Work Text:
18th of January was a day of great pomp. It wasn't every day one attended the birthday celebration of a royal figure. Feeling out of place in his awkward suit, and among all the lavish decorations and cheerful music, Idia Shroud stands on the balcony on the first floor, observing the ball room from above.
He keeps an eye on Malleus ever since he came here, somewhat jealous that he wasn’t among the dignitaries. Only slightly, though. His mother had offered to send him in official capacity when Idia expressed his desire to take part in Malleus’ birthday festivities at the Briar Valley a few months ago. In hindsight, saying no was a huge mistake. Instead of being in the main hall downstairs, Idia had to lurk around the first floor like a creep that he was, watered-down wine in hand, counting down every second until he could be free from this charade. He was here for Malleus, and Malleus only, and yet, he couldn’t even speak to him because of protocol. He chugs the drink as he waits for something…anything, to change.
Idia Shroud had many regrets about the way he showed up to the celebration this time, although many things about this were out of his control this time. He was supposed to arrive to the Briar Valley on the 15th and spend some uninterrupted time with his soon-to-be-king-super-rare-handsome-fae-boyfriend, but, thanks to his cursed luck, just as he was about to leave the Island of Lamentation, there was a rather serious-scale phantom incident that explicitly needed his attention, and, as it usually was, dealing with it dragged on for entire two days, including not being allowed to open any doors of the HQ for twenty four hours, so, Idia only managed to leave yesterday morning, only to arrive last night in the wee hours of the morning, leaving the rest of the team to deal with the mess after the biggest threat passed. Technically speaking, it was already the 18th of January when he stepped onto the Valley’s soil. Although not ideal, he’d make it in time for the party.
As per protocol relating to the non-dignitary status Idia had this time, he was lead to a guest room far from Malleus’ royal quarters by a lanky, stern-looking attendant. That, however, did not stop his already half-asleep lover to sneak into his bed for the night. Sadly, since Malleus’ actions were very predictable this time around, an entire posse of servants led by Sebek and Silver knew exactly where to pick him up from when first light broke and they realised that His Royal Highness was not in his chambers.
The only words they managed to exchange were “When I start retreating to the back of the ballroom, find Lilia,” before Malleus was ushered out of bed, still half-asleep. In a matter of seconds, he was out of the door, not even being given a moment to wait for Idia’s reply. The voices surrounding Malleus all spoke at the same time, and just hearing all this stuff about getting dressed, bathed and the entire deal, made Idia anxious. Not for him, but rather for Malleus. He knew that Malleus would rather be left alone and not celebrate at all, and that he hated the pomp and the uproar surrounding this day.
Idia overhears a hushed, but angry voice close to him, although he didn’t pay it much attention. Malleus was moving around down there. Then, another voice joined, equally as mad. It’s only been a couple of months since Idia’s properly started learning the Olden Tongue. Meaning, he could pick up an odd word or so, but it wasn’t enough to keep Idia entertained, nor engaged. You could only catch a certain numbers of ‘I’ or ‘good’ before it became boring and repetitive. His eyes turn back to the ballroom below him.
Although Idia only grumbled about it being boring, he thought of Malleus, and how this must’ve felt to him. Malleus made his opinion that this ball should not be held at this precise time very clear on multiple occasions but nobody seemed to listen to him. ‘ It is a national holiday ’ seemed to be the irrefutable fact. The atmosphere downstairs was tense, so much so that even Idia could tell from this far back. After all, the Valley has lost more of its territory in a skirmish a few weeks ago, so throwing lavish festivities instead of recuperating and sending aid to those inhabitants most affected was truly in poor taste. Idia felt sorry for Malleus having to go through all this. The fae was tired in under an hour, as far as Idia could tell. Well, he was tired last night, and this morning too. It was easily missable to those that didn’t know him, since Malleus has masterfully managed to fake a cheerful disposition while on official duty. The tiniest of twitches of his lips when someone approached him for a pointless conversation that could, to the untrained eye, look like a polite smile. A discreet bite on his lower lip when someone drunk enough forgot common decency with their incessant touching. Idia hated all those pretentious fuckers who, intentionally or not, carelessly touched Malleus and spilled drinks on his gown in their drunken ‘cheer’. He despised all of them for treating Malleus like some sort of novelty object that was there for their entertainment only. Idia caught a rather masterful evasion on Malleus’ end when a slimy-looking human politician extended his short bloated arms into the air where Malleus’ head was.
𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢, 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘶𝘥𝘦…𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢…
The loudness of the music covered a faint sound of thunder, but Idia could tell. He’s been hearing these subtle cues of Malleus’ anger ever since he stepped into the ballroom.
Idia Shroud, still with nothing else to do on the upper floors, now turned his focus onto the tiny details of the recommended outfit he had brought from home. He was bored out of his mind and so, he put in extra effort not to pick the tiny pearl beads out of it. He didn’t like it one bit, but, if that designer dude said it was the latest fashion, it left no room for disagreement on Idia’s end.
Just let the experts do their job, meli , his mom reprimanded him the other day when he tried to get out of wearing it.
The suit on him, although being made out of high-quality materials, felt abysmally uncomfortable, so, Idia wanted it off as soon as possible…the latter thought gave him a horny thought, and he chuckled to himself just imagining having Malleus all to himself when the festivities are done, stripping both of them in the darkness, starting from his tie…and then onto the cape of Malleus’ dress…then the corset. Idia’s taken days off work just so he could stay longer here, and he intended to use them well.
“Well, you seem to be in a good mood!” a familiar voice interrupted his little fantasy. He almost dropped his glass over the balustrade, but managed to catch it last minute. This silly behaviour has earned a chuckle directed at him. Ouch. He already felt his cheeks redden…not only because what he was thinking, but of also being made look absolutely clumsy. The short figure in the corner of his eye took another step forwards and leaned on the pillar by Idia.
“I’m glad you made it in time!”
“Mr. L-Lilia…” Idia greeted him, although his presence here caught Idia a bit off guard. This wasn’t The Plan. He was supposed to find Lilia, not the other way around, and, not to mention Malleus was still close to the throne. Waaay too early for anything to happen.
“H-Hello…”
“Just letting you know that the northern balcony entrance will be closed, except for VIPs.”
A strange announcement in itself, had it not been followed by the devilish wink on Lilia’s face. Idia’s cheeks only shone a brighter red, together with his hair following suit. Although Idia knew Lilia was privy to many a secret conversations with Malleus, hinting this heavily that he knew what’s most likely to happen there, did make Idia somewhat uneasy. Before he managed to say anything, Lilia was already gone, leaving a few bats floating around in his wake, which, too, soon flew away to, probably, where the northern balcony entrance was.
Walking along the edge of the upper floor to calm his mind, Idia continues looking down at the dance going on. Malleus was, of course, at the centre of attention. Not only because of his imposing figure, but of the entirety of his assemblage. The dress code only stated for the participants to wear clothes close to white, so, Malleus, in his long and puffy ornate black gown, stood out in the sea of white.
In all honesty, even if Malleus had worn the most boring white outfit and had he blended with the crowd, Idia would still be able to tell him apart.
Strange way to pat yourself on the back , he thought to himself.
Idia continued to keep a watchful eye over the ballroom and the sets of intricate dances Idia could never in his life be able to replicate. Watching was fun in its own way, and no one on the first floor had any interest in him anyways. He checked his phone for the time, but that didn’t help much. Their secret little encounter wasn’t dependent on time at all, but, contrary to his initial belief, Idia was glad to see that the passage of time has not stopped, and that this party would officially be done in four hours. Only four hours until he had Malleus completely to himself. The thought filled Idia with unbridled joy.
Idia’s imagination is interrupted for the second time. For the better, sure, given the time and the place, but he’s also annoyed for being touched. Something brushed up against his leg. Only when he turned slightly to look over his shoulder did he see a large white lace fabric bounce around as a masked lady in a gown bigger than anything Idia’s seen in his life passes by him, hand in hand with another lady adorning what seemed like a complementary mask to the first lady’s one. Idia finds this odd. This wasn’t a masquerade…but, then again, it wasn’t his place to ask questions, and, frankly, he didn’t care about anyone in this room who wasn’t in a black gown. All of this commotion with the lady walking by caused Idia to lose sight of Malleus.
Damn. Where is he, he was just there…
Not wasting a moment, Idia runs to what he assumed could be the northern staircase. Just as planned, Lilia was there, door handle in hand, ready to open it upon Idia’s arrival.
The night air hit Idia’s face as soon as he reaches the top of the stairs, and he feels much better, The chilly evening air was a refreshing change from the ballroom. He’s also sure he’s heard a lock behind him. Good.
Leaning on the balcony edge, right in the middle, stood Malleus Draconia, with his back facing Idia. The waning crescent moon in the sky only gave so much light, but it never stopped Malleus from looking stunning. Idia’s out of breath.
“I was wondering when you would show up.” Malleus said, smiling, although the tiredness on his face did not escape Idia. Without a word, he immediately went for a hug and felt Malleus slump in his arms.
“Oh, I’m not that late.”
“Any moment without you feels like you are.”
“Well, you’re in luck. I’m here to break you out.”
“Oh, I wish you could take me on your magical wheel and ride somewhere far away where we could be alone. I am so, so exhausted, Shroud. If I have to listen to that damn Van de Heuvel’s charity and all the good deeds he’s done year after year, I will lose more than my temper.”
Idia kissed Malleus’ neck for reassurance, and Malleus leaned his head backwards on Idia’s shoulder soon after.
Idia, too, has had the displeasure of meeting the said individual on a few occasions back at the Isle, and every member of his family had similar qualms as Malleus.
“If only he hadn’t depleted two thirds of the Afterglow Savanna with his unethical mining practices, he wouldn’t have to embarrass himself by playing the poor, misunderstood philanthropist. Very badly, by the way.”
Malleus’ earnest laughter echoes. It was probably the first time in a while Malleus truly had time to laugh like that.
“You are a horrible diplomat, I must say.”
“Good thing I’m not here in official capacity then.”
Malleus lets out a sigh in tandem with a green flame.
𝘰𝘩, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥.
Idia watches it vanish into the night air. Malleus, too, was a bit surprised by the outburst, but was glad for Idia’s hug around his waist calming him down.
“I appreciate you,” Malleus said as he wrapped his arms backwards around Idia’s waist.
This was out of the blue, surprising Idia. He was no stranger to Malleus’ expressions of love, but this one caught him off guard. He wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, and yet...
“Being able to speak my mind in front of you…is the greatest gift that you have given me.”
Malleus lets go of the hug, and Idia does the same.
Idia knew this tryst wasn’t supposed to last very long, but he, naturally, wished for more time. He finds himself follow Malleus’ every step, captivated by Malleus’ beautiful and graceful movement. Malleus finally stops at the right end of the wide balcony, and leans on the castle wall it was attached to, never taking his eyes off Idia either while he stretches. As he does so, the fabric on the lower part of Malleus’ evening gown moves and reveals a tiny sliver of Malleus’ thigh.
Idia understood immediately that there was a deeper meaning to this eye contact. Malleus was usually quite expressive if one learned to read his subtle cues, contrary to the open beckoning that he displayed right now. Malleus definitely wanted a bit more time together, and Idia had the perfect idea on how to make it meaningful.
Idia moves, hypnotised by the sight, extending his hand so as to touch it, and Malleus lets him, all the while not taking his eyes off Idia.
The skin feels very hot under Idia’s touch, meaning Malleus was more stressed than he initially let Idia believe. However, Idia kept his hand like that, stroking along his outer thigh with confident strokes.
Malleus allows himself to let out a gentle moan as he put his hand on Idia’s shoulder.
“The only time I am ever at ease is in your company. Thank you…for agreeing to see me.”
Even after all this time, Idia would always blush at Malleus’ words. It was visible on his hair but he couldn’t bother to hide it. To think that he would be this important to Malleus always felt too surreal to him, but he never dared to question the gift. He, too, was smitten with him even more so with each passing day, and they’ve been together for quite some time now.
“If it weren’t for you…”
Idia goes in for a kiss, interrupting Malleus. Idia did not need such praise, not when he knew he just did the bare minimum by showing up…and quite late at that! Instead, he opts to whisper in Malleus’ ear.
“Close your eyes for a moment.”
Malleus obeys, closing his eyes as quickly as possible. The silence of the night is palpable, and only Idia’s poorly muffled chuckle breaks the harmony. A peck on Malleus’ cheek follows soon after, and then, Idia’s presence somehow seemed to disappear from Malleus’ sight. It is replaced by a different sensation. His gown shuffles.
Although he knows where this is going, Malleus is too curious to stop it. He feels the fabric of his gown move. He looks down and it was just as he imagined it. The very thought of where this was heading made him lightheaded. Not here, of all places… the thought crosses his mind, but Malleus is also quick to remind himself that they are completely alone here.
“Excuse me…Shroud, what are you doing?” he asks, merely a formality. Malleus knew quite well what his beloved had planned. His voice reflected the anticipation Idia sensed in the tenseness of Malleus’ thighs.
“Keeping my promise to take care of you.”
“You always do.”
“Not always in the way I want, tho.”
The voice came from underneath the dress. It was very comical at first, with the soles of Idia’s shoes peeking underneath the dress as well, but Malleus soon learnt that there was no time to laugh, as his underwear was slowly being tugged down. For good measure, Malleus drew his cape further to the front. Just in case. Although he had already told Lilia he did not wish to be disturbed.
Pitch black surrounded Idia, but he acted on instinct. He feels Malleus’ hips for undergarments. Everything seemed to be very on brand for Malleus. When he felt a strip of lace under his fingers intertwined with tiny crystal beads sewn within it, Idia could clearly visualise which set Malleus wore.
𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵
He got that for Malleus during their fifth year together. The entire set consisted of a soft camisole, a suspender, stockings and high-waist lace underwear, although only the underwear seemed to make today’s cut. The thought of Malleus only in this made him excited. He was looking forward to the afterparty very much.
“Something funny, Shroud?” came from above him.
Instead of an answer, Idia lets his actions do the talking. He slides the underwear only slightly so as to reveal the most intimate parts of Malleus.
Malleus feels hot breath on his nether regions, and bit by bit, he feels gentle nibs going up his inner thigh. Then they turned into soft kisses. Malleus shivers when he feels Idia’s tongue already on him, licking gently between his folds, teasing the tender tip of his member that hid beneath and threatened to come out at any given moment.
Malleus was trying so hard not to give in completely, to save something for after the ball, when he knew with certainty that his lover would accommodate to his every need, just as he requested, but Idia was so adamant, so earnest in giving Malleus much needed stress relief. This was approaching dangerous territory, the way things were now. Malleus needed a distraction. With a slight turn, he observes the lavish garden beneath, and a couple seemingly engaging in a tamer version of what the two of them were up to.
“Shroud…,” he tries to grab Idia’s attention by putting his hand on top of the gown where Idia’s head was, but his lover doesn’t stop. This time, Malleus tries to get his attention more sternly. “Shroud! We can still be seen…from below.”
Idia snorts.
“See you, maybe…His Royal Highness, Malleus Draconia, innocently reclining on the balcony, taking a breath of fresh air.”
“I, on the other hand, am in stealth mode. Fuhihi!”
Idia peeks out from beneath the gown, but Malleus takes it as an opportunity to tease his beloved in turn.
“Not like that, you aren’t! There is nothing stealthy about you, Shroud.”
Idia laughs at the taunt, and Malleus, still smiling from the taunt, gently cooes as he strokes Idia’s cheek.
“Get back to your stealth mode , then.”
“Your wish…” Idia’s grin is plastered all over his face as he sneaks one glance at Malleus before, indeed, he goes back underneath the dark ruffles of Malleus’ dress. “...is my command.”
Indeed so, Idia continues what he was doing a moment ago. His tongue was now all over his slit, gently nibbling at the sensitive flesh with his lips, and Malleus found it rather hard to control himself.
Slow…too slow. He had no time for Idia’s teasing. Malleus was uncharacteristically impatient today. He needed the perfect harmony of gentleness and lust that only Shroud could ever give. His thoughts seemed to drift because in the next moment, he felt his member slide out of the slit all on its own, already hard. This was turning into a much longer tryst than originally envisaged. He wished for this to continue, but he also knew he mustn’t arouse any more suspicion. All good things must come to an end, after all. However, Idia’s tongue was now really intent on teasing the tip of his member so as to let it out. Malleus almost cursed underneath his breath at how well Idia knew him.
“No…nng…we don’t have time now…mm”
“Shhh.” Idia caressed the tip of one of his members in a soothing motion with the tip of his finger.
Malleus now couldn’t stop the cursing, hoping that he could’ve held onto the last semblance of self-control he thought he had, but his lover always knew what to do and when, and, all too well at that. Case in point, it wasn’t even a minute since he crawled underneath the dress and Malleus’ members were already completely out, panting in the dead of the night. He did not even care if anyone heard him anymore, the only thing that mattered was that Idia was with him, and the passion Malleus was receiving. At the back of his mind he knew that this was absolutely shameful, a scandal in the making if they were to be caught like this. That knowledge, in turn, made everything his lover did feel even more arousing.
Malleus shivers once again when he feels Idia enter the main act of the evening. Idia kissed the sensitive tip for starters. Idia would always do that, and, regrettably, there were layers of fabric between them so Malleus couldn’t see his beloved now. Under normal circumstances, he would always look up at him after. Malleus wondered if he did it now, out of habit.
Not being able to see made this even more exciting. Especially because he couldn’t pinpoint the touches. There was something else, in addition to Idia’s mouth, but Malleus couldn’t quite place it. What was his lover doing?
After all, he was too distracted with Idia’s lips sliding down his member, so, excruciatingly slowly. Malleus welcomed the feeling of warmth that they provided. He feels his entire body respond to its rhythm, and something tense up in the pit of his stomach. Wasn’t this too soon, he wondered?
He tensed up when he felt the softness of Idia’s lips on his folds. The very thought that Idia took his entire length sent his head spinning. Although it did nothing sensation-wise, the knowledge of that happening at least once kept Malleus irrationally aroused even further. While Malleus was still pondering that, Idia already moved on to a steady rhythm of going up and down. His lover was always too careful, always gentle, even though they established early on that Idia’s teeth couldn’t really hurt Malleus. Even so, the sentiment was not lost on Malleus, not even after all this time. He wished he could stroke Idia’s cheek to tell him how much Malleus appreciated him at all times, how grateful he was for every moment with him, but the gown was in the way at the moment. His plans of appreciating Idia later were interrupted by the tiniest of thrusts. It made Malleus blush when he realised what the sensation from a moment ago was. Idia was massaging the extremely sensitive flesh within his slit. Idia was a proficient lover so this kind of intense stimulation was rarely needed. However, as it usually was, Idia always seemed to know what Malleus needed, even when he said nothing. Fascinating trait in a lover, and not one he’s encountered many times.
Malleus keeps moaning under Idia’s touch, afraid to move as he felt his body would give out and ruin this moment. He grabs onto the balustrade for support. He moans Idia’s name, softly at first, but his lover continues drawing it from him, louder and louder. Malleus only now remembered to put a sound barrier around them, which, in hindsight, wasn't that good of an idea. The exhaustion that’s left him only amplified the burning sensation he felt on his member, and deep within him. He begged Idia to stop, or at least slow down, but his lover did neither. They were already on borrowed time, and they both knew that. Malleus feels a firm grasp at the base of his member now, that soon turned into gentle movement, and was now completely unable to stay still. The amount of effort and pure debauchery Idia presented him with was too much to bear. He felt his entire body burn under his touch, and his uncontrollable moans reflected that. More. More… Malleus kept repeating until he could no longer speak. He came, without warning. Malleus, too, did not expect it. He was sure he had that under control at least. He finally saw Idia come from underneath the gown as he panted for breath. In the most gentleman-like behaviour that he’s seen in his life, Idia hands Malleus his pocket handkerchief, which Malleus gladly accepts and pats his sweat-covered forehead. Malleus then leans into a kiss but Idia only slightly turns his head to the side and Malleus kisses his cheek. With it came the realisation that Idia…the thought of his lover taking every bit of him made Malleus blush. Malleus did not care that he could taste himself on Idia’s lips. He pulled Idia into a kiss once again, and this time his lover replied in the same manner.
The taste lingers, and the very thought of returning back to the ballroom with that knowledge made him excited. It felt like their little secret. Then, they shared a long, loving hug until Malleus’ heartbeat calmed, and he was ready to head back.
“So,” Idia whispers into Malleus’ ear.
“Feel relaxed enough?”
“Too much, in fact, I might even agree to some ridiculous charity!”
Idia chuckled.
“I will get my revenge for this, Shroud.”
“Suuure you will.” Idia leans in. “I’m keeping your gift until tonight, so your revenge will have to wait.”
Malleus knew what that meant, and, although he wasn’t usually the one to blush, the pure insinuation made him to. Idia then bowed, and excused himself. He had to go back first - that was the original plan.
Malleus watched Idia walk away as he shook his head, smiling. Tonight has just begun, the ball itself be damned.
Malleus heads down the southern staircase. Below it, his guardian awaited.
“You took your sweet time,” he teased, although Malleus could sense annoyance from him.
“I did.” was all that Malleus said. There will be no more mentions of this. If Lilia really wasn’t prepared for this, he would’ve found a way to sabotage. He didn’t, so now he didn’t get to make decisions. Malleus walks with Lilia side by side.
“I know you’re aware that the negotiation of your union is common gossip, but I would still advise caution.” said Lilia as Malleus stepped inside. He wasted no time in glamouring his face.
“After all, blush is rather dégoûté this season.”
The side door to the ballroom opened, overwhelming Malleus with all the sounds and the lights. Only three and a half hours left, and he’ll finally let himself fall onto Idia’s arms.
▽▲▽▲━━━▽▲▽▲━━━━▽▲▽▲━━━━▽▲▽▲━━━▽▲▽▲
“No, Idia…nhg…that’s enough…ah!” Malleus whimpered as Idia slams into him with his entire weight.
“Ngh…e-enough…”
“Is it?” Idia teases by slowly pulling out of Malleus, who was way too dazed, incapable of a coherent answer. In spite of his plea from a moment ago, Malleus’ hips arch backwards, hoping for more friction, to compensate for the lack of Shroud’s full length inside of him. "Thought so."
Idia thrusts two more times, and Malleus is already on his umpteenth orgasm, thighs shaking as they cannot hold him in this kneeling position anymore. Panting, Malleus slams down among the messy sheets, still recoiling from the overstimulation his lover had been providing for quite some time.
This time Idia really pulls out of Malleus. Then, as if Malleus still wasn’t a panting, moaning mess, Idia managed to seize a moment of Malleus’ lightheadedness to grab him by both legs and flip him onto his back to the mattress. Malleus’ legs were now nestled comfortably on Idia’s shoulders.
“Oh, no…” he manages to utter through a ragged breath.
“Oh no, indeed, Mr. Malleus,” he whispered as he kissed Malleus’ inner thigh.
“I am not done with you…as per your royal request. Fuhihi.”
Malleus lifts his head up only slightly so as to catch a glimpse of Idia’s face, and smiles back at his lover, who looked even more dishevelled than Malleus ever was. Hair burning all shades of warm colours, and that, too, reflected on his cheeks and the beads of sweat all over Idia’s body. He is unable to hide his smile, as the sight in front of him was the epitome of perfection. In spite of all his pleas to stop in his moments of weakness, Idia only did what Malleus specifically requested as his birthday gift - to be left to Idia Shroud’s devices until both of them were unable to move. Rarely ever did either desire, or trust anyone to relinquish control to another. However, tonight he’ll allow himself to be debauched by Idia Shroud.
It was the birthday gift he wished for, after all.