Enamored 7/8
Title: Enamored 7/8
Pairing: Jaejoong/Heechul (Changmin/Yunho, Kai/Taemin)
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: This much pretty can only happen in fanfics. I think if these two were a couple in real life the world would explode.
Summary: War with the Hawks is imminent. The Ravens do not want to fight, but no one is willing to back them despite being allies. The Swans have their own plans: marry off their last prince to the Ravens and then they'll think of siding with the Ravens if they need to. It's all very manipulative, especially to Jaejoong who is suddenly forced into the idea of an arranged marriage with a snobby nobel.
A/N: This fic is in the same universe as Nevermore and Forever More. This happens about three years after the events in Forever More.
Fanfic poster by me!
Part 7: The Binding Walk
One week and many many orgasms later, Jaejoong stood at the edge of the rocky cliff, wind blowing the ends of the silver and blue sashes. He stared out over the canopy that marked his clan, chest bursting with pride. Between the treetops he caught glimpses of the blue and silver decorations that would fly around their stronghold for weeks to come.
The air blew cool and comfortable, slightly warmed after the week of rains. Everything smelled fresh, like the flowers grew a little stronger, the trees reached a little higher, the rock stood a little stronger.
Everything glistened under the morning sunlight.
Especially his soon-to-be husband who suddenly stood next to him.
“Are we to be married, my Raven, or are you going to jump?” Heechul asked, sliding his hand down Jaejoong’s arm and entwining their fingers together.
And Jaejoong knew that if he jumped, Heechul would either follow him off the edge or hold him back.
He smiled over at his beautiful Swan and accepted the kiss that Heechul wanted. “You look absolutely amazing.”
Heechul smiled. “I know.”
Jaejoong stepped back from the cliff and drew Heechul with him, holding his arm up for the full effect of Heechul’s form. As dictated, they were both in black, skin-tight stretchy material, head to toe, long sleeves, long pants that hugged every curve and line of their bodies, leaving nothing to the imagination. Black boots hit above the knee, folded over. A glittery silver hilt poked from the top of Heechul’s boot.
“Love,” Jaejoong said in admonishment and touched the carved handle with his fingertip.
Heechul laughed. “It is my favorite.”
While unconventional, Jaejoong knew he would never demand that Heechul remove it. He himself had a knife in a hidden holster inside his boot. But his was hidden.
The blue and silver sashes twisted from shoulder to hip and then around the waist. The ends left long. A matching band of braided fabric wound around their heads. Heechul’s hair was left long and only adorned with Swan feathers. Jaejoong’s blond hair was left just as wild. If anyone else had been marrying him, he would have had his hair cut for the occasion, but Heechul liked it a little longer and the ends of blond brushed over his ears and to his cheeks in uneven waves.
“You outshine me every day,” Jaejoong said and brought Heechul’s knuckles up to his lips to kiss.
“It is gorgeous up here,” Heechul said.
“But pales into comparison to you,” Jaejoong interjected.
Heechul smiled through a glare and continued speaking. “This makes me wish I had not agreed to be married on the forest floor.”
Jaejoong pulled Heechul against him, arm around his shoulders. His fingers easily found Heechul’s hair and touched the silky lengths softly. “Yes, but this is an alliance and we must meet the Swan’s in the middle.”
“Everything is ready in case this is a trap?” Heechul said.
Jaejoong smiled. “Of course. But do not worry. As you said yourself, the Raven Warriors are the best.”
Heechul turned against his body, arms folded and pressed to Jaejoong’s chest, between them, and Jaejoong tightened his hold. They kissed, short compared to some, long now when they had to start their Wedding Walk.
“I know I have said it often,” Jaejoong started, “but I am honored to be marrying you, my equal in everything. Except beauty. Your beauty far surpasses mine.”
Heechul hummed and said, “Your magical ability far surpasses mine. I say they cancel each other out.”
Jaejoong chuckled. “Yes. And I adore you. I told you before that I wanted to marry someone who would let me be selfish, to marry not for the sake of convenience, but love. It has only been a few weeks, but I am well on my way to that with you. We will be married today as equals and for the convenience and safety of both of our clans, but in the future, everything about your soul will belong to me, and everything about my soul will belong to you.”
Heechul smiled and tangled his hands in Jaejoong’s hair, pulling them close for another long kiss, one that would have led to them peeling off their tight clothes if not for the sudden pulse of silver in Jaejoong’s magic.
They were being summoned.
“Come,” Jaejoong said reluctantly. “Kyuhyun sends his love and his message to hurry up.”
Heechul chuckled. “Swans have a tradition, that those married spend at least a week together afterward. Usually it is for the woman to become pregnant. Will I be able to have you for an entire week?”
“Longer,” Jaejoong promised. “Before Changmin married Yunho, we were married and things went on. But now, Yunho introduced us to this idea of a honeymoon. Do you want to go to Yunho’s realm with me and spend a few weeks exploring his world?”
Heechul pondered him for a moment, leaning away. “Were you to surprise me with this after the ceremony?”
Jaejoong smiled. “I was going to mention it then, but I don’t want you to feel obligated to go. His realm is quite beautiful but in a completely different way.”
Heechul laughed. “I will be more than happy to go with you if only because your clan cannot interrupt us in the middle of sex anymore. I tire of your duties to your clan.”
Jaejoong laughed. “Very true.” He cleared his throat and stepped away, one hand behind his back. He held out the other arm and said, “Would you accompany me on a Raven traditional wedding walk that signifies your agreement to be married to me and become a part of the Raven Clan?”
Heechul laughed again. “Of course, as long as you don’t mind a good-for-nothing third son of the Swan Clan as your husband.”
Jaejoong scowled and yanked Heechul against him again. “You are good for many things, my Swan.”
“And I will marry you because you recognize this and respect me for it.”
“I always will.”
Their lips touched again and there was an even more insistent tug on his magic.
“Let’s go before they think you tossed me off the side of the cliff,” Jaejoong said.
They released each other but did not stop touching. Heechul just slid to the side, arms going from Jaejoong’s waist to his arm. Jaejoong held his arm up, as protocol dictated, and Heechul hooked his hand at his elbow. They walked over the flat slab of rock where Raven Weddings usually took place. It was their starting point, to show that this was not just Heechul joining the Ravens, but also Jaejoong aligning himself with the Swans, off the cliffs. An alliance went both ways after all.
The rock formed a natural curve down into a cave entrance. Most days, anyone looking who was not aware, would have no idea that the gaping hole led to the tunnels, caverns, and rooms of the Raven Stronghold. Today though, blue and silver banners hung from its side and garlands of blue and white flowers arched over the stone.
Heechul suddenly stopped them, just inside the arch of sweet blooms.
Jaejoong glanced at him in worry, but he only smiled and shook his head. “This is the last moment that I am going to have you all to myself for the rest of the day. Just let me savor it for a moment.” He took a deep breath.
Jaejoong chuckled and did the same, inhaling the sweet scent of flowers and the rock and dirt and trees that always made up the scent of his home.
“Okay.”
Silence followed them through the first few corners and turns into the Raven Stronghold. The decorations continued and would lead them through their walk.
Jaejoong heard the whispers and giggles of the first Wedding Messengers before he saw them. He recognized them too, smiling widely and speeding their steps. Heechul chuckled at the speed. Around a corner, the two four-year-olds came into view. Minhyun was dressed in black with silvery boots and a blue jacket. Minzy was in a fluffy blue and silver dress. They squealed when they saw Heechul and Jaejoong, and they jumped up and ran to Jaejoong.
Jaejoong laughed, not bothering to berate them for breaking tradition. He let go of Heechul and caught Minzy just as she jumped at him with a loud “Uncle Jaejoong!”
“You look so han-some, Uncle!” Minzy said.
“And you look so pretty!”
“Daddy says pretty enough to be a princess!”
“Indeed!” Jaejoong set her down and said, “Do you have something for us?”
“You know what we have, Uncle!” Minhyun said.
Jaejoong laughed. “Of course, I do, but that doesn’t mean you are allowed to break tradition. And Heechul does not know what you have, now does he?”
Minhyung looked over at him and bit his lip. “You do not know?”
Heechul knew, but with a smile, he shook his head. “Do you have a present for us?”
Minhyung nodded, and Minzy shouted that she would get it, and then Minhyung did, and finally, Jaejoong said that he would go get it.
“Tell me about it,” Heechul said.
“It’s a basket!” Minzy shouted.
Minhyung shoved his sister. “Not a basket. It’s a life holder, remember!”
Jaejoong shushed them both and picked up the light tan basket. “It is symbolic of our life together,” he said, wrapping his arms around the wide rim.
“You get to put things in it that are part of life!” Minzy said.
Jaejoong smiled. “That’s right, and what what else?”
“It’s the start of life together,” Minhyung said.
“Yes. And what do you two get to do now that you’ve helped us start our journey together?”
“Wait,” Minhyun said with a pout.
Minzy crossed her arms and asked, “Can’t we come with you?”
Jaejoong shook his head. “Nope, sorry. Go run and find your fathers. Wait with them. Maybe we’ll see you again.”
Minzy huffed, but Minhyung grabbed her arm and pulled her away. She waved until her brother tugged her around a corner.
“So the basket?” Heechul prompted.
Jaejoong smiled as he hooked the handle around his arm, and then he held out his other for Heechul to take. “It’s always the first gift in the Wedding Walk. The other gifts that go into the basket will have different meanings and traditions.”
“What other gifts?”
Jaejoong shrugged. “They are different for everyone. That is part of the charm. You never know what people are going to give you.”
Jaejoong led Heechul into a long hallway. At the end, standing by a heavy set of doors, were Taemin and Kai. It was the first time Jaejoong had seen Kai dressed like a Raven, both in black and silver. The two bowed as soon as Jaejoong and Heechul came into view, and they did not straighten until Jaejoong told them to.
“We are tokens of honor,” Taemin said and bowed again. “Symbols from our clan to show that our magicians and our Warriors will protect and honor the bond the two of you will make.”
Heechul smiled. “Does this also mean that Kyuhyun can be in charge while the two of you join us in--”
Jaejoong covered his mouth. “No. It does not mean that.”
“It can,” Taemin said with a smirk. One that he was sure he learned either from Kai or Kyuhyun, the bastards.
Jaejoong glared at him, until Taemin bowed his head. But Kai was still smirking.
Heechul took Jaejoong’s wrist and pried his hand from his face. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I can convince him.”
“I am sure you cannot.”
“They are presents from your clan,” Heechul said. “I plan on using my presents.”
Jaejoong crossed his arms while Taemin and Kai laughed. Heechul dragged his fingers over the curve of muscles on display in the tight black shirt. He hooked his hands around Jaejoong’s neck, and Jaejoong automatically wrapped his arms around Heechul’s trim waist. Heechul licked at his mouth, pulling away when Jaejoong tried to kiss him.
“Maybe we will use these presents once I get bored of the one I have desired the most.”
“Then I will be sure to make sure that you are never bored of me.”
Heechul smirked. “Sounds delicious.” He pressed a quick kiss to Jaejoong’s lips and turned in Jaejoong’s arms, leaning against his body. Jaejoong shut his eyes, breathing in the sweet, floral scent of Heechul’s hair and skin. “So does this mean we get to make them carry the basket?”
Jaejoong chuckled and kissed just below his ear. “No, love. It is our basket, our burdens, our life, our happiness. We will carry it.”
“Fine, fine. Let’s go onto the next one.”
A Raven Wedding Walk lasted most of the morning and into the afternoon. The basket grew heavy with food: bread, that their partnership would rise above hardships; fruits, that their partnership would grow throughout the seasons, never spoil or fall; and wine, that their partnership would only get better with age. Precious blue stones were added that Jaejoong would take to the jeweler and have made into matching, binding, pieces of their choosing. And clothing, traditional blue pants and tunics that were worn during the celebration after the ceremony that symbolised that things may change, but the two of them would always be together.
And of course, the gift from the prince was of the sexual nature, a glass toy with a round base that fit well in Jaejoong’s hand. Five lengths of blown glass sprouted from it, some straight with ridges, the others curved and smooth. It was almost tempting enough to forgo the rest of the Walk and see how much Heechul could handle before begging for Jaejoong’s cock.
Yunho rolled his eyes when Changmin looked proud at Jaejoong’s flushed face. “This is our real gift, he is just an idiot.”
Changmin glared at him, and then yanked him forward by the neck for a heavy kiss. “Bad boy. You’ve been doing things all day that are going to leave your ass a vivid red and purple once your are strong enough for it.”
Yunho smirked. “You caught me.”
Changmin growled and attempted another kiss, but Yunho moved away from him and went over near the wall. He moved a blue cloth and revealed two identical swords. Their scabbards and hilts were covered in blue and white jewels. At first glance, the guards were only thin pieces of metal wrapped in a protective circle around the hilt, but a closer examination showed the combined crests of the Swans and Ravens woven in metal.
Heechul looked like he was about to cry, definitely in pure awe. He gripped the hilt tightly and pulled the sword from its sheath. A perfect sound, a perfect edge, a perfect blade.
“Hey,” Jaejoong said and tossed a piece of fruit from the basket into the air. Heechul’s smile blossomed over his face in the moment before he spun and the sword sliced right through the fruit with a perfect hiss of deadly perfection.
“Wow,” Heechul said. “Perfectly balanced.”
“Our swordsman are expert crafters,” Changmin said.
Jaejoong stepped into Changmin’s body, tangled his hands in Changmin’s long hair, mussing the ponytail, and kissed him, a deep aching kiss that Jaejoong had not shared with his best friend since he had found his Yunho. It was different than kissing Heechul because Changmin was taller than him, but it was still so very easy to fit right against him, and kiss until he was short of breath.
“Yunho is about to shove your own sword into your back,” Heechul said.
Jaejoong pulled away and smiled, but did not look away from Changmin’s face. “I am very glad you are happy, your highness.”
Changmin smiled back. “But?”
“No but. You are happy. There were many, many moments in my life where I had hoped that I would be the one to make you happy, and at times, I know I did. But never in the way that Yunho makes you happy.”
“I want you to be happy too.”
Jaejoong glanced over at Heechul, at the way his hair fell down his body, blending into the black clothes, the way he held the sword, loose and deadly, thinking of the way his skin pinked and twitched when he was naked and begging, two fingers inside him, cock in Jaejoong’s mouth.
Jaejoong smiled back at Changmin. “I will be.”
Changmin smiled back and kissed him again, deepening the kiss, tongue reaching and drawing out a deep moan from both of them.
A point of metal touched the middle of his back.
“Perhaps you thought Heechul was joking,” Yunho said, voice low.
Jaejoong laughed and pulled away from Changmin. “Can the two of you join us on our walk?”
Changmin shook his head. “We are going straight to the bottom to make sure everything is set up and make sure the Swans are not planning anything.”
The two of them wished them well on the rest of their walk, and Jaejoong and Heechul picked up the belts that the leathersmith had given them, both were dyed black with silver and blue scrolls. It suddenly made sense why he had given them the belts just before coming upon Yunho and Changmin.
“One moment, my lords,” Kai said and held out his hand.
Heechul was quick to hand him his belt and Jaejoong did also, just more slowly. Kai took them both, shut his eyes, and silvery green magic sparkled up and down the length. Jaejoong recognized protection spells and communication spells. The magic embedded itself into the patterns until they glowed. When Kai handed them back, Jaejoong felt the magic in his hands, up his spine, along his skin. He shivered when he buckled the belt around his waist, moving the sash to give it room. He felt Heechul through it and he had to put his hand up on the wall and take a deep breath to steady himself.
Kai smirked.
Jaejoong was real tired of that smirk.
“Are you okay?” Heechul asked, touching Jaejoong’s face.
Heechul was not as affected by the spells because he was not a magician. Jaejoong had a feeling that Kai was even more powerful than he was. It was scary to think of because it was still difficult to trust him.
“Watch,” Kai said and took the staff from his back. He swung it at Jaejoong’s stomach, and green magic twisted up and around from the belt and wrapped around the staff. It still hit, pulling a grunt from Jaejoong’s lungs and doubling him over, but it was not as hard as the swing had been.
As soon as Jaejoong had his breath back, he flicked his hidden knife from his boot at Kai, and the other laughed, easily using his staff to block it and send the knife careening and skittering down the rock hallway.
Jaejoong met Kai’s eyes and said, “Thank you. I want you to show me how to do that.”
Kai nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
With new swords on display, they continued their walk. A few women provided them with skins of pure water, that they would always find refreshment with each other and never thirst for love or attention. Pieces of fresh baked sweets were given to them to give them sustenance on their journey and to show that not everything had to be boring and dull.
The final gift was given to them by a large group of teenagers in the stronghold. They laughed as they bound Jaejoong and Heechul with a long length of rope, keeping only their legs free enough to finish their walk. The rope symbolized both the struggles they would have together and how they would work together to continue on despite the struggles.
When they were done and once again on their way down the hallways and caverns toward the forest floor, Jaejoong suddenly stopped them and turned to Kai and Taemin. The basket was heavy and difficult to carry tied together, but it was the final test, the final journey.
“This is where you go on ahead,” Jaejoong said.
“Why?” Heechul asked.
Jaejoong turned to him, close enough to kiss. “Because the last part of this is always done alone. If the couple emerges, the walk is complete and the couple is married, but sometimes, well, sometimes they do not emerge and the gifts are found within the last stretch of caverns.”
“We will go aid Kyuhyun and Changmin in watching those of the Swan Clan who are visiting,” Taemin said.
Jaejoong nodded and dismissed them without taking his eyes from Heechul’s. So close, so entwined, with ropes and magic. And his heart.
He heard fading footsteps and then did not stop himself from kissing his husband, from pulling him to a wall and letting the basket fall to the stone floor. Their hands twisted in the ropes, tugging at hips and messing up the sashes and then Jaejoong’s hands were on skin, and he moaned, hands gliding up Heechul’s smooth back, under the tight shirt.
“Last chance,” Jaejoong whispered. “Last chance to call it off and go back to your clan.”
“Do you want me to?”
“Of course not.”
“Then do not give me the option.”
“It is always an option. Because it is your choice. It is our choice. This is very important to us, this moment.”
Heechul smirked, licked at his mouth, and then was moving down, toward the floor, and Jaejoong had no idea how he managed to get to his knees, wrapped up in ropes as they were, but he was there, and then Jaejoong’s pants were peeled lower, just enough to bare his cock. Heechul ran his tongue around it until Jaejoong was hard and pulsing. With a noise of contentment, Heechul sucked the soft crown into his mouth.
Jaejoong’s head thunked against the stone, and his moan echoed in the hallway. His fingers found their way into Heechul’s hair, pulling it loose, tugging on it while Heechul bobbed his head. Swan feathers floated to the floor.
Jaejoong whispered praises at him, beauty perfection awe, at Heechul on his knees. With the teasing and anticipation for the day, and Heechul, his mouth, his fingers sliding up his thighs, his tongue and lips and eyes and skin and just everything, it was too much for Jaejoong to take, too much for Jaejoong to last long. His cock pulsed and twitched and he came, the first shot of his release gagging Heechul just enough that he pulled away, hand on Jaejoong’s cock, stroking him through the rest of his orgasm and not caring as his face was covered in ribbons of white.
Jaejoong cursed, a louder noise that had him flushing. Heechul went back to his cock, sucking on it, come dripping down his cheek.
He wanted to sink to the floor but the ropes did not let him. He pulled Heechul back up instead and kissed the taste and licked the come from his face and lips.
“I am going to finish this walk with you,” Heechul said, “and I will walk by your side for as long as you will let me.”
Jaejoong swallowed, still trying to get his breath back after the quick orgasm. He nodded. “Same, by the trees, Heechul, you are just about perfect for me.”
“Just about?” Heechul protested.
Jaejoong laughed. “I’m used to being the center of attention in a relationship.”
Heechul rolled his eyes. He scraped an errant clump of come that had gotten on Jaejoong’s chin and stuck his finger in his mouth.
Jaejoong moaned. “I want to shove you against this wall and fuck you until people come running because they think I’m hurting you.”
Heechul shook his head. “Later, my love. We have rope and toys to play with, wine to drink off each other’s skin.”
Jaejoong laughed and kissed him. It took a few moments of concentration to get his magic to work, and that said more about Heechul’s ability to suck cock than anything else. He cleaned the come from their faces and straightened their clothes and hair. The rope wrapped up and tightened around them.
“I need one thing from you though,” Heechul said.
Jaejoong could not stop his hands from touching Heechul as they continued the walk through the caverns.
“Whatever you wish.”
Heechul bit his lip and then said, “I understand that this walk is your wedding ceremony, but the Swans exchange oaths, promises, in front of everyone. Without that, I fear my father will not think we are truly married.”
Jaejoong nodded. “We have already planned for that.”
Heechul smiled in surprise. “Really?”
“Of course. This is a Swan and Raven wedding, not just a Raven one.”
“Normally it is just words,” Heechul continued, “but I need to make it a magical binding oath, like I did before. I need my father to know that he cannot control me here.”
Jaejoong pressed a kiss to his temple. “Again, my love, whatever you wish.”
Heechul leaned against him, and Jaejoong knew he was worried about what they would find at the end of this walk. But it was difficult to really care or worry about what the Swans may try because Jaejoong was happy and so very much in love.
Part 8 + Epilogue: The Married Rivals
Part 6: The Compatible Pleasure
Part 5: The Reluctant Trust
Part 4: The Unexpected Complications
Part 3: The Ferocious Warrior
Part 2: The Complicated Beauty
Part 1: The Impossible Proposition
.
Pairing: Jaejoong/Heechul (Changmin/Yunho, Kai/Taemin)
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: This much pretty can only happen in fanfics. I think if these two were a couple in real life the world would explode.
Summary: War with the Hawks is imminent. The Ravens do not want to fight, but no one is willing to back them despite being allies. The Swans have their own plans: marry off their last prince to the Ravens and then they'll think of siding with the Ravens if they need to. It's all very manipulative, especially to Jaejoong who is suddenly forced into the idea of an arranged marriage with a snobby nobel.
A/N: This fic is in the same universe as Nevermore and Forever More. This happens about three years after the events in Forever More.
Fanfic poster by me!
Part 7: The Binding Walk
One week and many many orgasms later, Jaejoong stood at the edge of the rocky cliff, wind blowing the ends of the silver and blue sashes. He stared out over the canopy that marked his clan, chest bursting with pride. Between the treetops he caught glimpses of the blue and silver decorations that would fly around their stronghold for weeks to come.
The air blew cool and comfortable, slightly warmed after the week of rains. Everything smelled fresh, like the flowers grew a little stronger, the trees reached a little higher, the rock stood a little stronger.
Everything glistened under the morning sunlight.
Especially his soon-to-be husband who suddenly stood next to him.
“Are we to be married, my Raven, or are you going to jump?” Heechul asked, sliding his hand down Jaejoong’s arm and entwining their fingers together.
And Jaejoong knew that if he jumped, Heechul would either follow him off the edge or hold him back.
He smiled over at his beautiful Swan and accepted the kiss that Heechul wanted. “You look absolutely amazing.”
Heechul smiled. “I know.”
Jaejoong stepped back from the cliff and drew Heechul with him, holding his arm up for the full effect of Heechul’s form. As dictated, they were both in black, skin-tight stretchy material, head to toe, long sleeves, long pants that hugged every curve and line of their bodies, leaving nothing to the imagination. Black boots hit above the knee, folded over. A glittery silver hilt poked from the top of Heechul’s boot.
“Love,” Jaejoong said in admonishment and touched the carved handle with his fingertip.
Heechul laughed. “It is my favorite.”
While unconventional, Jaejoong knew he would never demand that Heechul remove it. He himself had a knife in a hidden holster inside his boot. But his was hidden.
The blue and silver sashes twisted from shoulder to hip and then around the waist. The ends left long. A matching band of braided fabric wound around their heads. Heechul’s hair was left long and only adorned with Swan feathers. Jaejoong’s blond hair was left just as wild. If anyone else had been marrying him, he would have had his hair cut for the occasion, but Heechul liked it a little longer and the ends of blond brushed over his ears and to his cheeks in uneven waves.
“You outshine me every day,” Jaejoong said and brought Heechul’s knuckles up to his lips to kiss.
“It is gorgeous up here,” Heechul said.
“But pales into comparison to you,” Jaejoong interjected.
Heechul smiled through a glare and continued speaking. “This makes me wish I had not agreed to be married on the forest floor.”
Jaejoong pulled Heechul against him, arm around his shoulders. His fingers easily found Heechul’s hair and touched the silky lengths softly. “Yes, but this is an alliance and we must meet the Swan’s in the middle.”
“Everything is ready in case this is a trap?” Heechul said.
Jaejoong smiled. “Of course. But do not worry. As you said yourself, the Raven Warriors are the best.”
Heechul turned against his body, arms folded and pressed to Jaejoong’s chest, between them, and Jaejoong tightened his hold. They kissed, short compared to some, long now when they had to start their Wedding Walk.
“I know I have said it often,” Jaejoong started, “but I am honored to be marrying you, my equal in everything. Except beauty. Your beauty far surpasses mine.”
Heechul hummed and said, “Your magical ability far surpasses mine. I say they cancel each other out.”
Jaejoong chuckled. “Yes. And I adore you. I told you before that I wanted to marry someone who would let me be selfish, to marry not for the sake of convenience, but love. It has only been a few weeks, but I am well on my way to that with you. We will be married today as equals and for the convenience and safety of both of our clans, but in the future, everything about your soul will belong to me, and everything about my soul will belong to you.”
Heechul smiled and tangled his hands in Jaejoong’s hair, pulling them close for another long kiss, one that would have led to them peeling off their tight clothes if not for the sudden pulse of silver in Jaejoong’s magic.
They were being summoned.
“Come,” Jaejoong said reluctantly. “Kyuhyun sends his love and his message to hurry up.”
Heechul chuckled. “Swans have a tradition, that those married spend at least a week together afterward. Usually it is for the woman to become pregnant. Will I be able to have you for an entire week?”
“Longer,” Jaejoong promised. “Before Changmin married Yunho, we were married and things went on. But now, Yunho introduced us to this idea of a honeymoon. Do you want to go to Yunho’s realm with me and spend a few weeks exploring his world?”
Heechul pondered him for a moment, leaning away. “Were you to surprise me with this after the ceremony?”
Jaejoong smiled. “I was going to mention it then, but I don’t want you to feel obligated to go. His realm is quite beautiful but in a completely different way.”
Heechul laughed. “I will be more than happy to go with you if only because your clan cannot interrupt us in the middle of sex anymore. I tire of your duties to your clan.”
Jaejoong laughed. “Very true.” He cleared his throat and stepped away, one hand behind his back. He held out the other arm and said, “Would you accompany me on a Raven traditional wedding walk that signifies your agreement to be married to me and become a part of the Raven Clan?”
Heechul laughed again. “Of course, as long as you don’t mind a good-for-nothing third son of the Swan Clan as your husband.”
Jaejoong scowled and yanked Heechul against him again. “You are good for many things, my Swan.”
“And I will marry you because you recognize this and respect me for it.”
“I always will.”
Their lips touched again and there was an even more insistent tug on his magic.
“Let’s go before they think you tossed me off the side of the cliff,” Jaejoong said.
They released each other but did not stop touching. Heechul just slid to the side, arms going from Jaejoong’s waist to his arm. Jaejoong held his arm up, as protocol dictated, and Heechul hooked his hand at his elbow. They walked over the flat slab of rock where Raven Weddings usually took place. It was their starting point, to show that this was not just Heechul joining the Ravens, but also Jaejoong aligning himself with the Swans, off the cliffs. An alliance went both ways after all.
The rock formed a natural curve down into a cave entrance. Most days, anyone looking who was not aware, would have no idea that the gaping hole led to the tunnels, caverns, and rooms of the Raven Stronghold. Today though, blue and silver banners hung from its side and garlands of blue and white flowers arched over the stone.
Heechul suddenly stopped them, just inside the arch of sweet blooms.
Jaejoong glanced at him in worry, but he only smiled and shook his head. “This is the last moment that I am going to have you all to myself for the rest of the day. Just let me savor it for a moment.” He took a deep breath.
Jaejoong chuckled and did the same, inhaling the sweet scent of flowers and the rock and dirt and trees that always made up the scent of his home.
“Okay.”
Silence followed them through the first few corners and turns into the Raven Stronghold. The decorations continued and would lead them through their walk.
Jaejoong heard the whispers and giggles of the first Wedding Messengers before he saw them. He recognized them too, smiling widely and speeding their steps. Heechul chuckled at the speed. Around a corner, the two four-year-olds came into view. Minhyun was dressed in black with silvery boots and a blue jacket. Minzy was in a fluffy blue and silver dress. They squealed when they saw Heechul and Jaejoong, and they jumped up and ran to Jaejoong.
Jaejoong laughed, not bothering to berate them for breaking tradition. He let go of Heechul and caught Minzy just as she jumped at him with a loud “Uncle Jaejoong!”
“You look so han-some, Uncle!” Minzy said.
“And you look so pretty!”
“Daddy says pretty enough to be a princess!”
“Indeed!” Jaejoong set her down and said, “Do you have something for us?”
“You know what we have, Uncle!” Minhyun said.
Jaejoong laughed. “Of course, I do, but that doesn’t mean you are allowed to break tradition. And Heechul does not know what you have, now does he?”
Minhyung looked over at him and bit his lip. “You do not know?”
Heechul knew, but with a smile, he shook his head. “Do you have a present for us?”
Minhyung nodded, and Minzy shouted that she would get it, and then Minhyung did, and finally, Jaejoong said that he would go get it.
“Tell me about it,” Heechul said.
“It’s a basket!” Minzy shouted.
Minhyung shoved his sister. “Not a basket. It’s a life holder, remember!”
Jaejoong shushed them both and picked up the light tan basket. “It is symbolic of our life together,” he said, wrapping his arms around the wide rim.
“You get to put things in it that are part of life!” Minzy said.
Jaejoong smiled. “That’s right, and what what else?”
“It’s the start of life together,” Minhyung said.
“Yes. And what do you two get to do now that you’ve helped us start our journey together?”
“Wait,” Minhyun said with a pout.
Minzy crossed her arms and asked, “Can’t we come with you?”
Jaejoong shook his head. “Nope, sorry. Go run and find your fathers. Wait with them. Maybe we’ll see you again.”
Minzy huffed, but Minhyung grabbed her arm and pulled her away. She waved until her brother tugged her around a corner.
“So the basket?” Heechul prompted.
Jaejoong smiled as he hooked the handle around his arm, and then he held out his other for Heechul to take. “It’s always the first gift in the Wedding Walk. The other gifts that go into the basket will have different meanings and traditions.”
“What other gifts?”
Jaejoong shrugged. “They are different for everyone. That is part of the charm. You never know what people are going to give you.”
Jaejoong led Heechul into a long hallway. At the end, standing by a heavy set of doors, were Taemin and Kai. It was the first time Jaejoong had seen Kai dressed like a Raven, both in black and silver. The two bowed as soon as Jaejoong and Heechul came into view, and they did not straighten until Jaejoong told them to.
“We are tokens of honor,” Taemin said and bowed again. “Symbols from our clan to show that our magicians and our Warriors will protect and honor the bond the two of you will make.”
Heechul smiled. “Does this also mean that Kyuhyun can be in charge while the two of you join us in--”
Jaejoong covered his mouth. “No. It does not mean that.”
“It can,” Taemin said with a smirk. One that he was sure he learned either from Kai or Kyuhyun, the bastards.
Jaejoong glared at him, until Taemin bowed his head. But Kai was still smirking.
Heechul took Jaejoong’s wrist and pried his hand from his face. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I can convince him.”
“I am sure you cannot.”
“They are presents from your clan,” Heechul said. “I plan on using my presents.”
Jaejoong crossed his arms while Taemin and Kai laughed. Heechul dragged his fingers over the curve of muscles on display in the tight black shirt. He hooked his hands around Jaejoong’s neck, and Jaejoong automatically wrapped his arms around Heechul’s trim waist. Heechul licked at his mouth, pulling away when Jaejoong tried to kiss him.
“Maybe we will use these presents once I get bored of the one I have desired the most.”
“Then I will be sure to make sure that you are never bored of me.”
Heechul smirked. “Sounds delicious.” He pressed a quick kiss to Jaejoong’s lips and turned in Jaejoong’s arms, leaning against his body. Jaejoong shut his eyes, breathing in the sweet, floral scent of Heechul’s hair and skin. “So does this mean we get to make them carry the basket?”
Jaejoong chuckled and kissed just below his ear. “No, love. It is our basket, our burdens, our life, our happiness. We will carry it.”
“Fine, fine. Let’s go onto the next one.”
A Raven Wedding Walk lasted most of the morning and into the afternoon. The basket grew heavy with food: bread, that their partnership would rise above hardships; fruits, that their partnership would grow throughout the seasons, never spoil or fall; and wine, that their partnership would only get better with age. Precious blue stones were added that Jaejoong would take to the jeweler and have made into matching, binding, pieces of their choosing. And clothing, traditional blue pants and tunics that were worn during the celebration after the ceremony that symbolised that things may change, but the two of them would always be together.
And of course, the gift from the prince was of the sexual nature, a glass toy with a round base that fit well in Jaejoong’s hand. Five lengths of blown glass sprouted from it, some straight with ridges, the others curved and smooth. It was almost tempting enough to forgo the rest of the Walk and see how much Heechul could handle before begging for Jaejoong’s cock.
Yunho rolled his eyes when Changmin looked proud at Jaejoong’s flushed face. “This is our real gift, he is just an idiot.”
Changmin glared at him, and then yanked him forward by the neck for a heavy kiss. “Bad boy. You’ve been doing things all day that are going to leave your ass a vivid red and purple once your are strong enough for it.”
Yunho smirked. “You caught me.”
Changmin growled and attempted another kiss, but Yunho moved away from him and went over near the wall. He moved a blue cloth and revealed two identical swords. Their scabbards and hilts were covered in blue and white jewels. At first glance, the guards were only thin pieces of metal wrapped in a protective circle around the hilt, but a closer examination showed the combined crests of the Swans and Ravens woven in metal.
Heechul looked like he was about to cry, definitely in pure awe. He gripped the hilt tightly and pulled the sword from its sheath. A perfect sound, a perfect edge, a perfect blade.
“Hey,” Jaejoong said and tossed a piece of fruit from the basket into the air. Heechul’s smile blossomed over his face in the moment before he spun and the sword sliced right through the fruit with a perfect hiss of deadly perfection.
“Wow,” Heechul said. “Perfectly balanced.”
“Our swordsman are expert crafters,” Changmin said.
Jaejoong stepped into Changmin’s body, tangled his hands in Changmin’s long hair, mussing the ponytail, and kissed him, a deep aching kiss that Jaejoong had not shared with his best friend since he had found his Yunho. It was different than kissing Heechul because Changmin was taller than him, but it was still so very easy to fit right against him, and kiss until he was short of breath.
“Yunho is about to shove your own sword into your back,” Heechul said.
Jaejoong pulled away and smiled, but did not look away from Changmin’s face. “I am very glad you are happy, your highness.”
Changmin smiled back. “But?”
“No but. You are happy. There were many, many moments in my life where I had hoped that I would be the one to make you happy, and at times, I know I did. But never in the way that Yunho makes you happy.”
“I want you to be happy too.”
Jaejoong glanced over at Heechul, at the way his hair fell down his body, blending into the black clothes, the way he held the sword, loose and deadly, thinking of the way his skin pinked and twitched when he was naked and begging, two fingers inside him, cock in Jaejoong’s mouth.
Jaejoong smiled back at Changmin. “I will be.”
Changmin smiled back and kissed him again, deepening the kiss, tongue reaching and drawing out a deep moan from both of them.
A point of metal touched the middle of his back.
“Perhaps you thought Heechul was joking,” Yunho said, voice low.
Jaejoong laughed and pulled away from Changmin. “Can the two of you join us on our walk?”
Changmin shook his head. “We are going straight to the bottom to make sure everything is set up and make sure the Swans are not planning anything.”
The two of them wished them well on the rest of their walk, and Jaejoong and Heechul picked up the belts that the leathersmith had given them, both were dyed black with silver and blue scrolls. It suddenly made sense why he had given them the belts just before coming upon Yunho and Changmin.
“One moment, my lords,” Kai said and held out his hand.
Heechul was quick to hand him his belt and Jaejoong did also, just more slowly. Kai took them both, shut his eyes, and silvery green magic sparkled up and down the length. Jaejoong recognized protection spells and communication spells. The magic embedded itself into the patterns until they glowed. When Kai handed them back, Jaejoong felt the magic in his hands, up his spine, along his skin. He shivered when he buckled the belt around his waist, moving the sash to give it room. He felt Heechul through it and he had to put his hand up on the wall and take a deep breath to steady himself.
Kai smirked.
Jaejoong was real tired of that smirk.
“Are you okay?” Heechul asked, touching Jaejoong’s face.
Heechul was not as affected by the spells because he was not a magician. Jaejoong had a feeling that Kai was even more powerful than he was. It was scary to think of because it was still difficult to trust him.
“Watch,” Kai said and took the staff from his back. He swung it at Jaejoong’s stomach, and green magic twisted up and around from the belt and wrapped around the staff. It still hit, pulling a grunt from Jaejoong’s lungs and doubling him over, but it was not as hard as the swing had been.
As soon as Jaejoong had his breath back, he flicked his hidden knife from his boot at Kai, and the other laughed, easily using his staff to block it and send the knife careening and skittering down the rock hallway.
Jaejoong met Kai’s eyes and said, “Thank you. I want you to show me how to do that.”
Kai nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
With new swords on display, they continued their walk. A few women provided them with skins of pure water, that they would always find refreshment with each other and never thirst for love or attention. Pieces of fresh baked sweets were given to them to give them sustenance on their journey and to show that not everything had to be boring and dull.
The final gift was given to them by a large group of teenagers in the stronghold. They laughed as they bound Jaejoong and Heechul with a long length of rope, keeping only their legs free enough to finish their walk. The rope symbolized both the struggles they would have together and how they would work together to continue on despite the struggles.
When they were done and once again on their way down the hallways and caverns toward the forest floor, Jaejoong suddenly stopped them and turned to Kai and Taemin. The basket was heavy and difficult to carry tied together, but it was the final test, the final journey.
“This is where you go on ahead,” Jaejoong said.
“Why?” Heechul asked.
Jaejoong turned to him, close enough to kiss. “Because the last part of this is always done alone. If the couple emerges, the walk is complete and the couple is married, but sometimes, well, sometimes they do not emerge and the gifts are found within the last stretch of caverns.”
“We will go aid Kyuhyun and Changmin in watching those of the Swan Clan who are visiting,” Taemin said.
Jaejoong nodded and dismissed them without taking his eyes from Heechul’s. So close, so entwined, with ropes and magic. And his heart.
He heard fading footsteps and then did not stop himself from kissing his husband, from pulling him to a wall and letting the basket fall to the stone floor. Their hands twisted in the ropes, tugging at hips and messing up the sashes and then Jaejoong’s hands were on skin, and he moaned, hands gliding up Heechul’s smooth back, under the tight shirt.
“Last chance,” Jaejoong whispered. “Last chance to call it off and go back to your clan.”
“Do you want me to?”
“Of course not.”
“Then do not give me the option.”
“It is always an option. Because it is your choice. It is our choice. This is very important to us, this moment.”
Heechul smirked, licked at his mouth, and then was moving down, toward the floor, and Jaejoong had no idea how he managed to get to his knees, wrapped up in ropes as they were, but he was there, and then Jaejoong’s pants were peeled lower, just enough to bare his cock. Heechul ran his tongue around it until Jaejoong was hard and pulsing. With a noise of contentment, Heechul sucked the soft crown into his mouth.
Jaejoong’s head thunked against the stone, and his moan echoed in the hallway. His fingers found their way into Heechul’s hair, pulling it loose, tugging on it while Heechul bobbed his head. Swan feathers floated to the floor.
Jaejoong whispered praises at him, beauty perfection awe, at Heechul on his knees. With the teasing and anticipation for the day, and Heechul, his mouth, his fingers sliding up his thighs, his tongue and lips and eyes and skin and just everything, it was too much for Jaejoong to take, too much for Jaejoong to last long. His cock pulsed and twitched and he came, the first shot of his release gagging Heechul just enough that he pulled away, hand on Jaejoong’s cock, stroking him through the rest of his orgasm and not caring as his face was covered in ribbons of white.
Jaejoong cursed, a louder noise that had him flushing. Heechul went back to his cock, sucking on it, come dripping down his cheek.
He wanted to sink to the floor but the ropes did not let him. He pulled Heechul back up instead and kissed the taste and licked the come from his face and lips.
“I am going to finish this walk with you,” Heechul said, “and I will walk by your side for as long as you will let me.”
Jaejoong swallowed, still trying to get his breath back after the quick orgasm. He nodded. “Same, by the trees, Heechul, you are just about perfect for me.”
“Just about?” Heechul protested.
Jaejoong laughed. “I’m used to being the center of attention in a relationship.”
Heechul rolled his eyes. He scraped an errant clump of come that had gotten on Jaejoong’s chin and stuck his finger in his mouth.
Jaejoong moaned. “I want to shove you against this wall and fuck you until people come running because they think I’m hurting you.”
Heechul shook his head. “Later, my love. We have rope and toys to play with, wine to drink off each other’s skin.”
Jaejoong laughed and kissed him. It took a few moments of concentration to get his magic to work, and that said more about Heechul’s ability to suck cock than anything else. He cleaned the come from their faces and straightened their clothes and hair. The rope wrapped up and tightened around them.
“I need one thing from you though,” Heechul said.
Jaejoong could not stop his hands from touching Heechul as they continued the walk through the caverns.
“Whatever you wish.”
Heechul bit his lip and then said, “I understand that this walk is your wedding ceremony, but the Swans exchange oaths, promises, in front of everyone. Without that, I fear my father will not think we are truly married.”
Jaejoong nodded. “We have already planned for that.”
Heechul smiled in surprise. “Really?”
“Of course. This is a Swan and Raven wedding, not just a Raven one.”
“Normally it is just words,” Heechul continued, “but I need to make it a magical binding oath, like I did before. I need my father to know that he cannot control me here.”
Jaejoong pressed a kiss to his temple. “Again, my love, whatever you wish.”
Heechul leaned against him, and Jaejoong knew he was worried about what they would find at the end of this walk. But it was difficult to really care or worry about what the Swans may try because Jaejoong was happy and so very much in love.
Part 8 + Epilogue: The Married Rivals
Part 6: The Compatible Pleasure
Part 5: The Reluctant Trust
Part 4: The Unexpected Complications
Part 3: The Ferocious Warrior
Part 2: The Complicated Beauty
Part 1: The Impossible Proposition
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