#FINALLY.. A COLORED DRAWING OF FITZ ON THIS BLOG...

[stellar-jay]

keeping tryst

[elvendara]

Elmwood (Ch 18)

New Chapter up. I tried to wait, but, here it is I could no longer keep from posting it. I guess the good thing about having an empty ask box is I can work on my bigger projects, lol. Sadly though, that means my blog is pretty empty. Hmm, I could just make more Yooran!!!!!!

Elmwood Reading List

AO3

Saeyoung bounded up the short flight of stairs to knock on Vanderwood’s door. He hoped the man would be in. He was tired of walking around eggshells in the estate and thought to ask Vanderwood if he knew anything about the first men. The door was answered by the same grey-haired boney man as before. Saeyoung reminded himself to at least ask what the man’s name was.

“I remember you!” The man said, his raspy voice grating to the ears. “Come, come. The master will be delighted to see you. He talked of nothing else for months after you left.” He grabbed Saeyoung’s wrist and pulled him in, shoving the door closed behind them. They tramped through the hallway and into the same study as before. Vanderwood sat by the window, a book in his hands, his fine clothes perfectly fit to accentuate his body. There were ruffles around his throat and at his wrists, yet, they made him look regal and not effeminate. He stood, dropping the book as soon as he saw who was being dragged in.

“Saeyoung!” he thundered towards him and engulfed him in an embrace. A very long and tight embrace. Saeyoung patted the man on the back until he was set free. He looked around him. “Are you here alone? Is Jumin back?” he asked, his hands still on his shoulders.

“Yes, and yes.” Saeyoung clarified.

“It is wonderful to see you! But why is Jumin not here?” he asked, eyebrows furrowed.

“Oh, I think he has his mind on other things.” He did not want to tell Vanderwood about V, he felt it was not his place. Jumin would eventually, he was sure.

“Well, no matter! Fitz! Bring us some tea, and cake, those little ones I like!” he ordered. The lanky man turned and shuffled out the door.

“You do not have to go to any trouble.” Saeyoung called after the man, he was not sure he would be able to even carry a loaded tray.

“Nonsense!” Vanderwood waved his concern away and led Saeyoung to the chair next to the one he had been sitting on. There was a round table between them. Vanderwood picked up the book he had dropped and lay it on the table. “Now, what brings you here? You look as if you have a question you need answered. Have you found your brother yet?”

“Oh, yes.” Saeyoung brightened at once. “He, well, so much happened, but, in the end we were able to get him out of the lich’s grip.”

“Will you be bringing him here?”

“Perhaps, if he is willing. He is no longer in her thrall, at least, we hope. But it might be a good idea if he lets you probe his mind for anything hidden within it.”

Vanderwood nodded, “I am impressed. I did not believe you would be able to sever the connection so easily.”

“It was not easy, believe me, the price was Yoosung’s life.” Saeyoung exhaled.

Vanderwood’s hands flew to his neck, “Oh, oh my goodness, not that sweet angel boy.”

“Oh, no, no no no, I am sorry, Yoosung is fine, he is alive. It, it would take too long to explain it all, but, Saeran is fine, Yoosung is fine, they are both fine. I would certainly appreciate you taking a look at my brother, but that is not why I am here now.”

Vanderwood sat back, “Well that is a relief! You must tell me the story some day!”

Saeyoung nodded, a half smile on his face.

“I was actually wondering if you had any information of the first humans?”

“The first humans?” he questioned and looked askance as if trying to remember. His finger tapped on his lip and then his eyes brightened. “Of course, come, here.” He jumped up and Saeyoung followed at his heels.

Fitz walked back in with a trolley, the tea and cake set on top. Well, that answered that question. He began to pour the steaming liquid and waited to be noticed.

“Here we go.” Vanderwood reached up and pulled two volumes out of the bookcase. They were old and leather bound. He handed one to Saeyoung, “This is the history of the first man, at least, what we know of it. Much of it is conjecture, pieced together from different writings at different times in history. This one,” he lay the book on top of the first, “is an illustrated history. What artists presume the first men looked like.” His eyes lit up as he realized something. “Of course!” he yanked the book back and placed it on the hardwood reading table in the room. He flipped through the book until he reached what he was looking for. He picked it up and turned towards Saeyoung. He looked at the illustration, then back at Saeyoung, and back again.

“What?” Saeyoung asked. Vanderwood set the book back down and let Saeyoung take a look. It was a very rough drawing and appeared to be set against something rough. On the next page was another drawing that someone later had made, extrapolating what the face would look like if it was smooth. “Who, who is he?”

“The first king of the first men. Cerulean. The first drawing is a rendition of one found on a cave wall. The second was done hundreds of years later, remind you of anyone?” the face was round with a pointed chin, the eyes were the color of amber in the sunshine, the hair was the color of fire, pure and strong. Saeyoung shook his head, how could this be? He was a bastard, not a king. How was he related to this regal and sturdy man? He had united all the clans into one kingdom, under one ruler, him. What kind of fortitude must he have had? All Saeyoung wanted to do was keep his brother and best friend safe. He was even contemplating leaving Jumin and walking away from his vendetta against Rika. But he knew that Yoosung would never let him. Yoosung would stay and fight because it was the right thing to do. And Saeran would stay with him. He sighed heavily and rubbed at his temples.

Vanderwood handed him a cup of tea and he absently took it. “You look like you have a lot on your mind, want to talk about it?” he asked, pulling out a chair for Saeyoung to sit at the table. He took the one next to it., setting his own cup and saucer down.

Saeyoung sat, the tea forgotten in his hands. He shook his head, it was too full, he just wanted things to go back to the way they were. Too much had changed. Magpie was gone, Yoosung was a god’s champion, Jumin’s brother showed up on his own, walking away from the lich, and his own brother was safe. On top of all of that, apparently, he was the descendant of the first human king.

Vanderwood placed his hand on Saeyoung’s, bringing him out of his reverie. Saeyoung sighed, closing his eyes and leaning against the back of the chair.

“Ah, I don’t know what to do.” He exclaimed.

“About?” Vanderwood sat back as well and pointedly asked.

“About all of it!” Saeyoung was once more animated. His eyes flaring, hands clenching and unclenching. “What does it even mean? The descendant of the first human king? Why would I be so important to anyone?”

“You mean the lich?” Vanderwood guessed.

“Yes! The reason she took Saeran was because I said no to her. Because, I was cocky and thought I didn’t need anyone’s help. I was ready to take care of myself and my brother. I had finally made enough money to rent a small place for us and get us at least out of the gutter. And when I said no, she took Saeran, and used him. She turned a sweet, innocent boy into a killer with no conscious. And why? To trap me. To get to me because of him.” he pointed to the artist rendering of the first king of man.

Vanderwood leaned over, his elbows on his thighs. “What does she want with you?”

“My heart. My still beating heart, only, I have to hand it over willingly.”

Vanderwood sat back up with a laugh, “That would never happen.”

“No? I thought about it. To save my brother, and Yoosung. I would have given it to her. But, that wouldn’t be enough either. She said I had to love her. I cannot imagine at any point in time that I could love a lich, but she was so sure. All I want is to run away, run away some place that she will never find me.”

“Why do you not?”

Saeyoung snorted, “You met Yoosung! He will not stop until the lich is eradicated from the world. She is pure evil, and he would not be able to live with himself if he turned away from a duty like that.”

Vanderwood shrugged his shoulders. “And what does that have to do with you? You can leave him behind as well.”

“No, never. He and I are connected now. I could no more leave his side than I could my brother’s.” Saeyoung stated gloomily.

“And if you had to choose?” Vanderwood wondered out loud.

“I wouldn’t have to, they, well, Saeran…he will follow Yoosung wherever he goes now.”

Vanderwood narrowed his eyes, “I see. When, how?”

Saeyoung waved it all away.

“Another long story?” Vanderwood concluded.

“Not particularly, but, confusing and winding, ending with Yoosung’s death…and…well…” Saeyoung sighed.

“I understand. Well, not really, but, I understand that it is not something you wish to retell. Let us move on then. If you cannot run away, then you must find a way to fight. Yes?” he clapped Saeyoung on the shoulder.

Saeyoung nodded, finally sipping some of his tea. “This is really good.” He commented.

“Of course it is! Only the finest for me.” Vanderwood laughed, Saeyoung joining in, the brevity lifting some of his own stress from his shoulders.

“I have to admit, I miss adventuring, perhaps, if you find the location of the lich, I might join your party!” Vanderwood insisted.

“Jumin would appreciate that, I am sure. And so would I.” he shook his head. “It is difficult trusting people, I feel slightly ashamed that I do not fully trust my own brother as well. I wish I could, but, my instincts tell me that I should not.”

“It is a valid feeling. Which is why you should bring him here as soon as possible, especially if he now shares a bed with your best friend. The young half-elf is powerful, but, naïve, he lets his heart lead when his head should.”

Saeyoung snorted. “Yes, but try and tell him that! Ahh, I do not know. There are times when I wish I could so easily trust those around me. But, I have learned from experience that most people only desire to use you in one form or another, for their own benefit.”

“Is that so? And how do you supposed I intend to use you?” Vanderwood asked, eyebrow cocked.

“For adventure, of course!” Saeyoung shot back. They stared at each other for a heart beat before they both broke into companionable laughter. Fritz stuck his head in shortly after, curious. The men were sitting at the large table, speaking amiably and nibbling on the sweet cakes. He popped back out with a smile. It had been years since he had seen his master so alive and animated. He hoped it would bode well and not ill.

…………………………………………………..

Saeran lay awake, Yoosung cuddled up against him, his head on his chest, his arm loose across his belly. Saeyoung had returned during dinner and regaled them with his musing on someone named Vanderwood. Jumin had seemed quite amused and promised to go see him. Saeyoung had asked Saeran if he would like to meet the man, Yoosung had pressed him as well. He acquiesced in the end but wondered what their motivation was.

Yoosung stirred and mumbled something. Saeran’s body reacted, infusing with heat and desire. Their lovemaking had been soft and gentle. Saeran had wanted to be rougher but was unsure what Yoosung was used to. He let the blonde set the pace. In the beginning, he had been annoyed at the slow progression, wanting to mount the half-elf and take what he wanted, yet, the soft touches, the gentle kisses, the lingering caresses all served to fuel his burning fire. In the end, he had had the best orgasm of his entire life. He wondered if it was always like that. The last thing he remembered was plunging his dagger into Yoosung’s chest and the triumph he had felt. The memory faded after that, the last thing remaining were Yoosung’s eyes staring at him in complete peace and acceptance.

V had needed to fill in the gaps. He told him what had happened, as much as he could before he fled with Rika. He could not tell him what had happened for the several months he had already spent with this company. Saeran had to be careful what he said and did. He would have to let them drive the conversation, sit back and just listen for the time being. Yet, the most danger came from the one that lay on his chest right now. He would be the one who had gleaned the most about Saeran, even more than his brother.

They lay naked under the sheets, not bothering to put their nightclothes back on after making love. Saeran ground his teeth at that description. Making love. But that is what they had done. He had never taken his partners feelings into consideration when he had sex, relishing any pain he might inflict on them. The more they cried out in pain, the more he enjoyed it. However, he found that he felt the same whenever Yoosung cried out in pleasure, so much so, that he continued to find ways to illicit those soft and erotic moans from the blonde. He had lost himself and worried that it was just the beginning.

He stared at the underside of the canopy surrounding their bed, trying to find an ounce of hatred for the figure atop him. He understood he did not need to hate him, but he did not want to love him either. It was an alien feeling and one he did not care for. Even Rika had not asked it of him. He was loyal and he was devoted, it was enough. What he did for his master was because he wished to stay with her. He never questioned her decisions or her orders, including the one to kill Yoosung, yet, here he was, still alive. Why? How had his life changed so much in such a short amount of time? V assured him that it was all a part of his master’s plan. Then why could he not remember the details? Why was there a gap in his memory?

He breathed in and let it out slowly. Yoosung stirred and flipped to his other side, letting go of Saeran. He felt strangely empty without the blonde’s touch. But the pushed the feeling away. Maybe now he would be able to sleep. He closed his eyes and tried to remember anything, even a small fragment of his time with this current party. He remembered nothing. He drifted into dreams where he circled Yoosung, alternating between kissing him, and stabbing him.

…………………………………………..

Saeran felt awkward in the man’s home. Vanderwood had attempted to hug him as he had the others, but one look at his face had stopped him cold. Instead he shook his hand. He now sat with Yoosung on one side of him and Saeyoung on the other. Jumin had wanted to come with them, but he had been wary of leaving V alone. He should be wary Saeran smirked.

He noticed that Vanderwood was studying him, his head cocked, legs crossed, elbow on his knee and finger tapping his lower lip.

“What?” he asked tensely.

“Nothing, I am sorry, it is just, well, twins fascinate me.” Vanderwood chuckled. Even if it had not been for the bleached color of Saeran’s hair, it would be easy to tell the twins apart. They were identical, but while Saeyoung was robust, square and wide shouldered, with a full face, Saeran was leaner, his shoulders rounded and his face thinner. He also appeared to be shorter than his twin. He wondered if it had been poor nutrition that had aided in the discrepancy between the two.

Saeran wiped his palms against his pant legs, he did not like this man. His eyes were too curious and eager to root out his secrets. Psyonicist? What the hell was a Psyonicist?

“Saeran?” Saeran tore his eyes away from the man and fixed them on Yoosung. “Are you alright?” he looked as if he was about to throw up. Yoosung hoped he would not, the carpet appeared to be very expensive.

“What? What is a Psyonicist?” he asked. Yoosung turned to Vanderwood as he laughed, easing the tension somewhat. Saeran’s face flushed, he hated feeling like an idiot.

“Not many of us around I am afraid. It is something that one must be born to, many do not even realize they have this gift. I am able to read people’s minds.” Saeran’s eyes widened and the only thing holding him to the sofa was Yoosung.

Yoosung felt the change in Saeran’s body and patted his arm to comfort him. “Not to worry Saeran, Vanderwood does not intrude on other people’s minds without permission. Is that not so?” he turned to the man.

“Of course not! That would be incredibly rude and invasive.” Vanderwood stated, shocked at the mere idea of it.

“You see? You can relax.” Yoosung soothed Saeran and his shoulders did indeed relax and he gave Yoosung a grateful smile.

Interesting, Vanderwood thought. The man was hiding something, something he did not want Yoosung to know. But what? He had been telling the truth, he would not invade Saeran’s mind without permission, but body language was easy to read, and Saeran was too tense by far. He clasped Yoosung’s hand, but his upper body pulled away from the blonde whenever he tried to close the gap. On the one hand, he showed his affection, on the other hand, there was a barrier between them that was of Saeran’s own making.

“What, what else can you do?” Saeran asked pointedly.

“Well,” Vanderwood uncrossed his legs and leaned towards the twin. “I can manipulate people, convince them to believe something that is not true. Take over their bodies for a short period of time. I can also open a portal between spots, as long as I have been to the other end at least once. I need to be able to see it in my mind’s eye in every detail.”

Saeran’s eyes widened even more. “That, that is powerful.”

“Not really.” Vanderwood sat back against his chair. “I can only do those things if someone’s mind is weak. Take Saeyoung here for instance, I could try to break into his mind, but he has learned how to close it from psionic influence, and all without even realizing that such a thing even existed.”

“Have you…?” Saeyoung began.

Vanderwood held his hands up, “I prodded! Just to test, and your mind is sealed as tight as a steel vault.” He chuckled. “So is yours.” He pointed to Yoosung. “I assume that is the influence of your god. But I am sure that even without that, it would be difficult to break through your defenses as well. You see Saeran, intelligence is important. A weak man will have a weak mind, and those minds can be easily manipulated with words alone. An intelligent mind however, needs more than mere words. I might be able to push someone along the lines of where they were already heading, but, I would never be able to make them believe something they fundamentally do NOT believe in.”

He steepled his hands. “Of course, if I truly wanted to break into someone’s mind who had good defenses, I would be able to, unfortunately, they would know right away of the intrusion, and they would be even more on their guard.” He sighed.

“So then, how do you help people?” Saeran asked.

“It depends on what they want. Some people have a memory they want erased, some want one retrieved, some want help through a traumatic experience. If I have permission, it is easier to slip into someone’s mind. It is…very unsettling however. Rummaging in someone else’s mind. Seeing them at their most vulnerable. Which is why I do not discuss my clients with anyone. I take my job very seriously.”

Saeran turned to Saeyoung and then Yoosung, “Is that why I am here? To let him root around in my mind and find any nook and cranny Rika might have laid her eggs?” his mouth was a thin white line, his eyes bristling with unshed tears.

“Saeran.” Saeyoung put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Even you agreed that it was possible for Rika to have a hold on you still. Maybe, maybe Vanderwood can lay that fear to rest.

Saeran stood, shaking Saeyoung’s hand off, he clenched his fists, panting, his mouth hanging open.

“Saeran.” Yoosung tried to grab his hand but Saeran pulled away. Shit! What was he supposed to do? If he let this man in his mind he would know. He would instantly know. How could he hide the fact that he was following his master’s orders? He walked to the window, laying his forehead against the cool pane. Maybe he could hide his true nature. He could lock it away in an area of his mind that Vanderwood could not access. He had learned a lot from Rika on how to compartmentalize his mind. He could stuff some random bits away for him to find, but the truth could still be hidden. But what if he found it anyway? It was a chance he had to take. If he did not, Saeyoung and Yoosung would still have doubts. He needed them to have none.

“Fine, but we do it alone. I…I do not want them to hear any of what transpires between us.” He turned and glared into Vanderwood’s eyes.

“Of course.” He bowed to Saeran slightly. “It is the way I normally work. What comes out will stay between us if that is your wish.”

Saeran nodded. Yoosung stepped up to him and wrapped his arms around the man, laying his head against his chest. “You do not have to do this.” He whispered, and he genuinely meant it. He trusted Saeran, with his very life, yet, there was that small nagging doubt. But he would take Saeran’s word for it, he would believe him and trust him. He could do nothing else.

Saeran returned the hug and kissed Yoosung’s head. “I do. Or this question will be hanging over our heads forever. I have to know.” Yoosung looked up into Saeran’s green eyes and saw the sorrow there. He pulled the other man down and kissed his lips, lingering lovingly on them.

“Saeyoung and I will be right outside, remember, you can stop it at any point. You have nothing to prove to me.” Saeran grinned at how naïve the cleric was. Could he not see? Could he not tell? Was his love so strong and pure that he was blind? He let go of him and pushed him towards the door. Saeyoung was already standing under the door frame. He gave a short nod to Saeran and a quick glance to Vanderwood then turned and walked out, Yoosung behind him. Vanderwood closed the heavy door behind them and turned back to Saeran, who still stood by the window.

“Come.” Vanderwood beckoned Saeran to a chair next to the one he had been sitting on. They both sat, Vanderwood clasping his hands in front of him. Saeran sitting on his. His legs bouncing nervously.

“There is nothing to be nervous about. This room is soundproofed, against magic as well. No one is going to hear what we say in here.” He tried to reassure the man, but he only looked more nervous. Vanderwood contemplated calling this off himself. Whatever it was that he was trying to hide, if he found it, how would he react?

“If at any time you feel you need to stop, please, let me know and I will. I will not go anywhere you wish me to stay away from. Understand?” Saeran nodded.

“Are you ready?” Vanderwood asked.

Saeran took a deep breath, held it, then let it out slowly. “Yes. What do I do?”

“Try to keep your mind open. Your instinct will be to close it, picture a house, with a large heavy door. Now, picture you opening that door and welcoming me in. Can you do that?” Vanderwood prodded.

“Yes.” Saeran closed his eyes and did as Vanderwood had requested. The home looked more like a dilapidated castle, the stones weather beaten and crumbling. But the door was solid wood with steel bindings. He stood on the inside, where it was dark, no windows at all to let in the light. He reached hesitantly for the door handle, his eyes flicking to a door down a dark hallway, tiny compared to the others, behind that in an even smaller chest he had locked away his secret. As he stared, even the small door disappeared, leaving only empty wall behind. Saeran nodded and opened the door. Vanderwood stood there, framed in the light, wearing a flowing robe of black and purple.

“May I come in?” he asked. Saeran stepped aside and gestured for him to come inside. Vanderwood stepped through and took in his surroundings. He was not sure what he had been expecting, but he should not have been surprised that Saeran’s house was in such disrepair and falling apart. The man had been through so much, being torn down and rebuild constantly. The stairs suddenly crumbled to the ground and dust flew upwards, enshrouding them in a billowing cloud.

“I…I am sorry about that.” Saeran whimpered. Vanderwood turned to see a much younger version of Saeran. His eyes were large, and the same amber as Saeyoung’s, of course his mint green eyes must have been a manifestation of something the lich had done to him. Vanderwood knelt by the child and took his hand in his.

“There is no reason to apologize. What is your name?” he asked.

“Saeran, but, we are not supposed to talk to strangers.”

“No? Well, my name is Vanderwood, there, now we are not strangers anymore.” He smiled.

“I…I guess…” Saeran’s mouth widened into a smile and he giggled. He grabbed Vanderwood’s hand and pulled on the man. “Wanna play?” he asked as he ran down a long corridor and out into a courtyard that had been similarly unkempt. It was overgrown with weeds and grass, a single tree stunted in the center. Then he saw another red head in the grass.

“Boo!” screamed a younger Saeyoung. Saeran fell back and tears sprang into his eyes. “You are such a baby Saeran!” Saeyoung turned away from his brother, his eyes rolling in exasperation. Saeran’s lip trembled and he fought hard to keep from letting the tears fall. Vanderwood helped the boy up and dusted him off. He wiped his tears away.

“You do not have to be ashamed of crying Saeran. I do it all the time too.” He soothed.

“R…really? A…a big…man like you?” he sniffled.

“Yes. Sometimes it is the only way to let out your emotions. When else do you cry?” he asked.

“When I am hungry. When mother hits me. When…” he glanced at his brother, “when I let my brother down.”

“You know he loves you right?” Vanderwood stated.

Saeran nodded and even smiled, but then his smile faded and he morphed into a slightly older child, 12, perhaps, 13? His eyes were still on his brother who was now much bigger than him, his face furious.

“Fuck Saeran! What are we going to eat now? You are such an idiot! How did I get stuck with you!” he turned and walked away, disappearing into the grass. Saeran stood, tears falling down his face.

“I…I did not mean to. I…it…it was still alive…” he sobbed.

“What was?” Vanderwood prodded.

Saeran turned to the man, eyes widening, as if he had not realized anyone was there. “The crab. The crab Saeyoung brought for us to eat. It was still alive, I, I could not…” he did not finish the sentence

“I understand, you did not wish to kill the crab?” Saeran shook his head.

“He was so mad at me, I think, I think he hates me now. I wish I could be a better brother. He is always so good to me and I am always such a disappointment.”

“I am sure that is not true Saeran. I am sure your brother does not hate you.” Saeran’s lower lip trembled, his eyes shut and he shook his head. This was an ingrained fear in the boy, in the man now. He believed himself to be inferior to his brother, a burden, so much so that Saeyoung had had no choice but to hate him.

Suddenly there was a beautiful woman standing in front of the boy. Her hair was long and flowing, the color of the sun. She smiled radiantly at him as she knelt before him. His eyes were all on her.

“I can help you Saeran. I can make it so that your brother will love you forever. I can make you stronger, and wiser, and a better partner to him. If that is your wish.” She whispered melodically. Vanderwood tried to intervene, but this had already happened, and nothing he did here would change it. he could see the desire in Saeran’s eyes as he agreed. There was a darkness that began to grow in the boy, soon enough it encompassed his entire body, the blackness roiling over and around itself inside of him, as he grew into a man. He now appeared much like he was as he sat in his chair. His eyes darkening into the minty green he now possessed. The sky grew dark as well, clouds creeping steadily above them, the shadows taking over. The darkness began to extend from Saeran as he roamed the empty halls of his mind.

Vanderwood realized that over the years, Saeran had spent a lot of time here. In his own mind, away from the rest of the world. He followed the young man as he trailed shadow across the walls and floor. They consumed him, but he was either oblivious, or uncaring.

A spark of light burst into being, then faded, yet it was enough to send Saeran in a different direction, searching for it, even while trying to extinguish it. It flared again and again then was stamped out by the blonde woman’s feet. She turned into a skeleton before his eyes and Saeran was suddenly a puddle of dark mass on the floor.

Vanderwood reached out to him but all he felt was the slimy oil of the darkness. The woman disappeared and Saeran wept, tears of blood falling through the cracks. “What just happened?” he asked hesitantly, unsure if Saeran would even answer him. he looked up at him, crimson trails falling down his hollowed-out cheeks.

“She, she wants me to kill the light.” He gasped through his tears.

“What is the light?”

Saeran shook his head vehemently.

“Who is the light?” Vanderwood knew what the answer was going to be.

“Yoosung. Yoosung is the light. He is my light, but I will extinguish it, and I will rejoice.” He smiled and threw back his head and laughed, his tears still dropping rapidly. His body arched backwards, his hands turned into claws and he sounded as if he was choking. He let out a blood curdling scream and Vanderwood clasped his ears, but he did not take his eyes off Saeran. His body was beginning to shine, the darkness, the shadow, the oily residue burning away as the light ignited every inch of him and he exploded with brightness. Vanderwood closed his eyes until it faded, he gingerly opened his eyes and saw that Saeran was again in the courtyard, his back towards him. the weeds were mostly gone, the grass not so overgrown and the tree was leafing. He walked towards the man and there was a smile on his face. A radiant smile. He glanced at Vanderwood.

“You were right. He does still love me, even after everything I did. And, someone else loves me too.” He said happily.

Vanderwood grinned and sighed in relief. Then he noticed the single spot of darkness just beneath Saeran’s left eye. It crawled across his cheek and down his nose. He watched as it made its way down his throat and disappeared under his shirt. He did not need to see where it ended up, he was sure it most likely was his heart. He looked back up into Saeran’s eyes, which were now full of anguish.

“I love him.” he said. “Even now, I love him. But…” the darkness spread across his skin, crawling upwards out of his shirt.

“Saeran.” Vanderwood cried.

In the end Saeran was not able to hide what he had become, and in a way, he was glad.

His eyes sprang open a split second before Vanderwood’s. It was enough. He yanked out his garrote and wrapped it around the other man’s throat, pulling it tight. Vanderwood struggled, he clawed at Saeran’s sleeve, trying to get to his face. It was no use. He tried to infiltrate his mind once more, but he was too strong. In the end Vanderwood died, mourning the loss of that sweet little boy, and regretting that he would not be able to warn Saeyoung or Yoosung.

Saeran let go and Vanderwood’s body fell to the floor. He used the man’s cape to wipe the blood from his garrote and his hands. Thankfully none had soiled his clothes. He looked down at the man’s open eyes. They had been full of compassion. Now they were empty. Saeran felt his heart race, it had been a long time since he’d killed anyone, not since… He let that thought end.

He picked up the man and sat him back on his chair. His head lolled a bit, but did not look too awkward, he would have to get the others out quickly. He took off his coat and set it on the sofa, then walked out, Saeyoung and Yoosung glanced into the room but Saeran closed the door quickly.

“Can we go now? I…I need to process what just happened.” He started towards the front door.

“Sure, let me just say goodbye to Vanderwood.” Saeyoung approached the door but Saeran grasped his wrist.

“No, he’s wiped, let him rest.” He eased up on Saeyoung and with only a cursory glance towards the closed door, Saeyoung agreed. Yoosung put his arm around Saeran and they all three walked out. As they headed down the street Saeran stopped.

“I forgot my coat, keep going, I will catch up.” He told them, turning and dashing back towards the house. Saeyoung and Yoosung exchanged a glance and shrugged. Both feeling a bit uneasy, what exactly had happened in that room?

Saeran walked right in, not bothering to knock. He stalked down the hallway into the kitchen where Vanderwood’s assistant stood, cleaning the evening dishes. Saeran pulled out his garrote once more and strangled the poor man. In his advanced age, it did not take long for him to give up his life. Saeran dragged the man back to Vanderwood’s room and sat him in the opposite chair, where Saeran had so recently been.

He gathered the rope he had seen behind one of the desks and set it in front of the two men. He grabbed his coat and stepped back into the night, making sure to leave the door unlocked. He would return tonight and hang them. No one would look too closely. Maybe he should make it look like a robbery? There would be questions, but hopefully the party would not need to see Vanderwood any time soon. He quickly caught up to his brother and Yoosung. A satisfied smile on his face. It somewhat comforted Saeyoung and Yoosung. Saeran seemed in a much better mood than he had been in lately.

Elmwood Reading List

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