[fic] Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi - SJM - The Path Untraveled - Chapter 8/9
Title: The Path Untraveled
Author: fonulyn
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi
Other characters: side!Han Geng/Heechul, Ryeowook, Sungmin, Siwon, a lot of brief mentions of others (suju and shinee, mainly)
Warnings: (overall) blood and violence, hunting etc.
Wordcount: 4366 words for this part (~37k overall)
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: For as long as Kyuhyun can remember life has been the same in their village. Yet when their monotonous life is disrupted, when another pack settles on their territory, Kyuhyun can’t help but be drawn to them. Drawn to one of them especially. (wolf shapeshifters!au)
Comments: Happy new year! See you in 2015~
Previously; Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7
Soon, it becomes impossible for Kyuhyun to ignore the restlessness that renders Zhou Mi barely able to keep still. They don’t have much time to share anymore, but it’s simply nothing they can change. When Zhou Mi comes back from the meeting with his pack they stay up practically all night, hardly speaking but not really able to rest either. Zhou Mi seems to be vibrating out of his skin with the excess frustration, and it keeps rubbing off on Kyuhyun as well.
It isn’t like Kyuhyun has endless patience either, a difficult night with very little sleep filled with nightmares is enough to get him on edge. The sun is barely up when he snaps, making an immediate decision: they need to get out of there for the day. Screw getting ready for leaving or making preparations, Zhou Mi could afford to miss that for one day.
“We are going running.” He announces it to Zhou Mi in a way that nips all contradiction in the bud, not that Zhou Mi would’ve wanted to resist anyway. There’s a strip of light in the horizon as they sneak outside, not exchanging a single word as they tread through the village. Everyone else seems to be fast asleep, and the silence is only broken by birds and the rustling of the forest.
Kyuhyun always leaves his clothes at the same tree when he goes running and now he takes Zhou Mi there, tangling up their clothes into one big bundle once they get out of them. Being naked isn’t really something to pay any attention to at all, but somehow Kyuhyun simply can’t keep his eyes to himself as he watches Zhou Mi move, still in his human form. Besides, he has a feeling he isn’t the only one stealing glances.
It’s like Zhou Mi waits for Kyuhyun to start transforming first, but soon they both allow it to come over them and after a while there are two large wolves standing in their place. Zhou Mi gives an almost grin when he turns his big head towards the other male, offering him an enthusiastic yip to show he is ready. Kyuhyun would’ve laughed at that but now he can only gruff a little, jogging further away from the village. He can feel Zhou Mi follow him and soon speeds up into a run, trusting he stays close behind.
Originally Kyuhyun didn’t really have a plan as to where they’d go, but he figures he’ll make it up as they go. Now he happens to think about a place he used to go with his best friends when he was younger, and before he even knows it he has already turned towards that direction. It’s a nice place, hardly anyone goes there since it is so far, so privacy is pretty much guaranteed. Also, the long trip there should burn off energy and help them both relax.
Zhou Mi doesn’t seem to mind that the run goes on and on, just bouncy and happy about the chance to get out of the village for once, and to stretch his long legs. His legs look particularly long even in wolf form and Kyuhyun can’t help but think it’s insanely attractive. Apparently both his sides, the wolf and the man, have a thing for long and beautiful legs. No surprise there.
They waste time taking detours, stop periodically to rest only to then go on with their run right after. There are no words exchanged, but they don’t even need them, obviously able to understand each other well enough like this. What should’ve taken only a few hours now takes them the whole day, and they’ve managed to waste all of sunlight as they close in on their destination.
The sun is already setting when they finally reach the lake. It’s on a large meadow but right next to it there is a small forest that casts shadows over it. The last rays of the setting sun are shining in the horizon, glimmering on the water’s surface. It’s a beautiful place, but it has been ages since Kyuhyun last was there. It’s so far it isn’t something one visits during random runs or with the whole pack.
For a moment Kyuhyun stands on a small hill and watches the scene, enjoying the way wind is ruffling his fur and brings fresh scents into his nose from down below. Zhou Mi stopped a bit behind him and now pads closer, affectionately nosing the other male’s shoulder as he steps right next to him. He obviously likes it here, since despite looking tired after the run his eyes are sparkling genuinely.
Fleetingly Kyuhyun considers if they should just take a short rest and then run back, but he decides that if they came this far they can as well enjoy it properly. He nods his head towards the lake before practically sliding down the small hill, Zhou Mi’s playful little yip reaching his ears as he follows. They are bumping into each other, running in small loops as they tease each other on the way, never minding they’re acting like young pups.
It’s been ages since Kyuhyun was this relaxed around anyone.
Once they finally reach the lake Kyuhyun stops, waiting for the other man to reach him again. He wants to talk so he reverses the change, but Zhou Mi still stays in his wolf form, watching the younger man curiously as he slowly morphs back. After taking a short breather Kyuhyun straightens, still on his knees on the soft sand right next to the large wolf.
“How about we take a short swim, Zhou Mi?” he suggests softly as he sneaks his fingers into the soft black fur on Zhou Mi’s upper back. The wolf turns his head, looking at him almost as if he is asking something. “You don’t need to change,” Kyuhyun answers what he thinks is the unvoiced question, “but if you don’t, your fur will get wet and you’ll smell,” he points out and tugs on the thick fur, earning a playful growl in turn. He discovers he likes moments like this, touching the other male slowly while he’s still in his secondary form.
Kyuhyun’s hand is still resting on Zhou Mi’s back when he feels the change reversed, the fur slowly disappearing until his fingers are grazing pale skin instead. He doesn’t even realize he might have to pull his hand back, but then again Zhou Mi doesn’t show in any way that he minds the touch almost in the back of his neck. Patiently he waits, until he can straighten as well, bring them face to face.
“A swim, huh?” Zhou Mi asks, amusement dancing in his tone and sparkling in his eyes. “A romantic moonlight swim together with me? Are you sure I won’t use it to secretly lure you in with my charm?” He is joking, obviously, and Kyuhyun doesn’t need to correct him that he is very much gone already, thank you very much. He doesn’t need to be lured in as he is already helplessly attracted, has fallen head over heels.
“The moon isn’t up yet, dumbass,” is the reply he chooses instead, playfully punching the other man’s shoulder. “And there are slimy fish in the lake. Beware that they won’t bite your toes off.”
“Oh how romantic, Kyuhyun!” Zhou Mi squeals, clasping his hands together in front of his chest. Even though he’s obviously being mocked, Kyuhyun lets it slide and instead already steps into the warm water. He always loved swimming and now is no exception. Judging by the enthusiasm, Zhou Mi agrees with the sentiment.
It ends up being less of a swim and more of an adolescent splashing in the water. Zhou Mi grabs Kyuhyun’s head and pushes him underwater only to be targeted with revenge when Kyuhyun grabs him and throws him into the small waves. They are laughing and having fun until it’s already dark, unbothered by it. Their sense of sight is sharp, the slowly appearing stars are more than enough for them. Eventually, they get out of the water, Zhou Mi complaining how his fingers are getting all pruny.
They take a while to just rest and let their skin dry, sitting on the ground next to one another. It’s a mellow moment, something they enjoy equally much. When Zhou Mi turns to look at Kyuhyun there’s nothing but honesty sparkling in his eyes, a happy smile dancing on his lips. “Thank you.” He speaks straight from his heart. “For bringing me here.”
With that, he leans in and kisses Kyuhyun. The touch of lips on lips makes Kyuhyun’s eyes fall shut automatically as he moves into it. He isn’t all known for his patience though, and with a low growl he fists his hand in the other male’s hair to yank him closer so the kiss can be deepened. He still remembers the first, tentative time, and it feels like it was aeons ago, in a different lifetime. Of course there have been kisses in between, but somehow his thoughts always go back to the first time.
Zhou Mi is more than willing, and he instantly shifts closer. Granted, Kyuhyun isn’t even trying to hold back so it’s no surprise when he grabs the other man’s shoulders and pushes him down into the soft sand. He pins the tall frame against the ground with his full bodyweight, his hands getting a little restless. There’s no harm in a bit of touching, now is there? He just wants to marvel on the smoothness of that skin.
He’s so focused in the kiss that it takes him by surprise when suddenly Zhou Mi flips them over, rolling a couple of rounds on the sand before they end up with Kyuhyun underneath him. Zhou Mi looks absolutely victorious about that, pulling back to grin at the younger man brightly.
Something in Kyuhyun’s chest rumbles at the position when he’s flat on his back, the other man straddling his thighs. If it was anyone else but Zhou Mi, he might’ve lashed out and started a bloody fight, being forced into such a vulnerable position. But it isn’t anyone else, it’s Zhou Mi hovering above him, gazing at him from dark eyes and gradually the aggression dissipates. His muscles are slowly relaxing and he knows Zhou Mi can feel it, judging by the way he grins down at him.
“Sand has such a nasty habit of getting everywhere,” Zhou Mi purrs and Kyuhyun tries hard not to flush at the implications of that, while his heart is doing silly little somersaults in his chest.
Instead of answering, Kyuhyun brings his hand up to cup Zhou Mi’s cheek in his palm, stroking the soft skin with his thumb. The burning need inside of him flared up again the second they first touched and at this rate he won’t be able to ignore it for long anymore. He isn’t good at this whole courting business, he’s a man of action and would’ve rather let deeds speak for themselves.
To say he isn’t hoping for it would be wrong, but to say he is expecting it would also be an exaggeration. Kyuhyun’s heart flips in surprise when Zhou Mi tilts his head and places a kiss on his palm, smiling at him almost deviously. The next thing he knows is that Zhou Mi darts out his tongue, tracing along his middle finger before nipping at the tip of it.
All of Kyuhyun’s blood takes a trip down to the lower part of his body in a heartbeat. “Fuck, Zhou Mi,” he groans out loud, his voice oddly rough. The wolf inside of him is vibrating in excitement, bubbling to the surface when Zhou Mi nibbles on his fingers and coats them in his saliva, before sucking them in his mouth. That instantly makes Kyuhyun think of all the other things Zhou Mi could suck and if there was any blood left in his circulation it takes an express train to his crotch.
Instinct takes over and Kyuhyun barely realizes what’s happening when his free hand shoots down to grab Zhou Mi’s hip hard, almost bruising, so he can yank him down against himself properly. The sweet friction of body against body, the glorious sensation of skin on skin, it pushes them higher almost ridiculously easily. Kyuhyun grunts when Zhou Mi cants his hips and pushes against him, rubbing down on him in the best way possible.
Finally Zhou Mi lets his fingers go, a thin line of saliva connecting them to his glistening lips. He’s grinning, perfectly aware of how big the hold he has of Kyuhyun is, and if Kyuhyun wasn’t so excited he might’ve been a little grumpy about it. Zhou Mi leans down and they kiss, teeth clashing and lips bruising, hardly anything elegant but it makes up for that in sheer passion. It’s an explosion of need.
When Zhou Mi takes a hold of Kyuhyun’s wrist and brings his saliva-slicked fingers around him, Kyuhyun’s brain short circuits. His body skips right past excited from interested to so hard it hurts. He growls into the kiss as he takes matters in his own hands - quite literally - and manhandles Zhou Mi closer against himself. Tentative at first, he rims the taller man with his index finger, the responding mewl encouraging him to take a step further.
By the time they are both breathless from the kisses Kyuhyun has managed to work three fingers inside of Zhou Mi, knuckle deep, and has him squirming on top of him. It’s taken some doing to get there with excessive amounts of saliva, but then again they have nothing but time right now. It’s obvious Zhou Mi isn’t ashamed of showing how needy he is, and rocks back against Kyuhyun’s long fingers eagerly.
It’s the hottest thing Kyuhyun has ever seen: Zhou Mi’s lips are reddened and bruised from their kisses, his cheeks flushed from effort and arousal, his half-lidded eyes glazed over, his hair a mess sticking to his sweaty forehead, his chest heaving with ragged breaths. The pale moonlight illuminates his white skin in an almost ethereal glow and somehow the contrast makes everything feel even more real.
Especially when Zhou Mi leans down and claims Kyuhyun’s lips again, right at the moment when Kyuhyun withdraws his fingers and grabs Zhou Mi’s hips instead. Zhou Mi doesn’t need to be urged, he doesn’t hesitate at all before he already positions himself on top of the younger male. Kyuhyun stops breathing when Zhou Mi sinks down on him, Zhou Mi’s muscles contracting around him, the tightness almost too much for them both until he’s sheathed in all the way.
They only take a second to enjoy the way they are connected as deeply as possible, before Zhou Mi already picks up a slow pace on top of Kyuhyun. He places his palms on Kyuhyun’s chest, and slides them down to his stomach, splaying his fingers apart as he marvels on the fact that he’s allowed to do so. The wolf inside Kyuhyun reacts with a growl at that, but to his surprise it isn’t displeased, it’s almost playful. He’s dying a sweet death as they kiss, grunt against each other’s lips whenever they pull apart for air.
Mating is never as simple as it’s thought to be. There’s always an element of choice to it, and it never happens against one’s will, even if the legends speak of it as something that takes place if the stars just happen to be aligned right. Sometimes it simply doesn’t happen, even if both parties are willing, even if they live together as spouses for their whole lives. Sometimes it can be broken, severed beyond repair. No one can explain the sort of bond that forms, either, as it’s as if there’s a pathway between two persons, joining them.
With the two of them, however, there’s no question about what’s happening. Kyuhyun can feel it bubble inside of him the second their bodies are joined, feels it prickle on his skin and shoot through his veins. It’s like someone opens the floodgates, slowly bit by bit, and with every passing second he feels more of Zhou Mi twined into his wolf side. Most importantly, he feels Zhou Mi’s wolf side for the first time ever, almost as if it’s merging with his.
Suddenly it’s all too much for Kyuhyun, the pressure inside of him forcing him to act. The low growl that slips from his lips is the only warning he manages before he flips them over - no longer caring if Zhou Mi thinks that sand gets just everywhere - and slams right into Zhou Mi’s body. It makes them both nearly howl, Zhou Mi’s back forming a perfect arch as he bucks underneath him, baring his throat. That’s like an invitation and Kyuhyun is drawn in until he can scrape his teeth over the other man’s Adam’s apple, leave a mark above his collarbone. To be allowed to kiss him, no, bite him there is like the ultimate pledge and everything in Kyuhyun is purring in contentment.
Zhou Mi brings his impossibly long legs around Kyuhyun’s hips to guide him in his movements, to pull him in and try to get every little bit he has to offer. They both want more, want to have it all, and there’s no holding back. Kyuhyun grabs Zhou Mi’s hips with one hand and his wrists with another, hard enough to leave bruises behind if it weren’t for their ability to heal faster than any regular human being.
It ends almost violently but that’s exactly what they both need right now, the only thing to put out the fire within. Zhou Mi senses it already before he feels Kyuhyun tense and the next second Kyuhyun comes hot and hard inside of him. He could’ve gotten lost staring at those gorgeous features lost in pleasure but it only takes half a heartbeat and he follows right behind, white flashing before his wide open eyes when it washes through him.
The sand is indeed sticking everywhere but neither of them cares as they stay right there, chests heaving with ragged gasps in their attempts to fill their lungs with the much needed oxygen. Zhou Mi is still shuddering and Kyuhyun has buried his face in his shoulder, waiting for the most intense sensations to fade. When he feels like he can move, Kyuhyun rolls to the side, pulling the taller male along with him.
“Mine.” The word rumbles from somewhere deep in Kyuhyun’s chest as he nips on Zhou Mi’s kiss bruised lips, cradling him into his arms possessively.
The stars are so bright up above it almost feels like they could fall down on them if they blink. Kyuhyun traces the constellations in his mind, seeking out the figures that had brought him comfort when young and desperately in need of guidance. The sand is soft beneath him, sticking to sweaty skin, and Zhou Mi is warm against his side, close enough for their shoulders to touch. If there is a perfect moment in the world, Kyuhyun is fairly sure it would be something like this.
Neither of them feels the need to say anything for the longest time, content to just stay there and bask in each other’s presence. Kyuhyun reaches into the bond that lingers between them, feeling a gush of happiness from his mate. It’s tinged with a hint of melancholy though, and instinctively Kyuhyun curls his fingers, squeezing Zhou Mi’s gently.
Zhou Mi feels it and he knows what is the cause of it. Even though he has been sensitive to other people and their feelings his whole life, with Kyuhyun that is multiple times stronger. It’s like he can see underneath all the protective layers, where Kyuhyun’s feelings shine bright and clear. And now Kyuhyun is worried. “They are getting restless. We are.” Zhou Mi whispers into the darkness. He goes on without prompting. “We lost most of our pack in the battle, but some might still be alive. We just don’t know where, we don’t know how many. And we need to find them.”
Kyuhyun nods slowly, giving the other man’s hand another squeeze, reassuring. “Is that why you’re running up north?” he asks with a voice slightly hoarse from the lack of use.
“Yes. But Han Geng got into such bad shape we had to stop. He didn’t want to, but Heechul… you know Heechul,” Zhou Mi chuckles, and Kyuhyun responds with a snort. Yes he knows Heechul, after these weeks. “He’s the one stubborn enough to get through to Han Geng.”
Kyuhyun doesn’t know what to say and he falls silent, waiting for the other man to go on.
“It’s like they’re pulling us in. This bone-deep longing to find them again and see them safe,” Zhou Mi admits in a mere breath, weak enough to almost get lost in the wind. “It hurts to ignore it. More with each passing day. We… need to know what happened before we can let it rest. Even if they’re gone.”
The more Kyuhyun thinks about it, the more stunned he is, mixed feelings storming in his mind. Zhou Mi feels the immense need to follow his alpha and find the ones they had lost, the urge so strong it’s almost impossible to resist. Still he wants Kyuhyun. Took what Kyuhyun had to offer, allowed him to take him. Surely he had known that it meant he was bound to stay with Kyuhyun’s pack? “And still you… we - you and me-” He doesn’t get any further than that. Zhou Mi understands.
“Kyuhyun,” Zhou Mi rolls over and sneaks a long arm around the younger male’s ribcage, pressing close against him. His skin is warm, especially in contrast with the cool night air and it makes Kyuhyun shiver lightly. At least that is what he explains it with when Zhou Mi snuggles closer like a pup. “It might be hard to resist their pull. But it is impossible to resist yours.”
Kyuhyun snorts, but nevertheless wraps an arm around Zhou Mi’s shoulders to hold him close. The warmth is spreading from his skin, sinking deeper into the pit of his stomach. He smiles into the darkness.
With Zhou Mi’s breath hot against his collar bone, Kyuhyun knows exactly what he needs to do.
It’s almost the dawn of the following day when Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi finally arrive back at the village. They don’t make any detours this time, only stop at the tree where they left their clothes to shift back and get dressed. At least they managed to catch some sleep at the lake, so a quick nap now should suffice to get them through the day. As they slip into Kyuhyun’s bed, side by side, they stay awake only long enough to tangle their limbs in an attempt to be as close as possible.
Some time later there’s knocking at their doorway that startles them both awake. Zhou Mi has managed to roll on his back by then, half off the mattress, and Kyuhyun is drooling on his side. There’s no way either of them can possibly look in the least presentable after so little sleep, but Zhou Mi tries to smooth down his hair anyway. Kyuhyun grumbles and pulls the covers up to his chin as Zhou Mi gets up to see who it is that still insistently keeps knocking.
“I’m sorry I woke you up,” Ryeowook says first thing as he gets a look at Zhou Mi. “It’s sort of urgent though. You were gone all day yesterday!”
The thought of what happened the previous day, and night, makes Zhou Mi’s chest fill with a certain sort of warmth. He can’t stop smiling at the mere memory of it, and if there wasn’t for the fact that he knows he’s leaving soon he’d be ecstatic about how his life is turning out. As of now, he forces himself to focus on the happiness, ignoring the upcoming days for as long as possible. “Sorry,” he says, more out of habit than anything else, “come on, sit down!”
Ryeowook obeys, bowing down to step inside, and takes a seat next to the wall. Zhou Mi sits down opposite to him, and Kyuhyun shows enough interest to at least shift in his place until he’s facing the two of them, blinking at them from sleepy eyes. “What’s going on?” he asks, obviously not completely functional just yet.
“Someone left a message to us at the southeast path,” Ryeowook begins, his lips pressed into a thin line as if that could somehow help with the unease, to untie the knot that’s settled tightly in the pit of his stomach. He describes the sign as best as he can, and as he mentions the white feathers Kyuhyun sits up as well, suddenly fully awake.
“Sungmin thinks it’s a threat,” Ryeowook finishes, “no one seems to know for sure. But you’re staying for a bit longer,” he says, aligning his head a little towards Zhou Mi. “They’re making plans now, but no one else is let in so we don’t know what’s going on.”
Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun exchange a nervous glance. They don’t need to speak to know they both are thinking of the same thing, of the feather they saw buried in the remains of the fire. Zhou Mi can’t even bring himself to be happy about the chance to stay in the village for longer, not with the sense of impending doom hanging over them like a dark cloud.
They fall silent, all three of them lost in thought.
It’s just before supper when Sungmin and Heechul step out of the building for the first time in hours, soon followed by Han Geng and Siwon. They’re not saying anything about what’s been discussed in private, but Siwon lets everyone understand that there’ll be directions given after they’ve all eaten. Not that anyone has a lot of appetite considering the circumstances.
No one manages to eat a single bite before a blood-curdling screech cuts through the air.
They’re here.
Next Chapter
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happy new year :)
@DW.
Author: fonulyn
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi
Other characters: side!Han Geng/Heechul, Ryeowook, Sungmin, Siwon, a lot of brief mentions of others (suju and shinee, mainly)
Warnings: (overall) blood and violence, hunting etc.
Wordcount: 4366 words for this part (~37k overall)
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: For as long as Kyuhyun can remember life has been the same in their village. Yet when their monotonous life is disrupted, when another pack settles on their territory, Kyuhyun can’t help but be drawn to them. Drawn to one of them especially. (wolf shapeshifters!au)
Comments: Happy new year! See you in 2015~
Previously; Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7
Soon, it becomes impossible for Kyuhyun to ignore the restlessness that renders Zhou Mi barely able to keep still. They don’t have much time to share anymore, but it’s simply nothing they can change. When Zhou Mi comes back from the meeting with his pack they stay up practically all night, hardly speaking but not really able to rest either. Zhou Mi seems to be vibrating out of his skin with the excess frustration, and it keeps rubbing off on Kyuhyun as well.
It isn’t like Kyuhyun has endless patience either, a difficult night with very little sleep filled with nightmares is enough to get him on edge. The sun is barely up when he snaps, making an immediate decision: they need to get out of there for the day. Screw getting ready for leaving or making preparations, Zhou Mi could afford to miss that for one day.
“We are going running.” He announces it to Zhou Mi in a way that nips all contradiction in the bud, not that Zhou Mi would’ve wanted to resist anyway. There’s a strip of light in the horizon as they sneak outside, not exchanging a single word as they tread through the village. Everyone else seems to be fast asleep, and the silence is only broken by birds and the rustling of the forest.
Kyuhyun always leaves his clothes at the same tree when he goes running and now he takes Zhou Mi there, tangling up their clothes into one big bundle once they get out of them. Being naked isn’t really something to pay any attention to at all, but somehow Kyuhyun simply can’t keep his eyes to himself as he watches Zhou Mi move, still in his human form. Besides, he has a feeling he isn’t the only one stealing glances.
It’s like Zhou Mi waits for Kyuhyun to start transforming first, but soon they both allow it to come over them and after a while there are two large wolves standing in their place. Zhou Mi gives an almost grin when he turns his big head towards the other male, offering him an enthusiastic yip to show he is ready. Kyuhyun would’ve laughed at that but now he can only gruff a little, jogging further away from the village. He can feel Zhou Mi follow him and soon speeds up into a run, trusting he stays close behind.
Originally Kyuhyun didn’t really have a plan as to where they’d go, but he figures he’ll make it up as they go. Now he happens to think about a place he used to go with his best friends when he was younger, and before he even knows it he has already turned towards that direction. It’s a nice place, hardly anyone goes there since it is so far, so privacy is pretty much guaranteed. Also, the long trip there should burn off energy and help them both relax.
Zhou Mi doesn’t seem to mind that the run goes on and on, just bouncy and happy about the chance to get out of the village for once, and to stretch his long legs. His legs look particularly long even in wolf form and Kyuhyun can’t help but think it’s insanely attractive. Apparently both his sides, the wolf and the man, have a thing for long and beautiful legs. No surprise there.
They waste time taking detours, stop periodically to rest only to then go on with their run right after. There are no words exchanged, but they don’t even need them, obviously able to understand each other well enough like this. What should’ve taken only a few hours now takes them the whole day, and they’ve managed to waste all of sunlight as they close in on their destination.
The sun is already setting when they finally reach the lake. It’s on a large meadow but right next to it there is a small forest that casts shadows over it. The last rays of the setting sun are shining in the horizon, glimmering on the water’s surface. It’s a beautiful place, but it has been ages since Kyuhyun last was there. It’s so far it isn’t something one visits during random runs or with the whole pack.
For a moment Kyuhyun stands on a small hill and watches the scene, enjoying the way wind is ruffling his fur and brings fresh scents into his nose from down below. Zhou Mi stopped a bit behind him and now pads closer, affectionately nosing the other male’s shoulder as he steps right next to him. He obviously likes it here, since despite looking tired after the run his eyes are sparkling genuinely.
Fleetingly Kyuhyun considers if they should just take a short rest and then run back, but he decides that if they came this far they can as well enjoy it properly. He nods his head towards the lake before practically sliding down the small hill, Zhou Mi’s playful little yip reaching his ears as he follows. They are bumping into each other, running in small loops as they tease each other on the way, never minding they’re acting like young pups.
It’s been ages since Kyuhyun was this relaxed around anyone.
Once they finally reach the lake Kyuhyun stops, waiting for the other man to reach him again. He wants to talk so he reverses the change, but Zhou Mi still stays in his wolf form, watching the younger man curiously as he slowly morphs back. After taking a short breather Kyuhyun straightens, still on his knees on the soft sand right next to the large wolf.
“How about we take a short swim, Zhou Mi?” he suggests softly as he sneaks his fingers into the soft black fur on Zhou Mi’s upper back. The wolf turns his head, looking at him almost as if he is asking something. “You don’t need to change,” Kyuhyun answers what he thinks is the unvoiced question, “but if you don’t, your fur will get wet and you’ll smell,” he points out and tugs on the thick fur, earning a playful growl in turn. He discovers he likes moments like this, touching the other male slowly while he’s still in his secondary form.
Kyuhyun’s hand is still resting on Zhou Mi’s back when he feels the change reversed, the fur slowly disappearing until his fingers are grazing pale skin instead. He doesn’t even realize he might have to pull his hand back, but then again Zhou Mi doesn’t show in any way that he minds the touch almost in the back of his neck. Patiently he waits, until he can straighten as well, bring them face to face.
“A swim, huh?” Zhou Mi asks, amusement dancing in his tone and sparkling in his eyes. “A romantic moonlight swim together with me? Are you sure I won’t use it to secretly lure you in with my charm?” He is joking, obviously, and Kyuhyun doesn’t need to correct him that he is very much gone already, thank you very much. He doesn’t need to be lured in as he is already helplessly attracted, has fallen head over heels.
“The moon isn’t up yet, dumbass,” is the reply he chooses instead, playfully punching the other man’s shoulder. “And there are slimy fish in the lake. Beware that they won’t bite your toes off.”
“Oh how romantic, Kyuhyun!” Zhou Mi squeals, clasping his hands together in front of his chest. Even though he’s obviously being mocked, Kyuhyun lets it slide and instead already steps into the warm water. He always loved swimming and now is no exception. Judging by the enthusiasm, Zhou Mi agrees with the sentiment.
It ends up being less of a swim and more of an adolescent splashing in the water. Zhou Mi grabs Kyuhyun’s head and pushes him underwater only to be targeted with revenge when Kyuhyun grabs him and throws him into the small waves. They are laughing and having fun until it’s already dark, unbothered by it. Their sense of sight is sharp, the slowly appearing stars are more than enough for them. Eventually, they get out of the water, Zhou Mi complaining how his fingers are getting all pruny.
They take a while to just rest and let their skin dry, sitting on the ground next to one another. It’s a mellow moment, something they enjoy equally much. When Zhou Mi turns to look at Kyuhyun there’s nothing but honesty sparkling in his eyes, a happy smile dancing on his lips. “Thank you.” He speaks straight from his heart. “For bringing me here.”
With that, he leans in and kisses Kyuhyun. The touch of lips on lips makes Kyuhyun’s eyes fall shut automatically as he moves into it. He isn’t all known for his patience though, and with a low growl he fists his hand in the other male’s hair to yank him closer so the kiss can be deepened. He still remembers the first, tentative time, and it feels like it was aeons ago, in a different lifetime. Of course there have been kisses in between, but somehow his thoughts always go back to the first time.
Zhou Mi is more than willing, and he instantly shifts closer. Granted, Kyuhyun isn’t even trying to hold back so it’s no surprise when he grabs the other man’s shoulders and pushes him down into the soft sand. He pins the tall frame against the ground with his full bodyweight, his hands getting a little restless. There’s no harm in a bit of touching, now is there? He just wants to marvel on the smoothness of that skin.
He’s so focused in the kiss that it takes him by surprise when suddenly Zhou Mi flips them over, rolling a couple of rounds on the sand before they end up with Kyuhyun underneath him. Zhou Mi looks absolutely victorious about that, pulling back to grin at the younger man brightly.
Something in Kyuhyun’s chest rumbles at the position when he’s flat on his back, the other man straddling his thighs. If it was anyone else but Zhou Mi, he might’ve lashed out and started a bloody fight, being forced into such a vulnerable position. But it isn’t anyone else, it’s Zhou Mi hovering above him, gazing at him from dark eyes and gradually the aggression dissipates. His muscles are slowly relaxing and he knows Zhou Mi can feel it, judging by the way he grins down at him.
“Sand has such a nasty habit of getting everywhere,” Zhou Mi purrs and Kyuhyun tries hard not to flush at the implications of that, while his heart is doing silly little somersaults in his chest.
Instead of answering, Kyuhyun brings his hand up to cup Zhou Mi’s cheek in his palm, stroking the soft skin with his thumb. The burning need inside of him flared up again the second they first touched and at this rate he won’t be able to ignore it for long anymore. He isn’t good at this whole courting business, he’s a man of action and would’ve rather let deeds speak for themselves.
To say he isn’t hoping for it would be wrong, but to say he is expecting it would also be an exaggeration. Kyuhyun’s heart flips in surprise when Zhou Mi tilts his head and places a kiss on his palm, smiling at him almost deviously. The next thing he knows is that Zhou Mi darts out his tongue, tracing along his middle finger before nipping at the tip of it.
All of Kyuhyun’s blood takes a trip down to the lower part of his body in a heartbeat. “Fuck, Zhou Mi,” he groans out loud, his voice oddly rough. The wolf inside of him is vibrating in excitement, bubbling to the surface when Zhou Mi nibbles on his fingers and coats them in his saliva, before sucking them in his mouth. That instantly makes Kyuhyun think of all the other things Zhou Mi could suck and if there was any blood left in his circulation it takes an express train to his crotch.
Instinct takes over and Kyuhyun barely realizes what’s happening when his free hand shoots down to grab Zhou Mi’s hip hard, almost bruising, so he can yank him down against himself properly. The sweet friction of body against body, the glorious sensation of skin on skin, it pushes them higher almost ridiculously easily. Kyuhyun grunts when Zhou Mi cants his hips and pushes against him, rubbing down on him in the best way possible.
Finally Zhou Mi lets his fingers go, a thin line of saliva connecting them to his glistening lips. He’s grinning, perfectly aware of how big the hold he has of Kyuhyun is, and if Kyuhyun wasn’t so excited he might’ve been a little grumpy about it. Zhou Mi leans down and they kiss, teeth clashing and lips bruising, hardly anything elegant but it makes up for that in sheer passion. It’s an explosion of need.
When Zhou Mi takes a hold of Kyuhyun’s wrist and brings his saliva-slicked fingers around him, Kyuhyun’s brain short circuits. His body skips right past excited from interested to so hard it hurts. He growls into the kiss as he takes matters in his own hands - quite literally - and manhandles Zhou Mi closer against himself. Tentative at first, he rims the taller man with his index finger, the responding mewl encouraging him to take a step further.
By the time they are both breathless from the kisses Kyuhyun has managed to work three fingers inside of Zhou Mi, knuckle deep, and has him squirming on top of him. It’s taken some doing to get there with excessive amounts of saliva, but then again they have nothing but time right now. It’s obvious Zhou Mi isn’t ashamed of showing how needy he is, and rocks back against Kyuhyun’s long fingers eagerly.
It’s the hottest thing Kyuhyun has ever seen: Zhou Mi’s lips are reddened and bruised from their kisses, his cheeks flushed from effort and arousal, his half-lidded eyes glazed over, his hair a mess sticking to his sweaty forehead, his chest heaving with ragged breaths. The pale moonlight illuminates his white skin in an almost ethereal glow and somehow the contrast makes everything feel even more real.
Especially when Zhou Mi leans down and claims Kyuhyun’s lips again, right at the moment when Kyuhyun withdraws his fingers and grabs Zhou Mi’s hips instead. Zhou Mi doesn’t need to be urged, he doesn’t hesitate at all before he already positions himself on top of the younger male. Kyuhyun stops breathing when Zhou Mi sinks down on him, Zhou Mi’s muscles contracting around him, the tightness almost too much for them both until he’s sheathed in all the way.
They only take a second to enjoy the way they are connected as deeply as possible, before Zhou Mi already picks up a slow pace on top of Kyuhyun. He places his palms on Kyuhyun’s chest, and slides them down to his stomach, splaying his fingers apart as he marvels on the fact that he’s allowed to do so. The wolf inside Kyuhyun reacts with a growl at that, but to his surprise it isn’t displeased, it’s almost playful. He’s dying a sweet death as they kiss, grunt against each other’s lips whenever they pull apart for air.
Mating is never as simple as it’s thought to be. There’s always an element of choice to it, and it never happens against one’s will, even if the legends speak of it as something that takes place if the stars just happen to be aligned right. Sometimes it simply doesn’t happen, even if both parties are willing, even if they live together as spouses for their whole lives. Sometimes it can be broken, severed beyond repair. No one can explain the sort of bond that forms, either, as it’s as if there’s a pathway between two persons, joining them.
With the two of them, however, there’s no question about what’s happening. Kyuhyun can feel it bubble inside of him the second their bodies are joined, feels it prickle on his skin and shoot through his veins. It’s like someone opens the floodgates, slowly bit by bit, and with every passing second he feels more of Zhou Mi twined into his wolf side. Most importantly, he feels Zhou Mi’s wolf side for the first time ever, almost as if it’s merging with his.
Suddenly it’s all too much for Kyuhyun, the pressure inside of him forcing him to act. The low growl that slips from his lips is the only warning he manages before he flips them over - no longer caring if Zhou Mi thinks that sand gets just everywhere - and slams right into Zhou Mi’s body. It makes them both nearly howl, Zhou Mi’s back forming a perfect arch as he bucks underneath him, baring his throat. That’s like an invitation and Kyuhyun is drawn in until he can scrape his teeth over the other man’s Adam’s apple, leave a mark above his collarbone. To be allowed to kiss him, no, bite him there is like the ultimate pledge and everything in Kyuhyun is purring in contentment.
Zhou Mi brings his impossibly long legs around Kyuhyun’s hips to guide him in his movements, to pull him in and try to get every little bit he has to offer. They both want more, want to have it all, and there’s no holding back. Kyuhyun grabs Zhou Mi’s hips with one hand and his wrists with another, hard enough to leave bruises behind if it weren’t for their ability to heal faster than any regular human being.
It ends almost violently but that’s exactly what they both need right now, the only thing to put out the fire within. Zhou Mi senses it already before he feels Kyuhyun tense and the next second Kyuhyun comes hot and hard inside of him. He could’ve gotten lost staring at those gorgeous features lost in pleasure but it only takes half a heartbeat and he follows right behind, white flashing before his wide open eyes when it washes through him.
The sand is indeed sticking everywhere but neither of them cares as they stay right there, chests heaving with ragged gasps in their attempts to fill their lungs with the much needed oxygen. Zhou Mi is still shuddering and Kyuhyun has buried his face in his shoulder, waiting for the most intense sensations to fade. When he feels like he can move, Kyuhyun rolls to the side, pulling the taller male along with him.
“Mine.” The word rumbles from somewhere deep in Kyuhyun’s chest as he nips on Zhou Mi’s kiss bruised lips, cradling him into his arms possessively.
The stars are so bright up above it almost feels like they could fall down on them if they blink. Kyuhyun traces the constellations in his mind, seeking out the figures that had brought him comfort when young and desperately in need of guidance. The sand is soft beneath him, sticking to sweaty skin, and Zhou Mi is warm against his side, close enough for their shoulders to touch. If there is a perfect moment in the world, Kyuhyun is fairly sure it would be something like this.
Neither of them feels the need to say anything for the longest time, content to just stay there and bask in each other’s presence. Kyuhyun reaches into the bond that lingers between them, feeling a gush of happiness from his mate. It’s tinged with a hint of melancholy though, and instinctively Kyuhyun curls his fingers, squeezing Zhou Mi’s gently.
Zhou Mi feels it and he knows what is the cause of it. Even though he has been sensitive to other people and their feelings his whole life, with Kyuhyun that is multiple times stronger. It’s like he can see underneath all the protective layers, where Kyuhyun’s feelings shine bright and clear. And now Kyuhyun is worried. “They are getting restless. We are.” Zhou Mi whispers into the darkness. He goes on without prompting. “We lost most of our pack in the battle, but some might still be alive. We just don’t know where, we don’t know how many. And we need to find them.”
Kyuhyun nods slowly, giving the other man’s hand another squeeze, reassuring. “Is that why you’re running up north?” he asks with a voice slightly hoarse from the lack of use.
“Yes. But Han Geng got into such bad shape we had to stop. He didn’t want to, but Heechul… you know Heechul,” Zhou Mi chuckles, and Kyuhyun responds with a snort. Yes he knows Heechul, after these weeks. “He’s the one stubborn enough to get through to Han Geng.”
Kyuhyun doesn’t know what to say and he falls silent, waiting for the other man to go on.
“It’s like they’re pulling us in. This bone-deep longing to find them again and see them safe,” Zhou Mi admits in a mere breath, weak enough to almost get lost in the wind. “It hurts to ignore it. More with each passing day. We… need to know what happened before we can let it rest. Even if they’re gone.”
The more Kyuhyun thinks about it, the more stunned he is, mixed feelings storming in his mind. Zhou Mi feels the immense need to follow his alpha and find the ones they had lost, the urge so strong it’s almost impossible to resist. Still he wants Kyuhyun. Took what Kyuhyun had to offer, allowed him to take him. Surely he had known that it meant he was bound to stay with Kyuhyun’s pack? “And still you… we - you and me-” He doesn’t get any further than that. Zhou Mi understands.
“Kyuhyun,” Zhou Mi rolls over and sneaks a long arm around the younger male’s ribcage, pressing close against him. His skin is warm, especially in contrast with the cool night air and it makes Kyuhyun shiver lightly. At least that is what he explains it with when Zhou Mi snuggles closer like a pup. “It might be hard to resist their pull. But it is impossible to resist yours.”
Kyuhyun snorts, but nevertheless wraps an arm around Zhou Mi’s shoulders to hold him close. The warmth is spreading from his skin, sinking deeper into the pit of his stomach. He smiles into the darkness.
With Zhou Mi’s breath hot against his collar bone, Kyuhyun knows exactly what he needs to do.
It’s almost the dawn of the following day when Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi finally arrive back at the village. They don’t make any detours this time, only stop at the tree where they left their clothes to shift back and get dressed. At least they managed to catch some sleep at the lake, so a quick nap now should suffice to get them through the day. As they slip into Kyuhyun’s bed, side by side, they stay awake only long enough to tangle their limbs in an attempt to be as close as possible.
Some time later there’s knocking at their doorway that startles them both awake. Zhou Mi has managed to roll on his back by then, half off the mattress, and Kyuhyun is drooling on his side. There’s no way either of them can possibly look in the least presentable after so little sleep, but Zhou Mi tries to smooth down his hair anyway. Kyuhyun grumbles and pulls the covers up to his chin as Zhou Mi gets up to see who it is that still insistently keeps knocking.
“I’m sorry I woke you up,” Ryeowook says first thing as he gets a look at Zhou Mi. “It’s sort of urgent though. You were gone all day yesterday!”
The thought of what happened the previous day, and night, makes Zhou Mi’s chest fill with a certain sort of warmth. He can’t stop smiling at the mere memory of it, and if there wasn’t for the fact that he knows he’s leaving soon he’d be ecstatic about how his life is turning out. As of now, he forces himself to focus on the happiness, ignoring the upcoming days for as long as possible. “Sorry,” he says, more out of habit than anything else, “come on, sit down!”
Ryeowook obeys, bowing down to step inside, and takes a seat next to the wall. Zhou Mi sits down opposite to him, and Kyuhyun shows enough interest to at least shift in his place until he’s facing the two of them, blinking at them from sleepy eyes. “What’s going on?” he asks, obviously not completely functional just yet.
“Someone left a message to us at the southeast path,” Ryeowook begins, his lips pressed into a thin line as if that could somehow help with the unease, to untie the knot that’s settled tightly in the pit of his stomach. He describes the sign as best as he can, and as he mentions the white feathers Kyuhyun sits up as well, suddenly fully awake.
“Sungmin thinks it’s a threat,” Ryeowook finishes, “no one seems to know for sure. But you’re staying for a bit longer,” he says, aligning his head a little towards Zhou Mi. “They’re making plans now, but no one else is let in so we don’t know what’s going on.”
Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun exchange a nervous glance. They don’t need to speak to know they both are thinking of the same thing, of the feather they saw buried in the remains of the fire. Zhou Mi can’t even bring himself to be happy about the chance to stay in the village for longer, not with the sense of impending doom hanging over them like a dark cloud.
They fall silent, all three of them lost in thought.
It’s just before supper when Sungmin and Heechul step out of the building for the first time in hours, soon followed by Han Geng and Siwon. They’re not saying anything about what’s been discussed in private, but Siwon lets everyone understand that there’ll be directions given after they’ve all eaten. Not that anyone has a lot of appetite considering the circumstances.
No one manages to eat a single bite before a blood-curdling screech cuts through the air.
They’re here.
Next Chapter
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happy new year :)
@DW.