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The first time Cale showed up at the palace unexpectedly was on a rainy night. It was late, but not so late that most people would go to bed. Alberu was, of course, at his desk with unimaginably tall stacks of paper surrounding him, both on his table and on the floor.
Although, that was a slight exaggeration. Given it was nearing the end of the waking day, he’d gotten through most of the work that needed done. There was a light knocking at his door, and a male voice– most likely that of the knight guarding his door– called out to him.
“Your highness, Young Master Cale has come to see you.”
He’d normally call me in advance, Alberu thought, his brow creasing in concern. Is everything alright?
“Let him in.”
He heard the door open and close, red hair appearing in Alberu’s peripheral. He looked up from his paper and immediately noticed Cale’s haggard state. The man looked tired, and even that was an understatement. His hair was dripping slightly from the rain which continued to patter on the window.
“Hey darling,” Cale whispered as he walked over and slung his arms over Alberu’s shoulders, leaning into him.
Alberu leaned back and cupped Cale’s cheek in concern, not used to seeing his partner in such a ragged state. Without being bloody, of course. “You look horrible. How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”
Cale shook his head, ruffling the crown prince’s hair slightly in the process. “No. I just missed you. Are you busy?”
“Suddenly I am completely free and have no work,” Alberu said, a smile crossing his face. “You need to dry off or you'll catch a cold.”
Cale still leaned slightly against Alberu, even after the crown prince stood up, and he hummed. “I didn't know it'd be raining in the capital. I didn't prepare enough.” He only released his partner for a second to allow the other to run a towel through his hair. He leaned over to give Alberu a peck on the cheek in thanks.
“You’ll need a change of clothes, too. Are mine fine?”
Cale smiled lightly, a teasing lilt coming into his voice. “If you don't mind me stealing them.” Alberu only rolled his eyes, patting Cale on the shoulder and sending a servant out for a change of clothes.
“No, but seriously, I’ll never bring them back. They’re mine as soon as you hand them over.”
“That’s perfectly fine. Go lay down, I can see how tired you are. I should have some snacks around here that you can munch on.” Alberu waved him off. Cale bowed mockingly but looked relieved when he plopped down on the couch, rubbing a thin hand across his cheek tiredly.
A steamy cup of tea– hopefully not lemon tea– was placed in front of him along with a bowl of green grapes. There was a knock at the door, and Alberu left him momentarily to speak intelligibly with the servant he sent to grab clothes.
Alberu walked back in and handed him the clothes, just a simple white dress shirt and some comfortable looking pants, before flopping beside him on the couch. “It's nothing too grandiose, but I’m sure you prefer it that way anyway.”
Cale stood up. “You know me so well. I’ll be back.”
Alberu watched the other duck into the bathroom attached to his bathroom to change, and he sunk into the couch slightly, popping a grape off of its stem and placing it in his mouth, sighing. I hope he didn't come without telling anyone, he thought nervously, because I prefer to rule a kingdom when it's intact. God knows Raon would tear up the world to find Cale.
As soon as Cale returned, he laid with his head on Alberu’s lap, Alberu brushing his hands through Cale’s hair absentmindedly, detangling some of the strands of red hair that got twisted together while Alberu was drying his hair. “Does the rest of your group know where you are?”
Cale hummed, leaning into the touch and closing his eyes. “Eruhaben-nim does. He’s babysitting right now. I didn’t tell Raon, though, because he’d probably want to come along.” He shook his head. “You know I find it hard to say no to him. Actually, though, it was Eruhaben-nim who suggest I come.”
“Why? Not that I don't enjoy your presence– I definitely do– but you're not the type to show up unannounced.” Alberu continued to question. Cale bit his lip and opened his eyes.
“Can't sleep. Eruhaben-nim said that stress was getting to me, or something, and basically shoved me out the doors, in a metaphorical sense.”
“Are you eating well? I swear you're skinnier every time I see you.”
“What is this, an interrogation?” Cale looked up at him, raising an eyebrow, though he could see the genuine concern behind his boyfriend's eyes. “As well as I can. I can feel Choi Han and Beacrox staring me down during mealtimes so I have no choice but to.”
Alberu continued to stare at him, raising another eyebrow. “Look, these Ancient Powers do take their toll. I can't afford to be healthy right now.”
“I just wish it wasn't like that.” The crown prince said, sighing. Cale placed a hand on Alberu’s cheek in an attempt to comfort him.
“Well, when this is all over, I’ll do nothing but sleep and eat.” Cale said resolutely. “I’ll have my slacker life even if it kills me.”
Alberu only chuckled. “How can you have a slacker life if you're dead, though?”
“You're right. I suppose I have no choice but to live.”
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and after some time Alberu realized that Cale had fallen asleep in his lap.
He could use the rest.
Alberu lifted the much lighter man into his arms and brought him to his own bed, waving off any knights or servants who offered assistance. Placing Cale under the covers, he also settled into bed and threw an arm over his boyfriend, sighing contentedly. “Goodnight,” he mumbled, even if Cale was too deeply asleep to hear him, “I love you.”
“Mm, love you too.”
Alberu figured that, despite feeling like everything else around him was crumbling, that that was the best sleep he’d gotten in the past two decades. When he woke up in the morning, Cale was, surprisingly yet unsurprisingly at the same time, still asleep. He chuckled slightly under his breath.
He sleeps like a rock. Does nothing wake him up?
As if hearing Alberu’s thoughts, Cale began to groan as he slowly woke up. Without even opening his eyes, he slapped Alberu lightly on the cheek, grumbling. “Fife mr mintes…”
Hmm, Alberu thought, admiring his lovely boyfriend's face, I suppose I can sleep in a bit.