Work Text
"Your Highness, are you alright?"-I am fine.Cale gazed worriedly at the crown prince beyond the communication orb. The man who was always elegant currently had messy hair and heavy bags under his eyes. The huge pile of paperwork behind him told tales about his heavy work."You seem tired.""Yes, Cookie Prince, are you alright?"Raon chimed in from beside Cale.- I am fine, Raon-nim. Do not worry Cale.Alberu placated the chubby black dragon and turned toward Cale, flashing him a smile.Sigh."You should rest, don't push yourself too much."- I can't afford to rest right now. The preparations of the upcoming war is crucial.Cale scowled at Alberu's words. Of course he was aware on the importance of his work but seeing his lover being this tired did not sit well with him.- I will hang up now, you should rest.Alberu looked out the window at the moon high up in the dark sky. It was currently late at night and it was a surprise to see Cale still awake.-Hmm.Alberu flinched slightly when he made eye contact with Cale again, the deep frown on the redhead's face somewhat concerning.- Well...Sigh. After another sigh, Cale stood up from his seat, much to Alberu's surprise."Human, where are you going?"Raon asked curiously as he followed Cale out of the orb's shot.- Cale, where are you-Pat."I am here."Cale voice came from behind the bewildered Crown Prince."Cookie Prince, hello again!"Raon, seeing no need to leave the communication orb on, cut off the connection and greeted the Crown Prince."Hello, Raon-nim."Though surprised by their visit, Alberu responded to the young dragon's greeting."Raon, you can go back now."Cale patted the dragon on the head."Alright Human! Cookie Prince, goodbye!""Goodbye, Raon-nim."The black dragon left."Cale, you-"Cale did not let him finish his words before he stepped forward and grabbed the Crown Prince's hand, leading him to the comfiest looking couch.Pat. Pat."Here."Cale patted his lap and motioned for Alberu to rest his head. He received a look of bewilderment from the fake blond man."Come on."Cale urged."I am alright, really."Alberu shook his head. He was perfectly fine. He was used to such long nighters and he did not care much.Cale frowned slightly."Al-""Don't worry too much Cale.""You-""I still have to finish some paperwork, you sleep first."Alberu attempted to walk back to the giant pile of paperwork he left when he received Cale's call earlier.But he was stopped as Cale tugged on his arm, leading him to sit back on the couch."Cale-""Al, please."Alberu paused, eyes meeting his lover's. He froze, seeing the intense worry in those beautiful reddish-brown eyes.Cale cupped Alberu's face in his hands and gave him a chaste kiss."Al, please rest a bit."'I don't want to lose you. 'The second part was not said out loud.Alberu's did not say another word of refusal and laid down on the couch, positioning his head on Cale's lap. Slender hands ran through his hair soothingly."Let me sing you a lullaby.""... I am not a child.""But you are my darling.""... How cheesy."Alberu met the redhead's gaze then avoided his eyes. Cale chuckled in amusement, his eyes filled with affection."... Do as you wish."A soft tune came from Cale's lips. Even though it did not have definite lyrics, with his lover's beautiful voice in his ears, the tune seemed very soothing. In a daze, Alberu seemed to remember the nights his mother would sing him a lullaby to lure him to sleep in his young years, a lullaby to which he had forgotten the lyrics.His alert mind settled down peacefully and he drifted to sleep.Time passed and when Cale looked down at the crown prince on his lap, the latter has already fallen asleep a long time ago.Cale chuckled softly, his hands brushing away the golden locks obstructing his view of his lover's serene face."Truly, I am going crazy-"He whispered softly.'-Crazy for you.'
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"You know that too, the best way to protect you and your people is to become my sworn brother."Cale sighed at Alberu's words. That was true. It was indeed the best way to make sure those greedy nobles do not dare touch his people."Sworn brother, huh?""Yes.""Alright then."Alberu's eyes brightened ever so slightly at Cale's acceptance. Cale glanced at him and smiled.Alberu froze, his blue eyes fell on the beautiful face that was looking at him with a charming smile.Gulp.Cale leaned toward the nervous Crown Prince. His hands reached out toward him when there was only inches between them and the Crown Prince's eyes were firmly glued to his lips."Al."The beautiful voice filled his ears and his mind went blank when soft lips brushed against his.Clang.Cale leaned back, playing with the golden plaque he retrieved from Alberu's breast pocket. The Commander smiled triumphantly as he gazed with his reddish-brown eyes at the Crown Prince that had a blank look on his face."Haha, Heavens..., Al, you are so cute."Cale's laughter snapped Alberu out of his reverie, his ears turning a deep shade of red. That was of course not their first kiss but he could not help but be captivated every time."Haaa.""Haha."In response to Alberu's exhausted sigh was Cale's laughter. Alberu looked toward the Commander who won the war with near zero casualty and shook his head. He ran a hand through his golden locks and his eyes fell on the golden plaque in Cale's hands." Three uses and three requests."Sensing his gaze, Cale smiled and proposed."Five requests, three uses.""Three uses, four requests.""Deal."Cale chuckled, in a good mood. As for the four requests that Alberu will demand of him for using the golden plaque, he could bent it to his favor however he wished.After settling the issue, Alberu seemed to remember something and his eyes brightened. He stared at Cale who was leisurely reclining against the couch."Ahem. Since it is decided, why don't you call me hyung.""You want me to call you that?"Cale raised his brow in surprise."Yes, come on."Alberu urged. He finally has such an opportunity, how can he let it slide?"Are you sure?""Yes.""Hyung.""...""What is wrong, Hyung? ""..."Alberu did not answer, specifically he could not answer."Haha, Heavens!""... well...""Al, you are so cute!, come on, stop hiding, look at me.""I am not."Haha.Cale's laughter flowed and the blush on Alberu's face deepened. Alberu gritted his teeth and tried to steady his erratic heartbeat. A pale slender hand ran through his hair and made the Crown Prince who was hiding his face look at him.Cupping his face, Cale gave the Crown Prince a peck, his eyes holding affection toward the shy man."... Cale...""Hmm."Arms tightened around the Commander's waist and brought him into Alberu's arms. Cale did not resist."Cale."Alberu called out his name again, burying his face in his beloved wine colored hair, taking a deep breath."Let me use one of my requests now."Was Alberu's words before meeting Cale's lips.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Creak.The door slowly opened and Cale, who was weakly leaning against the bed's headboard, made eye contact with the Crown Prince who walked in."Al."Cale flashed him a smile but his pale contenance was concerning. Alberu frowned, making his way to sit down beside Cale."Well-""Cale."Cale paused and looked away, avoiding his lover's displeased expression."Cale, look at me."He made no move to face Alberu."Aren't you the one who always tell me not to push myself too much, then why are you-"Alberu's voice was dripping with anger, anger that was directed at no one in particular. Warm hands held his and his words were cut short.Cale met his gaze and gave him a faint smile." I am fine, it is just that I used my ancient powers a bit too much, otherwise I am perfectly fine-""Fainting for more than a week is fine?"Cale's attempt to placate his lover failed as Alberu's expression turned somewhat cold. The Crown Prince's tired face was concerning for Cale to look at."This is not the first time that you faint for so long, I know there is war right now, I am aware we have to stop Arm but everytime, you sleep longer than the last time, what if you don't-"'What if you don't wake up the next time?'Cale could not say anything more. Seeing the worry and rising despair in his lover's eyes, his heart felt like being riddled with holes." I... "Sigh.Alberu ran a hand through his hair in exasperation at Cale's speechlessness. He was tired, every time Cale faints, every time his beloved looked so weak and pale, he could not help but be afraid, afraid that his lover would not ever wake up again. He was truly slowly drowning in despair."I am sorry..."Alberu glanced at Cale."... I will take care of myself more, okay Al? Next time I won't-""This won't be the last time, right?"Alberu's question stumped Cale. Yes, this won't be the last time he faints.Ha!Alberu chuckled self-deprecatingly, shaking his head. He leaned forward and carefully hugged his lover, burying his face in Cale's hair, taking a deep breath as if trying to imprint his lover's scent to his mind."Cale, I don't want to lose you."Cale's arms tightened around him and closed his eyes, concealing the pain and hesitancy in them."I know.""Promise me you won't leave me, Cale please."The despair in his voice made Cale bit his lips slightly."I won't leave you Al, I promise."Cale now understood that he could not make his loved ones suffer like this, it was not only Alberu, his family's reaction every time he woke up was more slowly becoming numb, he didn't want his family to be unhappy because of him. So-" As soon as we take care of Arm and the White Star, I will rest and take proper care of myself."-He could make this statement with confidence."... Really?..."The muffled voice asked back hesitantly,"Really."Alberu's arms tightened around him slightly."... I love you, Cale.""I love you too, Al."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Here, eat this."Alberu set down the plate full of cookies on the coffee table and turned to Cale, who was looking at the cookies with disgust."Lemon flavored cookies, seriously?""Ron said it is good for your health."Alberu shrugged with a smile while staring at Cale's disgruntled face after hearing that Ron specifically asked him to eat it.Sigh."Ron said that?""Yeah, really."Alberu could still remember the scary smile on the butler's face.'Truly, that old man is kinda scary.'Cale relented and picked up one cookie, biting into it with a scolw.'And here I thought I could escape from lemons today.'Cale was currently in Alberu's bedroom, sprawled on the confiest couch. He escaped here thinking he would not have to taste that gross fruit today, yet...Crunch."It is good, right?""Don't you have work to do, Al?""Nope, I am totally free."Cale's frown deepened at seeing the amusement on his lover's face. Oh how he would like to punch him-'No, I have to endure it. I can't injure his handsome face.'Sigh.Cale sighed for the second time that day and finished the cookie, ignoring the Crown Prince's burning stare."It is good for your health, you have to care for yourself more and exercise a lot, okay?""I am already exercising-""No Cale, breathing isn't exercise."Crunch!Cale bit into his second cookie with a hateful face. Seeing the blatant enjoyment of his misery on his lover's face upset him.'I have to get back at him.'Cale's eyes lit up as he remembered a conversation he had with his Father about whether he would marry Alberu after everything had been settled."Ahem, it is indeed good.""What?""You are right, I have to take care of myself, after all, I still haven't married you.""M-marriage?!"'Got him.'Cale's reddish-brown eyes twinkled with mischief. Let's see who will be enjoying the situation now."What?, you didn't think of marrying me? Alberu, were you thinking of fuck-and-run?""C-Cale!, you should really fix your vocabulary."Alberu choked at his words, shocked at the redhead's words. Cale face contorted in false heartache, shaking his head dramatically."My vocabulary isn't the issue, so you've never though of marrying me.""It isn't like that, you just said it so suddenly -""So suddenly?, am I the only one thinking of our future together?""No, it is not like that-""Sigh, I should have listened to Ron, he did tell me you were no good.""No! Don't listen to Ron!"If Alberu has not been anxious, he could have understood that Cale was just messing with him but with his mind anxiously coming up with answers, he completely couldn't tell."Of course I will marry you!"Seeing the heartache on Cale's face, Alberu was worried, worried that Cale would think he didn't love him enough to think of their future together."Really?""Yes!""Oh good."The heartache on Cale's face dissipated and he went back to munching on the cookies, in a good mood after messing with his lover. Alberu sighed in relief.'That is good-- Wait...'"Cale, did you just trick - where are you going?"Alberu regarded Cale, who had stood up at some point and was walking toward the door in a hurry, with a raised brow."Haha, look at the time, it is already so late! I am going first!""Cale.""Anyways, remember you promised to marry me, if you were to go back on your words, don't blame me for looting you dry! Bye! Love you."Bang.The door closed behind the fleeing Cale. Alberu sighed and shook his head in exasperation.'Goodness, I just got tricked into marriage.'"He is lucky I love him. But... it isn't so bad."Alberu smiled happily, it didn't matter whether Cale tricked him because he would have willingly gave himself to Cale without hesitation.'I am completely hopeless, aren't I?'
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Creak. The door was pushed open and Alberu walked in, patting his dirty hands. He was about to head to the bathroom to wash up when he caught sight of something unbelievable… Cale was doing paperwork on his desk. Alberu paused and wondered if he was hallucinating now. “Ah, you are done with training.” Nope…he wasn’t hallucinating. “… What are you doing?” “Nothing much, since you were training with Choi Han, I thought I could do this for you.” Cale spoke while setting down a set of paperwork he had just done and flashed him a smile. Alberu frowned and walked toward him. He observed Cale’s somewhat sweaty face with displeasure. “Cale, you should stop, I will take care of it myself.” Alberu wanted to touch Cale’s forehead but stopped when he remembered his hands were still dirty. “I will leave it when you finish showering, okay?” Cale shook his head and assured him. “… Really?” “Yeah. Go now.” Alberu was suspicious but when Cale assured him again, he finally nodded and walked quickly into the bathroom. He thought he had to quickly be out to stop Cale. Cale made sure the bathroom door was closed and picked up another half from the large pile at the side. ‘I have to do all this before he gets out.’ Personally, Cale thought the work Alberu does every day was too much, and even though he hated doing paperwork, if it meant he could alleviate his beloved’s work, he would gladly do it. When the bathroom door was pushed open again, Alberu came out and his scowl deepened when he sighted his lover’s red face. Sigh. ‘What was I expecting…?’ Alberu stepped toward him and snatched away the pen in Cale’s hand. “Stop. Now.” “…I was just about to be done…” Cale was speechless, putting down the half-done paperwork in his hands on the desk. Seeing the faint irritation on his lover's face, Cale quickly looked away. “I was just about to be done, really…” Cale’s repeated words trailed off as a somewhat cold hand settled on his forehead. Alberu was even more displeased sensing the hot skin under his palm. “Al, I-” “Come on.” Alberu cut him off as he held Cale’s hand and pulled him to the bed, forcing him to sit down. “I am fine, Al.” “Cale.” The look on Alberu’s face silenced Cale who still wanted to argue. Cale pursed his lips and accepted the glass of water Alberu handed him. “Drink up.” “Oh…” Cale stared at the indifferent expression on the Crown Prince’s face before obediently drinking when the latter raised his brow. Cale handed him the empty cup and Alberu set it down with a still emotionless face after making sure the redness on Cale’s face had subsidized a lot. “Hmm… Al, are you angry…?” Cale tentatively poked Alberu’s arm, mentoring his expression to see any changes. “I am not.” “…you are angry.” Cale pouted slightly. “Oh, you know I am angry but you can’t recognize when you are overworking yourself huh?” “… It isn’t like that, and besides you do this every day.” “Yes, that’s right, but I don’t do it all in one sitting.” “Well…” Cale evaded his fiancé's intense eyes and played with his red locks while fidgeting. Sigh. Alberu exhaled as exhaustion painted his features. He cupped the redhead’s cheeks and made him turn to him. “Cale, it isn’t that I don’t like you helping me, I just don’t want to see you using your ability too much.” “…but it’s is easier to use record-” “You know the effects it has on you.” Cale fell silent, Record was a useful ability but overusing it could cause him severe fever. He peeked at Alberu and seeing the worry on his face made him a bit sorry. “… I just wanted to help you, can’t I even help my beloved with his work if he is busy with other things?” Alberu chuckled and a small smile made its way to his face. “Of course, you can, as long as I am there to supervise and stop you at the right moment.” “Isn’t that half-assing?” Cale’s came out a bit muffled as Alberu hugged him. “Sometimes, half-assing is good.” Alberu lightly pushed Cale to lie down, Cale didn’t resist anymore. Draping the redhead with the quilt, Alberu pecked him on the forehead. “Sleep first.” Albzru was about to walk toward his desk when Cale grabbed hold of his bathrobe’s sleeve. “You should rest too, you just finished training with Choi Han.” “I will rest later-” “Someone just told me that half-assing was good sometimes.” Alberu was speechless. He laughed and sat on the bed, pinching the Redhead’s face with a loving smile. “You are using my words against me, Young Master Cale.” “What can I say, I learned from you, Your Highness.” Cale pulled him forward to lie down and Alberu cooperated, getting under the quilt and hugging Cale. “You learned well.” Alberu stroked his cheek gently. “Of course, after all, I am your fiancé.” Cale buried his head in his lover’s chest and soon fell asleep. Alberu ran a hand through the red locks slowly and smiled. “Yes, My Fiancé.”