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While the smell of salt in the air was as familiar as his own soul, the warm air surrounding everything was distinctively Fire Nation. Hongjoong and the ship’s crew had been travelling for a few weeks, the journey from the Southern Water Tribe to the Fire Nation capital a long one, and they had felt how the weather had progressively turned warmer and warmer. Left behind was Hongjoong’s favourite parka, a deep blue cloth with Water Tribe motifs embroidered on the sleeves, now substituted by light and airy tunics.
The ship was almost at the docks. In the distance, Hongjoong could see a dockworker guiding them toward the shore. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was going to be his new life for, at least, the following year, probably much longer if things went right.
The war had ended almost three years before, the world was trying to rebuild itself after decades of bloodshed, and the Fire Nation was trying to make amends. The war —hostile takeover, really— had started almost a hundred years ago, but it had turned truly brutal under the previous Firelord’s reign. Firelord Seonghwa’s father —Prince Seonghwa back then— had been a vicious man, power-hungry and so cruel that he had banished his own son. Rumour had it that before his exile, the prince had been so badly burned by his father that he had been on the verge of death for weeks.
In some twisted move by the spirits however, the banishment —which had seemed to be the ruin of the young prince— turned out to be an eye-opener, and after seeing the destruction and violence left behind by the Fire Nation, Prince Seonghwa had joined the rebellion. It had taken many battles, many years and many deaths, but the rebels —led by the White Lotus and a young but determined prince— managed to overcome the tyranny and depose the old ruler.
Dirty, bloody and exhausted, Prince Seonghwa had been immediately proclaimed Firelord, and for the last three years had been running himself ragged in order to make up for all the wrong-doings of his predecessors.
This was the reason Hongjoong was moving halfway across the world, into a city that felt as hot as the sun itself. The new Water Tribes ambassador, there to represent and defend both Water Tribes' wishes in the Fire Nation Court.
When the chief of the Southern Water Tribe had first told him of his proposal, he had been taken aback. Why him? Surely Yunho would be much better suited. His best friend was the chief’s son and a good diplomat, but when asked he had said that he was committed to his current job as an envoy between the sister tribes. Hongjoong’s first reaction was to reject the offer. Surely there was someone more qualified for a job as important as this one, but the chief had insisted, saying that he wholeheartedly trusted Hongjoong to do good for all of them. And in the end, here he was.
Now, don’t get him wrong, Hongjoong was not here against his will. Had he really not wanted to take such responsibility, he would have stood his ground, but the truth was that he was curious. He had always wanted to see the world and make it better. He was a bit of an idealist like that, although something told him he was not the only one. Becoming an ambassador in the Fire Nation was not what his teenage self imagined himself doing, but he was determined to do a hell of a job.
Lost in thought, Hongjoong was snapped out of his musings by the shrill cry of a seagull and he quickly realised that the ship was about to dock. The harbour sprawled out in front of him, bustling with people, goods and ships. Behind it, he could see the thousands of houses of Caldera City, and further back, the far-away silhouette of the royal palace. It surely was a breathtaking sight, so different from the snowy scenery back home that Hongjoong needed a moment to take it all in.
In front of where the ship moored stood a cluster of people, the Firelord at the front and what Hongjoong guessed were council members behind him. A man dressed in deep green and grey armour stood just a step behind the Firelord.
Hongjoong took another deep breath and started to disembark. Now or never, he thought. He stopped in front of the Firelord, a good few steps away and bowed.
“Firelord Seonghwa, it is an honour to be here today.” He straightened back up, and he could see that the Firelord had also bowed. “I look forward to working together.”
The Firelord’s lips drew into a polite smile, and Hongjoong couldn’t help but think that he was the most beautiful man he had ever met. He had delicate features, his face completely unblemished and the most captivating eyes Hongjoong had ever seen. The long, deep red robe he wore covered him up from head to toe, only his head and hands visible, but Hongjoong could feel his strength despite his slim figure.
“The honour is all ours, Ambassador.” His tone was solemn, but his words sounded genuine. “Thank you for being part of this council and helping build a better future. I am sure you and your crew must be exhausted from your trip, please allow me to show you to the palace so you can rest.”
It was only after hearing those words that Hongjoong realised how tired he actually was. Travelling by boat was not something he disliked, but after weeks of being in one, he was itching for a bed that didn’t sway along with the sea. That, paired with the tension that had taken over his shoulders, made him quickly agree to head to the palace.
~
A couple of hours had gone by since Hongjoong had been led to his new chambers. The room was big, not ostentatiously so, but spacious enough to have plenty of space. The bed was located on one side of the room, massive compared to what Hongjoong was used to, and the mattress was almost dreamingly soft when he sat on it. Close to the bed were a wardrobe and a desk, the desk’s surface already full of documents and papers left behind by the previous ambassador. Despite the obvious Fire Nation-style decor, Hongjoong liked the room, and once he unpacked some of his stuff, he was sure it would feel like home at least for a while.
Hongjoong changed his clothes, and he was now wearing a more formal robe for the banquet that had been prepared in honour of his arrival. He thought it was a bit superfluous, but he was also aware of how politics worked and knew that it was necessary if only for appearances' sake. So, after one last look in the mirror to make sure he was presentable, he headed out.
Outside his door stood the man who had been waiting beside the Firelord upon his arrival. Seeing him now up close, Hongjoong could see that he was a Kyoshi Warrior despite his face being devoid of their typical makeup. Only his eyes were painted in bright red eyeshadow.
“Ambassador Hongjoong, I am San,” he introduced himself. “I am one of Firelord Seonghwa’s guards. I was asked to accompany you to the banquet hall.”
The warrior's face was serious, but his posture was relaxed. Hongjoong didn’t know exactly why, but he liked the man. “A pleasure. Thank you for escorting me, I wouldn’t want to get lost in all these corridors.”
San smiled and gestured with his hand for Hongjoong to follow him. “So, excited for your first council meeting tomorrow?”
Hongjoong turned his head to face the other man, and he could see that a small teasing smile had formed on his lips. “Excited wouldn’t be the word I’d use, but yes, I am sure I will be able to survive whatever happens.”
The smile on San's face widened as he chuckled. “Ah, I knew that you would be a good addition to the council. I’ve been telling Seonghwa that for ages. Man, I am looking forward to see if you are finally able to kick out the last of those old bigots once and for all.”
Hongjoong eyebrows shot up. He didn’t even know where to begin dissecting San’s words. Firstly, it seemed that him being asked to take this job had not only been his chief’s idea. Secondly, San was apparently close enough to the Firelord to call him by his name without any title and had no fear of being reprimanded or punished for it. And thirdly, there were still believers in the old ways in the council, but the Firelord wanted them out. Interesting.
Thankfully, Hongjoong was saved from answering as they had arrived at the banquet hall. The double doors leading into the room were pulled open, and chatter could be heard from inside. Hongjoong and San were escorted by a servant to the table located furthest into the room. About ten people were sitting there, Firelord Seonghwa already at the head of the table. Upon seeing them, he rose. At once, all the chitchat in the room quieted, and everyone turned to look at them.
“Good night to everyone, “ he started, his voice soft yet commanding. “We are gathered here tonight to welcome Ambassador Hongjoong from the Southern Water Tribe to our council. We hope his aid and counsel will bring us forward in this new era of peace we are building.” With that, he gestured for everyone to sit, and the servants started to bring out the food.
Hongjoong was seated by the Firelord’s left, with what he guessed was the Earth Kingdom Ambassador next to him, and San and another Fire Nation man right across.
As soon as he sat down, Firelord Seonghwa turned to him. “I hope you enjoy the feast and tonight’s food. The kitchen staff has prepared some sea prunes and sea squid soup, I hope it is to your liking.”
Hongjoong was once more taken aback by the Firelord’s beauty. His hair was pulled up in a top knot held together by a flame-shaped headpiece that glimmered with the light of the torches lighting up the hall. His eyes were almost obsidian-black and a little bit cold, but the way they twinkled almost made Hongjoong never want to look away ever again. Thankfully, he was able to pull himself together before he made a fool out of himself.
“Thank you, Firelord Seonghwa. I am sure it will all be delicious.”
Everyone had started eating and chatter once again filled the room. A steaming bowl of sea squid soup had been placed in front of him and, sure enough, the smell was mouthwatering. It seemed that the kitchen staff had done their research.
“Good night, Ambassador.” Hongjoong turned toward the voice. The Earth Kingdom man sitting beside him had moved slightly to face him. “I am Choi Jongho, Ambassador from the Earth Kingdom. I hope you have a good time here.”
The man’s whole persona screamed aloofness and calm, but there was a glint in his eyes that told Hongjoong not to underestimate him. He returned the greeting, happy to chat with another council member and looking forward to making a new acquaintance. Hongjoong tended to do his own thing and get lost in his own world sometimes, but he remembered Yunho’s parting words, don’t let yourself get too lost in your head, Joong. Make some friends.
At some point, the man sitting beside San and right to Firelord Seonghwa also introduced himself. Kang Yeosang, another councilman and the Firelord’s personal advisor. He was prim and proper, his posture perfect and his face even more so. He was perfectly charming and polite, if only, the same as Firelord Seonghwa, a little cold and distant.
Time passed by quickly but slowly at the same time, multiple people came to talk to Hongjoong and introduce themselves. When the banquet finally ended, Hongjoong felt as if he had been run over by a stampede of komodo rhinos. Just as he was about to leave, after what felt like an eternity more of farewells, someone called his name.
“Ambassador,” Firelord Seonghwa said as he came to a stop in front of him. “Forgive me for keeping you any longer, but how did you like the food?”
Hongjoong couldn’t help the slight surprise that showed on his face at the question. The Firelord was asking for his thoughts about the food?
The man blushed, his cheeks dusted pink as Hongjoong stared, perplexed. He quickly explained himself, “It's just that the palace cooks have been trying out and testing these Water Tribe recipes for weeks to try to get them as authentic as possible and I am sure they would like to know your opinion.”
The Firelord's light stammering snapped Hongjoong back to reality, his mind filing away all the little details he kept discovering about the man. “The sea squid soup was delicious, it reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. The sea prunes were a bit overcooked but they tasted great too.”
Firelord Seonghwa thanked him and wished him a good night, his back quickly disappearing as he turned to leave. As he walked back to his room, Hongjoong couldn't help but chuckle at what he had seen. A Firelord that blushed and cared for the kitchen staff, uh? It sure seemed that Firelord Seonghwa was going to be an interesting person to get to know.
~
Almost a month had gone by since Hongjoong had set foot in the Fire Nation. While life here was certainly different from the one at the Poles, it didn’t take him long to get used to the routine in the palace. After all, people were people and politics were politics, no matter where in the world you were.
In the time that Hongjoong had been at the palace, he had gotten to know the inner workings of the council; who thought what, who was friends with who and who hated who. He also got to know more about Firelord Seonghwa, the little details he picked up during council meetings, and the rare times he bumped into him around the palace.
Hongjoong had quickly realised that Jongho was someone anybody could get along with, but he was happy to see that they were developing a genuine friendship. The younger man had quickly warmed up to him, saving him a seat at dinner when he lost track of time doing paperwork or whispering in his ear when he got lost during council meetings.
A couple of days before, Jongho had invited him to go visit the market together, since Hongjoong hadn’t had the chance to see it yet. Hongjoong had accepted delighted, the Fire Nation capital’s market was famous around the world ever since Firelord Seonghwa had reestablished international trade. Jongho had told him to meet up by the southern entrance of the palace, so Hongjoong stood there, checking once again that his coin pouch was properly secured on his tunic when he heard footsteps coming his way.
“Hongjoong!” San bounced up to him, his characteristic smile etched on his face, dragging Jongho with him. “Jongho told me that you haven’t been to the market yet. You are missing out on so much deliciousness.”
Jongho chuckled. “Calm down, you big baby. I’m sure Yeosang will buy you all the fireflakes you want if you ask nicely enough.”
Hongjoong watched them from the side, as both men bickered and teased each other. They were playful, Jongho lighting up in a way that he hadn’t seen before. Another pair of footsteps were coming their way, Yeosang strolling towards them at a leisurely pace.
“Lord Yeosang,” Hongjoong greeted. “Are you coming to the market too?”
“San would complain the whole week if I didn’t,” he said smiling, the crinkles around his eyes making him look more human. “And, please, call me Yeosang.”
Hongjoong smiled back. He liked this version of the Fire Nation man better, he was more relaxed, his back ramrod straight but his posture not as stiff as when he was in council meetings.
“Come on, come on! Off we go!!” San took Yeosang’s hand and started to drag him towards the city. Beside him, Jongho chuckled and gestured for Hongjoong to follow.
When Jongho had invited him to the market, he had imagined a relaxing afternoon strolling through the bustling city. Now, Hongjoong wasn’t so sure. He looked forward to it.
The walk downtown didn’t take long, especially with San chattering away and explaining what that building over there was, and how down that one street was the best noodle restaurant in all of the city. Hongjoong nodded enthusiastically at everything San pointed out, happy to absorb the other’s energy and tidbits of information. By his side, both Jongho and Yeosang had tender smiles on their faces, the look in their eyes showing unmistakable fondness towards the warrior.
Once they reached the market, Hongjoong was taken aback by the sheer number of people bustling around —from vendors trying to attract clients, to busy parents dragging their children away from the candy stalls, to couples strolling together.
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“It sure is,” he answered, his eyes still trying to take in the sight in front of him. It was truly remarkable, the work that all the people had put into turning this market into what it once had been, before the war and the hate, a hub of people and cultures where everyone was welcome.
They ventured together into the stall-lined streets, stopping at various food stalls so Hongjoong could try Fire Nation delicacies and at random stalls too, from jewellery to books, to tunics. Yeosang did indeed cave against San’s puppy-eyes and bought them all fireflakes —which Hongjoong had tried reluctantly and promptly started to cough as soon as the spiciness hit the back of his throat.
He glared jokingly at San, who was almost on the floor in tears. “You are a bad friend.”
Jongho offered him a glass, an amused look in his eyes. “It’s jasmine tea, it’ll help with the heat.”
They continued their walk through the market, Hongjoong nursing his tea slowly, but thankfully, the burning in his mouth subsided quickly. Just as they were about to turn towards the palace once again, a splash of blue caught his eye. He moved towards the shop, a little storefront with a table showcasing Water Tribe accessories displayed over light blue linen.
Upon entering the shop, he was greeted by the smell of sea salt, a small candle burning on the counter. The woman behind it greeted him with a warm smile. “Good afternoon, sir. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Hello. I’m just looking around. May I ask, are you from the Water Tribes, perhaps?”
The woman was from the Northern Water tribe, and they spent a while talking about their homes and their lives, and how they had come to live in Caldera. It was nice, Hongjoong thought, to talk to somebody who reminded him of home. They spent a long while chatting, but as the sky turned red and orange, Hongjoong went back to find his friends, and together they returned to the palace.
~
Another month had gone by, and by now, Hongjoong knew all the ins and outs of the palace and the council. Most meetings were peaceful and productive, with all the council members and ambassadors working together to solve any and all problems they could as best as possible. Some days, like today, were not.
The session had started well enough. The first order was to discuss the updating of the curriculum taught in Fire Nation schools, specifically regarding how history was told. It was when Lord Gunwoo entered the picture that things went south. He was an old, greedy, grumpy man who owned far too much land and, unfortunately, owned many factories, enough of them that they accounted for almost a quarter of the steel production of the whole Fire Nation.
The lord had been summoned to see if he could be persuaded to pay his workers better, as he was lining his pockets from the taxes he imposed on his goods while paying next to nothing to his employees. The moment Councilman Chan has proposed a salary raise for the workers, Lord Gunwoo had started shouting. Firelord Seonghwa tried to get a word in, as did Yeosang, but Lord Gunwoo simply kept on raging, his tone of voice grating and nasal in such a way that it was beginning to give Hongjoong a headache. The more he shouted, the redder his face became. He looked as if he was about to have a stroke. It truly would be a blessing if he did, Hongjoong thought.
“I pay my workers more than enough! More than they deserve, they are all a bunch of lazy, unruly peasants!”
That was the last straw in Hongjoong’s books, and in Firelord Seonghwa’s too as he had suddenly stood straighter. Hongjoong, however, was too focused on the repugnant, greedy lord to notice.
“You know,” he said after slamming his hand against the table, making the old man stop his rant abruptly. “According to these reports, the earnings from the taxes you impose on any good give you a benefit of more than triple their price, yet you pay your employees less than the daily cost of life in Ma’inka.”
Lord Gunwoo looked at him startled, but his face quickly turned into one of disgust as he took in Hongjoong’s blue robes. “Ah, you must be from the Water Tribe .” His tone was dismissive and patronising. “You shouldn’t butt in matters that are not of your concern, boy.”
“It’s ‘ambassador’. You are to respect every member of this council, Lord Gunwoo.” Firelord Seonghwa had stood up, his face more serious than Hongjoong had ever seen, and in his eyes there was a hint of suppressed anger. His voice had been authoritarian, none of the soft lilt that was usually used to address anyone from councilmembers to the staff.
Lord Guwoon glanced from one to the other, and, slowly, a sleazy smirk painted his lips. “I see, you are the Firelord’s new toy. About time it was, he has always been too stuck up for his own good. Maybe now he’ll finally unclench a little.”
Hongjoong saw red. Between one second and the next, the liquid inside the teacups placed in front of each council member was floating, before it hardened into ice shards that slammed down onto the lord’s chair, creating a perimeter right around his head, one of them also lodged into his sleeve and pinning him to the table.
“It is unfortunate, you see, that your senselessness has just made you lose almost half of your sales.” Despite the rage surging through his body, Hongjoong’s voice was even, perfectly polite and diplomatic. “If you had let me finish before insulting me and Firelord Seonghwa —and who in Tui’s right mind would provoke the most powerful man in the country?— I am Ambassador of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, and it has been trusted upon me the right to make any decision regarding the trade of goods from both tribes.”
The man’s face paled while he tried to fruitlessly pull his pinned arm back. Unfortunately for him, Hongjoong’s aim was extraordinary, and the shards would cut his skin if he moved his head even slightly.
“From this moment on, all the steel goods bought by the Water Tribes will be sourced from the factories in Bhun Shah and Konoru.” With that, he waved his hand and all the ice melted. Hongjoong sat down once more. The silence in the room rang undisturbed for a second, only Lord Guwon’s laboured breaths could be heard. “Also, let us not forget that your factories were built by prisoners, most of them being Water Tribesmen taken against their will. We have never asked for compensation in that matter, don’t make us do so.”
“Seeing that your factories are no longer the most ideal, the Earth Kingdom regions closest to the area will also be shifting their goods to Bhun Shah and Konoru.” Hongjoong looked at Jongho, the man’s face placid as ever. They smiled at each other before Firelord Seonghwa instructed the guards to take the defeated lord away. Once the doors closed, Hongjoong slumped in his seat. He felt drained.
“Well, I applaud you for doing what no one dared to do.”
Councilman Chan patted him on the shoulder, and Councilman Soobin smiled at him. He smiled back, happy to have gotten rid of such a pest of a man, but his glee died down when he locked eyes with the Firelord.
“I apologise for my outburst, my lord. I know it was unbecoming of my position.”
Firelord Seonghwa stared at him silently for a second, his face as stoic as ever. Then his posture relaxed, his gaze turning warmer. “There is no need to apologise, Ambassador. As Chan said, everyone was wishing to get rid of him.”
Appeased by the lack of anger coming from the Firelord, Hongjoong relaxed. The council meeting went on for a bit, all of them organising the changes that would come with the decisions just taken. Everyone was tired, however, so it was all quickly wrapped up and the session was dismissed. Once everyone had left the room, Hongjoong approached Firelord Seonghwa, who had stayed back to classify his papers into neat piles.
“I want to apologise, once again, for making such an impacting decision without consulting it with the council first.”
This was the closest Hongjoong had been to the other man ever since that first night when he had inquired about the food at the welcoming banquet. His beauty was still breathtaking, but now, after seeing how passionate and hard-working he was, Hongjoong felt even more attracted to the Firelord. His eyes, as they peered up at him, seemed to hold the entire night sky in them.
“Once again, there is no need, you did what we were all thinking.” He then looked down, embarrassment staining his cheeks. “And thank you for defending me. I’m sorry if his insinuations made you uncomfortable.”
Hongjoong was perplexed for a second, confused about what Firelord Seonghwa was apologising for. “They didn’t. He shouldn’t have spoken like that.” He wanted to say more, to tell the other that he was fascinating, and wonderful, and that anything the lord had said had been utter nonsense. But, in the end, no words came out of his mouth.
As Hongjoong headed back to his chambers after bidding farewell to the Firelord, he couldn’t help but promise himself that he would never let the situation get that bad again. The haunted look in Firelord Seonghwa’s eyes, when it had been implied that they were exchanging sexual favours, made his blood boil again with anger. Hongjoong would never let anyone make him feel like that again.
~
It was hot. Hongjoong had expected the warmer weather upon moving to the Fire Nation, Tui, he knew perfectly well that there was nowhere in the world as cold as his home, but even after having lived and fought in the Earth Kingdom during the war and having mentally prepared himself, the heat still felt stifling. After the umpteenth turn around his bed, he decided that it would be no use trying to get any sleep, so he dragged himself up.
Hongjoong glanced around his room, his gaze stopping on his desk and upon the ever-growing pile of paperwork there, but his mind felt too muddled to deal with politics. He felt tense all over, his muscles clamped up and stiff and his mind whirling and restless.
He needed to hit something. Or, at least, let go of some of the tension on his body, so he quickly donned a loose tunic and made his way out of his room. The royal palace was a massive maze of corridors and inner gardens, but, thankfully, Hongjoong was now able to walk around the place without getting lost. Most of the time at least.
He headed towards the left wing of the building, where the training grounds were. After all, physical exertion would, somewhat, help him tire himself out. The moon was high in the sky, not yet full but round enough that it cast its light brightly. Hongjoong had gotten so lost in his admiration of the night sky that it wasn’t until he set foot onto the training yard that he heard the sound of crunching gravel.
In the middle of the yard stood Firelord Seonghwa, his back turned to him, a wooden staff in his hands. He seemed to be practising forms, his movements strong but steady. He wasn’t firebending, but it was undeniable that power flowed through his veins. Firelord Seonghwa moved fluidly, the flow of the forms so graceful that it was mesmerising.
Hongjoong couldn’t look away.
It was at that moment that the Firelord turned around, and his gaze immediately settled on Hongjoong. He took a step back, surprise taking over his features. Hongjoong —realising that he had, one, disrupted the other’s privacy, and two, been caught staring— went red from head to toe.
“I apologise, my lord,” he said hastily. “I truly didn’t mean to pry, I—“
“Don’t apologise, please. You just surprised me.”
They both stared at one another for a moment, the silence of the night filling up the space between them.
“Would you like to join me?”
Hongjoong didn’t let himself think too much, for if he did, he would run back to his room before joining such a breathtaking man in such a vulnerable moment. Because, yes, everything about the Firelord at that moment screamed vulnerability. There was no hint of the mask he wore during the day, now his eyes were soft and his shoulders relaxed.
Hongjoong stepped onto the training yard, unsure about what to do, but the other quickly handed him another wooden staff. “Up for some sparring?”
It had been a while since Hongjoong had trained with some kind of weapon, but it was all still ingrained in his muscle memory, so he figured it wouldn’t be too terrible.
“Of course, my lord.”
Something flashed in Firelord Seonghwa’s eyes, so quickly that it was gone before Hongjoong could try to figure out what it was. “Seonghwa, call me Seonghwa.”
Hongjoong felt a protest on the tip of his tongue, but seeing the tension in the other’s frame, he swallowed it and nodded. He let a smirk curl on his lips as he dropped down to a fighting stance. “Let’s see what you’ve got then, Seonghwa.”
There was one moment of silence and, then, Seonghwa lunged. They fell into a rhythm, a dance of defence and offence, of striking and blocking. Hongjoong’s mind went blank, his only focus becoming the man in front of him. They spent Spirits-know-how-long like that, exchanging blows until they were both left panting and exhausted.
“Truce?” Hongjoong wheezed, his legs no longer strong enough to keep him standing.
Seoghwa simply nodded, not bothering to answer verbally as he all but collapsed on the floor, belly up towards the sky and arms spread. Hongjoong, after taking a moment to take in the other’s form —sprawled out on the ground, undignified and free— laid down too.
They weren’t close enough to be touching, but if either of them moved their arms just a tiny little bit, their fingers would brush. And it was this almost-but-not-quite proximity that lit Hongjoong’s blood on fire. He wanted to touch him so badly. He didn’t understand why he felt so attracted to the other, but it was as if Honjoong’s was the wild waves of the ocean and Seonghwa the moon pulling him in. It wasn’t until Seonghwa spoke that Hongjoong was brought back to reality.
“Thank you. I really needed that.”
Hongjoong turned his head to the side, and now both men were looking into each other’s eyes. Seonghwa’s eyes shone in the moonlight.
“I needed that, too,” Hongjoong said, honesty bleeding into his tone. Now that he had let out all the uneasy energy that had been invading his bones, he felt loose. “I am happy to be here, of the work I am doing, but sometimes it's just…”
“It becomes too much?” Seonghwa had picked up Hongjoong’s trail of thought perfectly. The open understanding painted on his face was unmistakable for anything else.
Hongjoong nodded. “Back home, I would talk about it with my friends —and I have become great friends with many people here— but it feels different. And now I miss my friends even more.”
“I get what you mean. While San is one of my closest friends, Yeosang and Jongho too, to me there is nothing like being with my cousin.”
“Prince Wooyoung.” Hongjoong had never met the younger prince, but he had heard of him, of his reputation as a powerhouse both because of his bending and because of his wit. “Would you tell me about him?”
Something shifted in Seonghwa’s eyes then, as if he had become lighter at just the thought of his cousin. It was clear as a day that they loved each other dearly. “Well, as you may know, my uncle took Wooyoung to the colonies when my father ascended to the throne under the disguise of training him to become a general of the armies there. In reality, Uncle was leading the White Lotus and the rebels.”
“When I joined the rebellion, it had been years since I had seen Wooyoung, and it was so strange seeing him again. He had changed so much but at the same time he was just that same kid that liked to chase me around the palace gardens.” Seonghwa turned to face the sky, a soft smile adorning the corners of his lips before his expression became downturned once more. “If I hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t have been able to overpower my father. I was terrified of him, more than anyone could ever imagine, and the thought of having to face him made me freeze. I wasn’t able to bend, not even a sad puff of smoke.”
Hongjoong listened intently, aware of the way that Seonghwa was opening himself up, laying himself and his vulnerabilities out for Hongjoong to see.
“I was so broken at the idea of facing my father that Wooyoung decided that he would go in my stead. I opposed and we fought. It was the biggest fight we have ever had. I was so afraid of him going, of what my father could do to him that my fears became irrelevant. I threw myself into training, into becoming the deadliest weapon in the world. I practised my firebending, but I also learned how to fight with all kinds of weapons. No number of resources were too many when facing my father. In the end, Wooyoung did end up coming with me, as backup in case I faltered, and my father did try to go after him because he knew that Wooyoung was my weakness.”
Seonghwa stopped talking then. He took a deep breath and turned once more to look into Hongjoong’s eyes. The firelord’s gaze had hardened, fire dancing in his pupils as he clenched his hands into fists.
“That turned out to be his downfall. My father believed that love was a liability, but he hadn’t counted on the fact that I would stop at nothing to protect the ones I love. And Wooyoung, that pesky and meddling brat, is one of the people closest to my heart.”
Hongjoong was speechless. There wasn’t anything he could say that wouldn’t sound shallow in the face of such fire, but still, he tried. “I am sorry you had to go through that. And I am glad that Prince Wooyoung is alright.”
Seonghwa’s eyes roamed all over his face, as if trying to unravel all the secrets he possessed, but his stare didn’t feel violating. It was comforting, actually, and Hongjoong started to truly ponder if he was losing his mind. It was the only reasonable explanation for the pull he felt towards the other.
“Thank you.” The firelord’s sombre expression lightened then. “You will be able to meet him soon. Wooyoungie is in the Earth Kingdom working as a diplomat right now, but he is due to be back in a couple of weeks. Now, enough about me, tell me about your friends.”
So Hongjoong did. He told Seonghwa about Yunho, about how they had grown up together and fought together, too. “We both joined the rebels when we turned of age, and we were stationed on the southern part of the Earth Kingdom. Yunho is a born leader, the White Lotus quickly realised that, and a great fighter, so he was in charge of training the younger ones. Any weapon you can think of, he has mastered it.”
“What about you?”
“Me?” Hongjoong paused for a moment, a light breeze suddenly ruffling his hair. “Well, I was mostly buried in waterbending scrolls, trying to master my healing abilities without any other waterbender to guide me.” It had been hard, not having anyone to lean into, anyone to tell him what he was doing right when all he could think about was how much of a failure he was. “I did train with Yunho whenever I could, but more than anything Yunho helped me not crumble down more often than not.”
“I’m glad you also had someone to help you through hard times.” Seonghwa’s voice carried a sincerity and understanding that showed how much he truly meant his words. Before either of them could say anything else, however, Seonghwa suddenly sat up. “The sun is about to rise.”
Hongjoong also pushed himself off the ground and looked around. The stars were still shining in the sky. Confused, he turned towards Seonghwa.
Upon seeing his perplexed face, the Firelord chuckled, the sound carrying across the yard. “Firebender instinct, you could call it.” He stood up, and extended one hand towards Hongjoong. “Come on, let’s try to get some sleep before all the meetings we have ahead.”
Seonghwa’s skin was incredibly soft, his hands graceful and nimble, but the calluses on them were impossible to miss. They were the hands of a warrior, after all. A beautiful contradiction, smooth but hard, delicate but ruthless.
They walked the still deserted halls of the palace together, and it wasn’t until they had stopped that Hongjoong realised that they were in front of his room. Seonghwa bid him goodbye and disappeared down the hallway before Hongjoong’s could utter anything.
As Hongjoong, once more, laid down on his bed, he couldn’t help but think about everything he had learned about the other. All the intimate nuances of his story that he had been shown. He didn’t know why Seonghwa had trusted him like that, but Hongjoong promised himself he would be worthy of such trust.
~
The palace was buzzing with excitement. Today, Prince Wooyoung was set to arrive back at the Fire Nation, and the staff was running around making sure everything was ready. Despite his boisterous reputation, Seonghwa had told Hongjoong that his cousin didn’t really want a big, formal welcome. So, even if in the end it would just be a small dinner with Wooyoung and Seonghwa’s closest friends, the staff still wanted to make sure that all was perfect for their youngest royal.
And, yes, Hongjoong had been invited to such an intimate affair. Ever since that night they had spent sparring and talking together, Hongjoong and Seonghwa had grown closer and closer. Now, it wasn’t rare to see them strolling together after council meetings, or for Hoongjoong to come down to the kitchens to bring some late supper to the other’s office, or to see them out on the training yard under the moonlight.
Hongjoong was on his way to the throne room now, where they were all set to meet, along with the other council members, to greet Prince Wooyoung. As he was rounding the corner, San and Yeosang appeared, hand in hand.
“Hongjoong!” San bounded over to him, a chirpy bounce in his step as he dragged Yeosang behind him. Despite his more subdued demeanour, the lord had a smile painted on his face. “I’m so excited that you can finally meet Wooyoung. You are going to love him.”
Hongjoong couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips, San’s jovial energy was contagious. “If you say so, I’m sure I will.”
“It is true that it is almost impossible to not get along with him.” Yeosang’s eyes took a wistful glint. Then, in the most deadpan voice possible, he added, “Believe me, I tried.”
They broke out laughing, lighthearted and easy. “I’m sensing there is a story there.”
“There is, but the long story short is that Wooyoung was a menace even as a child and I wanted my peace and quiet.” Yeosang looked to the side then, and Hongjoong could swear that a light blush made his way across his cheeks. “Turns out he is persistent.”
They started walking once again, but Hongjoong couldn’t help but note the fond smile on Yeosang’s lips, or the glint in San’s eyes. All of that vanished from his mind however as soon as they entered the throne room. Seonghwa stood by the stairs leading up to the dais —Jongho had told him that Seonghwa had wanted to take it down, but had been advised against it, if only for tradition’s sake— and another man was in front of him.
As they approached, Seonhgwa noticed them, and the smile that split his face was blinding. “Hongjoong!” The Firelord was in high spirits, he was radiant and excited.
The man in front of him also turned. Prince Wooyoung cut an imposing figure. Not because of his build —he was barely any taller than Hongjoong— but his aura was confident, assured, not in a cocky way, but sure of himself in the way of someone who knew how powerful they were. He was dressed in light Fire Nation tunics, silky smooth and dark red, and his arms showed lithe but trained muscle.
That commanding image shattered the moment Prince Wooyoung launched himself at his friends, arms spread wide and laughter filling the air. “Sannie! Yeosangie!”
Honjoong moved to the side, narrowly escaping a stray elbow that poked out of the three-way hug. He moved to stand by Seonghwa’s side.
“You look happy.”
“I am.” Seonghwa was looking at the others fondly, so much affection on his features that it almost felt too personal to see. “I missed Wooyoung. And the kids did too.”
Before Honjoong could answer, the prince disentangled himself from the pile of limbs that the three had become and came to a stop in front of him. Hongjoong held his gaze, aware that the other was taking in every bit of information on display. After a few moments of assessment, Prince Wooyoung nodded and bowed slightly.
“Nice to finally meet you, Ambassador. I have heard much about you.”
Hongjoong eyebrows raised in surprise as he returned the greeting. “The same goes for you, Your Highness.”
“Please, just Wooyoung.” His seriousness then faded, a welcoming grin gracing his face. “If you have been able to put up with cousin’s moodiness all this time, you are one of us now.”
Seonghwa protested in the background, but Wooyoung was already dragging them all away. Jongho joined them then, having been held up in a meeting, and they moved to one of the smaller dining rooms.
The six of them ate and talked and laughed for what felt like hours, jokes and stories being thrown around. Hongjoong hadn’t laughed so much in forever, and it felt good to let loose like that. After a while, though, things started to slow down. They had all migrated to the lounges by the other side of the room, and somehow San, Jongho, Yeosang and Wooyoung had ended up all tangled together. Hongjoong felt a nudge on his shoulder and, when he turned, Seonghwa gestured with his head towards the door.
Quietly, both men left the room.
“Up for a stroll, Ambassador?”
Hongjoong couldn’t keep the corners of his mouth from lifting up upon hearing the mirth in the other’s voice. He bowed jokingly. “It would be an honour, my Lord.”
They made their way down the palace corridors, light laughter following their steps. It was a quiet night, the stars taking over the sky like a tapestry and the moon bathing everything in its silvery glow. Hongjoong felt happy, a warm tingling invading his chest. He hadn’t felt this peaceful since, well, ever. And if the tingling multiplied every time he snuck a glance at the astonishing man walking by his side, well, that was a secret between him and the stars.
~
It was late morning. There had been no council meeting today, but Honjoong had had to go to speak with a couple of merchants out in the harbour who were having some trouble with some Water Tribe goods. When he had gotten back to his office, someone had left a small pile of letters on his desk. The one top had been unremarkable, business as usual, but the one beneath made Hongjoong stop for a second before an unconscious smile spread across his face. He would recognise that seal anywhere.
Now, Hongjoong made his way to Seonghwa’s office, calm but assured and with an undeniable bounce in his step. He knocked swiftly and pushed the door open once he heard a faint confirmation coming from the inside. Seonghwa was sitting behind a big ebony desk piling with scrolls and papers. He smiled upon realising it was Hongjoong at his door.
“I see you’ve gotten the news.”
Hongjoong’s eyebrows pulled together in confusion. “What?”
“Your friends are coming over. Isn’t that what you were going to tell me?” Seonghwa answered with a light chuckle.
“How do you know that? I’ve just read Yunho’s letter.”
Seonghwa picked up a paper from his desk and extended it out towards Hongjoong. “Your friend wrote to me, too. He requested permission to come to Caldera to visit you along with Prince Mingi of the Northern Water Tribe.”
Hongjoong read quickly through the letter, and sure enough, Seonghwa’s words were true. Yunho —oh-so-diplomatic Yunho— had sent an official request to the Firelord for his visit.
“I can send him an official response, but since I know you are going to write him back, you can tell them they are both more than welcome to come and stay as long as they wish.”
Hongjoong looked up, his gaze moving around Seonghwa’s face as if he was trying to decipher something. “You would really extend an open invitation to a foreign diplomat and a foreign prince just like that?”
“Of course I would.” There was no hesitation in Seonghwa’s answer. “They are your friends.”
There was a moment of silence, both men simply staring at each other. Hongjoong’s heart was pounding so hard in his chest that he felt as if his ribcage was about to burst open. “You are amazing, you know that, right?”
The blush that spread all over Seonghwa’s cheeks was mesmerising, he looked like a painting. “Shut up.” He looked down, fiddling with a couple of papers on his desk as if his hands were restless and he needed something to do. “I didn’t know you were close to Prince Mingi, though.”
“I’m not. I’ve never spoken to him, really.” Seonghwa’s eyebrows went up in question. That part had surprised Hongjoong too. As far as he knew, Yunho was only vaguely acquainted with Prince Mingi. It seemed, however, that they had gotten closer during his time up north. “It looks like Yunho has made some friends.”
But before Seonghwa could say anything else, a knock made them both turn towards the door. A servant entered and bowed lightly. “Forgive the interruption, my Lord, Ambassador. Councilman Chan has asked for you.”
Seonghwa’s face turned serious. He stood up and gathered a couple of strolls. “Did he tell you the reason? He was meeting with Lord Jaeseong, wasn’t he?”
“He is, my Lord. Councilman Chan said to tell you that he was having some trouble with getting Lord Jaeseong to agree to the terms of the financial reparations.”
Seeing as Seonghwa was needed elsewhere, Hongjoong moved to the side, letting the other move past him. Before he left, though, Seonghwa turned towards him. “Tonight, by the training yards as always?”
Hongjoong smiled. “Of course.”
~
The sky looked like a painting. The sun was about to set, and its last rays tinted the whole sky in pink and orange hues. A light breeze blew across the training yard, and it gave Hongjoong the perfect respite against the heat that still lingered in the atmosphere. San and Yeosang were sparing in the middle of the yard, golden fans against a midnight-black sword. The clashing of metal was meticulous, both men calculating their movements with a precision that spoke of years of experience.
“It is captivating, right? Watching them fight.” The voice came from behind him, and the next moment Wooyoung was lowering himself to sit next to Hongjoong. The price’s eyes were fixed on the two rapidly moving figures, not a single movement left unanalysed.
“I had never seen a Kyoshi Warrior in battle before. I am not an expert fighter, but San is lethal. Yeosang, too.”
It was only then that Wooyoung’s gaze left the warriors and fixed on Hongjoong. “Weren’t you in the Earth Kingdom during the war? Surely you know how to fight.”
“I can defend myself just fine, but I trained in healing. My fighting skills are not those of a master.”
Wooyoung held his gaze, calculating and serious. “I don’t believe that for a second. Seonghwa told me that you often spar together, and if you can hold your own against my cousin, you are no beginner.” Then he turned his gaze back towards their friends. “Besides, your aura says otherwise.”
“My aura?” Hongjoon asked, confused.
“You are an intimidating person, Ambassador Hongjoong of the Southern Water Tribe. You are smart and cunning, and you are a powerful bender.” The words were said fact-like, like Wooyoung believed wholeheartedly what he was saying, and Hongjoong couldn’t help but blush. “Soobin told me about the incident with Lord Gunwoo during that one council meeting, and I’ve been around enough waterbenders to know that only a master has that level of precision.”
“I—” Hongjoong was at a loss for words. He had trained endlessly, shed blood, sweat and tears to become the best version of himself he could. He knew that he held himself to high standards, and so he had never considered himself a master bender. Maybe in healing he did, but not as a fighter.
Wooyoung chuckled upon seeing the flabbergasted look on his face, his gaze turning softer. “I didn’t mean to fluster you, I’m sorry. I just don’t like hearing people belittle themselves.”
While they were talking, San and Yeosang had stopped fighting, and now both men were walking closer towards them, chests rising and falling rapidly as they tried to catch their breath.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been so out of breath, Sannie.” Wooyoung teased.
“Hey! Yeosang didn’t go easy on me.” He was pouting. Then he stuck out his tongue. “Next time, you do it.”
A hungry glean shone through Wooyoung’s eyes as his gaze settled on Yeosang. “With pleasure.”
“Enough, you too.” But despite the aloofness in his posture, there was something more to Yeosang’s tone. “Hongjoong, what did you think?”
Startled out of his musing about his friends' possible involvement with one another, Hongjoong needed a moment to process the question. “You are both impressive, truly.”
“Thanks!” A dimple had appeared on San’s cheek from how big he was smiling, and Hongjoong could understand why the warrior had so many people captivated. “You have to spar with me someday, please? Seonghwa says that your bending is amazing!”
It was impossible to contain the blush travelling from his cheeks down his neck, and out of the corner of his eye, Hongjoong could see Wooyoung’s I-told-you-so look. “Whenever you want, Sannie.”
San cheered, and Yeosang jokingly complained about how loud he was. They started bickering, Wooyoung throwing in his own teasing comments, and soon enough, the volume attracted Seonghwa and Jongho down to the training yard. They were carrying two trays full of food. Together, they ate and laughed and teased, and Hongjoong couldn’t be happier to have taken the job, to have come all the way here. These were his people, and with his best friend arriving in a couple of days, Hongjoong felt on top of the world.
~
The harbour in Caldera City was always bustling with movement. Today it was no different. Hongjoong stood by the docks, sheltered under the shade of a porch as he waited for his friend’s ship to arrive. A horn sounded in the distance, the sound as familiar as his own blood. During the war, while they had been living in the Earth Kingdom, Hongjoong had given Yunho a gemsbok bull horn, just in case they ever got separated in battle and needed to find each other again.Luckily, they had never needed to use it that way.
Now, Hongjoong could see how a blurry dot in the horizon became the familiar shape of a Water Tribe ship the closer it got to the city. Like any Water Tribe construction, the ship was made out of wood, dark against the blue waters of the sea except for the white strip at the bow. The sails —muted dark blue, the colour of the sea back home— were curved by the wind.
The sight was familiar, mundane —Hongjoong had grown up around many ships like this one—but it still was impossible to contain the wave of nostalgia that crashed over him. Home. Hongjoong was halfway across the world, but a piece of home had come to see him. The ship finally anchored, a couple of dock workers guiding it until it was set. A plank was set down and, suddenly, there he was.
Yunho looked the same as the last time Hongjoong had seen him; tall and broad, an almost permanent smile on his face, and the easy confidence of someone who could roll with anything. Behind him, barely half a step after, trailed another figure. It was the first time Hongjoong saw Prince Mingi up close. The man was tall —nearly as tall as Yunho— and had broad shoulders too. His hair was eye-catching, a shade of blond so light it seemed as white as the moonlight. His features were sharp, angular, his expression serious and severe. The illusion shattered, however, the moment Yunho extended out his hand towards him and his face lit up like the sun. Together —hand in hand— they came down the ship and approached where Hongjoong was waiting.
“Hey.”
But before he could say anything else, Yunho was picking him up and spinning them around, eager and affectionate like the overgrown polar bear dog he was.
“You can’t get angry at me,” he said once he had placed Hongjoong back on the ground, a wide grin on his face. “It’s been more than three months since I’ve last seen you, I’m allowed to hug my best friend.”
Hongjoong didn’t bother to answer, he simply stuck his tongue out in pretend annoyance before turning towards the other man next to them. Yunho chuckled at his childishness before taking hold of one of Prince Mingi’s hands once again.
“Hongjoong, this is Mingi. Mingi-ah, this is Hongjoong.”
Bowing a little, Hongjoong greeted the other. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.”
“Just Mingi, please.” The man had flushed slightly, and Hongjoong could see how Yunho was rubbing soothing circles with his thumb on the other’s hand. “Yunho told me so much about you.”
“Did he, now?” He threw a mock-suspicious glance towards his friend, who raised his free arm in surrender. “Come on, let’s get out of this heat. Do you feel like eating or do you want to rest a little first?”
Yunho and Mingi looked at each other, a thousand words seemingly to pass between them silently. “We could eat something. I’m kind of sick of beef jerky and sea prunes.”
They all laughed. “Right this way then.”
As they made their way into the city, chatting amicably and joking around, Hongjoong pointed out some shops he had discovered or some restaurants and food stalls the others had shown him. During a moment when Mingi was distracted by the goods on a shop window, Hongjoong managed to catch Yunho’s eyes, eyebrow raised as he gave a pointed look towards his friend’s hand tightly clasped with the other’s.
Yunho blushed bright red, up from his ears and down to his neck. The sight was so unusual that Hongjoong felt a chuckle leave his lips. His friend was down bad.
“Later,” Yunho mouthed.
~
The day was grey. Not the sky —the sun was shining bright as it always was and the heat wrapped around everyone and everything as it always did— but to Hongjoong, today was grey. It was the anniversary of his parents’ death and it was the one day of the year when Hongjoong allowed himself to succumb to the sadness.
His parents had been killed in a Fire Nation raid, the last one to ever happen in the South. The soldiers had been looking for the last waterbenders in the tribe, and had stopped at nothing. Hongjoong had been terrified, he was the last waterbender in the whole of the South Pole, but he had been also 15, scared and barely able to bend anything more than a gentle sway in a puddle of water.
He had been with Yunho when the steamship had arrived, and despite his protests to go back home, Yunho and his father had made him stay there, hidden until the Fire Nation soldiers had left. As soon as he had been able to, Hongjoong had run to his house only to find a destroyed pile of snow and the bodies of his parents.
Ten years had passed since then, and there was not a day where Hongjoong didn’t mourn for them, didn’t miss them with his whole being. At first, the grief had been paralysing, but with time he had learnt to live with it, to move past the void in his chest that ached whenever he thought of them. After joining the rebels, Hongjoong promised himself that he would honour his parents, that he would fight for a better world, and so he made himself stronger. Only one day a year he would release the tight leash he had on his emotions and let himself feel it all. Today was that day.
It was late afternoon now. Hongjoong had been in his room all day, not really feeling up to do anything. Tonight, he would go down to the ocean to pay his respects to Tui and La and to thank the spirits for guiding and protecting his parents' souls. But until then, he let himself cry in the comfort of his room.
A knock reverberated across the room, and Hongjoong hastily whipped the tears from his eyes. He made his way towards the door, confused about who it could be because he had postponed any meetings for the day and had asked the servants not to be disturbed. Yunho was the only person who would seek him out today, he thought, but when he pulled the door open it was not his best friend standing on the other side.
Seonghwa turned towards him the moment the door was opened, his eyes roaming across Hongjoong’s face. Hongjoong was sure he looked terrible, dark bags underneath his eyes, chapped lips and tear tracks running down his cheeks. Seonghwa’s gaze, however, didn’t show any pity. He was carrying a tray of food.
“May I?”
Hongjoong moved aside, gesturing for the other to come in. Seonghwa crossed the room in graceful steps, and he placed the tray on the side table by the bed. Hongjoong came close, the smell of noodle soup and dumplings reaching his nose instantly.
“These are my favourite.” Hongjoong looked between the food and Seonghwa, taking in the understanding look on the other’s face, the sympathy, the understanding. But no pity. “Yunho told you.”
Seonghwa winced, an apologetic look on his face. “I am sorry. I truly didn’t mean to invade your privacy. We were worried about you and asked him.”
“It’s alright. It is no secret really.”
And while it was true that Hongjoong wasn’t a fan of having his business out for everyone to see, he truly didn’t mind that Seonghwa and the others knew. He gestured for Seonghwa to take a seat, and picked up the bowl of soup. Hongjoong hadn’t realised how hungry he was until he had the steaming bowl of noodles in his hands.
Silently, he began to eat, offering Seonghwa a dumpling every few minutes. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind and he looked up from his food towards the other.
“Would you come with me tonight?”
Seonghwa’s eyes widened, the surprise unmasked on his face. “You want me there?”
“I do, if you want to come.” It wasn’t until the words had already left his mouth that Hongjoong realised how much he meant them. “You are not responsible for your family’s actions, Hwa.”
Their gazes were locked together, a million spoken emotions swirling between them. “It would be an honour.”
“Do you think the kids would want to come to?” The vulnerability in Hongjoong’s voice made Seonghwa’s heart ache.
“I’m sure they will be honoured too.”
After flagging down a servant to inform the others, Seonghwa sat down once more beside Hongjoong, just close enough for their thighs to brush against each other each time Hongjoong leaned forward to scoop another spoonful of noodles. They spent their time together in silence, but despite the quiet, Hongjoong felt settled for the first time since he had woken up. Once the sun had set and Hongjoong had finished eating, both men made their way towards the western entrance of the palace.
When they got there, their friends were already waiting for them. No one said a word, but the solemnity and sympathy on everyone's faces said more than a thousand words could have. Hongjoong smiled at them —it was a small thing, nowhere near his usual grin, but it conveyed how thankful he was for all of them— as he moved to stand by Yunho’s side. Yunho simply squeezed his shoulder in greeting. In his hands were two small wooden boats, no bigger than the palms of his hands put together. With his head, Yunho gestured to Mingi, who was holding a small tin full of paint.
They all started to make their way towards the ocean, to a small beach not far away from the palace. When they got there, the moon was shining bright in the sky, nestled between the stars like a beacon of hope. Hongjoong walked close to the shore until his feet sank into the sand and the water lapped up at his knees. The others had stayed a bit further back, right where the water moistened the sand, all of them except Yunho, who was standing right next to him.
Yunho handed him one of the boats along with the tin of paint. After opening it, Hongjoong scooped his fingers inside and began painting a crescent moon on the top of the wooden frame. The mark of the brave, the one his mother had received when she had been taken ice dodging. When the mark was complete, Yunho handed him the other boat, and Hongjoong proceeded to paint the mark of the wise —a horizontal arc with a dot right below—, his father’s mark.
Once both markings were done, Hongjoong took one boat and Yunho the other, and together they placed them on the water. Hongjoong bent the water so that the waves could drive the boats towards open waters, where they disappeared under the moonlight.
“May Tui and La guide and protect your souls for all of eternity.”
Hongjoong closed his eyes and took a deep breath, needing a moment to take in the intensity of the moment and reel in any stray tears. After a few seconds and feeling once again in control, he turned around and walked out of the water. His friends were all waiting for him there, and he was surprised to find Wooyoung and Seonghwa with their heads bowed, a small flame dancing in the cupped palms of their hands, lips moving. Yeosang —except for the fire— too.
“—may the spirits guide you.”
Hongjoong felt his chest tighten, a strange feeling spreading all the way through his body as he tried in vain to keep tears from spilling from his eyes. They were praying, for him, with him.
“I—” He tried to speak, but the words got stuck in his throat, too choked up by emotions. Suddenly, a warm hand slipped through his, fingers tangling together. Hongjoong looked down, delicate fingers wrapped around his. Seonghwa gave him a reassuring smile along with a light squeeze on his hand. “Thank you all for coming. It means a lot to me, truly.”
“Anytime. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.” San’s words were echoed by the rest, and Hongjoong knew at that moment that those seven men standing in front of him would —and already had, really—become his family.
His old family and his new one, all standing together under the stars, the moon and the ocean guarding them.
~
Meet me by the stables at noon.
— Seonghwa
The note —handwritten in beautiful, looping cursive— had been delivered by a servant as Hongjoong was coming out of a meeting. Curious, he made a quick stop by his room to leave the scrolls he had been consulting before and went to the stables.
That part of the palace wasn’t one he usually frequented, so it took Hongjoong a couple of wrong turns before he was crossing the gates of the barn. He spotted Seonghwa immediately, his eyes drawn to the other’s figure as a tide following the pull of the moon.
“Hey.”
Seonghwa turned around, a soft smile instantly upturning his lips. As always, he looked regal, the dark reds of his tunics making his eyes look dark and captivating like the night sky. “You are here.”
“You asked me to come,” Hongjoong chuckled.
“I did.” Seonghwa crouched to pick up a satchel and then turned towards the far end of the stables. He passed by a couple of pens with some dragon moose and another one of Komodo rhinos, but he stopped in front of the one keeping four ostrich horses. “You know how to ride one, right?”
Hongjoong winced. He did know how to ride, he had learned during his time in the Earth Kingdom, but it had been more of a last resource than anything else. “Well…”
Before he could try to explain that, Seonghwa opened the fence and pulled one of the ostrich horses out. “It’s alright. We can ride together.”
Surprise made Hongjoong’s eyes widen, his body frozen for a moment as he took in the other’s words. Meanwhile, Seonghwa had already saddled the ostrich horse and mounted it. He laughed lightheartedly upon seeing Hongjoong's face, and reached out a hand towards him. “Come on. I swear I’m a good rider, nothing will happen to you.”
Hongjoong, seeing no escape, took his hand and hopped onto the ostrich horse behind Seonghwa. He took a moment to try to get comfortable, squirming a little in a fruitless attempt to put a little bit of distance between their bodies. It was hopeless, however, as the animal started moving and the trotting jostled Hongjoong’s front onto Seonghwa’s back. Just as he was coming to terms with the fact that this ride was going to be torture —because being pressed up against the most beautiful person he had ever seen, yet also the most unattainable, was a torment— Hongjoong felt something brush against his thigh.
Upon looking down, he realised that it was Seonghwa, who was blindly patting behind him until he found Hongjoong’s arm. He pulled it around his waist and then did the same thing with the other. “Just so you don’t fall.”
And, yeah, Hongjoong’s face was on fire, his heart felt as if it would exit his chest at any moment and his brain was reeling with the possibilities of Seonghwa’s actions meaning something more.
After a while travelling in silence, Hongjoong realised that he had no idea why he had been summoned. “Where are we going? You didn’t say in your note.”
“It’s a surprise, dummy.” Seonghwa turned his head a little to look backwards, and now his jaw was brushing against the tip of Hongjoong’s nose. Hongjoong held his breath, afraid that the other would hear his heart beating wildly against his ribs. For a moment, he thought that Seonghwa had gone completely still too. “We are almost there.”
It was true. Not long after, Seonghwa pulled on the reins and the ostrich horse slowly came to a stop. He gestured for Hongjoong to get off, and then dismounted himself. Hongjoong took his time to look around, taking in every detail of the place. They were at the top of a gorge, the ground splitting open in front of them. It was beautiful.
He turned back towards Seonghwa. The other had a tender look on his face, an open sort of affection shining in his eyes. “What is this place?”
Seonghwa smiled and moved closer to the edge of the canyon. “You’ll see.” He was now at the uttermost lip of the ground, and just as Hongjoong was about to yank him back to safety, he stepped out onto a small staircase carved on the rocks. “This way, come on.”
“You almost gave me a heart attack, you asshole,” Hongjoong grumbled.
Seonghwa’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled, but held out his arm for Hongjoong to take as an apology. They made their way down slowly but surely —mostly because of Hongjoong kept stopping every two steps to make sure they weren’t going to fall off to their demise and Seonghwa had to reassure him that they were perfectly safe. They finally made it to the bottom, and just as Hongjoong was about to ask what was next, Seonghwa took two fingers to his mouth and let out the loudest whistle Hongjoong had ever heard.
Nothing happened for a moment, only utter silence, and then the earth began to tremble.
Hongjoong looked around startled, scared, but Seonghwa stood placidly by his side. Then, from the far end of the gorge, it appeared. It was massive, bigger than anything he had ever seen. A quick flash of red soared past them at such speed that Hongjoong felt the strain on his neck as he tried to follow its movements with his gaze. It finally settled, landing just shy of them.
Hongjoong simply stood there, eyes like saucers and open-mouthed, his brain whirling as he tried to take in the sight in front of him. “Wha—?How—?Huh?”
A dragon. A full-blown fucking dragon.
Calmly, Seonghwa approached it, running a hand along its scaly nose affectionately. “Hello, girl, I’ve missed you. Byeol, this is Hongjoong, a friend from the Water Tribe.” Then, he faced him once more. “Joong, meet Byeol. ”
Hongjoog pretended not to notice the slight pause right before the word ‘friend’, lest he truly lost his mind, and focused on taking in the breathtaking picture in front of him. The creature was enormous, deep red scales covered her body, except for her underbelly which was a couple of shades lighter and had a more orange hue. Along her spine ran a line of sharper scales, spiky-like and sharp, and her wings were folded by her sides —huge and membranous, a pointed talon poking out atop each one. Byeol let out an exhale, a puff of light smoke coming from between razor-sharp teeth, four massive fangs peeking out of her mouth. Two grand horns extended from above her eyes, wide at the bottom but slimming down to a pointy end —frighteningly beautiful— but it was her eyes that were captivating. Golden like liquid honey, they followed Hongjoong’s movements.
Beautiful, just like her master.
“Come.” Seonghwa extended out his arm towards Hongjoong. “She doesn’t bite, I promise.”
Hongjoong, trying to keep his fear at bay—respectful fear, not because he was truly afraid of the dragon, but because in front of him stood one of the mightiest creatures to ever roam the Earth— walked closer and took the offered hand. Seonghwa smiled encouragingly at him, and guided their palms together until they were right before Byeol’s face.
“Now, let her come to you.” Seonghwa took a step back, the warmth of his hand leaving as he pulled away.
Byeol stared at Hongjoong, impenetrable golden pupils, for what felt like an eternity. But then, she closed her eyes and closed the distance between them. The first thought that came to his mind was how warm she was. Hongjoong’s hand was now resting on the dragon’s snout, the scales there smaller. He couldn’t help the awestruck look on his face, the dumbstruck smile pulling on his lips.
Hongjoong turned slightly to look at Seonghwa. The other was already looking their way, his lips softly upturned and a shine in his eyes that made Hongjoong wonder.
“How on Earth is this real? How did you get a dragon? They are said to be extinct.”
Seonghwa stayed silent for a moment, his gaze roaming all over Hongjoong —he had never felt so naked— before he gestured to the satchel he had left on the side. “Help me set this up and I’ll tell you.”
Still astounded, Hongjoong did as he was told, taking the big blanket Seonghwa handed him and laying it on the ground. The other started pulling out small baskets of food and set them down on the blanket. He gave a look around the spread in front of them and nodded slightly to himself. He sat down and gestured for Hongjoong to do the same by his side. Byeol, while they had been setting up the food, had crunched down by their side, her head now resting on her front legs as she dozed. It was startling how much she resembled a sleepy cat.
Hongjoong was about to have a picnic with the Firelord and his dragon. How was this even real life, he had no idea.
They started eating, and it was only once Seonghwa had made sure that Hongjoong had eaten at least three dumplings —because, yes, Hongjoong also had the habit of getting too lost in his work that he forgot to eat— that he began to explain.
“It was a little after the war ended, maybe six months after my coronation. At that point, I think I was more stress than person. Work was the only thing in my mind; I wasn’t sleeping, barely eating and the pressure of it all gave me so much anxiety that I could hardly function if I thought about it for more than three seconds.”
Seonghwa’s voice had dimmed the longer he spoke about it, his eyes turning forlorn. Hongjoong took his hand, the one that rested in the space between their bodies, and intertwined their fingers together. A reassurance, a message: I am here for you. You will never be alone again.
Seonghwa squeezed back before he took a deep breath and continued. “One day, Wooyoung and Jongho managed to drag me out, only to the pond garden, but the fresh air did work wonders. I was so exhausted that it only took twenty minutes for me to fall asleep. I don’t know how much time passed, but when I started to wake up, it was to Wooyoung’s hushed whispers and something scaly sliding up my torso.” He gestured to Byeol with his head. “She was as big as my arm, and she wouldn’t let anyone come close except me. I was freaking out —which is a pretty normal response considering everything— until an emissary from the Sun Warriors showed up at the palace two days later.”
“The Sun Warriors?” The name sounded vaguely familiar to Hongjoong, but he couldn’t place it.
“They are an ancient civilization, the first people who learned firebending from the dragons. It was said that they died out long before the war, but it turns out that they had survived and now live in secrecy. They had been guarding a dragon egg for decades, and it had finally hatched. We decided that it was safest for her to stay hidden, for now, but I do try to come and stay with her every couple of weeks.”
Hongjoong looked at him with wonder in his eyes. “You truly are something else, Hwa.”
And the blush that spread across his cheeks, dusting the bridge of his nose, was delightful. He spluttered, “I—Shut up and eat, you dolt.”
Hongjoong laughed, unabashed and carefree, but dutifully picked up another dumpling. They continued like that until the sun had set and the stars covered the sky like a twinkling mantle over their heads, sharing the food they had brought and sharing their thoughts; Byeol was happy to lay behind them and get snuggles from time to time. After Spirits-know-how-long, it had gotten late enough that a chilly breeze blew across the gorge, and they decided to head back to the palace.
The ride back was silent, not a word exchanged between them, but the tension, oh, you could cut it with a knife. It had started long ago —probably ever since they had first laid eyes on each other— simmering under the surface, so light that it was easy to miss, but, today, it had finally boiled over.
Hongjoong was aware of every single point of his body that was touching Seonghwa’s; his arms wrapped around the other’s waist, his chest pressed firmly against his back —the lithe but sinewy muscle there—, their hips close enough to be almost indecent. His eyes were fixed on the curve of Seonghwa’s neck, right where it turned into shoulder, unable to look away, the urge to sink his teeth there almost unmanageable.
They finally made it back, Seonghwa guiding the ostrich horse back to the stables, and handing the reins to a stable boy after dismounting.
“I will walk you to your room,” he said, his voice quiet like a whisper.
Hongjoong simply nodded, no words coming to his head as they walked along the empty hallways. It was late enough that only the night guard was stationed at their places, but no servants were out. They stopped in front of Hongjoon’s door, the tension between them now having turned stifling, the silence ringing louder than a ceremonial drum. Hongjoong couldn’t take his eyes off Seonghwa, but the Firelord was making a great effort to look anywhere but him. He was wriggling his hands —a nervous habit of his—, his nails catching on the skin of his palms.
Instinctively, Hongjoong reached out to stop him, but the moment his hand made contact with the other’s, Seonghwa’s head snapped up, their eyes locking together.
“I—Good night, Hongjoong. I—I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He tried to turn, to pull away, but Hongjoong had already seen it. The want, the longing, the pure, unadulterated desire swirling in Seonghwa’s dark gaze. It took a second, an endless second that seemed to go on forever, their eyes locked, and the coil that had been constricting in Hongjoong’s chest snapped.
He pulled. Seonghwa, who hadn’t been expecting it, fell forward onto Hongjoong.
“Hwa…”
A second. Two.
Then fire was surrounding them. The moment their lips touched, all the torches in the hallway roared, huge plumes of fire dancing towards the ceiling. Their kiss was frantic, frenzied, the culmination of months of repressed yearning. They fit together like two missing puzzle pieces, their mouths chasing one another as if they were the air needed to breathe. Hongjoong pulled back, barely, the sound of their spit-covered lips separating sending a shiver down his spine.
“Hwa,” he moaned. “The torches—”
Seonghwa halted, his head rapidly turning as he took in the flames roaring all around them, his eyes widening. “Fuck! Sorry! Sorry!” Then he stilled, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It was hypnotising, watching the fire move along with his breath. Once the torches were back to their original state, he opened his eyes. “Sorry, I promise that doesn’t normally happen.”
Hongjoong smirked. “Oh, so a little kiss makes you lose control, huh?” he teased as he pulled Seonghwa closer by the waist until they were pressed together, shoulders to hips.
“Shut up, asshole” Seonghwa was blushing. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that, you can’t blame me for slipping a little.”
“I get the feeling, darling.” Hongjoong pulled him closer —as if that was even possible— and kissed him again. It was less messy this time, more controlled. Slow, tender kisses exchanged between two eager mouths. Suddenly, Seonghwa's lips left his, his mouth trailing along Hongjoong’s jaw, small pecks and bites leaving a trail of fire down his neck. Hongjoong couldn’t contain the soft moans escaping his mouth, skin alight, as he gripped Seonghwa’s waist harder. “Fuck, you drive me crazy.”
Seonghwa let out a whine, pulling back until they were eye-level once more, the tips of their noses brushing against each other. Seductively, he whispered, “Aren’t you going to invite me inside?”
Hongjoong chuckled, want swimming in his pupils, and one of his hands wandered lower until it was resting on Seonghwa’s ass. The gasp that left Seonghwa’s mouth made Hongjoong smile wider, satisfied with the reaction. “You know,” he started, his voice low and enticing. “I was going to be gentleman, ask you out on a date and walk you back to your room.” He squeezed Seonghwa’s ass harder, another gasp escaping the other’s lips. “But since you are so desperate, I guess I will fuck you tonight. Isn’t that what you want, darling?”
Seonghwa was panting, his chest moving up and down rapidly, and his eyes —fuck, Hongjoong could stare at them for hours—, they were dark pools of want, glinting in the fire light. “Please.”
Hongjoong didn’t have to be told twice. He, reluctantly, pulled away from Seonghwa, although his hands never left the other’s body, and turned around to twist the doorknob. Once they had crossed the threshold and the door was closed behind them, they were all over each other once again, lips locked together and hands wandering over clothes. Seonghwa’s hands made quick work of Hongjoong’s tunic, deftly untying the laces keeping his clothes together until Hongjoong stood naked. His eyes roamed all over the beautiful man in front of him, taking in all the details he could. Hongjoong let him, nervous but assured. Seonghwa’s gaze felt like a trail of fire along his skin, but instead of burning it lit the already raging inferno he felt inside.
Before he could return the favour and disrobe the other, Seonghwa fell to his knees. He started to leave soft pecks along Hongjoong’s stomach, the muscles pulling taut as Seonghwa’s tongue licked down his happy trail. “Fuck, Hwa, you are driving me crazy.”
Seonghwa looked up at him right at the same moment he took Hongjoong’s cock in his hand, stroking him slowly. Hongjoong cursed, a slash of pleasure coiling in his belly, his fingers unconsciously tangling in Seonghwa’s hair.
“Maybe that was my plan all along.” Seonghwa leaned down and took him into his mouth. He started sucking at the tip, small licks around the head and slit. Then, all at once, he took him down his throat, his head bobbing up and down.
Hongjoong was overcome with pleasure, his eyes wanting to close shut, but he resisted. He kept his gaze firmly on the sight in front of him. Ever since he had first seen him, Seonghwa had been the most beautiful person he had ever met, and after getting to know him, Hongjoong had fallen even harder. Taking that, and the fact that the most powerful man in the nation was on his knees for him, Hongjoong was about to lose his mind.
“This will end far too soon if you keep it up,” he moaned after a particularly skilled tongue movement. “Come up here, darling.”
After one last suck, Seonghwa stood up, his lips shiny with spit and puffier than they had been before. Hongjoong couldn’t resist the untamable urge to kiss him again. Without breaking the kiss, Hongjoong started to pull on the ties of Seonghwa’s outer robes, pulling it off his shoulders once it was loose. He was about to do the same with the inner layer when he felt Seonghwa tense up. The moment was minimal, but it made him halt immediately.
“Hwa,” Hongjoong moved back a little so that he could look into Seonghwa’s eyes. “What’s wrong? Do you want to stop?”
Seonghwa was looking down, his gaze not meeting Hongjoong’s, his lower lip caught in between his teeth in a way that looked painful. Hongjoong gently caressed it with his thumb until it was pulled free. He tried again, “Seonghwa, whatever it is, you can tell me. Nothing will make me change my mind about you. I just want you to be comfortable.”
They stood in silence, it didn’t matter how much or how little time passed, Hongjoong was happy to give Seonghwa as much time as he needed. He started tracing tender circles on Seonghwa’s sides, hoping that the motion would soothe him a little. After a while, Seonghwa placed his hands on top of Hongjoong’s, giving them a little squeeze. Hongjoong looked up, his face serious but open. Seonghwa took a deep breath, as if mentally preparing himself, before taking off his last layer. Then he turned around.
Hongjoong had to suppress a gasp, shock and fury taking over his body for an instant before reeling everything in. The whispers had been true. Across Seonghwa’s back was a burn, the skin angry and twisted. It went from up his left shoulder blade to the bottom of the right side of his ribcage, and its shape was as if someone had dragged a molten hot hand down his back. They had, his father had.
He raised a trembling hand up, but stopped before making contact. “Can I?” At Seonghwa’s nod, he traced the line of the other’s shoulders. “I am so sorry that this happened to you, Seonghwa. I promise that I will be by your side from now on.”
It was not an empty promise. Hongjoong bowed to himself, then and there, that nothing would ever come between him and Seonghwa; that he would protect him until his last breath. He hadn’t been expecting it when he had moved all the way across the world, but Hongjoong knew, without a doubt in his heart, that Seonghwa was his person, that one person who clicked with you like no one ever had.
With gentle hands, he guided Seonghwa to the bed, guiding him to lie down. Hongjoong gave himself a moment to take it all in; the obscene lines of Seonghwa’s body, his long legs, muscled chest, his sinful lips which were parted and shiny. Hongjoong lowered himself on top of Seonghwa, his legs straddling the other’s hips. Leaning in close so that his lips brushed against Seonghwa’s ear, he whispered, “I’m going to make you feel so good, is that alright, darling?”
“Please, Joong.”
Hongjoong started by his neck, leaving kisses from right behind Seonghwa’s ear down to his collarbones, a quick nip or two also here and there. Once he reached Seonghwa’s chest, he took his time there. He pinched the left nipple, his eyes focused on Seonghwa’s reaction, and upon seeing him moan and wriggle at the touch, the devious smirk on his face widened. He lowered his mouth to the other nipple, stopping right before it, his mouth hovering over it. Seonghwa, unable to bear the anticipation anymore, arched his back into him. Hongjoong latched onto the nipple, sucking and biting until it was red and puffy.
Once both nipples were bitten raw and overly sensitive, Hongjoong moved down further. He laid down between Seonghwa’s legs, but despite his pleading, he ignored the hard and leaking cock in front of him and moved to pull Seonghwa’s legs over his shoulders. He dove in without any warning. Hongjoong tongue travelled from his perineum down to his hole, circling at the rim until Seonghwa was panting and crying out. Hongjoong, however, was not in any hurry. He let his mouth linger over the area, caressing and licking until Seonghwa’s hole was loose enough to slip the tip of his tongue inside.
“Fuck!” Seonghwa’s thighs were tensed by his head, and his fingers were tangled and pulled harshly on his hair. The sting made Hongjoong’s head spin in pleasure. “Joong, please, fuck me.”
After one last stroke, Hongjoong pulled back, his mouth and chin glinting with spit. He went to grab the oil he kept in the drawer by his bed, and returned to lay by Seonghwa’s parted legs. He made quick work of opening Seonghwa up, both of them too wound up to put up with any more teasing. Once three of his fingers were slipping smoothly in and out and Seonghwa was once more begging to be filled up, Hongjoong moved until he was aligned with Seonghwa’s hole.
He pressed inside, and the warmth and tightness around his cock once he breached the rim almost made him come in the spot. Hongjoong went slow, giving Seonghwa enough time to get used to the stretch, but it seemed that the other couldn’t wait anymore. Seonghwa wrapped his legs around Hongjoong’s waist, his heels digging into the small of his back. “Baby, more, more.”
And Hongjoong, like the good subject he was, obeyed. He snapped his hips forward, the slap of skin against skin ringing across the room. The moan Seonghwa let out was probably heard all around the palace. The pace Hongjoong set was unforgiving —quick, hard thrusts that made both of them see stars. Compliments spilled out his lips as he came closer and closer to finishing.
“You feel so good around me, darling.” “You make the prettiest noises. “You are beautiful.”
Seonghwa came with a cry, come spilling all over his stomach as Hongjoong timed a particularly nasty snap of his hips with a mean twist of his hand around Seonghwa’s cock. The sight was otherworldly, Seonghwa’s hair —sweat-stricken and dishevelled— stark black against the pillow, his eyes half closed in pleasure, his nails trailing fire down Hongjoong’s back.
“In me. Please, come in me.”
It was all too much. With one last thrust, Hongjoong came. He collapsed on top of Seonghwa, his arms finally giving out as tremors ran through his body from the force of his orgasm. Seonghwa, despite the sweat and the heat, wrapped his arms around him, placing a tender kiss on Hongjoong’s temple.
Once the stars swimming in his vision faded, Hongjoong moved, laying by Seonhwa’s side, their legs still tangled together. He pulled him closer for a kiss, their lips gliding together softly.
“I like you so much, Seonghwa.” A confession, whispered between them. Hongjoong wasn't afraid of rejection, not after what had just transpired between them, but he still wanted Seonghwa to know. “You have made your way into my heart, and I don’t want to let you go, ever.”
Seonghwa smiled, not big but bright enough that it made him glow. “You mean a lot to me too, Hongjoong. This—Us, I think it can be something amazing, and I can’t wait to find out with you.”
Happiness. That was the feeling spreading through Hongjoong. Free and unadulterated happiness.
That night —or early morning judging by the first rays of light sneaking in through the windows— they fell asleep together, legs and hearts intertwined; elated smiles on their faces.
~
Warmth. That was the first thing that registered in Hongjoong’s mind as he woke up. It was not the heat typical of Caldera City, but the warmth that takes over your being when you are incandescently happy. Hongjoong slowly came to, opening his eyes blearily while trying to get used to the sunshine streaming in through the open curtains. He tried to stretch his arms over his head, but something was pinning him in place.
That was when he remembered. He turned his head to the side, and there he was. Seonghwa was lying by his side, his head tucked into the crook of Hongjoong’s shoulders, and one of his arms was draped over his waist. He looked breathtaking. Hongjoong took his time taking him in; the straight slope of his nose, the softness in his cheeks, delicate eyebrows and plump lips. He still couldn’t believe everything that had happened yesterday.
“I can feel you staring.” Seonghwa’s voice was raspy with sleep, his eyes squinted as he peered up at Hongjoong.
“I can’t help it if you are gorgeous, darling.”
Seonghwa giggled, ducking his face back into Hongjoong’s neck. His nose tickled Hongjoong’s skin.
“Come back here,” Hongjoong whined playfully. “I want a kiss.”
The first press of their lips still took him by surprise, his brain still disbelieving that he could have this, that he could have Seonghwa. It felt surreal. But it was reality, and Hongjoong wouldn’t trade it for the world. The room was soon filled with the sound of lips coming together and separating, tongues gliding together and spit-trails being drawn across skin. All too soon, however, Seonghwa pulled back.
“Come on, we have to wash up. Wooyoung made me promise that we would have lunch all together today, and the sun is almost at its peak.” At Hongjoong’s grumbling, he planted another peck on his lips before standing up. “Come on, you big baby.”
Not happy to leave their bubble but knowing that an enraged Wooyoung was not something he wanted to see, Hongjoong did get up. After washing up and dressing, both men made their way to the pond garden. It was one of the inner gardens in the palace, not too big but in the middle there was a small pond where a family of turtle ducks lived. It had become their favourite meeting place, and it wasn’t rare to see any of the eight relax there in their free time.
Loud, bubbly voices could already be heard from down the hallway, and, sure enough, the sight that greeted them was merry. Yeosang and Yunho were diligently setting down the plates of food on the blanket laid down on the floor, making sure that no bugs tried to steal their lunch. Mingi was over by the pond, feeding little bits of fruit to the ducklings under the mother turtle duck’s watchful gaze. Wooyoung, cackling like a madman, was trying to climb over Jongho, who despite his stony expression, did nothing to stop the other from feeling him up. Seonghwa immediately joined them, sitting down next to Yeosang and Yunho and quickly being pulled into conversation.
Honjoong took a moment to simply watch them, to take in the sight of the people he had come to love so much. He was startled out of his sappy thoughts when someone stopped by his side.
“I am happy for you.” San’s eyes were crinkled, his smile so big that it was blinding. “For both of you. You deserve it.”
“What? How—”
San laughed, loud and unabashed. “I am the Firelord’s bodyguard. When Seonghwa wasn’t in his room this morning, well, let’s say it didn’t take a genius to guess where he was.”
Hongjoong glared at him —not truly annoyed, really, but just as a principle— but the redness spreading across his face was unstoppable.
“Also, you have a hickey on your neck.”
San moved before Hongjoong could launch at him, giggling uncontrollably as he escaped his friend. The rest had turned to look at them, raised eyebrows and questioning gazes thrown their way. Hongjoong waved them off. As they all sat down around the blanket, food and laughter shared between them, Hongjoong felt it. A hand touched his; long, delicate fingers interlacing with his.
He was happy. He was home. He was loved.