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In our world and particularly within the prestigious University of Oxford, some people were born with their futures already written.
Their names appeared in the newspapers before they were even born. Their families owned estates whose walls had witnessed generations come and go, companies bore their crests, alliances were brokered across tables set with silver and crystal.
In that world, a name was a form of currency and the Targaryen name was worth far more than most.
Aerion Targaryen knew this perfectly well, in fact, the young man knew a great many things.
He knew he was one of the top students in his year, possessed an exceptional memory and an almost irritating analytical mind, and grasped concepts with disconcerting ease, concepts that required hours of study for others.
Above all, he knew he was magnificent. Unlike many who might have tried to mask such a thought with false modesty, Aerion had never seen the point of lying.
His beauty was a fact, as undeniable as the sky being blue or fire burning.
So, why pretend otherwise ?
That morning, standing before the mirror in his university room, the young omega studied his reflection with the gravity of an artist appraising a masterpiece, his silver hair framed his face to perfection. His violet eyes, a family legacy, seemed almost unreal in the cold morning light.
He tilted his head slightly and declared aloud :
« Perfect. As always »
Behind him, Tybolt Lanniste, an alpha and longtime best friend, was seated in an armchair, coffee in hand, he slowly looked up from his phone. He was certainly accustomed to his best friend’s lack of modesty, yet hearing him admire himself in the mirror was still surprising, even after years of knowing each other.
« Did you really just compliment yourself ? »
The young man with violet eyes went on adjusting his shirt collar as if the question were absurd, then replied :
« I’m not a narcissist, I’m simply observant »
« You know, a normal person looks in the mirror to check if they’re presentable. You, on the other hand, look at the mirror as if you’re waiting for it to thank you... »
Aerion smiled smugly and glanced at his friend in the mirror before answering :
« Simply because even my mirror needs a moment to take in that much perfection »
The young man with blond hair and green eyes shook his head, unable to decide whether to laugh or just give up.
That was how Aerion was, he could be arrogant, believing the entire universe had been created solely to appreciate his existence.
Yet, the most annoying part was that he was often right. Aerion Targaryen was brilliant, handsome, and wealthy and above all, he never had to chase after attention, for it came to him naturally.
Students turned their heads when he walked down the halls, professors knew his name before he even enrolled at Oxford, and both alphas and omegas sought his gaze.
But for Aerion, this was the norm, to be a Targaryen simply meant being exceptional. That was precisely why Duncan Pennytree was the sort of person Aerion usually didn’t notice, not because he was insignificant, but simply because he didn’t belong to Aerion’s world.
When your surname was Pennytree, doors didn’t just fly open at the snap of a finger, no, he had had to work tirelessly. He hadn’t secured his place at Oxford through family legacy but through his own efforts, thanks to a sports scholarship, the young Alpha had managed to get into one of the country’s most prestigious universities.
On the rugby pitch, however, he was impressive, tall, powerful and fast. He was an Alpha whose very presence commanded attention. Yet off the field... Duncan Pennytree was almost the antithesis of the typical popular Alpha. He was shy, painfully shy. He would blush at a compliment and look away if someone held his gaze for too long.
He preferred spending a quiet evening in his room playing video games with his friend Raymun Fossoway to attending the lavish parties thrown by the university’s wealthy families.
Most students knew of Duncan, but few truly knew him, they didn’t see the side of him that read books on relationships because he had no idea how to talk to someone he liked, especially a famous Omega with violet eyes.
It was only natural, then, that the name Duncan Pennytree reached Aerion’s ears one Friday afternoon. He probably never should have heard it, given that following sports results wasn't really his thing, the young Targaryen only found sports interesting when he could watch them while lounging comfortably with an overpriced drink and sunglasses, quietly critiquing other people's fashion choices.
But that day, the whole campus was talking about the latest match because the rugby team had won, and one player in particular had captured everyone’s attention :
« Did Pennytree score again ? »
The question came from a group of students behind him in the hallway.
« He’s the new guy, right ? »
« Yeah, a freshman »
« The tall Alpha on the scholarship ? »
Aerion kept walking, but the name stuck in his mind.
Duncan Pennytree… Pennytree… What a strange name.
Naturally, he decided to seek the answer from his cousin, Valarr.
While his brother Daeron loved causing chaos just for the fun of it, Valarr was methodical, organized and keenly aware of his responsibilities. And as a student representative, he had access to a wealth of information about the student body, making him an ideal source.
The silver-haired young Targaryen walked into the office without knocking and the young man already in the room immediately looked up before asking :
« I assume you have a valid reason for being here ? »
The young omega settled in across from him before saying :
« I need information on a certain Duncan Pennytree »
The young man with heterochromatic eyes didn’t even try to reason with his cousin, instead, he opened a file on his computer and, a few seconds later, read aloud :
« Duncan Pennytree. Scholarship student. First year. Excellent rugby player. Very strong academic record »
Aerion frowned slightly, wondering if a scholarship student was really worth his interest, as the young man possessed none of the qualities that usually caught his eye. Yet, everyone was talking about him, and the young Targaryen wanted to know why.
But before he could delve any deeper into his thoughts, Valarr asked :
« Intrigued ? »
« Just curious… »
The violet-eyed student stood up but took a final moment to look at the file, a scholarship Alpha, the team’s best rugby player, with excellent grades.
Someone who seemed to have succeeded without any outside help, that was unusual, especially at this university. Aerion loved the unusual, so a satisfied smile slowly spread across his face as he said :
« Well, let’s see if he’s worthy of my presence »
He adjusted his jacket and headed for the exit, but heard his cousin say :
« Just… don’t do anything to cause a disaster, Aerion »
Because he knew his cousin well enough to know one thing, when Aerion Targaryen decided to take an interest in someone… that person usually had no idea what was coming for them.
And so, that very evening, Aerion Targaryen found himself seated in the university rugby stadium stands, wearing sunglasses and a perfectly tailored shirt, his silver hair neatly styled despite the wind.
It was quite ironic, really, since the young omega never usually attended rugby matches. He had always found it odd that hundreds of people would willingly sit on uncomfortable bleachers, enduring harsh sun or unpleasant rain, just to watch men chase after a ball.
He much preferred observing things from a more comfortable vantage point, with a cold drink, impeccable attire and a view distant enough to ensure no mud-caked student could ruin his mood.
The match had just begun, and the young Targaryen immediately understood why Duncan Pennytree was the talk of the town, even from a distance, it was impossible not to notice him. Duncan was tall but not merely tall, he possessed a presence that naturally dominated the field. His physique bore the marks of hours of training, with broad shoulders, well-developed musculature, and evident power in every movement.
He didn't need to try to impress because his mere presence was impressive enough.
Aerion remained silent for a few seconds, a reaction that, coming from him, was practically dramatic.
His older brother, Daeron Targaryen, who had accompanied him and was, of course, aware of his younger brother’s quest, finally asked :
« So ? What about your famous Duncan ? »
The silver-haired young man watched the player who had just retrieved the ball and finally admitted:
« Physically... he’s impressive »
Daeron’s eyes widened slightly as he asked :
« Did you just pay someone a compliment ? »
« Don't make a big deal out of it »
Aerion continued to watch the scholarship student, noting his speed and determination on the field, and how he paid no heed to the crowd, as if he weren't trying to impress anyone but simply playing the game.
« He’s far too simple », Aerion finally remarked, before continuing to admire his next target.
Duncan had just pulled off an impressive play. At first glance, the man possessed none of the qualities that usually caught Aerion’s eye, yet it was hard to look away.
The young man with violet eyes adjusted his sunglasses and a defiant smile played on his lips.
Duncan Pennytree was different from his previous targets, but Aerion Targaryen loved a challenge.
He glanced at the field one last time and thought :
Very well, let’s see what you’re really hiding, Duncan Pennytree.
Aerion Targaryen held a theory, one that, until now, had never been challenged. Whenever someone was interested in him, they always ended up coming to him.
Aaaaalways.
There was nothing arrogant about it, at least, that was what the young omega claimed. It was simply an observation based on years of experience.
People sought out his company, they found excuses to speak to him because they wanted to catch his eye. So, when Aerion decided he was interested in Duncan Pennytree, he saw no reason to change his habits.
Why should he ? After all, he was Aerion Targaryen.
The first day was easy, he knew how to be patient. Or rather, he knew how to wait when he wanted to. Aerion deliberately chose a spot where Duncan could easily see him, not too close, for he wasn't desperate but near enough that his presence was impossible to ignore.
He took out his phone and pretended to use it while he waited. Duncan Pennytree arrived a few minutes later, his hair slightly tousled from morning practice and his bag slung over one shoulder.
Their eyes met for a few seconds and the young alpha immediately blushed. This made the young Targaryen smile, he waited, certain that the other would make the first move.
But the blue-eyed young man simply looked away and walked off in the opposite direction, leaving Aerion completely stunned.
How was that possible ?
The following days confirmed one thing, Duncan Pennytree was either extremely patient... or simply not interested.
The young man with the perfectly styled silver hair chose to believe the former, because the latter was impossible. At least, that was what he refused to admit.
And for a whole week, Aerion put his plan into action, the operation was simple, no conversation, no overtures, not even a deliberate smile. He had to become inaccessible, a mystery, for he knew it was his mysterious nature that drew in those he considered his inferiors.
Aerion Targaryen went about his life, yet he waited, waited for the rugby player to come over, to strike up a conversation, to do something... But nothing happened. Well, not exactly nothing, the man would watch the young omega, but the moment Aerion turned his head toward him, Duncan would panic, look away, and vanish.
At first, the young man with the violet eyes found it amusing, but eventually, he began to grow annoyed.
On the tenth day of his plan, Aerion was sitting in the library, with Duncan a few tables away.
He had spent twenty minutes rereading the same page.
Aerion knew this because he was discreetly watching his prey or rather, watching as discreetly as Aerion Targaryen ever could.
Tybolt, seated across from him, looked up from his book and asked his friend :
« Are you reading ? »
« Yes », the young omega replied, paying no heed to his friend.
The Lannister glanced at his own book, then at Aerion’s, before stating :
« You’re holding your book upside down »
Silence fell between them, then the Targaryen looked down and saw that, indeed, his book was upside down. He calmly turned it right-side up and looked his friend in the eye :
« I was simply checking to see if you were paying attention »
Tybolt sighed before adding :
« Ten days spent waiting for him to come and talk to you »
« He’ll come »
« Aerion.. »
« He’ll come »
The green-eyed man studied his friend, then turned to look at Duncan before saying :
« You know, it’s possible he’s just shy ? »
« A shy Alpha ? »
« Yeah ? »
Aerion remained silent, the idea seemed incredibly hard to accept.
« It’s simply a contradiction ?? »
« Humans are often contradictory », the young green-eyed alpha finally said.
Then the fourteenth day arrived and Aerion had reached a conclusion, Duncan Pennytree was a particularly infuriating mystery, because everything pointed to him being interested. Yet, he never made a move.
Aerion was sitting in the university courtyard with Tybolt and Daeron when he finally set down his drink.
« It’s ridiculous »
His older brother looked up and asked why and the younger one glanced toward the field where Duncan was training.
« Two weeks, and he still hasn’t done a thing ! »
« Maybe he’s waiting for you to do something », Daeron added with a smile.
The younger brother looked at him as if he had just suggested something absurd, before asking :
« Why would I do that ? »
« Because you’re the one who’s interested »
« I’m not interested »
Tybolt and Daeron replied in unison :
« Sure... »
Aerion ignored them, his gaze shifting back to Duncan, that Alpha, that boy who seemed completely different from anyone else he had ever met. Someone who could capture his attention without even trying.
And that was almost offensive, for one question kept circling in Aerion’s mind :
Who is this Alpha who dares to divert, even for a single day, the attention that should naturally be focused on me ?
It was impossible, incomprehensible and above all, unacceptable.
The young omega finally stood up, his expression shifting as his patience ran out, two weeks had been more than enough.
« Fine »
Tybolt looked up, wondering what the next step would be. Before he could even ask for details, Aerion Targaryen gazed into the distance with a determined look and added :
« I waited and he did nothing, so I’ll have to step in and move to the first stage of my plan »
A smile finally touched the young omega’s lips, for the first time in a long while, he had met someone who resisted his charm. Far from discouraging him, this only made him more curious and driven.
After all, Aerion Targaryen always got what he wanted and if he had decided that this young Alpha would end up in his bed, then it would happen.
And so, quite naturally, his plan to sleep with the young Alpha began the very next day. The young Targaryen spotted Duncan Pennytree in the university courtyard with several members of the rugby team and strode purposefully toward him, as he reached the young alpha, the rugby team’s chatter gradually died down, simply because Aerion Targaryen’s arrival tended to command attention.
The blond young alpha looked down and for a few seconds, everything came to a halt, his brain stopped working and he almost forgot to breathe. After all, there was a world of difference between seeing the young Targaryen from afar and standing face-to-face with him.
Aerion, for his part, was waiting, waiting for that reaction, for the moment the rugby player would finally realize he was standing before someone extraordinary. He expected a compliment, a remark, a sign of admiration, anything, really.
But Duncan simply said :
« H-Hello... »
The silver-haired young man blinked, as this wasn't quite what he had imagined, then, the blue-eyed man seemed to realize he had offered a far too casual greeting. His instinct led him to a disastrous choice, he bowed slightly.
It was a sort of small bow, followed by an awkward silence as Duncan froze.
He had just bowed to Aerion Targaryen. His face turned bright red instantly and before the young omega standing before him could even reply, Duncan practically ran off, stammering apologies.
Aerion stood motionless and utterly silent, then slowly turned his head toward the other members of the rugby team :
« Did he really just bow...? »
What the young Targaryen didn’t know was that, meanwhile, just a few meters away... Duncan was walking briskly, his heart still pounding at a ridiculous rate and he ducked into the nearest building to lean against a wall, utterly distraught :
« No, no, no »
He ran a hand over his face, replaying the moment he had just bowed before Aerion Targaryen.
« I’m going to have to leave this university »
After the incident with the bow, the young Targaryen was certain that Duncan Pennytree was definitely interested. However, he needed a more direct approach.
He would have to create opportunities for the young alpha, and luckily for him, Aerion had just discovered a piece of information useful for his plan, Duncan was in the same economics class as him, and had been from the very beginning.
This revelation came from his older brother, Daeron, an event that, for the younger of the two, felt almost historic.
« See ? » the young omega asked, looking at his brother. « You can be useful when you want to be »
Daeron placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt.
« I’m wounded ! »
Then came the next morning, the silver-haired young Targaryen arrived early, an unusual move for him, as he wasn't the type to wait around. Usually, others waited for him.
But this time, he had a strategy, his target had a regular seat and Aerion intended to sit right next to it. He entered the lecture hall and chose his spot, while Tybolt, who was accompanying him once again, took the seat behind him, curious to see where this idea would lead his friend.
A few minutes later, Duncan walked in. He strolled forward with his books, then stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Aerion Targaryen.
The young man with violet eyes gazed straight ahead, wearing one of his most charming and mysterious smiles, ready for what came next. The young alpha would smile, say hello and sit down...
Huh ?
However, as Duncan went to sit three rows away, Aerion felt his brain grind to a halt, while Tybolt, behind him, clapped a hand over his mouth, desperately trying not to laugh.
Aerion slowly turned his head to see his childhood friend doubled over with laughter, while he himself remained in shock :
« Is he serious ? Did he just pick the seat furthest away from me ? »
« Aerion... I think your imaginary future lover simply isn't attracted to you... » Tybolt replied, no longer able to hold back his laughter.
The silver-haired young man looked at Duncan again.
Fine, then the next stage of the operation would have to be more direct.
That was why Aerion decided to go back to basics, to a weapon he considered infallible.
His smile.
It was scientifically proven. Well, a website said that a simple smile could make a person completely lose their composure.
On the morning of the operation, the young Targaryen walked past a large mirror in the building's hallway and paused to check that everything was perfect, even though he knew he didn't need to. After all, Aerion Targaryen was the very picture of aesthetic perfection.
The strategy was simple, just a charming, irresistible smile.
The first attempt took place in the main corridor, Duncan was leaving a class with Raymun Fossoway when he spotted Aerion. Their eyes met as the young Targaryen smiled, waiting for a sign from the tall man.
However, the blond young man stood frozen, his eyes widening slightly. Then his face turned bright red before he looked down, greeted his friend, and hurried away.
Aerion simply stood there and blinked.
How dare he ?
The second attempt happened in the library and yielded the same result, a smile from the young omega, followed by the young alpha blushing and fleeing.
The third ? In the outdoor courtyard, with the same outcome.
The fourth, in the cafeteria, more of the same.
Every time, Aerion smiled, Duncan lost his composure and then he vanished.
Yet, instead of getting annoyed, the young Targaryen understood perfectly, after all, it wasn't every day one got to admire a work of art. However, this situation could not last, for the young omega believed that being admired was simply the natural order of things. So, Aerion Targaryen summoned his inner circle to find solutions.
The council room was steeped in an almost military atmosphere, which was, technically, absurd, given that it was merely a private room in the Targaryen university residence. But Aerion had insisted that the mood be "appropriate."
Tybolt Lannister was the first to enter, he opened the door and stopped dead, standing motionless for a few seconds in the doorway before slowly turning his head toward his childhood friend.
The young omega was positioned in front of a massive board mounted on the wall, the sort of display that would have been perfectly at home in a military command center. Except that, instead of maps and war strategies, it featured a photograph of Duncan Pennytree surrounded by key details, his class schedule, academic record, training sessions, habits, friends and even his hobbies.
The green-eyed man blinked several times before asking :
« Aerion... do you realize you’ve created an investigative dossier on an ordinary student ? »
Aerion frowned slightly, but before he could justify his masterpiece, the door opened again and the rest of the group, Daeron, Valarr and Kiera, walked in. The eldest Targaryen wore the telltale expression of someone who already regretted being there, a look he often wore when in the company of his cousins.
Kiera, for her part, seemed simply amused, her gaze drifted to the board before she asked the question everyone was waiting for :
« Why do you have a photo of a rugby player in your room ? »
« Because it’s important », the young Targaryen with violet eyes replied.
« I have a feeling this conversation is going to be a long one », added Baelor Targaryen’s eldest son.
« Do you know his blood type ? » the young woman asked.
« No... But I can find out »
« Aerion... That was a joke… »
« I’m going to need a drink », the Lannister finally said, running a hand over his face.
Aerion placed a hand on the desk facing the board and declared his small council session open, he focused on the board, gazing at Duncan Pennytree’s face before solemnly declaring :
« I don’t understand where the mistake lies... Look, I have everything going for me ! A family, superior intelligence, a perfect upbringing »
As the young omega listed his assets, he raised his fingers to count them off, then pressed a hand to his face with an almost tragic expression before continuing :
« My beauty is proof that God exists ! »
Absolute silence fell following the young Targaryen’s declaration, even Valarr, accustomed as he was to his family’s eccentricities, remained motionless.
But Aerion resumed his analysis, pointing at the photo of Duncan.
« So explain this to me, why isn't this simple peasant attracted to me ?
« Peasant ? » Valarr asked, immediately frowning.
« Figure of speech »
« That’s not a very elegant figure of speech »
« Valarr, please, focus, we’re here to solve a problem ! » the silver-haired young Targaryen declared before continuing, « Why doesn't Duncan Pennytree seem to grasp that he ought to be interested in me ?»
The Targaryen with mismatched eyes crossed his arms before suggesting :
« Perhaps Duncan isn't drawn to a person's looks, but to their personality ? »
The room fell silent, awaiting a reasonable reaction from the young Targaryen, perhaps even a moment of self-reflection. However, everyone knew his temperament all too well, and his reply surprised no one :
« Oh yeah, it’s true that when I had sex with that other guy last time, what really struck me was his inner richness... Got any other bullshit excuses ? »
Tybolt sighed deeply before continuing :
« What Valarr is trying to say... is that perhaps Duncan is looking for someone whose personality matches his own »
« My personality is excellent »
« Aerion... you can be arrogant when you want to be... »
« I am not arrogant, I am simply aware of my own worth. Now, do what I summoned you here for, advise me »
For a few minutes, however, the council remained silent as everyone studied the chart, searching for solutions. Then, Daeron Targaryen, who had remained quiet until that moment, suddenly looked up and made a suggestion :
« We could simply ask Lyonel Baratheon ? I think he’s very close to Duncan... »
However, before he could even go on, Tybolt and Aerion answered in unison :
« No »
« I haven't even finished... », the blond-haired Targaryen sighed.
« We already know the ending and it’s absolutely out of the question, he’s a Baratheon », Tybolt reasoned, while Aerion nodded in agreement and added :
« Do you really want a Baratheon finding out we set up a strategic council just to analyze a student ? Our dignity is at stake »
Daeron glanced around the room, then at the board displaying Duncan’s photo, before declaring :
« Your dignity vanished the moment you pinned his picture to the wall, my dear little brother »
Then Kiera finally raised a hand, and everyone fell silent, even Aerion, which was likely his greatest feat of the evening.
« Alright... we have two options to figure out whether or not Duncan is attracted to you... the first is to make him jealous and the second is to play on his alpha instincts »
Aerion’s smile faltered slightly as he looked his cousin’s girlfriend in the eye, this was exactly why he had included the other omega in his council, she always found solutions to his problems. Then, the silver-haired young Targaryen stared at the photo again, and a slow smile spread across his face.
« That’s perfect ! »
And no one in the room doubted one thing, Duncan Pennytree was likely going to have a very hard time surviving Aerion Targaryen’s new "operations."
The next day, Aerion Targaryen immediately put into action the first idea Kiera had proposed, making Duncan Pennytree jealous.
On paper, the plan was flawless, Tybolt, however, remained unconvinced.
« I want to make it clear that I’m taking part in this disaster only because you insisted »
« You’re taking part because you’re my best friend »
« That is precisely the reason I should have learned to say no to you »
Aerion ignored him, as the target had just appeared at the far end of the hallway. The rugby player was chatting casually with his friend, Raymun Fossoway, while holding several books against his chest.
« He’s coming », Aerion announced solemnly.
« And now ? » the Lannister asked with a sigh.
« Now, you pretend to seduce me »
The young man with green eyes slowly looked up at the ceiling.
« I regret knowing you so much... »
Without giving him any more time to protest, Aerion casually placed a hand on his shoulder, stepped a little closer and flashed his most charming smile.
« See ? He’s already watching us »
Tybolt stole a quick glance, sure enough, Duncan was watching them, well, for a split second. Then, the young alpha immediately looked away before murmuring something to Raymun.
The silver-haired young man smiled even wider before declaring :
« Perfect... He’s already suffering »
A few meters away, Duncan seemed, on the contrary, completely panicked.
« They look so good together... »
Raymun frowned and asked :
« Who ? »
« Aerion Targaryen... and his friend... »
« Do you think they’re together ? »
The taller one looked away, visibly flustered.
« I... I don’t know... but... they look happy... »
« Duncan... »
« Yeah ? »
« Are you getting sad because you think a guy you’ve never managed to properly say hello to is already in a relationship ? »
The rugby player turned bright red, right up to his ears.
« It’s... it’s not exactly that... »
« It’s exactly that »
Meanwhile, the Targaryen was convinced his plan was working wonders.
« Look how he’s staring at us »
Tybolt watched Duncan, who had just turned around.
« He’s mostly just leaving »
« Because he’s jealous »
« Or because he’s terrified »
« Jealous »
« Terrified »
« Jealous »
« Both ? »
« Both », Aerion finally admitted with satisfaction.
The next day, he did it again and the day after that, and the day after that. Each time, Duncan would blush, look down... and then vanish before Aerion could even get close.
By the fourth attempt, Tybolt wasn’t even trying to play along anymore. He simply stood beside his friend while the other tucked a lock of hair behind his ear with almost professional seriousness.
« You know », Tybolt whispered, « if anyone sees us without knowing the context, they’re really going to think we’re dating »
« Sacrifice yourself for science »
« That’s not science. That’s your eg »
Once again, Duncan walked down the hallway.
Once again, he blushed.
And once again... he turned back.
Aerion stood motionless as silence settled in and very slowly, he turned his head toward Tybolt.
« It’s strange... »
« What is ? »
« He ought to be mad with jealousy by now »
Tybolt burst out laughing.
« Or maybe he just thinks you’re in love with me »
Aerion froze, the possibility hadn't even crossed his mind.
« ...That’s ridiculous »
« You spend your days smiling at me, touching my shoulder, leaning in close... Honestly, even I’d start wondering »
The young Targaryen remained silent for a few seconds, then let out a deep sigh of disappointment before looking at his best friend with a thoroughly unimpressed expression.
« You’re useless ! »
The green-eyed young man burst into such uproarious laughter that he had to lean against the wall for support.
« That’s the first time in my life I’ve been criticized for being too convincing as a fake boyfriend ! »
Aerion, for his part, crossed his arms with all the dignity he could muster.
« I’m going to have to move on to the next stage »
After several consecutive failures, Aerion Targaryen reached a particularly painful conclusion. His physical appearance wasn't enough and the mere thought of it deeply offended him. He spent a long minute standing before the mirror, arms crossed, solemnly studying his reflection.
« It’s not your fault », he told his reflection. « You’re already doing everything you can »
Daeron, who had just silently entered the room with a coffee in hand, remained quiet for a few seconds.
« ...Are you actually comforting yourself ? »
« Someone has to »
The older brother slowly shook his head.
« Sometimes I wonder how you manage to function on a daily basis »
Aerion didn't answer immediately, his gaze still fixed on his reflection, before he let out a deep sigh.
« I think... it’s time to use a method I’ve never needed to employ before »
« Oh ? » the brown-haired Targaryen asked, raising an eyebrow.
The young omega turned to him with the gravity of a general announcing a declaration of war.
« My pheromones »
Daeron stared at him for several seconds before asking :
« ...Your omega scent ? »
« Yes »
« Are you serious ? »
« Absolutely »
The older brother sighed.
« You know full well what that entails. Pheromones aren't a game, little brother »
For the first time since this whole affair began, Aerion’s confidence wavered slightly.
« I know... » He looked away before continuing, « That’s precisely why I’ve never done it before »
Daeron studied his younger brother for a moment, for all his narcissism, Aerion had never used his scent to seduce anyone. He considered it almost... cheating. After all, he believed he needed nothing but himself and seeing him even consider this option proved one thing.
Duncan Pennytree represented a challenge unlike any other.
The older brother finally sighed.
« Fine... but I’m coming with you »
« Why ? » Aerion asked, looking up.
« Because you’re my little brother »
The young omega opened his mouth to protest.
« And because I refuse to let you try this alone. If something goes wrong, I’d rather be there »
Aerion crossed his arms.
« Nothing is going to happen »
« That’s exactly what people say right before something happens »
An hour later, they spotted Duncan in the university gardens; the young alpha was quietly reading a book, settled beneath a tree.
« This is the moment », Aerion whispered.
He took a deep breath and very lightly released his scent, something subtle, yet just enough to catch an alpha's attention. Several meters away, Duncan’s head snapped up and his heart leapt, he recognized that scent instantly and his face turned a deep scarlet.
« Oh no... »
Aerion offered a satisfied smile.
« See ? »
Daeron watched the scene in silence as Duncan stood up.
« Here goes », Aerion breathed.
The rugby player took a few steps forward as the young Targaryen instinctively squared his shoulders.
There he was, at last.
Duncan came within a few meters, their eyes met as the young alpha opened his mouth, Aerion already anticipating a compliment, a declaration, or at least a clumsy attempt at conversation.
But the rugby player bowed so abruptly he nearly lost his balance.
« H-Hello...! »
Then he spun around and practically ran off, leaving the silver-haired Targaryen standing perfectly still.
Silence hung in the air for several long seconds before Daeron finally spoke.
« ...He really just caught a whiff of your scent... »
« Yes »
« ...And he bolted even faster than usual »
« Yes... »
The older brother placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder.
« You know what ? »
Aerion didn't answer.
« I honestly think that boy is so intimidated by you that he forgets how his own brain works »
The young Targaryen was still gazing at the spot where Duncan had vanished.
« It's ridiculous... »
« Mostly, it's hilarious »
Aerion slowly turned his head.
« Are you making fun of me ? »
Daeron smiled.
« A little »
« You're supposed to be on my side »
« I am on your side »
He paused before adding, with an amused smile :
« But I’m also a spectator to the greatest romantic disaster Oxford University has likely ever seen, you can see why it’s hard to stay serious »
Aerion let out a deep sigh.
« I refuse to give up »
Daeron burst out laughing.
« I know. That’s exactly what worries me »
The next goal was simple, try to strike up a conversation with Duncan Pennytree and create a moment with him. Aerion Targaryen had even prepared a line, he was ready and had rehearsed it several times :
« Duncan »
No, too cold.
« Duncan, I wanted to talk to you »
Too serious.
« Duncan, do you have a minute ? »
Perfect, he was ready.
So, he went looking for his target and found him sitting in the garden with his phone in hand.
Aerion approached, the blond young man looked up and his mind went blank the moment he saw the young omega coming toward him.
The young Targaryen stopped in front of him.
« Duncan »
The poor alpha seemed to forget how to breathe.
« Y-Yes ? »
Aerion was about to go on, about to deliver his perfectly rehearsed line but as he took a step, his foot caught on something.
It all happened in a split second, the young omega lost his balance. He didn't even have time to react, he was simply going to fall headfirst.
But Duncan reacted instantly. His alpha instincts took over and he caught Aerion so quickly that the young omega was lifted right off the ground and into the taller man's arms, as if he weighed absolutely nothing.
The world seemed to stand still.
Aerion stared at Duncan.
Duncan stared at Aerion.
And for a second, neither knew what to do, because for the first time since this strange war of seduction began, Aerion wasn't the one in control of the situation. He was the one being held. Or rather... the one Duncan was holding against himself. He caught his scent, the warmth of his body, the rapid beating of his heart and for a split second, Aerion completely forgot why he had come. Then he realized that Duncan was just as nervous as he was, perhaps even more so.
« I… », the taller man began, blushing. « I'm sorry »
The Targaryen blinked as Duncan immediately set him back on the ground, as if he had just realized he had overstepped a boundary.
« Forgive me... I shouldn't have... »
« No... um... it's fine »
Aerion felt a strange heat rise to his face, he hated being caught off guard and lacking the perfect reply, while the blue-eyed man stood frozen. And, as always happened when he thought he had done something wrong, the man walked away, almost running, leaving the young Targaryen standing motionless, unsure what to make of the moment.
Aerion Targaryen didn't know what to make of the situation anymore, he had achieved results that some students deemed impossible. And yet, Duncan Pennytree was turning out to be his greatest challenge.
The last three operations had been meticulously planned and he had ended up in the rugby player's arms, which should have been a total victory. Except that, instead of controlling the situation, he had been the one to lose his composure and that was unacceptable.
The day was drawing to a close and the young Targaryen left the university's main building with a slightly vexed expression. He kept walking until he felt the first drop hit his face, followed by several more as grey clouds rolled over Oxford.
Of course, the day had already been so complicated that even the weather had decided to join in. The silver-haired young man rummaged through his bag looking for his umbrella, but since the day had been nothing but a string of failures, he didn't find one.
« Of course... » He looked up at the sky with a deep sense of grievance before adding, « Even the weather seems intent on testing my patience »
He resumed walking as the rain began to fall faster, his hair was already starting to get damp. Then, a shadow appeared over him.
Aerion stopped, having immediately recognized the presence, or rather, the scent of Duncan Pennytree. He turned his head and saw him standing there, bag slung over one shoulder and a look of sheer panic on his face, for a split second, the shorter of the two thought :
Finally.
This time, Duncan couldn’t simply walk away, so he spoke up :
« Aerion... »
But the man in question said nothing instead, he did something Aerion hadn't anticipated at all, he took off his jacket and gently placed it over the young Targaryen's head as an improvised shield against the rain.
Aerion froze, completely taken aback by the gesture. Before he could ask for an explanation, the rugby player simply said :
« You'll catch a cold... », He looked down, running a hand through his hair, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation and added, « Well... I mean... You know... »
And before Aerion could reply, Duncan ran off into the rain, leaving the young omega standing motionless beneath the jacket, which was imbued with the young alpha's faint, comforting scent.
When Tybolt found Aerion a few hours later, he stopped in his tracks, observing his best friend holding a jacket that was far too big for him. But before he could even ask a question, the Targaryen spoke up :
« Duncan lent me his jacket to keep me dry... »
The Lannister smiled tenderly at his friend's bewildered expression and asked :
« Are you planning to give it back ? »
« Yes », Aerion replied, his eyes fixed on the jacket.
« When ? »
« I'll decide when the right time comes to return it... »
Tybolt raised an eyebrow before continuing:
« Aerion... Duncan gave you that jacket because he was worried about you »
« It's comfortable... »
Tybolt looked at him and asked :
« You could smell his scent on it, couldn't you ? »
« ...No »
« You answered three seconds too fast »
The blond man remained motionless, then a smile slowly spread across his face.
« You’re going to sleep with it tonight, aren’t you ? »
Aerion immediately lifted his head, offended.
« Absolutely not »
Tybolt smiled, because he knew Aerion well enough to know that if he denied something with such conviction, it was usually because it was true.
And finally, the long-awaited day arrived.
After weeks of fleeing from Duncan Pennytree whenever their eyes met, Aerion Targaryen had finally made a decision. He had to stop. Not stop loving, but stop running away. By bolting every time Duncan spoke to him, he risked giving the impression that he didn't want to be near him, when the exact opposite was true.
He wanted to be near him, every single day. The problem was simply that Duncan remained Duncan, an alpha capable of tackling rugby players to the ground, yet incapable of holding a normal conversation with the man he loved.
So, when the rugby player had finally asked :
« Would you... like to have dinner with me tonight ? »
Aerion had to summon all his willpower not to smile immediately, because on the inside, it was a massive victory.
But on the outside ? He remained perfectly composed. After all, he was still Aerion Targaryen, and he certainly wasn't going to show that he had been waiting weeks for this invitation.
« I accept »
Then he had gone to his room and immediately started getting ready for the evening, while Tybolt, seated right behind him, watched his friend change outfits for the fourth time.
The Lannister looked at the four jackets neatly laid out on the bed before saying :
« You've been trying on clothes for an hour now. I thought you were effortlessly perfect ? »
Aerion turned to him.
« Perfection takes time »
Tybolt sighed as his friend checked his reflection one last time before declaring with the utmost seriousness:
« If elegance could take human form… »
He tilted his head slightly.
« It would probably have borrowed mine »
Tybolt rolled his eyes but smiled in spite of himself, knowing that beneath all that arrogance, Aerion was nervous, even though he would sooner die than admit it.
Then, the silver-haired young man grabbed his coat and added :
« Anyway, tonight is the final step »
« Of what ? »
« My plan is to get him into my bed tonight and finally prove that he’s hooked on me », the Targaryen replied with a smile.
When Duncan arrived, Aerion expected a lot of things, nervousness, repeated apologies… But not this, for Duncan Pennytree was holding a bouquet of red orchids.
The Targaryen fell silent for a few seconds, he knew the meaning of that flower perfectly well, romantic passion, desire, and attraction.
« Orchids ? »
The rugby player immediately grew nervous and held out the bouquet.
« Yes… I knew they were your favorites »
Aerion took the flowers, genuinely surprised. Of course red orchids were his favorites. Some hybrid varieties were even nicknamed “Red Dragons” because of their intense color and the shape of their petals.
He gazed at the bouquet for a moment, then at Duncan, before thanking him. He then set the flowers down in his bedroom before rejoining the rugby player to begin their date. And very quickly…
Aerion Targaryen realized that the young alpha had a very different definition of romance.
The first surprise was the restaurant itself. It was neither a Michelin-starred establishment like those he usually frequented, nor even a particularly luxurious venue. It was a small, family-run place with simple tables and old-fashioned décor.
Aerion went inside anyway, because, above all, he had a goal and then Duncan shyly explained :
« This is where my parents used to take me when I was little... »
Aerion remained silent, for to Duncan, this place was not merely a restaurant but a memory. And the Targaryen had absolutely no idea how to respond to something so sincere. So, he did what he always did, he smiled.
The evening's second surprise came with the hamburger served on his plate. Or rather, it came when he saw Duncan eating it with such enthusiasm. A bit of sauce ended up trickling down the corner of his mouth while Aerion discreetly watched the scene, feeling slightly repulsed.
Was he incapable of eating normally ?
The rugby player noticed his gaze.
« What ? »
« Nothing... I was just thinking »
« About what ? »
« Nothing important », the young man with violet eyes replied.
After all, he obviously couldn't admit that he found it strangely adorable.
But the third surprise was the event that followed the restaurant visit.
Before continuing this story, there was likely one thing Duncan still didn't know about Aerion Targaryen, he absolutely hated losing.
This perfectly explained why, when the young omega spotted the colorful lights of a fairground at the end of the walkway, his first reaction was to stop and stare intently at Duncan.
« Is this a joke ? »
The alpha, walking beside him with a nervous smile, lowered his eyes slightly.
« You don't like it ? »
Aerion looked around at the rides spinning amidst the music and shouting and at the children running about with candy apples in their hands.
They were at a real fairground.
« You took me to a fairground ? »
Duncan nodded gently.
« After making me eat a hamburger ? »
« Which you finished », the blond replied with a small smile.
The young Targaryen didn't know what to say because, unfortunately, Duncan was right, which was extremely annoying.
« I still don't see the connection between a romantic outing and kids running around with sugar on their hands »
Despite everything, Aerion resumed walking, hiding a faint, satisfied smile, while Duncan stood motionless for a few seconds before following him.
The first few minutes went exactly as the young alpha had imagined, Aerion criticized everything, the music was too loud, the ground was sticky and the very concept of the games was, in his view “highly questionable.”
« Explain to me why anyone would pay to throw three balls at tin cans ? »
« Because it’s fun »
Aerion looked at the stall, then at Duncan, with a skeptical expression.
« Are you serious ? »
This quickly led to a full-blown diplomatic incident, as Duncan Pennytree had the ill-advised idea of suggesting a shooting contest.
« Whoever wins picks the next game ».
Aerion agreed far too readily, after all, everyone knew a Targaryen never refused a challenge.
The attendant handed them their rifles, and the omega examined his with almost military seriousness while Duncan tried not to laugh.
« You’re taking this very seriously »
« And you, not seriously enough »
« It’s just a game »
« That’s exactly what losers say before they lose », Aerion replied, raising an eyebrow.
Then the game began and Duncan quickly realized two things, first, the Targaryen was incredibly skilled and second, Aerion was absolutely insufferable when he won.
« Won again, loser ! »
Duncan shook his head.
« You won a shooting game »
« A win is a win »
Young Pennytree laughed softly and without understanding why, Aerion felt a pleasant warmth spread through his chest. Hearing Duncan laugh gave him a strange sense of satisfaction, almost greater than the satisfaction of having won.
In the end, they tried almost every game.
The bumper cars, which Aerion initially dismissed as "ridiculous" before asking to go for several more rounds.
The Ferris wheel, where Duncan sat in silence for several minutes, simply happy to be beside him, while Aerion gazed at the city lights without a word, captivated by the magnificent view.
The food stall, where Duncan bought some cotton candy. Aerion declared it "far too sweet," yet quietly ate half of it while young Pennytree watched him with a fond smile.
The final attraction was a game involving tossing heavy rings onto glass bottles, Aerion studied it for a few seconds before declaring with absolute confidence :
« Finally, an activity that requires a bit of precision »
The carny handed them each five rings.
« Whoever lands the most wins »
« You might as well start thinking about how you're going to accept defeat », Aerion stated, as Duncan offered a faint smile.
« You're certainly sure of yourself... »
« I've never had any reason to doubt »
Aerion’s first throw looked perfect. The ring spun elegantly... before bouncing off the bottle's neck and falling to the ground, the young omega frowned slightly and explained away his failure :
« The wind »
Duncan glanced up at the sky.
« There isn't any »
"Then the bottle is poorly positioned."
Unfortunately, the subsequent throws yielded the exact same result. Then it was Duncan’s turn to throw the rings.
The tall blond picked up the first ring and, unlike Aerion, didn't hesitate before throwing it. The ring slid perfectly around the bottle, then a second, then a third; the fourth narrowly missed, but the fifth succeeded as well.
The vendor applauded.
« We have a winner ! »
Aerion remained perfectly still, he looked at the bottles, then at Duncan, before asking:
« ...I want a rematch »
« You lost », the alpha replied, bursting into laughter.
The vendor then pointed to the shelf covered in prizes.
« You can pick out a stuffed animal »
Duncan surveyed the dozens of hanging plush toys, then his gaze settled on a small dragon with silver scales and dark red wings; without hesitation, he asked for that one to be taken down.
The rugby player awkwardly clutched the toy to his chest for a few seconds before handing it to the young omega :
« I... I remembered you liked dragons... so... I thought... maybe... »
Aerion raised an eyebrow and, for a few seconds, found absolutely nothing to say which, for Aerion Targaryen, was nothing short of a miracle. Finally, he gently took the little dragon and held the plush toy close.
« You won, so why are you giving the toy to me... »
The silver-haired young man looked at the toy one last time before a smile, far softer than any he had shown until then involuntarily appeared on his face. Duncan shyly lowered his eyes before saying :
« I... I don't really play to win... I mean... I'd rather see you smile than keep a stuffed toy »
For the first time since this whole thing began, winning was the last thing on Aerion's mind, he had never prepared himself to meet someone whose first instinct after finally beating him, was simply to make him happy. Without even realizing it, he gave the little dragon a gentle squeeze, while Duncan looked away, convinced he had said something stupid again.
On the way back, Duncan walked beside Aerion, who was still carrying the stuffed toy in his arms.
« Duncan ? »
« Yes ? »
Aerion looked straight ahead before admitting :
« The fair was… Tolerable »
Duncan smiled and nodded, knowing full well that was the only compliment he’d get out of the young Targaryen :
« Then I’m honored »
They arrived at the door to Aerion’s home and the young omega turned slightly toward him. Duncan stood there with his hands in his coat pockets, looking both happy and terrified.
« Thanks for tonight, Duncan »
« Thanks for coming… »
Aerion looked away for a moment, then decided it was time to follow through on his original plan, he stepped closer, placed his hand on the doorknob, and turned back to face him.
« You know… the night doesn’t have to end just yet… »
The young rugby player blinked rapidly, his brain having officially stopped working while Aerion felt a sense of satisfaction.
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived, after all the maneuvering, he was finally going to get what he wanted. A night with Duncan Pennytree, after which they would each go back to their own lives.
Duncan opened his mouth but seemed to be waging an intense internal battle, the evening had already been incredible for him and now Aerion was suggesting they continue things inside. The young alpha felt his heart race, though not for the reasons Aerion imagined. Duncan assumed the young omega was likely just trying to be polite, and he didn't want to take advantage of that.
He looked at Aerion and gave a gentle smile before saying :
« Thanks, but I think I should head home »
« Sorry ? »
Duncan immediately panicked.
« No… I mean, it’s not that I didn’t enjoy it... I... I really had a great evening »
The young Targaryen stared at him, completely bewildered, as the rugby player smiled awkwardly and said :
« Goodnight, Aerion »
Then he took a step back and left before even waiting for an answer from the young omega.
A few seconds later, Aerion was still standing motionless in front of his door, the dragon plushie in one hand, while his brain tried to process what had just happened.
Tybolt Lannister, having heard the noise, finally appeared and studied the young Targaryen before asking :
« Well ? »
Aerion didn't answer.
« Aerion ? »
Still nothing, so the Lannister stepped closer.
« Is everything okay ? »
Aerion slowly nodded and said :
« He left and he refused to continue the evening... »
The young man with violet eyes slowly turned his head toward his friend, wearing an almost offended expression.
« No one turns down a Targaryen »
Then Aerion finally wnt inside, but before closing the door, he glanced one last time in the direction Duncan had gone, tired of chasing after an alpha who couldn't grasp what the Targaryen wanted.
So, naturally, the next day Aerion Targaryen walked across campus, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
« Are you really going to ask him why he left you at your door ? »
Tybolt’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
« Obviously »
The Lannister sighed, for he already recognized that look on his friend’s face, the one he wore whenever he had made up his mind and no force on earth could stop him :
« And how do you plan to ask him ? »
Aerion thought for a few seconds and replied with great seriousness :
« I’m simply going to ask him why he refused to sleep with me »
Tybolt stopped dead in his tracks, while the young Targaryen walked on for a few more paces before noticing his absence and turning around.
« What ? »
« Please don't ask that »
Aerion raised an eyebrow.
« Would you prefer I ask him to explain his contradictory behavior ? »
« That’s... », Tybolt began, searching for the right words, « ...slightly better »
Aerion nodded with satisfaction and they resumed walking until they reached the building used by the rugby club. The young Targaryen slowed slightly and placed his hand on the handle, but before he could open the door, a loud voice rang out from inside :
« Pennytree ! »
The young omega froze and immediately raised a hand, signaling that they should listen to the rest of the conversation.
Inside, the players were finishing changing for practice when one voice stood out from the rest. Quellon Greyjoy was sitting on a bench with his arms crossed, a malicious smile on his face as he looked at Duncan.
« So... I hear you went out with Aerion Targaryen »
Duncan, who was calmly putting away his things, looked up.
« Yes »
Quellon gave a short laugh before continuing:
« Nice catch, honestly, I didn't think a guy like you would get that lucky »
A few players exchanged glances as the blond-haired alpha calmly closed his bag.
« What is that supposed to mean ? »
« Nothing, really... », the dark-haired Greyjoy smirked and glanced around before continuing, « Just don't go thinking you're special, because, you know... You're far from the first, Aerion spreads his legs for just about anyone »
The silence grew heavy as Duncan remained motionless, then slowly looked up :
« Take back what you just said »
Quellon’s smirk widened.
« Why ? Does it bother you ? »
« Yes », the young Pennytree replied simply, remaining perfectly calm, while a few players lowered their eyes, sensing the shift in Duncan’s tone.
Quellon burst out laughing.
« You planning to lecture me, Pennytree ? What, don't like knowing your boyfriend's a whore ? »
For a few seconds, Duncan remained perfectly still, then slowly zipped up his bag.
« I asked you to take back what you just said »
His tone remained calm, which was precisely what worried several of his teammates, since Duncan almost never raised his voice while Quellon kept smiling.
« Why ? Did I lie ? »
The rugby player looked up again.
« I don't know how many people Aerion has been with, and I don't care »
Quellon’s smile faltered slightly.
« What bothers me is that you talk about him as if he deserves less respect because of it »
The locker room fell silent as the young Pennytree continued, never once breaking eye contact with his teammate.
« If he’s been with someone... that’s his business, if he’s dated twenty people... that’s his business, too. It’s not your problem »
A few players exchanged discreet glances while the Greyjoy sneered.
« You’re actually defending him ? »
« Yes »
« After everything people say about him ? »
« I’m not interested in rumors »
Quellon rolled his eyes.
« You really don't get it... Guys like him have their fun for a while, then move on to the next one. You think you're any different ? »
Duncan lowered his gaze for a moment before offering a faint smile.
« No, I don't think I'm special », the blue-eyed young man began, he took a soft breath and continued, « But even if I didn't mean anything to him... that still wouldn't give you the right to disrespect him »
This time, several players stopped packing up their gear entirely and even Raymun watched his friend with surprise, while Quellon felt his irritation mounting.
« You know what ? I get why he picked you. You're naive »
Duncan didn't back down.
« He didn't 'pick' me. He agreed to spend an evening with me. And I'm happy enough with that »
Quellon let out a scornful laugh as Raymun watched the scene from a distance, knowing full well that Quellon had never gotten over the flat refusal Aerion had given him a few months earlier.
« See ? That's exactly what I mean. You still think it actually means something »
He stepped closer.
« You want to know the truth ? »
The smile vanished completely from Duncan's face.
« I have absolutely no desire to hear your truth »
Quellon’s jaw tightened.
« You're really starting to get on my nerves, Pennytree »
« Good »
That single word was enough to make the Greyjoy abruptly step forward, his fists clenched.
« Say that again ? »
But before young Pennytree could answer, a deep voice rang out across the locker room.
« That's enough »
All eyes turned toward the entrance as Lyonel Baratheon arrived. The team captain had his sports bag slung over one shoulder, and his gaze shifted from Duncan to Quellon.
« What’s the problem ? »
No one answered and Lyonel sighed.
« Fine. Let me rephrase that. Why do I get the feeling that one of my players is two seconds away from starting a fight in my locker room ? »
Quellon looked away slightly.
« It’s nothing »
« You’re right »
The captain set his bag down against the wall.
« Because it’s stopping right now », Lyonel crossed his arms and continued, « Greyjoy. You’re going out to run ten laps of the pitch before practice. That’ll give you time to think about what comes out of your mouth »
Greyjoy opened his mouth to speak.
« But Captain… »
« Ten laps »
His tone left no room for argument, so Quellon gritted his teeth and shot a final, furious glare at Duncan before leaving the locker room. Silence returned as Lyonel turned his head toward his friend.
« You okay ? »
The tall blond nodded.
« Yeah »
« You know... that’s the first time I’ve ever seen you ready to throw a punch », the captain said with a smile.
Duncan looked down.
« I didn’t intend to fight »
Raymun raised an eyebrow.
« Really ? Because the rest of us all thought you were about to rip his head off »
The rugby player blushed slightly.
« I just wanted him to take back what he said about Aerion »
Lyonel picked up his bag.
« Consider the message delivered, then »
He clapped his hands once.
« Right, princesses, we’ve got practice. Everyone out ! »
Within seconds, the locker room returned to its usual bustle, while outside, just beyond the door left slightly ajar, Aerion stood perfectly still, staring at the locker room entrance. Then, he resumed walking in the opposite direction, muttering :
« It’s ridiculous »
« What is ? »
« Why did he stand up for me ? »
Tybolt didn’t answer, the young omega furrowed his brows slightly and continued :
« He had nothing to gain, he could have just kept his mouth shut. It’s completely ridiculous »
And yet, he couldn't stop thinking about it, Duncan Pennytree had stood up for him, and he wondered why.
Night had fallen over Oxford, the university which, just hours earlier, had been alive with the hum of student conversations, laughter in the corridors, and the sound of hurried footsteps on the old cobblestones—now seemed to belong to another era.
Golden lights mounted on the stone walls cast a gentle warmth across the deserted hallways. Yet Aerion Targaryen was not a man who particularly enjoyed silence, and tonight, Aerion was alone.
Well, he was waiting for someone in the study room, someone who was none other than Duncan Pennytree.
He needed to understand. Then the door opened softly, and the young omega immediately looked up as the rugby player walked in, his bag slung over his shoulder and his blond hair slightly tousled.
He stopped dead upon seeing Aerion, his expression shifting instantly.
« Aerion ? »
The young Targaryen calmly closed the book in front of him and stood up. Duncan immediately set down his things and paused before asking:
« I have a question... why did you stand up for me today ?«
The young alpha remained motionless.
« What ? »
« Against Greyjoy »
Aerion fixed his gaze on him.
« Why ? »
Duncan opened his mouth, then closed it again, searching for a suitable answer; but the young Targaryen didn't wait long before saying :
« What exactly do you want ? »
This time, Duncan frowned slightly.
« I don't understand »
« Yes, you do », Aerion said, taking a few steps toward him before continuing, « you're intelligent so tell me, what do you want from me ? »
The rugby player remained silent as the young omega continued.
« Money ? To be close to my family ? Or is it simply because you want to sleep with me ? »
The reaction was immediate, Duncan turned red.
« No ! »
The answer came out so quickly that Aerion blinked, and the alpha immediately looked away.
« Well... »
He ran a hand through his hair, clearly unsure of where to look.
« I mean... Of course I’m attracted to you »
The Targaryen remained silent, not expecting such honesty, but the young Pennytree went on.
« But that’s not the reason... »
« Then what is it ? »
Duncan lowered his gaze and for a few seconds, Aerion thought he wouldn't answer, but then he heard his voice.
« Because I’ve fallen in love with you, Aerion... »
The world seemed to stand still as the young omega froze, he had heard perfectly well, yet his mind almost refused to grasp it.
Then Duncan continued, as if he knew that if he stopped now, he would never find the courage to start again.
« Since the start of the term »
He took a step toward the young omega.
« Since the very first day I saw you and I know you think we don't know each other, but I’ve been watching you for months »
Aerion felt his breath catch slightly.
« Everyone notices your beauty, your surname... »
Another step, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
« But me... I noticed something else »
The young Targaryen remained motionless, looking the alpha in the eye.
« I love your laugh, even when you laugh so hard you make that little pig-like snort, I find it adorable »
Aerion frowned slightly, truly not expecting that, but Duncan went on.
« I love it when you tuck your hair behind your ear while doing homework »
Duncan was speaking softly now.
« You do it when you’re thinking... and when someone speaks to you then... it takes you a few seconds to realize you’re being addressed »
Aerion looked away slightly, but Duncan kept watching him as if he knew parts of him that Aerion himself sometimes forgot.
« I love it when you pretend to be annoyed by Daeron, even though you’re always waiting for his next joke »
The young omega remained silent.
« You say you don’t like desserts, yet you always take a few pieces of fruit from Tybolt’s plate »
This time, Aerion felt his face flush, he clearly hadn’t expected Duncan to know him so well.
« During economics class... »
The young alpha’s voice softened.
« You twirl your pen between your fingers when you’re thinking »
Aerion looked up.
« And when the professor says something that strikes you as absurd... you roll your eyes just a little »
Aerion was left speechless and Duncan took one last step forward until the young omega was backed against the wall, unable to look away as the two men locked eyes.
Then, the young Pennytree’s voice shifted, and he whispered :
« Your gaze was the first gift fate ever gave me »
Aerion held his breath.
« I will never forget those violet eyes that found me in a crowd where I wasn't looking for anyone, they were like a twilight sky, impossible to forget »
The young Targaryen’s heart was racing.
« But over time... I realized their beauty wasn't what moved me the most, because behind those eyes... lay the most remarkable person I’ve ever met »
Aerion stood motionless as Duncan whispered :
« And if I had to relive that first meeting a thousand times over... »
His smile turned tender.
« I would still search for those same eyes in the crowd. Because a thousand times over, my heart would recognize you »
A profound silence followed those words as Aerion stood against the wall, his cheeks slightly flushed, not knowing what to say or how to respond. He had spent weeks trying to make Duncan fall in love with him, only to discover that the alpha standing before him wasn't falling in love, he already was.
Aerion didn't know how to handle someone who loved him without expecting anything in return, then, Duncan seemed to suddenly realize how close they were and immediately stepped back.
« I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have gotten so close »
The young alpha ran a hand through his hair and lowered his gaze before adding :
« I got carried away... I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable... »
And as always when he thought he had crossed a line, the young Pennytree chose to flee.
« Thanks for listening, Aerion »
He gave a slight nod.
« I’m sorry if... »
But he didn't have time to finish, because Aerion moved, his hand grabbed the collar of the other man's shirt, causing the taller alpha to freeze.
« Aerion ? »
Aerion didn't know what to say and before his mind could stop him, he kissed the alpha standing before him, immediately feeling the taller man's hands settle around his waist.
For the first time, Aerion Targaryen didn't want to be desired. He simply wanted to be loved.
A few years later, no one would likely have believed this scene, certainly not those who had known Aerion Targaryen when he first arrived at university.
The living room was bathed in soft light, outside, rain tapped gently against the windows, while inside, the only sounds were a forgotten movie playing in the background, the occasional turning of pages on the coffee table and the calm breathing of two people who no longer felt the need to fill the silence.
Aerion Targaryen was settled on the sofa or rather, he had taken it over completely. Lying back comfortably, he occupied almost all the space with a perfectly natural air of arrogance, his legs resting across Duncan’s.
And Duncan, as always, didn't even seem to consider protesting as his hands gently massaged the Targaryen’s feet with infinite patience, all while the omega calmly ate a massive hamburger.
It was the sort of hamburger that, a few years earlier, would likely have triggered a full-blown existential crisis for him, yet here he was, eating a huge burger while perfectly settled on the sofa, his belly round with eight months of pregnancy.
Because it was a pregnancy craving, and no one, absolutely no one, had the courage to challenge the cravings of a pregnant Targaryen omega.
Not even Duncan though, in truth, the alpha would never have denied Aerion anything anyway, a trait that was likely both his greatest flaw and his greatest virtue.
And as the Targaryen ate his burger with relish, Duncan watched him with that subtle smile Aerion knew by heart, eventually, the pregnant omega noticed and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
« You’re miles away, staring at my meal as if you’re trying to solve some existential riddle ? »
Duncan glanced down at his burger, then his smile widened.
« I was thinking about our first date »
Aerion stopped eating immediately and looked up before saying:
« You’re still thinking about that disaster ? »
« It wasn’t that disastrous… »
Aerion rolled his eyes and put on a look of mock offense before replying :
« Duncan, you picked a restaurant where the tables were so small I had to spend the whole meal sitting next to a decorative plant »
Duncan smiled.
« You enjoyed it anyway and you absolutely loved the bumper cars »
Aerion immediately looked up again.
« No »
« You asked to go for another ride »
« That was only to please you »
Duncan chuckled softly and looked at his husband with amusement before continuing :
« And yet... you still have the dragon plushie I gave you that night »
Aerion froze slightly.
« I don't see the connection »
The alpha raised an eyebrow.
« It’s still in our room, on your side of the bed »
« It’s a decorative object »
« You gave it a name »
« Caraxes is surely still traumatized from the day our little girl decided to take up residence in my belly »
And this time, Duncan couldn't hold back, he let out a soft laugh and looked down at their joined hands.
« You know... I still remember that boy who thought he didn't stand a chance with you... »
For a second, the pregnant omega remained silent, then a smile slowly spread across his face.
« Ah, that one »
Duncan blushed immediately.
« Aerion... »
But it was too late, for Aerion had found his favorite kind of banter, he gently moved his leg and nudged Duncan’s cheek with his foot, just to tease him.
« Who would have thought that such a shy boy... »
The alpha gently caught his leg to stop him from going on, while the Targaryen smiled and continued :
« The one who was still a virgin back then... would one day be the man who managed to put up with me long enough to become my husband and the one who gave me our daughter »
Duncan remained silent for a few seconds, then his hand slid gently up Aerion’s leg, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to his skin.
The pregnant omega fell silent instantly as the blond man whispered :
« You were my first love... »
Another kiss.
« The first person who made me want to believe that something so beautiful could happen to me »
Aerion felt his cheeks flush as Duncan continued to kiss his skin.
« You were the first person to whom I wanted to give my whole life »
Aerion looked away slightly.
« Duncan... »
But the alpha went on.
« And you’ll be the last, because after you, I never needed to look for anyone else, my heart had chosen you before I even had the courage to tell you »
He kissed Aerion gently, his hand resting on his omega’s pregnant belly, before continuing :
« And it will choose you again »