Forever More 3/?
Title: Forever More 3/?
Pairing: Changmin/Yunho (minor Minho/Jonghyun, Kyuhyun/Donghae, Yoochun/Junsu)
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: They are gods to me ... maybe they are actually gods ... either way, all I can do is worship them.
Summary: Changmin is everything Yunho has ever wanted in a partner. Except that he isn't from Earth, or not Yunho's version of Earth. And there are expectations of Yunho that he is not sure he can fulfill. How do you decide between love and freedom?
A/N: This fic is a sequel to Nevermore
Warning: mentioned mpreg not my fault. Changmin wanted babies with Yunho
Poster made by me.
Part 3: The Birds and the Bees
A/N: In English, we use the term the birds and the bees in reference to the "sex talk" that kids get when they find out where babies come from.
Again, Jaejoong led the way down and through a series of tunnels and staircases. A lean young man slouched against a stone pillar just outside of a door. He had auburn long hair, pulled back away from his face. Like Jaejoong, his eyes were blue, and he was well armed. He did not have the muscle bulk that Jaejoong had, but he was still strong. As he was, Yunho compared him to a snake or a spider, calm and pretty to look at until angered or surprised. And then deadly.
He smiled widely and called a hello to Changmin. He knocked on the door a few times and then moved forward, meeting Jaejoong with his arm up. Jaejoong mirrored him and their forearms bumped together. The clink of their holstered knives echoed around the hall.
“Taeminnie,” Jaejoong said. “Do I have some things to tell you about the other realm.”
“Sexual things?”
“Of course.”
The door opened. The man who answered was tall, almost as tall as Changmin, with long legs and a firm torso. He wore clothes baggier than anything Yunho had seen so far. His white shirt was haphazardly buttoned, with only two buttons done up, but in the wrong holes, causing the shirt to sit askew over his broad shoulders and show off the muscles of his chest and his stomach. The worried look on his face turned to a smile and he eagerly accepted Changmin’s hug.
“Hi, Changminnie.”
“Hey, Minho. How is Jonghyun doing?”
“He is beautiful.”
Changmin rolled his eyes. “Of course he is.”
“He is just fine. Come on in.” Minho looked up at Yunho, and his eyes went wide. “Hello.”
“Yunho, this is Minho, my cousin.”
Yunho half-bowed, not releasing Seohyun’s arm. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Minho inclined his head. “You as well, Yunho. I am glad that Changmin has finally found you. I have grown tired of his bellyaching.”
“You and me both,” Jaejoong said.
“And me,” Seohyun added.
Changmin punched Minho’s arm. “Shut your mouth.”
Minho laughed. “Come in, come in. Jonghyun will be glad that you are home. He has had a bit of trouble the last couple weeks, and the doctors and magicians have told him to not move around if he can help it.”
They entered a room much like Changmin’s main room, though a little smaller and not decorated with as much opulence. On the couch sat a very pregnant man, and his pout deepened when Minho came into view. He had light brown hair that looked like it would be blonder but he was sweating. His skin was pale with patches of red flushed down his arms. He wore only the thinnest pants, his stomach and chest bare. He held out his hands and whined.
Minho hurried over to him, flinging his shirt off as he went. He settled behind him, moving pillows until the pregnant man leaned against Minho’s chest, his bent legs up on the couch, supported by pillows. He sighed and smiled.
“Hi, Changmin!” He held out a hand.
Changmin took it and bent down enough to press a kiss to his cheek. “How many eggs are ready to hatch, huh? You’re huge.”
“Get smashed,” he said, though he smiled. And then he met Yunho’s eyes. “Hi. You must be Yunho. I am Jonghyun.”
Yunho swallowed and nodded. “H-hi.”
“Sorry,” Changmin said with a frown at Yunho. “He’s a little ...”
“Shock,” Yunho said quickly. He did not want Changmin apologizing for him. “In my realm, men can’t get pregnant. Only women.”
Jonghyun groaned. “Lucky. I feel like a fat cow.”
“You are beautiful,” Minho said, voice light and awed.
“You are an overachiever,” Jonghyun said and he tilted his head up to look at Minho. “That was a bit of a surprise anyway.”
Changmin sat on the end of the couch and started massaging Jonghyun’s feet. “Surprise?”
Jonghyun smiled. “We thought the date of conception was sooner because of how fast I was exploding out of my skin. Turns out we are having twins.”
“Twins?” Changmin said. “Wow. No wonder you are confined to your bed.”
“It is so boring,” Jonghyun said and moaned from the massage. He sank back against Minho’s body. “You have ten minutes and then Minho is going to have to satisfy me because you are turning me on.”
Changmin lifted an eyebrow. Minho was blushing. “He ... uh ... needs ... ”
“Sex. Lots of sex,” Jonghyun said.
Changmin laughed. “Nothing wrong with that.” He moved his massage up Jonghyun’s legs.
Yunho had an image of himself, in this same situation, pregnant and weak, and ... He let go of Seohyun’s arm and sank onto the floor with a groan.
Changmin was there a moment later, worried, hands cupping his cheeks. “My love? Are you ill?”
Seohyun crouched next to him, pressing a cup of water to his lips. He took it gratefully and drank it down.
“S-ssorry, j-ust ... “
“Do not--”
Yunho shut Changmin up with a look. “I’m okay, just ... overwhelmed.”
Jonghyun snapped his fingers at Yunho. “Come here. Minho will not let me move.”
Yunho shuffled over and sat on the floor against the couch. Jonghyun held out his hand and Yunho took it. Jonghyun squeezed. “I do not know how it is in your realm, but in this realm, being pregnant is not any fun, for both men and women. It is a daunting prospect, but Minho and I have been together for a long time, and we made this decision ourselves. We planned it, though we did not plan the twins. I understand that it is different for you, but Changmin is not going to force you to have a child. You are lucky. Changmin spoke to both of us before he went to find you. We are both ready to be the leaders of the Raven Clan, and our children will reign after us, if that is what you two choose.”
Yunho leaned his head against the couch and sighed. “I know that, but ... it is all so daunting.”
Jonghyun chuckled. “And I bet Changmin had been so doting and wee bit suffocating, yes?”
Yunho looked over at Changmin’s face and smiled at his frown. “A little.”
“That is so like Changmin. He sees something, puts his heart, mind, and soul into it, and if it is a task, he accomplishes it, if it is a person, he ... well, he will be your best friend for the rest of your life. He is very loyal.”
“I know that,” Yunho said. “Still very daunting to have my life be completely different.”
“It does not have to be,” Changmin said.
Yunho looked over at him. He knew that, too. Changmin was giving him an out. Changmin would live in his realm with him. Changmin would give up the life he knew for Yunho.
Before Yunho could ask that of him, he had to be the same. He had to be willing to give up the life he knew for Changmin.
Changmin stood up. He held out his hand for Yunho and Yunho took it. He let Changmin pull him to his feet.
“Can we go back to your room?” Yunho asked.
“Of course.” Changmin turned to Minho and Jonghyun. “How soon until the babies arrive?”
“Not for weeks,” Jonghyun growled.
“They may come early,” Minho added. “The doctors and magicians are worried about that because there are two of them.”
“Which is why I cannot give them any other reason to come early and I must stay off my feet.”
“They will be strong and stubborn like their fathers,” Seohyun said.
“I hope not,” Minho muttered, earning a sharp jab to his stomach.
“Now you owe me,” Jonghyun said, tugging at Minho’s arm. “Give me an orgasm.”
“And that is our cue to leave,” Changmin said. He held out his arms for Seohyun and Yunho and led them away from the sounds of Jonghyun moaning, though definitely not moans of pain.
“I guess that’s one thing to look forward to,” Yunho said.
Changmin smiled. “Yes, but you do not need to be pregnant to ask for orgasms.”
Seohyun groaned. “I cannot believe I am going to miss out on orgasms from you. Jaejoong speaks highly of you.”
“Jaejoong should keep his mouth shut,” Changmin said, going through the door.
“What did I say now?” Jaejoong demanded.
“Spilling my bedroom secrets.”
Jaejoong smiled. “Ah, yeah. That is not a secret. Everyone in the compound knows how good you are with your hands and mouth.”
Yunho scowled.
Jaejoong laughed. “Not from experience.”
“Just because you cannot keep your mouth shut,” Changmin accused.
Jaejoong shrugged. “Your skills should be praised.”
“By me,” Yunho snapped.
Jaejoong held out his hands in surrender. “Of course.”
“Jaejoong, will you escort Seohyun wherever she needs to be?” Changmin said. “We are going back to my rooms.”
“Sure thing,” Jaejoong said and held out his arm. “My lady.”
Seohyun took it and smiled over at Changmin. “I would not mind seeing what Jinki is doing this afternoon.”
Changmin laughed. “Have fun.”
He led Yunho back the way they had come, down the stairs and through the stone tunnels. Once inside the rooms, Yunho let go of Changmin’s hand and stood in the middle, staring up at the high stone ceiling.
“Are you okay?” Changmin asked.
Yunho winced. “I’m ... just ... overwhelmed.”
“I know. I am sorry. We do not have to do anything else today but relax and--”
“Claustrophobic.”
“Huh?”
Yunho looked over at him. “Just ... too much rock.”
Changmin smiled. “Follow me.” He led the way toward a door, opening it with a strong pull. He was immediately bathed in sunlight. It was a balcony, built right up against the rock cliff. A set of stairs cut into the rock led to a hollowed out tree trunk.
Padded chair and benches dotted the balcony. Changmin sat on a small couch and patted the spot next to him. Yunho ignored the hint and went to the high railing, leaning his folded arms on it. He did not feel unsafe there. He looked out over the entire stronghold. The ramps and walkways and platforms formed a maze between the trees. People walked, some ran, some swung from platform to platform. And ravens flew between the trees.
Yunho shut his eyes as a breeze blew against his face. He wondered where Nevermore was.
He turned and put his back to the view. “Where is Nevermore?”
Changmin shrugged. “Flying about. But if you want her, she will know.”
“What?”
“There is a connection between a raven and its familiar.” Changmin stood up and headed back into the room. “If she knows you need her, I better have some fruit to feed her.”
Yunho went to a chair and sagged into it, eyes closed. He felt like he was not giving Changmin a chance. He felt like he was giving up too soon. He wanted to go back home and he had only been here for less than a day. He promised Changmin three weeks. But with everything that was expected of him, Yunho was not sure he could stay. Not the entire time.
Nevermore suddenly flew around his head, cawing at him, before settling on his knee. Yunho smiled and scratched the top of her head.
“This is all your fault,” he told the raven. “I hope you know that.”
Nevermore squaked at him.
Changmin returned with a bowl of fruit. He tossed a berry in the air, and Nevermore took flight to snag it. He sat in the chair next to Yunho’s.
Yunho leaned his head back, eyes shut, and listened to Changmin talk to Nevermore and praise her while tossing her fruit.
“You have to help me,” Changmin suddenly said.
Yunho opened an eye, thinking the comment was at him, but Changmin was looking at Nevermore, scratching her neck.
“You have to help me show Yunho our home. I hope he likes it here. I want him to like it, but neither of us can force him, and both of us can live within his realm.”
Guilt. Just a little. But he also knew that Changmin understood. It took Changmin a while to get used to Yunho’s realm. The technology had been surprising, and it took a long time to get used to it. Yunho knew this. He talked to Changmin about it for a long time before coming here. Changmin had tried. For him. Yunho would try, too.
Yunho leaned his elbows on his knees, face in his hands. He sighed and then made a decision. It did not matter which realm he was in. He wanted the same thing. To be in the same place.
He looked over at Changmin and smiled. When Changmin smiled back, Yunho went down to his knees. He shuffled over to Changmin, sat on the ground, and wrapped his arms around Changmin’s leg. Leaning his head against Changmin’s thigh, he opened his mouth.
Changmin chuckled but did just as Yunho wanted and fed him a piece of the sweet fruit.
But Yunho could not look at him. Not yet. He swallowed the fruit with a tight throat and pressed his cheek against Changmin’s knee. The stress and guilt and uncertainty bubbled up into quiet tears. He practically felt Changmin’s concern, but he was so grateful that Changmin said nothing and ran his fingers through Yunho’s hair, petting his neck and tugging on his ear. The touches and even Changmin’s presence made him feel better than if Changmin had reassured him with words.
“Do you want to take a bath with me?” Changmin whispered. “Relax, let the world disappear for a little while?”
Yunho nodded. “That would be great.”
Changmin stood up, and Yunho stayed on the ground.
“The stone floor is going to hurt your knees.”
Yunho smiled up at him. “It isn’t far. I’ll be all right.”
Changmin trailed his finger down Yunho’s cheek, and Yunho’s eyes shut as he leaned into the touch.
“You are beautiful,” Changmin whispered.
Yunho smiled, cheeks flushing. “You might be biased.”
“Maybe, but I am always right.” He turned around and headed back into the room. Yunho stared after him for a moment, and then followed on his hands and knees. It was strangely reassuring and a little disconcerting that Yunho felt much better on his knees, following his master. Maybe this is what he needed. Despite Changmin’s declarations that they were equal, maybe Yunho just needed to be led and commanded.
But would that mean Changmin would marry someone else? Marry Seohyun, to lead the ravens, and Yunho would only be a servant? A body servant?
He did not want Changmin touching anyone else.
The bathing room was warm, the air damp. Water tumbled and splashed from the small waterfall at one end. Yunho sat back on his feet and watched Changmin strip.
“Are you going to get naked, too?” Changmin asked Yunho.
Yunho grinned. “If you want me to.”
“I want you in the tub with me, so yes. Take off your clothes.”
Yunho pulled the shirt off first. He folded it carefully and placed it on a bench near him. He took the necklace off next, to make sure it did not fall and shatter, or get wet. He unfastened the pants and pushed them off, using the bench to keep his balance on his knees. The rock under his skin was warm.
Changmin whistled at him, the noise echoing around them.
Yunho smiled. He crawled to the edge of the pool.
“There are stairs over there,” Changmin said, pointing to the corner. “Right there, there’s a bench to sit, so be careful.”
Yunho sat on the edge, saw the bench under the water, and let himself into the warmth. It was hot for only a moment. He sank in, ducking his head. The water churned around him, naturally flowing toward the edge where it spilled over and disappeared into a crevice.
Changmin stood under the waterfall, his head tilted back. The water hit just below his bellybutton. Yunho watched the water stream over Changmin's skin and form little rivulets around his muscles. He licked his lips, mouth watering, and decided he’d been away from him for too long. He pushed off the bench and glided over to him. Wrapping his arms around Changmin’s waist, Yunho sucked on his skin, mouth and tongue going against stream and following the water up his chest.
Changmin laughed, wrapped his arms around Yunho’s body and pulled them up and then down, back into the water. Their lips touched for a moment, and Yunho straddled Changmin’s lap to be held and kissed.
“Do you know what was really weird about your realm?”
“Anime?”
Changmin laughed. “No! Well, sort of ... Jaejoong and I were both pretty stunned. It’s just amazing how taboo anything related to sex is. One main thing is our clothes. Here, we all know what is hiding underneath our clothes. You may actually see women and men walking around topless one day. We wear clothes for protection of the sun and some of the trees drip sap. Splinters in your ass also hurt. We do not wear clothes to cover our nakedness.”
Yunho nodded. “I noticed that there is not a need for women to cover up.”
“Or men. That’s another thing that is very strange about your realm. Sex is everywhere, but it is taboo. Here, we have sex just like in your realm, but it is not a secret. A woman’s breasts are not special in anyway other than that they are beautiful, but a man’s body is also beautiful. Your realm is very strange. It has a strange history of men thinking they are superior to women, of men thinking women are only for sex. It is very strange.”
Yunho thought about that for a moment and nodded. “I’m sure that if men in my realm could give birth and breastfeed, boobs would not be that big of deal, there would be universal birth control, and that women would not be looked down upon as only vessels for procreation.”
“It is so very strange. And porn is strange, and your versions of prostitution. We have sex houses here, but the people who work there are not degraded or considered any less than the jewelry makers or bakers.”
“And you’ve only had sex with Jaejoong?” Yunho asked and then winced. He was curious, especially after seeing the majority of Seohyun’s breasts.
Changmin smiled. “Yes. Jaejoong is very good in bed. There was no need for me to get it from anyone else.”
Yunho stuck his tongue out at him.
“I dare assume that I am not the only one you’ve had sex with,” Changmin replied with a pointed look.
Yunho blushed. That was very true. He’d definitely had sex with more than two people.
Changmin laughed. “In our world, it does not matter. Not a bit. No one cares. Virginity does not exist here, not in the way it exists in your world, which is also strange. Here, if anyone is a virgin, sex is different. It’s ... it is difficult to explain.”
“Show me?” Yunho said and smirked. He leaned forward for a kiss. “Let’s pretend.”
Changmin gripped his ass. “That you’re a virgin?”
“Yes.”
“I am not sure that I can,” Changmin said. “I know all of the places to touch you that you like.”
Yunho ground his ass down into Changmin’s hands and rubbed his erection against Changmin’s body. “Please. You are horrible at saying no to me. Don’t start now, not when I want you so much.”
“Do you want me because you are trying not to think of anything else?”
Yunho sat back on Changmin’s knees and crossed his arms. “If I was trying not to think about your mother’s expectations, your expectations, being pregnant, and leaving my life to come and live here, then I would not be having sex with you, which is what your mother expects me to do for the rest of my life, what you want for the rest of your life, could get me pregnant one day and would be something we would do every day if I stayed here with you for the rest of my life.”
Changmin stared at him and then laughed. “Good points. All of them.”
“Do you know what the most important point is?”
“What?”
“I want you.”
“I want you, too, and that is all that should matter.”
Part 4: The Joy of Bath and Tongue
Part 2: The Crippling Expectations
Part 1: The Trees and Cliffs
.
Pairing: Changmin/Yunho (minor Minho/Jonghyun, Kyuhyun/Donghae, Yoochun/Junsu)
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: They are gods to me ... maybe they are actually gods ... either way, all I can do is worship them.
Summary: Changmin is everything Yunho has ever wanted in a partner. Except that he isn't from Earth, or not Yunho's version of Earth. And there are expectations of Yunho that he is not sure he can fulfill. How do you decide between love and freedom?
A/N: This fic is a sequel to Nevermore
Warning: mentioned mpreg not my fault. Changmin wanted babies with Yunho
Poster made by me.
Part 3: The Birds and the Bees
A/N: In English, we use the term the birds and the bees in reference to the "sex talk" that kids get when they find out where babies come from.
Again, Jaejoong led the way down and through a series of tunnels and staircases. A lean young man slouched against a stone pillar just outside of a door. He had auburn long hair, pulled back away from his face. Like Jaejoong, his eyes were blue, and he was well armed. He did not have the muscle bulk that Jaejoong had, but he was still strong. As he was, Yunho compared him to a snake or a spider, calm and pretty to look at until angered or surprised. And then deadly.
He smiled widely and called a hello to Changmin. He knocked on the door a few times and then moved forward, meeting Jaejoong with his arm up. Jaejoong mirrored him and their forearms bumped together. The clink of their holstered knives echoed around the hall.
“Taeminnie,” Jaejoong said. “Do I have some things to tell you about the other realm.”
“Sexual things?”
“Of course.”
The door opened. The man who answered was tall, almost as tall as Changmin, with long legs and a firm torso. He wore clothes baggier than anything Yunho had seen so far. His white shirt was haphazardly buttoned, with only two buttons done up, but in the wrong holes, causing the shirt to sit askew over his broad shoulders and show off the muscles of his chest and his stomach. The worried look on his face turned to a smile and he eagerly accepted Changmin’s hug.
“Hi, Changminnie.”
“Hey, Minho. How is Jonghyun doing?”
“He is beautiful.”
Changmin rolled his eyes. “Of course he is.”
“He is just fine. Come on in.” Minho looked up at Yunho, and his eyes went wide. “Hello.”
“Yunho, this is Minho, my cousin.”
Yunho half-bowed, not releasing Seohyun’s arm. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Minho inclined his head. “You as well, Yunho. I am glad that Changmin has finally found you. I have grown tired of his bellyaching.”
“You and me both,” Jaejoong said.
“And me,” Seohyun added.
Changmin punched Minho’s arm. “Shut your mouth.”
Minho laughed. “Come in, come in. Jonghyun will be glad that you are home. He has had a bit of trouble the last couple weeks, and the doctors and magicians have told him to not move around if he can help it.”
They entered a room much like Changmin’s main room, though a little smaller and not decorated with as much opulence. On the couch sat a very pregnant man, and his pout deepened when Minho came into view. He had light brown hair that looked like it would be blonder but he was sweating. His skin was pale with patches of red flushed down his arms. He wore only the thinnest pants, his stomach and chest bare. He held out his hands and whined.
Minho hurried over to him, flinging his shirt off as he went. He settled behind him, moving pillows until the pregnant man leaned against Minho’s chest, his bent legs up on the couch, supported by pillows. He sighed and smiled.
“Hi, Changmin!” He held out a hand.
Changmin took it and bent down enough to press a kiss to his cheek. “How many eggs are ready to hatch, huh? You’re huge.”
“Get smashed,” he said, though he smiled. And then he met Yunho’s eyes. “Hi. You must be Yunho. I am Jonghyun.”
Yunho swallowed and nodded. “H-hi.”
“Sorry,” Changmin said with a frown at Yunho. “He’s a little ...”
“Shock,” Yunho said quickly. He did not want Changmin apologizing for him. “In my realm, men can’t get pregnant. Only women.”
Jonghyun groaned. “Lucky. I feel like a fat cow.”
“You are beautiful,” Minho said, voice light and awed.
“You are an overachiever,” Jonghyun said and he tilted his head up to look at Minho. “That was a bit of a surprise anyway.”
Changmin sat on the end of the couch and started massaging Jonghyun’s feet. “Surprise?”
Jonghyun smiled. “We thought the date of conception was sooner because of how fast I was exploding out of my skin. Turns out we are having twins.”
“Twins?” Changmin said. “Wow. No wonder you are confined to your bed.”
“It is so boring,” Jonghyun said and moaned from the massage. He sank back against Minho’s body. “You have ten minutes and then Minho is going to have to satisfy me because you are turning me on.”
Changmin lifted an eyebrow. Minho was blushing. “He ... uh ... needs ... ”
“Sex. Lots of sex,” Jonghyun said.
Changmin laughed. “Nothing wrong with that.” He moved his massage up Jonghyun’s legs.
Yunho had an image of himself, in this same situation, pregnant and weak, and ... He let go of Seohyun’s arm and sank onto the floor with a groan.
Changmin was there a moment later, worried, hands cupping his cheeks. “My love? Are you ill?”
Seohyun crouched next to him, pressing a cup of water to his lips. He took it gratefully and drank it down.
“S-ssorry, j-ust ... “
“Do not--”
Yunho shut Changmin up with a look. “I’m okay, just ... overwhelmed.”
Jonghyun snapped his fingers at Yunho. “Come here. Minho will not let me move.”
Yunho shuffled over and sat on the floor against the couch. Jonghyun held out his hand and Yunho took it. Jonghyun squeezed. “I do not know how it is in your realm, but in this realm, being pregnant is not any fun, for both men and women. It is a daunting prospect, but Minho and I have been together for a long time, and we made this decision ourselves. We planned it, though we did not plan the twins. I understand that it is different for you, but Changmin is not going to force you to have a child. You are lucky. Changmin spoke to both of us before he went to find you. We are both ready to be the leaders of the Raven Clan, and our children will reign after us, if that is what you two choose.”
Yunho leaned his head against the couch and sighed. “I know that, but ... it is all so daunting.”
Jonghyun chuckled. “And I bet Changmin had been so doting and wee bit suffocating, yes?”
Yunho looked over at Changmin’s face and smiled at his frown. “A little.”
“That is so like Changmin. He sees something, puts his heart, mind, and soul into it, and if it is a task, he accomplishes it, if it is a person, he ... well, he will be your best friend for the rest of your life. He is very loyal.”
“I know that,” Yunho said. “Still very daunting to have my life be completely different.”
“It does not have to be,” Changmin said.
Yunho looked over at him. He knew that, too. Changmin was giving him an out. Changmin would live in his realm with him. Changmin would give up the life he knew for Yunho.
Before Yunho could ask that of him, he had to be the same. He had to be willing to give up the life he knew for Changmin.
Changmin stood up. He held out his hand for Yunho and Yunho took it. He let Changmin pull him to his feet.
“Can we go back to your room?” Yunho asked.
“Of course.” Changmin turned to Minho and Jonghyun. “How soon until the babies arrive?”
“Not for weeks,” Jonghyun growled.
“They may come early,” Minho added. “The doctors and magicians are worried about that because there are two of them.”
“Which is why I cannot give them any other reason to come early and I must stay off my feet.”
“They will be strong and stubborn like their fathers,” Seohyun said.
“I hope not,” Minho muttered, earning a sharp jab to his stomach.
“Now you owe me,” Jonghyun said, tugging at Minho’s arm. “Give me an orgasm.”
“And that is our cue to leave,” Changmin said. He held out his arms for Seohyun and Yunho and led them away from the sounds of Jonghyun moaning, though definitely not moans of pain.
“I guess that’s one thing to look forward to,” Yunho said.
Changmin smiled. “Yes, but you do not need to be pregnant to ask for orgasms.”
Seohyun groaned. “I cannot believe I am going to miss out on orgasms from you. Jaejoong speaks highly of you.”
“Jaejoong should keep his mouth shut,” Changmin said, going through the door.
“What did I say now?” Jaejoong demanded.
“Spilling my bedroom secrets.”
Jaejoong smiled. “Ah, yeah. That is not a secret. Everyone in the compound knows how good you are with your hands and mouth.”
Yunho scowled.
Jaejoong laughed. “Not from experience.”
“Just because you cannot keep your mouth shut,” Changmin accused.
Jaejoong shrugged. “Your skills should be praised.”
“By me,” Yunho snapped.
Jaejoong held out his hands in surrender. “Of course.”
“Jaejoong, will you escort Seohyun wherever she needs to be?” Changmin said. “We are going back to my rooms.”
“Sure thing,” Jaejoong said and held out his arm. “My lady.”
Seohyun took it and smiled over at Changmin. “I would not mind seeing what Jinki is doing this afternoon.”
Changmin laughed. “Have fun.”
He led Yunho back the way they had come, down the stairs and through the stone tunnels. Once inside the rooms, Yunho let go of Changmin’s hand and stood in the middle, staring up at the high stone ceiling.
“Are you okay?” Changmin asked.
Yunho winced. “I’m ... just ... overwhelmed.”
“I know. I am sorry. We do not have to do anything else today but relax and--”
“Claustrophobic.”
“Huh?”
Yunho looked over at him. “Just ... too much rock.”
Changmin smiled. “Follow me.” He led the way toward a door, opening it with a strong pull. He was immediately bathed in sunlight. It was a balcony, built right up against the rock cliff. A set of stairs cut into the rock led to a hollowed out tree trunk.
Padded chair and benches dotted the balcony. Changmin sat on a small couch and patted the spot next to him. Yunho ignored the hint and went to the high railing, leaning his folded arms on it. He did not feel unsafe there. He looked out over the entire stronghold. The ramps and walkways and platforms formed a maze between the trees. People walked, some ran, some swung from platform to platform. And ravens flew between the trees.
Yunho shut his eyes as a breeze blew against his face. He wondered where Nevermore was.
He turned and put his back to the view. “Where is Nevermore?”
Changmin shrugged. “Flying about. But if you want her, she will know.”
“What?”
“There is a connection between a raven and its familiar.” Changmin stood up and headed back into the room. “If she knows you need her, I better have some fruit to feed her.”
Yunho went to a chair and sagged into it, eyes closed. He felt like he was not giving Changmin a chance. He felt like he was giving up too soon. He wanted to go back home and he had only been here for less than a day. He promised Changmin three weeks. But with everything that was expected of him, Yunho was not sure he could stay. Not the entire time.
Nevermore suddenly flew around his head, cawing at him, before settling on his knee. Yunho smiled and scratched the top of her head.
“This is all your fault,” he told the raven. “I hope you know that.”
Nevermore squaked at him.
Changmin returned with a bowl of fruit. He tossed a berry in the air, and Nevermore took flight to snag it. He sat in the chair next to Yunho’s.
Yunho leaned his head back, eyes shut, and listened to Changmin talk to Nevermore and praise her while tossing her fruit.
“You have to help me,” Changmin suddenly said.
Yunho opened an eye, thinking the comment was at him, but Changmin was looking at Nevermore, scratching her neck.
“You have to help me show Yunho our home. I hope he likes it here. I want him to like it, but neither of us can force him, and both of us can live within his realm.”
Guilt. Just a little. But he also knew that Changmin understood. It took Changmin a while to get used to Yunho’s realm. The technology had been surprising, and it took a long time to get used to it. Yunho knew this. He talked to Changmin about it for a long time before coming here. Changmin had tried. For him. Yunho would try, too.
Yunho leaned his elbows on his knees, face in his hands. He sighed and then made a decision. It did not matter which realm he was in. He wanted the same thing. To be in the same place.
He looked over at Changmin and smiled. When Changmin smiled back, Yunho went down to his knees. He shuffled over to Changmin, sat on the ground, and wrapped his arms around Changmin’s leg. Leaning his head against Changmin’s thigh, he opened his mouth.
Changmin chuckled but did just as Yunho wanted and fed him a piece of the sweet fruit.
But Yunho could not look at him. Not yet. He swallowed the fruit with a tight throat and pressed his cheek against Changmin’s knee. The stress and guilt and uncertainty bubbled up into quiet tears. He practically felt Changmin’s concern, but he was so grateful that Changmin said nothing and ran his fingers through Yunho’s hair, petting his neck and tugging on his ear. The touches and even Changmin’s presence made him feel better than if Changmin had reassured him with words.
“Do you want to take a bath with me?” Changmin whispered. “Relax, let the world disappear for a little while?”
Yunho nodded. “That would be great.”
Changmin stood up, and Yunho stayed on the ground.
“The stone floor is going to hurt your knees.”
Yunho smiled up at him. “It isn’t far. I’ll be all right.”
Changmin trailed his finger down Yunho’s cheek, and Yunho’s eyes shut as he leaned into the touch.
“You are beautiful,” Changmin whispered.
Yunho smiled, cheeks flushing. “You might be biased.”
“Maybe, but I am always right.” He turned around and headed back into the room. Yunho stared after him for a moment, and then followed on his hands and knees. It was strangely reassuring and a little disconcerting that Yunho felt much better on his knees, following his master. Maybe this is what he needed. Despite Changmin’s declarations that they were equal, maybe Yunho just needed to be led and commanded.
But would that mean Changmin would marry someone else? Marry Seohyun, to lead the ravens, and Yunho would only be a servant? A body servant?
He did not want Changmin touching anyone else.
The bathing room was warm, the air damp. Water tumbled and splashed from the small waterfall at one end. Yunho sat back on his feet and watched Changmin strip.
“Are you going to get naked, too?” Changmin asked Yunho.
Yunho grinned. “If you want me to.”
“I want you in the tub with me, so yes. Take off your clothes.”
Yunho pulled the shirt off first. He folded it carefully and placed it on a bench near him. He took the necklace off next, to make sure it did not fall and shatter, or get wet. He unfastened the pants and pushed them off, using the bench to keep his balance on his knees. The rock under his skin was warm.
Changmin whistled at him, the noise echoing around them.
Yunho smiled. He crawled to the edge of the pool.
“There are stairs over there,” Changmin said, pointing to the corner. “Right there, there’s a bench to sit, so be careful.”
Yunho sat on the edge, saw the bench under the water, and let himself into the warmth. It was hot for only a moment. He sank in, ducking his head. The water churned around him, naturally flowing toward the edge where it spilled over and disappeared into a crevice.
Changmin stood under the waterfall, his head tilted back. The water hit just below his bellybutton. Yunho watched the water stream over Changmin's skin and form little rivulets around his muscles. He licked his lips, mouth watering, and decided he’d been away from him for too long. He pushed off the bench and glided over to him. Wrapping his arms around Changmin’s waist, Yunho sucked on his skin, mouth and tongue going against stream and following the water up his chest.
Changmin laughed, wrapped his arms around Yunho’s body and pulled them up and then down, back into the water. Their lips touched for a moment, and Yunho straddled Changmin’s lap to be held and kissed.
“Do you know what was really weird about your realm?”
“Anime?”
Changmin laughed. “No! Well, sort of ... Jaejoong and I were both pretty stunned. It’s just amazing how taboo anything related to sex is. One main thing is our clothes. Here, we all know what is hiding underneath our clothes. You may actually see women and men walking around topless one day. We wear clothes for protection of the sun and some of the trees drip sap. Splinters in your ass also hurt. We do not wear clothes to cover our nakedness.”
Yunho nodded. “I noticed that there is not a need for women to cover up.”
“Or men. That’s another thing that is very strange about your realm. Sex is everywhere, but it is taboo. Here, we have sex just like in your realm, but it is not a secret. A woman’s breasts are not special in anyway other than that they are beautiful, but a man’s body is also beautiful. Your realm is very strange. It has a strange history of men thinking they are superior to women, of men thinking women are only for sex. It is very strange.”
Yunho thought about that for a moment and nodded. “I’m sure that if men in my realm could give birth and breastfeed, boobs would not be that big of deal, there would be universal birth control, and that women would not be looked down upon as only vessels for procreation.”
“It is so very strange. And porn is strange, and your versions of prostitution. We have sex houses here, but the people who work there are not degraded or considered any less than the jewelry makers or bakers.”
“And you’ve only had sex with Jaejoong?” Yunho asked and then winced. He was curious, especially after seeing the majority of Seohyun’s breasts.
Changmin smiled. “Yes. Jaejoong is very good in bed. There was no need for me to get it from anyone else.”
Yunho stuck his tongue out at him.
“I dare assume that I am not the only one you’ve had sex with,” Changmin replied with a pointed look.
Yunho blushed. That was very true. He’d definitely had sex with more than two people.
Changmin laughed. “In our world, it does not matter. Not a bit. No one cares. Virginity does not exist here, not in the way it exists in your world, which is also strange. Here, if anyone is a virgin, sex is different. It’s ... it is difficult to explain.”
“Show me?” Yunho said and smirked. He leaned forward for a kiss. “Let’s pretend.”
Changmin gripped his ass. “That you’re a virgin?”
“Yes.”
“I am not sure that I can,” Changmin said. “I know all of the places to touch you that you like.”
Yunho ground his ass down into Changmin’s hands and rubbed his erection against Changmin’s body. “Please. You are horrible at saying no to me. Don’t start now, not when I want you so much.”
“Do you want me because you are trying not to think of anything else?”
Yunho sat back on Changmin’s knees and crossed his arms. “If I was trying not to think about your mother’s expectations, your expectations, being pregnant, and leaving my life to come and live here, then I would not be having sex with you, which is what your mother expects me to do for the rest of my life, what you want for the rest of your life, could get me pregnant one day and would be something we would do every day if I stayed here with you for the rest of my life.”
Changmin stared at him and then laughed. “Good points. All of them.”
“Do you know what the most important point is?”
“What?”
“I want you.”
“I want you, too, and that is all that should matter.”
Part 4: The Joy of Bath and Tongue
Part 2: The Crippling Expectations
Part 1: The Trees and Cliffs
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