Mountain Waterfall

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) “Ah, I’m sorry.” Amber bows knowing that she wasn’t really that good but good enough just to communicate with others if needed. Plus it’s been a while since she last signed to anyone. “I’ll get better at it for sure.” She said to him smiling. There was no chance that she would ever stop learning just in case she was to ever come across an old friend that made a difference to her life. “I’m not worry about you gossiping. Plus, you’ll want me to be quiet eventually because I do tend to talk too much too often.” Amber picked up her bag of important and personal items to retrieve her throwing knives. “Oh, when did you got out.” She quickly picked up the sling shot dusting off the dirt before placing it in her bag once more for safety. “Can’t leave this behind if i am gonna practice.” She playfully waved the throwing knives at him before placing them on the hidden pocket of her boots. “I’ll save the rest of the medicine for your other unhealed wound alright. Just, let me do that after our fight.” She gladly place the medicine plant away.

Amber was excited for something different as she listen to him talk about Pyrope and their techniques. Most of the time, she doesn’t even know how and where the techniques came from. It was more of her being observant and catching on quickly—one of her special skill. It gave her something to look forward to and practice on her own whenever she didn’t realize the movements from previous fights. No one ever really trained her or taught her the way he was going at. As different as it was to her, he was skilled and a good teacher for doing so.

Jack seemed like a great guy for accepting her proposal on the fight in exchanged for food and new skills. Amber wouldn’t normally offer others things like this, because she would have been more than happy to share her lunch. As part of the royal family, but one with more freedom, she wanted to help anyone who needed help regardless of their status. Her life has not always been easy before she was adopted by her father and the queen. Her life would have been different if she was still stuck at that orphanage. Her experiences had helped her seen the world differently and had helped her in the process of helping anyone she came across. That was why she traveled so much and loves to meet so many new people.

Amber grins holding her sword slanted across her body as she position herself in more of a ready to attack mode but also ready to defend mode. “Ah, well then I would have to go visit there soon. It seems like it’ll be a great adventure.” She half smiled moving a few steps and monitoring his movements as well. She moved back to giver herself more momentum to attack if necessary. “I don’t want to make a wrong move and hurt you if you’re only using a stick.” At this point, she was more afraid of hurting him more than knowing that he was probably way better than her and her wanting to learn new things. She moved towards him swinging her sword from the right not too hard towards him but with enough force to maybe show him what she got. But she stopped just as he threw the stick down.

Amber frown as she watched him threw the stick down. “Wait…” She was more confused until he said he was hungry. “I would had just given you food instead.” She shake her head before placing her sword away. “I have some fresh fruits I brought this morning from the town a while back. And I have some soup as well as dried meat that will probably be good for you to take with you as you continue your travel.” She gesture for him to sit down on one of the tree stump that was left behind by the fireplace. She chuckles shaking her head. “Nah, I want to see the world and make a difference you know.” It was something that her childhood friend has taught her unconsciously. “I want to help people but still be able to defend myself, you know.” She gave him a bowl of soup, half of her dried meat, and some fruit since they won’t be so fresh by tomorrow. She sat down across the fire pit with her own food too. “Enjoy.” She smiled happily before eating her half of the portion.

Amber will have to head home after she visit her decease mother to grab more food for her trip. “Well, mr greatest bandit, can you tell me more about yourself?” It was something she like doing when she meets new people and is eating dinner. It gets way too lonely when one is always traveling by themselves.

@Liu Amber (R) "You know, you can stop signing. It's definitely hard, but I'm mute not deaf." He signed after tapping Amber's shoulder as he follows her from behind. Nichkhun nodded and tapped his ears. "You can talk to me. I don't gossip, I promise."

The young bandit agreed on her terms that she would let her tend to some of his cuts even though he wouldn't like it. Even when he was a child, he hated being treated and elders would have a hard time wrapping cuts and healing bruises. Nichkhun hated stitches the most, but there was one girl in his childhood whom he would freely let his wounds get touched. At the moment, Nichkhun would normally reject her proposal but he was feeling generous to stretch the deal in exchange for free lunch and combat training.

Also, Amber was different. She completely disregarded the labels attached to them: from their socioeconomic status as cunning scavengers, up to their livelihood as men with lesser morality regarding legal property ownership. However, his principles were completely different. Nichkhun doesn't trust anyone; if he does, it's only temporary. People come and go. Memories and relationships fade. It was easier to live alone and marry the adventure waiting for him as Pyrope's legendary bandit. His entire world is not a person.

After Amber properly took care of his wound, Nichkhun stood up and followed her to their training area. He carefully studied her stance and shook his head. "Pyrope is the oldest region in Silvatica. Expect that sword fighting is very traditional but I will share to you the most complicated and well-developed component of Pyropian sword fighting."

He knelt down to pick up a long thick stick, about the size of a sword and pointed its tip to Amber. "I will fight you with this." He gestured, positioning his feet wide apart and leaning backwards. "Unlike other regions with their offense specialty, defensive techniques, and range of counterattacks, Pyropian sword fighting comes its strength from stance and movements. You can't successfully lunge or parry lying down on the ground or while kneeling." Nichkhun carefully walked towards her, minding his steps. He read her torso (it is easy to catch any fake attacks by watching their torso; even if their arms points the other way), that for whatever attack she made, he easily dodged it with a simple sidestep before stretching his arm and pocking her shoulder with the stick.

"That's all I can teach you, because I'm hungry." He casually threw the stick away. "If you really want to learn this fighting style, the best start is to dance with bandits at Pyrope." Nichkhun didn't mean by a literal dance, but a simple bandit competition that involves fighting, quicksteps, and stealing from fellow bandits. "But you wouldn't want to go there, trust me. That's why I left that place when I was a kid. I just came back to become the greatest bandit there is."

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Amber sighs as he gave her the Jack of Spades. Maybe he wasn't someone she once knew since she didn't really know a Jack before. She nods before looking up at him. "Jack.... that's your name." She grins happily. "Its my pleasure to meet you Jack." It seems like this may be another stranger turned friend she meets on these wild adventures that she loves so much. "Others also call me Jo if you prefer." She gestures to him since many who thought she was a guy called her that. She smiled as she watched him gestured her name. She felt her eyes watered a bit as she thought back to the first time an old friend taught her her name. Its been so long since she meet that stranger who helped her as a child. And it clicked. That's who Jack reminded her of.

A small yet gentle smile appeared on her lips before she knew it. "you let me treat that small cut and then I'll let you teach me how to sword fight the Pyropian way. Afterwards, we'll celebrate with food." She turn around his deal in a way that would allow her to also clean off the small cut and see what other injuries she can help with. She was not pleased with how he said that he had worse injuries from before. It just wasnt what she would expect ftom someone with his looks. He does seems very skillful though. Clumsy but skillful indeed.

Amber nods heloing him up as he asked her about bandits. "Well," she knew many pirates and bandits that she met along her different trips and many of them were really great. "I have a few bandit friends that are cool with me. Everyone has their own back stories that followed them. I don't judge them for their occupation of being a bandit." She explained to him slowly to the best that she could with her limited sign knowledge. "Instead I see them for friends that I meet along the way who had made me laugh, smile, sad, and happy. Or anyone that traveled with me." A laugh escape her lips as she reminiscence about her different encounters that helped get see the world differently. "So, you are just some stranger I meet today that will probably reach me really good sword fighting skills that I would love. " she looked at him gesturing for him to follow her to her camp.

Amber grabbed her bag setting it over the dropped sling shot as she grabbed a medicine plant. Quickly grinding it up against two rocks she carry for uses like this, amber wrapped a small amount against a clean cloth before untying the ribbon and replacing it with the medicine. "Let it heal correctly." She points to his finger but was also looking for any other signs of injuries.

Taking her sword, she took a few steps back as she pulled the sword into view. "come." Amber motion him to come towards her. "Teach me what i need to do." She was beyond excited. Learning new techniques will always be something she is up for no matter how much the royals disapprove if their little princesd to be doing. "Or i can fight you for fun and you can teach me that way." She turns her sword playfully in her hand.

@Liu Amber .

Bandits were never fussy with their wounds especially if it were mere scratches. They get bruised all the time: while climbing a tree or jumping from building to building whenever a chase is involved. Normally, Nichkhun would refuse female villagers who offer treatment for his scratches but at that time, he allowed the young woman to tend to his bleeding finger.While watching her wrap his finger with a ribbon, Nichkhun contemplated in deep thought about how the young woman signed back to him a while ago. He was about to ask where or when did she learn BSL until the stranger introduced herself.

"I'm Amber." She said, “You can trust me. I promise. I just need to know if you're hurt or anything so that I can help you as much as I can before moving you closer to my camp."

Amber. It was frustratingly familiar but Nichkhun couldn't retrieve the exact memory of where or when he encountered that name. He figured that he shouldn't reveal his name or else she might recognize him as that notorious bandit from Pyrope; however, Nichkhun wasn't used to being treated so nicely. "Don't worry. I've had worse injuries from dangerous encounters with pirates." He grinned at the thought before gesturing carefully. "As for my name,"

Nichkhun pulled out a Jack of Spades from his pockets and tapped the Jack in the middle. He handed her the Jack of Spades before retrieving his throwing knife underneath a bunch of dry leaves near the thick root of the tree he fell from. He shook his head about her offer and pointed to her sword instead.

"How about I train you the Pyropian way of sword fighting? In exchange for lunch?" He offered. "If you are up for it, then lead the way, Amber."

The way Nichkhun gestured her name in BSL was placing his left fist on top of the other before opening both hands and pulling them backwards. Similar to how children would mimic explosions using their hands but less extravagant and more structured. It is also the similar sign for the word "gold."

"So, what do you think of bandits?" He asked.

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Amber looked at him as he smirked. Something about that smirked seemed really and oddly familiar but for some reason it just wouldn’t suffice to her at all. The smirked seems like something she just can't put her words at the tip of her tongue but she knows that she knows it. Something about that smirked told her a lot more information than what was actually needed to say but she could not put her hands on it. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts before the situation could get a chance to switch over and she'll the one in trouble instead. "So, who are you?" her voice was a little bit more shaken now at this point but she was trying really hard not to make it sound like it.

She watched in horror as he pushed the tip of her sword away. Her eyes widen as she tried to make words come out to try and stop him before he really gets hurt. "Hey, careful you'll hurt yourself even more." She watched him bleed making her queasy a bit. A cold shiver ran down her spin as she tries really hard not to look away or puke. Blood was never her strong point even when her sword fights happened so often. She never makes it to the part where she would physically hurt someone. It was not her. She only goes as far as she needs to give her room to escape from the situation. She saw his sign telling her he was mute. With eyes widening, she quickly retreat. "Oh no." She pulled back a bit before placing her sword away. She quickly sign back that she was sorry multiple time. It was one of the few things she knows to sign when she's going on her trips and one of the thing an old friend from back in the days tried to teach him.

She grabs her water bag from her waist belt before grabbing his hand away from his mouth. It’s not really sanitary for him to do so. What if she had poison on her sword, which she was glad she didn’t. Amber quickly rinse off the blood. She frowns as she grabbed a ribbon to wrap off the small cut. It wasn’t going to help unless she grab her medicine plant from her bag by her camp. "It'll keep it from being infected if you are going to keep traveling." she sign as she moved back a bit. "Are you hurt from your fall?" She was more worried about that then any small threat she thought he can inflict on her. Amber was the kind to never really hurt others but help them if she sees fit. "I have lunch if you would like some. I don't mind sharing." She stared at his face that seemed all too familiar. She cannot get herself to think of who he is.

"I'm Amber.” She smiled at him knowing that she should help this stranger who was looking for his lunch. “You can trust me. I promise. I just need to know if you're hurt or anything so that I can help you as much as I can before moving you closer to my camp." She stood up holding out a hand to help him up if he needed. He didn't seem like a bad guy much, coming that he was just looking for lunch as he said.

She nodded. "I do duel, but only for protection and practice. Nothing more than that." She looked at her favorite sword lovingly. It was a part of her. Amber frowns as she heard him telling her to be less uptight. Usually, she’s the one that is always carefree and going on adventures taking it a day at a time. "Alright, I’ll be less uptight. Usually am anyways.” She mumbled to herself. “Are you okay though? Let me help you and give you some food.” She always believe there is a good in helping others because someone once helped her too.

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@Liu Amber Before the young man could stand up, the glinting tip of a steel sword was pointed to his neck. Above him, the owner of this sharp weapon was clearly stricken more than curious of what had happened. "Who are you and why are you following me?" She demanded, earning a silent snort and a raise of an eyebrow from Nichkhun. He gave her one of his famous smirks, a mischievous expression that dated back in his childhood. It was the type of smile that was hiding something; likewise, it was the type of smile that got him into trouble with adults.

"How do you expect a mute person to answer that? Especially when he is being threatened?" The smile implied. Nichkhun brought his fingertips to her sword. When flesh met the sharp tip, it began to bleed a little. Nichkhun carefully pushed the pointed tip away from his neck, still carrying that smile on his face. The young man made a quick sign. His hands carefully gesturing, not to relay the actual message, but to send her a hint that he is mute.

"I am not following you. I am here to hunt my lunch." It was a half concealed truth since he wanted to hunt HER LUNCH.

However, beyond the random and unfavorable incident of falling off a tree and getting threatened by someone, Nichkhun found her face strangely familiar. As a bandit and a vagabond, Nichkhun will see various faces of Silvaticans from all regions; however, only a few would be embedded in a special section of his memory. Faces like hers will emerge in his thoughts even without effort. But Nichkhun was starving; he didn't give any effort to dig deeper in his memories.

The bandit kept pushing the sword away until there was enough space for him to get up. He glanced at his finger and the blood out before spitting. The bandit raised his hands to show no harm. "Nice sword. Do you duel?" He quickly signed as some form of small talk before turning around to retrieve his knife, which was hidden under the leaves.

"Stop being very uptight, mate. Take my word: once I retrieve my throwing knife, I will be out of your sight and you can proceed to enjoying your day." He playfully implied.

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Usually, when Amber heads out on her adventures, she was always ready and happy to be spending time away from the castle, but today, this trip just wasn't making her excited. It’s a trip she takes every few times a year to visit someone she knows. Noticing that the sky was starting to glow the soft red orange color that she seen too many times before sunset starts to darken, Amber set up her campsite by a waterfall. Amber usually prefers to come in woods but today, she needed the water for the meal that she wants to have-some hot soup for her and as an offering when she gets to the place she needs to get to.

Setting down her camping gear and her two bags, one full of food and the other one full of clothes and weapons, she started a small fire to keep her warm and to cook her food. Amber stopped a bit to admire the waterfall that she seen too often on her trip to visit her deceased mother's grave. The sounds of water crushing against the big rocks at the bottoms made her calm and forget the world just for a second. It drowns out all the sounds that she was so used to; giving her a moment to think to herself about what she would like to update her mom about her life.

Amber stretches for a bit before gather the water into her water bag. She knew she’ll be taking a few more trips down to the water which was why she camped near the bank of the waterfall. “Oh I need my wash cloth.” She mumbles to herself as she ran to her bag to grab it. Without realizing that she dropped the sling shot, she ran quickly to the water and continues getting what she needs. She went on cooking her soup as she goes back and forth between getting some of the ingredients out of her bag. With the bag opened, Amber sat quietly by the fire poking at the fire and constantly stirring her food.
Her head shot up straight as she grabbed her sword. She could have sworn she heard something nearby, but was not so sure herself. “You’re just overthinking like you always do.” She rubs her face trying to calm herself down before removing the soup and pouring it into her bowl she set out by her bag.

Amber begins to hum softly a song that she remembers from the orphanage she was at. Setting half the soup aside to cool and the other half into some kind of container the Queen had given her, she pour the rest into it. “Mom, you’ll like it right, even though I don’t cook often.” A bitter sweet smile appeared on her face.

That didn’t last long as she heard someone crashed nearby. Going for her sword, she ran towards the sound trying to spot the culprit. “Who is it?” She demanded. Being a hidden princess didn’t teach her to be fragile at all. Her childhood was full of her trying to defend herself and she wasn’t gonna let anyone walk all over her now. Seeing the young man on the ground, she quickly stood over him with her sword pointed to the guy’s neck, not caring whether he was hurt or not until she knows the motive behind this.

“Who are you and why are you following me?” She assumed he was following her. The noised she heard earlier was not hard to miss. Plus, who really falls down a tree this close to you if it was not for a bad reason.

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@Liu Amber ,

Not far behind the loud gushing sound of the waterfalls enveloped the open grounds of the forest as if it were part of the scene, similar to how the cloudy mist blended at the woods of Pyrope. These little things, no matter how irrelevant to the commoners, were siding with the bandits as it masks every bit of sound or movement they produce. Unfortunately no matter how much it covers the sound that Nichkhun makes, the young bandit keeps failing to hunt his lunch.

The arrow he was carrying felt heavy on his fingers. It seems stubborn to fly every time Nichkhun positions it on the bow, pointing downwards as he aims. Every miss costs him a 15 to 30-minute search for another area that holds a bountiful mark: stags, wild boars, or rabbits (occasionally). This time, he found an immature boar that was grazing near the large mossy boulder. Nichkhun attempted to kill the beast by letting another arrow fly.

Sadly it missed, and it was his last arrow.

Hungry and frustrated, the mute bandit decided to steal his lunch from the Hesna vendors at the town market. However, as he was on his way; Nichkhun saw what seems to be a young woman (or man) camping beside the large roots of the centurion tree a few meters near the banks of the waterfall. He went closer and immediately climbed a tree and settled comfortably on a thick branch, hoping to be unnoticed.

Carefully, he tied a rope to one of his throwing knives. This will give him a makeshift weapon that will stab an object before he retrieves it by pulling the rope. Quickly, he eyed the fruit basket.

"I just hope that you, my friend, will move out of the way. I don't want any accidents." He thought before attempting to throw his makeshift knife. Nichkhun knelt in one knee, balancing himself by leaning one hand on the tree while placing the other hand, one that carried the knife, in a throwing position.

As he was about to let his knife fly, his foot suddenly slipped causing him to fall and make a loud crash.

@Lee Jongsuk (S) "So next to the Empress, you and I have the same importance." He chuckled coldly. Maybe he could have a taste of first choice royal afterall.
It was too late to be a kid about being left behind for the empress but Woobin would definitely offer a short crisis for Jongsuk to remember to not leave him behind.

"Favorite flower or not, don't let people stomp on you, Princess Daisy, because then only psychpaths will desire you."
He was just fine being a madman for a mishandled Jongsuk. But he wouldn't exactly wish for him to come back beaten up every once in a while.
"Believe it or not, those women watching are magnets. Exchange a look and you're doomed. I'd rather avoid them, make them crave for my return but again, I'm not teaching you anything."
The snap was so enjoyable Woobin let it slip out although it implied that he had craved for Jongsuk to return. This was how cheesy as it could get, especially after the compliment his Commander made about him.
"I know you're still hesitant about the whole God thing but basically I will keep your secrets, keep you warm whenever… you may sleep on both ears. I simply wonder what you mean by treating you well but I will seek the promised reward."
Woobin smirked and watched Jongsuk fall asleep, he heard his breath slow down and somehow fell asleep just after him. He'd have to treat him well for all the trouble he'd create again. An annoyed Jongsuk was still better than a hurt Jongsuk to Woobin so he'd make sure the Commander would appreciate his choice of care.

((part2/2: nothing to answer, I'll have to ask a few things before starting the new post :3)

@Lee Jongsuk (S) Jongsuk was making fun of him, it felt pretty obvious to Woobin but he nodded accordingly, he would make sure Jongsuk would treat him like a God if he ever was too good for his own sake. Somehow it felt like Jongsuk was rejoicing to know they'd stay around each other for a while. Woobin wouldn't hope for this to be entirely true because he still considered the country would never stop requesting Jongsuk, no matter how far on the list to the thrown he was. The country owned this bullet-wounded and awfully sick piece of royal flesh the career-thief was drawn to. He would never be able to steal him and it felt really demeaning to think of one person he wished to own somehow and never would.
"You say I'll have all your attention like I've been seeking it."
Well he had. Woobin shrugged to himself, it wasn't any weakness of him, rather the need to obtain something that would remain foreign, no matter how tangled they'd end up in bedsheets or under the honest light of stars. He took simple pleasure into realizing Jongsuk expressed regrets on that matter: he couldn't be fervent Knight to the Crown, again Woobin woukd rather be a deity one can feel close to at times and never really cage, control, just like he couldn't cage and control the Prince.
"I'm not scared of clowns. Especially limping clowns." He chuckled some more, knowing this comparison wasn't doing any honor to the handsome Commander he laid close to. But he couldn't simply flash compliments on the night pillows. Too couple-ish maybe, too sweet to his own taste. "But I will try to shoo this look away like it's last year's trend." This was totally the kind of talks Woobin didn't have naturally, but it wad better than making fun of Jongsuk, and better than pampering him in words so sweet they'd be fake, acts of a swindler.

He smiled and turned his body to the side, one hand supporting his hand and he watched the shaped of Jongsuk. He could see his chest lifting up with every breath of his and somehow he managed to not touch him at all.
"You're cute to speak like you haven't seen it all, but I know I'm not teaching you anything. Not that I'm saying half of this country certainly visited your room… to others I can be the thief and to you I can be the one who knows a lot about who you are and still treats you like we fought over territories and hauls." For really, no one but his best frenemies in Hesna knew Woobin's real face and somehow Jongsuk added up to the lot. Woobin preferred keeping this special status secret though, Jongsuk was confident enough to the army and to the country to add this title to the long list of futile medals the Prince collected.
"I'm considering the offer right now."
Woobin cleared his throat almost too softly, as if he didn't mean wake a sleepy mind from slumber and waited for a few seconds in silence before speaking again.
"If it means I'll get shot like you did, I don't think I'll appreciate the closeness to expensive fine arse for very long. But right now since you're to your weakest I'll accept the role until you don't limp."
Of course. Afterwards he'd only be looking for exciting means to make him limp again.

Woobin's lips curled slightly to the other's words and he watched him pull his blanklet up. So Jongsuk sti looked for being appreciated. It was maybe normal but Woobin was used to strongly confident Crown heads. "The way you say that makes it almost . If you don't like that kink, just don't go back there."
He was nicely inviting the Prince to stay close but Jongsuk had had time to learn his lessons.
"I'd rather be the one bruising you but for now I'm not looking forward to shooting at you for pleasure so scars are okay."
But hed make each of them his, he'd om each scar, nibble on them until Jongsuk will have trouble pulling apart the bullet from his teeth's work. His finger drew an abstract pattern on the other's shoulder covered with the blanklets. He honestly couldn't wait.

It was easier to put all the clues in context to understand how come that mission went so bad. Woobin shook his head upon hearing a few details but certainly Jongsuk knew his place too well, enough to just pull his bullets out himself rather than lament for hours. So Woobin should be impressed but the nice compliments regarding the Empress clouded his positive thoughts. He agreed on the Commander's terms and yet he couldn't help but get annoyed by those kind words on behalf of the reason why he didn't get to nurse Jongsuk back to health. She was the reason why he didn't get the chance to have a feverishly steamy with a flu-infected Jongsuk and so many more fantasies. And in the same time Woobin wished he had been the one called to help and serve, he'd have done better and he'd have paid back his debt.

((part 1/2))

@Kim Woobin (S) Jongsuk sighed slightly, smiling weakly.
“Well, we were on a pirate ship,” he said and tilted his head a bit. “And they were busy with taking care of the Empress at first so... I took care of myself.” He chuckled slightly and shook his head for a moment. “It was really not nice to watch her get shot. Poor little thing, she is really nice.”
He knew Woobin had met her before, had been her personal guard or something like this – he wasnt properly informed about this anyways. But the Empress of Ferric was a lovely thing, a smart person – Ferric had a good future in front of them, and as far as he was concerned the Empress luckily didnt end up with permanent damage. For now at least.
“We got from the ship quite fast. I knew it was a trap but as the youngest prince no one wanted to listen to me so all I could do was obey to the orders.” He shrugged, shaking his head. He still couldnt understand how stupid those people could be. At least it was over now.

A soft laugh left Jongsuk's lips.
“A daisy? Well, I hope I am a pretty daisy then,” he winked. “And I hope they are your favorite flowers, otherwise I'll be offended,” he joked, shaking his head.
“No, I dont enjoy looking sick. I actually took a day off at the castle and slept quite a lot and drank lots of disgusting tea to look half way decent when I returned.” The prince hummed slightly. He really needed sleep urgently, his eyes still threatened to fall close anytime soon.
“I met a few on the fire and you are right, all of them told me to go to sleep and rest.” He surely would even get a few more days off if he asked for it but he didnt want to. He missed his routine, he missed missions and teaching his squad. This was the place he belonged to.
Jongsuk laughed again, shaking his head amused. “I am sure those women kept staring at you for hours. Did you enjoy it?” He wiggled his eyebrows again, nudging Woobin slightly.
“But no wonder. You look damn fine.” That was a compliment he was fine with admitting as he knew Woobin knew it anyways. And Jongsuk wouldnt act like it wasnt true because, , Woobin looked better than anyone he had seen before.

Slightly Jongsuk shook his head. “Royal carrier, huh? Dont let the squad know it. Barely no one knows who I am, in here.” Still, even after all the time he had spent here barely anyone knew that he was a prince and he wanted to keep it like this. Woobin and the higher positioned, that was already enough.
He hummed softly. “Well, you need to keep me safe and warm in the nights, dont you? You know how easily I freeze my off,” he said, amusement in his voice. Of course he'd cover up if Woobin left the camp by night. He wasnt the only one anyways but if he ever got into trouble, Jongsuk would surely take care of it.
“Thank you for not letting me end up awful consequences then,” he mumbled and rubbed his eyes like a little child. Oh yes, he was damn tired.

“I know you like me breathless,” Jongsuk said and smiled amused. “I like me breathless too when it comes to that.” He chuckled, closing his eyes. “If you treat me well, maybe you'll end up with a reward some time soon.” What exactly that kind of reward was, they'd see then. Jongsuk was creative when it came to such things.
“Special dishes? Well, okay. Order something nice then but order the double amount, okay? I want a tiny bit o eat too,” he joked but he meant it. Woobin could have breakfast with him then and he knew they'd offer Jongsuk some damn nice breakfast. After all, he wasnt healthy at all right now.
“My carrier needs to have enough energy, right?”
The soft took Jongsuk by surprise but it felt nice, warm. He smiled and then, slowly fell asleep, Woobin's presence calming him and making him feel safe.
“Good night,” he mumbled and curled up a bit more, this time closer to Woobin.

(part 2 x3 I am glad you enjoyed it! I had lots of fun too, love <3 )

@Kim Woobin (S) A soft chuckle left Jongsuk's lips and he tilted his head, his eyes on Woobin even though he couldnt see him properly in the dim light.
“Mh... maybe I see you as a God. Who knows?” he said and hummed quietly. “Well, luckily I dont think my mother will ask me for again for anything like this anytime soon so you wont get rid of me in the near future.” He really really hoped he was right because he wasnt craving something like that again. He needed a break and he needed to heal. His body was still sore and hurt and he was lucky that the herbs of his mother's healer were working so nicely and fast, otherwise he'd probably still had a high fever like he had been having two days ago.
“Guess for now only you have my entire attention,” he mumbled and shook his head amused. At least for the next 24 hours he was free from any tasks and responsibility and so was Woobin – more or less at least as he had the task to take care of Jongsuk. He could only help this would work well.

A tiny pout appeared on Jongsuk pretty lips as Woobin mentioned he was no knight – well, he could play along, right? But then his other words followed and it only intensified Jongsuk's pout.
“Yah! I am no clown. I am much more handsome than a clown.” He nudged Woobin slightly but he was, in fact, slightly amused.
“Didnt you say you are no God just a few moments before, huh? But now you are?” He wiggled his eyebrows even though Woobin probably couldnt see it anyways – but who cared? Even though in the back of his mind he was still slightly pissed he was enjoying himself right now. Somehow Woobin had this influence on him and right now he really needed it. He needed a break from all the trouble he had had before. And somehow Woobin next to him right now took his mind off from all the negative and painful he had had the recent days. He was so very thankful. It somehow felt like a friend he never had, a home he never had. He might be the youngest prince with lots of freedom but he still grew up as a prince and even though he loved his family he never had the time to make friends and family bonds were thinner than people thought. But somehow Woobin felt like a friend, a place he could come home to – at least temporarily. But, of course, this was one of the things he wouldnt say out loud anytime soon. Besides that, that was way too cheesy and would probably make Woobin run away as fast as he could. A tiny chuckle left Jongsuk's lips, almost inaudible.
“Well, to others you can. No one else knows I want to get stolen but you. So to everyone else you will be thief and to me, well, maybe a God that can teach me important things,” he said, an amusing tone in his voice. Woobin would clearly know that he, of course, was referring to . Thinking about it, disappearing with Woobin for a while and just enjoying themselves sounded like a nice idea. Maybe, when the castle was almost empty, he could take him up there with Woobin and dirty all those places that were to keep clean and innocent. Oh yes, he would like that.

For a moment Jongsuk stayed quiet – there was something in Woobin's voice, something hiding, hard to spot but it rang in Jongsuk's ears. There was something more than that but he couldnt quite pinpoint it. For now he wouldnt ask for it and let Woobin be Woobin.
“I could keep you as my personal guard so you could make sure the country stops messing with your personal art and such fine piece of ,” he said, winking.
When he heard that Woobin looked for replacement he had the urge to pout but, of course, he didnt. He wasnt really jealous, maybe only a tiny bit, but hearing Woobin name whoever he ed as a 'tool' and that he wasnt worth it calmed him and somehow made him proud. He was obviously good enough to come back to, good enough to be missed and good enough to rest next to, even though there was no to be expected. Jongsuk had the urge to say something but there were no words so he simply enjoyed the feeling.
“Aw, I should have looked for someone else too but I only had bullets penetrating my precious body. I hope you'll still like me with scars.” He grinned and put the blanket more up, keeping his body warm. It wasnt cold in here but he was so tired, all he wanted was curling up – and then again he didnt want to stop talking.
“Yep, he is. That is why I am the commander and not him. I am sure you had a fun time with him.”
A tiny chuckle left the prince's lips, his head shaking in amusement. He felt honored when Woobin said he had missed his wits – he had missed him. And that was more than he had thought. Woobin didnt seem like someone to miss anyone, he didnt seem like someone to rest next to an injured person just because he could. He still couldnt entirely understand him and something inside wished he could. Maybe sometime soon when Woobin opened up a little more.

(part 1! x3)

@Lee Jongsuk (S) "You look like a daisy that has been stomped on, but alright, you're made of some crazy material that's for sure. I believe you enjoy looking sick and all but some rest might do you justice."
The soldier felt like he made the right choice, coming to bug Jongsuk, laying this close to him although the other was wrapped in his blanklet, hurt like a saint that got beaten up for looking jealously fine. Jongsuk seemed like nothing would get to him: he had been sick, butthurt -to be evasive-, dragged around, shot at, left out for himself as it came to getting proper care, and yet he was planning on sleeping so little.
"The boys miss you in a healthy state. Any of them would advice you to sleep all you can, by themselves or with the canon of my gun in-between their shoulder blades. I promise I won't disturb for nothing."
Of course there was no other truth than his and Woobin was very good at peer pressure, if only he considered himself a peer to anyone. He'd shove Jongsuk back to his bed himself if he had to: the Commander needed to be back to his strength because the day the bandits would rampage their camp for a confirmed Prince, Jongsuk would need more than an ex-bandit cover.
"I can do so much more than cutting logs like I'm posing for a gravure review." Woobin explained, and really, a few women from the nearest town roamed around the camp, seeking eye-candies as chest bare soldiers cittimg logs. This was a huge stereotypes but it was a way for soldiers to get a softer lay out of town of they shown off great. Sometimes, Woobin could live without the attention and he didn't want to be the one calling the others back to cutting.

The soldier smiled in silence at the change of schedule: he was personally assigned to the Commander's guard and wluld avoid the usual chores. However he'd be a help to a Prince without any training. Woobin looked forward to messing with Jongsuk all day. He'd just have to seem distant to the Commander before he'd get the label of the authority's .
"So I can add royal carrier to my list of skills. Kim Woobin, Royal carrier." The soldier pondered mostly to himself, wether he liked it or not. Anybody hearing the title would have a laugh and correct it: Royal stealer. Royal scewer maybe. He'd deserve each of those equally anyway, his past would define him and Woobin couldn't care less.
"I think you're hurt and swollen enough to avoid feeling this important to me. This troop deserves a Commander and missions. I might just spend more nights on the camp if I have a tentmate."
His slipping at night was no more a secret to Jongsuk but maybe was it the first time he mentionned it as a mattet of fact.
"That being said I didn't do much. Or my acts while you were away did not have awful consequences that will fall on your head as soon as your back in service." Once again, Woobin couldn't hide his grin in his tone, although he really did nothing bad. Maybe, if the Second had balls, he'd report Woobin's nagging him restlessly. Or maybe would that show how much balls he doesn't have. Either way Woobin wouldn't mind Jongsuk scolding him at all. It would only play in his favor after all.

"You can rest, I won't stiffen you with your pillow in the middle of your sleep although I like when you're a little breathless, I won't assault you when you're finally sleeping although I like bugging you."
He was even tempted to disobey his own orders right away. His game of not caring and caring in the same time reached the point where he feared he was really tied to Jongsuk's life. He needed him alive more than just to serve his own interests and that was wrong to his standards.
"Fall asleep fast, I need to go order special dishes and drinks for our wounded Commander and try them all before you wake up. After all our Commander needs the best this squad can offer, not just the best carrier."
Woobin then the other's forehead, trying to help him sleep if that could work. Was it even how it worked he pondered.

((and part 2! It was great!!! It's so so fun :D))

@Lee Jongsuk (S) "You can't say I didn't try." Woobin chuckled softly. He has tried to ruin Jongsuk, marking him and almost making it impossible for him to do anything once he was back in the camp. Still Jongsuk had broken free, miraculously disappearing for a. Very important and highly rated mission. Of course the soldier took it the wrong way: was he that powerless, unable to invisibly tie someone down? His pride took a memorable hit where it simply hurt enough to get mad and mess with your exhausted Commander like a child craving for attention.
Jongsuk coming to his truthful feelings somewhat made it up to him and he was avle to relax next to the wounded man. He could bite, but he wouldn't push it far.
"You ask me to exchange seats next time like I'm some God with powers and influence and I hace to admit that I like the idea. But with all due respect, I think it's all up to your Majesty."
Politeness was once again chosen by circumstances and Woobin lowered his voice to enunciate the honorifics. He wouldn't sell Jongsuk out, but he couldn't miss a marvelous effects with sugar coated sentences.

Woobin laughed at the other's words and peeked at the other failing to identify a red bose in the darkness. Jongsuk did look quite funny with his nose and earlobes red all thanks to the monumental cold he had caught for making woopies on the mountain frozen ground. Self-derision from a Prince was very rare, and Jongsuk suddenly seemed like he was past anger. Maybe had he given up on sleeping so soon or maybe did he feel okay to laugh about the tragedy he survived. Either way, Woobin was glad they reached that stage, Jongsuk wasn't some stiff royal with a broomstick up his tooshie; they could laugh about very serious subject once they were PAS their own stubborn minds.
"I'm no Knight and I don't wear a shining armor, but I think I'll stick to the deity concept: Kim Woobin, the God who toys with Princess, the limping clown." He gritted his teeth proudly although to him Jongsuk wasn't limping for the right reasons. He like the definition as a thief able to steal a Prince away though, especially when it was suggested by the Prince himself.
"I can't be a thief if the valuable good wants to be stolen right?" He turned his head to look at Jongsuk and even if he couldn't see more than shapes, he held his look, resisting the desire to kiss Jongsuk. He wasn't the type to kiss for free, but this time felt like it could help him make a point as much as it would make it all awkward. Woobin's head had hovered close shortly before he pulled back, resigning from those unnatural urges of his.

Woobin was used to sharing lovers with their spouse so he didn't think himself as a jealous person and yet all he wanted to answer was yes, yes he disliked having to share Jongsuk, be it with an empress or the whole country. This was bad for his pride and his independence so he said none of it, pretending to himself Jongsuk was just another wealthy lover of his, wasn't he.
"It doesn't anger me, but the way the country messes with my work kind of gets on my nerves." Which wasn't a lie at all, only was it part of the truth.
"I did look for a replacement, but only late and that tool wasn't worth it. Your second in command is a total tool by the way."
Somewhat he made it clear: he was versed into the chain of command and it would happen again if he was left alone with time on his hands. "I can say I missed your wits." Among other things that is. But he wouldn't mention the longing for the Commander to be back, the yielding to impatience and the frustration to get back to the acts of having feelings so as to get what he wants. That world didn't interest him so much anymore and it was all because of Jongsuk.

A minute of silence ran and Woobin turned blinked.
"How come you had to pull those bullets yourself? Isn't this country attending sorcerers for your Majesty's personal health? Did the empress pull her bullets out herself as well?"
He was shocked, hewould have looked shocked and his voice only reflected his facial expression. What kind of country was there's to have royal do something this gory, the soldier himself wouldn't remove his own bullets unless he had no other option. A smart man like him always had other options or he created them. Woobin couldn't help but imagining the Princr go through this unbearable pain by himself, struggling to remain conscious. He'd slap a few high ranks for what his Commander went through, the boy -he instantly thought of Jongsuk as a boy- actually fought to survive. Facing the same choices, Woobin wasn't sure he'd really mind sitting and waiting for the white blinding light to get to him with a wide smile.

((part 1))

@Kim Woobin (S) For a long moment Jongsuk stayed quiet – Woobin was right, they had less than 3 hours, or at least Woobin had less than 3 hours while Jongsuk was allowed to rest the entire day if he wanted to.
“I have a free day but actually I planned to get up with you.” But right now he wasnt too sure about this anymore as his eyes threatened to close at any second.
Woobin's hand felt warm on his arm, a nice feeling and somehow it surprised Jongsuk.
“No, my fate wasnt the worst of all. The worst would have been if I died. But I am here, quite fresh as a daisy and soon I'll be healed enough for some fun again.” He chuckled slightly. He had the urge to turn close to Woobin – he was warm and comfortable and all Jongsuk wanted was some nice sleep.

A tiny groan left Jongsuk's lips and he shook his head amused.
“What? Are you so annoyed with cutting logs?” He then laughed slightly, humming in agreement. He did have asked for Woobin to accompany him as he rather have Woobin annoy him than some other idiot ruining his mood.
“But yes, you are assigned to take care of me and clean my wounds and if needed even carry me around. You are an expert in carrying me around anyways.” Somehow he couldnt be pissed for too long. Still annoyed, but not entirely pissed. Woobin still deserved some punishment but maybe not for now, maybe later.
“You really missed me, huh?” Jongsuk mumbled half asleep. Of course Woobin had talked to him before but right now he seemed eager to talk – he seemed to have a lot to tell and somehow Jongsuk enjoyed it. He felt comfortable.
Surely he somehow had missed him, he had craved the others presence rather then anyone else. Even rather than his mother because of his mother's request he had ended up this bull ery.

“Wanna tell me what you have been busy with while I tried to survive?” Jongsuk asked and turned around, burying his face in the pillow, one eye peeking out to look at Woobin. Damn he was tired but he feared he wouldnt get much sleep anymore. Maybe a good night story from Woobin would help him fall asleep. But he wouldnt be so sure about it. At least, for now, he was able to enjoy Woobin's presence. That was something really nice.

(I hope this was fine :3 it wasnt that much longer but it didnt fit in one ; n ; <3
Part 2!)

@Kim Woobin (S) Of course Jongsuk had known that, especially his own squad, loved to gossip and tell stories and they loved to add little, stupid details that eventually changed the entire story. Surely Woobin had noticed that quite soon and obviously he was smart enough to ask for the truth. But sadly it was in the middle of the night and all Jongsuk wanted was sleep.
“Well, maybe I'll tell you tomorrow what happened,” he mumbled but right now he wasnt in the mood to. He was sleepy and grumpy and he wasnt in the condition to tell the other about what had happened in the last few days. Even though Woobin surely deserved the truth but for now the truth had to wait, sleep or at least rest was more important.
Expensive vacations. Woobin was right. It had cost him a lot, even almost his life and Jongsuk could probably be glad that he was alive. Well, he was grateful that those healers had saved his sorry but it hadnt been his fault in the first place. He had found this entire trip fishy anyways so he wasnt so surprised with the outcome. Surely, the Empress of Ferric would run around with a hole in her head for quite a while – or rather rest with a hole in her head as no one allowed her to even pee alone – but they were alive after ending up with quite dangerous wounds. They were lucky, definitely. It surely had cost him some guardian angels – not only one, probably more than a hand full.
“Oh yes, I paid a damn high price,” he mumbled but more to himself than to Woobin. And he wouldnt pay this price again. For now everyone could save their sorry without him, he was out, he needed a break from all this bull the bandits and pirates were pulling.

A tiny sigh escaped Jongsuk's pretty lips and he shook his head slightly.
“I rather get assaulted by you,” he then mumbled and sank deeper into his bed. It was true. He rather got assaulted by Woobin in the middle of the night than the the pirates and bandits had pulled. Shooting an Empress and a prince – how deranged were they? Obviously pretty much.
He looked at Woobin and tilted his head a bit.
“Like, for real. Next time please change places with those s. I pretty much lost all my damn guardian angels surviving this .” He could only hope that something like this would never happen again – but as he was a soldier it was very likely that at least something similar would happen to him. And he wasnt quite happy about this. At least Woobin's presence, ex bandit or not, somehow comforted him – but he rather cut his tongue than telling him about this.
“Princess, huh? Is that my new nickname? Not Rudolf the red nose reindeer?” Because that must have been how he had looked after getting out of the water and having the need for a warm up.
“What are you then? My knight in shining armor? Or more the thief that steals me away, huh?” Somehow Woobin cheered him up and pissed him equally.

The young prince his lips when he felt Woobin's on his ear. He liked it, of course.
“Oh, well, I guess I lost my manners up in the castle,” he said and popped an eyebrow. He watched the bandit as he was so close – he had the need to touch him but he better not.
“Doesnt it anger you? Me being the countries property?” He smiled amused and shrugged then, humming slightly. Somehow Woobin sounded sad and that surprised him – he wasnt used to Woobin displaying emotions so easily like he was doing it right now but maybe he had woken the other from his beauty sleep.
“Oh yes, believe me, I did realize how close I was to dying, especially when I had them pick the bullets from my bleeding body.” Oh this had hurt like hell. He had come back to consciousness and slipped away a few times and he wished they had just entirely knocked him out but of course they hadnt. Why would they, he was the prince, he couldnt just get knocked out. Stupid idiots, he had had the time of his life.
“You, giving me strength?” This amused him. “Mhm~ maybe my knight in shining armor gave me strength.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I hope I didnt leave you alone for too long. You probably already looked for someone else to fill my spot. Didnt work properly, right?” He knew he was a tease but oh this was so enjoyable. Teasing Woobin was. “Did you miss me so much?”


(part 1!)

@Lee Jongsuk (S) The other's first words for him were brutal once again. Woobin couldn't believe he was getting scolded around 3 am when they hadn't met for over a week. Really Jongsuk was long to explode and stretching his pressure was one of Woobin's favorite occupation.
To begin with, he wasn't sure of what had happened because never did he actually ask, he simply heard reports mixed up with rumors and exaggerated facts. Was it a crime to seek the truth from the first interested.
"What I heard happened is worth one of the best tale I have ever been told. I do hope the reality is a little different from what the men reported in tall words."
His tone was already softer, not exactly wishing to just make a temper worse, he had to cause it himself or it was no game.
He pulled his hands back as hissed by the grumpy Commander. To think of it, at least he wasn't getting serious reprimends from his superior for invading his bed and preventing him from sleeping.
Woobin had to lean back when Jongsuk sat up and finally gave up the word about what his body suffered for him to limp so badly.
"Those are expensive vacations..." He commented finally not so prompt to try and touch the wounded skin of his Commander.

Woobin chuckled, turning away this simply when he was mentionned as a jealous boyfriend. He needed that notion far from himself, so very far from him. But he didn't deny anything: a notice could be nice, especially when he had a secret agenda to make upfor some extra pain he gave to Jongsuk. But the other was going too far when he mentionned him as jealous.
He sighed when Jongsuk kept on supposedly reassuring him. The more Jongsuk spokethe more he wanted to escape from the conversation he didn't have a part in.
"Hey princess, I know you're back from a castle and , but you don't have to pull that number on me. I wasn't going to assault you as well." He frowned and looked at the other's body before he pulled the blanket back. He wasn't really looking forward to playing with a weak body, no matter how twisted he could be. Those wounds were bad and it was already pretty good that he still sat next to Jongsuk. In Hesna, no matter how poor, they'd flee the sick because obviously, getting healed was a luxury they couldn't afford and although the other's bad wounds were caused by guns, Woobin disliked the mere thought of it.

He leant down to the other's face: "You're ruining it, Princess."
His whispers trailed, lips just against the other's ear. He was almost glad to hear of how much Jongsuk would have prefered to go over their uncomfortable trip in the mountains again, the fever, the cold again rather than getting shot, which he could understand.
"I am not jealous, I can't afford to be jealous, you're this country's property, no matter what I draw on your body. Look what they did to you." He sounded sad, more than he wanted to but Jongsuk was too tired to really care he thought.
And just as Jongsuk suggested, he laid down on his back next to Jongsuk, palms under his head.
"Do you realize you could have died there? But you're making it back here again. Did I give you strength?" He asked, his grin almost screaming through his question.
"It's too late to rest, we're supposed to be waking up in a little less than 3 hours and you're supposed to show the exemple." He smirked in silence and pulled one of his palm off to rest it on the other's arm, one spot that wasn't yet bruised: "You can't show the exemple because I can't let some idiot shoot me like a rabbit. So you can sleep in. But I really don't like your fate. It's the worst of all."
His voice was nealy melodious, he simply loved to be free, he felt free next to Jongsuk, physically dimished Jongsuk.

He sighed noisily and gasped, a new -not so good- idea thundering his mind: "Does that mean I'll be assigned to taking care of you instead of cutting a few logs for the week? I guess with all the bad fate you have, mine can only be the best ever..."
Clearly, Woobin couldn't sleep, but although he disobeyed and kept talking, he was doind so quietly. It felt good to have a roommate to talk to. He was deprived from his for a few days and here he was, eager to talk, regardless of the other's state. Well at least he wasn't poking those parts that hurt. He just couldn't lay a hand on Jongsuk this weak. It didn't look like fun. So unless Jongsuk would request it, he'd have his fun around and just freely annoy his Commander for a while.

((and in one! Woobin will just nag him so if he falls asleep halfway it's fine okay?))

@Kim Woobin (S) A frown appeared on the commanders pretty face.
“Royal mating date? Oh believe me, I wished it was one. But you obviously didnt do your homework properly.” Because an Empress wasnt allowed to marry the youngest prince – he wasnt seen as worthy enough. Not that Jongsuk wanted to, he had enough responsibility and besides that he wouldnt be allowed to be part of the army anymore. But this was his place, he belonged here. Also he somehow didnt want to leave Woobin's side. He wanted to see what else they would experience – but in the middle of the night like right now. Right now he just wanted to sleep without getting questioned by a jealous spouse. Oh. Oh! He hadnt really noticed it before but that was exactly how Woobin was acting. He acted like a jealous boyfriend and he, obviously, was the girlfriend that had done without his approval. Oh, no surprise Woobin acted like this.
“Oh, I am sorry but I didnt know I had to give my jealous boyfriend notice of my departure. Next time I'll write a note to ask for your approval.” He popped an eyebrow and kept his eyes on Woobin. The dim light looked good on his sharp features, it made him look even more handsome. He would have welcomed it if the other had tried to get in his pants but right now he was too annoying and too wounded for angry . Maybe next time.

“That's what you are. Jealous. Well, I can calm you: I am not interested in dating any Empress. Jessica is a nice girl but I was there purely because of work, as a soldier and as a prince. Not for any mating rituals as you might think.”
Jongsuk popped an eyebrow. “So: no, I had not as much fun as we had in the mountains – I would have gladly repeated this instead of the ery I had to experience.”
He then laid back down in the back, putting the blanket over his sore body.
“And now excuse me, Mister Jealous. If you are reassured now: I need sleep. You can sleep next to me if it makes you feel better but please just shut up and let me rest.”
Oh he knew Woobin wouldnt be happy about his words but Jongsuk was simply done with the world and even though tomorrow was his day off he needed to sleep, rest, he needed to feel better tomorrow.
Still, something deep inside him longed for Woobin's beautiful lips on his and Jongsuk wasnt sure how he was supposed to calm it down. At least for tonight he needed to keep it in control even though Woobin's closeness didnt make it easy.

(part 2! And ohhhh I loved yours so much x3 It was amazing, of course! Ah, your replies always make me happy!
And it almost shrunk back to one as well <3)

@Kim Woobin (S) Jongsuk could hear the others feet on the ground, walking over to him. He had guessed that he'd wake up Woobin but he hadnt thought that he would get up and even come over to him. He blinked surprised when Woobin sat down on his bed and Jongsuk wasnt sure what to think about this. What did it give Woobin? Was he angry Jongsuk had disappeared without a word? Or was he simply trying to get in his pants now that Jongsuk was back and obviously still able to walk – well, more or less at least. Not that he would reject some right now but this time Woobin would have to be more careful with him as he wasnt sure how good the wounds had healed. Especially the infected one he had on his stomach as well as on his leg. He couldnt risk them to break open again – he liked Woobin's marks, he liked to show them as well but open wounds that would probably end up infected again was nothing he needed for now. Not anytime soon.
He heard Woobin's reply to a never asked question and was so close to answering. Yes. Good. Very good to be exact as the last time he had slept properly he had had a very bad fever and pain in his entire body so now he just wanted to sleep and rest and be comfortable. But he wasnt sure if Woobin would let him.

And then Woobin started to talk. If he wasnt so exhausted to a point he wished he could just lose his conscious he might be nice and explain everything to Woobin – not that the other had heard about what had happened, he surely had – but right now he wasnt in the right mood.
All he could do was groan and remind himself that he was still quite annoyed by Woobin's behaviour. And now, once again, he showed him clearly that he hadnt changed. Not that Jongsuk wanted him to change, no, he just wanted to rest.
He frowned when he heard Woobin say such assertions. If anyone else heard what Woobin said about the Empress of Ferric, he surely wouldnt end up free but luckily it was only Jongsuk hearing Woobin rant – Jongsuk would never tattletale.

“I am ing sure you know what happened,” he hissed then and put the blanket more over his body, showing Woobin he wanted to sleep. He hoped he would get the wink but, of course, Woobin didnt seem to care. Why would he? Jongsuk was only wounded and had had a quite long journey behind him but why care? Not Woobin.
He had the urge to tell Woobin that, yes, he was thankful for him to carry him and that, no, he hadnt had more fun than they had in the mountains but that would give Woobin right and even compliment him, probably, and Jongsuk was in no condition to doing so. He would have preferred getting laid then getting shot three times and seeing the Empress getting shot in his head but, oh well, he couldnt decide what was happening to them, could he? Next time if he was indirectly offered three shots plus 2 infected wounds for free he would gladly reject – just that he couldnt if his own mother asked him for a favor. Now she definitely owed him after all this he had been through.
Then he could feel Woobin's nails on his skin and, yes, he knew there had been quite a few marks but exactly because of that his skin was still sensitie.
“Ouch!” he hissed and tried to get rid of Woobin's nails on his skin. He was marked enough for now.

Mentally Jongsuk counted to ten to calm him down before he gave up on sleep and sat up with a small groan of pain and looked at Woobin. Oh, now he was getting pissed, great. Not that he was exhausted enough but Woobin was really getting on his nerves.
“Oh yes, it was quite nice, a vacation almost. I always reserve getting shot three times by a stupid, insane pirate captain and getting 2 infected wounds for free as an activity when I get a holiday from you. Sounds good, dont you think?” he said with a sharp tone and looked at Woobin but he couldnt quite see properly in the dark. He would have gladly stayed here with Woobin if he had had the chance but he hadnt. He was taught to never reject your mother, no matter what she was asking. Well, after what had happened he surely was allowed to reject it but besides that he was sure his mother wouldnt even ask for a favor quite soon and so wouldnt Jessica. And if Jongsuk was honest he really needed a break from the going on.


(part 1!)

@Lee Jongsuk (S) "It must have been quite the turn of events to escape for some care from the empress' soft hands and face death instead."
This wasn't even close to what he had heard, but the truth made no sense: Jessica could have requested of Woobin to join, though less experienced, he owed her. While would she ask a Commander for help when they were able men waiting to pay off their debts? Woobin smellt something royally fishy as some arranged union coming up or some secret dating crap. He had no belief in those relationships and although Jongsuk's life was his own, he wanted to know. Surely did Jessica know of his true identity, so why would she put him in danger instead of a random soldier? But he chose to play it smooth, turning the inquires around.

"Why did you not tell me you were assigned elsewhere to some serious royal mating date when we were in the mountains? I wouldn't have ruined you so much…"
That was a huge lie. He would have been even more and possessive for no reason but greed. But this was all about preaching the false to get the truth and he needed it to work. Woobin settled just beside Jongsuk, his palm on the other's neck, thumb tracing the other's Adam apple tentatively. He watched in silence but all he wanted was to on it, preventing Jongsuk from talking normally and on his sweet skin again like they weren't supposed to wake up in 3 hours with the rest of the camp.

((part 2/2: I replied a bit differently from the usual but I hope it will be sufficient as well. It's okay if it shrinks back to one answer. Mine almost did!))

@Lee Jongsuk (S) Woobin had heard Jongsuk get in the tent and he didn't have to pull himself out of slumber: the Commander didn't seem to have in mind to do anything silently, from shaking his clinging clothes to throwing stuff away. Maybe his tired mind amplified each sound, Woobin did consider it, but it didn't help him ignoring it. The soldier had opened his eyes without a move and watched the other's gestures in the dark, his eyes adapting to the absence of light progressively. He had heard of an ambush and deadly shots to the empress and her guards and still Woobin didn't ask any question, avoiding any worry from invading his mind, anything that could have an impact on his total indifference because for once, the soldier feared he wouldn't be so unaffected. This scared him. But now that he could see the bandages, so many bandages covering some spots he had marked, Woobin was angry and the only person he could turn this against was Jongsuk himself. It only added up to his set of mind since Jongsuk had clearly escaped him for over a week without a word. He wasn't supposed to give a damn and still he did. He simply could not snap something weightless at the Commander and he had all the difficulties in the world to lay still and let Jongsuk get in his bed wearing close to nothing.
That tease.

No matter what he claimed and acted like, Woobin knew he was fond of the other's presence, like one of a close friend. Like one he could grow used to and come back to. Those friends of his were usually bandits he grew up with, shared hardships with and knew better, he would shield those if he could, meaning to meet them again if he was in town. Woobin simply didn't keep close friends so easily, he was very patronizing and despite caring about the kids he saw grow in the streets under his watch, he never trapped any. Not that he would trap Jongsuk right away either, but seeing him go on his own and come back this wounded maybe brought Woobin a step closer to this point. Just a step closer to making a point.

Woobin left his bed, blankets in a puddle and went to sit on the edge of the Commander's bed, just next to the other's waist.
"Good." He mumbled to the other's comment. He let no emotion taint his voice because he wasn't even sure how he felt most. Frustrated and thus disgusted by the one who changed his careless attitude? Or maybe was he simply angry he didn't have a firm grip on Jongsuk to be aware of anything, or consulted regarding departures? The fact was that even after the best he ever had, he was pretty sure the Commander didn't long for him, he didn't need him, he didn't crave him. This was how it felt to Woobin and he hated it. He only wished for Jongsuk to give an explanation, maybe apologize. Those very demonstrations would creep him out but it was how it always was: he made one his, the one craved him and got clingy to the point it would chase Woobin away and he wouldn't need to worry about the one changing interest. But Jongsuk was very unlike those road scores: he was his hierarchical superior on top of being a supposedly pure blood of Pyrope. He was precious and yet he didn't give damns it seemed, living among commoners as a commoner, sharing hardships and getting bruised badly for the sake of what: knowing his people? Woobin shook his head lightly to himself, his fingers lightly pressing on the blankets. Considering all the scars that weren't his, he wasn't so eager to remind Jongsuk of anything.

"Did she fire you?" He asked quietly and he didn't exactly expect any answer. He was only dealing with his angst and his need to sleep.
"At you, actually. Did she try to shoot you? Looks like someone had maybe even more fun with you than I did in the mountains."
Now he couldn't help it. His voice was bitter, although sarcastic. Someone had estranged something he considered his and Jongsuk still came back and laid down as if nothing happened, as if that week never existed. "At least now you know that there are maybe worse s than those who carry you on their backs for seven hours."
His fingers landed on the other's neck, lightly brushing the spot he had bitten and fo many times. That week helped it fade and fade to the point he couldn't quite see a change of complexion in the dark but only feel the irregularly soft skin at this spot.
His nail pressed this spot he was sure was only his and thought of who else could have gotten its hands on Jongsuk.

((part 1/2))

@Kim Woobin (S) The moment Jongsuk entered the camp he was greeted by a few people and he nodded towards them, saying hello and exchanging a few words. He wasnt planning on telling them anything for now. Maybe tomorrow while eating he might change his decision but for now all he wanted was to change into comfortable clothes, hide his commander pin – he had gotten a new one as he had had no time to ask Woobin for his old one and he planned on keeping this one – and sleep. Oh yes, he needed sleep. Thankfully he had taken a bath before he had left the castle so he was still all clean.
But of course he wasnt allowed to escape into his tent right away, nope, he had to talk to one of the higher positions and the second commander to get updated. Not that this could have waited until the next morning but okay. Jongsuk had gone through much worse the recent days so a nice bedtime story was nothing he couldnt endure.
It felt way too long for a short update and most of the time Jongsuk simply nodded and smiled before he was eventually allowed to leave.

The light in his tent was already out but Jongsuk didnt try to be quite. He was too tired to make sure he wasnt making a sound and Woobin surely had missed him anyways so why not letting him know he was back? Not that he would talk to him. Only because he had been missing didnt mean he would excuse the others behavior. He got rid of his clothes and put on a white shirt and no shorts. His leg was still quite injured – he had been unlucky, ending up with two wounds on the same thigh and even though the shot wound was almost healed the other one had been pretty infected and was now only healing slowly. Still, Jongsuk didnt complain because he had had worse and being alive was probably a present.
He smiled when he finally fell down onto his bed, hissing quietly because the wound on his shoulder was still painful as well. All in all Jongsuk was probably a piece of art because there were scratches and bruises as well and not to be forgotten: Woobin's marks. They were faint, yes, but they were still there and clearly visible. The other could be proud of himself, he had done quite some work.
“Comfortable,” he mumbled right after he had found a nice position, his face in the pillow. Surely the beds in the castle had been a lot softer but Jongsuk had never been the biggest fan of beds that felt like quicksand. He smiled and closed his eyes, sighing in joy. Tomorrow he was still allowed a day off but of course he'd check on everything and make sure no one was ing around.
Especially Woobin. He'd have two eyes on Woobin to see what the other was doing and how he was doing. And if he had missed him, of course. Jongsuk had always had a curious nature and right now his person of interest was no other than Kim Woobin.

(part2! I hope I gave you a little bit to reply too ; n ; if not let me know <3)

@Kim Woobin (S) Jongsuk had lost track of the days he had been gone. After being halfway back to health he had to go on a mission, his body still weak but his mother had asked him to do so and how could he reject his mother? The entire mission was a chaos and it turned out to be the tiest mission he had ever had. He ended up with 3 shot wounds in total and 2 badly infected wounds but at least he had been able to keep the Empress of Ferric as safe as possible – they both were, eventually, alive and all other royal people as well. Additionally to that they had been able to make a few deals with the bandits and pirates and even though was happy with the outcome of the mission he would definitely not do anything like this again in the near future. Yes, as a soldier it was his job to fight and die for the royal crown but as a human he would rather not get shot and injured like this again. In total the last week had been a horrible mess. Getting sick, getting shot, getting stabbed – nothing Jongsuk was craving to experience again anytime soon. Now that his wounds were halfway okay he was finally on his way back. He had stayed an extra day at home, getting nursed back by his mother. He surely would have to go home anytime soon and for a long moment the thought of taking Woobin along came into his mind. But then he remembered the happenings before his mission and Jongsuk grimaced. He knew Woobin deserved a thank you but he also deserved a proper punishment – even though Jongsuk was almost sure that having to serve a different commander was enough punishment for the former bandit.

Now it was dark outside and Jongsuk had, finally, almost reached the camp. It had been quite a ride and with his half healed wounds it wasnt too nice. Besides that he was damn tired and staying awake was a hard task. He sighed and stretched himself and took a deep breath. It felt like the air here was a lot better then the air in the castle – of course it was the same air but for him it felt different.
For a moment he thought of taking a few flowers and putting them on Woobin's bed – as a joke and maybe to scared Woobin because Jongsuk knew that the former bandit didnt like clingy lovers. Woobin could be lucky that Jongsuk wasnt clingy – but he didnt easily forgive and what he had said to him when he had been damn sick hadnt been nice. Besides he hadnt forgotten the slap in his face as well. Jongsuk could be grumpy when it came to such things.
He could see the camp by now and there was a fire – that meant a few others than just the night guards obviously were awake. Deep down he noticed that he had missed the camp. He liked being home, he liked the castles and the gardens and his siblings – he still wondered whom of them Woobin had had fun with, besides the one he knew about, of course – and his parents, surely. But coming back here was different, it felt right. He was a prince, yes, but he was a soldier as well and even though the last days he had served as a soldier he had missed his Squad, he had even missed this annoying guy called Kim Woobin.

Shortly before reaching the camp he got down from his horse, walking towards the gate before being let into the camp. He was limping slightly but no one ask, they surely knew on what kind of a mission he had been and he was also sure that they had heard what had happened. Things had gotten quite out of control and Jongsuk could be glad he was alive as well as the Empress of Ferric. Not many survived a shot in the head like she had done. She was a nice Empress, a kindhearted and loving one and Jongsuk was sure one day she would make it far. Maybe he even had a slight crush on her as she was a great person or maybe he had just grown fond of her in the last few days. But even if he would one day fall in love with her he knew as the youngest prince of Pyrope she would never accept him anyways. Not even if she wanted to because it was written down that no youngest prince could marry an Empress. Not that Jongsuk wanted to – if he was honest that were too many responsibilities for him anyways so nope, he was out. Besides that he loved being a solider and he didnt want any children for the next ten years so he wasnt suited as the Empress' spouse anyways.


(part 1!
First I replied with the wrong character... woops.xD)

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@Lee Jongsuk (S) Woobin didn't count the days, but exactly a week later after they had been back, he ventured in town to one of those old anchors in clothes no one would associate with the army. This was what he preferred about long date camps. He had hide outs in the woods with changes and a few smokes when he needed a time out and The was quick, functional and he left soon enough to fear he wouldn't be allowed in so easily if he ever came back to this lover. But Woobin was in no mood to act, he had had enough soft feelings for someone who clearly didn't give a damn, he had wasted his time. He was so back to his old ways.
Once he went back to the camp, it was dark already and his absence didn't go unnoticed: the second in command manned up and sentenced him to all chores of the night, from cleaning the all dishes to taking the first guard of watch. Woobin wasn't bitter for the penance, he actually offered a small grin to the replacement of the Commander. The prick was this close to getting pinned for the missing one. That night Woobin took advantage of the fact that he was being watched to scare the man a little.
He was always half joking and flirting with the respect line he owed a superior, the man being younger just didn't help him. He thinking it would make up for the missing Commander but Woobin was forced to admit that the replacement was far less interesting. And again, his frustration grew but he kept on nagging at the poor in wits replacement. He had his fun and got back to the tent early in the morning for a long sleep. It was a common understatement that he wouldn't be up before eight am at least.

((part 2! :D))

@Lee Jongsuk (S) So there would be another time. Woobin couldn't help but feel like he achieved something. Usually he'd simply bet on his charms and impose the second time if he wanted one. Jongsuk changed the game beyond his expectations and he knew it was highly unusual to feel this happy the other party wished to have him again. He felt surprisingly clingy for a disinterested lad. And luckily enough, Jongsuk was acting a little more playful as they got closer to the camp. He assumee the Commander's nerves were giving up and he was coming to honest terms. That felt rather good.
"Yeah, I regret I waited so long to get to the prettiest of the whold nobility." He chuckled and maybe Jongsuk wouldn't take his words seriously or remember his words. But at least, he wished to make it up for openly mentioning he hooked up with most of his siblings. Maybe he knew it already, but of all things Woobin didn't care about maybe this was the least.
And now that Jongsuk was in discomfort, he was talking a little confidently. Not that he wasn't usually self-confident, but he didn't expose it so well. The way he stated his worth was very much like what any high noble would do all the time expect he was doing it when he was so sick he couldn't even walk on his own feet anymore. He did it when he had no more pride anymore and it made Woobin smile. Jongsuk was showing off when any noble would say nothing and maybe feel embarrassed and worthless. He was some kind of reverse royal, witty in silence when healthy, witty in words when at loss.
"Well I don't get off so easily in the cold so your comfort worked wonders." Code for: I had the time of my life, but Woobin, no matter how exhausted, couldn't be just as shamelessly honest, he couldn't expose himself entirely, because he never did.

This conversation was getting interesting, finally, just when both were so close to pass out meters away from the camp of exhaustion. Woobin held Baekhyun so strongly he feared the other's thighs would hurt more and the fact that Jongsuk didn't complain about it frightened him some: when pain would hit him, it would hit him hard. But he was sliding ever so slightly on his back, Woobin was very cautious. If Jongsuk so much as touched ground, it would worsen his state and he might not be able to lift him up again. But at least he had a few thoughts to look forward to, beside the soft bed waiting for him. Not that the camp had the best blanklets, but it would heal him for the little sleep he had over their little trip. Jongsuk his balls. He chortled at the other's words, the thought persistent in his mind. When it had been mentioned first, Woobin hadn't wanted to conform to the Prince's demand but now he couldn't wait for him to sleeo and be lucid enough to undergo a shaving. He was good with blades but as it came to his very own jewels, Woobin was very careful. He was able to consider himself lucid enough only five days away from their arrive their arrival. He realized it as he laid down on his blanklets, waiting for the morning call to show uo, already showered and dressed up so as to poke his companions. The soldier had rested enough and he was simply up early to mess with anyone sleepy under the unamused eye of Jongsuk's second in command. Still this was better than throwing his attention at the latter, and it granted him a status close to immunity.

The rumor had gone fast. Most barely thought of it as a way to annoy Woobin but of course he swallowed his pride so as to instill fear accordingly. "You can't deny that something happened in the woods for the Commander to leave…"
They had no clue, they even knew more about Jongsuk's whereabouts than he did since Jongsuk left while he was deep asleep without a word. Woobin had expected Jongsuk to come back any time, and over a week passed. The first days waiting for him had been gently annoying, but still he had had vivacious fantasies of Jongsuk coming back in the night, his mouth opening for nothing but to blow the Commander as as remorses dumbfounded his mind. He felt responsible for his absence. But this only lasted a few days. Then Woobin overheard about a duty Jongsuk attended all the while to the empress he knew very well, a duty he was supposed to attend if Jessica had asked him. He was hurt in his pride, especially for what he had had in mind for the Commander's return. By the fourth day, Woobin only looked forward to some rough action, he couldn't help but wonder which of the marks would remain. This was unknown to him. Woobin had to make the other part dependent from the next morning, this was how he counted anchors throughout the country, lovers he didn't let out of his grip for a week or so so as to be sure he'd find them thirsty whenever he'd be back. But Jongsuk messed with all that, disappearing on his own without any warning.

((part 1))

@Kim Woobin (S) Somewhere deep inside Jongsuk felt sorry for Woobin. Right now he must be such a bother and Jongsuk wasnt used to play that role. He was used to be the person that helped people, saved them and not the person that had to be carried around, sick to the bone and barely able to think anymore. Even though he could barely think anymore he noticed that Woobin was losing his balance from time to time, it was getting harder for him. Of course, no wonder after their trip. He felt sorry, yes, definitely, but then again Woobin slightly deserved it. Jongsuk knew he wasnt the lightest person but Woobin was slightly taller and looked more mascular compareed to Jongsuk, he would make it. Jongsuk ended up coughing again and blacked out for a few moments and only opened his eyes when the tent was over them and his back was touching a soft, warm bed. Had Woobin undressed him? He couldnt remember. They must have reached the camp in between him coughing and opening his eyes again.
“I dont feel like a sad worm,” Jongsuk whispered and held onto the blanket. His voice was shaky and weak and now that he was finally in a proper bed he felt even worse than before. Oh , could someone just burn him down or stab him?

Jongsuk somehow didnt really get what Woobin was saying so he simply nodded and closed his eyes. He tried to calm his breathing and made himself feel better about his situation but it was hard, so damn hard. Even breathing was hard by now, everything seemed blocked or in flames.
Only a few moments later he could see his healer stepping in and the moment he saw Jongsuk his expression darkened – he obviously didnt believe Woobin at all.
“He is right,” Jongsuk whispered, his voice breaking. “He saved me.” That must be enough 'thank you' for now. The healer immediately nodded and seemed to forget what he would have accused Woobin for and immediately knelt down in front of Jongsuk, checking his body.
Jongsuk's eyes wandered to Woobin and he smiled weakly.
“Sleep,” he mumbled and it was so quite he wasnt even sure if he could hear it. “You need it.” He closed his own eyes and now he was so dizzy he couldnt even hear the words of the healer anymore that seemed to get worried with every passing second.
But for now Jongsuk couldnt care. He had a bed, they both were safe and sound, they were back in the camp and all Jongsuk could think of was sleeping properly.
He coughed again and held onto the pillow. Even coughing was now nice – the bed was making it so comfortable. At this point his mind was long gone and even though he hadnt entirely lost his conscious he was definitely slowly blacking out. He needed a break from what had happened and from the fire in his chest.
The last thing he saw before fainting was Woobin's face.

(forgot to say that this is part 2!
I dunno, it is a bit weird but I hope it is okay? <3 Just let me know your thoughts <3 and sorry for typos but I am about to fall asleep so gnaaah <3)

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