Remembering Spring
Title: Remembering Spring
Beta: causticaria
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Romance, Drama, Angst, Fantasy
Summary: He was so used to winter that he’d forgotten what spring was like.
This is the sequel to Call of Winter, so please, love me again. XD
Was this torture meant to be his fate?
Jaejoong choked back his disgust as he felt Jihyuk’s hand settle on his shoulder. He kept his eyes down onto the floor and gripped the fabric of his pants tightly. He swallowed hard and said nothing.
“Tell me, is something wrong?”
He shut his eyes and breathed out softly, “Nothing is wrong my Lord.”
“Why are you not looking at me then?” Jihyuk mused aloud as his hand moved slowly from Jaejoong’s shoulder to his neck, gently caressing the exposed skin, “Do you not find me to your liking?”
“You are pleasant company.”
The prince laughed and walked away, “Stand up oracle.”
Jaejoong complied, and he turned around to face Jihyuk. He watched as Jihyuk moved to his bed, and as soon as he’d sat down, a shiver ran up his spine.
“Tell me, have you seen anything interesting in your dreams?”
He’d seen nothing but fire in his dreams, wild, uncontrollable and destructive.
“Nothing my Lord,” Jaejoong replied stiffly as he watched the way the blood red mattress shifted due to Jihyuk’s movement. Despite its intricacies and its luxury, he found himself disgusted by the sight of it.
Jihyuk lifted up his hand and gestured for Jaejoong to come closer. Jaejoong approached him slowly, and stopped when he was standing directly in front of the prince. He watched as Jihyuk reached out, and he shivered as soon as he felt the cold golden metal of Jihyuk’s ring press against his cheek.
His thumb stroked the pale skin of his gently, “Would you like to know of my dreams? I have called you to my room almost every night for the past two months…I think of you as a beloved companion now.”
Jaejoong was silent. He could not call their times together anything other than torturous. They spent hours together in tense conversation, with him avoiding any and every sexual advance that the prince attempted. He shivered in disgust with every unwanted, lingering touch, and he wanted nothing more than for the seconds to slip by faster during each meeting.
Jihyuk chuckled, and he tilted Jaejoong’s chin up so that their eyes would meet. A lascivious smile crossed his lips, “I dream just as any other man would. I’ve dreamt of gold, of power, of fame, and of desire.”
He licked his lips, “Tell me, oracle, what do you know of desires?”
“I hardly -“
Before Jaejoong could step back, Jihyuk took hold of him forcefully and pinned him down onto the bed. A smirk crossed his lips, and his finger lowered to trace Jaejoong’s collarbone. Jihyuk leaned down, so close that his warm breath ghosted against the skin of Jaejoong’s face.
“They said the military commander touched you and that you moaned for him like a whore,” Jihyuk murmured as he cupped Jaejoong’s cheek forcefully, “Did you spread your legs for him every night? Did you like what he did to you? Tell me.”
Jaejoong kept his mouth shut but refused to break Jihyuk’s gaze. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his mind was telling him to run, but his body was pinned firmly in place.
“You will be my consort as soon as my father is dead,” Jihyuk spoke, his frustration evident as he whispered into Jaejoong’s ear, “Most beautiful and most wise, and you will yield to me. In fact, you should be honored that I am willing to have you despite your impurity.”
He chuckled and drew his head back, “Now tell me, did you like how he touched you?”
When he received no answer, Jihyuk grew irritated. He had absolutely no patience for silence and indifference any longer. He gripped Jaejoong by the collar and pulled him up, “Answer me!”
Jaejoong punched Jihyuk, and the prince let out a cry of pain. He stumbled back due to his shock, and Jaejoong pushed him off to escape. Before he could make it to the door, Jihyuk grabbed him by the wrist roughly and jerked him back.
“You will kneel to me!” Jihyuk yelled as he let go of Jaejoong’s wrist and gripped his hair tightly in order to force him into submission. Jaejoong refused to back down, so Jihyuk punched him in the stomach. Jaejoong fell to his knees, and Jihyuk jerked his head up by his hair, “You will show me the path to victory, and you will yield to my every demand!”
The door of the room burst open, and several of the palace guards stormed in. They paused at the sight of Jaejoong, and Jihyuk kicked Jaejoong away.
“Take him away to the distant borders! Leave him in solitary confinement, so that he will realize his mistakes.”
The captain hesitated, “But my Lord, the council -“
“Does it look like I care about what the council thinks?” Jihyuk shouted, “I am your prince, and I will soon be your king! Do what I demand of you, or I shall have you all beheaded!”
The guards quickly complied with his orders. Two men picked up Jaejoong off the ground, and just as he was being dragged out the doors, Jihyuk ordered for them to stop.
Jaejoong lifted his head tiredly as Jihyuk approached, and just as the prince was about to reach for his face, he spat at him.
A look of disgust crossed Jihyuk’s face, and he glanced at the guards that were holding Jaejoong, “Beat him before you have him exiled. It seems like he needs to have not just his spirit broken, but his body as well.”
o-o-o
He was not the kind of man to forget.
Yunho gripped his horse’s reins a little tighter before he looked around to make sure that his men were still within a good distance from him. He exhaled and caught sight of the wisps of his breath that escaped his mouth.
No matter how many months had passed, it was still cold in the North. Things had not changed, and as Yunho surveyed the surroundings, he bitterly recalled that his feelings had not changed as well. His heart had remained as frigid as the environment, and he couldn’t bring himself to change his ways.
He could not bring himself to love another.
Despite Jaejoong’s promise that he would find love again, it was not like him to believe the words of oracles or interpretations of nature, and he did not believe in allowing one’s life to be dictated by anything but action. Men shaped and created their own futures, and they were responsible for the way their lives played out. Nature may have dealt the cards, but people were the ones who chose how to play them.
Jaejoong’s prediction would be false, and the supposedly all-knowing oracle would be proven to be wrong.
He’d heard all the stories from the West of Jaejoong’s talent at reading nature and predicting the future, but so had others. The prince of the North was a fool and had let news of his oracle spread to all the other regions.
Now every single ruler wanted the oracle for their own nation - they all wanted to use Jaejoong as a trump card in their political games.
“They say the oracle is hidden somewhere near the mountains,” Minsook said as he sidled his horse close to Yunho’s, “After several kidnapping attempts, the King of the North had the oracle moved far away.”
“Kidnapping attempts?” Jongwan interrupted with a huff, “How foolish of you to believe those lies Minsook. I’ve heard otherwise.”
Yunho glanced at the other knight, “What have you heard?” he asked as he moved his horse away from Jongwan’s in order to provide space for his wolf Taepoong to trot by his side.
He glanced down at the wolf. It reminded him of his last visit to the North because of the circumstances in which he’d found it. It had only been hours after Jaejoong’s departure when he’d found the injured and orphaned pup, lying pathetically in the snow.
It had reminded Yunho so much of himself at that moment. He too had been filled with pain and loneliness, and he’d adopted it in order to nurse it back to health and make it strong again in the hopes that one day, he too would be strong as well.
Now, months later, he was still unsure if he was the same man that he’d been before he’d even met Jaejoong.
“General -“
Yunho shook his head, “I’m fine,” he glanced at Jongwan, “I would like to hear what you’ve heard about the oracle.”
Jongwan cleared his throat, “I’ve heard rumors that the current prince of the North has expressed interest in having the oracle as a consort of some kind,” he explained slowly as he glanced at the river near them, “Though, it doesn’t seem like his council agrees with him though, which is why the oracle was sent away.”
Yunho clenched the reins of his horse tightly, “What do you think of this rumor?”
Both men shrugged, but Minsook spoke first. “I hear the prince of the North is devious, and I know nothing good of him. They also say the oracle of the North is a beauty -“
“As beautiful and distant as the Northern realm, an otherworldly creature that was born to bring them victory,” Jongwan added, “I don’t quite know about that. A threat is a threat, and the oracle’s predictions have been making the Northerners quite overconfident.”
“I must agree,” Yunho muttered gruffly, “They have not been actively communicating with us, and it is suspicious behavior on their part. I wouldn’t be surprised if the peace treaty we signed with them is broken soon. We are here to question their dealing with the smaller nations in the East -“
An arrow shot past Yunho’s head, and he quickly jerked back the reins of his horse. He looked around wildly, and he caught sight of ten men approaching. He pulled his sword out of his scabbard, but just as he was about to charge forward, another arrow nearly struck his horse. His horse got startled and reared backwards.
Before Yunho could even process what was happening, he fell off the saddle of his horse, and everything was a blur as his body plunged into the depths of the icy river.
o-o-o
Jaejoong woke up gasping for breath.
His dream had been of water consuming him - a sudden change from all his dreams of uncontrollable fires. He had felt himself plunging into its icy depths, and all he had been able to see was its dark blue.
He wiped his forehead of sweat and slowly moved out of bed, not keen to spend another day alone in the solitude of the cold’s embrace.
It’d been around a month since his departure from the palace to the small cottage, and while he’d been used to being alone before, but to be isolated from most of society was a different thing entirely.
Would he be going crazy soon?
Jaejoong choked back a frustrated sob and pulled at his hair. He looked at the door of the tiny cottage and felt like escaping. After all, he had nothing. He had no home, no friends, no family and no fortune.
All he had were memories of a past love.
As Jaejoong packed up what little things he had, he wondered if Yunho was happy, and if Yunho had found another love. With a bitter smile on his lips, Jaejoong decided that Yunho probably had found another. Good men like Yunho were always meant for happiness.
The moment he’d finished packing, Jaejoong stopped in front of the main door. This was it for him. Although he was running, he had nowhere to go, and he had no idea where he was even going.
He shook his head and unlocked the door. There were worse fates than dying in the snow - at least he would die with his honor still intact.
As soon as he had stepped out, Jaejoong jerked back in fright. A wolf stared back at him with its amber eyes, and he remained paralyzed in fear, afraid that it would snap at him at any second.
The two of them remained still, and it was not long before the wolf moved closer and nudged his leg with his nose before running off to a farther distance. It stopped as soon as it was a few meters away before it turned around and then focused its amber eyes on him once more.
There was only one thing that his gut was telling him to do.
Follow.
Jaejoong dropped his bag onto the snow and ran after the wolf that quickly bounded away into the thicket. The cold air filled his lungs, and his muscles burned after minutes of running, but he didn’t stop. His heart was telling him that he was on the right path, and that he was following something beyond himself.
He ran past trees that all seemed identical, tall and blanketed in snow. He was unsure of where he was going, but he was following his heart and everything was telling him that something about this journey was part of his destiny.
Jaejoong caught sight of wolf stopping, and he ran faster in order to see why the animal had suddenly stopped in its tracks. His eyes widened when he noticed that the wolf was hauling a body out of the water, and he quickly ran down the slope to prevent the wolf from injuring the man.
As soon as he approached, the wolf backed away and sat down. Jaejoong glanced at it briefly before kneeling down and flipping the man over onto his back.
“What…”
The man was Yunho.
His heart pounded in his chest loudly, and he checked his vital signs. “Please be alive,” Jaejoong whispered as he touched Yunho’s neck. He waited for a few seconds, and he felt a faint heartbeat from under the other man’s deathly cold skin.
He began to shake Yunho, and he noticed the gash on his forehead. Jaejoong reached into his bag and ripped a piece of fabric Yunho’s head before he worked on stripping Yunho of his wet clothes.
Time was racing against him, and he needed to get Yunho warmer or else he would die. He dumped all the clothes in his bag and tried pulling off the numerous layers on Yunho, but it was difficult because they clung to his skin.
He pulled at them, and Yunho was shivering. Eventually Yunho’s eyes fluttered open, and his dazed dark eyes tried to focus on his face, “Is…”
“It’s me,” Jaejoong whispered brokenly as he felt the wolf sidle up next to him to lick Yunho in the face. The wolf nudged Yunho and pressed its body against his, and Jaejoong helped Yunho sit up. “You need to get out of the wet clothes.”
Yunho moved sluggishly, so Jaejoong helped him take off his clothes. He helped Yunho put on his own clothes despite the tight fit and wrapped whatever extra clothes he had around the other man. He bundled his blanket around Yunho, and as soon as he was finished, he cupped Yunho’s face with his cold hands.
His eyes searched Yunho’s face for any other injury, “My…my cottage is far away, but walking will help you warm up,” he whispered, “You have to keep going. I’m here Yunho. You’ll be okay.”
Yunho merely nodded his head, and Jaejoong smiled at him weakly, “I never thought I’d see you again,” he murmured, “You…did you…” He turned away from Yunho and shook his head, “I’m sorry, let’s go -“
A warm body enveloped his smaller figure, and Yunho buried his face into the crook of Jaejoong’s neck while one arm wrapped around his chest to pull him close and his free hand intertwined their fingers together.
“Fate,” Yunho forced out, the word difficult for him to speak due to the dryness of his throat and the chill that still ran throughout his body.
Jaejoong stilled in his grasp, and he turned around to bury his face into Yunho’s chest. He felt his tears spill from his cheeks, and he simply pulled Yunho closer, sharing his warmth and sharing his heart with the other man like he had so many months ago.
o-o-o
When Yunho woke up, his joints were sore and his throat was dry. Everything from the previous day had mostly been a blur of endless white to him, and all he could really remember was seeing Jaejoong’s face. He blinked up at the dark ceiling, and when he turned his head to the right, he caught sight of who was sleeping beside him.
“Jaejoong,” he whispered before he reached out to gently brush his fingers against the cheek of the man beside him.
His eyelids fluttered open, and Jaejoong’s eyes met his. They both said nothing, and Yunho reached out to bury his hand in the softness of Jaejoong’s hair. His thumb stroked Jaejoong’s cheek, and Yunho took in a deep breath.
“Is this real?”
He leaned down to kiss Jaejoong, but the other moved away from his reach and slipped out of bed. Yunho sat up, and Jaejoong shook his head, motioning for Yunho to stay where he was.
“Yunho…”
“There isn’t anyone else,” Yunho spoke, his eyes meeting Jaejoong’s, “I don’t know what your ridiculous vision told you exactly, but there’s no one else, and there won’t be anyone else.”
Jaejoong shook his head and tucked back a strand of his hair, “You don’t understand Yunho, they always come true, okay?” he let out a sigh and as soon as he opened the bedroom door, Taepoong rushed into the room.
It sat by the bed, and Yunho reached over to pat the wolf on the head. It leaned into his touch, and Yunho looked away from Jaejoong to focus on petting it. Taepoong rested his head on his thighs, and Yunho stroked the animal’s fur gently.
“So he’s yours?”
“Yes,” Yunho murmured as his eyes met the wolf’s, “He’s been the one keeping me company through the days and nights.” He turned his head and looked at Jaejoong, who was standing by the door, “How did you know where to find me?”
“I…” A frustrated look crossed Jaejoong’s face, and he sighed, “I had a dream about water consuming me…and I also met your wolf at my doorstep. I presumed that I was being told something.”
Yunho was silent, and he briefly paused in stroking Taepoong to look at Jaejoong, “So…do you think that your vision was about me?”
“Would you believe me if I said yes?”
“I would,” Yunho replied, “It would only make me more frustrated with you though,” he murmured. He continued to stroke Taepoong’s head before he moved his hand to scratch behind the wolf’s ears, “If your vision helped lead you back to me, I don’t see why you still reject me. Was the last rejection not enough for you?”
“Yunho…”
“Why are you here?” Yunho questioned, burying his feelings of frustration and hurt. He gripped Taepoong’s fur slightly and turned his head to look at Jaejoong, “Why are you here and not in your palace? I’ve heard that your prince is terribly fond of you,” he added bitterly.
“It doesn’t matter,” Jaejoong murmured, “It’s none of your concern.”
Yunho stood up, “Thank you for saving me Jaejoong. As you have made it clear that you want nothing more to do with me, perhaps I should just leave now.” He looked around the small room before he looked at Jaejoong, “Where are my things?”
“Still drying.”
The two former lovers stared at each other, and Yunho broke off their eye contact first. He glanced down at Taepoong and shook his head. He met Jaejoong’s eyes, “As soon as they are dry, I will leave you.”
He walked up to Jaejoong with some difficulty and paused as soon as he was directly in front of him. “You act as if I hold no more importance in your heart and that I am nothing to you but a horror that belongs in the past and should be forgotten, but to me, you hold such a great place in my heart that I could not even comprehend the chance of forgetting you.”
Yunho tore his eyes away from Jaejoong and swallowed hard, “Thank you for saving me even though your feelings for me no longer persist in your heart.” He moved away from Jaejoong, but the latter gripped his wrist.
“Don’t make things more difficult -“
Yunho yanked his wrist out of Jaejoong’s grip and glared at him, “You say that I’m the one making this more difficult for the two of us?”
A tired look crossed Jaejoong’s face, “You know that this is about more than just the two of us Yunho…” he said softly, “You can’t just leave right now. You still need to recover a bit more - to leave now would be stupid. There’s much expected of you -“
“Expectations,” Yunho chuckled bitterly and moved away from Jaejoong. He sat down and clenched his fists on the table, “Yes, people expect things and only receive disappointment, yet when things are expected of them, disappointment is not an option. It’s funny how the world works, don’t you think?”
His angry eyes focused on Jaejoong, and the latter looked away. He took food out of a cabinet and set it on the table, “I’m not one to complain how the world works,” Jaejoong murmured softly, “I accept its faults.”
He pushed a plate with a slice of bread on it towards Yunho, but Yunho made no move to eat it. His eyes were still intently focused on Jaejoong, but Jaejoong quickly broke away his gaze to move over to the tiny stove.
Yunho watched in silence as Jaejoong lit the stove, and he said nothing as they both watched the kettle boil. As soon as Jaejoong decided that it was ready, he poured some of the liquid into a cup and brought it over to Yunho.
His eyes scanned the table, and his frown deepened when he realized that Yunho had not touched the food on the table. Yunho kept his eyes on Jaejoong’s hand, and despite the fact Jaejoong edged the cup closer to him, he did not touch it.
“Are you happy with that?”
“With what?” Jaejoong questioned, his voice barely above a whisper. “I do not have anything close to royal tea -“
“I think you know that I am not talking about the tea,” Yunho murmured. His hands balled up into fists, and he averted his eyes to stare down at the contents of the dark liquid that was set in front of him. “I’m asking you if you are happy with the faults you see in life.”
Jaejoong clenched his fists, “You speak as if you hate me. I find your earlier words hard to believe when you talk to me in such a way,” he hissed before he let the table to return back to the bedroom.
The chair Yunho was sitting on scraped back loudly, when he stood up, and Jaejoong froze in his tracks. Yunho’s eyes were practically boring holes into the back of his head, but he said nothing.
“I don’t hate you, but I hate how you are acting.”
“And how am I acting?” Jaejoong asked. He turned around and met Yunho’s eyes, his own anger and irritation rising to match his, “Do you think it’s easy for me to have you here? I was ready to live the rest of my life without you!”
“But I am here now,” Yunho shouted back, “I am here, and I am offering myself up to you once again! Why do you need to live the rest of your life without me when we are together again -“
“We won’t be together forever!” Jaejoong cried out. He withdrew from Yunho’s touch and shook his head. “You cannot promise me anything, and I cannot promise you anything because I’ve already seen -“
“The future?” Yunho questioned irritably, “Do you not understand what I have been trying to tell you for so long? No one determines anyone’s fate but themselves. Jaejoong, if you wanted to be happy with me, you would make the choice and not run away from me again.”
“I saw -“
“Yes, you saw something, but is the future ever set in place?” Yunho demanded, his irritation and frustration rising by the second. “It is never set in stone, and it will always be that way!” He took a deep breath, “I cannot stay here with you. It seems like I have caused you too much of a disturbance -“
He moved to walk away, but Jaejoong reached out for his wrist. He held his wrist tightly and forced Yunho to look at him, “You are injured -“
“Let go of me.”
“I won’t -“
Taepoong nudged Jaejoong roughly away from Yunho with his body and growled. Yunho spared one last glance at Jaejoong before he shook his head and walked out the door, Taepoong following behind him.
o-o-o
Jaejoong sat at the table and cradled the cold cup of tea in his hands. He stared down at the dark liquid for a few seconds before he let out a wistful sigh before he let go of it and rested his face in his hands.
It was all so frustrating, and he didn’t know what to do. His heart longed for Yunho more than anything, but he was afraid. He was afraid that he would give up so much for Yunho but end up with nothing in the future. All he wanted was assurance that his choices were the right one - he didn’t want to make mistakes.
He was hurt that Yunho had gotten so angry with him, but deep down, he could understand. His actions had made no sense. He’d brought Yunho back into his life only to cast him away again. It was absolute torture for them to continue being around each other because he had rejected Yunho’s love for a future that wasn’t even set in stone.
It was his fault for being weak.
Instead of fighting for their love and fighting for what he wanted, he’d simply given up Yunho and his chance at happiness. He was so tied to the idea that Yunho would eventually love another, and he was so tied to the future that he had forgotten about the present.
Most importantly of all, he had forgotten that the future was never set in stone.
Jaejoong glanced out the window. It was snowing, and Yunho had yet to return. He didn’t know how long Yunho had been gone, but it was not safe for him to be alone in the woods, barely recovered and with only his wolf for company.
Bitterness and guilt gripped his heart, and Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to leave the table. He’d let go of Yunho for nothing. His own countrymen did not seem to cherish his powers as oracle - they only saw him as a weapon for their corrupt leaders and a reason for the increase in their taxes. The council wanted him gone because he was a threat to their positions, and Jihyuk only wanted him due to his desire for everything.
He truly had nothing, and he’d allowed Yunho to walk out of his life once more.
“I’m sorry,” Jaejoong whispered to no one as he let his face fall into his hands, “I’m so sorry Yunho.”
He choked back a sob and clenched his fists, “Please come back.”
o-o-o
He didn’t care where he went. Yunho was gripped by his anger and irritation, and he could not bother to think about where he was going. He walked with no direction, and he did not care about the blurring background or the aching of his body. He just needed to keep moving and stop thinking.
He needed to stop thinking about Jaejoong.
Taepoong easily kept up with his long strides, and Yunho was glad that at least he had his friend by his side. After what seemed like an eternity, Yunho stood still and looked around. He was not surprised that he was lost, but he was not sure if he wanted to go back or if he should keep going forward.
His heart hurt at the idea of leaving Jaejoong behind, but it seemed almost as if the other man did not care for him any longer. Yunho sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair. He was frustrated, but he could not help himself from feeling concern for his former lover.
Yunho glanced down at Taepoong and crouched to pet the wolf, “Shall we go back?” he questioned softly, his muscles aching as he continued to keep his position, “Do you know how to track Jaejoong?”
The wolf nuzzled his hand, and Yunho hugged the animal tightly, burying his face into its fur. He was always amazed by how well the animal treated him, and how docile it was around him, almost acting like a dog rather than a wolf.
Yunho let out a shuddery breath and pulled away to survey their surroundings. He glanced up at the sky - the sun was past its peak, and it would be night in a few hours. If he did not get moving, he would get stuck in the cold at night, and it would not be safe for him at all.
Yunho stood up and began to walk back - even if he had no idea where he was going, he needed to keep going. He couldn’t allow himself to give up.
The only sound that could be heard was the crunching of his boots on the snow, but Yunho kept his ears alert for any sort of noise. He looked around constantly, but all he saw was the dense snow blanketed thicket, and it extended as far as he could see.
He blew at his hands to keep warm, and he glanced at his belt, only to realize that he did not even have a weapon to protect himself. He sighed into his hands but pressed forward despite how tired he felt.
Just as he was about to entertain the idea of resting, he noticed that Taepoong had stopped. He glanced at the animal before he ran for cover behind a dense area of trees. He slowed down his breathing and waited, listening for any sounds.
It was not much longer, and Yunho pulled Taepoong closer when he heard the footsteps of horses and the sound of men conversing. He glanced behind his shoulder, and he froze when he recognized the face of one of the men.
It was the prince of the North, Jihyuk.
He felt hate rise in his gut, and he had to hold himself back.
“You know my Lord, when you said that I should visit you, I did not think that you would be bringing me up to these far borders,” one of the men muttered as he looked around at the environment, “I thought you would be showing me that beloved pet of yours.”
“By pet, he means your oracle,” a fat, older man commented as he pulled at the reins of his horse, “It has extended to the East that he is quite the beauty.”
Jihyuk chuckled, “Ah, well, I am afraid neither of you will be able to behold the beauty of my beloved pet at the present.”
“And why not?” the first man questioned, “Do you not trust us? If we are to be doing business with you if ever you choose to rise up against the West, then there should be no secrets.”
“I agree with Lord Kwangryul,” the second man pressed, and Yunho watched as the two men shared looks of irritation, “If we are to support you in your campaign against the West, then we must see your oracle.”
“Indeed, we must find out if he is indeed as good as you claim him to be.”
“If you do not show him to us, then I do not believe that we can simply put our money behind you blindly. It is important that we know our investments to be good ones.”
There was silence, and Yunho pressed his body closer, waiting to hear the prince’s answer.
The prince laughed, “You two are such businessmen,” he said light heartedly, “Can you not see the real reason as to why I cannot show him to you?”
Yunho tried to see Jihyuk’s face, but he could not due to the trees that separated them. He ducked lower when he heard the horses, and he slowly edged away, all the while keeping an ear on the men’s conversation.
“I am afraid that Lord Kwangryul and I do not understand you.”
Jihyuk laughed once again, “My dear Lords, I cannot show you my beloved pet because he has been kept away from me by the fools that are on my father’s council. It seems they do not agree with how much alone time I spend with my pet in my bedroom. They do not like to see me happy and pleasured.”
Yunho felt his body tense with anger and jealousy. If he were in a better position, he would’ve attacked, but he was not, and thus he was forced to wait until the men left. He clenched his fists and felt the sting of betrayal course throughout his body.
Was that why Jaejoong refused him? Was he content being the pet of an arrogant and selfish prince?
“Is that true?”
“Why of course it is. Are you accusing me of being a liar?”
“Oh - of course not, I -“
Taepoong darted out of the thicket, and Yunho watched as the men exclaimed in surprise. The party quickly followed after Taepoong, and Yunho took advantage of the situation and immediately began to run away from where the men were.
He could not feel the ache of his body or the ache of his heart any longer. He was consumed with feelings of betrayal and jealousy, and he needed answers more than he needed rest.
o-o-o
Jaejoong was startled awake by the sound of the cottage door being opened loudly. He jolted out of his seat, and as soon as he saw Yunho, he stood still.
Yunho immediately rushed to him, and he took hold of Jaejoong roughly. His fingers dug into Jaejoong’s skin, and his eyes were filled with anger, “Do you not love me anymore?” he questioned furiously, “Is the real reason you reject me because he is the one that you love?”
Jaejoong stared up at Yunho in confusion, “Who do you -“
“Your prince!” Yunho spat bitterly. He let go of Jaejoong and shook his head in disgust. He paced around the room and turned to glare at his former lover, his eyes accusing and filled with hurt, “Tell me, do you think of him as a much better lover than I ever was? Does he give you the happiness that you cannot find with me?”
“I have nothing to do with him, and he gives me no happiness,” Jaejoong said slowly as he approached Yunho with cautious steps, “I cannot deny that he desires me…it is why I am here,” he murmured softly.
Yunho knocked over the cup of tea on the table, but Jaejoong did not flinch when he heard it clatter to the ground. He watched as the taller man moved away from him, and he kept his silence.
“So it is normal then for you, to deny the advances of those that desire you?” Yunho questioned angrily, “Tell me, is this all a game for you? Is it because you are an oracle that you see fit to play with the emotions of us normal men?”
“It is not a game for me!” Jaejoong shouted back, finally raising his voice to yell back at Yunho. “You do not know what I suffered with him! You do not know that I wanted you more than anything when he followed me in the shadows, and you do not know what it was like to feel his suffocating presence and to feel his touches lingering on my skin!”
Jaejoong breathed out heavily and shook his head, “I can’t…” he brushed away the tears of frustration and looked away from Yunho, whose temper had cooled down significantly, “I have lived so long in fear that I do not know how to be strong anymore.”
“Jaejoong…”
“Are you happy now?” Jaejoong questioned, finally turning his eyes to Yunho. “Are you happy to know that I am broken without you?” he demanded, “Do you need me to declare it to you like some fool? If you so wish -“
Yunho interrupted Jaejoong’s words with a desperate kiss. He threaded his fingers into Jaejoong’s hair and pulled him closer, his kiss filled with pent up frustration and so much longing.
Jaejoong willingly gave up dominance and surrendered himself to Yunho, allowing for the other man to kiss him roughly and passionately. He backed up against a wall, and Jaejoong clung to Yunho’s shirt as the other man ravaged his mouth. It was a suffocating kind of pleasure as Yunho’s tongue explored his mouth, and Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to break away.
His mind was light-headed, and the pleasure washed over him completely. As soon as Yunho pulled away for air, he let out a soft whine, and Yunho pecked his lips briefly to sate him.
“Do you want this?” Yunho murmured huskily as he lowered his head to suck at the juncture between Jaejoong’s neck and his collarbone. He nipped at the skin before he paused and set his hands at Jaejoong’s waist, pinning him firmly against the wall.
Jaejoong grasped onto Yunho’s clothes and nodded, “I do,” he whispered back as Yunho drew the skin into his mouth and began to suck. He clenched onto Yunho tightly and shut his eyes, “I do.”
“He’s never touched you like this?” Yunho growled after he’d moved his mouth away and began to explore underneath the fabric of Jaejoong’s shirt. He pressed their foreheads together and pinched a nipple, “Has he?”
Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered open, and he kissed Yunho, “No, he hasn’t,” he whispered back breathlessly as he felt Yunho begin to untie his breeches. A hand ghosted against his tented erection, and he moaned against Yunho. His fingers tightened their grip on the other man’s shirt, “Just you - only you get to touch me like this.”
Yunho’s hands slipped into Jaejoong’s undergarment, and he tilted Jaejoong’s chin so that their eyes would meet, “Only I will ever get to touch you like this,” he growled possessively, “You are mine.”
“As you are mine,” Jaejoong murmured calmly as he felt Yunho’s callused hand wrap around his aching erection. He let out a whimper as Yunho begin to stroke him slowly, and he buried his face into Yunho’s shoulder. He moaned loudly as Yunho’s hand touches him expertly, with a familiarity that only he would possess.
He could feel a recognizable tension gather, and Jaejoong pushed Yunho’s hand away and kissed him as means of distraction. His hands worked on untying Yunho’s breeches but because Yunho refused to stop kissing him, he had to once again push away the soldier. Before Yunho could capture his lips again, Jaejoong dropped to his knees and quickly worked on untying the garment, his hands fumbling slightly in excitement and anticipation.
Yunho groaned, and Jaejoong said nothing as Yunho buried his hands into his hair. He pulled down the last of Yunho’s clothes and quickly took the tip of Yunho’s cock into his mouth. Yunho’s hands gripped tightly onto his hair, and after a few tentative sucks, Jaejoong slid down further.
“Jaejoong, harder,” Yunho groaned as he bucked into Jaejoong’s mouth, his eyes shut in pleasure. His hold on Jaejoong’s hair tightened, and he moaned loudly as Jaejoong took more of into his mouth.
Jaejoong sucked hard and every indecent sound that came from their actions spurred him on to continue pleasing his lover. His eyes were shut, and he felt confident enough about what he was doing, but as soon as he felt Yunho’s cock hit the back of his throat, he gagged and pulled away.
A blush of shame and embarrassment crept across his cheeks, and Jaejoong glanced up at Yunho, an apology at the tip of his tongue, but before he could speak his words, Yunho pulled him up and kissed him.
“I want to enter you now,” Yunho growled as soon as he’d broken the kiss. He glanced around the room before his eyes landed back to Jaejoong, “What can I…”
Jaejoong quickly grabbed an expensive oil that he remembered Jihyuk gifting to him for his oracle duties, and he handed it to Yunho. Yunho quickly uncapped the bottle, and as soon as he coated his fingers with it, he turned Jaejoong around.
“It’s going to hurt,” Yunho whispered, “It’s been a long time,” he murmured before he slowly inserted one finger into Jaejoong. Jaejoong squirmed and let out a groan of pain as he felt the finger push in, but he refused to complain. He shut his eyes and clenched his fists tightly as Yunho inserted another finger, but as soon as there was a third, he pushed the pain to the farthest corner of his mind and prepared himself for the entrance of something larger.
All his senses were overloaded, and Jaejoong pressed back against Yunho, determined for the other man to move faster. He could hear the sounds of Yunho stroking himself off, and just as he was about to complain about the wait that he was being made to suffer through, Yunho pushed inside him.
Jaejoong moaned loudly and tried to grip against the wall for more support. His eyes were screwed shut, and he breathed heavily as Yunho began to slowly fill him up to the brim. His knees grew weak, and as Yunho slowly began to move in and out, he realized that he could hardly hold himself up for much longer.
Yunho began to pound into him, and Jaejoong was absolutely lost to all the pleasure he was feeling. The burning ache of each thrust was pushed aside, and Jaejoong moaned as Yunho began to move faster - the other man clearly spurned on by the indecent noises of slapping skin and of Jaejoong’s lewd moans that filled the room.
“I can’t, I can’t -“ Jaejoong pleaded when Yunho began to thrust into him rougher and faster, hitting his sensitive spot each time. He breathed heavily and it took a few seconds for him to gather his breath in order for him to be able to utter the words he wanted to say, “Take me to bed.”
“If that is what you wish,” Yunho murmured before he pulled out of Jaejoong and wrapped his arms around his lover in order to lead him to bed. He pushed Jaejoong onto the bed unceremoniously and clambered over him, wasting no time in before he captured Jaejoong’s lips and entered him once more.
Jaejoong moaned and wrapped his arms and legs around Yunho. There was no more caution or shyness as they made love, their movements almost perfectly in tune. They were familiar with one another’s bodies, and there was desperation and intense yearning that possessed both of them.
It didn’t take much longer until Jaejoong reached the edge, splattering their bodies with his release, and Yunho followed soon after. They both panted heavily for breath, and as soon as they had recovered from the bliss of their lovemaking, Yunho moved off of Jaejoong and lied down on the bed.
The absence of Yunho’s warmth was disconcerting, and Jaejoong quickly nuzzled Yunho, desperate for more contact like a spoiled child. Only the sound of their breathing disturbed the silence of the cottage, and Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered shut in contentment as he stretched his arm across Yunho’s chest.
“I will leave with you,” he whispered, his eyes shut and his heart filled with emotion. He held onto Yunho tightly and opened his eyes to look up at his lover, “I…I have given up on our love once, and I shall not make the same mistake again. I will define my own future, and I will not allow for anything to set me on a path that I do not want to follow.”
A handsome smile crossed Yunho’s face, and he leaned down to kiss Jaejoong softly on the lips, “I am more than happy to share the rest of my life with you,” he carded his fingers through Jaejoong’s sweat soaked hair and his smile grew wider, “Of that, I am certain.”
Jaejoong smiled beautifully and entangled his body with Yunho’s further, his entire being more calm and happy than it’d been in months.
There couldn’t be anything more comforting than an assurance of a future with the person he loved most in the entire world.
o-o-o
Jaejoong woke up to the sound of a loud scratching noise. He slowly disentangled himself from Yunho, and he glanced at his sleeping lover before he moved off the bed and made his way to the door. He paused and pressed his ear against the wooden surface, waiting for another sound.
There was the distinct sound of animal whining, and Jaejoong had a feeling he knew who the culprit was. He cracked the door open slightly, and Taepoong quickly bounded inside. It looked at Jaejoong with its wise amber eyes before it walked away and quickly settled down next to the side of the bed where Yunho was.
His back throbbed from the previous day, but he ignored the pain and walked over to a bucket he’d filled with water at some previous time. He soaked a rag in the water and cleaned his body slowly before he retrieved another rag and soaked it in order for him to wipe Yunho down.
Taepoong barely raised his head as he watched Jaejoong return to the bed, and Yunho only mumbled drowsily when he felt Jaejoong tugging at his arm.
“We should leave as soon as possible,” he whispered as he tried to get his lover to wake up. Jaejoong pushed Yunho up into a sitting position and slapped his cheek lightly before burying his hand into his lover’s hair, “Wake up.”
Yunho blinked at him drowsily, and Jaejoong leaned forward to press a kiss to the corner of his lips. He glanced at Jaejoong, and he took the cloth from him in order to clean himself up. Jaejoong beamed at him encouragingly before he got off the bed to gather their things.
“We do not have much,” Jaejoong said as he checked through the cupboards, “But I think we shall manage if I can find us a way out of here. Do you know if your men will be searching for you?”
“I assume they will be,” Yunho replied as he made his way out of the bedroom. He leaned against the doorframe, “Much has gone on in your absence, and I have been named as the heir to my king. My coronation is to occur next month.”
Jaejoong paused his search and turned his head to look at Yunho, “So…”
“You will be my lover, officially,” Yunho murmured, “It will require a ceremony, and you will have to become a citizen of my country…” he trailed off and studied Jaejoong carefully, “Do you understand what you are leaving behind?”
Jaejoong straightened up and nodded, “I understand. There is nothing for me here anymore. The institution of the oracle is corrupt, and my people have turned against me due to difficult times. I can offer them nothing, and I refuse to become Jihyuk’s inspiration of war.”
He let out a deep breath and looked down at his hands, “I…I don’t want to go back to him,” Jaejoong said softly. His eyes fluttered shut, “I can’t go back to living my life in a cage, and I can’t allow myself to be his pawn for any longer.”
Yunho walked over to him slowly and he turned Jaejoong to him. He cupped Jaejoong’s face and brushed his thumb over his lover’s cheekbones, “Do you trust me?” he asked softly, his breath ghosting against Jaejoong’s face.
Jaejoong looked up at him and smiled beautifully, “Yes, I do.”
Yunho enveloped him into his arms, and Jaejoong relaxed into the other man’s warmth. He was everything that completed him, and Jaejoong’s eyes closed peacefully as he rested against Yunho. They said nothing for several minutes, simply basking in the warmth and feelings shared in their embrace.
“When will we leave?” Jaejoong questioned as soon as Yunho pulled away from the embrace. He glanced out the window and frowned, “The weather is…”
“As soon as it is better, we can leave,” Yunho suggested as he led Jaejoong back to the bed. They both lied down, and Yunho pulled Jaejoong into his arms, allowing the latter to settle against him. He stroked Jaejoong’s arm lovingly and pressed a soft kiss against his forehead, “For now, we wait.”
Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to disagree as he felt himself settle into using Yunho’s body as a pillow. It amazed him how in tune they were with one another once again, and it was almost like they had never parted. He felt warm inside, and as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but in Yunho’s arms.
Yet just as he about to enter sleep’s embrace, his mind suddenly woke up. He jerked back from Yunho, and a vision rushed through his mind.
He could hear the sounds of ravens cawing, and he watched as one fluttered its wings before taking off before becoming shadowed figures of men. Jaejoong watched in horror, and soon there was a slicing noise that filled the air, and blood splattered onto the pristine snow.
Death was coming.
Jaejoong jolted back into reality, and he glanced back at Yunho in worry while Yunho stared at him with equally worried eyes. Jaejoong quickly climbed back into his embrace and buried his face into Yunho’s chest and hugged him tightly, “We have to leave.”
“Don’t be afraid -“
Jaejoong shifted and forced Yunho to look at him, “We must leave Yunho, before it’s too late. Please, listen to me.”
Yunho nodded slowly, “We’ll leave at dawn.”
He held Jaejoong tightly, and although his touch usually provided him much comfort, Jaejoong could not sleep peacefully for the rest of the night.
o-o-o
There were loud banging noises, and Jaejoong got out of bed quickly. He saw Yunho approaching the door, and he quickly pulled the other man back, “Don’t go there!” he hissed, as he pushed Yunho away.
He knew that nothing good would come from Yunho being seen with him, and his heart raced in fear. He pushed Yunho back towards the bedroom but Yunho refused to budge, and the door was soon forcibly opened.
“Who is that?”
Jaejoong was shoved aside, and Yunho was quickly apprehended. He tried to fight off the men, but they overpowered him, and Jaejoong screamed for them to stop when they forced Yunho down onto his knees in the snow.
“Let go of him!”
“What is he doing here?”
Jaejoong tried to pull away from Seunghyun’s grasp, but the larger man pulled him back and forced some of his men to restrain him. He watched as Seunghyun approached Yunho, and he tried to fight away the men that held him back, “He’s innocent! Don’t touch him!”
Seunghyun hit him on the face, but Jaejoong refused to back down, and he watched in horror as one of Seunghyun’s men placed a blade to Yunho’s throat, “What are you doing? Are you mad?”
The commander ignored Jaejoong and walked to Yunho slowly, his boots crunching softly in the snow. He stood in front of Yunho and gripped the other man’s chin and forced him to look up, “Did you touch what was not yours?”
“He belongs to no one,” Yunho answered venomously before he jerked his face out of Seunghyun’s hold and spat at him, “He is his own person and not some object to be used in war.”
“He is doing his duty as oracle,” Seunghyun replied stiffly as he glanced at Jaejoong, who had been gagged. He turned his eyes back to Yunho, “Now, did you defile the oracle or not?”
“I believe that I did nothing wrong,” Yunho growled as he tried to fight back against the men that were forcing him onto his knees, “It seems like you’ve already set your mind on the matter anyway.”
Seunghyun turned his back to Yunho and made his way over to Jaejoong. He pushed down the collar of Jaejoong’s shirt and inspected his skin. As soon as he caught sight of a dark bruise, he immediately covered it up and pushed Jaejoong aside before going back to Yunho.
“This man has defiled the holy body of the oracle,” Seunghyun said slowly, meeting the eyes of all his men, “In accordance with our laws, he must be put to death.” He glanced at Jaejoong, “The newly crowned King has requested your immediate return to the capital, for you are to be instated into a new position.”
The commander motioned for the men to take Jaejoong away, and Jaejoong watched in horror as he was being pulled away. He tried to fight back against the men that restrained him, but he could not muster enough strength to break free.
“Any last words?” Seunghyun questioned.
“You are weak,” Yunho hissed, “Men that follow orders blindly are nothing but cowards.”
“Kill -“
A man screamed in horror, and Jaejoong turned his head to see that Taepoong had latched his jaws onto the soldier’s arm. Yunho immediately scrambled to his feet due to the distraction provided, and he pulled the sword out of the hand of the bleeding soldier. He quickly stabbed the other man that had restrained him before turning to Seunghyun.
Seunghyun glanced at the men and shouted, “Take the oracle back to the capital!”
Everything turned into complete chaos, and one of the men that was trying to pull Jaejoong away screamed as soon as Taepoong had bitten him. He tried to reach for his sword, but the wolf was quicker and had already begun to viciously attack him before he could reach his weapon.
Jaejoong managed to break free but just as he was about to run back in Yunho’s direction, he saw Yunho deliver a clean cut deeply into Seunghyun’s leg, crippling the man and forcing him to fall onto the snow.
“Get a horse!” Yunho yelled before he began to fight with another of Seunghyun’s men.
Jaejoong immediately turned around and sprinted for the nearest horse. He mounted it quickly, and he immediately set it off in order to return to Yunho’s side. Yunho stabbed the man he was fighting in the chest, and he didn’t waste any time in running to Jaejoong and mounting the horse behind him.
Yunho quickly placed his hands over Jaejoong’s and urged the horse into a swift gallop. The sharp winter wind cut into their faces but because of the sense of urgency, they could not slow down. Jaejoong glanced back to see if anyone was following them, and he was relieved to see that no one was.
He relished the warmth of Yunho’s body against his, and after minutes of riding, Jaejoong was relieved to notice that Taepoong was running alongside them.
“I think we have enough distance,” Yunho muttered, “Besides, they won’t have any clue as to where we’re going.” He dismounted from the horse and glanced back at the tracks left behind, “The snow will cover up the tracks.”
He pulled his cape off his shoulders and draped it around Jaejoong, “Don’t protest. Your clothes are made of much lighter material than mine.” He pressed a kiss to Jaejoong’s forehead, and he stroked Taepoong’s forehead as soon as the wolf approached, “Thank you for your help.”
The wolf pressed itself against Yunho and brushed against his legs before trotting away. It sat down and looked at Jaejoong for a few seconds before lying down and looking away.
“I think that means we should rest here,” Yunho said as he turned to look at Jaejoong, “I am sure that Taepoong would be able to smell the men from far away, so we can rest here for a bit before moving on.”
“Do you know how to escape here?” Jaejoong questioned as he looked around at their environment, “Even I don’t know,” he murmured, “I was blindfolded on the way here, and I do not -“
“Perhaps your oracle skills would come in use then?” Yunho asked as brushed his hands together for warmth, “If you could find us a way to escape to the West, or maybe a way to -“
“Yunho!”
They both turned, and Yunho let out a yell of surprise as soon as he recognized the men. Jaejoong quickly hid his face behind a cloak, and he stood behind Yunho. He waited as the men approached, and he recognized one of them to be Changmin.
“I knew you were still alive,” Changmin said as he drew his horse nearer, “I refused to believe that you were dead.” He glanced over at Jaejoong and frowned, “Who is that with you?”
Yunho glanced at Jaejoong and pulled him forward, “It’s complicated.”
“Why is Taepoong’s mouth bloody?” asked one of the men, his arm bandaged and slung in front of his chest, “Actually general, I do not think I want to know.”
“I think it’s best if we keep things in secret first then,” Yunho replied as he glanced at Taepoong, who was swishing his tail innocently. He turned to Jaejoong and pulled his cloak back, “This is the oracle of the North.”
Changmin narrowed his eyes and glanced at Yunho, “Kidnapping, really?”
“You of all people should know that this is anything but kidnapping,” Yunho shot back as he pulled Jaejoong closer. He pointed at the man with the bandaged arm and introduced him as Jongwan, and the other man with a long gash on his face was introduced as Minsook.
Jaejoong smiled politely, “It is most fortunate that all of you have come.”
“But now we must leave,” Yunho said as he glanced back in the direction from which they had come, “I will explain later, and Changmin, you must tell me about your journey when we reach our main camp.”
“I will.”
They all mounted their horses once again, and Jaejoong held onto Yunho tightly. He didn’t know what would be the price of his escape, but he knew there would be consequences. As he felt Yunho hold onto him tighter, Jaejoong couldn’t help but further believe that he’d made the right decision to leave.
There were some things worth fighting for, and he knew that what he had with Yunho was one of those things. It was gut instinct, and what they had felt more natural than anything else he’d ever experienced.
He didn’t need signs to tell him that what he had with Yunho was special. It was worth everything he had given up, and he was ready to move onto a different phase in his life, to leave behind desolation and to develop his life.
Winter was finally over.
Author’s Note: Love me love me, say that you love me. XD I love all you guys, and thank you for the comments! <3 I hope you all enjoyed this. ^___^ Also, I’ve planned on writing a third part to this universe, and it’ll be chaptered. :3 I don’t think I’ll post it until I’m done with one of my chaptered fics though. XD
Beta: causticaria
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Romance, Drama, Angst, Fantasy
Summary: He was so used to winter that he’d forgotten what spring was like.
This is the sequel to Call of Winter, so please, love me again. XD
Was this torture meant to be his fate?
Jaejoong choked back his disgust as he felt Jihyuk’s hand settle on his shoulder. He kept his eyes down onto the floor and gripped the fabric of his pants tightly. He swallowed hard and said nothing.
“Tell me, is something wrong?”
He shut his eyes and breathed out softly, “Nothing is wrong my Lord.”
“Why are you not looking at me then?” Jihyuk mused aloud as his hand moved slowly from Jaejoong’s shoulder to his neck, gently caressing the exposed skin, “Do you not find me to your liking?”
“You are pleasant company.”
The prince laughed and walked away, “Stand up oracle.”
Jaejoong complied, and he turned around to face Jihyuk. He watched as Jihyuk moved to his bed, and as soon as he’d sat down, a shiver ran up his spine.
“Tell me, have you seen anything interesting in your dreams?”
He’d seen nothing but fire in his dreams, wild, uncontrollable and destructive.
“Nothing my Lord,” Jaejoong replied stiffly as he watched the way the blood red mattress shifted due to Jihyuk’s movement. Despite its intricacies and its luxury, he found himself disgusted by the sight of it.
Jihyuk lifted up his hand and gestured for Jaejoong to come closer. Jaejoong approached him slowly, and stopped when he was standing directly in front of the prince. He watched as Jihyuk reached out, and he shivered as soon as he felt the cold golden metal of Jihyuk’s ring press against his cheek.
His thumb stroked the pale skin of his gently, “Would you like to know of my dreams? I have called you to my room almost every night for the past two months…I think of you as a beloved companion now.”
Jaejoong was silent. He could not call their times together anything other than torturous. They spent hours together in tense conversation, with him avoiding any and every sexual advance that the prince attempted. He shivered in disgust with every unwanted, lingering touch, and he wanted nothing more than for the seconds to slip by faster during each meeting.
Jihyuk chuckled, and he tilted Jaejoong’s chin up so that their eyes would meet. A lascivious smile crossed his lips, “I dream just as any other man would. I’ve dreamt of gold, of power, of fame, and of desire.”
He licked his lips, “Tell me, oracle, what do you know of desires?”
“I hardly -“
Before Jaejoong could step back, Jihyuk took hold of him forcefully and pinned him down onto the bed. A smirk crossed his lips, and his finger lowered to trace Jaejoong’s collarbone. Jihyuk leaned down, so close that his warm breath ghosted against the skin of Jaejoong’s face.
“They said the military commander touched you and that you moaned for him like a whore,” Jihyuk murmured as he cupped Jaejoong’s cheek forcefully, “Did you spread your legs for him every night? Did you like what he did to you? Tell me.”
Jaejoong kept his mouth shut but refused to break Jihyuk’s gaze. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his mind was telling him to run, but his body was pinned firmly in place.
“You will be my consort as soon as my father is dead,” Jihyuk spoke, his frustration evident as he whispered into Jaejoong’s ear, “Most beautiful and most wise, and you will yield to me. In fact, you should be honored that I am willing to have you despite your impurity.”
He chuckled and drew his head back, “Now tell me, did you like how he touched you?”
When he received no answer, Jihyuk grew irritated. He had absolutely no patience for silence and indifference any longer. He gripped Jaejoong by the collar and pulled him up, “Answer me!”
Jaejoong punched Jihyuk, and the prince let out a cry of pain. He stumbled back due to his shock, and Jaejoong pushed him off to escape. Before he could make it to the door, Jihyuk grabbed him by the wrist roughly and jerked him back.
“You will kneel to me!” Jihyuk yelled as he let go of Jaejoong’s wrist and gripped his hair tightly in order to force him into submission. Jaejoong refused to back down, so Jihyuk punched him in the stomach. Jaejoong fell to his knees, and Jihyuk jerked his head up by his hair, “You will show me the path to victory, and you will yield to my every demand!”
The door of the room burst open, and several of the palace guards stormed in. They paused at the sight of Jaejoong, and Jihyuk kicked Jaejoong away.
“Take him away to the distant borders! Leave him in solitary confinement, so that he will realize his mistakes.”
The captain hesitated, “But my Lord, the council -“
“Does it look like I care about what the council thinks?” Jihyuk shouted, “I am your prince, and I will soon be your king! Do what I demand of you, or I shall have you all beheaded!”
The guards quickly complied with his orders. Two men picked up Jaejoong off the ground, and just as he was being dragged out the doors, Jihyuk ordered for them to stop.
Jaejoong lifted his head tiredly as Jihyuk approached, and just as the prince was about to reach for his face, he spat at him.
A look of disgust crossed Jihyuk’s face, and he glanced at the guards that were holding Jaejoong, “Beat him before you have him exiled. It seems like he needs to have not just his spirit broken, but his body as well.”
o-o-o
He was not the kind of man to forget.
Yunho gripped his horse’s reins a little tighter before he looked around to make sure that his men were still within a good distance from him. He exhaled and caught sight of the wisps of his breath that escaped his mouth.
No matter how many months had passed, it was still cold in the North. Things had not changed, and as Yunho surveyed the surroundings, he bitterly recalled that his feelings had not changed as well. His heart had remained as frigid as the environment, and he couldn’t bring himself to change his ways.
He could not bring himself to love another.
Despite Jaejoong’s promise that he would find love again, it was not like him to believe the words of oracles or interpretations of nature, and he did not believe in allowing one’s life to be dictated by anything but action. Men shaped and created their own futures, and they were responsible for the way their lives played out. Nature may have dealt the cards, but people were the ones who chose how to play them.
Jaejoong’s prediction would be false, and the supposedly all-knowing oracle would be proven to be wrong.
He’d heard all the stories from the West of Jaejoong’s talent at reading nature and predicting the future, but so had others. The prince of the North was a fool and had let news of his oracle spread to all the other regions.
Now every single ruler wanted the oracle for their own nation - they all wanted to use Jaejoong as a trump card in their political games.
“They say the oracle is hidden somewhere near the mountains,” Minsook said as he sidled his horse close to Yunho’s, “After several kidnapping attempts, the King of the North had the oracle moved far away.”
“Kidnapping attempts?” Jongwan interrupted with a huff, “How foolish of you to believe those lies Minsook. I’ve heard otherwise.”
Yunho glanced at the other knight, “What have you heard?” he asked as he moved his horse away from Jongwan’s in order to provide space for his wolf Taepoong to trot by his side.
He glanced down at the wolf. It reminded him of his last visit to the North because of the circumstances in which he’d found it. It had only been hours after Jaejoong’s departure when he’d found the injured and orphaned pup, lying pathetically in the snow.
It had reminded Yunho so much of himself at that moment. He too had been filled with pain and loneliness, and he’d adopted it in order to nurse it back to health and make it strong again in the hopes that one day, he too would be strong as well.
Now, months later, he was still unsure if he was the same man that he’d been before he’d even met Jaejoong.
“General -“
Yunho shook his head, “I’m fine,” he glanced at Jongwan, “I would like to hear what you’ve heard about the oracle.”
Jongwan cleared his throat, “I’ve heard rumors that the current prince of the North has expressed interest in having the oracle as a consort of some kind,” he explained slowly as he glanced at the river near them, “Though, it doesn’t seem like his council agrees with him though, which is why the oracle was sent away.”
Yunho clenched the reins of his horse tightly, “What do you think of this rumor?”
Both men shrugged, but Minsook spoke first. “I hear the prince of the North is devious, and I know nothing good of him. They also say the oracle of the North is a beauty -“
“As beautiful and distant as the Northern realm, an otherworldly creature that was born to bring them victory,” Jongwan added, “I don’t quite know about that. A threat is a threat, and the oracle’s predictions have been making the Northerners quite overconfident.”
“I must agree,” Yunho muttered gruffly, “They have not been actively communicating with us, and it is suspicious behavior on their part. I wouldn’t be surprised if the peace treaty we signed with them is broken soon. We are here to question their dealing with the smaller nations in the East -“
An arrow shot past Yunho’s head, and he quickly jerked back the reins of his horse. He looked around wildly, and he caught sight of ten men approaching. He pulled his sword out of his scabbard, but just as he was about to charge forward, another arrow nearly struck his horse. His horse got startled and reared backwards.
Before Yunho could even process what was happening, he fell off the saddle of his horse, and everything was a blur as his body plunged into the depths of the icy river.
o-o-o
Jaejoong woke up gasping for breath.
His dream had been of water consuming him - a sudden change from all his dreams of uncontrollable fires. He had felt himself plunging into its icy depths, and all he had been able to see was its dark blue.
He wiped his forehead of sweat and slowly moved out of bed, not keen to spend another day alone in the solitude of the cold’s embrace.
It’d been around a month since his departure from the palace to the small cottage, and while he’d been used to being alone before, but to be isolated from most of society was a different thing entirely.
Would he be going crazy soon?
Jaejoong choked back a frustrated sob and pulled at his hair. He looked at the door of the tiny cottage and felt like escaping. After all, he had nothing. He had no home, no friends, no family and no fortune.
All he had were memories of a past love.
As Jaejoong packed up what little things he had, he wondered if Yunho was happy, and if Yunho had found another love. With a bitter smile on his lips, Jaejoong decided that Yunho probably had found another. Good men like Yunho were always meant for happiness.
The moment he’d finished packing, Jaejoong stopped in front of the main door. This was it for him. Although he was running, he had nowhere to go, and he had no idea where he was even going.
He shook his head and unlocked the door. There were worse fates than dying in the snow - at least he would die with his honor still intact.
As soon as he had stepped out, Jaejoong jerked back in fright. A wolf stared back at him with its amber eyes, and he remained paralyzed in fear, afraid that it would snap at him at any second.
The two of them remained still, and it was not long before the wolf moved closer and nudged his leg with his nose before running off to a farther distance. It stopped as soon as it was a few meters away before it turned around and then focused its amber eyes on him once more.
There was only one thing that his gut was telling him to do.
Follow.
Jaejoong dropped his bag onto the snow and ran after the wolf that quickly bounded away into the thicket. The cold air filled his lungs, and his muscles burned after minutes of running, but he didn’t stop. His heart was telling him that he was on the right path, and that he was following something beyond himself.
He ran past trees that all seemed identical, tall and blanketed in snow. He was unsure of where he was going, but he was following his heart and everything was telling him that something about this journey was part of his destiny.
Jaejoong caught sight of wolf stopping, and he ran faster in order to see why the animal had suddenly stopped in its tracks. His eyes widened when he noticed that the wolf was hauling a body out of the water, and he quickly ran down the slope to prevent the wolf from injuring the man.
As soon as he approached, the wolf backed away and sat down. Jaejoong glanced at it briefly before kneeling down and flipping the man over onto his back.
“What…”
The man was Yunho.
His heart pounded in his chest loudly, and he checked his vital signs. “Please be alive,” Jaejoong whispered as he touched Yunho’s neck. He waited for a few seconds, and he felt a faint heartbeat from under the other man’s deathly cold skin.
He began to shake Yunho, and he noticed the gash on his forehead. Jaejoong reached into his bag and ripped a piece of fabric Yunho’s head before he worked on stripping Yunho of his wet clothes.
Time was racing against him, and he needed to get Yunho warmer or else he would die. He dumped all the clothes in his bag and tried pulling off the numerous layers on Yunho, but it was difficult because they clung to his skin.
He pulled at them, and Yunho was shivering. Eventually Yunho’s eyes fluttered open, and his dazed dark eyes tried to focus on his face, “Is…”
“It’s me,” Jaejoong whispered brokenly as he felt the wolf sidle up next to him to lick Yunho in the face. The wolf nudged Yunho and pressed its body against his, and Jaejoong helped Yunho sit up. “You need to get out of the wet clothes.”
Yunho moved sluggishly, so Jaejoong helped him take off his clothes. He helped Yunho put on his own clothes despite the tight fit and wrapped whatever extra clothes he had around the other man. He bundled his blanket around Yunho, and as soon as he was finished, he cupped Yunho’s face with his cold hands.
His eyes searched Yunho’s face for any other injury, “My…my cottage is far away, but walking will help you warm up,” he whispered, “You have to keep going. I’m here Yunho. You’ll be okay.”
Yunho merely nodded his head, and Jaejoong smiled at him weakly, “I never thought I’d see you again,” he murmured, “You…did you…” He turned away from Yunho and shook his head, “I’m sorry, let’s go -“
A warm body enveloped his smaller figure, and Yunho buried his face into the crook of Jaejoong’s neck while one arm wrapped around his chest to pull him close and his free hand intertwined their fingers together.
“Fate,” Yunho forced out, the word difficult for him to speak due to the dryness of his throat and the chill that still ran throughout his body.
Jaejoong stilled in his grasp, and he turned around to bury his face into Yunho’s chest. He felt his tears spill from his cheeks, and he simply pulled Yunho closer, sharing his warmth and sharing his heart with the other man like he had so many months ago.
o-o-o
When Yunho woke up, his joints were sore and his throat was dry. Everything from the previous day had mostly been a blur of endless white to him, and all he could really remember was seeing Jaejoong’s face. He blinked up at the dark ceiling, and when he turned his head to the right, he caught sight of who was sleeping beside him.
“Jaejoong,” he whispered before he reached out to gently brush his fingers against the cheek of the man beside him.
His eyelids fluttered open, and Jaejoong’s eyes met his. They both said nothing, and Yunho reached out to bury his hand in the softness of Jaejoong’s hair. His thumb stroked Jaejoong’s cheek, and Yunho took in a deep breath.
“Is this real?”
He leaned down to kiss Jaejoong, but the other moved away from his reach and slipped out of bed. Yunho sat up, and Jaejoong shook his head, motioning for Yunho to stay where he was.
“Yunho…”
“There isn’t anyone else,” Yunho spoke, his eyes meeting Jaejoong’s, “I don’t know what your ridiculous vision told you exactly, but there’s no one else, and there won’t be anyone else.”
Jaejoong shook his head and tucked back a strand of his hair, “You don’t understand Yunho, they always come true, okay?” he let out a sigh and as soon as he opened the bedroom door, Taepoong rushed into the room.
It sat by the bed, and Yunho reached over to pat the wolf on the head. It leaned into his touch, and Yunho looked away from Jaejoong to focus on petting it. Taepoong rested his head on his thighs, and Yunho stroked the animal’s fur gently.
“So he’s yours?”
“Yes,” Yunho murmured as his eyes met the wolf’s, “He’s been the one keeping me company through the days and nights.” He turned his head and looked at Jaejoong, who was standing by the door, “How did you know where to find me?”
“I…” A frustrated look crossed Jaejoong’s face, and he sighed, “I had a dream about water consuming me…and I also met your wolf at my doorstep. I presumed that I was being told something.”
Yunho was silent, and he briefly paused in stroking Taepoong to look at Jaejoong, “So…do you think that your vision was about me?”
“Would you believe me if I said yes?”
“I would,” Yunho replied, “It would only make me more frustrated with you though,” he murmured. He continued to stroke Taepoong’s head before he moved his hand to scratch behind the wolf’s ears, “If your vision helped lead you back to me, I don’t see why you still reject me. Was the last rejection not enough for you?”
“Yunho…”
“Why are you here?” Yunho questioned, burying his feelings of frustration and hurt. He gripped Taepoong’s fur slightly and turned his head to look at Jaejoong, “Why are you here and not in your palace? I’ve heard that your prince is terribly fond of you,” he added bitterly.
“It doesn’t matter,” Jaejoong murmured, “It’s none of your concern.”
Yunho stood up, “Thank you for saving me Jaejoong. As you have made it clear that you want nothing more to do with me, perhaps I should just leave now.” He looked around the small room before he looked at Jaejoong, “Where are my things?”
“Still drying.”
The two former lovers stared at each other, and Yunho broke off their eye contact first. He glanced down at Taepoong and shook his head. He met Jaejoong’s eyes, “As soon as they are dry, I will leave you.”
He walked up to Jaejoong with some difficulty and paused as soon as he was directly in front of him. “You act as if I hold no more importance in your heart and that I am nothing to you but a horror that belongs in the past and should be forgotten, but to me, you hold such a great place in my heart that I could not even comprehend the chance of forgetting you.”
Yunho tore his eyes away from Jaejoong and swallowed hard, “Thank you for saving me even though your feelings for me no longer persist in your heart.” He moved away from Jaejoong, but the latter gripped his wrist.
“Don’t make things more difficult -“
Yunho yanked his wrist out of Jaejoong’s grip and glared at him, “You say that I’m the one making this more difficult for the two of us?”
A tired look crossed Jaejoong’s face, “You know that this is about more than just the two of us Yunho…” he said softly, “You can’t just leave right now. You still need to recover a bit more - to leave now would be stupid. There’s much expected of you -“
“Expectations,” Yunho chuckled bitterly and moved away from Jaejoong. He sat down and clenched his fists on the table, “Yes, people expect things and only receive disappointment, yet when things are expected of them, disappointment is not an option. It’s funny how the world works, don’t you think?”
His angry eyes focused on Jaejoong, and the latter looked away. He took food out of a cabinet and set it on the table, “I’m not one to complain how the world works,” Jaejoong murmured softly, “I accept its faults.”
He pushed a plate with a slice of bread on it towards Yunho, but Yunho made no move to eat it. His eyes were still intently focused on Jaejoong, but Jaejoong quickly broke away his gaze to move over to the tiny stove.
Yunho watched in silence as Jaejoong lit the stove, and he said nothing as they both watched the kettle boil. As soon as Jaejoong decided that it was ready, he poured some of the liquid into a cup and brought it over to Yunho.
His eyes scanned the table, and his frown deepened when he realized that Yunho had not touched the food on the table. Yunho kept his eyes on Jaejoong’s hand, and despite the fact Jaejoong edged the cup closer to him, he did not touch it.
“Are you happy with that?”
“With what?” Jaejoong questioned, his voice barely above a whisper. “I do not have anything close to royal tea -“
“I think you know that I am not talking about the tea,” Yunho murmured. His hands balled up into fists, and he averted his eyes to stare down at the contents of the dark liquid that was set in front of him. “I’m asking you if you are happy with the faults you see in life.”
Jaejoong clenched his fists, “You speak as if you hate me. I find your earlier words hard to believe when you talk to me in such a way,” he hissed before he let the table to return back to the bedroom.
The chair Yunho was sitting on scraped back loudly, when he stood up, and Jaejoong froze in his tracks. Yunho’s eyes were practically boring holes into the back of his head, but he said nothing.
“I don’t hate you, but I hate how you are acting.”
“And how am I acting?” Jaejoong asked. He turned around and met Yunho’s eyes, his own anger and irritation rising to match his, “Do you think it’s easy for me to have you here? I was ready to live the rest of my life without you!”
“But I am here now,” Yunho shouted back, “I am here, and I am offering myself up to you once again! Why do you need to live the rest of your life without me when we are together again -“
“We won’t be together forever!” Jaejoong cried out. He withdrew from Yunho’s touch and shook his head. “You cannot promise me anything, and I cannot promise you anything because I’ve already seen -“
“The future?” Yunho questioned irritably, “Do you not understand what I have been trying to tell you for so long? No one determines anyone’s fate but themselves. Jaejoong, if you wanted to be happy with me, you would make the choice and not run away from me again.”
“I saw -“
“Yes, you saw something, but is the future ever set in place?” Yunho demanded, his irritation and frustration rising by the second. “It is never set in stone, and it will always be that way!” He took a deep breath, “I cannot stay here with you. It seems like I have caused you too much of a disturbance -“
He moved to walk away, but Jaejoong reached out for his wrist. He held his wrist tightly and forced Yunho to look at him, “You are injured -“
“Let go of me.”
“I won’t -“
Taepoong nudged Jaejoong roughly away from Yunho with his body and growled. Yunho spared one last glance at Jaejoong before he shook his head and walked out the door, Taepoong following behind him.
o-o-o
Jaejoong sat at the table and cradled the cold cup of tea in his hands. He stared down at the dark liquid for a few seconds before he let out a wistful sigh before he let go of it and rested his face in his hands.
It was all so frustrating, and he didn’t know what to do. His heart longed for Yunho more than anything, but he was afraid. He was afraid that he would give up so much for Yunho but end up with nothing in the future. All he wanted was assurance that his choices were the right one - he didn’t want to make mistakes.
He was hurt that Yunho had gotten so angry with him, but deep down, he could understand. His actions had made no sense. He’d brought Yunho back into his life only to cast him away again. It was absolute torture for them to continue being around each other because he had rejected Yunho’s love for a future that wasn’t even set in stone.
It was his fault for being weak.
Instead of fighting for their love and fighting for what he wanted, he’d simply given up Yunho and his chance at happiness. He was so tied to the idea that Yunho would eventually love another, and he was so tied to the future that he had forgotten about the present.
Most importantly of all, he had forgotten that the future was never set in stone.
Jaejoong glanced out the window. It was snowing, and Yunho had yet to return. He didn’t know how long Yunho had been gone, but it was not safe for him to be alone in the woods, barely recovered and with only his wolf for company.
Bitterness and guilt gripped his heart, and Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to leave the table. He’d let go of Yunho for nothing. His own countrymen did not seem to cherish his powers as oracle - they only saw him as a weapon for their corrupt leaders and a reason for the increase in their taxes. The council wanted him gone because he was a threat to their positions, and Jihyuk only wanted him due to his desire for everything.
He truly had nothing, and he’d allowed Yunho to walk out of his life once more.
“I’m sorry,” Jaejoong whispered to no one as he let his face fall into his hands, “I’m so sorry Yunho.”
He choked back a sob and clenched his fists, “Please come back.”
o-o-o
He didn’t care where he went. Yunho was gripped by his anger and irritation, and he could not bother to think about where he was going. He walked with no direction, and he did not care about the blurring background or the aching of his body. He just needed to keep moving and stop thinking.
He needed to stop thinking about Jaejoong.
Taepoong easily kept up with his long strides, and Yunho was glad that at least he had his friend by his side. After what seemed like an eternity, Yunho stood still and looked around. He was not surprised that he was lost, but he was not sure if he wanted to go back or if he should keep going forward.
His heart hurt at the idea of leaving Jaejoong behind, but it seemed almost as if the other man did not care for him any longer. Yunho sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair. He was frustrated, but he could not help himself from feeling concern for his former lover.
Yunho glanced down at Taepoong and crouched to pet the wolf, “Shall we go back?” he questioned softly, his muscles aching as he continued to keep his position, “Do you know how to track Jaejoong?”
The wolf nuzzled his hand, and Yunho hugged the animal tightly, burying his face into its fur. He was always amazed by how well the animal treated him, and how docile it was around him, almost acting like a dog rather than a wolf.
Yunho let out a shuddery breath and pulled away to survey their surroundings. He glanced up at the sky - the sun was past its peak, and it would be night in a few hours. If he did not get moving, he would get stuck in the cold at night, and it would not be safe for him at all.
Yunho stood up and began to walk back - even if he had no idea where he was going, he needed to keep going. He couldn’t allow himself to give up.
The only sound that could be heard was the crunching of his boots on the snow, but Yunho kept his ears alert for any sort of noise. He looked around constantly, but all he saw was the dense snow blanketed thicket, and it extended as far as he could see.
He blew at his hands to keep warm, and he glanced at his belt, only to realize that he did not even have a weapon to protect himself. He sighed into his hands but pressed forward despite how tired he felt.
Just as he was about to entertain the idea of resting, he noticed that Taepoong had stopped. He glanced at the animal before he ran for cover behind a dense area of trees. He slowed down his breathing and waited, listening for any sounds.
It was not much longer, and Yunho pulled Taepoong closer when he heard the footsteps of horses and the sound of men conversing. He glanced behind his shoulder, and he froze when he recognized the face of one of the men.
It was the prince of the North, Jihyuk.
He felt hate rise in his gut, and he had to hold himself back.
“You know my Lord, when you said that I should visit you, I did not think that you would be bringing me up to these far borders,” one of the men muttered as he looked around at the environment, “I thought you would be showing me that beloved pet of yours.”
“By pet, he means your oracle,” a fat, older man commented as he pulled at the reins of his horse, “It has extended to the East that he is quite the beauty.”
Jihyuk chuckled, “Ah, well, I am afraid neither of you will be able to behold the beauty of my beloved pet at the present.”
“And why not?” the first man questioned, “Do you not trust us? If we are to be doing business with you if ever you choose to rise up against the West, then there should be no secrets.”
“I agree with Lord Kwangryul,” the second man pressed, and Yunho watched as the two men shared looks of irritation, “If we are to support you in your campaign against the West, then we must see your oracle.”
“Indeed, we must find out if he is indeed as good as you claim him to be.”
“If you do not show him to us, then I do not believe that we can simply put our money behind you blindly. It is important that we know our investments to be good ones.”
There was silence, and Yunho pressed his body closer, waiting to hear the prince’s answer.
The prince laughed, “You two are such businessmen,” he said light heartedly, “Can you not see the real reason as to why I cannot show him to you?”
Yunho tried to see Jihyuk’s face, but he could not due to the trees that separated them. He ducked lower when he heard the horses, and he slowly edged away, all the while keeping an ear on the men’s conversation.
“I am afraid that Lord Kwangryul and I do not understand you.”
Jihyuk laughed once again, “My dear Lords, I cannot show you my beloved pet because he has been kept away from me by the fools that are on my father’s council. It seems they do not agree with how much alone time I spend with my pet in my bedroom. They do not like to see me happy and pleasured.”
Yunho felt his body tense with anger and jealousy. If he were in a better position, he would’ve attacked, but he was not, and thus he was forced to wait until the men left. He clenched his fists and felt the sting of betrayal course throughout his body.
Was that why Jaejoong refused him? Was he content being the pet of an arrogant and selfish prince?
“Is that true?”
“Why of course it is. Are you accusing me of being a liar?”
“Oh - of course not, I -“
Taepoong darted out of the thicket, and Yunho watched as the men exclaimed in surprise. The party quickly followed after Taepoong, and Yunho took advantage of the situation and immediately began to run away from where the men were.
He could not feel the ache of his body or the ache of his heart any longer. He was consumed with feelings of betrayal and jealousy, and he needed answers more than he needed rest.
o-o-o
Jaejoong was startled awake by the sound of the cottage door being opened loudly. He jolted out of his seat, and as soon as he saw Yunho, he stood still.
Yunho immediately rushed to him, and he took hold of Jaejoong roughly. His fingers dug into Jaejoong’s skin, and his eyes were filled with anger, “Do you not love me anymore?” he questioned furiously, “Is the real reason you reject me because he is the one that you love?”
Jaejoong stared up at Yunho in confusion, “Who do you -“
“Your prince!” Yunho spat bitterly. He let go of Jaejoong and shook his head in disgust. He paced around the room and turned to glare at his former lover, his eyes accusing and filled with hurt, “Tell me, do you think of him as a much better lover than I ever was? Does he give you the happiness that you cannot find with me?”
“I have nothing to do with him, and he gives me no happiness,” Jaejoong said slowly as he approached Yunho with cautious steps, “I cannot deny that he desires me…it is why I am here,” he murmured softly.
Yunho knocked over the cup of tea on the table, but Jaejoong did not flinch when he heard it clatter to the ground. He watched as the taller man moved away from him, and he kept his silence.
“So it is normal then for you, to deny the advances of those that desire you?” Yunho questioned angrily, “Tell me, is this all a game for you? Is it because you are an oracle that you see fit to play with the emotions of us normal men?”
“It is not a game for me!” Jaejoong shouted back, finally raising his voice to yell back at Yunho. “You do not know what I suffered with him! You do not know that I wanted you more than anything when he followed me in the shadows, and you do not know what it was like to feel his suffocating presence and to feel his touches lingering on my skin!”
Jaejoong breathed out heavily and shook his head, “I can’t…” he brushed away the tears of frustration and looked away from Yunho, whose temper had cooled down significantly, “I have lived so long in fear that I do not know how to be strong anymore.”
“Jaejoong…”
“Are you happy now?” Jaejoong questioned, finally turning his eyes to Yunho. “Are you happy to know that I am broken without you?” he demanded, “Do you need me to declare it to you like some fool? If you so wish -“
Yunho interrupted Jaejoong’s words with a desperate kiss. He threaded his fingers into Jaejoong’s hair and pulled him closer, his kiss filled with pent up frustration and so much longing.
Jaejoong willingly gave up dominance and surrendered himself to Yunho, allowing for the other man to kiss him roughly and passionately. He backed up against a wall, and Jaejoong clung to Yunho’s shirt as the other man ravaged his mouth. It was a suffocating kind of pleasure as Yunho’s tongue explored his mouth, and Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to break away.
His mind was light-headed, and the pleasure washed over him completely. As soon as Yunho pulled away for air, he let out a soft whine, and Yunho pecked his lips briefly to sate him.
“Do you want this?” Yunho murmured huskily as he lowered his head to suck at the juncture between Jaejoong’s neck and his collarbone. He nipped at the skin before he paused and set his hands at Jaejoong’s waist, pinning him firmly against the wall.
Jaejoong grasped onto Yunho’s clothes and nodded, “I do,” he whispered back as Yunho drew the skin into his mouth and began to suck. He clenched onto Yunho tightly and shut his eyes, “I do.”
“He’s never touched you like this?” Yunho growled after he’d moved his mouth away and began to explore underneath the fabric of Jaejoong’s shirt. He pressed their foreheads together and pinched a nipple, “Has he?”
Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered open, and he kissed Yunho, “No, he hasn’t,” he whispered back breathlessly as he felt Yunho begin to untie his breeches. A hand ghosted against his tented erection, and he moaned against Yunho. His fingers tightened their grip on the other man’s shirt, “Just you - only you get to touch me like this.”
Yunho’s hands slipped into Jaejoong’s undergarment, and he tilted Jaejoong’s chin so that their eyes would meet, “Only I will ever get to touch you like this,” he growled possessively, “You are mine.”
“As you are mine,” Jaejoong murmured calmly as he felt Yunho’s callused hand wrap around his aching erection. He let out a whimper as Yunho begin to stroke him slowly, and he buried his face into Yunho’s shoulder. He moaned loudly as Yunho’s hand touches him expertly, with a familiarity that only he would possess.
He could feel a recognizable tension gather, and Jaejoong pushed Yunho’s hand away and kissed him as means of distraction. His hands worked on untying Yunho’s breeches but because Yunho refused to stop kissing him, he had to once again push away the soldier. Before Yunho could capture his lips again, Jaejoong dropped to his knees and quickly worked on untying the garment, his hands fumbling slightly in excitement and anticipation.
Yunho groaned, and Jaejoong said nothing as Yunho buried his hands into his hair. He pulled down the last of Yunho’s clothes and quickly took the tip of Yunho’s cock into his mouth. Yunho’s hands gripped tightly onto his hair, and after a few tentative sucks, Jaejoong slid down further.
“Jaejoong, harder,” Yunho groaned as he bucked into Jaejoong’s mouth, his eyes shut in pleasure. His hold on Jaejoong’s hair tightened, and he moaned loudly as Jaejoong took more of into his mouth.
Jaejoong sucked hard and every indecent sound that came from their actions spurred him on to continue pleasing his lover. His eyes were shut, and he felt confident enough about what he was doing, but as soon as he felt Yunho’s cock hit the back of his throat, he gagged and pulled away.
A blush of shame and embarrassment crept across his cheeks, and Jaejoong glanced up at Yunho, an apology at the tip of his tongue, but before he could speak his words, Yunho pulled him up and kissed him.
“I want to enter you now,” Yunho growled as soon as he’d broken the kiss. He glanced around the room before his eyes landed back to Jaejoong, “What can I…”
Jaejoong quickly grabbed an expensive oil that he remembered Jihyuk gifting to him for his oracle duties, and he handed it to Yunho. Yunho quickly uncapped the bottle, and as soon as he coated his fingers with it, he turned Jaejoong around.
“It’s going to hurt,” Yunho whispered, “It’s been a long time,” he murmured before he slowly inserted one finger into Jaejoong. Jaejoong squirmed and let out a groan of pain as he felt the finger push in, but he refused to complain. He shut his eyes and clenched his fists tightly as Yunho inserted another finger, but as soon as there was a third, he pushed the pain to the farthest corner of his mind and prepared himself for the entrance of something larger.
All his senses were overloaded, and Jaejoong pressed back against Yunho, determined for the other man to move faster. He could hear the sounds of Yunho stroking himself off, and just as he was about to complain about the wait that he was being made to suffer through, Yunho pushed inside him.
Jaejoong moaned loudly and tried to grip against the wall for more support. His eyes were screwed shut, and he breathed heavily as Yunho began to slowly fill him up to the brim. His knees grew weak, and as Yunho slowly began to move in and out, he realized that he could hardly hold himself up for much longer.
Yunho began to pound into him, and Jaejoong was absolutely lost to all the pleasure he was feeling. The burning ache of each thrust was pushed aside, and Jaejoong moaned as Yunho began to move faster - the other man clearly spurned on by the indecent noises of slapping skin and of Jaejoong’s lewd moans that filled the room.
“I can’t, I can’t -“ Jaejoong pleaded when Yunho began to thrust into him rougher and faster, hitting his sensitive spot each time. He breathed heavily and it took a few seconds for him to gather his breath in order for him to be able to utter the words he wanted to say, “Take me to bed.”
“If that is what you wish,” Yunho murmured before he pulled out of Jaejoong and wrapped his arms around his lover in order to lead him to bed. He pushed Jaejoong onto the bed unceremoniously and clambered over him, wasting no time in before he captured Jaejoong’s lips and entered him once more.
Jaejoong moaned and wrapped his arms and legs around Yunho. There was no more caution or shyness as they made love, their movements almost perfectly in tune. They were familiar with one another’s bodies, and there was desperation and intense yearning that possessed both of them.
It didn’t take much longer until Jaejoong reached the edge, splattering their bodies with his release, and Yunho followed soon after. They both panted heavily for breath, and as soon as they had recovered from the bliss of their lovemaking, Yunho moved off of Jaejoong and lied down on the bed.
The absence of Yunho’s warmth was disconcerting, and Jaejoong quickly nuzzled Yunho, desperate for more contact like a spoiled child. Only the sound of their breathing disturbed the silence of the cottage, and Jaejoong’s eyes fluttered shut in contentment as he stretched his arm across Yunho’s chest.
“I will leave with you,” he whispered, his eyes shut and his heart filled with emotion. He held onto Yunho tightly and opened his eyes to look up at his lover, “I…I have given up on our love once, and I shall not make the same mistake again. I will define my own future, and I will not allow for anything to set me on a path that I do not want to follow.”
A handsome smile crossed Yunho’s face, and he leaned down to kiss Jaejoong softly on the lips, “I am more than happy to share the rest of my life with you,” he carded his fingers through Jaejoong’s sweat soaked hair and his smile grew wider, “Of that, I am certain.”
Jaejoong smiled beautifully and entangled his body with Yunho’s further, his entire being more calm and happy than it’d been in months.
There couldn’t be anything more comforting than an assurance of a future with the person he loved most in the entire world.
o-o-o
Jaejoong woke up to the sound of a loud scratching noise. He slowly disentangled himself from Yunho, and he glanced at his sleeping lover before he moved off the bed and made his way to the door. He paused and pressed his ear against the wooden surface, waiting for another sound.
There was the distinct sound of animal whining, and Jaejoong had a feeling he knew who the culprit was. He cracked the door open slightly, and Taepoong quickly bounded inside. It looked at Jaejoong with its wise amber eyes before it walked away and quickly settled down next to the side of the bed where Yunho was.
His back throbbed from the previous day, but he ignored the pain and walked over to a bucket he’d filled with water at some previous time. He soaked a rag in the water and cleaned his body slowly before he retrieved another rag and soaked it in order for him to wipe Yunho down.
Taepoong barely raised his head as he watched Jaejoong return to the bed, and Yunho only mumbled drowsily when he felt Jaejoong tugging at his arm.
“We should leave as soon as possible,” he whispered as he tried to get his lover to wake up. Jaejoong pushed Yunho up into a sitting position and slapped his cheek lightly before burying his hand into his lover’s hair, “Wake up.”
Yunho blinked at him drowsily, and Jaejoong leaned forward to press a kiss to the corner of his lips. He glanced at Jaejoong, and he took the cloth from him in order to clean himself up. Jaejoong beamed at him encouragingly before he got off the bed to gather their things.
“We do not have much,” Jaejoong said as he checked through the cupboards, “But I think we shall manage if I can find us a way out of here. Do you know if your men will be searching for you?”
“I assume they will be,” Yunho replied as he made his way out of the bedroom. He leaned against the doorframe, “Much has gone on in your absence, and I have been named as the heir to my king. My coronation is to occur next month.”
Jaejoong paused his search and turned his head to look at Yunho, “So…”
“You will be my lover, officially,” Yunho murmured, “It will require a ceremony, and you will have to become a citizen of my country…” he trailed off and studied Jaejoong carefully, “Do you understand what you are leaving behind?”
Jaejoong straightened up and nodded, “I understand. There is nothing for me here anymore. The institution of the oracle is corrupt, and my people have turned against me due to difficult times. I can offer them nothing, and I refuse to become Jihyuk’s inspiration of war.”
He let out a deep breath and looked down at his hands, “I…I don’t want to go back to him,” Jaejoong said softly. His eyes fluttered shut, “I can’t go back to living my life in a cage, and I can’t allow myself to be his pawn for any longer.”
Yunho walked over to him slowly and he turned Jaejoong to him. He cupped Jaejoong’s face and brushed his thumb over his lover’s cheekbones, “Do you trust me?” he asked softly, his breath ghosting against Jaejoong’s face.
Jaejoong looked up at him and smiled beautifully, “Yes, I do.”
Yunho enveloped him into his arms, and Jaejoong relaxed into the other man’s warmth. He was everything that completed him, and Jaejoong’s eyes closed peacefully as he rested against Yunho. They said nothing for several minutes, simply basking in the warmth and feelings shared in their embrace.
“When will we leave?” Jaejoong questioned as soon as Yunho pulled away from the embrace. He glanced out the window and frowned, “The weather is…”
“As soon as it is better, we can leave,” Yunho suggested as he led Jaejoong back to the bed. They both lied down, and Yunho pulled Jaejoong into his arms, allowing the latter to settle against him. He stroked Jaejoong’s arm lovingly and pressed a soft kiss against his forehead, “For now, we wait.”
Jaejoong couldn’t bring himself to disagree as he felt himself settle into using Yunho’s body as a pillow. It amazed him how in tune they were with one another once again, and it was almost like they had never parted. He felt warm inside, and as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but in Yunho’s arms.
Yet just as he about to enter sleep’s embrace, his mind suddenly woke up. He jerked back from Yunho, and a vision rushed through his mind.
He could hear the sounds of ravens cawing, and he watched as one fluttered its wings before taking off before becoming shadowed figures of men. Jaejoong watched in horror, and soon there was a slicing noise that filled the air, and blood splattered onto the pristine snow.
Death was coming.
Jaejoong jolted back into reality, and he glanced back at Yunho in worry while Yunho stared at him with equally worried eyes. Jaejoong quickly climbed back into his embrace and buried his face into Yunho’s chest and hugged him tightly, “We have to leave.”
“Don’t be afraid -“
Jaejoong shifted and forced Yunho to look at him, “We must leave Yunho, before it’s too late. Please, listen to me.”
Yunho nodded slowly, “We’ll leave at dawn.”
He held Jaejoong tightly, and although his touch usually provided him much comfort, Jaejoong could not sleep peacefully for the rest of the night.
o-o-o
There were loud banging noises, and Jaejoong got out of bed quickly. He saw Yunho approaching the door, and he quickly pulled the other man back, “Don’t go there!” he hissed, as he pushed Yunho away.
He knew that nothing good would come from Yunho being seen with him, and his heart raced in fear. He pushed Yunho back towards the bedroom but Yunho refused to budge, and the door was soon forcibly opened.
“Who is that?”
Jaejoong was shoved aside, and Yunho was quickly apprehended. He tried to fight off the men, but they overpowered him, and Jaejoong screamed for them to stop when they forced Yunho down onto his knees in the snow.
“Let go of him!”
“What is he doing here?”
Jaejoong tried to pull away from Seunghyun’s grasp, but the larger man pulled him back and forced some of his men to restrain him. He watched as Seunghyun approached Yunho, and he tried to fight away the men that held him back, “He’s innocent! Don’t touch him!”
Seunghyun hit him on the face, but Jaejoong refused to back down, and he watched in horror as one of Seunghyun’s men placed a blade to Yunho’s throat, “What are you doing? Are you mad?”
The commander ignored Jaejoong and walked to Yunho slowly, his boots crunching softly in the snow. He stood in front of Yunho and gripped the other man’s chin and forced him to look up, “Did you touch what was not yours?”
“He belongs to no one,” Yunho answered venomously before he jerked his face out of Seunghyun’s hold and spat at him, “He is his own person and not some object to be used in war.”
“He is doing his duty as oracle,” Seunghyun replied stiffly as he glanced at Jaejoong, who had been gagged. He turned his eyes back to Yunho, “Now, did you defile the oracle or not?”
“I believe that I did nothing wrong,” Yunho growled as he tried to fight back against the men that were forcing him onto his knees, “It seems like you’ve already set your mind on the matter anyway.”
Seunghyun turned his back to Yunho and made his way over to Jaejoong. He pushed down the collar of Jaejoong’s shirt and inspected his skin. As soon as he caught sight of a dark bruise, he immediately covered it up and pushed Jaejoong aside before going back to Yunho.
“This man has defiled the holy body of the oracle,” Seunghyun said slowly, meeting the eyes of all his men, “In accordance with our laws, he must be put to death.” He glanced at Jaejoong, “The newly crowned King has requested your immediate return to the capital, for you are to be instated into a new position.”
The commander motioned for the men to take Jaejoong away, and Jaejoong watched in horror as he was being pulled away. He tried to fight back against the men that restrained him, but he could not muster enough strength to break free.
“Any last words?” Seunghyun questioned.
“You are weak,” Yunho hissed, “Men that follow orders blindly are nothing but cowards.”
“Kill -“
A man screamed in horror, and Jaejoong turned his head to see that Taepoong had latched his jaws onto the soldier’s arm. Yunho immediately scrambled to his feet due to the distraction provided, and he pulled the sword out of the hand of the bleeding soldier. He quickly stabbed the other man that had restrained him before turning to Seunghyun.
Seunghyun glanced at the men and shouted, “Take the oracle back to the capital!”
Everything turned into complete chaos, and one of the men that was trying to pull Jaejoong away screamed as soon as Taepoong had bitten him. He tried to reach for his sword, but the wolf was quicker and had already begun to viciously attack him before he could reach his weapon.
Jaejoong managed to break free but just as he was about to run back in Yunho’s direction, he saw Yunho deliver a clean cut deeply into Seunghyun’s leg, crippling the man and forcing him to fall onto the snow.
“Get a horse!” Yunho yelled before he began to fight with another of Seunghyun’s men.
Jaejoong immediately turned around and sprinted for the nearest horse. He mounted it quickly, and he immediately set it off in order to return to Yunho’s side. Yunho stabbed the man he was fighting in the chest, and he didn’t waste any time in running to Jaejoong and mounting the horse behind him.
Yunho quickly placed his hands over Jaejoong’s and urged the horse into a swift gallop. The sharp winter wind cut into their faces but because of the sense of urgency, they could not slow down. Jaejoong glanced back to see if anyone was following them, and he was relieved to see that no one was.
He relished the warmth of Yunho’s body against his, and after minutes of riding, Jaejoong was relieved to notice that Taepoong was running alongside them.
“I think we have enough distance,” Yunho muttered, “Besides, they won’t have any clue as to where we’re going.” He dismounted from the horse and glanced back at the tracks left behind, “The snow will cover up the tracks.”
He pulled his cape off his shoulders and draped it around Jaejoong, “Don’t protest. Your clothes are made of much lighter material than mine.” He pressed a kiss to Jaejoong’s forehead, and he stroked Taepoong’s forehead as soon as the wolf approached, “Thank you for your help.”
The wolf pressed itself against Yunho and brushed against his legs before trotting away. It sat down and looked at Jaejoong for a few seconds before lying down and looking away.
“I think that means we should rest here,” Yunho said as he turned to look at Jaejoong, “I am sure that Taepoong would be able to smell the men from far away, so we can rest here for a bit before moving on.”
“Do you know how to escape here?” Jaejoong questioned as he looked around at their environment, “Even I don’t know,” he murmured, “I was blindfolded on the way here, and I do not -“
“Perhaps your oracle skills would come in use then?” Yunho asked as brushed his hands together for warmth, “If you could find us a way to escape to the West, or maybe a way to -“
“Yunho!”
They both turned, and Yunho let out a yell of surprise as soon as he recognized the men. Jaejoong quickly hid his face behind a cloak, and he stood behind Yunho. He waited as the men approached, and he recognized one of them to be Changmin.
“I knew you were still alive,” Changmin said as he drew his horse nearer, “I refused to believe that you were dead.” He glanced over at Jaejoong and frowned, “Who is that with you?”
Yunho glanced at Jaejoong and pulled him forward, “It’s complicated.”
“Why is Taepoong’s mouth bloody?” asked one of the men, his arm bandaged and slung in front of his chest, “Actually general, I do not think I want to know.”
“I think it’s best if we keep things in secret first then,” Yunho replied as he glanced at Taepoong, who was swishing his tail innocently. He turned to Jaejoong and pulled his cloak back, “This is the oracle of the North.”
Changmin narrowed his eyes and glanced at Yunho, “Kidnapping, really?”
“You of all people should know that this is anything but kidnapping,” Yunho shot back as he pulled Jaejoong closer. He pointed at the man with the bandaged arm and introduced him as Jongwan, and the other man with a long gash on his face was introduced as Minsook.
Jaejoong smiled politely, “It is most fortunate that all of you have come.”
“But now we must leave,” Yunho said as he glanced back in the direction from which they had come, “I will explain later, and Changmin, you must tell me about your journey when we reach our main camp.”
“I will.”
They all mounted their horses once again, and Jaejoong held onto Yunho tightly. He didn’t know what would be the price of his escape, but he knew there would be consequences. As he felt Yunho hold onto him tighter, Jaejoong couldn’t help but further believe that he’d made the right decision to leave.
There were some things worth fighting for, and he knew that what he had with Yunho was one of those things. It was gut instinct, and what they had felt more natural than anything else he’d ever experienced.
He didn’t need signs to tell him that what he had with Yunho was special. It was worth everything he had given up, and he was ready to move onto a different phase in his life, to leave behind desolation and to develop his life.
Winter was finally over.
Author’s Note: Love me love me, say that you love me. XD I love all you guys, and thank you for the comments! <3 I hope you all enjoyed this. ^___^ Also, I’ve planned on writing a third part to this universe, and it’ll be chaptered. :3 I don’t think I’ll post it until I’m done with one of my chaptered fics though. XD