『Chapter Forty-One』
『the library』

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Jace found himself stuck reading a book, he'd read through at least half of it though his readthrough he'd found himself getting distracted. His eyes would shift between the book and Kain. He knew that he wanted to remain focused on searching for where his mother came from, the sight of Kain sitting across from him was something that distracted him more than he'd like to admit. Jace couldn't help but stare at Kain, even while completely stuck into a book Jace found him attractive. Jace found it attractive the way that Kain's jaw set, and his lips moved slightly when he read. He found it attractive the way that Kain played with a strand of dark blue hair, fiddling with it between two fingers.

Jace tried to look back towards the book which sat in his lap, though he found that it was hard. His focus was elsewhere, his focus was on Kain. He felt like his mind was looping round between various things, though the main thing which clouded his thoughts were of Kain. Kain who looked so good while he read, the way that Kain's jaw clenched was enough to send a feeling of need inside Jace. Those cheekbones made Jace feel like he was losing his mind.

He noticed the way that Kain's eyes flicked towards hm, which made Jace look away quickly to look back towards the book in front of him. What caught Jace's attention and what made him confused was the way that Kain moved towards him, though he smiled when Kain sat on his lap and swung his legs over the arm rest. Kain nuzzled his head into Jace's neck, placing a small kiss on Jace's neck. A smile found its way on both of their lips, Jace disregarded his book as a whole and wrapped his arms around Kain.

As much as he knew that he should remain focused if he ever wanted to find out about his mother and where she could've come from, having Kain sat on his lap was enough for Jace to be distracted more than anything. He found himself resting his head against Kain's head. The one thing that Jace loved about being with Kain was the little moments like this where he could wrap his arms around Kain without being worried in case someone disagrees with queer people existing.

The thought that he could walk out in public holding hands with Kain, to be able to kiss Kain when he felt like it, to be able to do little things with Kain without being judged—without the small fear that Aegon would catch them, was something that Jace loved. He knew that he didn't have to worry about being judged with Kain by his side. Jace knew that being with Kain made him happier, he loved Kain more than anything, he loved the way which Kain smiled, the way which Kain laughed, the sound of Kain's voice, the way which Kain hugged him. Jace loved everything about Kain.

He knew that there was other things that he needed to worry about, but he felt as if he didn't really need to think or worry about anything. All that Jace wanted to do is to hug Kain, to feel Kain close to him, as if he was worried that one of the assassins would pop up out of nowhere or Adrian would try and kill him—or make another attempt of such a thing.

Jace placed a finger under Kain's chin, tilting Kain's head up towards him. Jace leaned down slightly as he kissed Kain slowly. Kain's hand wrapped around the side of Jace's neck, drawing the half-breed closer to him. The kiss as a whole reminded them of their first kiss; slow, careful, yet passionate all the same. It was a kiss which sent goosebumps down Jace's spine, one which made him realise that this was all real.

Kain hummed into the kiss, deepening it between them. Kain tugged on Jace's hair slightly. They broke away for a moment, Jace pressed his head against Kain's taking Kain in. Kain's blue eyes stared into Jace's though occasionally shifted to his lips. Jace's hand worked its way down under Kain's shirt, his fingertips gliding over Kain's skin. Jace felt the way that Kain shivered, though his eyes never once moved from Jace's face.

Kain always found Jace absolutely handsome, from the way that his hair was a mess to his big heart. Kain loved the way which Jace done the little things to make him feel comfortable. He loved the way Jace smiled, the way he pouted while he worked, the way that he seemed excited about the galaxies, the way that Jace still had that child-like behaviour, the way which Jace always made Kain feel good about himself. Whenever Kain wasn't in a good mood, seeing Jace's face had always made Kain happier.

Kain ran his finger over Jace's jawline before placing his hand on his cheek. Jace leaned into it and kissed the palm of Kain's hand. Kain bit his lip as he then moved to sit up right on Jace's lap—his legs either side of Jace's. Jace watched him as he did, smiling softly. Kain cupped Jace's face, making the demi-god look at him while Jace's hands were placed on Kain's waist. Kain's thumbs ran up and down Jace's cheeks, he couldn't help but admire his boyfriend's beauty. There were times when Jace took Kain's breath away, times where Kain would need a moment to process that Jace was his, times when all Kain wanted to do was stare at Jace.

Jace felt like his heart was in his throat, he could feel the way that his heart was rabidly beating in his neck. The way that Kain was looking at him was enough to send Jace in a small desperate need to have Kain fully. His fingers made their way under Kain's shirt, feeling how warm and soft his skin was enough to make his desires for Kain grow.

As if Kain could hear his thoughts, Kain lowered his head, kissing Jace once more. It was more desperate this time, one which made Jace want more. Their lips moved fast, wanting more from one another. Jace pulled Kain in by his waist, Kain bit on Jace's lip slightly. Jace thrusted his hips up slightly, causing Kain to let out a small chuckle. Kain moved to suck on Jace's neck, causing Jace to roll his head back with a small moan.

"Kai," Jace moaned. "Baby, please."

Kain moved away from Jace's neck, a grin formed on his lips as he noticed the hickey. He then tilted his head to the side. "No, you already had your fun three hours ago, you horny bitch."

Jace pouted. "You know you make me horny. Plus, you're an amazing distraction."

Kain smiled. "Says you, have you seen yourself? You, Jace Taylor, are the biggest distraction I have ever known."

"Me? A distraction?" Jace questioned. "I have never distracted you in my entire life."

Kain scoffed. "You distracted me so much back on Xopheila by trying to turn me on! Plus, any meetings I had to attend, you always made sure to find your way there just to distract me. Any time I had to do something important, you distracted me by kissing my neck!"

Jace gave him a look. "You're right, I love distracting you because you're cute whenever I do something stupid."

"Cause half the time you're doing something dumb which means that I've got to cover you up!" Kain pointed out.

Jace grinned as he looked up at Kain. "You're cute when you're arguing."

Kain shook his head with a childish smile on his face. "You're an idiot, Jace Christopher Taylor."

"And," Jace lifted Kain up, making Kain wrap his legs around him. "You are the love of my life, Kain Dorath Barblen."

Jace then leaned Kain onto the table near him and kissed Kain once again. Jace had taken this as an advantage to feel the curves of his boyfriend, the way which his hips dipped slightly, the way which his slight muscles seemed unfazed by his touch, the way which Kain shivered under his touch, the way that Kain's skin felt warm under his touch, the way which Kain's healing scar bumped.

It was at the feel of the healing scar that Jace harshly moved back. Kain let out a small gasp in surprise, not expecting it, his hands still up from the way which he had cupped Jace's face, his legs fell as soon as Jace moved away. Kain sat up, giving Jace an odd look.

Jace felt both torn and confused, it was like a jolt of realisation when it came to the scar that was forming on Kain's side. Jace knew that the scar was from when Adrian shot Kain, it was enough to make Jace realise how much he truly failed at protecting Kain from all of it. it reminded Jace of the way that he failed as Kain's boyfriend. It reminded Jace that no matter what Kain was not safe with him, it reminded Jace that no matter what Kain was in just as much trouble than he was.

As much as he knew that he wanted Kain beside him, as much as he knew that he wanted to protect Kain, there was this part of him that knew that as long as Kain was here with him there was always this chance that Kain could get hurt. He knew that he wanted Kain to be safe, there was a part of him that wondered whether Kain would ever be safe with him.

There was a part of him that wondered whether he was being dramatic or not, but he knew that Kain's safety was something that he cared about. As long as that scar is there, it would serve the purpose of reminding Jace that he would need to be better or keep Kain at a distance.

Jace's hands shook though he tried to cover it up. "I'm sorry. Let's just get back to the Asgard shit."

Kain tilted his head. "Jace, you're not okay."

As sincere as it sounded, Jace couldn't help but laugh. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not." Kain spoke, sliding off the table. "You're still worried that something bad is going to happen. Not just to me but to the others. I can promise you now, Jace, that nothing will. Adrian cannot hurt you or us, we're safe."

"But he's still out there," Jace pointed out.

"And he's not here is he?" Kain said. "We are safe, okay, it might not feel like it—but I promise you that it is. You are Jace Taylor and if there's one thing that I know that you're good at; it's making sure that everything is safe and that the people you care about are safe."

Jace looked down. "But I didn't make sure that you were safe." His hand then worked its way over Kain's scar.

"Jace, baby, look at me," Kain softly spoke, raising his hand to make Jace look at him. Jace felt the way that his heart hurt over the nickname. "You did. You made sure that my body got out of the Gallery before more damage could have been made. You made sure that I was safe even after you worked out the kind of gun used. You made sure that I was okay when I woke up, you kept me safe during the time I was unconscious. There were so many ways that you kept me safe, and you don't even realise it, my space boy."

Jace's eyes never left Kain's face. He could see the comfort sat within Kain's stunning eyes, the way which he believed every word that he said, the way which Kain looked at him with enough trust to take on the world. There were moments like this where Jace forgot just how much Kain trusted him, times like this when Jace realised just how much he was in love with Kain.

And yet, with that amount of trust, there was a small part of Jace that was worried whether all of this trust would be their downfall. Though that was something that Jace didn't want to think about too much knowing that it hurt too much. He wanted Kain to be safe and he knew that Kain trusted him to do such a thing.

"How can I be sure that I can protect you if we come across Adrian again?" Jace asked.

"Because you'll follow what your gut will tell you," Kain responded.

Jace dropped his head slightly, though Kain lifted his head just high enough for Kain to kiss him. It was short and sweet, yet enough for Jace to almost forget about the worries in his mind. When Kain moved away, Jace went to move in for more though stopped.

Kain smiled. "Come on, we've got a few books to read. I'll sit on your lap if it means you'll stop staring."

A soft smile found its way on Jace's lips. "I told you that you're a stunning distraction."

"Yes, cause you're continually horny, Jay." Kain spoke with a grin.

Jace sat down on the chair. "Only for you," he winked at Kain as he sat on Jace's lap. Kain blushed slightly as Jace wrapped his arms around Kain's waist, pulling him in more.

Jace rested his head against Kain's shoulder, taking in his scent and kissed his neck occasionally. Jace mumbled out an 'I love you,' over and over, causing Kain to blush. His hands tickled Kain's skin, causing Kain to bite down on his lip. Jace tried to concentrate but even with Kain sat on him, Jace found himself still staring at Kain. A smile found its way onto Jace's lips, he couldn't help but fall more in love with Kain.

As much as Jace was worried about Kain's safety, there was a part of Jace that couldn't help but know that it was safer for Kain to be with him this time. The last time that Jace done something for Kain's safety, it hurt Kain and that was something that he didn't want to do again. He wanted Kain to remain where he was, whether it be by his side or on his lap, he wasn't sure.

"You're still staring," Kain said, looking back at Jace.

"I know," Jace admitted, "you're really cute. I can't help but admire you."

Kain blushed more, turning his attention back to the book based on Asgard. Yet his attention on the book soon faded when he felt Jace kiss his neck over and over. Kain gave up as he leaned back, allowing Jace more access to his neck. Kain grinded his hips down, causing Jace to take in a sharp breath.

Jace's kisses on Kain's neck ended up with Jace sucking his neck. Kain had let out a small moan as Jace's grip around Kain somewhat tightened. His hips thrusted up as Kain rolled his hips down. Kain's hands had wrapped around the armrests of the chair, trying not to let out small moans while Jace sucked on his neck. Jace eagerly started to put his hand down Kain's trousers, feeling how soft it was once he grasped it. He heard the way that Kain moaned at that, leaning back into Jace, all while Jace stroked him.

What drew both of them out of their thoughts was the sound of someone clearing their throat beside them. Both Kain and Jace jumped up and out of the chair, Jace's hand slipped out of Kain's trousers in the process though his arm was still round Kain's waist. Beside them was Kain's brother—Janus. Janus was stood in his normal royal uniform as he stared at Jace with a look which made the half-breed shiver slightly. Kain stared at his brother in disbelief, not sure if this was real, he looked between Janus and Jace, somewhat uncomfortable.

"Haven't seen Kain since you left, yeah Jace?" Janus bitterly asked. "You lied to me."

"Jan," Kain spoke, taking a step forward. "What are you doing here?"

Janus gave Kain a look. "I don't think that's your concern. I think the main concern should be how your lying piece of shit boyfriend lied to me and father about you. He made us think that you were dead, saying how your jacket was on market freshly off you."

Kain looked back at Jace who seemed frozen in his place. He shook his head slightly. "Jace done it to protect me. You honestly think that if Jace told the truth that I would be standing here alive? Father wants me dead, Janus, or have you forgotten?"

"I haven't forgotten." Janus' face changed slightly. "But I also haven't forgotten the pain he caused you. The amount of times I had to comfort you because of him, because he left you behind. He hurt you, Kain and you honestly want be to believe that you crawled back into bed with him? All he wants you for is sex!"

"I'm apologising for it, Janus," Jace finally spoke. "I know you hate me, but you have to trust that I have been in love with Kain since I met him. Having to leave hurt me just as much—I hated myself for it, hated every second of it for four years. Kain means so much to me, even more so now. I told you that he was safe, under my protection."

"Lies!" Janus snapped, shooting Jace a hard and cold look. Jace couldn't help but roll his eyes slightly, wondering as to when Janus decided to forget their conversation.

Kain took in a deep breath. "Janus, brother, please. Don't let this be the way that I remember you. I love Jace so much—he might have hurt me, but we've been working on it."

"Really?" Janus questioned. "By turning each other on? All you want from him, Kain, is his dick. You're not in love with him, you just want him because he's familiar to you."

"Janus, stop," Jace demanded. "You have no idea what's going on with us, you're believing what you want. If you want me to admit that I lied to you about Kain, then okay I did. I only did it because I wanted Kain to be safe without having Aegon and his guards wanting to kill him. You knew that I lied to your father, I told you that he was under my protection, if you chose to ignore that then that's on you."

Janus was silent for a moment, sending both a look. His eyes fell to Kain's and Jace's laced hands, his face somewhat softened as he then looked back at Kain. It was like Janus was thinking about all of this, thinking about the way that Kain could be safe with Jace. "You seriously love him? Again?"

Kain nodded. "Yes. I love him with my whole heart."

Janus looked at Jace. "Do you honestly still love my brother?"

Jace looked at Kain. "I do."

"Please don't break his heart again, I don't want to kill you." Janus warned.

"I wouldn't think of it, Jan," Jace assured.

They were silent for a moment. Janus looked lost as if he had a full argument planned in his head that he couldn't use anymore. Janus had lowered his head, somewhat awkwardly, Kain went towards Janus in hopes to give his brother a hug—yet stopped himself. Kain wasn't sure at all, he missed Janus so much, he missed the only one who cared for him out of his siblings.

Janus noticed the slight hesitation in Kain before pulling him into a hug. "I missed you."

Kain rested his chin on Janus' shoulder. "I missed you too. Shame it couldn't have been on different circumstances."

Janus let out a small dry laugh. "Sorry, it's just I saw you both in the window and got annoyed."

Kain hadn't said anything, his grip around Janus tightened. He missed this, he missed talking to his siblings, he missed home—yet he knew that talking to his siblings was something which he couldn't do and going home meant facing his father. He knew that most of his siblings potentially hated him for what happened, and he knew that most of his people did. All that Kain wanted was to tell his siblings that he was okay, that they didn't need to worry, that he was free from the burden that was the crown.

"We don't hate you, Kain." Janus spoke quietly. "Our siblings don't, it was all just a shock. Some don't like Jace considering on what I told them, but we're trying to convince father to stop with the assassins. I accept you, Kain, and I'm sorry for anything horrid I said to you."

Kain choked slightly, biting down on his lip. Kain backed out of the hug, wiping at his eyes. "Thank you. Thank you for accepting me, Jan, it means a lot."

Janus nodded, giving Kain one last quick hug. "I have to go, Lilith sent me here to talk to whoever."

Lilith was the second born, the one who was going to take Kain's place now as ruler over Xopheila, when Aegon dies or backs down from the throne. Either way Kain nodded. A small smile formed on Kain's lips as he stared at Janus.

"Okay," Kain said.

"We'll find a way for you to be able to come home, Kain," Janus told. He then moved towards Jace, giving him a look. "Look after my brother, Jace, or I swear that—"

"I can promise you, Janus, that I will always look after Kain," Jace assured. "Heart and soul I'll make sure of it."

Janus nodded as he then left the library and the two behind. Jace had looked at Kain to see a wide smile written across his face before Kain had then looked towards the floor. A smile formed on Jace's lips as he then took Kain's hand again, lacing them together. Kain looked up at Jace as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

Kain detached their hands and wrapped his arms around Jace. Jace could hear the sound of a small sob come from Kain, though Jace didn't say anything—he simply rubbed Kain's back. Kain was happy—more than happy to hear that Janus supported him, that Janus supported his interest in men. Jace knew that it was something that Kain wanted to hear from his family for so long that he never actually thought that it would happen. Kain held onto Jace like he depended on it, his happiness that Janus spoke those words meant everything to Kain.

Jace was just happy that Kain at least got that, plus knowing that his siblings were trying to stop the assassins being sent after Kain as well. Though, Jace knew that the assassins weren't of any concern to Kain, not as much as being accepted and loved by Janus, to know that his siblings don't hate him.