The prince recoiled slightly from having his hand grabbed, gently mind you, by the man in front of him. "This is a love potion!" The man said while taking the bottle filled with a glowing pink liquid from his hand.
The royal tensed up, his mind racing with questions. "It isn't... I didn't mean..." he began, panic and fear filling his voice. why did I ever think this was a good idea? He thought, his mind filled with dread. Was this how his love rejected him? Scolding him for attempting to use a potion to force the object of his affection to care for him?
He felt tears prick at the corner of his eyes, threatening to spill out. The realization of what he intended to do finally hitting him. The Prince looked up at him face with a guilty expression. "I... I didn't mean to hurt you, really. I just... I-" he began, his voice trailing off and his eyes darting away for a moment before returning to meet his obsessions gaze.
"I love you" he said, his voice barely audible now.
The man's expression shifted from angry shock to something else, something that the royal couldn't quite place.
"You... you do?" he asked in confusion and shock.
"Yes, I love you so much. I... I want to spend my whole life with you." He confessed, his eyes becoming watery with the emotions he felt. "I want to wake up each morning and go to sleep each night in the arms of the man I love most." The feelings, the emotions, everything that he had tried to keep bottled up since they met came flooding out and he couldn't stop them. The confession, the love, the longing. It all spilled out of him and there was nothing he could do to stop it now.
"I love you" he said again, tears streaming down his face. "Please let me have you" he begged, his vision becoming blurry with his tears. "Please, I am willing to do anything to prove my love if you don't believe me."
The man froze in place as he processed everything he just learned. "You love me for more than my influence?" He quietly asked.
"I've loved you since the moment we first met. For your kindness, your strength, for the man you are. Not for your influence or anything else. He reached out, taking the man's hands in his own again, his heart pounding in his chest, his face damp with his tears."Please, I'll give up anything for you. Let me be the man you call your own" he begged, his hands shaking slightly as he held onto his.
Another moment passed, the man scanned the prince's face for any kind of deception, until eventually.
He made his decision.
In a quick moment, the cork that sealed the bottle was ripped out. The man let the pink fluid flow into his mouth and down his throat until not a drop remained in the bottle. He tossed the empty container off to the side as he turned his attention back to the prince; a small dribble of potion streaking down the corner of his mouth.
The Prince's heart skipped a beat, his breathing quickening as he watched him swallow the potion. "But. I don't want to force my desires on to you" he stammered, searching the other man's face for any sign of reluctance or regret.
The man took a step closer, grabbing him by the hip and pulling the prince to be flush with his body. "You aren't. I want this"
The Prince was in shock, his heart racing and his thoughts going blank for a moment. The warmth of the other man's body, the feeling of his touch. It was all too much for him to process. "But... I" he began, before being cut off by a gentle kiss. In that moment, all of his worries and fears melted away and he returned the kiss eagerly, his hands finding their way to the other man's chest.
After a few seconds, they pulled apart, their breathing heavy and their faces flush. A string of saliva was the only thing still connecting the two's mouths. The Prince didn't have a chance to say anything before he was picked up, the other man's big, strong arms, that wrapped around his petite waist. He was carried into his room and gently put on the large, soft bed.
The Prince's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for what came next. His newfound lover was standing over him, gazing down at him with a look that he had never seen before. It was a mixture of lust and love, but something else as well. Something wild and untamed.
In a quick, lust filled flash. The elegant, and delicate royal attire he had been wearing was torn in two. Leaving his bear chest exposed to the cool open air. The Prince felt his heart stop at the sudden change, the shock of the cool air hitting his bare chest only making his excitement grow. He had never seen him like this before. His eyes were dark and his breathing was ragged. He seemed almost animalistic in his actions.
He laid still, watching as the other man began to explore his body. He tried to reach out for him but his hand was caught and pinned to the mattress above his head. "Now, Now, Little Prince. Just lay back and enjoy" He purred, a sly grin spreading across his face; The potion now clearly taking effect.
The Prince obeyed, not daring to move a muscle as his body was worshipped by his lover. Moans and whimpers left his mouth, each one making him blush more intensely as he tried to control himself. "Please, please I" he began, cut off by a firm nip to his neck. "Don't speak unless spoken to" the other man whispered into his ear. The tone sending shivers down his spine
The Prince nodded, his body now squirming slightly at the teasing of his lover. He knew better than to ask for anything, but he couldn't help the primal urge to beg. He tried to focus on everything at once, the warmth of the other man's body. The soft sheets beneath him. The kisses being pressed along his abdomen. The scent of his lover enveloped him and he felt as if he were drowning in bliss.
The Prince's mind was consumed with the sensations, completely drowning everything else-
The sound of approaching footsteps alerted Stolas to someone approaching his bedroom. Quickly, he shut the book he had been reading closed and slid it under the comforter of his bed before grabbing a far more wholesome novel that lay beside him on the bedside table.
The door opened and the family butler walked in, carrying a tray of tea. "Good Day, Your Highness. I've brought you tea" he announced, setting the tray down on the side table before turning to attend to his next task.
"Thank you" Stolas responded, the relief that it wasn't his father was clear in his voice.
"Lord Phenex called a minute ago, Your Highness. He wanted to know if you were still available to see him this morning" The butler said while he moved to the nearby window and with some effort, opened the curtains to allow some natural light into the room.
Stolas felt a surge of anxiety at the news. He had forgotten all about it. "I... Oh dear, what time is it?" He asked, suddenly scrambling to get out of bed. He was still in his nightwear, his plumage an unkept mess.
"It is only eight in the morning, you still have another hour until you would need to leave" He responded as he made his way back to the bedroom door.
"Oh, well thank goodness for that" he replied, a small sigh of relief leaving his body. He didn't have to rush to get ready, he had plenty of time.
His hand reached out towards the teacup on the side table and he lifted it to his mouth, taking a small sip. "Thank you for the tea" he said after a moment, his gaze lingering on the cup. It was a bit too bitter for his taste but it would have to do. He placed the cup back down and made his way across the room to his dresser to select an outfit for the day.
"No need to thank me, Your Highness" was all the butler said before disappearing down the hall.
By the time he was finished showering and getting dressed, it was almost time for him to leave. He glanced over himself in the full length mirror in his dressing room, admiring the figure hugging, blue winter coat and heavy black pants that he was wearing.
The outfit had gotten much tighter since the last time it was worn, it had been over an entire year since he had last needed to wear the outfit given it never gets cold in Hell. Either way he was quite pleased with the result, the pants and jacket hugging his body in all the right places while still being usable.
He grabbed a pair of gloves and made his way towards the bedroom door, his talons clicking against the marble floors. He passed his mother's portrait on the way, stopping to admire it. Her delicate and regal face staring back at him as he recalled the last time he got to see her.
"Good morning, Mother" he said. The words barely above a whisper.
He pulled himself away and quickly continued out the door, not wanting to dwell on his thoughts any longer. He pushed them down with a deep breath and began making his way towards the kitchen. There, he prepared for himself and Phenex a large thermos of chamomile tea he had made earlier in the year. Finally having a good moment to share some with his friend.
He gathered the thermos of tea and a variety of snack treats, carefully tucking them inside a satchel.
Once he had everything prepared, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes to concentrate on using his magic. It had taken quite a while, but he was finally starting to get the hang of opening portals without needing his grimoire.
The blue glowing rift in reality opened in the middle of the kitchen. He carefully picked up his things and stepped through the gateway, appearing in the far less intricate garden compared to his own, of the Lord and Lady, Barbatos and Zepar. He had aimed for Phenex's bedroom, but this would do. At least I'm on the property this time, he thought to himself before his eyes immediately landed on Phenex.
Looking as handsome as ever with his feathers in perfect order and a radiant smile on his face. He had grown quite a bit since the beginning of year, now he stood slightly taller than Stolas. He was also a bit leaner than before, no doubt from his training.
Sat on top of a small flight of stairs leading to the manor, he was currently still unaware of his arrival. With his focus being directed entirely on his poetry book as he worked on a new entry, and the music from his portable mp3 player.
Stolas' heart fluttered anxiously at the sight of him. He looked so beautiful bathed in the morning glow, his face filled with peace and concentration. Stolas felt a pang of guilt for interrupting the moment, but he did say he would be there at Nine.
"Good Morning" he said, his voice catching in his throat slightly as he spoke.
Phenex jumped at the sound of Stolas' voice. It was almost imperceptible, but it was there. He took the ear bud out and laid the book down before turning his attention to Stolas. "Good morning to you as well"
Oh gods, how does he always look so good? He thought, his mind racing as he let his eyes wander over Phenex. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting long?" he said, looking down at the satchel containing the tea and snacks. "I made us some tea if you'd like"
Busy rummaging through the pack, Stolas failed to notice Phenex approaching him. "I even have some of that grapefruit in sweet water you like-" He words were quickly cut off by a pair of arms pulling him into a tight hug.
Stolas froze for a moment, taken by surprise. But after a few seconds, he wrapped his own arms around Phenex and held him tightly in return, burying his face in the crook of his neck. Oh gods, how he missed this.
"I'm glad you could come today. I've missed you" Phenex said softly.
Stolas' heart raced at the words, his cheeks flushing as he held his friend tighter. "I... I've missed you too" he said. "Thank you for inviting me" he added, smiling against Phenex' plumage, reluctant to let go. Stolas felt starved; He hadn't realized how badly he needed some affection, or how touch starved he really was. Or more specifically, how touch starved he was for Phenex's affection until just now.
This was something they used to be able to do all the time. He remembered how Phenex would hold him while he cried after a horrible day with his father. And when he used to do the same for Phenex whenever the stress of his own life got to be too much. But as they grew older, they both seemed to have less and less time to see each other.
They stayed that way for a few more moments before Stolas reluctantly let go, his heart pounding in his chest. "So, did you have any particular place you wanted to go to today?" He asked, feeling a bit flustered and trying to play it cool.
"Well, in case it wasn't obvious by my asking you to wear something warm" Phenex started as he took a step back from the embrace. "I was thinking we could visit the human realm for a while. Take a walk through a forest, away from people while it's cold and everything's covered in snow."
Stolas' eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Yes! Oh, I'd love to go. That sounds lovely" he said, his mind already imagining the beautiful scenery and the quiet serenity of the snow-covered woods.
"Then what are we waiting for!" Phenex said as a portal opened beside him. He gestured for Stolas to enter first in a overly dramatic manner.
Stolas laughed lightly at his overly dramatic gesture and stepped through the portal with a soft smile on his face. Moments later, Phenex was at his side and the portal was closed. The air was crisp and cold, and a fresh layer of snow crunched softly beneath their talons.
Stolas was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape. The trees were dusted with a fine layer of snow, the branches heavy with the weight of it. The air was filled with the soft sounds of the wind rustling the winterized leaves. As the two nobles began their walk into the forest, he couldn't help but let out a happy sound of wonder at everything around them.
"I think there should be a lake up ahead if we want to go see that first" Phenex said from beside him as he fiddled with the greatcoat he was currently wearing.
"Sounds wonderful" Stolas said, his eyes still taking in the scenery around him.
After a little while of walking and catching up, he began to appreciate just how peaceful it was out here. Away from his father, away from any other worries. All he had to think about was the beauty of the forest, and the comfort of Phenex's presence. He paused for a moment, looking at his friend with a small smile on his face.
"Thank you... Thank you for today. I... I can't tell you how much I need this" he said, his eyes shining with gratitude as he looked at Phenex. His eyes lingered for a moment longer than was probably appropriate, but he couldn't help himself. His friend was just so captivating, even more so with the beautiful snowy forest as a backprop to his fiery plumage.
"We've just started and you're already thanking me!" Phenex said with a sideways glance to his friend. "And besides, you deserve a gift for making it all the way to seventeen without loosing your mind" He says while producing a small giftbox from his coat pocket.
Stolas felt a flash of surprise as Phenex withdrew a small giftbox. His heart swelled with affection and gratitude. He took the box with shaky, cold hands, his mind racing with what could possibly be inside. "Phenex... You didn't have to this" he said.
"I didn't have to, but I wanted to." He replied as they entered a small clearing displaying the frozen over lake. "I know your birthday has long past, but I figured it's better to be late than never!"
"May I open it now?" he asked with a small smile, tearing his eyes away from the lake and back to his friend. Of course, you idiot, that's why he gave it to you, he thought, feeling an embarrassed blush color his cheeks.
"No, I meant for you to keep it sealed, never knowing what may lay inside" Phenex teased while sitting down on a rock that hugged the bank of the lake.
Stolas laughed lightly at his friends teasing, his heart fluttering at Phenex soft and melodious voice. "Oh, of course. How silly of me to think that" he said with a equally teasing tone, smiling down at his friend as he took a seat next to him on the rocks.
Stolas carefully tore the wrapping of the gift, revealing a small black velvet box. His stomach fluttered nervously as he opened it, his anticipation building.
Inside was a necklace that looked to be at least gold plated; But knowing his friend, it was probably solid gold. The pendant was a miniature recreation of a Dyson sphere, with intricate detailing and stones that lined each of the five rings that comprised the sphere. In the center was a perfectly smooth blue sapphire, suspended by seemingly nothing.
"I picked a Dyson sphere for the pendant because I thought it would be a nice mix between both our professions. You're an astronomer, I'm a teacher of all sciences. I couldn't think of anything more perfect" Phenex elaborated somewhat shyly after Stolas didn't say anything for a second.
He stared down at the necklace, his heart racing with emotion. All at once he was overcome with a feeling he could only identify as love.
"This is... It's too much. I don't know what to say" he said, his voice filled with emotion as he looked at Phenex. He was completely overwhelmed by the gift, unable to form a coherent thought. All he knew was that his heart was completely consumed with love for his friend.
Love that was far from platonic.
Phenex scooted closer, his hand reaching out towards the pendant. "If you use a little bit of magic on it" he gave it a light tap, the rings began to turn and rotate around the sapphire; The precious stone itself began to lightly glow. "It does that"
Stolas watched, enraptured as it moved, the light of the sapphire bathed the piece of jewelry with an ethereal light. The gift was nothing short of beautiful, it felt as though Phenex had put a part of himself into it. He turned to his friend, his eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you. I... I don't know what I would do without you" he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Neither would I"
Stolas felt an ache at his friends words. He couldn't help but wonder if, maybe, Phenex felt the same way. Maybe it would be worth another shot.
He opened his beak to say something, to pour out his heart and confess his feelings, but no words left his mouth. His mind raced, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. No matter how hard he tried, nothing would come. It felt as if something was physically keeping a sound from leaving his mouth.
Instead he leaned forward, wrapping his arms around Phenex and hugging him tightly.
Phenex returned the embrace, which only caused Stolas' heart to race faster. He closed his eyes, taking in the moment, not wanting it to end.
I love you. I love you so fucking much, please just love me back! His mind screamed, but his mouth remained shut.
Phenex's arms came around him tightly, one hand cradled the back of his neck in a comforting manner. "Happy birthday" he spoke tenderly, the warm breath passing by the side of Stolas' face.
"Thank you" Stolas whispered, his voice slightly muffled by his face pressed against Phenex's shoulder. He tightened his grip on his friend, not wanting to let go of the moment or the warmth that Phenex gave him.
Eventually, he forced himself to loosen his arms, pulling away from his friend. As he did so, he let his hands trail down Phenex's arms, eventually reaching his hands. He interlocked their fingers, holding the other nobles hands in his own.
Maintaining the hold on Stolas' hand, Phenex stood up, cracking his neck before looking Stolas in the eyes. "A bit off topic. But I keep looking over at the lake and wondering if out talons would be enough to act as a sort of ice skates. Would you like to try it with me?"
Stolas smiled at his friends words. He was always suggesting crazy ideas, and this was no different. His heart fluttered, feeling grateful for the distraction from his inner turmoil.
"Sure, let's see what happens" he said with a shrug, feeling almost giddy with excitement. He squeezed Phenex's hands. "Lead the way"
The two young men walked over to the edge of the lake, taking a moment to assess the thickness of the ice before hesitantly placing their talons onto the frozen water. To their surprise, the ice seemed to support their weight without issue.
Slowly and cautiously, they took a sliding step forward, with Stolas nearly loosing his footing. Phenex quickly grabbing him by the small of his back before he could fall.
"You okay?" Phenex asked with a small smile
Stolas felt his heart skip a beat as Phenex touched him, helping him regain his balance. His own smile widened. "I am, thanks to you"
His confidence growing, he took another step, his talons leaving thin scratch marks across the ice. He couldn't help but feel a bit silly, but he was having too much fun to care. He glanced over at Phenex, seeing the same carefree smile on his face.
As they glided together on the ice, Stolas let himself forget. His father, Stella, his impending marriage, all of it. For a moment, he wasn't a prince burdened with responsibility since before his birth. He was just Stolas, having fun with his best friend in a frozen paradise.
They glided back and forth, talking and laughing about absolutely nothing. Stolas' heart pounded happily as they slid and spun hand in hand, enjoying the moments of peace with Phenex.
He felt alive, free. Every time Phenex would twirl him, or twirl with him, Stolas' heart fluttered with excitement. He couldn't help but wonder if this was what love was supposed to feel like, feeling this giddy just being in Phenex's presence.
Phenex's hand was warm in his own, and his touch on his body was gentle and firm.
After some time, he noticed a light flush coloring Phenex's cheeks, the prince's lips forming a slight smile in response. Stolas found his feet slowing, his heart pounding harder now. His face growing hotter with each passing second.
He knew he shouldn't let his feelings for Phenex be known, yet he still wondered... Maybe he felt the same?
Stolas swallowed the lump in his throat, slowly grinding Phenex to a stop, their hands still intertwined. He stared into his friend's eyes, taking in the handsome features of his face and the radiant glow of his eyes. He felt his hand unconsciously tighten around Phenex's.
"Phenex... I..." he started, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-"
Then the ice cracked.
"You see, that's where they kiss for the first time on the dance floor. And if their is no music, they can't dance, and if they can't dance, they can't kiss, and if they can't kiss, they can't fall in love and I'm history!"
"Hey man, the dance is over, unless you know somebody else who can play guitar?"
Bundled up on a couch in too many layers of blankets to count. Stolas is recovering from the spontaneous ice bath in the lake, a nearly empty cup of tea cradled in his hands and held close to his chest as Back to the Future played on the tv in the living room of Phenex's parent's estate.
"Good, I'm just in time" Phenex said from the doorway with two cups of hot chocolate in his hands.
Stolas smiled up at Phenex as he entered, a warm feeling of contentment settling in his chest. Despite the accident earlier, he felt safe here with Phenex, safe and cared for. He scooted over a bit, making room for Phenex to come sit with him on the couch.
"In time for what?" Stolas asked, glancing at Phenex.
Phenex leaned against the blanket mound he made for him, removing a couple of the layers to wrap himself with Stolas. "Uhhh, one of my favorite scenes on the whole movie, that's what" He replied almost sounding offended that Stolas had to ask.
Stolas couldn't help but smile at Phenex's reaction, feeling warmer and happier by the second. He nestled his head against Phenex's shoulder, taking small sips from the cup of hot chocolate he was just given as the movie continued. "We're watching The Princess Bride after this, just so you know"
"After nearly freezing you to death. You are more than entitled to pick the next few movies." Phenex body began to softly glow as he resumed acting as a living heater for Stolas.
"Aside from the part where I almost died" he said, nudging Phenex with his shoulder and letting out a giggle. "It was rather fun"
He let out a content sigh, leaning even closer against Phenex and savoring the warm comfort that came from being tucked under the same blanket as him.
Stolas turned his head, his beak lightly brushing against Phenex's cheek. A small blush rose on his face, but he didn't look away, instead letting his gaze linger on the other man's face. He wanted to tell him how he felt, but he couldn't find the words. Instead, he let his hand slip into Phenex's as they cuddled, hoping that Phenex would understand what he was feeling but didn't have the courage to say.
He closed his eyes, a smile on his beak as he settled against Phenex and just enjoyed the moment. The warmth of Phenex's body under the blanket was both comforting and cozy, the steady beating of his heart a perfect rhythmic lullaby to accompany the music in the movie. Stolas felt content.
He hoped the moment would last forever.
(The last episode had my brain running on overtime after I watched it, so I was able to get this chapter done pretty quickly, as well as have the next chapter that I've been working on since I posted chapter two almost done.
Now, I have a question for anyone willing to answer. When I was talking about my fic to my brother; After I had said Phenex's name out loud, he mentioned that he read the name as being pronounced the same as Phoenix (fee-nuhks) While I read it as (fe-nuhks). Now I'm curious how other people are reading the name.
Also, the new episode had me pretty annoyed when Stolas and Blitz danced, not because of the moment itself, but because I had planned to have a dancing scene in a future chapter. But now I would feel like I'm just copying it. But hey, I was right on Stolas having a special diet, so it's not all bad.
Anyways. I hope you enjoy.)