〘for shineesbright 〙Thinking Fast [1/1]
Title: Thinking Fast
For: shineesbright
From: Anonymous
Pairing(s): Seho
Rating: PG
Genre (s): Crack
Length: 3948
Summary: Sehun stumbles into the wrong home, but it doesn't end bad for him, or them.
Warning(s): -
Author’s note: I hope you enjoy this craziness as much as I did!
Sehun mother has always told him that one day he was going to cross the wrong person with his underhanded deals and today might be that day.
“I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”
The man who was sitting calmly in the seat opposite of him was on his feet and diving for Sehun’s neck. It’s a good thing that he’d learn years before to be quick enough to dodge anything.
“Sir, if i die, how will i pay you,” he ask, low enough to not draw anymore attention but loud enough to get the man to calm down. “I apologize that i have not delivered my end of the bargain but I can assure you that the shipment is headed here...It is just a bit later than all of us thought.”
Huffing, the man stood and glared down at Sehun, who pulls his lips lips down as he frowns, making sure to show his own disappointment and pleading eyes.
“Fine,” the man sighs, “I won’t kill you but I better get my money or else.”
Sehun smiles, gratefulness showing in all his actions, “Thank you, Sir. I promise you, I will deliver.”
With one final huff the man leaves and Sehun hides his smile as he finishes off his mug of beer.
When the coast is clear, he makes his way to the bar and finds a warm, knowing smile waiting for his arrival. “Evening Chanyeol,” Sehun nods, accepting the new glass of beer placed in front of him. “How is the night going?”
“Good,” the owner answers, “a bit thankful I didn’t have to clean your face off the floor either.”
Sehun waves his words off, “I always keep my word. Some how, some way, I always keep it. I can’t have people thinking I’m some type of swingler can I?” He pulls a laugh from Chanyeol as he shakes his head with what he knows is a frown he has mastered from the older men of the ruling court.
Chanyeol shakes his head, “so how will you pay off your debt this time?”
“No idea at the moment but I’m sure something will come to me in the next few days,” Sehun sits back in his seat as he finishes off his beer and ask for another.
“No one wants a drunk man driving down these streets.”
Sehun pouts, “I didn’t drive though. I walked here like any other sensible person.” He pulls a few bills from his pocket and smiles at the bartender. After a few seconds Chanyeol takes his money and gives him a fresh glass.
“Just watch it, kid.” Sehun nods and continues drinking, feeling particularly good about himself and not just killed. He gets the other bartender to slip him two more glasses when Chanyeol is distracted and fills very good about himself as he leaves.
He’s humming as he makes his way down the dark street. Some vendors are still open but its no point to try to eat anything to break his high. Sehun feels too good, clothes feeling too warm. It feels like a brilliant idea to lose some of them before he gets home. That way when he makes it to bed, he won’t be hot in the morning.
When Sehun finally makes it to the right door, he sighs and keeps his boots to the side of the door. He rolls his neck as he dumps the rest of his clothes on the floor. His bed feels closer to the door then normal and softer too but everything feels that way for him after a few drinks. Sehun sighs into his pillow and promptly passes out, letting his mind forget about all the troubles he will have to face tomorrow.
There is a strong smell of eggs and rice and maybe ham flowing into Sehun's bedroom. He is not hungover like he thought he'd be, which is good but he had to have slept in too late to make it to his parents house for breakfast since his mom was in his kitchen.
A part of him didn't want to get out of bed, not when his dream was so good.
Sehun sighs to himself. It had been a long time since his subconscious reminded him of a time not so long ago when he had little care in the world and a best friend by his side...
He shakes his head and pulls himself from his bed and notices immediately something was horribly wrong.
The bed, the sheets on the bed, the trunk by the door...none of it belonged to Sehun.
He stares wide eyed around the whole room. This was not his house. Sehun didn't remember meeting anyone after he'd left the tavern...
Before he can fully debate on whether or not to jump out the window and never look back the bedroom door opens and Sehun rushes to put words together before looking up at the man smiling politely at him and every thought he has flies out the window instead.
"Normally when someone comes stumbling in to my home in the middle of the night, I call the police but you look harmless enough so i let it slide.”
Sehun stares at the older man in front of him, mind not quite where it needs to be in this type of situation. Everything he is seeing seems like his dream has never ended.
The smile turns into a frown, “are you ok…”
“Se-Sehun...and I’m,” he licks his lips, “I’m sorry I...I’m not sure how...I thought this was my place.” Sehun almost gives up trying to make sense. He looks up to see eerily similar brown eyes stare back at him. His heart was racing for all the wrong reasons. Sehun couldn’t help but take in the man’s...everything.
“Someone your age shouldn’t drink so much,” the other man laughs and proceeds to walk out of the room. “I fixed enough breakfast for two, and i put your clothes on the desk chair. Join me when you’re ready.”
It took a moment for Sehun to collect himself and make it out to the kitchen, looking very apologetic and somewhat sheepish. They ate breakfast silently before Sehun was caught stealing glances.
“Is there something on my face.”
“No! I-I mean..I’m sorry. You look like someone I use to know…” Sehun muttered off the ending but it seemed to caught the interest of the home owner.
“I never heard that one before...Not even from the people i grew up with said i was that memorable,” the smile Sehun receives lets him know those words were not a good thing for the other man to here and that made him curious. He finishes off the last bits of food before clearing his throat.
“Thank you for breakfast and really I am so so sorry for last night…” Sehun leaves the word hanging and the owner laughs.
“Ah, Joonmyeon,” he smiles, “and crazier things have happened to me...but this was a first.”
Sehun is staring again and before he can stop himself he blurts out, “Are you from the Capital?”
Joonmyeon blinks, “I’ve lived here all my life.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
“Are your parents from the Capital?”
Joonmyeon shrugs, “I wouldn’t know. They died in The Great Fire. I was raised mostly by my Grandmother until she died almost two years. Anymore questions.” The irritation in his voice sent a panic through Sehun.
“I don’’t mean to pry, I just,” he breathes, “...you really really look like someone I use to know. Someone I haven’t seen in a long time. You really do look like him...or what he would look like all grown up.”
Joonmyeon gives Sehun a sad smile, “Did you lose this person in The Great Fire?”
Sehun shook his head. “He...went missing a few years ago and-”
Some commotion outside brought them both to their feet.
“THAT WEASEL NEVER CAME BACK!”
Sehun thought the voice sounded familiar but he wasn’t so sure.
“I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE BEAT HIM UP WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!!”
Now that voice Sehun did know.
“Well, looks like I should be sneaking out of here,” Sehun moves to get up when Joonmyeon stops him.
“Maybe you should wait until they leave? I don’t work for the next few days so you can just stay here.”
“Thanks but-”
“No buts here, sorry,” Joonmyeon smiles, eyes crinkling and Sehun’s heart flutters at the face he’d almost forgotten. “Just wait until they leave, then go. I wouldn’t feel right if you go now.”
“Ok,” Sehun nods and sits back down.
Joonmyeon busies himself with the few dishes while Sehun looks around the room and tries not to stare at Joonmyeon’s height or the way his hair falls into his eyes or the way his left hand moves and how he favors his right leg more than the left. All the things Sehun has only known one person to do.
“So, are you running off to the Capital once you leave?”
Sehun watches Joonmyeon shoulders work on the skillet. “Maybe...I have business to tend to here first though”
Joonmyeon laughs, “Going to see the guy screaming to beat you up? What did you do anyway; since we are asking all types of questions today?”
Sehun clasp his hands together, “I had a business deal to fall through is all. It may be a good idea to head back to the Capital but…are you sure you have never been??”
“Yes...well...I may have been when i was really little but I don’t remember. All I know is here.” Joonmyeon turns around to face Sehun. “I know you said I look like your friend but-”
“The Prince,” Sehun says. “You look like Prince Suho.”
For a moment they are both silent until Joonmyeon laughs out loud, having to cover his mouth with his hands so he doesn’t disturb his neighbors.
“Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? How can I look like someone who everyone believes is dead? The Prince has been missing since before I born and..”
Sehun isn’t looking at Joonmyeon but down at his hands that are still together. “I know. I know it sounds very crazy but you look like him.” he says softly and finally looks up. “Even when you came in your bedroom I thought you were him.
Joonmyeon dries his hands on his shirt and takes his seat at the table. “That doesn’t make sense, Sehun,” he states plainly. “For you to know the prince that means you’re the son of one of the highest Lords in the whole Court or Officials.”
Sehun shifts his gaze before biting his lip. Joonmyeon’s eye widen “Wait...don’t tell me you're the son of a Lord?!
“Ssh, please calm down,” Sehun starts and stop himself. “Ok, so, yes I am the son of a Lord of the Court who isn’t so courty. Even the mornings with my mother and father are boring. I thought you were her this morning. She’ll come to my house if I don’t come to theirs just to make sure I am eating at least one real meal a day.” Sehun sighs, “I’m the son of Lord Oh.”
“The one all the rumors talk about?”
“Unfortunately,” Sehun sits back and can’t help but think back to his childhood in the palace as he looks at Joonmyeon’s face.
Then something clicks.
“What type of work do you do?”
“I work the ships when they come in to port. I usually get a few days before they dock so I can make it over there before nightfall...why?”
“Come to the Capital with me.”
“What?”
“Yeah, pretty ridiculous I know but,” Sehun licks his lips again, “this is the only way i can pay you back for last night and this morning. I can even take you on a tour of the city and parts of the Palace.”
Joonmyeon chuckles, “and why on God’s green earth would I believe you, a young man who walks into my house in the early hours in the morning after getting out of whatever you and that man outside had going on when you were too drunk to not know that wasn’t your house?”
“Crazier things have happened,” Sehun tries and hopes Joonmyeon believes him.
“I don’t believe you.”
Oh well, he tired.
“But it has been a while since I have been on an adventure,” Joonmyeon stands. “I will need to know the real reason you want me to go with you because I thought buy your “repayment” act one bit.”
“Fair enough,” Sehun agrees and beams at Joonmyeon, “I can tell you when we’re on our way.”
“You are out of your mind; I’m going back home.”
Sehun grabs Joonmyeon arm to stop him from fleeing the carriage. “I know that, I’ve always been told I was, but I mean it when I say you can do this.”
Joonmyeon looks at Sehun, hard.
“You want me to pretend to be the Prince. How is this plan suppose to work without me ending up getting killed Sehun?”
“Every Lord will take one look at you and they will believe it. Hell, I didn’t even know your name and I believed it at first glance. A lot of the royal family went missing during the great fire. You could be one of the many cousins belonging to the Kim family.” Joonmyeon shook his head but Sehun barrelled on. “All the pictures of the royal family were put away just in case the fires reached the Capital. There are hundreds of them. Maybe one of them has you in it.”
Sehun watches as Joonmyeon thinks his plan over.
“How much?”
“What?”
“How much will you get paid for returning the missing Prince,” Joonmyeon crosses his arms. “The price must be high for such a person. Will you get enough to pay off your debts?”
“More than enough. I don’t even need half, you can take it.”
“Sehun,” Joonmyeon rolled his eyes, “No one is going to let me out of their sight if I, Prince Suho, who reappears with one of his childhood friends--
“Best..friend.”
“What?”
Sehun fixes his collar, “The Prince and I were best friends…”
“Oh this is getting better and better,” Joonmyeon groan, “so unbelieveable. Very, very unbelievable.”
Sehun could feel his plan slipping out of his hands so he tries another approach.
“Are you not at least a little curious to know what that life is like,” He ask, sitting closer to Joonmyeon. “What you will be able to learn about everything in the whole country. To have everything you’ve ever wanted at your finger tips?”
“All I want to do is sit under a tree and sleep, Sehun”
“You can do that too! In the Palace actually. I will show you once we get inside! If you don’t like it, I will find away to cause your death and you can forget this whole thing ever happened.”
Joonmyeon takes a look at Sehun and laughs at the desperate face he is making.
“This is turning out to be the craziest day of my life,” he sits back and Sehun throws his arms around Joonmyeon’s neck.
“I promise you, you won’t regret this!”
“You promise?
Sehun lets go of the small male and gives his best smile and says, “Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“Ok maybe I shouldn’t have said the die part!” Sehun did his best to catch his breath once he and Joonmyeon made it safely inside the Palace. Stupidly, Sehun forgot to cover his own face up before walking into the public square causing the pair to nearly get trampled by the townsfolk and merchants vying for his attention. Thankfully some royal guards were nearby and helped them to the main gate of the Palace.
“Wow.”
Joonmyeon did a full once over on the grand hall, “this place is huge.”
“If all goes well, it will start to seem extremely small and claustrophobic,” Sehun gives him a smile but is cut short by the footsteps headed in their directions.
Taking a deep breath, Sehun takes Joonmyeon’s hand in his own and says something he has always wanted to tell the real Prince as the crowd of Court Officials along with his father catches sight of them, “Hyung, you’re home.”
Sehun is in jail for two months under his father’s orders after he gives his story about finding the missing Prince. He was just happy not to be dead. Yet. News of the Prince’s return have reaches his cell with no tellings of how his return came about. The jailer knows the Oh family so the treatment isn’t too bad but Sehun worries just how long he has before he’s fed to the dogs.
“Well, don’t you well rested.”
A part of Sehun’s brain told him he should address the voice but he hasn’t done that since he was sixteen so there was no real reason to do so now.
“I know you are angry with me, boy, but the least you can do for the man that gave you life is stand up and face me.”
Without a word Sehun turns from his wall to face his father.
“The Prince is asking for your pardon and I gave it,” his father states. “You’re mother sent you some decent clothing so, get dressed, tonight the Palace is holding a dinner. You run and I will cut off a leg.” With that his father leaves and the jailer hands Sehun his clothes and offers a pat on his shoulder.
Sehun smiles, “family reunions are so nice...”
The ride to Palace with quiet only with the sounds of Sehun’s mother fussing over his hair and collar and questions about the Prince which his father tried to act as if he didn’t care about but he notice the tilt of his left ear to the conversation. Sehun will be forever grateful for his ability to spin stories out of thin air.
After the Oh’s were announced, Sehun tries to make a break for it but is finds himself walking almost right into the Prince who beams up at him.
“Sehunnie, “Joonmyeon says, almost sending Sehun to the floor at the sound of the nickname.
“Y-Your Majesty,” Sehun bows, not really knowing what to do. So many eyes are watching the pair; something that he had been thankful to forget about.
“I’ve missed you,” Joonmyeon says with enough feeling to make the crowd of eyes closest to them bristle. The twinkle in those brown eyes made Sehun almost smile as he answers in like manner.
“You are staying after dinner, right? We have so much to talk about since your last visit.”
“That we do, your Majesty,” Sehun does smile then, “we sure do.”
“I should kill you with my bare hands.”
“Please don’t, having my blood on your hands will only cause harm to you once you are king.”
Joonmyeon shoves Sehun in the shoulder and they both laugh. They are in his private chambers now. With all the guest gone and the Palace back to its normal quiet, Sehun almost feels at home.
“So..how is life, he asks. “Being of Royal blood can’t be easy, can it?”
Sehun watches as Joonmyeon sits down in one of the blush chairs in his room. “It’s been an interesting two months,” he starts, “but I am getting use to it..having this life back.”
“What?”
Joonmyeon sighs, “I think you know what I mean, Sehunnie.”
“Ok, you’ve been calling me that all night and it;s really weird,” Sehun admits.
“Why? Because I use to call you that all the time when we would hide from our teachers? Or when you’d fall asleep in my bed in the middle of the day?
Sehun has to remind himself to breath as Joonmyeon keeps talking.
Or was it when we’d lay on our backs in my garden and talk about our future?” Joonmyeon eyes bore into Sehun’s with an intensity that has the other one looking away.
“No way,” Sehun whispers, breathing coming out ragged. “But you said you didn’t remember.”
“And I didn’t...not until i came here,” Joonmyeon smiles. “A few days after they dragged you off they took me to the great hall, where they keep all the pictures. Did you know,” he says, removing his shoes, “they have pictures of the families that work here too?” Joonmyeon gives a humorless laugh. “Those pictures...those smiling faces or the older couple who worked in the kitchens...the wife….she--”
“Stop,” Sehun swallows and stands up, “ I get it...She was your ‘grandmother’.”
“No,” Joonmyeon corrects, “she was the aunt of the woman who stole me.”
It was Sehun’s turn to frown. “Again what?”
“My ‘grandmother’ was the woman’s real mother, but she never told anyone who i really was before she died so the old woman never knew. I looked like Prince Suho because I am Prince Suho.”
Sehun steps back from Joonmyeon. “I was only trying to get a little rich, not...I had. No...You can’t be.”
“I am, Sehunnie.”
“Stop calling me that!”
That loudness of his voice made them both go wide eyed.
“I’m sorry,” Sehun took a moment to think. “I shouldn’t have yelled. I just got out of jail and you tell me you’re the real Suho.”
“If I remember correctly, you did walk in to my house in a drunken state in the middle of the night and fall asleep in my bed two months ago and had me to come to the Capital with you to make a boatload of money,” Joonmyeon counters.
“You have a point.” Sehun sits down next to Joon--Suho and takes a look at him. “I thought i was just wishing the things i saw were real in you that reminded me so much of him.”
“Oh? Like what?”
Sehun takes Suho’s hand, “you move your left hand the same way you did after you broke it when you fell out of a tree. When you stand you favor your right leg but try to balance it out but fail. I remember more but…”
“It’s too good to be true,” Suho chuckles. “But its real,” he says taking hold of Sehun’s hand. “I wish you could’ve stumbled into my house a lot sooner. Besides my life, they have so many questions about you. You never come here much do you?”
“Only for my mother and nothing else.” Sehun found himself leaning into Suho’s side. “When I turned eighteen I got as far as I could without worrying her.”
There was no reason for Sehun to be at the Capitol...not until now.
“All everyone would loudly whisper about how sad I seemed without you and how bad their heart hurt for me with their fake compassion... who wants to hear that for the rest of their life?”
“Now you don’t have to.” Suho leans his head against Sehun’s. “I paid your debt off by the way.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“That was the only way I’d know you didn’t have to leave again.”
“I...are you afraid I am going to drunkenly stumble out of your life the same way I fell in it?”
“Yes,” Suho answers honestly. “Yes, I really am. If I have to go through all of this, it might as well be with you right?”
Sehun smiles, “I think we should drink in celebration at our return to each other..but lock the door just in case.”
Suho blinks them smiles back at Sehun. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
For: shineesbright
From: Anonymous
Pairing(s): Seho
Rating: PG
Genre (s): Crack
Length: 3948
Summary: Sehun stumbles into the wrong home, but it doesn't end bad for him, or them.
Warning(s): -
Author’s note: I hope you enjoy this craziness as much as I did!
Sehun mother has always told him that one day he was going to cross the wrong person with his underhanded deals and today might be that day.
“I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”
The man who was sitting calmly in the seat opposite of him was on his feet and diving for Sehun’s neck. It’s a good thing that he’d learn years before to be quick enough to dodge anything.
“Sir, if i die, how will i pay you,” he ask, low enough to not draw anymore attention but loud enough to get the man to calm down. “I apologize that i have not delivered my end of the bargain but I can assure you that the shipment is headed here...It is just a bit later than all of us thought.”
Huffing, the man stood and glared down at Sehun, who pulls his lips lips down as he frowns, making sure to show his own disappointment and pleading eyes.
“Fine,” the man sighs, “I won’t kill you but I better get my money or else.”
Sehun smiles, gratefulness showing in all his actions, “Thank you, Sir. I promise you, I will deliver.”
With one final huff the man leaves and Sehun hides his smile as he finishes off his mug of beer.
When the coast is clear, he makes his way to the bar and finds a warm, knowing smile waiting for his arrival. “Evening Chanyeol,” Sehun nods, accepting the new glass of beer placed in front of him. “How is the night going?”
“Good,” the owner answers, “a bit thankful I didn’t have to clean your face off the floor either.”
Sehun waves his words off, “I always keep my word. Some how, some way, I always keep it. I can’t have people thinking I’m some type of swingler can I?” He pulls a laugh from Chanyeol as he shakes his head with what he knows is a frown he has mastered from the older men of the ruling court.
Chanyeol shakes his head, “so how will you pay off your debt this time?”
“No idea at the moment but I’m sure something will come to me in the next few days,” Sehun sits back in his seat as he finishes off his beer and ask for another.
“No one wants a drunk man driving down these streets.”
Sehun pouts, “I didn’t drive though. I walked here like any other sensible person.” He pulls a few bills from his pocket and smiles at the bartender. After a few seconds Chanyeol takes his money and gives him a fresh glass.
“Just watch it, kid.” Sehun nods and continues drinking, feeling particularly good about himself and not just killed. He gets the other bartender to slip him two more glasses when Chanyeol is distracted and fills very good about himself as he leaves.
He’s humming as he makes his way down the dark street. Some vendors are still open but its no point to try to eat anything to break his high. Sehun feels too good, clothes feeling too warm. It feels like a brilliant idea to lose some of them before he gets home. That way when he makes it to bed, he won’t be hot in the morning.
When Sehun finally makes it to the right door, he sighs and keeps his boots to the side of the door. He rolls his neck as he dumps the rest of his clothes on the floor. His bed feels closer to the door then normal and softer too but everything feels that way for him after a few drinks. Sehun sighs into his pillow and promptly passes out, letting his mind forget about all the troubles he will have to face tomorrow.
There is a strong smell of eggs and rice and maybe ham flowing into Sehun's bedroom. He is not hungover like he thought he'd be, which is good but he had to have slept in too late to make it to his parents house for breakfast since his mom was in his kitchen.
A part of him didn't want to get out of bed, not when his dream was so good.
Sehun sighs to himself. It had been a long time since his subconscious reminded him of a time not so long ago when he had little care in the world and a best friend by his side...
He shakes his head and pulls himself from his bed and notices immediately something was horribly wrong.
The bed, the sheets on the bed, the trunk by the door...none of it belonged to Sehun.
He stares wide eyed around the whole room. This was not his house. Sehun didn't remember meeting anyone after he'd left the tavern...
Before he can fully debate on whether or not to jump out the window and never look back the bedroom door opens and Sehun rushes to put words together before looking up at the man smiling politely at him and every thought he has flies out the window instead.
"Normally when someone comes stumbling in to my home in the middle of the night, I call the police but you look harmless enough so i let it slide.”
Sehun stares at the older man in front of him, mind not quite where it needs to be in this type of situation. Everything he is seeing seems like his dream has never ended.
The smile turns into a frown, “are you ok…”
“Se-Sehun...and I’m,” he licks his lips, “I’m sorry I...I’m not sure how...I thought this was my place.” Sehun almost gives up trying to make sense. He looks up to see eerily similar brown eyes stare back at him. His heart was racing for all the wrong reasons. Sehun couldn’t help but take in the man’s...everything.
“Someone your age shouldn’t drink so much,” the other man laughs and proceeds to walk out of the room. “I fixed enough breakfast for two, and i put your clothes on the desk chair. Join me when you’re ready.”
It took a moment for Sehun to collect himself and make it out to the kitchen, looking very apologetic and somewhat sheepish. They ate breakfast silently before Sehun was caught stealing glances.
“Is there something on my face.”
“No! I-I mean..I’m sorry. You look like someone I use to know…” Sehun muttered off the ending but it seemed to caught the interest of the home owner.
“I never heard that one before...Not even from the people i grew up with said i was that memorable,” the smile Sehun receives lets him know those words were not a good thing for the other man to here and that made him curious. He finishes off the last bits of food before clearing his throat.
“Thank you for breakfast and really I am so so sorry for last night…” Sehun leaves the word hanging and the owner laughs.
“Ah, Joonmyeon,” he smiles, “and crazier things have happened to me...but this was a first.”
Sehun is staring again and before he can stop himself he blurts out, “Are you from the Capital?”
Joonmyeon blinks, “I’ve lived here all my life.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
“Are your parents from the Capital?”
Joonmyeon shrugs, “I wouldn’t know. They died in The Great Fire. I was raised mostly by my Grandmother until she died almost two years. Anymore questions.” The irritation in his voice sent a panic through Sehun.
“I don’’t mean to pry, I just,” he breathes, “...you really really look like someone I use to know. Someone I haven’t seen in a long time. You really do look like him...or what he would look like all grown up.”
Joonmyeon gives Sehun a sad smile, “Did you lose this person in The Great Fire?”
Sehun shook his head. “He...went missing a few years ago and-”
Some commotion outside brought them both to their feet.
“THAT WEASEL NEVER CAME BACK!”
Sehun thought the voice sounded familiar but he wasn’t so sure.
“I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE BEAT HIM UP WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!!”
Now that voice Sehun did know.
“Well, looks like I should be sneaking out of here,” Sehun moves to get up when Joonmyeon stops him.
“Maybe you should wait until they leave? I don’t work for the next few days so you can just stay here.”
“Thanks but-”
“No buts here, sorry,” Joonmyeon smiles, eyes crinkling and Sehun’s heart flutters at the face he’d almost forgotten. “Just wait until they leave, then go. I wouldn’t feel right if you go now.”
“Ok,” Sehun nods and sits back down.
Joonmyeon busies himself with the few dishes while Sehun looks around the room and tries not to stare at Joonmyeon’s height or the way his hair falls into his eyes or the way his left hand moves and how he favors his right leg more than the left. All the things Sehun has only known one person to do.
“So, are you running off to the Capital once you leave?”
Sehun watches Joonmyeon shoulders work on the skillet. “Maybe...I have business to tend to here first though”
Joonmyeon laughs, “Going to see the guy screaming to beat you up? What did you do anyway; since we are asking all types of questions today?”
Sehun clasp his hands together, “I had a business deal to fall through is all. It may be a good idea to head back to the Capital but…are you sure you have never been??”
“Yes...well...I may have been when i was really little but I don’t remember. All I know is here.” Joonmyeon turns around to face Sehun. “I know you said I look like your friend but-”
“The Prince,” Sehun says. “You look like Prince Suho.”
For a moment they are both silent until Joonmyeon laughs out loud, having to cover his mouth with his hands so he doesn’t disturb his neighbors.
“Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? How can I look like someone who everyone believes is dead? The Prince has been missing since before I born and..”
Sehun isn’t looking at Joonmyeon but down at his hands that are still together. “I know. I know it sounds very crazy but you look like him.” he says softly and finally looks up. “Even when you came in your bedroom I thought you were him.
Joonmyeon dries his hands on his shirt and takes his seat at the table. “That doesn’t make sense, Sehun,” he states plainly. “For you to know the prince that means you’re the son of one of the highest Lords in the whole Court or Officials.”
Sehun shifts his gaze before biting his lip. Joonmyeon’s eye widen “Wait...don’t tell me you're the son of a Lord?!
“Ssh, please calm down,” Sehun starts and stop himself. “Ok, so, yes I am the son of a Lord of the Court who isn’t so courty. Even the mornings with my mother and father are boring. I thought you were her this morning. She’ll come to my house if I don’t come to theirs just to make sure I am eating at least one real meal a day.” Sehun sighs, “I’m the son of Lord Oh.”
“The one all the rumors talk about?”
“Unfortunately,” Sehun sits back and can’t help but think back to his childhood in the palace as he looks at Joonmyeon’s face.
Then something clicks.
“What type of work do you do?”
“I work the ships when they come in to port. I usually get a few days before they dock so I can make it over there before nightfall...why?”
“Come to the Capital with me.”
“What?”
“Yeah, pretty ridiculous I know but,” Sehun licks his lips again, “this is the only way i can pay you back for last night and this morning. I can even take you on a tour of the city and parts of the Palace.”
Joonmyeon chuckles, “and why on God’s green earth would I believe you, a young man who walks into my house in the early hours in the morning after getting out of whatever you and that man outside had going on when you were too drunk to not know that wasn’t your house?”
“Crazier things have happened,” Sehun tries and hopes Joonmyeon believes him.
“I don’t believe you.”
Oh well, he tired.
“But it has been a while since I have been on an adventure,” Joonmyeon stands. “I will need to know the real reason you want me to go with you because I thought buy your “repayment” act one bit.”
“Fair enough,” Sehun agrees and beams at Joonmyeon, “I can tell you when we’re on our way.”
“You are out of your mind; I’m going back home.”
Sehun grabs Joonmyeon arm to stop him from fleeing the carriage. “I know that, I’ve always been told I was, but I mean it when I say you can do this.”
Joonmyeon looks at Sehun, hard.
“You want me to pretend to be the Prince. How is this plan suppose to work without me ending up getting killed Sehun?”
“Every Lord will take one look at you and they will believe it. Hell, I didn’t even know your name and I believed it at first glance. A lot of the royal family went missing during the great fire. You could be one of the many cousins belonging to the Kim family.” Joonmyeon shook his head but Sehun barrelled on. “All the pictures of the royal family were put away just in case the fires reached the Capital. There are hundreds of them. Maybe one of them has you in it.”
Sehun watches as Joonmyeon thinks his plan over.
“How much?”
“What?”
“How much will you get paid for returning the missing Prince,” Joonmyeon crosses his arms. “The price must be high for such a person. Will you get enough to pay off your debts?”
“More than enough. I don’t even need half, you can take it.”
“Sehun,” Joonmyeon rolled his eyes, “No one is going to let me out of their sight if I, Prince Suho, who reappears with one of his childhood friends--
“Best..friend.”
“What?”
Sehun fixes his collar, “The Prince and I were best friends…”
“Oh this is getting better and better,” Joonmyeon groan, “so unbelieveable. Very, very unbelievable.”
Sehun could feel his plan slipping out of his hands so he tries another approach.
“Are you not at least a little curious to know what that life is like,” He ask, sitting closer to Joonmyeon. “What you will be able to learn about everything in the whole country. To have everything you’ve ever wanted at your finger tips?”
“All I want to do is sit under a tree and sleep, Sehun”
“You can do that too! In the Palace actually. I will show you once we get inside! If you don’t like it, I will find away to cause your death and you can forget this whole thing ever happened.”
Joonmyeon takes a look at Sehun and laughs at the desperate face he is making.
“This is turning out to be the craziest day of my life,” he sits back and Sehun throws his arms around Joonmyeon’s neck.
“I promise you, you won’t regret this!”
“You promise?
Sehun lets go of the small male and gives his best smile and says, “Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“Ok maybe I shouldn’t have said the die part!” Sehun did his best to catch his breath once he and Joonmyeon made it safely inside the Palace. Stupidly, Sehun forgot to cover his own face up before walking into the public square causing the pair to nearly get trampled by the townsfolk and merchants vying for his attention. Thankfully some royal guards were nearby and helped them to the main gate of the Palace.
“Wow.”
Joonmyeon did a full once over on the grand hall, “this place is huge.”
“If all goes well, it will start to seem extremely small and claustrophobic,” Sehun gives him a smile but is cut short by the footsteps headed in their directions.
Taking a deep breath, Sehun takes Joonmyeon’s hand in his own and says something he has always wanted to tell the real Prince as the crowd of Court Officials along with his father catches sight of them, “Hyung, you’re home.”
Sehun is in jail for two months under his father’s orders after he gives his story about finding the missing Prince. He was just happy not to be dead. Yet. News of the Prince’s return have reaches his cell with no tellings of how his return came about. The jailer knows the Oh family so the treatment isn’t too bad but Sehun worries just how long he has before he’s fed to the dogs.
“Well, don’t you well rested.”
A part of Sehun’s brain told him he should address the voice but he hasn’t done that since he was sixteen so there was no real reason to do so now.
“I know you are angry with me, boy, but the least you can do for the man that gave you life is stand up and face me.”
Without a word Sehun turns from his wall to face his father.
“The Prince is asking for your pardon and I gave it,” his father states. “You’re mother sent you some decent clothing so, get dressed, tonight the Palace is holding a dinner. You run and I will cut off a leg.” With that his father leaves and the jailer hands Sehun his clothes and offers a pat on his shoulder.
Sehun smiles, “family reunions are so nice...”
The ride to Palace with quiet only with the sounds of Sehun’s mother fussing over his hair and collar and questions about the Prince which his father tried to act as if he didn’t care about but he notice the tilt of his left ear to the conversation. Sehun will be forever grateful for his ability to spin stories out of thin air.
After the Oh’s were announced, Sehun tries to make a break for it but is finds himself walking almost right into the Prince who beams up at him.
“Sehunnie, “Joonmyeon says, almost sending Sehun to the floor at the sound of the nickname.
“Y-Your Majesty,” Sehun bows, not really knowing what to do. So many eyes are watching the pair; something that he had been thankful to forget about.
“I’ve missed you,” Joonmyeon says with enough feeling to make the crowd of eyes closest to them bristle. The twinkle in those brown eyes made Sehun almost smile as he answers in like manner.
“You are staying after dinner, right? We have so much to talk about since your last visit.”
“That we do, your Majesty,” Sehun does smile then, “we sure do.”
“I should kill you with my bare hands.”
“Please don’t, having my blood on your hands will only cause harm to you once you are king.”
Joonmyeon shoves Sehun in the shoulder and they both laugh. They are in his private chambers now. With all the guest gone and the Palace back to its normal quiet, Sehun almost feels at home.
“So..how is life, he asks. “Being of Royal blood can’t be easy, can it?”
Sehun watches as Joonmyeon sits down in one of the blush chairs in his room. “It’s been an interesting two months,” he starts, “but I am getting use to it..having this life back.”
“What?”
Joonmyeon sighs, “I think you know what I mean, Sehunnie.”
“Ok, you’ve been calling me that all night and it;s really weird,” Sehun admits.
“Why? Because I use to call you that all the time when we would hide from our teachers? Or when you’d fall asleep in my bed in the middle of the day?
Sehun has to remind himself to breath as Joonmyeon keeps talking.
Or was it when we’d lay on our backs in my garden and talk about our future?” Joonmyeon eyes bore into Sehun’s with an intensity that has the other one looking away.
“No way,” Sehun whispers, breathing coming out ragged. “But you said you didn’t remember.”
“And I didn’t...not until i came here,” Joonmyeon smiles. “A few days after they dragged you off they took me to the great hall, where they keep all the pictures. Did you know,” he says, removing his shoes, “they have pictures of the families that work here too?” Joonmyeon gives a humorless laugh. “Those pictures...those smiling faces or the older couple who worked in the kitchens...the wife….she--”
“Stop,” Sehun swallows and stands up, “ I get it...She was your ‘grandmother’.”
“No,” Joonmyeon corrects, “she was the aunt of the woman who stole me.”
It was Sehun’s turn to frown. “Again what?”
“My ‘grandmother’ was the woman’s real mother, but she never told anyone who i really was before she died so the old woman never knew. I looked like Prince Suho because I am Prince Suho.”
Sehun steps back from Joonmyeon. “I was only trying to get a little rich, not...I had. No...You can’t be.”
“I am, Sehunnie.”
“Stop calling me that!”
That loudness of his voice made them both go wide eyed.
“I’m sorry,” Sehun took a moment to think. “I shouldn’t have yelled. I just got out of jail and you tell me you’re the real Suho.”
“If I remember correctly, you did walk in to my house in a drunken state in the middle of the night and fall asleep in my bed two months ago and had me to come to the Capital with you to make a boatload of money,” Joonmyeon counters.
“You have a point.” Sehun sits down next to Joon--Suho and takes a look at him. “I thought i was just wishing the things i saw were real in you that reminded me so much of him.”
“Oh? Like what?”
Sehun takes Suho’s hand, “you move your left hand the same way you did after you broke it when you fell out of a tree. When you stand you favor your right leg but try to balance it out but fail. I remember more but…”
“It’s too good to be true,” Suho chuckles. “But its real,” he says taking hold of Sehun’s hand. “I wish you could’ve stumbled into my house a lot sooner. Besides my life, they have so many questions about you. You never come here much do you?”
“Only for my mother and nothing else.” Sehun found himself leaning into Suho’s side. “When I turned eighteen I got as far as I could without worrying her.”
There was no reason for Sehun to be at the Capitol...not until now.
“All everyone would loudly whisper about how sad I seemed without you and how bad their heart hurt for me with their fake compassion... who wants to hear that for the rest of their life?”
“Now you don’t have to.” Suho leans his head against Sehun’s. “I paid your debt off by the way.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“That was the only way I’d know you didn’t have to leave again.”
“I...are you afraid I am going to drunkenly stumble out of your life the same way I fell in it?”
“Yes,” Suho answers honestly. “Yes, I really am. If I have to go through all of this, it might as well be with you right?”
Sehun smiles, “I think we should drink in celebration at our return to each other..but lock the door just in case.”
Suho blinks them smiles back at Sehun. “Sounds like a plan to me.”