Archive of Our Own ^beta

Rolling hills, gentle streams, swaying trees…

…and absolutely no missing cargo.

“Ugh.” Mydei sighs, going to survey the area for what must have been the 10th time this day. Aglaea had tasked him and Phainon with recovering a missing cart from a caravan, claiming it contained important supplies which would be a pain to try and replace otherwise. Unfortunately, Mydei believes that if she asked him to take down all the Titans single-handedly instead, it would have been significantly easier than whatever he’s doing now. They arrived at sunrise, but noon’s long since passed at this point. Another hour or two and the sun will set, meaning they’d have to camp out here for the night- something which Mydei’s not exactly keen on doing. Phainon likely already set up for that scenario… but the Prince not exactly excited to sleep on the floor again regardless.

A day prior, Mydei had just returned from another tiring mission when Aglaea had suddenly pulled him aside, claiming she had another task for him and Phainon. Of course, Mydei accepted easily- always willing to help- but damn does he miss his bed anyways.

That’s why he’s worried. Indeed! Not because it means he’ll be spending the night alone with Phainon. Phainon who’s extremely mad at Mydei, for reasons Mydei can’t quite confront right. Reasons that occurred before that previous outing of his. A fight he still hasn’t gotten the chance to resolve.

Definitely not.

He hopes Phainon’s found something of value by now, because all Mydei’s gained from this expedition is a mounting sense of disappointment. Watching paint dry would be more productive than the aimless wandering he’s been doing for the past 10 hours. For a notoriously good hunter, Mydei can’t seem to find much of anything. This teeming forest might as well be an abandoned desert with how empty it is.

At least the area’s pretty.

He groans, deciding to stop incessantly pacing around for a few minutes. Plopping down dramatically on the nearest rock he can find, Mydei examines his claws, attempting to clean the dirt off of them, when he spots the image of something strange reflecting off of them-

-the unmistakable flash of white fabric against the light of the setting sun. 

“You have got to be kidding me…”

Rising off the rock, Mydei rushes over to check out where the light came from, and lo and behold; the missing cart, buried almost all the way in the mud at this point. Mydei groans with frustration as he examines the scene, quickly realizing that most of the supplies Aglaea wanted them to recover are completely unsalvageable- having been soaked in mud and who knows what else for at least a day now. The poor owner’s likely lost months worth of work because of it, and Mydei’s heart can’t help but twist sympathetically at the sight.

Moreover, the ground it’s stuck in is alongside the bed of a very active river, one which tends to experience several flash floods, hence why it’s so deep into the banks running along it. If Mydei were to try and step further in towards the other side of the cart in an attempt to drag it out; he’d likely sink himself, and that wouldn’t exactly end well. 

However, the very end of the it is still above ground, and in that Mydei can spot a handful of items that just barely managed to get out unscathed.

The first of which is an inconspicuous dark teal and brown jar, decorated with pleasing images of chimeras and humans, squat in stature and sealed tight with a lid, seemingly miraculously intact despite the rocky journey it’s endured. 

Unfortunately, Aglaea never told them what specifically is in the cart- and he suspects one of the implied objectives of the mission is to figure that out- so Mydei decides there’s nothing better to do but double check that the stuff they do have is still good. 

Or, at least, not completely covered in mud.

Either way; this leads to him opening the jar. Mydei’s hand trembles slightly as he lifts the lid off, cautiously attempting to ascertain what’s inside. For all he knows, a venomous snake could pop out at any minute and give him a very, very bad evening. Therefore, it’s best to keep it safe, even if the average viper in Amphoreus likely doesn’t know to aim for his tenth thoracic vertebrae.

Although, with how strange Phainon’s been making Mydei feel lately, alongside their recent fight- he can’t be so sure now…

Ultimately, Mydei’s successfully opens the jar, setting its ornate lid carefully on top of a stable box, then sharply peering inside. 

What he finds only confuses him further.

Instead of Chimera food, or leashes, or really anything one might expect out of a jar decorated in that manner- there’s a strange, iridescent green powder inside?

Mydei’s never seen anything like it, and the instant he gets a little closer, a strong-but-pleasant floral scent immediately assaults his nose.

The Prince chuckles. Whatever it is- likely a base for some rare, frivolous perfume for the nobles in Okhema- it’s by no means a necessary good. He prays the rest of the cargo proves more valuable, lest this aggravating expedition become even more of a waste of time.

However, just for the hell of it- and because Mydei’s honestly rather curious- he decides to examine the powder closer.

Taking a pinch and carefully rubbing it between his fingers, Mydei admires the bright sheen it possesses as he slides it against his claws. Wondering what floral scent it is specifically, Mydei brings it to his nose and takes a deep sniff. 

It brings up notes of exotic plants, petrichor and a strange, persistent sourness- but nothing identifiable. He almost reels back at the smell, but there’s something strange, something intoxicating to it.

Another sniff couldn’t hurt.

This one sends Mydei’s head spinning, and he grips the edge of the cart for support as he stumbles to the floor, vision blurring. He takes a deep, shaky breath, attempting to recover, but it’s futile. As he falls, he knocks over the jar, sending the strange powder everywhere. Fortunately its contents spill towards the back of the muddy cart- but the dust still blooms in the air- making Mydei cough up even more.

He curses under his breath as darkness swiftly takes him, sinking into feverish unconsciousness and the cold mud, body going limp like a ragdoll.

______________

Phainon’s losing his mind.

“A mission with both of us?!” Were the only words he could offer to Aglaea when she assigned the recovery to him and Mydei.

Oh, Mydei.

Phainon swears he’s gonna tear him limb from limb for what he’s done.

They’d fought occasionally in the past- a normal occurrence for all healthy friendships- but nothing like this.

Nothing this frustrating.

Ironically, it had all truly begun with something incredibly mundane- at least for them- a spar.

The time is a little more than a week ago, right before Mydei’s about to leave for yet another job. 

“Don’t by shy, Mydei- we both know a good fight will get you all ready and warmed for the mission!” Phainon exclaims, walking excitedly alongside Mydei as they make their way through the market. 

Normally, the other man would accept in an instant- but something else was weighing on the prince’s mind. Something that’s been going on for weeks, and yet Phainon still isn’t certain of.

Something that he wasn’t telling Phainon.

“Not today, Deliverer.” Mydei dismisses politely, shifting directions to head towards his residence.

Phainon deflates a little, losing the lightness in his step. Mydei had slowly started turning every offer of his down… something not necessary suspicious- but a spar? This was unprecedented!

“Why not?”

“I have work to do.” Mydei replies plainly, ignoring the disappointed look in Phainon’s eyes as he continues on his way back home. 

However, Phainon’s not having it. After all this time, he’s done with Mydei’s lame excuses.

“Mydeimos; we always spar at this time of the day. What could you possibly be busy with anyways- you already said you were prepared for the mission earlier?” He asks, a slight sharpness to his words that causes Mydei to flinch, avoiding his gaze ever so slightly.

“Fine.” Mydei concedes drily, letting out a small sigh- as if something else he was worrying about came true. “Lead the way.”

Phainon raises an eyebrow- wondering what’s up with the prince- but he figures he can just ask when they get there instead. Public confrontations never go well for them, even if they’re typically lighthearted in nature. 

Those poor bathhouse-goers. 

Either way, he’ll get to the bottom of this eventually. Although if you were to ask Phainon… he’s praying with every bone in his body that’s it’s sooner rather than later.

They continue to walk together- albeit far more awkwardly this time. Mydei’s gone rather stiff, unwilling to look in Phainon’s direction- but not in a guilty way.

No, it seems as if he’s completely lost in thought instead.

Strange.

It’s not like the crown prince never ponders- quite the opposite actually- but now, he’s so guarded around Phainon, when normally, he’s pretty much an open book. 

Phainon decides to just keep his mouth shut for now- curious to see how this plays out. When they finally arrive, Mydei doesn’t comment on his unusual silence either. Instead, he stares him down intensely, like a lion examining its prey.

Even stranger.

“You’re so quiet today Mydei.” Phainon comments sheepishly, hoping that won’t set him off.

“Hmm.” Mydei replies mildly. “I suppose I am.”

Phainon blinks back at him, the awkward silence stifling the air like a hot breeze. The Deliverer feels like he’s already suffocating on it. He knows he’s well acquainted with Mydei by now- but currently, his behavior has Phainon stumped. He’s treating Phainon like he’s an annoying puzzle he’s struggling to solve- and Phainon hates it with every bone in his body.

“…Soo… let’s begin?” He finally offers, nervously gripping the fabric of his right sleeve. 

“Alright.” The prince says emotionlessly, tilting his head at Phainon’s reaction and shifting into a fighting stance.

Phainon can’t believe he’s saying this- but the fight between him and Mydei is boring.

It’s mechanical, rehearsed, dare he say stale. Mydei’s putting no passion into it, swinging with only the barest of effort, as if it was a chore, something he has to do rather than what he wants to. Phainon tries to provoke him into putting more energy into it- but it’s pointless, as if Mydei’s mind is completely elsewhere, and he’s only participating in the fight for the sake of appeasing Phainon- for seeing how that treatment makes him feel instead.

At this point, Phainon’s decided the emotion Mydei’s searching for is his barely withheld urge to scream at him.

“Draw.” He says angrily, pulling away from Mydei in an instant. 

“Hmm?” Mydei murmurs like he’s coming out of a daze, giving Phainon that same weird stare he’s been wearing all day.

“What’s really on your mind- Prince?” He says pointedly. “You’re fighting like a machine right now- and I don’t mean in terms of efficiency.”

Fortunately, this is what finally does get a reaction out of Mydei- although it’s an equally frustrating one- he simply closes his eyes.

“Nothing for you to be concerned about.” Mydei answers cryptically.

Phainok groans. “So just tell me instead of leaving me in the dark if it doesn’t matter!”

Mydei turns away from him. “I can’t do that.”

Phainon clenches his fists. “We’ve shared with each other practically everything else! If it’s a touchy subject I won’t pry- but why are you acting like I did something?”

That gets Mydei to really stop in his tracks, his eyes widening dramatically and a small gasp escaping from his lips.

Jackpot.

“What is it? What did I do Mydeimos?” Phainon rambles worriedly, reaching towards him- but Mydei steps away.

The prince is quiet for a moment, as if he’s mulling over his words- but can’t seem to find the right ones.

“Sorry.” Is all he says before slipping away, gone in the blink of an eye.

By now, livid would be an understatement for how Phainon feels.

So he did something. Something. What is this something- he doesn’t have a clue! Mydei’s not helping either- not when he runs away at the first chance he gets! Immediately, Phainon pulls out his phone, desperately spamming the others DMs and staring at the screen like his life depends on it… only to receive no response. Minutes roll into hours and it’s just nothing. Nothing nothing nothing. Phainon’s barely resisting the urge to smash the stupid piece of metal to bits for the insult of mediating Mydei’s unresponsiveness.

He can’t believe Mydei’s acting this way, and that feeling only worsens when he finally, finally gets a text back.

“Stop flooding my inbox, please.”

That’s it. That’s all he gets in response after almost a whole day of agonizing over his phone screen.

Phainon swears he’s gonna do something worse than whatever Mydei’s upset about. Something that will really give him a reason to be mad about- maybe then the sense of guilt he’s feeling will make sense. Guilt over committing a sin he’s not even aware of.

Therefore, when Aglaea assigns that new, ridiculous mission to them, when Phainon’s just been stewing in his feelings for about a week at this point- the Deliverer knows he’s going to make the most of it. 

No matter the cost.

________________

“Ughh…” Mydei groans, bleary eyes flickering open. 

He feels like a mountain of bricks is lying on top of him, and that heavy sensation only worsens when he attempts to move- feeling weaker than he ever has before. Even holding his head up is a Herculean task, so Mydei decides to just slump further into the strange, warm branches holding him upright instead. 

The next thing he notices is the burning. So much burning. It feels like every nerve in his body is on fire with how itchy he is. Mydei twitches desperately in the thing that suspends him, head sliding against the firm fabric he’s resting against while he squirms. 

Every little sensation, every motion of his skin against the clothes he’s wearing is utterly agonizing, and as some of his strength and awareness returns to him, Mydei tries shuffling out of them, managing to almost tug one gauntlet off when something- someone stops him.

That someone being none other than Phainon of Aedes Elysiae himself- who Mydei’s currently being carried by.

“-Phainon?” Mydei attempts to ask, but all that comes out is a pained mumble, and he collapses back against the other's chest.

“You’re awake?” Phainon questions worriedly, an unreadable expression on his face. 

“Mmm.” Mydei manages to reply, his tongue feeling like lead. He can barely focus on Phainon’s words with how unbearable the pain is, but every ounce of consciousness he has remaining is directed the Deliverer’s way.

Phainon nods, continuing to stride onwards, and after what feels like hours- although it was likely just a few minutes- Phainon sets Mydei down, in what Mydei’s fuzzy mind concludes is some sort of makeshift camp.

“I’m calling Hyacine.” He announces, pulling out his phone and dialing her number. Mydei claws at the floor in agony- drawing a worried look from Phainon- but he doesn’t go to check on him. When she finally picks up, asking nervously what’s wrong, Phainon then decides to sit beside Mydei, holding up the speaker of the phone towards him.

“Mydei’s sick with something.” He begins, glancing at the Prince’s slumped form. “I checked his heart rate and breathing- it’s all slowed down- but it’s still very steady and strong. I don’t think it’s going to stop, nor anything severe in that matter. Moreover, judging by his behavior,” Phainon leans in towards Mydei, eyes giving him an almost clinical evaluation, “I think he’s in a lot of pain. He’s also running hot- but it doesn’t seem like a typical fever.”

“I see…” Hyacine murmurs on the other end. “Is he awake?” 

“Barely.” Phainon replies. “He’s completely out of it. He tried talking earlier but couldn’t form words.”

Mydei bristles a bit, blinking in protest. He’s perfectly aware, thank you very much! He’s enduring a lot of distress!

“Could you try and ask him what happened anyways?” Hyacine inquires nervously. 

“Of course.” Phainon shuffles closer to Mydei, and reaches his arms out towards him. Mydei shudders as strong hands pull him upwards- one holding his clothed shoulder steady while the other hovers the phone right in front of his mouth.

“What happened, Mydei?” He repeats calmly.

“I- huhmph.” Mydei begins, trying to get a hold of himself. “W-weird, weird powder.” He stutters, the soupy mess of his mind jumbling his words around. “Green.” He concludes, tipping forward.

However, instead of collapsing onto the ground, Phainon catches him.

And in doing so- places his bare hand on Mydei’s chest.

The effect is instant.

Mydei practically moans at the relief feeling the other’s skin on his provides, immediately leaning into that touch. If the rest of his body is a burning desert- this lone, cool oasis is his only salvation. Mydei seeks it like a hungry lion, using all of his remaining strength to push Phainon onto the floor, before happily plopping himself on top of him, nuzzling his head into Phainon’s neck.

Meanwhile, the other two are completely losing their minds.

“What was that?!” Hyacine squeaks through the phone, alarmed at the *sound* Mydei just produced. 

Phainon’s in a similar state of distress, both attempting to figure out why Mydei is doing this, and trying not to freak out because “oh my god my crush who I’m still mad at is on top of me and cuddling me!” 

So, an incredible normal situation across the board, all things considered.

Taking a deep breath, Phainon regains his bearings, patting Mydei awkwardly on the neck in reassurance while attempting to find the right way to phrase what just happened to Hyacine.

“Mydei is on top of me.” Is what he eventually lands on.

“EXCUSE ME?!” Hyacine practically chokes through the phone, and Phainon immediately realizes how insane his choice of words was. He can practically see her pacing around her clinic, hand scandalously pressed against her mouth in disbelief. 

He hears her sigh exasperatedly. “Why?”

Phainon glances at Mydei, who’s weakly pawing at his neck, trying to tear the shirt away to expose more of his skin- when the answer clicks in his mind.

“I think he’s seeking skin-skin contact. Whatever that powder did to him- urgh,” Phainon gasps, interrupted by Mydei managing to rip his collar. Distressed, he pushes the other off of him, causing Mydei to yell in pain the instant he’s no longer touching Phainon. He curls inwards, writhing around on the floor and whimpering softly. 

Phainon quickly fixes his collar, but the damage is done, as he now has an agonized Mydei and extremely concerned Hyacine to handle at once.

“-what’s going on now?!” She asks worriedly. 

“-I- it’s nothing.” Phainon lies. “He just fell- I’ll help him back up.” He declares, even as he nervously inches back as Mydei tries crawling back forwards him.

“Okay, okay, okay.” Hyacine mutters. “Green. Powder. Touch starvation… could I ask Mydei something else?” She inquires seriously.

“Yes.” Phainon responds hesitantly, deciding to just bite the bullet and pick Mydei up again- who instantly melts once Phainon’s hand wraps around his waist. 

“Mydei, I know you’re not all here right now- but did you see anything else on that jar?” 

The prince blinks slowly, information tumbling through his mind at a snail's pace, almost entirely focused on Phainon’s touch instead of the world around him.

“C-chimera…” he eventually mumbles slowly.

Phainon’s even more lost, but somehow, that helps Hyacine.

“Got it!” She exclaims excitedly. “He’s drugged!”

“Didn’t we already assume that?”

“Yes- but this particular one’s special. It’s not some sort of poison- it’s contraband!”

This takes Phainon aback, expecting it to be some weird medicine or ‘not for human consumption’ cleaning supply that one could occasionally find around Ohkema. 

Not drugs.

This should definitely be reported to Aglaea when they get back.

“…Okay.” He replies slowly, shifting the phone around to squeeze between the crook of his neck so he can move his other hand to sooth Mydei’s low whines. “…but how did you figure that out from just the word ‘Chimera’?”

He hears Hyacine huff smugly. “I’m a TA at the grove you know! During my studies, I came across records of a discontinued item- ‘Taming powder’ as it was referred to. Some scholar invented it to make Chimera’s- alongside other animals- more responsive to human commands via influencing them to desire out contact and attention. However, it could- in large doses- affect people as well. Therefore, it was banned in Ohkema a few centuries ago, in order to prevent anyone from being taken advantage of by it.”

“Hmm…” Phainon mutters, absorbing all of this worrying information. He doubts Mydei was the intended target of whoever this powder was meant for- but it clearly did the job. 

The crown prince is currently trying his best to merge his skin with Phainon’s- and to Phainon’s horror, all he can think about is what would happen had it made it to Ohkema. 

Or if someone else had found Mydei in this state.

“Hyacine. Can you inform Aglaea of this for me?”

“Of course-“ she pauses for a moment, and he can just barely make out a faint giggle coming from the other end, “-so, as your doctor-” Her amusement turns into full on elation- the joy of getting to mess with two of her dearest friends. “-I prescribe you, Phainon, to ‘take care’ of Mydeimos until he is better. Good night!”

Before Phainon can even get another word in, she hangs up, leaving him stranded with Mydei collapsed in his arms, the makeshift camp he created about an hour ago, and worst of all; his racing mind, still mildly hurt feelings, and swiftly pounding heart.

Oh boy.

_______________

More. More. More. More.

That’s all Mydei’s mind can think, with every cell of his body reaching towards that warm, reliving thing that calls itself Phainon. Mydei honestly couldn’t care less. He needs. He needs he needs he needs he needs until his blood runs dry and his mind goes blank. He moves towards it, that glorious salvation, digging in with his fingers and pulling forward with his arms even as it pushes and struggles away from his grasp. 

Closeness isn’t enough, he needs contact, so when Phainon’s rough hand finds its way around Mydei’s waist, he can’t help but fold. Sure, he’ll answer a question or two out of courtesy, for whatever Phainon and the other voice alongside him want- but Mydei really couldn’t care less. All he desires right now is relief, and he’ll do practically anything to get it. 

He hears Phainon hang up- and that’s his cue. 

“Phainon.” He groans desperately, trying to finish what he started earlier. “Help me take my clothes off.”

The whole world comes to a stop.

“WHAT?!” Phainon screeches, hands faltering then slipping’s off of Mydei skin, causing him to grunt in pain, tipping over onto Phainon’s chest again.

“Didn’t Hyacine tell you to help me?” He questions mercilessly, fiddling with the edge of his gauntlets.

“Well, yes- but that doesn’t mean I have to help you with this!” Phainon yelps nervously, trying to steady Mydei again.

The Prince takes a deep breath, as even in this murky state, his mind still doesn’t want to do the one thing he’s hated for all his life-

-beg.

“Phainon, please.” Mydei pleads with labored breaths. “I really need your help… please.”

The Deliverer’s gaze softens, surprised at the use of his name- causing him to let out an affectionate sigh. As life-altering as this will be… maybe that’s why he should do it in the first place. It’s not like he can leave Mydei hanging anyways- the other clearly needs his assistance- Hyacine herself said so.

Either way, as frustrated as Phainon is with Mydei- he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want the naked prince in his arms. He’s only mad because he feels he’s being ignored anyways… and right now, Mydei’s attention is solely on him. Since it’s seems like mostly due to him being drugged- that doesn’t solve everything- but it’s attention nonetheless.

Therefore, that conversation can wait.

Moreover, perhaps this is how he’ll get the answers to the questions that have been haunting him for weeks.

“Okay.” Phainon concedes plainly. “I’ll help you.” 

“This isn’t for fun” is the motto Phainon repeats incessantly through his mind as he reaches for Mydei, ignoring the noises the prince is making at his touch. 

All his job is will be to help Mydei. No more. No less.

Surgically, he begins removing Mydei’s clothing, starting with his gauntlets, then his belt, his other accessories and jewelry, his boots, and finally the fabric itself, depositing everything neatly into a pile, leaving Mydei with only his boxers remaining. The stuff is covered in mud anyways, so it had to happen sooner than later, but even that justification doesn’t help the racing of Phainon’s heart.

With every motion of Phainon’s hands against Mydei’s skin, the prince whimpers with pleasure, reaching weakly towards Phainon to try and drag him closer- but he only gets denied, pressed firmly to the floor by a strong arm, pinning him in place as Phainon finishes undressing him.

Mydei can’t help the reaction that causes, an excited jolt running through his body at the feeling of Phainon’s strength overpowering his own, leaving him helpless and at his mercy. He briefly wonders what more the other man could do to him in this state… but quickly lets it go. He wasn’t aware arousal was a side-effect of the powder, but he supposes he’ll just have report it to Hyacine later. How awful and dangerous it would be for another victim of it to catch feelings for someone they’re not attracted to. Right now, Phainon’s driving him crazy, and Mydei’s simply baffled that a mere drug could do such a thing.

Hazy golden eyes gaze into Phainon’s sharp blue ones, admiring the way he works with the utmost precision, hanging off every small movement, every slight change in expression, the way the nervous sweat slides off Phainon’s skin, the flex of his muscles…

Man, this powder has him messed up.

He’s so lost in the moment, he doesn’t even notice that Phainon’s done stripping him- only paying attention when he feels that comforting weight lift off his chest. 

With the lack of contact comes another wave of searing pain, causing Mydei to shut his eyes in distress, curling inwards on himself. As he shakes, Phainon readjusts his own position, practically ripping his own shirt and pants off with how fast he strips, leaving him in a similar state of undress as Mydei. He’s long since realized that for this to work- they both have to be exposed.

As that familiar, searing heat drives Mydei nuts, he feels a light, cool touch on his spine interrupt it, making him still. That sensation expands, relieving the relentless itching across the back side of his body, finally giving Mydei a moment of reprieve.

After a few moments, he realizes why he’s suddenly feeling so much better- Phainon’s cuddling him from behind.

Mydei’s heart skips more than a few beats.

The other is so warm, so comforting, so strong and soft and perfect and it’s making Mydei even more insane than the pain is. He wants more, he needs more.

Turning onto his other side, Mydei rolls backwards to face Phainon, meeting his surprisingly affectionate gaze yet again, veiled by the thinnest layer of nonchalance.

“Good.” Is all Mydei can manage to say before he surges forward, burying himself into Phainon’s shoulder again as he entangles himself with him.

All concerns, all pretenses have long since been thrown out of the window, with all that Mydei cares about now being Phainon Phainon Phainon Phainon. He fumbles around to find the other’s arms, and when he does,  he intertwines his fingers with Phainon’s, eliciting a sharp, surprised gasp from him. Suddenly, Mydei starts feeling a strange hunger within him- the urge to bite Phainon, to relieve the pain inside his mouth as well. 

Clumsily, Mydei brings his lips against Phainon’s neck, teeth sliding across the surprisingly bare skin- since the other had strangely decided to remove his collar. Phainon gasps at the feeling of Mydei’s canines against him- but, for some reason, he doesn’t stop him, doesn’t stop any of this- allowing Mydei to gently lap at his throat.

“Hah- what now?” Phainon asks, squeezing Mydei’s palm with his own. He’s just here to help his friend. That’s it. This is just to help. He’s helping by allowing him to this. Whatever this is, it’s helping! Mydei’s clearly not ignoring him anymore! Everything’s fine. Problem solved!

Right?

“Mmm…” Mydei responds, voice muffled by the taste of Phainon. He licks and teases his neck a few more times before working his way upwards, causing Phainon to moan in pleasure, throwing his head back as Mydei reaches his jaw. 

“Haha, that’s enough now, Mydei.” Phainon giggles nervously, halfheartedly untangling himself to push Mydei away. 

However, Mydei isn’t having it, his hunger only deepening, leaving him to dive right back towards Phainon.

This time, the Deliverer’s lips are where Mydei lands, and he kisses them with the upmost vigor.

He’s certain his pounding heart is the only thing either of them can hear right now, drumming on and on louder than a stampeding herd of Dromas. He’s certain Phainon can feel the shaking of his arms, strength failing him as he does his very best to stay in place. 

He’s certain Phainon can feel his raging erection pressing firmly against the Deliverer’s groin, begging to be addressed.

“Mmh, ah!” Phainon moans, giving into Mydei’s advances for a moment, letting their kiss linger for a few seconds too long before pulling away for good.

Mydei slumps back down onto the floor, panting desperately. Phainon sits up alertedly, checking on his condition while attempting to make up for his recent behavior.

“Mydei- you’re completely out of it…” Phainon sighs, reaching towards Mydei’s face and gently forcing him to look at him. “I’m going to help you- but we can’t keep doing this.”

“Phainon… need…” Mydei gasps, trying to wriggle out of Phainon’s grip and towards his exposed skin.

Phainon shakes his head dissapointly. “I’m sorry Mydei… but I know we’re both gonna regret this in the morning already. I want to help you, but-“

He latches onto Mydei’s wrists, pulling them together while glancing at Mydei’s erection. “-I don’t want you to get hurt- or do something you regret either.” Phainon concludes solemnly, even though saying the words themselves feels like he’s ripping a hole through Mydei’s chest.

Holding the prince’s hands together, Phainon unties a ribbon from his coat, and carefully wraps it around Mydei’s wrists, making sure it doesn’t hurt him. Normally, such a flimsy piece of fabric would never be enough to restrain him- but Mydei’s as powerful as a baby deer right now- and just as easily manipulated.

Perhaps too easily, as when he finally registers what Phainon’s doing to him, tears start to prick in the corners of his eyes.

“Shhh, easy.” Phainon soothes, noticing his distress, and shuffling back against him. “I’m not going anywhere- I just want to make sure you aren’t as well.”

Even if a noninsignificant portion of Mydei enjoys being at Phainon’s mercy- it only causes the rest of him distress. What if a monster comes? What if someone else sees him like this?

What if Phainon abandons him, and he’s been vulnerable for nothing? What if this is just an excuse to leave?

Those small tears turn into overflowing sobs as Mydei cries into Phainon’s arms, squirming as he tries his best to break those bonds.

It only hurts more, the pain of struggling against his restraints chafing his wrists, and only adding to the massive amount of agony he’s already experiencing. His want is all-consuming, but Phainon is choosing to distance himself from him.

“More… Phainon… I need more.” He mumbles sadly, shaking in Phainon’s grip.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Phainon tries to reassure, running his fingers through Mydei’s hair- but it’s really not enough.

“Hurts… no…” Mydei whispers quietly, struggling against his bonds.

Phainon sighs.

He wants to stop denying himself. To stop denying Mydei. If the prince were even one percent more coherent right now- he’d point out the shameful wet patch in Phainon’s pants. He’s enjoying this far more than he’d ever want to admit, and by now he’s almost as desperate as Mydei. By no means did he have to tie Mydei up in order to stop him- and Phainon’s brain is working overtime to try and deny it. It’s taking every ounce of his self control not to give into Mydei’s demands, stoking the fire lit inside him at the sight of the other panting on the floor. Excited beyond measure by the weak tugs Mydei makes at his restraints, he exhausted redness to his face, and the obvious tent in his pants.

That tenuous thread of sanity withholding Phainon’s deepest impulses has been pulled razor-thin, threatening to snap at any moment.

The Deliverer knows very well that contact alone won’t be enough to satisfy Mydei- who practically wants to devour him by now. If he gives him an inch, the other man will take all of Amphoreus… and Phainon’s worryingly finding that he’s not against that in the slightest.

Just how would Mydei look, splayed out beneath him, hair haloed around his face, a desperate, warm tint to his cheeks with unshed tears captive in his eyes? Would he scream when Phainon rides him, overwhelmed by pleasure- or would his mind recede into nothingness, just going along with it as he finally relaxes, enjoying the moment?

What if he let Mydei take the reigns? Just where would his desire bring him? Phainon knows Mydei’s big- they’ve bathed together too often for him to not- and he’s catched the way the others eyes linger upon him. How they widen slightly when Phainon bends over- and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t play into it. Conveniently, there was always something to pick up whenever Mydei was around. Always some way for Phainon to show himself off subtly, all while pretending like he just has no clue about the effect he has on the other man. 

Yet recently- nothing he’d usually toy with had been working. Mydei instead averted his gaze, ignored Phainon’s advances, and even started turning him down on a few things- especially that spar, which had sparked their whole fight to begin with. Clearly just touching him wasn’t enough to answer those questions. Maybe now he’ll get an explanation for why Mydei was being so weird out of the blue. Maybe now he can break down that artificial barrier between them.

But first- he wants Mydei’s full, honest permission.

If this is happening, it’s happening for real.

“Mydeimos.” Phainon begins breathlessly. “If we’re going to do this, I need to know- do you truly want this?”

“Yes.” Mydei immediately replies, grinding back into Phainon’s form, causing him to whimper.

“Even when you snap out of it- you won’t regret this?” Phainon continues, voice strained, trying to keep Mydei in place to stop him from doing it again…

“I won’t, I promise I won’t.” Mydei pants, clawing at Phainon’s skin through the restraints.

“It’s not just the drug talking?” Phainon presses again.

Mydei groans in frustration, “Yes. Really. It truly is, Phainon. I want this. I-I need this.”

Phainon sighs, lowering his gaze to the ribbon strung tight around Mydei’s wrists, snapping it in one fell swoop.

“Then do as you please.”

____________

Mydei’s never felt better in his life.

He’s sloppy, slow, and weak, feeling like he got hit by a boulder… or two. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t trade this moment for the world. One of his hands is nestled in Phainon’s hair- the other holding tightly onto his waist as Mydei thrusts into him like an animal in heat, stopping to catch his breath every few minutes from exhaustion. He’s so tired, his thoughts a jumbled, dopey mess. His only strength is Phainon, because even though the contact of their skin can’t uncloud Mydei’s mind- it does remove his pain, allowing him to keep going despite everything.

Therefore, he’s caught in a sort of pleasured, hazy mist, messily making love to Phainon as if his life depends on it. 

He knows he could be doing a much better job, knows that this probably isn’t the most enjoyable experience Phainon could be having, and that guilt eats away at his heart, so he’s been apologizing with warm kisses to the back of Phainon’s neck and tenderly carding through his hair. That’s the least he can do, after getting sick and making it so Phainon has to have sex with him. The other man is taking it surprisingly well, but Mydei still mumbles out wordless apologies anyways, trying to ignore that widening pit in his heart.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Mydei- Phainon’s also having a fantastic time. Merely knowing Mydei’s inside of him makes Phainon elated beyond measure, that lovely stretch inciting him to claw at the sleeping bag- but Mydei’s neediness is what’s been pushing Phainon over the edge. He fucks Phainon like he needs him to survive, like if he’s not held against him, he’ll just roll over and die. Phainon’s lost track of how many times Mydei’s orgasmed, and he reckons that if he wasn’t on medication, the other would have long since gotten him pregnant. 

It’s affection, earnest, and so, so desperate.

Phainon can tell Mydei’s strength is failing him as the drug runs its course, worsening his symptoms as his body works to expel it. Moreover, he can sense the guilt and uncertainty racking Mydei’s mind; his touch nervous, hesitant, and restrained when that’s the last thing they need right now.

Therefore, Phainon decides to take control, to fulfill that other fantasy of his from earlier- grabbing Mydei and flipping them over, pushing him down into the sleeping bag they’re fucking on, watching gleefully as the others eyes are blown wide.

Mydei starts babbling out worriedly- both at the sudden change in position, and because he slipped out- but Phainon stops him, pressing a finger softly to his lips.

“Don’t worry Mydeimos, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

The prince gasps at this, both shocked and relieved.

“There’s no need to be nervous.” He continues, pressing a warm kiss to Mydei’s lips. “You’re in good hands.”

Carefully, Phainon raises himself upward, guiding Mydei’s erection to his slick cunt, and gently presses it inside. They both groan at the contact, and Phainon shakes with pleasure when he finally sinks all the way down, skin flush against Mydei, straddling him with his thighs as his hands go to grab at Mydei’s face, pushing the sweaty strands out of his eyes.

“You’re doing so good, Mydeimos.” Phainon praises, delighted at the way it makes the other’s cock twitch in excitement.

He begins to ride him slowly, drawing out low moans and gasps from Mydei, whose hands shoot up to grip on Phainon’s back, nails digging into the skin slightly.

“I’ve got you.” Phainon continues, pressing soft kisses against the corners of Mydei’s eyes- who’s started to cry once more.

“You’re safe with me, Mydeimos.” Phainon keeps mumbling. “As much as you drive me crazy… I’d never let anyone else hurt you.” 

“Huh…?” Mydei whispers confusedly, stopping his movements, wondering why Phainon’s upset with him. 

“I’m bothering you?” He replies afraidly, voice as small as a mouse.

Phainon stops for a brief moment, pausing to look at the earnestness in Mydei’s eyes.

He truly doesn’t know. 

“You said I did something to upset you, but never elaborated, then ignored my texts for a week. Remember?”

Mydei falls silent, slowly processing the information before it finally comes back to him-

-Phainon was making him feel “weird” in the weeks before he left.

In the same way he feels now.

“You… you make me feel strange.” Mydei mumbles. “Heart rate up when I’m around you. Mind goes blank. I can’t focus. I was trying… trying to figure out what it was. Sorry.” He stutters.

Phainon tilts his head for a second, before bursting into laughter, realizing what’s going on.

“Oh, Mydeimos… you’re going to be in for a real shock when you recover from this…” he giggles, cradling the other’s face gently, giving him another soft kiss.

“Wha… what does that mean?!” Mydei exclaims nervously, trying to sit up.

“Nothing you should be concerned about.” Phainon echos, gently pushing Mydei back to the ground. “In the back of your mind… you already know anyways.”

Mydei blinks confusedly. “Oh- okay…”

Phainon grins, more radiant than the sun. 

“For now- let’s focus on the problem at hand…” Phainon teases Mydei with a slow roll of his hips, eliciting another moan from him, “…you want more, don’t you.”

“Yes.” Mydei pleads, melting against the hand on his cheek. 

“Then please try and relax… I’ll take care of you, okay? I promise.” Phainon says earnestly, gliding his thumb across Mydei’s face.

“Okay.” The prince agrees, finally allowing himself to just let go.

______________

“Ugh…” Mydei groans as he awakens to the sound of birds chirping and an absolute splitting headache. He no longer feels incredibly itchy or in agonizing pain- just extremely sore for the most part, like he just ran a marathon.

With the memories of last night returning to him… that level of activity isn’t quite far off.

Phainon Phainon Phainon Phainon. That’s all he can think of. His smile. His blush. His chest. His arms. His waist. His eyes. His pus-

-what has Mydei done?

He brings his hand to his face, coming to terms with his previous behavior. He’d begged Phainon to sleep with him with all his heart- and Phainon agreed.

The Deliverer had even asked if it wasn’t just the drugs talking… and Mydei said yes.

And meant it.

He’d cried, begged, whined, collapsed all over the place, and so, so much worse. Mydei was a hot mess last night, to say the least, and Phainon had seen all of it. Experienced even more. 

Oh dear.

“Mydei?” He hears that lovely, familiar voice ask softly. “Are you alright?”

Mydei doesn’t know, words failing him as his mind spins, pulled every which way by the myriad of emotions tugging at him. 

Phainon slides up closer to him- having already gotten up and changed a while ago. Mydei shivers as he feels himself being drawn towards Phainon’s chest, strong arms wrapping protectively around him. Mydei leans into the touch, shuddering at the mild relief it still manages to provide him.

By now, Phainon’s grown worried by his silence, acknowledging the thought that he crossed the line, which has been brewing in the back of his mind for some time now. “I’m sorry Mydei, I should have denied you harder, I should have turned you dow-“

“-no, Phainon.” Mydei interrupts firmly, shutting him up. “You didn’t do anything wrong- you just didn’t want me to be in pain. It’s okay.” 

Phainon sighs, messing with own hands nervously. “It was more than that… I wanted this… I shouldn’t have imposed it on you.”

Mydei’s eyes widen. Sure, Phainon absolutely seemed that way last night… but it still could have just been talk. However, Phainon straight up admitting it now?! That changes everything…

…Mydei no longer needs to feel guilty anymore either.

“Well, that’s good… because I feel the same way.” He replies relievedly.

“What?!” Phainon exclaims, shocked. 

“I didn’t have to fuck you to feel better, you know… there were other options if I wanted to…” Mydei mumbles sheepishly. 

“What’s on your mind, then…?” Phainon asks, flabbergasted. He also relaxes, guilt evaporating as well.

“I- I’m not sure.” Mydei admits, mulling over everything that’s occurred as he sinks into Phainon’s warm embrace. 

“Well then-“ Phainon starts hopefully, “-do you want me to explain what I said last night?”

Mydei takes a deep breath, thinking about that conversation, as well as both of their behaviors in the last few weeks.

“…I think you’re right- I already know the answer.”

Those feelings, that desire to have sex with Phainon, the neediness for him specifically- that wasn’t from the drug. Sure, it sparked his willingness to acknowledge those emotions- but it didn’t create them. All it made him need was touch, not Phainon. Certainly not intercourse. Everything else was all Mydei. 

Mydei had felt that desperation beforehand, and had shut down because of it, trying to decipher what it was and why it was happening- thus ignoring Phainon in the process. He’d watched him like a hawk, observing his every move in an attempt to understand what’s going on- at the cost of their relationship. Mydei even believed the other had cast some sort of spell on him with the way he’d react whenever Phainon came around. With how his heart rate would spike and his eyes would dilate, giddy without knowing why, excited for seemingly no reason. Mydei had thought there was something wrong with him- something he needed to figure out on his own- so he’d withdrawn himself completely, to the point of alienating Phainon. 

No, this wasn’t no trick, no temporary effect or magical spell- Mydei’s in love with Phainon, and he can’t believe it took some stupid powder to realize it.

Phainon knows the answer too- even if Mydei leaves those words unspoken. The silence is all he can offer, all he should offer. They both know acknowledging the truth any further in times like this will only be detrimental… will only make that predetermined pain hurt even worse.

And yet, Mydei’s never been taken care of before. Never been given the chance to just let loose and do what he desires. Phainon trusted Mydei with all his heart- and Mydei had given his own back. Warmth blooms in his chest recalling last night- recalling how Phainon treated him. He was so gentle, so sweet, and Mydei craves it, craves that attention, the light of that radiant sun.

These emotions, they’re worth more than any amount of misery this world will inevitably force upon him.

Mydei’s still sick, those needy feelings- albeit lessened significantly- are ever-present, drawing him back in. 

So he leans into Phainon’s shoulder, pulling him into a warm embrace. Tomorrow, he’ll stand alone again… but now?

He’ll go where his favorite white-haired man takes him, and as Mydei inches towards the cliff of his destined demise, he smiles; knowing that the last person he’ll ever see will be the man he’s fallen deeply in love with.

_______________

Nestled within the walls of the holy city, its infamous Goldweaver lets out a rare giggle. 

Hyacine’s report of the contraband has indeed shocked her so far- she will have to look into what that powder’s intended purpose was later. 

However, that’s not what’s on her mind at all right now. Nothing Mydei and Phainon could have discovered would quell Aglaea’s excitement from achieving the real objective of the mission- getting the two of them closer together at last.

Perhaps she’ll have to thank whatever schemer dropped it there- otherwise this would have been a much more arduous journey. As many things to do that there are- she can’t keep justifying sending Mydei and Phainon on solo assignments without them getting suspicious.

Amusedly, Aglaea wonders if they know she knows what happened already.

After all, if there’s cell service- it’s because she provided it, and if she provided it… the rest is history.

“Took them long enough,” she mutters to herself when Hyacine finishes the debrief, giving the young woman a sly, knowing look after she explains what she "prescribed" to the two of them.

“Ever-quickwitted, Lady Hyacine.” Aglaea commends, smiling at the exhausted healer.

“They’ve been dancing around each other for months… it was the least I could do.”

Aglaea nods. “The people of Amphoreus will sleep sounder, knowing its two biggest imbeciles are finally getting over themselves.” She chides affectionately.

“…as for those poor forest animals’ night’s…,” Aglaea chuckles, “…that’s another story.”

Hyacine laughs. “The real miracle is seeing you this pleased, Lady Aglaea. You haven’t been this joyous in years.”

Aglaea offers a soft smile, closing her unseeing eyes.

“I am still the demigod of Romance, after all. No matter how much of myself I lose- that will never change. Long-awaited reunions will always satisfy me.”

Hyacine looks towards the sky, gazing upon the radiant light of the dawn device- and the promise of a kinder future. 

“I hope so.”