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Kabru’s life changed in many unexpected ways after the defeat of the Winged Lion. Not only because of how he was now living in a resurrected Kingdom, or his new job as the King’s right-hand man, but also his romantic life, which took some unexpected—but not unwelcome—turns.
He and Mithrun stayed close after that final battle. What started as an ambiguous relationship slowly turned into a romantic one, as Mithrun’s desires—both old and new—grew again inside him. So, when Mithrun decided to stay for good and work at a restaurant with Senshi, Kabru was incredibly happy.
As their relationship evolved, however, so did Kabru’s bond with Laios, which also turned into a romantic one. After some consideration and long talks with both partners, they agreed to that relationship, where both Laios and Mithrun were romantically involved with Kabru.
From the beginning, Laios was supportive of the idea—so much so that Kabru wondered if he was even capable of feeling jealousy. Not that his easy acceptance was a negative thing, and Kabru was glad things were solved in such a positive manner: his feelings for both men were strong, and he didn’t want to hurt either of them because of it.
That evening, however, he couldn’t help but notice something different about Laios. Actually, since he returned that morning from his meeting with Mithrun, he could notice Laios’ gaze on him, following his every step with an unreadable emotion on his face. At first, Kabru only thought he was in a bad mood out of hunger, but as that behavior continued throughout the day, he started to wonder if there was something he was missing.
Unable to come to a conclusion by himself, Kabru approached him in his bedchamber that evening.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
Laios looked at him, seeming surprised. “What?”
“Something is bothering you, isn’t it?”
The question made Laios lower his gaze, with an hesitance that wasn’t common for him.
“I was just thinking,” he said.
“Which is never a good sign.”
Kabru said that in a loving, playful tone, in an attempt to make him relax. But Laios was so focused on his thoughts that his mind didn’t even seem to process his words. Instead, he stayed silent for a moment, with a confused puppy expression.
“I just wondered…” he said, finally. “What do you and Mithrun do when you’re together?”
The question caught Kabru off-guard. “Well… We talk, and spend time together.”
“What else?”
Kabru wasn’t sure he liked the course that conversation was taking. “Laios… You know what kind of relationship Mithrun and I have, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Laios admitted. “I just never thought much about it.”
“Are you bothered by it?”
“No. I just thought…”
Laios stopped talking, once again hesitant. Kabru moved closer to him, holding his hand in an attempt to reassure him.
“What is it?” he asked in a soft voice.
“I thought…” Laios continued in a lower voice. “About what would happen if you ever started to love him much more than you love me.”
Those words caught him off-guard. “Laios…”
Laios let out a tired sigh. “You said it yourself, I’m always causing trouble to you, so… One day you might have enough of it, and choose to stay with Mithrun, instead.”
Kabru didn’t know what to say. Could it be that he was insecure because of the recent problems he accidentally caused as the King? Kabru had scolded him, yes… But he was never actually angry at Laios—who, he knew, had been forced into that role without knowing what to do with it. In his mind, his exasperation at Laios behavior as King, and his feelings for him as a man were two separate things, but… Maybe for Laios there wasn’t such a clear distinction, and Kabru’s harsh words sounded closer to a rejection.
Guilt weighed in Kabru’s chest as he thought about it. Gently, he pulled Laios by the hand, then placed his arms around him in a hug.
“That’s definitely not happening,” said Kabru. “I never even considered leaving you… It’s something I don’t want to do.”
“Even if I’m a terrible King?”
Kabru smiled against Laios’ chest. “You’re learning.”
Laios stayed silent for a moment, but Kabru could feel his body relax a little in his arms. Finally, he returned that hug.
“Are you happy with me?” Laios asked.
“I am,” said Kabru. “I really am. I thought you already knew it.”
“I know.” Laios sighed, frustrated. “But once I started to think about it, I couldn’t stop.”
And Kabru knew how bad Laios was at dealing with his feelings. He seemed open and carefree, but when something was amiss, he hid it well—sometimes, not even on purpose. Kabru was getting good at reading him, and Laios was making an effort to properly voice what was on his mind. And maybe that conversation was a sign that things were working well.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Kabru repeated. “My place is here with you, and Mithrun understands it too.”
“Really?”
“Really,” said Kabru.
Laios let out his breath, resting his chin on Kabru’s head. It was so strange to see him acting that meek… Still, that side of him was kind of cute.
“You trust me, don’t you?” said Kabru.
“I do,” said Laios. “Just… If anything changes, don’t hide it from me, alright?”
“Alright.” Kabru moved slightly away from him, looking at his face. “Laios… You’re happy like this too, aren’t you?”
The question earned him a smile. “Of course.”
“Good…” Kabru returned the smile. “If this changes, you should tell me too.”
Laios leaned forward, placing a kiss on Kabru’s forehead. “If you’re here, I’m happy.”
Kabru had to hold back a giggle at that unexpected sweetness. “Understood.”
Laios tightened that embrace a little. He kissed Kabru’s cheek, then the side of his neck, his hand slowly sliding under his shirt. There it was… His usual needy self. Looking at him now, it was funny to think that once it had been Kabru who longed for his attention.
“Want to move to the bed?” asked Kabru.
Laios’ expression brightened. “Yes!”
No hesitation at all… He really was like a big and honest puppy. With a pleased smile, Kabru took Laios by the hand, guiding him to the bed, where they lay together, still close in that sweet embrace.
Kabru wondered if those doubts would stay in Laios’ mind for longer, but the next day his King was the same as usual. Not only that, but in the following days, Kabru could notice a new effort on his part to approach Mithrun—which was an amusing thing to watch, considering Laios’ social skills and Mithrun’s personality. But it was also very endearing, and Kabru was happy with the idea of those two getting along.
He shouldn’t be surprised that Laios reacted in such a way after their conversation, though. He was a simple man, after all… Unlike Kabru in many ways. And that was one of the things Kabru loved so much about him: Laios had many flaws, but he was honest like no other.
So, that day, Kabru decided to invite his two lovers to have dinner with him. They never went on a date together before, and the thought of it was enough to make Kabru feel as nervous as a teenager about to go on his first date. But he also knew things would be fine.
As long as they kept making that effort to listen to and understand each other, he had nothing to worry about.