SH 2014: to fly under ceremonious kite for thesockmonster

[suholiday]

For: thesockmonster
From: ANONYMOUS until May 22, 2014

Title: to fly under ceremonious kite
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s)/Focus: Suho/Luhan, side Chen/Li Yin
Length: 10072 words
Summary: Luhan was, perhaps, placed atop the most ambitious seats in history.
Warning/s: bdms-ish contents. written in past tense.


Luhan woke up with a jolt as his head swayed dangerously to the side. Figures clad in colours draped across brown materialised slowly and Luhan blinked them into even more blurry shots of indistinguishable shapes. What was he doing in a room full of potatoes?

“-strike harder. And faster.”

This surely shocked Luhan awake.

“-aware of the recent events, which are just the beginning. There shall be more to come in the days leading to the Festival and it is of outmost importance that we remain vigilant-”

It took all of Luhan’s willpower not to groan like a petulant child. The potatoes were his Ministers and trusted Advisors, and Luhan would only agree to grace their company on one occasion: court hearings. Even the Emperor couldn't walk away from mind draining responsibilities.

He continued listening to the Minister of Ceremonies talk, passionately explaining the age old tradition of their people and how Luhan would forever be hailed for bringing it back. Luhan didn't take in a single word. His mind was still reeling from the lust-filled, sinful realms of his deep dark thoughts. Apparently everyone was too caught up in the Minister's speech to pay attention to Luhan.

With the exception of a certain Young Scholar who was set on giving Luhan condescending glares.

Nearly choking on air, Luhan steered his eyes away. He favored focusing on the hearings than stare at Joonmyeon and reminiscent his earlier dream.

“-the best bodyguards in the land are at our service, and our army hasn't lost a battle since generations.” Luhan realised he’d dozed off in the middle of a debate, and prayed to the Gods to not let the Ministers ask for his opinion. “There holds no reason to indulge in the paranoia-”

“Paranoia you say! And when the Royal Family is attacked, is this how the Ministers shall answer? ‘We were afraid of appearing too paranoid, hence the lack in security.’”

“Nonsense. Such absurdities are not tolerated in-”

Luhan felt the pricking start of a fight and deemed the discussion as being pushed too far before a war of who’s beard is longer breaks out.

“Enough!”

The court silenced instantly. Luhan knew all the hollering he did as a child would pay off one day.

“I have heard your thoughts,” Luhan said, making sure to meet everyone's eyes, which would appear fruitless as Luhan could barely make out their faces. He could see Joonmyeon nearly rolling his eyes. It took all his willpower not to throw Joonmyeon against the wall. “And heeded your concerns. However I feel agreeable to the security remaining the same-”

“But your highness-”

Luhan raised one hand and the Prime Minister immediately sealed his lips. Luhan was thankful that his hands didn't shake. The Prime Minister was a fierce, intense man who terrified Luhan as a child and still continued to give him fright. Adding fuel to his already low opinion of Luhan wasn't the best, but Luhan was the emperor, and there was nothing he could do to harm him.

Except maybe haunt his dreams.

“The security would remain the same, no more no less, and that is final.” He said, preparing to rise up. “And with this, the session has come to its end.”

Luhan rose up from his chair and nearly cursed every higher power as the edge of the table knocked into his knees. Luhan waited till everyone hailed their praises, trying to fight back the tears pooling in his eyes then quickly made his way out the Official Hall.

A few Ministers and Scholars caught up with him, discussing about the festival and how excited they were. Especially the Minister of Ceremonies, who’d witnessed the tears in Luhan’s eyes and thought of it as the Emperor being moved from his dedication to the Kite Festival. Luhan listened to their chatter with polite smiles and usual nodding of head. He nearly jumped in fright, when a hand grab at his backside, but when he looked back, all he could see were the Ministers and advisers making their way to lunch.

Luhan didn't think much of it. He already knew who it was.

♚

Luhan clasped his hands behind, walking alongside an endless expanse of wainscoting wall space hidden by the many paintings it adorned. The Eastern Corridor was home to the most valued paintings of the many Royal Family. Luhan enjoyed a stroll after Lunch, albeit in the company of his bodyguards, unlike his other counterparts who preferred to frolic away in the imperial Gardens.

A familiar voice stopped Luhan in his tracks.

“The Prime Minister is right.”

Luhan glanced over his shoulders. Joonmyeon was standing there, his arms crossed and an air of determination that Luhan admired in his countrymen, but loathed in his oppressors.

“A huge gathering is the perfect place for an attack, especially since the whole village as audience,” Joonmyeon said, making his way over to Luhan. Yixing and Wufun immediately stepped aside. “The movement is small, but not weak. And they’ll have enough resources to at the least harm, if not kill the royal family-"

“You seem to be quite knowledgeable on these matters,” Luhan replied. “Far more than what a scholar would acquaint himself with.”

Joonmyeon merely shrugged his shoulders.

Waving his bodyguards away, Luhan continued looking at the paintings. His mind was not focused on on the black strokes subtracted across papyrus, but was instead focused on the steady breathing which now neared his neck.

Luhan didn't blush.

Joonmyeon's heavy breath tingled his neck. “There’s something else I’d rather acquaint myself with-”

Luhan didn't hear the rest of the sentence as something soft and warm and wet pressed against the base of his neck.

A gasp escaped Luhan’s mouth as he tried to ward off the heat cruising through his entire body. “What are you-”

“Wanted to do that all day.” As Joonmyeon said this, his tongue traced a small line from the base til the back of Luhan’s ear.

Luhan’s mouth opened on in a mute moan. although the room was sealed, the walls were extremely thin and Luhan knew from experience that his desperate calls of pleasure would surely travel till the adjacent chamber.

“Joonmyeon-””

“Do you realise how needy you sound, when you say my name like that.” Luhan had wanted to argue that he would have said anyones name like that when his neck was undergoing assault from a very persistent, and mighty wonderful tongue, but instead focused the energy it would take to form the words into rolling his hips back.

Joonmyeon, who only maintained point of contact with his mouth, took a sharp inhale and now dug his fingers at Luhan’s side. “Luhan -

“Do you know,” Luhan half-moaned-half wheezed, “What sinful thoughts cross my mind when you say my name like that?””

Joonmyeon groaned against Luhan’s skin, the movement of his wet lips sending waves of heat over Luhan.

On any other day, the pair would have laughed at the completely atrocious, silly talk they exchanged. but with the way Joonmyeon was all over Luhan, humour was the last thing crossing his mind.

Strong nimble hands grabbed at his front, very near to his groin and pressing Luhan’s back to Joonmyeon’s half-hard front. the pleasure wasn't the same say, when one disposes of the clothes to pursue such course of actions, but the feeling of Joonmyeon pressing onto him created enough mind numbing sensations.

Although Luhan could do away with his face pressed against a priceless painting.

The coarseness of Joonmyeon’s clothes scratched against Luhan’s back. his mind vaguely realised how the Crane on Joonmyeon’s front and the Dragon on Luhans back were rubbing against each other. And that thought turned into something sinister, which didn't help the arousal burning in his skin.

Luhan was never vouchered for heaven anyway.

“Stop.”

Luhan couldn't hear him over how wonderful it felt to have Joonmyeon touching him, his hot mouth against-

“Luhan, we need to stop,” Joonmyeon said, a little more firmly. He stepped back, digging the heel of his palm in Luhan’s back, keeping him away. “The Elders have requested a meeting and you cannot go looking like-”

“Yes. I understand.” Luhan spinned around, grinning brightly.”I daresay, the young scholars are quite needy these days.”

A small, but powerful punch landed at Luhan’s shoulder.

“At least I don’t snore, obnoxiously might I add, during court hearings while pretending to stay alert. Disrespect and awful acting, all wrapped in one.”

Luhan pinched Joonmyeon’s sides earning another punch. “And such lies, that too from a scholar might I add. I refuse to believe I snore.”

Joonmyeon placed his hands on Luhan’s cheek. his fingers were idly moving across Luhan’s skin and Luhan felt the places where Joonmyeon touched burn, like the warmth of fire on a cold winter day. It felt entirely comfortable, Joonmyeon touch like the welcome heat of fire on a cold winter day. Luhan couldnt help but drink in Joonmyeon’s warmth.

“I gather the meeting was too boring for the emperor?” Joonmyeon murmured.

Luhan realised that Joonmyeon had been tracing the welts on his skin. “I believe this happened when you pushed me against the painting.” he said. “You do have a tendency to get vicious, I’ve noticed.”

“Your highness should get some rest, before more people are subjected to your snoring,” Joonmyeon lightly tapped Luhan’s cheek, pointedly ignoring Luhan’s statement.

“Its not my fault a certain somebody kept me up all night,” Luhan replied, his eyes drooping from the fuzziness of Joonmyeon’s soft fingers against his skin.

The most prettiest shade of pink spread across Joonmyeon’s neck. “Your Highness left me with no choice.”

The blissful state was now possessed by guilt that Luhan may have forced Joonmyeon beyond his will. before Luhan could say anything, Joonmyeon went on.

“Its hard to resist when you cry out my name like a whore.” Joonmyeon was grinning, his eyes curved in two small crescents.

And with that he waved goodbye, leaving Luhan with his dreams come true.

♚

A loud cheer went up as the the chiming of the bells announced the start of the festival.

Pulling the curtains a little, Luhan chanced a peek at the gathering outside, and was caught between joy and fainting on the spot. Joonmyeon was wrong, it seemed as if not only the entire village, but the neighbouring villages had also joined in to witness the auspicious festival.Splashes of bright red bathed in sunny yellow were lined up at the front, followed by the much smaller, but no less vibrant display from the more humbler kites.

As per customs the ‘oldest living’ would usually accompany the emperor to make the offerings in prayer. But ever since the infamous brawl when one of the Elders had argued that his tortoise was the oldest living creature in the village and should be the one to lead the prayer instead (leading to a huge debate that lasted for two and a noon days, consequently resulting in the tortoise leading the prayer after all) the rule was amended to include only the oldest of the human species.

Luhan made his way on the stage, while the Empress walked on from the other side. Li Yin smiled, looking more prettier than usual. They both simultaneously turned to the crowd, and another cheer went up.

The Chancellors and Lords brought the offerings and Luhan was pleased to find that his former tutor would be serving as the Elder.

With fingers steadier than a drunk man’s, Luhan accepted the silver platter laden with the richest, ripest fruit and the purest of grains from the entire land. He handed the plate over to liYin. who placed her hand just below Luhan’s and pressed gently. Luhan smiled, grateful for the reassurance. Another plate, this time gold, was placed on Luhan’s palm.

Both Li Yin and Luhan bowed down low, then knelt down in unison, placing their respective plates in front. Luhan thought he heard Li Yin wince a little. Darting his eyes sideways, he saw her head was still low, but her face was oddly contorted.

The elder scholar carried the plates to the altar, set on taking all the time he needed to place the plates.

Shifting slightly to his left, Luhan nudged Li Yin’s little finger with his own. “Are you okay?” he whispered, a little hoarsely from keeping his mouth close for so long.

Li Yin only opened her eyes a little wide, giving Luhan a condescending glare and shushing him. She seemed alright. Luhan figured it must be the extra weight she’d put on recently.

After what seemed like the passing of at least 3 dynasties, the elder scholar finally blessed the emperor and the empress, by which the crowd had erupted into a whispering hush and Luhan was certain that the wheezing laughter which aimed at being low but was loud enough for the entire ground to hear was none other than his own father.
Luhan and Li Yin finally rose, and the crowd took some time to quiet down.

“And now let the festivities begin!”

♚

Luhan swirled the wine in his cup. The festival had been going well, with no sign of threats or attacks as assumed. li Yin had already excused herself to her room immediately after the offering. Luhan tried not to think of how Chen, Joonmyeon’s younger brother and a court Musician, followed right after.

He needed wine to forget that. Before Luhan could take a sip,a familiar scent of foliage froze his hand.

“Downstage,” Joonmyeon whispered, too close in proximity. It took Luhan a moment to realise that Joonmyeon was perhaps talking about some emergency meeting. “Before the Pigs War.”

Luhan resisted the urge to make a face. The pigs war was far by the most interesting aspect of the festival, and Luhan had prepared himself to endure the two hour long display of every individual kite holders who had ventured into the palace ground, just to catch the pigs war. But the duties of the emperor always came first.

Nodding his head, Luhan whispered a small “yes”, and almost froze in shock as he felt something hot and heavy and wet behind his ear.

Before he could say or do anything, Joonmyeon disappeared towards the back. Luhan looked around frantically to make sure no one had witnessed Joonmyeon’s tongue action and it looked like no one had, since everyone was either too absorbed in the procession down below or discreetly trying to catch some sleep.

Heaving sigh of relief, Luhan continued watching the colourful parade. A nagging thought crept in his mind of a possible attack, hence the urgency with which Joonmyeon relayed the message. Perhaps his carelessness caused an upsurge, with the Ministers now surging around for maximum security and protection. Or maybe it was something silly, like the royal kite made from regular bamboo rather than the gold one.

After the last display, where a kite, Luhan had been amused to find, was supposedly made after his face (but looked more like a demon with runny nose), got tangled with the Royal Kite, Luhan excused himself and made his way downstage. People were dashing left and right, apparently wanting to catch the Pigs War. Luhan fought the urge to run back along with them. Instead he made his way further, with his hands clasped behind.

Luhan stopped in front of the storage area, wondering if he got the wrong place, when a strong, sturdy hand caught his arms and pulled him backwards.

“What-Secu-” his hands were muffled by small hands. Luhan did the only logical thing he could think of. He bit the skin covering his mouth, digging his canals as hard as he could.

It always worked.

“Blasted Duck!”

Luhan raised his eyebrows at the familiar voice. “Scholars curse?”

“Generally speaking yes,” Joonmyeon said, retreating his arm. “A good scholar curses through his mind and never his mouth.”

Jooonmyeon placed his hands on Luhan’s shoulder, spinning him around so they were face to face.

“A assume your calling had nothing to do with political matters?” Luhan said.

“on the contrary, I wished to act on my interests in altruism.”

“And how exactly do you propose to do so?”

Joonmyeon kissed Luhan in favour of replying. Their mouth fit perfectly in a sweet chaste kiss. Joonmyeon’s hand found themselves on Luhan’s neck, his fingers moving in soft gentle strokes.

Placing his hands on Joonmyeon’s waist, Luhan broke free, their lips a mere inch apart.
“Did you abduct me to fulfil your needy wishes?”

Joonmyeon sniffed. “You came on your own accord.”

“I was deceived.”

“All warfare is based on deception,”Joonmyeon said, with a hint of mischievousness to his voice.

Luhan smiled, dropping a kiss on Joonmyeon’s nose. Joonmyeon quirked his lips to one side, making Luhan kiss his nose once again.

“You’re making me miss Pigs War, do not pull such faces.”

Joonmyeon’s bit his lips, his face ridden with guilt. “Do you enjoy Pigs War?”

“Not more than I enjoy doing .. this,” he said, taking Joonmyeon’s lower lip between his own and sucking on it diligently. Joonmyeon moaned, pressing himself closer to Luhan.
Luhan opened his mouth, dragging his lips over Joonmyeon’s and forcing them open too.

Their tongues slid against each other, tasting and devouring everything within their touch. Joonmyeon pulled back, catching his breath, while Luhan continued savouring the sweet, sweet, taste of Joonmyeon’s skin.

Joonmyeon arched his head back, exposing a stretch of naked, pink skin. Luhan sucked and nibbled his way down, digging his teeth at exposed skin while Joonmyeon’s hands worked on opening Luhan’s robes. The string came undone and Luhan’s trousers slid down his legs. Joonmyeon wasted no time in grabbing Luhan’s back, his small hands squeezing and moulding the flesh to infinite pleasure.

With fumbling hands Luhan managed to rid Joonmyeon of his robes as well, all the while maintaining contact with his neck. Luhan's Mouth travelled along the smooth fabric of Joonmyeon’s undergarment, sucking out soft moans and whines from Joonmyeon. He knelt down, grabbing Joonmyeon’s behind to steady himself. His mouth continued their path downwards, till it reached the hardness between Joonmyeon’s legs.

“Luhan ..” Joonmyeon pushed back the stray strands from Luhan’s forehead, draggin his palm over Luhan’s hair and making it messier.

Luhan tilted his head up, locking eyes with Joonmyeon. Slowly he sucked on Joonmyeon’s hardness through the thin veil of fabric. Joonmyeon moaned with such electricity, Luhan’s own hardness felt suffocated between his legs. He could feel the texture of Joonmyeon’s cock through the cotton, but yearned for the real taste. Quickly he pulled down Joonmyeon’s undergarments and without hesitation, pulled the hard cock into his mouth. He continued lapping at skin at the flesh, sucking hard, just the way Joonmyeon liked.

Joonmyeon seemed to harbour other ideas.

Joonmyeon fisted his fingers in Luhan’s hair, pushing him back. Luhan let the cock slip from his mouth, with a small shine. With great strength Joonmyeon hosted Luhan by his hair.

Joonmyeon kissed him, open mouthed, making Luhan forget about the pain. His hands were still fisted in Luhan’s air while Luhan flailed his arms around, intoxicated from the taste of Joonmyeon’s cock and the assault from his mouth.

Joonmyeon broke free with a sinful smack of lips. With Joonmyeon’s control on Luhan’s head, Luhan was at face level with Joonmyeon, and he looked like a mess. Sweat glistening at every inch with plump lips and unruly hair. A trail of Luhan’s saliva marked on his lips. Absolute wreck.

Luhan thought he’d never seen anything so beautiful.

“Turn around,” Joonmyeon whispered, his voice deep and scratchy.

Luhan compiled. Joonmyeon placed his hands on Luhan’s waist, steering them towards the corner where sets of wooden crates had been placed.

“Place your hand on the box.”

Luhan placed his palms flat on the wood. Cool breeze ruffled the curtains, revealing a stripped view of the ground outside. Luhan felt his heart nearly stop. If the breeze happened to blow the curtains ever so slightly, anyone could see the compromising position Luhan and Joonmyeon were in.

“Joonmyeon,” Luhan said, slightly panicked. Joonmyeon seemed to not pay heed to what Luhan was saying. “I think we should-”

A loud cry escaped Luhan’s mouth as Joonmyeon inserted his cock inside Luhan. At that instant, a deafening roar came from the other side, indicating the start of the Pig’s War.

“How are you doing?” Joonmyeon murmured, kissing the base of Luhan’s neck.

“I’m-,” Luhan gasped for air, the pleasure taking him unexpextedly. “-exceptionally wel-” another thrust from Joonmyeon cut off Luhan’s sentence.

Joonmyeon pulled out completely, before thrusting in with great force. Luhan was thankful for Joonmyeon’s steady hands holding him, or Luhan wouldn't think his legs would be able to support him.

Joonmyeon kept pounding Luhan, each snap of hips bringing in blinding pleasure. nonsensical mumblings escaped Luhan’s mouth, an odd mixture of “harder-Joonmyeon-faster”. Joonmyeon’s mouth was pressed against Luhan’s shoulder, but his lips moved, as though in sync with Luhan.

When Luhan felt himself nearing the edge, Joonmyeon quickly grabbed Luhan’s cock, stroking in time with his thrusts. in less than minutes, Luhan was coming all over Joonmyeon’s with a loud cry and Joonmyeon followed with a final sharp thrust, releasing himself inside Luhan.

panting heavily, Luhan tried maintaining his balance, but it was increasingly hard with the way Joonmyeon was leaning against his back.

“You really do -” Luhan started, each word followed by heavy breathing. “ enjoy taking me from behind don’t you.”

Joonmyeon laughed,pushing his face against Luhan’s shoulder. Luhan could feel Joonmyeon’s body shaking with laughter.

"I'm afraid your highness does impeccable impression of pleas and cries," Joonmyeon said, turning Luhan around and cradling Luhan's face in his hands. "Its hard to .. properly have my way."

Luhan would have replied that Joonmyeon had always had his way with Luhan, but Joonmyeon was kissing him, all chaste and sweet, shutting him up.

They dressed leisurely, as they kept kissing and giggling every few moments. Luhan didn't care that anyone could walk in and find them half naked.

Fully clothed they faced each other. Luhan fixed Joonmyeon's hat while Joonmyeon smoothened down any odd wrinkles in Luhan's robe.

Joonmyeon extended his hand. "Shall we?"

Luhan smiled, taking Joonmyeon's hand in his own, and together walked out into the sunlight. Although forced to immediately part ways, Luhan was certain that the Kite Festival would leave a lasting impression in his mind.

♚

Luhan bit his lips, continuing to pace around as Joonmyeon watched him anxiously. With a heavy breath, Luhan finally spoke.

“It concerns your brother.”

Luhan had called Joonmyeon into his bedroom, after hearing some court maids talking about how the empress was fascinated by the “very handsome musician.”

Joonmyeon furrowed his eyebrows. Luhan thought it as Joonmyeon being worried, but a flash of comprehension crossed Joonmyeon face, like he had just realised what comprehended what Luhan said.. Luhan raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Your highness?” Joonmyeon said.

“Yes?”

“You wanted to talk about chen?”

“Yes. Regarding Chen ..” he took a deep breath, smoothing down the imaginary crinkles in his robe as an escape to directly look at Joonmyeon. “chen has been spending quite an extraordinary amount of time in the presence of the .. empress.” from an awkward angle, Luhan could see Joonmyeon’s form turn erect. His mouth was opened slightly, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Luhan could understand his discomfort.

“Especially in the,” Luhan gulped, feeling uncomfortable with every word he spoke. “private chambers of the empress.”

Joonmyeon immediately knelt down on the floor, his back curved and his head nearly touching the redwood floor. “Your highness, forgive my brother for he doesn't understand what-”

“No no!” Luhan dashed off to Joonmyeon, lifting him by the shoulders. “My purpose was not to send anyone to their deaths. Do not be hasty Joonmyeon. I merely wished to give a warning, for Chen, and you also, to be further careful in such endeavours.”

Joonmyeon had risen to his full height, which still only came up till Luhan’s cheek, but the ease with which Joonmyeon carried himself often made him look bigger than he was. however today, he seemed to curl up into himself.

“You’re worried for Chen?”

“Yes” Luhan said, wrapping his arms around Joonmyeon’s waist. “And Li Yin too.”

“But you don't seem angered by this finding”

“Why should I?”

Joonmyeon gave him a glare, usually reserved for when Luhan felt exceptionally playful and would proceed to annoy Joonmyeon till Joonmyeon would wrestle Luhan to the bed and tie him to the bedpost with silk scarves. Luhan never revealed that he only did so because he liked the rough handling of Joonmyeon.

“Because. She’s your wife.” Joonmyeon waited, as if expecting Luhan to response. when none came he continued with an exasperated sigh. “You love her and would be jea-”

“Heavens no! Do not think of me so low, I do love Li Yin, but in the same way one may love his sister.” Luhan felt the comparison slightly false and entirely wrong, but ‘friend’ or ‘companion’ were not suitable examples considering the predicament he was in with Joonmyeon.

Joonmyeon’s lips quirked in a slight frown, and Luhan couldn't resist the urge to kiss it away. Joonmyeon responded by lightly tugging on Luhan’s lower lips with his teeth.

Their conversation came to a standstill, but Luhan didn't mind. Couldnt mind, more aptly, with the way Joonmyeon licked his way into Luhan’s mouth, tasting every corner and crevice. Slightly out of breath, they both parted, and Luhan could feel Joonmyeon’s warm moist breath against his lips.

Joonmyeon’s neck made up for the heated skin his cheeks somehow lacked. Luhan wasted no time in dipping his mouth to the warm rosy trail of Joonmyeon’s neck. His tongue darted to taste every inch.

With the difference in their stature, it proved difficult to ravish Joonmyeon the way Luhan wanted.

Luhan pulled back abruptly. A bad decision, as Joonmyeon’s chin collided with the crown of Luhan’s head.

“Sorry sorry!” Luhan said, kissing Joonmyeon’s chin, then his eyes, to stop Joonmyeon from glaring at him. All was forgiven it seemed, as Joonmyeon threaded his fingers into Luhan’s hair massaging the spot where Luhan was hurt.

“So, the fact that Chen and The Empress are…” Joonmyeon coughed slightly. “Does it bother you?” Joonmyeon was still running his fingers along Luhan’s scalp, so it took a moment for Luhan to divert his attention from the feeling of Joonmyeon’s hands to Joonmyeon’s mouth. his very pink mouth.

“Huh?” Luhan said, still a little groggy from his earlier ravishing. “Oh, no not in the least. I could never give li Yin what she deserved, and if Chen can give her happiness, who am I to mendle?” Luhan smiled. “Besides, it gets a little lonely in a big place.”

Joonmyeon’s hand’s still entangled fingers tugged harshly at Luhan’s hair. “Do you feel lonely your highness?”

Luhan pouted, turning his eyes all wide and innocent. “Yes. Very.”

Joonmyeon pushed at Luhan’s shoulder. Joonmyeon moved forward, till the back of Luhan’s knee hit the bed. Joonmyeon plopped down on his lap. Stradling Luhan’s lap Joonmyeon wrapped his legs around Luhan.

“Will you be so kind as to take away my loneliness?”

Sliding his hands to the curve of Joonmyeon’s back, he squeezed the flesh there, earning a soft moan from Joonmyeon. Luhan was seated atop the most ambitious seats in history. And it was the perfect spot to kiss Joonmyeon’s neck.

“Surely. But on one condition.” Joonmyeon said, pushing Luhan down on the bed. “You stop sputtering such un-romantic nonsense.”

♚

Luhan stormed from the Official Hall. Yixing and Wufan were on his heels, trying to keep up with the emperor’s unusually fast pace. They were certainly confused, when Luhan walked in the opposite direction from the royal chambers. Luhan could feel their anxious exchange, but he could hardly feel anything inside to care.

His mind continued to playback the earlier scenes, where an emergency meeting was being held regarding the burning down of the port exchange of northern states and the mysterious attack on their Finance Minister.

Luhan was well aware that the ministers chided him behind his back, thinking him to be incapable to rule the empire. He could handle the small jibes and remarks. But how was Luhan to blame for the possibilities of enemies in their own land, or worse, their own men turning their backs on the empire.

The Prime Minister apparently had an answer ready to serve.

“People hold their loyalty to one who does not shake theirs.”he had said, looking directly at Luhan.

The whole court had fallen into silence.

One of the Lord's had quickly spoken up. “We had armed forces stationed at in and around the area-”

“to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear." The Prime Minister replied easily.

Luhan remembered feeling the blood drain from his face. “You dare mock the emperor?”

“Your highness misjudges my intentions. I simply dare to speak the truth. The enemy whoever they might be, are skilful tactician. They revealed themselves only after gaining momentum, and yet we know nothing of them. it seems however,they know our … vulnerabilities.”

Luhan had quickly gotten up from his seat, the boiling in his chest rapidly bubbling in anger. “increase the army stationed at every point by ten folds, including new areas to station them around. Do it with as much discretion as possible. A public panic is the last thing we need. Also Thoroughly investigate the attempted killings, including the questioning of the finance Minister.”

With that he had left the court.

He walked the opposite way, along the eastern corridor, where a few days back Joonmyeon had

the paintings did nothing to calm him. they agitated him more and a peculiar painting which luahn had drawn in his younger days, of a emperor high atop a cloud shaped like a kite, looking down on his people raising their arms in praise. Without halting his steps, breaking his stance, he tore the paper crumpling the torn off middle section in his hands and dropping it on the floor.

Stepping out in the dark night, he motioned his bodyguards to stay back. Even the fresh air couldn't calm him down. Not wanting to go through the torture of replaying the earlier scenes in his head, he kept his focus on the stone mosaic, not bothered where it led him. Counting the steps helped him.

After a two three hundreds and a missed few hundreds, he finally stopped to catch his breath. The churning in his stomach had stopped. A wave of dead fish filled his nose, and with a sinking feeling Luhan realised he wasn't as far off from the official hall as he had imagined. Heaving a breathy sigh, he took shelter under a pavilion, which shone a bright red under the morning sun, but in the light of the palace, gave the eerie chill of a deathtrap.

Luhan took sanctity in the fact that no one would look for him in the private garden. Leaning his head against the gold plated rod, he exempted from inhaling too deeply, but no sooner had Luhan envisioned on his journey, a figure loomed over his head causing him to inhale the dead fish and cough out his disgust.

"What are you doing here?"a voice asked, and in an instant Luhan felt a tingling in his chest that had nothing to do with the aftermath of a strenuous cough and everything to do with the voice.

"Obviously trying not to suffocate,"Luhan said with a small cough. "Joonmyeon do serve as a reminder to inform the Ministers of our next war tactic: fire the enemy with salmon peonies."

Joonmyeon eyes opened wide in surprise, which made him look like a court jester with the way his nose was scrunched up from trying not to breathe too much. "Penoies? your highness expects me to believe the fragrance doned on by the empress herself could emit such awful scent?"

"Believe you must"

"Incredible."

"What appears incredible is, how did you find me? The private gardens are only known to the royal family," Luhan raised his eyebrows. "Unless you are somehow related to me and are secretly planning to overtake my throne."

Luhan could make out that Joonmyeon was blushing. Luhan's eyes were better accustomed to the dark. He didn't need to see any pink on Joonmyeon's face. Just the soft change in the roundness of his cheeks often gave Joonmyeon away.

"Your Highness is very well versed in the histories it seems."

Luhan lightly smacked Joonmyeon's leg. "How did you?"

"No task is difficult for a scholar if he sets-"

"You followed me," Luhan finished. "but you weren't even present in the court."

"No.I was held back due to ..." Joonmyeon paused before speaking again. "Word gets around fast. I feel the women of our country do get a bad reputation, as a man's mouth works twice as fast as he ages."

Luhan laughed half heartedly. His heart felt too old to indulge in joyous laughters. He shifted slightly, leaning his head against the metallic pillar.

Bending forward, Joonmyeon crossed his arms on his knees and rested his head on his palm. "What are you thinking Luhan?"

Luhan tilted his head to look at Joonmyeon and couldnt help but stare. even at the mercy of the dim light of the palace, Joonmyeon face radiated an ethereal glow that made him look almost .. unreal. However it was his eyes, the way he looked at Luhan like Luhan was the most endearing thing in the world.

empty thoughts. Luhan should know better than to make believe things that may never be true.

"Divulging myself in the theories of other."Luhan offered a weak smile. Joonmeyon raised his eyebrows urging Luhan to go on. "I don't know if you heard. It was after my brother died. there were rumours going around that the royal family was .. mentally unstable and how we should be dethroned otherwise the nation would sink to its doom."

Joonmyeon's eyebrows were furrowed, his eyes wide in confusion. It was the first time Luhan met someone who didn't know this part of Luhan's past.

Somehow it made Luhan feel better. "You don't disappoint me. Of course you would be too stuck up in your books to bother with the idiocies of the world."

"there were a group of people who believed i wasn't worthy to be the emperor. they sprung their belief into action, and nearly managed to assassinate me-"

Small hand grabbed at Luhan's left hand. Joonmyeon didn't say anything but his eyes were heavy with concern. Luhan interlaced his fingers with Joonmyeon to reassure him.

"The people they hired were lousy. I didn't even get a scratch on my face." It was a lie. The arrow had nearly missed Luhan, leaving a long slash on his right cheek. "You realise I would become quite famous in the history books. Its actually quite amusing." Luhan said, aiming for lightness. "I hope the scholars make it look more appealing that it actually was.

When Luhan dared to look at Joonmyeon, a small sad smile was on his lips. "And you would be worried about that," Joonmyeon said shaking his head.

Luhan felt his earlier anger fade away into nothingness. Joonmyeon never asked for more than Luhan wanted to tell. This was something Luhan needed in his life.

After some time, in which Luhan had been examining the smallness of Joonmyeon's hands, Joonmyeon spoke again in all seriousness. "Do the historians also know of your tendency to lose consciousness when aroused."

Luhan opened his mouth in horror. Joonmyeon was positively delightful, if the extreme crinkling of his eyes was anything to go by. That treacherous spirit.

Luhan grabbed Joonmyeon in a headlock, making Joonmyeon erupt in a series of giggles and small hiccups. "You promised to never mention of such events!"

Joonmyeon blatantly ignored Luhan. "Tell me your highness, were you thinking of fornicating with me during my Scholar inauguration?"

"Hush hush hush!"

"Was it in the royal bed? or in the library? perhaps in the Official Hall itself-"

"Yes."

Joonyeon;s laughter ceased immediately. "What?"

"I was thinking of you .. and me .. in the official hall .. in front of everyone."

Joonmyeon blinked his eyes twice then scrunched up his nose. "Your higness possees quite the vivd imaginaries of the mind."

Luhan shrugged, not dropping his arms fro around Joonmyeon's shoulders. Joonmyeon merely nestled himself against Luhan's side.

“In front of everyone? Even the empress? the Ministers? Our family?"

“Yes."

“You really are crazy.""

"Of course. My whole family is crazy. My brother killed himself for his last painting. My mother thought the bees were out to kill us-"

"She did die of a bee sting," Joonmyeon interjected.

"Thats correct." Luhan didn't mention how she died in this very garden. "My father thinks his smell of his feet can predict the future. And here I am, sleeping with a man."

Joonmyeon tapped his nose, apparently thinking of ways to form his words. "Is that .. bad?"

Luhan replied by encircling his other arm around Joonmyeon, enclosing him in a one side embrace. After a few moments were Luhan had proceeded to sway them lightly, Joonmyeon spoke again.

“You think yourself to be unstable, because .. of me?”

Luhan’s mouth formed the answer before he could even think it. “Never.”

“You are crazy,”Joonmyeon said, pulling himself tighter around Luhan. Luhan wondered if they could always stay like that, stuck to each other.

“But its alright. We can be crazy together.”

♚

Luhan was flying. There were no breeze caressing his skin or flapping of clothes to support this claim, but the endless span of blue with splashes of white tuffs were enough evidence. he was floating, that was for sure. the clouds, as Luhan supposed them to be, were moving past him, so definitely he was floating. A flash of red appeared on his side, and Luhan realisesd that it was a kite. Luhan tried pushing it away but it wouldn't budge. Instead it kept sticking to his side.

Luhan woke up with a distressing head and an empty space at the side. Rubbing his eyes, he tried suppressing any development of sadness. Joonmyeon hadn't promised to Luhan to stay till morning. He had his duties and responsibility, and couldn't cater to every childish whim of Luhan’s.

Deep inside, Luhan still held on to this belief, that the day he’s wake up to Joonmyeon’s smile, would be the best day of his life.

Turning to lie on his back, he noticed a figure at the end of his bed. squinting his eyes, he propped himself on his elbows for a clearer vision, and his heart nearly jumped when he realised it was indeed Joonmyeon.

“Are we using the the emperor as an excuse to be exempted from work?” Luhan couldnt stop the smile stretching across his face.

“Your highness caught me,” Joonmyeon said. Luhan enjoyed the ease before the tiring bomb of political banters. “Will the emperor still grant me this favour?”

“How unfortunate, but lenience does not reside in me today.”

Joonmyeon turned his face sideways, the tiredness bringing down his face. But all Luhan could see was the kindness brimming in Joonmyeon’s eyes casting down on the sunshine in his lips, so well hidden outside, now exposed solely for Luhan.

“Ah, then it seems I have been wasting my time here.”

There was that twinkle in his eyes and Luhan understood that he was joking, but the fear in his mind refused to acknowledge it.

Joonmyeon shifted on the bed, crossing one his knees so he was facing Luhan. His smile faded into concern. “Are you well?"

Luhan quickly composed his expression. He understood that Joonmyeon was asking him regarding the previous night's event. Crouching on his knees, he crawled his way to Joonmyeon. Still sedate from sleep, he dawdled in his steps, making Joonmyeon burst with laughter. Luhan liked this laugh, carefree and unrestricted.

“I left well being when an angel left the heavens and landed on my bed.”

Luhan pressed his lips against Joonmyeon’s shoulder. Now that he was nearer, he could see jagged lines stamped across the white canvas of Joonmyeon’s back.

“How did you get those?” Luhan asked, tracing his finger over a deep line.

It was a few moments before Joonmyeon spoke. “The war.”

Luhan hummed. Joonmyeon wouldn't be older than fourteen at that time. Though older boys were called to war, Joonmyeon was still young to have fought.

Luhan knew what war did to people. he’d seen enough of it. Unable to think of something comforting to say, He trailed his lips lower, leaving wet trails behind.

Joonmyeon had perhaps, opened his mouth to say something, but Luhan was mouthing at Joonmyeon’s skin and all that came out was a muffled moan. Luhan wanted to to apologise for reminding Joonmyeon of unpleasant memories. Luhan groaned, his mouth catching on skin and igniting his senses. The pleasures that Joonmyeon verbalized always made Luhan warm, and Luhan was determined to get more out of them.

Parting his lips, he lightly sucked on the skin there.

“Luhan ..” Joonmyeon moaned, low and rousing. “Luhan ..”

Smiling at the sound of his own name, Luhan continued with his ministration. Luhan’s hands curled around Joonmyeon sides and laid flat across his stomach. Joonmyeon’s placed his hand on top oh Luhan’s. Luhan continued mapping out Joonmyeon’s back, while Joonmyeon continued moaning Luhan’s name, their fingers clasped together.

Luhan trailed the last one with his tongue. before planting a long kiss at the spot till Joonmyeon moaned Luhan’s name.

On occasion such as these, Joonmyeon would return “the favour” as he had once rightly said. But this time, he just looked at Luhan over his shoulder.

“What is it?” Luhan asked, resting his cheek against Joonmyeon’s shoulder.

Joonmyeon shook his head, then twisted around to place a kiss on Luhan’s forehead. it was lightest of touch, but it burned with the most pleasant feeling Luhan had felt.

“Its quite early in the morning,” Joonmyeon said, now brushing the hair from Luhan’s eyes. “Emperors have a few more hours to rest.”

“Sleep appears to be an undesirable option as of now.”Luhan inhaled Joonmyeon scent, puffing his cheeks in hopes that the taste may never escape his mouth.

Joonmyeon nodded. Then they stayed like that in silence. It was after a while Luhan finally spoke, when he feared dreams were about to take him away.

“may i .. paint .. you?”

“No objections," Joonmyeon said, grinning broadly. He stood up, beding around to gather his robes. "Let me get my clothes and ..”

“No no," Luhan said, jumping from the bed and stopping Joonmyeon from getting less naked. "I wish to paint you .. the you right now ..” he motioned his hand around for extra emphasis.

Joonmyeon blinked his eyes, trying to grasp what Luhan meant. “Oh I see. Where should I .. ?” Joonmyeon moved his head around.

“Just stay like that, how you were seated before.”

Joonmyeon nodded, taking his place at the edge of the bed. Luhan quickly grabbed a sheet of xuan paper and inkbrush, scurrying to the other side of the bed.

“You’re painting my back?” Joonmyeon exclaimed, turning around. “Is my face so distressing?”

Luhan rolled his eyes. “Oh hush you.”

With great concentration, Luhan painted, taking care with each stroke and making sure it remained perfect. Joonmyeon was the model subject. He kept still, barely moving, only the gentle rise and fall of his shoulders showed any movement. Luhan vaguely wondered how it’d feel to paint Joonmyeon’s back, but pushed it back in his mind.

After finishing his work, he called Joonmyeon over to show his masterpiece. Joonmyeon walked over, and opened his eyes wide in surprise.

“What do you think?” Luhan asked, when Joonmyeon remained silent for a while.

“Its …. can I keep it?”

Luhan nodded, a little surprised. The painting was slightly incomplete, but if Joonmyeon liked it, Luhan wouldn’t be the one to argue. Joonmyeon thanked him, placing a soft kiss on his forehead, before tucking Luhan back into the dreamworld.

♚

Luhan dashed around the palace, looking for Joonmyeon. Although he could have easily summoned for Joonmyeon, Luhan couldn't wait that long to relay his message.
earlier that day, Luhan was having tea with li Yin, after a performance by chen. He could see how chen never seemed to take his eyes of liYin, not could li Yin hide the ever increasing smile on her face. It had appeared they both were lost in their own private world, oblivious to their surroundings. oblivious, perhaps, in love.

Luhan had felt a pang of jealousy. It had been Luhan, who had cradled li Yin in his lap and sung to her when she felt the loneliness of a foreign land. But he found it hard to muster such feelings in the face of li Yin's happiness.

Dazed and excited, Li Yin had immediately broken to Luhan the news; she was three months pregnant. Luhan was dumbfounded for a few moments, before finally embracing Li Yin. They'd talked of a few serious matters, but mostly laughed and hugged.
Luhan had excused himself, wanting to share the news with someone and dashed off in search of Joonmyeon.

Luhan knew Joonmyeon harboured a secret love for flowers, and sure enough he could hear the soft chiming laughter of Joonmyeon across the Royal Garden.

Luhan hurried to the source of the sound, ignoring a persistent itch that suddenly swept across Luhan’s back. He could deal with that later.

He could also deal with Joonmyeon talking to a girl.

But what he couldn’t deal with was Joonmyeon laughing and giggling and whispering and touching some young, pretty girl.

Raw piercing emotion nipped at every of Luhan. This was something he rarely felt. Indeed the last he felt such purging rage was during the little Pigs war, when the younger boys all yielded kites for the festival while Luhan was entangled in a mess of thread and unceremonious kites. This was worse. His whole being felt engulfed in flames, like he would combust any second. Or at least combust the tramp, whose hair Joonmyeon was now picking petals off of.

Joonmyeon collected the petals in his hand, and held it out for the girl. “Even the petunias couldnt handle your beauty, I suspect.” Luhan choked back his own disgust.

Luhan snorted, while the girl dissolved into a series of sickening sweet giggles. “Such nonsense.”

“I agree with the lady,” Luhan said, then mentally cringed.

Joonmyeon and the tramp sprung apart. He didn't mean to make himself known. Sighing at his foolish actions, he proceeded to show himself from his hiding place, instead of scrambling away, which in all honestly, would have been Luhan’s initial reaction. Upon seeing Luhan the couple quickly bowed down low.

“Such old lines wouldnt work on the modern youth,” Luhan said, showing what he hoped was the best of his smiles, but it felt so tight he thought his skin might peel off. “You must come up with something better to impress such a charming lady.” He tilted his head towards the tramp, who had the audacity to blush in his presence. Since when were whores allowed in the sanctity of his Palace?

“You speak too kindly, your imperial highness,” the tramp replied.

Luhan smiled wider, and turned his gaze towards Joonmyeon, who was watching with amusement on his face. He returned Luhan’s smile, eyes outshining the sun and a million stars, blinding Luhan into blissful oblivion. The sudden shake of Joonmyeon’s head blew away the light.

“My apologies. This is lady Ki,” Joonmyeon said, motioning towards tramp Ki. “The second daughter of the former Finance Minister .”

Tramp Ki bowed, but Luhan was still upset by their broken moment. The itch returned in full force. Luhan wondered what lady Ki would do if he decided to present his backside with a nice scratch.

Joonmyeon would be displeased.

Luhan needed to run. Far away.

“It is with regret that I must take my leave now, for I am needed at the royal court.”

Joonmyeon raised his eyebrows but said nothing as Luhan hasitly made his way as far from the atrociousness of the garden as possible. A voice which Luhan was sure he would hate till eternity passed him to hell, whispered in the back.

“But isn't the Royal Court on the other side?”

Luhan nearly careened over himself as his steps came to an abrupt halt. He could feel his mouth twitching with obscenities that would surely shift the lovely lady Ki. Straightening himself to his full height, he walked with all the dignity and grace he could muster. Though the sickening smell left his lungs in peace, the rage now battled against despair and Luhan didn't know which was worse.

“Is everything all right, your highness?” Yixing asked when Luhan beckoned himover.

Luhan looked over at the garden, where lady Ki and Joonmyeon were now examining white petunias. They smiled at each other when their hands brushed, all secretive and blushy, and Luhan wanted to chop off all the petunias in the world.

But more than the massacre of innocent flowers, it was the feeling of absolute loneliness that pinched his heart.

“Get the harem ready,” Luhan said firmly. “I’ll be visiting. And make sure Scholar Kim is also .. invited”

♚

Luhan strolled around the courtyard outside the harem. The Royal harem smelled of fresh cut grass and rosemaries, courtesy of the many gardens lined at at the perimeter. Set in the middle of the royal lake, it was the considered to be one of the best places in the palace.

Luhan thought otherwise.

He tried not to choke on the stagnant smell of water. It had been a pleasant day, with the sun and wind providing equal amounts of warmth and coolness. Luhan took this opportunity by cocking inside his room the whole day.

After witnessing Joonmyeon’s love blossoming, Luhan had chided himself for being envious and taking up such silly actions. He had contemplated many times to cancel his arrangement, especially when his father had vigorously thumped his back and congratulated him on “finally enjoying the profits of being a man.”

But whenever he thought of going back on his plan, he remembered how carefree and happy Joonmyeon had looked with the tramp. Joonmyeon could be affectionate with a lady, hold her hand and proudly show to the world his wife. He couldn't do any of that with Luhan. Chen could give liYin the happiness she always wanted. but Luhan couldn't do anything for Joonmyeon. And Luhan wanted Joonmyeon to have what he deserved.

And sadly it wasn't Luhan.

With a heavy heart, he paced outside. His guards, having given up on the strange doings of their emperor, stayed at the side, their eyes never leaving Luhan.

“Your highness, Scholar Kim makes his presence.”

Luhan turned around, watching Joonmyeon make his way over the arched bridge. Luhan had to take a few steadying breaths to compose himself and not rush to Joonmyeon and kiss him senseless.

"Your highness," Joonmyeon said, bowing.

Luhan turned to his guards. They quickly bowed and left. Joonmyeon looked around in confusion.

“Theres something-” Luhan gulped, feeling scared and embarrassed from what he was about to say. “Your services are no longer required.”

Joonmyeon raised his eyebrows, apparently processing what Luhan had just said. “I’m sorry your highness I don't understand …”

“What I mean to say is,” Luhan said, now rushing through his words. “I apologise for coming on too strongly and leaving you with no choice. As a token of my apology, you can spend the night here at the Harem, and have whomsoever you want.”

Joonmyeon continued staring at Luhan, like he couldn’t believe what Luhan was saying.

Luhan sighed. Turning around, he walked over inside the welcome hall, not wanting to spend another moment in Joonmyeon’s presence.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, he collapsed on the floor. Placing his face in his palms, he mentally cursed himself. He should have walked back into the Palace, instead of playing audience to the sounds of pleasure as Joonmyeon would make his way with one of the concubines.

Contemplating a possible mad dash to the Palace without his guards, he got up on his feet only to be knocked back down as the door to the room sprung open.

“How dare you disturb the -oh.”

It was Joonmyeon standing there, his jaw set and his face seething. He closed the door before turning to face Luhan with determination in his eyes.

“Did you lose your way?” Luhan asked. He slid back across the floor, till his back hit the wall. “The concubines are at the other end-”

“Thats not what I’m here for.” Joonmyeon said taking small step towards Luhan.

Luhan braced himself for whatever ache Joonmyeon was going to hurt him with.

“You told me,” drop in formalities, but not in hesitation. “you told me I could have anyone- anyone under this roof- I longed for.”

Luhan’s heart drummed against his chest, each beat increasing with every step of Joonmyeon. “I meant it. Joonmyeon I saw the way you-”

The world stilled, and Joonmyeon crossed the last distance. Their knees brushed as Joonmyeon knelt in front of Luhan. He was so close, that Luhan could see every eyelash that fluttered against his pale cheeks, every line creased across his forehead, every lick of lips that send blood draining from Luhan’s brain.

Joonmyeon reached out to hold Luhan’s face in his hands. “Even now, do you not know …”. He leaned forward, locking his eyes with Luhan, and whispered against Luhan’s lips.

“I want you.”

A sharp intake of Joonmyeon’s cologne, and the next moment he was pressing his lips against Joonmyeon. It was the first time they kissed that they didn't devour each other’s mouth. The feel of lips closed, fully in contact was intoxicating. Joonmyeon threw his arms around Luhan’s neck, throwing them off balance. Luhan’s back hit the wall, making him groan as pain shoot out. But Joonmyeon was there to lick and nip his way into Luhan’s mouth, making Luhan moan with brush of tongue that send fireworks through his body.

There was still that fear looming at the back of his head, fear that all of Joonmyeon doings has been out of obligation, fear that perhaps, Joonmyeon is putting himself on the line to protect his family, fear that one day Joonmyeon would want to put an end to this and leave Luhan alone.

Fear that Joonmyeon could, perhaps, never feel what Luhan has only now begun to understand.

Joonmyeon hands were slowly working open Luhan's robe.

"I thought I had finally begun to understand your thoughts, but your highness proves me wrong yet again."

Luhan's hand found themselves undoing the string of Joonmyeon's clothes."And you fail to grasp how much you are capable of understanding me better than anyone.

Joonmyeon shook his head. "I only understood what youwanted me to understand your highness. And I fear, the reverse also holds some truth."

Joonmyeon pushed off both their clothes, leaving them stark naked. Joonmyeon looked uncertain, like he was contemplating his next words. Luhan dared himself to reach out and place his hands on Joonmyeon's thigh, urging him to speak.

Joonmyeon took a deep breath before placing his own hand on Luhan's knee. "I only ask that you never doubt me."

Luhan had wanted to reply that he never really doubted Joonmyeon, it was always the doubts in himself that rendered his actions, but Joonmyeon was already kneeling in front of Luhan, his fingers softly brushing back the hair from Luhan's eyes.
"Promise me when the time comes, you'll trust me."

Joonmyeon straddled Luhan's legs, their cock pressed against each other making them both gasp. Joonmyeon rested his hands on Luhan's shoulders and Luhan's hand immediately placed themselves on Joonmyeon's waist.

“Promise you’ll trust me ... as I have trusted you.”

For the first time, it was Luhan pushing himself inside Joonmyeon. It felt nothing like the numerous times they'd been together before. This was different. it was slow and exciting and full of pent up emotions which threatened to explode out of Luhan and into Joonmyeon. But Joonmyeon seemed to take it all in, his mouth never leaving Luhan's as they poured whatever unspoken feelings into the kiss.

Luhan found salvation as he came with a muffled moan, kissing Joonmyeon more deeply and intermingling their cries of pleasure as Joonmyeon came over Luhan's stomach. They stayed like that, their mouths half open against each other with their arms firmly wrapped around each other.

Luhan finally broke their trance. “How do you .. feel?"

Joonmyeon breathed against Luhan's mouth, tightening his grip on Luhan's hair. “Sleepy. Dazed. Unsure ..” Joonmyeon leaned backwards, creating space between them. “But Happy?”

“Happy?”

"Happy," Joonmyeon nodded, interlacing his fingers with Luhan's. "How do you feel?”

Luhan thought for a moment before finally replying. "I feel in 'happy'."

Joonmyeon smiled, leaning forward and rubbing his nose against Luhan. “It doesn't make sense.”

“Nothing we do ever makes sense.”

Joonmyeon laughed, before kissing Luhan and effectively ending the conversation. Before Luhan could retrace Joonmyeon's mouth, Joonmyeon pulled back, like he suddenly remembered something.

“I heard that the harem had some very … interesting apparatus.”

Luhan squinted his eyes in suspicion. “Apparatus? Like what?”

“You know,” Joonmyeon said, sliding his finger over Luhan’s arm. “Ropes, feathers … silk scarves.”

Luhan leaned forward, trying to curb the excitement growing inside. “And for what purpose do we ustilise them?”

Joonmyeon smiled, his eyes crinkling in delight. “Why don’t we find out for ourselves?”

♚

Cool breeze gently ruffled the grass, creating music of silence, although at least ten people were surrounding Luhan. But among the many, only one of them mattered.

“How is empress Li doing?” Joonmyeon asked, arranging the flowers on the table.

Luhan tried not to cough as something expensively sweet filled his nose. “Absolutely wonderful. She doesn’t throw her royal pillows at me anymore. Although she might start soon, if I were to give her such awful foul stuff.”

Joonmyeon ignored Luhan, more focused on the flowers.

Luhan poked Joonmyeon, trying to get his attention. “What are you giving me.”

Joonmyeon bend down, picking up a fallen flower and throwing it at Luhan. “ Here have this Dahlia. It possess absence of smell, just like how you possess absence of tact.”

Luhan scowled, pushing back in his seat. Joonmyeon rolled his eyes, before blowing a small kiss towards Luhan. Luhan would never agree that it was quite effective.

After a few moments, Luhan spoke again. “Hows … Chen?”

“Hes joyous,” Joonmyeon said, apparently aiming for nonchalance but failing miserably. “It gets irritating, If I may say so. His perpetual state of blissfulness can be rather burdensome. In such a situation, your moodiness does come in handy.”

Luhan replied by gracefully poking his tongue out at Joonmyeon.

The birds started their chirping in the morning sun. Luhan hummed along, looking out into the endless expanse of lush green. The pavilion felt oddly out of place.

“How are you .. holding yourself?” Joonmyeon suddenly asked, not taking his eyes off the flower.

Luhan shrugged. “I seem to be doing well.”

“don't you wish to have a child of your own?”

“Not really no.” After thinking for a while, Luhan asked “Perhaps you do?”

Joonmyeon didn't answer his question.

“If it were to happen, though I doubt may ever happen,” Even though Joonmyeon’s face was slightly obscured, he could still make the small smile playing at his lips. “I would want the child to be born from a union of love, not out of duty.”

“What love. You can love a nation, but never its people.” Joonmyeon seemed to have said it without thought, perhaps to keep the conversation going. Luhan didn’t mind. Even he was unsure what exactly the conversation was about.

Joonmyeon looked up, giving his most ridiculous smile to Luhan before going back to the flowers again. “Besides, Emperors don't have time for love.”

Luhan would have to disagree.