Butterfly Prince

by Britannica Tany

  “Okay.” Kael steps aside as the door opens and Aiden steps inside. Kael smiles keeping his gaze focused on Aiden’s face. “Why…did you want me to join?” He asks, Kael shrugs. “Don’t people get closer like this?” Aiden can’t help but laugh. “Yeah,” his eyes drift to the side. “Closer.” A grin quirks at Kael’s lips. “Can you hand me the soap, it’s behind you.” Kael points. “Ah, yeah.” Without thinking, Aiden turns around and their hips knock. “Sorry,” Aiden mutters. “No need to be.” Kael says remaining calm despite the hammering of his chest. Aiden turns back around, shoving the soap into Kael’s wet hands. “This is…awkward.” He confesses, Kael raises an eyebrow. “Awkward?”

  “I can’t even look at you.” A sympathetic smile caresses Kael’s lips. “Look at me.” He commands gently and Aiden hesitantly looks up. Kael was staring down at the older with a look in his eyes that Aiden couldn’t exactly pinpoint the meaning behind. “Here,” After soaping the towel up, Kael hands it to Aiden. “Could you wash my back?”

  “What?”

  “My back.” Kael reiterates, turning around and Aiden sucks in a breath, one that Kael could obviously hear. “I’ll wash yours if you want me to.” Kael murmurs, his eyes closing as the water ran through his hair. Aiden had a hard time focusing or speaking for that matter. Here Kael was—slightly vulnerable, naked and glistening with sweat and water. Aiden takes a deep breath. And he wants me to wash his back. “Yeah,” He slaps the towel to Kael’s back and the younger jolts slightly. “Not so rough.” And Aiden couldn’t stop his mind from taking it the wrong way. “Why are you like this to me?” He asks in a whine and Kael laughs. After a moment, Aiden begins to calm down and he drags the towel up and down Kael’s back, a trail of suds in its wake. His eyes begin to droop, the heat from the shower weighing on his lids. Kael says nothing, but his breath comes out short and shaky—Aiden was beginning to get worried. “Is it too hot?” He asks, Kael shakes his head. “No, I’m alright.” With a bite to his bottom lip, Aiden continues, bringing the towel lower. The way the water streamed down Kael’s back was hypnotizing. Aiden noticed that Kael’s waist was quite narrow compared to his own and there was a tan line from where his boxers had been. Ah—Aiden pauses, his gaze resting on the outline of Kael’s thighs hidden behind the towel. Without thinking, he begins to pull on the towel around Kael’s waist, pulling and pulling until it fell away. “Aiden.” Came Kael’s startled voice. “I couldn’t reach here.” Aiden replies calmly. “Oh.” Kael makes no attempt in pulling away from Aiden’s wandering hands that were beginning to dip lower and lower. Kael’s once shaky breathing began to hitch and his shoulders tensed. “That’s not my back, Aiden.” He says warningly, but Aiden doesn’t listen, instead he places the towel on Kael’s shoulder and moves his hands up and down the youngers waist. “Aiden, wait,”

  “How would I,” Aiden begins to speak, his fingers spreading around the lower part of Kael’s abdomen, his forefinger tracing a circle along the skin beneath Kael’s navel. “I’m really curious as to how,” He begins again. “I would make love to you.” The words leave him like a whisper and Kael tenses, his lips parting in an almost-moan as Aiden places his lips to the area between Kael’s shoulders. “Aiden,” At the sound of his name, he snaps away, his hands retreating from Kael’s body. His ashen bangs hung in his eyes in wet strands. He stares at Kael, the Prince turns around slowly and Aiden noticed the way in which Kael was biting his lip, his eyebrows furrowed. “I, uhm, I couldn’t stop.” He blurts honestly and maybe it was a combination of the heat from the shower and the heat from their bodies, but Kael’s cheeks were red and his lips too…

  Aiden wants to take a step back, but there’s no place to run to in the shower. So he stands—inches away from Kael—his heart pounding and his chest heaving. I just want to touch him. Aiden thought, his eyes raking over Kael’s body once again. And then he noticed something. “Kael, you—“

  “Don’t.” Kael says and then he breaks the little distance that was between them. “Just touch me.” And Aiden has no problem obliging. He slips one hand around Kael’s waist and his other hand goes to curl around Kael’s shoulder, he presses their bodies together. Kael sighs slowly and the sound has Aiden feeling things, his heart racing. Touching Kael in this way was foreign and yet familiar, our bodies are the same. Kael places a hand to Aiden’s shoulder to steady himself. “Hold me tighter.” Kael commands breathlessly, his grip on Aidens shoulder tightening. Aiden obeys, sliding his hand across Kael’s chest. Kael’s toes curl and Aiden watches the continuous change of expression on Kael’s face. One moment his eyes would flutter, the next his lips would tremble and seeing him like that made Aiden caress him faster and faster. He listened as Kael moaned beside his ear and every now and then Kael would sink his teeth into Aiden’s shoulder to keep his voice from leaking out. Aiden fought back a grin—Kael’s composure had completely evaporated, leaving behind a man that had never felt such pleasure in all his life.

  And as Aiden’s fingers went to massage Kael’s chest and stroke his hip, he realized that he was probably the first to touch Kael in this way. The thought made him insanely happy and at the same time extremely aroused. Kael began to chant Aiden’s name and it would have been a lie to say that Aiden didn’t feel like pinning him to the wall from the sound of it. “Aide—uugh,” Kael moves his head so he can claim Aiden’s lips with his own and as they’re kissing Kael could feel Aiden’s own excitement pressing into his lower abdomen. He bites Aiden’s bottom lip, earning a startled grunt from him. “Kael,” He pants, his hand slowing to a languid stroke that had Kael picturing galaxies and suns beyond the Milky Way. “Don’t—don’t stop.” Kael huffs, his head whipping back as he felt an unknown heat coil in the lower part of his stomach and the heat began to spread. Aiden’s eyes snap up, watching the way Kael’s adam’s apple bob and the way the water slid down his neck. Aiden leans forward and sucks on the skin on Kael’s neck. Kael shudders despite the hot water falling down onto his back. And it hits him like a tidal wave, his hips snap and his lips part to let out a high-pitched moan of Aiden’s name and then Aiden could feel him so close, like never before.

  Kael takes a moment to regain his breath, his shoulders heaving up and down, his toes uncurling and his hand sliding from Aiden’s shoulder to rest against his firm right pectoral, his thumb strokes against Aiden’s nipple. Aiden places his hand to the mid of Kael’s back to hold him up. The heat was beginning to get to their heads. “We should, dry off.” He huffs, ignoring the ache in his chest and the fading warmth of Kael against him. “R—ight.” Kael leans to kiss Aiden on his lips, but misses and ends up kissing the corner of his mouth. Aiden smiles, patting Kael’s back and helping him out.

  Embracing You Pt.3

  They would openly flirt in front of Janus; their fingers brushing and eyes wandering. He’d never say anything about it though, it was somewhat reassuring to see them like that together. “Keep it on the down low.” He warned and he didn’t realize how fast the time had passed until Kael mentioned his upcoming birthday. “You’ll be turning twenty-two?” Janus questions, his voice rising with surprise. Kael nods, walking around the kitchen and popping a cinnamon roll between his lips. “It’s already September?”

  “Yeah, do I need to buy you a calendar?” Kael jokes to which Janus laughs nervously. “I just—ever since you two have gotten together, the time has zipped by…”

  “True.” Kael leans his back against one of the counters and looks to Janus through the fringe of his bangs. “Janus, have you talked to Jenna recently?” The question catches Janus by surprise, his eyebrows raising. “Yes, we talk almost every day.”

  “Right, you two are cousins.” Kael mutters as if realizing it just now. “Yes, we are.” Janus says slowly. His eyes rest on Kael, wondering what he was thinking and then he asks. “How is everything with Aiden?”

  “Hmm?”

  “How are you two? Mentally?”

  “Aah,” Kael turns his back to Janus as he speaks. “Everythin
g’s alright, it feels like something’s have changed but not entirely so.”

  “Have you come to realize the truth?” Kael glances over his shoulder. “Realize what?”

  “That you aren’t the one to blame for Skye’s death..”

  “Oh, mhm.” Kael nods. “But, every now and then, I think otherwise.”

  “You’re getting better though.” Kael laughs lightly. “Yeah, I think so too.” Janus smiles softly, walking up to Kael and reaching around him for one of the plates. Kael steps aside, his brown eyes following Janus’s every move. It wasn’t until he turned away that Kael began to speak. “There are…” He pauses. “I’m beginning to wonder who there is to truly blame for Skye’s death.” He spoke causally as though they were carrying on with the conversation from before. Janus peers at Kael from the corner of his eyes. “Why do you think someone should still be blamed?” Kael shrugs. “Call it a hunch if you like…but her death,” He shakes his head. “The way she died is still unsettling.”

  “It was just…” Janus has a hard time finishing his sentence. It was just a fire. Kael’s gaze lingers on Janus for a moment longer before he walks towards the kitchen doors. “Since Aiden’s on break today, do you want Micah to accompany me since I’m going out?” Kael hated asking for protection (he felt as though he didn’t need it) but his parents wouldn’t let him leave unless there was a bodyguard tailing him. “Yeah, yeah, you can take him.”

  “Thanks for your permission.” Kael says with an all-knowing grin, but Janus was in the least bit flustered by it. With a wave and a smile, Kael makes his exit. Janus stands in the kitchen, the steel fridge humming beside his ears. Will he discover the truth? Will they both? The thought has him reeling; he places the empty plate back onto the counter and takes the exit opposite of the one Kael had left through.

  ~*~

  Micah swallows nervously, his hands clasped together as he waited for Kael’s return. “So it’s my turn now.” He mumbles, the back of his neck prickling with nerves. “No need to be so nervous.” Comes a soothing voice, Micah spins around on the heel of his shoe and bows. “Your majesty!” Kael smiles, placing a hand to Micah’s back. “Lift your head.” Micah does as he’s told, but he does not dare to look in the Prince’s eyes. Kael makes a face, his eyebrows furrowing. “Hey, I have eyes.” He snaps and Micah’s eyes widen. “I’m sorry your majesty.” He goes to bow again, but Kael kicks him in his ankle (lightly of course). “Your name is Micah?”

  “Y-yes.” Kael smiles causing Micah to shrink away. “Mi-c-ah.” Kael punctuates each syllable with a tilt of his head and a smile. “The moment we step off of castle grounds you are to address me as ‘Kael’. Not your majesty, your highness or whatever-the-hell else they told you.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re Micah and I’m Kael.” Kael smiles. “Got it?” Micah doesn’t quite comprehend what’s going on, but he nods anyways. “Good.” The Prince—no—Kael bounces down the steps, his black trench coat trailing out behind him.

  20 minutes later…

  Mrs. Kim was cleaning up around Skye’s memorial by their chimney, when the doorbell rang. She pauses, holding the duster in her hands and looking up. It had been a while since they’ve had guests. Back when Skye was alive her friends would constantly come over, bringing snacks and board games Mrs. Kim couldn’t remember the names of. “Coming!” She calls, adjusting Skye’s picture before placing the duster down and wiggling her way to the front door. She opens the door without looking through the peephole. For some reason, the thought had crossed her mind, that if she had opened the door to a serial killer it would have been alright. But it was just Janus. He was dressed somewhat formally in an all-black suit and sturdy necktie. Then she remembered that he too was a part of the Royal Lennon family’s bodyguard and butler services. She later wondered if he too had grieved over Skye’s sudden death, they were close to some extent, but Janus always acted as though he never knew her. Maybe it was his failed attempt in protecting her.

  “Good morning.” He greets with a courteous bow, Mrs. Kim smiles. “It’s been a while, Janus.” Janus smiles. “It has.” He was never one to pay home visits, he didn’t know that Aiden and Skye were related until after her death and when Aiden began his training. He met Mrs. Kim after running into her on the street. He lied about being one of Skye’s friends just to start up a conversation with her.

  He walks into the small, compact house and looks around. His gaze lands on Skye’s memorial. He doesn’t make a comment on the cheap looking memorial, instead he pays his respects by lighting an incense and bowing. Mrs. Kim watches with glazed eyes as he does this. He lifts his head and turns to face her with a half-smile. “How have you been?” He asks and she sighs. “It’d be a lie to say well…”

  “Mm,” His gaze drifts around the room taking in the faded paint on the walls and the empty beer bottles lining the table and couch. “Do you…drink?” Mrs. Kim’s eyes widen. “Oh no, no! Those are my husbands.” She rushes over to hurry and pick them up. “Ever since Aiden’s started his “work”, he’s been hitting the bottle a lot.”

  “Did this happen after Skye’s death too?” Mrs. Kim nods, cradling the bottles in her arms; they pushed against her breasts. Janus keeps his expression blank as he walks over to her. “Let me help you.” He reaches forward to take a few from her, but she jerks back, his eyes widen. “I—I’ve got it.” She stutters, bowing in apology. “If you came to see Aiden, he’s locked in his room.” She doesn’t make eye-contact with Janus as she speaks. She bows once more before hurrying off towards the kitchen. Janus stares after her somewhat dazedly, runs a hand through his hair and trudges down the hall. To get to Aiden’s room he had to pass Skye’s room. The door was slightly ajar, offering him a peek inside, but he kept his gaze focused ahead—he didn’t want to catch a glimpse of this young woman’s life before her death. His feet come to a stop outside Aiden’s room door, it was fully closed. With a light sigh, he raises his hand and knocks. “Aiden, it’s me, Janus.” He waits—no answer and then he knocks again, but there’s still no answer. With an impatient roll of his eyes, Janus twists the knob and it opens easily. He blinks fazed that it had actually opened and pushes the door further open with his foot. There’s a slight creaking sound. Janus looks around the room, his melted brown eyes flitting across the walls to the bookshelf and then to Aiden’s figure sitting at his computer desk. “Of course.” Janus mutters upon noticing the two bug like devices stuck in his ears. He glides over to Aiden quietly, his hands behind his back. He peers over the young bodyguards shoulder and is surprised to see two young men kissing and “other things” on his screen. Janus has enough decency—so as to keep Aiden’s dignity—to take a step back and sit on his bed. His long legs cross and he folds his hands together on his lap and he waits for Aiden to notice his presence. After about five minutes, Janus realizes that Aiden wasn’t getting off to the film, he was simply staring with intensity as though he were taking in each and every movement the men on the screen made. A moment of silence pans around the room and then Aiden sighs, taking out his headphones and running a hand through his hair. “It doesn’t work you up unless it’s Kael?” Janus cracks, rising to his feet and floating over to Aiden with a smirk. Aiden jolts, ripping his headphones out of his laptop as he spun around to face Janus. “W-what the hell are you doing in here!?” He sputters, to which Janus bends down to peer over his shoulder and get a closer look. He raises a skeptical brow. “Well,” He tilts his head. “That’s quite an interesting position.” Aiden slams his laptop shut and looks to Janus with a glare. “What do you want?” He questions, Janus shrugs, shrinking back and settling onto Aiden’s bed once again. “I just came by to check on you.” Aiden scoffs. “I highly doubt that.” Janus grins at his response, folding his hands together. “It shouldn’t come as such a surprise to me to see you taking such an interest in those types of films.” He begins casually, Aiden’s expression remains the same; knit eyebrows and frowning bottom lip. “Care to explain?” A
iden turns away from Janus and heaves another heavy sigh. “I’ll start rambling again…”

  “Just leave out the things you think I don’t want to hear.” Aiden cracks a smile. “I am curious though, whether a shorty like you will be able to handle my beloved Prince.” Aiden looks around to stare at Janus, his arms crossing over his chest. “Shut-up, old man.” Janus takes his insult with a deep laugh, his legs spreading as he rested his elbows on his knees. “So,” He meets Aiden’s dark eyes. “It’s coming to that?” He questions, his voice a soft timbre of interest. Aiden nods, placing a hand to the back of his neck shyly. “Yeah, looks like it is…” It takes him a moment to gather his thoughts, putting them in order and explaining what had happened in the shower. “And so, I want to be able to hold him properly.”

  “Mm.” Janus hums. “That’s why I was watching those videos.” Aiden clears his throat. “I want to know because it’s starting to get hard to just kiss him or caress him.” Janus continues listening and then Aiden trails off into a memory from not too long ago. “I went to wake him up like usual, but this time he had this gleam in his eyes…”

  Kael was sitting up in his bed, his lithe legs crossed and dangling from the edge. His creamy white ankles could be seen peeping out from the satin green hem of his pajama bottoms. And when Aiden steps through his bedroom door, Kael beckons him over with a coquettish smile. “Your majesty,” Aiden bows his head. “It’s time to get up and start your—“