#there was another moment where I lay on my tummy and swished my hand through the water of a big pond and all the eels in the pond swam over

[crabussy]

one of my favourite memories ever is going swimming in my undies in the dead of winter beneath a waterfall in the middle of a forest (I couldn't feel my legs at ALL) and having a small longfin eel tentatively swim up to me. upon me sticking my hand out for her to explore, she rubbed her head up against my hand and let me pet her like some kind of slippery long cat. wet wriggly beast I miss you so much.. we were best friends for one fleeting moment... I hope you find a cave so deep and comfortable that all the other eels are seething with envy

[yunhoiseyecandy]

ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ (ᴍ)

✕ ɢᴇɴʀᴇ — ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ, ꜱᴍᴜᴛ, ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ

✕ ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ — ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ!ꜱᴇᴏɴɢʜᴡᴀ x ꜰ.ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

✕ ᴡ.ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ — 𝟸.𝟶ᴋ

✕ ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ — ᴠᴀɴɪʟʟᴀ, ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ, ᴘᴇᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇꜱ, ꜱʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴛᴇᴀꜱɪɴɢ, ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴛᴀʟᴋ

─────

it was strange, at first. all the fluffy gowns and early mornings, but you’d learned to get used to all of it. 

it was worth it, day and night, having people dress you up in fancy outfits, only to have them take it off an hour or two later to put something else on. because no matter how annoying or stressful it was starting to get for you, all the pressure being put on the future queen of this palace, it meant so much to seonghwa. 

and that was the main thing that kept you going

the thought of making him happy, something he’d only just recently started to feel;

happiness, love

you two had met only a year ago when you had taken the position as his maid, soon realizing that the person who people have claimed to be a notorious monster of a human was someone who might’ve just been the most beautiful person you’d ever met in your life.

he was pleasant to be around, treating you with such respect that made you feel as if you had known him your whole life, and not only a week.

it didn’t take much time for you both to warm up to each other, soon becoming closer than anyone could ever imagine. and maybe it was because of how much time you’d spent together, or it might’ve been because of how warm and giddy he made you feel inside, but you soon came to realize that maybe you were meant to be more than friends.

but of course, that could never happen, only stories held fantasies where the prince fell for his maid. at least, that’s what you believed.

“y/n, why can’t you just listen?” the food you had brought him had been discarded a long time ago, the only thing that could be heard throughout the palace walls being your screams towards each other. “listen? seonghwa, I can’t just listen,”

“well, why not?”

“because I’m sick and tired of it! you keep telling me we’ll be fine, that we’ll make it through this because we’re strong,” you paused to take a deep breath, the tears running along your waterline threatening to fall. “but how can you be so sure? I’m a maid, for christ’s sake - your maid!”

he hated the words that were spewing out of your mouth, knowing they were only the result of fear and anger, and he knew you were just-

“I”m scared, seonghwa. what if we can’t get through this? what if we’re not meant to be together?” he watched as you sat on his bed, hands running along your skirt to try and fix the wrinkles you had made from fisting the material.

“baby, of course we’ll make it past this,” he walked over to where you sat and knelt in front of you, “just give me some time, okay?” 

and you did, to which he proved he was able to hold himself to his words. the day after you both had broken out in an argument the king himself had asked his son what had happened, concerned for seonghwas well being.

seonghwa told you that his father had known about your relationship with him, but had decided it’d be best to keep to himself about to matter. 

and you were more than grateful for that, telling the king yourself how much it meant for him to accept your feelings for one another. it meant more than the world itself to have his blessing, and when he had told you the queen had adored you since the day you’d started working here you burst out in tears at the joy that was overwhelming your body.

to say you got lucky would be an understatement. you were starting to feel confident being in a relationship with seonghwa, now that you were allowed to show public affection towards him. it was an amazing feeling, the first time you kissed him in front of other people, finally being able to claim the man you love.

and whenever he would wrap his arms around you, pulling you in for a deep kiss, it would make your tummy do backflips. his simple actions becoming habits that were no longer meant for only in private.

and god were you excited to start this new chapter in your life.

—

“love, you look beautiful.” seonghwa said as he gently grabbed your hands in his, his warm skin easing your nerves. 

“seonghwa, shut up.”

he giggled, looking over your features. your hair was tied up in a tight bun, the baby hairs that layed along your hairline popping out. he’s been waiting his whole life for this moment, and so far everything was going as planned.

‘do you, seonghwa park, take y/n l/n as your beloved wife?”

seonghwa felt tears spring in his eyes, trying his best not to hold you by your waist. but as soon as he looked over to you, he tried to blink them away as fast as he could, noticing that you were already crying.

“I do.”

the priest smiled and turned towards you, book in hand. “and do you, y/n l/n, take seonghwa park to be your beloved husband?”

choking back a sob, you spoke out the words you’ve been waiting to say all day. 

“I do.”

“my god, am I exhausted,” seonghwa plopped down on the chair closest to the window, looking outside to the palace garden. “me too, baby. do you want to go to bed?”

he pondered over the thought for a moment.

of course he wanted to go to bed. it’d been a long and tiring day for both of you. so of course his body longed for the soft pillowy feeling to engulf him.

and as much as he longed for sleep, he couldn’t ignore the feeling of need in his stomach, his eyes moving to the light coming from the bathroom where you stood doing your night routine.

“seonghwa? are you listening to me?” you shouted, hands moving the warm, damp cloth over your body. you hated feeling all sticky, the sweat from earlier starting to build up. 

“yes,”

“good, did you hear me?” pulling the towel around you, you stood up and picked up the white lace in your hands, admiring the material and how it felt. if he’s tired, this can wait until tomorrow.

“baby, can you come out please?” he swished the water in his cup around some, pulling the glass up to his lips. 

thinking of his next actions, he placed the cup on the window seel and pulled at his tie, unbuttoning the few first buttons of his shirt.

the only thing on his mind right now being how gorgeous you are; pretty, plump lips that he so badly wanted to engulf in his own, and you had such a beautiful body, too.

he absolutely adored the stretch marks that layed across your waist and tummy, loving to move his fingers along them whenever your shirt rose up just enough.

and your thighs? god, the amount of times he’d wished he was in between them is concerning-

“are you okay, love? you have that serious look on your face that you only have when you’re deep in thought.” you giggled, opening the door to reveal you in one of his shirts.

“y/n,” he hesitated, unsure if he should say it or not. “I want to make love to you.”

you paused, body tensing up while pulling the covers down to the end of the bed where he was standing. “w-what?”

walking up to you he pulled you flush against his body, “you heard me, love. may I?”

you were speechless as you rested your hands against his chest. you felt the heat start to pool between your legs, back arching into him ever so slightly. “I-”

“please.”

he softly met his lips with yours in a soft, but meaningful kiss, his hands resting dangerously low. you felt him nip at your bottom lip and you moaned, giving him perfect access to taste you.

“seonghwa, you can touch me more if you want.”

and so he did. he pushed you back and onto the bed, hands flying to push up your shirt. but before he continued his eyes flickered to yours as if asking permission, and you nodded to let him know it was okay.

your mouth fell open when his hand gently rubbed against your nipple, mouth coming down to lick at the perky nub, his eyes never once leaving yours.

“seonghwa, shit.”

his lips felt like feathers while he trailed down your body, hand pulling down your underwear and tossing it to the side. “you sensitive, my love?” and some part of him told him not to feel bad when you didn’t respond.

because as soon as he spread your legs open, mouth trailing sloppy, wet kisses along the inside of your thighs, that’s when he knew you most definitely were sensitive.

and that thought had him wanting to taste you even more

“you’re just my sensitive little baby, aren’t you? such a good girl for me,” his hands ran over your thighs while he placed soft kisses on your clit. “more, please.”

his senses were on overdrive as his tongue slid over your slit, collecting your wetness and dipping the tip of it into your needy hole. “feel good, baby? you’re so fucking sweet,”

your back arched and you clenched around him while you looked down at the view below you. his head was dipped between your legs, and you don’t think you’ve seen a prettier sight. “y-yes, gonna come-”

he pulled away at your words, hands coming down to pull his pants down with his underwear.

“I want you to come on my cock, love. maybe later you can come on daddy’s tongue.”

kissing his way up your body, his lips met yours in a more heated kiss this time, tongues moving with each other. “see, baby? you taste so damn good.”

you wrapped your legs around your waist, arms finding their way to rest at his shoulders. his skin was warm against yours, touch easing your burning skin. “I can’t wait to be inside you,”

he ground down into you, tip grazing your clit, and it had you moaning for him to fuck you already.

“you’re so wet, love.” he pushed inside some, eyes roaming your face for any sign of discomfort. “can you take all of me?”

you nodded, and he pushed in, bottoming out and moaning at how tight you felt around him. he knew you relaxed some, so he knew you weren’t in pain when he pulled back out and pushed in again.

“fucking hell, love. you look so beautiful like this, screaming my name like the good girl you are.”

he felt so good inside of you, the vein running along the bottom side of his cock grazing your walls. “s-seonghwa, I can feel you everywhere,”

“yeah? love how good daddy’s making you feel?”

his cock twitched when you clenched around his cock, hand resting at your waist to steady himself. “c-close!”

“me too, love. come on, soak my cock.”

you squirmed under him, legs tightening around his waist. he shoved his head in the crook of your neck and groaned while he came in you, filling you up till it leaked out of you.

he layed on his elbows for a moment, taking some time to get his breathing back to normal.  

slowly he pulled out of you, kissing your forehead and walking to the bathroom the get a washcloth. 

“are you okay, baby? was I too rough-”

“I’m okay, seonghwa. promise,” you said and offered him a cheeky smile. “good,”

“can we cuddle?”

─────

ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

─────

[ ᴛᴀɢ ʟɪꜱᴛ ]

@galaxteez

─────

ᴀʟʟ ʀɪɢʜᴛꜱ ʀᴇꜱᴇʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ © ʏᴜɴʜᴏɪꜱᴇʏᴇᴄᴀɴᴅʏ. ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ʀᴇᴘᴏꜱᴛ, ᴄᴏᴘʏ, ᴏʀ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴀɴʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇ.

ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ.

─────

[jinkisbelly]

A Simple Request 8/?

Pairing: Jongyu

Rating: pg-13

w/c: 2.8k

Other Parts can be found a little ways down this [x]   Ao3  AFF

Summary: The Fae King is under a lot of pressure to conceive an heir, while given a deadline by the Council he turns to his personal guard and best friend to help him with it  

Warnings: Future mpreg

         When Jinki came to, his head was pounding terribly and his cheek was squished against the pillow under him. It took him a moment to realize he was laying face first on some sort of bed and even longer to remember what had happened. Goblins. The High Governor's daughter and the back wound. He groaned as he pushed off the bed, hissing through his teeth as pain ripped through his back with the movement, but he didn’t stop until he could look around the room. He recognized it as his room given to him when he arrived at the Dwarven capital. But then the pain got too much to handle and he lowered himself gently. “I was wondering when you’d come to.”

         He knew that voice, very well even, but it wasn’t until he shifted his head left, right cheek squished against the pillow instead, that he made the connection. “What are you… doing here?”

         “Investigating the claims the Dwarves are trespassing and mining illegally in mines that are not theirs to do so.” The young elf grinned, ears wiggling a little in their excitement. “I’d have thought his Majesty would have informed you who he assigned to this undercover mission.”

         “Mind on… other things.” Jinki swallowed thickly, mouth dry and sticky as he squinted in the bright artificial light of the room.

         “I sent a message to him yesterday morning when you didn’t yet wake.” They grinned, sharper canines shining slightly, “I hope you don’t mind me forging your hand.”

         “Asshole,” Jinki muttered, eyes closing as he focused on trying to heal his wound more.

         “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

         “Why?”

         “Goblin’s lace their weapons with poison. The Keeper should remember such a simple thing, silly.” They softly giggled, foot jigging as it rested on their knee. “Saferus took me to get the stupid flower the dwarves needed for the antidote, but you can’t seal the wound yet.”

         “How long?” Jinki softly croaked.

         “A few more hours at least. Tomorrow morning at the latest.” They pushed off the small chair they had been lounging in to move the hair that had fallen in Jinki’s face behind his ear. They offered water with a metal straw, careful not to spill it all over the place. Once Jinki swallowed enough, the glass was put back on the table. “Try to relax. Your King is safe and you’ll live another day to be lectured by that big lizard of yours. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

         “Still an asshole.” But then he relaxed, tension leaving his muscles as he flashed a small smile. “But thank you Taemin.”

         “I wish the first time I saw you after a decade was something other than you bleeding face first in some dark tunnel.” Taemin scrunches their nose slightly. “You stained my boots.”

         “Sorry.”

         “No, you aren’t.”

         “Correct.”

         Taemin huffed and turned on their heel, storming out in their usual dramatic fashion.

         Once the door clicked closed, Jinki took a deep breath before allowing his mind to drift out, searching for his dragon. ‘Saferus?”

         ‘I was wondering when you would come to, Little one.’

         ‘My head hurts.’

��        ‘Only your head?’

         ‘All of you are assholes.’

         He could see where Saferus was, curled up by lake Mierah, tail swishing across the crystal clear surface making it ripple softly. The sun was beating down on his scales as he half slept. ‘You are the one who keeps getting into trouble. In a place too small for me to save you as per usual.’

         ‘Saved the girl. That’s what matters.’

         ‘Just get better Little One. I sense a storm brewing for your return.’

----

         In the morning, Jinki still felt the poison being pulled from his body. He couldn’t stay here any longer. What he was required for here was complete and as long as he could get onto Saferus, the straps on the saddle should allow him to make it back to Faera safely. Leaving Jonghyun was never something he enjoyed doing. There were few people he trusted with protecting the King. His duty as Keeper first and foremost was as a healer to the people of the United Kingdoms, but while he did his duty, the quicker he could get back to Jonghyun’s side the better.

         He had slowly put on his boots, pausing every few moments to let the pain subside. A lovely healer had come in to give him completely new bandages just before. A simple shirt was loose on his frame to allow breathing room for the wound. A small six by six-inch cube was sitting on the narrow table along the opposite wall where he had placed it before he had gone to the baths the night of the abduction attempt. Within the swirling colored box was his armor. The cube’s mechanism was incredibly useful when wearing the full armor could be seen as aggressive, but also allowed him to carry heavy equipment far easier than without.

         Clenching his teeth, he stood, wavering slightly on his feet. He used his sword as a cane of sorts, taking a deep breath before tossing the cube into his sack and heading toward the door. He was halfway down the hall when he sensed Taemin slip out of the shadow realm. “And what do you think you’re doing?”  

         “I need to return home. I’m no longer needed here and I can recover in the safety of the Temple just as well I can here.”

         “You shouldn’t be up on your feet.”

         Jinki stopped to look over at them with a raised eyebrow. “Is that you offering to carry me?”

         Taemin pressed their lips together in a thin line, “No, but if you are determined to return to Faera, I’ll accompany you.”

         The soft sounds of Jinki’s sword hitting the stone beneath them was almost calmly. “I don’t recall offering you transportation.”

         “I’ll just ask Saferus. He likes me more.” They were grinning, footsteps light as if bouncing on air. Taemin shrugged then as they continued. “I really do not want to take public transit.”

         “One, doubt it.” Jinki smiled as a few children gasped as they walked by, even running his hand over one’s hair as they followed beside him. “Two, a dragon beats underground trains always.”

-----

         Taemin had disappeared as soon as Saferus had landed and they were sure Jinki was sound on his feet. Where the shadow elf ran off to could only mean mischief, but they weren’t hurting anyone at the moment so Jinki couldn’t find himself caring about it. A bath had been drawn for him after his wound was healed, oils and tonics dripped into the steaming water to help the aftereffects of the poison. He waited until the distant door clicked closed before dropping his robe and slipping into the water, resting his head on the folded towel.

         There were candles softly floating a safe distance away from the fabric hanging from the ceiling, giving the room a warm glow. It reminded Jinki of the flower field behind the beach house he used to visit as a child before Wixu came. The salt from the sea air blowing over and the soft floral scent of wildflowers. The peace and quiet were interrupted when he softly heard Saferus in his mind. ‘You have a visitor.’

         Before Jinki could say that the door was locked and therefore that was impossible, coming into the room was Jonghyun, fluttering a few inches off the ground. He flashed a little smile. “May I come in?”

         “Of course.”

         Jonghyun’s wings began to disappear in the form of his tattoos as his feet landed gracefully against the ground. “I won’t stay long if you wish to rest. I just wanted to see you were alright for myself.”

         “You can stay as long as you like.” Jinki ran his fingers over the surface of the cloudy water. “As you can see, I am swell.”

         “It seems you’re soaking like a prune.” Jonghyun gave a little smile before his outer tunic was dropped on the ground and his boots were pulled off. He pointed to the ground just behind Jinki’s head. “May I?”

-----

         “I suppose.” Carefully Jonghyun sat behind him, one leg in the water and the other bent in to bring Jinki’s hair into his lap. Jinki relaxed back against his towel after all of his hair was gathered. “Nothing of consequence happened here while I was gone?”

         “Other than my councilors being too much of a coward to come and speak to me in person, nothing worth noting.” Jonghyun’s fingers moved softly, scratching against Jinki’s scalp with each pass. “You never should have given me that vial.”

         Slowly Jinki pushed his head back to look up at him, “And why not?”

         “You could have healed yourself with it.”

         “I couldn’t just leave you on the mend like that without something to use in case of an emergency. Besides,” He grinned, “I’m fine. I could focus my duty a lot better without worrying about you.”

         Jonghyun softly placed his hands on both temples, fingers pressing slightly as he gave a gentle grin. “You sound incredibly attached Mr. Keeper.”

         “Possibly.” Jinki’s eyes fluttered closed, hands resting on his tummy under the water, as he let the other man continue massaging his temples and scalp. “But that’s not a terrible thing to be.”  

         “I suppose not.”

         “How did you get in here? The front door is locked.”

         “Oh. Your dragon let me in.”

         Jinki’s eyes snapped open and quickly found the other’s gaze. “What does that mean?”

         “I came in through his door. The big one.”

         “I sure hope it’s big.” Jinki was silent for a moment and Jonghyun realized he was talking to Saferus. Then he was laughing, “Apparently he thought you’d be good medicine for me.”

         “Is that so?”

         “Mhmm. He said,” Jinki scowled slightly, deepening his voice as he imitated Saferus. “Human companionship is apparently good for healing.”

         “And what do you think?”

         “Hmm? Do I agree?” A smile slowly spread on Jinki’s face, “It’s not often Saferus is wrong.”

         “I’m glad to be of service.”

         “Then please go back to the finger thing, please.” Jinki chirped, eyes closing once again as he got comfy.

        “So demanding.” Jonghyun scuffed, even as he continued doing as the man ordered.  "Mind telling me what really happened? No one seems to know the entire story."

         "I found that someone in the most inner circle of the High Governor had been poisoning him with lead-laced food. I made sure the investigation was started before handing it over. It wasn't my place to figure it out unless another kingdom was involved." Jinki's fingers tapped gently against his tummy, sending little ripples across the surface of the water. "I was on the way back from their baths when I overheard Goblins trying to abduct the High Governors daughter. Apparently, their leader wanted to marry her. The Lookout got a hit on me when I was helping her with the binds."

         "It's not often you're taken by surprise. How pretty was she?"

         Jinki's eyes snapped open to find Jonghyun's soft gaze. "What does that have to do with being taken by surprise?"

         "Prettier things are more likely to take one's attention, Silly."

         "She wasn't my type." Jinki wiggled a little to get comfy again, closing his eyes once he settled. His voice was almost muffled with how quiet he was speaking. "Besides, if pretty things distracted me I would never be able to do my duty around you, Jonghyun."

         Jonghyun’s breathing hitched, a little puff of air leaving his lips as Jinki’s hair changed in his hands. Purple and pink swirled together almost, reminding Jonghyun of a summer sunset. There was a warmth in Jonghyun’s chest as he played with Jinki’s hair, a tingle to his fingers as if his hand had fallen asleep recently, and it felt like his heartbeat was slightly elevated. The first thought he had was that he was coming down with something, but he figured if it turned out to be bad enough Jinki would catch it soon.

        Instead, Jonghyun thought about how much Jinki trusted him. It wasn’t very often that the man allowed himself to be completely relaxed and not on guard. He knew from experience that if attention was brought to Jinki’s hair changing, more often than not the man realized his emotions were shown and quickly controlled it back to black. Jinki had to feel completely comfortable to do as he was. Jonghyun fondly smiled as Jinki sank a little more into the water, his chin covered with the liquid. “You seem cozy.”

        “I am.” Jinki chuckled. He looked up with a little grin. “If you’re too cold, you could always join me. There’s more than enough room.”

        Jonghyun raised his brow. “Are you seducing me?”

        Jinki’s gaze followed him as he rose and walked around the bath. Jonghyun was sitting on the edge to the man’s left when Jinki spoke again. “Did you want me to?”

        “Not in your current condition.” Jonghyun wiggled his pants off his leg and tossed it behind him near his jacket and prior taken off shirt. Once completely nude, he slipped into the water, sighing as he settled all the way. Jinki had sat up, back against the edge of the bath, one leg brought up with his knee out of the water.

        “My current condition, huh?”  Jinki had his arms up on the edge of the bath, looking too attractive for his own good Jonghyun deemed. Especially with that grin of his. “You wanted to get to it as soon as possible when you were in no position to do so, need I remind you.”

        “You stopped us then. Perhaps it’s my turn to do so now.”

        “There’s a major difference between then and now.” Jinki pushed off the edge of the bath, moving slowly through the bath before taking Jonghyun’s jaw into his hands. He dipped his head as his left hand fell to kiss along the fairy’s neck, before whispering. “I am just tired. You were unwell. Let me please you.”

        Jonghyun bit his bottom lip, trying to fight how much he wanted to give in, but in the end, Jinki skimmed his teeth over his collarbone. The cheater. “Fine, but you must take it easy.”

        “Of course,” Jinki’s breath was hot against Jonghyun’s neck, voice dropping deeper, “Your Majesty.”

        Something about the tone made Jonghyun moan, soft and breathy against Jinki’s ear. Maybe it was the length of time in which they had been trying for a baby, sharing this part of themselves, but Jonghyun was sure Jinki never had such an effect on him before. He wasn’t sure if he liked it, but everything was murky and felt too good to work through his thoughts on the subject.

-----

        Jonghyun gazed over under the towel he was using to dry his hair as Jinki slowly slid on a pair of loose cotton pants. The elf’s movements were almost lethargic in nature, but he didn’t seem to be in any pain. Once Jinki was sitting on the mattress, Jonghyun lowered his arms with a quiet, “I suppose I should head back.”

        “You don’t have to.” Jinki’s fingers stop braiding his hair over his shoulder to flash a smile. “It’s pretty late and you going back now would sound more alarms than appease any.”

        “If you’re sure.”

        “Take those ridiculous boots off and c’mere.” The plait was tossed over Jinki shoulder as he shifted up to the pillows, wiggling his legs under the blanket. “What with the hands on the hips?”

        “My boots are not ridiculous.”

        Jinki raised his eyebrows, “They have sparkling heels.”

        “Don’t pick on my fairy dust.” Jonghyun climbed over Jinki’s feet to fall into the pillow beside him. He stuck his tongue out, before grinning. “Or, I’ll make you wake up with everything on the ceiling.”

        Jonghyun knew the man had rolled his eyes, but the smile on Jinki’s lips was one of good-natured teasing, “As long as I’m still warm.”

        Even though Jinki wasn’t looking at him, Jonghyun stared at the top of the canopy bed. “If you’re worried about being cold, we could cuddle.”

        A moment ticked by. Then another before Jinki’s tired voice gently beckoned. “C’mere.” When Jonghyun slowly turned his head to look at the man, Jinki was gazing at him with what the fairy could only describe as fondness. “I won’t bite.”

        “You seem to like to thought.” Jinki’s bare skin was soft and warm as he moved across the distance between them and rested his head on the man’s arm.

        “I’d stop, but you enjoy it too much.” In the end, Jinki had his other arm thrown over Jonghyun in the curve of his waist, lips pressed against his forehead softly, and each time he breathes through his nose a bit of hair fluttered in front of it.

------

[alleiradayne]

Happily Ever After

For: Alistair Appreciation Week Day 2 - King Theirin Rating: SFW (fluffs!) Word Count: 1,743

Alistair Theirin and Anaphorah Cousland celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

Peace.

At last, after hours upon hours meeting with nobles, cajoling with diplomats, and reviewing treaties, Anaphorah Cousland—Queen Anaphorah Theirin—collapsed on her throne.

Maker’s breath, a moment’s respite. A reprieve. Rest. May she lay her weary head in her hand and doze but for a moment, a chance to catch her breath.

“Your Grace?”

No rest for the wicked.

Her eyes snapped open to find a serving man at the foot of the stairs, bowing low and gaze averted. “Your Grace, your pr-presence… has been r-requested.”

From her seat, Anaphorah stood, a slow straightening of her legs as she stared down the young man. “By whom?”

“Who?” he repeated. “Th-the ah—beg your pardon, Your Grace—the King.”

“For?”

The lad’s hands twisted, fingers tangling as he stared at them. “Dinner, Your Grace. In the kitchens.”

Kitchens? She nodded as she descended the steps. “Is that all, my dear?”

The messenger raised his eyes, chancing a glance at his queen. “Yes, Your Grace.”

With a finger and thumb beneath his chin, Anaphorah raised his head and smiled. “What is your name?”

“Connor, if it pleases you, Your Grace.”

She rested a light hand on his shoulder. “In my court, Connor, you look me in the eye. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Good,” she commented. “Though I am your queen, I am not your jailor. A people should not fear looking upon their queen. She is a symbol of leadership, of trust, honesty, and justice.”

Tension seeped from his shoulders, muscles relaxing beneath her touch. “Thank you, Your Grace. That is… refreshing.”

“You are most welcome. I am sure you have other duties to attend,” she stated.

Nervous fingers twisted again, torqued and twined. “No, m’lady. I am to escort you to the kitchens.”

Anaphorah laughed her barking laugh, doubled over with a stitch in her ribs. “Oh, Maker’s breath, I beg your pardon, Connor,” she gasped. “I know my way to the kitchens.”

Mouth agape, Connor stared. “You do?”

“How else would I sneak tiny cheese cakes for the King?” she laughed as she gestured ahead and lead the messenger to the far end of the hall. “I’m surprised you’ve not heard that rumor yet. Although, best it stay a rumor, now you know the truth. Can I trust you with such a silly secret?”

“Absolutely, Your Grace,” Connor replied, fingers unraveling. “It is a good rumor.”

Beside the young man, Anaphorah walked her slow stroll, slippered feet and long dress swishing over the carpet. “Why do you say that, my dear?”

“May I be blunt, Your Grace?”

Anaphorah nodded as they reached the door, her hand pausing on the handle. “It makes him seem more human. Both of you, really. You’re like one of us.”

She embraced him in a hug, catching him flatfooted, and he hesitated in returning the gesture. “Thank you for your honesty, Connor,” she said as she released him. “We are no different than you. Lucky, yes, but we have paid our dues.”

When Connor did not comment, Anaphora spoke in his stead. “That’s enough talk for now. Do not hesitate to speak with me in the future. I am here to serve.”

With a deep bow, Connor agreed and slipped across the hall to the far door. Anaphorah waited, watching the lad go before turning into the door for the kitchens.

At the center butcher block, Alistair stood, a careful eye scrutinizing the spread. Two dinner settings sat across from one another, empty but for water in small glasses. He paced, recalling his steps, hoping he forgot nothing.

Perfect. It had to be. Rare, a Warden living beyond his thirties, and rarer still for two to see their twentieth year of marriage. It had occurred to him to hold a grand celebration, but in the end, Alistair had preferred a more intimate setting, private, for their eyes only.

The rasp of metal on metal snatched his attention, head whipping to the door. Through the heavy stone archway slipped his wife, regal dress and slippers traded for tunic, leggings, and soft boots. As charming as ever, she flashed her dazzling smile, toothy grin revealed by wide lips.

“What’s all this?”

Maker’s breath, he thought. She had forgotten.

Alistair rounded the counter and embraced his wife, then lead her to her seat with a guiding hand at the small of her back. “Dinner, my dear.”

“I see that,” she stated as she sat. “But…”

Eyes the color of a turbulent ocean widened as she stared, and Alistair’s own smile spread in the wake of her understanding. A groan rumbled in her chest as her head fell into her hands, elbows propped on the counter.

“You cooked, didn’t you?”

He nodded as he took to the roasting pot by the fire. “Quail.”

“My favorite,” she said with a giggle. “It’s our anniversary, isn’t it?”

Alistair doubled over with laughter as he withdrew a tray revealing two whole roasted quails. “It is.”

She gasped, fingers covering her gaping lips. “Maferath’s balls, has it been twenty years?!”

“I’ve been planning for weeks,” Alistair replied as he served their food, potatoes and leeks and squash accompanying the tiny birds. “I hope you—”

From her seat, Anaphorah flew into his embrace her arms wrapping around his neck. “Ali, it’s perfect, it’s all so perfect.”

At risk of dropping the gravy pot, Alistair set it on the counter, metal thudding on the wooden block. Lithe and long, Alistair’s massive arms encircled his wife with ease, hands smoothing her tunic and slipping to her backside.

She squawked in protest, barking laughter filling the tiny room. “You keep that up, we won’t get to enjoy this amazing dinner.”

Truer words had ne’er been spoken. Alistair set her on her feet, releasing her backside and kissing her forehead. “As always, you are right.”

She returned to her stool and hefted the bottle of wine as Alistair continued to prepare their food. And then, from a concealed pocket his wife brandished a small knife, breaking the wax seal and poured him a full glass of yellow gold wine. As discrete as she had withdrawn her blade, Anaphorah concealed it once more, returned to her sleeve.

“I’m glad.”

Anaphorah pouted, bottom lip sticking out and forehead knotting as she regarded him. “About?”

“In the two decades we’ve been together…” he started as he lit two tall candles, “you’ve not changed a bit.”

Maker, but he loved her adorable pout. “I've changed. I'm queenly. Regal even.”

True. “But queens don’t carry knives in their sleeves.”

“Oh?” A quirk of her lip brightened her smile. “And how many queens have you known, my king?”

Quick as ever. “None but you, Your Grace. Touché.”

As he sat across from his wife, Alistair marveled once more that two decades had past them by in the blink of an eye. And in that moment, Anaphorah voiced his thoughts. “Do you remember when we met.”

“I remember a haughty mage and a fresh warden recruit,” he chuckled. “Yes, it’s as if it happened only yesterday.”

Anaphorah laughed with him, grey-green eyes rolling at the memory. “Oh Maker, I knew I was in trouble right away.”

Alistair hesitated as he hefted his knife and fork, elbows flanking his plate. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play coy,” she admonished. “We were attracted to each other immediately. Right?”

Don’t fuck this up, Theirin. “I… was very intimidated by you. By your wit, your grace, your beauty. Yes attracted. But I would have never guessed you were interested until you asked.”

Her charming smile spread, crinkling the corners of her eyes, and Alistair eased on his stool. “You were adorable. And funny. And so very tall, with your broad shoulders and big arms.”

He cringed as he cut into his bird. “I always felt too big, too clumsy when I was living in the Chantry. The sisters scolded me for taking up so much space, knocking things over.”

“That’s terrible,” she sighed through her food. “I loved your… stature.” Her subtle glance to his groin heated his cheeks.

“Stature,” he stated, clearing his throat. “Sure.”

Anaphorah giggled at that, turning back to her food. They ate in silence then, Alistair listening to the soft sounds of her pleasure as each new bite graced her tongue. And there, his mind wandered once more to marvel at the mystery of their continued existence. They both should have left for the deep roads years ago, but neither had heard the song yet, not a whisper in their minds. And yet the worry gnawed at the base of his skull, a constant worry that haunted his dreams where he woke to find himself alone in his bed. And when he searched for here, he would find her letter, saying her final goodbye and—

“I’m pregnant.”

“What?”

Anaphorah continued to eat as if she’d said nothing important. Through a mouthful of leeks, she repeated herself. “Pregnant.” With her fork, she pointed at her belly. “You know,” she continued, then swallowed. “A baby.”

Alistair gaped, jaw working to find the right words. “We're going to have a baby?”

She nodded, a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders. “I think I want to name her Natalie.”

When Alistair said nothing, Anaphorah looked to him, frowning. “Alistair? What’s—”

No memory of standing, of running around the table and wrapping his wife in a massive hug, existed. But there they embraced, Alistair lifting her from her stool and shouting his excitement. Too good to be true, he maintained his hold of her lest he awake from the dream, lest this miracle escape their grasp.

Whether minutes or mere seconds had passed, Alistair cared not in the slightest. But a burning question begged for an answer and so he asked.

“How long have you known?”

“A while,” she started. “Long enough to know it’s a girl.”

A gentle touch of his fingertips sought her belly. “A girl?”

Anaphorah smoothed his hand over her tummy, a subtle, firm bump that Alistair had missed. “Natalie.”

He grinned, then to her stomach he spoke. “Natalie,” he sighed. “Hello Natalie.” He placed a kiss atop her stomach. “Hello my baby girl.”

“Is that okay?”

Alistair regarded his wife with a curious brow. “Of course, it’s okay,” he laughed, tears spilling over his cheeks.

“No,” Anaphorah admonished with her own bout of tears. “Is Natalie okay?”

“Natalie,” he sighed once more, a soft caress of his wife’s belly.

“It’s perfect.”

[imagineclaireandjamie]

Chain of Command: Part 7.

Anonymous said: More COC please? I am tempted to add a K to that in the hope of a super smutty chapter.

--

Part 6: HERE.

Claire sat facing the long mirror, her tight curls spread around her shoulders. Mama Crook and Ellen had been up early preening her to within an inch of her life, scrubbing every inch of dirt from her skin before washing and drying her hair. Flowers sat through the cloud of brown that cascaded around her shoulders. Ellen had lovingly picked the blooms from her spring garden in an effort to make Claire as spectacular as possible.

If she hoped to hide her ever expanding midriff though, she was going to be disappointed.

Her dress, although very well hiked in, still showed the soft swell of her belly and Claire was a little paranoid that the guests were going to guess why the wedding had been pushed so quickly - exposing her to the whole of Lallybroch.

“Dinna fash, lass,” Ellen cooed from the corner as she prepared Claire something warm to drink. “Whatever they think, they can all keep quiet for yer special day. Jamie wouldna marry you if he didna wish it and all of the tenants ken this well. Yer condition won’t affect that.” Claire blushed, the pink hue spreading over her half hidden face as she turned away from her mother-in-law-to-be. “How do you know for sure?”

“I’m the laird’s lady, Claire. I’ve grown wi’ these folk. If we’ve agreed to it, then they’ll ken it’s no’ for show, aye?”

Claire nodded, the petals of the soft summer arrangement wilting a little as she tried to still herself without ruining the display.

“He loves ye something fierce, Claire,” Ellen added, her tone softening as she watched Claire’s blush increase. “He’d fight for ye if he thought that’s what he’d have to do to convince ye of it. So dinna doubt him. Anything else, weel…” she sighed and shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, “...that can go hang, ken?”

“Yes,” Claire mumbled, her heart picking up pace as she imagined what kind of morning Jamie was having with his da. His uncle Murtagh had ridden in for the special occasion, leaving his post with clan MacKenzie - one of the bordering clans - to see his godson on this special morning. She knew he’d been waiting patiently for Murtagh to arrive and so wanted to take her time getting ready to allow him a moment with the man. But now, with Ellen’s words coursing through her, she wanted to be close to him more than ever.

“Are ye ready, Claire?” Ellen said, sensing Claire’s growing agitation. “I think we can start to make our way down now.” Looking out of the window, Ellen could see the large gathering of people, Jamie, Murtagh and Brian at the helm of them. She could only see the top of her son’s head but from that view alone she could see a similar eagerness to him. Too long he’d been kept from Claire’s side and now, bound as they were to one another, he obviously didn’t wish to wait a moment longer to be close to her...officially.

“Yes, yes...I am.” Steeling her nerves, butterflies gathering in her tummy as she felt the bairn push gently against her womb, Claire pushed herself from the dressing table and straightened out her skirts. “Is he there?”

“Aye, he is at that. Just ye wait until ye see the lad,” Mrs Crook said proudly from the doorway as she slid her way inside. “Brian sent me up for ye both, he says they’re ready for ye.”

Without a father to agree a dowry, Mama Crook had stepped in as a ‘liaison’ between Brian, Ellen, Jamie and Claire, though she knew she needn’t worry for Claire’s safety. It had, however, made Claire feel slightly less nervous about her impending nuptials, knowing that she had someone looking after her best interests. Mrs Crook had ensured that Claire knew all the facts and had helped her to understand that - although a usual requirement of a bride before her wedding - in this case certain formal arrangements would not be necessary.

Taking Claire by the arm, Mama Crook led her behind Ellen as they made their way downstairs. Having elected to marry in the courtyard of Lallybroch had meant that Claire could stay in the big house and had not been expected to travel the few miles to the small kirkyard that lay beyond the hill to the west. It had been something she and Jamie had both wanted and Brian and Ellen had gone to extra lengths to ensure that it happened correctly.

“It’s alright, Claire,” Mama Crook soothed, her free hand coming across to stroke Claire’s arm gently as they made their way closer to the front door. “Yer shaking like a leaf, lass. Just take some deep breaths. Dinna work yersel’ up.”

Claire could feel it, the extra energy in her that was suddenly building the closer she got to Jamie and she tried to quash the urge to bolt out of the door and rush straight into his arms. She felt jubilant. Buoyant in the knowledge that within an hour or so she could settle into the life she’d dreamed about since she’d fallen for Jamie all of those years ago.

“Claire,” Ellen lay her hand against Claire’s back as Mrs Crook held her solidly in the doorway. “Claire,” she repeated, seeing the vacant expression solidify on Claire’s face as she finally caught a glimpse of Jamie through the crowds of onlookers. “One step at a time, my girl,” she whispered, bringing her mouth as close to Claire’s ear as she could without spooking her. “He willna go anywhere.”

Breathing in once through her nose and out through her mouth, Claire nodded, her eyes steadfastly fixed to Jamie as he crooked his neck trying to catch a glimpse of her. He smiled and her heart raced, the usually steady beat running a little out of time as blue eyes met whisky.

He could see her.

His tongue peeked out from behind his lips as he blinked slowly.

She could see him, too.

The greens of his dress kilt swished in the breeze as their eyes locked on one another and time seemed to stand still.

“Please,” Claire begged, her tone airy and light as she tugged on Mama Crook’s arm once more, “can we? Please?”

Understanding the rush, Ellen nodded to Mrs Crook and the three ladies began their journey across the courtyard much to Claire’s immediate relief.

Conversation - inane chatter that had ebbed and flowed through the congregation as they awaited the service - abruptly ceased as soon as they heard the crunch of footsteps headed towards them. Everyone turned, taking Claire in as Mrs Crook and Ellen Fraser escorted her through them and down a narrowly left aisle that led towards Jamie, Brian and Murtagh.

If she’d still had any lingering doubts that the residents of Broch Tuarach were going to be scandalised and incensed by her *situation* they would have evaporated in a second upon seeing their faces as they watched her slow ascent along the walkway that separated the guests. They were all awestruck and none of them seemed to be paying attention to her slight bump.

“Claire,” Jamie whispered, his eyes wide and unblinking as Claire was brought to stand at his side. Mama Crook took her hand and laid it over his before leaning over to kiss her brow softly. She said nothing as she patted Jamie on the shoulder and shimmied to the side away from the lovestruck pair.

“J-Jamie,” Claire stuttered, her palms sweating as Jamie clenching his fingers around hers. The prickle of heat brought Claire to her senses as she took one unconscious step forwards, bending her arms so that they rested neatly between herself and Jamie.

The priest coughed, the clearing of his throat making Claire jump a little as she looked briefly to the side and then straight back to Jamie once more.

“Are ye ready?” He asked, his deep, booming voice echoing through the bustling courtyard even though the priest hadn’t spoken very loudly.

Claire nodded.

“Aye,” Jamie said, bowing his head a little to Claire as he smiled a small, comforting smile. “Ne’er any doubt, sir.”

-- --- --

The ceremony seemed to pass in a blur from then on out and Jamie, sweat dripping from his brow in the unusual midday Scottish heat, couldn’t help but be happy about it. The sooner they both said their vows, the sooner he could abscond with his blushing bride.

Closing the door on the rowdy party below, Jamie peeled off his dress jacket and hung it over the small chair that sat by the vanity in the corner - the same vanity where Claire had been getting dressed only hours before.

Perched on the bed, Claire had her back to Jamie as she tugged at the laces of her bodice.

“I just had a thought,” she mused, her tone quiet and reverent, “since you discovered I was pregnant, you haven’t really seen me. Have you?”

“Nay,” Jamie answered, his fingers stopping as he ceased unbuttoning his shirt for just a moment. “I wished for it, Claire,” he whispered, an intense longing in his voice, “but I didna know whether it was the right thing to ask or no’. But now..” He paused for just a moment, his knees going weak at the prospect of seeing her nude and round with his child, “now yer my wife and I think it proper to be able to see ye as ye are, aye?”

Claire dipped her head, the flowers falling around her as they drooped, flopped and slipped from her curls. Silently she slipped her shift from her shoulders, discarding her bodice in the process and sat, patiently waiting for Jamie to make his move.

“Yes. I think it proper. Do you want to come and look?”

Needing no further invitation, Jamie quickly shook off his boots off and took four long strides along the side of the bed until he could see Claire’s profile from where she sat.

She was glorious. Still not too large, but enough that she looked radiantly pregnant. “Dhia, Claire,” he murmured, his voice catching on the words as he stumbled the last few steps towards her, fell to his knees and wrapped one large hand around her middle. “My wife; my Claire, ye are a miracle.”

Allowing the tears to drip down her face, Claire hiccuped as she reached forward, her fingers tangling in Jamie’s tied back hair as she pulled it free of its binding. “Do you really think so? Even though I hid it for so long?”

“That’s in the past,” Jamie interjected, not willing to dwell on things long since forgotten. “What matters now, Claire Fraser,” he said, love and understanding filling his words as his palm ran soothing circles over her abdomen, “is that we look towards our future...together.”

[jinkisbelly]

Home - 3

Jongyu, omegaverse, angst, pg, w/c: 2.4k, Part one, Part two, and can be read here on aff [x]

Jonghyun once told Jinki he smelled like home. When asked why he thought so he responded with, our house isn’t a home without you in it. Jinki just smiled and kissed him, because their home wasn’t made from the building around them or the things put it in. He agreed with one thing, his home was wherever Jonghyun was.

Jinki was gently adjusting the wildflowers in the clay pot on the table by the window when the voice behind him startled him, The flower in his hand fluttered onto the table as he rushed to turn around to see Jonghyun smiling as he repeated himself, “Are those for me?”

“Uh yeah-” Jinki swallowed the lump in his throat and gave a nervous smile, “You used to like when I brought them I thought -”

“They’re very pretty thank you.” Jonghyun softly smiles, big robe around his frame and hair damp.

“I was told you were bathing and I was just going to finish it and leave.” Jinki fidgeted with the flower petals, “I apologize for intruding.”

“Hey, wait,” Jonghyun was smiling when Jinki looked up at him, “I may not remember you, but… these are your cubs too. Stay.”

“I didn’t want to cause you more pain.”

Jonghyun shuffled over to the bed and carefully climbed up into it. He brought his legs up and laid his hands in his lap. “You ordered the restraints off, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“There’s something about you, your scent specifically that makes me feel safe and warm. Like some would say a home would.” Jonghyun let out a little laugh before he looked up from his hands. “I probably sound stupid. Comparing you to a damn house.”

“It’s not the first time you’ve said that,” Jinki’s smile was gentle and warm, “You always said our house wasn’t a home unless I was there.” There was a few moments before Jinki softly asked, “How’s the nausea?”

“Ah, better now.” Jonghyun rose an eyebrow, “Does that have something to do with you?”

“Yeah,” Jinki smiled sheepishly.

Jinki turned and placed the flower back into the pot. He was touching the petals, nervous about crossing too many lines at once and pushing Jonghyun further than he needed to, when he heard the wolf softly talking, “Thank you for taking the binds off. I know I didn’t deserve it, not after what I did to…. The cubs. I am so sorry I attacked them.”

His eyes fluttered closed as he took a couple deep breaths before he gathered his thoughts and spoke, “It’s okay. You didn’t remember being pregnant. It was thrown upon you in a state of shock and I can’t blame you for that. You may not remember me, or us, but I’ll always protect you. I couldn’t allow you to stay bound like some prisoner.” He shook his head, emotions getting the better of him. He took a deep breath and turned around with a smile, “ I don’t want to push you Jonghyun.  You don’t know me. You don’t know those cubs. I don’t expect.... You to want to stay after they’re born.”

Jonghyun gazed at him as his eyes widened, “Wouldn’t that hurt you?”

“I don’t want to force you to live a life with me you no longer remember you wanted. I love you far more to allow that to happen. If you want to leave me after this, I’ll support your decision.”  Jinki gave a smile before running his hands through his hair, “I picked up another round of patrol tonight. I don’t want to be late.”

Jinki was almost to the door when Jonghyun asked him hesitantly, “You’ll come back tonight right?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot the last few days.” He could see the omega taking a deep breath before he said, “I want to remember you. If you want to help me remember it all.” There was a smile on his face as he placed his hands on his tummy. “I feel connected to these cubs.. I want them. I understand if it’s too much for you to do so.”

Before his emotions got the better of him, Jinki smiled, “I’ll try my best Jonghyun. See you later.”

He felt like he couldn’t breathe as walked through the halls toward the door. It was a little spark of hope in the murky waters.

-----

When he was returning the moon was high in the sky, clouds moving across the surface, and a cool breeze blowing through the village. The bonfire was ablaze in the center of the town and most people were enjoying it with their family and friends. He could see the smoke rising above the homes and shops from his path. There were two betas sitting at the front desk. They nodded their head as he passed them and headed down the hallway toward Jonghyun. He knocked on the doorframe before slowly pushing the curtain open. Jonghyun was sitting up on the bed, back against the mound of pillows he managed to stack in the middle of the mattress. His hair was falling from the small ponytail he had on the top of his head. There were a few candles around the room lit, and in his lap was a book. “Hey~ I wasn’t sure if you were going to the mm bonfire? Yeah bonfire everyone went to.”

“Are you hungry?” Jinki lifted up the basket Kibum lent him, “My scouting partner prepared us something to eat.”

“Food?” Jonghyun’s stomach grumbled and Jinki laughed as the man blushed embarrassed.

“I’m not quite sure about the quality of the sick hut food,” Jinki laid the basket on the table by the window and lifted out the bread and jam. “It’s not much, but you used to love blackberry jam.”

“Thank you,” Jonghyun bowed his head softly as he took the piece of bread. He groaned as the rich, sweet taste of the jam exploded across his tongue. “It’s so good.”

Jinki chuckled as he handed over a glass bottle of milk and gently asked, “Can I sit on the bed with you?”

“Yes,”  He climbed up carefully and they ate their bread and berries. After a moment Jonghyun softly said, “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Jinki wiped his mouth with the cloth before laying it near his plate again. “I figured we could eat and then I could tell you about us, our past if you feel up to it.”

“That sounds great.”

“Where did you want to start?”

“How we met I guess.”

“Ah,”  Jinki chuckled softly as his gaze fell to his lap. “As children, my mothers were the villages medicine women. It was before the hut was built.  We always had visitors over our home wanting to talk to them,  bringing concerns, and one day your fathers came in with you, concerned you were too small and that something was wrong with you health wise causing it. While they talked I was told to play with you. I was small for my age too, especially with how I was told I was going to mature into an Alpha. You played with me in a way you hadn’t in awhile apparently and when your mothers came to get your medicine you played with me and over time we became the best of friends.”

“And when did we …”

“Start dating?” Jonghyun’s cheeks were slightly pink as he nodded and Jinki laughed quietly, “We were 16, I had shown signs of being an alpha and you hadn’t shown any signs of which you’d be yet. We were outside my house by the river and you were talking about how worried you were about not maturing ever and not having a place and I said something cheesy like you’d always have a place by my side and you kissed me when I walked you home that night. It was history after that. I asked you to become my mate when you turned 21. We went through the ceremony the following November.”

“We dated six years before you wanted to mate with me?”

Jinki laughed nervously, “I wanted to give you a home before I asked you to become my mate. It took me three years to build our home.. Or what used to be our home.”

“Did they... Ever find out what caused the fire?”

With a deep sigh Jinki’s body sagged, “Not really. They figured it was just the extreme dryness of the house that with the sun beating down it just... Went up into flames.”

“Do they hurt?”

“Huh?” Jinki’s brow furrowed in confusion.

Jonghyun pointed at the burns peeking out from the end of his pants and the ones on the underside of his arms. “Do the burns hurt?”

“A little.” Jinki frowned, “They mostly itch, however.”

Jinki froze as Jonghyun’s hand covered his and squeezed. “Thank you for saving me.”

“You’re my mate.” Jonghyun could feel the man’s love through his eyes with how he was looking at him as he continued, “I’d have run a dozen miles to get to you if you needed me. I just wish I had gotten there sooner.. Hadn’t gone on that hunt.”

“Don’t beat yourself up for what happened to me Jinki,” Jonghyun shifted slowly to face him completely. “I’m here, alive, because of you. I’d have died in that fire without you.” He pushed off the bed and pressed a kiss softly to Jinki’s cheek. He froze as Jonghyun kissed him and only could breathe when he pulled away.

His heart still felt like it was in his throat as he went to get more bread and jam for them. Once it was finished and they were cleaned up, he helped Jonghyun get the pillows where he wanted them for bed. Jinki cleaned up the basket and laid it on the table before walking towards the door. “You can sleep in here.. You don’t have to hide in the hallway.”

Jinki blushed, fingers running through his hair, “I thought you wouldn’t notice me.”

“You have a distinct scent Jinki,” Jonghyun laid his head on his arm after putting his hand under his pillow, wiggling a little to get comfy and gaze over at the other man. He watched Jinki shift and his breath stopped for a moment at how beautiful he was in his wolf form. Tall at the shoulders, long bright hair, and beautiful full of life eyes. His tail swished against the floor as he slowly got comfortable just inside the door. “Goodnight Jinki.”  Jinki yipped and Jonghyun smiled.

-----

When he woke up Jinki was gone. His nose wrinkled at the unpleasant taste in his mouth and the uneasiness in his chest. He squinted around the room for the bucket and found it just under his bed. He grabbed it quickly just as the urge ran through him. He groaned as he wiped his mouth and frowned down at his belly. “You’re not gonna make the next six or so months pleasant are you?”

He got up to rinse his mouth out and wash his face before the nurse came in with breakfast and to check how he was doing. He hoped it wasn’t that gross oatmeal that they gave him the morning before. That made him want to puke more. Once his face was patted dry he propped himself up with pillows and waited for his nurse. It was then he noticed the quickly sketched note on the table. He shuffled over and picked it up carefully,  I talked to the doctor. There’s a courtyard full of gardens you can go explore to the right just outside your room. In case you get bored of your room ~ Jinki

“Breakfast, are you decent?”

“Yes, come on in.” He folded the note and placed it under the pot of flowers Jinki brought him, smiling at his nurse as he made his way back to the bed. He smiled wider at the lack of oatmeal on the tray. Maybe after breakfast, he’d go investigate those gardens.

----

Jinki sighed deeply as he kicked the burnt debris that used to be his front door. He had to clean it up if he was ever going to rebuild, but just the sight of it made him fill with dread and sadness. His entire life went up in smoke. All the things he built with Jonghyun, the baby things they had already, and the memories made all burnt to ash. He stood there looking over the debris for a long moment before making his way into it. He lifted up burnt ceiling beams to see if he missed anything the first time through. He found a small teacup with a little crack around the rim, but he scooped it up and wrapped it with a cloth before putting it in his bag. He didn’t find much as he moved through the rest of the debris until he saw a speck of blue. After moving what looked like to be the remains of a rocking chair sitting there was the finished baby blanket. A little dirty, but there weren’t any burnt parts. His eyes were glossy as he crouched down and gently lifted it from the rubble. He held it to his chest for a moment before putting it in his bag. It would have to be cleaned thoroughly, but if he could have saved one thing in the fire he would have chosen that. Jonghyun had been so excited when Jinki brought the yarn home for him to knit with.

He had a few more rooms to look at before heading back to have dinner with Jonghyun. He didn’t have too many hopes, but then again, he didn’t think he’d find anything when he started and he had already found the most precious thing he could have. Maybe he’d find more.

-----

“I am so happy you’re here.” Jonghyun whined. Jinki found him sprawled out on the bed, face on the edge over a bucket. Jinki laid his bag on the floor and frowned over at him.

“What a way to greet someone,” Jinki looked over him quickly, “What’s wrong?”

“The nausea has been so bad today,” Jonghyun pouted deeply, “You make it go away. Like poof. Magic.”

He smiled softly, “Is it getting better?”

With a sniffle, he mumbled, “Yes.”

Jinki walked over and slid down the front of the bed, leaning back against the side of the mattress. He opened up his journal he kept in the big pocket of his cargo pants and began to write little things. “I’ll be here all night.”

“Thank you,” Jonghyun whispered. Jinki heard him shifting against the sheets and when he looked behind him Jonghyun was curled a little more to bring his nose closer to him. He chuckled softly and went back to writing. “Maybe tomorrow you’ll want to accompany me to the gardens. Maybe then I’ll be able to enjoy them fully.”

“Sound’s great Jonghyun.”

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