The Arrow's Flight 5/?
Title: The Arrow's Flight 5/?
Pairing: Changmin/Junsu (Jaejoong/fc, Yunho/Heechul, Yoochun/Yoohwan [incest], Junho/fc)
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Here is another world that I wish existed in a place other than my mind, but it doesn't and I don't own them and I can only place them into this delusion.
Summary: Greed and corruption rule two neighboring kingdoms: The Kingdom of Mountains and the Kingdom of Trees. Two princes are planning a coup. Their success or failure depends on the shadow in the woods, the rogue of the forests, the arrow in the sky.
A/N: Totally inspired by Robin Hood. Can you blame me?
Warning: het
Part 5:
The Fletching
The fletching are the feathers used to guide an arrow in flight.
This chapter contains a tiny bit of incest.
“I do not like this,” Yoochun growled, pacing on the bank of a secluded bend in a river.
Yoohwan was in the river, floating on his back, pale skin patchworked with the shadows from the sunlight through the leaves.
“I know you don’t,” Yoohwan replied. “I also know that if you had known who Max is, you would not have joined up with him.”
Yoochun stopped at stared at his brother. His eyes widened. “You knew?”
“I suspected, but--”
“You traitorous beast! Why did you not say--”
“Traitorous?” Yoohwan said and stood up suddenly in the water. He walked up onto the bank, and Yoochun could not help the quick glance at the water on his skin.
Yoohwan laughed. “Not traitorous at all. Yes, I am aware of the commander ordering his troops into our village. But it was not him who killed our parents. And it definitely was not Max who was younger than you at the time!”
“Stop making sense,” Yoochun mumbled.
Yoohwan chuckled and put his wet arms around Yoochun’s shoulder, an ankle hooked at his knee. “Stop being so dramatic. Don’t take this away from me.”
“This? What this?”
Yoohwan lifted his head and smiled. A beam of light perfectly hit his face and Yoochun lost his breath for a moment at the peaceful smile on his face. He shut his eyes and wrapped his arms around Yoohwan’s waist, burying his face in his neck. The coolness of his wet hair and skin, and the soft touch under his tunic had Yoochun shivering.
“This,” Yoohwan whispered. “Moments, hours, freedom. With you. Away from everything. Even if Max goes back on his word and disappears with his prince, that does not mean that we have to follow. We are very good at living wherever we want, and with each other. Fighting with Max will threaten that, and he will put an arrow through your back without a thought if it means protecting those he loves.”
Yoochun huffed and said, “Didn’t I tell you to stop making sense?”
“Yes, but I’d have to stop talking, and you know a very good way to keep me from talking,” Yoohwan replied with a grin.
Yoochun did indeed.
<|---------<<<
Heechul despised the night patrol. He had been told by more than one person that the night was the best because it was quiet and the stars were pretty. Heechul preferred noise. Like moaning. And Yunho was pretty too. Handsome and adorable, laid out on bed, letting Heechul lick and kiss the scars up and down his skin.
And his cock. Yunho had the best cock, and Heechul knew a few things about cocks.
The biggest problem with night patrol with Heechul was that he got distracted thinking of what was waiting for him back in bed. Yunho’s thighs, Yunho’s biceps, Yunho’s mouth, Yunho’s hands, Yunho’s fingers.
And thinking of that usually led to tight trousers which led to self-gratification which led to distraction.
But Heechul was good at either quick and quiet self-relief, or letting his pleasure build for when he was back in bed with Yunho. And his hips, and his thighs, and his amazing, amazing technique.
With the mess with Max, the little devious shit, Heechul much preferred touch and company, at least enough to remind him that he was not alone, and Yunho was a permanent fixture to Heechul’s side.
So he leaned against his tree and did not touch himself, listening to the sounds of the forests with his bow up, ready for either food or protection for the compound.
Late in the night with things almost too still, too quiet, Heechul heard the rustle of leaves, the swish of branches brushing past cloth. He whistled a few codes in birdsong. But the codes were not returned. He listened, alert and aware of the area around him. With soft steps he calculated the direction the traveler was going and followed, cutting a little to the north to intercept him if he had to.
After only a couple more minutes, he determined that the traveler was alone and the traveler was experienced and swift. A few times he lost track of him, and then found him again further along than he was expecting. He had to conclude that the traveler also knew he was being followed.
Heechul changed direction and went instead for a direct interception. Jogging, soft boots quiet on the ground, he caught up to to the traveler. He wore a hood of a dark color, green probably, a seamless shadow in the trees. Heechul admired that. There was a mask over his face, with just his eyes and forehead bare to catch the bright light of the moon filtering through the trees.
Heechul was impressed.
When he got in front of the traveler, he found a good position against a tree and said, “If you value your life, you will stop where you are.”
The figure froze, almost falling in his haste to stop.
“Good,” Heechul crooned. He put away his bow and arrows and pulled his sword instead. He made sure the other saw the gleam of it in the moonlight. The figure did not move or reach for a weapon.
“Who are you?” Heechul asked.
“Taemin.”
“Taemin. You are very fast, very quick, very silent. Do you want a job?”
“Huh?”
Heechul chuckled. “Maurdering Max is always looking for recruits.”
It was such a stupid nickname, but usually used with purpose. Taemin did not quiver with fright. He did not move.
“Ah, so you’re here looking for Max, are you? Why?”
“Information.”
“A spy. Spies aren’t any fun. They rarely scream for mercy.”
Still no reaction. Heechul’s admiration for Taemin went up a notch. “Again, why are you here?”
Taemin slowly held out his hands. “In my cloak, there is an inner pocket.”
“I am not stupid enough to get that close to you. Put your left hand on your head and take out what you want me to find with the right.”
Taemin did, again going slowly, no sudden movements.
“Hold it out.”
A sparkle of metal dangled from his hand.
Heechul stepped close enough, sword extended. Taemin shifted his hand and the chain slid over Heechul sword, sliding down to the hilt. Heechul did not have to look at the medallion to know exactly what was etched on it.
“Well, well, well. A friend.” He whistled, loud and clear notes. He waited a few seconds and heard an answer. He kept his sword up and pointed at Taemin until he heard Donghae whisper-step near him.
“I need you to cover my area. I’ll send Shindong out early to help.”
“What for?” Donghae whined and then stopped when he caught sight of Taemin. “What the ...?”
Heechul smiled. “We have a visitor that Max needs to talk to.”
<|---------<<<
There was no fever. There was no infection. The medicine that EunHae had brought back helped heal Junsu’s wound.
Siwon said that he was satisfied with Junsu’s progress. Now, it was a matter of time. Now, Junsu just had to wake up.
Changmin hated waiting. He had learned patience in the forests and on his own. He had tailored what his father had taught him to the woods and trees. Turned himself into a soldier. Turned himself into a force.
Until someone he cared about was injured.
And now he paced, worried and insecure. When Junsu woke up, Changmin was determined to be angry for what he put him through.
A series of knocks interrupted his pacing.
“Come in!”
Heechul walked in, smirking like he had the biggest secret in the world.
“You’re on duty,” Changmin said immediately, and then his mouth dropped open when someone walked in behind him. He was skinny, young, and adorable. Or he had been, so many years ago. Now his face was set in a scowl, head covered by the cowl of a hood.
“Taeminnie?” Changmin whispered.
Taemin smirked, almost the twin image of Heechul. He lowered the hood, showing off his round face, long hair pulled back into a messy bun.
“I figured you’d know who he is. Isn’t he adorable?” Heechul asked and pinched the other’s cheek. The other allowed it, though he grimaced. “I already told him that Yunho would not mind if I dragged him to bed to be between us.”
“What are you doing here?” Changmin asked.
Taemin nodded at the bed. “I was sent. Your messenger was too cryptic. We want answers.”
“He sent you alone?”
“I made it, didn’t I? And I’ll make it back. What’s wrong with him?”
Changmin turned back to the bed. The candlelight tossed shadows on Junsu’s pale skin. “His guards betrayed him.”
“What?”
Changmin nodded and looked into Taemin’s eyes. “He came with seven. We took out two of them, so five ended up at their destination. In the night, they kidnapped her ladyship and Junsu followed. He overtook them easily, held his own until we could get there. I walked into an emotional battle. Two went down with Junsu’s arrows. He was fighting off two others, and had managed to almost slice one’s arm off. We finished them off when we got there.”
Taemin’s mouth was still open in shock. “There are ... still three of his guard ... we will have to question them.”
“And you?”
Taemin crossed his arms and glared at him. “My life belongs to my prince. Both of them.”
Changmin nodded. “I know, but that’s what they would have said too.”
“Her ladyship?”
“She is safe. The baby is still alive.”
“Thank the mountains’ might,” Taemin whispered. He moved to the bed, but Changmin stepped in front of him.
“Please excuse my caution,” Changmin said, “but you’d understand if someone you loved so much was unconscious after almost bleeding to death because a guard who professed his life to him tried to take it instead.”
Taemin lifted an eyebrow and smirked again. “Love?”
“Yes, tell that to your boss.”
Taemin chuckled. “I will.”
“You should stay, sleep and rest.”
“And fuck,” Heechul said. “I’m sure once Yunho sees you...”
Taemin shook his head. “This is too important. I must travel swiftly back to the palace. But ...” He grabbed the front of Heechul’s tunic and yanked him forward for a strong kiss. “When this is over, I may take you up on the offer.”
Heechul laughed and fanned his face.
Taemin smirked again before bowing at both of them. He left the room quickly, booted feet soft on the wood. Heechul followed him to the door, bending a bit to watch him walk away.
“Cute, cute, cute. If more of that mouth is a result of peace, then bring on an alliance.”
Changmin smiled. “You must be horny. Go escort Taemin out of our woods and then finish your shift.”
“Shindong is covering for me.” He waved a hand in the air without turning back to him. “Going to go fuck myself on Yunho’s cock.”
“You’re so crude.”
Heechul laughed.
Changmin shut the door behind him and then went back to the bed. He sat in the chair and rubbed his face in his hands. With knees on his elbows, he fought back a sudden bout of tears. He was tired, worried, stressed out. And hungry.
And in pain. Too much. More than he chest could handle. It tightened up, making it hard to breathe. It bubbled up, twisted through his stomach, making him sick. He pressed his palms to his eyes and growled. Sort of. The end was more like a sob, and Changmin just gave up, sagged into the chair and then to the floor, pressed his face to the soft blanket over the bed and cried over too many things, mind warring with too many thoughts, too many to focus on, and his body shook with sobs and he soaked the one spot on the bed with tears. He sobbed until his body couldn’t and then he sat there, breathing deeply, still crying but no longer shaking uncontrollably.
He had no idea how long he stayed there, exhausted and with a sudden headache. His nose was stuffy, his throat sore and his lips dry. He leaned his chin on his arm and stared at Junsu sleeping. Soon the candlelight was replaced with morning light, and Changmin leaned over to blow it out.
With his story out, and everyone gossiping about him being in love with a prince, they bothered him less, but that did not mean that Changmin could disappear. He still needed to be visible. Still needed to be available to solve problems. He’d been with Junsu for an entire night again, and he was running on almost a day without sleep. He desperately needed to sleep. Maybe he’d borrow Heechul’s bed since Heechul spent more time in Yunho’s.
But then something moved, and Changmin sat up straight, staring at the bed. At Junsu.
Sure enough, he moved again, just his arm, under the blanket, and then he turned his head. His mouth opened and he breathed deeply before a sudden coughing fit had him jerking up and then he whimpered and Changmin moved quickly. He dipped a cup into a cool bucket of water, just for this purpose, left by Siwon. He held the cup to Junsu’s lips and let him feel the moisture. Only a swallow dribbled onto his chapped lips and then Junsu settled, eyes fluttering.
Changmin put the cup on the side table and reached for Junsu’s hand. For the first time in days, when he squeezed, his hand was squeezed back.
He leaned over him and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, Junsu’s eyes were open.
“Good to see you,” Changmin whispered. “Good to see your pretty eyes.”
Junsu sort of smile and then coughed again. Changmin gave him another drink.
“Feel ... like horse ... shit,” Junsu whispered, voice harsh.
Changmin chuckled. “I bet. Siwon says you’ll be okay, especially now that you’re awake.”
“What ... happened?”
Changmin felt his throat close up again. “You fought so well, love. So amazing. Seohyun is fine. She’s safe and holding every baby and toddler in my compound. You protected her so well.”
Junsu smiled, and then his eyes tightened and he looked away. Tears dripped down his face, toward the bed. Changmin wiped them away.
“How long?” Junsu whispered.
“This is day four.”
“Junho will worry,” he said, trying to control his breathing. He was obviously in pain.
“Sh, he won’t. You’ll never believe it but Taemin was here, not even six hours ago, to check on you. He’s headed back to tell your brother that you’re alive and all is well.”
Junsu turned back to face him. “All is well?”
Changmin smiled and touched his cheek. “You are alive and I love you and...” Changmin could not keep talking, feeling himself cry again. He was so tired.
Junsu squeezed his hand. “I feel broken.”
“But alive,” Changmin returned. “I thought I lost you before I could tell you that I love you. I love you, Junsu. By the trees, the mountains, the queen--” Changmin smiled, throat tight.
Junsu chuckled and then winced.
“Sorry,” Changmin whispered. “Siwon needs to check on you.”
“Don’t leave,” Junsu said quickly. “Please. Just ...” His eyes shut and he relaxed everything but the grip on Changmin’s hand.
Changmin helped him take another drink of water.
“You love me?” Junsu gasped.
“More than the sun, more than the crown, more than--”
“Treason.”
Changmin smiled. “Are you going to tattle on me?”
“Yes. I’ll tell Junho. He’ll have you --”
“Beheaded?” Changmin said.
Junsu opened an eye. “No. Made general of his army.”
“A fate worse than death.”
Junsu smiled and relaxed. He looked at Changmin, head turned to the side, and he smiled. “I love you, King of the Rogues.”
Changmin laughed and then leaned over and kissed him. “I love you, King of my Heart. Rest. You’re safe here. Sleep. I will be right here when you wake up again.”
Part 6: The Bracer
Part 4: The Limbs
Part 3: The Anchor
Part 2: The Grip
Part 1: The Shaft
.
Pairing: Changmin/Junsu (Jaejoong/fc, Yunho/Heechul, Yoochun/Yoohwan [incest], Junho/fc)
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Here is another world that I wish existed in a place other than my mind, but it doesn't and I don't own them and I can only place them into this delusion.
Summary: Greed and corruption rule two neighboring kingdoms: The Kingdom of Mountains and the Kingdom of Trees. Two princes are planning a coup. Their success or failure depends on the shadow in the woods, the rogue of the forests, the arrow in the sky.
A/N: Totally inspired by Robin Hood. Can you blame me?
Warning: het
Part 5:
The Fletching
The fletching are the feathers used to guide an arrow in flight.
This chapter contains a tiny bit of incest.
“I do not like this,” Yoochun growled, pacing on the bank of a secluded bend in a river.
Yoohwan was in the river, floating on his back, pale skin patchworked with the shadows from the sunlight through the leaves.
“I know you don’t,” Yoohwan replied. “I also know that if you had known who Max is, you would not have joined up with him.”
Yoochun stopped at stared at his brother. His eyes widened. “You knew?”
“I suspected, but--”
“You traitorous beast! Why did you not say--”
“Traitorous?” Yoohwan said and stood up suddenly in the water. He walked up onto the bank, and Yoochun could not help the quick glance at the water on his skin.
Yoohwan laughed. “Not traitorous at all. Yes, I am aware of the commander ordering his troops into our village. But it was not him who killed our parents. And it definitely was not Max who was younger than you at the time!”
“Stop making sense,” Yoochun mumbled.
Yoohwan chuckled and put his wet arms around Yoochun’s shoulder, an ankle hooked at his knee. “Stop being so dramatic. Don’t take this away from me.”
“This? What this?”
Yoohwan lifted his head and smiled. A beam of light perfectly hit his face and Yoochun lost his breath for a moment at the peaceful smile on his face. He shut his eyes and wrapped his arms around Yoohwan’s waist, burying his face in his neck. The coolness of his wet hair and skin, and the soft touch under his tunic had Yoochun shivering.
“This,” Yoohwan whispered. “Moments, hours, freedom. With you. Away from everything. Even if Max goes back on his word and disappears with his prince, that does not mean that we have to follow. We are very good at living wherever we want, and with each other. Fighting with Max will threaten that, and he will put an arrow through your back without a thought if it means protecting those he loves.”
Yoochun huffed and said, “Didn’t I tell you to stop making sense?”
“Yes, but I’d have to stop talking, and you know a very good way to keep me from talking,” Yoohwan replied with a grin.
Yoochun did indeed.
<|---------<<<
Heechul despised the night patrol. He had been told by more than one person that the night was the best because it was quiet and the stars were pretty. Heechul preferred noise. Like moaning. And Yunho was pretty too. Handsome and adorable, laid out on bed, letting Heechul lick and kiss the scars up and down his skin.
And his cock. Yunho had the best cock, and Heechul knew a few things about cocks.
The biggest problem with night patrol with Heechul was that he got distracted thinking of what was waiting for him back in bed. Yunho’s thighs, Yunho’s biceps, Yunho’s mouth, Yunho’s hands, Yunho’s fingers.
And thinking of that usually led to tight trousers which led to self-gratification which led to distraction.
But Heechul was good at either quick and quiet self-relief, or letting his pleasure build for when he was back in bed with Yunho. And his hips, and his thighs, and his amazing, amazing technique.
With the mess with Max, the little devious shit, Heechul much preferred touch and company, at least enough to remind him that he was not alone, and Yunho was a permanent fixture to Heechul’s side.
So he leaned against his tree and did not touch himself, listening to the sounds of the forests with his bow up, ready for either food or protection for the compound.
Late in the night with things almost too still, too quiet, Heechul heard the rustle of leaves, the swish of branches brushing past cloth. He whistled a few codes in birdsong. But the codes were not returned. He listened, alert and aware of the area around him. With soft steps he calculated the direction the traveler was going and followed, cutting a little to the north to intercept him if he had to.
After only a couple more minutes, he determined that the traveler was alone and the traveler was experienced and swift. A few times he lost track of him, and then found him again further along than he was expecting. He had to conclude that the traveler also knew he was being followed.
Heechul changed direction and went instead for a direct interception. Jogging, soft boots quiet on the ground, he caught up to to the traveler. He wore a hood of a dark color, green probably, a seamless shadow in the trees. Heechul admired that. There was a mask over his face, with just his eyes and forehead bare to catch the bright light of the moon filtering through the trees.
Heechul was impressed.
When he got in front of the traveler, he found a good position against a tree and said, “If you value your life, you will stop where you are.”
The figure froze, almost falling in his haste to stop.
“Good,” Heechul crooned. He put away his bow and arrows and pulled his sword instead. He made sure the other saw the gleam of it in the moonlight. The figure did not move or reach for a weapon.
“Who are you?” Heechul asked.
“Taemin.”
“Taemin. You are very fast, very quick, very silent. Do you want a job?”
“Huh?”
Heechul chuckled. “Maurdering Max is always looking for recruits.”
It was such a stupid nickname, but usually used with purpose. Taemin did not quiver with fright. He did not move.
“Ah, so you’re here looking for Max, are you? Why?”
“Information.”
“A spy. Spies aren’t any fun. They rarely scream for mercy.”
Still no reaction. Heechul’s admiration for Taemin went up a notch. “Again, why are you here?”
Taemin slowly held out his hands. “In my cloak, there is an inner pocket.”
“I am not stupid enough to get that close to you. Put your left hand on your head and take out what you want me to find with the right.”
Taemin did, again going slowly, no sudden movements.
“Hold it out.”
A sparkle of metal dangled from his hand.
Heechul stepped close enough, sword extended. Taemin shifted his hand and the chain slid over Heechul sword, sliding down to the hilt. Heechul did not have to look at the medallion to know exactly what was etched on it.
“Well, well, well. A friend.” He whistled, loud and clear notes. He waited a few seconds and heard an answer. He kept his sword up and pointed at Taemin until he heard Donghae whisper-step near him.
“I need you to cover my area. I’ll send Shindong out early to help.”
“What for?” Donghae whined and then stopped when he caught sight of Taemin. “What the ...?”
Heechul smiled. “We have a visitor that Max needs to talk to.”
<|---------<<<
There was no fever. There was no infection. The medicine that EunHae had brought back helped heal Junsu’s wound.
Siwon said that he was satisfied with Junsu’s progress. Now, it was a matter of time. Now, Junsu just had to wake up.
Changmin hated waiting. He had learned patience in the forests and on his own. He had tailored what his father had taught him to the woods and trees. Turned himself into a soldier. Turned himself into a force.
Until someone he cared about was injured.
And now he paced, worried and insecure. When Junsu woke up, Changmin was determined to be angry for what he put him through.
A series of knocks interrupted his pacing.
“Come in!”
Heechul walked in, smirking like he had the biggest secret in the world.
“You’re on duty,” Changmin said immediately, and then his mouth dropped open when someone walked in behind him. He was skinny, young, and adorable. Or he had been, so many years ago. Now his face was set in a scowl, head covered by the cowl of a hood.
“Taeminnie?” Changmin whispered.
Taemin smirked, almost the twin image of Heechul. He lowered the hood, showing off his round face, long hair pulled back into a messy bun.
“I figured you’d know who he is. Isn’t he adorable?” Heechul asked and pinched the other’s cheek. The other allowed it, though he grimaced. “I already told him that Yunho would not mind if I dragged him to bed to be between us.”
“What are you doing here?” Changmin asked.
Taemin nodded at the bed. “I was sent. Your messenger was too cryptic. We want answers.”
“He sent you alone?”
“I made it, didn’t I? And I’ll make it back. What’s wrong with him?”
Changmin turned back to the bed. The candlelight tossed shadows on Junsu’s pale skin. “His guards betrayed him.”
“What?”
Changmin nodded and looked into Taemin’s eyes. “He came with seven. We took out two of them, so five ended up at their destination. In the night, they kidnapped her ladyship and Junsu followed. He overtook them easily, held his own until we could get there. I walked into an emotional battle. Two went down with Junsu’s arrows. He was fighting off two others, and had managed to almost slice one’s arm off. We finished them off when we got there.”
Taemin’s mouth was still open in shock. “There are ... still three of his guard ... we will have to question them.”
“And you?”
Taemin crossed his arms and glared at him. “My life belongs to my prince. Both of them.”
Changmin nodded. “I know, but that’s what they would have said too.”
“Her ladyship?”
“She is safe. The baby is still alive.”
“Thank the mountains’ might,” Taemin whispered. He moved to the bed, but Changmin stepped in front of him.
“Please excuse my caution,” Changmin said, “but you’d understand if someone you loved so much was unconscious after almost bleeding to death because a guard who professed his life to him tried to take it instead.”
Taemin lifted an eyebrow and smirked again. “Love?”
“Yes, tell that to your boss.”
Taemin chuckled. “I will.”
“You should stay, sleep and rest.”
“And fuck,” Heechul said. “I’m sure once Yunho sees you...”
Taemin shook his head. “This is too important. I must travel swiftly back to the palace. But ...” He grabbed the front of Heechul’s tunic and yanked him forward for a strong kiss. “When this is over, I may take you up on the offer.”
Heechul laughed and fanned his face.
Taemin smirked again before bowing at both of them. He left the room quickly, booted feet soft on the wood. Heechul followed him to the door, bending a bit to watch him walk away.
“Cute, cute, cute. If more of that mouth is a result of peace, then bring on an alliance.”
Changmin smiled. “You must be horny. Go escort Taemin out of our woods and then finish your shift.”
“Shindong is covering for me.” He waved a hand in the air without turning back to him. “Going to go fuck myself on Yunho’s cock.”
“You’re so crude.”
Heechul laughed.
Changmin shut the door behind him and then went back to the bed. He sat in the chair and rubbed his face in his hands. With knees on his elbows, he fought back a sudden bout of tears. He was tired, worried, stressed out. And hungry.
And in pain. Too much. More than he chest could handle. It tightened up, making it hard to breathe. It bubbled up, twisted through his stomach, making him sick. He pressed his palms to his eyes and growled. Sort of. The end was more like a sob, and Changmin just gave up, sagged into the chair and then to the floor, pressed his face to the soft blanket over the bed and cried over too many things, mind warring with too many thoughts, too many to focus on, and his body shook with sobs and he soaked the one spot on the bed with tears. He sobbed until his body couldn’t and then he sat there, breathing deeply, still crying but no longer shaking uncontrollably.
He had no idea how long he stayed there, exhausted and with a sudden headache. His nose was stuffy, his throat sore and his lips dry. He leaned his chin on his arm and stared at Junsu sleeping. Soon the candlelight was replaced with morning light, and Changmin leaned over to blow it out.
With his story out, and everyone gossiping about him being in love with a prince, they bothered him less, but that did not mean that Changmin could disappear. He still needed to be visible. Still needed to be available to solve problems. He’d been with Junsu for an entire night again, and he was running on almost a day without sleep. He desperately needed to sleep. Maybe he’d borrow Heechul’s bed since Heechul spent more time in Yunho’s.
But then something moved, and Changmin sat up straight, staring at the bed. At Junsu.
Sure enough, he moved again, just his arm, under the blanket, and then he turned his head. His mouth opened and he breathed deeply before a sudden coughing fit had him jerking up and then he whimpered and Changmin moved quickly. He dipped a cup into a cool bucket of water, just for this purpose, left by Siwon. He held the cup to Junsu’s lips and let him feel the moisture. Only a swallow dribbled onto his chapped lips and then Junsu settled, eyes fluttering.
Changmin put the cup on the side table and reached for Junsu’s hand. For the first time in days, when he squeezed, his hand was squeezed back.
He leaned over him and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, Junsu’s eyes were open.
“Good to see you,” Changmin whispered. “Good to see your pretty eyes.”
Junsu sort of smile and then coughed again. Changmin gave him another drink.
“Feel ... like horse ... shit,” Junsu whispered, voice harsh.
Changmin chuckled. “I bet. Siwon says you’ll be okay, especially now that you’re awake.”
“What ... happened?”
Changmin felt his throat close up again. “You fought so well, love. So amazing. Seohyun is fine. She’s safe and holding every baby and toddler in my compound. You protected her so well.”
Junsu smiled, and then his eyes tightened and he looked away. Tears dripped down his face, toward the bed. Changmin wiped them away.
“How long?” Junsu whispered.
“This is day four.”
“Junho will worry,” he said, trying to control his breathing. He was obviously in pain.
“Sh, he won’t. You’ll never believe it but Taemin was here, not even six hours ago, to check on you. He’s headed back to tell your brother that you’re alive and all is well.”
Junsu turned back to face him. “All is well?”
Changmin smiled and touched his cheek. “You are alive and I love you and...” Changmin could not keep talking, feeling himself cry again. He was so tired.
Junsu squeezed his hand. “I feel broken.”
“But alive,” Changmin returned. “I thought I lost you before I could tell you that I love you. I love you, Junsu. By the trees, the mountains, the queen--” Changmin smiled, throat tight.
Junsu chuckled and then winced.
“Sorry,” Changmin whispered. “Siwon needs to check on you.”
“Don’t leave,” Junsu said quickly. “Please. Just ...” His eyes shut and he relaxed everything but the grip on Changmin’s hand.
Changmin helped him take another drink of water.
“You love me?” Junsu gasped.
“More than the sun, more than the crown, more than--”
“Treason.”
Changmin smiled. “Are you going to tattle on me?”
“Yes. I’ll tell Junho. He’ll have you --”
“Beheaded?” Changmin said.
Junsu opened an eye. “No. Made general of his army.”
“A fate worse than death.”
Junsu smiled and relaxed. He looked at Changmin, head turned to the side, and he smiled. “I love you, King of the Rogues.”
Changmin laughed and then leaned over and kissed him. “I love you, King of my Heart. Rest. You’re safe here. Sleep. I will be right here when you wake up again.”
Part 6: The Bracer
Part 4: The Limbs
Part 3: The Anchor
Part 2: The Grip
Part 1: The Shaft
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