Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ugh, there's that feeling again- unbelievableness that crawls to him like vines to an abandoned house. Slow yes, but harrowing all the same.

Velite still can't believe how he's living together, under both of their names, with this idol on screen- screw that- with this national (soon international, no doubt) heartthrob idol as his partner.

The bite mark on the back of his neck zings a little.

And that too. What does Argenti even see in him? 

He looks back at the (wide as fuck, why did he even joke about buying a big TV because Argenti did it for real) TV. The performance was just done and the camera was panning to Galahad for his ending fairy. Argenti didn't get one this time and Velite would rather swallow cactus before admitting that he's sorta disappointed about it.

Right, today's schedule was quite packed as Argenti informed him earlier in the morning. He texted again even to reassure the other during his lunch break.

-  Weirdo [14.58]
I'll be back at 10 tonight😢
Don't wait for me
You must be exhausted after working all day, you should go to sleep first 😊
I love you my dear beloved ♥️♥️♥️

They struck him wrong. Does Argenti think he can't stay up to welcome him home even at 2 A.M in the morning? Was he so weak in his eyes like that? Does he think he can't be there to greet him?

Velite feels himself spiraling down to self-doubt again.

The MCs showed up again and he turned off the TV.

He checks his phone.

21.47

The text still left unread and just dangles on his lockscreen like a pestering sticky note.

Just why is Argenti always pushing himself like this? Ever since they bonded, Argenti's schedule had gotten busy all of a sudden. He'd asked some of his close friends who knew about their relationship and expected - no, wished - that the answer was because they were gaining popularity quick so Argenti was given more jobs.

But no.

"Oh, he took 'em on his own. Even we're confused and the manager asked him to tone it down too. But he wouldn't. Do you have a clue why, Velite?"

Does he regret it now after bonding with him? Realising that he'd made the wrong choice too late? Is this his way of putting a distance?

DAMMIT!

He didn't even bother opening the text properly. Tapping on the quick reply option and started typing his anger out.

[21.50] Me -
DONT CME HOME

There was a flurry of texts after that but Velite shuts down his phone and shrunk himself into the couch. Hugging his knees and wrapping the blanket that still has Argenti's rose scent around him. Seriously how the fuck did he enter a relationship with him? The man even has rose scented pheromones, that's just fucking unfair with his equally gorgeous red rose-like hair.

How did that man even fall for him-

And now... is he really falling out of love with him?

So late into it that his bite mark was already becoming permanent?

But what would it matter anyway?

Argenti's a good, strong, handsome alpha with tons of money and fame. There must be a lot more out there that will accept him even if he was previously bonded.

And Velite? Velite the office worker that spends his days waking up, working, sleeping, and day-dreaming about the life he could've had? Yeah, even before being bonded he was already a wallflower.

The blanket around him felt tighter, his instincts treated it like some sort of protective shell. Argenti's scent didn't help either, so he unconsciously wraps it around him until it's suffocating, until all he can see is his blurry vision and what seems like a wet spot near his face.

He only realized that the choked and sniffling noises came from him much later. God, he's so pathetic for knowing that he was spiraling again and letting it consume him  

Time felt like slipping away. He didn't bother to look anywhere else but the growing wet spot from his tears. The choked sobs now mellowing to mere sniffles, snot was starting to clog his nose but he couldn't just abruptly stop crying all together. It's a delicate process he learnt.

Then the familiar beeps of the lock surprised him before understanding that there was only one other person who knew the code and was supposed to come back this late.

"VELITE!"

At the sound of his name being shouted by the voice of his mate; Velite felt himself slip back, falling into a fit of cries again.

"Velite, my love, my beautiful, what's wrong? Please tell me, I beg of you, I hate to see you cry." 

Argenti’s voice was unfairly clear, breaking through his renewed sobs and wails like a javelin through the air yet sweet and careful as he talks to him. Velite couldn’t believe how patient he was to him. Velite who only complain and yell at him, never able to outright express his feelings and had to do it through rushed words and a hesitant voice.

He felt a weight on the back of his foot, a mop of soft hair falling beside it. Argenti laid his chin between his feet, looking up at him with worry and hope that he’ll stop crying soon.

He stayed silent as Velite rode out his cries. When it was mere sniffles, Velite spoke first,

“Liar.”

“Velite-”

“If you don’t want to be with me just say so. Don’t just take more jobs and then leaving me alone just- JUST TELL ME DAMMIT!”

“All that love bullshit and yet you leave anyway. Finally regretting your decisions yet? Figured out that I’m just a pathetic office worker and not that unique and noble soul,” Velite mocks himself, because that’s at least what he deserves after leading Argenti on a delusion, “you met?”

Velite hugs himself tighter. He was about to pull his feet in the cocoon he made when Argenti reached for his knees, helping himself stand up. Their gaze met. Argenti’s eyes that were usually so calm, so filled with love and affection now riddled with concern and distraught.

Because of you

Because of him

Velite wipes his face, “what? Finally saying it now? Make it quick - rip the bandage off- ARGH! Argenti?!”

The man pulled him into a hug that was so tight it felt like crushing his shoulders.

“I have wronged you.”

…

Huh?

“I shouldn’t have left you alone without explaining myself. That was beyond selfish of me and I beg for your forgiveness, Velite.”

“You throw around that word like hot potato.”

“Please, I beg of you, let me explain myself. You may judge for yourself if I am worthy of your benevolence or not. But I will not let you think that it was because of my wavering love. My feelings for you is eternal, it will bloom forever as is your name in my heart.”

This man… always the eloquence at times like this. Though cliche (and honestly a little cringe), Velite was tired from crying twice like this so he lets the other continue.

“You mentioned that bonded couples should have ceremonies to celebrate their milestone. So I was planning to surprise you with one, one that befits you and my gratitude for being allowed to accompany you for the rest of your life. So I wanted to earn more and took those jobs. I did not tell the rest of the knights out of fear that they would accidentally reveal my intentions. But in my eagerness I have overlooked your feelings. I neglected you and left you with uncertainty. For that I- no," Argenti shook his head, "I will not ask for forgiveness, it is I who is to blame."

That chivalrous vernacular of his always springs up when he's alone with him. It irks Velite to know that no matter what Argenti does, he will always have him in his mind as the sole reason, nearly the sole drive for his every actions since they met. If asked whether or not Velite has a clue why that is then he'll be the one shaking his head the hardest.

A love like Argenti's is rare, a fairytale at the least because all that overwhelming thoughtfulness and dedication anyone could only dream of was right now laying his head on Velite's shoulder. Argenti's arms still clung to him like a lifeline, as if Velite would push him away in disgust.

His mind clearer now after letting out all of that frustration that had been weighing him down. Velite let his rationale processed the last few... hours who knows he's been crying like crazy.

Wilder always told him that he was paranoid of the most useless things, things that are unlikely to happen. That fear will end up consuming him before the lid pops off and he spills.

Just like now.

He was scared, scared of losing Argenti that'd showed him that he's, in fact, someone worthy of love. Worthy of being showered with affections and care. The things that Argenti deemed the least he could do because Velite had accepted him, allowed him the chance to love him and become his mate after arduous years of fighting Velite's self doubts and coming out triumphant.

Argenti treats his every word like gospel, a word from a god he worships the altar of.

Velite - Velite couldn't think of a live without Argenti now despite it being a nightmare that will never happen because Argenti would always rid him of that thought again and again.

His hands move, clinging to Argenti's shirt and pulls him closer. A move that made the other gasp before burying himself further to the crook of Velite's neck.

"Argenti you idiot."

Argenti nods, "hmm"

"I was just... god, help me... joking about that. You don't need to always take my words seriously."

"But your every words are, to me."

Velite couldn't help but huffs, a small smile on his face.

"Save it for the wedding." He says, knowing full well the effect it has on Argenti.

Argenti stopped moving, staying still as a stone. Unsure if his ears played tricks or Velite might've slurred a word. He pushes away and looks at Velite, still bundled in his blanket which smells of Argenti's rose.

"Love, you-"

Velite surges forward and kisses his lips, a chaste one that ends as soon as it starts. Velite blushed yet refuses to let the other to say a word. He cleared his throat.

"I'm tired."

Despite the Bring me to bed left unsaid, in a way this was Velite’s way of telling him that there’ll be other times where they can discuss his words. There’ll be a tomorrow for the both of them to look forward to, a future together that awaits them.

Argenti simply nodded and hooked an arm under Velite’s knees and back. Lifting him up and carrying him to the bedroom. He placed him down gently on the mattress and left to change, grateful that he at least took the decision to take a quick shower at the company before going home. Velite was already out of his cocoon when he finished changing.

He lays down on his side of the bed before turning to Velite’s side. The other finally turned to see him, his eyes still puffy and Argenti felt the urge to soothe them. But even with puffy eyes and disheveled hair, Velite still looks beautiful to him, the most beautiful soul he’d ever met.

Velite hmm-ed as he saw the smile on Argenti’s face. He rolled his eyes, exasperated, when he finally knew why.

"Should I kiss your tears away?"

"Idiot."

Argenti smiled wider. "I should." 

Chapter Text

“God, he’s so handsome!”

Velite grips the coffee cup in his hand just a tad bit tighter. 

No helping it there in all honesty. Not with his mate being arguably the most beautiful member of his internationally popular boy group. Argenti draws attention even from those who weren't looking at him. Luscious red hair and jewel-like green eyes does have those effects on their own, but coupled with his prince-like demeanor and blinding smile it’s no wonder people fall in love with him so easily, fans and non-fans alike.

Velite on the other hand, wasn’t used to attention. Always the wallflower no one has expectations on, left on his own and more often than not invited just to fill the empty space. He mostly left parties early, snatching a few snacks to enjoy in his college dorm. The same thing still applies even at work.

The only time he’s gotten any type of attention was when he came back to work with a fresh bite mark - bonded - that caused chaos. His coworkers pounced on him with questions faster than light, trying to pry every possible inch of detail they could out of him. Luckily, Velite was snappy enough to render everyone annoyed and disinterested by the second day. His department head had agreed the sudden… aggression wasn’t good for a newly bonded omega, and gave him an extra week of leave.

An extra week that his mate gladly welcomed with open arms.

Said mate was the man his office is raving about on TV.

It was their latest comeback, sixth stage this month and the promotion runs for another month. Argenti had been coming home late that Velite had gotten used to leaving the alpha’s portion in a microwave safe box for the other to reheat once he got off schedule. Breakfast was one thing they spend together on these kinds of days, catching up with whatever happened yesterday and their plan for the day. A too short window if you ask Velite, not that he’ll ever admit it out loud to Argenti, the alpha’s already worried and felt guilty enough if his goodbye kisses were anything to go by.

- Weirdo [13.19]
I miss you
Galahad and Holvin says hi ☺️
> picture

Holvin held up a peace sign, while Galahad gave him a thumbs up. It’s obvious they were just off performance, sweat still clinging to their faces. Clearly exhausted but still smiling.

There was a moment in Velite’s life where he considered becoming an exclusive fansite for Argenti and selling his pictures. He’d admitted to the other that that was the main reason why he stuck around on those early days. The getting to know and falling in love with the guy part was unplanned, heck- not even in his mind at the time.

Velite hides his smile behind a sip of coffee, placing the cup on his desk before replying.

[13.20] Me -
Tell them I said hello
Had your lunch yet?

- Weirdo [13.20]
Yes, my love ❤️
The strawberry sandwich was exquisite
I thank Idrila everyday for allowing me to stay by your side

This sap.

[13.20] Me -
It’s just a sandwich
[13.21] Me -
It’s not too sweet right?

- Weirdo [13.21]
Nothing is sweeter than you, my love

Then it’s a tad too sweet. Velite shrugs, nothing he can’t change in the recipe; probably the whip cream.

- Weirdo [13.22]
Stilott is calling us
It seems like I’ll be home late again 😞
Forgive me, my love
It’ll all be over soon
I promise

God, this overreacting alpha is at it again.

[13.22] Me -
It's your job to do this
Don't feel guilty
You're doing great work

Velite contemplates. His next words could either spark some spirit into his alpha, or send him into overdrive just to come home early and spend an hour more with him.

The latter was tempting. But he doesn't want to think what could come after, especially if Argenti got sick in the middle of promotion just because of him.

His phone screen was waiting. The empty text box flashes in silence, waiting for him to type in something.

The bite mark on his nape tingles.

He can't just end it here.

[13.23] Me -
I miss you too
Be home safe

Velite shuts off his phone. Flipping the screen and sliding it a bit farther from his reach. He takes the last sip of his coffee and opens the files he's supposed to be working on. Nothing better to distract yourself than some work crunch.

Thankfully he went the rest of his day without anyone bothering him outside of what's necessary. Going back to being the unremarkable office worker after that whole debacle with his bite mark. Even with some trouble in the system near the end of the day, Velite still manages to get off work on time.

There's still half an hour for the next train. But he decided to do some grocery shopping, they were running low on some stuff at home.

He opens his phone to text Argenti of his plan, ignoring the wall of text the man sent him earlier in the day as a response.

The supermarket clerks nearby his office probably knew him by name now. Comes late, a bit hunched over - obviously tired, but careful when choosing fresh produce, courtesy of his mother's insistence that everyone should know how to buy their groceries. The clerks at the aisle points him to what they have at a discount, usually since it was late and they don't want to throw anything out. It's not usually the most versatile option range, but today seems to be a better one.

Blood oranges, mandarins, grapes, mangoes - still arranged neatly and most of them in great condition. He picked a few unripe ones for later in the week while not splurging too much on the vegetables since they wilt easy and he's not one for eating days old fridge vegetables. Just enough to make soups for a day or two.

The price he got for them wasn't so bad this time, more discounted than usual. Velite gave his thanks to the man on the fruit counter and moved on to the appliance aisles.

He finished a little faster than usual. A good 10 minutes before the next train comes so he sits on the waiting bench while reading that barrage of texts Argenti sent him.

- Weirdo [13.24]
Velite!
How joyous to hear that we share the same feelings
I will come back to you safe, my love
This I promise
You have no idea how much it warms me to you wish for my well being
Truly a lifelong honor to be in your prayers

And so on and so forth. 

How Argenti even gets this many words out in a small amount of time Velite doesn't know. But he does know these Grandeur words and sentences no one uses outside of period plays and theater. Yet Velite can't help the bubbling feel of warmth in his chest because of how much it is in Argenti's nature to use them. His mate has always been loud both vocally and physically in his affection, a thing that threw Velite off the first time he was at the receiving end of it, not used to so much adoration- being called a unique and noble soul would do that to anyone, he's sure. 

But that unabashed loving has spoiled him. 

Velite has a bad relationship with showing his feelings- he's bad with feelings in general. Lashing out when things gets too much, needing long drawn out periods to process his emotions and even longer to accept them. It wasn't easy when he realized he loved Argenti more than just a target for his plan to make money. 

When he knew the feeling was mutual and that Argenti - gorgeous, kind, and loving Argenti - would love to bond with him, Velite considered tickets to a remote island and staying there for a good few years. Because,

“There's just no way he likes me? What does he see in me? “Unique and noble soul” what does that even mean??? Is he insane? Should I bring it up with his group? Wait that’ll just make me a creep-”

A good cycle of that.

But then it was real. Velite - against all his beliefs - accepted Argenti’s courting and subsequently ended up being his mate. Argenti was near insufferable during courting. But as a mate? Worse.

Any kind of attention the man can give to Velite, he does so hundreds of folds. Despite the busy schedules, Argenti will find a way to spoil Velite in between. It tore away Velite’s walls down brick by brick. Slow and steady precise strikes equipped with determination that can fuel the sun. And now Velite feels his day incomplete without a text from Argenti.

He'd never admit it, but he’ll scroll to their older texts. Reading the walls of them carefully and slowly as if Velite's trying to memorize every word. And maybe he is if the way they make the exhaustion in his shoulders melt is anything to go by.

The train was less packed than usual. Taking advantage of an empty seat by a sleeping man, Velite continues to read the texts, smiling as he does so.

The security guard greets him as he enters the lobby from the back door. It felt like yesterday when the guy side eyes Velite. Not his fault really. When a lifeless looking 9-5 office worker waltzes in with a beaten up messenger, groceries from a discount store, and a suit that has clearly seen better days in an apartment complex out of their league, there's bound to be some suspicion. Velite's glad they cleared it up early.

Entering the foyer, another pair of shoes caught Velite's attention.

“Velite, my love!”

“You-”

Before anything further comes out, Argenti’s arms wrap him in a firm hug. One arm on his waist and another circling his shoulders. God , Argenti was big. The red haired man lays his head on Veite’s shoulder, scenting the junction between it and his neck - an alpha’s instinct. 

The hug was over as soon as Argenti’s lips found that spot just under Velite’s ear and kissed it. The gesture sent a jolt of awareness throughout Velite’s body, snapping him out of his still shocked reverie.

Argenti puts a distance between their faces, arms still around Velite. He noticed the grocery bag on the floor, but didn’t move.

Meanwhile Velite finally gets his bearings.

“You! What are you doing here?! You're supposed to be home later! Are you ditching the group? Did you push yourself to come home early? You can’t do that! What if you’d gotten sick?! The promotion-”

“It was Stilott.”

Velite’s rambling stops, processing the answer. 

He doesn’t understand.

“ What? ” Velite squeaks out. 

Argenti saw the grocery bag on the floor and picked it up. His other hand moved to hild Velite's instead, leading him inside their apartment.

“As I was waiting for Stilott to spare me the itinerary of our schedules next week, I prayed to Idrilla that they would be a little more forgiving.” He places the grocery on the kitchen counter, looking at Velite again. “I did not expect Idrilla to have listened to my wishes however. Stilott delivered us the news that the agency has allowed us a week of leisure from the schedule, citing that the track we are on seems like a smooth sailing one so far. I thank Idrilla too, for that.”

Argenti pulls Velite into a loose hug by his waist, giving the blonde man ample space to move should he need too. Argenti continues,

“We will have next week for practice and resume our activities the week after. But, until that week after, I consider it time off as you say.”

That’s- shocking? Well, Velite is not really into the nitty gritty detail of Argentina's industry. Sure, he knew of the more horror stories but there seems to be new laws to combat that recently. Argenti's agency wasn't a bad one either, in fact one of the more better ones if their track record is anything to go by. But still- for such an anticipated comeback?

“Something wrong, my love?”

“Y-your fans… how about them?”

“Stilott informed us that the announcement was at 5 earlier. Though, fear not, I have it in me that the reception is well.”

There's no bone in Velite’s body that doesn't trust Argenti’s words. But his own fear is a powerful enemy. As widely loved Argenti and the Knights of Beauty are, there are always people who criticize their every move no matter how mundane their actions are. 

He remembered the time Argenti was criticized for how he ties his damn shoes.

“Love?”

“I’m just- worried, you know? The usual .”

“The usual” is their code for anything public related.

Argenti huffs. Not in a way that signs annoyance, the world would burn before he’s ever annoyed at Velite; it’s in fondness. Velite who worries for him even though Argenti will never let his mate - his love - to ever feel the hate that is known to come his way as a public figure. 

Argenti tucks a loose strand of Velite’s hair behind his ear. My, it’s gotten longer than he’d last remembered touching them. The realization seeps into him like a waterfall. He’d truly left Velite with the bare minimum for the past few months. Yet the other still took it upon himself to manage everything that should be their shared responsibilities while Argenti was occupied, on top of the omega’s job as well. 

His free hand reaches for Velite’s, bringing the knuckles to his lips.

“It’s naive for me to assume such a broad matter. But, Velite, I ask you to trust me that it will all be alright.”

“But you can’t just assume! Wha-what if this all ruins your comeback?! What if they come for you?!”

“They will not. If they do, I’ll make sure it’s taken care of properly.”

Velite's face turns into disbelief. “You,” he sighs, exasperated, “you’re not going to let me continue this aren’t you?”

Argenti’s small smile, followed by a giggle as he nuzzles the tip of his nose to Velite’s knuckles was answer enough.

Velite takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly, before pulling back from the other man and asking for Argenti’s help to put the groceries away. The red haired idol was more than happy to help his mate. He’d wanted to make dinner before the sudden surprise of Argenti coming back early.

But he can’t deny that he’s been missing his mate’s presence, Argenti’s presence in general. He’d missed the days where Argenti only had his dance practices, goes to work later than Velite and is home before Velite. He’d give him a goodbye kiss and a welcome home kiss.

Speaking of…

“Argenti.”

“Hmm?” 

Velite will never say it out loud, so he just places the tip of his finger on his lips.

Argeti’s eyes widened before he ran to Velite. Arms all over the other, this time with clear intent to not leave a space between them. Their lips fit each other like a missing puzzle piece. Argenti pours the apology into it while Velite pushes back, telling him that it’s alright.

The part for a moment, understanding in their eyes before going back in, a more content filled kiss this time. Taking their time to savor each other, grateful that they could even do this in the first place. There will be times like this again in the future, a lot more of them. But the knowledge that they’ll always come back to each other was enough for both.

Velite’s arm circles on Argenti’s neck, pulling him close for the last moment. As they separate, a smile blooms on each of their faces, giddy with warmth that spreads inside of their chest.

“I am home, Velite.”

“Welcome back.”