Junmyeon finding out while testing (and sharing) Kyungsoo's old earphones that he isn't the only one who listens to a song featuring the other... or something ahdfbashbf đ¶
I drew Chanyeol as a fire eater for the exo-l secret Santa about two years ago, and since working with a theme last year worked out pretty well I thought - why not try to do something about the story I said that I'd do something about back then? (>v<;) My general idea is that an outsider gets to see the members of a world renowned circus perform both on and behind the scenes, and this is how they interpret Soo at first or something like that - cue the use of the "working backstage" prompt hahah)
Summary: Side story to âYou may forget but remember meâ
Genre/Category: Drabble, Fairytale!AU (The Snow Queen)
Characters/Ship: Lay, Suho, Tao, Wang Yibo, Onew, Taemin, Luhan, Chen
Word count: 548
AN: Has anyone read The Woman Who Loved Reindeer by Meredith Ann Pierce? Or her Firebringer trilogy? I kind of had those stories in mind when writing this drabble, and I also wanted to simply allude to Yixing having healing powers, not write it outright... hopefully it turned out okay hahah (>v<;)⥠And as always, I hope you like the moodboard as well~
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Yixing always felt good when he got to help others feel better. He assumes that it comes from seeing many of his kind get in trouble during his childhood, and that was before he even knew he was one of them - fate had placed him in a family of poachers, and while he sometimes managed to help the captured animals he couldnât save all of them, thus causing his heart to break over and over again.
When his own father comes to get him realisation hits him so hard it hurts, and he needs no instructions to know how to leave his human life behind. Nothing keeps him, and he runs with light steps, glad to have something better to turn to. His heart, though, doesnât feel at ease. Unicorns continue to disappear and the ones who remain doesnât dare to or know how to do anything about it. This is when Yixing realises that he does, and he leaves everything behind once again to look for the kingâs castle.
He applies for the position of stableboy - perhaps a low position in the eyes of humans, but the horses love him and he loves them, and thatâs all that really matters. From here he tries to find out the kingâs approach to poachers, and it is here that he runs into Wang Yibo, who works with the royal carriages and knows pretty much everyone on the staff. He gladly offers to share what he knows, and thatâs how Yixing learns about the search for the missing prince and when heâs finally found.
Itâs good that the castle is located in an area where it snows a lot, since it makes it easy for Yixing to change whenever he grows tired of the humans and needs to disappear for a while. However, he forgets to be careful when he runs into Junmyeon; thereâs something about the boy that makes him want to speak and shift shapes right in front of his eyes, and after having heard his story he knows what to do.Â
Itâs a shame that the prince isnât who Junmyeon is looking for, since Yixing would have loved to keep Junmyeon around, but judging by the royal siblingsâ reaction they seem as intrigued by Junmyeon as he is, and with their blessing both Yixing and Junmyeon leaves for the Frost Kingâs domain to get rid of the red force once and for all.Â
Itâs more than frustrating that theyâre captured after only one days ride, but at least the thieves arenât poachers, and Zitao is good with animals; Luhan is proof of that. Itâs with a heavy heart Yixing surrenders his place to the deer, believing the latter when he says that he knows the way better than he does, but the wait for their return is long and filled with worry. When they finally do, with Jongdae in tow, Zitao and Yixing are already there to meet them and Yixing feels happier than ever before.
Now that his wish has been granted Yixing isnât sure whether to return to his family, continue to help out in the castle or follow Junmyeon, but he knows that heâs welcome to do all three. After all, Junmyeon had helped heal his heart and filled it with peace.
Summary: Side story to âYou may forget but remember meâ.
Genre/Category: Drabble, Fairytale!AU (The Snow Queen)
Characters/Ship: Xiumin, Chen, Suho, mentions of EXO-M members
Word count: 405
AN: I made this moodboard first, because the original story has Myeon meeting everyone in a certain order and so the planned extra chapter with these drabbles goes the other way around?? And Iâve had it in my drafts since forever hahah (*ïŸÏïŸ) but Iâm finally posting it! ⥠I hope you like it and that you like the drabble that comes with it~Â
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Summary: Side story to âYou may forget but remember meâ
Genre/Category: Drabble, Fairytale!AU (The Snow Queen)
Characters/Ship: Onew, Taemin, Suho, Lay
Word count: 272
AN: Since this year has been all about making drabbles based on my fairytale!AU for the exo members' birthdays, why not make one for Jinki's too? (>v<)⥠I actually planned on making one about OnTae anyway - dialogue-only since all the others have no dialogue and I like contrasts afdsbh - so I guess it all turned out like I wanted it to in the end ⥠I hope you like it!
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âHey, Taeminie. You awake?â
âHmn, yeah.â
âDo you think Junmyeon will find his friend?â
âI do.â
âHow can you be so sure?â
âBecause I know how it feels to look for someone until you find them.â
âWere you always looking for me?â
âMy brother Jinki, yes. Not Jinki the king. It was when you made that decree that I finally puzzled all the pieces together.â
âDid you leave right away?â
âPretty much. The family I stayed with wasnât a bad one, but things couldâve definitely been better.â
âYou probably just wanted your ring back and sit in the royal carriage again.â
âYeah, absolutely. No but jokes aside, you know it wasnât about any of that. I just missed you.â
âAnd I missed you. The people around me stopped talking about you after your disappearance and as time went by I began to wonder if you'd actually died... I was too afraid to ask, because maybe they kept quiet for my sake? Turns out they did, but for a completely different reason... Anyway, Iâm glad I got to learn the truth, and that you found me.â
âMe too.â
âLetâs hope Junmyeon is just as lucky.â
âWe shouldnât forget that he has Yixing with him.â
âIâm considering making him my advisor if he decides on returning.â
âAnd here I thought I was going to be your advisor.â
âYou are and always will be. Doesnât hurt to have a couple of them, though, right? Junmyeon and his friend can stay too, if they want to.â
AN: Remember the rolling paper event at the Naver starcast show back in 2015? Chanyeol kept writing that he wanted to beat the members at different things, and that's honestly what inspired this drabble (>v<;) He's such a goofball and I love him ⥠I'll be uploading these drabbles+moodboards to ao3 after correcting some minor mistakes, and then we're finally done! Thank you for sticking with me through this, I've struggled but also had lots of fun and hopefully I'll be able to come up with some fun stuff next year as well~
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Thereâs something inside of Chanyeol that never lets him feel satisfied, and for the longest time he thought of it as an asset. After all, it keeps him going for longer than anyone else, and his blood runs hot through his veins no matter the season. That being said, he does notice that his mindset isn't always appreciated by those around him, but he simply shrugs at that and with his parentsâ blessing he decides to venture out into the world.
He ends up in the mythic northern landscapes, perhaps because he knew heâd have to struggle more there due to the coldness. Then again, heâd always liked challenges. Sadly he learns that he still aces every one of them with ease, since the temperature doesnât bother him in the slightest and he has more fun together with Baekhyun than he ever had back home.
Itâs when he finds the castle and sees the boys who live there that he feels some sort of powerlessness for the first time, and it almost scares him senseless.
Baekhyun tells him about the Frost king one night during a sleepover; a story heâd heard from his grandmother who in turn heard it from a couple of neighbours who no longer live here. Itâs a story thatâs survived for years and still doesnât have an ending, and it doesnât matter how frustrated Chanyeol is about it - he knows he canât provide it with one since he once tried to get close to the premises and realised with horror that the ice wouldnât melt for him.Â
He does, however, sense an ending approaching when thereâs a knock on his door and Luhan tells him about Junmyeonâs journey, and the message that Baekhyunâs grandmother sends with them is clear - she trusts these two strangers and wants him to guide them to the Frost Kingâs domains, and by the time he throws the letter into the fireplace he has made up his mind.
Someone else will have to ace this challenge, but if thatâs what it takes to save this area from the Frost King, heâll accept it.
So he sends Junmyeon off with words of support, and as the flames inside of him wilts to embers it doesnât quite feel like giving up - instead, for once, he feels at ease.
Summary: Side story to âYou may forget but remember meâ
Genre/Category: Drabble, Fairytale!AU (The Snow Queen)
Characters/Ship: Chen, Suho, Xiumin
Word count: 477
AN: Jongdae being adopted doesn't really have any meaning, I only made it so since it worked out with the SHINee part of the story. However, I really wanted to portray Jongdae as someone who is kind but truly becomes unkind as the red power gets hold of him, and I hope that I managed that okay (>v<;) I also hope that you like this drabble overall, and of course the moodboard that comes with it~
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For some reason Jongdae had always been sensitive to electricity, and electricity to him.
On one hand it was a good thing, since heâd be the one who first noticed and told the others about an upcoming storm, but on the other hand he tended to electrocute everyone he touched. It was never done intentionally, of course, but on top of being adopted and new to the village it still took some time before any of the other children opened up to him.
Junmyeon was the first one, and since then the two of them had been inseparable.
This all changed, however, after the pain appeared in his eye and heart. Now it was fun to scare and tease people, and he had no reason to hold back. When his friends stopped wanting to be near him he didnât care, and while he found it amusing that Junmyeon still remained - especially since the jolts of electricity seemed to hurt him more than anyone - he eventually shut him out as well. No-one understood what truly mattered, and if they didnât⊠well, heâd do just fine without them.
When the sledge game bound him to the big white sleigh he felt ecstatic for the first time in a long while - now he could finally leave the village that he no longer viewed as his home. The Frost King had stopped and invited him to sit beside him, and the fact that the boy didnât flinch when they touched elated Jongdae even more, just like the view of the cold landscape he reigned over did.
The puzzle that was placed into his hands when they arrived was pretty much unsolvable, but if heâs disappointed he forgets it quickly. Time moved slowly here, as did his thoughts, and he'd long stopped noticing the cold and recognising his feelings when Junmyeon suddenly showed up to cry tears that melted the ice around his heart and made the greyness disappear from his vision. Slowly it dawns on him where he is and how badly heâs been treating his best friend, but Junmyeon never letting go of his hand somehow keeps his guilt at bay.
Itâs hard to dislike Minseok when he apologises and still doesnât seem to be affected by Jongdaeâs power, but he accepts his new friendâs wish to stay behind without questioning it and follows Junmyeon back to the village. Heâs surprised when Junmyeonâs friends embrace him with open arms, but what shocks him even more is that the people of the village is happy about seeing him. After what heâd done he felt undeserving of their forgiveness, but he still got it, he could see that in their smiles.
And thatâs when he realises that he never lost his home. It had simply waited for his return, and thanks to Junmyeon he was finally back for good.
AN: We're at the final part and I want to say thank you for sticking with me until the end! âž(*ËáË*)âžâĄ I know I didn't include a battle scene, because somehow this story only wanted to focus on making the worlds one again? Maybe that's enough, maybe I will write something more battle-like in the future, but for now I will continue writing the side stories throughout the year and upload them on AO3 afterwards, thus completing the story at last. It's been a long wait, but I'm glad to finally be here, and I wish you all the best until next time~
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ââŠAnd Junmyeon and Jongdae stayed with Kyungsoo for the night and then started walked along the shore of the river. Only a few hours later they could see their hometown, and with Junmyeonâs powers they easily swam to the other side and found the pond between their houses and realised that they were home. And you probably know who came to meet them first.â
âIt was me.âÂ
Jongin nodded, head rubbing against Sehunâs knee as they were laying in front of the fireplace in his living room.
âIt was you, Sehunnie, and you knocked the air out of Junmyeonâs lungs and wouldnât stop crying so Jongdae fetched me and then we were all crying together by the pond. Then our parents came and the rest of the village too and we decided to throw a feast on the square. Even with so little time to prepare, it felt like a birthday party, with food and games and everything, and we had lots of fun.â
Sehun smiled and looked forward, losing himself in the memory. âYes, it was fun. You ate chicken until you were sick.â He shrieked when Jongin pinched his thigh. âYou always eat too much when thereâs chicken!â
âShut up! Anyways, Junmyeon and Jongdae had been gone for a long time so we were all happy to have them back. No-one thought that they were alive, except for you and me of course, so that day was absolutely spectacular. It wasnât until the next day that they had a moment to themselves by the pond, and it was when they leaned against the tree where everything began, holding hands and watching the sun set, that they realised that they were truly home. The end.â Jongin pulled on Sehunâs nose and howled with laughter when his best friend retaliated by tickling him, and it took several minutes before they managed to catch their breaths again.
âHey, Jongin?â
Said boy snuggled into Sehunâs thigh, eyes already half-closed. âMmmh?â
âHow do you know so much about this? I mean, they told us what happened but your story is so much more detailed?â
Jongin turned his head, a smirk blooming on his lips.
âBecause I was there, of course! I followed Junmyeon to the river, I saw him in Kyungsooâs garden, I saw him ride on Yixing and enter the castle - Taeminâs an old friend of mine, he told me about what happened there. I saw the thieves imprison him and how he and Luhan were set free, I looked through the windows of Baekhyunâs and Chanyeolâs houses, I saw the showdown with the Frost king, and how they returned. I saw it all so you canât question the truth to my story!â
Sehun frowned. âI know you can move fast, but does that mean you knew where Junmyeon was the entire time and didnât tell me?â
Jongin opened his mouth and closed it again, self-assurance turning into mortification.
âUh⊠No?âÂ
That made Sehun push him down to the floor.
âYouâre so mean!â
âBut I was praying with you every night, I just forgot to tell you! I couldnât do anything anyway! Iâm sorry Sehun!â Jongin dashed around the room to escape Sehunâs wrath, and they were so caught up in their antics that they didnât hear the door opening. Eventually they noticed Junmyeon and Jongdae watching them, and as they were tired from playing and startled by the company the two youngsters settled down to hear what they wanted.
âDid you tell him our story again, Jongin?â Jongdae cackled at the faces his friends made, and a smile stayed on his lips as Junmyeon cleared his throat.Â
âJonginnie, would you do me a favour?â Jongin and Sehun saw that their oldest friend was literally glowing with happiness, and they turned to Jongdae for answers but received nothing but a shrug.
âSure, what do you want me to do?â Jongin studied Junmyeonâs face intently, trying to make out the reason before Junmyeon himself could reveal it, and it took an encouraging pat from Jongdae before he finally said it.
âWe are one - Letâs love!â Junmyeon stood in his room by himself, practising his speech for the uptenth time and still not quite liking it. Maybe it just didnât feel natural yet? They were twelve completely different persons, so it only made sense that it would take a while before they were able to say it and mean itâŠ
But he wanted to try, because he was their leader now and he wanted to lead them all as good as he could.
About a month ago Jongin had teleported himself and Junmyeon to get all of his new friends and bring them to the village, and soon eight outsiders were chatting loudly by the pond. Junmyeon was forced to raise his voice to get their attention, and thankfully they had listened to him so he didnât have to do it twice.
âThank you for coming with such short notice,â he had begun. âI can imagine that youâre curious about why I brought you here, at this time.â He saw a couple of people nod and he smiled, growing more confident for every moment that passed. âWell, you see, I just wanted to thank you properly for saving Jongdae together with me, and so I prepared a feast in your honour that will begin as soon as Iâm done talking.â
Some whoops were heard, making Junmyeon giggle, and he took a deep breath before revealing something from behind his back.Â
It was the hexagon puzzle.
âWithout even realising it, we found each other and our powers aligned to make the veil between the two worlds disappear. None of it would have happened without the help I got from each and every one of you, and I want you to know that if the red force shows up again, Iâd be glad to fight it together with you. We may be different people and good at different things, but together we are one, and I know we can do whatever we set our hearts on doing.â
A shaky breath escaped him, heart thumping wildly as he reached the last and most improvised part of his speech.
âSo if you want to, we can become like the legends of the story and fight evil with love.â
âWeâll do it if you become our leader, Junmyeon.â Minseok gave Junmyeon an encouraging smile, and the others agreed with him. Junmyeon initially felt really awkward hearing this request, but soon regained his composure. If they wanted him as their leader, heâd do everything in his power to fill that role - with help of his fellow legends of course.
Today, a month later, Junmyeon sat by the lake again, reminiscing about the feast. They had eaten lots of good food, played games and even sung some songs together, and as night turned into morning they had parted ways with a promise to come by often.Â
The sun was about to set, showing its beauty to the world once more before the day was over. Junmyeon wondered how Jongdae felt, being able to see things like this again after the red power had melted away from his sight, and suddenly he began to worry. Could he do this? Could he lead them if the red power acted up again? Or would they better off on their own?
âThere you are.â Junmyeon thoughts were interrupted by Jongdae taking a seat next to him. âYou know that the others are coming soon, right?â
âI know.â
âNervous?â
Junmyeon sighed in exasperation. âIt doesnât make sense, I know that, things have have been going really well so there shouldnât be anything to be nervous about, and yet I canât stop doubting myself. Will I be able to keep my head above water as I take on the leader role?â Jongdae tilted his head and threw him an incredulous look, soon losing the battle against a teasing smile.
âYou can control the water, and you can do this too. Who saved me from the Frost King?â
âMinseok may have been a big part of the problem, but I donât think that he would have let it continue for much longer had I not come. He did want to save you after all.âÂ
âBut you came, and you saved me. Youâre the bravest person I know, Junmyeon, and if someone can do this, itâs you. We wouldnât have appointed you as our leader and guardian otherwise.â
Junmyeon pulled a grimace at the new nickname heâd gained, liking the meaning and at the same time fearing itâs pressure, but the hand on his shoulder had him drop it in an instant.
âYouâre amazing in so many ways, and thereâs no way you can change my opinion on that. You will lead us well, both me and the others know that.â Jongdae looked back to the beautiful scenery and leaned his head onto Junmyeonâs shoulder. âYou were my guardian even before you saved me, and now that youâve brought us all together youâre their guardian too.â
Junmyeon swallowed the lump in his throat and put his head on Jongdaeâs.
âDo you think so?â he whispered.
âI know so,â Jongdae whispered back.
âHey, werenât we supposed to meet here?â someone shouted in the distance, sounding vaguely like Baekhyun, and Junmyeon and Jongdae got up to join the ten other boys gathering in the garden between their houses. Together they were the twelve chosen ones who were once split in two but had become one, and while Junmyeon dreaded what the future held he knew that heâd always think of them as one in his heart.
And that no matter what, love would always prevail.
âPut your hands in the middle.â They did as they were told, and Junmyeon put his hand on top of theirs, unable to hold back a smile of his own as he saw the othersâ smiling faces.Â
They believed in him, and therefore he believed in himself.
âWe are one - Letâs love!â
And so they lived and spread harmony wherever they went, and if you havenât heard anything new about the red power, they still are.
Fine
(Jongin, would you please stop snooping around and tell Sehun everything that happens to me? Itâs getting really annoying!)
AN: I don't know if I made the solution to the "riddle" too cheesy, or if it even makes sense, but I tried my best to make it work (ïżŁâœïżŁ*)ă⥠Also I'm weak against reunions so here's a whole bunch of them hahah
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When Junmyeonâs sobs had quieted down, Jongdae started speaking.
âMinseok.â So thatâs his name, Junmyeon thought and looked up, seeing the Frost King return the gaze from underneath his fringe.
âYes, Jongdae?â
âI can imagine how you felt, but it doesnât make this less wrong. Even if you wanted to save me from the enemy this wasnât the right way to do it. If you saw me through Junmyeonâs eyes, didnât you understand that it would hurt him? That if you took his friend from him to make him your own it would hurt him?â He looked at Junmyeon. âBecause it did hurt you, right?â
Junmyeon hid his face in his shoulder again. âYou hurt me, Jongdae⊠and you didnât let me find you even onceâŠâ
Jongdae grimaced and started saying âIâm sorryâŠâ, but Junmyeon wasnât having any of that.
âI know you werenât being yourself.â Jongdae smiled a sad smile and then looked at Minseok again.
âYou and me belong to the same world? You and me and four others, and Junmyeon and five others?â He whistled when Minseok nodded. âSo the story was true then. And we have powers too? I wonder which ones we have, and how we managed to see each other despite being born into different worldsâŠâ
âAfter seeing how he saved you I think itâs pretty obvious what power your friend yields.â The Frost King looked so innocent and scared that Junmyeon had a hard time believing that it was the same person that had threatened him just a moment ago. Had Minseok really laughed in such a menacing way? Had he really been the brain behind all of this? But curiosity soon overthrew his disbelief.
âWhat power do I have?â Junmyeon gave Minseok a steady look, easing up at the small, true smile he got directed at him.
âWater.â
And in that moment, Junmyeon understood.
It was the water in the pond back home that had led him away and brought him to Kyungsoo. When he cried, the flowers started to bloom in the garden. It was the water that had hindered the snow to reach him outside the castle, and it was his tears that had reached Jongdaeâs heart. Maybe this power was what bound him together with the other eleven, and maybe he had a role to play in why he and Jongdae had been able to live together, but everything truly felt so much clearer after Minseok had uttered that single word and he couldnât help returning the smile.
âMaybe that explains our bond to each other too, Junmyeon.â Jongdae took hold of Junmyeonâs hand, intertwining their fingers. A few seconds passed, then a chuckle escaped Jongdae when Junmyeon jumped in surprise. âDid you feel that?â
Junmyeonâs big eyes found his. âElectricity.â
âAnd water leads electricity.â Jongdae squeezed Junmyeonâs hand, but released it when his gaze fell upon something on the ground. âJunmyeon, did you touch this?â His friend shook his head and Minseok came closer to get a look at the now completed hexagon puzzle, the three of them reading the words written on it in unison.Â
âLetâs love.â
Thatâs when they all felt it - the feeling of something tearing.
Minseok was the first to leap to his feet. âItâs gone. The veil is gone.â When he saw the othersâ questioning looks he laughed loudly. âThe worlds are one again. The riddle is solved! Weâre free!â He made a few twirls with his arms outstretched before rushing over to take their hands in his own. âIâm sorry, and thank you!â
âI think itâs Junmyeon you should be thanking, heâs the one who said it.â Jongdae laughed together with Minseok now as he saw Junmyeonâs reddened cheeks.
âItâs nothing.â
Minseok hugged them both and went to open the gate with a wave of his hand, running out into the snow. Overwhelmed, Junmyeon looked at Jongdae; his best friend who was finally found and saved, smiling his trademark cheshire grin like he didnât have a care in the world.
He had done it.
âShall we go home?â
The feeling of Jongdaeâs warm hand in his was answer enough.
When they came close to Chanyeolâs house a boy flew into Minseokâs arms so quickly that all Junmyeon saw of him was a brown line, and Minseok started laughing as he spun them around.
âMinseok! Minseok!âÂ
âLuhan! They saved me, they saved us!â He slowed down, releasing Luhan as he grew serious. âI was wrong, can you forgive me?â
âOf course!âÂ
Junmyeon gaped at the beaming reindeer-turned-boy who held onto the Frost Kingâs arms; he was rather small, with soft brown hair and big doe eyes - eyes that promptly turned his way and a split second later he was lying on the ground, trying to breathe as Luhan gave him a bone-crushing hug.
âJunmyeon, you did it!â
Junmyeon laughed and hugged him back, and as soon as they let go of each other Luhan turned back into a reindeer again. âLetâs go find Chanyeol, heâs probably very worried.â He motioned for them to get on his back, but Minseok rejected the offer.
âI can move fast in the snow, itâs my element after all, but who is this Chanyeol?â
"He controls fire!" Luhan exclaimed, Minseok's eyes widening as he understood.
âAh, he must be one of yours then, Junmyeon."Â
Junmyeonâs heart skipped a beat. He was one out of six, and if Chanyeol was another one, who knew if heâd already met the other fourâŠÂ Then Jongdae hugged him from behind and he was brought out of his thoughts.
As the worlds were no longer separated it didnât matter - they were one, all twelve of them.
Cheers filled the air as Chanyeol met them and he lifted Junmyeon in a rough embrace. âI knew you could do it, I knew it!â he shouted, his voice exceptionally loud to hide the moistness in his eyes (Junmyeon saw it anyway, but didnât say anything - he just thanked his friend for believing in him when he needed it most). Jongdae then approached to say hello and he got a hug too before they left together to visit Baekhyun.
The boy with the power of light ran out of his house as soon as he saw them, bawling into Junmyeonâs neck before he could even say his greeting. âIâm sorry, I didnât mean to do it...!â
Junmyeon patted his shoulder, telling him that he forgave him, because he had been vital in saving Jongdae too, hadnât he? But that only made the situation worse and Jongdae and Chanyeol had to help with calming Baekhyun down, all of them holding each other until the tears stopped falling. Then Baekhyunâs grandmother invited them all for supper and with five boys around the table she looked quite happy.
After saying goodbye to Chanyeol and Baekhyun the following day, Junmyeon and Luhan traveled towards the forest clad hills, and it didnât take long before they heard a voice, strong and clear, call for Junmyeon.
âJunmama!â And Junmyeon threw himself off Luhan only to be lifted up by Zitao, and when the thief had gotten enough hugs to be satisfied he saw who was standing behind them.
âMinseok? Is it really you?â
Minseok stood in the snow, looking apologetically at his old friends. âIt is me. Zitao, Yixing, can you forgive me?â And immediately he was also pulled into a hug, Junmyeon and Yixing cooing at the sight as they embraced.
Soon Zitao spotted Jongdae as well. âSo it was you Junmama was going to save.â He snorted and Junmyeon nudged him with his elbow. âI wonder if you know how much effort he has put in for your sake.â This time Junmyeon actually pushed him in distress.
âWhy did you have to say thatâŠâ he muttered, making Jongdae smile.
âI do, and itâs all thanks to those efforts that Iâm here now.â The smile turned into laughter and Zitao stopped pretending to be mad as he said a proper hello.
As they sat by the fireplace that evening, Yixing filled everyone in on what had happened since they last saw each other - when he'd given the castle a quick visit in Junmyeonâs absence he had learned that Jinki and Taemin had started travelling around the country, and people loved them wherever they went. Yibo was now a respected foreman, as was Yixing, and the kingdom prospered under their care.
When Jongdae was leaning against the shoulder Zitao hadnât taken for himself Junmyeon closed his eyes, revelling in the feeling of being surrounded by friends.
Luhan parted ways with them as they said goodbye to Zitao, his longing to run free too strong to ignore, and Junmyeon and Jongdae rode on Yixing until they reached the castle. There, Yixing was as gentle as always when he wiped away the tear escaping Junmyeonâs eye.
âTake care, Junmyeon, promise me that.â Junmyeon nodded and hooked his pinky with the unicorn boyâs.
âI promise.â
Yixing hugged Jongdae and Minseok as well and then the three of them started walking, putting some distance behind them before Minseok slowed and finally stopped.
âI canât go any further.â Jongdae was quick to come to his side, Junmyeon joining him, confusion apparent on their faces.Â
âWhy?â
âIt will be summer where youâre going, and Iâm still too ashamed to come with you. Thatâs why Iâve decided to turn back for now.â
âAre you sure?â Jongdaeâs voice was filled with compassion, and despite everything that had happened Junmyeon felt the same way. Minseok nodded and accepted a hug before taking a step back, looking at Junmyeon.
âI think I understand why I saw you in the window that night, Junmyeon. I was looking for the missing person in my group and found you, a strong willed person harbouring a heart filled with love for everyone. You were someone I wanted to be but wasnât - a leader. Junmyeon, I think youâre our leader, and if we meet again I will do everything in my power to support your every step. Even if Iâm older than you.â A cheeky smile appeared on his face, showing off his soft features as he took another step away from them. âThank you once again, and I do hope that our paths will cross someday.â
While Jongdae waved in farewell for a long while, Junmyeon was lost in his thoughts. A leader? Him? He felt Jongdaeâs hand slid into his and his feet started walking, but it was hard to let Minseokâs words go. Someone like me could never be a leaderâŠ
Then Jongdae started singing, and it succeeded in making Junmyeon return to the present and sing along, just like it had so many times before.
When they opened the gate to the garden Kyungsoo was already standing there and he swiftly walked into Junmyeonâs welcoming arms.
âI promised to visit,â Junmyeon whispered, and the other boy shuddered.
âIâm sorry.â It was clear that he meant his part of the spying, and Junmyeon didnât need to see him to know how sincere he was.
âItâs okay. I did fine anyway, and I got many new friends along the way, so what did I really lose?â
Kyungsoo drew back so he could put his hands to Junmyeonâs neck, tear-filled eyes accentuating his serious expression. âYou were brought from your home and your family, and your childhood friend was taken from you. Thatâs what you lost, and if you hadnât gotten it back I would have gone after you. I like you, Junmyeon, and I truly regret helping the enemy to get to you.â
Junmyeon smiled, moved by his words, and put his hand on top of Kyungsooâs. âItâs okay, honestly. I forgive you, and I hope we can remain friends after this.âÂ
Now Kyungsoo also smiled, as remorse gave way to boldness. âBest friends.â
âAlong with me, I hope.â Junmyeon guffawed at Kyungsooâs surprised face as his companion interfered with their conversation.
âKyungsoo, may I introduce my childhood friend, Jongdae?â
AN: Junmyeon definitely cries a lot in this story, but so does the MC in the original story and since tears are also made of water I thought - why not? Also, regarding the split, I was thinking that the ones belonging to different worlds couldn't see each other unless Junmyeon was with them? He's a special case since he's the one who unites them... or something hahah (*^.^*)⥠Anyways, I hope you like this part as well~
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They found a house the next day, right after the sun had started to rise, and when Junmyeon knocked on the door he was hit by a gush of hot air. How is this possible? Such heat shouldnât exist when itâs winter! The answer came as a tall boy with big ears opened the door and a heat unlike any other Junmyeon had ever felt hit him with itâs entire strength.
âHi, Iâm Chanyeol! Who are you?â
Luhan told him their story once again, adding Baekhyunâs part to the ending (Chanyeol was happy to hear from his friend), in front of his fireplace that emitted such heat that they had to remove almost all of their clothing. Chanyeol was hot-blooded to his core and he sure did make use of it in this landscape, but even he got goosebumps when they mentioned the Frost King.
âThe Frost Kingâs castle? Are you sure you want to go there?â When Junmyeon nodded he put his chin in his hand in thought, reading the note heâd received one more time before throwing it into the fire. âI know that your friend is with the Frost King, he brings him outside every now and then and from what I've seen they both radiate coldness and ill intent. I donât like it one bit. No normal being would want to get in between them and risk getting their heart frozen.â
The reindeer looked at Chanyeol with big eyes. âCanât you come with us and melt them then? You can control fire!â
âI wish it was that simple. My fire can melt snow and ice, sure, but this is different. Whateverâs going on between the two of them is filled will some kind of evil power that I canât handle, and I think we need something extraordinary to destroy it.â He looked at Junmyeon, who had been quiet the entire time.
âI think you can do it, Junmyeon. You donât need my or anyone elseâs power, because I know that youâre strong in another way. You have a goal that has kept you going and youâve managed to get out of all the difficult situations youâve encountered this far, managing to get both humans and shapeshifters to join you on your journey without even trying. If you canât save Jongdae, no-one can.â
Junmyeon stared at Chanyeol, his face hot both from the heat of the room and the kind words. Never had someone said so many nice things about him at once, especially not after only just meeting him, so to say that he was rendered speechless was not an exaggeration.Â
âCanât we help him somehow?â Luhan said, looking between Junmyeon and Chanyeol.
Chanyeol shook his head. âNo, I think he has to do this himself. You can bring him to the outskirts of the forest, but then you have to return. If everything goes well, which we of course hope, Junmyeon will return after saving his friend.â The lanky boy drew closer to Junmyeon and crouched down to look him straight in the eye.
âYou can do this, Iâm sure of it. Don't think too much, just go and do it, okay? Weâll be waiting for you.â He showed all his teeth in a blinding smile, and Junmyeon gave him a careful one back. Chanyeol was similar to Baekhyun in his way of approaching the upcoming battle with energy and positivism and he appreciated that immensely, because the moment of truth was drawing closer and he needed all the support he could get.
He got up and looked at Luhan and Chanyeol, renewed certainty shining in his eyes.
"Thank you for the ride.â Junmyeon slid off Luhanâs back. âIt means more than I can say that youâve done so much to save Jongdae.â
âNo, Junmyeon, YOU are going to save Jongdae,â Luhan corrected him. âI just did what I could to help. Chanyeol is right, youâre strong and you will surely do well.â He nudged Junmyeonâs face with his nose, his brown doe eyes watery. âHurry back afterwards, and good luck.â
âThank you, Luhan, I promise.â The reindeer quickly ran back into the forest towards Chanyeolâs house, and when Junmyeon couldnât see him any more he turned towards the castle belonging to the Frost King.
The snow hit him fiercely as soon as he put his foot on the first step of the stairs, but for some reason it didnât reach him - instead it melted and disappeared. Astounded, he took in the sight of the shimmering, tiny droplets around him, but soon forced himself to continue. He could admire them later. The entrance towered above him, filled with icy winds, and after taking a deep breath he put his hands on it, leaning forward. It was unlocked and slowly creaked open, and he didnât have to go very far before he saw them.
There was Jongdae, sitting next to a boy who looked like he was somewhere around their age. He had a soft, round face, but it also held a sharpness to it that neither him nor Jongdae possessed. All of a sudden Junmyeon realised that he recognised the boy - he was the one he had seen after dragging his hand across the window in his bedroom so many years ago. It was a boy with childlike features but cold eyes, a boy who laughed but then disappeared into the snowy frenzy and only left beautiful frost paintings behind.
It was now perfectly clear to Junmyeon that he was standing in the presence of the Frost King.
After a short while the boy stood up and patted Jongdae's hair.
âIâm going outside for some fresh air.â He mirrored Jongdaeâs wide smile, the one Junmyeon had missed so much and that broke his heart because it didnât look real any more, and waved goodbye. âKeep up with the puzzle in the meantime.â He disappeared through a door on the other side of the hall, the sound of it closing echoing for multiple seconds before it disappeared. Then there was only silence.
Junmyeon could only feel his heartbeats, loud in his ears and hard against his ribs. After what felt like an eternity he took a step towards Jongdae, but he stopped when Jongdae slowly lifted his head to look at him.
An abnormally loud gasp bounced off the walls. Jongdae didnât show any signs of knowing the person standing in front of him, and the grey of his skin and the blue of his lips made Junmyeon clench his chest in fear. He inched closer and noticed out of the corner of his eye that Jongdae was fiddling with something that looked like a geometrical shape of some sort, but his gaze was fixed upon Jongdaeâs face. How can he smile with those lips? How can he see with all the frost in his eyelashes? How can he work on a puzzle with fingers numbed by the cold? He walked faster and as soon as he was close enough he threw himself onto Jongdae.
âJongdae! Jongdae, youâre alive!â He felt the coldness seeping from his friendâs body, painfully aware of the fact that Jongdae didnât move a muscle to return the embrace. âIâve been looking everywhere for you! I mean, at first I just waited, which was really difficult but in a different way, but then I was kind of forced to leave our hometown so I decided to search for you and I had to deal with lots of difficult things to get here... and now I finally found you.â He loosened his grip and tried to see if there was even a tiny flicker of life in those eyes, but they were completely empty.
âHe wonât change.â Junmyeon looked up, meeting the gaze of the Frost King. He wouldn't have believed it possible one moment ago, but the stare he got was even colder than before, and Junmyeon swallowed as a smile showed itself on the other boyâs lips. âYour friend belongs to me now. Actually, he has belonged to me ever since he was born, but for some reason you managed to get around the rules and become friends.â
âWh-What? Belongs to y- what rules?â Junmyeon didnât understand anything and Jongdae just watched them, not a single emotion showing on his face. The Frost King laughed at his bewilderment and held up his hands.
âDonât tell me you havenât heard about the rules, youâre one of us! You must have heard of the twelve legends and the tree? About the evil red power that split them and the tree in two?â The accusation in his voice had Junmyeon searching his memory frantically. His mother had told many stories to him and later on Jongdae, Sehun and Jongin, but had he heard this one? It did sound familiarâŠ
âYou mean the one with the two worlds?â he finally said, and the Frost King nodded.
âYou have heard about it. But do you understand it?â He sneered at the face Junmyeon made. âApparently not. Have you never played with the thought that there might lie some truth in it? I know youâre one of us, or you wouldnât have been been able to see me in your window that day. Do you know what power you yield? What role you possess? Which world you belong to?â He looked at Jongdae who quietly studied them as Junmyeon still held him close. âYou two arenât from the same world. Me and Jongdae, on the other hand, are. When I saw him through your eyes back then I decided to save him before the red power struck. Youâre incredibly easy to read, did you know that? You wanted to see if Jongdae was awake. As I was looking for him I found you, and then it was simple for me to come by your town and take him away from danger.â He laughed again, a little less joyously.
âHowever, I was too late, and you turned out to be a stubborn one. You followed me, and you managed to get past all hindrances without losing your way. Even though the enemy had spies you arrived here alive and well - yes, they had spies. Do you know of a Kyungsoo and a Baekhyun? The red force used their darker feelings to locate where you were, which wasn't hard because you mattered to them, as you did to Jongdae.â Now the Frost King was standing before him, a threatening glare twisting his cute face in a horrible way. âBut nothing can bring him back now, not even his so called best friend, because thatâs me now and I want him to stay here. The red force can't harm him any further, so what can you really offer?â
Junmyeon couldnât believe it. This boy had taken Jongdae just because he believed he had the right to do so, to somehow protect him because they were from the same world? Didnât Junmyeon and Jongdae share their lives with each other ever since they were small? How could the Frost King think that he was saving Jongdae when it was obvious he was freezing to death?
In that very moment Junmyeon gathered every ounce of courage he had and stood up, staring back into the Frost Kingâs eyes and opening his mouth.
âWho do you think you are?â The first words were nothing more than a whisper, but his voice quickly became louder. âIâm being serious. Who do you think you are? Sure, you may be the king of the frost but does that give you the right to take what you want? Even if that story is true, even if it turns out that you and I arenât from the same world I donât care. Do you understand? I donât care! Jongdae has always been my best friend, he has been there when I needed him and more than that! He tells me that he looks up to me and clings to me all the time and it makes me happy! And even if this trip has been tough I gained many new friends and theyâve all been willing to help me - it felt like we were one in our wish to save Jongdae and that feeling has helped me stay strong, so strong that I refuse to let someone take that joy from me without asking Jongdae first.â
He panted as he looked at the Frost King, who was now staring at him in shock, then shifted his gaze to Jongdae. His heart broke once again when he saw the shell of the boy that had once been his dearest friend, and he kept talking as he walked towards him.
âDonât fight evil with evil, letâs love instead. What do you gain from saving Jongdae like this? Heâs just a doll, a shadow of the person he used to beâŠâ
He fell to his knees and put his head on Jongdaeâs shoulder.
âJongdae, I want you back. My life doesnât work without you. Not without your pretty smile, your sarcastic manners, your hugs and your beautiful voice. Youâre my best friend, but if you decide by your own free will that this is your home, I will let you go."
Junmyeon was tired of crying by now, and yet the tears came when he leaned his head onto Jongdaeâs shoulder, dark patches forming on the frozen shirt as he tried to accept that his friend just might be beyond saving.
âJunmyeon, I couldn't ever bear to be separated from you. How can you even think that I'd want that?â Junmyeon hiccuped and looked up, into Jongdaeâs face - bright, shining, alive - and started crying even more as he held his hands to his face.
âJongdae..!âÂ
Said boy pulled Junmyeon into an actual embrace as warm tears fell down his cheeks.
AN: I couldn't pass on the opportunity to bring Baekhyun's grandma into the mix hahah (*ïŸÏïŸ)⥠This story is full of references overall, can you find them all?
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âYou will bring him straight there and straight back, do you understand?â Zitao was trying to instruct the reindeer that was prancing around the yard, now free of all the boundaries in the world.
âLuhan, are you listening?!â
Luhan continued his prancing as he glared at his former caretaker. âYes, Iâm listening. I know my home country through and through, and I promise Iâll do everything I can to protect your mama.â
The choice of words had Junmyeon staring at Zitao, but the thief refused to acknowledge it, the reddish colour adorning his cheeks the only sign that he had heard it at all.Â
âAm I mama to you?â Junmyeon had a hard time keeping his cheerfulness in check, and Zitao must have heard it in his voice because he relaxed a little, even he still wouldnât look at him.
âYes, youâre mama to me. If thatâs okay with you? It not like I have anyone else, and youâve been kind to me even if you were my prisoner, andâŠâ He became quiet as Junmyeon took his hand and smiled so wide his eyes turned into crescents.
âI donât mind, Iâd love to be your mama if thatâs what you want.â
âQuit the mush and get to the point - I want to run!â Luhan jumped in protest while Yixing snorted at his antics, and Zitao looked at the two animals and then finally at Junmyeon.Â
âAre you sure you want to leave your unicorn here?â
âIâm sure. Weâve already talked about it. Yixing needs a break from all this, and I know heâs safe with you.â Junmyeon scratched Yixing behind the ears, touching foreheads in farewell. âI promised to return, didnât I? Iâll get him then.âÂ
At last Zitao relaxed, his trademark grin appearing as he threw a glance backwards.
It was time.
âThe others will wake up soon so youâd better get going.â He grabbed hold of Junmyeonâs scarf. âIâm keeping this because itâs pretty, and you get mine, because itâs warm.â Confusion took over Junmyeonâs features, but only for a moment, a grin rivalling Zitaoâs taking its place.
Zitao helped Junmyeon get up on Luhanâs back, who for once stood completely still, not showing any trace of misbehaviour. He probably wants to prove to Zitao that he can handle taking care of me, Junmyeon thought to himself and patted the reindeerâs head in appreciation before looking at his guard-turned-friend one last time.
âI guess this is goodbye then.â
âYeah. Take care, Junmama.âÂ
Junmyeon laughed at the nickname. âYou too, my son.â And he laughed even louder as Zitaoâs embarrassed shouts echoed after them, waving without looking back as Luhan was galloping so fast that it wouldâve been dangerous to turn around.Â
In front of him snow-clad mountains could be seen in every direction, and Luhan seemed to know where to go.
âJust hold on to me, and weâll be there in no time!â Luhan took a big leap and sped up even more, and Junmyeonâs heart soared.
"In no time" turned out to be a wrong assumption, even Luhan admitted to that as night fell during the fifth day. The food they had brought was long gone, and as there was no sighting of the castle belonging to the Frost King Junmyeon suggested that they should look for a place to stay for now. Luhan grunted in frustration but submitted to the idea, and soon they could see something lighting up the dark.
The building was only one story high and made entirely by wood, the welcoming aura it gave off making it easy to knock on the door. Junmyeon's vision was soon filled with a boyâs wide smile and unruly hair, and his mood grew lighter along with the brightness coming from inside the house.
âHi! What can I do for you?â
Junmyeon explained that he was on his way to the Frost kingâs domains but had run out of food, and him and Luhan were immediately led to a fireplace as an elderly woman brought them something to eat and drink.
âIâm Baekhyun,â they were told after theyâd all sat down - the boys and the reindeer on the floor, the woman in the sofa - âand this is my grandmother. What's your name?â
The question was directed at Junmyeon, but Luhan answered it, his eyes glinting with laughter as it made their hosts jump in their seats.
âIâm Luhan, and this is Junmyeon.â The reindeer seemed keen on talking for the both of them, and Junmyeon was more than happy to let him do the storytelling. After all, he had told it many times himself already, and he enjoyed listening to Luhan's voice so there really wasn't any reason to complain.Â
It did feel a bit weird, though, hearing his story being told by someone else, and as it went on it almost felt like everything had happened in another life, to another person. How long had it been since he had taken that boat? For how long had he been away from the village he grew up in and his parents and Sehun and Jongin? Tears pricked his eyes as he thought of them, but he was determined not to let them fall.
It was for Jongdaeâs sake that he was here, and he had no intention of giving up now.
âWhat an adventure!â Baekhyun laid on his back, staring up onto the roof in amazement. âAn actual adventure, and an exciting one at that. I wish I could have been a part of it, nothing fun ever happens here.â
âThat's not what I heard last week, when Chanyeol was visiting.â Baekhyunâs grandmother peered over her glasses and chuckled at her grandchild, who slowly joined her in laughing as he sat up again.
âYeah, youâre right grandma. Things do happen around here, definitely more than it does at home.â He turned to explain to his guests. âI only live here during certain parts of the year, grandma becomes so lonely otherwise and I do have friends who miss me. But an adventure like yours is way beyond me!â
Junmyeon raised his eyebrows, not quite agreeing. âWell, yes⊠it has been an adventure, but it hasnât been that fun..!â But he was interrupted by a playful punch on his arm.
âCome on! You did have fun, didnât you? I get that the reason you had to go was sad, but Iâm sure you got to experience some nice moments on the way here.â And Junmyeon couldnât disagree. Baekhyunâs way of seeing the positive side of things won over his own motivation right now, and he felt a tug at the corner of his lips as he locked eyes with Luhan.
âYes, youâre right. I did find some new friendsâŠâ
Baekhyun clapped his hands in triumph. âYou see!â
âBaekhyun.â The energetic boy winced at his grandmaâs repercussion. âDonât make our guests uncomfortable.â
âI wonât, grandmaâŠâ Junmyeon grinned at Baekhyunâs display of emotion and received one in return. âI hope Iâm one of those friends you mentioned, Junmyeon.â
The grin grew into a full fledged smile and he grasped Baekhyunâs hands.
âOf course you are!â
That night Junmyeon slept with his new friend in a proper bed - Luhan being too tired to move from his place in front of the fireplace - and when they ate breakfast the next morning Baekhyunâs grandmother gave Junmyeon a piece of paper with some scribbled notes on it.
âBring this to Chanyeol, he lives a couple of miles from here. Iâm certain he knows the final part of the way to the Frost Kingâs castle, as he tends to walk around where Chanyeolâs house is located during this time of the year.â Junmyeon thanked her, and minutes later he was once again sitting on Luhanâs back, ready to leave.
âSay hi to Chanyeollie from me!â Baekhyun stood by the door next to his grandmother, waving them off. âAnd remember to visit!â
His grandmother nodded. âYouâre all welcome to stop by whenever you want!â
âAnd donât forget your friend, Junmyeon.â
The comment made Junmyeon more than a little confused. âWhy would I forget Jongdae?â
âNo, I meant me you dummy!â Baekhyun rolled his eyes and gave him another smile - a smile that Junmyeon couldnât reciprocate due to itâs sudden unnaturalness. Something was different, and he couldnât put his finger on what, but after a few seconds he decided to let it go. Maybe his new friend was just going to miss them.
Baekhyun continued. âAlso, look for my sign tonight. Iâve been working on a trick, so when you see it, just follow it until the morning arrives. And promise youâll visit, itâs too boring to just torment Chanyeol.â He yelped as his grandmother squeezed his neck, but he didnât stop smiling and now Junmyeon returned it in earnest.
âI will. See you!â Now came the moment Luhan had been waiting for and he sprinted in the direction they'd been pointed towards, and when the night approached the most beautiful northern light shone above them, guiding their way in the dark.
Summary: In which Junmyeon is captured and let go.
Genre/Category: Fairytale!AU (The Snow Queen)
Characters/Ship: Suho, Lay, Tao, Luhan, mentions of Kris, Suho/Everyone
Word count: 1695
AN: This is a tricky part, as there are mentions of Kris, and while I do not condone the things he's done he existed in the story when I first wrote it many years ago and he still does... however, I assure you that he doesn't show up more than absolutely necessary and I didn't even use his real name (as I've done with the others) so I hope you're okay with that (*/_)⥠Here goes~
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Twilight came only hours after their departure, and as the road was currently bordered with coniferous trees Junmyeon was reminded of all the tales he had heard about things lurking in dark forests.Â
Itâll be alright, he tried to reassure himself. Even if things havenât gone that well, I have gained many friends - Kyungsoo, Yixing, Taemin and Jinki⊠I just have to stay positive and focus on finding Jongdae!
He could feel the tightness in his chest ease up a little as he did this - that is until he heard something that made him freeze up completely.
âGold! Pretty clothes! Give it to us!â People appeared everywhere and pushed the carriage on to its side, catching Yixing before he could run away and pulling Junmyeon out by the shirt, only letting go after he had been dragged into their midst. As he caught his breath he found himself looking up at a tall man with bleached hair and a hard look on his face.
âOh, what a cute little boy we found. Youâve got to be someone special to get such a nice escort, and you look healthy enough to fit the bill. Maybe youâre the son of a wealthy person?â His gaze was cold and Junmyeon clenched his jaw in defiance as he refused to break the eye contact, an amused smile appearing on the manâs lips as he did so. âA brave son of a wealthy person, perhaps. Anyhow, your things belong to me now, and as the leader of this gang I will decide whatâs going to happen to you. I think I-â
âKris!â A gangly boy threw himself onto the leaderâs back. âLet him be! I want him!â He slid back into the snow and approached Junmyeon. âHe looks nice. Kris, let me keep him, I want to have him in my bed!â Junmyeon was suddenly alert like never before and stared at the boy who was no doubt younger than he was, despite his towering length. He then looked at Kris and saw him furrow his brow before shrugging his shoulders.
âFine, Zitao, you can have him. Heâs not my style anyway.â He turned on his heel and started walking towards the carriage. âJust try not to break him, like you did with your last plushie, and remember that youâre responsible for everything he does from now on.â
âSure!â The boy named Zitao grinned like a wolf and Junmyeon swallowed hard as he was left with his new caretaker. His discomfort apparently didn't go by unnoticed as Zitao tried to calm him down in his own way, which wasnât the best way by any means but Junmyeon was still happy that he at least tried. âDonât be scared, I know wushu and if someone comes close to you I will beat their asses. Whatâs your name?âÂ
Junmyeon swallowed again and tried multiple times before he managed to answer him. âJunmyeon.â
âJun-m-what? Jun-ma-â Zitao seemed to have difficulties pronouncing his name, which almost made Junmyeon laugh despite the seriousness of the situation. âIâll just call you Junmahao. Come, you can sleep and eat with me.â And he linked their arms together and pulled Junmyeon with him to his home, where Kris and the others were already having dinner. Zitao waved before turning towards a room that was probably his and closed the door behind them.
The room was rather neat, and pieces of clothing and trinkets filled his closet and shelves. Junmyeon felt like he was watching the interior of a merchantâs place, with the difference that this boy wouldnât sell anything. Maybe I wonât get to leave either, now that Iâm part of his collectionâŠ
Zitao sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to him, and Junmyeon, who was still wary of the boy, obeyed. After taking his seat, Zitao smiled in appreciation and showed him a big, disheveled wolf plushie that sat by his pillow.
âThis is Baby, the plushie Kris was talking about. I promise to be more careful with you.â Junmyeon gulped as Zitao got hold of his hands. âI like you, Junmahao. You look kind, and youâre not angry about me taking you for myself.â
Junmyeon shrugged and looked down, unsure of what to say. âYou saved me from your leader, so why would I be angry?âÂ
Zitao laughed loudly. âBelieve me, Kris wouldnât have dared to do anything extreme. Even if his outer appearance and strength makes him a decent duizhang heâs actually a coward when it comes down to itâŠâ He smiled playfully and tilted his head. "You're really short."
Junmyeon hit Zitaoâs arm without thinking about it, and the boy laughed happily, making Junmyeon smile for real. He actually felt safer now that Zitao had showed to be a good person, and when it was time to sleep and he wanted to keep Junmyeon next to him in his bed he obliged without any fears. But he couldnât sleep, because even if things had turned out to be better than heâd hoped for he still had Jongdae to save.
The problem now was that he was stuck, and he had no idea how to escape.
Junmyeon looked up and greeted Zitao who entered the room carrying dinner with him and putting it on the bed before latching himself onto the his arm. The young thief sure was adorable, and he seemed to genuinely like him so Junmyeon didnât feel uncomfortable at all.
But he wasnât supposed to be here.
Many days had passed since he was taken prisoner, and Junmyeon had learned that even if they were on good terms, Zitao always locked the door so that he couldnât run away. The lack of trust stung a bit, and yet, he knew that should Zitao ever ask him about looking for escape routes he would have to say yes.
One thing that made it more bearable was the fact that he could see Yixing through the barred window that faced the backyard. The unicorn was completely unharmed, and he had a beautiful reindeer to keep him company - a reindeer that was quick to share that he also could talk and change shapes (even if he didnât want to do it right now for some reason). Thatâs why when talking to Yixing he got to know Luhan.
âIâm from up north,â Luhan told them as he somehow got an apple hanging out of his reach to fall down into his opened mouth. âYou could see beautiful sunrises and sunsets there and the air was clear and cold and it was absolutely wonderful.â
Junmyeon, head in his hands as he looked at the reindeer in interest, smiled. âHow did you end up here?â
Luhan swallowed and turned his head, his beautiful brown eyes looking straight at him. âThe thieves captured me one day, maybe they wanted to eat me but changed their minds or something. Iâm truly grateful that they let Zitao take care of me, but itâs not the same as being free.â
âJust like me then.â Junmyeon let out a sigh and Yixing sent him a comforting look, coming closer to nudge his arm. âAnd you, Yixing. Iâm sorry, it wasnât my intention to get you into this mess.âÂ
âDonât say that. Iâm alive too, arenât I?â Junmyeon patted his head when words failed him, his smile returning when he heard his friendâs happy grunts. He admired Yixing a lot, not least because of his ability to convey what he felt in a concise and kind way, something that had become very obvious to him that he himself lacked. Not once during his stay had he managed to tell Zitao about his mission to save Jongdae, and by the look of it, it wasnât about to happen soon either.
Yet another couple of days passed before Zitao finally brought the matter up.
âJunmahao?â The bed creaked as Junmyeon shifted to look at him. âSomething is wrong, isnât it? Donât you like being here with me?âÂ
Junmyeon was on the verge of denying it but stilled, deciding to go with the truth as he touched Zitao's arm fondly.
âItâs not like that, Zitao, you know I like you very much.â The thief giggled and snuggled closer to him. âButâŠâ Junmyeon breathed deeply - it was now or never. âI shouldnât be here. I have a friend who needs my help, and too much time has already gone to waste and Iâm so scared that I am going to be too late..!â The words tumbled out of his mouth and he was about to apologise for not making any sense when Zitao put his hands to his cheeks. That, and the fact that there was no anger in his expression, calmed Junmyeon down.
âTell me everything, Junmahao.â
And Junmyeon told him his story, just like heâd told Kyungsoo and Yixing and the royals at the castle, and by the end he was looking down into the mattress, afraid of whatever reaction he was about to get. Zitao on the other hand had been silent the entire time, eyes never leaving Junmyeonâs face as he spoke, and seeing his prisoner - friend - act like this made him wince.
âJunmahao.â Junmyeonâs gaze slowly returned to him. âYouâre a wonderful person, and your friend needs your help. I donât want you to leave, but I guess you have to, because I donât like seeing you sad.â
Tears gathered in Junmyeon eyes. âIâm so sorry, I donât want to leave you either but Jongdae-â
âShh, I understand.â Zitao acted maturely for once as he took the smaller boy into his arms and let him cry. âYou mean a lot to me and I hate that I have to do this, but Iâm letting you go. Take your unicorn with you, and Luhan too. Heâs from the Frost Kingâs domains, right? He can show you the way.â Junmyeon balled his fist in Zitaoâs nightshirt and he sniffled a couple of times before looking up.
âHow can I ever thank you enough?â
Zitao showed him his pinky. âJust promise to come back.â
Junmyeon hooked his pinky around Zitaoâs without thinking twice.
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jacobvanloon
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