Neo opened his eyes to look at Braith challengingly. “Mmm. You’ve summoned me many times. And I expect many more times. I can tell him. It is no problem.”
Braith stared at Neo for a moment before answering his challenge with one of his own. This is how it always was with them, Neo pushing Braith out of his shy comfort zone and making him stronger. "Well that's because you love me." He paused pointedly. Dropping the challenge at Neo's feet. "Not actual power. M requires a firmer hand than just your lover."
Neo hummed lowly. “I suppose. You must stop doubting yourself. It is unhealthy. M will learn to adhear to you, too, because he must. He knows this, too.”
Braith had been frowning at Neo's apparent disregarding for Braith's life altering statement of Neo's feelings, but now he tilted his head to the side confused, "I am not doubting myself. Just the idea that i have power over your brother." He paused considering. "Why must he adhere to me? Honestly, Neo. He is your other half. A god himself. Why would he listen to an elemental? A young elemental at that."
Neo seemed to pick up something wrong, because he sat up to look at Braith quizzically.
“Are you okay? Did I forget to appoint something?” He asked, ignoring Braith’s concern.
Braith immediately cleared his mind and forced himself to relax. He wanted to tell Neo he loved him, but he was scared his King did not feel the same way. He dismissed all thoughts as he had been practicing and leveled a calm smile at the other man. "I'm fine. Just a little peeved over your brother is all. As usual." He caressed the worry lines that appeared in Neo's scrunched brow. "Nothing to worry about."
Neo let Braith stroke him but it didn’t bring away the creases of worry. Neo had a funny feeling his lover was lying, but he himself couldn’t prove it. If only M were there. The moment Braith had hidden his thoughts away, M would still be able to snap down on them. Like a lark on a fish.
“If you’re sure,” Neo said heavily, looking away.
This time Braith leaned forward to kiss the worry lines between Neo's brow, allowing a stream of content thoughts flow so Neo could feel that Braith truly was okay. "I'm sure."
Neo kept his gaze down and he sighed softly. “Like I said. If you’re sure.” He glanced up at Braith briefly.
Braith paused, his mouth opening. Say it now? Or don't say it…? He and Neo were staring into each other's eyes and something passed between them. Something more intense and raw than what had been going on between them the past couple weeks. His heart gave a mighty thump and he swallowed. "I'm sure." He said instead. Fucking coward. He cursed himself.
Neo’s icy chips stayed on Braith’s warm eyes, trying to read and understand him. He gently put a hand on Braith’s cheek.
“Okay. If you’re sure.” He inhaled softly. “I love you.” He smiled a bit.
Braith's world stopped, he couldn't believe Neo– Say something you blithering idiot! He could feel his blush traveling across his cheeks at a million miles an hour and yet he still just stared at the man before him. Anything!! Say ANYTHING.
"Oh…" Brilliant. His thoughts scrambled in his mind and he couldn't focus. They only thing he saw was Neo's brilliant icy eyes. He leaned forward and kissed his King with as much passion as he could muster. He Hoped Neo got more of a sense of his thoughts than he did.
"I love you too." He finally was able to mumble against Neo's lips.
Neo smiled into the kiss, shutting his eyes and pressing back firmly. Braith was so adorable when he was nervous. It made Neo want to snatch him up and carry him around everywhere so he could hear them.
Braith pulled away, still blushing up a storm, but his eyes were bright and happy. "So dinner?" Braith wondered idly if he should get Neo a present.
Neo grinned at him, patting his cheek. “Of course! Tonight? Where?”
"Of course tonight!" Braith lovingly flicking Neo's nose. "And we are inviting M." He said sternly before pausing to consider a location. "The palace probably. I cannot imagine having the both of you in my tiny apartment." Braith looked annoyed as he said so, remembering the way Neo had almost slammed his head through the ceiling on multiple occasions.
Neo laughed softly, also remembering how he almost gave himself a concussion.
“I suppose my dining room could do. And yes, I will tell M, Mr. Firey-Soul.” He laughed louder and flicked Braith back.
Braith caught his hand and gave him a kiss on the back of it. "I should probably stop by the farmer's market on the way over then." He stood, brushing the sand from his pants and held a hand out to Neo to assist him.
Neo grabbed his hand and stood up, kissing his hand gently in return.
“Thank you. Yes, the farmer’s market sounds wonderful.” He smiled.
Braith led the way, debating on what to buy. He had no idea what M liked to eat, but he assumed he would be similar to Neo in taste. "Tell me of work. What ails the country today?" He asked, sliding his hand into the King's as they walked. He usually began their adventures this way.
Neo scoffed as he fell in step with Braith. “What doesn’t? Just a bunch of suitors coming from al around and trying to get their hands on me. It’s so irritating. Not to mention we’re having a tiny money crisis that I’m wrangling out. I don’t need more inflation.”
Braith's head whipped around to look at Neo, alarmed, his fluffy black curls ringed with golden red flames. Suitors?! He banished the thought and schooled his face into neutrality.
"Perhaps exporting more to our neighboring countries would bring in more revenue. Decreasing imported goods would give our people a chance to get back on their feet by putting more business into local companies." He said quickly, hoping Neo hadn't caught his slip up. Braith had been learning a lot lately about their country and how it was run. Neo insisted upon it.
Neo nodded. “M had suggested that to me. I was thinking I needed a second opinion.” He looked down at Braith, into his eyes.
“And yes, suitors. I am not interested in any of them. I’m happy with you.”
Braith was pleased he had helped solidify Neo's plan of action. He enjoyed working tirelessly on politics with his lover, but the art studio where he taught classes was his true calling.
Braith's blush betrayed him. "I hope they're all female and they realize they have no chance whatsoever." He said, handsome face souring with a mock horrid expression.
Neo laughed and ruffled Braith’s hair. “Perhaps if you come and join me in the Palace, they would buzz off. You have claimed me as your own, after all. Judging by your expression, that is.”
Braith had claimed him, in his heart that is, but in front of the world? "Certainly a public implication such as that would be….catastrophic?" he asked from under Neo's hand. He would never do anything to tarnish his lover's reputation. Neo was much more important than he usually let on.
Neo ran a hand up Braith’s shirt, rubbing circles in his hip. “No one cares of our relationship… it is their King, and they’ll accept it.” He hummed softly.
"Well then." Braith said, his brown eyes bright as they stepped into the market. "I see no reason then not to go public." He said this nonchalantly, peeking over heads to see if his favorite vendors were there today.
Neo looked around, squinting in the light. He looked easily over the heads of the bustling people.
“Who are you looking for, my love?”
"Just my favorites. You know I've become a bit of a food snob because of you." Braith teased as he beelined for a vegetable stall. He began eyeing squash, completely content. He knew in his heart that this was truly what his life was supposed to be. He wondered if his family would ever visit him. Being the King's consort certainly should be a high enough position to appease his father. He snorted, ungracefully at the thought.
