After finishing his recitation of the poem, Carlton gave Alaric and Kastiel a smug smirk.
"How was it? It's clear from this poem that your trusted confidant likes you, husband." He stated with crossed arms over his chest. His self-righteous expression left both men feeling a little annoyed.
"I..."
Kastiel started to defend himself again but before he could say anything else, Alaric flinched as he felt Kastiel approach from behind him. He subconsciously turned around, taking one step back in an attempt to hide his backside from Kastiel's view. When he realized what he was doing, Alaric looked at Kastiel guiltily.
"Ah, I'm sorry..." Alaric apologized sheepishly while trying to explain himself. "While thinking about the contents of the poem, I unconsciously..."
Kastiel interrupted him with a pained expression on his face. "Your Highness... do you truly believe that I have a perverted interest in your ass?"
Alaric shifted uncomfortably at Kastiel's words, an awkward smile playing across his lips. "No, no of course not," he reassured quickly. "It's just that... well..." He trailed off uncertainly before continuing: "...I suddenly feel rather exposed with my back turned to you."
Kastiel gazed up at Alaric like a lost puppy dog who had been abandoned by its owner - the hurt and confusion evident in his expressive eyes. The younger man then blurted out desperately.
"Your Highness! I swear on my life that I am not attracted to your ass! In fact, if anything it is quite the opposite! I much prefer chest!" he blurted out.
Alaric quickly covered his chest with both hands as he blushed deeply. "You like my chest?!" He exclaimed in shock.
"No!!" protested Kastiel indignantly. "I mean big breasts!"
Alaric continued to cover his own comparatively flat and narrow chest area with both hands, feeling incredibly self-conscious. "So you don't like my chest then?" he asked Kastiel tentatively.
Kastiel shook his head vigorously. "No, your highness! Your chest looks too hard for my liking. I prefer something soft and supple... and big..." He replied without hesitation.
"Wait... but doesn't that means you like...my butt?" Alaric took a step back in disbelief.
Kastiel looked horrified at the suggestion. "Your highness, no! Just because your butt is plump and round... it doesn't mean I'm attracted to it!" he exclaimed desperately.
"Plump...butt..."
Alaric felt even more self-conscious now, remembering the poem that worshipped his behind and used the words 'plump butt'. He took another step backward unconsciously.
"Your Highness..." Kastiel sounded on the verge of tears, frustrated that Alaric didn't believe him.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation. "So do you finally believe he's after your body, husband?" Carlton asked with a smug expression on his face.
Alaric and Kastiel turned to the source of the voice, Carlton, who had been the main cause of all this chaos.
The two men were frozen in place after realizing how bizarrely intimate their dialogue about chest and butt had become. It was certainly not something either of them were accustomed to discussing so openly or casually - a new experience for them both.
Both Kastiel and Alaric suddenly found themselves fearful of the consequences that Carlton's current state might bring. Even Kastiel felt an unexpected longing for the sight of Carlton's icy visage - those piercing eyes that once made him feel like nothing more than a speck of dust.
Huhuhu... Duke Carlton, please return to your normal self... I miss you terribly when you look at me like I'm no more significant than a mere insect...
Kastiel lamented inwardly with all the dramatic flair one could muster...