Nycto

Your treacherous mind always led you back to its darkest depths, revealing the harsh truth that no delusion could make you ignore nor forget.

You're nothing but a fleeting sequence of Malleus’ life. While he still had centuries to live, you only have one (that is if you gave yourself the benefit of the doubt that you'll make it for more than 50 years, humans are feeble beings after all) 

You'll age and get all wrinkly in the spam of no time compared to him, and you'll die if nothing then by old age. 

Not only was the end of this sweet dream unavoidable, but its continuation itself in the current time was nearly impossible. 

You're a human, a magicless one too. And he was a prince, a future king to all race that had magic cursing through their veins since birth.

How could you ever dare to look at him and imagine a future by his side? 

Malleus deserved more, more than you could ever offer. And most of all, more than you're capable of being.

◇◇◇◇◇

Malleus noticed you were acting differently. 

Nowadays, you shy away from his touch, refuse to accompany him on your usual endeavors and no longer smile at him that breathtaking smile that stole his breath.

Malleus noticed, as he always did when it came to you. You were distancing yourself, and worse of all, you looked burdened (sad even, dare he say) 

To see you in such a state made his heart squeeze in ways he wished to never feel, he felt your emotions on personal levels. Your sadness was his, and so was your happiness.

Quite frankly, Malleus doesn't care about anything or anyone as much as he cares about you anymore. You've managed to dig a way into his heart so deep he knows you'll forever be buried there. 

Malleus doesn't care about anything at all, as long as he has you by his side he thinks everything in the world is right even if hell is to be opened on land. 

The fae truly can't fathom a life without you, heck he can't even fathom there was a before you. Colors shone in his life when he met you and purpose was breathed into his very being when he first held you tenderly. 

So he can't understand at all, what nonsense you were spewing out of your mouth. 

It was late at night, and you played next to him on his bed hand in hand as he spoke about a tale from his homeland. 

But then you started talking, talking about he deserves better and how he shouldn't waste his time with a fleeting useless human that is both magicless and of no royal heritage and- 

Malleus thinks his heart stopped beating for a second, not the skip of his beat that indicates a rush of butterflies in his stomach no no, this felt as if his heart was ripped out with claws. 

Malleus felt as if his chest was being ripped open as you spoke in such an unkind way of yourself. 

He put a hand on your mouth to stop you, turned to his side and buried his face in the crook of your neck before shuddering. Truly, you ripped his insides out with only your words .

“Please my dear…Never speak of such things ever again” 

“But Mal-” 

He stopped you before you could continue, throwing an arm over your middle and tightening his hold on you.

“How could you ever think in such a way? Do you truly think I've taken your hand in mine, intertwined my life with yours and carved a place for you in my very soul, not knowing what lays ahead?”

He lifted his head as you turned around to stare at him with glossed eyes full of unshed tears.  

His hand left your waist to cup your cheek instead and rub circles under your eye. His gaze was soft, but there was an undeniable agony caused by your harsh words (and how guilty you felt, knowing you were the bearer of such great love) 

“I love you most ardently, shall you be anything in existence, I'll still love you. You do not need to be or have anything, you do not need to deserve my love. I love you, my heart chose to beat for you, the blood in my veins chose to flow for you. I chose you simply because you are you.” 

He leaned forward, forehead now touching yours. 

“No matter what anyone says, there's only you for me in this life and in the next. There's only you to stand next to me as prince and king. There's only you to live my life with.I know mortal life is short, and I know there will be a despicable day when time will rip you away from me. And I also know that when that time comes I'll curse all that snatched away my reason to feel and live. And I know the agony that awaits me at your departure. I know it all, and I still chose to love you with all I have. I love you now, and I'll love you for the rest of your life and mine.” 

Tears were running down your cheeks now, and Malleus only smiled softly as he wiped them away with the caress of his thumb.

With the soft press of his lips to yours, he sealed this quiet untold promise with a murmur against your lips

“I'll love you for all eternity and more, my light.”

his world full of riches and unimaginable power, the young prince was seen as sacred and royal.

Someone surrounded by devotees and admirers his entire life. With such a luxurious life, Malleus was perhaps the loneliest a person can be.

He had his family, Lillia raised him as his own and gave him enough love so he isn't foreign to the concept.

Silver was regarded his brother, the human and fae prince were each others family no matter what prejudiced old senile council men said (Malleus could care less what they thought, he is the crown prince soon to be king of fae, they can bark like rabid dogs all they want, in the end his word is absolute)

And his hyper knight Sebek has grown on him by time, now a person Malleus cares for deeply.

They all were his family, his cherished people. And yet, Malleus was terribly lonely.

The deep rooted longing in his immortal heart chipped at his resolve the more he ignored it. For how high and mighty he is, Malleus was in the end a boy longing for friendship and companionship.

He dreams of the comfort of a camaraderie built on understanding and likeness, he wishes on blown candles for his destinate person, for someone to look past all he was born as, all he was made to be and to live as, for someone to look at him, and see a young man with vast curiosity and a childishness clocked in maturity and duties.

He dreams of running down hills, with laughter echoing in his mind on repeat.

And when he's feeling especially daring, Malleus dreams of warm hands holding his, and an intimacy he can proudly claim as his and his alone.

But Malleus has long since learned that dreams are nothing but dreams, wishful thoughts of unattainable fortunes.

In the lands of twisted wonderland, Malleus will be renowned the strong ruler of briar valley, idolised and worshipped, but never loved as a man of his own, but as a king to all fae.

•~`°◇°`~•

On a full moon night, under the vast dark sky, seeking comfort in the faint light of the twinkling stars, Malleus Draconia’s world was tipped over so suddenly he only had time to fully comprehend what has transpired after he has returned to his chambers and laid down for some shut eye .

The gardens of the abandoned dorm, Ramshackle, has been the prince’s secret refuge since his first year in Night Raven’s College.

This was his little haven, his own space to waltz around and admire, HIS secret hideout.

He rightfully expected no one to be around, nor anyone to be daring (or stupid) enough to approach him, so to say he was taken by surprise when a voice addressed him is an understatement.

"What are you doing here?” the voice was a calm steady one, and its owner was in a much similar state. They were human (that much was clear to him) and that alone picked his curiosity. A human, in front of him and addressing him so casually without a hint of fear? ‘Much curious indeed’ Malleus thought .

“Do you live here? I was under the impression this dorm was abandoned” He couldn't help but wonder aloud “i quite enjoyed having a place to go to to enjoy the peace of solitude”

The human infront of him made of face of realisation at his brief explanation (if it could even be called that)

“Im ___, the dorm head of ramshackle. I'm afraid it's no longer abandoned haha” they gave a small smile “and you are?”

“I am ....no nevermind. I'd rather you remain unaware . It's for your own benefit I assure you. Instead i will permit you to call me by a name of your choosing.” A playful smile of his own bloomed on his face, showcasing sharp inhumane fangs "Although, one day you may regret it.”

“Right so, can I call you whatever?”

“That is what i said, yes.”

“I’ll call you hornton then!”

Malleus was, for a lack of better words, surprised and a tad fascinated.

“You know, cause of the horns and all” the human made to gesture with their hand at their head “hope you don't mind, since you’re the one who offered” Malleus blinked once, then twice, and the human kept talking .

“Although now that I think about it, I think I've heard of you. Students spoke about a man from Diasomnia with horns, the housewarden I believe. Dunno if that's you or not though haha” He blinked thrice. They knew him? And they still-

“Anyways, sorry im rambling, you can finish your walk I dont mind! Treat the gardens as your own, goodnight !”

And they turned around and disappeared.

Malleus stood still, awed. When he teleported back to his room, and when he finally laid down on his bed, Malleus didn't dream or wish. Instead, for the first time, he sat and thought of the odd fearless human he met in the middle of his nightly walk.

•~`°◇°`~•

“Did you know, child of man” the nickname rolled like silk from his mouth “that night we first met, i thought you a naive and stupid human. Perhaps a bit rude too.”

The melody of sweet Laugher reached his ears, and Malleus realised he's never heard anything more blissful .

Turning around to meet a wide smile illuminated by the moonlight, he was again awestruck as he was before and every time he stared at their features.

“Well it was pretty stupid of me to act so ordinarily with you my lord” they mock bowed with exaggerated grandeur, and malleus found himself smiling, mirroring their expression.

That day he saw them for the first time, standing in front of him and seeing him as a normal passing student, he thought they were an unknowing human .

Now reminiscing the old memory, Malleus thinks you must’ve been a holy light sent to breath colors into his life and ardor into his very soul.

The young prince has long ago since given a name to the skip of his heartbeat, the flush of his skin and the peace he feels in his very being around you. As if his existence itself took shape around yours and merged as one.

Now, sitting next to you, basking in shared silence and a comfort only privy to you both , Malleus thinks, knows, for certain that his younger dreams are no longer mere wishes empty and unattainable, because now he wakes up eager knowing that when he starts his day you’ll be waiting for him at the beginning of it.

You’re now sitting beside him at ease, tangible and solid. The young prince smiles softly while looking at you, and his heart feels heavy and warm, and beats not to keep the blood in his veins flowing, but for you.

Every time I like a character I always end up thinking about how I still like Malleus more. Malleus pls get out of my mind and let me fall in love with other characters in peace TT

Tentatively , you started making your way towards the back door of the kitchen . First , you maneuver around a bunch of dying throwing up jocks from your uni’s football team . Then you swiftly avoid a group of yelling students who seem to be in the middle of a karaoke death match . Finally making it to the kitchen, your only current obstacle was two passed out blobs on the floor and- a dog ?

‘THAT is the cutest fluffiest dog i have ever seen’ . In front of the door laid the hugest piece of white fluff you’ve ever seen with blue eyes and the cutest pink nose . As you approached the door slowly to not startle it, it turns around nevertheless to stare at you , then as if it has seen its favorite toy , it perks up and jumps on you with enough glee to make you question what you did to deserve this much love from a random adorable dog .

The dog , or snowy as says his collar , was starved for pats and hugs . And you , ever weak for animals , decided it won’t hurt to stop your escape for some minutes to play with little Snowy .

Only that , now as you walk down the street , the dog just won’t stop following you .

You shooed him away , bought him treats from a store, and threw them in the other direction . You even walked him back all the way to the party house ! Snowy just won’t leave you alone ! You were growing tired , it was half past midnight and you had a class with Professor Anaxagoras at 8:30 am . You were tired , sleepy, and annoyed to the seven hells and back .

So, in an act of desperation and zero thought process , you started walking towards your place with the dog skipping steps next to you . ‘Fine , if you like me that much, you can spend the night . I’ll figure out what to do with you tomorrow.’ And if your roommate woke up to a dog in the living room and not you passed out drunk, then well- that’s a problem for future you .

Somewhere else at 3am as you soundly slept on the couch of your home next to your unexpected guest , a man stumbled around the mess in his house looking for his pet . ‘Oh no no nonononono- SNOWY! HEY BOY WHERE ARE YOU !!’ It was going to be a long and tiresome night (or morning ?) for the white haired man .

◇••••••••◇

Mydei sleeps at 10pm sharp every school night . He wakes up early, around 6 to go on his morning run , shower, and make breakfast for him and his roommate .

You called him a monster for being able to follow that schedule religiously , he called you a monster for having the worst sleeping schedule known to mankind .

But nonetheless , you were his roommate . Even more , you were his friend . Two years ago , when he was looking for a decent roommate who actually cleaned after themselves, the universe threw you at each other . And against all odds , you two worked out . You didn’t care what gender or kind of person the other was , only if they were clean and respectful and paid their part of the rent as well as did their assigned shores . And as the first months passed by, he found that a friendship bloomed between you two , and so you stayed roommates for the year after and agreed to stay so for the foreseeable future .

Overall , even if he’d rather DIE then admit to it , Mydei liked you and your weird friendship . But he didn’t like you enough to not splash you with water at the sight that greeted him this morning .

In his living room lies the whitest fluffiest dog he has ever seen (‘cute’ but that wasn’t the point!) . You and Mydei had no pets , so why exactly was there a dog in the living room ? And why are you asleep in jeans and a leather jacket on the couch next to said dog?

Mydei liked you , yes , but sometimes he thinks his strawberry blonde hair might turn white because of you one of these days .

As the water splashed you on the face you woke up with a startle to find your roommate glaring at you with enough intensity to make you grateful magic wasn't an actual thing or you’d be up in flames now .

“Care to explain why a random dog is in the living room?”

“Huh ? dog ? what do- OH THE DOG-”

You sprung up , lifted one leg over the other and faced the now fully awake dogs with stars in his eyes

“Err- soooooo , crazy story is , it kept following me and refused to leave, and I couldn't just leave it on the streets."

“Y/n. It has a collar. Which means it has an owner."

You cringed and closed your eyes in defeat “Yeah i know , i’ll drop it off to its house on my way to class”

Mydei sighed deeply , he really didn't know what to say .

“Just get up and go shower , it’s 6:25 right now , there’s leftover cake in the fridge if you’re in a hurry”

You looked at your savior and jumped to side hug him quickly before he could shove you away “Thank you Mydei , you saint.”

Said saint could only sigh with a fond smile as you petted the dog and scrambled to the shower . You could faintly hear a soft chuckle as you closed the door . ‘Must be the lack of sleep.’

◇••••••••◇

You stood in front of the same door you entered the party from yesterday .

Somehow , you ended up in this situation .

Now , you’re reaping the consequences (read : having to go through what can possibly become the weirdest interaction of your life)

You quickly raise your hand and knock on the door before you can chicken out .

As you wait for a couple of seconds , you hear shuffling and a muffled yell of ‘just a second!’ from the other side . Not long after the door swung open and in front of you appeared the fairest man you’ve ever seen . He had snow white hair and the clearest blue eyes you’ve ever seen with handsome features more leaning on the beautiful side and-

Before you can get lost gawking and the prettiest man you’ve ever seen lately you open your mouth and throw up the poor speech you’ve prepared on your way here

“Hello I’m y/n and i was at the party yesterday and i think i have someone’s dog” -you stepped to the side to better show Snowy- "he kept following me and refused to leave so i had to take him with me cause i couldn't just leave him out on the street you know? So yeah , here’s the dog , I hope you’re the owner or know them and sorry . Yeah.” You took a deep breath and cringed ‘Oh god that sucked-’

The man in front you looked , for a lack of better words , bamboozled in every sense of the word . Then a snort escaped his lips before he full on started cackling-

‘Oh man I definitely embarrassed myself in front of a pretty stranger-’

“Aha- Ahahaha- I’ve been looking everywhere for snowy , i haven’t slept a wink and he was just living his life and having a sleepover haa”

Then , as if to embarrass you more , the stranger flashed you the brightest smile ever and leaned against the door and wow wasn’t he ripped- (you totally didn’t compare him to Mydei for a second . Who, you? Pshhh, Nah, no way-)

“I'm Phainon ! Y/n, right ? Thank you for taking care of the little rascal . Do you wanna join me for breakfast, maybe?”

And like the absolute idiot who totally didn't just have the greatest strawberry shortcake for breakfast (Mydei made, of course), you nodded with a mumbled ‘uh huh’ .

Phainon only smiled wider at your answer .

◇••••••••◇

When Phainon realised his dog was missing , he thought His Snowy was feeling playful and hiding somewhere and so Phainon looked .

And looked .

And looked some more .

Until he felt dread seep into his bones as he realised his dog was actually missing .

He thanked the heavens he only drank a bit last night as he threw on the closest jacket he could find and started running around the streets and yelling ‘SNOWY!’ as loud as he can .

By the time the sun rose from its slumber, Phainon came back home defeated. He didn’t find Snowy, and now he feels like shit . He doesn’t remember how much time went by as he sat on his couch surrounded by the aftermath of yesterday’s party, but he came back to his senses by the sound of knocks from his front door . ‘Who the hell is it now?’

He stumbled up , knocked around stray bottles and tripped on cups as he threw a muffled ‘Just a second!’

When he opened the door , Phainon didn’t expect to be met with the prettiest stranger . He was too focused on admiring them until they started ranting about a dog-? Then she moved aside and- OH- HIS DOG- SNOWY!

Phainon thought the stranger must be heaven sent. They're extremely pretty and they returned his dog .

Phainon didn’t waste the opportunity to invite them inside . He’d be a fool not to make use of fate’s setting .

He got back his door and was blessed with the prettiest sight so early in the morning .

◇••••••••◇

Phainon paid you no more than necessary attention the moment he met you and your two companions . You were a trailblazer like them , and really nice too !

Phainon thought he really enjoyed your company .

But then your journey together started and before he knew it , he found his eyes always subconsciously trailing you . You fought with calculated moves , stayed behind to check on your companions and even went out of your way to worry about him . Him!!

Phainon thought you were the sweetest person he met , the way you seemed to radiate with honesty and concern over his well being , him , a complete stranger you’ve met not too long ago .

Phainon thought you were nice , really sweet and super kind (he paid no mind to the faint voice muttering a quick ‘cute’ .Nope , not today) . And because phainon took a liking to you , he decided to naturally approach you . Strike up a conversation and maybe , if he's lucky , become friends !

One greeting turned to two , a simple conversation about the holy city turned to lighthearted chatter and whispered jokes . And by the time The kremnos prince made an appearance , Phainon was certain he successfully became part of your friends ! (now there's only the scheduled hangout left , not that he has an entire day planned , not at all)

◇••••••••◇

Mydei haven't felt anything above mild curiosity Towards the newcomers .

One was as quiet and steady as a shallow stream of water . The other was as loud and chaotic as a storm and the last was , well-

Mydei looked at the last member of the foreign trio with raised eyebrows, you were actively chattering with the only male member of the team . You didn't even pay any mind to the monsters they just fought , how reckless .

And they somehow managed to still bring chaos into what should've been a normal conversation . Mydeimos didn't understand what could have possibly happened so that his physique was their topic of discussion , but he knows he should've been more bothered by it . Yet he finds himself not minding the glances that you stole towards him . Odd .

Mydeimos quite frankly didn't care much about you , you were new and still a possible threat (not much , he admits) so yes , in a more crude way , he didn't give a crap .

Then monsters came . You rushed forward with a weapon heavier than you , danced around them with deadly elegance and precise strikes , commanded a formation between you and your companion (and who would've ever guessed you were the responsible one of the team) and ended the threat faster than mydei would like to admit .

After that , deny it as much as he can , mydei’s ‘I don't care’ gradually turned into ‘just because I'm constantly observing you doesn't mean I care’

You were strong , brave , extremely kind and awkward and weirdly charming .

And when the chance came for both of you to talk alone , mydei found he quite liked your company and your calm voice . He asked you to a training match and you enthusiastically agreed . He thought higher of you for not cowering away (he ignored the swell in his heart that screamed happiness when you agreed , it's not like it's a hangout or a date, it's a training match for titan’s sake!)

When the match came , and you held your own against him with cheer force alone , mydeimos decided he respected you right then and there . And no , you didn't ‘hangout’ after , eating and resting after training is important. It just happens that you both share a like towards similar foods so you find yourselves crossing paths ! He swears ! It's just a coincidence (he willed himself to not think about the Fact he followed you to spend time together , and ignored the truth his heart kept screaming over and over like a mantra)

◇••••••••◇

You figured out something was wrong with this place the moment you saw phainon and your heart stopped at how So So similar he looked to him . (You couldn't wait to go back and tell welt , you had to tell someone of the white hair and sky blue eyes that came back to haunt you)

After meeting the professor anaxagoras , and sharing a heartfelt conversation with the man about Gods , Aeons and the truth of amphoreus you came to a scary realization .

This was some kind of cycle

You hoped and prayed it had nothing to do with nanook , that aeon terrorized you enough as it, you were really hoping to catch a break this time (a shiver ran down your spine at the thought , you hoped you didn't jinx yourself this early on.)

But then you met Aglaea , and got to know the other flamechasers , learned of their flame chasing journey , and hated how stereotypical this whole ‘Doomed Hero’ story is starting to look like .

These people were kind to you, especially phainon with his friendly spirit and dazzling soft smile and giggles , and mydei with his heartfelt concern over you and your companions And his tough exterior and extremely soft interior.

You'll protect these people , this world , as you have long ago pledged to when you started your own journey on the astral express .

(You couldn't help but think Welt must be feeling proud, when the Man was actually stressing and praying you don't do anything too reckless Or stupid , heavens know you'd get into a brawl with an aeon bare handed if they as much as touched your friends , your family)

◇••••••••◇

“Have you finished your spar yet , or should I wait another agonising hour in this scorching heat” phainon , ever so loud , whined at the sight of you and mydei mid spar .

You gambled a glance at him , mydei knocked You off your feet and on your back to the ground the moment You took your eyes of him .

You looked up in faux offense as he towers Over your sprawled form, smile smug Yet warm

“You never take your eyes off your opponent , especially one stronger than you”

“Psh , you give yourself too much credit don't you think?”

“It's in Due place , I don't hear you disagreeing with it”

You took the hand he extended to you with a roll of your eyes and a barely hidden smile , and he pulled you up like you didn't weigh anything more than a book .

at the sounds of footsteps approaching the clearing , you both turned to address phainon as he jogged towards You

“Jeez mydei , you keep Hogging them all the time with your spars”

You laughed , mydei raised an eyebrow , still as smug if not even more

“they agree to the training, You might as well just give up trying to get them to leave”

Phainon felt a vein in his temple almost pop

“You- spar me right here , right now , I swear I'll-”

“Rightttttt , how about we all go get lunch and rest a bit , I'm beat.” Your voice cut through the weird tension rising up

At your proposal , both heroes agreed reluctantly to go

“Great then ! I'll go get Dan heng and we can all go , I don't know where Stelle is tho so if any of you see her let her know”

A collective groan rose at the mention of your male companion . for once mydei and phainon found themselves agreeing to one thing

‘Ditch Dan heng and let's go alone-!’ They thought

But you were already on the other side of the grounds looking eagerly for your cherished friend .

◇••••••••◇

As the moon hung over the skies illuminating the place with delicate rays of white and the stars glimmered , you stood in a garden surrounded by roses . The land was full of flowers and well tended to , luring you into its calm like a siren's call .

as You strolled around the flower's domain , mydei walked beside you , his presence calm and warm As you chatted the long hours of the night Away .

He found you strolling alone , And decided to join you to bond over your inability to sleep.

He spoke of his adventures and Home , of how he came to be who he is now . he Told you stories of his father's tyranny and his mother's comfort . In exchange, You told him tales of the worlds you visited and the journeys you joined , about the the wandering knight Seeking beauty and The origins Of the express you're a part of . He listened with curiosity , and asked questions about the universe Beyond amphoreus’ walls .

And as the moonlight shone on his locks and reflected on his eyes , you couldn't tell if he was a rose in this garden himself or not .

So you told him

“You look like a rose , if I didn't know better I'd mistake you for one.”

He looked shocked , then amused , then laughed so freely it Made your heart still and your Face warm

That night , he took Care to put roses in your hair , decorating your locks with a delicate touch that made you wonder if this man was the same warrior you've first met , insisting you keep them close because they suited you more than anything else

You willed yourself with cheer resolution to not think of what his Little comments and broad Smile meant (if you do , you think you'll never survive to Go back and tell welt Of your journey , and you couldn't have that less you wanted the man to haunt you in the afterlife)

◇••••••••◇

There was a hill that stood tall and towered high over the city on the side; it was a favorite place of phainon’s to visit .

He likes the quiet , the calm of nature and the opportunity to simply sit down and think .

There he was no one , just a soul existing in faux peace for a few minutes the universe bestowed him out of pity .

It was his favorite place , so of course he asked you one evening to accompany him there to watch the sunset with him .

Phainon took care to bring snacks , prepare a Picnic dare he call it , and even asked permission to tie a long soft piece of cloth around your eyes to make the surprise better.

He noticed the reluctance at his request to blind you momentarily , but he also noticed the way your shoulders eased right after and your eyes softened and looked at him with recognition and trust (he felt proud , prouder then ever that your trust was directed at him and not anyone else , and no matter how weird or small the recognition he noticed in your eyes was he felt it fitting , so he didn't question it anymore)

He offered you his hand , held yours so softly as if afraid too much force would scare you away and led you with his other on your shoulder towards the spot under a huge oak tree on the cliff .

You chattered all the way there , laughter and smiles filled the gaps between words like necessary breaths .

You told him of some adventures , and people you met . Retold the tales of heroes you met , and the abundance of stories you've heard . Phainon noticed the nostalgic expression you've unconsciously worn at some point , and took to telling you about his home land and his past . He described the planes of aedes elysiae , its beauty and severance , and confessed his longing to what he once called home . You squeezed his hand tighter . He squeezed back .

And when you finally made it under the tree atop the cliff , he took off your blindfold and offered you a cheeky smile (that definitely did not blind you , you aren't that weak-)

Shoulder to shoulder you sat under the tree , sharing fruits and stolen smiles as the sun sat and the stars made their appearance.

No words were spoken at that time , none were needed . Phainon didn't know why , but he felt like he knew you in another life and time . That was the only explanation for how in such little time you crawled your way through His ribs and made home in his heart.

He felt as if every breath he took was yours , and every beat of his heart spelled your name . He felt as if his fate was woven to yours not in Destiny but with time and sworn to the stars as witness .

He didn't understand how or why , but phainon Knew that The hammering in his heart And the blood that flew in his arteries was now only For you .

Shoulder to shoulder , you laid under the oak tree . Knees touching and hand brushing . None of you moved , none of you dared , one out of fear of this moment’s end and the other to imprint it in memory and mind .

◇••••••••◇

Dan heng , ever stoic and prospective , stared at you for a long minute with unnerving attention .

“Is there something on my face-?”

“You're up to something.”

You didn't know what exactly he was accusing you of this time , but he looked too calm , too attentive . Had it been anyone else , they'd have thought he was his usual self , but you knew dan heng long enough to know he was asking you , accusing you of something .

“You're gonna have to be more specific you know ? I'm always up to something D.”

The stupid nickname (his words not yours) served its purpose to ease the tension in his expression a bit .

To your misfortune, it did nothing to divert his attention from proding at you.

“You know something , I'm not sure what it is but ever since our arrival you've been less..” the man frowned “less you.”

He looked down with furrowed eyebrows , as if trying to make sense of what he just said “if that makes any sense”

You sighed at your dear friend's observation , you were sitting side to side on one the benches in the less secluded areas of the holy city . Moments of peace like these were rare between you when outside of the express , given all the chaos each new world brings .

His worry , expressed in his own way , was heartwarming each time it was directed towards You.

With a heavy sigh , you closed your eyes and laid your head on his shoulder. He tensed for a second then fully relaxed .

“I wish welt was with us.” you spoke quietly so only he could hear .

“Why?” he asked

You hummed for a minute too long , finding the right words to answer . “I guess that way , facing the past and future would be easier . But it's only a selfish wish , It's better he's not here.”

Silence filled the place after your quiet confession .

“Must you act mysterious now of all times?”

“haha , sorry D , but sometimes , things must be kept in the dark to succeed”

Dan heng only huffed at your answer , equal parts fond and exasperated .

But even so , he laid his head on top of yours and basked in the silence occupying the space between you . His presence beside you a silent promise that said 'I'm here , I'm with you'

◇••••••••◇

"You have to whisk it faster. “

“I'M TRYING-”

you didn't really know how you ended up in mydei's home , his kitchen to be more precise , but to no one's surprise you weren't really complaining .

He saw you buying one of these abominations of pre-made supermarket cakes and took it as a personal challenge .

Now standing next to him With your hands dusted with flour , you attempt to whisk The batter to perfection , or To at least reach The towering figure's standards.

“How are you bad at this ? It's simple , chocolate cake is one of the easiest recipes to make”

“I'm telling you I'm not this bad , I'm just nervous because you keep staring-”

“Oh , so I make you nervous?” That smug little-

“Shut up mydei.”

His laughter followed your Jab and You failed to hide the smile stretching your cheeks .

The man was equal parts soft and tough , If Not leaning on the softer side . He was endearing in such a way it made you want to squeal and gush and pinch his cheeks till they matched his hair . But you knew he'd die before he let you do that . You'd die yourself before doing that . So for now you simply Ignored his lingering stares and basked in your New friend's presence (You learned long ago to Not wish for anything more then friendship from people you meet on your journey , you'll leave one day and you don't have it in you to go through any more heartbreak or mental Torment)

After finishing your baking with the prince , you've both agreed to go on a walk .

Walks with you were of high comfort for mydei , he long learned to stop denying the truth . He liked your presence , perhaps a bit too much . But he also knew you were a trailblazer , your departure Is inevitable and he'd be scum to ever even think of asking you to stay (not even when His Heart squeezed painfully at the reminder of your eventual leave , mydei thought it better to bury that truth as long as he can . He'll deal with it when the time comes . For now , he's satisfied with just enjoying your presence next to him)

He was a prince , he has responsibilities In amphoreus , so leaving was never an option to begin with .

Mydei didn't know when it started , but your laughter slowly became his favorite sound . He started looking forward to your weekly spars , the Almost daily hangouts and the cooking Lessons he'd reluctantly (happily) given you.

He liked you , (your presence of course ; he liked only your presence he swears) .

Perhaps He liked you even more when he found out You froze the flowers He once decorated your hair with on impulse .

Maybe he liked you even more when he noticed you focused best when he spoke of things he liked .

Mayhaps he liked you even more when you got along with his people , and turned as soft as a silk pillow around kids .

Perchance he liked you even much more when he caught you staring at him In amazement and endearment like he was something to be kept safe and cherished .

It was weird , he deduced , weird how kind you are to those around you that you don't even know .

But it was that weirdness that crept around mydei's guarded heart and dug a place to belong through his ribs and flesh.

And you know what , Mydeimos didn't mind . And you seemed content for now so he remained where he found himself.

Never pushing for more , never retreating for less . He didn't dare go beyond the lingering touches and stolen glances , because if he did , he knew one of you will end up in heartbreak one way or another (and wasn't the universe so damn cruel for putting these circumstances on you and him out of all people-)

In the midst of your walk , your hands kept brushing together . Soft touches stolen but never returned . Mydeimos knew this was wrong, but his body was moving against his logical thinking and he was right about to take your hand in his , his palm was so so close , brushing your hand in the lightest of feather touches when-

“Hey you two ! I've been looking all over for you y/n !”

A blooming voice cut through the tension like a sharp knife , mydei retracted his hand so quickly he wondered if any quicker and he might even dislocate his wrist .

“Deliverer-” Mydei surprised even himself with the grum sound of his voice .

“Mydei , good to see you here too, friend !”

Even with the cheerful greeting , phainon couldn't hide the glint of dark glossing over his eyes . His smiles stretched too big , and even then it didn't reach his eye . His shoulders were Tense , post straight and voice measured .

‘Huh , did something happen-’

It seemed you and mydei shared the same confusion , your current companion beating you in inquiring about It

“Did you need something ?”

phainon only tightened his smile at that

“Yes actually , I'll be stealing starlight over here for the day . Goodbye!”

Before you could even utter a word , a hand was clapped tightly around your wrist as phainon took off jogging away with you following behind in confusion .

He really didn't know why he did what he did , you were just walking with mydei around ! It's normal to walk with a friend and hangout with them . It's normal to Sha glances full of warmth with friends . It's normal to look at each other from the corner of Your Eyes with faint longing . It's normal-

“phainon let go.”

Your voice brought Him back from his drifting thoughts .

You sounded stern- were you mad ? Oh no did he make you Angry-

You snatched your hand from his and cradled it in your other .

“Are you okay ?” You asked ; but phainon was focused on the red bruise forming on Your wrist . Did- did he do that- .

Did he hurt you ?

And you were asking if he was okay when you were the one hurt and he hurt you he did this to you he-

“Phainon!” You waved your hand infront of him , worry etched in your expression .

“I don't know what going on but are you alright-? Do you need to sit down somewhere?”

You were oh so kind and gental , you didn't even look half bothered that he just hurt you-

Before he could think , phainon inched closer and rested his forehead on your shoulder. You tensed and held your breath .

“Just- can we stay like this for a moment? Please ?”

You didn't deign Him with a verbal answer , instead , you reached for his head And stroked his Hair slowly .

Phainon hoped you couldn’t hear how loud his heart was beating . Or see how red his ears has gotten .

Further away , left on His own after the rude harmless kidnapping of His companion , mydei stood in the same spot You left .

It seems it wasn't only his heart that raced For you , The deliverer has proven to be a rival for your time and ardor And mydei was never one to back out of a challenge .

‘Bring it on , phainon of aedes elysiae.’