Decerto: Road to Freedom
Title: Decerto: Road to Freedom
Chapter: Epilogue
Fandoms: Super Junior, U-Kiss
Pairings: KyuHyun/Zhou Mi, Han Geng/HeeChul, KiBum/SooHyun
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Taking place six years before the events of Decerto, the story of how a human and a slave started a revolution.
A loud shout from outside his bedroom window interrupted KiBum's train of thought as he tried to think of what to write to Henry. Placing the pad of paper back down on the bedsheets, he blinked at the window. From his position sitting up in bed, he could see what was going on; JungMin was dive-bombing random fighters on the Jung's side of the field. Scenes like this, the fighters playing around instead of focusing on training, were slowly becoming more common as the weather turned colder and snow began to fall.
Seeing JungMin get a hold of SungMin's arms and lift the shrieking dog up off the ground, KiBum laughed quietly and looked at SooHyun with a smile. "I guess they're finished lessons for today." It hadn't taken YunHo very long to set up tutoring sessions a couple times a week to teach the freed Signs how to read, write and do basic math.
"Earlier than usual," SooHyun nodded, his nose twitching a little. KyuJong had brought up flowers from the garden to decorate KiBum's room, and SooHyun was doing his very best not to attack one of the vases next to where he was seated. "How's the letter going?"
"It's…not," KiBum wrinkled his nose in frustration. He fumbled with the pencil, pressing the tip to the paper. "He's not going to be able to read my handwriting, and send me back a letter teasing me about it, I know it already."
"You could always dictate it to someone," SooHyun said. "Maybe KyuJong could do it for you... I'm a long way from being able to do that still."
"Hey, at least you can say your handwriting's better than mine," KiBum snorted. Writing out a word, the pencil tip skidded across the paper and he gave up, placing the paper and pencil beside him. "Nevermind, I'll write it later. What do you want to do now? Besides eat those flowers."
SooHyun's ears drooped a little at that. "Are you hungry? I could get us something to eat... Or maybe you want to go outside?"
"Outside would be nice," KiBum perked up at that. "While it's not blizzarding for once. Maybe go see what the others are doing?" He was still on bed rest after being released from the hospital finally, but there was only so much sitting in bed he could do before he started going stir-crazy. SooHyun had been supportive through it all, helping KiBum do silly things like button clothes and walk straight as he recovered his lost motor skills. KiBum honestly didn't know what he'd do without his boyfriend, or his brother who checked in on him regularly and took time to play games with them when KiBum was bored.
He was just pushing the blankets off his legs when there was a knock on the door. KyuJong stuck his head into the bedroom, one long floppy ear dangling over his shoulder. "KiBum? You have a visitor."
"…A visitor?" KiBum blinked. "Is it Kevin?" When KyuJong shook his head, KiBum looked confused as he slid his legs out of bed to stand.
"... I smell..." SooHyun's ears perked up, blinking a few times. He'd gotten up to help KiBum, supporting his boyfriend's side. "I smell a tiger... but it's not HyunJoong, or Xander."
When KyuJong disappeared from the door, someone unfamiliar to SooHyun came in, grinning right at KiBum. "Hey! Someone told me you were still in bed, since when did you get so lazy?"
Jaw falling open, KiBum was speechless. "Henry?!" His best friend stood in the doorway, like it was completely normal for the Canadian to show up at the Kim manor unannounced.
"I got the weirdest letter a few weeks ago, from Kevin," Henry said, coming into the room. SooHyun was still sniffing at the air. There was another scent coming off of Henry. "He said you got shot while in the middle of a Sign revolution. I thought he was just making things up..." Henry seemed to notice SooHyun finally and the way his nose was twitching had SooHyun shrinking back slightly. "This must be SooHyun...?"
Still stunned that Henry was here, KiBum broke into a wide smile before nodding. "Yeah, this is SooHyun, my boyfriend. SooHyun, this is Henry, my best friend. I just…when did you get here? I didn't know you were coming!" He stepped forward, one hand still on SooHyun's arm for balance.
"I got here last week, took me a little bit to find you way out here in the middle of nowhere," Henry said, eyes eyes tightening a little in worry. "It's nice to meet you SooHyun, KiBum's written all about you. Glad he finally found someone to keep him from going off the rails on one of his crazy schemes."
"Well..." SooHyun flushed, ducking his head a little.
Henry chuckled a little, his attention returning to KiBum. "So... you really did get shot... are you okay? Do you have a scar? Can I see it?"
"No, you can't," KiBum wrinkled his nose at his friend. The scar was hidden by his hair anyways, which was cut short now since it was still growing back on that side of his head. "I'm getting better, I have the best nurse," KiBum chuckled, nudging SooHyun lightly. "Have you been okay? I'm sorry I haven't written lately…is that Kyu out there?" He blinked, seeing a shadow in the doorway.
"No... but it is a rabbit," Henry said, glancing over his shoulder towards the door. "What are you doing hiding out there? Come in and say hi," he said, switching to English.
Blinking at the sudden switch, KiBum's eyes widened at who walked into his room.
"I was letting you two have your moment," Amber grinned, walking past Henry to give KiBum a light hug. "Hey KiBum, you didn't visit us last summer, meat buns wouldn't stop moping."
"I'm sorry, I wanted to," KiBum laughed, hugging her back with the arm that wasn't holding onto SooHyun. "You keeping him out of trouble?" His english was rustier than he would have liked.
"Of course I am," she chuckled, pulling back.
"Yeah... and probably will for a long while now," Henry said, rubbing at the back of his head. "I came out all this way KiBum, because there's something I wanted to tell you in person, especially after hearing everything that's happened here." He looked to Amber, nudging her a little. "Show him."
"You mean you haven't already?" Amber asked, lips quirking as she lifted up one hand. There was a silver band on her ring finger. "Tada."
"…No way," KiBum stared at them both. "When did this happen?"
"Um... well a few months ago," Henry said sheepishly. "I wanted to tell you right away but I got kind of sidetracked with things and then I heard about what happened... I wanted to ask you to be my best man... when you're feeling up to it."
Blinking repeatedly, KiBum grinned widely. "Of course…of course! That's great, congratulations! You'll have your hands full, Amber, good luck."
Laughing, Amber stepped back to stand beside Henry.
Switching back to Korean, KiBum nudged SooHyun. "This is Amber, who is apparently Henry's fiancée now. Do I get to say 'I told you so' now?" He asked Henry.
"No," Henry sniffed, but his hand had found Amber's and laced their fingers together.
"Uh... hello," SooHyun stuttered, the only English word he knew as he bowed to Amber in greeting.
"So we're going to be in Korea for a couple weeks, I wanted to show Amber around," Henry said, switching to Korean. "I heard about all that you did here KiBum... Seo TaeJi would be impressed."
KiBum flushed a little as Amber said hi and bowed in return. "I didn't do much…it was all Kevin running the club, and others in the gaming commission and senate. We're finally getting somewhere though…hyung said the bill to free all Signs hasn't passed yet, but most people are starting to free their slaves anyways." There wasn't a single slave left in the Kim or Jung houses, every Sign in them there of their own choice.
"Still, you started the club on your own," Henry said. "I thought you were crazy at first but... I guess you had some important people helping you out. Not like it would have stopped if you didn't but... I kind of wish I had stuck around to see it happen." He looked at Amber beside him, lips quirking a little when he looked back at KiBum. "You mind if we stick around a while and catch up? I really want to hear everything that happened."
"Of course, you think I was going to let you guys leave that easily?" KiBum chuckled, smiling widely at his best friend. "If we track Kyu down, he can get you guys a room. Did you want a tour of the place?"
"You need to teach me more Korean," Amber said, poking Henry's side.
"Maybe if you'd stop snickering at me when I tried then I would," Henry replied, poking her back.
"You shouldn't be walking around too much," SooHyun fretted at KiBum. "I'll go find KyuJong, don't move until I get back," he said, patting KiBum's hand as he helped him to sit back down before taking off out the door.
"...Is that the same goat that I knocked over at that party the first week?" Henry asked when Soohyun had gone. "He's very twitchy."
"That's SooHyun," KiBum chuckled, pouting a little at being made to sit down. "Same goat…but not at the same time. I'm really proud of him…he's come a long way since then. Sit down, don't make me feel rude." He motioned at the chair.
"You're injured, you're not rude," Henry said, sitting down and pulling Amber down in his lap. "So, I want to hear everything that's happened since I left. I don't think I got enough detail from your letters."
"We're gonna be here for a while then," KiBum smiled widely, making himself comfortable. He started at the beginning, that first day he'd came back from Toronto to find out who his new roommate was. Not realizing that he was about to meet the one who'd inspired him to do something against the injustice and cruelty Signs faced. The same person who would later become his boyfriend and his strongest support.
A lot had happened since Henry left, some good and some bad, but KiBum didn't dwell on the bad things anymore. His relationship with his brother was better than it had been in years, SooHyun was happy and becoming more confident each day, and the former Kim fighters were all employed (not bought) by YunHo next door. KiBum would return to the city soon he was sure, to finally be a lawyer and advocate Sign rights in his own way, but not now. Now he was going to enjoy the company of family, friends, and one very special goat.
****************************
Sun, sand, an ocean, and a drink with an umbrella in it. Those were the four things that HeeChul had always wanted, because it meant a vacation. Han Geng would roll his eyes at him and retort a vacation from what, but that wasn't the point. If he was on vacation, that meant Han Geng was too, and not stuck in some stuffy building wearing a suit and tie. As much as HeeChul liked seeing Geng in a suit and tie and how the slacks made his butt look so good, he liked seeing Geng like this too. Relaxed, shirtless, and lying in a beach lounger next to him. Everything about this was perfect. Well, almost.
"There's miles of sand on this beech and you have to build that thing right here next to me?" HeeChul scowled over the top of his sunglasses at KyuHyun and Zhou Mi. The two were happily digging in the sand, building a castle. As cute as it was, they were blowing sand all over HeeChul whenever a breeze rolled through.
"What's the matter, we're not bothering you," KyuHyun snorted, shaping a turret carefully with his fingers. The snake was in human form, not to avoid being seen, but because sand under his scales was very itchy and uncomfortable. "Mi, dig out that wall any more and it'll cave in."
"You're getting sand all over me and in my drink," HeeChul said, flicking a grain of sand off of his arm. "Geng, trade seats with me."
"You already switched seats with him, you said the sun was in your eyes," Zhou Mi pointed out, up to his elbows in dirt.
"It'll be either the sun or the sand, HeeChul, you'll have to pick one," Han Geng chuckled, opening his eyes to look at the rooster. "Why did you want to vacation at a beach if you don't like sand?"
"Because I like everything else about the beach," HeeChul replied, laying back again and pushing his sunglasses over his eyes. "Sun, ocean, that's what I like about the beach."
"I do hope you remembered to put on sunscreen HeeChul, don't want a roast chicken," Zhou Mi said, chuckling when HeeChul scowled at him. "KuiXian, I think we need more water, this wall is falling over."
"I told you it was going to do that," KyuHyun huffed, standing and grabbing a bucket before heading back to the water.
"How's the castle coming, Mi?" Han Geng asked; he couldn't see past HeeChul.
"I think it's beautiful," Zhou Mi said, sitting down in the sand and dusting his hands off as best he could. "It's nice to be doing something constructive, even if it is just playing around in the sand... Thank you again for inviting us Geng. We really needed this vacation."
"We all did," Han Geng agreed, smiling. "It's nice not to have to worry about appointments and debates for a while."
Filling the bucket with water, KyuHyun trudged back to them. Coming up behind Zhou Mi, who was facing away from the water, he grinned and upended the bucket over the man's head before bolting.
The shriek that Zhou Mi let out at being doused with cold water made HeeChul cover his ears. "KuiXian!" Zhou Mi was on his feet and chasing after KyuHyu, limbs flailing as he ranted in Mandarin after him.
"Maybe next time you decide we should go on vacation, can we have a vacation from them," HeeChul grumbled. "Stick legs is going to give me a headache."
Han Geng laughed loudly, watching the two run along the beach. "You'd miss them after a while, admit it. But we can have some time to ourselves too this vacation."
"We better," HeeChul said, shaking his head. "I won't admit I'd miss them, cause Zhou Mi would find out and then he'd do something silly like hug me or something. Can we have dinner just the two of us tonight? I don't need to see those two feeding each other again."
"All right," Han Geng chuckled. Seeing the other two were halfway down the beach by then, KyuHyun trying to fend off Zhou Mi by splashing him with more water, he grinned. "Let's go find a quieter place, what do you think? Before they come back this way."
"Don't have to ask me twice," HeeChul said, sitting up and getting to his feet. "Maybe if we hurry we can go pack our things and find our own island too."
"I don't think we'd have that much time before they found us," Han Geng smiled. As he stood, he fished something out of his bag next to his chair and slipped it into his swim trunk pocket. "Want to go look at those caves?" he nodded towards the caves in the opposite direction from where KyuHyun and Zhou Mi had gone.
HeeChul was eyeing the caves warily, but another high pitch scream had him moving. "Yes, please, before they see us and want to know what we're doing."
"They won't be able to find us there," Han Geng chuckled. His hand found HeeChul's, fingers curling together as he started towards the cave opening not that far away.
"I hope not," HeeChul replied, eyeing the cave warily. "There had better not be bats in there."
"I'll scare them off if there are," Han Geng chuckled.
They reached the cave before Zhou Mi and KyuHyun could notice they were gone, the sand changing into cool stone under their feet. The cavern was well-lit, opening up into a spectacular view of the ocean. "This isn't that bad, is it?" Han Geng smiled, swinging their hands slowly back and forth as they walked parallel to the water.
"I guess not," HeeChul said, though his attention was mostly on the slick stone under his feet so he didn't fall into the ocean. "You seemed to know this was here, you been here before?"
"Hm? Once, a long time ago when I was a kid. I used to like finding shells in the shallow waters in here," he nodded at the puddles that were left after the tide had receded. "This place came to mind while we were planning our vacation. Are you enjoying it so far?"
"For the most part," HeeChul said, stopping near the edge and looking out. "This is the first time I've been outside of Korea... outside of the Seoul. It's not like anything I ever imagined."
"How did you imagine it to be?" Han Geng blinked, stopping beside HeeChul and looking out across the waters.
"I... don't really know," HeeChul shrugged. "It's hard to imagine when you've never seen anything like it. I mean I'd seen pictures and stuff of beaches and oceans, but it's so vast. It makes you feel so insignificant."
"I wouldn't say insignificant." Han Geng wrapped one arm loosely around HeeChul's waist, drawing the rooster into his arms. "There's a lot more to the world than just Korea…I'd like to explore it with you, if you're up to it."
HeeChul glanced up at him, the corner of his lip curled into a smirk. "What, just leave everything behind and not come back? That doesn't seem like the responsible Geng."
"…That is true," Han Geng smiled sheepishly, looking down at HeeChul. "But I don't see why we can't make these vacations a regular thing. I like seeing you happy like this."
"I'd be a lot happier if we didn't have stick legs and scales as tag alongs," HeeChul said. "I'm happy not being stuck inside the apartment all the time... even if it doesn't always go as planned. I just... want to be with you, doesn't matter where we are."
Smiling shyly, Han Geng looked down at the rooster before stepping back, drawing HeeChul away from the edge of the stone to a safe distance. "You don't have to be stuck inside the apartment anymore…and I have something I want to ask you."
"I'm not really stuck, I just don't feel comfortable going anywhere..." HeeChul said, blinking at him. "What?"
Han Geng took both HeeChul's hands, smiling. "It's already been a few years since I promised you that I'd be the happiest man in the world to stay with you, the rest of my life. That hasn't changed…you make me happy. I don't want anyone else in the world…human or otherwise."
Breathing in deeply, he let go of one of HeeChul's hands to pull a small box out of his pocket. Han Geng knelt on one knee, opening the box and presenting it to HeeChul. There was a brilliant diamond ring inside.
"HeeChul, would you marry me?"
HeeChul's eyebrows went up, looking between the ring and Han Geng and back again. "....Holy... shit that's a big diamond," he said finally. Taking a deep breath, HeeChul looked into Han Geng's eyes. "You're a silly, stupid human who could have been happy with anyone because you're the nicest person I've ever met. You put up with my drinking and my temper tantrums with the patience of a saint and I will never understand why. But... I love you, and you make me very happy, so... yes." He presented his hand, wiggling his fingers a little.
A wide smile broke across Han Geng's face, expression lighting up with joy. He removed the ring from the box and slid it onto HeeChul's ring finger, kissing the back of the rooster's hand. "We'll always be together…I promise."
"Holding you to that," HeeChul said, lifting his hand up to admire the ring, tilting his head a little. "I think it suits me. This doesn't mean I'm going to be doing the cooking and cleaning though."
Laughing at that, Han Geng stood up again. "I didn't say you would be." He pulled HeeChul close, ducking his head to kiss his rooster deeply.
Returning the kiss happily, HeeChul wrapped his arms around Han Geng's neck. When he finally pulled away, he looked into Han Geng's eyes and chuckled. "Maybe we should head back... I need to rub something into stick leg's face."
"You're not letting that go, are you," Han Geng chuckled, shaking his head. Pressing another kiss to HeeChul's lips, he pulled back and wrapped his arm loosely around the other man's waist. "Okay, let's go. If we're lucky, they haven't drowned each other yet."
"I don't see that as being lucky," HeeChul muttered, heading back to the mouth of the cave. "Of course I'm not letting it go, if he had been serious about being with you he would have fought for you. Plus, I still say he was the better pick, even if his legs are too skinny and his nose is too big. And he talks too much, and makes noises only dogs can hear when he's excited or sees a spider." He looked up at Han Geng with a smirk. "I won, and that makes me very happy."
Han Geng gave a small, long-suffering sigh. "I don't think he's complaining right now," he smiled at HeeChul. "And KyuHyun might say Zhou Mi's the better pick, but there's no one better than you for me."
"Damn straight," HeeChul sniffed, his nose in the air. "It's cause I have a nicer butt isn't it?"
"Are we talking about when it's covered in feathers, or not," Han Geng grinned cheekily.
"... Do you have a weird feather fetish and you've just never told me?" HeeChul asked, making a face at Han Geng. "If I ever find that stash of feathers you have hidden I'm throwing it away."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Han Geng said, playing the dumb foreigner card with wide eyes and an extra-thick accent.
"There's just no talking to you sometimes," HeeChul threw up his hands in defeat, walking a little faster to get away from him.
Laughing, Han Geng quickened his pace to catch up. Thumbing the now-empty box in his hand, he smiled to himself. He was going to spend the rest of his life with this temperamental, sharp-tongued, diva of a rooster, and he couldn't have been happier.
They left the cave area to see that Zhou Mi had finally caught KyuHyun and the two were still play-fighting in the shallow waters farther up. Watching as the snake fell over into the water and took Zhou Mi down with him, Han Geng felt that everything they'd faced to get to this point was worth it. They still had a lot left to do in the city for Sign rights, including a complete overhaul of the legal, educational and gaming systems that had been in place for decades. But as long as they had a reason for continuing to fight, nothing could stand in their way.
*******
The end! Thank you all for sticking with us and this story through the end, it is one I had wanted to do even while we were in the middle of Decerto. Thank you to everyone who was patient in waiting for the conclusion, and I hope you all look forward to what we have in store for you next!
I also want to give a big thanks to x_lain_x who made us this amazing fanart of KyuHyun, go check it out!
Questions or comments are greatly appreciated, we'll see you next week when the next story starts!
Chapter: Epilogue
Fandoms: Super Junior, U-Kiss
Pairings: KyuHyun/Zhou Mi, Han Geng/HeeChul, KiBum/SooHyun
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Taking place six years before the events of Decerto, the story of how a human and a slave started a revolution.
A loud shout from outside his bedroom window interrupted KiBum's train of thought as he tried to think of what to write to Henry. Placing the pad of paper back down on the bedsheets, he blinked at the window. From his position sitting up in bed, he could see what was going on; JungMin was dive-bombing random fighters on the Jung's side of the field. Scenes like this, the fighters playing around instead of focusing on training, were slowly becoming more common as the weather turned colder and snow began to fall.
Seeing JungMin get a hold of SungMin's arms and lift the shrieking dog up off the ground, KiBum laughed quietly and looked at SooHyun with a smile. "I guess they're finished lessons for today." It hadn't taken YunHo very long to set up tutoring sessions a couple times a week to teach the freed Signs how to read, write and do basic math.
"Earlier than usual," SooHyun nodded, his nose twitching a little. KyuJong had brought up flowers from the garden to decorate KiBum's room, and SooHyun was doing his very best not to attack one of the vases next to where he was seated. "How's the letter going?"
"It's…not," KiBum wrinkled his nose in frustration. He fumbled with the pencil, pressing the tip to the paper. "He's not going to be able to read my handwriting, and send me back a letter teasing me about it, I know it already."
"You could always dictate it to someone," SooHyun said. "Maybe KyuJong could do it for you... I'm a long way from being able to do that still."
"Hey, at least you can say your handwriting's better than mine," KiBum snorted. Writing out a word, the pencil tip skidded across the paper and he gave up, placing the paper and pencil beside him. "Nevermind, I'll write it later. What do you want to do now? Besides eat those flowers."
SooHyun's ears drooped a little at that. "Are you hungry? I could get us something to eat... Or maybe you want to go outside?"
"Outside would be nice," KiBum perked up at that. "While it's not blizzarding for once. Maybe go see what the others are doing?" He was still on bed rest after being released from the hospital finally, but there was only so much sitting in bed he could do before he started going stir-crazy. SooHyun had been supportive through it all, helping KiBum do silly things like button clothes and walk straight as he recovered his lost motor skills. KiBum honestly didn't know what he'd do without his boyfriend, or his brother who checked in on him regularly and took time to play games with them when KiBum was bored.
He was just pushing the blankets off his legs when there was a knock on the door. KyuJong stuck his head into the bedroom, one long floppy ear dangling over his shoulder. "KiBum? You have a visitor."
"…A visitor?" KiBum blinked. "Is it Kevin?" When KyuJong shook his head, KiBum looked confused as he slid his legs out of bed to stand.
"... I smell..." SooHyun's ears perked up, blinking a few times. He'd gotten up to help KiBum, supporting his boyfriend's side. "I smell a tiger... but it's not HyunJoong, or Xander."
When KyuJong disappeared from the door, someone unfamiliar to SooHyun came in, grinning right at KiBum. "Hey! Someone told me you were still in bed, since when did you get so lazy?"
Jaw falling open, KiBum was speechless. "Henry?!" His best friend stood in the doorway, like it was completely normal for the Canadian to show up at the Kim manor unannounced.
"I got the weirdest letter a few weeks ago, from Kevin," Henry said, coming into the room. SooHyun was still sniffing at the air. There was another scent coming off of Henry. "He said you got shot while in the middle of a Sign revolution. I thought he was just making things up..." Henry seemed to notice SooHyun finally and the way his nose was twitching had SooHyun shrinking back slightly. "This must be SooHyun...?"
Still stunned that Henry was here, KiBum broke into a wide smile before nodding. "Yeah, this is SooHyun, my boyfriend. SooHyun, this is Henry, my best friend. I just…when did you get here? I didn't know you were coming!" He stepped forward, one hand still on SooHyun's arm for balance.
"I got here last week, took me a little bit to find you way out here in the middle of nowhere," Henry said, eyes eyes tightening a little in worry. "It's nice to meet you SooHyun, KiBum's written all about you. Glad he finally found someone to keep him from going off the rails on one of his crazy schemes."
"Well..." SooHyun flushed, ducking his head a little.
Henry chuckled a little, his attention returning to KiBum. "So... you really did get shot... are you okay? Do you have a scar? Can I see it?"
"No, you can't," KiBum wrinkled his nose at his friend. The scar was hidden by his hair anyways, which was cut short now since it was still growing back on that side of his head. "I'm getting better, I have the best nurse," KiBum chuckled, nudging SooHyun lightly. "Have you been okay? I'm sorry I haven't written lately…is that Kyu out there?" He blinked, seeing a shadow in the doorway.
"No... but it is a rabbit," Henry said, glancing over his shoulder towards the door. "What are you doing hiding out there? Come in and say hi," he said, switching to English.
Blinking at the sudden switch, KiBum's eyes widened at who walked into his room.
"I was letting you two have your moment," Amber grinned, walking past Henry to give KiBum a light hug. "Hey KiBum, you didn't visit us last summer, meat buns wouldn't stop moping."
"I'm sorry, I wanted to," KiBum laughed, hugging her back with the arm that wasn't holding onto SooHyun. "You keeping him out of trouble?" His english was rustier than he would have liked.
"Of course I am," she chuckled, pulling back.
"Yeah... and probably will for a long while now," Henry said, rubbing at the back of his head. "I came out all this way KiBum, because there's something I wanted to tell you in person, especially after hearing everything that's happened here." He looked to Amber, nudging her a little. "Show him."
"You mean you haven't already?" Amber asked, lips quirking as she lifted up one hand. There was a silver band on her ring finger. "Tada."
"…No way," KiBum stared at them both. "When did this happen?"
"Um... well a few months ago," Henry said sheepishly. "I wanted to tell you right away but I got kind of sidetracked with things and then I heard about what happened... I wanted to ask you to be my best man... when you're feeling up to it."
Blinking repeatedly, KiBum grinned widely. "Of course…of course! That's great, congratulations! You'll have your hands full, Amber, good luck."
Laughing, Amber stepped back to stand beside Henry.
Switching back to Korean, KiBum nudged SooHyun. "This is Amber, who is apparently Henry's fiancée now. Do I get to say 'I told you so' now?" He asked Henry.
"No," Henry sniffed, but his hand had found Amber's and laced their fingers together.
"Uh... hello," SooHyun stuttered, the only English word he knew as he bowed to Amber in greeting.
"So we're going to be in Korea for a couple weeks, I wanted to show Amber around," Henry said, switching to Korean. "I heard about all that you did here KiBum... Seo TaeJi would be impressed."
KiBum flushed a little as Amber said hi and bowed in return. "I didn't do much…it was all Kevin running the club, and others in the gaming commission and senate. We're finally getting somewhere though…hyung said the bill to free all Signs hasn't passed yet, but most people are starting to free their slaves anyways." There wasn't a single slave left in the Kim or Jung houses, every Sign in them there of their own choice.
"Still, you started the club on your own," Henry said. "I thought you were crazy at first but... I guess you had some important people helping you out. Not like it would have stopped if you didn't but... I kind of wish I had stuck around to see it happen." He looked at Amber beside him, lips quirking a little when he looked back at KiBum. "You mind if we stick around a while and catch up? I really want to hear everything that happened."
"Of course, you think I was going to let you guys leave that easily?" KiBum chuckled, smiling widely at his best friend. "If we track Kyu down, he can get you guys a room. Did you want a tour of the place?"
"You need to teach me more Korean," Amber said, poking Henry's side.
"Maybe if you'd stop snickering at me when I tried then I would," Henry replied, poking her back.
"You shouldn't be walking around too much," SooHyun fretted at KiBum. "I'll go find KyuJong, don't move until I get back," he said, patting KiBum's hand as he helped him to sit back down before taking off out the door.
"...Is that the same goat that I knocked over at that party the first week?" Henry asked when Soohyun had gone. "He's very twitchy."
"That's SooHyun," KiBum chuckled, pouting a little at being made to sit down. "Same goat…but not at the same time. I'm really proud of him…he's come a long way since then. Sit down, don't make me feel rude." He motioned at the chair.
"You're injured, you're not rude," Henry said, sitting down and pulling Amber down in his lap. "So, I want to hear everything that's happened since I left. I don't think I got enough detail from your letters."
"We're gonna be here for a while then," KiBum smiled widely, making himself comfortable. He started at the beginning, that first day he'd came back from Toronto to find out who his new roommate was. Not realizing that he was about to meet the one who'd inspired him to do something against the injustice and cruelty Signs faced. The same person who would later become his boyfriend and his strongest support.
A lot had happened since Henry left, some good and some bad, but KiBum didn't dwell on the bad things anymore. His relationship with his brother was better than it had been in years, SooHyun was happy and becoming more confident each day, and the former Kim fighters were all employed (not bought) by YunHo next door. KiBum would return to the city soon he was sure, to finally be a lawyer and advocate Sign rights in his own way, but not now. Now he was going to enjoy the company of family, friends, and one very special goat.
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Sun, sand, an ocean, and a drink with an umbrella in it. Those were the four things that HeeChul had always wanted, because it meant a vacation. Han Geng would roll his eyes at him and retort a vacation from what, but that wasn't the point. If he was on vacation, that meant Han Geng was too, and not stuck in some stuffy building wearing a suit and tie. As much as HeeChul liked seeing Geng in a suit and tie and how the slacks made his butt look so good, he liked seeing Geng like this too. Relaxed, shirtless, and lying in a beach lounger next to him. Everything about this was perfect. Well, almost.
"There's miles of sand on this beech and you have to build that thing right here next to me?" HeeChul scowled over the top of his sunglasses at KyuHyun and Zhou Mi. The two were happily digging in the sand, building a castle. As cute as it was, they were blowing sand all over HeeChul whenever a breeze rolled through.
"What's the matter, we're not bothering you," KyuHyun snorted, shaping a turret carefully with his fingers. The snake was in human form, not to avoid being seen, but because sand under his scales was very itchy and uncomfortable. "Mi, dig out that wall any more and it'll cave in."
"You're getting sand all over me and in my drink," HeeChul said, flicking a grain of sand off of his arm. "Geng, trade seats with me."
"You already switched seats with him, you said the sun was in your eyes," Zhou Mi pointed out, up to his elbows in dirt.
"It'll be either the sun or the sand, HeeChul, you'll have to pick one," Han Geng chuckled, opening his eyes to look at the rooster. "Why did you want to vacation at a beach if you don't like sand?"
"Because I like everything else about the beach," HeeChul replied, laying back again and pushing his sunglasses over his eyes. "Sun, ocean, that's what I like about the beach."
"I do hope you remembered to put on sunscreen HeeChul, don't want a roast chicken," Zhou Mi said, chuckling when HeeChul scowled at him. "KuiXian, I think we need more water, this wall is falling over."
"I told you it was going to do that," KyuHyun huffed, standing and grabbing a bucket before heading back to the water.
"How's the castle coming, Mi?" Han Geng asked; he couldn't see past HeeChul.
"I think it's beautiful," Zhou Mi said, sitting down in the sand and dusting his hands off as best he could. "It's nice to be doing something constructive, even if it is just playing around in the sand... Thank you again for inviting us Geng. We really needed this vacation."
"We all did," Han Geng agreed, smiling. "It's nice not to have to worry about appointments and debates for a while."
Filling the bucket with water, KyuHyun trudged back to them. Coming up behind Zhou Mi, who was facing away from the water, he grinned and upended the bucket over the man's head before bolting.
The shriek that Zhou Mi let out at being doused with cold water made HeeChul cover his ears. "KuiXian!" Zhou Mi was on his feet and chasing after KyuHyu, limbs flailing as he ranted in Mandarin after him.
"Maybe next time you decide we should go on vacation, can we have a vacation from them," HeeChul grumbled. "Stick legs is going to give me a headache."
Han Geng laughed loudly, watching the two run along the beach. "You'd miss them after a while, admit it. But we can have some time to ourselves too this vacation."
"We better," HeeChul said, shaking his head. "I won't admit I'd miss them, cause Zhou Mi would find out and then he'd do something silly like hug me or something. Can we have dinner just the two of us tonight? I don't need to see those two feeding each other again."
"All right," Han Geng chuckled. Seeing the other two were halfway down the beach by then, KyuHyun trying to fend off Zhou Mi by splashing him with more water, he grinned. "Let's go find a quieter place, what do you think? Before they come back this way."
"Don't have to ask me twice," HeeChul said, sitting up and getting to his feet. "Maybe if we hurry we can go pack our things and find our own island too."
"I don't think we'd have that much time before they found us," Han Geng smiled. As he stood, he fished something out of his bag next to his chair and slipped it into his swim trunk pocket. "Want to go look at those caves?" he nodded towards the caves in the opposite direction from where KyuHyun and Zhou Mi had gone.
HeeChul was eyeing the caves warily, but another high pitch scream had him moving. "Yes, please, before they see us and want to know what we're doing."
"They won't be able to find us there," Han Geng chuckled. His hand found HeeChul's, fingers curling together as he started towards the cave opening not that far away.
"I hope not," HeeChul replied, eyeing the cave warily. "There had better not be bats in there."
"I'll scare them off if there are," Han Geng chuckled.
They reached the cave before Zhou Mi and KyuHyun could notice they were gone, the sand changing into cool stone under their feet. The cavern was well-lit, opening up into a spectacular view of the ocean. "This isn't that bad, is it?" Han Geng smiled, swinging their hands slowly back and forth as they walked parallel to the water.
"I guess not," HeeChul said, though his attention was mostly on the slick stone under his feet so he didn't fall into the ocean. "You seemed to know this was here, you been here before?"
"Hm? Once, a long time ago when I was a kid. I used to like finding shells in the shallow waters in here," he nodded at the puddles that were left after the tide had receded. "This place came to mind while we were planning our vacation. Are you enjoying it so far?"
"For the most part," HeeChul said, stopping near the edge and looking out. "This is the first time I've been outside of Korea... outside of the Seoul. It's not like anything I ever imagined."
"How did you imagine it to be?" Han Geng blinked, stopping beside HeeChul and looking out across the waters.
"I... don't really know," HeeChul shrugged. "It's hard to imagine when you've never seen anything like it. I mean I'd seen pictures and stuff of beaches and oceans, but it's so vast. It makes you feel so insignificant."
"I wouldn't say insignificant." Han Geng wrapped one arm loosely around HeeChul's waist, drawing the rooster into his arms. "There's a lot more to the world than just Korea…I'd like to explore it with you, if you're up to it."
HeeChul glanced up at him, the corner of his lip curled into a smirk. "What, just leave everything behind and not come back? That doesn't seem like the responsible Geng."
"…That is true," Han Geng smiled sheepishly, looking down at HeeChul. "But I don't see why we can't make these vacations a regular thing. I like seeing you happy like this."
"I'd be a lot happier if we didn't have stick legs and scales as tag alongs," HeeChul said. "I'm happy not being stuck inside the apartment all the time... even if it doesn't always go as planned. I just... want to be with you, doesn't matter where we are."
Smiling shyly, Han Geng looked down at the rooster before stepping back, drawing HeeChul away from the edge of the stone to a safe distance. "You don't have to be stuck inside the apartment anymore…and I have something I want to ask you."
"I'm not really stuck, I just don't feel comfortable going anywhere..." HeeChul said, blinking at him. "What?"
Han Geng took both HeeChul's hands, smiling. "It's already been a few years since I promised you that I'd be the happiest man in the world to stay with you, the rest of my life. That hasn't changed…you make me happy. I don't want anyone else in the world…human or otherwise."
Breathing in deeply, he let go of one of HeeChul's hands to pull a small box out of his pocket. Han Geng knelt on one knee, opening the box and presenting it to HeeChul. There was a brilliant diamond ring inside.
"HeeChul, would you marry me?"
HeeChul's eyebrows went up, looking between the ring and Han Geng and back again. "....Holy... shit that's a big diamond," he said finally. Taking a deep breath, HeeChul looked into Han Geng's eyes. "You're a silly, stupid human who could have been happy with anyone because you're the nicest person I've ever met. You put up with my drinking and my temper tantrums with the patience of a saint and I will never understand why. But... I love you, and you make me very happy, so... yes." He presented his hand, wiggling his fingers a little.
A wide smile broke across Han Geng's face, expression lighting up with joy. He removed the ring from the box and slid it onto HeeChul's ring finger, kissing the back of the rooster's hand. "We'll always be together…I promise."
"Holding you to that," HeeChul said, lifting his hand up to admire the ring, tilting his head a little. "I think it suits me. This doesn't mean I'm going to be doing the cooking and cleaning though."
Laughing at that, Han Geng stood up again. "I didn't say you would be." He pulled HeeChul close, ducking his head to kiss his rooster deeply.
Returning the kiss happily, HeeChul wrapped his arms around Han Geng's neck. When he finally pulled away, he looked into Han Geng's eyes and chuckled. "Maybe we should head back... I need to rub something into stick leg's face."
"You're not letting that go, are you," Han Geng chuckled, shaking his head. Pressing another kiss to HeeChul's lips, he pulled back and wrapped his arm loosely around the other man's waist. "Okay, let's go. If we're lucky, they haven't drowned each other yet."
"I don't see that as being lucky," HeeChul muttered, heading back to the mouth of the cave. "Of course I'm not letting it go, if he had been serious about being with you he would have fought for you. Plus, I still say he was the better pick, even if his legs are too skinny and his nose is too big. And he talks too much, and makes noises only dogs can hear when he's excited or sees a spider." He looked up at Han Geng with a smirk. "I won, and that makes me very happy."
Han Geng gave a small, long-suffering sigh. "I don't think he's complaining right now," he smiled at HeeChul. "And KyuHyun might say Zhou Mi's the better pick, but there's no one better than you for me."
"Damn straight," HeeChul sniffed, his nose in the air. "It's cause I have a nicer butt isn't it?"
"Are we talking about when it's covered in feathers, or not," Han Geng grinned cheekily.
"... Do you have a weird feather fetish and you've just never told me?" HeeChul asked, making a face at Han Geng. "If I ever find that stash of feathers you have hidden I'm throwing it away."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Han Geng said, playing the dumb foreigner card with wide eyes and an extra-thick accent.
"There's just no talking to you sometimes," HeeChul threw up his hands in defeat, walking a little faster to get away from him.
Laughing, Han Geng quickened his pace to catch up. Thumbing the now-empty box in his hand, he smiled to himself. He was going to spend the rest of his life with this temperamental, sharp-tongued, diva of a rooster, and he couldn't have been happier.
They left the cave area to see that Zhou Mi had finally caught KyuHyun and the two were still play-fighting in the shallow waters farther up. Watching as the snake fell over into the water and took Zhou Mi down with him, Han Geng felt that everything they'd faced to get to this point was worth it. They still had a lot left to do in the city for Sign rights, including a complete overhaul of the legal, educational and gaming systems that had been in place for decades. But as long as they had a reason for continuing to fight, nothing could stand in their way.
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The end! Thank you all for sticking with us and this story through the end, it is one I had wanted to do even while we were in the middle of Decerto. Thank you to everyone who was patient in waiting for the conclusion, and I hope you all look forward to what we have in store for you next!
I also want to give a big thanks to x_lain_x who made us this amazing fanart of KyuHyun, go check it out!
Questions or comments are greatly appreciated, we'll see you next week when the next story starts!