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He’s here again.
He’s here again even though he knows he shouldn’t be.
He has to stop—he has to stop this madness before he falls in even more, falls in deep .
God,
Who is he kidding?
He has already fallen. He’s already in it too deep to return but—
but he still needs to put a pause on this.
He’s going to have to turn around this instance, right this instance or he would not be able to stop himself. His heart is jumping wild in his chest and his voice—
His gosh darn voice still echoes in his ears.
*
“ General Jeon,” He says.
Jeongguk further straightens his posture and raises his head a little more.
“You are the pride of this nation, the pride of this kingdom—“
The young man takes a deep breath, already knowing where this might be headed.
“I cannot trust anyone else with this great responsibility except you,” He continues.
He’s standing with his back to him as he viewed outside from an open window in the chancery, the window itself huge enough to reach the ceiling of the room.
Cool breeze that enters through the window hits the General’s face and his long hair that falls over his shoulders sway a little because of it.
“I need you to deliver a message,”
He, the King of Ba Sing Sae, says to him as he walks to the big ivory table adjacent to the window he was just standing by.
The table had intricate designs carved into it, the carvings filled with a golden shade so bright—Jeongguk thinks it might as well be painted with real melted gold.
Of course.
They are royals after all and he’s..
Well he’s just a mere army general that lives in a small—well not that small—chamber in the lowest floors of the palace.
The King walks towards him, his stance straight, chin held high and steps graceful—what else is to be expected from a King of a kingdom so big and widely respected—and Jeongguk steps out of his self condescending thoughts.
“—get a grip Jeon.” The General thinks to himself. “You’re a warrior, you lead a huge god forsaken army of this huge god forsaken kingdom! You are the conqueror of lands! Best swordsman other kingdoms would kill to have! You are not a peasant and you are not like anyone else. Everyone tells your tales, lands know of your conquests and enemies start to quiver in your presence—the King is proud of you and he trusts you.”
The King comes to a halt in front of him and extends his arm to hand him a scroll that he had retrieved from the drawer of his ivory table.
Jeongguk raises his arms but keeps his eyes downcast, he can see the robes of the King and his golden shoes; with hand woven embroidery of red threads peek from underneath it.
His Highness’ scent too strong—even as beta—for him to bear from their proximity and as always, he has to breathe through his mouth every time he’s in the other’s presence.
The King is not standing on the same ground as him, but elevated on the higher part of the floor. It somehow reminds Jeongguk how he will never be like them, how he will never be able to have—
“Take this to the king of Omashu and let him know that we accept his proposal.”
Jeongguk takes a deep breath, keeps it in for a while, let’s his lungs burn with the urge to let go as his thoughts run wild.
He can do this.
Or so he thinks.
He fixes his armor and tightens the headband around his forehead and finally— finally releases his breath he was holding in for so long.
He’s here again
But this time.. this time it’s for—
With all the courage he can muster, he raises his hand and lets his knuckles rap softly in a low knock against the wooden doors of the bedchamber.
He waits a few heartbeats, waits for a deep, velvety voice to allow him to enter or the person to open the doors himself.
Nothing happens.
He’s releasing distressed pheromones now, causing his scent to grow more pungent, he tries to calm himself, not wanting the person on the other side of the door to know his mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts and that he’s about to enter the state of hysteria.. though he might not be showing any signs, but his scent is a dead giveaway.
Breathe in,
Breathe out.
It takes some time but he manages to get his scent in check and tries again.
As the alpha raises his hand to knock once more, a muffled sound of splashing water is heard behind the doors. His hand stills midair and Jeongguk knows.
He knows what’s happening and despite himself; a small fond smile takes over his face.
So that’s why there are no guards, no stewards or skivvies outside the chamber. Jeongguk hadn’t realized this because he was so engrossed in his own thoughts to pay attention to his surroundings.
He releases a sigh and shakes his head a little, not being able to contain his affection for his—
His what?
He knew this day would come eventually and he still let himself fall.
He does not have the time for this. The faster he gets this deed done with the better.
Paying no heed to his poor heart that beats for one person only, the same heart that will be shattered in small pieces in no time, he takes it upon himself and pushes the chamber doors open. He’s gentle, that’s why the person inside is still splashing away in the bathtub and has no clue he has a visitor.
As soon as the chamber’s doors are open though, Jeongguk is hit with the sweet scent of lavender mixed with honey, the scent so familiar yet so exquisite every time it invades his senses, he doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to get over this scent.
This scent of his—
He’s greedy and even when he knows he shouldn’t, he still closes his eyes and takes a long whiff, tries to keep it in as long as he can, his lungs protesting again, they probably hate him by now.
The General walks in, his footsteps quiet, discreet even. He looks around the familiar bed chamber of the Prince, casts a glance at the bed pushed to the corner by the window, the long posters of the bed supporting the white, translucent canopy, the curtains dance with the wind and create a dreamlike state for the General. Many memories from the nights spent on the same bed cross through his head.
Unwillingly, he shakes those thoughts away.
The room is illuminated by the last hours of sunshine before the sun sets in the horizon, bathing the chamber it’s warm glow accompanied by light, cool breeze entering through the window.
The young man casts his glance upon the wooden room divider which separates the sleeping area with the garderobe and heads towards it. The splashing sound of water more noticeable now. He hears something else too though.
By straining his ears a little more, as wolves, all their senses are heightened and the General hears a faint humming sound, as though the Prince was lost in his thoughts and he still hasn’t noticed the different yet familiar scent in his room. His heart expands in his chest as a wave of fondness for the Prince washes over his body.
Even though it shouldn’t, it still does.
He cannot help it.
Still, in an attempt to catch the other by surprise, the General silently approaches the wooden divider, he pokes his head from beside it and finally, finally catches the sight of him —or his back at least.
It’s been months.
Months of Jeongguk being deprived of this same sight, months of him last touching, last feeling the beautiful, soft golden skin of the other, under the calloused tips of his fingers, against his body.
As if on cue, the said person stills in his movements of washing himself. Perhaps he finally caught the intruding scent that didn’t belong to him, and slowly, tentatively he turns around in his large wooden bathtub.
At last.
“My love.”
The other all but says, his beautiful, chestnut eyes wide, and in a span of a few seconds his face goes through the stage of shock, then perplexity and finally when he makes sure his eyes and nose are in fact not deceiving him, his mouth forms into it’s signature rectangular grin, eyes crinkling.
At the sound of the boy’s voice, Jeongguk’s determination and confidence crumble, the mission on his hands seeming unimportant now. His heart shakes in his chest at the sight of—
His love.
His omega.
His love’s hair is still long as ever, dark, resembling the night sky and wet at the tips where they touch the water in the tub.
He just wants to keep staring, keep looking at his love because he feels like if he were to ignore the storm in his head and the tightening knot in his throat; they won’t feel real.
Nothing would feel real except this person right in front of him, his hands now gripping the rim of the wooden tub and expression as expectant as ever, vulnerable, just like the rest of him.
Jeongguk swallows his anxiety and finally responds, this has been a long awaited reunion after all.
“My Prince,” the young man replies, let’s the words out like a sigh. The way he just so pronounces the words are a clear indication of his affection towards the boy.
The Prince then wordlessly raises his arms that are still wet and dripping water, clearly as an open invitation.
Jeon Jeongguk knows his place—no, he should know his place.. but what can you do when you fall in love? and Jeon Jeongguk is nothing but a simple man.
The young man all but runs towards his love, he kneels down to be at the same level as the Prince that is still sat in the tub and wraps his arms around his torso tightly in a warm embrace.
The General shuts his eyes, buries his nose in his love’s neck to take in his scent that he missed so much, too much when he feels the Prince wrap his bare arms around his shoulders as well, keeping him in place.
As if he would want to let go, ever.
“I cannot trust anyone else with this great responsibility except you.”
That voice rings in his ears again but he pays it no heed...yet, in favor of having his lover in his arms for a little longer.
“I have missed you so much, my love.” the Prince says in his deep, baritone voice that soothes the other so much.
“It has taken you a while on your mission, no?” His love continues. Clearly not bothered by his nudity as he combs his fingers through the General’s long hair that is not a part of the top knot secured on his head.
“Me too, so much,” Jeongguk continues “I just got here,” the young man says, not letting go of his Prince just yet. “But His Highness has handed over to me another mission.” Jeongguk adds with a solemn voice.
Though unwilling, both lovers pull away, but not too far. Hands still touching.
“Why did you accept?” The Prince started, sounding irked and a scowl marring his beautiful features. “Did father not know you had just arrived and needed to rest before sending you off again?”
Jeongguk lets out a light chuckle, amused by how his lover is so protective of him, even though he is the one who should protect him.
Protect him.
That is exactly why he has to do what he is about to do.
“Fret not, my Prince,” Jeongguk raises his hand to move the bangs from getting into his love’s beautiful eyes.
And absolutely not for the fact he wants to stare deeply in them and his hair was getting in the way. Nope.
“It is not the type of mission you think. Just something trivial,” he tries to placate his lover’s worries with his reassuring words and a gentle pat on his soft cheek.
The Prince is then suddenly reminded Jeongguk had been long gone for a battle and his eyes widen, he takes his lover’s face in his soft palms hastily and starts inspecting it for any bruises or cuts.
Amused and yet again fond, the General chuckles at his lover’s antics who is now fussing over him, looking for any injuries.
“This is not funny Guk. You could seriously be injured!” the Prince all but yells.
“But I am not” the other man retorts as he removes the omega’s hands from his cheeks and drops feather light kisses on his knuckles
“I am okay and I am right here, in front of you” Jeongguk rewards his love with a dazzling lopsided smile and the other, not able to contain himself anymore, grabs ahold of his lover’s face again but this time he connects their lips in a soft long peck.
Even though it’s chaste and their lips don’t move, it still delivers all emotions the Prince wants to express.
Love,
Yearning,
Heartache.
“I am glad,” his lover says against his lips and Jeongguk opens his eyes, the Prince now resting his forehead against the General’s, palms still bracketing his face. “I am glad you are right here.. in front of me.”
The young man gulps heavily, seeing the honesty in his lover’s eyes and hearing the sincerity in his words.
This time it’s Jeongguk who dives in first and capture’s his Prince’s luscious lips he missed so much, craved so much to taste all the times they have been apart from each other.
The Prince, being caught off guard by his love’s eagerness, regains his composure and all but melts against his lips, reciprocates the action with the same sort of urgency, soft whines escaping his lips. Their scents noticeably spiking with the pleasure of kissing their lover.
They part with a soft smacking sound which makes the Prince giggle.
“What are you laughing at Tae?” The alpha asks, dazed and eyes a little bit glazed over.
Hearing the nickname leave the other’s mouth makes a flutter of butterflies erupt in his stomach.
God, he has missed him so much.
“Nothing, just—” Taehyung sighs, yet again playing with the loose strand of his love’s hair, twirling it around a long and elegant finger. “I am happy you are here.” A pause, as if he’s pondering over what words to say next and then,
“I am happy you are with me.”
Those words are like a punch to Jeongguk’s gut. The guilt of what he is about to do heavy on his shoulders and only because of that, he looks away from the expressive look in Taehyung’s eyes.
If Taehyung notices that, he doesn’t comment on it. The General might just be tired. Yeah.
But what Jeongguk says next, wash away all of his worries.
“Me too,” the young man finally blurts out, gaze filled with longing as he tucks the Prince’s hair behind his ear tenderly. “I am happy I have you.”
At those words Taehyung pulls Jeongguk in for a hug again and the General being a fool in love that he is, doesn’t mind his Prince’s soaked body enveloping him again.
Lost in the familiar warmth of his lover, the young man momentarily chokes when Taehyung utters his next words.
“Join me.”
What?
“What?” the General pulls back and voices his thought, the look on his face incredulous, his eyes wide and the tips of ears turning red with how blunt his lover is. Though he already is awake of that fact, he’s still caught off guard.
Knowing he has the upper hand now, the omega offers a sly smirk and traces a teasing finger down the side of his lover’s face and for added effect, he moves in a little closer; invading Jeongguk’s personal space, knows his scent is enticing, he just needs the alpha to relax, he seems too stiff for some reason right now.
He probably just needs to rest.
Taehyung then whispers in his alpha’s ear, making goosebumps rise on his skin at the sultry way the Prince regards him.
“I said,” he continues as he wraps his palm around the General’s nape. “Join me in the water.”
That just does it for the other. Heat rising his face as he splutters.
At his reaction he feel’s the omega’s form vibrating against him, drowning in a fit of giggles.
“Oh Gukkie—” Taehyung tries to continue in between his laughter, “—you’re supposed to be a big bad alpha!”
Okay, The General is a little embarrassed right now. Taehyung is right after all but the omega just has that type of effect on him. Leaves him a puddle of uncontrollable emotions with his words and lingering touches.
He cannot even complain right now with how his love seems so accomplished with himself. Seems so happy. The sound of his laugh just about relieving all of his own inner turmoil.
But he knows that’s just temporary.
He still needs to do what he’s here for.
Jeongguk stands up, his legs a little shaky with how long he has been kneeling and grabs the robe resting on the stool beside the tub which carries all the essential oils the Prince uses, Taehyung’s eyes following the movement.
“Come on now, little Prince. Enough bathing for you today.” the General jokes, as he opens the silky robe for the omega to slip into easily.
If he needs to break their hearts, he might as well just get over with it.
“No!” His love retorts petulantly, as he looks away with his arms folded, water sloshing from the movement, seemingly trying to fit himself into the ‘little prince’ title the General just labelled him with.
“Taehyung-ah.” Jeongguk says in a scolding manner as he shifts his weight from one leg to other.
The omega rolls his eyes at his tone, “fine, give me the drying cloth first, I cannot get in that robe otherwise.” He orders.
He’s now really acting like the royalty he is, ordering around and Jeongguk throws the red silk robe over his shoulder and works on finding that drying cloth the other just demanded .
He looks around, hands on his hips as the Prince makes no move of guiding him. At last, he finally spots two pieces of cloth hanging from the corner of the room divider.
After he has finally acquired the needed goods, he splays one of the rags on the floor beside the tub all the while the Prince watching him move around with something akin to endearment in he’s eyes.
The General then presents his hand to the omega, “will you now step out, Your Highness?” This does not fail to make the Prince laugh as he finally takes the other’s hand and stands up.
The state of nudity Taehyung is in is nothing new to Jeongguk so he takes matters into his on hands and makes work with drying the Prince himself as the omega steps out of the tub with careful movements, his hands placed on the broad shoulders of Jeongguk and stands on the rag the alpha placed on the floor for the other to dry his feet on.
The cool air in the room makes him shudder along with the tenderness and care his alpha is wiping him with. Eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he makes sure to not apply any excess pressure while drying him in fear of irritating his love’s beautiful tan skin. His tenderness makes the omega effectively blush.
And the look of unadulterated affection that the Prince addresses him with goes unnoticed by the alpha.
No words are exchanged between them until Jeongguk finally secures the knot of the silk robe around his love’s waist.
The Prince then hums, “thank you so much my dear gukkie, are you sure you lead an army?”
It’s the General’s turn to roll his eyes as he pulls the omega against his chest with a hand around his waist, making the other yelp in surprise as he hurriedly snakes his arms around the alpha’s neck, scared he might slip.
Though he knows, Jeongguk would never let him fall.
“What has me leading an army anything to do with me showering you with my love and care, hm, little Prince?” He says in a low whisper
Oh how the tables have turned.
“N-nothing,” the omega stutters at the sudden display of strength and boldness, his face hot to the point it rivals the color of his robe.
Heavens, his omega is so breathtaking...
Not being able to hold himself back any longer even if he knows the consequences of his actions, the General crashes his lips against the omega’s and wastes no time in slipping his tongue in his loves mouth, the wet flesh intertwining with his lover’s, He taste so exquisite, like lavender and honey on his tongue that he cannot hold back the moan that escapes his mouth without him wanting to.
“Jeongguk—,” Taehyung whines, tangling his finger’s in the alpha’s hair.
“Shh.” The alpha quietens him, not wanting to hear what the other wants to say even if he knows. He’s just making this hard for himself.
He pulls back and before the Prince can reattach their mouths, Jeongguk takes his hand and leads them out the garderobe, ignoring his love’s protests.
The warmth of their palms mingling, the fit so perfect as if they belong together, like two puzzle pieces.
The General walks towards the bed with his lover in tow, he sits on the soft mattress and waits for the omega to follow suit but instead of sitting on the bed, Taehyung seats himself on his alpha’s lap, straddling his thick thighs, clearly enjoying the look of bewilderment of his lover’s face, his mouth agape. He again places his arms where they belong; around Jeongguk’s neck and looks down at him, clearly waiting for him to make the next move, whatever it may be.
“Tae..” the young man starts as he places his calloused hands on his love’s plush thighs, moving them back and forth in a soothing manner.
“Guk..” his lover copies his tone, eyes hooded and bottom lip caught between his teeth in anticipation.
“I—” the alpha doesn’t know how to begin, tries to gulp through the knot that his back in his throat.
This is it.
He heaves a deep and long sigh. Here it goes.
But, before he can open his mouth to continue, Taehyung’s hand on his face stops him.
He traces the headband around the alpha’s forehead with gentle fingers and irises now reflecting the same anxiousness in the General’s eyes.
“Gukkie.. is there something on your mind that is bothering you?” Taehyung says softly. He then untangles his other arm from around the alpha’s neck cups his cheeks lovingly, with his thumbs, he smooths the tender skin beneath Jeongguk’s eyes. He looks tired, dark circles prominent and the omega sighs
“Is there something you want to tell me? Because—” a pause, his eyes wandering inquisitively around the young man’s face. “You have been acting out of character today… and your scent..” Jeongguk freezes, heart rate rapid “It is very distressed.” His omega says, the aroma of sandalwood mixed with the smell of rain he is normally used to, feels nowhere near familiar now, it’s more thick with with something else, something he cannot point out just yet.
“Do not think I did not notice it the moment you came here, and it is stressing me out to no extent as well.”
Taehyung drops a soft peck on Jeongguk’s cheek and continues, all the while the alpha just stares at him, “please, do not keep it from me, we promised to be each other’s rock.. and you are scaring me right now with your silence.”
Without uttering a single word, the General buries his face in the omega’s chest, in a vain attempt to conceal his teary eyes.
“Oh, my love..” Taehyung speaks in a sad tone “what is the matter? You are making me nervous..” In an attempt to to release some of the tension from his love’s stiff form, he combs his hair with his fingers again and scratches his scalp with blunt nails.
Before Taehyung could coerce the other some more, the General speaks up.
“We have to stop.”
At those four words, Taehyung thinks his beating heart comes to an abrupt halt.
He must be imagining things.
“W-what do you m-mean we have to stop? What do we have to s-stop?!” the omega stutters out his words. The alpha is still hiding his face in his chest.
Not for long though because when he straightens, Taehyung is greeted with his love’s red rimmed eyes, as if he’s stopping himself form crying.
No...this cannot be! This is not what I think it is, please.. please! The Prince begs in his head.
Jeongguk swallows, his throat feels parched, mouth dry as Sahara.
“We—” he proceeds with a hoarse voice “need to put an end on this.. on—on us..” the words fall from his mouth robotically as if his soul has left his body, he cannot believe he is uttering these words but in hindsight he knew this day would eventually arrive but he didn’t know their time together would feel this scarce.
Jeongguk expects a lot of things to occur next. A slap to his face, maybe a punch but what he doesn’t expect is for Taehyung to stay still and do nothing.
The General looks at the other on his lap, anticipating any sort of reaction but his love just looks at him impassively, though his wobbling lower lip is a dead give away of the storm building inside him.
Then, he barks out a humorless laugh, his form quivering and Jeongguk just stares at his love with wide eyes.
“Is— is this some type of joke, Jeon Jeongguk? Do you really think I will fall for it?”
The omega has never said his name like this and his broken heart further shatters, he didn’t think it could be possible but alas.
“You can stop now, I have had enough.” The Prince orders but Jeongguk hears it as a plea.. it sounds like one.
“My Prince..” the young man starts but omega stops him with a hand to his lips.
“Please, I beg you. Please tell me this is a joke..” at his words, a tear slips down the General’s cheek. He wishes this was a joke but it isn’t.
Jeongguk removes the omega’s hand from his lips with a gentle grip around his wrist, before he could stop himself though, he presses a light kiss to his Prince’s fingertips.
“This is not a j-joke. This is real and I mean it.”
The Prince doesn’t say anything after this. He silently gets up from Jeongguk’s lap and starts backing away from him with small steps.
No.. do not walk away from me like this.. he wants to say but we wouldn’t, this is what he was here for after all. He needs to follow the King’s orders.
“I d-do not believe you. You are lying to me…” the Prince keeps insisting, even though his hands are balled in fists beside him, he cannot stop them from shaking.
“You knew this would happen, Tae—”
“Stop talking! You are no one to decide what would happen and what would not!” The omega seethes with part anger, part frustration. Tears steadily escape his beautiful chestnut eyes now as he points an accusing finger in Jeongguk’s direction.
“This does not have to happen! You know what our plan is, we were supposed to run away together!” The prince hastily adds as he stares at his love with furious eyes.
“Tae,”
“Do not Tae me right now! How can you just say those things to me?! Do you not love me anymore? Were all those promises a lie? Was this all fun and games to you?” Taehyung maintains the distance between them as he cards his fingers through his hair and clutches at them in distress.
“A-all those times we met in the gardens behind everyone’s back, snuck out into the forest to swim in the river.. a-all those secret rendezvous.. and you are telling me we need to stop this?”
A sob rakes through him and Jeongguk is quick to get on his feet to approach his lover. At first he’s scared Taehyung won’t let him touch him but as he grasps the weeping Prince’s shoulders, the other doesn’t pull away. The General sighs on relief that his touch isn’t repulsive to his love.
“Tae.. please, listen.. our love has never been a game to me.” the other shakes in his hold and the alpha rubs his arms to calm Taehyung down.
The omega stays silent, only his soft cries and sniffing audible. The sun has finally set and the stars are out. It’s like any ordinary evening, except for them.
Jeongguk cups his love’s face and chases his eyes so they can lock gazes but Taehyung refuses to look at him, he just closes his lids, his long luscious lashes sticking together and his face wet with salty tears. He has his bottom lip caught between his teeth yet again to prevent any noises to spill and his hair his disheveled with how he has been gripping at them.
He’s still as beautiful as ever.
The General wipes his lovers tears, sniffling himself. When he wipes one, another slips down and he hates himself with his whole being, because of how he has made his love cry like this.
“W-why.. why are you doing this then?” Taehyung croaks, his voice choked up and eyes still closed as he gulps thickly.
Defenseless, Jeongguk pulls out something from the vest his armor, at the rustling sound the omega cracks opens his eyes and stares at what the alpha has in his hand curiously.
It’s a scroll.
With a defeated look on his face, the General hands his love the scroll he has just retrieved.
Still dubious as to why Jeongguk is handing him this now when they have serious things to talk about, the Prince unrolls the scroll, the parchment looks familiar and the writing inside it even more.
It’s his father’s handwriting and the stamp of his kingdom at the bottom confirms his suspicion that this is a royal message.
“Jeongguk, what..”
“Just read it.. my Prince.” Jeongguk passes him a sad look in his eyes.
The omega has no other option but to read this now.
Greetings, King Jung Joo Won of Omashu.
It took me quite a while to respond to your request but now at this stage where my kingdom, Ba Sing Sae teeters to its fall I have no other choice but to accept your proposal of my son, Prince Kim Tae hyung’s betrothal with your son, Prince Jung Woo Sung.
I hope this new alliance will prove to be beneficial for both of our kingdoms and your generosity towards our nation will help us get Ba Sing Sae back to its rightful place as a ruling capital.
I would be looking forward to your answer so we can settle a suitable date for the betrothal to commence.
-Regards,
King Kim Sung Ho of Ba Sing Sae.
The scripture all but falls from Taehyung’s shaking hands and hits the ground with a soft thud.
“This.. this cannot happen!” The Prince shouts.
“This— father.. how dare he is doing this to me?” Taehyung turns around to march out of room so he can yell at the King who without is permission or agreement his marrying him off to someone he doesn’t know.
Someone he doesn’t love.
“My Prince, wait!” Jeongguk grabs his love’s arm hurriedly before he can effectively walk out.
Taehyung shakes his arm out of his grip and seethes at his love, “do not make me take my anger out on you instead!”
Suddenly his expression changes as if he has connected the dots.
“So this is the mission you were about to go off for?” He laughs, this time hurt flashing in his eyes. And then he claps his hands in Jeongguk’s face.
“I have to say Gukkie. For someone who promises he loves me so much, you were quick to accept his order of delivering this message across the nation.” The Prince accuses him.
“It feels like you really are tempted to marry me off with a stranger, huh?” He folds his arms across his chest, no more the weak crying boy anymore. His stance defiant.
“Taehyung, can you stop and just listen to me for once!” Jeongguk didn’t mean to raise his voice but he has had enough of the Prince’s jabs right at his heart.
The omega stays quiet and stares at Jeongguk who takes this as his cue to speak.
“Stop throwing these baseless accusations at me! I am doing this for your sake.” His armor feels double it’s weight now and the soothing breeze entering form the window does nothing to calm his nerves, the scroll with those offensive words still lying on the floor, forgotten.
“ My sake?! How can you say you are doing this for my sake when you break my heart? You are leaving me for my sake? Sending me off all the way to Omashu with god knows who for my sake?! Are you even hearing yourself?” The Prince reiterates.
“God, Tae, I fucking love you okay!” Jeongguk curses, “Do you even know what your kingdom is going through? This— this marriage can save your kingdom, can save you. I do not want you to be with someone who can not provide you with anything ” The alpha growls.
Taehyung’s eyes widen.
He’s talking about himself.
“I cannot give you anything, Taehyung…” Jeongguk says in a mere whisper, his eyes burning with agony of finally saying these words to his lover that have been eating him away.
“I am nothing but a mere General who would not even remain one if we were to pursue each other.” The alpha admits shamefully.
“You said we planned to run away.. if we do where will we go? I have nothing to offer you. I would not be able to provide you with all this luxury you are used to and deserve.”
“I am nothing with is armor off, Tae.. nothing”
The self loathing takes over again. How did he let himself fall for a prince, a beautiful prince who deserves nothing but the best in this world.
And he is anything but.
“I am doing this to protect you..” Jeongguk finally looks at him and he’s the one with tears streaming down his face.
Taehyung runs a hand through his already messy hair, and heaves out a frustrated sigh, all fight leaving his body, he stares at his bare feet and then back up at his lover.
“Protect me from what, Jeongguk?” The Prince asks.
Jeongguk straightens up and wipes his own face hurriedly, “protecting you from the cruel world out there. I do not want you to struggle, which you will regardless of choosing me or not agreeing with this wedding.”
“I can not believe this.” Taehyung says, tone study, he is ready to fight for his love but his love himself is being difficult.
“Believe wh—”
“I can not believe how selfish and selfcentered you would turn out to be.”
“I am what?” The general replies, incredulous.
“You heard me. I can not believe I fell in love with a brainless being like yourself.”
“Now, Tae—”
“No! Now you will listen to me, alright?” The Prince points an accusing finger at him again. And Jeongguk raises his hands in mock surrender, the omega suddenly behaving differently.
“You say you love me and then you have this plan B in your head of leaving me when things turn out looking like that, you kiss me one second and tell me the we have to end this the next.” Each sentence Taehyung speaks, he walks towards the person who he calls his lover as he covers the distance between them.
“You just care about your position in the army don’t you?” Taehyung knows this is a lie but that does not stop him from saying it anyway.
Now with Jeongguk standing just a few inches from him, Taehyung just wants to set this whole place on fire so they both stay close forever without the worries of the world.
At those words, it’s Jeongguk’s turn to laugh, and he does it with so much force his head falls back.
“Taehyung if I cared so much for my position.. I would not have replied to your letter that you had left in my bedchamber all those years ago.”
“I knew how dangerous what we have been doing is but I still fell, put not only this position you speak of in danger but my life along with it.” He continues.
His words relieve the Prince to no extent.
He cups the alpha’s cheek, the General tenses at the sudden contact but relaxes the next instant, “this is all I wanted to hear, my love.”
Taehyung whispers as he stares deeply into his love’s gaze. “Your love is enough for me, I have never cared about this luxury you speak of. And this kingdom. It will survive, father will find out a way and I cannot be damned about it right now.” the Prince says desperately, trying to save their love that is hanging on a thin thread.
“Never spared a thought to those consequences you speak of, the only thing I care about is our bond, even though I do not bear your mark, I want to.. one day.” He continues, tone hopeful.
Jeongguk stands still, eyes wide with his heart at the brink of beating its way out of his chest at the thought of mating, finally claiming this omega he loves so much with all of his being.
“You are more than enough for me, Jeonggukie. You are all I ever need, my love.” The omega breathes out, his words like an anchor for the General which he will hold on for dear life.
At those words, Jeongguk places his hands on Taehyung’s waist, still in that red silk robe he put on what feels like ages ago.
Taehyung is right, Jeongguk thinks. He always has been. If they have one another they don’t need anything or anyone else. He’ll go wherever his love wants him to, no matter how far, he will walk the earth for him.
A nod from the alpha is enough reassurance for the Prince, as he leans in for a kiss.
God, he can never ever think of letting him go.
Letting this go.
“ Let’s run away, my alpha.”