After being together with Thes for some time, Elam realized that Thes never gone out of the castle-not even once. After visiting the hall, garden and the imperial library, Thes just stuck in his room all the time.
Does he not feel suffocated? I need to get him out.
Thanks to the tradition here, they would soon celebrating the Festival of Harvest. Elam looked at Thes, who was sitting quietly on his throne, with Elam by his side. As always, Thes showed no emotions in front of his subjects.
"It's a good thing but…" Elam whispered to himself, sneaking another glance to him.
He doesn't look quite as happy as when he's in his garden. Is there something wrong?
Thes sighed as they walked together to his room. He peeked at Elam-and when he did, Elam gave him a bright smile. Thes quickly looked ahead again, still struggling to understand why he was getting used to Elam always by his side. He folded his arms.
This is bad. I'm getting too used to this man's presence. How much have I let him touch me without even stopping him?
He rubbed his forehead and walked faster. But Elam kept his pace easily, still humming softly like nothing was wrong. Thes glared at him, but Elam just smiled-completely unfazed and still happy.
When they arrived to his room, like usual, Elam kissed his forehead and hugged him gently. It used to happen rarely... then every week... then every three days... and now? Every single day. Thes touched his forehead.
This… this is not a good habit right? Argh! I couldn't even stop him. DAMN IT.
He quickly held the doorknob and entered his room, looking frustrated. Just as he started to relax, he realized something-
There was another person in the room.
He quickly turned around and of course-it was Elam. He gritted his teeth.
"My Lord, if you have something to say, can you please tell me earlier next time?" Thes said in a soft, slightly irritated tone, forcing a faint smile.
Elam blinked twice, then chuckled. "Oh my, darling. I want to tell you earlier but I suddenly forgot~ pardon me." He winked, looking unbothered.
Ha… Lies. Just look at those smile. Aren't you just here to watch me take my clothes? Why else would you be in my room?
"Oh, is that so, my Lord? Then may I ask what is so important you had come here again, without notice?" Thes looked at him straight, clearly expecting a valid reason.
"Nothing much. But… tomorrow night, they'll be holding a festival."
Thes blinked.
Elam continued, "May I have the honor of asking you come with me, then? Hm~ my darling~".
Thes was struck by the invitation.
What? A festival? With this man? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
He shook his head immediately. Elam's smile slowly faded, and he turned to the door. "Looks like I did something you don't like… I apologize. Then I'll be going, darling." His voice was soft, but hurt. Even the light in his eyes dimmed.
Just as he was about to leave, Elam felt a hand holding his wrist. He turned around—it was Thes.
I know I shouldn't accept it but… that face. Why are you making that face? It makes me want to say yes instead.
"Let's…" Thes mumbled.
Elam blinked. Thes didn't say the rest out loud, and his eyes looked away. His face slowly turned red. Elam's smile returned—and this time, it grew even wider.
"…Come again?" he asked softly, unsure if he would heard right.
Thes stiffened. His face turned even redder and his hands trembled. He couldn't look Elam in the eye.
I already said it! Why are you—
Elam's eyes lit up, his entire face glowing with joy. He looked softer than ever. Thes's breath hitched. He bit his lip, trying to look directly at Elam, but his heart was pounding too fast.
That face again. Just like that time in the garden. That smile… those eyes… It's like you're hoping for something. Do I really deserve that hope?
"Haa… I said… let's go together," Thes muttered, covering his mouth with his hand. He still could not look at Elam. As he slowly loosened his grip on Elam's wrist—
Elam suddenly grabbed his hand tighter and smiled.
"As I expected, my darling is the best," he beamed, kissing Thes on the cheek before running to the door. He gave one last playful wink.
That gesture caught Thes off guard, just like before. He froze, then slowly touched the spot on his cheek where Elam had kissed him.
He smiled, just a little.
So this is what it feels like? I'm… a little happy too.
-An hour before festival-
"What're you wearing, darling? That's not an outfit, it's barely any cloth. Are you sure going like that?" Elam looked at Thes. Unlike his usual wear, Thes had on a white short kilt and golden accessories that covered his wrists, arms and his neck. This kilt was so short, it could not even be called a kilt anymore-just a piece of cloth. Thes tilted his head and blinked.
"But my Lord… this is what commoner usually wear. They can barely afford anything. Only higher-ups and nobles like me can." Thes glared at ELam, disagreeing with him, and folded his arms.
What's wrong with my outfit? This is what they used to wear, though. He's overreacting. He was the one who invited me too.
"Haa… But still, at least wear something more normal. This is too seductive. What you mean by going out like that? People will start touching you and having impure thoughts about you." Elam covered his face with both hands, peeking at Thes and sighed heavily.
Is it really that seductive?
Thes turned his back on Elam and folded his arms, sighing. Elam wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close as if he had no intention of letting go. Thes felt his breath catch in his throat.
Thes did not flinch anymore, though his heart raced in his chest. He was used to Elam embracing him like this-too used to it. And still, confusion gnawed at him. Why couldn't he pull away? Why did Elam's touch always feel like a pull he couldn't escape?
I don't want him to see how much his touch affects me. I can't let him in like this.
His chest tightened as his breath caught.
He tried to steady himself, to stop the warmth flooding his skin, but it was impossible when Elam's arms were so close, so real. He turned his head slightly, only to find Elam's gaze still fixed on him-hot, intense. It was enough to make his breath falter.
Elam's smile widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes, as he held Thes close. He could feel the tension in the other's body, like a fraying thread about to snap. And the thrill of it-he wanted to be the one to break it.
I can't help myself. I've been wanting this for so long.
Elam's fingers tightened on Thes's waist. He leaned closer, so close he could feel the heat radiating from Thes's skin.
Does he feel it too?
Thes's breath hitched, and he gritted his teeth.
If it is, he should be looking at himself instead. It…it's my first time seeing his body. AHEM.
Elam was not wearing his usual black suit. Instead, he wore the same as Thes. His pale body was exposed, green veins visible and his slender, masculine body was on full display. His messy hair, not neat like usual and those red eyes locked at Thes. Thes nearly lost his breath. He was so dashing. Thes froze when Elam leaned to him a little closer, their lips almost touching. Thes quickly turned away.
Oh damn, did he notice that? I didn't mean to stare at him that long.
Elam blinked, amused.
Oh, how cute~ He likes how I look today, huh? Heh, I want to tease him more
Elam chucked, "Like what you're seeing, hm darling?". Elam tightened his grips on Thes's waist and kissed his neck softly. Thes felt a tickle on his neck but did not turn or move, His face was flushed, even his ears red. He could feel Elam's hot breath on the back of his necks, and the temperature between them rising. Thes panted.
This is…bad. I can't…
Suddenly, Thes lifted his hand and flicked Elam's forehead. Though he did it gently, it still left a small mark on Elam's pale skin. Elam quickly touched the spot, pouting, his left hand still resting on Thes's waist, holding him gently. "You're not answering me, darling. Hmph…" Elam made a sound like a child sulking and looked at Thes with pitiful eyes.
Now, now, even if you act cute, I can't let you touch me too much.
"My Lord, what're you hugging me for? Didn't you yourself invited me to the festival? Don't make me waste my time over nothing." Thes touched Elam's hand, trying to push it away but he remained still. Thes quickly turned to Elam, tilting his head again.
"Can you let go now, my Lord? The festival is starting soon." Thes blinked, confusion in his voice.
His hands...they're still holding my waist.
"Hmph, darling Thes is so mean."