Fortune's End [6/6]

[london9calling]

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5


“May I speak to you?” Chanyeol had made a point to approach Luhan the moment Baekhyun and Leo were otherwise engaged, stalking the length of the tea hall. Luhan hadn’t spoken to Chanyeol in depth since he had saved him from punishment.

Luhan stood, following Chanyeol to a corner of the room, “What is it?”

Chanyeol looked over his shoulder nervously before speaking, as if he was ensuring no one was close enough to overhear. “Last night, Baekhyun followed Jongdae to bed.”

“What?” Luhan furrowed his brow, not sure that he was understanding what Chanyeol was trying to tell him.

“Look, I know you aren’t interested in the prince, I am only telling you because I am afraid what he is up to.” It was no wonder Chanyeol looked nervous. He was already afraid of Baekhyun, and to tell Luhan what he saw probably had he terrified.

“Wasn’t Minseok there?” Luhan, for all that he knew about Baekhyun and Minseok’s true relationship or lack thereof, couldn’t believe that Baekhyun would so blatantly indicate his relationship with his master was anything but perfect. On top of that, knowing Jongdae had taken him to his chambers was indicative that something had changed - something that could indicate Jongdae’s interests were shifting drastically away from Luhan. Did he, could he, love Baekhyun? Jongdae’s words about only taking a consort that he could love flooded back. Was Luhan only a matter of days away from being shucked off, thrown to a fate in the mines?

“No, he had left. Listen, I don’t think they wanted to be seen. I was waiting for Kai and they all but snuck out, but I saw them in the passageway.” Chanyeol placed a hand on Luhan’s shoulder. “I am telling you because I am worried what he is up to. Be careful, friend.”

“Thank you for letting me know.” Luhan patted Chanyeol’s hand. “You are truly my only friend in this place.”

“Telling secrets in the corner, are we?” Baekhyun interrupted the exchange, Chanyeol quickly pulling away and making his way back towards his seat. Luhan looked at Baekhyun, really looked at him. Had he made his move, filling the void when Luhan had turned Jongdae away? How many times had it happened? Had Jongdae, for all of his words about love and only having one Gariadon, decided he had chosen incorrectly?

“I wouldn’t dream of telling secrets, Baekhyun. This place has too many ears,” Luhan replied, returning to his seat.

Luhan watched as Jongdae let the arrow fly, the projectile thudding into the tightly packed hay. The prince had hit the red painted target dead on. Smiling he retrieved another arrow and shot again. Luhan stood at the sidelines, hands clasped together watching.

It was a surprise to find himself at the archery range, standing next to Baekhyun, Chanyeol, and a few of the other Gariadon as the prince and his knights practiced. They had been nearing the end of tea when the order came, delivered by a servant. Their presence was requested by his highness. Luhan wondered if this second outing of the day was another attempt at an apology, a thought made that much more confusing by what Chanyeol had told him about Baekhyun and Jongdae.

Luhan couldn’t help his eyes from wandering to where Minseok stood, dressed in a green tunic, his dark hair blowing in the wind. How he wished he could find a moment to be alone with the man, to kiss him, to ask the questions eating away at him.

“His highness excels, as usual.” Baekhyun clapped as Jongdae’s arrow hit the dead center of the target again, Luhan belatedly following his show of approval. “Luhan, you are truly a lucky man.”

When Minseok stepped up, showing his own talents with the bow, Luhan couldn’t help but repay Baekhyun. “But surely, Baekhyun, your own master is nothing to be ashamed of.” He found some satisfaction at the way Baekhyun’s jaw momentarily tightened, before he made a show of agreeing.

The Gariadon watched as Kai stepped up, his skill less honed than Minseok and Jongdae. Chanyeol seemed to disagree, cheering on the knight with fervor. When he was done shooting he stalked over to his Gariadon and planted a kiss on the man’s lips in front of everyone.

“Leave it for the bedroom!” Jongdae yelled at his knight, pushing Sehun towards the range.

Sehun shot Jongdae an annoyed look before walking over to retrieve an arrow. “Kai - listen to your betters. Leave it for the bedroom, or at least a dark hallway.” Luhan could have sworn the knight looked his way as he spoke.

Luhan paled. Had Sehun seen? Did he know about Minseok and Luhan? Had he…shaking off his concern he tried to pay attention to Sehun as he clumsily shot. Yet he could not focus. If Sehun knew…would it only be a matter of time before he told Jongdae? No, if he knew he certainly would have told Jongdae already, Luhan was certain of it. Why would he hold onto such information when he fully hated the entirety of the Gariadon, holding it against them for Yixing’s escape?

Luhan couldn’t find a reason for the man holding his tongue, not having the foresight to understand why doing so may be to Sehun’s benefit.

When the door to his chambers opened a few hours after dinner, Luhan fully expected it to be Jongdae paying him an early visit. When Minseok walked into his room he had to blink a few times before believing it was really him. He hadn’t expected Minseok to be bold enough to visit him in his chambers, not with Jongdae in residence.

Minseok rushed forward, pulling Luhan into his arms. Luhan was still in shock, only easing into the embrace when he realized it was truly Minseok holding him.

“Have you been well?” Minseok hugged Luhan so tightly to him the man felt he couldn’t breathe. But he didn’t mind, not really.

“I can’t believe you are here,” Luhan was still in shock as Minseok led him to the bed, sitting down next to him.

“I came as soon as I could. Jongdae is busy,” Minseok explained, like that would be enough if they were somehow discovered together.

Luhan needed to feel Minseok, to be as near to him as possible. He peppered the knight’s face in gentle kisses, melding into him, relishing in being held. “What of your plan?” Luhan asked as he intertwined his hand with Minseok’s, wishing the moment never had to end.

“We shall act once the king returns to Dinas Gwynn and Jongdae returns to the front,” Minseok assured him. “It will be sooner than you think.”

“Minseok, Chanyeol told me something today, I am afraid that Jongdae has set his sights on Baekhyun.”

“On Baekhyun?” Minseok was visibly confused. “I wouldn’t worry, not yet.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes, if he was thinking of discarding you it would be more obvious than whispers of a night spent together.”

Luhan found reassurance in Minseok’s words, reassurance in his touches.

“This is torture,” Luhan whispered, knowing from the pained look in Minseok’s eyes he felt the same.

They wasted no more time talking, Minseok finding Luhan’s lips, laying claim to the man he loved. Luhan moaned, carding his hands through Minseok’s hair. He was so distracted he only registered the noise of the key in the lock when Minseok suddenly pulled away.

Luhan gasped, staring at the door as it began to open. Minseok bolted. He rushed to the far end of the room and darted behind the long royal blue curtains just in time - the door opening as he disappeared from sight.

“Did I startle you?” Jongdae was all smiles as he approached Luhan, apparently completely unaware that Minseok was hiding only feet away.

“I - I, yes.” This was bad, very bad.

“I find myself saying sorry a lot lately.” Jongdae sat on the bed. “I was able to get rid of the pesky ministers early tonight. I missed you.”

It was a nightmare. A waking nightmare as Jongdae reached for Luhan. His mind went blank as Jongdae’s mouth found his own, then trailed lower, to his neck. Jongdae teased with his tongue, licks, suckles, his hands trailing over Luhan’s torso. Luhan stiffened. Minseok was there, he was there and he would see. Minseok knowing and Minseok seeing were two very different things.

Luhan looked towards the curtains, Jongdae’s back turned to the window, his mouth attached to Luhan’s Adams apple, suckling. He stared towards the window, towards the hidden form of his lover. He needed to do something, he needed to stop Jongdae-

A loud knock on the door saved Luhan from having to think of his own escape method.

“What?!” Jongdae yelled towards the door, clearly not amused.

“Your highness, His majesty is expected to arrive within the hour.” It was Baekhyun.

Jongdae groaned. “I shall be there soon.”

“Your highness, your presence is required in the throne room.” Baekhyun wasn’t letting up, causing Jongdae to pound a fist into the mattress. “I am coming!” he roared, sitting up.

“My father knows how to ruin every bit of pleasure I have,” Jongdae spat, clearly angry.

“Will I see you later tonight?” Luhan was asking because he didn’t want a repeat, didn’t want Jongdae barging in unannounced, on the small chance Minseok was bold enough to stick around.

“Why?” Jongdae asked. “Are you as angry as I?”

“Hm.” Luhan tried to look heartbroken.

“Likely not. I shall be busy listening to that old man drone on,” Jongdae sighed. “I best go before Baekhyun gives me a tongue lashing.”

With that the prince left, his goodbye a kiss on Luhan’s lips, lingering long enough that Baekhyun once again interrupted. It was a good thirty seconds after the door shut, the key clicking in the lock, when Minseok emerged from hiding. The look on his face was intense, a mixture of anger and jealousy, unlike anything Luhan had ever seen.

“I would have sent him away, I would have-“Luhan stuttered, not wanting Minseok to get the wrong idea.

If Luhan didn’t want it, didn’t need it as much as Minseok it would have been an assault. Minseok was on top of Luhan, pushing him into the bed, tugging at his robes. His kisses were bruising, intense as he covered every inch of skin that he could with nips and bites. Luhan gasped, letting himself be pulled up, his robes tossed aside, Minseok stripping with the same frenzy.

“I can’t stand seeing him touch you,” Minseok growled, not waiting for Luhan to respond, to make excuses or apologize before he was spreading him wide. “You are mine.”

Luhan was hard. Minseok’s possessive actions had turned him on, instilling a desire in him that he didn’t know possible. When Minseok inserted two fingers into Luhan’s mouth, the concubine sucked on them greedily, knowing full well what Minseok was planning. He didn’t wait long before he removed his fingers, a blur of movement before Luhan found himself throwing his head back at the pain. Minseok inserted his digits, roughly easing Luhan open. It was painful but it was good, so good.

Minseok leaned in, angling his fingers as he captured Luhan’s mouth, a greedy and sloppy kiss. Minseok was scissoring his fingers, moving them apart as Luhan opened up to him.

“Say you are mine,” Minseok’s voice was husky, wanton, as he removed his fingers. Luhan gasped.

“Say it,” Minseok repeated, spreading Luhan’s legs wider, lining his hard cock up with Luhan’s hole.

“I am yours,” Luhan moaned, grabbing at the bed covers as Minseok seated himself in one intense thrust. Luhan knew it wouldn’t be slow, gentle love making. Minseok was too worked up for anything of the sort. The knight gripped Luhan’s legs, pushing forward with all his force. The pain was searing, but a burn that Luhan needed, a burn that was a claim on his body, a claim he wanted.

Minseok slammed into him, Luhan reaching down and taking his own length in his hand, fisting in time with Minseok’s maddening pace. It was a heady feeling, being filled so roughly. He looked up at Minseok, where the man was biting his bottom lip, his pupils blown as he grunted.

“I am yours,” Luhan repeated before letting out a strangled sound, coming onto his hand. Minseok‘s thrusts lost their rhythm, a moment later he collapsed on top of Luhan, spasming. Luhan held him as he rode out his orgasm, planting tender kisses on his hairline, a strange feeling after their rough lovemaking.

When Minseok finally raised his head, easing out of Luhan, he looked pained. “Did I hurt you?”

“No.” Luhan smiled reassuringly.

Minseok rolled over on his back, pulling Luhan to him, “I... was that okay?”

“Hm,” Luhan sighed contently, easing into Minseok’s side. “Though I don‘t think you should stay long.”

Minseok nodded, planting a kiss on Luhan’s brow. After a few moments of silence the knight spoke. “I know you are doing what you must, but it drives me mad to see it.”

“I know,” Luhan whispered against Minseok’s shoulder.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Luhan placed a gentle kiss on Minseok’s lips. Even if they couldn’t be together openly, even if they were both playing a game of power, a path towards freedom, even if Luhan wasn’t sharing his bed with Minseok alone, the knight was the only man he could - would, ever love.

Minseok dressed quietly, the lovers engaging in another long and languid mess of kisses before the knight slipped away. Neither knew when they would have a chance to be alone again.

The thought of facing the King, the specter that had haunted Luhan’s nightmares for a decade, settled in that night. He hated the man, he was the reason Minseok had been taken, he was the reason the war continued, he was the reason he had lost ten years with the man he loved. A little bit of him wondered if the king would recognize him but he quickly dismissed the thought. A war mongering hellion likely stared at hundreds of Eastern peasants in the face. The likelihood he would remember one over the other was remote.

Luhan barely slept that night regardless, afraid for what was to come. He had worked out the details of the Gariadon responsibilities with Baekhyun as much as he could, given the monarch’s apparently unpredictable nature. The only thing for certain was that they would be in ceremonial dress and Luhan would lead them where they were called. Where that may be was completely wide open.

When Kyungsoo appeared, ceremonial robes in hand, Luhan gave him a questioning look.

“His Majesty is prepared to begin the celebrations,” Kyungsoo explained emotionlessly, setting the robes down as two serving men appeared with a tub, returning several times to fill it.

“What should I expect?” Luhan asked as he sunk into the steaming water, Kyungsoo sprinkling the tub with fragrant petals.

“Expectations are meaningless with the King. He does as he pleases and it often has little rhyme or reason.”

“I am afraid,” Luhan muttered.

“You should be,” Kyungsoo confirmed. Luhan had come to find Kyungsoo’s presence soothing in some ways; his brutal honesty was not always one of those ways.

Luhan dressed in the elaborate blue robes. Kyungsoo adjusted the fabric carefully before declaring Luhan was presentable.

Luhan was nervous as he led the procession of the Gariadon towards the feasting room. Baekhyun stayed close by his side.

“Remember what you have learned,” Baekhyun whispered, apparently more confident in Luhan’s ability to retain knowledge than the man himself.

When they reached the feasting hall Luhan paused, taken aback by the fact the room was already brimming with activity. Looking towards the head of the table he stilled, seeing that the seat was already occupied. It was the king, the man who had visited his nightmares for years.

“Move,” Baekhyun hissed, pushing Luhan forward. Those gathered payed the Gariadon little mind as they filtered into the vast hall, attempting to take their seats without drawing attention to themselves.

Luhan noticed the seat next to Jongdae, noticed that the vacant chair was sitting right in-between Minseok and Jongdae. He swallowed, head bowed, as he gracefully made his way to the empty spot. Jongdae turned, offering a wide smile as Luhan slipped into the chair.

The King, the devil, was loudly telling a story, laughing and then awkwardly pausing for effect. He didn’t seem to notice Luhan or the others and Luhan thankful for the lack of attention. He chanced a glance at Minseok, but the knight was busy greeting Baekhyun. Looking across the table Luhan saw Leo and his master, Kai and Chanyeol, and Sehun seated very near the king. There were many faces that Luhan did not recognize, likely those who had traveled with the king.

Luhan kept his eyes focused downwards, not daring to look at the monarch, too afraid of drawing attention to himself. His plan seemed to work, the king laughing and conversing loudly as the minutes passed. When Jongdae joined in on the conversation, recounting his own battlefield exploits, Luhan tensed, afraid. When his fears were realized he felt like throwing up, his stomach churning.

“Son, were you planning on introducing me to your whore?” The king laughed boisterously at his own words and those surrounding them chuckling along. Luhan blanched, his fists clenched in his lap.

“Ah, yes. Father, this is my Gariadon, Luhan.” Jongdae sounded pleasant, too pleasant as he made the introduction.

“A pretty little thing,” the king remarked. “Look at me, boy.”

Luhan braced himself, making eye contact with the king. He stared at the man, flashing back to ten years before, when the same man stared down at him, laughing, as he demanded a ransom. He was aged, a few new scars jutted across his handsome face, but he was the same. Dark brown eyes. Dark brown hair. Perfect features, a glint in his eyes that spoke of cruelty. Luhan tried to hold his head up without shooting the beast a dirty look, without indicating how much he hated him.

“To think I was considering Sehun’s request,” the king laughed, never breaking eye contact, “I am not sure I could send such a pretty thing away.”

Sehun’s request? Luhan wasn’t sure what the man was referring to.

“Your majesty, I am happy you were entertaining the idea.”

As soon as the monarch looked to Sehun, Luhan did the same, confused what idea Sehun was referring to.

“The boy is bitter his whore ran away.” The king nudged at his son, smirking. “I dare say the rest of you are happy enough with your pets.”

“I am not sure that is the case,” Sehun spoke evenly.

“If that is not the case, speak your mind, Sir Sehun!” Jongdae was being formal, too formal. The outrage was evident in his tone, the fact one of his knights had apparently brought such a complaint to his father seemingly unknown to the prince.

“I have witnessed with my own eyes how the Gariadon flit from room to room, spreading their legs for whomever will give them a pretty word.” Sehun glared at Luhan, a sadistic smile on his face.

Luhan felt like the room was spinning.

“What are you referring to?” Jongdae demanded, clearly upset.

“It is no secret, your highness, that your Gariadon meets others in secluded alcoves,” Sehun drawled, his eyes never leaving Luhan. “Though I dare say he isn’t the only guilty party.”

“That is a lie!” Jongdae stood, pounding his fist on the table. Luhan didn’t dare look at Minseok, didn’t dare. He felt sick. So Sehun knew, so he had waited to say anything...he had waited so he could deal a blow with the utmost damage.

“Oh - how interesting.” The King seemed amused by the fact. “My son, your court is in disarray.”

“He is lying,” Jongdae protested, his hands firmly planted on the table he stared Sehun down. “How dare you betray me?!”

“It is not a betrayal if it is true.” Sehun was composed, confident, apparently relishing the way he had set off the Western prince.

“Oh hoh, interesting.” The king clapped his hands furiously. “I dare say this warrants a joust!”

Luhan stared in horror as the king pointed towards Jongdae, “Name your champion, son.”

“I name Sir Minseok,” Jongdae growled, Luhan horrified. A joust? A champion? He recalled the brief explanation that Baekhyun had given him on the matter. The Westerners, with their distorted code of chivalry had an honor system, not often invoked, that allowed them to stage a fight, a joust, to prove the right from the wrong.

“Very good. And you?” The king directed his attention to Sehun.

“Sir Kai,” Sehun announced.

“It seems my visit was not in vain!” The king clapped his hands, rubbing them together. His eyes were sparkling, the idea of a joust seeming to please him. “This afternoon then! I don’t want our champions growing too used to the idea.”

Luhan felt the hand on his knee, knowing it was Minseok. He reached for his hand, unable to resist, needing any comfort he could receive. His dark world had just become that much darker.

The feasting ended near midday, the king proclaiming the knights needed to practice for the hastily arranged fight ahead of them. Luhan rose numbly from his seat. Jongdae had whispered dozens of soothing words into his ear, made a show of wrapping his arms around his concubine as a display of trust. Any indication he was thinking of throwing Luhan off seeming to be a foolish thought. Yet it didn’t matter, it didn’t help. The only, small comfort he received was the few seconds he held Minseok’s hand in his own. The rest of the time he sat petrified of what was to come.

“We have things to discuss.” Baekhyun snagged Luhan, taking his arm, as soon as they left the feasting hall. He practically dragged Luhan towards a small room off of the main hall, closing the door before he erupted.

“Is what Sehun says true?!”

Luhan stared at Baekhyun as if the man had slapped him. He spoke without censoring his words. “Is it not true you share Jongdae’s bed?”

Baekhyun backed up, a momentary glimpse of weakness. “What?”

“Is it not true you have slept with the prince?”

“Who told you that?” Baekhyun demanded.

“So it is true,” Luhan laughed. “You are guilty.”

“Whose bed do you share, Luhan?” Baekhyun countered.

“I suppose we shall see what is true and what is not. Is not the joust a determining factor per the rules of the court?” It was petty, sure it was horribly petty to throw such a thing in Baekhyun’s face, yet it was what Luhan had at his disposal. He was too worked up to be nice, too upset to care that he was going for the throat.

“I hope for your sake neither man dies,” Baekhyun spat back. “If Minseok dies because of your inability to stay faithful I will…” Baekhyun paused, shaking with anger.

“I think you forget I am a slave, Baekhyun, the same as you. Faithful is a very odd word to describe our situation no matter how many years we have played with our captors.” Luhan walked past the man, opening the door. He was done with the conversation. The thought of Minseok dying was too horrible to contemplate, too brutal for his mind to consider- arguing with Baekhyun would only make everything worse.

Luhan sat on the trestle bench, fighting back a desire to rebel, to trash his room, to demand to be let out, or to flee. He needed to stop it, he couldn’t let Minseok be injured - or worse -die, because of their situation. He debated his options. What if he threw himself from the window? What if he stopped any such question of fidelity because he ceased to be?

When his door opened he didn’t bother to look to see who entered.

“Luhan.” It was Kyungsoo, and it was strange to hear the boy speak his name. They were very familiar with each other, but yet the boy rarely if ever spoke to him in such a straightforward manner.

Luhan watched as the eunuch walked to him and crouched down, placing a hesitant hand on Luhan’s own. “Luhan, listen to me. Minseok has sent a message.”

Luhan was certainly listening. He needed to hear from Minseok.

“He said you shouldn’t worry, he shall throw his lance, as will Kai.” Kyungsoo was serious, his wide eyed expression dripping of sincerity. “You don’t need to worry.”

“He will?” Luhan bit his bottom lip, trying to refrain from crying.

Kyungsoo nodded. “It is common practice for the jousters to reach an agreement like this, to end the duel without a winner, to declare the matter over with, neither confirming nor denying - a sacrifice for both parties.”

“But Sehun-“

Kyungsoo seemed different, bold, as he interrupted Luhan. “He will have had his fun and have to deal with his bitterness alone. Now please, tell me you won’t try anything crazy.” It was strange how well the eunuch recognized his train of thought, how well he had come to know him in the last few months.

“Kyungsoo…” Luhan couldn’t fight the tears anymore, his voice cracking as he sobbed.

Kyungsoo pulled him into a hug, Luhan embracing the eunuch.

“I know how hard it is, Luhan, to be in love behind enemy lines.” Kyungsoo patted Luhan’s back, trying to soothe him.

Luhan didn’t question what Kyungsoo meant, too engrossed in his own sorrow. In retrospect he should have, at least so he would learn who may share his sorrow when all hell broke loose.

The king sat on a dais, Jongdae by his side. When Luhan entered the jousting area, a part of the castle grounds he had never seen before, his eyes searched not for the monarch or his son - he was looking for Minseok. Despite Kyungsoo’s words Luhan could not help but fear what would occur. Would they really throw their lances aside, proclaiming a peaceful if not exactly conclusive end to Sehun’s accusations? Or perhaps something else would happen. The thought of Minseok being injured made Luhan’s stomach churn.

He spotted Minseok across the jousting field, fiddling with his saddle. He buried the desire to run to him and followed Baekhyun’s lead, climbing onto the dais to take his seat on the far left side, along with the other Gariadon.

The court trumpeters were present, waiting for the sign to announce the beginning of the joust. Luhan spotted Kai at the other end of the field, inspecting a lance held by one of the squires. Luhan looked to Chanyeol, seated a few spaces away. He appeared nervous, pale and still. Luhan felt guilty that Kai had to be dragged into this mess, for Chanyeol’s sake at least.

Luhan turned his attention back to Minseok, watching as the man mounted his horse with a fluid motion. He was in full armor, a sight that Luhan had never seen. The silver armor was shining in the sunlight, an impressive sight. Minseok grabbed the lance that was held out to him, closing his visor with his free hand. Luhan found his body reacting to each movement. He began sweating, his heartbeat became erratic, his hands clenched in fists as he kept his eyes trained on Minseok.

“Let us hope that this ends well,” Baekhyun muttered. Luhan ignored the comment. He was already so worked up he didn’t need to indulge in another verbal match with Baekhyun.

When the trumpets sounded, Minseok lined his horse up with the mark drawn in the sandy dirt, lance held upright.

“Sir Minseok, Sir Kai, I bid you to joust for the honor of Luhan de Jongdae and the accusations against him.” King Junmyeon, voice booming, gave the men the signal to begin.

It was a blur as his horse bolted forward, Luhan sucking in a breath as he watched Minseok’s dark steed race towards Kai’s white one. Kai had his lance up, a good sign, Luhan thought. Kyungsoo must be right, he must be correct -they would pass by each other without ever crashing their lances into each other.

When the riders neared each other, the cheers of the crowd thundering around them, the unexpected occurred. Luhan gasped as he watched - horrified. Minseok’s horse bucked up, nearly throwing Minseok. The knight lost control of his lance, the long weapon slipping from his hands just as Kai passed him. Collective shouts rang out all around the jousting field as Minseok’s lance slammed into Kai, knocking the knight from his horse with a crashing thud. The knight’s body fell unnaturally from his steed. Minseok’s lance splintered with the contact, dropping from the knight’s hand as his horse bucked and galloped, control over the animal finally regained at the end of the jousting field. Minseok slipped from his horse, scrambling towards where Kai lay, his horse long ago reaching the opposite end of the field.

“I hope you are proud of yourself,” Baekhyun hissed, standing up.

Luhan felt the tears well, the horror course through him as he watched Minseok and half a dozen others - Sehun, Jongdae, Yifan, scrambling towards the fallen knight. He didn’t dare look at Chanyeol, he heard his screams. What had he done? What had he done?

A hard slap wrenched his head to the side. Luhan raised a hand to his cheek he found Chanyeol looming over him. “If he is dead I will never forgive you.”

“I...” Luhan’s words were stuck in his throat.

“You played them all and you aren’t even the one who has to suffer.” Luhan had never seen Chanyeol angry, not like this. It was frightening - yet completely warranted.

Luhan sucked in a breath. He closed his eyes tightly he listened to the cries, the shouts, the chaos surrounding him. He didn’t dare look, he didn’t dare see if Kai lay dead. He didn’t dare.

“I proclaim Luhan de Jongdae innocent of all charges levied against him.” It was King Junmyeon, the man that Luhan hated more than anyone else. It was King Junmyeon announcing his innocence as Kai lay injured. A Westerner, laying broken and bloodied in a violent show of defending Luhan’s fidelity.

When he opened his eyes he chanced a glance at the field, and what he saw sent a shiver down his spine. Jongdae was there, alongside his knights. The prince glared up at Luhan, and the look he sent him was anything but loving. It was cold, angry, and distrustful. Kai’s injury had changed something, Luhan knew it.

Luhan stood and rushed from the dais, the need to throw up too great to ignore.

“Sir Kai lives,” Kyungsoo spoke slowly.

Luhan pulled the bedcovers up to his neck, staring at the stone wall of his chambers. So he lived, so he was alive. It was good news, yet…

“Kyungsoo, tell Minseok we are still in danger.” Luhan worried for Minseok, worried for what he was feeling after the freak accident injured Kai. The man was a Westerner after all, yet…he was Minseok’s friend, wasn’t he? The lines between them, between hating and fondness and power and weakness had blurred into a chaotic threat - he wasn’t safe anymore. He probably never was. Chanyeol hated him now and Chanyeol knew all about his feelings towards Minseok. Then there was Baekhyun, who was very much threatened by Luhan all along. Who would talk first? Who would make sure that Luhan couldn’t escape the twisted web of love and pretend first?

And if neither man dared speak against him, the image of Jongdae glaring at him was enough to convince him things were not well, anything but well, at the moment.

“I will try.” Kyungsoo left, keys rattling as he softly closed the door.

When Kyungsoo returned later that night knew something was going on. After the joust the concubines were relegated to their chambers, Kyungsoo explaining that the king had no want of them at that night’s celebrations. Apparently they had served as enough entertainment that day, given the joust and the terrible outcome.

Luhan had spent the day in bed, worried, upset, and scared.

“I will take you to him.” Kyungsoo seemed nervous, unusually so.

Luhan didn’t have to ask who the man was referring to. Of course it was Minseok.

Luhan followed Kyungsoo out of the room, his eyes darting around to every dark corner, every place a person could lurk. His paranoia grew tenfold after Sehun’s accusation that morning.

Kyungsoo led him away from the concubine’s chambers, towards a part of the keep he had never set foot in. The unfamiliarity of the place had Luhan feeling even tenser, even more afraid of being caught. He didn’t dare try to understand why Minseok though it was safe for them to meet, when less than twelve hours prior Luhan had been accused of being unfaithful to Jongdae - wandering the halls to meet his lover, as he was at the moment.

Yet he wanted so desperately to see Minseok. He wanted to make sure Minseok was alright after the joust. And a large part of him wanted Minseok to reassure him - to tell him everything would be okay.

Kyungsoo pushed open a set of doors, then pulled out his keyring to unlock a double set of doors that waited a few feet in front of the first. When the doors were unlocked Kyungsoo held them open. “He is inside.”

Luhan stared into the darkness before him, wondering what exactly the room was. Swallowing his fear he took a step inside, realizing the space was not entirely dark. A few candles burnt on the opposite end of the room, illuminating the space. It looked to be some sort of small storage area. Crates and barrels were pushed against the walls, an arched and low ceiling making the space seem smaller than it was.

Minseok sat on a crate, hands clasp in front of him. When he saw Luhan enter the room he stood. Luhan was the hasty one this time, rushing to Minseok without a care that Kyungsoo had yet to close the door.

“Are you well?” Luhan implored as he wrapped his arms around Minseok, pulling him close.

“Yes.” Minseok sounded tired and upset. “Luhan, we can’t meet for long.”

Luhan broke the embrace, nodding in agreement. He honestly didn’t think it was safe that they were meeting at all but he did not verbalize his anxiety - he was sure that Minseok was well aware of the dangers.

“Luhan, the plan I spoke about, “Minseok dragged a hand through his hair, “It cannot wait any longer. We shall act tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Luhan stilled.

“I - we think it is for the best. Someone has found out about our plans. I am not sure who, but if we don’t move fast everything will fall apart - it is too risky to delay it any longer. Listen to me, Luhan.” Minseok’s gaze raked over Luhan’s face, as if he was searching for something. “I need you to stay safe and out of sight until I come for you. Pretend you are ill, or anything - anything that will keep you away from Jongdae and Junmyeon.”

Luhan nodded vigorously.

Minseok exhaled sharply. “I was so worried about you today.”

“I was worried for you.” Luhan rested his hands around Minseok’s waist. “I was worried how you…” Luhan couldn’t quite get it out, explain how he had felt seeing Minseok’s lance crash into Kai, how he had feared how Minseok was handling injuring the man.

“He is a Westerner, first and foremost.” Minseok understood, of course he understood. “And he shall live,” Minseok spoke firmly.

Luhan was the one who initiated the kiss, needing a physical reassurance as much as a verbal one. He was no longer afraid for how Minseok was dealing with the joust, now he was afraid of how Minseok would handle the next day, if his plan would run smoothly or if he would be discovered - likely sentenced to death for attempting to start a revolution.

Minseok kissed Luhan back, gently, carding his hands through the concubine’s hair. When they parted Minseok cupped Luhan’ face in his hands. “Promise me, you have to be safe. I can’t- I won’t be able to go on if something happens to you.”

“If you promise me the same thing.” Luhan was terrified that this may be the last time he would see Minseok. His Minseok. The love of his life.

Minseok pulled Luhan in for another long, gentle kiss. When he moved away he frowned. “I have to go, it is too dangerous for us to meet longer.”

“I love you.” Luhan was planting half a dozen pecks on Minseok’s face, his cheeks, his mouth. The knight had to all but pry the man off of him, returning the gesture with a flurry of kisses. “I love you too.”

Luhan choked back the tears as Minseok stalked towards the door, turning back only once, the sadness in his expression evident. Once he was gone Luhan sunk to the stone floor, his leg no longer wanting to support him in his emotionally wrought state.

“Luhan,” It was Kyungsoo, standing in the doorway “We have to leave.”

Luhan pushed himself up, biting his bottom lip as he tried to stay strong, tried to hold the tears back until he was alone in his chambers.

He was halfway to the door when Kyungsoo gasped, Luhan stilling. The sound of boots, of armor, on the stone floor was fast approaching. He was frozen, staring at Kyungsoo, the man staring back. When the door behind Kyungsoo was thrown open Luhan knew it was all over.

Kyungsoo was apprehended first, shoved roughly towards the wall as a guard wrenched his arms behind him. Luhan couldn’t even think of resisting, the shock too great. Baekhyun stepped forward, a pair of guards rushing to Luhan’s side. “Luhan, you are under arrest for the crime of infidelity.”

“What?!” Luhan protested, trying to pull himself away from the guard’s reach.

“You have been found in an off limits section of the castle with the intent of meeting another man for romantic reasons,” Baekhyun rattled off.

“Where is your proof that I am here for such a reason?! Does Jongdae know of this?” Luhan couldn’t believe that being found alone in a storage room could warrant arrest. Not when earlier that day his name had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

“His highness is the one who asked me to follow you and use my own discretion if such an event should arise.” Baekhyun tilted his head to the side, a small smile playing on his lips. “The prince shall be thankful that I discovered your treacherous nature before it continued.”

So Jongdae had done it - had thrown him aside for Baekhyun.

Luhan gaped at the man, at the person he had sparred with dozens of times over the last months. The one who had taught him everything he knew about his current position, the one who had chosen him to be a concubine. The one who, it turned out, would end it all for him.

Luhan remained silent as he was escorted to the dungeons, the guards keeping a tight grip on his arms, Baekhyun leading the way.

Kyungsoo was tossed into the cell after him, an imposing and seedy looking man in half armor locking the door behind them. Baekhyun peered into the cell as if he was waiting for Luhan to protest, waiting for him to proclaim his innocence or ask to see Jongdae. When Luhan didn’t say a word Baekhyun spoke. “I will have you know, Luhan, we were unable to find the other guilty party.”

Minseok hadn’t been caught. Minseok hadn’t been found out. And Luhan was convinced that was the plan, it had to be.

“Kyungsoo, you are guilty for aiding and abetting Luhan’s crime. You shall receive your punishment soon.”

Baekhyun left them with that, disappearing back into the darkness.

When Luhan heard the sobs from the smaller man he scooted forward on the dirt floor, pulling Kyungsoo into his arms. “I am so, so sorry.”

Kyungsoo melted into him. He didn’t say anything, just cried. Luhan had thought that he had reached the worst point in his life many times before this. Now he was certain, completely sure, that he had reached the bottom. This was bad, terrible.

Kyungsoo had fallen asleep in Luhan’s arms, the older man unable to sleep. He let the tears fall after Kyungsoo was out, wanting to be the strong one for the eunuch, a man who had done nothing to deserve such a fate.

Did Minseok know? Would he do something reckless? Luhan feared that Minseok would be foolish, try to rescue him and end up dead. Only a few hours before he had been so worried Minseok would die because of his plot to overthrow the Western Kingdom - now he feared that Minseok would throw away the revolution for Luhan’s life. It was ironic how the night had turned out, how his worries had morphed, changing into something much less epic.

It was still dark, the small crack in the cell displaying the night sky, when the man arrived. Luhan remembered seeing him before at some of the feasts, but he had never been introduced to him. In and of itself that was not surprising. The noblemen, the ministers of the court didn’t care much for the Gariadon- they weren’t part of the political machinations of the court after all. They were but decorations.

The man was middle aged, well dressed, and introduced himself as a minister of justice. He spoke quickly, to the point. Kyungsoo woke up halfway through the man’s announcement, clutching at Luhan’s robes as he watched the man with wide, terrified eyes.

“Death.”

That was the one word that Luhan focused on, the only important one. Death, they were sentenced to death. The rest of the man’s speech was formal, full of some sort of courtly legal jargon, and nothing that Luhan could fight. No, he knew it was over.

“To be carried out at dawn.”

So it would be over as the sun rose over the Western Kingdom, it would be over before Luhan had a chance to see another day. The minister left as emotionlessly as he arrived, Kyungsoo bursting into tears and burying his head into Luhan’s chest.

Luhan was silent. He couldn’t even apologize any more. There was no point.

When the birds began to chirp, indicating dawn was upon them, Luhan heard a distinctive caw. So Tao was near. Of course he was. Luhan felt a pain in his chest, knowing that he would never see his friend again.

“It will be over soon,” Kyungsoo sat in the corner of the cell, having long ago removed himself from Luhan’s arms.

Luhan hugged his knees to his chest, nodding slowly. It would be over, all of it -this nightmare of a life. Perhaps it was for the best, perhaps...

“Luhan, I never told you this. I…I never told anyone at court,” Kyungsoo’s voice was hoarse from crying. Luhan looked at the eunuch, his red puffy eyes, pale face, a sad sight. “It doesn’t matter anymore if it is a secret, I want to tell someone. Yifan and I… we are in love.”

The admission was like a twist of a knife in Luhan’s gut - the realization he was dooming Kyungsoo to death when he had another reason to live.

“It just kind of happened,” Kyungsoo laughed sadly, shaking his head. “Funny, huh? That a eunuch fell in love?”

“No,” Luhan didn’t find it funny. He found it sad, incredibly sad given their current circumstance.

“He was the only person here who ever looked at me as a human being, not a whipping boy, not a creature to watch over the Gariadon because he couldn’t possibly feel love or attraction.” Kyungsoo looked to the small window. “I should never have agreed to love him back, not - not…he will be alone.”

Luhan thought about Minseok, who would be alone too. It suddenly occurred to him, in his life he had spent more time without Minseok than with him. Still, it wasn’t what he wanted. It wasn’t what either of them wanted. Luhan found one sliver of hope flooding over him, that Minseok would succeed, that he would succeed with his plan and end the war, end the suffering, end the possibility that another man would find himself in the same situation. Minseok had to succeed, he had to succeed for the East, for people like Kyungsoo, for people like Luhan, and for the countless people that no longer walked the earth because of the Westerner’s swords.

“I am not angry at you,” Kyungsoo admitted. “I am angry at myself, for staying. For never trying to leave.”

The sound of approaching footsteps had Luhan looking down the dark hallway in front of the cell.

“I guess it is time.” Kyungsoo stood, dusting off his pants.

When Baekhyun’s form came into view, Luhan found it fitting. Of course it would be him, of course it would be the Easterner who had given his undivided loyalty to the Western kingdom who would lead him to his death.

“Morning,” Baekhyun smirked. He fucking smirked.

Luhan was revolted by the sight.

“Don’t look so upset.”

“Fuck you.” Kyungsoo looked like he was ready to reach through the thick bars of their cells and strangle the Gariadon.

“Well, that is not the way to greet your rescuer.”

“Rescuer?” Luhan narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Baekhyun produced a ring of keys from his robes, holding them up. “I was supposing neither of you wanted to be executed. Is that a correct observation?”

“I don’t trust you,” Kyungsoo spat. “You arrested us to begin with.”

“Please, do not be so dramatic,” Baekhyun drawled. “I arrested you so I could free you.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” Luhan had never trusted Baekhyun and he was certainly not about to begin.

“In an hour you will be led to the castle courtyard where you will be beheaded. If you would rather go through with that, I will happily turn around and return to my chambers.” Baekhyun stared at the two men, waiting.

“Why? Why would you free us?” Kyungsoo demanded.

Baekhyun sighed, “I have my reasons.”

Luhan scoffed. “Letting us out of this cell is not going to stop us from being killed. “ He knew well enough that the castle was swarming with guards, they would never make it out alive.

“Do you take me for a fool?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “I have secured a way for both of you to leave, supposing you will stay quiet and follow me.”

Luhan knew it at that moment, had such a strong feeling - Minseok. Baekhyun was talking about Minseok. “Why?”

Baekhyun stilled. “Because I love someone too, and I don’t want to see him hurt.”

It suddenly made so much sense, all of it. Recognition flooded over Luhan, an understanding of what and why and how.

So that was his plan; that was the reason. Get rid of Minseok through Luhan and get rid of the revolution by forcing the instigators hand- keep Jongdae safe. Would Luhan have done the same thing in Baekhyun’s place? He probably would have.

Baekhyun held eye contact with Luhan, the two men coming to a non-verbal understanding.

“We should follow him,” Luhan spoke evenly.

“Are you crazy?!” Kyungsoo protested.

“What do we have to lose?” Luhan countered.

A few tense moments passed before Kyungsoo agreed, the two prisoners following the concubine out of their cell, to an unknown fate.

The sun was beginning to rise when Baekhyun opened the roughly hewn wooden door, Luhan and Kyungsoo bracing themselves as the rush of cool air filled the passage. The concubine leaned on the door, holding it open but not leaving the castle. “This is goodbye.”

Luhan pulled the dark black robe around him, the garment given to him by Baekhyun after he was freed from his cell. He debated saying thank you, but somehow that was a foolish thing to say at the moment. Not without knowing for certain what waited on the other side of the door.

So he walked past him without saying a word, without thanking him or bidding him farewell.

Luhan found himself outside the castle walls, in a place that he had never been before, the plains of the Western Empire stretching out before him. Minseok was there, atop a steed, and he was not alone. Yifan was present as well.

Luhan turned to say something to Baekhyun, to perhaps mutter that thanks that he had held back, but he found the door shut. Turning back around he wasted no time in running to Minseok, taking his arm and hoisting himself onto the back of the horse. Looking over he saw Kyungsoo had done the same, seating himself behind Yifan.

“Let’s go home,” Minseok whispered before spurring the horse into a gallop. Luhan held on tight, burying his face in Minseok’s shoulder. He didn’t look back, not once, hoping he would never see the city of Dinas Gwynn again in this lifetime.

They rode for two days straight, only stopping to rest the horses for a few precious minutes before continuing. It would be at least three days before they reached the Eastern Kingdom, three days of being in enemy territory. They hadn’t caught sight of anyone following them, yet they couldn’t be too careful, considering what they were doing and where they were going.

When they finally rested, setting up camp within a copse of trees - the landscape changing from plains to small hills and forest, a sign they were nearing the East - Minseok all but collapsed as he slipped from the horse. Luhan caught him, arm around his waist as he led Minseok towards a fallen log, urging him to sit.

“I will bring you water.” Luhan rushed back to the horse, retrieving the water skein he returned to Minseok. He caught sight of Kyungsoo similarly fawning over Yifan, the two men exhausted. While Luhan had the freedom to drift off for a few precious minutes provided he kept his hold on Minseok, the two knights - or former knights - hadn’t slept at all.

“Drink,” Luhan urged.

Minseok drank deeply, Luhan watching him with concern.

“We need to keep moving.” Minseok handed the water skein back to Luhan.

“Rest.” Luhan knew they couldn’t go on any further if Minseok and Yifan did not sleep. “I will find wood and start a fire.”

Minseok didn’t argue anymore, when Luhan returned from gather wood he found Minseok asleep, his back leaning against the log. Recalling the knowledge he gained from a decade roaming around the East, he started a small fire. After a few minutes Kyungsoo inched towards the fire, Yifan also passed out.

After a few minutes of silence Kyungsoo walked to Yifan’s horse and retrieved a pack of food. They ate in silence, both so exhausted they couldn’t find the energy to converse. It wasn’t long after that both men crawled back to their significant other, falling into a much needed sleep.

Luhan blinked, adjusting his eyes to the daylight. When he realized he was sleeping on the cold, hard ground, he jerked upright, afraid. He sighed in relief when he found Minseok, still asleep, only a few feet from him. The embers of the fire were dying, the sun starting to rise over the land.

A caw.

Luhan looked up. Tao was perched in a tree. The raven flew down when Luhan stood, perching himself on the man’s outstretched arm. “I have missed you friend. “ Luhan was overjoyed to have his friend back. The raven cawed in response.

“Tao.”

Luhan turned to see Minseok had awoken. He stared at Luhan and their old friend with a wide smile. The bird, who ten years before had started off as very much Minseok’s bird, flew to the man. Luhan would have feigned jealousy if the sight didn’t make him tear up. So long, so many years since he had seen it.

“Thank you for staying with Luhan when I couldn’t,” Minseok rubbed a finger over Tao’s beak, a loving gesture. The bird ate it up, moving into his touch.

Luhan walked back to Minseok. He slumped down and leaned back against the fallen log. They hadn’t had a chance to converse, not since escaping, the journey too perilous, too all-consuming for either man to find the time to chat. Now that they were resting, a partial night’s sleep behind them, it was time to talk.

“What happened, Minseok, after I was arrested?”

Minseok held his arm up, smiling as Tao flew onto a low hanging tree branch. “Baekhyun is smarter than I thought.”

“He arranged all of it, didn’t he?”

Minseok nodded. “I wasn’t careful enough, it seems,” Minseok sighed, “He found out about my plans, about our plans.” Minseok gestured towards where Yifan and Kyungsoo lay sleeping. “And he found the only way to stop me.”

Luhan stared at the ground. “I stopped you.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Minseok pulled Luhan to him, wrapping his arms around the man. “Don’t feel guilty.”

“You could have stopped the war.”

“And what would it matter if you were dead?” Minseok shifted, Luhan moving so his back was flush with Minseok’s chest.

“Now the war will never end,” Luhan whispered, considering what it all meant.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Minseok planted a kiss on Luhan’s hairline, “When Baekhyun told me you had been arrested, he promised me something.”

“Hm?”

“He isn’t going to let it go on, not as long as I left.” Minseok caught Luhan’s hand in his own. “I don’t think he wants this war any more than we do. He holds more power than you or I ever guessed. If anyone has Jongdae’s ear it is him.”

“So he blackmailed you into rescuing me?” Luhan realized how stupid he sounded once the words were out and immediately tried to backtrack. “No- that isn’t what I- I - I-“

“Shhh.” Minseok planted another loving kiss on Luhan’s hair. “We are going home, Lu.”

Home. They were going home. After ten years. “I love you,” Luhan whispered.

“I love you too,” Minseok hummed.

Everything felt right for the first time in ten years.

Six months later

“If you can outdrink that giant I think we have a problem,” Luhan laughed, watching as Kyungsoo balanced another tankard of ale in his hands.

“We might have a problem.” Kyungsoo gestured towards Yifan, the man already looking halfway asleep, his back flush with the tavern wall.

Luhan took another sip of his ale, smacking his lips together loudly. It had been the first time he had Eastern ale since his return, since a dangerous four day trip on horseback that had him in tears as he walked on Eastern soil for the first time in months.

“Come here.” Yifan reached for Kyungsoo, the shorter man easily maneuvering out of the man’s reach.

They were seated on rickety wooden stools, a minstrel playing an off key folk song as patrons streamed in and out of the tavern. It was busy, rightfully so. Every few minutes another cheer would sound out, the entirety of the tavern indulging in another toast to the completion of three decades of war. It was over, the war was over.

“Hey, you may want to turn around.” Minseok wrapped his arms around Luhan’s shoulders, whispering in his ear. Luhan jumped, surprised, then promptly turned. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Yixing!”

The man smiled at him. He looked so…different than Luhan remembered him. He was no longer dressed in the robes of a Gariadon, his hair was longer, and he looked much, much happier.

“Luhan, Kyungsoo, Yifan!” Yixing greeted the men cheerfully, ale spilling out of his cup as he exuberantly looked from one to the other. “What a pleasant surprise!”

“Yixing?” Kyungsoo’s wide eyes grew even wider. Yixing smiled, nodding.

“How are you? Sit!” Luhan was excited to see Yixing. He had never thought he would lay eyes on the man again.

“I am well.” Yixing took the stool across the table from Luhan, Minseok sitting down to Luhan’s right. “It looks like everything worked out for you- all of you.”

Luhan caught sight of Kyungsoo out of the corner of his eye, the man sporting a definite blush. “What have you been doing?” Kyungsoo questioned. “Sehun went half mad after you left.” Kyungsoo clamped his hand over his mouth after speaking. “Sorry.”

Yixing didn’t look offended. “I have a farm now, it isn’t anything much, but it makes me happy.” Luhan noted that he didn’t say a word about Sehun, but he didn’t blame him. Not really. It hadn’t been a relationship born of mutual attraction- no, the Gariadon were never there because they wanted to be, only because they had to be.

“I heard that the Westerners have a new King...and a new consort?” Yixing raised an eyebrow at Luhan.

“Yes, that is correct.” Luhan had heard the news a couple of months after returning to the East. King Junmyeon had some sort of accident, the exact details were a mystery, Luhan having heard at least three dozen different versions of the event that had caused the king to become bedridden. Shortly after he heard of the accident he learned that Jongdae had accepted the throne, taking Baekhyun as his consort. It wasn’t long after that the peace talks began, the two kingdoms finally ending the war only the day before.

In the past few months Luhan had come to the realization that Jongdae, for all his sweet words and actions, had liked Baekhyun as much as he had proclaimed to like Luhan. The signs were obvious, Luhan just hadn’t dwelled on them. For all Jongdae’s talk of wanting one person to love he had kept his avenues open, choosing the person that offered the happiest, least complicated future. In many ways Luhan was happy that Jongdae had Baekhyun, that he wasn’t entirely alone.

“I had a feeling Baekhyun was,” Yixing looked thoughtful for a moment, like he was looking for the right words, “Interested in him. Though I dare say you aren’t upset about it. How did you return to the East?”

“Baekhyun was a tad bit more impressive than I gave him credit for,” Luhan answered cryptically.

“And you both left with knights, no less,” Yixing chuckled. “I dare say everyone was more impressive than I thought.”

Luhan felt Minseok’s hand reach for his own, grasping it under the table. “I wouldn’t say Luhan is the impressive one.” Minseok smiled.

Yixing laughed.

Luhan began to protest, his mouth wide open in a sign of indignation.

“I mean, I am the one who rode days on end so Luhan could taste Eastern ale again. In fact, now that I think about it, I-“

Luhan silenced Minseok using a surefire method, he kissed the words right out of his mouth, the man taken aback for a split second before returning the affection with a very public display. When they parted Minseok plastered on a lazy, satisfied smile.

Yixing cleared his throat. “If you are staying in the village, I am sure I shall see you again. My farm is right outside town.”

Luhan suddenly remembered that Yixing was there, his entire worldview having been narrowed down to one man, one person, as he kissed the life out of Minseok. “Ah, yes, we are staying here for the time being. It was good seeing you.”

After a round of goodbyes and one last glance at Kyungsoo and Yifan - the pair giggling over something, so secretive, their heads close together as they talked - Luhan pulled Minseok up, practically dragging him from the tavern. Minseok let himself be led, running as Luhan picked up his pace, a loud caw overhead indicating Tao was following along.

When they reached the stables, Minseok seemed to guess what they were doing, running ahead until they reached a pile of hay, pulling Luhan down on top of him.

Luhan’s body collided with Minseok’s, the man letting out a pained sound as they landed in the hay.

“You are going soft on me,” Luhan whispered, staring down at the man he loved.

“Never,” Minseok laughed.

“Care for a roll in the hay, for old times’ sake?” Luhan smiled mischievously, grinding his hips downward.

“Hm,” Minseok grinned.

“Hm?” Luhan felt his heart swell as he gazed down at Minseok. Minseok - his Minseok. The man he would do anything for. The man who was perfect for him. The man who was all his, the man whose smile could erase a thousand painful memories, leaving only the promise of a future together. Their future. Finally. Luhan kissed him with abandon, seeing only bright and happy days ahead.

END.