S3 2015: Stardust
Title: Stardust
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Myungsoo/Sunggyu
Length: 8009 words
Summary: Who knew that a prince could find time to fall in love in the middle of preventing an intergalactic war? Sunggyu sure wasn’t prepared for this.
Warnings: Minor character death, bad attempt at scifi, comic relief!woohyun
Notes: A huge huge huge thank you to M for reading the first half over with me and offering her shoulder to cry on. All my heart and love to the wonderful cheer squad for sprinting and cheering me on ^^ This started out so well thought out and then the fic just spiralled out of control what is life.
[Spoiler (click to open)]Image prompt
Quote prompt:
"WE HAVE CALCIUM IN OUR BONES, IRON IN OUR VEINS,
CARBON IN OUR SOULS, AND NITROGEN IN OUR BRAINS.
93 PERCENT STARDUST, WITH SOULS MADE OF FLAMES,
WE ARE ALL JUST STARS THAT HAVE PEOPLE NAMES."
Song prompt
The rain falls heavy on Huǒ, Sunggyu's new home. It is vastly different from what Sunggyu is used to seeing. Gone are the plush green foliage and the cold gray from suburban cities. This new planet is filled instead with vibrant pinks and purples but, today, the sky iss black throwing everything in twisted shadows.
What a day to get married.
Sunggyu keeps his head lowered, mind heavy with memories of the past and fear of the future. Behind those double doors stands his husband, Kim Myungsoo. A marriage disguising an alliance between Earth and Huǒ. Sunggyu has had months to bury the anger, the outrage and is just left with uncertainty. His people know little of the citizens from Huǒ other than that they like things to be bright and vibrant.
How ironic, Sunggyu thinks bitterly. The sound of a bell reaches the party in front of the door. Twelve rings, one for each of the gods here. Sunggyu straightens his back but keeps his head down in respect. Even if isn't something he wants, he will not put his planet to shame. His father has taught him better.
Left, right. Left, right. His steps never falter as the doors opens and raucous cheering reaches them. The ceremony is half covered by the building, the rest outside in the rain. The bright green and yellow of the walls are dulled from the darkness. The crowd, however, continues to cheer as if the thunder roaring along with the heavy rain are far, far away. Myungsoo is at the end of the walkway, drenched and dark eyes fixed on him. Sunggyu blinks and looks back down. Never again, he tells himself. He hates Myungsoo's eyes.
The last bell sounds just as Sunggyu reaches the altar. The crowd grows quiet and even the rain seems to lighten up.
"We have gathered today for this union between royal blood..." Sunggyu drowns out the rest of the prayer. He knows what keywords to listen for. His cues to turn to Myungsoo and kneel, to bend and lift Myungsoo's left hand to his forehead. When to mutter the words he rehearsed over and over again until there was no longer any malice in his tone.
"...with this union our two princes shall rule each other's lands and hearts. In the name of our Lords that guide our people, I grant you prosperity and eternity together. Let the celebrations begin!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu is grateful the ceremony here is different from his home. He doesn't have to kiss Myungsoo, not now at least. All that is required of him he has done and now all that is left is to be a good host at the reception.
He tries not to think about the heavy arm around his waist. Instead, he carefully observes their guests having never participated in an intergalactic wedding. The inhabitants are like their planet, their skins different shades of bright colors which, Myungsoo had explained in one of their many wedding rehearsals, represents the class to which they belonged. The duller the color, the lower the class.
Sunggyu almost feels blinded welcoming in these guests before the visitors from other galaxies trickle in. There are some with multiple arms and others with none. Some have tentacles instead of limbs and still more have tentacles and limbs. There arre pink scales, blue fur, polka-dotted skin, and striped feathers. His head is pounding by the end of it, smile still in place only from years of practice. Myungsoo squeezes his sides causing Sunggyu to flinch.
He has forgotten his place. This is his wedding. These guests have come from all over to see him vow his life away to someone who is almost a complete stranger to him.
Receptions back home consist of dancing, cutting the cake together, and speeches from the ones closest to the bride or groom. There is only dancing and drinking on Huǒ. No cake and, thankfully, no speeches. Just the occasional congratulations and pat on the back. As if Sunggyu hadn't been ripped from his home. As if he had wanted any of this.
Protect your people, Sunggyu. He excuses himself from Myungsoo's embrace, eyes still glued to the floor, and makes his way over to the only familiar face on the planet.
"Woohyun." Sunggyu hates how weak his voice sounds.
"My Lord." Woohyun has been Sunggyu's personal guard since he came of age. Sunggyu had friends back home but Woohyun was his closest and had offered to come with Sunggyu to his new home. To keep him safe was the excuse that he had used with Sunggyu's father but Sunggyu knows the real reason. To keep him company.
"I need my friend more than my guardian right now," Sunggyu whispers.
Woohyun's eyes scan the area before returning back to focus on Sunggyu's face, eyes softening. That is the only change in Woohyun's stature and it is all Sunggyu needs.
"Woo...I don't know how I'm going to do this. My whole life here with him. "
"I don't know what to say to help." Woohyun is frowning, worry evident in his eyes. Sunggyu shakes his head. He turns to stand next to his best friend to avoid looking into his concerned eyes. Instead, the sight of dancing extraterrestrial beings dancing together consumed everything. For him. This was all for him.
"You don't have to say anything." Sunggyu's shoulders sag. "It won't change anything."
"It won't. But that doesn't mean it has to be a miserable experience. I'll be here and who knows who else you might meet here. "
"At least, I won't be sleeping alone in bed here," Sunggyu mutters bitterly. Woohyun chuckles.
"He could be a psychopath and you wouldn't even know it till it's too late."
"Not funny," he grumbles yet he still finds the ends of his lips twitching upwards in a small smile. He doesn't have to look to know that Woohyun is probably smiling as well. From the line of multicolored dancers he spots Myungsoo, his husband, making his way towards them. His smile vanishes.
"Here comes your groom." Sunggyu straightens up and walks off to meet Myungsoo halfway. The further apart he keeps his two worlds the better.
"You're not enjoying yourself, are you?" Sunggyu blinks in surprise. Those were not words he was expecting to come out of Myungsoo’s mouth. He opens and closes his mouth, probably looking like a stupid fish, at a loss for words. Myungsoo smirks and damn it all even Sunggyu has to admit that he looks stunning like that. "It's ok to be honest. I figure I was a bit selfish over this whole...event." Sunggyu continues to look at him, confused.
"Selfish? How?" Myungsoo smiles this time, a little sad around the eyes.
"I'd rather explain later. When we're alone. For now, is it ok if I-?" He reaches a hand out towards Sunggyu, but not touching him. Sunggyu looks between his face and hand. This is the most he's ever conversed with Myungsoo and he feels very thrown off by how gentle he seems.
"Ok," Sunggyu replies softly. He's still not sure if he will ever want any of this but Woohyun is right. It doesn't have to be a completely miserable experience. "Ok."
Myungsoo smiles at him, eyes scrunching up in this adorable way before he's slipping an arm around his waist. The weight is back but it doesn't feel as forceful. Maybe they really could work things out between them. Maybe even be friends. Sunggyu refuses to think of them becoming anything more than friends.
The rest of the party passed by with them attached. Sunggyu would occasionally squirm in discomfort. He might be a bit more open about Myungsoo but he was definitely nowhere near this comfortable with him to have his arm wrapped around his waist for such long periods of time.
Sunggyu was about to ask for a bit of a breather. Maybe a trip to get them drinks, that always worked back home. He opens his mouth but gets interrupted by a loud cough from behind, obviously an attempt to get their attention.
Sunggyu and Myungsoo both turn around and come face to face with the closest thing Sunggyu's seen to a human, Myungsoo excluded. His skin, however, had a strong red undertone almost bloody in appearance and his eyes were a deep evergreen.
"Sungjong?" Myungsoo asks. The strange man smiles, almost a smirk. It makes Sunggyu's skin crawl.
"I wouldn't want to miss my best friend's special day. This is the most important day for you...and your nation after all." Sungjong's eyes then shift to Sunggyu and he has to force himself not to look away. Hard to believe this was Myungsoo's best friend. Not that he would be a good judge since he barely knows the guy.
"Hello Sungjong. I'm Sunggyu. It's nice to meet my groom's best friend." Sunggyu tries to smile casually but tenses at the sudden coldness in the other's expression.
"Yes, Sunggyu. What a pleasure to finally meet you." He feels even Myungsoo stiffen at the tone Sungjong's voice takes. He's thankful for all the etiquette classes he had to take back home for his smile somehow still stays frozen in place despite the tense atmosphere.
"I'm sure you have other princely duties to attend to since the night's already about to end. Just had to make sure to see the face of the lucky lucky man." Sungjong is smiling warmly now, all traces of bitterness gone as if it had never been there in the first place. He looks so nice and kind...how could he have looked so menacing two seconds ago? Sunggyu shakes his head.
"It was...interesting...to meet someone...close to Myungsoo." Sungjong waves cutely at them before disappearing in the crowd. He releases a deep breath before turning to Myungsoo.
"Best friend, huh?" Myungsoo blinks at him confused. Sunggyu can't help but smile earnestly this time at the adorable sight. Myungsoo returns the smile though he still looks lost.
"Ah, right. My best friend. I don't think your meaning of friendship is the same as ours."
"You think?" Sunggyu is teasing now. Best friends are Woohyun and him. That animosity, the hidden tension - that was definitely not even friendship.
Myungsoo scrunches his face at him in false irritation. Sunggyu laughs but instantly stops when he realizes. Myungsoo just gives him a strange look.
"You humans are pretty abnormal as well." Sunggyu scoffs and pretends to pull out of his grasp. Myungsoo, misinterpreting, pulls him in closer until Sunggyu can feel the unnatural warmth coming from Myungsoo's body. "Stay," he whispers. It's too intimate, too soon and only makes Sunggyu want to pull farther away but he stays. He stays, trying to calm his pounding heart in surprise.
Myungsoo's whisper stays with him for the rest of the party until he finally notices the sounds getting more distant and the colors less vibrant. He blinks up and sees most of the guests gone only Woohyun standing at a distance, waiting. His head is pounding and he's ready to drop onto the nearest flat surface and sleep the next two days away. Myungsoo takes one look at his face and frowns.
"You will be too tired to talk tonight, yes?" Sunggyu nods his head weakly. "Go ahead with your guard, Woohyun. I shall go ahead and prepare the bedroom for us."
Sunggyu blushes. He hadn't thought much about what would happen tonight. He had tried not to think much about this day to be honest and he was starting to regret it. Are the customs here the same as the ones home? Does that mean that he and Myungsoo would-?
"Sunggyu?" He startles at the sound of Woohyun's voice. He gapes at Woohyun in panic. Woohyun shakes his head fondly and smiles. "Please do your homework, Sunggyu. It's a custom here for their wedding night to be spent cuddling and or spooning until morning. This is their version of our consummation." Sunggyu releases a deep breath for the second time that night.
"Oh thank god." Woohyun makes sure Myungsoo is out of sight before bursting into laughter. Sunggyu hits him, class differences long forgotten with no one else in sight.
"Shall we get going, Your Highness?" Sunggyu makes sure to hit him extra hard before following him back to where they had first entered from.
"Wait, how do you know how to get there?"
"Myungsoo prepared a small space car for us. It already has the coordinates installed so all we have to do is turn it on. Pretty neat, huh?" Sunggyu nods dumbly. He's too distracted by the "small space car" waiting for them, floating a few centimeters off the ground. "Wait till we turn it on. All the space cars are set to float 20 feet in the air to enjoy the view. Or something like that."
20 feet? Sunggyu gulps but still gets on. The inside is just as sleek as the outside, all stainless steel and high tech. There is only one button and no steering wheel.
"This version is kind of like our taxis back home. We just input the technology and sit back as it drives us there."
"It drives itself?"
"Most cars here do. Like I said, they enjoy the view." Sunggyu nods his head and just watches as Woohyun pushes the button causing the space car to come to life. He grips on tightly to the edges of his seat despite the secure seat belts. He sees them getting higher and higher and all he can think about is how ready he is for it all to be over already.
"Look at the bright side, Sunggyu. No potholes!" Sunggyu would have smacked Woohyun right then and there if the car hadn't suddenly lurched forward. "To infinity and beyond!" Oh, Sunggyu was so going to get him when they landed.
But when they land he is too tired to do much other than crawl out of the space car. He is quickly ushered in by the palace servants waiting outside for him. He only gets to let out a small good night to Woohyun before getting dragged inside, up a flight of stairs and into down a corridor ending in large door painted in swirls of pink and blue.
"His Highness awaits inside for you." The servants all bow and leave him alone. He stands there for awhile nervous despite knowing there won't be anything but cuddles waiting on the other side for him. It's all so intimate for someone he just met that day. But this person is his groom and he is too tired.
He nudges the doors open and peeks inside. Just to be safe. Myungsoo is sitting on the floor poking at the fireplace in an oversized shirt and shorts. Past him is the large bed with the fluffiest comforter and blanket Sunggyu has ever seen. He opens the door wider now that his heart has calmed down some at the warm sight. Myungsoo smiles up at him before motioning to the bed awkwardly.
"Would you like to lie down first? The sleepwear, if you would like to wear it, is on the bed. I will not look." Sunggyu smiles at him gratefully eager for some actual rest. The sleepwear turns out to be the exact same as Myungsoo's, oversized shirt and shorts. It's pretty comfortable so Sunggyu isn't going to complain about matching.
He flops face down and lets out a groan at the feeling of his muscles relaxing against the amazing bed. It was like sleeping on a giant fluffy cloud minus the wetness. He hears a small chuckle coming from somewhere. He doesn't move until he feels the bed shift from Myungsoo laying beside him. He feels his muscles fluttering in tightness as Myungsoo places his hand around his hip.
"Is this ok?" Myungsoo whispers. It's the same whisper as before. It makes Sunggyu's skin warm.
"Yea. That's fine." The moment feels too personal, private, but he stays put and counts the stars from outside the window until he feels himself relax again. He falls asleep to the sound of soft breaths hitting the back of his neck. Maybe things really won't be that bad.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu slowly got accustomed to the cuddling at night. It wasn't bad especially since he couldn't help but feel a little lonely and homesick at times. It is the clinging outside the bedroom that is aggravating him. Myungsoo almost always has to be touching him. He has sat down with Myungsoo in an attempt to explain that, sometimes, humans like to have some space and alone time.
"But why? It is the norm here for us always to be close and together so as not to feel alone." Sunggyu huffs.
"But I'm not like you." Something in Myungsoo's expression seems to change to sadness but before Sunggyu can comment on it, he is withdrawing his and scooting over to give Sunggyu his space back.
"Thank you," Sunggyu whispers. Myungsoo shoots him a small smile before they continue on down the hallway. Ever since the night of their marriage, they had both been caught up in a whirlwind of council meetings, bills to sign and treaties to uphold. Myungsoo hasn't had time to explain to Sunggyu what he had wanted to talk about that night and Sunggyu had been too busy to remember to ask him.
14 days 5 hours and 20 minutes after their marriage, they finally catch a break. The citizens were happy (for the most part) and the economy is booming. And Earth is in a similar state of prosperity for the first time in decades.
"Is there anything you would like to do?" Myungsoo asks once they are informed by one of the servants of their newfound freedom. Staying in bed and cuddling for another two hours sounded heavenly but he hadn't seen Woohyun in these two weeks and would like to catch up with him too.
"I don't know. Maybe lunch or dinner with Woohyun, catch up. I mean, other than that I really have no idea what to even do here."
"We should fix that then, shouldn't we?" Myungsoo is grinning at him and Sunggyu can't help but elbow him gently. "Come on. I'll show you all my favorite hiding spots in the palace and, if you're up for it, I can show you around the town. Then you can do your thing with Woohyun."
"Sounds like a plan." Myungsoo is beaming, pulling him out the bed and into some clothes. Myungsoo's excitement is contagious. Sunggyu finds himself hurrying along with a grin on his face. They abandon the forest green and mint robes in favor of neutral colored cloth that drapes over their bodies.
"Come on. I'll take you to the first hiding spot in the kitchen."
"Of course. Right next to the most important thing for any living species - food."
Myungsoo bursts into laughter at Sunggyu's sarcastic tone. Sunggyu finds himself smiling at the sound before nudging at Myungsoo to lead the way.
"Come on, come on! I want to see all these secrets spot." Myungsoo reaches out to take his hand and Sunggyu doesn't even flinch anymore. He just follows as Myungsoo leads him down a hallway and into a secret door hidden behind a banner. The corridor is dark with bumpy walls. Sunggyu grips Myungsoo's hands tighter every horror film he'd ever seen flashing through his head. What if a creepy doll tries to eat his soul? Or a poltergeist? Does this planet have ghosts? Demons? Monsters?
He bumps into Myungsoo's back not having noticed that he had stopped walking. The first thing he notices is how broad his back is. And firm.
It's after he steps back that he notices the smell. Sweet aroma filled with spices and bread, Sunggyu takes an extra whiff.
"This is where I used to hide."
"Here? In the dark?" He feels Myungsoo turn around. It's not long before a strange glow starts to surround Myungsoo almost as if coming from his skin.
"Remember what I told you about class? I am a prince so my natural skin color is...brighter than the others." The glow around him turned coral and mint and lilac the colors seeming to flow from his skin into the air. Sunggyu slowly lifts his hand to touch the air around Myungsoo's skin. It's warm and the colors seem to swim in the air.
"Why have you been hiding this?" Sunggyu asks in wonder.
"To appear more like your people." Sunggyu blinks up at him. "So you would feel not so...alone. That thing I wanted to talk about you the night of our wedding..." He takes a deep breathe before turning to look Sunggyu in the eyes. "I had asked to be married to you specifically. Any human would've done for this treaty to work but you...I was visiting Earth once and you were singing. Woohyun was with you too. You were singing and smiling and I wanted to hold you in that moment. I'm sorry. I don't think I realized how much I was asking of you by coming here and leaving your family behind. I was selfish. Am selfish."
Sunggyu's head is whirling and his heart is skipping. He feels sick and dizzy and needs air.
"I need some air. Can we go?" Myungsoo nods before tugging Sunggyu further ahead and out into the kitchen. Not even the smell helped ease his mind. He didn't how to make heads or tails of what Myungsoo has just told him. Myungsoo picks up a piece of bread and hands it to him.
"Your stomach was growling inside. There's one more spot I wanted to show you. Or I can just take you to Woohyun instead? He's standing guard near one of the garden gates." Sunggyu looks up at him and sees the swirls of colors in his mind.
"Ok. I'll go with you to see your hiding spot. But..." Sunggyu gently pries his hand away from Myungsoo's grip and takes the bread with it instead. Myungsoo looks a bit dejected but quickly turns around and takes the lead. Past the cooks and sous chef and line cooks and out into a different room. This time the doorway was hidden underneath a staircase. They slipped inside this time with Myungsoo's skin aglow so Sunggyu can follow along. This time they stepped out of the dark and into a dimly lit room with books stacked all along the walls.
"I would come in here every time my mother and father would fight. The books were a nice escape from all the politics." Sunggyu's head is overflowing with all this new information about a man he's been married to for two weeks now. He opens and closes his mouth wondering what are the right words to say.
"Divorce here is much more common than a happy marriage. We are happy people that love festivities and touching but never liked staying in the same spot for too long. My mother left about five months after I discovered this room. I've never heard from her since." Sunggyu might not be able to think up of words but he can still at least offer some form of physical comfort to Myungsoo.
So, he hugs him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He meets with Woohyun out in the gardens a little past lunch time. The skies are clear and the pathway to the gate is framed in strange plants he's never seen. He almost turns to ask Myungsoo what they're called out of habit before remembering. He had asked to come alone.
Woohyun waves to him from his post but otherwise stays still. Sunggyu nods to the other guard in greeting before turning to his best friend and ushering them into a private little section of the garden. The trees' leaves were pink reminding him of the cherry blossoms back home.
"Good afternoon, Highness." Sunggyu waves Woohyun's mocking tone away, mind still trying to process all of the new information.
"Sit, sit. I have so much to tell you about Myungsoo. I know he told me out of trust but I'm sure he knew I would tell you so..." Woohyun listens as Sunggyu recounts everything that happened earlier that day.
"Well?" Sunggyu asks once he is done.
"Well good afternoon to you to. Why I'm doing splendid, just been staring at the same wall for days while my best friend goes frolicking around with his hubby-"
"I was not frolicking! Did you not hear a word I just said-"
"Yes! And like I said frolicking around like little lovebirds."
"We are not lovebirds. After this, I don't know if we can even be friends."
"Well let's think about it for a sec, yea? He's of royal blood, things handed to him his whole life, with a best friend who kinda reeks of trouble. Then we have the fact his dad probably just trained him to be a king, no hot cocoa on cold nights and father son talks. And his mom-"
"He took me away from mine." Sunggyu's fists are clenched, heart conflicted. "He took me away from home, my family-"
"Sunggyu...I'm not saying he was right but he's never had a family. On this planet, it probably means jack shit considering how anti-commitment he said his people were. You can't blame him for that is all I'm saying."
"Then what should I do?" Sunggyu remembers the sadness in Myungsoo's expression, his glowing skin a pretty mix of colors.
"Do you like him?" Woohyun asks out of the blue. Sunggyu chokes on air.
"Wha- No! Like, how can I like him?"
"Someone's still in denial," Woohyun sniffs. "Here's some food for thought: if you really didn't like him then why would you care so much? Instead of wanting revenge for what he did you want to understand and fix things."
"Of course not! The- that- the stupid treaty! Have to protect people back home!"
"Myungsoo said so himself, any human would've been fine. He chose you." Woohyun is smirking at the blush spreading across Sunggyu's face. He can't say he agrees with Myungsoo's methods but maybe....
"Why are we best friends again?"
"Cuz you'd be lost without someone like me to guide you." Sunggyu snorts. "Now come on let's sit and eat some of that yummy lunch you brought! Staring at walls for any signs of threat is hard work."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next time Sunggyu and Myungsoo are in the same room is to hear an announcement from the king.
"I've gathered you both today to tell you how proud I am. You have both been doing well with all the duties any royal would have. I will resume my place now as the head in meetings. You are to come to at least once a week. Otherwise you are free to do as you see fit."
"Highness, if I may speak. Would it be alright to plan a trip during this time to visit Earth?" Sunggyu turns to Myungsoo in shock. The last thing he had expected coming here was a chance to go back home. The king stared at them for a long while before nodding his head.
"Yes, smart thinking. You will one day rule it as well so best to get acquainted with it. You may go as soon as tomorrow afternoon. With the new spaceships it should only take a few hours. Two days there should be enough, yes?"
"Yes. Thank you, Highness." The king dismisses them with a wave of his hand and it's only thanks to Myungsoo taking his arm that Sunggyu moves toward the exit. It's only when they're in the hallways that Sunggyu has enough sense to stop in front of Myungsoo to look at him.
"Why did you do that?"
"Did you not wish to go home?"
"Yes! Yes I did but why?"
"Because you looked sad. I told you before I had first seen you bright and joyful. I would never want to ruin something so precious." Myungsoo hesitantly strokes Sunggyu's cheeks as he continues to look up at him in shock. Sunggyu's hand reaches up to press Myungsoo's on his cheek, cradling it.
"Thank you." Myungsoo blinked down at him, at a loss for words. They stay like that for a few minutes more before Myungsoo is pulling his hand away
"We should get going. You need to pack your belongings and what you wish to take for your family to keep."
"Of course. Yea, you're right." Together they walk back down the hallway and into their bedroom. Sunggyu instantly pulls out the suitcase he arrived in and starts throwing in clothes without a thought. He was just so eager to get home. It's only after a few minutes that he realizes that Myungsoo hasn't moved from his perch on the bed.
"Aren't you going to pack, too?" Myungsoo looks at him confused.
"I was thinking of an excuse to tell my father. I thought you would not want me there?" Sunggyu has a lot of conflicting thoughts when it comes to Myungsoo. He's the reason he's here and not home but....but he isn't a bad being. He doesn't have a malicious bone in his body as far as Sunggyu can tell. He remembers Woohyun's advice.
Why not try to teach him what a family is like? Be there for him like no one else in his life has been. Maybe you'll find what to do next after getting to know him and letting him know you.
"I want you to come. My family should still meet their son-in-law, don't you think?" Sunggyu is grinning at him.
"Son-in-law?" Myungsoo enunciates slowly. Sunggyu sometimes forget that the civilians here don't normally speak any language on Earth.
"It's, um, how to explain...when a child marries someone the parents refer to them as their in-law. It's like our way of saying this new person is now a part of our family."
"Does that make me a part of your family?" They look at each other, the atmosphere heavy.
"Yea. Yea I guess it does." Sunggyu gets pack to packing the feeling in his chest making him uncomfortable. He hears Myungsoo get up to start packing as well, he assumes.
Once they're done packing, Sunggyu asks politely as he can whether he can sleep alone tonight.
"I just need some time to absorb everything, you know? And I'd rather do it alone." Myungsoo nods.
"Of course. I understand. There's a spare bedroom right across the hall. No one uses it so you are free to stay there for as long as you need." Sunggyu thanks him and pretends not to see the sad look on Myungsoo's face as he watches him go.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu is eagerly waiting by the loading dock the next day when he spots a familiar figure heading his way.
"Woohyun?!" Behind him is Myungsoo. Both are carrying duffel bags. Woohyun even has an extra bounce in his step.
"You ready to head back home?"
"It's only for two days," Sunggyu says despite the wide grin on his face.
"Home is home no matter how long. Man I can't wait to try some actual human food. No offense, Highness."
"Myungsoo. You can just call me Myungsoo. I'll hardly be viewed as a royalty in your home."
"Politics shmolitics," Woohyun dismisses with a wave of his hand. "Whether they like you or not, you helped improve the living conditions of our peeps. You just enjoy yourself at Sunggyu's house. His mom makes some mean beef rib stew." Since when were Myungsoo and Woohyun this close that Woohyun feels comfortable speaking to him so informally?
The question gets shoved to the back of his mind, however, at the sight of the space ship being brought in. It was the size of a small house, smaller than the commercial airplanes back home. The doors open and Sunggyu happily leads the way inside. The seats are slick and grey with straps for when they hit the speed of light. Near the back is a compartment to store all their luggage.
Once they're all settled and strapped they begin the four hour long drive back home.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It hasn't even been a month since Sunggyu left, yet everything feels so different. Even the smell in the air seems heavier, more polluted at home compared to Huǒ. Gone are the vibrant colors, replaced here instead with bright artificial light and speeding cars. But none of that matters when his family is waiting at home for him with a fresh home cooked meal. He would've barreled on home knowing the streets from memory if he hadn't felt someone tug at the hem of his shirt. He turns and finds Myungsoo leaning in way too close.
"It's not easy being shoved into a completely new planet, is it?" Sunggyu feels only slightly guilty when he sees Myungsoo flinch.
"No, it isn't." Myungsoo concedes. Sunggyu decides this is revenge enough and helps Myungsoo with his duffel bag.
"Now that we understand each other, let's go meet the family." Together, the three of them walk down the streets blending right in with the crowd until the small mansion that is Sunggyu's home loomed in the distance.
"I'll see you guys later then!" Woohyun waves goodbye before dashing off to the house next door to the mansion.
"Is he not coming with us?" Myungsoo asks.
"No. He has his own family he wants to see first. We'll all have dinner together probably but for now..." Sunggyu trails off.
"Family is really important here, isn't it?" Instead of answering, Sunggyu drags Myungsoo inside after putting the passcode he has memorized from years of use and drags him into the living room where he knows his family usually are at this time of day. True to his memory his parents are in the living room, huddling together on the piano bench as a beautiful melody fills the air.
"Mom! Dad!" Sunggyu cries out. They jump out of their seats at the sound.
"Gyu!" His mom cries out before wrapping him up in a hug. His dad joins them a second later. They stay together like that for a few before Sunggyu remembers they have company. He slowly disentangles himself from them and turns to Myungsoo.
"Mom, dad, this is Myungsoo. He's my....groom." Myungsoo bows hastily.
"Hello, your Majesty and Highness." Sunggyu's mom lets out a laugh of surprise.
"No need to speak to us so formally. Mr. and Mrs. Kim will do just fine. I can see why the counselors always speak so highly of your beauty."
"You should see him with his natural skin color," Sunggyu blurts out. Myungsoo ducks his head, trying to hide his blush at the praise. "I mean- It's just so different from us, you know? There was even a guy with reddish skin it can get a bit freaky all at once. And their trees are like 50 shades of pastel, you would've liked it, Mom." She smiles at her son's babbling knowingly but otherwise doesn't say anything.
"You can tell us all about it son over dinner. I should probably go help the chef out to make it faster." Sunggyu's father hops over to the kitchen and his mother leads them to the dining room to take a seat.
"So how's Woohyun? He must be happy to be back too."
"Yea, he's with his parents next door. He'll probably come over once dinner is ready." For the first time that night, Sunggyu's mother frowns.
"I don't think he will, to be honest with you. Especially as a member of the royal guards."
"Why? Is something the matter, Mom?" She sighs and for the first time time, Sunggyu notices the deep worry lines etched into her face.
"The people have been restless since you were taken away."
"I wasn't taken away, I left for them!" Sunggyu counters, for some reason so in tune to Myungsoo's subtle sad expression.
"I know, sweety. But the people don't like it. They don't like being under someone else's thumb even if they have helped immensely. The people would rather be free of any ruler, no matter how good or kind."
"I shall have to talk to my father about this." Myungsoo is frowning, eyes serious.
"Don't be ridiculous. A treaty is a treaty and the people should learn to respect that. It's not like you guys are trying to oppress them. I should make an announcement or something tomorrow morning to get them to calm down." Sunggyu's mother shakes her head.
"It would probably only further incite them. But enough political talk. You've just gotten home and need food and rest. I'll go check on what's taking your father so long." She leaves them alone, the silence suddenly heavy between them.
"What do we do if a coup d'état occurs?" Myungsoo whispers.
"We fix it. Together." He turns his determined gaze to Myungsoo, making eye contact and holding it. "We will not get in a war with each other over this. We'll find a way." He doesn't know what makes him do it but he reaches his hand out and takes a hold of Myungsoo's. He squeezes his hand in reassurance and is rewarded with Myungsoo's smile.
"Dinner is ready!" The two break apart as Sunggyu's parents walk through the door, hands laden with food. They can talk about things more in the morning. Right now, it is time to eat!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They never got to talk about it in the morning. Instead they are roused awake by Sunggyu’s mother and Woohyun in the middle of the night.
“What’s going on?” Sunggyu groggily asks.
“The people found out that you are here with the prince of the planet that rules them. You need to leave before they come through our doors demanding for his head.” She points at Myungsoo who is being pulled out of bed by a weary looking Woohyun.
“Goddammit. Why couldn’t they wait?” Sunggyu lets out a few more cuss words as he pulls on the nearest shirt and pair of pants. Myungsoo is already dressed, waiting by the door utterly confused.
“Sunggyu?” he asks in a small voice. Sunggyu doesn’t know if it’s because it’s close to three in the morning or the way Myungsoo looks hair a mess, skin glowing its natural color for once. He doesn’t know if it’s the way it all makes his heart skip a beat but he leans up to kiss Myungsoo on the cheek.
“We need to leave,” he whispers hastily right after, already feeling the warmth flooding his cheeks.
“Myungsoo, I’m so sorry your visit here had to be cut short like this. I’m sure the people will come around eventually. Until then, please take care of our son and yourself. And always remember: we have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names. You and Sunggyu might have your differences but never forget at the end of the day you two are the same underneath.” She wraps her arms around Myungsoo and squeezes. She turns and gives Sunggyu and Woohyun a hug as well before letting Woohyun lead them out the side entrance of the house.
“So back to Huǒ we go.” Sunggyu finds himself more disturbed by the sound of yelling than the idea of going back. “Thank god the loading dock isn’t that far from your house. We can slip in and out before they realize.”
“I’m sorry.” Woohyun shakes his head.
“No time for apologies, Highness. We need to get past the crowd using alleys. Sunggyu and I know them like the back of our hands so please try to stick to one of us as close as possible.” Myungsoo nods in affirmation. “Ok. If we go behind the bookstores, we’ll get there faster I think. Sunggyu?”
“Yea. Yea that’ll be fastest. Here, Myungsoo, hold my hand so I can make sure you don’t get lost.” Sunggyu tells himself it’s because he doesn’t want a war to break out between the two planets. Tells himself he doesn’t want Myungsoo to die for political reasons and not personal ones. Definitely not because their hands seem to be the perfect fit for one another.
Woohyun shoots him a small all-knowing smile before turning to lead the way back to the spaceship. There were moments they had to squeeze together in the shadows to keep from getting caught by a random rioter. It only takes them half an hour after having woken up to reach the spaceship. By then the riot had escalated, their yells audible even inside the spaceship.
“Will your parents be ok?” Myungsoo asks once they’re buckled down waiting for the engine to heat up.
“They’re part of the royal family and have been nothing but kind to their people.” Sunggyu doesn’t add that it was Myungsoo the rioters were after.
“Alright the ship is ready to go!” Woohyun announces.
“Woohyun, do you even know how to fly the ship?!”
“Oh calm down, Sunggyu. The captain is right here. I woke him up before touching any of the buttons, scout’s honor.” Sunggyu shakes his head before gripping the arm rests tightly as the engine roared to life.
“Back to Huǒ. Arrival time 8:00.”
“Lift off!” Woohyun exclaims. Sunggyu closes his eyes tightly, willing for sleep to catch them all before landing back in Huǒ.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu wakes up to the sound of the engine dying. He starts to panic until he feels a warm hand hold his.
“It’s ok. We just landed.” Sunggyu turns his head to see Myungsoo giving him a reassuring smile. Sunggyu sighs in relief, letting his head fall back and hit the head rest.
“You may now dismount the ship.” They hop out of their seats eager to get back on solid ground. All of them are surprised to see who is waiting for them at the exit.
“Sungjong?” Myungsoo asks. Sungjong smirks before turning to look at each of them turn.
“How disappointing. I would’ve thought that the humans would’ve caught at least one of you. Guess they aren’t as great a species as they think themselves to be.”
“You-!” Sunggyu makes to run towards Sungjong but is held back by Myungsoo. “You almost got your best friend killed!” He shouts in anger. Sungjong’s eyes widen in shock.
“They were supposed to go after you as part of the royal family. Not Myungsoo.”
“Guess you aren’t as smart as you thought yourself to be,” Sunggyu spits out. Myungsoo forcibly places himself in front of Sunggyu.
“What the actual fuck is going on?” Sunggyu looks up at him in surprise. Woohyun whistles innocently.
“I may or may not have taught him a few cuss words.” Sunggyu shakes his head. Now is not the time or place.
“I-” Sungjong sputters.
“What did you do, Sungjong?” Myungsoo’s voice is strong and fearsome. Sunggyu can see the king in him and it brings a rush of warmth through his chest to see him like this.
“The treaty- Before the treaty you were promised to me, Myungsoo. I was the one who was raised alongside you. I understand you better than this, this human ever could! Any human would've sufficed but you chose him. I still remember what you told me that night before your wedding. You want him to stay by your side forever. Did I not matter to you? Did reading all those books by the humans really delude you enough to believe in a forever?”
"Sungjong. That isn't- You're my best friend. Of course, I care for you. But our parents made that choice to betroth us. I didn't choose you. I chose Sunggyu. I don't want what our parents had. I don't want to wake up one day and be told I'm not married anymore to someone I have feelings for. I want what those books wrote about. A happily ever after. They can't all be wrong." Sunggyu places his hand on Myungsoo's lower back in moral support. Forever is real. It does exist. My parents had it and so can you. Sungjong laughs cynically.
"You're so naive. I can't believe you really think this forever exists for us. Look at how much even the human divorce each other. They're just fairy tales and wishes on dying stars." Myungsoo stands strong, remembering Mrs. Kim's words. Remembers how happy she and Mr. Kim were together, deep lines and bright smiles.
"That may be true. But that doesn't mean it's not true. As long as I'm with someone who also believes then it's possible." Sungjong snorts.
"Then you both should've stayed on Earth and died together." Something in the air changes and Sunggyu is suddenly finding it hard to breathe.
"Sungjong, no! You know dark magic is an absolute taboo! If you continue..."
"You'll what? Throw me to jail? Ha, the only way to stop a spell once it's started is to kill the caster. You and I both know you wouldn't lay a finger on me."
"He won't but I will!" Sungjong raises his arms too late as Woohyun impales him with his sword. "I am a member of the royal guard. I will always be here to protect them both from dangers like you. Remember that as you pass on." He withdraws his sword only for Sungjong's body to crumble into dust. Sunggyu heaves in a deep breath, the air finally returning to his lungs.
"Sungjong..." Myungsoo stands there, staring at the dust as it gets blown away by the wind. He tears his eyes away and turns to Sunggyu instead. "Are you ok? I'm sorry. I never thought he would have-"
"It's ok," Sunggyu wheezes. "Not your fault." Myungsoo gathers him into his arms until Sunggyu's breathing turns back to normal. Woohyun slowly walks back to them.
"Thank you," Myungsoo whispers. Woohyun just shakes his head.
"It's my job to keep you two safe. Just like it's yours to do what's best for the greater good. So don't blame yourself for what happened." Myungsoo nods his head, hand mindlessly combing through Sunggyu's hair.
"Keep that up and I'll end up falling asleep." Myungsoo looks down at Sunggyu and smiles.
"But hey, Myungsoo. Why'd he turn into dust?" Sunggyu swipes at Woohyun, hissing about his lack of tact and rude behavior. Myungsoo shakes his head.
"Remember what Ms. Kim said? 93 percent stardust...for our species we are literally made up of 93 percent stardust. It's said that when we die our dust flies to the sky to join the other stars in the sky until it is its time to fall down onto the planet again. I hope when he falls down next time he finds what he was looking for." Sunggyu intertwines their hands.
"That's a really beautiful way to put it. Your kind are just filled with surprises." They stand up and start walking towards the palace, hands still tangled together. "I hope I can stick around to discover more." Myungsoo freezes in his tracks, whipping around to face Sunggyu.
"Really? You mean that?" Myungsoo's smile is so wide, his skin is practically bursting all the shades of lilac and mint Sunggyu's ever seen.
"Yea. I can grow to like forever with you so long as we get to take trips back home often."
"Yes! Yes, of course! Whatever you want!" Myungsoo just looks so giddy and Sunggyu figures he'll never make sense of his heart with his head anyways so he reaches up with one hand to hold Myungsoo still, and kisses him. A small, sweet chaste kiss right on the lips.
"God, you two are disgusting. I don't get paid enough to deal with this shit." Sunggyu really is going to kill Woohyun. Maybe then he'll be reborn as someone sweet and, most importantly, quiet. Myungsoo just laughs before leaning down for another kiss. They will fix the damage that Sungjong had done. Together.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Myungsoo/Sunggyu
Length: 8009 words
Summary: Who knew that a prince could find time to fall in love in the middle of preventing an intergalactic war? Sunggyu sure wasn’t prepared for this.
Warnings: Minor character death, bad attempt at scifi, comic relief!woohyun
Notes: A huge huge huge thank you to M for reading the first half over with me and offering her shoulder to cry on. All my heart and love to the wonderful cheer squad for sprinting and cheering me on ^^ This started out so well thought out and then the fic just spiralled out of control what is life.
[Spoiler (click to open)]Image prompt
Quote prompt:
"WE HAVE CALCIUM IN OUR BONES, IRON IN OUR VEINS,
CARBON IN OUR SOULS, AND NITROGEN IN OUR BRAINS.
93 PERCENT STARDUST, WITH SOULS MADE OF FLAMES,
WE ARE ALL JUST STARS THAT HAVE PEOPLE NAMES."
Song prompt
The rain falls heavy on Huǒ, Sunggyu's new home. It is vastly different from what Sunggyu is used to seeing. Gone are the plush green foliage and the cold gray from suburban cities. This new planet is filled instead with vibrant pinks and purples but, today, the sky iss black throwing everything in twisted shadows.
What a day to get married.
Sunggyu keeps his head lowered, mind heavy with memories of the past and fear of the future. Behind those double doors stands his husband, Kim Myungsoo. A marriage disguising an alliance between Earth and Huǒ. Sunggyu has had months to bury the anger, the outrage and is just left with uncertainty. His people know little of the citizens from Huǒ other than that they like things to be bright and vibrant.
How ironic, Sunggyu thinks bitterly. The sound of a bell reaches the party in front of the door. Twelve rings, one for each of the gods here. Sunggyu straightens his back but keeps his head down in respect. Even if isn't something he wants, he will not put his planet to shame. His father has taught him better.
Left, right. Left, right. His steps never falter as the doors opens and raucous cheering reaches them. The ceremony is half covered by the building, the rest outside in the rain. The bright green and yellow of the walls are dulled from the darkness. The crowd, however, continues to cheer as if the thunder roaring along with the heavy rain are far, far away. Myungsoo is at the end of the walkway, drenched and dark eyes fixed on him. Sunggyu blinks and looks back down. Never again, he tells himself. He hates Myungsoo's eyes.
The last bell sounds just as Sunggyu reaches the altar. The crowd grows quiet and even the rain seems to lighten up.
"We have gathered today for this union between royal blood..." Sunggyu drowns out the rest of the prayer. He knows what keywords to listen for. His cues to turn to Myungsoo and kneel, to bend and lift Myungsoo's left hand to his forehead. When to mutter the words he rehearsed over and over again until there was no longer any malice in his tone.
"...with this union our two princes shall rule each other's lands and hearts. In the name of our Lords that guide our people, I grant you prosperity and eternity together. Let the celebrations begin!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu is grateful the ceremony here is different from his home. He doesn't have to kiss Myungsoo, not now at least. All that is required of him he has done and now all that is left is to be a good host at the reception.
He tries not to think about the heavy arm around his waist. Instead, he carefully observes their guests having never participated in an intergalactic wedding. The inhabitants are like their planet, their skins different shades of bright colors which, Myungsoo had explained in one of their many wedding rehearsals, represents the class to which they belonged. The duller the color, the lower the class.
Sunggyu almost feels blinded welcoming in these guests before the visitors from other galaxies trickle in. There are some with multiple arms and others with none. Some have tentacles instead of limbs and still more have tentacles and limbs. There arre pink scales, blue fur, polka-dotted skin, and striped feathers. His head is pounding by the end of it, smile still in place only from years of practice. Myungsoo squeezes his sides causing Sunggyu to flinch.
He has forgotten his place. This is his wedding. These guests have come from all over to see him vow his life away to someone who is almost a complete stranger to him.
Receptions back home consist of dancing, cutting the cake together, and speeches from the ones closest to the bride or groom. There is only dancing and drinking on Huǒ. No cake and, thankfully, no speeches. Just the occasional congratulations and pat on the back. As if Sunggyu hadn't been ripped from his home. As if he had wanted any of this.
Protect your people, Sunggyu. He excuses himself from Myungsoo's embrace, eyes still glued to the floor, and makes his way over to the only familiar face on the planet.
"Woohyun." Sunggyu hates how weak his voice sounds.
"My Lord." Woohyun has been Sunggyu's personal guard since he came of age. Sunggyu had friends back home but Woohyun was his closest and had offered to come with Sunggyu to his new home. To keep him safe was the excuse that he had used with Sunggyu's father but Sunggyu knows the real reason. To keep him company.
"I need my friend more than my guardian right now," Sunggyu whispers.
Woohyun's eyes scan the area before returning back to focus on Sunggyu's face, eyes softening. That is the only change in Woohyun's stature and it is all Sunggyu needs.
"Woo...I don't know how I'm going to do this. My whole life here with him. "
"I don't know what to say to help." Woohyun is frowning, worry evident in his eyes. Sunggyu shakes his head. He turns to stand next to his best friend to avoid looking into his concerned eyes. Instead, the sight of dancing extraterrestrial beings dancing together consumed everything. For him. This was all for him.
"You don't have to say anything." Sunggyu's shoulders sag. "It won't change anything."
"It won't. But that doesn't mean it has to be a miserable experience. I'll be here and who knows who else you might meet here. "
"At least, I won't be sleeping alone in bed here," Sunggyu mutters bitterly. Woohyun chuckles.
"He could be a psychopath and you wouldn't even know it till it's too late."
"Not funny," he grumbles yet he still finds the ends of his lips twitching upwards in a small smile. He doesn't have to look to know that Woohyun is probably smiling as well. From the line of multicolored dancers he spots Myungsoo, his husband, making his way towards them. His smile vanishes.
"Here comes your groom." Sunggyu straightens up and walks off to meet Myungsoo halfway. The further apart he keeps his two worlds the better.
"You're not enjoying yourself, are you?" Sunggyu blinks in surprise. Those were not words he was expecting to come out of Myungsoo’s mouth. He opens and closes his mouth, probably looking like a stupid fish, at a loss for words. Myungsoo smirks and damn it all even Sunggyu has to admit that he looks stunning like that. "It's ok to be honest. I figure I was a bit selfish over this whole...event." Sunggyu continues to look at him, confused.
"Selfish? How?" Myungsoo smiles this time, a little sad around the eyes.
"I'd rather explain later. When we're alone. For now, is it ok if I-?" He reaches a hand out towards Sunggyu, but not touching him. Sunggyu looks between his face and hand. This is the most he's ever conversed with Myungsoo and he feels very thrown off by how gentle he seems.
"Ok," Sunggyu replies softly. He's still not sure if he will ever want any of this but Woohyun is right. It doesn't have to be a completely miserable experience. "Ok."
Myungsoo smiles at him, eyes scrunching up in this adorable way before he's slipping an arm around his waist. The weight is back but it doesn't feel as forceful. Maybe they really could work things out between them. Maybe even be friends. Sunggyu refuses to think of them becoming anything more than friends.
The rest of the party passed by with them attached. Sunggyu would occasionally squirm in discomfort. He might be a bit more open about Myungsoo but he was definitely nowhere near this comfortable with him to have his arm wrapped around his waist for such long periods of time.
Sunggyu was about to ask for a bit of a breather. Maybe a trip to get them drinks, that always worked back home. He opens his mouth but gets interrupted by a loud cough from behind, obviously an attempt to get their attention.
Sunggyu and Myungsoo both turn around and come face to face with the closest thing Sunggyu's seen to a human, Myungsoo excluded. His skin, however, had a strong red undertone almost bloody in appearance and his eyes were a deep evergreen.
"Sungjong?" Myungsoo asks. The strange man smiles, almost a smirk. It makes Sunggyu's skin crawl.
"I wouldn't want to miss my best friend's special day. This is the most important day for you...and your nation after all." Sungjong's eyes then shift to Sunggyu and he has to force himself not to look away. Hard to believe this was Myungsoo's best friend. Not that he would be a good judge since he barely knows the guy.
"Hello Sungjong. I'm Sunggyu. It's nice to meet my groom's best friend." Sunggyu tries to smile casually but tenses at the sudden coldness in the other's expression.
"Yes, Sunggyu. What a pleasure to finally meet you." He feels even Myungsoo stiffen at the tone Sungjong's voice takes. He's thankful for all the etiquette classes he had to take back home for his smile somehow still stays frozen in place despite the tense atmosphere.
"I'm sure you have other princely duties to attend to since the night's already about to end. Just had to make sure to see the face of the lucky lucky man." Sungjong is smiling warmly now, all traces of bitterness gone as if it had never been there in the first place. He looks so nice and kind...how could he have looked so menacing two seconds ago? Sunggyu shakes his head.
"It was...interesting...to meet someone...close to Myungsoo." Sungjong waves cutely at them before disappearing in the crowd. He releases a deep breath before turning to Myungsoo.
"Best friend, huh?" Myungsoo blinks at him confused. Sunggyu can't help but smile earnestly this time at the adorable sight. Myungsoo returns the smile though he still looks lost.
"Ah, right. My best friend. I don't think your meaning of friendship is the same as ours."
"You think?" Sunggyu is teasing now. Best friends are Woohyun and him. That animosity, the hidden tension - that was definitely not even friendship.
Myungsoo scrunches his face at him in false irritation. Sunggyu laughs but instantly stops when he realizes. Myungsoo just gives him a strange look.
"You humans are pretty abnormal as well." Sunggyu scoffs and pretends to pull out of his grasp. Myungsoo, misinterpreting, pulls him in closer until Sunggyu can feel the unnatural warmth coming from Myungsoo's body. "Stay," he whispers. It's too intimate, too soon and only makes Sunggyu want to pull farther away but he stays. He stays, trying to calm his pounding heart in surprise.
Myungsoo's whisper stays with him for the rest of the party until he finally notices the sounds getting more distant and the colors less vibrant. He blinks up and sees most of the guests gone only Woohyun standing at a distance, waiting. His head is pounding and he's ready to drop onto the nearest flat surface and sleep the next two days away. Myungsoo takes one look at his face and frowns.
"You will be too tired to talk tonight, yes?" Sunggyu nods his head weakly. "Go ahead with your guard, Woohyun. I shall go ahead and prepare the bedroom for us."
Sunggyu blushes. He hadn't thought much about what would happen tonight. He had tried not to think much about this day to be honest and he was starting to regret it. Are the customs here the same as the ones home? Does that mean that he and Myungsoo would-?
"Sunggyu?" He startles at the sound of Woohyun's voice. He gapes at Woohyun in panic. Woohyun shakes his head fondly and smiles. "Please do your homework, Sunggyu. It's a custom here for their wedding night to be spent cuddling and or spooning until morning. This is their version of our consummation." Sunggyu releases a deep breath for the second time that night.
"Oh thank god." Woohyun makes sure Myungsoo is out of sight before bursting into laughter. Sunggyu hits him, class differences long forgotten with no one else in sight.
"Shall we get going, Your Highness?" Sunggyu makes sure to hit him extra hard before following him back to where they had first entered from.
"Wait, how do you know how to get there?"
"Myungsoo prepared a small space car for us. It already has the coordinates installed so all we have to do is turn it on. Pretty neat, huh?" Sunggyu nods dumbly. He's too distracted by the "small space car" waiting for them, floating a few centimeters off the ground. "Wait till we turn it on. All the space cars are set to float 20 feet in the air to enjoy the view. Or something like that."
20 feet? Sunggyu gulps but still gets on. The inside is just as sleek as the outside, all stainless steel and high tech. There is only one button and no steering wheel.
"This version is kind of like our taxis back home. We just input the technology and sit back as it drives us there."
"It drives itself?"
"Most cars here do. Like I said, they enjoy the view." Sunggyu nods his head and just watches as Woohyun pushes the button causing the space car to come to life. He grips on tightly to the edges of his seat despite the secure seat belts. He sees them getting higher and higher and all he can think about is how ready he is for it all to be over already.
"Look at the bright side, Sunggyu. No potholes!" Sunggyu would have smacked Woohyun right then and there if the car hadn't suddenly lurched forward. "To infinity and beyond!" Oh, Sunggyu was so going to get him when they landed.
But when they land he is too tired to do much other than crawl out of the space car. He is quickly ushered in by the palace servants waiting outside for him. He only gets to let out a small good night to Woohyun before getting dragged inside, up a flight of stairs and into down a corridor ending in large door painted in swirls of pink and blue.
"His Highness awaits inside for you." The servants all bow and leave him alone. He stands there for awhile nervous despite knowing there won't be anything but cuddles waiting on the other side for him. It's all so intimate for someone he just met that day. But this person is his groom and he is too tired.
He nudges the doors open and peeks inside. Just to be safe. Myungsoo is sitting on the floor poking at the fireplace in an oversized shirt and shorts. Past him is the large bed with the fluffiest comforter and blanket Sunggyu has ever seen. He opens the door wider now that his heart has calmed down some at the warm sight. Myungsoo smiles up at him before motioning to the bed awkwardly.
"Would you like to lie down first? The sleepwear, if you would like to wear it, is on the bed. I will not look." Sunggyu smiles at him gratefully eager for some actual rest. The sleepwear turns out to be the exact same as Myungsoo's, oversized shirt and shorts. It's pretty comfortable so Sunggyu isn't going to complain about matching.
He flops face down and lets out a groan at the feeling of his muscles relaxing against the amazing bed. It was like sleeping on a giant fluffy cloud minus the wetness. He hears a small chuckle coming from somewhere. He doesn't move until he feels the bed shift from Myungsoo laying beside him. He feels his muscles fluttering in tightness as Myungsoo places his hand around his hip.
"Is this ok?" Myungsoo whispers. It's the same whisper as before. It makes Sunggyu's skin warm.
"Yea. That's fine." The moment feels too personal, private, but he stays put and counts the stars from outside the window until he feels himself relax again. He falls asleep to the sound of soft breaths hitting the back of his neck. Maybe things really won't be that bad.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu slowly got accustomed to the cuddling at night. It wasn't bad especially since he couldn't help but feel a little lonely and homesick at times. It is the clinging outside the bedroom that is aggravating him. Myungsoo almost always has to be touching him. He has sat down with Myungsoo in an attempt to explain that, sometimes, humans like to have some space and alone time.
"But why? It is the norm here for us always to be close and together so as not to feel alone." Sunggyu huffs.
"But I'm not like you." Something in Myungsoo's expression seems to change to sadness but before Sunggyu can comment on it, he is withdrawing his and scooting over to give Sunggyu his space back.
"Thank you," Sunggyu whispers. Myungsoo shoots him a small smile before they continue on down the hallway. Ever since the night of their marriage, they had both been caught up in a whirlwind of council meetings, bills to sign and treaties to uphold. Myungsoo hasn't had time to explain to Sunggyu what he had wanted to talk about that night and Sunggyu had been too busy to remember to ask him.
14 days 5 hours and 20 minutes after their marriage, they finally catch a break. The citizens were happy (for the most part) and the economy is booming. And Earth is in a similar state of prosperity for the first time in decades.
"Is there anything you would like to do?" Myungsoo asks once they are informed by one of the servants of their newfound freedom. Staying in bed and cuddling for another two hours sounded heavenly but he hadn't seen Woohyun in these two weeks and would like to catch up with him too.
"I don't know. Maybe lunch or dinner with Woohyun, catch up. I mean, other than that I really have no idea what to even do here."
"We should fix that then, shouldn't we?" Myungsoo is grinning at him and Sunggyu can't help but elbow him gently. "Come on. I'll show you all my favorite hiding spots in the palace and, if you're up for it, I can show you around the town. Then you can do your thing with Woohyun."
"Sounds like a plan." Myungsoo is beaming, pulling him out the bed and into some clothes. Myungsoo's excitement is contagious. Sunggyu finds himself hurrying along with a grin on his face. They abandon the forest green and mint robes in favor of neutral colored cloth that drapes over their bodies.
"Come on. I'll take you to the first hiding spot in the kitchen."
"Of course. Right next to the most important thing for any living species - food."
Myungsoo bursts into laughter at Sunggyu's sarcastic tone. Sunggyu finds himself smiling at the sound before nudging at Myungsoo to lead the way.
"Come on, come on! I want to see all these secrets spot." Myungsoo reaches out to take his hand and Sunggyu doesn't even flinch anymore. He just follows as Myungsoo leads him down a hallway and into a secret door hidden behind a banner. The corridor is dark with bumpy walls. Sunggyu grips Myungsoo's hands tighter every horror film he'd ever seen flashing through his head. What if a creepy doll tries to eat his soul? Or a poltergeist? Does this planet have ghosts? Demons? Monsters?
He bumps into Myungsoo's back not having noticed that he had stopped walking. The first thing he notices is how broad his back is. And firm.
It's after he steps back that he notices the smell. Sweet aroma filled with spices and bread, Sunggyu takes an extra whiff.
"This is where I used to hide."
"Here? In the dark?" He feels Myungsoo turn around. It's not long before a strange glow starts to surround Myungsoo almost as if coming from his skin.
"Remember what I told you about class? I am a prince so my natural skin color is...brighter than the others." The glow around him turned coral and mint and lilac the colors seeming to flow from his skin into the air. Sunggyu slowly lifts his hand to touch the air around Myungsoo's skin. It's warm and the colors seem to swim in the air.
"Why have you been hiding this?" Sunggyu asks in wonder.
"To appear more like your people." Sunggyu blinks up at him. "So you would feel not so...alone. That thing I wanted to talk about you the night of our wedding..." He takes a deep breathe before turning to look Sunggyu in the eyes. "I had asked to be married to you specifically. Any human would've done for this treaty to work but you...I was visiting Earth once and you were singing. Woohyun was with you too. You were singing and smiling and I wanted to hold you in that moment. I'm sorry. I don't think I realized how much I was asking of you by coming here and leaving your family behind. I was selfish. Am selfish."
Sunggyu's head is whirling and his heart is skipping. He feels sick and dizzy and needs air.
"I need some air. Can we go?" Myungsoo nods before tugging Sunggyu further ahead and out into the kitchen. Not even the smell helped ease his mind. He didn't how to make heads or tails of what Myungsoo has just told him. Myungsoo picks up a piece of bread and hands it to him.
"Your stomach was growling inside. There's one more spot I wanted to show you. Or I can just take you to Woohyun instead? He's standing guard near one of the garden gates." Sunggyu looks up at him and sees the swirls of colors in his mind.
"Ok. I'll go with you to see your hiding spot. But..." Sunggyu gently pries his hand away from Myungsoo's grip and takes the bread with it instead. Myungsoo looks a bit dejected but quickly turns around and takes the lead. Past the cooks and sous chef and line cooks and out into a different room. This time the doorway was hidden underneath a staircase. They slipped inside this time with Myungsoo's skin aglow so Sunggyu can follow along. This time they stepped out of the dark and into a dimly lit room with books stacked all along the walls.
"I would come in here every time my mother and father would fight. The books were a nice escape from all the politics." Sunggyu's head is overflowing with all this new information about a man he's been married to for two weeks now. He opens and closes his mouth wondering what are the right words to say.
"Divorce here is much more common than a happy marriage. We are happy people that love festivities and touching but never liked staying in the same spot for too long. My mother left about five months after I discovered this room. I've never heard from her since." Sunggyu might not be able to think up of words but he can still at least offer some form of physical comfort to Myungsoo.
So, he hugs him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He meets with Woohyun out in the gardens a little past lunch time. The skies are clear and the pathway to the gate is framed in strange plants he's never seen. He almost turns to ask Myungsoo what they're called out of habit before remembering. He had asked to come alone.
Woohyun waves to him from his post but otherwise stays still. Sunggyu nods to the other guard in greeting before turning to his best friend and ushering them into a private little section of the garden. The trees' leaves were pink reminding him of the cherry blossoms back home.
"Good afternoon, Highness." Sunggyu waves Woohyun's mocking tone away, mind still trying to process all of the new information.
"Sit, sit. I have so much to tell you about Myungsoo. I know he told me out of trust but I'm sure he knew I would tell you so..." Woohyun listens as Sunggyu recounts everything that happened earlier that day.
"Well?" Sunggyu asks once he is done.
"Well good afternoon to you to. Why I'm doing splendid, just been staring at the same wall for days while my best friend goes frolicking around with his hubby-"
"I was not frolicking! Did you not hear a word I just said-"
"Yes! And like I said frolicking around like little lovebirds."
"We are not lovebirds. After this, I don't know if we can even be friends."
"Well let's think about it for a sec, yea? He's of royal blood, things handed to him his whole life, with a best friend who kinda reeks of trouble. Then we have the fact his dad probably just trained him to be a king, no hot cocoa on cold nights and father son talks. And his mom-"
"He took me away from mine." Sunggyu's fists are clenched, heart conflicted. "He took me away from home, my family-"
"Sunggyu...I'm not saying he was right but he's never had a family. On this planet, it probably means jack shit considering how anti-commitment he said his people were. You can't blame him for that is all I'm saying."
"Then what should I do?" Sunggyu remembers the sadness in Myungsoo's expression, his glowing skin a pretty mix of colors.
"Do you like him?" Woohyun asks out of the blue. Sunggyu chokes on air.
"Wha- No! Like, how can I like him?"
"Someone's still in denial," Woohyun sniffs. "Here's some food for thought: if you really didn't like him then why would you care so much? Instead of wanting revenge for what he did you want to understand and fix things."
"Of course not! The- that- the stupid treaty! Have to protect people back home!"
"Myungsoo said so himself, any human would've been fine. He chose you." Woohyun is smirking at the blush spreading across Sunggyu's face. He can't say he agrees with Myungsoo's methods but maybe....
"Why are we best friends again?"
"Cuz you'd be lost without someone like me to guide you." Sunggyu snorts. "Now come on let's sit and eat some of that yummy lunch you brought! Staring at walls for any signs of threat is hard work."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next time Sunggyu and Myungsoo are in the same room is to hear an announcement from the king.
"I've gathered you both today to tell you how proud I am. You have both been doing well with all the duties any royal would have. I will resume my place now as the head in meetings. You are to come to at least once a week. Otherwise you are free to do as you see fit."
"Highness, if I may speak. Would it be alright to plan a trip during this time to visit Earth?" Sunggyu turns to Myungsoo in shock. The last thing he had expected coming here was a chance to go back home. The king stared at them for a long while before nodding his head.
"Yes, smart thinking. You will one day rule it as well so best to get acquainted with it. You may go as soon as tomorrow afternoon. With the new spaceships it should only take a few hours. Two days there should be enough, yes?"
"Yes. Thank you, Highness." The king dismisses them with a wave of his hand and it's only thanks to Myungsoo taking his arm that Sunggyu moves toward the exit. It's only when they're in the hallways that Sunggyu has enough sense to stop in front of Myungsoo to look at him.
"Why did you do that?"
"Did you not wish to go home?"
"Yes! Yes I did but why?"
"Because you looked sad. I told you before I had first seen you bright and joyful. I would never want to ruin something so precious." Myungsoo hesitantly strokes Sunggyu's cheeks as he continues to look up at him in shock. Sunggyu's hand reaches up to press Myungsoo's on his cheek, cradling it.
"Thank you." Myungsoo blinked down at him, at a loss for words. They stay like that for a few minutes more before Myungsoo is pulling his hand away
"We should get going. You need to pack your belongings and what you wish to take for your family to keep."
"Of course. Yea, you're right." Together they walk back down the hallway and into their bedroom. Sunggyu instantly pulls out the suitcase he arrived in and starts throwing in clothes without a thought. He was just so eager to get home. It's only after a few minutes that he realizes that Myungsoo hasn't moved from his perch on the bed.
"Aren't you going to pack, too?" Myungsoo looks at him confused.
"I was thinking of an excuse to tell my father. I thought you would not want me there?" Sunggyu has a lot of conflicting thoughts when it comes to Myungsoo. He's the reason he's here and not home but....but he isn't a bad being. He doesn't have a malicious bone in his body as far as Sunggyu can tell. He remembers Woohyun's advice.
Why not try to teach him what a family is like? Be there for him like no one else in his life has been. Maybe you'll find what to do next after getting to know him and letting him know you.
"I want you to come. My family should still meet their son-in-law, don't you think?" Sunggyu is grinning at him.
"Son-in-law?" Myungsoo enunciates slowly. Sunggyu sometimes forget that the civilians here don't normally speak any language on Earth.
"It's, um, how to explain...when a child marries someone the parents refer to them as their in-law. It's like our way of saying this new person is now a part of our family."
"Does that make me a part of your family?" They look at each other, the atmosphere heavy.
"Yea. Yea I guess it does." Sunggyu gets pack to packing the feeling in his chest making him uncomfortable. He hears Myungsoo get up to start packing as well, he assumes.
Once they're done packing, Sunggyu asks politely as he can whether he can sleep alone tonight.
"I just need some time to absorb everything, you know? And I'd rather do it alone." Myungsoo nods.
"Of course. I understand. There's a spare bedroom right across the hall. No one uses it so you are free to stay there for as long as you need." Sunggyu thanks him and pretends not to see the sad look on Myungsoo's face as he watches him go.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu is eagerly waiting by the loading dock the next day when he spots a familiar figure heading his way.
"Woohyun?!" Behind him is Myungsoo. Both are carrying duffel bags. Woohyun even has an extra bounce in his step.
"You ready to head back home?"
"It's only for two days," Sunggyu says despite the wide grin on his face.
"Home is home no matter how long. Man I can't wait to try some actual human food. No offense, Highness."
"Myungsoo. You can just call me Myungsoo. I'll hardly be viewed as a royalty in your home."
"Politics shmolitics," Woohyun dismisses with a wave of his hand. "Whether they like you or not, you helped improve the living conditions of our peeps. You just enjoy yourself at Sunggyu's house. His mom makes some mean beef rib stew." Since when were Myungsoo and Woohyun this close that Woohyun feels comfortable speaking to him so informally?
The question gets shoved to the back of his mind, however, at the sight of the space ship being brought in. It was the size of a small house, smaller than the commercial airplanes back home. The doors open and Sunggyu happily leads the way inside. The seats are slick and grey with straps for when they hit the speed of light. Near the back is a compartment to store all their luggage.
Once they're all settled and strapped they begin the four hour long drive back home.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It hasn't even been a month since Sunggyu left, yet everything feels so different. Even the smell in the air seems heavier, more polluted at home compared to Huǒ. Gone are the vibrant colors, replaced here instead with bright artificial light and speeding cars. But none of that matters when his family is waiting at home for him with a fresh home cooked meal. He would've barreled on home knowing the streets from memory if he hadn't felt someone tug at the hem of his shirt. He turns and finds Myungsoo leaning in way too close.
"It's not easy being shoved into a completely new planet, is it?" Sunggyu feels only slightly guilty when he sees Myungsoo flinch.
"No, it isn't." Myungsoo concedes. Sunggyu decides this is revenge enough and helps Myungsoo with his duffel bag.
"Now that we understand each other, let's go meet the family." Together, the three of them walk down the streets blending right in with the crowd until the small mansion that is Sunggyu's home loomed in the distance.
"I'll see you guys later then!" Woohyun waves goodbye before dashing off to the house next door to the mansion.
"Is he not coming with us?" Myungsoo asks.
"No. He has his own family he wants to see first. We'll all have dinner together probably but for now..." Sunggyu trails off.
"Family is really important here, isn't it?" Instead of answering, Sunggyu drags Myungsoo inside after putting the passcode he has memorized from years of use and drags him into the living room where he knows his family usually are at this time of day. True to his memory his parents are in the living room, huddling together on the piano bench as a beautiful melody fills the air.
"Mom! Dad!" Sunggyu cries out. They jump out of their seats at the sound.
"Gyu!" His mom cries out before wrapping him up in a hug. His dad joins them a second later. They stay together like that for a few before Sunggyu remembers they have company. He slowly disentangles himself from them and turns to Myungsoo.
"Mom, dad, this is Myungsoo. He's my....groom." Myungsoo bows hastily.
"Hello, your Majesty and Highness." Sunggyu's mom lets out a laugh of surprise.
"No need to speak to us so formally. Mr. and Mrs. Kim will do just fine. I can see why the counselors always speak so highly of your beauty."
"You should see him with his natural skin color," Sunggyu blurts out. Myungsoo ducks his head, trying to hide his blush at the praise. "I mean- It's just so different from us, you know? There was even a guy with reddish skin it can get a bit freaky all at once. And their trees are like 50 shades of pastel, you would've liked it, Mom." She smiles at her son's babbling knowingly but otherwise doesn't say anything.
"You can tell us all about it son over dinner. I should probably go help the chef out to make it faster." Sunggyu's father hops over to the kitchen and his mother leads them to the dining room to take a seat.
"So how's Woohyun? He must be happy to be back too."
"Yea, he's with his parents next door. He'll probably come over once dinner is ready." For the first time that night, Sunggyu's mother frowns.
"I don't think he will, to be honest with you. Especially as a member of the royal guards."
"Why? Is something the matter, Mom?" She sighs and for the first time time, Sunggyu notices the deep worry lines etched into her face.
"The people have been restless since you were taken away."
"I wasn't taken away, I left for them!" Sunggyu counters, for some reason so in tune to Myungsoo's subtle sad expression.
"I know, sweety. But the people don't like it. They don't like being under someone else's thumb even if they have helped immensely. The people would rather be free of any ruler, no matter how good or kind."
"I shall have to talk to my father about this." Myungsoo is frowning, eyes serious.
"Don't be ridiculous. A treaty is a treaty and the people should learn to respect that. It's not like you guys are trying to oppress them. I should make an announcement or something tomorrow morning to get them to calm down." Sunggyu's mother shakes her head.
"It would probably only further incite them. But enough political talk. You've just gotten home and need food and rest. I'll go check on what's taking your father so long." She leaves them alone, the silence suddenly heavy between them.
"What do we do if a coup d'état occurs?" Myungsoo whispers.
"We fix it. Together." He turns his determined gaze to Myungsoo, making eye contact and holding it. "We will not get in a war with each other over this. We'll find a way." He doesn't know what makes him do it but he reaches his hand out and takes a hold of Myungsoo's. He squeezes his hand in reassurance and is rewarded with Myungsoo's smile.
"Dinner is ready!" The two break apart as Sunggyu's parents walk through the door, hands laden with food. They can talk about things more in the morning. Right now, it is time to eat!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They never got to talk about it in the morning. Instead they are roused awake by Sunggyu’s mother and Woohyun in the middle of the night.
“What’s going on?” Sunggyu groggily asks.
“The people found out that you are here with the prince of the planet that rules them. You need to leave before they come through our doors demanding for his head.” She points at Myungsoo who is being pulled out of bed by a weary looking Woohyun.
“Goddammit. Why couldn’t they wait?” Sunggyu lets out a few more cuss words as he pulls on the nearest shirt and pair of pants. Myungsoo is already dressed, waiting by the door utterly confused.
“Sunggyu?” he asks in a small voice. Sunggyu doesn’t know if it’s because it’s close to three in the morning or the way Myungsoo looks hair a mess, skin glowing its natural color for once. He doesn’t know if it’s the way it all makes his heart skip a beat but he leans up to kiss Myungsoo on the cheek.
“We need to leave,” he whispers hastily right after, already feeling the warmth flooding his cheeks.
“Myungsoo, I’m so sorry your visit here had to be cut short like this. I’m sure the people will come around eventually. Until then, please take care of our son and yourself. And always remember: we have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names. You and Sunggyu might have your differences but never forget at the end of the day you two are the same underneath.” She wraps her arms around Myungsoo and squeezes. She turns and gives Sunggyu and Woohyun a hug as well before letting Woohyun lead them out the side entrance of the house.
“So back to Huǒ we go.” Sunggyu finds himself more disturbed by the sound of yelling than the idea of going back. “Thank god the loading dock isn’t that far from your house. We can slip in and out before they realize.”
“I’m sorry.” Woohyun shakes his head.
“No time for apologies, Highness. We need to get past the crowd using alleys. Sunggyu and I know them like the back of our hands so please try to stick to one of us as close as possible.” Myungsoo nods in affirmation. “Ok. If we go behind the bookstores, we’ll get there faster I think. Sunggyu?”
“Yea. Yea that’ll be fastest. Here, Myungsoo, hold my hand so I can make sure you don’t get lost.” Sunggyu tells himself it’s because he doesn’t want a war to break out between the two planets. Tells himself he doesn’t want Myungsoo to die for political reasons and not personal ones. Definitely not because their hands seem to be the perfect fit for one another.
Woohyun shoots him a small all-knowing smile before turning to lead the way back to the spaceship. There were moments they had to squeeze together in the shadows to keep from getting caught by a random rioter. It only takes them half an hour after having woken up to reach the spaceship. By then the riot had escalated, their yells audible even inside the spaceship.
“Will your parents be ok?” Myungsoo asks once they’re buckled down waiting for the engine to heat up.
“They’re part of the royal family and have been nothing but kind to their people.” Sunggyu doesn’t add that it was Myungsoo the rioters were after.
“Alright the ship is ready to go!” Woohyun announces.
“Woohyun, do you even know how to fly the ship?!”
“Oh calm down, Sunggyu. The captain is right here. I woke him up before touching any of the buttons, scout’s honor.” Sunggyu shakes his head before gripping the arm rests tightly as the engine roared to life.
“Back to Huǒ. Arrival time 8:00.”
“Lift off!” Woohyun exclaims. Sunggyu closes his eyes tightly, willing for sleep to catch them all before landing back in Huǒ.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunggyu wakes up to the sound of the engine dying. He starts to panic until he feels a warm hand hold his.
“It’s ok. We just landed.” Sunggyu turns his head to see Myungsoo giving him a reassuring smile. Sunggyu sighs in relief, letting his head fall back and hit the head rest.
“You may now dismount the ship.” They hop out of their seats eager to get back on solid ground. All of them are surprised to see who is waiting for them at the exit.
“Sungjong?” Myungsoo asks. Sungjong smirks before turning to look at each of them turn.
“How disappointing. I would’ve thought that the humans would’ve caught at least one of you. Guess they aren’t as great a species as they think themselves to be.”
“You-!” Sunggyu makes to run towards Sungjong but is held back by Myungsoo. “You almost got your best friend killed!” He shouts in anger. Sungjong’s eyes widen in shock.
“They were supposed to go after you as part of the royal family. Not Myungsoo.”
“Guess you aren’t as smart as you thought yourself to be,” Sunggyu spits out. Myungsoo forcibly places himself in front of Sunggyu.
“What the actual fuck is going on?” Sunggyu looks up at him in surprise. Woohyun whistles innocently.
“I may or may not have taught him a few cuss words.” Sunggyu shakes his head. Now is not the time or place.
“I-” Sungjong sputters.
“What did you do, Sungjong?” Myungsoo’s voice is strong and fearsome. Sunggyu can see the king in him and it brings a rush of warmth through his chest to see him like this.
“The treaty- Before the treaty you were promised to me, Myungsoo. I was the one who was raised alongside you. I understand you better than this, this human ever could! Any human would've sufficed but you chose him. I still remember what you told me that night before your wedding. You want him to stay by your side forever. Did I not matter to you? Did reading all those books by the humans really delude you enough to believe in a forever?”
"Sungjong. That isn't- You're my best friend. Of course, I care for you. But our parents made that choice to betroth us. I didn't choose you. I chose Sunggyu. I don't want what our parents had. I don't want to wake up one day and be told I'm not married anymore to someone I have feelings for. I want what those books wrote about. A happily ever after. They can't all be wrong." Sunggyu places his hand on Myungsoo's lower back in moral support. Forever is real. It does exist. My parents had it and so can you. Sungjong laughs cynically.
"You're so naive. I can't believe you really think this forever exists for us. Look at how much even the human divorce each other. They're just fairy tales and wishes on dying stars." Myungsoo stands strong, remembering Mrs. Kim's words. Remembers how happy she and Mr. Kim were together, deep lines and bright smiles.
"That may be true. But that doesn't mean it's not true. As long as I'm with someone who also believes then it's possible." Sungjong snorts.
"Then you both should've stayed on Earth and died together." Something in the air changes and Sunggyu is suddenly finding it hard to breathe.
"Sungjong, no! You know dark magic is an absolute taboo! If you continue..."
"You'll what? Throw me to jail? Ha, the only way to stop a spell once it's started is to kill the caster. You and I both know you wouldn't lay a finger on me."
"He won't but I will!" Sungjong raises his arms too late as Woohyun impales him with his sword. "I am a member of the royal guard. I will always be here to protect them both from dangers like you. Remember that as you pass on." He withdraws his sword only for Sungjong's body to crumble into dust. Sunggyu heaves in a deep breath, the air finally returning to his lungs.
"Sungjong..." Myungsoo stands there, staring at the dust as it gets blown away by the wind. He tears his eyes away and turns to Sunggyu instead. "Are you ok? I'm sorry. I never thought he would have-"
"It's ok," Sunggyu wheezes. "Not your fault." Myungsoo gathers him into his arms until Sunggyu's breathing turns back to normal. Woohyun slowly walks back to them.
"Thank you," Myungsoo whispers. Woohyun just shakes his head.
"It's my job to keep you two safe. Just like it's yours to do what's best for the greater good. So don't blame yourself for what happened." Myungsoo nods his head, hand mindlessly combing through Sunggyu's hair.
"Keep that up and I'll end up falling asleep." Myungsoo looks down at Sunggyu and smiles.
"But hey, Myungsoo. Why'd he turn into dust?" Sunggyu swipes at Woohyun, hissing about his lack of tact and rude behavior. Myungsoo shakes his head.
"Remember what Ms. Kim said? 93 percent stardust...for our species we are literally made up of 93 percent stardust. It's said that when we die our dust flies to the sky to join the other stars in the sky until it is its time to fall down onto the planet again. I hope when he falls down next time he finds what he was looking for." Sunggyu intertwines their hands.
"That's a really beautiful way to put it. Your kind are just filled with surprises." They stand up and start walking towards the palace, hands still tangled together. "I hope I can stick around to discover more." Myungsoo freezes in his tracks, whipping around to face Sunggyu.
"Really? You mean that?" Myungsoo's smile is so wide, his skin is practically bursting all the shades of lilac and mint Sunggyu's ever seen.
"Yea. I can grow to like forever with you so long as we get to take trips back home often."
"Yes! Yes, of course! Whatever you want!" Myungsoo just looks so giddy and Sunggyu figures he'll never make sense of his heart with his head anyways so he reaches up with one hand to hold Myungsoo still, and kisses him. A small, sweet chaste kiss right on the lips.
"God, you two are disgusting. I don't get paid enough to deal with this shit." Sunggyu really is going to kill Woohyun. Maybe then he'll be reborn as someone sweet and, most importantly, quiet. Myungsoo just laughs before leaning down for another kiss. They will fix the damage that Sungjong had done. Together.