Of French Customs and Old Times Part 20
Title: Of French Customs and Old Times.
Status: Part 20
Author: xxqod
Pairings: Jonghyun/Taemin/Minho, Jinki/Kibum
Rating: PG-15
A/N: For bopeep_achu who requested this, it takes place in France of the 18th Century. Incorrect use of the French language XD lol, I only had basic French. It's not historically correct and I used their Korean names, cause I can't bring myself to change them. (Don't bash me for it! >.< )
~There's a wordlist at the end of each part, stating the French words and their translation.~
-----
Go back to previous Part
-----
A smile graces his face as Tonnere neighed, Taemin urging the horse on to go a tad bit faster. The scabbard hits his leg with every bump, the sword trapped between his belt and body. It has been long since he fled to Jaebum, but it was late afternoon when he arrived.
Taemin has still a small flicker of hope left Jonghyun is still at Château de Versailles. He should be, since he doesn't have his horse there. That's one of the reasons why Taemin left; he needs to help the others escape from there with the smallest possibility of getting caught.
And for another reason; you don't leave the one you love behind to die. Taemin doesn't. And sure, Taemin wants to do what Jonghyun desires from him, he really does. Just not in this way. His heart constricts when he thinks of Minho as the victor, he wants Jonghyun to come out victorious. Storming through a small village, he concludes he's already halfway. 'Just a bit longer.'
"Kibum, you're still bleeding." Jinki mentions when they arrive in the concubines' room. The other clicks his tongue and his facial expression hardens.
"Kibum, I'm not letting you go on like this." The feline boy wants to yell when Jinki roughly grabs his wrist with one hand and his sleeve with the other, ripping the material loose. With a strip of the cloth he binds Kibum's wound with care. He smiles, his eyes forming crescent moons while doing so and Kibum can't help but smile back.
"Merci." He whispers, his cheeks the faintest hint of pink. He looks the other way and pretends to be not affected by Jinki's caring attitude. By the time he dares to glance in Jinki's general direction again, the other is up close, lips curled and eyes sparkling. Arms wrap around his waist and Kibum doesn't have time to react when Jinki steals a peck on the lips, skipping away from the younger boy right after.
He stumbles however, and Kibum suspects it's over air, knocking into Jonghyun.
"Môme." Jonghyun says to him, but it has no bite. There is even a trace of a smile playing around the slightly younger man's mouth. It is gone ever so fast, when Jonghyun reminds them they are still stuck in the enemy's residence.
Jinki follows when the blonde walks into Minho's bedroom, but Kibum stays behind to pick up a dirty doll. He stares at it, before strapping it to his belt. Jinki's voice calls him over and hurriedly he runs towards them.
"It's already night time…" Jonghyun trails off as he looks outside the window. He's amazed they spend so long in those secret rooms, but thinking back about what happened, it's quite logical too. He took a lot of time to lose the guards after he had sent Taemin off. It also explains the time on the clock, somewhere around one at night.
'So Taemin didn't read my note.' Jonghyun is relieved. It feels like a whole load fell off his shoulders when he realized that.
"Come on." Jinki breaks the silence. They walk out the room slowly, checking for guards ready to ambush them in the corridors. It's eerily quiet and Jonghyun thinks it's weird for the other guards he last saw in the maze, not to be here. 'Or they are really that stupid to get stuck in there.' He doesn't deem it impossible.
His thinking is quite on the positive side though, because when they round the next corner three guards are waiting for them. Jinki curses at his right side, while he scowls, but it's Kibum who attacks first with a loud scream. The speed and force with which he slams into the guard, makes the guy fall backwards, sending Kibum past him. Jinki looks at Jonghyun, who shrugs back at him, before they charge at the other ones with war screams.
Apparently it isn't so impossible as it looks, because both Jonghyun and Jinki succeed in passing their opponents. But they aren't unable to fight yet, so the only thing left is for the three to break out in a run, guards hot on their heels.
"Whose idea was it?" Jonghyun shrieks, sliding around the corners. All the corridors look the same to him as he leads the other two.
"Why can't we just fight them?" He tries again, looking over his shoulder while he runs through an opened door. The sound of pans and pots flying through the air and clattering on the floor makes Kibum and Jinki slow down and they halt in the doorway.
There is Jonghyun covered in a pile of cookware, stupidly blinking at them. Kibum doesn't know whether to cry or laugh, while Jinki just blinks back.
"I think your clumsiness is conta-" Kibum starts, but Jinki pushes him inside and closes the door. He pulls Jonghyun from the ground, trying to make the least sound possible as he guides the younger boys through the backdoor.
"I don't think this is the backdoor." Jonghyun whispers. The space they're standing in is dark and cool and it smells of food. Jinki falters. It's clear they're now trapped in the storage room as they hear others shuffling about in the kitchen. When the sounds come close, Kibum pulls the older ones into a dark corner, where they shouldn't be visible even if the door is opened.
They're lucky, because the door stays closed and the persons walk away, but they stay there. About fifteen minutes later Kibum deems it safe enough to leave, he's shivering because of the low temperature. Jinki hugs him and Kibum feels his body warmth through his clothes. He sighs, then decides it's really time to go.
The corridor where the kitchen is situated gives access to the stairs leading into the grand hall. From there it's a short distance to the door leading outside, to their freedom. The only disadvantage is they're open for the enemy to see, and let the guards be in the hall discussing what their next move will be.
"At three we run." Jonghyun says, but Jinki and Kibum are running already and the blonde tries to catch up to them. The guards are yelling, coming after them as they shorten the distance between themselves and the door.
Kibum's shouts in victory as he pushes the door open and holds it while Jinki and Jonghyun sprint through. Outside on the grass he catches up with Jonghyun, Jinki already sitting on Foudre's back. He gives Kibum a hand so the younger boy can sit behind him. It leaves Jonghyun speechless as the horse trots away, Kibum yelling at him to get his feet moving if he doesn't want to get caught.
"Why me?!" He shouts, running after the horse carrying both Jinki and Kibum.
"Because you're the one without a horse and I'm with Jinki!" Kibum sticks his tongue out at Jonghyun. Jinki ducks his head when Jonghyun looks rather annoyed at him, mumbling a 'sorry'.
"Fuck this." Jonghyun says as he halts. He turns towards the guard coming after him and yells from the top of his lungs.
"Shouldn't you free your precious Roi Minho first? Have fun finding him, if he's still alive!" Jonghyun snickers as the guards do immediately that, search for their king. He bursts into full-blown laughter when he looks at the retreating backs. 'Imbéciles.'
"We should continue and keep a fast pace." Jinki speaks, Jonghyun breaking out in a trot almost instantly. He starts humming a tune, slowly evolving in the song it is. Kibum raises an eyebrow and Jonghyun stops.
"Quoi? I heard it's good for increasing your lung capacity." He huffs. Kibum shrugs, before leaning into Jinki more.
"If you say so."
His horse neighs and Taemin squints when some silhouettes come into his vision. He halts Tonnerre and runs his fingers through its mane. Then his ears pick up a familiar tune and his face lights up as he clearly hears Jonghyun's voice drifting through the air.
"Jonghyun!" He shouts and it gets quiet. Taemin knows for sure it's him.
"Taemin?" Comes the unsure reply and that's all for Taemin to run and tackle the other into a hug.
"You're here! You're alive!" He cries, his heart is hammering in his chest and warmth is spreading through his limbs.
"What are you doing here, Taemin?" And the young boy stops his assault to see Jonghyun with an angry scowl on his face.
"I came to help you! I'm not leaving you behind, even if you told Jaebum to keep me locked in my room!" Taemin releases Jonghyun from his hold and crosses his arms, turning his head to the side.
"Taemin, I want you to be safe. Anything else doesn't matter." Jonghyun counters.
"How can I be when you're not there with me? I don't want you to lose you again. Je t'aime, Jonghyun." The blonde crushes Taemin against his chest and the other wraps his arms around him.
"Je t'adore. I love you so much. You don't know." Jonghyun whispers, while he lifts Taemin's head by his chin. They lock eyes before Jonghyun leans in to place a soft kiss on the younger boy's lips. Kibum coughs when Jonghyun tangles his fingers into Taemin's long hair, wanting to deepen the kiss.
"We have to go." He mumbles as the blonde glares at him.
"Ah, wait! Can we first…" Taemin starts, but looks down in embarrassment before finishing his sentence, and kicks some dirt on the ground.
"What is it?" Jonghyun asks, running his fingers over Taemin's cheeks and down his neck.
"Please cut my hair shorter." Jonghyun blinks. His reaction is too slow however, since Kibum is already there, small knife in his hand asking Taemin how to cut it.
"Shoulder length." The boy says, and it's Kibum who cuts it shorter in front, going longer to the back. Kibum thinks it suits him. Jonghyun thinks so too, as Jinki has to kick his shoulder from his place on the horse, to make Jonghyun close his mouth.
They mount their horses, Jonghyun huffing as Taemin doesn't let him sit in front. Reluctantly he sits behind the younger boy, but soon finds something to do; placing small kisses in Taemin's neck. The boy giggles and brings his hands up to swat at Jonghyun, steering the horse to either the right or left. Jonghyun can feel the daggers Kibum is glaring at him and he grins. He decides to go a bit further and slips his cold hands underneath Taemin's shirt, earning a quiet gasp. He then leans in and licks the shell of Taemin's ear, feeling the younger boy shuddering against him.
Victory spread across his face he turns towards Kibum, grin splitting his lips, but he shouts in pain when an acorn hits him in the forehead. He rubs the sore spot, wanting to wrap his arms around Taemin, however Kibum's voice warns him.
"Be careful of what you do. I have pinecones too."
It's quiet for a while after that, and Taemin enjoys the night view and he's sure the others do too. That's until he hears Jonghyun snoring in his ear. The arms around his waist loosen little by little, but Taemin only notices when they fall into his lap and he squeals. Before he can move them away he hears a loud sound and Jonghyun cries out, yet again.
"I warned you."
The sun is about to rise when they halt at a branch in the road. Jonghyun is holding the reins now, Taemin half-asleep against him, curling into his chest. Just as they want to ride the left path Taemin shoots up, almost knocking his head into Jonghyun's chin.
"We have to go the other way!" Jonghyun looks at him, before shaking his head, he doesn't say anything and Taemin looks to the others to see Kibum's eyes brimming with tears. It clicks.
"We only saved her right? She won't be coming with us." Taemin murmurs, his own eyes tearing and Jonghyun presses a kiss to his forehead. It only increases the tears and after a good ten minutes of Taemin's loud sobbing, Jonghyun snaps.
"I'll go get her." With that he turns Tonnerre.
"We'll meet you there." He says to Jinki and Kibum, riding back and taking the other fork, going back to his fief, to Jaebum.
They stumble their way inside after the guards let them through, Jaebum is waiting there, not too pleased with Taemin's sudden disappearance from last night, but he's glad Jonghyun found the boy before someone else did.
They don't have much time though, as Jonghyun wishes Jaebum luck, telling him to act dumb if Minho's guards, or even Minho himself would show up here. In the meanwhile Taemin runs up the stairs and swings his bedroom door open, welcoming Fille into his arms. The little girl smiles and tugs at his newly cut hair, liking the way it slips easier through her fingers.
"You want to come with us?" Taemin smiles as the girl enthusiastically nods her head, squealing a bit.
"You have to share her with Kibum though. I bet he'll want her all for himself." Jonghyun says from his point at the top of the stairs. Taemin hands him the girl before he walks to the closet, Jonghyun following close behind with the girl on his arm, and starts packing clothes for the both of them.
"We'll have to buy clothes for her." Taemin says. A knock on the door makes them all glance to it, where Jaebum stands with a little pouch filled with money. He hands it to Jonghyun, but before he can say anything a horn sounds and they pale. 'Enemies.'
Clearly not just enemies, but Minho with an armed troop of about twenty guards behind him. Jaebum rushes them downstairs and Jonghyun runs around the wall, to the back where the stalls are. He binds the pack with clothes onto Tonnerre's saddle as Taemin gets another horse to ride. There is some food and water added to the package, but they don't have time for more. They don't have time as one lackey helps Fille onto the horse, Taemin right behind her. Jonghyun mounts his own horse and Jaebum yells at them to get going.
They storm through the south gate, effectively escaping Minho, who's currently coming through the north gate of Jonghyun's, now Jaebum's property. Jaebum stands proud, as Minho descends from his horse, greeting le roi with respect, like it should.
"Where are they?" Minho asks, voice dripping with anger and something Jaebum can't quite place.
"Where's who?" Minho looks at Jaebum, who looks puzzled by his question. He narrows his eyes.
"You know whom I'm talking about. Jonghyun and Taemin and those little servants of them." He speaks with venom, but the other doesn't let himself be shaken by that tone.
"I don't know. I haven't seen Jonghyun in a week or two, maybe even three."
"Then why do you miss a horse?" Minho suddenly counters and Jaebum's eyes flicker to the empty stall. He scowls and Minho thinks it's his victory, but.
"That's what I was just investigating. One of my men came to me this morning, saying one of the horses was stolen! We're desperately trying to find out who did this. But as you can see the thief left no trace of himself." Jaebum sighs.
"Jonghyun." Growls the other under his breath. Jaebum blinks, but decides it's better to act as if he didn't hear. Minho abruptly turns and mounts his horse.
"Merci pour l'info." And he rides away, his men following.
They have been riding for quite some time now and Jonghyun moans in frustration when Fille asks again if it's still far. It's the second day since they left Jaebum and Jonghyun has stubbles on his chin which amuse Taemin to no end. His own face is still smooth. He grins when the older boy huffs, voicing out loud that Taemin has been in touch with his feminine side for too long.
They stayed the previous night at a farm, the elderly people there warmly welcoming them. Jonghyun however says they don't need to find a place to stay the night, because it isn't that far anymore. Taemin smiles when Fille cheers and Jonghyun face palms.
It's true they're close, because now the road is filled with more people moving around with all kinds of stuff, or none at all. Taemin notices how some women have baskets with fresh fish and when he breathes in the smell of salty seawater attacks his senses.
"Where are we going?" Taemin asks, but Jonghyun doesn't hear him, and it's either because of the noise around them or because he doesn't want to hear. Taemin doesn't try again and hands Jonghyun his reins, so the older boy can lead them to where he wants.
They reach the harbour without any incidents, but of them still scared Minho would appear any given time. He doesn't, but Taemin shrieks when two hands almost pull him from the horse. Laughter drifts through the air, and Taemin recognizes that laugh. 'Kibum.'
He wants to hug his friend, but the other lifts Fille in his arms, claiming her and Taemin pouts as he and Jonghyun descend their horses. Taemin notices Jinki took care of Kibum's wounded arm. Jinki is smiling widely at them, telling Jonghyun he succeeded. The blonde gives him a thumb up, leaving Taemin confused.
"What…"
"We're going to Britain." Jonghyun says, like it's perfectly normal. Taemin's eyes widen. Kibum thinks Jonghyun should have prepared the boy for this news, but he's not in the mood to throw acorns or pinecones at the dinosaur.
"I'm going first … and Fille is going to sleep with me tonight!" He says, eyes lingering on Jinki before he turns and walks away with Fille. Taemin wonders why, but a slight limp in Kibum's walk has him guessing why it would be. He grins, almost smirking while Jonghyun whistles and smacks Jinki on the shoulder.
Jonghyun leads the horses onto the ship as Jinki leads Taemin to the room he shares with Jonghyun on board. It's luxurious to have an own room, it costs a lot. Jonghyun comes in a few minutes later and tells them the ship is about to leave in half an hour and they should catch some sleep since it's almost night time. Jinki looks at the two tired figures and hastily leaves the room.
Taemin collapses onto the nearest bed, groaning when Jonghyun falls half on top of him, trapping him and rubbing the stubbles against his cheeks.
"You need a shave." The younger boy turns his head so Jonghyun can't assault his face anymore. And hand curls over his waist, holding his side and Taemin moves back till he's securely in Jonghyun's arms. He closes his eyes and Jonghyun kisses his neck gently, making Taemin hum.
"I wonder if Minho stops haunting us." Taemin's voice is fearful, but Jonghyun kisses his neck again, one hand placing itself at Taemin's chest where his heart is.
"He'll never find out where we are. Just let him be." He whispers and he nudges Taemin, so the boy turns his head. And when he does, Jonghyun places a soft kiss onto the corner of his lips. It's so gently and loving, Taemin feels his heart flutter all over again, all tension disappearing from his being. They share a moment of silence, both content lying there together.
"So, Britain?" Taemin feels Jonghyun nod his head.
"I think we're lucky Jinki and Kibum are both capable of communicating in English." He speaks again and Jonghyun chuckles.
"You can always learn." The younger boy pulls a face, even though Jonghyun can't see.
"What should I learn then?" He asks. The bed creaks as Jonghyun moves and Taemin feels him landing on his other side. He opens an eye and looks straight in Jonghyun's face.
"The most essential words." The blonde smiles and Taemin holds his breath when two hands cup his face to bring it closer.
"W-what are those words then?" He stutters, eyes fluttering when Jonghyun places his lips against his own. The blonde breathes against his lips and Taemin hears him mumble something. But before it fully registers Jonghyun kisses him deeply. It's only after, the words make sense to him.
"Je t'aime. I love you."
-----
To The Epilogue~
-----
A/N: So that's it. I hope you enjoyed reading this chaptered fic ^^ Please point out my mistakes if you see any~ Leave a comment? XD
List of French words with translation:
- Tonnerre - Thunder
- Château de Versailles - Palace of Versailles
- merci - thank you
- môme - brat
- Foudre - Lightning
- Roi Minho - King Minho
- imbéciles - fools (or anything in that direction really)
- quoi? - what?
- je t'aime - I love you
- je t'adore - I adore you
- le roi - the king
- merci pour l'info - thank you for the information