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all-risejd · 1 year

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A New Judgment Chapter 3: Decisions and Meddling (Poly Judgment Day Fic)

Written by Scarletxraine who can’t seem to remember to post to this godforsaken hellsite so has me post here for your enjoyment!

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7.

Nessa is sitting at the nurse's station towards the end of her shift charting when she hears the receptionist on her walkie. "Nurse Klein, you have a personal call on line 1"

"Thank you" She answers, knowing to not piss off the front desk people. She sighs before she answers the phone, having a good idea who is on the other end. "Nurse Klein pediatrics unit, how can I help you?" There is silence for a moment on the other line before a familiar voice speaks.

"Mijita please hear me out." Comes Rey's voice and Nessa slams the receiver down and pinches the bridge of her nose.

"What's that about boss lady?" Her friend and fellow nurse Olivia asks, taking a seat next to her and begins charting herself.

"Dom's father" Comes her muffled reply as her face is now in her hands.

"We saw what happened last night, fuck him." The young nurse comments showing solidarity with her boss and friend.

Nessa lifts her head and looks at Olivia and cracks a small smile. "Thank you, Liv. He has created such a mess and now I don't know what to do." Nessa laments and leans back in her chair.

"Babes just block the lot of them!" Olivia suggests and shrugs her shoulders as she keeps typing away.

"Liv, I was offered a job, there is already a plan in place here to replace me if I agree and it is more than triple what I make in a year, and it is a three-year contract." Olivia spits out her water she just took a swig of as Nessa explains.

"As what? A nurse? You gonna wrestle or what?!" Olivia rapid fire questions before one of her call lights go off. She goes to take care of it. Nessa sighs in relief that doesn't last long as her walkie comes on again.

"Nessa, that call is back on line 1. Is something going on?"

"Ignore all calls from that number please. I'm sorry it's my ex's father trying to meddle." She explains rolling her eyes.

"That is perfectly fine, thank you for letting us know. By the way you have another call on line 2 now. It's a different number" The voice says. Nessa groans and answers the second line.

"Nurse Klein Pediatrics unit how can I help you?"

"Mi corazon" Dom's voice comes through.

"Dom, I'm at work. We aren't together anymore. Pet names aren't going to make it all better so please just stick to my name. What do you need and please make it quick I am dealing with sick kids." She is a little colder than she wants to be.

"I know about the contract. Paul told us it is a possibility, but it is ultimately up to you. I know this is the only way to contact you at work and I just want to say do what will make you happy. You have spent too long worrying about me and my happiness. You need to focus on yourself. If you decide to sign the contract and join us I will follow your lead. I'll refuse anything that will make you uncomfortable, my priority will be you." Nessa hears a sharp, "T oo much bro ," that she assumes is Damien in the background and rolls her eyes.

"Give me the phone Dom Dom" She hears Rhea command. "Listen, sweetheart, just do you and fuck the rest. Sorry for Dom Dom disturbing you at work. Get back to it doll." Rhea apologizes before hanging up the phone. Nessa looks at the receiver confused before slowly hanging it up.

"What in the world." She mutters to herself as Olivia comes back.

"What he called again?" Olivia sits back down.

"Yes, and Dom called too. He told me to do what makes me happy." She answers, and Olivia rolls her eyes.

"Aww that's sweet but too little too late. Now about that contract. Explain now." Olivia is practically bouncing in her chair.

"Uh, a double contract, medical team, and talent. Basically, an escort to the ring and getting involved and relationship stories. It may turn to wrestling so I would have to train. Right now I have my cousin looking at it."

"Are you going to do it?"

"Maybe, I don't know. There is a possibility I would have to pretend to be back together with him or even do a triangle." Nessa starts to chew on her thumbnail again.

"Could you handle that?" Olivia looks worried.

"On camera, yes, behind the scenes that would hurt almost too much," Nessa admits.

"Would you take him back if he asked?"

Nessa doesn't immediately answer, only the clacking of keyboards filling the silence. Nessa finally answers. "There are some complications if it came to that, he hurt me Liv but there is something there that I need to know, to understand. He would have to earn my trust before I even would consider it even with the complication." Olivia looks confused and like she was going to ask for clarification, but Nessa's walkie cuts her off.

"Nessa, you have yet another personal call on line 1." Nessa thanks them before answering the phone.

"Look, I'm at work and I would very much like to not be fired for taking personal calls on the clock!"

"Nessa, it's Abe. I am doing you a favor for free so I'd appreciate it if you would drop the attitude." Nessa looks chagrined and Olivia laughs.

"I'm sorry Abe, I've been getting calls from Dom and his dad for the last hour or so and got fed up." She apologizes

"It's alright, I know work calls are supposed to be an emergency, so since this is time sensitive, I wanted to tell you I'm done going over the contract and to call me when you get home. I am surprised how good of a contract it is for you." He responds, short sweet and to the point.

"Thanks Abe, I owe you one or 5," She thanks her cousin before hanging up. She looks to Olivia who gives her the spill look. "He said he is surprised how good it is for me and to call him as soon as I get home."

"And does that help your decision at all? When do you have to decide?" Olivia signs out of the computer.

"Not in the slightest." Nessa shrugs.

"Girl there is something you aren't telling me, spill!" Olivia turns her chair to face Nessa.

"I can't, it isn't my business to tell, maybe some other time ok it's time to do the hand off and I have an important call to make." Nessa avoids answering, earning a light glare from her friend. Once home Nessa changes out of her scrubs and calls her cousin. Once the niceties are out of the way he gets down to explaining.

"They don't give you creative control, however, you do get to veto certain aspects of stories. And it is your decision if you want to get physical and must be made in advance. You will be the medical assigned to The Judgement Day for the most part. The contract is more than fair and if they release you from it, they have to pay out the full three-year salary to you. Whoever was involved had your back when this was written. No matches whatsoever unless both parties agree, and this Paul approves and a medical team clears it. I see no loopholes, it is very geared towards you. "

"Well, that would be Rey. His plan, he wants me to get back with Dom and to manipulate him away from the group he is in now. It's his backwards way of apologizing. And a half-assed attempt to incentivize me to do it. What should I do?" She asks as she begins to prepare her dinner.

"You are the party wronged here; it is up to you to decide if he has done what was needed to be forgiven. Before all this you applied to work there and here is your chance even though you aren't with him anymore. Maybe you'll meet a nice boy to marry." He teases and Nessa Scoffs.

"Now you sound like our moms." She groans.

"Look Nes, I'm not telling you to do it but seriously consider it. You can go back to working in hospitals after." He advises and adds, "And as your favorite cousin I think it would be awesome. Speaking strictly as your cousin and not your lawyer I think you should".

"That's why you are my favorite cousin, you are honest." She praises

"And I give you legal advice for free, you owe me a batch of potato candy," he tells her serious about the potato candy.

"Thanks, Abe, I'll bring it next time I come over." She hangs up the phone and sets her bowl on her coffee table and grabs the remote to watch the second night of WrestleMania.

Nessa wakes up the next morning with a splitting headache that she attributes to the stress of the day before. She lays there in bed debating on whether or not she would go in to work. Her thoughts are interrupted by her phone ringing. She sees an unknown number and answers it hesitantly.

"Hello."

"Good morning, Miss Klein, It's Paul, HHH. I know it's early and I apologize, But I would like to have The Judgement Day do a promo to potentially set up for your debut if you decide to join us."

"It's your show sir you can do as you like, you don't have to ask me."

"Well, I do. If we are using your name and likeness with you not being contracted as of yet we need permission to protect against litigation. Also, Have you thought about the offer?" He asks and Nessa slowly gets out of bed and begins getting ready while answering,

"I have been thinking about it and no I don't have an answer yet sir. I still need more time to think on it still. However, I think I'll have my answer by tomorrow sir, yes go ahead and do the promos." She gets her shoes on. The phone call having made the decision for her so she can have some peace.

"That is no problem and thank you, Miss Klein. I do want to let you know if you do say yes we will need to immediately fly you out so you can get your health checks done and start training on how to take bumps if you are going to get physically involved. I'll talk to you again soon." He finishes the call and Nessa groans, grabbing her keys and heading to work. Having decided to give it a try even with her migraine. That way she doesn't have to answer her cell phone which she is sure will be ringing off the hook.

When she gets to the hospital, she makes sure to bring coffee to the front desk as a form of apology for the previous day and for the incessant calls that are sure to happen today. "Please unless it is an emergency take a message don't worry about passing the call along. My ex's father is being relentless, wanting us back together, and is meddling. His mom and sister will try to call too." She warns them and apologizes again before loading the elevator to go to her floor. She goes a few hours into her 12-hour shift before her walkie comes on from the front desk.

"Nurse Klein, Oscar has called 5 times and wants you to call back when you can, an Aalyah has called once and said please call asap it's important and you are needed in the Nurse Manager's office, someone is floating to your floor to cover your patients while you are there." As the front desk finishes speaking the elevator opens and another nurse comes in and up to the station. Nessa gives him the rundown before going to her boss's office.

About an hour later Nessa is back on her floor, her head hurting worse than before mumbling to herself. "it's not my fault the company got involved, I can't stop them from constantly calling self-righteous prick" Olivia hears her grumbles and shakes her head feeling bad for her friend.

"Sounds like your hands are getting tied. Evan always had an issue with women supervisors, and they just handed him the ammo he needed." She points out to Nessa who lays her head in her arms. The floater nurse is still dealing with her patients.

"I almost have no choice, Because of the meddling and calls I now have a target on my back. Even after I'll have to go work at a different hospital." She groans

"If you leave them and don't start dating any of those extremely attractive people that work for that company. I know you are Hella flexible." Olivia teases and Nessa flips her off her head still in her arms.

"Well even if I don't decide I think I need to go to another hospital I can't work with him anymore," Nessa thinks aloud.

"Oh please, we both know you are going to sign that contract. You want closure and it is good money. Plus who knows like I said I saw how you were with those two guys after Dom's fight. And the one that showed you out." Olivia continues to tease and Nessa's head jerks up.

"What that was shown too! And what was said!?" Nessa begins to spiral.

"Calm down, it was at a distance we couldn't hear anything, just saw you making eyes mutually with the tall one. I don't know his name. I don't normally follow the WWE but I'll have to start." Olivia tries to calm her friend who is rubbing her temples now.

"That is Damien, and he constantly flirts, every other word is a cutesy nickname. I did not make eyes at him!" Nessa denies, and Olivia gives her a look like " Sure " and just laughs. "Look since I have a floater covering me, I am going home early, I'll call you because apparently the decision has been made for me." Nessa gets up and hugs Olivia. "Once I give my answer I have to fly out and get testing done as well as start training immediately." She explains, saying goodbye without saying the words and gathering up her stuff.

"Go and call me as much as you can, I need the tea. Especially if you get with tall dark and broody!" Olivia calls out as Nessa boards the elevator and glares out as the doors close.

Once Nessa is in the car, she can't help but start crying, so she just sits there wallowing, overwhelmed because yet again a Mysterio has wrecked her life. She finally collects herself and wipes the tears off her cheeks and goes to start the car, ignoring her cell phone ringing. Nessa just lays on her couch under her weighted blanket trying to find some semblance of comfort, just staring at the tv. Eventually, she gets annoyed at the phone ringing and answers after looking at the caller id.

"Yes Aalyah?" She sniffles, still crying on and off.

"I thought the plan was to get you two back together. You are my sister and I thought it might work and you'd be happy again. You haven't been yourself since he left. I didn't know they were going to try to manipulate him by using you. I was just so excited and wanted Dom to suffer for hurting you. I didn't think it through. I am so sorry. I should have spoken up for you and put my anger for him aside to protect you."

"In your eagerness to punish Dom you hurt me. I see you understand why that is bad and you feel true remorse for it. So, I appreciate that Aalyah, and I accept your apology. But understand I'll need time, it won't be as it was between us for a while."

"I understand Ness." She sighs in relief and continues, "Look he is an idiot for what he did to you. We thought he would marry you, Hell, he gave you the bracelet." She complains and Nessa sits up.

"Yeah well, I gave it back. I am honored to be a part of its history but it's not rightfully mine." She explains to Aalyah who is shocked into silence. "Pops is still meddling, he got them to give me a contract and buy out my current one at work and had it in place for me to say yes. I basically quit today because it put a target on me from my boss so I have no choice now." Nessa groans, glad to have someone on the inside to talk to again.

"I think I overheard something about that Saturday, but I wasn't sure that's why I didn't tell you. I think I might be part of that too. I'm sorry for the calls, Dad asked me to call you at work I'm sorry I didn't know." She apologizes again, beginning to see how desperate her parent are and are hurting someone innocent in the situation. "Look since you are apparently doing it, you can get back at Dom for what he did or even get back together with him," Aalyah continues and Nessa groans and throws her head back.

"Not this again, I just want him to be happy and for me to finally move on. He is happy with who he is with, and I support that. And I won't be trying to split them up." Nessa tells her sternly.

"Fine fine, maybe you can find someone else to make you happy. Maybe like-" Aalyah starts but Nessa cuts her off seeing where that is going.

"Aalyah no not you too. You sound like Abe and Olivia. There wasn't anything between us."

Aalyah starts laughing, "Sure, Nes nothing there besides sexual tension even though you just met. But I'll leave it be for now." She agrees.

"Also please tell your parents to stop calling me, if and when I am ready to talk I will. You wanted to make things right then back me up please." Nessa almost begs.

"Of course, sis, I have your back always. Just answer one question." Aalyah takes the silence as a go-ahead. "What are you going to wear? Either way, they won't be able to keep their eyes off you." Aalyah asks all sorts of giddy.

"Goodbye Aalyah I'll talk to you later." Nessa hangs up the phone tired of the teasing. She looks at the time and decides to tune into Raw.

She watches interested, as HHH comes out and thanks everyone behind the scenes even friends and family who support and he glances at the camera as says it. She listens as he continues his speech and is confused as he doesn't bring her up but introduces Roman Reigns. She rolls her eyes and just picks up her phone to read through her text messages. She sees many from Dominik and a few from the remaining judgment day members that she saved as they initially texted her, and she ignores them not having the energy to expend to have any of those conversations. There is only one she responds to.

"Hey, just want to make sure you are ok, I know we laid a lot on you Saturday." Rhea's message was to the point.

"Yes, I am ok, just dealing with the fallout from the mess Rey caused it isn't anything to do with what we discussed. Though I don't know how to answer you either." She responds, not paying any attention to Cody and Roman in the ring.

"Don't worry about it. When you are ready to discuss that we'll be here beautiful. Though I do have to say you have some good chemistry with us." She points out.

"That is just because you are all insanely attractive," Nessa texts back.

"And so are you, don't go putting yourself down again we won't allow that even as friends" Rhea orders making Nessa smile to herself.

"Yes Mami" Nessa responds jokingly but gets a shock back.

"Good girl." Is all it says, and Nessa lets out a squeak and her face flushes again and she is grateful she is home alone. She turns her attention to another text message that just came in.

"Chiqui, I hope you watch Raw tonight. Maybe it will sway your decision so we will see you again soon."

"At least he only messages me and doesn't blow up my phone." She mutters to herself and glances at the tv again to see Bad Bunny being interviewed and she rolls her eyes as Rey's music comes on after and makes his entrance into the ring before grabbing a mic.

"I want to take a moment to thank you the WWE universe because you have welcomed me with open arms. Thank you. I also want to apologize to someone who should be my daughter-in-law Nessa. I was wrong to bring her to WrestleMania and would like to apologize face to face later this week on Smackdown if you would Mijita." Nessa leans forward as he then thanks Bad Bunny before Austin Theory's music comes on and he comes out to the ring challenging Rey to a match. She clasps her hands together as a ref comes out and the match eventually starts.

She keeps a close eye on the match having a gut feeling Dominik is going to interfere and she isn't disappointed as he runs down the ram and jumps on the apron as Rey sets up a 619 and gets hit. He falls to the ground Damien not too far behind him helping him up. They stay there until Austin wins the match and Damien tells Dom to get in the ring and Damien winks at the camera before following Dominik in the ring as he beats on his dad who is just laying there.

Not long after he turns his attention to Bad Bunny and jumps out of the ring standing in front of him trading words Bunny claiming he did the right thing. Dominik turns to walk away, and Bunny runs his mouth again

"She's better off without you."

Dom turns around throwing a punch only for it to be blocked and Bunny punches him instead. He falls to the floor scooting back, Damien rushing to his side to check on him. Damien throws up his arms before yanking Bunny over the barricade and throwing him to the ground yelling at him, "You didn't need to get involved bro".

Bunny gets to his feet and shoves Damien back. Dom grabs Bunny and spins him around throwing another punch only for it to get blocked again and get another punch to the face. Damien, fed up by now throws his arms up again and drops Bunny and takes off his jacket. Damien then drags Bunny over to the announce table and slams him through it.

"You don't get to mention her, don't even think about her." he growls out and Dom pats his shoulder in thanks before jumping back in the ring and grabbing Rey and stomping on him for a bit. He then exits the ring and makes his way up the ramp next to Damien. They pause at the top of the ramp, Damien's arm around Dom's shoulders repeating,

"You shouldn't have gotten involved," And they watch as Rey and the medical team rush over to check on Bunny before the Tv goes to commercial. She gets up and paces for a while, knowing that was the opening for her to join, tapping her phone against her lips. She glances at the tv as she sees Rhea confront Bianca Belair.

She finally decides to hit dial and holds the phone up to her ear.

"Hello, Miss Klein." Comes the voice on the other end and Nessa takes a breath "I'll do it."

#judgment day x reader #the judgment day fanfic #rhea ripley x reader #finn balor x reader #dominik mysterio x reader #damian priest x reader

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atiny-piratequeen · 3 months

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Against the Tide: Eighteenth Dal Segno (Ch. 18 Pt. 2)

Pairing: Poly OT8

•❥ Rating: Explicit (18+)

•❥ Genres: Heavy Angst, Action, Romance, Fluff, Smut, Fantasy

•❥ Series AU Tags: Demon Pirates, Supernatural, Poly Relationship (mxm), Past and Modern Day AU, Mythology Au, Slow Burn, Slice of Life, College Au, Rock Band Au, Happy Ending Endgame

•❥ Chapter Tws: Migraines, Nosebleeds, Blood, Guilt, Nightmares, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Misunderstandings, Poison

•❥ Chapter Sws: Foursome, Consentacle Tentacles (lets go Whiro!), Temperature Play, Comfort Sex, Finger Sucking, Jacob's Ladder Piercing, Hair Pulling, Blowjob, Frottage, Bareback, Auralism, Scent Kink, Cum Swallowing, Biting, Dacryphilia

•❥ WC: 14.6k+ out of 25.5k

•❥ A/N: The blue hellsite's devs are full of shit and my chapter was too big to post all in one so now I have to break it up into two posts. It would be real lovely for my AtTiny enjoyers to make sure to reblog my work when they're finished :3 This was going to be the reveal chapter but it was already 25k so I decided to break it up. Which...was clearly the right option since tumblr's new posting limitations hates me and my big chapters lmao. Thank you for waiting and stay tuned :) Also, if you haven't yet, maybe check out my new universe Ataraxia while you wait for the next chapter?

•❥AO3 | Taglist Form (Please make sure your urls are updated and able to actually be tagged) | Commission Sheet𓆩⟡𓆪

•❥ ©atiny-piratequeen 2024. do not repost, translate, or use my works.

•❥Network Pings: @kwritersworld | @cultofdionysusnet | @k-vanity

•❥← previous dal segno next dal segno –>

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April 1st

7:34am

-220 Days Remain-

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“Hold your head up. Keep your back straight. Slouching is unbecoming of a Prince.”

Seonghwa opened his eyes, looking to his left, and spotting the form of his child self, staring at his old instructor.

Ah, a dream.

He watched his child self stand straighter, his grey eyes hardening as stared at his instructor, his jaw, as cherub as it may be, locking.

“Yes, Teacher. I apologize.”

“Perfect, Prince Seonghwa. Now, raise your sword. To be a leader, you must never show that you are tired. Never show weakness. Those who follow you will sense something is amiss and if their leader is weak, they will lose hope. Even if you know your back is against the wall, you musn’t show your subordinates. Always remember this.”

Seonghwa’s child self gripped the practice sword tight, nodding as he once again began to swing at the dummy before him, keeping his posture perfect.

The current Seonghwa watched his younger self before turning, exhaling gently and heading in the opposite direction.

He walked through rustling trees and the scenery began to melt into something different.

Intricate designs on the carpet beneath his feet, expensive paintings lining the walls of rulers before him. Beautiful vases full of freshly picked and tended to flowers.

The hall stopped on two frames.

One, burned to cinders, of his father. Through the ash and damage, Seonghwa almost could not recognize him.

He, however, knew the hilt of that falcata well.

The very one situated on his hip currently.

Seonghwa grit his teeth and looked to the final frame in the hall of rulers.

Staring back at him was an image of himself. Or, rather, his other self.

Inky black hair, piercing ice blue eyes, the deep crimson streaks on his eyes and along his lips. A crown of ice sat atop his head.

Seonghwa approached ‘himself’, staring into his own eyes. The painting smiled back at him, tilting its head slightly before leaning out of it and towards him.

The ex prince did not shy away, even when ‘he’ reached out, grabbing his wrist and smearing paint all over Seonghwa’s it, right over his compass stone.

Seonghwa glanced down before looking back at ‘himself’.

Crimson lips opened.

“Come. It is not these halls you wish to walk through, now is it?”

Seonghwa opened his mouth to question ‘him’, but was yanked through the painting.

He fell through the painting, careening downwards, eyes widening as the color began to fade around him. His ‘other’ self gripped his hand tight, a wild smile on his face as they fell.

“Where are we going?” Seonghwa hadn’t opened his mouth, instead he heard his own voice echoing through the space they were falling through. The ‘other’ him glanced over his shoulder at Seonghwa before looking down.

“The place we’ve been yearning. Even if its for a little bit.”

Before Seonghwa could reply, the gray blur around him as he fell began to rapidly fill with color once more until it cradled him like a blanket. He could no longer feel ‘him’ holding his hand.

Seonghwa did not know when he’d closed his eyes again, but when he opened him, he was…home.

No, not the castle, not the house in Seoul…he was home.

The scent of salt from the ocean filled his nose first, then the rhythmic sound of water splashing along the hull of The Utopia.

Seonghwa felt his throat tighten as he looked around.

“I’ve never cooked swordfish before, but I’m excited to try!”

He turned his head, watching as Yeosang stood with his hands on his hips, admiring the giant swordfish Jongho and Whiro had hefted aboard. San and Wooyoung stood not too far off, with Wooyoung singing a song they’d picked up in the last port town, slowly forming a new set of knives for their beloved chef to hack apart the fish for easier transport down into the galley.

“I don’t care what ya do with it, just make it good for all the damn effort it took for us to bring this big ass fish up here, yeah?”

“Don’t be so fucking rude when asking for something, jackass.”

Yeosang smiled patiently as Whiro rose from Jongho’s skin, growling and starting another one of their usual arguments.

“Thanks so much, Doc. I drank that concoction you gave me yesterday and I feel leagues better than I did before!” Sana cheered, slapping Yunho on the back before she rushed over to get to work, tying her hair back as she did.

Yunho watched her go with a smile, muttering thanks to Geb as he checked his watch and startled.

“Ah! I’m late! I have to feed Atlas.” He rushed past Seonghwa, smiling and waving at him before hurrying below the deck. Seonghwa waved back and continued walking, finding Mingi seated on a barrel, glasses balanced on his nose as he scanned whatever was on the report in his hands.

Seonghwa felt his heart clench for a moment.

He stopped in front of Mingi. His presence drew the boatswain’s attention in an instant, with Mingi peering up at him over the rim of his glasses. Once he realized who it was, he set the report down.

The dark-haired man sent him a big, genuine smile.

“Hey! We’re lookin’ good. I think I finally got the hang of the numbers Cap’n wants to keep while also being mindful of resourc-Oh!”Mingi stopped short when Seonghwa threw his arms around his frame.

He looked at the First Mate with concern before closing his eyes and rubbing his back.

“It’s not like you to slouch, Seonghwa.”

“I just want to hold you again, it’s been so long. Please…please let me just hold you a little longer.” Seonghwa almost didn’t recognize his own voice as he pushed it out. Mingi hummed before looking towards the sky, exhaling a small, good-natured laugh.

“You’ll hurt your back if you don’t stand up straight.”

“To hell with my back. To hell with it all. I just want to fix this. I miss…I miss this. I miss us. All of us.”

Mingi gently pulled him away, smiling at him and cocking his head.

“I know you do. After all, if it were just him you cared about, wouldn’t you have run into him first?”

Seonghwa watched as Mingi hopped off of the barrel, standing taller than him and cupping his face. His rough thumbs wiped Seonghwa’s cheeks of tears that had yet to fall.

“I need to get stronger.”

“I agree with you.”

Seonghwa stared at Mingi, his heart pounding as the boatswain leaned in. Instinctively, he closed his eyes, expecting to feel the phantom brush of lips against his own.

Instead, Mingi placed his lips near the shell of his ear.

“We are in the past, Seonghwa. Nothing is going to change that. You can only change the future.”

Seonghwa exhaled shakily, holding Mingi tighter. He pulled the ex prince closer and set his chin on his shoulder.

“Regardless of what has happened, what will happen. I want you to know something. Take it to heart, okay?” Mingi ran his fingers over the fabric of Seonghwa’s clothes, admiring it as he spoke.

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you…that all pales in comparison to what lies inside of you, Seonghwa. And this goes for all of us.” Mingi pulled away for the last time, stopping to steal a long awaited kiss from Seonghwa’s lips. He kept their heads together, staring into Seonghwa’s teary eyes before grabbing his report and turning.

“Go on, you should see him before you wake up.”

With that, he walked away from Seonghwa, leaving the ex prince there to collect himself.

It took the blonde longer than he would like to admit, but once he did, he exhaled and turned on his heel, rushing through the bodies on the ship.

He did not care for the fact that he ran through some figures, with them blurring into vague aberrations before returning to the familiar faces of his old crew members, going about their business as if they hadn’t been disturbed.

He found him on the quarter-deck, his back to him as he checked the compass in his hand.

Seonghwa flew over, hugging him tight, burying his face into his back and letting the tears he’d barely reeled in freefall from his eyes.

The man grunted before he glanced back, chuckling softly and placing a hand on Seonghwa’s.

That laugh, that beautiful sound.

“It’s not often I see ya cryin’. Can’t say I’m a fan of seein' ya all messed up like this when yer not feelin’ good.” Captain Hongjoong turned in his arms, kissing the top of Seonghwa’s head and then laughing when the prince pulled him into a desperate kiss with no fanfare.

“Please, stay with me. All of you please don’t go again. I…I don’t want to wake up please just let me stay.”

Hongjoong looked at him before he glanced off towards the sea. There was a pained look in his eyes, but it was gone a moment later, as he turned his attention back to Seonghwa.

“I know it’s unfair, but I’m askin’ ya to stand up straight and be strong.”

Seonghwa felt pain in his chest as he stood up, watching as Hongjoong leaned over the monkey rail. He wanted to scramble to grab him, to yank him back into his arms, but the rational side of him knew if he panicked, he’d awaken from this much earlier than he was willing to risk.

Not now. Please, not now.

He just wanted to talk for a bit longer. Just to hear his lover’s voice. Seonghwa focused when Hongjoong’s voice carried over the sound of the splashing waves.

“What do you think it means to be a Captain?”

Seonghwa stared at Hongjoong’s back for a long time, watching as he gazed down to the deck below. Occasionally, someone would look up, notice the man's watchful eye, and give him a respectful nod, a wave, a fist pat across their own chest in acknowledgment.

Seonghwa watched them silently.

“I haven't the slightest clue, putois. I don’t…I don’t think I’ve done you any justice in your… absence.” Seonghwa cringed, glancing at the deck below his feet.

Hongjoong laughed and leaned on the wooden rail, the wind sweeping his hair. A smirk pulled at the corner of his lips.

“Ah, after all of this time, you’re still thinkin' with that Princely mindset, eh? C’mon, Seonghwa, think out of tha box!”

Seonghwa’s lip curled but he held back the tongue lashing he had for him, instead watching Hongjoong shift from foot to foot, humming.

“To me,” he started. “Every breath I take is for my crew. I would do anything for them. No pain is too great. No injury too grave. As long as I can move, I will ensure my crew is protected.”

Seonghwa looked down at the men shuffling about, lips slightly pursed. He could see Daniel gently motioning in a direction, followed by half a dozen members trotting down below the deck in mismatched harmony, carefree smiles on their faces.

His eyes drifted back to Hongjoong.

“And what about you?”

Hongjoong glanced over his shoulder.

“What about me? I have this gift now. And with it, I protect my crew. My ship. I can be cut to pieces, but the moment I mend myself back, I will come back. Better. Stronger. This is what a Captain does. At least to me. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much sleep I lose, I pledged to do right by my crew.”

Seonghwa hummed, closed his eyes, and let out a shaky exhale.

What it means to be a Captain, huh?

“I don’t think I have what it takes.”

“I think that’s bullshit.”

Seonghwa opened his eyes, and all seven of his lovers stood before him. He looked around, his brows pinching together as his lip wobbled again. Hongjoong walked over to him, cupping his cheek.

“I have to go, Seonghwa. It’s about that time, eh?”

“No! No wait, please!”

“It’s going to be okay. I believe in you. I wouldn’t have trusted my crew with you if I didn’t. Don’t give up. Not when you’ve found me. Keep going.”

“Hongjoong, I can’t, okay?! I’ve..I’ve ruined everything. Mingi hates me…you don’t remember us, please. Just…just let me stay-”

“It’s time to wake up, Seonghwa.”

Seonghwa watched as the man before him changed, the shaggy chestnut mullet now a well trimmed and fluffy black and white nest of loose curls. Soft, honey brown eyes stared up at him and Seonghwa looked down at the image of the current Hongjoong.

“I…I don’t want to wake up-”

The musician placed his hand on the center of Seonghwa’s chest.

“Get up, Seonghwa.”

“No! No, no, no, just a bit longer-”

“It’s time to get up.”

Hongjoong pushed him, and Seonghwa found himself powerless to stop it, falling back with the image of his lovers staring back at him being the last thing he saw before he fell through the deck.

Once again…the color around him began to fade to gray as the ship got further and further away.

And then-

“CHEESE WILL PERFORM LIFE SAVING MEASURES! EVERYONE STAND BACK!”

Seonghwa jolted up, the sensation of falling the second time triggering his instincts. In an instant, Cheese came storming towards him, knocking him out of his bed and onto the floor before pressing onto his chest.

“Live, Master Captain Seonghwa!!! LIIIIIIVE!”

“C-Cheese, he’s immortal, he doesn’t need you to do chest compressions-” San frowned, brows furrowed. Whiro cackled from where he’d pulled himself up from Jongho’s skin.

“No, no, please let him continue, this is fuckin’ hilarious.”

Jongho rolled his eyes and made his way over, picking Cheese up and frowning down at the oldest immortal.

“Hey, you alright?”

Seonghwa sat staring at the ceiling in shock for a moment before he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

Jongho and Yunho stood closest to his bed, worried expressions on their faces. Wooyoung was not too far off, holding a bowl of cool water as Yeosang wrang out a rag, paused mid-way as he stared at Seonghwa, bewildered. San sighed, setting aside the smelling salts he had fished out of Yunho’s room, pursing his lips in concern.

Mingi stood in the doorway, quietly observing.

“You were…screaming and crying in your sleep. We couldn’t wake you at all. Are…are you alright?” Yeosang inquired, rushing over to place the rag on his head. Seonghwa momentarily forgot the nature of the very powers inside of him, instead relaxing the instant the cool rag touched his head.

He was covered in a fine sheen of sweat and his eyes and throat stung, proof of the aforementioned screaming and crying episodes. Yunho ducked down and picked him up, setting him in his bed and holding a hand over his body. A faint green glow emitted from it as he seemed to check Seonghwa’s body with his powers.

“Your vitals are good. It seems it was only a nightmare. However, I am detecting traces of-” Geb’s tender voice sounded from Yunho’s lips and Seonghwa shook his head, cutting him off.

“I’m fine, Geb, please don’t worry.”

Yeosang clenched his fists.

“You’re doing it again. Why?”

Seonghwa’s gaze lifted to Yeosang, blinking in surprise.

“Doing…? What am I-”

“Did you know? Your scent changes when you lie. When you tell half truths, even. Everyone’s does.” Yeosang walked up, eyes blazing. Seonghwa stared up at him, pressing his lips together. There was a flash of something in his eyes, Mingi knew it well. The oldest of their group of immortals didn’t like to be challenged, and would usually respond accordingly.

However, this time, as quickly as the look crossed his face, it was gone, replaced with a stone-esque poker face, albiet a bit too late for those who knew him well.

So…everyone in the room.

“Yeosang, there is no need to be concerned.”

“Show me your side. Lift your shirt up, actually.”

“....”

“If there’s no need for concern, there’s no reason to not show me, right? My nose can just as easily be playing tricks, right?” He pointed to Seonghwa, eyes bleeding to crimson.

“Explain to me why I smell your blood, since there is no cause for concern, Park Seonghwa.”

A silence fell over the room that instantly made the air stifling. Seonghwa rubbed his tired eyes and let out an exhausted sigh before sending his lovers a smile that didn’t convince a single one of them he had pulled it together.

“I…truly do not wish for any more fighting between us. I’ve been the reason for so much, already. They will heal. I’m sorry to disturb everyone so early. Thank you for checking on me. I…need to organize my thoughts and I will be alright.” He ran a hand through Cheese’s fur as he spoke to them.

San looked down as he did. Seonghwa’s hand was trembling.

“Seonghwa…” Yeosang realized his out of character outburst had made the man put up his walls again. A pang of guilt struck him hard and reached for him. Seonghwa caught his hand, turning it in one fluid movement and placing a kiss to his knuckles.

“I’m sorry for worrying you.” He spoke softly, a sense of finality in his tone.

Drop it, please.

“We’re gonna get him back, Hwa.” San sat on the edge of the bed, putting his hand over Seonghwa’s free one. The ex prince let out a small exhale. He turned his hand up, taking San’s in his and raising it to his lips like he had done with Yeosang’s. San didn’t move, his expression softening as Seonghwa brushed his lips over his knuckles and pressed San’s palm to his cool cheek.

“I…I know. I won’t stop until I do. I want…to be a man worthy of guiding and loving all of you.” His normally sure and bold voice came out as a mere whisper.

Wooyoung came to his side quickly.

“Of course you are!”

Seonghwa could sense out of his peripheral that Mingi was still there, watching quietly. He had the hindsight not to glance in his direction and risk sending the wrong message. Instead, he closed his eyes, speaking clearly as he held San’s hand in place.

“Do not misunderstand. I do not say these words because I wish for any of you to feel pity for me. I say them because I have made grave mistakes and I wish to atone for them. Until I do, how can I look any of you in the eyes and call myself a leader? How can I call myself an adequate lover when I have let you all down so tremendously?”

Jongho glanced at Yunho, who seemed to have a comment on the tip of his tongue but refrained. A guilty look settled on his face instead.

‘I’ve pushed him too much, Geb.’

‘Perhaps.’

“My actions and…the harm they have caused are my own. It is on me to right these wrongs. My body will heal from these wounds in time. With that being said,” Seonghwa got out of his bed, looking around everyone in the room.

“I wish to try that trial once more. But I don’t want anyone to feel rushed or pressured into doing it instantly like we had before.” he ran a hand through his hair and nodded.

“I will be down for breakfast soon, I just…I would like to shower first, I'm covered in sweat. Thank you all for checking on me.” He stood, gently maneuvering around Cheese so the canine didn't fall.

His remaining lovers exchanged concerned glances at one another before Jongho reached for him, catching his wrist and sending him a smile.

“Mind if we join?”

Seonghwa’s lips parted, before he glanced down, finding a shadow subtly looped around his ring finger, tugging gently.

The ex prince looked up, pressing his lips together to hide the small wobble. Gods, was he not done with the crying? Did it follow him into the waking world?

“C'mon.” Even Whiro regarded him with a tender tone, and Seonghwa found himself nodding, his feet slightly dragging along the cool floors.

Mingi stepped out of the doorway as Jongho and Whiro ushered Seonghwa out.

“Seonghwa,”

The blonde perked, looking over his shoulder at Mingi. He rubbed his arm slightly, looking to the floor. Cheese had appeared at his side, rubbing against his leg before sitting at his feet.

“...Make sure to wash your face. It's…puffy. And, um. Drink water. So you don't get a headache. From the…crying and all.”

Seonghwa slow blinked at him before he let out a small exhale, the tears he'd been trying to force back down flowing from his face at the clear-albeit a bit awkwardly executed-words of concern.

“Thank you, Mingi. I'll be back soon.” Seonghwa’s voice somehow remained stable despite his tears (and the occasional laughs as he tried to wipe his face)

Jongho ducked down, looping his arm under the taller immortal's legs, picking him up.

“I got you. Just put your head on our shoulder and let us take it from here.” Jongho’s voice grew further from everyone as he carried Seonghwa down the hall.

Yeosang looked at the floor, guilt tearing at him. He quietly excused himself, cursing in several tongues as he maneuvered past his lovers.

“I…I’ll make breakfast…”He trailed off, the usual excitement in his voice to do so gone as he jogged downstairs.

It wasn’t like him to lose his cool like that, but he could see the clear hurt on Seonghwa’s face and it was like watching a horrible accident in slow motion.

Still in the doorway, Mingi glanced into the room at the remaining occupants before ruffling Cheese's fur.

“Come on, let's go help Yeosang.” He nodded towards the stairs and Cheese happily trotted after him.

In the bathroom, Seonghwa watched as Jongho and Whiro spoke back and forth to one another in Māori, moving about the room and grabbing different items.

“Should we do a bath or shower?”

“Shower. I don't know if he's going to want to sit and be in his own head in a bath. Plus, foxy is making breakfast. It'd be rude to let it get cold by spending all day in the tub.”

Seonghwa couldn't understand a word they were saying, but he could tell they were working harmoniously, probably bouncing ideas off of one another.

“It's…nice seeing you two like this.” He softly spoke. Jongho perked for a moment before he extended his hand.

“We love you.”

Seonghwa took his hand without hesitation, leaning into his space and holding his forearms gently. He pressed their foreheads together, staring into Jongho’s eyes.

He noticed the right one had gone red, and his gentle smile grew as half of Jongho’s silken locks went blonde.

“Couldn't wait your turn?” Seonghwa tried to jest but both of them cupped his face.

“I'm okay with sharing.”

“Just enjoy the pampering, pretty boy.”

Seonghwa ignored the latter response, closing his eyes and letting both tug him into a kiss.

The two of them kissed him with a sense of gentleness foreign to Seonghwa. He was used to the demanding push and pull energies Whiro often put into his kisses, fighting without pause to control every aspect.

Kissing Jongho was like approaching a newborn fawn in a way. He was far from the most delicate of the bunch. Still, Seonghwa always held in his subconscious the boundaries that the youngest had set in regards to his personal space and what did or didn't make him uncomfortable in moments in intimacy, even if he insisted on it being 'okay because it's you'.

Now, in this moment, Seonghwa felt he was being lead through the kiss. Their lips moved against his, and once he closed his eyes, he found he couldn't tell if it was Whiro or Jongho kissing him when the two had begun to switch off every now and again.

A shadow wrapped around his hip, pulling him closer until Jongho wrapped a strong arm around his midsection, pulling him into the shower and pressing him against the wall under the overhead spray.

Seonghwa cracked his eyes open, staring through a half lidded smolder. He was met one deep crimson eye and one dark brown one staring back at him, two toned silken locks clinging to Jongho/Whiro's body.

"You two weren't kidding about sharing, huh? How long has it been since I've seen this?" Seonghwa spoke softly, a cool hand coming up to touch what was now Whiro's cheek as he kissed under Jongho's eye.

"We'll take care of you. Don't worry ‘bout it."

Seonghwa smiled softly and let the two pamper him, relaxing and giving himself up to them.

For a little while, he’d just let his mind shut off.

“Seonghwa, do you want to tell us what happened to cause these?” Jongho touched the purple splotches littering Seonghwa’s body, frowning at the wounds the ex-prince had been hiding underneath his clothes.

“Training,” Seonghwa answered, cringing slightly as Jongho’s fingers brushed over some of them. He hissed slightly before avoiding the sharp gaze the Maori man (and Whiro) fixed him with.

“Who did this to you?” Both of them growled out. Seonghwa shook his head and laced his fingers with theirs.

“Aren’t you supposed to be taking care of me? If that’s your intention, how about you make me forget instead?”

The two of them leveled him with a stare before they moved in for a kiss.

“Consider it done.”

Down in the kitchen, Yeosang stirred his pot with a conflicted look on his face.

Everything around him seemed to be caving in on itself and he still felt they were leagues away from actually being ‘on the same page’. And he’d hurt one of the loves of his life.

How much longer was he going to be a useless backdrop while everything happened around him? If he stood aside and let the others do all the heavy lifting, he was nothing but a bystander.

He should know, more than anyone, the harm that causes.

The kitsune grit his teeth and set the handle to his spoon on fire.

“Y-Yeosang?!” Mingi’s voice made him focus and he put the fire out in an instant.

“Sorry, I just…” He let out a frustrated sigh and took the apron off, tossing it aside.

“Mingi, most of it is ready, you only need to stirr it in ten minutes and then let it simmer for another five and then you can all eat. Don’t wait for me.”

He spoke with an authority they weren’t used to as he made his way upstairs.

He didn’t know what he was going to do, but he had to do something. Had to say something. Seonghwa was doing it again, taking so much on his plate in order to take the chaos off of the others.

But he wasn’t making it any better, putting him on the spot, lashing out at him…it broke Yeosang’s heart watching those icy walls go up.

‘Communication, Yeosang. By the gods, talk to each other’

How much longer was he going to sit on the sidelines passively, hoping a ‘positive attitude’ and his cooking would continue to put bandaids on the problem?

Gods, he could hear his sister laughing at him in back of his mind.

“Look at you, a big crybaby with no backbone. This kingdom can’t be led with anyone like you.”

The kitsune marched directly up to the bathroom, opening the door abruptly and coming face to face with Seonghwa covering his mouth, stifling noises as Jongho and Whiro washed him probably a lot more thoroughly for it to be considered ‘innocent’.

“Gods above and fucking below-What is it?” Whiro grunted, barely hiding his annoyance. Jongho was a lot more understanding, turning his head towards Yeosang.

“What’s wrong? Do you need us?”

Seonghwa seemed to have been sobered out of his daze, body tensing despite the swearing from Whiro at the immediate reversal of what he and Jongho had tried to do.

“I…” Yeosang’s ears got hot as he stared, losing track of what it was he exactly wanted to articulate. Whiro noticed and rolled his eye, picking Seonghwa up unceremoniously.

“Fuck’s sake, Foxy. If you’re gonna interrupt when someone’s in the middle of somethin’, at least have your shit together. Come on.” he stopped in front of Yeosang and tossed him over Jongho’s other shoulder.

He carried the two ex princes unceremoniously down the hall to his room and opened the door with a shadow, dropping them both to the bed.

Both Seonghwa and Yeosang bounced and Yeosang opened his mouth to let out a flustered serious of noises before he caught sight of purple splotches all over Seonghwa’s body and slowly-healing wounds.

“My gods they’re worse than I thought-”

Seonghwa looked at them before looking away.

“They’re from training, I’ll heal back up. Really, it’s not that bad.”

“What the hell training are you doing that you haven’t healed up the next day? You heal faster than I do; if it were a simple cut, they’d be gone. Who did this to you?” He panicked, looking at the splotches. Seonghwa glanced away.

It’d cause a lot of trouble if he said he’d been poisoned by Hongjoong’s brother, wouldn’t it? He didn’t want anyone getting mad at Yuta. As much of a little shit as he may have been, he still only fought Seonghwa at his request.

“I’ll be alright, please do not worry. These are just healing slower.”

Yeosang cupped his face and forced their foreheads together, staring into his eyes.

“Why won’t you lean on us? Why do you keep putting yourself through hell alone?”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened before he sighed.

“Yeosang-”

“I hate to interrupt, I really do, but Whiro and I were trying to get his mind off of things and I don’t want things to spiral back into that right now.” Jongho cut in, moving to grab some bandages and salves from his dresser. Geb and Yunho had made sure every room in the house had it stocked.

It was polite, but the message was clear;

Get out if you’re going to upset him again.

Yeosang looked at Seonghwa and pressed his lips into a line.

“Give me the salve, I’ll help.”

Seonghwa blinked in surprise as Yeosang began gently rubbing the salve onto various parts of his body, his concern shining on his face.

“Let me know if I’m hurting you.” Yeosang muttered, hand shaking as he looked at the wounds.

Now that he was focusing, they were slashes caused by some sort of blade…the edges of the torn skin were glowing faintly, and Yeosang worried his lip between his teeth.

“I…I’m sorry…I lashed out at you and that was not…even remotely appropriate.” He spoke softly. Seonghwa’s shoulders lost a bit of their tension and he hummed, only hissing slightly at the sting of the salve.

“I understand. I’m sorry for worrying you.” He hummed. Yeosang pressed his lips into a line, eyes bouncing from wound to wound.

Who the fuck did this? Who the hell had….what he assumed was poison strong enough to slow down an immortal’s healing? Seonghwa’s healing was a league of its own, coming only after Yunho, Jongho, and their Captain.

“Raise your head, Seonghwa.”

Seonghwa tilted his head back and let out a muffled noise of surprise when Jongho cupped his face, kissing him deep and slow. Yeosang’s ears twitched, glancing up a the men kissing above his head. Jongho held him firmly, tilting his head once and keeping Seonghwa locked in the intimate kiss without pause.

He could smell the way Seonghwa’s scent changed, sweetening subtly as he leaned into it a few moments after realizing Jongho was not giving him a mere peck.

Yearning. Need.

Yeosang liked this a lot more than the wilted scent that had clung to Seonghwa as of late. He’d…figure out what to do later in regards to easing the conflict in his partner’s heart. For now, he shifted his focus, wanting to match Jongho and Whiro’s energy when it came to distracting the blonde from his troubles, even if for a few moments.

His tails appeared and he curled one against Jongho’s waist, pulling him close before he leaned over to one of the gashes, pressing a warm kiss to Seonghwa’s chest.

Each kiss left a lingering warm tingle to the ice prince’s body and he arched into both kisses, droplets of water rolling down his body.

“S’pose we should dry him before moving on, hm?” Whiro reminded them, smiling devilishly at the dazed and needy look that had once again graced Seonghwa’s face.

Yeosang waited until the Maori men moved away from Seonghwa’s lips before he leaned up, cupping his face and kissing him breathless, pushing him onto his back.

“Yeosa-mmff-” Seonghwa groaned, his hair clinging to his forehead and his neck as Yeosang poured all of his emotion into the kiss, tails stroking his arms, abdomen, and legs, leaving feather-like trails of warmth in their wake.

“H-Hold on, wait-” Seonghwa blushed, cheeks ignting as he broke the kiss. Yeosang panted, holding his gaze, worry shining in his expression.

“Did I hurt you?”

Seonghwa laughed gently, an alluring and sticky-sweet scent drifting off of him.

“N-No.”

Yeosang tilted his head before a shadow worked its way between them, lifting him enough to get Seonghwa back in a sitting positon.

“If that’s the mood you’re in, I’m happy to oblige. Let’s get you wrapped up, first.” Jongho’s voice cut in. Yeosang glanced down, his cheeks going beet red when he noticed Seonghwa had gotten aroused from the touches and kisses.

“You don’t have to-”

“We want to, pretty boy. Trust me.”

Seonghwa’s lips parted in surprise before he looked down at Yeosang, a rare embarrassed expression crossing his face. Yeosang grabbed the bandages and began patching Seonghwa up, leaving kisses after each one.

“I want to, as well. If you’ll have me.”

Jongho smiled and put his head on Yeosang’s shoulder.

“Now we’re on the same page.”

It took minutes before Seonghwa was splayed across Jongho’s lap, his chest rising and falling quickly as Jongho’s shadows stroked and caressed along his skin, tugging gently to leave him spread open for Yeosang to kiss and caress down his body.

“Y-You don’t have to be so ge-gentle with me.”

“Really? Because you’re enjoying it just fine.” Whiro taunted, rising off of Jongho’s arms, taking his spot beside Yeosang between Seonghwa’s legs, kissing and biting at his thighs.

Seonghwa let out a startled gasp before feeling Jongho’s fingers turn his head to kiss him, pressing flush against his back.

“It’s okay. We got you.” Jongho muttered between his lips. Seonghwa whimpered before his hips jerked upwards, engulfed by the soft warmth of Yeosang’s mouth.

Yeosang’s tails swayed and wagged gently, brushing along all three of the men. He kept his eyes up on Seonghwa, crimson eyes gleaming as he studied Seonghwa’s face.

How long had it been since he’d seen this look?

The one the ex prince and First Mate wore well. The utterly ruined yet sultry expression that fit so well. His eyes rolling back, brows pinched together, tongue flicking out of his mouth-

Jongho reached around and tapped two of his fingers against Seonghwa’s lips, smiling in approval from behind him and kissing his shoulder as Seonghwa closed his lips around his fingers, licking and sucking as he spread his legs wider.

‘Gorgeous….’ Yeosang mused, swallowing around Seonghwa as he stared lovingly at the two. Whiro shifted from beside him, trailing rough fingers through his silken fur before he grabbed the base of them.

Yeosang jerked, nearly choking on Seonghwa’s cock as the deity turned his attention to him.

“Stay focused, Foxy. Look at how good you’re doing.”

Yeosang shivered, feeling Whiro’s big hand tangle into his hair, guiding him up and down on Seonghwa’s length while holding him at an angle where he could see both Jongho and Seonghwa peering down at him.

Yeosang felt himself throbbing before he moaned, sinking deeper and keening when he felt the head of Seonghwa’s cock brush against the back of his throat.

“F-Fuhhh-”Seonghwa whimpered, drooling around Jongho’s fingers as he twitched. The shadows tightened around his thighs slightly before Whiro smirked, holding his head down for a few moments as he casually spoke to their blonde lover.

“You’re making a mess, pretty boy. Been that long since you had something occupy your mouth?”

Seonghwa shuddered, body hyper sensitive.

Gods, how long had it been?

“That’s not good. Knowing you, you haven’t even touched yourself, either?” Jongho sighed softly, biting and suckling his shoulder until a splotchy mark was left on the side of his neck.

“H-Hadn’t crossed..nn..my mind. Been…occupied-”

“And that’s enough of that for now.” Jongho cut him off, using his free hand to come around and tease his nipple, making eye contact with Whiro across from then and tilting his head towards Yeosang.

Being connected like this had its perks and one of them was that they didn’t have to share their thoughts verbally.

Yeosang hadn’t even realized Whiro’s hand was out of his hair until it returned to his tails, pushing them up and out of the way as he kissed and bit along the curve of his ass cheek.

Yeosang gasped and jerked, feeling those shadows tug his knees apart so he had better access.

He glanced back at him, flushed and embarassed when the god spread him wide without hesitation.

“Don’t worry about me, Darling. I’m just having breakfast. You focus on making our favorite blondie feel good.”

Yeosang’s tails flexed and trembled before curling around the three men in some way, shape, or form as Whiro’s tongue delved into him.

Seonghwa cupped his jaw, sending him an adoring gaze as he moved his thumb lower, brushing his fingers over the slight bulge of Yeosang’s throat.

“My darling fox. N-Ngh, thank you so much.” He praised him softly, thighs twitching and flexing in the shadows’ grip. Jongho smiled and moved his lips to his ear.

“Your drooling all over yourself, Hwa.”

Seonghwa glanced over at him out of the corner of his eye, his teeth grazing along his fingers before sucking suggestively, curling his tongue around the calloused digits before sticking his tongue out between them, letting a bead of his saliva fall between them.

Jongho narrowed his gaze at him, throbbing at the display.

“I’m supposed to be gentle with you this morning, don’t make this harder on me.”

Seonghwa’s lips quirked, challenging him with a subtle cock to his head.

“I’m in your care.”

Yeosang’s voice drew their attention back between Seonghwa’s legs as he arched his back and let out a loud moan, trembling as Whiro’s tongue curled deep inside of him.

‘Almost forgot how cute this one sounds’ Whiro’s voice echoed in Jongho’s head and he smiled, watching Yeosang’s eyes shine brighter, his tails twitching and wagging, going back and forth between clinging to them and jerking with each breathy and muffled gag and moan that came from his muffled lips.

“C-Close, hold on-” Seonghwa moved to reach for Yeosang’s head, trying to pull his hips back in a feeble attempt to still him so he didn’t cum down his throat.

Two of Yeosang’s tails flew up the moment he did, grabbing his wrist and keeping him from stopping him as he looked up at him once more, holding his gaze as he sped his head up.

“He’s doing his best to make you feel good, Seonghwa. You don’t have to hold back right now.” Jongho coaxed him, reaching down and cupping his balls, speaking into his ear once more.

“Look at how desperate he looks, are you really going to keep it from him?”

Seonghwa arched, body shuddering. Whiro rumbled from behind Yeosang, pulling away from the mess he’d made of his ass to lean over him, partially pinning him in place and grinning wildly up at Seonghwa as he took one of the kitsune’s ears between his teeth.

“Don’t waste a drop, Foxy.”

Yeosang arched and swallowed hard the moment he felt Whiro’s canines clamp down on his fluffy ear. Everything was dizzying for the kitsune, the scent of arousal, need , and desperation along with everyone’s voices was driving him mad.

Did none of them think about his poor heart? He could smell and hear everything tenfold because of what he was.

If the deep, growling chuckle coming from the god currently pressing his cock against his ass as he suggestively caressed his throat where Seonghwa had made him bulge was anything to go by, he was sure they all knew exactly what the hell they were doing to him.

The moment Yeosang and Seonghwa locked eyes again, the older of the two ex princes cried out in delight, arching his back as much as he could in Jongho’s strong grip, thick, sweet ropes of cum coating Yeosang’s throat.

The smaller man let out a muffled moan, cumming messily onto the sheets below. Yeosang mewled, eyes fluttering momentarily as he swallowed each drop eagerly. It took a colossal effort for him to keep them open, but he wanted to drink in every expression on Seonghwa’s face.

He slowly pulled off with a wet pop when he was sure Seonghwa had finished his first orgasm.

The blonde sat there in a daze, panting with his legs spread wide by the shadows. Jongho kissed his shoulder, tracing patterns and symbols on his abs as he throbbed against the small of Seonghwa’s back.

“Did that feel good? Your voice cracked for a moment.” He rumbled, leaving a biting kiss on the top of his shoulder. Seonghwa groaned and looked behind him.

“You haven’t came yet. Don’t stop. Please,”

“We’re not done, Hwa. Far from it.”

While the two spoke and changed positions so Jongho could stretch him properly after getting lube, Yeosang felt a firm grip turn his head.

He found himself staring deep into Whiro’s crimson eyes, and his breath caught for a moment.

“Now, what’s a position fitting enough for the cute little cook that keeps all of us nice and fed mm?”

Yeosang shuddered and scanned his expression, lips parting before he closed them, shyness overtaking him.

“Oh no no. You’re gonna tell me. Go on, tell me how you want it. I’ll do it, Yeosang.”

Yeosang would later reflect and curse himself at the way he’d gasped at Whiro calling his name. His eyes widened for a moment before he bit his lip and leaned close to his ear, shakily whispering to the god.

In hindsight, he wasn’t sure why. The only one who couldn’t hear him would be Seonghwa.

He was preoccupied with other matters, though, his cheeks going bright red when Whiro easily picked him up, setting him on top of Seonghwa with his knees at either side of Jongho’s hips.

The first thing both men realized with the new position was the temperature .

Due to the nature of their powers, Seonghwa's skin and tongue always ran cold, while Yeosang was opposite of him. Both of them being chest to chest like this created an immediate back and forth between their body temperatures that made both of them writhe.

Said writhing lead to both of their cocks rutting against one another.

Both of them jolted again before Seonghwa reached out and grabbed Yeosang’s face, kissing him sloppily. Yeosang could tell he’d chilled his tongue on purpose and he responded in kind, raising the temperature of his own tongue slightly as he humped the older immortal.

“Can’t have you forgettin’ about us, can we?” Whiro’s deep growling voice made Yeosang’s ear flick backwards, though he found himself unable to break the kiss. Instead, he subtly spread his knees wider, lifting his hips and raising his tails to present himself to the fractored deity.

If the growl he was met with was anything to go by, his display was well appreciated.

‘I’m going to fucking ruin him’ The god growled, still taking care to make sure he was properly lubricated. Jongho watched the two kiss on top of him and guided his own cock to Seonghwa’s prepped entrance, meeting Whiro’s gaze over both of their shoulders.

There was a mutual understanding as they pushed into their respective princes at the same time.

Yeosang groaned, nearly breaking the kiss if Seonghwa didn’t cup his cheeks, kissing him with renewed fervor as he clenched around Jongho’s cock. His eyes fluttered as each piercing rubbed against his rim before massaging along his walls once the ex gunner was fully settled inside. The kitsune rutting against him was equally delighted by the additional pleasure the piercings caused as Whiro’s cock mirrored Jongho’s, throbbing inside of Yeosang as he bit down on his ear again.

“N-Ngh! S-Stop biting them, they’re sensitive-”

“That’s exactly why I’m gonna continue. Especially when you sound like that afterwards.” Whiro teased against the fur, grinding deep into him as he gripped the base of his tails.

Yeosang’s eyes widened and he bucked, his cock drooling messily against Seonghwa’s as he swore in a different tongue.

Jongho, on the other hand, reached around to hug Seonghwa’s midsection, keeping him from moving too much and possibly sliding his cock out.

“You’re clenching me s-so tight. Mmm…fuck, I’m not going anywhere, Seonghwa, don’t worry. I’m right here.” He coaxed the ex prince into relaxing with his honeyed words, his hands roaming, calloused fingers mapping out Seonghwa’s body like it was the first time.

Seonghwa finally broke the kiss, reaching behind Yeosang and fisting a handful of Whiro’s blonde locks, yanking him down roughly to kiss him as feverishly.

Yeosang squirmed, effectively pinned between the god and the First Mate. His ears flicked, hearing every growl and groan directly beside his head as Seonghwa and Whiro bit and kissed at each other.

“Y-Yeosangie~ Mmm-”

Jongho’s voice drew his attention and he looked down, finding the man had raised his chin, staring adoringly at him as he subtly puckered his lips.

Yeosang didn’t hesitate, maneuvering around and eventually settling for pushing Seonghwa’s thighs up and folding him with his weight as he sought out Jongho’s lips.

Seonghwa’s moans rose an octave at the stretch, though his body was flexible enough to accommodate the new position, his heart pounding and his cock throbbing as he broke the kiss for air.

Whiro growled, wrapping shadows around Seonghwa and Yeosang’s cocks, keeping them trapped together as he stroked them in time with his thrusts that began to steadily increase in speed until he was pounding the kitsune into the First Mate.

“Yes! Yes yes please right there yES! ” Seonghwa had nearly began crying below them, his face screwed up in pleasure as different languages tumbled from his lips. Yeosang matched him, arching his back when he felt the shadows stroke them both faster.

“L-Look at you two,” Jongho grit out, his grip on Seonghwa locking the taller man in place as he thrusted deeper and harder into him, searching for that sweet spot inside of him.

“Pretty fuckin’ sight, yeah? Two pretty Princes moaning and makin’ a mess out of each other. And we get to see it from both sides~” Whiro’s voice was a deep, near feral purr as he tugged at the base of Yeosang’s tails, striking his prostate with one of his powerful thrusts.

In an instant, Yeosang felt his vision go nearly white, arching his back sharply as a LOUD cry spilled from his lips, followed by him cumming all over himself, Seonghwa, and the shadows that kept their cocks together.

Seonghwa’s eyes rolled, and he nearly arched and squirmed out of Jongho’s lap, had it not have been for the way the younger man tightened his grip, keeping him still as he rocked into him.

“Don’t go anywhere, nn..right there, stay right there please please-”It wasn’t nearly as loud as the two (even three, Whiro was rather vocal with his growled out groans), but Jongho’s heated begging had shined through. Seonghwa’s hips bucked, thrusting against Yeosang’s as he clamped down on Jongho.

“G-Give it to me, I’m here I won’t waste a drop c-cmon-” Seonghwa began babbling in his lust-drunk daze, grabbing Yeosang’s ass and keeping his cheeks spread for Whiro to see his own cock sliding in and out of the younger prince before he felt heat flood into him.

Jongho bit down on his shoulder, eyes rolling as he came, the muscles in his thighs tensing as he felt it wash over him.

Yeosang glanced down, watching the mess begin to coat Jongho’s cock. Whiro pressed against his back, the growl that left his lips vibrating through Yeosang’s very being as he chuckled.

“Don’t worry, Foxy. I got somethin’ for you, too.”

Yeosang made the mistake of nearly questioning the got before he felt his prostate getting struck full force. He choked on his own breath for a moment, arching his back and crying out as Whiro looped his arms through Yeosang’s pulling them behind his back so he was arched and on display for Seonghwa and Jongho to see.

Yeosang noticed this face and whimpered, his ass bouncing with every powerful thrust, unable to keep his eyes open as Whiro rocked up into him.

“That’s it~ Mmm, such a pretty little fox for us, look at them, they’re practically drooling over themselves for ya~”

Yeosang still couldn’t open his eyes, drowning in the pleasure of each calculated thrust before he felt heat flood into him. His tails tensed, and he nearly passed out from the second sudden orgasm that slammed into him.

It took a few moments…minutes…? For him to realize he had passed out momentarily from the pleasure. When he was able to focus again, he found Seonghwa was caressing his face lovingly, smiling at him. Yeosang stared up at him, panting as he cupped his hands over Seonghwa’s to keep him flush against him.

“I love you.”

Seonghwa’s gaze softened and he leaned down to kiss him softly.

“I love you too. Can you move or do you need a moment?”

Yeosang rose his head in confusion.

“A moment?”

A slow, seductive smile crossed his face.

“Darling, we’re not done.”

Downstairs, Yunho glanced up from his bowl, cheeks beet red.

“Should I bring them some water…?” He muttered. Geb rumbled inside of him, considering making them some cucumber water or-

“We should let them have this time to themselves,” San spoke, washing his dishes. Wooyoung stood beside him drying them while Mingi ate quietly at Yunho’s side, eyes fixed on his plate, pushing around a piece of food.

“You’re right.”/ ”We will need to see Seonghwa afterward, though. He may be convinced he will just power through, but I am concerned over the potency of the poison in his body.”

The other three men in the room froze, eyes widening.

“The what? ”

Upstairs, Seonghwa kissed the space between Yeosang’s shoulder blades as he held his hips, grinding deep into him at a near methodically slow pace.

Jongho caressed the Kitsune’s face, his gaze soft and loving as he guided his head up and down his shaft, making sure he didn’t choke between his muffled moans.

Whiro wasn’t too far off, claiming Seonghwa’s lips in a demanding kiss that made him lose his tempo several times before he’d reaffirmed his grip and continued.

It had been…many moons since Seonghwa had been intimate with any of the loves of his life and Yeosang was quickly remembering that the taller prince was quite insatiable when he slipped into the waves of passion.

Every mood was calculated, and every motion Seonghwa made when he was like this felt like a master chess move.

He knew all of their limits and stamina, knew who could match his energy, who could surpass it, who may fall behind. Everything he did, it was to maximize their time together and leave them satisfied and honestly? Craving more.

“Where is your mind, my love?” the chill of his breath fanned over Yeosang’s ear and he bucked, swallowing around Jongho in surprise. When had he and Whiro stopped kissing?

Seonghwa chuckled, cold fingers roaming his body.

“I can feel you tightening up, why don’t you let go for me? For us? We got you.”

Yeosang had half a mind to remind the blonde that they were supposed to be doting on him , but all that came out was a pathetic whimper in need as he once again fell apart, sending a pleading look at Jongho that made him follow suit.

Yeosang would be flustered to admit later that he’d lost track of how many different positions they’d shifted in and moved to before all three (or, rather, four) of them were satiated enough to collapse in a pile in the center of the bed.

Yeosang panted, his hair unkempt, and bites covering his body. As he turned his ruby-eyed gaze to Seonghwa, he smiled, finding the man had actually been properly tired out and also was covered in the same bites (and scratches).

Jongho ran a hand through his hair, looking at the two ex princes with a gentle look. He didn’t verbalize what was on his mind but Yeosang noticed the serious settle in his features as he idly ran his hand through both of their hair.

Whiro returned to his skin, only after placing surprisingly tender kisses to each of them and holding a stare with them that was rife with words unsaid before he settled along their ex gunner’s skin.

I love you

They knew the words well, even if the god hadn’t uttered it. It was in his eyes, it was in Jongho’s eyes as he continued to stare at them before he rolled his neck.

“I should get Yunho and Geb in here. Have them get that poison out of your system.” He looked like he didn’t actually want to get up but he still did, stopping only when Seonghwa reached out to him.

“Please….have him leave the marks be.”

Jongho’s lips quirked for a moment.

“I wouldn’t dream of telling him to get rid of them. If they’re healed in the process, We’ll just have to give you some more of them.”

Seonghwa blushed before letting him go, closing his eyes and letting his eyes close.

“Very well. Thank you.”

He left the two prince’s in the room to fetch the doctor. Yeosang gently rolled over, running his hand through Seonghwa’s damp hair and watching as he took a moment to open his eyes again, exhaustion clear on his features now that he wasn’t putting on the front of ‘everything being fine.’

“...I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to…be helpful. To try and walk beside you instead of behind you.”

Seonghwa’s tired expression began to sharpen, and he lifted his head.

“Yeosang-”

“I won’t be walking behind any of you anymore. I swear.” Yeosang laced their fingers together and gave his hand a squeeze.

“Standing on the sidelines being passive is everything I hated one of my sisters for. I…have done no better than her in that right. I will work harder to never, ever be that man again. So…let me take some of the burden, okay?” He gently caressed his knuckles.

Seonghwa’s gaze softened, brows pulling up.

“That goes the same for us.”

Seonghwa turned his gaze to the doorway, finding Yunho walking in quickly with Jongho in tow. Seonghwa moved to push himself out of bed, but Yunho placed his hand on his chest and pushed him back down, shaking his head.

“Stay there. We’ll get the poison out of your system and heal the wounds your body has been trying to close.”

Seonghwa laid back down, watching as Yunho took a pair of bandage scissors to the wraps around his midsection, narrowing his gaze at the wounds.

There was an unfamiliar noise that left the man’s lips has he stared at the wounds. He summoned a gerbera daisy and let it over over the wounds, his eyes trained on each one as the magic coming from the flower drew the poison out of each gash.

They all watched as droplets of purple absorbed into the petals of the daisy.

“It’s a poison that continues attacking. It’s no wonder your healing is slowed. It’s trying to attack even us through the flower.” Geb rumbled, looking over a the wilting petals of the daisy with a narrowed gaze. Seonghwa’s brows rose in surprise before he looked away from him the moment both the earth god and Yunho fixed im with a stern gaze.

“When we find out who poisoned you-”

“That won’t be necessary, puppy. Truly.”

Yunho looked unsatisfied, lips pressed into a fine line as he stared at Seonghwa, drawing the last of the poison out and setting the daisy aside.

He cupped Seonghwa’s cheeks and sighed, pressing their foreheads together.

“You’re still doing things all on your own, you know.”

He lightly scolded him, though nothing but concern shone in his eyes for the blonde before him. Seonghwa stared back at him, his thumbs gently rubbing patterns in the blanket below him. He wouldn’t bother wasting his breath denying it, especially when they all knew it was true.

Yunho heard Geb rumble in concern inside of his head and he sighed softly, pulling away from the blonde.

“Seonghwa, I owe you an apology.”

Seonghwa’s brows furrowed.

“Seriously, you all do not need to keep apologizing-”

“I told you you weren’t working hard enough and suddenly you’re out here doing reckless things, getting hurt all alone , keeping yourself awake for ungodly hours of time, all in the sake of ‘trying harder’, aren’t you? Is that not a direct result of me unfairly forcing my own inadequacies on you instead of acknowledging we all failed and we all need to try harder? Be better? I fucked up, and I’m sorry.” he pressed a kiss to Seonghwa’s head before pulling away, rubbing his thumbs over the man’s cheeks.

“We can…sit down and hash it all out a bit later. For now, you need rest. Between the poison and….your activities this morning, I imagine you’re exhausted, right?”

Seonghwa flexed his fingers, looking at his compass mark for a moment before he nodded, laying down and pressing his cheek to the pillow.

“Then…if its all the same to you…I’ll rest a bit more. If you need me, please wake me.” He muttered, letting the threads of exhaustion and sleep finally lace into a net, pulling him into sleep not too longer after Yunho nodded at him with a tender smile.

Once he was sure Seonghwa was asleep, his smile fell and he turned to the others.

Yeosang looked equally exhausted, but he perked when he saw the frown cross his lover’s face. Jongho was alert and standing not too far off from the bed, a pair of sweatpants settled loose on his hips as he watched the three of them.

“You all can rest. I…I’ll work on a plan-”

“Nah. How about we wait until we’re all up and about and make a proper plan of action this time?” Jongho and Whiro cut him off bluntly, finger tapping against one of Jongho’s biceps after he crossed his arms.

Yunho paused for a moment before he looked down at the exhausted blonde sleeping soundly, his brow occasionally twitching every now and again.

“....Yeah. Actually, that sounds like a better plan. I’ll leave you two to rest, as well. Do either of you want any food?”

While the three of them chattered, San made his way down the hall in the opposite direction, slipping into Seonghwa’s room and glancing around.

He probably should wait until the blonde was up and about to do all of this, but San knew the ex prince well enough to know they would continue to dance around everything if he did so.

San tried not to make it a habit to revert back to his old behaviors from centuries ago when his street smarts and quick hands could get him into whatever locked box or door he needed them to.

Tried to , did not mean he was above doing so.

San scanned the room carefully before he found a box with a few papers sticking out from it. He made his way over to it, scanning the contents inside before humming and grabbing the papers, laying them out and reading through them.

His lips pressed into a fine line the more he read before his eyes widened.

He glanced behind him at the door as if he could peer through it before having a seat at Seonghwa’s desk, reading everything with increasing amounts of worry settling in his being.

Outside, Mingi passed by the First Mate’s door, casting a sidelong stare at it. Cheese perked, sniffing once, twice, before wagging his tail, seemingly unbothered.

Mingi, however, stared at the handle for a long time before he let out the smallest scoff and continued his way down the hall.

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2:30 pm

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“Can…I ask your advice on something?”

Miyavi looked up, stopping mid guitar pluck to look at Hongjoong as he stood in the doorway to his and his wife’s room.

He sat up in an instant, setting the guitar aside and nodding.

“Of course, little one. C’mere. What’s up?”

Hongjoong plopped down across the foot of the bed, his legs dangling over the edge as he stared at the ceiling. Miyavi looked at him curiously, waiting for his son to gather his thoughts.

“I…I’m confused.”

“Okay, about what?”

Hongjoong paused again, worrying his lip between his teeth. He wanted to blurt out to his father that he’d been having dreams that feel like memories, about the fact that he’d seen at least two men with some form of supernatural powers, gods are real and one of them is inside of his boyfriend and-

-instead, something else tumbled from his lips.

“I only just started dating Yunho but I also feel an attraction towards some of the others.”

Miyavi blinked. Hongjoong blinked.

It took everything in him not to facepalm.

“...It must be overwhelming, yeah? All of these new emotions so suddenly.”

Miyavi hummed quietly, reaching over to ruffle his son’s two toned hair. Hongjoong let him, nodding quietly.

“I…don’t know what to do…”

“What does your heart want?”

“Yunho’s the only boyfriend…the only partner I’ve ever had. I can’t just go ‘hey, we’ve been dating for about a week but your boyfriends look fine too’, y’know? That’s just…”

Miyavi laughed, smiling down at his son and tilting his head.

“So be honest with Yunho, but also take your time. You know where your heart is tugging you, but you’ve got a good enough head on your shoulders to know that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time. But the first step is to make sure you’re clear and on equal footing and understanding. Misunderstandings and secrets are the downfall to any relationship.” He pressed his index finger lightly to Hongjoong’s forehead until the younger musician met his gaze, nodding with a small sigh.

“You’re right…”

“Yunho looks like an approachable man, just be honest with him and reassure him your gaze isn’t wandering…it’s simply…mm…expanding? Yes, that makes sense.” He chuckled having paused to find the words for his analogy.

Hongjoong laughed lightly before he looked at him.

“You….don’t think it’s weird?”

“Polyamory? Not at all. I just care first and foremost that you are safe and happy . You’re my son, I’d give my world to make sure you and your siblings are smiling and happy. I’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that happens.” He smiled and watched as Hongjoong sat up, fixing his hair before a bit of the tension he was holding in his body was lessened.

“I….I have more I’d like to talk about but I….don’t know how to word it yet. It kind of makes my head hurt when I think about it.” Hongjoong rubbed his neck.

It wasn’t a complete lie, but still.

Miyavi watched him silently. He had a good hunch on what it was, but that would be a far more treacherous conversation to wade into than relationship advice on rekindled feelings.

“Whenever you’re ready, your mother and I are here to listen. Just let us know.” Miyavi stood and rolled his shoulder before setting his guitar back in its case.

“C’mon, let’s head out for a walk, it’s a beautiful day out.”

Hongjoong glanced outside, blinking in surprise at the sunshine that had begun to peek through the clouds. He could’ve sworn the forecast said it was supposed to be overcast all day. He stood and nodded, smiling at his father as they made their way to the door.

“Let me get my shoes, then!” Hongjoong darted out and Miyavi laughed, sticking his hands in his pockets.

“Slow down, we have time.”

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April 3rd

5:30am

-218 Days Remain-

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Seonghwa sat up, rubbing his neck and sighing. Today was the day. The scent of cinnamon off to his left nearly distracted him from his thoughts.

He had to go train with Jaemin and see if he could come up with a method to-

“Oh, good, you’re awake.”

Seonghwa’s eyes snapped to the corner of the room, landing on San as he smiled from ear to ear, his eyes crescents.

“San…?”

“Good morning, handsome. Slept well?”

Seonghwa’s brows furrowed as he looked to the man sitting at his desk, a bright smile on his face.

“What…?”

San held up the papers, head tilting.

“Planning to go train all on your lonesome today, hm? Do you even know what today is?” He inquired. Seonghwa’s lips pressed together, racking his brain.

It didn’t bother him that the younger man had gone through his papers nearly as much as it did that he had missed something important.

April, it was April, he’d been in his own head so much, had he missed someone’s anniversary or-

“CHEESE CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTIAN PRINCE SEONGHWA MASTER SIR!!!!! CHEESE HAS COME WITH GIFTS!”

Seonghwa had a sense of dejavu as Cheese threw himself onto his bed once more, landing on his chest. A muffled groan came from his left and Seonghwa finally clued in to the others in the room.

Yeosang was beside him, ears twitching as he rubbed his eye. The groan came from his left, as Yunho lifted his head, squinting into the room at the excited dog.

“Cheese, its so early….”

“Why is everyone in my room?” Seonghwa inquired, sitting up more and spotting Wooyoung curled up in Yeosang’s arms, still asleep.

“To make sure you don’t try and do something silly like go off fighting whoever it is you’re fighting on your birthday .” San set the papers down and sighed, leaning on the table.

“I’m sorry for snooping, but I don’t…like seeing you with these dark circles and slumping from exhaustion. You’re…working really hard, aren’t you? At least for a day, let’s all take some time and decompress. We can talk about your findings and train together, I’m still pissed I got my ass kicked so easily…but above all else, we need to do better to take care of each other.” He tapped his finger against the table and smiled at Seonghwa.

“So, will you join us for the totally not at all planned birthday celebration?”

Seonghwa laughed softly, petting Cheese and nodded.

“Where’s Jongho and…?”He trailed off, leaving the tail end of his inquiry open ended. San’s smile faltered slightly, brow ticking in subtle annoyance before the look cleared up.

Seonghwa caught it.

Ah, Mingi probably didn’t want to share a room with them, so Jongho stayed with him so he wouldn’t be alone.

He sighed, shoulders dropping before he was immediately distracted by Cheese thrusting his snout in his face.

“CHEESE HAS TRAVELED OVERNIGHT TO GET THIS.”

Seonghwa tilted his head and watched as Cheese nudged his palm open. Once Seonghwa obliged him, he dropped a spear-tip shaped piece of ice into it, tail wagging.

The ex prince cocked his head, looking at it in wonder.

“There’s some kind of…power surging through this. What is this, Cheese?”

“CHEESE TOOK A TRIP TO THE LAND OF FROST GIANTS AND ASKED LADY SKADI IF CHEESE MAY HAVE SOME ICE! Cheese is friends with Kaldr so she said yes. She is a very nice lady.”

“I’m sorry, did you say the land of the frost gi-”

“ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Seonghwa stared at the dog, aghast. He really needed to keep track of him when he went running off. In the meantime, he looked down at the shard, rolling it around in his palm.

“....thank you, Cheese. You’re a very good boy.”

Cheese’s tail stopped wagging in an instant and he stared at Seonghwa for a while before pressing his head to Seonghwa’s.

“Cheese…is not the smartest Cheese, but Cheese loves his masters very much and will do anything to make them happy. Happy birthday!”

Seonghwa laughed softly and made room for the dog to lie down on his chest.

“Fine…if you insist, I’ll take the day off. We should sleep in.” He nuzzled the canine and San smiled, moving to lie beside Yunho.

“That’s a lot more like it.”

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10:30am

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“You look handsome.”

Seonghwa smiled softly, looking at himself in the mirror. Yunho, San, and Wooyoung had bought him a new outfit.

Wooyoung adjusted the black turtleneck on the taller man, brushing his fingertips over Seonghwa’s jawline. There was a matching black thigh-length pea coat that was left open. His pants were form fitting-also black-, with shimmering chains dangling from his belt hoops and pockets.

“You look like a model.” San nodded in approval and Yunho held his hand out, creating an ice blue flower to tuck into his chest pocket.

Seonghwa smoothed his hands over the clothing, smiling. San had styled his hair, brushing his bangs out of his face before smiling and pointing to the seat.

“Yeosang said he’d do your makeup, then we can get going.”

The blonde would be lying if he said it didn’t feel good, to be doted on by everyone. It reminded him of when he was a prince, the days he’d spend seated on a cushion between his mother’s legs as she gently combed and brushed his hair.

“Mon bebe, such beautiful hair. Not a knot in sight. One day, you won’t need your mother to brush your hair.”

“No, Mother, I will always want you to…it feels nice and you always have this pretty smile when you do.”

Seonghwa felt himself tearing up, startled as Yeosang paused with a brush hovering over his cheek.

“S-Seonghwa…?” He frowned, leaning away from him. Seonghwa blinked before straightening up.

“Apologies. I was…thinking of my mother.” He smiled and sat down, pulling Yeosang into his lap.

“I will sit still, continue.”

Yeosang straddled him, wiping his tears and carefully doing his makeup. He’d learned a lot in the time they’d spent with Hongjoong and his friends.

Honestly, he was surprised Seonghwa agreed to let him do this for him. The older immortal held his hips and sat in silence, his eyes trained on Yeosang.

“It's truly amazing.”

Yeosang blinked down at him.

“What is?”

“It’s been centuries, and my heart still flutters when I’m this close to you all.” He reached up and caressed Yeosang’s cheek with the back of his knuckles.

“No matter how many moons have came and went, I still love the seven of you with my whole heart.”

Yeosang bit his lip, feeling his eyes get misty before he stole a kiss from Seonghwa.

“D-Don’t make me cry, dammit. I’m trying to dote on you.”

Seonghwa chuckled and nodded, not saying much else as he stared at the kitsune.

When they were finished, Seonghwa walked downstairs, looking around subconsciously, counting the heads.

He paused, eyes landing on Mingi, and he perked.

“Are you coming?”

Mingi cast a glance at San, arms crossed. San stared back, cocking a single brow at him.

‘Someone wouldn’t leave me alone until I did’./ “Yes. It is your birthday.” He answered, rubbing his ear and toying with the strap to his satchel.

Seonghwa fought back the way his smile nearly faltered from his face. Everything in his body language screamed that he didn’t really want to go out.

He took a breath and pushed down any of those emotions and walked up to Mingi.

“I appreciate you getting dressed. I…know you’re not very fond of me anymore, if you don’t want to come out, it’s alright. We can…reschedule? Or maybe I can break the day up so you’re not left alone?”

San bristled behind him and Jongho frowned, pushing himself off of the wall he’d been leaning against.

“Hold on-”

“I’m not going to force him to come. I know Mingi has been hurt the most by me in these years, he has every right to not come with me.” Seonghwa spoke firmly, glancing at the others one by one before looking back to Mingi.

Mingi held his gaze for a long while before sighing softly and rubbing his neck. He felt the gaze of everyone land on him and it immediately made him feel ill.

“I’m going. I…don’t have a gift for you, though. I’m sorry.”

Seonghwa’s smile softened.

“Are you sure? I will not take offense if you don’t want to?”

“Staying cooped up in the house isn’t going to help me get out of my own head, either.”

Seonghwa smiled wider, gently touching the back of Mingi’s hand for a brief moment. Mingi didn’t pull his hand away and Seonghwa took it as a small victory, turning to the others.

“Alright, gentlemen, where are we going?”

Yunho placed his hand at the small of Mingi’s back, making sure he was truly alright before smiling at Seonghwa.

“Let’s get in the car. We got an idea from Hongjoong and the others.”

One by one, the men walked out of the home with Cheese faithfully trotting beside them.

San followed Mingi with his eyes, pressing his lips together in a frown before taking his place at Wooyoung’s side as they piled into the car.

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12:30 pm

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“Woo~ Well hello handsome~” Yeonjun whistled, their hands on their hips as the group of immortals walked up to their human friends.

Seonghwa bowed in greeting, smiling at the others.

“Oh, are you all going to enjoy this day with me?”

“Of course, you’re our friend now!” Moa beamed, handing him a wrapped gift.

“What is this?” He inquired. She smiled and put her hands on her hips.

“It's a set of earrings! We all pooled together and had them made for you in a jiffy!”

He opened the box, surprised by the green stones. He took a close look at the pattern in the snowflake-shaped stones and blinked in surprise.

They looked like feathers.

“It's a seraphinite stone. They bring out the color in your eyes.” Chungha told him, rocking on the balls of her feet. Seonghwa’s eyes softened as he put the earrings in.

“Snowflakes, eh?” He smiled.

“I suggested it.”

Seonghwa turned his attention towards the back of the group, watching as Hongjoong came up to him. His heart squeezed and he looked down as Hongjoong stopped in front of him.

“Snowflakes. And why did you choose that shape?”

Hongjoong scratched his cheek, his free hand barely hiding a different bag from you.

“Something about you just…reminds me of the night of a fresh snow. It’s cold, and for some people, it appears to not be very welcoming but it's actually one of the most beautiful gifts nature gives us. Ah, sorry, that sounds really cheesy-” He went beet red and handed him the bag, his ears burning in embarrassment.

Seonghwa blushed, as well, looking down at the bag.

Inside, bold red letters stared at him.

“What is a…’Lego’?”

Chan looked at Hongjoong in confusion.

“You got him a Lego set?”

Hongjoong blushed as Seonghwa pulled out one of two boxes.

“I got him two, actually.”

Seonghwa stared at the first set. There were over 300 pieces to the set and a bunch of small little…animal mascots?? on it.

“This is…cute? I never expected something like this as a gift. Do I just assemble-”He choked on his own words as he looked at the second box.

Seonghwa’s hand shook subtly as he picked it up, staring at the second large Lego set.

It was a pirate ship.

“It…felt right. Sorry if its childish.” Hongjoong muttered. Seonghwa bit the inside of his cheek, his lips trembling as memories hit him like a brick.

-”This ship is my pride an’ joy, Hwa. Everyone aboard it is essential to her smooth sailin’. Tha’s why a good Captian needs to take care of his crew like he does his ship.”

Seonghwa rolled his eyes, listening to the short Captain once again boast about his ship to him.

Seonghwa’s kingdom had more impressive ships, that much was for sure. He also found it interesting, a ship being ran by women fleeing their lives in lieu of one on the great blue sea.

One misstep and they’d all be hunted down and destroyed, but oddly enough, Seonghwa had never seen a happier bunch.

“Putois, you don’t need to sell me on this ship. I’ve already agreed to sail with you on it. I wouldn’t still be on it if I thought it would fall apart.”

Hongjoong laughed and leaned over the rail, the wind blowing his bangs wildly.

“Maybe, but I’ll keep singin’ her praises until you love her, Seonghwa.”

The blonde stared at him for a long time before coming to his side, arms brushing as he leaned against the rail.

“....I suppose she is quite beautiful, Captain.”-

Hongjoong let out a noise of surprise as Seonghwa pulled him into a strong hug, tucking his face into the crook of his neck.

“It makes me very happy to know you got me gifts despite knowing me for such a short period of time. I will cherish them for the rest of my life.”

Yeonjun pouted from behind them and Changkyun cleared his throat.

“We should go inside. We have a lot to see.”

Seonghwa looked up at the art museum and smiled.

“Let’s go. Its been quite a while since I’ve been to a museum.”

“We found one that will allow Cheese, too. Are you excited, little dude?” Felix inquired, petting Cheese. Cheese wagged his tail, walking directly beside Seonghwa, ears perked and alert.

“THIS PLEASES CHEESE GREATLY, HUMAN.”

The boys bit back their laughs at the energetic hound and walked inside.

Seonghwa found himself enjoying the pieces between scanning the crowd, making sure he had laid eyes on all of his loves and their friends.

“You’re supposed to be enjoying yourself.” Wooyoung’s soft voice drew his attention as he stopped beside him, looking at a set of blown glass animals. Seonghwa looked down at it, humming.

“I can’t help it. No matter where I go, I find myself looking for the seven of you.” He answered honestly. Wooyoung glanced over at him, gently taking Seonghwa’s free hand, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles.

“There’s always been something so…inspiring about the way you say things, Seonghwa.” He rocked on the balls of his feet, guiding Seonghwa and Cheese to the next painting. The three of them looked at the goofy art, with the card beside it explaining that it was made by the art director’s pet cat running across their paint and then the canvas.

“There have been plenty of times, especially as of late, where I find myself at a loss for words or lacking the proper ones to say.” Seonghwa spoke honestly but Wooyoung shook his head once.

“You still have this…unwavering determination I’m honestly jealous of. It takes me so long to get the words out for things I want to say and by time I’ve gathered the heart to do so, the words get caught in my throat.”

Seonghwa put his arm around Wooyoung’s shoulders, pulling him closer.

“If its about not speaking up when Mingi and I would argue, do know I do not hold it against you, or anyone. My behavior, the cause and effect they have created, are my own fault and its no one else’s fault but mine. If there’s anything our Captain has instilled in me, it’s an unwavering, bullheaded and sometimes idiotic determination to charge forward towards what you believe in.” Seonghwa ran his cool fingers over Wooyoung’s shoulder, putting his head above his.

“Even if it hurts, even if I get tired, I won’t ever give up. You all are worth fighting for, and come Hell or high water, I’ll repair what was lost.”

Wooyoung looked up at him, lips parted, before he closed his mouth, standing on his tip toes to press a small kiss to the corner of Seonghwa’s lips.

“I…have a lot to learn from you all. But I’ll get the courage and get on the same level as you one day.”

Seonghwa chuckled and guided him to the next one.

At some point, Hongjoong beckoned them over, pointing to a painting of a large wolf in a snow storm that was made entirely of different shades of blue.

Yeonjun stared at the painting in delight, chattering about different painting techniques to Chungha. Seonghwa stopped beside them, the art reminding him of the painting he had made for his beloved all those centuries ago.

“This one grabbed my interest,” Hongjoong explained, looking up at it with a gentle smile. Cheese carefully approached, nuzzling Hongjoong’s hand and wagging his tail when the pianist gently gave his head a pet.

Seonghwa took in the brush strokes, staring into the eyes of the wolf for a long time before he nodded.

“It is quite eye-catching, isn’t it? I wonder what kind of story it has to tell.”

“Cheese thinks Cheese is a more handsome doggo than the painting doggo. Though Cheese wonders if the blue doggo has blue toe beans.”

Seonghwa snorted quietly, looking down at the dog incredulously. Yeonjun perked, tilting their head.

“Your dog is very chatty today. Isn’t that right?” They grinned, bending to pet Cheese. To them, it simply appeared to be gruff dog babbel. Cheese’s tail wagged and he licked Yeonjun’s face.

“You have no idea! Cheese can talk faster than any doggo!”

Seonghwa smiled fondly at them before noticing Hongjoong’s hands, slightly wringing the bottom of his jacket as he stared at the painting.

“Hm…would you like to go on a walk with me, Hongjoong? I’m a bit famished.” Seonghwa offered.

Hongjoong perked and nodded, smiling.

“Have you not eaten yet? C’mon, there’s a food court around here somewhere.” He looked towards Wooyoung and Yeonjun, but the former waved a hand kindly.

“Go, go. I’ll bring Cheese over to the others so he can keep looking at exhibits.” He beamed. Yeonjun arched a brow at their friend, but Wooyoung hooked an arm under their arm, dragging them off before they could say a word.

Seonghwa watched the trio go before turning his attention back to Hongjoong.

“I’ll follow your lead.”

Hongjoong walked through the art exhibit, only a few paces in front of Seonghwa. He slowed after a minute or two, rubbing his neck.

“I…want to ask you something.”

“I figured you wanted to speak with me. What is it?”

Hongjoong stopped, reaching and touching Seonghwa’s wrist over the compass mark he knew was there.

“I…know you all, don’t I? Somehow…and you all know me.”

Seonghwa could see the frustration settle in his brow, and he knew the smaller man had probably been having the beginning pulses of a migraine. Seonghwa hummed, flipping his hand and taking Hongjoong’s.

“I am learning a lot about you, yes. It’s very pleasant.”

Hongjoong looked at him in confusion, staring at their hands.

“But…That’s not what I mean. Not ‘me’ but-”

“It doesn’t matter much to me if I knew you before or if I’ve just met you now. My feelings are the same.”

The two toned man’s eyes widened, staring at him in surprise as Seonghwa chuckled and brought his hand up to his cold cheek.

“It’s my birthday, yes? May I be selfish and ask to enjoy this time with you without stress and worry? Even if its only for the day, whatever hard conversations may come, they can come on another.”

Hongjoong cleared his throat, feeling flustered as he moved his hand.

“I’m going to get flustered if you talk like that.”

“Is it the worst thing if you do?” Seonghwa laughed gently and moved to the vendors selling food. Hongjoong watched him before he snapped back to reality and shuffled after him quickly.

The two sat together, quietly people-watching as they ate some rather generously sized crepes. Hongjoong’s eyes were fixed on Seonghwa’s side profile more than the people around him, though.

He really did look like a prince. His face was all sharp angles, yet they had a…soft quality to them that had the musician idly thinking he’d be a great idol.

“Did you do your makeup today?” He spoke without thinking and Seonghwa cut his steel gaze at him, humming as he licked creme from his lips.

Hongjoong would admit to no one that he followed the motion like a hawk before looking back into his eyes.

“Yeosang did. He’s learned a lot from Chungha, it seems. He was happy to try it on me so I let him. I’m not displeased.”

“You look… really good.”

Seonghwa chuckled and took another bite of his crepe, chewing thoughtfully. Hongjoong felt embarrassment creep into him once more. He’d asked Seonghwa to come with him, but now he was at a loss as to how to proceed now that Seonghwa had gently steered him away from prying on this whole…memory business.

Instead, he shoved a bite much too big to be considered polite into his mouth to keep himself from blurting out anything else in embarrassment.

Seonghwa stared at him before he covered his mouth to keep himself from possibly spitting out any food as he laughed.

“Dun lauf at meh!” Hongjoong struggled, cheeks round as his face went beet red. Seonghwa laughed harder still, joy shining in his eyes as he looked at the goofy two toned man in front of him.

“Ah, apologies apologies. You just…you look very cute.” He smiled, one that reached his eyes as he put his head in his palm, staring at Hongjoong in a way that certainly didn’t help his flustered demeanor. Seonghwa took in his appearance, cheeks rounded and his mismatched hair falling over his forehead as he tried to avoid his gaze.

"Küçük çizgili sincap~”

Hongjoong blinked in confusion, swallowing his food before he squinted. He had recognized when Seonghwa had called him a small ferret before, but whatever he had said a moment ago went right over his head.

“What did you say just now?”

“Oh, nothing.” Seonghwa stood, a triumphant smile on his face as he turned away from him.

“Shall we head back, küçük çizgili sincap ?”

“What are you calling me? Hey! Park Seonghwa-ya, wipe that smile off your face, what did you call me?!” Hongjoong complained, following close behind the blonde as he walked away. Seonghwa smiled, glancing at him out of the corner of his eye.

“Oh, just something just for you.”

“What does that mean? Seonghwa? Hey, don’t speed up your paces! God, why are your legs so long- Seonghwa!!”

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Meanwhile…..

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“THAT ASSHOLE FORGOT ABOUT OUR ARRANGEMENT!”

Jeno watched as Jaemin cursed and swore up a storm, referring to the blonde ex prince. He glanced at Renjun and the man waved a hand, indicating he’d pay Jaemin’s ire no mind.

“I’m sure there’s a good reason. Take the time to prepare.”

“I’m gonna wring their damn necks, wasting my damn time!”

Renjun rolled his eyes.

“You’re the god of it. Just make more time.”

“Easy for you to say!”

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Taglist----

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#fie writes #k-vanity #cultofdionysusnet #kwritersworldnet #Against the Tide #AtT Ch.18 #ateez fic #ateez smut #ateez fanfic #ateez member x member #ateez mxm #ateez series #kpop mxm #kpop smut

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