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[there are plenty of likable, lovable beings in swamp house. that's part of the problem. because sometimes, when you start to like someone a little more, it can be that much harder to recognize.
it even fooled minsu for a minute, who likes to think that he knows his own feelings fairly well. minsu, who has trouble bottling his feelings up, because every time he tries it's like that bottle gets shaken and his feelings end up overflowing and making a mess.
he doesn't want to make a mess of this. it's so much nicer here than it is out in the rest of the world, practically a world of it's own, and he likes everyone, and-
and junsu smiles at him at breakfast, and his heart did such a thing that he ended up knocking over the juice and dumping a plate of eggs, and that...that was a real mess.
so he gathers his courage from all the corners inside of him that it had scattered to, harvests a little of his lavender, and knocks on his door.]
it even fooled minsu for a minute, who likes to think that he knows his own feelings fairly well. minsu, who has trouble bottling his feelings up, because every time he tries it's like that bottle gets shaken and his feelings end up overflowing and making a mess.
he doesn't want to make a mess of this. it's so much nicer here than it is out in the rest of the world, practically a world of it's own, and he likes everyone, and-
and junsu smiles at him at breakfast, and his heart did such a thing that he ended up knocking over the juice and dumping a plate of eggs, and that...that was a real mess.
so he gathers his courage from all the corners inside of him that it had scattered to, harvests a little of his lavender, and knocks on his door.]
[ junsu wasn't expecting anyone, but it's not unusual for people to come and go into his room, so he's got a warm smile on his face when he opens the door.
which widens significantly when he sees minsu standing there. he looks a little like he's glowing, even. his affection for minsu runs deeper than it should, he thinks sometimes, but he can't help it. he's different than the types junsu has misplaced feelings for, usually. he makes junsu laugh, and when he's with minsu his mind isn't all caught up in his own lie, terrified of letting something slip. he can really breathe around him.
so seeing him at his door unexpectedly is like a breath of fresh hair. ]
Hey, darling. Come in.
which widens significantly when he sees minsu standing there. he looks a little like he's glowing, even. his affection for minsu runs deeper than it should, he thinks sometimes, but he can't help it. he's different than the types junsu has misplaced feelings for, usually. he makes junsu laugh, and when he's with minsu his mind isn't all caught up in his own lie, terrified of letting something slip. he can really breathe around him.
so seeing him at his door unexpectedly is like a breath of fresh hair. ]
Hey, darling. Come in.
[ Junsu texted now, and it sounded like he wasn't kidding, so Myung doesn't hesitate. Goddamn, he doesn't hesitate for a second because he's been wanting to kiss Junsu - and more - since he found his way to the house, and now he's going to get to.
Is he practically running up the stairs? Maybe, but there's no one around to see it, so nobody ever has to know.
Knock knock, Junsu. Someone's here to collect. ]
Is he practically running up the stairs? Maybe, but there's no one around to see it, so nobody ever has to know.
Knock knock, Junsu. Someone's here to collect. ]
[ And as they planned, they go on a date. Kwang is not exactly nervous about it - nervous isn't the word. Anticipatory, maybe, fits better? Because - because he can tell that Junsu's been trying to keep things normal while a lot is going on in his head. And Kwang just wants him to know that everything is fine, wants him to be sure that Kwang is here for him, and wants to be.
They head into the city; both of them with fake papers for the checkpoint, Kwang all smiles for the militia as they walk through. It's always a little nerve-wracking, but once they're through, Kwang throws an arm over Junsu's shoulders, leaning in close. ]
Maybe next time I should just fly us into the city instead.
[ Not that easy but he'd be willing to try, if he had a way to protect Junsu from the heat. ]
Coffee or books, first?
They head into the city; both of them with fake papers for the checkpoint, Kwang all smiles for the militia as they walk through. It's always a little nerve-wracking, but once they're through, Kwang throws an arm over Junsu's shoulders, leaning in close. ]
Maybe next time I should just fly us into the city instead.
[ Not that easy but he'd be willing to try, if he had a way to protect Junsu from the heat. ]
Coffee or books, first?
[ junsu's been thinking about this since they talked about it. he'd wanted a date since learning about kwang and ten, wanting to feel like he had someone special, too, and here he is.
on a date.
with kwang, of all people. he's so happy. it makes it easier to forget that kwang has ten and that he'll always be a little less in kwang's eyes for it. it's not fair, comparing like that, but he can't help it. he's too scared not to, self-preservation coming first even when it's a matter of his own feelings. because he likes kwang. a lot.
he puts an arm around kwang's lower back when he puts one around his shoulder, smiling. ]
Maybe... books first? [ he likes the idea of having coffee after, discussing each other's choices, maybe ending up reading next to each other for a bit, comfortable. but if kwang wants to get coffee first, he'll do that happily, too. it's clear from his answer he's flexible.
though he has to ask. ]
You could really fly us?
on a date.
with kwang, of all people. he's so happy. it makes it easier to forget that kwang has ten and that he'll always be a little less in kwang's eyes for it. it's not fair, comparing like that, but he can't help it. he's too scared not to, self-preservation coming first even when it's a matter of his own feelings. because he likes kwang. a lot.
he puts an arm around kwang's lower back when he puts one around his shoulder, smiling. ]
Maybe... books first? [ he likes the idea of having coffee after, discussing each other's choices, maybe ending up reading next to each other for a bit, comfortable. but if kwang wants to get coffee first, he'll do that happily, too. it's clear from his answer he's flexible.
though he has to ask. ]
You could really fly us?
private. better
anyway you don't have to worry about pressure, i'm. well i mean i don't exactly want to call it a crush because it sounds silly but i find you very attractive and i'd like to know you better and i don't really have any shame about enjoying sex, so. there.
and i'm drawing myself a bath, right now. i even got bubble bath and candles and everything.
anyway you don't have to worry about pressure, i'm. well i mean i don't exactly want to call it a crush because it sounds silly but i find you very attractive and i'd like to know you better and i don't really have any shame about enjoying sex, so. there.
and i'm drawing myself a bath, right now. i even got bubble bath and candles and everything.
[ It's been more than a few days since their date. Not that they haven't seen each other in between, but Kwang had been busy at work getting things sorted for Junsu. He wanted to get him something - not to be even after Junsu bought him books, but because he wanted him to have something he could keep, that'd remind him of Kwang.
It felt sort of important, especially with... everything else, that was swirling in Kwang's head. All the things he wanted to do and say to Junsu and wasn't always sure how to. Maybe this would help.
And so here he was, walking into Junsu's room after knocking, hands behind his back and a secret smile on his face. ]
Hey. Hope I'm not bothering you? I've got - something for you.
[ Kwang isn't exactly great at giving presents. Which is why he thrusts it forward immediately, the first edition book wrapped in brown paper. ] Didn't have anything better to wrap it in, sorry.
It felt sort of important, especially with... everything else, that was swirling in Kwang's head. All the things he wanted to do and say to Junsu and wasn't always sure how to. Maybe this would help.
And so here he was, walking into Junsu's room after knocking, hands behind his back and a secret smile on his face. ]
Hey. Hope I'm not bothering you? I've got - something for you.
[ Kwang isn't exactly great at giving presents. Which is why he thrusts it forward immediately, the first edition book wrapped in brown paper. ] Didn't have anything better to wrap it in, sorry.
[ junsu blinks as the wrapped gift is thrust toward him, taking it carefully from kwang's hands. he's happy to see him, and a little pleased to be receiving a gift, even if he's a little confused. ]
For me? What's the occasion?
[ he smiles, bemused, as he gestures kwang back inside the room. he hopes kwang didn't intend to just leave this here and go — junsu wants him to stay a while now. he's opening that thing in front of him!
in fact, he's already unwrapping before he sits, and then he has to sit.
because it's the book. and he can tell it's old. he can tell it's priceless. when he looks up to kwang again, his eyes are wide, wet. this can't be for him. ]
You're giving this to me?
For me? What's the occasion?
[ he smiles, bemused, as he gestures kwang back inside the room. he hopes kwang didn't intend to just leave this here and go — junsu wants him to stay a while now. he's opening that thing in front of him!
in fact, he's already unwrapping before he sits, and then he has to sit.
because it's the book. and he can tell it's old. he can tell it's priceless. when he looks up to kwang again, his eyes are wide, wet. this can't be for him. ]
You're giving this to me?
[ It'd been a few days, during which Kwang had been stewing in his own thoughts. He'd talked to Ten, he'd talked to Minsu, he'd tried to sort things out in his own head, by himself.
One thing for sure: he was hurt. He was still hurt, and it was hard to think back on the moment Junsu told him the truth without feeling his heart twist all over again. But also.
Above all of that, above it all, there was the fact that he missed Junsu, already. And he kept on being reminded of Minsu's words, being told he is still exactly the same person, truly, that he did not deceive to hurt others but to protect himself. Which was something that, after all, Kwang could understand. It wasn't like he never lied, himself, or concealed who he was.
And Junsu had never shown any signs of being repulsed by Kwang. Of being scared or worried or anything like that. He'd just been here, and he'd never judged Kwang, and yet Kwang did just that right back. He wanted to be a better person. He wanted to be much better than he was with Rook, and now, that he'd been with Junsu. His thoughts took him through twists and turns, but what he kept on thinking was - Junsu hadn't really done anything wrong.
And Kwang didn't really care that he was human. The only reason he reacted the way he did was because he'd felt betrayed and blindsided. But thinking back on it -
Yeah. It didn't matter.
Which is why he barges into Junsu's room, days after their fight, doesn't knock or anything, just walks straight in and lets the door close behind him as he stands there, looking at Junsu, solemn and serious. ]
We need to talk.
One thing for sure: he was hurt. He was still hurt, and it was hard to think back on the moment Junsu told him the truth without feeling his heart twist all over again. But also.
Above all of that, above it all, there was the fact that he missed Junsu, already. And he kept on being reminded of Minsu's words, being told he is still exactly the same person, truly, that he did not deceive to hurt others but to protect himself. Which was something that, after all, Kwang could understand. It wasn't like he never lied, himself, or concealed who he was.
And Junsu had never shown any signs of being repulsed by Kwang. Of being scared or worried or anything like that. He'd just been here, and he'd never judged Kwang, and yet Kwang did just that right back. He wanted to be a better person. He wanted to be much better than he was with Rook, and now, that he'd been with Junsu. His thoughts took him through twists and turns, but what he kept on thinking was - Junsu hadn't really done anything wrong.
And Kwang didn't really care that he was human. The only reason he reacted the way he did was because he'd felt betrayed and blindsided. But thinking back on it -
Yeah. It didn't matter.
Which is why he barges into Junsu's room, days after their fight, doesn't knock or anything, just walks straight in and lets the door close behind him as he stands there, looking at Junsu, solemn and serious. ]
We need to talk.
[ he would have liked a warning, or at least some sign kwang was going to do this today. junsu's unprepared, floundering on the inside but keeping a straight face. he missed kwang. it hasn't even been that long. but he's missed knowing he was someone in his life that he liked and that liked him back, someone real he liked enough not to want to go to him when he was sad, someone he liked enough he thought the truth might be worth the fear he'd leave.
and he did leave, but that's junsu's own fault and not something he sees as a flaw in kwang. it makes sense.
he's probably here to make it official. he got some air, thought about it, and decided this wasn't something worth pursuing.
junsu's hand wraps around the pendant at his neck. he's scared kwang will want it back. he doesn't want to give it away. he wants to keep a piece of him, if he can't have him. they might stay friends, but he wants something else, a little something to remember what was almost there. ]
Okay. Do you want to sit?
and he did leave, but that's junsu's own fault and not something he sees as a flaw in kwang. it makes sense.
he's probably here to make it official. he got some air, thought about it, and decided this wasn't something worth pursuing.
junsu's hand wraps around the pendant at his neck. he's scared kwang will want it back. he doesn't want to give it away. he wants to keep a piece of him, if he can't have him. they might stay friends, but he wants something else, a little something to remember what was almost there. ]
Okay. Do you want to sit?
[there are three hundred and sixty tiny marks scratched onto the wall of his cell. that's how long minsu has been here, inmate number 4 in this prison built for creatures and the magically inclined. half of the population is guilty of nothing worse than being born, or for refusing to fight in a war that would have no real winners when it was over.
the other half are the real reason that places like this came to exist in the first place. monsters, not because of the magic that runs through their veins, but because of what they chose to do with it. considering the blood on minsu's hands the day they caught him, it's easy to guess which side he's a part of.
it's been a year since, which is no time at all but feels like so much longer in this dreary place. but if minsu can just make it for two more, if he can just reach that thousand day mark-
minsu's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of his heavy door swinging open. the guards are human, but large, and armed with every anti-magical weapon that their kind has come up with so far. one them gives minsu all of his attention, while other roughly shoves a dark-haired boy into the cell with him. minsu watches him stumble, his uniform clinging to him from the cold water shower that they all get when they first arrive.
he wants to move to help him, but he doesn't dare. not until the guards are gone. and then he's there, crouched down beside him.]
Did they hurt you?
the other half are the real reason that places like this came to exist in the first place. monsters, not because of the magic that runs through their veins, but because of what they chose to do with it. considering the blood on minsu's hands the day they caught him, it's easy to guess which side he's a part of.
it's been a year since, which is no time at all but feels like so much longer in this dreary place. but if minsu can just make it for two more, if he can just reach that thousand day mark-
minsu's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of his heavy door swinging open. the guards are human, but large, and armed with every anti-magical weapon that their kind has come up with so far. one them gives minsu all of his attention, while other roughly shoves a dark-haired boy into the cell with him. minsu watches him stumble, his uniform clinging to him from the cold water shower that they all get when they first arrive.
he wants to move to help him, but he doesn't dare. not until the guards are gone. and then he's there, crouched down beside him.]
Did they hurt you?
[ junsu's terrified. he's so scared, since the moment he was ambushed and dragged here without getting to say his piece. he tried to tell them he wasn't magic, the first time he said the words, now that his life was in danger. they didn't believe him, of course. they must get hundreds of people who claim the same when caught.
it had hurt to say as much. to be driven to a point where he had to say it, to admit to himself he was nothing but human, weak and fragile and powerless and worthless.
the shower they make him take is freezing, the clothes they leave him scratchy. he's hungry, shivering, and when he stumbles into the cell he makes himself as small as possible, curling up on the floor. they did hurt him. when he fought, at first, they decked him in the jaw, in the stomach. it doesn't really matter. now he's trapped here, in a place full of magical people who are stronger and more powerful than him, and he's going to die here.
he needs to remember what he does best. he needs to find himself allies and friends who will keep him safe. he breathes out, shakily, reaching a hand to touch his bruising jaw.]
T-They beat me up a little because I wouldn't — wouldn't go along.
[ his eyes are still closed, too afraid to open them even as he knows he should befriend his cellmate in case his strength and powers can help keep him safe. ]
it had hurt to say as much. to be driven to a point where he had to say it, to admit to himself he was nothing but human, weak and fragile and powerless and worthless.
the shower they make him take is freezing, the clothes they leave him scratchy. he's hungry, shivering, and when he stumbles into the cell he makes himself as small as possible, curling up on the floor. they did hurt him. when he fought, at first, they decked him in the jaw, in the stomach. it doesn't really matter. now he's trapped here, in a place full of magical people who are stronger and more powerful than him, and he's going to die here.
he needs to remember what he does best. he needs to find himself allies and friends who will keep him safe. he breathes out, shakily, reaching a hand to touch his bruising jaw.]
T-They beat me up a little because I wouldn't — wouldn't go along.
[ his eyes are still closed, too afraid to open them even as he knows he should befriend his cellmate in case his strength and powers can help keep him safe. ]
[ there were still plenty within the house haru needed to meet and decided th best way to go about it would be to bring a present! what better present than a flower? not just any flower either but a rainbow rose. he might have modified it and made it grow much bigger and more petal-y than it could be in regular nature.
patent bright smile on his face, he knocked on junsu's door, holding the flower out in front of his face.
best to show the better part of his visit right off! ]
patent bright smile on his face, he knocked on junsu's door, holding the flower out in front of his face.
best to show the better part of his visit right off! ]
so
1. I’m lonely
2. I’m wearing your underwear as requested if you’d like a picture
3. There’s something I really wanted to dare you with the other night and I didn’t get to but now it’s sticking with me
1. I’m lonely
2. I’m wearing your underwear as requested if you’d like a picture
3. There’s something I really wanted to dare you with the other night and I didn’t get to but now it’s sticking with me
[there is no interaction with junsu that doesn't feel like it could be a bad idea. joon's starting to think that maybe he is just being paranoid. jin has told him that he is, and maybe, for once, little brother is right.
because it's just a game, even if it's one that has a special meaning to junsu. it's just a game, and one that junsu misses playing. jin is the more active one, preferring games that involve doing, not strategy and sitting still.
it's just a game. and maybe it'll sink in the third time he tells himself this, and weigh down the butterflies in his stomach as he raps lightly on junsu's door.]
because it's just a game, even if it's one that has a special meaning to junsu. it's just a game, and one that junsu misses playing. jin is the more active one, preferring games that involve doing, not strategy and sitting still.
it's just a game. and maybe it'll sink in the third time he tells himself this, and weigh down the butterflies in his stomach as he raps lightly on junsu's door.]
[ just a game. junsu isn't expecting anything of this. hojoon has made it pretty clear that he might toe the line but he's not ready, or unwilling, to cross it. junsu's made a point not to think about it too much, the idea that it might be his human nature that repulses hojoon too depressing.
he opens the door with a smile, stepping aside so hojoon can come in. ]
Hi, Joon.
[ junsu's made his bed, so there's space for them to sit and settle with the baord. ]
he opens the door with a smile, stepping aside so hojoon can come in. ]
Hi, Joon.
[ junsu's made his bed, so there's space for them to sit and settle with the baord. ]
[ It takes some planning. First of all, Myung needs some extra cash, which means he has to sneak out of the house again, and this time he is extra careful with it, doesn't want anyone to tell him off, because it hasn't been that long, but he has... plans.
Then, he goes shopping. That's the hardest part, because he has to make vague shapes at sales assistants to try and determine really the best size for Junsu, and he has to walk around with his shoulders hunched and his hat low on his head to hide his hair, trying his best to keep his cool.
He manages, in the end. He gets a few things, and gets them all wrapped up nicely in a dark blue box, with a white bow, and gets it back to the house safely tucked under his hoodie, protected, his palms sweating a little. He makes sure Junsu's room is empty when he drops the box there, without a note or anything. He's sure Junsu will know who has gifted him with those, after all.
And then he makes his escape to his own room, his cheeks and ears red, and proceeds to lose himself in the piano for a while, to try and forget that he might have made a big fool of himself. ]
Then, he goes shopping. That's the hardest part, because he has to make vague shapes at sales assistants to try and determine really the best size for Junsu, and he has to walk around with his shoulders hunched and his hat low on his head to hide his hair, trying his best to keep his cool.
He manages, in the end. He gets a few things, and gets them all wrapped up nicely in a dark blue box, with a white bow, and gets it back to the house safely tucked under his hoodie, protected, his palms sweating a little. He makes sure Junsu's room is empty when he drops the box there, without a note or anything. He's sure Junsu will know who has gifted him with those, after all.
And then he makes his escape to his own room, his cheeks and ears red, and proceeds to lose himself in the piano for a while, to try and forget that he might have made a big fool of himself. ]
[ junsu rushes to the box the moment he notices it, already having an idea of what it might contain. he's right, and the pieces are not only gorgeous, but kind of turning him on to even look at. because myung thought of him in them. and chose them for him, specifically.
he wants to rush to him to say thank you, thinks he should play a little first. so he puts the second pair on, puts his pants back on but leaves them unbuttoned, and takes a picture from the neck down. the fabric peeking from his open pants, his hand by his navel, one finger beneath the waistband.
and he texts it to him. ]
theyre perfect
he wants to rush to him to say thank you, thinks he should play a little first. so he puts the second pair on, puts his pants back on but leaves them unbuttoned, and takes a picture from the neck down. the fabric peeking from his open pants, his hand by his navel, one finger beneath the waistband.
and he texts it to him. ]
theyre perfect
I know you and I haven't really gone off on the best foot, and I'm sorry about that, I'm sorry I was not good enough, but
I beg of you
Don't hurt him.
[ If Junsu wasn't human, the words would be a lot harsher. There would be no pleading. But Junsu's human, and Junsu's soft inside. Hojin is just - terrified, in a way he's never been before. ]
I beg of you
Don't hurt him.
[ If Junsu wasn't human, the words would be a lot harsher. There would be no pleading. But Junsu's human, and Junsu's soft inside. Hojin is just - terrified, in a way he's never been before. ]
hey
feel like I haven’t seen you in days
Just wanted to say I miss you
feel like I haven’t seen you in days
Just wanted to say I miss you
you back in the house yet? i need to talk t you about something if you are. just hmu when you're around and available
[ Once they're decided, it's easy to put a little bit of a plan in action. First, Kwang talks to Sage, gets their name down to use the treehouse at the next available opportunity. Then he tells Ten, lets him know he'll be gone for a few days, gives him a few memories to keep.
Then he packs up a few essential. A few spells for light, warmth, random things he thinks of as he thumbs through his spellbooks. Blankets, food, water, a bottle of the rum that lives in the bowels of the house, a couple of books, condoms, lube, a couple toys. Essentials, truly.
He doesn't really bother with clothes, aside from the ones on his back. He leaves a note o Junsu's bed, telling him to join Kwang there whenever he is able, and then he's off.
The treehouse already has lights and is a lot more advanced, technology speaking, than one would expect from it, and so Kwang makes use of some of it, storing the food and water in the little fridge there. But he turns off the fairy lights, spelling the place instead, lighting it up with a number of tiny bubbles of light that hang in the air, turning everything a golden color. He adds another spell, whispering it in the air and smiling as the music starts up - very much background music, tinkling, soft, with a fairy-like quality.
He sets the blankets in a comfortable arrangement and settles only once he's satisfied, grabbing one of his books to wait for Junsu.
Hopefully, it's romantic enough. ]
Then he packs up a few essential. A few spells for light, warmth, random things he thinks of as he thumbs through his spellbooks. Blankets, food, water, a bottle of the rum that lives in the bowels of the house, a couple of books, condoms, lube, a couple toys. Essentials, truly.
He doesn't really bother with clothes, aside from the ones on his back. He leaves a note o Junsu's bed, telling him to join Kwang there whenever he is able, and then he's off.
The treehouse already has lights and is a lot more advanced, technology speaking, than one would expect from it, and so Kwang makes use of some of it, storing the food and water in the little fridge there. But he turns off the fairy lights, spelling the place instead, lighting it up with a number of tiny bubbles of light that hang in the air, turning everything a golden color. He adds another spell, whispering it in the air and smiling as the music starts up - very much background music, tinkling, soft, with a fairy-like quality.
He sets the blankets in a comfortable arrangement and settles only once he's satisfied, grabbing one of his books to wait for Junsu.
Hopefully, it's romantic enough. ]
[ it's more than enough. the note on his bed alone has him giggling to himself. he's so happy about this, and eager to spend some full alone time with his boyfriend. he feels like they need it. he just wants to lie around and talk to him and be with him for a while. he has a lot of things on his mind he wants to share with him, too.
he didn't expect anything extra romantic aside from simply being whisked away, but when he gets to the tree house and inside, he's even more delighted by what he sees. the magical floating lights, the magical music, and kwang, handsome and gorgeous and waiting for him. ]
You did this?
[ of course he did, he's just... this could have been a decrepit treehouse with no electricity or light and he would have found something romantic in it.
but it's more. ]
he didn't expect anything extra romantic aside from simply being whisked away, but when he gets to the tree house and inside, he's even more delighted by what he sees. the magical floating lights, the magical music, and kwang, handsome and gorgeous and waiting for him. ]
You did this?
[ of course he did, he's just... this could have been a decrepit treehouse with no electricity or light and he would have found something romantic in it.
but it's more. ]
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