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' Oh! Oh! Yusuf! ' Nicolo is a vision on top of him, head thrown back, eyes closed, mouth open, chest flushed, taking what he needed. Strong thighs wrapped around Yusuf, begging to be grabbed. The scent of sex and pheromones cloying his sense of smell.
' That's it habibi ' Yusuf thrusts up into Nicolo's wet, tight heat and feels his walls contract around him. Yusuf sees stars behind his closed eyelids. This is as close to heaven as he is going to get. Nicolo's hands are shaking. Yusuf thrusts up twice more, in tandem with Nicolo, making his breath hitch on a silent moan.
' Yusuf ' he pants ' don't stop '
As if he would ever. Yusuf thrusts up again at the exact same angle, making Nicolo's eyes roll back. He doesn't stop until Nicolo shudders around him, coming undone, shooting all over Yusuf's chest, some splatter over his face, slick pooling over Yusuf's knot, preparing to welcome the stretch. Yusuf holds Nicolo's ass, and flips him on his back. Nicolo goes willingly, body still trembling. Yusuf paused above Nicolo, waiting for him to come back from his high, hips moving in slow sensual thrusts the whole time.
Nicolo's mouth open in a sinful moan, nodding his head, giving Yusuf all the permission he needs. His thrusts come quicker and faster now, his body chasing it's own release.
He meets Nicolo's eyes, gold rimmed, reflecting the light of the oil lamp beautifully. His own ringed blood red, ready to claim what's his. Yusuf's movement becomes erratic, hips stuttering and Nicolo arches off the bed as his knot breaches the omega. Yusuf feels nails clawing at his back, drawing blood. Nicolo's voice a chant of broken off moans and pants in his ears. His body is a vice around Yusuf. His hips stutter and he lets out a low groan, almost animal like, and he cums, taking his omega with him over the edge, knotted together.
It lasts for what seems like forever and Yusuf is careful with the way he maneuvers them into a better position, with Yusuf on his back and Nicolo on top of him. Neither of them speak. They are usually quiet afterwards, even when they are connected intimately.
Yusuf rubs his hands along Nicolo's lower back, soothing his sore muscles. It's one of the only few acts of affection he allows himself to bestow upon his husband. His husband. The word still feels foreign to him. Nicolo is resting his head beneath Yusuf's chin, cheeks pressed to his sternum. Yusuf counts his breaths as it evens out.
After a while, Yusuf's knot goes down and Nicolo wordlessly gets up from his lap, the slight wince the only sign of any discomfort.
' I'll ask Jina to draw you a bath ' Nicolo mutters as he leaves, probably to take one for himself.
' the kids? ' Yusuf asks
' They're asleep. '
This is how it is now.
Yusuf thanks Jina as he makes his way to the bath made ready for him, then asks everyone to leave him to it. He feels some of the emptiness within him ebb away for a while as he sinks into the warm water. It is Yusuf's mother's birthday the next day and they are conducting a public ceremony in the evening. Everything is in order. She is turning sixty and it is a cause for celebration. He can even manage a solid six hour sleep if he could get to it in twenty minutes. Yusuf is rubbing the scented bath soap over himself when his thoughts wander back to Nicolo, as it often does.
They were promised to each other the moment they presented, agreed upon by their fathers. The families were cordial enough with each other, and once Nicolo came of age, he was to become Yusuf's omega. Things were going well, they sat across each other during feasts when both the neighboring royalties were invited, and exchanged pleasantries. They wrote a couple of times to each other, trying to get to know their betrothed. Nicolo was kind, smart, and well spoken. Yusuf had been looking forward to a future with the man once he turned seventeen, Yusuf himself turning twenty.
Their wedding had been a grand affair, they gave each other their bites, they kissed in front of their Gods and their people, and that was the last time. During their wedding feast, his father was attacked, the culprit executed publicly, and while he recovered from the injury, Yusuf was forced into speed running through the process of becoming the heir to the throne of Mahida, by his father's royal advisor Merrick, even though his mother was very much alive. By the time he went back to his bed chamber, he was about two seconds away from collapsing, and Nicolo was still staying in the chamber he was provided before their wedding. Nicolo was understanding, and supported him whenever they would meet. Soon his frustration grew and Merrick's hand Keane suggested he tried something to help him out. This led to Keane tempting Yusuf with a wide variety of alcohol, and Omegas. He refused initially, but when his father's health started to decline, the wound not healing anymore, and after he eventually passed away, Yusuf succumbed, willing to try anything to forget. Keane kept a steady supply of his vices and made sure Yusuf was never clear headed to figure out why.
It came as a surprise when Nicolo walked in on him balls deep in another omega, and calmly asked him to finish his business. He had been engraged. How dare Nicolo speak to his king that way? He quietened once his mother entered the chamber with their spymaster copley. They informed him together, about how Merrick had planned the assassination of his father, and the further downfall of Yusuf by keeping him addicted, and how they were purposefully keeping him and Nicolo apart so that they didn't have any legitimate heirs. They were both in prison cells now, with the other conspirators, and Yusuf had to accept that he has a problem. This led to his detoxification process, while his mother ran the kingdom. This meant that Yusuf would scream and shout and writhe in pain for close to two weeks before he could feel like a human being again. He doesn't remember most of it, but he remembers Nicolo. Always trying to help him.
Once he got better, he was so ashamed of himself, he couldn't even look at the other man. Nicolo had been the cause of many hushed comments and had become the butt of many jokes by the time Yusuf got back to his feet. He got up to date with the happenings of his kingdom and the changes in the council members. He vowed to do better. Later on, when Yusuf was alone, looking over the financial backlogs that Merrick left behind, he was approached by one of the Omegas, dressed skimpy, intentions clear. It was all too easy to fall into old habits, he was licking into the mouth of the omega in his lap when worried blue eyes suddenly flashed in front of his eyes. That was enough for Yusuf to come to his senses. He had vowed to do better. He sent her back with a warning and decided to take a bath to wash off the scent of arousal, only to find Nicolo when he entered his chambers.
Nicolo's nose twitched, no doubt guessing what he had been upto and said in a clipped tone ' Yusuf, my king, I wish for you to remember that we are to have children, and I want for them to be your firstborn. So I suggest you pause your activities. '
' I wasn't knotting anyone Nicolo ' Yusuf sighed, he was tired.
' Also, where do you suggest I find my pleasure? ' he continued as if Yusuf hadn't spoken, getting angry now, ' shall I find a willing partner as well, since you won't even bother looking at me? '
' Nicolo - '
' or maybe, I should let the generals fight for the right to my bed '
' Stop- '
' or a competition, whoever wins, gets to be my royal knot toy '
Yusuf saw red. He grabbed Nicolo and carried him over his shoulder to his bed. Yusuf took him from the back, he was angry and some primal urge to claim overtook all his senses as he pounded into the omega. It was rough and filthy, all teeth, not even fully naked. Nicolo was equally frustrated and angry, it was almost as if they were fighting without swords. Neither of them spoke after they finished as they waited for Yusuf's knot to go down.
Once it did, Nicolo separated from Yusuf, ' you reek of the other omega. You should take a bath, I'll ask Jina to arrange one. ' he fixed his clothes and move towards the door before turning back around ' And I hope this was the answer to my question '
Yusuf nods, realizing that he has completely blown his chance at having something real.
' I will find you then ' Nicolo nods once before going back to his room.
Since then, it has been this, Nicolo finds Yusuf, they bring pleasure to each other, and separate. Yusuf initiates at times too but not often, afraid he is going to push his husband farther away. It was easy to pretend he didn't need anything more in the beginning, but he can't pretend now, not anymore, not after five years. Not after being blessed with two beautiful children.
Nicolo has evolved in his mind, from a reminder of his failure to an actual person, and a remarkable one at that. Nicolo is one of the most valuable member of the court, his advisor, wise beyond his years, smart as a whip, and the omega to his children. Many times, Nicolo shocked the entire council by his quick wit and cunning plans. Though the rest of them used to disregard him in account of him being an omega, they don't anymore, trusting Nicolo to advise what is right. And Yusuf tries. He really does, to be the man Nicolo might want someday, would even be okay with being mated to. Not this mess of a man.
Yusuf gets out of the bath long after it went ice cold and plops onto his bed. It feels empty and cold as it always has been. Soon enough, sleep overtakes him.
***
Nicolo is watching Imran climb onto Yusuf's lap, while his sister Dana, two years younger than him, looks down from her place on her father's shoulders. The ceremony has been going on for hours, the kids were getting cranky, and Nicolo was getting a headache with all these different scents at one place, Yusuf bribed the kids to join his side with the promise of sweets and gave Nicolo some space to breathe. His eyes drift to his husband, face openly joyful, laughing at whatever Imran was saying. He was a good father, a good son, a great King, and a good husband too if you think about it. One can't force someone to develop affection towards you, no matter how much one wants it.
Nicolo knew Yusuf as a kind, charismatic, handsome prince before they were wed, and the image didn't change much when he became king either. It was an impressive feat, the way Yusuf got through things on his will alone. Yusuf was a fighter through and through. Being betrayed by one of his trusted men had been a devastating blow, but he pushed through when he realised that his people needed him. The kingdom loved Yusuf, their fair, just yet kind king. The kids love him, their wonderful father who carries them on his shoulders and paints them stories whenever he has time. And Nicolo… well.
It's complicated, the two of them. Yusuf had been by his side from the minute he learnt of his pregnancy till the moment he delivered their child, both times, giving him whatever he needed, making sure Nicolo was always cared for. That is also the crux of things isn't it? It's always Nicolo asking. He watches Yusuf talk to his mother with a fondness his heart yearns for. He can't help but be a little jealous of Yusuf's mother. He watched them receive gifts from the public while giving away coins and food in return, a long line that didn't dwindle a bit since morning. He was too busy staring that he didn't notice the young boy in front of him trying to get his attention until he stuttered ' My consort '
Nicolo was surprised to find a young boy, about eight years old, shuffling in his spot, as he nervously held up a rose for him. His scent was full of nervous excitement.
' For me? ' Nicolo asked. It wasn't his birthday after all.
The boy nodded, not raising his eyes.
Nicolo cupped the boy's hand with the rose stem. ' What is your name? '
' Salim ' he looked up now.
' Thank you Salim, I love roses ' he said with a genuine smile and the boy beamed. Nicolo pressed a coin into his palm as a thank you and watched Salim bow and run back to his mother. Feeling eyes on him again, Nicolo glanced to the side to find Yusuf turn towards the crowd, and Dana wave eagerly from his shoulder. Must have been her then, Nicolo waved back.
That night, Yusuf was staying up late in case the guests had or made any trouble. It was a common enough occurrence when royal events were concerned. Imran and Dana had fallen asleep on Nicolo's lap a while back, and were taken to their chamber. He was glad that the ceremony had gone without a hitch.
When he was satisfied that no incidents would happen, Yusuf started to walk towards his room. On the way, he noticed that Nicolo was awake, seeing the light flickering. Yusuf pauses in front of it, debating whether or not he should knock, then decides against it. He took two steps before the door opened, revealing Nicolo, in his night gown, his piercing blue eyes staring right into his soul.
' Can't sleep? ' Nicolo asks after they stare at each other for a while.
' I was just checking to see if everything was in order, for the guests '
' Ah ' he nods in understanding.
' What about you? Can't sleep? ' Yusuf asks not wanting the conversation to end.
Nicolo shrugs, ' I have tea ' he gestures towards the room ' Would you like some? It's medicinal and supposed to relax you '
' I would love some tea '
Yusuf was ushered inside, and Nicolo started pouring out two cups of tea. Yusuf noticed the rose on the table and picked it up.
' The people love you Nicolo ' Yusuf comments smiling down at the flower.
' They love you more ' Nicolo glances his way.
' Yet, I'm not the one receiving flowers from young admirers ' Yusuf risks the tease.
' A king isn't to be approached so casually ' Nicolo has a small smile on his face as he says that, and hands over a cup of hot tea.
Yusuf could scent honey, mint and some another calming note he couldn't quite place. He takes a sip and considers Nicolo, the tense set of his shoulders.
' Are you alright Nicolo? You seem tense '
Nicolo hesitates before giving in with a sigh, ' My heat is due next month '
Yusuf nods, he knew this ' Whatever you want Nicolo, I shall do for you '
' Of course ' came the reply, tone mocking.
' What is it? ' Yusuf was confused now.
Nicolo shakes his head, ' It's nothing, thank you my king ' he turns around.
' Tell me ' Yusuf persisted
' I told you it's nothing '
' You always do this. You never tell me what you want and I always somehow do the wrong thing, even when I don't mean it. Why don't you just tell me Nicolo?! ' He was tired and done with walking on eggshells around his husband trying to prevent a fight. If they do end up there, at least they'll be having a conversation openly.
' What do you want me to say Yusuf ' Nicolo threw his hands into the air.
' Tell me what you want '
Nicolo snaps
' I bloody want someone to want me back! I don't want to keep begging for every single touch you give me! I want to be held, not get off and go separate ways! I want - I want to be kissed Yusuf. I want you to kiss me. I want you to look at me and want me by your side. I - ' Nicolo's breath hitches and he realises that he has tears in his eyes. He furiously wipes them off and looks back at Yusuf's stunned face. ' I know you don't see me that way, and it's - I had come to terms with it a long time ago, but please, don't ask me what I want, when you know damn well that it's something you can't give me '
Yusuf was staring open mouthed in stunned surprise ' I thought you hated me, or just merely tolerate me. All this time Nicolo, I thought you didn't want anything to do with me, and I never asked for more. I thought the only reason you came to me was because it isn't possible for you to bed anyone else while being mated with me ' Yusuf tried to explain amidst wild hand gestures.
' What? ' it was Nicolo's turn to be confused.
' I - ' Yusuf heaves a sigh ' we didn't have a good beginning, most of which is my fault, and our first time - it - I thought you hated me after that '
' Why would - I bit you so hard you bled Yusuf, many times, I hope you remember that ' Nicolo huffs ' and you were betrayed and it was one of your lowest moments and I watched you come out of it. I have only respect for that. Everyone else as well, not just me ' he finishes.
Yusuf couldn't believe his eyes. Could it be?
' I want it as well ' Yusuf rushed to get it out there ' all of it, kissing, holding, everything…. With you '
Nicolo is silent for a while, eyes still shiny and he suddenly let's out a huff of laughter. ' We have two children ' he manages to make out between giggles.
Yusuf joins him, feeling lighter than he has in years.
They move closer until there is only an arm length between them, and their laughter dies down.
' May I kiss you Nicolo? ' he asks his omega
' Please '
And they meet in the middle. The first kiss is as soft as a feather, only the gentlest press on lips, he feels Nicolo sigh into it and Yusuf presses again more firmly, one arm circling Nicolo's waist and the other caressing his face, while Nicolo's palms map his shoulders. Yusuf licks the seam of his lips and Nicolo opens them in welcome. They kiss, open mouthed and hot, the air around them charged with the scent of their mixed arousals.
When they finally separate for air, bodies still connected, Nicolo looks is his alpha's eyes, taking deep gulping breaths, he goes
' I want you to make love to me Yusuf, kissing me the entire time, and hold me afterwards and kiss me some more. '
So Yusuf did just that.