his mate, wrapping his arms tightly around their necks, dragging them down into a tight overbearing hug.

“YOURE ALIVE!”

Idia blinked at the other, not used to this affectionate side of the normally level headed ambassador, but Malleus crooned, tail wagging behind him.

“Hello to you too Froufrou”

He pulled back, glancing between the two before his eyes landed on the two much younger faces. His body tensed, shoulders trembling as he nudged Malleus and Idia aside. Rocco looked at the poodle with wide eyes, shock and awe mixing with the grief tucked deep inside. He was carrying another on his back, body limp and malleable. The poodle moved forward and lifted a hand to the first puppy's face, petting over scared cheeks.

“...Oh pup…what has he done to you”

He rubbed Digger's face, tucking a strand of hair behind the other boy's ear. He frowned, sighing loudly.

“Come, I’ll do what I can”

He looked at Idia, waving at the man.

“You too, all of you come”

With a gentle hand and a cooing tone, they all followed after the gentle eyed ambassador. His once calm composed expression was contorted with sadness and regret. Yet Idia wanted to know…Just what the other was regretting.

Rocco sat next to his brother's bed as the poodle wrapped bandages around old wounds that were leaking puss and blood. His eyes never shifted from the poodle as he worked on the pup before him. Hands fast but gentle, his eyes hidden from view. Idia sat beside Rocco, a firm hand pressed into his shoulder, grounding, calming. The first prince standing just behind his husband. Malleus’s voice was soft as he pet through now bloodless hair.

“What happened Idia? I need you to walk me through this my flame”

Idia took a deep breath, shaky and weak. Memories from the last few days bursting into the forefront of his mind. The pain, the threats, the fear. It all seemed too much. He glanced up at the other, rubbing his eyes with a weak nod.

“...Uh, at the Gala, Rocco and Digger lead me out and took me-”

Malleus bristled, his eyes shooting to the beastman before him. Idia held up a hand, grabbing his lover's arm firmly. Shaking his head.

“They’re pups Malleus, they were just trying to survive”

The dragon dulled the instinct to maim, nodding firmly in understanding. Idia continued, his voice firm but etched with fear of past events. 

“I was locked into a cellar, the man would come by every once and awhile to threaten me, or tell me about what he was going to do to you once you came…I was stupid and defied him, so he hit me”

Malleus scowled, taking the other's face in his hands, pressing a kiss to his nose.

“Nonesence! You were brave! My brave flame…”

He nuzzled their faces together, purring like a kitten and Idia melted, having missed his husband's little sounds and comforts. The reality that he was free slamming into him like a train. He was safe. The pups were safe. Malleus was safe. He curled into the other's touch like a needy child, snuffling pathetically into his throat.

“I was so fucking scared Mally”

Malleus purred, shaking his head and tucking the other closer once more. It was as if they wished to be inside of each other's skin. Idia used to hate touch. He remembered a time he would have flinched away from so much affection. But here, now? He was ok. He would always be ok as long as he had his dragon.

Froufrou tied off the last bandage, petting digger's hair away from his face with a frown.

“We can only wait, he is breathing, as he has a pulse. He is simply not…here, it is as if his mind is not with us. It is only a matter of time”

He turned to Rocco, shuffling forward and moving his fingers through his hair, intending to find the wound that was causing his blood. The pup looked down, not interacting, not speaking. He just sat in silence. Cold, unfiltered silence. His knuckles white were he clutched at his brother's hand, shoulders trembling with every breath.

Froufrou frowned, letting off a sad whining sound.

“Oh sweet boy, its alright”

He shuffled closer, pressing their heads together. The poodle let off a series of chuffs and whines. Rocco’s eyes bubbled again, gritting his teeth and clenching his eyes. The ambassador let him tuck himself into his throat. He let the young teen wail into his grip. He sighed.

“Ive got you little one, I have you…I know its hard, but you are free…you are free, he is never going to harm you again, i swear it…”

He pulled back slightly, wiping at the tears with a frown.

“Why don't we go and get you a nice bath, wash all the filth off you…im sure there is a man who would love to meet a little one such as yourself, dont worry we have many nurses tending over your brother. Myself included”

Rocco glanced at his brother, then back at the other beastman and nodded softly. Froufrou looked at Idia.

‘Iddy, love, can you get Rocco here a nice warm bath?”

The blue haired man nodded softly. He knew the pup more than likely wouldn't trust anyone else with something so minor. He was willing to give the young teen something as simple as a bath.

With the boy and the prince gone Froufrou stood, turning to walk to the ex generals quarters. He had another two little fledglings for the papa bat to take.