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Healing, Phainon realised, was a tedious process.
To be fair, thirty million cycles of blood, sweat and tears weren't easy to move past. After the dawn of Era Nova had arrived and the celebrations of the Flame-Chase Journey’s success had died down, the Chrysos Heirs were still picking up the pieces and trying to get used to a life without the prophecy looming over their heads.
Phainon, least of all, was having the most trouble adjusting. Although he'd made the Trailblazer agree to keeping the matter of his thirty million cycles a secret to spare the other Chrysos Heirs the heartache, they had discovered the truth anyway.
The last thing he wanted was for them to walk on eggshells around him. On the contrary, while they had been devastated, they had been closer to Phainon than ever.
Tribbie and Hyacine had cried for him. Castorice’s hug was warm. Aglaea patted his head like he was still the child she first met even though he was much taller than her now. Even Cipher and Anaxa’s expressions were soft.
Mydei held him extra close the night he found out, and Phainon had fallen asleep to the lull of his heartbeat.
Now that the dust had finally settled over Amphoreus, he… honestly had no idea what to do with himself.
This world no longer had any need for a Deliverer. Phainon was more than glad to be freed of the heavy duty he'd bore for such a long age, but with his whole life dedicated to becoming the hero he never wanted to be, he felt lost.
“With all the free time on your hands now,” Cyrene said, having effortlessly read his mind, “You might as well make some progress on your relationship with Mydei.”
Phainon felt his face heat up, “What are you talking about?”
Cyrene perched her hands on her hips and sighed loudly.
“The Flame-Chase Journey is over, Phainon. It's time for you to focus on yourself for once,” she insisted, “You've done more than enough for Amphoreus. You've been in love with Mydei across all thirty-three million cycles, so now's the chance for you to profess your feelings, silly!”
Phainon jolted, “H-How do you know that I'm in love with Mydei?”
Cyrene stared at him as if he’d just told her something unbelievably stupid. Her tone reeked of exasperation, “Do you think I'm blind?” she exclaimed, “Everyone knows!”
“Everyone?!”
Cyrene stepped forward with an arm raised as if she meant to slap him upside the head. Only, she was not tall enough. They wrestled each other like a pair of children, oblivious to the stares they were receiving from the people of Okhema and the approaching footsteps of a certain Chrysos Heir.
“Deliverer,” a familiar voice said levelly, and Phainon immediately froze like a deer caught in headlights. His pause gave Cyrene the advantage to pinch him in the side.
He let out a noise of indignation, “Hey!”
Cyrene stuck her tongue out at him childishly, before turning to Mydei with a bright smile. “Hello, Mydei.”
“Hello,” Mydei greeted. His gaze shifted towards Phainon and he raised a brow, “I've been looking for you everywhere. What were you two doing?”
“Phainon simply refuses to admit that he's in lo—”
Phainon coughed to cut her off. “Nothing important! What's up, Mydei?”
“I have some news to share with you,” Mydei said, “It’s important. I’d wished to inform you first,” his eyes shifted towards Cyrene, “But since Lady Cyrene is here as well, I might as well let you both know.”
Like a lovesick youth, Phainon's heart did an involuntary flutter at the knowledge that he'd held a position high enough in Mydei's heart to be the first to know. “Oh, sure! What is it?”
“I’m leaving for Castrum Kremnos,” Mydei stated, “I won't be back, though that's still indefinite.”
Phainon's mouth dried. That wasn't at all what he was expecting. “Oh.”
There was silence for a beat. Not even Cyrene said anything.
Phainon was the first to say something. “That’s sudden,” he said, fighting the urge to fidget, “You've been in Okhema for so long. I thought you’d gotten used to living here.”
“I have,” Mydei replied, expression softening, “Okhema means a great deal to me. It always will. But with the prophecies fulfilled and the Flame-Chase Journey finally behind us, I thought… it was time to go home.”
“I see,” Phainon’s voice was quiet. “So you're leaving.”
“Yes,” Mydei confirmed, “That’s the plan. But if something calls me to stay, I will. In a heartbeat,” he met Phainon's gaze, seeming almost hopeful, “Castrum Kremnos can wait. After all, it’s not going anywhere.”
Phainon only half-registered the words. Separation was an eerily familiar sensation, and after countless cycles of fighting battles and being shackled down by the world's burdens, they were finally free from the endless weight of destiny.
Apparently, that was not stopping Mydei from leaving.
There was turmoil brewing in his head. Titans, Mydei was leaving. Again. Instead of telling Phainon, he might as well have torn Phainon's heart out of his chest and tossed it into the Sea of Souls to be devoured by monsters.
Still, Phainon managed a smile. It felt brittle, but he hoped his tone made up for it. He was exceptional at putting up a front, after all. “I understand,” he said. “So when’s the farewell?”
There was a flicker of emotion Phainon didn't catch in Mydei's beautiful golden eyes, like a shadow that'd passed over them so quickly it was gone in a blink. Mydei's expression remained inscrutable. “In two days. It'll be no different from our last farewell.”
“I'll see to that,” Phainon chuckled.
Mydei nodded, the edge of his lip tilting upwards. “I have a meeting with Krateros now to discuss this, so I'll take my leave,” he said, “Same time at the bathhouse later?”
Phainon hummed an affirmative noise, and Mydei left with a turn of his heel.
When the silhouette of the Kremnoan prince had finally disappeared among the masses, Phainon remembered Cyrene was still beside him. He looked at her, puzzled, “It’s unusual for you to be this quiet.”
Without warning, Cyrene kicked him in the shin.
“The magnitude of your stupidity befuddles me,” she said, and Phainon was too busy cradling his aching shin to comprehend that statement, “Phainon, Mydei is leaving!”
“I know that!” Phainon cried. It was only due to the fact they were still in broad daylight that his dignity prevented him from crumbling to the ground, curling up into a ball and bursting into tears. “I was in that conversation, you know.”
“Your brain didn't seem to be in it,” Cyrene remarked in disbelief, “I can't believe you just agreed when you clearly don't want him to go.”
“What else was I supposed to say?”
Cyrene massaged her temple, “To not go, maybe?”
Phainon’s shoulders slumped. Of course he wanted to ask. He wanted to fall to his knees, to bare his soul, to pour his heart out if it meant Mydei might stay, but no matter how desperately the words clawed at his throat, he couldn’t imagine a world where he had the right to say them.
The cycles were a haunting reminder of that.
“Who am I to ask him to stay?” Phainon whispered, “Not after everything. I lost that right a long time ago.”
The frustration on Cyrene's face ebbed.
“Phainon, those weren't your fault—”
“No, Cyrene,” Phainon rubbed a hand down his face, the onset of a migraine already blooming behind his eyes, “Not now. Please.”
He had chosen his duty above all else in every single cycle. Even if Mydei thought otherwise, Phainon was still wholly to blame for the fate that befell him each time. There was no room for him to be upset with Mydei's choice to leave Okhema.
“I owe it to him to respect his decisions,” Phainon said quietly, resigned, “If I truly love him, that's the least I can do.”
For once, Cyrene felt no need to protest, although it was clear as day from the look on her face that she wanted to.
She was always so unnecessarily worried about him, even though Phainon had long since outgrown the immature child he'd once been in Aedes Elysiae, who’d sought his mother's loving embrace and had big aspirations for himself. Perhaps that was why. She'd never stopped seeing some part of him as such.
Her soft sigh shook Phainon out of his reverie. “It's true I can't stop you from thinking that way,” she conceded, before reaching into her pocket. “I received a gift from Stelle a short while ago. She told me it was a special item discarded by Madam Herta of the Genius Society, and figured we might have a use for it instead.”
She gestured for Phainon to hold out his hand. Once he did, she placed a small, peculiar object in his open palm, a crystal orb no larger than a plum. Inside it was a single white flower with its petals tightly furled, frozen in bloom. The orb pulsed faintly against his skin, humming with an unknown energy.
“I was going to give it to you because I had a feeling you would need it,” Cyrene explained, “Stelle calls it a Curio. In her words, this one in particular allows you to peer beyond the present into what might come.”
Phainon frowned. He’d had his fill of prophecies and divine riddles, but Cyrene’s uncanny foresight had scarcely failed her. Whether he liked it or not, he'd be better off taking her word for it.
In his moment of hesitation, he felt Cyrene's hands wrap around his, gently but firmly closing his fingers around the Curio and pushing it towards him.
“Trust me,” she said, “Your duties and obligations towards the world have been fulfilled. It's not selfish for you to have dreams again.”
Now that he recalled, Cyrene did have a stubborn streak ever since they were young. Phainon let out an exhale.
“Alright,” Phainon acquiesced. He accepted the Curio and slipped the strange relic into his pocket. It continued thrumming with an energy he couldn't name.
The rest of his day was fairly normal. He and Cyrene later ran into Castorice, and they spent several hours reviewing her latest poetry together. The city's children hounded Phainon to play with them again. Aglaea called him over to her newly opened tailor shop to try out new clothing.
At Curtain-Fall Hour, he met up with Mydei in the Hero's Bath to soak in the warm waters.
“It sounds like you had a good day,” Mydei said, after listening to Phainon's retelling of today's events.
Although they sat side by side, there was still an arm’s length between them, which was better for Phainon's heart anyway. It didn't stop him from eyeing Mydei whenever he could, gazing at the exposed skin of his neck with his hair tied up and out of the way.
“Yeah,” Phainon exhaled softly, leaning back against the marble. “I did have a good day.”
When was the last time he had the privilege to say as such?
“If there's something on your mind,” Mydei began, arms crossed, “Don't beat around the bush and just say it.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Despite the so-called good day you had, there's a worrisome pinch between your brow,” Mydei scoffed, “Don't be daft, Deliverer.”
Instinctively, Phainon reached up to smoothen the wrinkle in his brow. “I'm fine,” he insisted. “Worry about yourself first. How are preparations coming along with heading to Castrum Kremnos?”
Mydei paused for a brief moment. “Fine,” he said eventually, “There isn't much to prepare. Although Krateros had urged me before, he told me he's decided to respect my wishes now. He shall follow me if I go, but has no issue staying if not. My people think the same.”
“They're very loyal to you,” Phainon murmured, lost in his own thoughts. He would have to find a way to cope once Mydei left. His insomnia, in particular, was definitely going to be a predicament.
As always, Phainon would be losing sleep over Mydei again.
There was a muted splash of water as Mydei leaned closer, much to Phainon's surprise. “Deliverer,” he said, but Phainon hadn't been mentally prepared, and had ended up recoiling without thinking.
It was too late. Mydei's expression fell, and Phainon felt a piece of his heart shatter. “Mydei, I—”
“Phainon,” Mydei interrupted, causing Phainon to go stock-still. “If I'm pushing your boundaries, you need to tell me.”
“You're not,” Phainon shook his head, desperate, “You could never. Not you, of all people,” he was the one who moved closer this time, resting his hand over Mydei's in the water. “I'm sorry for pulling away.”
“Don't be,” Mydei answered. In the dimmed corner of the isolated baths, he offered Phainon a small smile. “Don't miss me too much when I leave.”
Phainon returned the smile, even though the mere thought of Mydei leaving was enough to make his heart feel like it was being minced into shreds.
“I won't,” he promised, tasting the lie on his tongue.
Back in his quarters, Phainon prepared to go to bed.
He had nearly forgotten about the Curio until he'd felt it hum insistently inside his pocket. Confused, he'd plucked the crystal orb out and set it on his bedside table. The flower inside it remained unopened.
It was only now he realised he hadn't a clue how to activate it and had neglected to consult Cyrene earlier today. Might as well leave that task for tomorrow.
For Phainon, the act of falling asleep normally took some time, but tonight, for some reason, rest came to him easily. As usual, he dreamed of golden wheat fields reminiscent of a pair of eyes he saw in every serene dream.
When he awoke, Phainon was not in his quarters in Okhema.
He'd recognise this place anywhere. He was laying on the ground surrounded by fields of gold, wheat swaying in the gentle breeze as the sun shone down on him. In the distance, the docks were visible where the sea stretched onto the horizon.
Phainon immediately moved to get up with a lurch, but a weight against his body stopped him.
He looked down. There was a child curled up against his chest, sleeping soundly until she'd been unexpectedly roused by Phainon's sudden movements.
“... Hello,” Phainon said carefully, even though his chest was thick with panic. The child raised her head from where it was cushioned against Phainon's chest, blinking drowsily at him.
Her hair was messy like a lion's mane. It was the colour of strawberry blonde, Phainon realised, which inevitably made his thoughts wander to a certain prince with crimson tattoos and a sharp gaze.
He found himself gently carding a hand through her hair to tame the tousled locks.
The child suddenly let out a groan. “It's too early,” she whined, before throwing herself back into Phainon's arms.
Phainon felt his chest rumble with laughter. He could tell with a single glance that it was no longer Lucid Hour. “It's already midday, sweetheart," he told the child.
“You were sleeping too!”
“Well…” Phainon trailed off. He didn't have an answer to that, which was why he had to get up. Unfortunately, the child refused to budge.
“Phainon! Eleonora!” a voice yelled.
“Cyrene?” Phainon muttered under his breath, while the child groaned again and buried her face in Phainon's chest. He sat up, gingerly adjusting the child in his lap and looked around.
“There you are,” Cyrene approached them. She looked no different than how Phainon saw her last, though she was dressed simpler, and was now staring down at the child in Phainon's lap disapprovingly, “Young lady, you're skipping your lessons again, aren't you?”
Phainon's eyes widened. “She is?”
Cyrene's head shot towards him. “You've got to stop helping her skip on her studies,” she tutted, “I know you thought school was boring too, Phainon, but enough is enough.”
The child, Eleonora, whined again. She pounded her little fists against Phainon's chest. “Papa! You said you'd help me hide today! You promised!”
Papa? Phainon almost choked, but then Cyrene said, “You're lucky it was me who came to look for you and not your mother, dear,” she told Eleonora, “It's time to go.”
Begrudgingly, Eleonora got up. She leaned down to smoothen the wrinkled fabric of her dress, brushing off the dust before she looked up at Phainon with a pout on her lips.
Despite still being very, very stunned, Phainon felt himself smile fondly. “I'm sorry I failed,” he apologised, patting her head, “I'll do better next time.”
“Promise?”
“Promise,” Phainon affirmed.
Satisfied, Eleonora bid him and Cyrene both goodbye before toddling off, seeming to know her way around.
After watching her go, Phainon rose to his feet. He was similarly surprised when he noticed his attire, a simple chiton and not his usual get-up paired with his pauldrons. “I have more than a few questions,” he told Cyrene.
Cyrene raised a brow, “Didn't you just wake up from a nap?”
He did not. He had gone to bed in Okhema, and had certainly not taken a light nap in the middle of the wheat fields in Aedes Elysiae.
In any case, Cyrene wasn't behaving like anything was out of the ordinary, which meant Phainon must be the exception here. Perhaps for now the best course of action was to feign ignorance and act as if everything was normal.
They took a stroll through Aedes Elysiae. It was just how Phainon remembered it, peaceful and quiet, with wind chimes singing in the breeze and Cyrene's favourite swing still tied to a tree branch.
First, he had to make sense of the biggest question in his head. “So, Eleonora,” he began.
Cyrene laughed lightly. “A handful, isn't she?” She commented, “She's just like you when you were her age, you know. A little troublemaker.”
“Hey,” Phainon pretended to be offended. “I was an exemplary student.”
“Sure, even though you secretly snuck snacks into class and was reprimanded by the teacher,” Cyrene playfully rolled her eyes, “Like father, like daughter, I suppose.”
Phainon swallowed. So Eleonora was his daughter. But how?
As for his daughter with whom, to be exact, the strawberry blonde hair that instantly led Phainon's mind to one person made the answer simple enough to guess. He nearly felt the breath leave his lungs upon the realisation. Even without him guessing, it could only have been one person.
But Mydei was supposed to leave for Castrum Kremnos for good.
“Where's Mydei?” Phainon found himself asking.
“Home, hopefully. I sure hope he isn't overexerting himself,” Cyrene murmured, “But Mydei knows his limits. You should go check on Aris. He must still be reading under his favourite tree.”
Phainon nodded, walking off. He had no idea who Aris was, but it seemed to be in his best interest to play along. Might as well grasp the opportunity to explore Aedes Elysiae again and take a trip down memory lane.
Everything felt so unreal that Phainon could be convinced this was one of the dreamscapes the Trailblazer had told him stories about on her adventures throughout the galaxy. Him and Mydei living together in Aedes Elysiae, with children of their own, no less?
Had he and Mydei gotten married?
Certain that his cheeks were flushing gold, Phainon lightly slapped himself. He did not awaken, which only reaffirmed the fact that he was not living in a sweet dream. The only explanation Phainon thought plausible was that this was the work of the mysterious Curio Cyrene had given him.
According to her, this was a glimpse into one of his possible futures.
Phainon swallowed the lump in his throat, his heart skipping a beat, his palms clammy. He looked ahead and found himself having come to a halt before a large tree with orange leaves. He recognised this tree, it'd been here since he was a young boy.
Sitting beneath the tree was a boy Phainon would've mistaken for a younger version of himself had he not looked closer.
Phainon's eyes lit up with realisation as he stepped closer, “Aris,” he said the name aloud without thinking.
The boy looked up from the book splayed out on his lap. “Papa,” he greeted, before scooting aside to make space.
Phainon joined him, resting his back against the sturdy wood of the old tree. Aris returned to reading almost immediately, his fair eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Phainon watched him silently and took the chance to study every one of his features.
Aris looked a couple years older than Eleonora. He had a head full of snowy white hair and bright blue eyes, just like Phainon. There was even a matching unruly lock on the top of his hair that couldn't be tamed no matter how hard Phainon tried when he was his age. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the boy looked like a carbon copy of him.
Phainon's heart swelled. This, without a doubt, was his son.
Unlike his seemingly outgoing sister, Aris was quiet by nature. He had no trouble spending the next few hours nestled at Phainon's side, absorbed in his book, content with the occasional breeze that stirred his pale hair. Not wanting to disturb the peace, Phainon didn’t mind the silence.
At some point, he must've drifted off. It was the light pressure of a small hand on his shoulder that roused him. For a fleeting moment, as his eyes fluttered open, he half-expected to find himself back in Okhema, alone, in the stillness of his quarters.
But instead, he saw Aris standing there, his book tucked neatly beneath his arm, his expression patient but firm.
“It’s time to go home, Papa,” Aris said softly.
Phainon let out a soft exhale, then smiled as he rose to his feet, ruffling Aris’s hair on the way up. “Sure thing, sweetheart,” he murmured.
The boy barely reached his waist, and with that solemn little face of his, he was already impossibly endearing in Phainon's eyes. Phainon couldn’t help but linger for a heartbeat, tempted to ask if Aris wanted to be carried home.
Eventually, he caved. “Want me to carry you back?”
Predictably, Aris blushed. Although it seemed like he was about to turn Phainon down, he ultimately decided against it. Without a word, he raised his arms.
Phainon could explode from how cute he was.
He lifted Aris with ease, settling the boy against his side as he began the walk back. Phainon wasn’t entirely sure of the directions, so he defaulted to the familiar path toward his own house. Aris didn’t offer any correction either, so Phainon figured his assumption must’ve been right.
The sight of the cottage that was Phainon's childhood home and the small garden his mother had tended to sent a pang through his heart. It was like stepping into a memory he hadn't meant to revisit.
The door burst open the moment they arrived. “Papa! Aris!” Eleonora came running out, waving wildly, only to gasp and stomp her foot, “No fair! I wanna be carried too!”
She barreled towards them at full speed. Aris shifted, starting to wriggle down as if to give his sister a turn, but Phainon shook his head and stopped him with a gentle hand. Instead, he leaned down and scooped Eleonora up with his other arm, lifting her onto his opposite hip. She squealed in delight and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Papa can carry you both,” he assured, smiling as he carried them into the house.
The inside of the house was cosy. There was a fragrance wafting through the air that smelt of warm and delicious food.
“Mama!” Eleonora yelled, “We're back!”
At the threshold of the kitchen, Phainon bent down and gently set the children on their feet. Without missing a beat, they dashed ahead, their footsteps echoing through the hall as they made a beeline for the kitchen.
He followed close behind, a mixture of anxiety and excitement stirring in his chest.
Pausing at the doorway, Phainon saw Mydei standing in front of the stove. The breath was immediately robbed from his lungs.
It was Mydei, without question. The armour and gauntlets he once wore into battle were gone, replaced by a simple chiton that draped over his frame. His hair had grown longer now, braided loosely over one shoulder.
Phainon's gaze dropped. Mydei's body had changed too, the sharp and honed lines of his body from years of rigorous training having eased with time. Where once was a toned and lean torso, there was now a large swell to his stomach, a visible weight that rested low and full in his abdomen.
Mydei was pregnant.
The sight of him was so breathtaking that Phainon swore his heart stopped. He couldn't tear his eyes away.
“Deliverer,” Mydei’s voice broke through the haze, grounding him. When Phainon blinked back into reality, Mydei was staring at him with a frown creasing his beautiful face. “What’s gotten into you?”
Phainon shook his head, dazed, “I’m fine.”
He felt weightless, like he was floating through a dream. He couldn't help staring at Mydei’s body, softer now, rounded and full with life. With his child. Again.
“Mama, I’m hungry!” Eleonora cried from behind them.
“Dinner’s ready,” Mydei called back, turning to the stove. Phainon moved quickly to his side.
“I’ve got it,” he said, gently brushing past Mydei’s shoulder to help transfer dishes to the dinner table.
“Phainon,” Mydei said, halting him mid-step. Phainon turned. “Your face is flushed. Are you sure you're feeling alright?”
He shook his head once more. “It’s nothing,” he waved off Mydei's concern, “Don’t worry about me.”
He held out a hand. Mydei took it, and Phainon guided him to the table with more tenderness than was probably necessary, but Phainon didn't care. He didn’t sit until Mydei was comfortable in his chair.
“This looks amazing,” Phainon complimented the dinner spread, “Thank you, Mydei.”
“Thank you, Mama,” said Aris quietly.
“Thank you, Mama!” Eleonora echoed energetically.
The softest of smiles graced Mydei's face, and Phainon's heart nearly gave out. He, more than anyone, knew how vulnerable it was for Mydei to wear an expression so unguarded. Seeing it so freely given made something ache sweetly in Phainon's chest.
“Eleonora,” Mydei said, and the girl froze mid-chew. “I heard you tried to skip your lessons again.”
“But Mama,” she whined, dragging out the vowels like it might soften the blow, “It’s not my fault! History class is so boring!”
“That’s not an excuse,” Mydei replied, undeterred.
Eleonora quickly changed tactics. She turned towards Phainon with wide, glistening blue eyes, blinking up at him with all the drama of a child who knew exactly how to tug heartstrings.
Phainon’s resolve crumbled in an instant, “C’mon, Mydei, maybe we let this one slide—”
The look Mydei sent him could have made a weaker man cry. Phainon shut his mouth with a click.
“Don’t think I haven’t heard about your part in this little scheme,” Mydei said, casting him a narrowed glance before turning back to Eleonora. “As punishment—”
The girl gasped loudly, breath catching in her throat.
“—No dessert today,” Mydei finished.
Eleonora groaned, shoulders slumping, but did not protest further, likely knowing she wouldn't win this fight. With a quiet sigh, Mydei stood and leaned across the table, his fingers brushing over her sulking cheek.
Phainon had witnessed first-hand the kind of strength Mydei possessed that could crush the skulls of the toughest men. He, too, had been on the receiving end of that god-like strength multiple times.
But while consoling their daughter, Mydei's touch was as delicate as a feather.
“Just for today, alright, Nora?” he said, gentling his voice. “As long as you stop skipping class.”
The girl puffed out her cheeks. “Okay,” she conceded. “Sorry, Mama.”
“That's my good girl,” Mydei murmured, lightly pinching her cheek.
After dinner, Phainon took it upon himself to clear the table, giving Mydei a well-deserved moment to rest. From the kitchen, he could hear laughter drifting in, Mydei's voice mingling with the bright giggles of the children.
Curious, he dried his hands and stepped out into the living room.
They were all huddled together, with Aris and Eleonora snuggled up on either side of Mydei, their heads resting against him as he spoke softly to them. The scene was so peaceful that Phainon couldn’t help but smile.
He padded over, voice low. “Any room for one more?”
Without waiting for an answer, he gently scooped Eleonora into his lap, earning a delighted squeal, then wrapped an arm around Mydei’s shoulders and pulled Aris in close with the other.
“What were you guys talking about?” he asked.
“The children were just placing their bets,” Mydei explained, grinning as he smoothed a hand over his baby bump, “Aris thinks it's a girl, but Nora thinks it's a boy,” Mydei shrugged, “As for me, I wouldn't mind either.”
Phainon smiled. “I see.”
Aris blinked at him, “What do you think, Papa?”
Phainon was already in love. He was in love with Mydei then and was in love with Mydei now, with the life they shared that was free of strife and hardship and the beautiful family they'd built together. He loved their two children and he would love their unborn child all the same.
He mulled it over. “I think,” he began, looking into Mydei's expectant eyes, “I want them to look like you.”
A brilliant gold spread across Mydei's cheeks, then he threw his head back in laughter. “You're such a sap,” he shoved Phainon's shoulder with one hand, grinning from ear-to-ear.
Titans, he was so gorgeous. “But I'm telling the truth,” Phainon said, “It’s because I love you so much.”
“HKS, don't say stuff like that in front of our children!”
This time, Phainon laughed along with them. He leaned in to kiss Aris on the forehead, who blushed in embarrassment, then Eleonora, who shrieked and tried to squirm away.
Finally, turning to Mydei, he shifted closer, peppering a trail of soft, playful kisses across his face, one on the cheek, another on the nose, and one more at the corner of his mouth.
Mydei let out a quiet huff of laughter, golden eyes crinkling. “You’re ridiculous,” he murmured, but he didn’t pull away.
“Only because this feels like a dream,” Phainon whispered.
Rolling his eyes, Mydei sat up straight. “We have to put the kids to bed soon.”
“Papa, you promised to tell us stories about the Chrysos Heirs,” Aris said.
“I did, didn't I?”
However, Mydei shook his head. “Sorry, Aris, it's late,” he told the boy, “Perhaps another time, alright?”
Phainon opened his mouth to say otherwise, but the look on Mydei's face prevented from doing so.
He insisted that Mydei retire to their bedroom first, accompanying both Aris and Eleonora to bed and tucking them in. They were both so cute and sweet, mumbling their sleepy good night's before dozing off.
Phainon adored them to bits. He already knew he would die for them, again and again and again.
Once he entered the bedroom, Mydei was waiting for him. He'd changed into a thin nightgown, his back against the headboard as he rubbed his hand over his stomach absentmindedly.
“Come here,” he instructed. Phainon followed suit obediently.
He sat on the bed by Mydei's side, clinging to him immediately. Mydei allowed it, indulgently running his fingers through Phainon's hair as Phainon’s palm caressed Mydei's belly, simultaneously reverent and in awe.
“Mydei, have I ever told you I love you?”
A huff from above him. “You have. Didn't you say that just earlier?”
Phainon nuzzled his face against the curve of Mydei's belly. It earned him a light tug on his hair, “HKS, that tickles.”
“Aw, the great warrior Mydeimos is ticklish?”
“Shut up,” his love hissed.
Phainon closed his eyes. “I can't believe we're already having our third child.”
“Right, even though we agreed we'd stop at two,” Mydei said dryly, “Hell nearly broke loose when I found out I was pregnant again.”
Phainon hummed non-committally. “Did it?”
He couldn't see the frown on Mydei's face until Mydei firmly lifted his chin so their eyes would meet. “I only jest,” Mydei said, “You were there, don't you remember? It's like your memory's all jumbled.”
A beat of silence passed. Phainon’s chest tightened.
He couldn’t keep this ruse up forever. Mydei knew him so well that Phainon was certain he’d start seeing through the cracks soon enough.
“If I told you the truth,” Phainon asked carefully, “Would you believe me?”
Mydei’s gaze held steady, searching. Then, he nodded. “Speak your mind.”
So Phainon did.
He told him about the Curio. About how he wasn’t this Phainon, at least not yet. That he was a version of himself who hadn’t lived these memories and experienced this future.
He was a version of himself who was still hung up on the ghosts of his past, too cowardly to confess to Mydei that he couldn't stand being apart.
“I remember that,” Mydei finally said. He didn't seem all that surprised by the revelation that Phainon had come from the past.
“You do?”
Mydei nodded. “I didn't leave for Castrum Kremnos in the end,” he explained, “I stayed. While we were still in Okhema, I got pregnant with Aris. Then we reached a compromise. You wanted our children to experience growing up in Aedes Elysiae like you had, so we made a life for ourselves here. In some months of the year, we return to Okhema to visit. In others, in Kremnos.”
“You stayed,” Phainon echoed shakily.
“It didn't take a lot of convincing,” Mydei snorted, flicking Phainon's forehead lightly. “Some part of me did want to go home, but there was one person in the world I was willing to do anything for, much less stay.”
“Mydei,” Phainon's throat felt raw, “I—”
Mydei cupped his face, and the words dissolved on Phainon's tongue.
“Phainon of Aedes Elysiae,” Mydei murmured, “I have told you once before that I would grant you a thousand of my deaths for your eternal victory. I will tell you again now, that I would live a thousand lives with you, gladly, if only to have this happiness, again and again.”
Tears pricked his eyes, turning the world into a watery haze. Phainon couldn't speak, his heart lodged in his throat.
The bed shifted.
“Don’t be scared to love me,” Mydei whispered, lacing their fingers and pressing them gently over the swell of their unborn child. “Look where it’s brought you, hm?”
“Mydeimos,” Phainon was choked up, burying his face in the crook of Mydei's neck. “I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you so much—”
All he could hear in response was a patient hum, “I know.”
Cuddled in the warm embrace of the love of his life, Phainon drifted to sleep.
Similarly, instead of being surprised, Cyrene looked quite pleased with herself.
“Told you you'd need it, didn't I?” She said proudly.
Phainon, admittedly, was beyond grateful. “Thanks,” he murmured, looking ahead as he watched Aris and Eleonora run around in the wheat fields, though it seemed more like Aris attempting to read while Eleonora egged him on to play with her. “You've always been intuitive, Cyrene.”
Cyrene's gaze softened. She followed Phainon's gaze, her pink hair fluttering in the breeze. “It's a good life you've made for yourself,” she commented, “It's the life you've always wanted, isn't it?”
Phainon couldn't say no. Although he'd been unable to entertain the idea for so long, his mind weighed down by the matter of the coreflames and Amphoreus’ fate, there was always some part of him deep down that sought a peaceful, quiet life, far away from the attention of the masses and the calls for a hero.
This domestic life he had built with Mydei was beautiful. He couldn't wish for anything more.
“Deliverer,” Mydei approached, then he saw Cyrene, “Hello.”
“Mydei!” Cyrene greeted happily, “You look radiant.”
Phainon hurriedly got up, helping Mydei over and letting him have his seat. He had no problem standing, but he had to ensure that Mydei was comfortable at all times.
Cyrene laughed, “So protective,” she was amused, “He's acting just like how when you first got pregnant with Aris, Mydei.”
Mydei let out a snort, “He's been like this throughout all my pregnancies.”
Phainon stilled. “Do you hate it?”
“Of course not,” Mydei replied instantly, “I'm not used to being pampered, but it's not a bad thing.”
Cyrene hummed, “Pregnancy is difficult on the body,” she mused, “If anything, Phainon, you should be pampering Mydei even more.”
Phainon made a noise of agreement, and began massaging Mydei's shoulders.
“Anyway,” Cyrene clasped her hands together, “Stelle and I have had an in-depth discussion about Curios in the past. From what I've learned, they should wear off in only a matter of time. I trust Phainon will wake up in his original timeline shortly, once he goes to sleep.”
“But we're not sure when exactly that is, right?” Mydei asked.
Cyrene nodded, “Right.”
Phainon didn't mind. He wouldn't mind staying longer either, if not to shower his pregnant wife with affection and dote on their two babies.
“Cyrene,” Mydei said, “The kids have expressed that they'd like to spend more quality time with you.”
Cyrene raised a brow, “Oh?”
“I think,” Mydei continued, “You could accompany them to visit the fairies in the forest today. They'd be delighted to see them again,” he paused for a beat, “Please.”
A knowing smile spread across Cyrene's face. “I got it,” she agreed easily, “Leave it to me.”
Mydei heaved a sigh of relief. Phainon looked down at him inquisitively, “Is something up?”
Shaking his head, Mydei reached up to rest his hand over Phainon's. “Just keep massaging.”
Phainon complied without question.
Cyrene went off to fetch the children, waving them over with a grin. They giggled and tugged at her hands, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they pulled her along until the group disappeared from Phainon’s line of sight.
It warmed him, knowing that Cyrene, his oldest and dearest friend, was so deeply woven into his family’s life. He had always loved her like a sister, after all.
With them gone, this left Phainon alone with Mydei.
“Let’s go inside,” Mydei murmured, pulling Phainon out of his thoughts.
“Sure!” Phainon beamed, immediately offering a hand to help him up, though he paused when Mydei didn’t move to stand.
Instead, Mydei simply turned in his chair and held out both arms expectantly.
“My feet are sore,” he said, cheeks tinged with a soft golden flush.
Without hesitation, Phainon swooped him into a bridal carry.
“Where to, Your Highness?” He teased, carrying Mydei into the house.
Mydei wrapped his arms around Phainon's neck, “Bedroom,” he murmured, nuzzling against Phainon's collarbone.
Sweet Kephale, please lend me strength.
Mouth drying, Phainon made a beeline for the bedroom. As he nudged the door open, he nearly let a strangled noise slip through his mouth as Mydei began kissing up the sun tattoo on his neck. “Mydei.”
“Hm?” Mydei looked up at him, a smirk on his lips, “Any objections, Deliverer?”
Phainon swallowed. “None.”
Mydei looked pleased, “Then you know what to do.”
Phainon didn't need to be told twice. Holding Mydei up, he marched towards the bed and laid his pregnant spouse down on the mattress like a precious princess.
Mydei’s hair was fanned out on the pillow like a crown. He didn’t deign to move a muscle, leaving the work of stripping his own clothes to Phainon. Not that he minded. The more of Mydei’s skin that was exposed, the more Phainon was beginning to feel himself unravel.
Soon enough, Mydei was fully naked. Phainon stared, taking the view in of his lover's soft pecs, his huge pregnant belly, and his cunt already eagerly leaking slick.
The sheets rustled as Mydei shifted, drawing Phainon's attention towards his face. “The you of now is still accustomed to only seeing my body at its prime,” Mydei said, “Are you turned off by what you see?”
Was Mydei hearing himself? Sure, it was true that Phainon admired Mydei's body as a fighter and had always appreciated his physique, but seeing Mydei's body soft and plush was a gift.
He was round with Phainon’s child. His belly swollen, skin glowing, curves rich and enticing. Pregnancy suited him like it had been sculpted just for him.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Phainon said, almost offended that Mydei would think so lowly of him, “You look beautiful pregnant with my child.”
A slow, knowing smile tugged at Mydei’s lips. “I know.”
So it was a test.
Phainon exhaled hard through his nose, jaw clenched tight. His patience had already been hanging by a thread, and here Mydei was playing with fire.
He leaned forward, gaze flicking from Mydei’s swollen belly to his face. “So,” he murmured, voice low and frayed, “What brought this on?”
“Hyacine said it was hormonal fluctuations,” Mydei huffed, “Being pregnant has increased my libido.”
He parted his legs invitingly. “Now hurry up,” he demanded.
Phainon dropped to his knees without hesitation. His hands gripped Mydei’s thighs with purpose, dragging him forward until Phainon’s lips hovered just a breath away from his shuddering pussy. Without a moment’s pause, he leaned in and dragged his tongue up the length of Mydei’s folds, from the slick entrance to the swollen peak of his clit.
Mydei let out a moan loud enough that it tore through the room. It was the sexiest sound Phainon had ever heard, and it utterly destroyed what little control he had left. He dove in with a messy hunger, tongue plunging deep into Mydei’s heat, gulping up mouthfuls of his slick like he was parched and this was the only way he’d live.
Titans, there was so much slick. It coated Phainon’s chin and smeared across his cheeks. Mydei was so wet he was dripping everywhere, and Phainon wanted every last drop. Before he knew it, he sealed his mouth around Mydei’s clit and sucked.
Mydei cried out, his thighs jerking around Phainon’s head. One hand fisted in his hair and tried to push him off, but Phainon wouldn't budge. He circled his tongue over the throbbing bud and kissed it, then licked between each tender fold like he could kiss Mydei into coming.
“Mydei,” Phainon rasped, voice muffled against his slick cunt. “You taste divine.”
“Phainon,” Mydei gasped, his voice cracking under the strain of mounting pleasure. “Phainon— I’m close, I—!”
His voice broke off into a helpless cry as Mydei’s entire body bowed forward. A sudden burst of clear fluid gushed from his cunt, painting Phainon's face and soaking his mouth as Mydei squirted all over him.
Mydei's grip went limp, releasing his hold on Phainon's hair. When Phainon lifted his head, he couldn't see Mydei's face past the round swell of his belly, which was more erotic than Phainon ever thought it'd be. All he could hear was the sounds of his panting as he recovered from his orgasm.
Phainon rose to his feet, mindful of Mydei's baby bump as he climbed over him to press their lips together, letting Mydei taste himself on his tongue. Mydei moaned into his mouth, still struggling to catch his breath.
When they separated, there was a thin string of saliva connecting their lips. “Mydei,” Phainon breathed, hands already making quick work of undressing himself and pulling out his cock, “Do you want me to fuck you?”
Mydei whimpered, reaching down to spread his folds with shaky hands. That was an answer as good as any.
Sliding his hands under Mydei's thighs, Phainon lifted him from the mattress and turned him around, seating him on Phainon's lap. His eyes lowered, zeroing on the hefty breasts that were only a hair's breadth from his face.
They looked swollen with milk.
Reading his mind, Mydei let out a small huff that sounded like a mixture of amusement and frustration before he looped his arms around Phainon's neck, practically pushing his face into his breasts. “Pervert,” Phainon heard him mutter under his breath.
Well, Phainon wasn't going to deny that. He wrapped his lips around a perky nipple and began to suckle earnestly, almost moaning at the influx of sweet milk that instantly flooded his tongue.
Mydei whined, shoving Phainon's face deeper into his chest, which only encouraged Phainon to suckle harder. With his mouth preoccupied on one nipple, his hand busied with massaging and flicking the other nipple, allowing more of Mydei's breastmilk to dribble down his fingers.
The sound of Mydei's moans filled his ears, and the growing wetness beginning to stain Phainon's pants was an indicator of how turned on he was simply from Phainon sucking on his tits.
From the way Mydei yanked on the hair on his nape and grinded his hips against Phainon's crotch, it was clear he was getting rapidly impatient.
Not wanting to keep his lovely wife waiting, Phainon’s free hand reached down and stroked himself a couple times, holding his cock steady as he lined it up against Mydei's waiting entrance, slowly pushing into the warm and searing heat. His lips unlatched from Mydei's breast as he threw his head back in a guttural groan.
Once he was fully sheathed in, his balls pressed against Mydei's pussy, he flipped their positions, pushing Mydei onto his back. He leaned forward as much as he was able to, what with Mydei's belly in the way, taking Mydei's hand and intertwining their fingers.
“Can I move?” Phainon asked. Mydei nodded, eyes glazed over with lust, and Phainon's hips began moving.
Mydei felt unbelievably tight. Phainon couldn't help his own noises, his grunts of pleasure overlapping with Mydei's breathy moans as the wet slap of skin meeting skin echoed through the room, punctuated by the obscene squelch of slick as he thrust deep into Mydei’s soaking cunt again and again.
“Feels so good,” Phainon groaned, dropping a kiss against the shell of Mydei’s ear, voice ragged as he whispered between thrusts. “You feel so fucking good, love. So warm, so perfect—”
“Gimme more,” Mydei moaned, his hand rubbing circles over his swollen belly, voice hoarse with want, “After this one, I want more.”
Phainon’s hips faltered for a moment, his heart stuttering in his chest. “Oh?” he breathed, picking up the pace again without missing a beat. “I thought you said we agreed we’d stop after this one.”
Mydei shook his head feverishly. “Don’t care. Gimme more babies, I want more,” he whined, moaning again as another thrust hit deep, “You always fuck me pregnant anyway— ah—!”
This man was insatiable.
“You like being pregnant, Mydei?”
This time, Mydei nodded with desperation. “I love it,” he confessed, eyes half-lidded and glassy with pleasure, “I love carrying your babies,” drool slipped from the corner of his lips, and Phainon brushed it away gently with his thumb, only to have Mydei lean into the touch with a blissed-out sigh. “Gimme more, I don’t care that I’m already pregnant, knock me up again, I want more—”
Phainon let out a shaky breath, dizzy with lust and emotion all at once. “As you wish,” he whispered, and snapped his hips forward with renewed vigour, pounding into him like a man possessed.
Mydei cried out, high and broken, a mewl of pure satisfaction that went straight to Phainon’s cock.
Eventually, with an arch of his back, Mydei came again with a cry of Phainon's name on his lips, squirting all over Phainon's toned abs. Phainon followed soon after, filling Mydei to the brim with his cum, just like he wanted.
Phainon collapsed to Mydei's left, gently turning his lover on his side and pulling him close. Lovingly, as if he was handling the world's greatest treasure, he caressed Mydei's hair, his face, then the curves of his body, finally resting the palm of his hand against Mydei's stomach.
“I love you,” Phainon whispered, meaning it with all his heart and more.
Although he was clearly exhausted, Mydei mustered the energy to smile at him. He placed his hand atop Phainon’s where it rested over the curve of his belly, cradling the life they’d created together.
“I know.”
“— And there was Aglaea. They call her the Goldweaver because of the golden threads she wields. She was the one who'd taken over the mantle as leader of the Flame-Chase Journey for a thousand years,” Phainon recounted, “My professor from the Grove, Anaxagoras. Although the other scholars condemned him for his blasphemy, he was a beloved teacher of mine and had taught me many valuable lessons.”
He told the stories of the Chrysos Heirs like the back of his hand. Even though in reality there had been much bloodshed, pain and sacrifice, loops of awful nightmares he'd honestly never forget, Phainon felt at peace when he talked about his fellow companions. They were here with him now and they were happy. That was all the reassurance he needed.
Especially since he was telling these stories to his children, who were wide-eyed and listening intently to every word he said. Any child would love a good story about beloved heroes.
“There were twelve Chrysos Heirs in the prophecy,” Aris mentioned. “Except for yourself, you still have one you haven't talked about, Papa.”
Phainon smiled and patted his son's head. His baby was such a smart cookie. “That's right,” he mused, rubbing his chin, “I wonder who else I'm missing?”
“You're missing Mama!” Eleonora yelled from where she was snuggled up against Mydei's side.
Mydei gave Phainon a deadpan look. “Truly unforgivable,” he told the children, “Your father's audacity is outrageous.”
Phainon laughed. “I'm saving the best for last, of course!”
Mydei didn't look convinced. “Right.”
“I wanna hear about Mama,” Aris spoke up quietly.
“Me too!” Eleonora beamed.
Mydei flushed. “Go on then, Deliverer.”
So Phainon did. He spoke about Mydeimos the Undying, the fearsome crown prince of Castrum Kremnos. A man worth thousands. He succeeded Nikador's trial and became the guardian of Amphoreus, defending it against the terrors of the black tide.
Above all, he was Phainon's equal, his rival, his kindred spirit. The love of his life and all the other lives before this one. That would never change.
“Sap,” Mydei muttered under his breath, though the tips of his ears flushed gold.
Phainon leaned over their children’s heads and pressed a kiss to Mydei’s temple. “You love me anyway.”
Mydei exhaled, long-suffering but fond.
"Then let me be the one to tell you both about Phainon, successor of Kephale's coreflame," Mydei began, piquing the children's attention. He ignored Phainon's splutter and continued. "The one who had saved Amphoreus from impending disaster. A true hero through and through. There is no one else more fitting for the title of Deliverer."
"Mydei," Phainon was embarrassed, but Mydei only gave him a sharp glance.
"His dream was to fulfill everyone else's dreams, so much so that he forgot his own," Mydei said, "Although he has endured more than most, he never stopped wanting to save others. He gave so much of himself, and yet, he will always be the sun that never sets."
He looked directly at Phainon.
"It's time to rest now," Mydei said softly, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You've done enough."
Soon, it was time to put the children to bed. Tonight, both Phainon and Mydei lay with them, the little ones nestled safely between their parents. They took turns kissing their foreheads, whispering promises of good dreams and a better morning.
“Good night, Papa, Mama,” Aris mumbled sleepily. “Love you.”
Phainon felt his heart twist. He reached out to brush back a strand of hair from Aris’s forehead. “Love you too, baby.”
Eleonora was already snoring. Mydei tucked the blanket snugly around her middle. Then the two of them lay still, watching their children doze off, the silence warm and full.
A few heartbeats passed before Phainon finally spoke.
“Mydei,” he murmured. “I think it’s tonight.”
He was leaving tonight. He had overstayed his welcome, anyway. The Phainon that was currently Mydei's husband, who had forged the path for this lovely future, deserved to be reunited with his family.
Mydei didn’t look surprised by his claim. He only nodded, voice low so as not to disturb the slumbering children. “Alright,” then, after a moment, “What do you think of your future? Not half-bad, isn’t it?”
Phainon didn’t hesitate. “It’s perfect.”
Mydei’s eyes softened. He smiled gently at him, like he already knew the answer. He was so beautiful.
“Go to sleep,” he said, voice like a lullaby. “I’ll see you soon.”
Phainon’s eyelids fluttered. Sleep was already claiming him. Mydei’s words settled over him like a final embrace as he took in the last sight of the lovely family they'd built together.
“See you soon,” he whispered, and drifted off with a contented smile.
When Phainon awoke, he was in his quarters, Kephale's Dawn Device visible through his window.
Mydei, Phainon thought, and practically tumbled out of bed to get dressed. He didn't notice the Curio that sat on his desk nor the flower that had bloomed inside it.
He burst out of his quarters, racing out of the building. He passed Aglaea and Tribios on his way, but could not pause to do more than smile and greet them good morning. He was a man on a mission, and the two seemed to sense that.
He ran through the city, eyes darting around in search of a familiar head of strawberry blonde and striking crimson tattoos. He passed Okhemans, Kremnoans, even those from other distant cities, yet his search was to no avail.
“Cyrene,” Phainon said when he bumped into her mid-search, panting slightly from all the running.
Cyrene gave him one look before muffling a giggle behind her palm. “I just saw him,” she said, pointing in a direction, “That way. You better hurry, Phainon.”
Phainon's eyes widened. “Thanks!” He yelled gratefully, running off as Cyrene's laughter carried on the wind.
Finally, he found Mydei on the edge of the holy city, his back turned as he stared up at Kephale's Dawn Device silently.
“Mydei!”
Just as Mydei turned around, Phainon lunged forward, throwing himself at him with outstretched arms, crashing into him and sending them both tumbling to the ground.
A yelp followed by a grunt escaped Mydei's lips as they rolled around the floor. “HKS! Why did you—”
Phainon cupped his cheeks with both hands, cutting him off. He stared down at Mydei with wide, sparkling eyes, “Mydei, marry me!”
Mydei went stock-still. For a full second, it didn't seem like he'd blinked. The stunned expression on his face was frankly, unbearably adorable.
“Marry me,” Phainon repeated, still holding Mydei's face. He inhaled a breath, staring deep into Mydei's eyes, “I am deeply in love with you. I have been for a very, very long time. Please don't leave Okhema forever, or I'll die.”
“Die?”
“Of heartbreak,” Phainon clarified, “I lied last time. I'll miss you so much I'll die.”
Mydei tilted his head, “So you decided to propose to me instead?”
Phainon nodded earnestly.
“And what makes you think I'll say yes?”
Phainon froze. He thought of the future he'd glimpsed into, of Mydei and the soft, loving expression he had reserved for Phainon and Phainon alone. That was more than enough to prove that Mydei was just as in love with Phainon as he was, wasn't it?
Pushing himself off the ground to sit up, Mydei suddenly surged forward, startling Phainon. He grabbed Phainon by the shoulders forcefully and pressed their lips together.
Immediately, Phainon felt the tension and anxiety ebb from his shoulders.
“You're such an idiot,” Mydei murmured against his lips, his fingers digging into Phainon's shoulders. “You never say what you truly feel. You're always hiding things, even from me. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?”
Phainon's heart twisted. He wrapped his arms around Mydei's waist, squeezing his hips gently in apology.
Eventually, Mydei huffed. “It took you long enough to find the courage to be honest,” he sighed, pulling back so their gazes would meet.
Mydei smiled at him, and his face was bathed in the sun, casting him in a gorgeous golden glow. He looked utterly ethereal.
“Mydei,” Phainon blurted, “I love you.”
“I know.”
“I want to be with you forever.”
“So do I.”
“I want to have lots of adorable children with you,” Phainon said, blinking wide pleading eyes at him. He thought of Aris' clear blue eyes, Eleonora's sweet giggles and their third unborn baby they had yet to meet back then, “At least three.”
Mydei stared at him.
“Please,” Phainon said again.
Mydei exhaled a quiet sigh. “Fine,” he relented, ruffling Phainon's snowy hair. His tone was fond. “Whatever you want, Deliverer.”
Phainon perked up. “We can live together and raise our family in all our homes,” he suggested excitedly, “I was thinking of returning to Aedes Elysiae to rebuild my childhood home. It'd be beautiful. I can discuss this together with Cyrene. Then we can go to Kremnos together and you can finally show me around. Our children would be well-versed in all our cultures and we’ll—”
“One at a time,” Mydei interrupted, amusement in his golden eyes. He leaned closer until their faces were barely a hair's breadth away from each other, “Didn't you say you wanted to marry me? Let's start with that first.”
Phainon's heart pounded wildly. “Yeah,” he agreed, his chest feeling the lightest it'd been in a long, long time. “So, your answer? Will you marry me, Mydeimos?”
Mydei smiled and sealed his answer with a kiss.