#ts roceit

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Janus looked at himself in the mirror. A dragon mask obscured most of his features, with glittering gold painted scales and gemstones set into the soft fabric. His clothes were designed to match, a top with sharp shoulders and sleeves that flowed into a translucent golden cape to emulate wings, He was decorated nicely in golden jewellery, including the crown atop his head and the pins and accents on his otherwise black outfit. Janus looked every part the prince that he should, especially for the ball thrown in honour of his own birthday. 

He also couldn't be late. Janus was grateful for the fact that he'd chosen a masquerade theme for this ball, he absolutely hated having makeup done at the best of times, let alone when he was already stressed about his parents plans for this particular event.

After all, Janus had been of age to marry for a few years now and still had yet to find a suitor he found tolerable, let alone fit to run a kingdom by his side. His parents were getting frustrated and Janus knew it,. He knew also that that was why they had invited a slew of suitors to come from across the lands to meet him, just in case he happened to find one of them even barely tolerable. 

It was his birthday, however, and Janus didn't particularly want to spend his entire party being fawned over by strangers and talked to with the pure intent of marriage. The fact that Janus was clearly uninterested in marrying any of those people didn't seem to be enough for them. 

Sighing, Janus finally made his way out of his room. The party would've started by now, making Janus fashionably late. It wouldn't do for him to arrive early to his own party now would it? 

Heads turned as Janus arrived at the ballroom, his cape spread wide and trailing along the floor behind him, the translucent gold material glimmering in the torchlight. For early February, the ballroom was shockingly warm. Janus had happily accepted a drink regardless and made his way further into the crowd. 

The longer he could avoid talking to anyone here, the better. He knew he was required to be polite, and being polite meant socialising. Which meant he had to talk to all of the annoying people who had come here for his gold or his kingdom's political power. No, Janus wasn't particularly interested in talking to a single person here. 

Still, he dragged himself through conversation after conversation. Birthday congratulations from lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses and other nobility alike were the easiest. Those at least he could accept, make a little small talk and move on. Far more difficult were the people who had come in hopes to court him. Many of them were clamouring for his attention in a way that was frankly rather embarrassing for them. Janus would certainly be embarrassed if he was acting in such a way, at least. He was far more put together than a bunch of people vying for his attention. Janus didn't care about a single one of them.

As soon as the chance presented itself, Janus slipped away from the crowds. He found himself on the ballroom balcony. Hidden here from the crowds by curtains and a glass door. Though it was far, far colder out here, Janus found it preferable to being in there in just about every way. 

"Hello there," Said a voice, thick with an accent Janus didn't recognise. Janus turned to see a golden skinned stranger in phoenix mask. His outfit consisted of red feathers draped down his arms like sleeves and his top ending at his midriff, exposing his stomach before a skirt took over, with deep red fabric falling to pool at his feet, not without leaving a slit all the way up to his thigh on one side. Janus thought the outfit left far too little to the imagination to be appropriate, but it was also... appealing. The man was certainly attractive, and he seemed to know it.

"Hello," Janus responded with a polite nod anyway, "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"You didn't," the stranger said with a smile. coming up to lean against the railing with him. The frankly absurd amount of gold jewellery he wore clinked softly as he moved. Necklaces, sleeves of bracelets, clips and hooks and chains on his skirt and top, an ornate headpiece behind his mask and dangling gold and ruby earrings. Janus thought the just jewellery the stranger was wearing would be worth more than Janus' entire collection. He wondered where he was from. Janus thought he would recognise someone who was possibly the most gorgeous stranger he'd ever seen.

"Ah, good," Janus said, looking out over the gardens. The sun hadn't set yet, but it was starting to approach the horizon as time ticked onwards. It would be too dark to see soon enough. But for now, the grounds looked beautiful, "What's your name?"

"My name is Roman," The stranger said, giving him a smile behind the phoenix mask, he didn't offer a surname, "May I have yours?"

Janus was, at least momentarily, stunned that this stranger didn't know his name already. This was his party, after all, everyone here knew of him. He was the reason this entire event was happening. Though, he supposed if this stranger was from far away, maybe he wouldn't know what Janus looked like, with or without the mask. It was actually a little refreshing to meet someone who didn't know who he was. "I'm Janus," he said, not offering a surname either.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Roman smiled, bumping into Janus' shoulder. He startled, having expected a handshake or maybe a kiss to the knuckles, not to be knocked into with a surprising amount of force, "Apologies - I forget."

"Forget what?" Janus asked.

"Oh, nothing, nothing, don't worry yourself," Roman waved him off, "What brings you out to the balcony?"

"Near everyone in there is looking to court me," Janus laughed humorlessly, "It got just a little overwhelming."

"Court you? That many people - fascinating," Roman mumbled. Janus didn't think he had been supposed to hear it, "And you don't wish to court any of them?"

"Not particularly," Janus said, shrugging..

"Then simply say no, no?" Roman said, tilting his head. The words were earnest, almost enough to make Janus laugh.

"I can't just say no, it would be improper," Janus laughed. Just who was this stranger?

"You don't wish to court any of them, and yet you can't say no either?" Roman asked, "That sounds rather contradictory."

"It.... is, really," Janus shrugged, "But I'm a prince, it's how things work, I'll have to marry eventually."

That only seemed to upset Roman further, though Janus couldn't fathom why exactly. 

"hm... perhaps if you looked as though you were busy with me they wouldn't bother you so much?" Roman asked, "If I accompanied you around the ball, they'd leave you alone, no?"

"... Yes, I suppose," Janus hummed, looking the stranger over. It would look like he was courting Roman, but honestly, would that even be such a bad thing? "If you're willing, at least, they'd all be staring."

"Why else would I have dressed so pretty, darling?" Roman asked, smirking now as his hand on his hip led Janus' eyes back to his bare stomach, before he caught his senses and quickly tore his gaze away. Looking at Roman like that was horribly inappropriate. 

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The whole ballroom seemed to stare at Roman like he was some kind of beacon. No-one seemed to know him, and he didnt' seem to know anyone else either. It was strange. Janus couldn't quite figure him out. Roman had taken his hand as they made their way back from the balcony and leaned in close to talk to him, leaving Janus to blush under his mask as their arms pressed together. 

This sort of physical contact was foreign to him. Janus had never touched someone this much in this way, and so much of Roman's skin as showing. People were looking at him equally in awe - just as Janus was - and also in clear astonishment. The tall stranger was certainly making an impression, that was for certain.

"The feathers on your mask look wonderful," Janus commented, looking for a conversation topic, Roman's smile only widened, "they look so much like real phoenix feathers, with the golden speckles and tips, how did you do that?"

"It's because they are real, darling, I wouldn't spare an expense for a wonderful party such as this," Roman said, looking at Janus with a mix of curiosity and interest, like he didn't know why Janus would ask. 

"That- but phoenix feathers are so rare!" Janus said, reaching out slowly to run his fingers across one, Roman let him, "I've only ever seen the one framed in our library! How did you manage to get so many - enough to make a mask-"

"And the outfit too," Roman smiled, wiggling his shoulders to show off the feathered epaulettes, "I simply went and talked to a phoenix, why, are they not common here?"

Janus simply shook his head, dumbfounded. 

"Well, that is upsetting - ooh! Dancing!" Roman said, something distracting him from the previous conversation fast enough for Janus to yelp in surprise as he was dragged off towards where other couples were dancing. Roman spun him into a dance, though it didn't seem to be one Janus knew. Without knowing the steps, Janus was left to fumble for a moment until Roman pulled him close with a hand in the small of his back. 

They were practically nose to nose as Roman expertly led Janus through graceful spins and twirls. Whatever dance they were doing was graceful and smooth, elegant in a way that brought to mind something divine. Janus felt he was barely doing a thing, just along for the ride as Roman guided him through the motions. 

He felt himself fall more in love with the beautiful man by the minute. Everyone else in the ballroom seemed to know that before even he did, considering how the suitors who had been clamouring for his attention before now seemed practically uninterested as Roman led him through the ballroom, keeping that hand on his back now even as they left the dance floor. 

"You are quite beautiful, you know," Roman hummed, looking Janus over as he sipped fine wine from a tall flute, "It's captivating."

"I am, aren't I?" Janus said, grinning as he boasted, making Roman chuckle.

"I enjoy someone who knows their worth," Roman hums, twirling one of the delicate golden chains Janus had attached to his sleeve idly around his finger, "I'll be quite honest, Prince Janus, I find myself rather taken by you, I was not originally here with the intention to court the prince, but..."

"You're... interested?" Janus asked, hesitant.

"You originally talked to you because you were overwhelmed by offers of courtship you couldn't deny," Roman said, "I will not be upset if you refuse me, but yes, Janus, I am quite interested in courting you, if you're open to such a commitment."

Janus was shocked that Roman was so clear about his being allowed to say no, but no matter how shocking, the gesture was most certainly appreciated. And he found he didn't particularly want to refuse.

"May I... have time to think about it?" Janus asked him. Roman hummed, the sound light and musical.

"Of course you may," Roman nodded, giving Janus a knowing smile as if he knew how desperately Janus simply wanted to say yes, "In the meantime.... would you tell me about yourself? I'd love to know more..."

Janus had never been one to open up much about himself. He didn't like talking about his hobbies, nor his life. He struggled to be vulnerable with people, but somehow, Roman made it so much easier to do so. It never once felt like Roman was judging him, not even when he said something that wasn't entirely true.

It had always been difficult for Janus to be truthful too, but whenever he lied about something, Roman would ask him again - he didn't understand how Roman always seemed to know when he'd said something that wasn't true. It seemed like an uncanny ability the man had. 

Eventually, though, they seemed to reach the end of Roman's questions for now. He was sure he'd be asked more later if he did end up going through with Roman's courting request - which at this point he was entirely certain that he would - but for now, Roman's curiosity seemed satiated. 

"Would you like to go on a walk with me?" Roman asked, with a smirk on his face, "I feel it's getting rather stuffy in here, don't you?"

It was rather warm, though Janus wasn't sure if that was truly the case or if it was just the wine they had been drinking all evening. But he found himself immediately wanting to agree anyway. He'd like to get away from the crowds with Roman. As nice as it was to be around him in the ballroom, other guests had never stopped staring at him with his outfit. Janus thought it would be rather nice to get away from all of their eyes for a short while.

"I believe a walk would be lovely," Janus agreed, letting Roman take his hand and lead the way. Despite this being Janus' castle, and Roman surely having never been here before, he seemed to find it easy to navigate his way to the gardens. It was much darker now than it had been earlier, with the light of the nearly full moon now the only thing lighting the gardens. 

That didn't seem to bother Roman, though, so Janus didn't let it bother him either as Roman led him through at a slow pace. The only problem was that Janus quickly found himself growing cold. 

"Are you alright, my darling?" Roman asked him when Janus started to shiver a little. Roman didn't seem phased at all be the cold, Janus huffed, a little jealous.

"It's just a little cold out," Janus admitted, "Though being out here is definitely better than in there anyway."

"Hm, cold?" Roman hummed, before letting go of Janus' hand and wrapping his arm around his waist instead, pulling him gently so he was pressed up against Roman's side as they walked. Janus gasped softly. Roman's skin was hot. It felt like snuggling up in front of a fireplace but in human form, and the arm around his back felt so warm and safe. Janus melted into it, and he looked up just to see Roman smiling at him.

"I forgot your people often get cold," He admitted, gently rubbing Janus' side. He made a soft noise - this sort of touch wasn't something Janus was used to at all. He was a prince, and he'd refused every courtship offer he'd gotten before Roman's. Roman didn't poke at him, he simply cooed at him, "You are exceptionally adorable."

"Adorable?" Janus spluttered, he had never in his life been called adorable before.

"Yes dear," Roman smirked at him, "Adorable and rather beautiful, you'd make a fine treasure in a dragons hoard."

Janus laughed, "Now you're just being a flatterer," he shook his head, "A wondrous creature such as a dragon wouldn't want me."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Roman gave him a gentle squeeze, "Oh look-! Moonflowers..."

They had arrived at a little secluded section of the garden, where a few morning glory vines twined up a set of trellises amongst other plants. Janus smiled, leading Roman over to brush a finger over the spread petals.

"They're lovely, aren't they?"

"Not as lovely as you," Roman smirked at him, Janus simply huffed.

"Oh now you're just trying to seduce me."

"Is it working?" Roman raised an eyebrow, his expression playful as he wrapped his other arm around Janus too, now that they were facing each other, it became much more obvious just how much taller Roman was compared to Janus. The top of his head barely reached Roman's chin. It was strange, Janus was generally considered a respectable height - standing at 5'11 - which meant Roman must be incredibly tall. A foot taller at least. Janus didn't think he had ever met someone so tall. 

"...Maybe just a little," Janus couldn't help but smile, "I... I'll admit, I've never been this close to someone before..."

"Really?" Roman asked, before leaning down and whispering to Janus like he was revealing a secret, "I haven't either..."

Janus was, honestly, a little shocked to hear that. Roman was suave, flirty and sure of himself like he knew exactly what he was doing at all times. While Janus wasn't sure if he was a noble or royalty like himself, Janus could easily imagine Roman taking many a lover before finding someone to court properly, it was honestly shocking to hear that he hadn't.

"What, with all your flirting and looks, you really couldn't find anyone willing?" Janus teased. 

"Oh, many have been willing," Roman huffed, "But before you, none have caught my interest enough to consider, courtship in my culture is very special, I wouldn't waste my time on someone I wouldn't deem worthy of me."

Again, Janus found himself shocked, but now for a different reason entirely.

"But... you asked to court me?"

"i did indeed," Roman smirked at him, like he was waiting for Janus to come to a conclusion.

"So you... deem me worthy of you?"

"I do," Roman smiled, pulling Janus just a little closer. It was easy to push himself onto his toes, not yet pressing their lips together but now close enough that his cold breath mingled with Roman's, which was hot as though he had a fire in his throat.

"May we?" Janus asked quietly, not sure if he should just do it if Roman's culture was as serious about this as he said. He didn't want to cause an offence by acting presumptuously. 

"We may," Roman hummed. leaning down to gently press their lips together. The kiss was gentle and a little hesitant, but Roman's lips were warm and tasted like the wine they had been drinking. When Roman went in for a second kiss Janus happily reciprocated and now he could taste smoke and heat like burning coals. 

A soft noise escaped his throat as Roman's arms pressed him close, pulling Janus up further onto his toes as Roman pressed their lips together more firmly. Janus gasped softly as Roman's tongue pressed against his lips, and suddenly the kiss was deepened beyond anything Janus even knew you could do with a partner. 

After a little encouragement from Roman, Janus shifted his hand to Roman's hip, brushing his fingers across Roman's exposed golden skin. He was practically glowing in the light of the moon and Janus was trying to drink him in as they kissed. 

Janus started panting when Roman pulled away, out of breath and dizzy. He felt hot all over, in a tingling, pleasant way. Roman hummed, before wrapping his arms around Janus and lifting him. Janus yelped in shock, hands flying to Roman's shoulders.

"Sorry darling," Roman hummed, "I wanted to be able to touch you."

"Touch me?" Janus practically squeaked, flustered. Roman smiled. 

"Nothing inappropriate, unless you'd like that," Roman purred, pressing another kiss to the corner of his mouth, "Only - I'd rather hold you, than have to help you be tall enough to kiss me."

Janus laughed a little, "You're sure I wont fall?"

"I'm sure, don't worry, my darling, I wouldn't let you get hurt."

"Alright then," Janus said, "In that case you can touch me however you like."

Roman's eyes sparkled like he'd been presented with his favourite meal, and Janus wondered briefly if giving that permission was a good idea. Moments later though, Janus felt Roman's warm fingers slip under his shirt, tracing over his sensitive skin and making him gasp and keen at even the lightest touches. Roman looked at him like he was something precious and special as he traced a swirl across Janus' side, and it made Janus feel warm and soft and just so so nice.

"You can touch me as well, if you like," Roman purred in his ear, sending a shiver down Janus' spine. Roman kissed his cheek, before trailing kisses down Janus' jaw. 

Janus had only just gotten the courage to bring his hands back to Roman's waist, fingers more tentatively pushing up the fabric of Romans top. Roman's lips were returned to his once more and he was immediately distracted by the way Roman's teeth caught his lower lip, it was only then that he realised Roman had fangs. Janus moaned as they dragged across his skin, making him blush and pull away in embarrassment. Roman cooed again, just deepening the blush on Janus' cheeks further.

"Awee, darling - do you like that?" Roman asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Janus' ear. His tone was most certainly teasing, but Janus blushed as though he was asking a genuine question.

"You- you have fangs," Janus gasped, Roman's smile faltered for just a moment, "They- feel nice, please do that again-"

The look was gone, and Roman was grinning again, pulling Janus back into a searing kiss. 

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Janus had never known the grass of the gardens more intimately than he did now. 

Watching him with his head cocked to the side, Roman sat just a little ways away as Janus attempted to fix up his outfit into something more dignified, pulling up his collar to hide the purple marks Roman had left on his neck even if they made him smile. and adjusting his sleeves so they fell in place once more. Roman helped him tuck his shirt back into his trousers and check to ensure he hadn't ended up with any grass stains before helping to sort out his hair. 

"I don't understand why you're doing this," Roman commented idly as he redid the fancy braid on the side of Janus' head that had started to come undone with how many times Roman had attempted to run his fingers through Janus' hair. 

"Whatever do you mean?" Janus asked as he turned to search for his crown in the grass, He'd removed his mask too, and Roman set about helping fix that back into place as well, Roman had never removed his, but that was okay, Janus was sure he'd get to see his new lover's face eventually. 

"All of this... don't you want to show off how I've claimed you?" Roman asked, seeming genuinely confused, "Being marked is an honour, for us."

"Really?" Janus asked, looking over at Roman, that certainly sounded nice - Janus didn't particularly enjoy hiding a lot of things, but this thing felt particularly bad, "The people in the ballroom would consider it scandalous - and my parents most of all, they'd never forgive me for even doing this."

"We didn't even-"

"I know, I know, but kissing is bad enough, to them," Janus sighs, taking Roman's offered hand and allowing himself to be hoisted up with an easy strength that made him weak in the knees.

"How upsetting," Roman hummed, "Is that why everyone's been staring at me?"

"Your outfit?" Janus asked, Roman nodded, "I- yes, the people here appreciate modesty, but I don't think you should change yourself to fit their wishes, you look delightful as you are."

Roman smiled, leaning down to kiss the top of Janus' head and taking his hand.

"I appreciate that, my love, genuinely," Roman said, leading their way back to the party just has he had led the way out here, leaving Janus' thoughts to wander back to Roman's lips on his, Roman's fangs digging into his skin, all of the new things he'd experienced for the first time tonight. 

He glanced up at Roman as they walked, the silver moonlight glinting off of his red mane of hair, and counted himself lucky.  He knew for certain that he would be taking that courtship offer now.

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Prompts for this fic were: 3. Dragons, 7. Masquarade Ball and 8, Medieval

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