Work Text:
“—the fool fell off-board and got swallowed by a whale. As we were all screaming and freaking out, he was blown out from the whale’s blow-hole not even three seconds later. The look on his face as he flailed in the air! It was such a spectacle, Cale. You should have been there to see it too!” Bud laughed as he slammed his hand on the table repeatedly.
“Pfft.” Cale snickered. With his cheek resting against his palm and his elbow on the table, Cale regarded Bud with hazy eyes and a little smirk. Warmth pooled in his gut, nice and pleasant, and it slowly emanated throughout him in a comfortable and fuzzy sensation. He liked this feeling that came with drinking alcohol. Although this was no soju, the grape wine of this region was sweet and smooth to the taste. He lifted his mug to take another large swig, humming in contentment.
He had come to appreciate Bud as a drinking partner whenever Bud came to their region. Choi Han was a poor drinker, and Alberu Crossman always restricted his alcohol consumption for health reasons. Besides, they were refined and quiet drinkers. With Bud, though, the drinking and cheer was endless throughout the night and sometimes even the morning. Bud seemed to always know the best places for alcohol, and he’d always come with endless stories from his adventures to tell Cale. It reminded Cale of the large and noisy team dinners back in South Korea.
It was nice to listen to Bud speak. Bud was a great storyteller, and it’d always make Cale feel like he was there reliving those memories with Bud (without any of the hassles of traveling or danger). They’d reminisce sometimes too, of past adventures and travels Cale’s glad to leave behind. In a world without televisions, Bud had become a great source of entertainment anytime he visited.
Bud grinned at the sight of Cale’s content smile and downed another mug. He waved his hand at the poor waitress who had been refilled his mug dozens of times. “Ah, just give us all the bottles, miss! We’ll pour it ourselves!”
“B-but...” the waitress’s left hand held a tray loaded with many plates of food, and her right held a large bottle. It was a busy night. However, it’d be rude to not serve such distinguished customers.
“He’s right,” Cale piped up, waving his hand. His casual movement wasn’t a demeanor fitting of the sworn brother of the crown prince or a son of a duke, but it had the effect of allowing her to lower her guard. “We’ll pay for the bottle instead. That’s cheaper than individual glasses, isn’t it?”
There wasn’t much time to stand around and deliberate, because yet another customer was calling for her, this time in a loud and impatient voice. She bowed to Cale and Bud, placing the bottle down between them. “Then... I’ll bring you more bottles shortly.”
Bud snorted in amusement as the busy waitress left. “Hey, you’re such a cheapskate, Cale Henituse. Don’t you have two or three entire treasuries filled by your dragon friends?”
“I have one of my own. What’s theirs is theirs. Besides, you’re the one paying today, so I’m helping you to save money,” Cale shrugged. He popped open the cork of the bottle with a refreshing ‘pop’ and refilled both of their glasses, even though social rules dictated that Bud should be the one to do it.
“Aigoo, to have the hero of the kingdom pour me a glass...!” Bud put on the theatrics as he held his mug with both hands and bowed his head.
“If you don’t lower your voice, I’ll also smash the bottle against your head.”
Bud snickered in the face of Cale’s threat but promptly stopped his antics. His eyes were bright as he regarded Cale’s sour expression. “Oh my, if I were you, I’d be crashing every tavern and yelling my name so I’d get folks to buy me alcohol. You’re missing out, young master.”
“I don’t think I’m missing out. I still have someone buying me drinks.” Cale cheekily pointed the bottle at Bud. His red eyes sparkled with good humor as he smiled. “Right, Bud?”
“...”
Bud grabbed his mug and downed the rest of it instead of replying. Cale’s grin only widened, thinking he won the round of verbal sparring.
“...Ah!” Bud made a sound of satisfaction as he wiped his lips. “As expected, alcohol is more delicious when it comes from your hands.”
“Then drink more,” Cale offered the bottle again, and the deep red wine flowed smoothly into Bud’s mug. He was in a great mood, and it made him joke around more. “Since you’re the one paying for it.”
“You sure grew up in an incredible way, young master Cale.”
“You’re not too shabby yourself.”
They clinked their mugs together in celebration of their nasty personalities. More bottles of alcohol soon arrived, signaling a long night ahead.
The full moon was high in the night sky, and it gently illuminated the river surface. The two of them were able to enjoy a nice view as Bud had reserved a table by the window for the both of them in advance. Meeting up with Bud was incredibly relaxing since he’d always be the one to take care of everything. He even sent a carriage to escort Cale. It was perfect for Cale who was too lazy to do anything these days.
Cale took a sip of his sweet wine as he looked out at the splendid view. The shimmers of the water surface reflected in his eyes, and a gentle smile curved the corners of his lips. The soft red flush of his cheeks made him look tipsy.
“Are you happy, Cale?” Bud asked as he drummed his fingers along the edge of his mug. He hummed a song of the seafolk under his breath as he waited for Cale’s answer. It could barely be heard due to the background chatter, but it still added to the harmonious atmosphere between them. “If you’d like, I can always bring you along on my adventures.”
“Yes, I’m happy where I am,” Cale said, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He was finally having the slacker life he had always fantasized about. More importantly, he wasn’t enjoying it alone — all the people he loved and cared for were doing well too. “I think I’m done with adventures.”
“That’s great.” Bud had a large grin on his face, his straight white teeth gleaming. He looked genuinely happy for Cale.
“And you?” Cale asked in return. “Are you happy?”
“There are ups and downs,” Bud confessed honestly, taking another swig of the alcohol. He let it linger on his tongue before swallowing it. “But,” he smiled again, “I’m always happy when I meet with you.”
Cale took that as his cue to refill Bud’s glass, and it made Bud laugh.
Unfortunately, someone soon approached their table. Cale and Bud were both accustomed to this happening, so they both turned their heads to face the unwelcomed newcomer and said, “Not interested.”
“You haven’t heard what I had to say yet,” the blond man protested. The smile on his face looked incredibly fake as he continued to stare at Cale without regard for Bud’s presence.
Cale frowned. It seemed this person was here for him this time.
Both Bud and Cale got hit on a lot in the bars and taverns they visited. You’d think their drinking capacities would scare most folks away, but people still approached them, attracted by the sound of their laughter. Usually, some shy girls would approach Bud who’d turn them down nicely, while Cale got hit on by men more often. Most people took no for an answer, but rare cases like this still happened.
Cale had scammed free drinks out of persistent men sometimes, but Bud had always prevented him from drinking it in case the drink was spiked, saying ‘I’ll buy you a new one.’ It didn’t matter who bought his drink as long as it was free, so Cale always gave in easily, even though it was a waste.
The man continued to leer at Cale, his intentions very obvious as he stood a little too close for comfort. Cale lifted an eyebrow, not intimidated despite their height difference.
Bud cut in loudly, “Well? Say your piece and scram.”
“Wasn’t talking to you, buddy,” the man sneered, glaring at Bud as though he was looking at gum stuck on the bottom of his shoe. His expression lightened as his eyes returned to Cale. “My, I thought everyone in this kingdom was lacking, but to think I’d find a jewel like you here. Since you like to drink, how about coming with me to the Mogoru Empire? Our wines are sure to please you compared to these inferior goods.”
“Not interested,” Cale repeated, withdrawing his gaze in favor of looking at his own wine. He continued to drink as though the man didn’t exist, but this person didn’t leave.
“I don’t think you know who I am,” the man said, causing a huff of laughter to escape from Cale and Bud’s lips. It was more like the man didn’t know who they were.
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t care,” Cale said lightly. He exchanged a look with Bud. He was annoyed by the situation, and Bud’s face was full of exasperation too.
“Look—”
Bud slammed his mug down on the table. Hard. He glared at the blond guy, a serious expression on his face. It was a rare look on him and it made Cale blink in surprise. “No, you listen here,” Bud growled. “He said he wasn’t interested.”
“And who the fuck are you, his boyfriend?”
Bud and Cale exchanged another look. Tacit understanding passed between them.
Then they both said at once, “Yes.”
“I’m clearly a better fit for you than this mangy dog. I’m the duke of—”
“You’re not even half as handsome as my darling,” Cale sighed, cutting in before the man could list his ‘impressive’ accomplishments. He would definitely report this guy to Alberu later. What kind of asshole visited another country to harass their citizens?
Cale put on an enamored look as he smiled at Bud, his eyes full of overflowing affection. Bud flinched in surprise, but tried to play it cool as Cale continued to gush, “You don’t have his rugged charm or his muscles. He’s the manliest man I’ve ever seen.”
“But I’m rich—”
Bud snorted. How could anyone be richer than Cale in this world?
Bud played along. He extended his hand, and Cale was quick to offer his own across the table. They intertwined their hands as they gazed into each other’s eyes, the perfect picture of lovebirds who only had eyes for each other. “My baby has high standards. Sorry sir, you don’t meet the cut.”
“Do you think you can trick me with this? You’re clearly just acting.” The man scoffed.
Cale’s fingers twitched. The bastard sure was persistent. Bud smiled reassuringly and squeezed Cale’s hand in a bid to calm his anger. If it came down to it, Bud had no issues having a ‘talk’ with this guy outside (and beat him all bloody and blue), rich duke or not.
“Acting, you say,” Cale scoffed, a wry smile twisting his lips. He released Bud’s hand and took a large swig of his mug. Bud thought Cale was emptying it to not waste any alcohol before he used it as a blunt weapon, but to his ultimate surprise, Cale stood up and simply pushed the man aside.
“Darling,” Cale sighed, sitting down on Bud’s lap. Bud’s eyes widened as Cale looped one arm around Bud’s shoulders. Cale used his other hand to caress Bud’s face, frowning as he complained like a spoilt lover, “He thinks we’re just acting. I can’t believe he doubts our love. What do you think I should do to prove it?”
“...” Bud was unsure how to react. He had never seen Cale Henituse so close. Cale’s eyelashes were so long, and his pale skin made his red eyes and hair all the more striking. His beautiful eyes were large and questioning, and looking at them made Bud want to give Cale everything he asked for. And those red lips, stained by the color of wine, looked...
Seeing that Bud wasn’t responding, Cale took the initiative to kiss Bud on the cheek, moving down to pepper kisses along Bud’s jaw, down to the side of his neck. He could feel Bud’s Adam’s apple move as he swallowed.
Bud didn’t even realize the man had gone until Cale sidled his way out of his lap. His neck was on fire, tingling from the sensation of Cale’s soft and warm lips, and not just there. Everywhere Cale had touched was hypersensitive, and he was all too aware of the emptiness that had settled in without Cale’s welcome weight on his lap.
“Thanks for your help,” Cale said as he returned to his seat. He continued to pour himself a new cup of alcohol, cool as a cucumber. Seeing that Bud didn’t reply. Cale lifted an eyebrow.
Coming back to his senses, Bud immediately popped open a new bottle of grape wine and drank directly from it, finishing the whole bottle at once. He slammed it on the table and laughed, looking out the tavern’s door so he didn’t have to look at Cale. “Man! That sure was one annoying guy huh? Hahaha! Hey, miss, more bottles of wine here, please!
The waitress hurried over but soon faltered next to their table.
“You’ve... had quite a lot,” she looked very concerned about them as she glanced at the mountain of bottles on their table. It was a reaction they were used to getting as well.
“No, this is quite usual for us,” Bud said with amusement, smiling at her.
“Actually, we... don’t have any more bottles. I’m so sorry sir.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m actually feeling rather drunk.” Bud waved her off, watching as she continued to work busily. “Man, they’re so understaffed. I’ll leave her a big tip.” Bud staggered as he stood up. “Can you help me to my room, Cale?”
“...Sure.”
Bud had prepared himself for rejection, so he was pleasantly surprised when Cale agreed without a fight. He placed his arm around Cale’s thinner shoulders and took care to drag his feet without putting too much weight on Cale, looking the part of a drunk person.
Bud laughed during their struggle up the stairs. Cale looked so unhappy as he tried to drag Bud along, and the grimace in his scrunched brow seemed funny. Bud wasn’t sure what possessed him, but he found himself asking, “Hey Cale, do you wanna kiss?”
“No.”
The rejection was quick and immediate, but Bud wouldn’t have made it to his position as the Mercenary King without persistence.
“Come on, let’s kiss.”
“No.”
“But I wanna kiss youuuu,” Bud whined. “Can I kiss you?”
“...No.”
“Then you can kiss me instead?”
“No.”
“Would you have kissed me on the lips to get rid of that guy?”
“...No.”
Cale dumped Bud on the bed. Instead of falling backward, however, Bud sat on the edge of the bed and continued to pester Cale.
Bud insisted, “I won’t sleep until you kiss me.”
Cale wiped the sweat off his brow and grumbled. “Then don’t sleep.”
“Caleeeeeee,” Bud whined pitifully, pulling on Cale’s clothes like a neglected concubine trying to curry favor from an emperor. “Please? Just one kiss? Hm?”
No, Bud's messy hair and wide, watery eyes made him look more like a large and pitiful dog.
Cale sighed, running a hand through his hair. The warmth from the alcohol was starting to become stifling, and he wanted to splash his face with cold water. “Let go, I’m sleepy.”
“I’m not, but I’ll sleep if you kiss me.”
“Why do you want to kiss me anyway?”
“Mm, because you’re really cute?” Bud slurred his words. His fingers uncurled from the ends of Cale’s coat and slid upwards to fit around the curve of his waist instead. “And you’re like me.”
Cale considered pulling away from this clingy man. “Like you?”
“You’re good at drinking, you’re handsome, you’re smart, and you want to kiss.”
“I don’t?”
“Please, Cale? Kiss me. One kiss and I’ll sleep, I promise.” Bud pleaded. His thumb was rubbing against the sensitive skin of Cale’s slender waist and Cale had to bite down on his lips to hold back a sound.
As though he was sensing Cale’s dwindling patience, Bud continued to push for it. “Really, just one kiss. And then I’ll sleep and stop bothering you—mm.” He was promptly rewarded by a hand fisting his collar and the gentlest press of warm lips against his.
After a second, Cale leaned back and released both Bud’s collar and his lips.
“You’re not as drunk as you pretend to be, Bud Illis.”
Even though Bud’s green eyes were hazy with drunkenness previously, they sharpened and focused on Cale once his acting was called out. His grin was sharp and excited as he asked, “Then why did you go along with it?”
“Because I’m so drunk,” Cale slurred his voice on purpose, his tone becoming lower and more ambiguous. He brushed his fingers slowly against his own heated cheek, cupping it with a cold hand. Whether it was on purpose or by accident, a pinky rested on his soft lips, drawing Bud’s attention to them. Cale’s intelligent red eyes were too alert and mischievous, and the gap between his appearance and words made Bud feel a million things at once. “Can’t you tell, darling?”
The term of endearment made Bud recall the way Cale had touched him in the tavern earlier. He couldn’t believe Cale was a better actor than him.
Bud went along with the play and pulled on Cale again, trying to get him on the bed with him. He didn’t use too much force, not wanting to hurt Cale accidentally. He teased, “You make me want to take advantage of you, Cale Henituse.”
A corner of Cale’s lips lifted into a smirk. Under the dimmed lights, it looked scheming. “It’s hard to say who’s taking advantage of whom. Have you seen the bill?”
“It’s worth it to receive the grace of your company.”
“You can stop the flattery, I don’t have any more alcohol for you.”
It was tiring to remain to stand, so Cale gave in to Bud’s tugging and knelt down on the bed, his knees spread on the sides of Bud’s lap. There he hovered, almost touching Bud, but not quite. It was hard to tell who was trapping whom in place. In the darkness of the unlit room, only the sounds of their breathing and heartbeats could be heard.
Bud wanted to close the distance.
“You still have some on your lips.”
“Didn’t you say one kiss, Bud?” Cale smirked, resting his arms around Bud’s broad shoulders.
It could be the alcohol, but even this simple touch felt incredibly satisfying. Bud wanted to have more.
“What can I say, I’m an opportunistic bastard.”
“Well, I guess I can treat you to one drink.” Cale’s eyelashes lowered as he leaned in.