Sealing A Lifetime Promise
“Isn't that easy to guess? He wants to flex, to enjoy the life of a single man, to have the freedom to fuck whoever he likes, and to party whenever he feels like it! He wants freedom!” Xander chipped in with a broad smile on his face. That was what he did every day after all.
“Is that freedom to you?” Aaron asked with raised brows.
“Yes, that is my own definition of freedom,” Xander replied boldly.
Israel shook his head, a hint of a smile. "That's not what I meant, yes, I do want to have the freedom to enjoy my life. But there are times I wonder if love truly exists."
Aaron leaned forward, intrigued. "Care to explain?"
Israel's eyes drifted, collecting his thoughts. "I care for Henry, deeply. But I'm scared of ruining our friendship. Also, what if we later fall out of likeness and fondness for each other, what will happen next?”
Xander snorted. "Fall out of likeness? Impossible! You two are meant to be."
Aaron nodded. “I think you both need to talk to each other. Do you need help with that?” He asked gently.
Israel took a deep breath. “You guys are right. I have been a coward, it's better to get over this feeling sooner than later. I will go and talk to Henry,” he deadpanned, and without waiting for anyone's response, teleported out of the chamber.
Immediately Lord Israel left the meeting chamber, he regretted it. He wasn't bold enough to walk up to Lord Henry, he didn't even know what to say, or how to start a proper conversation.
“I thought you were gossiping about my ruthless behavior with the other lords, so what are you doing here?" Henry asked curtly, looking at Israel who had just entered with a furrowed eyebrow.
Israel could swear that his tongue was tied together, and he ended up biting his lips. "Ouch!" He groaned, holding his mouth with his hand.
Henry tried to act like he was not concerned, but the look on his face proved otherwise. “Are you alright?" He asked with a one-sided frown.
"I am so sorry, Henry,” Israel apologized and bowed his head with remorse.
“Sorry for what?" Henry asked indifferently.
“F— for a lot of things. I am sorry for causing you pain," Israel stammered, looking at the floor.
“Pains, huh?” Henry hummed thoughtfully as if thinking about something. His eyes showed signs of vulnerability, but it was quickly replaced with a frown. "What do you want? I mean you've apologized, feel free to leave,” he deadpanned.
Israel was surprised, he had thought that Henry would welcome him with open hands and invite him like he used to, he wasn't expecting such a cold response. He looked at Henry with arched brows, and Henry didn't back down from the staring competition.
“I have always known about your romantic interest in me. I mean everyone is aware of it, you treated me better than a friend would, and you made me your favorite person. It's a shame that I insulted your love with my behavior," Israel's head was bowed remorsefully. “I am sorry for kissing you," he said.
Henry looked angry, and began to pace around the room. “Sorry for kissing me? Really? That's what you're sorry about? And here I was thinking you've finally regained your senses!”
"What do you want me to be sorry about then? We can't be together, we are both cursed and it will make no sense if we decide to love each other. I mean does love even exist?" Israel asked with furrowed brows. "Even if it does, I am not ready to give out my heart. I am not ready for love and the commitment that comes with it. I just want to live my life, is that too much for me to ask?” he yelled, his eyes heavy with tears.
Henry's pacing slowed, his eyes narrowing at Israel's words.
"Love? Commitment? Israel you're talking about things you know nothing about," Henry said, his voice low and hurt. "You think we're cursed? That's just an excuse. You're scared, Israel. Scared of what others will think, scared of your own feelings."
Henry stopped pacing and faced Israel, his eyes blazing. "I loved you, Israel. Truly loved you. But you threw it back in my face like it meant nothing."
Israel's eyes widened, shocked by Henry's admission. "Henry, I—"
"Don't," Henry interrupted, his voice cracking. "Don't apologize again. Your apologies mean nothing if you're not willing to face your feelings."
Israel's face contorted in anguish. "Henry, please understand—"
"No, you understand," Henry said, his voice firm. "I'm not asking you to love me back. I'm asking you to acknowledge your own emotions. Stop hiding behind fear and curses. What if I am your cure? And what if you are my cure? Fine, let's stop this ‘what if’ slang. Israel, do you have feelings for me?"
The room fell silent, the tension between them palpable. Henry's eyes locked onto Israel's, searching for answers.
“I don't think love exists,” Israel murmured.
"Love does exist, Israel," Henry whispered. "And it's worth fighting for."
Israel's heart skipped a beat. He felt the weight of Henry's words, the truth in them. But fear still lingered, holding him back.
"What if...what if I'm not worthy?" Israel stammered.
Henry's expression softened. "You're worthy, Israel. You're worthy of love, of happiness. But you need to believe it yourself."
A teardrop escaped from Israel's eyes, but he quickly cleaned it. "What about my heart? I have been abandoned, betrayed, and broken thousands of times, I don't want to go through pain again. I don't want to fully commit to a man and at the end of the day, he will choose something meaningless over me.”
Henry's eyes were filled with compassion, understanding the depth of Israel's pain.
"I'm not asking you to commit fully, not yet," Henry said gently. "But don't let fear of pain dictate your life. You deserve to experience love, to take a chance."
"What if you leave me, too? What if you see someone more handsome and cute? What will happen once you get bored of me?" Israel's voice trembled.
Henry took a step closer. "I promise you, Israel, I will never leave you. I've loved you through all your flaws, your fears, and your doubts. I'll stand by you, through everything. And if we get bored of each other, we'll start over again. If I see someone more handsome than you, then I will make you way more handsome than him. Also, you will always be my cutie pie.”
Israel's eyes searched Henry's, seeking reassurance. "Promise me. Promise you'll love me till our demon years expire," he whispered.
Henry's hand reached out, cupping Israel's face. "I promise," he said, his eyes locked onto Israel's. "On every beat of my heart, I promise. I swear, I will never let you go."
The room held its breath as the defenses that Israel had put up for decades crumbled.
"Henry," Israel whispered, his voice barely audible.
Henry's thumb caressed Israel's cheek. "Israel, take a chance on me. On us."
Israel's heart pounded, weighing the risks. "What if...what if I get hurt again?" He stammered.
Henry's expression softened. "You might," he admitted. "But what if you don't? What if we create something beautiful together?"
"Two demon Lords loving each other in a world full of cruel humans. In a world where gays are not accepted. Humm, it will be a long drive,” Israel said with a painful smile.
"I'd drive through eternity with you, Israel," Henry confessed, his voice filled with conviction.
"And what about our kingdom? Our duties?" Israel asked, his voice laced with concern.
Henry's expression turned serious. "We'll face that together, as a team. We'll show the world that love knows no bounds, not even demonic ones."
Israel's heart swelled with emotion. "You're crazy, Henry," he whispered, a smile spreading across his face.
Henry's eyes sparkled. "Crazy for you, Lord Israel. For our forever together.”
Israel's eyes locked onto Henry's, the air thick with anticipation. Henry's gaze burned with desire, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.
"Forever starts now," Henry whispered, his breath caressing Israel's skin.
Israel's heart skipped a beat as Henry's lips brushed against his. Soft, gentle, and exploratory, the kiss sent shivers down his spine.
Henry's hands cradled Israel's face, his thumbs tracing the contours of Israel's cheeks. Israel's hands instinctively wrapped around Henry's waist, pulling him closer.
The kiss deepened, their lips moving in perfect sync. Israel felt the world spin around him, his senses overwhelmed by Henry's scent, taste, and touch.
Henry's tongue teased Israel's lips, seeking entrance. Israel parted his lips, allowing Henry to claim his mouth. The kiss ignited a fire within Israel, melting his fears and doubts.
As they broke apart for air, Henry's eyes blazed with passion.
"Israel," Henry whispered, his voice husky.
"My Henry," Israel replied, his voice barely audible.
Their lips met again, the kiss growing more intense. Israel felt Henry's love and devotion pouring into him, filling the numerous voids in his heart.
Time stood still as they lost themselves in the kiss. The world outside receded, leaving only the two demon lords, together in their love.
Henry's hands wandered through Israel's hair, tangling in the strands. Israel's fingers dug into Henry's shoulders, holding on as the kiss swept him away.
Their lips parted, gasping for air. Henry's forehead rested against Israel's.
"Forever," Henry whispered.
"Forever," Israel echoed.
Their lips met once more, sealing their promise.