[round 3] #105 (r3 archive) Used to Be Snow White but We Drifted part II

[seokmonsters]

Minseok finished inspecting the top blasters on The Cucumber when Jongdae, Victoria, and Baekhyun showed up, two of the three sporting a noticeable limp. Minseok really, really did not want to think about what his wife and friends had been doing in that room.

Luhan arrived at the vessel a few minutes behind Minseok. They hadn’t exchanged words, or so much as a glance. Minseok avoided spending time alone with the man by busying himself with routine maintenance. He assumed that Yixing and Sehun were no longer near, a fact that was confirmed by Luhan.

Minseok descended the ladder from the aft mechanical compartment, overhearing as Luhan told the others, “They left the space dock an hour ago, and we should be able to catch up to them if your ship is as fast as you say it is.”

“It is as fast as I say it is!” Baekhyun retorted, letting out an “Ow” when he sat down in the captain’s chair. “Give me the coordinates and we’ll be there soon.”

Minseok wiped the grease off of his hands with a rag while he considered what to do next. Being anywhere near Luhan was not an option.

“Unit for your thoughts, brat?” Victoria asked. She was reclining on the passenger seat, her sweat slicked bangs sticking to her forehead.

“No,” Minseok responded tersely. “I’m going to rest for a few minutes.” He played the coward, and slinked off to his sleeping quarters, where he would be safe from talking to anyone. It was a common theme in his life, to flee, and a tactic he executed particularly well.






Yixing and Sehun were hell bent on losing them, or so it seemed. Every time they closed in on the fugitives they took a different turn, buying some time before the tracking device lead the hunters to them again.

One day of cat and mouse turned into two, then three. Minseok avoided Luhan and the others for the first day, but the second day he couldn’t. He needed to eat, he needed to do his part on the ship, and he needed to stop pretending he could shut everything out.

He ate breakfast with Jongdae and Luhan the next morning, an awkward affair considering Jongdae kept giving him apologetic looks every time their eyes met. Luhan acted like nothing had happened, rattling off his planned tactics for apprehension of their suspects complete with a “We aren’t killing them, I don’t give a shit what Junmyeon says.”

Minseok scarfed down his meal and retreated to engineering, where he could find something to keep him busy for the time being.

A few hours and a couple hundred turns of a wrench later he was surprised when his peace and quiet was interrupted by two unsuspecting men on a mission. Jongdae and Baekhyun were giggling, not a completely unusual occurrence, when they stumbled into the engineering room. What was unusual was that they were kissing in between their laughter and there was no hitting involved.

“Yesterday was amazing,” Baekhyun half moaned, tugging at Jongdae’s clothes.

“Guys, I’m right here.” Minseok banged his wrench lightly against the wall.

“Shit!” Jongdae yelped, jumping away from his – whatever Baekhyun was to him now.

“Who is flying the ship?” Minseok asked, suddenly fearing for his safety.

“Victoria.” Baekhyun looked sheepish.

The Cucumber lurched to the side which sent Baekhyun running from the room. Jongdae followed a few seconds later, yelling apologizes over his shoulder as Minseok gave up and slid to the ground. He would be happy when this mission was over and they could go back to the way things used to be – even if he wasn’t so sure that was a possibility since his friends were busy Frenching in engineering.






Oh Sehun. Zhang Yixing. Minseok would go blind if he kept reading and rereading their files. Something didn’t sit right with him, something that was most definitely tied to the unsettling feeling he had about Junmyeon’s orders to shoot first.

“I am starting to think you are in love with that wrench.” Luhan leaned against the doorway to the engineering room, his arms folded against his chest.

“Maybe I am,” Minseok replied. It was day three of the chase and yet again he had managed to avoid spending time with the other occupants of the ship other than when he absolutely had to. He had eaten a meal with Victoria, which was followed by an awkward encounter when he walked in on Baekhyun making out with Victoria in an alcove near the cockpit. He had said a few words to Jongdae and completely shut down any attempt at conversation with Luhan. Perhaps he was falling in love with the wrench.

“They have been on a constant course for the last few hours, thought you should know that.” Luhan walked into the room. He took a seat on the floor near Minseok, keeping a few feet between them.

Minseok grunted. He continued to scroll through the dossiers, ignoring his visitor.

“You think it is strange too, don’t you? That our orders are to kill, not capture.”

Minseok looked up from his tablet. “Yeah, I do.”

“Minho thought the same, he warned me about it. Seems like logic gets around these parts, especially in the information trade.” Luhan hugged his knees to his chest, which made him look younger, Minseok thought. It was unsettling, a glimpse of the old Luhan. “Minseok, I think they’re innocent.”

“What?” Minseok looked at Luhan in alarm.

“Nothing adds up so far. Junmyeon wants them dead. They are running from us, staying just ahead but never completely out of reach. If Yixing really wanted to disappear he could, I know it. It’s like they want to buy us some time to figure out the truth.” Luhan’s icy blue eyes met Minseok’s.

“That doesn’t make any sense. If they’re innocent, then who did it?”

“I’m not sure, but I don’t think it was them and I do think Junmyeon knows who it was. He is trying to keep it quiet by having the supposed culprits killed, case closed. “

Minseok shook his head. “No, Junmyeon wouldn't do that.”

“We’ll see. Hopefully soon. If my calculations are correct, they are heading towards Psyche VII now.”

Minseok blinked in surprise.

“Oh hey – sorry.” Jongdae cut the conversation short, stumbling into engineering with flushed cheeks and an easy smile. “Didn’t know Minseok had company.”

“No, come in, we are done talking.” Minseok eagerly waved his friend in to see him. He could think about what Luhan was insinuating later.

Jongdae limped into the room, passing Luhan without a second glance.

“What is it?” Minseok asked, patting the floor next to him.

“I’d rather stand, sorry.” Jongdae leaned against the wall, his hand going to his lower back as he winced. “So I may have let your wife fuck me. I am so, so sorry Minseok.”

Minseok was expecting this talk to happen. “I kind of guessed as much.”

“Are you mad?” Jongdae asked, hesitation in his voice.

“No. It’s fine.”

“Also I… maybe… okay, it’s kind of weird and I don’t know how to feel about it, but you give such good advice I wanted to tell you. I don’t want to let it bother me forever, best to figure it out now.” Jongdae fiddled with his hands as he rambled. “I think I am in love with Baekhyun, but kind of feel like I might be starting to love Victoria too. Which is weird.”

Minseok didn’t immediately respond, prompting Jongdae to add, “Sorry! I mean, if this makes you feel weird. I just never liked you like that. It isn’t because Baekhyun is better looking than you or anything.”

“Jongdae,” Minseok said slowly. “It sounds like you know how you feel and judging by what I have seen and unfortunately heard in the last few days I think your feelings are reciprocated. Go, fall in love, and be happy.”

“Really?!” Jongdae sounded thrilled. “You really think so?!”

Minseok nodded. “I really think so.”

“Thanks, pal!” Jongdae shifted on his feet, his face contorting in pain as he moved. As an afterthought he asked, “So why have you been hiding in here if you aren’t pissed at us? Is that blue eyed douche being a jerk again?”

“Something like that.” Minseok had lost the desire to talk about his problems now that he was faced with Luhan’s outlandish theory.

“Ummm, Victoria told me you guys used to date. If you ever want to talk about stuff, just let me know.”

“Thanks, I will.”

After Jongdae left, Minseok busied himself with coming up with as many reasons as possible as to why Junmyeon wouldn’t have knowingly covered up such a grave crime. There was no way. His little brother wasn’t like that.






❄⧖❄

Minseok vehemently denied that just because he was young, he was naive. He had seen a lot in eighteen years, because he had to. An ignorant emperor was doomed to failure.

He knew that having Luhan at the palace during the break between semesters was risky, he wasn’t stupid. He knew that his father had been watching him via the servants and guards. He knew that every time he didn’t sleep in the same room as his new wife it was reported back. He also knew that his father was well aware that he didn’t love Victoria and that Victoria didn’t love him. The biggest difficulty was making sure that his father didn’t suspect who he really did love - and having Luhan staying at the palace was a huge risk in that regard.

Junmyeon, the little brat, proved to be excellent cover. He never said no when Minseok dragged him along to spend time with Luhan. He still had enough big-brother-hero-worship left in him to go along with Minseok’s suggestions that he accompany them. He never said no when he ended up alone and left to his own devices as Minseok snuck off with Luhan.

Minseok wasn’t naive, wasn’t foolish or reckless when he snuck into Luhan’s room at night. He wasn’t foolish to trust Junmyeon to keep his secret either, because his little brother would do anything for him.

Or so he thought.

It was the day before he was set to return to the academy for his last semester. It was the last day he had with Luhan sans classes and their fellow students. It was supposed to be a good day, a last taste of relative seclusion before they dropped back into the world of school, friends, and real life.

“His majesty requests your presence,” a servant announced to Minseok as he picked at his breakfast.

A bad feeling accompanied Minseok all the way to the throne room, increasing in intensity with every step. By the time he was standing in front of his father, he felt ready to pass out.

His father was an imposing man by design. He frowned at his eldest son and tapped his fingers on the arm of the throne. “If you continue seeing him, I’ll send him away for good and you’ll never find him.”

Minseok swallowed but didn’t dare argue. There was no way he could convince his father to let him see Luhan. “Very well.”

It was simple, to the point. An order and a pledge to uphold the order. Minseok returned to the small breakfast room and with little emotion told Luhan they were over. Junmyeon was the only other person there, watching with curiosity.

The saving grace was that Luhan knew it wasn’t real, that Minseok was only saying it because he had to. Before Luhan had accepted Minseok’s invitation to the palace, the prince had told him this might happen. “We need to pretend, but know it isn’t real.”

Later that day Minseok's father summoned him again, pleased that he had broken it off with Luhan.

Minseok knew at that moment it was Junmyeon who had told their father about his relationship with Luhan. It was Junmyeon who had told their father about the breakup, confirming that Minseok had carried out his father’s orders. His brother had betrayed him.

“I’m sorry, I didn't know it would get you in trouble,” Junmyeon pouted, wiping away tears as he buried himself in Minseok’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t.” Minseok comforted his little brother by rubbing his back. He forgave him so easily then, because he in the end he still trusted his brother, even if his brother was young and naive.

❄⧖❄






Why Sehun and Yixing chose Psyche VII as their destination was puzzling, a complete contradiction of what they would be expected to do if they were guilty.

“They do brain scans, read your thoughts before you are allowed on the planet. Think of it as a lie detector test,” Jongdae explained to Victoria, who had asked a slew of questions following everyone's words of disbelief over where the tracking device led them.

“If these guys assassinated the emperor, it will be on their brain scan. It’s like a confession.” Baekhyun whistled. “They belong on that stupid criminal’s space-cast.”

Minseok felt uneasy about this turn of events because it backed up Luhan’s theory, a discomforting thought.

They left the ship and entered the scanning bay, one of thousands on the planet. The indigenous species of Psyche VII screened every visitor using a thorough, albeit invasive, four step process. First was the whole ship scan, which occurred when the vessel was docked at the spaceport. Once the first scan was done, the crew was radioed permission to disembark. That is when each person was put through individual scans. One looking at thoughts, another reading memories, and the third a general health scan. All of the procedures were completed in black tunnels, pitch dark and devoid of all sounds but the hum of the conveyer belt carrying the scenes to the end.

It wasn’t a long process, but an unnerving one. Minseok hated thinking that his entire life was on file somewhere in Psyche VII’s database, able to be accessed by those with proper clearance.

Once they had all passed through the scans, they congregated near the transport station. Psyche VII was a large metropolis, a teeming city that covered a swath of the planet. The transport cars that ran between the skyscrapers were known galaxy wide for their maneuverability and reckless drivers.

“Where are they now?” Minseok asked Luhan, the spirit of winter pulling up the tracking device on the tablet.

“Looks like they are holed up with an old friend,” Luhan answered cryptically. “Come on, we can get a transport car to their location.”






When the driver slammed on the breaks, going from over a hundred miles per hour to a dead stop within seconds, Minseok knew he would never take a transport car on Psyche VII again if he could help it.

“Nice building,” Victoria remarked from the seat next to Minseok’s.

The building Luhan had directed them to was one of dozens of identical skyscrapers, each hundreds of stories tall with glittering gold detail and garish colored lights. Tacky and ritzy. It was the way of Psyche VII.

Luhan paid the driver with a swipe of his tablet, signaling for everyone to pile out of the death trap of a car. Jongdae took one step onto the platform next to the building and heaved, the ride over not agreeing with him anymore than it agreed with Minseok.

“They’re on the top floor penthouse,” Luhan explained. “Elevator to the suite is this way.” He pointed to a side entrance to the building.

“We are taking an elevator up to see them? Should we call them first too so they know we are coming?” Baekhyun asked sarcastically.

“They aren’t going to attack us.” Luhan sounded confident. “They’re with Changmin.”

Minseok hadn’t heard that name in years, but he recognized it. When Luhan had said they were with an old friend, Minseok hadn’t realized he meant a mutual old friend. Shim Changmin, former star instructor at the Imperial Military Academy was as loyal as loyal could be. Excluding, of course, his love of money and wine and expensive lodgings. Last Minseok knew he had left the academy to open a winery on some outer planet. Apparently that outer planet was Psyche VII.

They entered the high-rise and walked to the large gilded elevator. Luhan pressed the button and communicated who they were, a second later the doors buzzed open and they were allowed inside. Baekhyun and Jongdae hesitated, hanging behind Victoria as they entered the elevator.

“They are innocent,” Minseok voiced his realization, the situation hitting him like a ton of Irogal stone. If Yixing and Sehun had come to Psyche VII to see Changmin they were either pitifully stupid or they were proving a point. The scans would reveal their complicity and guilt. Changmin wouldn’t hesitate to turn them in. Unless of course they were innocent, in which case Changmin and his loyalty to the empire would prevent him from doing so.

“Told you so,” Luhan said nonchalantly.

“Wait, what?!” Baekhyun blurted out, looking confused.

The door dinged open before Baekhyun got an answer. The sliding gold doors revealed a sumptuously decorated suite, with black and white tiled floor, white paneled walls, and high ceilings. Luhan stepped out of the elevator with confident strides. Minseok paused for a split second before following. He wasn’t as certain, his hand resting near the blasters on his hip.

“In here!” Changmin called from a side room.

Minseok looked behind him. Baekhyun and Jongdae were holding onto Victoria, each with a grip on one of her sleeves, half hiding behind her as she tried to make progress following Minseok.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my old favorite student.” Changmin was sitting in a white velvet chair, wine glass in his hand. Yixing and Sehun sat on a cream colored settee. Minseok recognized Sehun from the pictures, a tall, lanky young man with blonde hair and a thick brow.

“Nice to see you too,” Luhan greeted in return.

“I was talking to Minseok,” Changmin corrected him. “But good to see you too.” The cheeky bastard.

“Hello Changmin.” Minseok stood in the doorway, feeling like it wasn’t the situation to take a seat and strike up a friendly chat. Luhan stood in front of him, resolute to do the talking.

“Ha-ha. Funny. Let’s cut to the chase. Did you do it?” Luhan looked from Yixing to Sehun.

“No!” Sehun was indignant. “We were framed!”

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to figure out that we’re innocent. You’re slipping in your old age Luhan, made me run halfway across a galaxy with a death order over my head before you came to your senses. ” Yixing teased, his dimple flashing. “Hey Minseok, long time no see.”

“Prove it.” Luhan moved to take a chair. “I’m not convinced yet, Yixing.”

Minseok followed, edging towards the unoccupied armchair in the corner. Victoria finally made it into the room, albeit with Jongdae and Baekhyun still shrinking behind her.

“They have evidence, and the scans will prove it too,” Changmin spoke for them. “I’m sure they will give it all to you, and the scans, well they can be accessed for a price.”

Who killed him then?” Luhan challenged.

“Junmyeon,” Yixing answered.

Minseok let it sink in for a few seconds. Junmyeon, his brother? “Why would he kill our father?”

“Your father was going to get rid of Yifan,” Changmin explained. “He didn’t want to see two sons make the same mistake.”

The knife blade twisted deeper. “Junmyeon and Yifan are a thing?”

“Have been for years,” Victoria responded. “But shit, I never thought Junmyeon could do something like this…”

“You knew they are together?” Minseok looked at Luhan.

“Yeah. But to think this is what pushed him over the edge…”

“My guess is he thought you would kill us as quickly as possible just to be done with the empire and,” Yixing gave Luhan an apologetic look, “away from Luhan. No one would question our guilt, we would be dead, and he would get away with murder without breaking a sweat.”

Yixing was accusing Junmyeon of using his own weaknesses against him, exploiting his hatred of Luhan and his avoidance of his old life to be the perfect cover. It was hard to digest the accusation.

“I need proof, now.” Minseok set his jaw in a tight line. “Did Yifan know?”

“No, he didn’t,” Yixing confirmed. “I’m sure of that.”

How ironic, Minseok wanted to laugh and cry. His younger brother was in love with a Spirit of Winter, and was facing a life without him, which made him do something drastic. History had repeated itself in the cruelest of ways.

“We were easy targets. He thought we would never be able to figure out what had happened, that we would be dead before we ever had the means to prove our innocence.” Sehun rattled off. “They didn't count on Yixing being at main-com that day, seeing the warrant before it went out.”

“Do you have blueprints for some nifty machine thing that can blow everyone up?” Baekhyun chimed in, having detached himself from Victoria.

“Blueprints?” Sehun looked confused.

“Wow, your brother lied to us more than I lied to Kyungsoo about stripping.” Baekhyun clucked his tongue.

Changmin set his wineglass down and stood. It was only then Minseok noticed the tablet in his hand. He crossed the room and handed the device to Minseok. “All the proof is in here. Yixing was able to access it before he escaped with Sehun.”

Minseok took the sleek black device from his former instructor.

“Surveillance video from the ship was recorded. There is also correspondence saved between Junmyeon and his accomplices, which Sehun managed to procure from an information trader on Neris. And the scans that show they are telling the truth are yours too, if you can pay for them.”

“We can pay.” Luhan looked at Minseok. “I can review it first if y-”

“No,” Minseok interrupted. “I need to see.” He needed to know for himself.






Minseok did what he did best. He shut everyone out as best he could, taking refuge in the library of Changmin’s penthouse. He had reviewed the evidence, the damning video and messages that implicated his younger brother in the assassination. Now he was angry, frustrated, and confused.

He had asked for a few minutes to think, a few minutes to formulate what his next move should be.

Junmyeon would be executed for the crime if he was tried at the galactic tribunal. He would send his brother to his death.

Or should he cover it up, pretend it never happened? But that wasn’t right, not when Junmyeon had done something so soulless.

He could pretend they had caught Yixing and Sehun, receive the reward, and run back to the outer belt with his friends. Forget any of it ever happened and let the Empire continue as it had for centuries, allow his family to continue to spread despair in the name of greed.

There was something attractive about running away, because Minseok felt guilty.

He had been the one to throw away his title, leading his father to not want Junmyeon to do the same. Throwing away his place as his father’s heir had thrust Junmyeon into that same difficult role, with the same expectations and restrictions. It was, in so many ways, Minseok who had created this situation.

Junmyeon had killed a person but Minseok had created a world where Junmyeon could go from the loveable younger brother he remembered to a murderer.

It was his fault.

It was his failure.

It was him. Not Luhan, and his cruel words. Not their relationship, which he blamed for his actions. It was his own prerogative, his own failings, that made him discard his destiny, then run like a coward and blame everyone else for it.

And even now, he wanted to run, to hide, and to pretend.

“I always knew you would make a damn fine emperor one day.” When Changmin had entered the room Minseok did not know, but he didn't particularly care. His time alone was always meant to be fleeting.

“I gave that up ten years ago.”

“Well, you have a choice now. If your brother is tried and executed, the throne is going to...oh let’s see, your cousin, and I think we both know that isn’t a good idea.”

“You want me to take the throne?” Minseok locked eyes with his former instructor.

“It’s time to stop running, Minseok,” Changmin said simply. “You can prosecute Junmyeon on your own, without the tribunal, if you are Emperor.”

Minseok swallowed. He didn't respond, unable to vocalize his agreement because it was halfhearted at best. He didn't want to be the emperor, tie himself up in the wide reaching damage that defined it.

“You can make changes, Minseok.”

His excuses fell away one by one as he conversed with Changmin, each reason he gave earning a solid rebuttal from the instructor. What was left was a shaky resolve. It was time for him to stop running.






❄⧖❄

“So, how many mistresses will you have when you’re emperor?” Luhan tossed the silver ball in the air and caught it.

Minseok gritted his teeth. “None.”

“Not even me?” Luhan asked, tossing the ball up yet again. He was lying on his bed, Minseok was on his own bunk with half a dozen open textbooks surrounding him. It was two months before graduation, and he needed to study every chance he got.

“Fine. I’ll have a hundred, is that what you want to hear?” Minseok snapped.

“Nice try, but you don’t have the stamina for that.” Luhan laughed to himself.

Minseok was annoyed. It had been weeks of this teasing, this insinuating, these half-insults. Luhan was wearing him down with them, little by little, even if they still had good times. Even if they still had happy times they reverted to this - this passive aggressive banter at least once a day.

“You probably will be so busy being emperor you won’t get any. You hate doing it when you’re tired.”

Minseok ignored him.

“Probably will be celibate in two months’ time, once I go away.”

That got Minseok's attention. He slammed his textbook shut. “Are we breaking up in two months?” he asked, venom in his voice.

Luhan tossed the ball. “Well you are going to the palace and I am going into the military so...”

“What do you want from me?” Minseok asked, angry and confused. “We promised to see each other when we could. Luhan, this isn’t a joke to me.”

“It isn’t a joke to me, either,” Luhan sounded solemn. He set the ball aside and rolled onto his side. “Also, we already broke up during semester break, remember? At the palace, during breakfast.”

Minseok tossed his textbook onto the mattress. He stood up and stalked towards the door. “I need to get out of here.”

“Run away, Minseok.” Luhan called after him, “It’s what you do best.”







When Minseok returned to the dorm he found Luhan sitting at his desk, studying. Minseok had jogged laps around the academy to clear his head, which didn’t really work. Now he wanted some resolution.

“What is going on with us lately?” Minseok asked, sitting on his bed.

“Reality.” Luhan didn’t look up from his homework. “Knowing we can't be together, wanting to, me getting pissed, you getting pissed. All the shit that was bound to happen.”

“So we are going to fight like this forever?”

Luhan looked over his shoulder. “No, we don't have forever. Maybe until you become emperor.”

Minseok’s heart hurt, but he knew Luhan’s heart hurt too. They shared the pain, the anger that caused them to fight. They shared the heartbreak and forgiveness later that evening as they fell into bed together. They shared it all, being the source of each other’s pain.

❄⧖❄





Psyche VII’s second moon was high in the sky, casting a pinkish glow that dimmed with the neon lights of the city. Everyone was asleep save Yixing and Minseok, two friends who hadn’t seen each other in over a decade, two friends who until a few hours ago had been operating as a hunter and the hunted.

Minseok couldn't sleep now even if he tried, there was too much on his mind. He had slinked off to the room Changmin offered him, but was quick to wander out in search of a drink of water and a comfortable chair where he could while away the time. Yixing walked into the living room a few minutes after Minseok arrived, sharing the same sheepish expression of I-can’t-sleep-what-are-you-doing-here.

“I have no idea how everyone else can sleep,” Yixing said, pouring a glass of water and taking a seat across from Minseok.

“Some of them aren’t.” Like clockwork a low moan was heard from the room where Baekhyun, Jongdae, and Victoria had retired to.

Yixing raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t ask.”

“I won’t,” Yixing chuckled.

“Did you know Luhan planted a tracking device on you?” Minseok asked.

“Yep, and we knew your orders were to kill us. Why do you think we had to make so many false turns before we could land here?”

It made sense. Minseok grew quiet. It was an easy silence between them, both men lost in their thoughts.

“Will you take the throne?” Yixing asked after many minutes had passed.

“Probably.” It felt strange to say it out loud.

Yixing nodded but didn’t say anything.

“I can change things, hopefully.”

“Does Luhan know?”

Minseok wasn’t sure why Yixing was asking him but he said no.

“You know, he has been a mess since you left all those years ago. He just doesn’t show it, hides behind those lame jokes of his,” Yixing rambled. “If you tell him you are staying he will probably piss himself.”

“Now that would be a sight to see,” Minseok laughed. He didn’t argue about Luhan being a mess, or otherwise dwelling on it. A few days ago he would have protested who made who a bigger emotional wreck, but that was before the much needed epiphany that he had a lot of faults, a lot of guilt, and a lot of blame in how things turned out.

“I think you’re doing the right thing, Minseok, not that you need my approval, but still.”

“Thank you.” Minseok had his own questions, or more accurately a bit of teasing to do. “So, Sehun, huh? Robbing the cradle, I see.”

Yixing’s single dimple flashed as he broke into a sheepish grin. He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. “What can I say, I mean, have you seen his ass?”

“Seriously.” Minseok put a hand over his eyes, sighing at his old friend.

Yixing laughed heartily.

“Can you guys be quiet? There are people trying to sleep.” Luhan wandered into the room, his hair a mess as he rubbed his eyes. How he had managed to fall asleep in such a short period of time and subsequently be woken up by their talking was beyond Minseok.

“Minseok’s going to be Emperor,” Yixing blurted out.

“What?!” Luhan narrowed his eyes at his fellow Spirit of Winter. Minseok was busy shooting Yixing death glares. Luhan looked from Yixing to Minseok. “You aren't going to let your cousin take the throne?”

“No, I thought maybe I should.” Minseok recognized how hesitant, how unsure he sounded.

Luhan was silent, his eyes locked with Minseok’s but not a word said.

“Are you pissing yourself right now?” Yixing asked, laughing. “Or did you come in your pants?”

Luhan launched himself on his friend, tumbling with Yixing onto the floor as he punched his arm.

Minseok smiled, enjoying the show.







They arrived on Khione two days later, Sehun and Yixing leaving the ship in handcuffs. It was Luhan and Yixing who formulated the ruse, knowing they needed to appear to have followed orders until they could explain the situation to Yifan - a daunting and uncertain task considering his relationship with Junmyeon.

Minseok, Victoria, Baekhyun, and Jongdae milled about the spaceport until they had word from the others that the plot had been revealed. At that point, and by his request, Minseok would be the one to confront his brother and have him detained.

“I hate that this is happening,” Victoria said wistfully. She was Junmyeon’s friend as much as she was Minseok’s and it was a sad turn of events.

“I know.” The only silver lining was that Minseok could save Junmyeon from death, even if that tactic could be seen as morally wrong. Junmyeon had killed someone, but Minseok and his sense of responsibility put some of the blame on himself. He couldn't hand Junmyeon over to the galactic congress, the governing body that was bigger than their quadrant of space. They would kill him, it was the only acceptable punishment for his crime according to galactic laws. Minseok couldn’t, wouldn’t, let that happen.

It wasn’t easy to convince Yifan to act if the amount of time it took for Luhan to radio Minseok was any indication. Hours passed, and with each movement of the hour hand Minseok grew doubtful. Finally Luhan’s voice crackled over Minseok's communicator, “The Emperor will see you now.”

Minseok took a deep breath and with words of encouragement from his friends and his wife he set off to the Palace. For the second time in as many months he entered his old home, but unlike the last time he knew that he wouldn’t be leaving. This time everything would change, there would be no running away.

When he entered the throne room, the cavernous chamber was devoid of anyone but the emperor. Junmyeon sat on the throne, his head in his hands, and his shoulders shaking from unrestrained sobs.

Minseok approached slowly, tears prickling his eyes. “I’m sorry.” It was the last thing he said before the Spirits of Winter arrived to take Junmyeon away. It was the only thing Minseok could say when faced with the past, his own culpability, and his current confusion over his family's fate. It was the only thing he could say, and by far it wasn’t enough. It never would be.







There was an ancient song, or was it a poem, Minseok couldn't recall, that spoke of the life of an emperor. He had heard it sung by bards in the dining hall of the palace, memorized it at one point as part of his cultural education, a must for a future emperor. He had forgotten most of the words over time, but a certain passage came back to him the night he returned to Khione. Words of the weight an emperor bore, equated to the feeling of a criminal as he was handed his punishment. Pressure that was earned, that was due, even if one were attempt to try to avoid it.

Yifan was part of this initial pressure, so was Junmyeon. One possessed utter disappointment and heartbreak, the other guilt and remorse. There was the specters of what came before, a legacy that Minseok had not been responsible for in a decade. The courtiers and noblemen added to this pressure, expectations and gossip their weapon. News travelled fast in the Empire, and like that the pressure came from outside of Khione, hundreds of planets large and small packing their own weight onto Minseok’s shoulders as they tried to understand the change in power. Court ministers, career politicians, jockeyed to be the new favorite even if Minseok had yet to be crowned. And then there was the shadow that Minseok was aware of, watching and waiting as his life became unbearably stifling in a matter of hours. Luhan.

Minseok's first moment alone after confronting Junmyeon came late into the night, when he managed to insist he have time to sleep. The Emperor-to-be trudged to his old quarters in the palace, eschewing the use of the traditional Emperor’s suite of rooms. He needed time to think, or more accurately to panic, and a feeling of familiarity and remembered comfort would help.

His old quarters were in the oldest wing of the palace, a suite of rooms he had insisted on claiming when his father had given him a choice. They were remote and made Minseok feel like he was away from the hustle and bustle of the palace when he was there.

Minseok opened the door to his quarters, the familiar groan of the automatic doors bringing back memories. He took a step inside the large, white walled chambers. The possessions he had left behind were gone, the room pared down to the basic furnishings and generic decorations of the palace guest rooms. The effect was that the room looked almost antiseptic in nature, sterilized, his personality wiped from the rooms - but what could he expect. He had been gone for a decade.

A large four poster bed sat against the far wall, carved with traditional patterns that told of the beliefs of Minseok’s ancestors. The floors, a white stone polished to a high shine, blended seamlessly with the white walls and accents.

When Minseok lived here he hadn’t remembered the place seeming so cavernous and devoid of warmth, as it appeared now. He walked to the middle of the room and sighed, his body and mind aching from the day’s events.

“I must be insane,” he said to himself, vigorously rubbing his eyes with his hands. He was overwhelmed and regretted that he had decided it was time to change, that it was time to stop running. Running was so much easier, so much more comfortable.

“You aren’t insane, but you are stubborn, way too handsome for your own good, and unfailingly bad tempered.”

Minseok jumped at the voice. He had thought he was alone. He watched in alarm as Luhan stood up from the small sitting area near the large floor to ceiling windows. The Spirit of Winter approached slowly, his hands behind his back. He was once again dressed in his uniform, replete with cape. “Hello,” Luhan said cheekily.

“Get out,” Minseok ordered. He had no idea how Luhan had gotten into his room or why, but he didn’t feel like having an argument.

“No,” Luhan pointedly answered. “I’m here to guard the Emperor. Yifan promoted me to personal bodyguard, you must not have received the memorandum.”

Minseok heavily doubted Yifan did any such thing. He was still shell shocked from finding out what Junmyeon had done, there was no way he was shuffling papers and reorganizing his men. Yet Minseok didn’t want to argue, he was too exhausted.

“Fine,” he muttered, making his way over to his bed. “I need to sleep.”

He threw himself on the mattress, flopping down on his belly and burying his head in the large down comforter.

He heard Luhan moving about the room, his boots clicking on the stone floor. When Minseok felt the mattress dip down next to him he stiffened and lifted his head to see Luhan lying next to him. He glared at the Spirit of Winter, but didn’t say anything.

“Pers-o-nal body-guard,” Luhan enunciated, finishing it off with a smug smile.

Minseok groaned and turned over.

The next thing he knew he was waking up, sunlight streaming into the room and an arm slung over his middle. Luhan’s front was pressed to his back, a vaguely familiar sensation from a decade ago, but one that wasn’t entirely welcome now. Minseok untangled himself from his bodyguard, pointedly ignoring the fact that he had slept better the night before than he had in a long, long time.

Minseok dressed in the bathroom and was feet from the door, where no doubt a slew of servants awaited, when Luhan woke up. “You aren’t going to leave without me, right?”

Minseok gritted his teeth.

“Minseok,” Luhan said quietly. “Why are you still wearing the ring?”

Minseok didn’t want to admit the truth to himself, he definitely wasn’t going to say it to Luhan. He had done enough facing his problems in the last day, he could be selfish and ignore at least one of them.

“Get dressed, I’ll wait two minutes and no longer.” Minseok stood and faced the door, thankful Luhan didn’t ask about the ring again.







❄⧖❄

Familiar. Minseok liked this feeling, he had missed it. Spending a night with his legs tangled with Luhan’s, their arms splayed out, their bodies pressed together. It hadn’t been that long since the last time - less than a month - but to Minseok it felt like eternity. It didn’t make it easier that the last time they had slept like this, things hadn’t been good between them.

They had graduated from the academy a few weeks ago. Luhan had exactly two days before he was to report to active duty as an officer in the Imperial army, and Minseok had exactly two hours after graduation before his escort arrived to take him back to the palace.

Two hours in a crowded auditorium left zero time for a goodbye. The most personal moment they shared during the graduation was when Luhan slipped his class ring into Minseok’s pocket. He had worn it for the last few months, knowing if he didn’t he would face a penalty at the academy. It was one tradition he couldn’t overlook.

“It’s yours, and always will be,” Luhan whispered as he returned the ring to his lover.

Three weeks later, when Luhan had his first day off, they clandestinely reunited with the help of the unlikeliest of accomplices –– Victoria. After a lengthy “you guys need to stop being assholes to each other like seriously” talk she smuggled Luhan to Minseok’s quarters. She made a convincing enough show of pretending she was the one who would sleep in the quarters that Minseok was ready to buy her anything she wanted. The Emperor would hear of it and be so ecstatic there was no way he would allow anyone to interrupt what he hoped was his heir’s amorous activities. It was the perfect cover.

Familiar. Minseok’s bed was much larger than the beds back in their dorm, which had forced them to sleep pressed against each other out of necessity (but they wouldn’t have had it any other way). Now it was sheer need to be close to each other that had Luhan’s arm draped over Minseok’s middle, their legs intertwined.

Minseok studied Luhan’s sleeping face. It wasn’t fair, how good looking he was. Minseok knew he wasn’t ugly, but next to Luhan, well, he felt a bit inadequate. Not that Luhan would have ever let him feel that way.

Luhan opened his eyes, catching Minseok in the act. “Hey,” he said sleepily, gripping Minseok’s waist and pulling him tightly against him. When he tried to kiss the prince Minseok pushed him away. “Your breath is horrible.”

“I love you,” Luhan ignored the comment and placed a kiss on the corner of Minseok’s mouth.

“I love you too,” Minseok sighed, burying his face in Luhan’s shoulder, morning breath and all.

There were a lot of ‘sorries’ muttered the night before. Apologies about how rude they had been to each other. And the realization, by both of them, that no matter how stupid they could be to each other, they still wanted to be together. Minseok almost considered it a need at this point. He needed Luhan more than he needed anyone else in the universe.

❄⧖❄





“Your login for the classified database is here,” Yifan reached over the desk and pointed at Minseok’s tablet screen. “And you will be required to change your password daily.”

Minseok sat in the emperor’s study. He was undergoing his first intelligence briefing, but he had trouble focusing when Yifan looked so... broken.

“You can take time off,” Minseok blurted out. “I know this whole thing is hard on you.”

Yifan looked away, appearing stoic. “No. That would give me time to think.”

Minseok had to agree, he had a point. “Very well. But if you need anything–”

“You aren’t going to change your mind, are you?” Yifan interrupted. “You won’t turn Junmyeon over to the tribunal?”

“No, I won’t,” Minseok promised. “I was going to make arrangements with Yixing or Luhan about where he should be confined.” Normally he should be discussing such matters with the Frosthelm, but he wasn’t going to put Yifan through that. “He can stay at the palace, but with restrictions on visitors of course.”

There was a pregnant silence, Yifan’s green eyes meeting Minseok’s. “He murdered someone, your majesty. He committed treason. You need to think about that before you are too lenient.”

“You think I am being too lenient?” Minseok asked, knowing that was exactly what Yifan was getting at.

“I think you need to understand the consequences of your actions, Minseok. Your job is not an easy one, with everyone watching. I’m telling you as a friend. I don’t want Junmyeon to be punished severely, but I don’t think we should let him free either. This is tough, all of this,” Yifan held his arms out in emphasis. “I don’t want to believe it, but I have to. You don’t want to punish him, but you have to.”

Minseok exhaled, then nodded. After a brief moment of silence Yifan delved back into the briefing, his words of warning falling into the background.

Minseok, however, had heard him loud and clear. He shouldn’t be too easy on Junmyeon – and that was coming from Junmyeon’s lover. It weighed on his mind during the rest of the morning, when he met court ministers and talked with ambassadors from the outlying colonies. He had decided to stop running and he knew it wasn’t going to be easy.






“Okay, but so say we did something extraordinary, like help catch the bad guy. Wouldn’t that earn us a title and a reward?” Baekhyun asked, two cups of wine down and another in front of him. Jongdae nodded eagerly from his side, while Victoria side eyed the both of them, whispering to the new emperor, “Ignore them, please.”

Minseok smirked and took another sip of wine. “You can have your reward, but I am not handing out titles at the moment, I’m fresh out.”

“Who needs a title when you’re rich?” Baekhyun exclaimed, adding, “Babes, I’m buying you both the finest ponies from Xander 42.”

“A pony!” Jongdae mocked excitement.

Victoria sighed, standing she reached for Minseok’s arm and gave it a tug. “Come on, we need to chat.”

Minseok followed his wife without question. It had been a mind numbing day, his first full day as emperor. Victoria was just what he needed after long hours of wondering why he had decided standing up and taking responsibility was a good idea.

Or that is what he thought he needed.

“You know, brat, you are pretty piss poor at this whole emperor thing,” was the first thing out of Victoria’s mouth when they were alone. “In one day I hear you are letting Junmyeon go basically free, you haven’t addressed even one of the colonial issues that were brought before you, and you managed – somehow – to not only alienate half your court by moving your coronation date but also slighted their sense of importance by insisting you didn’t need to keep courtiers in the palace past sundown.”

Minseok was tongue tied. “I-I what? I did?” He hadn’t heard anything of the sort. It had been less than twenty four hours since he had arrived and Junmyeon had abdicated, was there time to do anything so brash in such a short time period? Sure he had moved his coronation date out when Sehun asked him about it, but that was only fair since he thought it was proper to let the dust settle first. And the courtiers that loitered about the throne room and looked at him expectantly, whispering about a banquet to welcome Minseok back. He had thought it a waste of time and money and dismissed the idea. And Junmyeon, well he was to be confined to the palace, not given free reign! And how was he supposed to address any issues in the colonies when he had only learned of them that morning?! Anger was Minseok’s old friend. He raised his voice at Victoria, but the frustration was really with himself. “What am I supposed to do?! Victoria, it has been less than twenty four hours!”

Victoria sighed. “Brat, you know I want you to do well. I am just trying to remind you to think about these things, about how others are invested in everything you are doing. “

Minseok fell quiet. He worried his bottom lip, deep in thought. Victoria was the second person to give him such a reminder, and he needed to heed it. In his life he had acted in ways that were selfish, self-serving, and guided by anger and a sense of guilt. Even now his desire to take responsibility was born of guilt. But he had to change, he had to get better, he had to stop acting impulsively.

“I love you, brat. You got this, just be careful and think.” Victoria gave him a friendly hug before she returned to her boyfriends, who from the sounds of it were still discussing ponies.

Minseok trudged from the small dining room to his chambers, thankfully avoiding any run-ins with courtiers or court ministers. I have to get better. I have to improve, he reminded himself as he walked.

He hadn’t thought about how long it had been since he had seen Luhan until Minseok was in bed, covers pulled up to his chin, the only light in the bed chambers a low glow from the full moon outside. Sometime in the afternoon Luhan had slipped away.

It struck Minseok that out of everything he had heard that day, the lectures, the issues, the introductions, and the complaints, Luhan had remained uncharacteristically quiet. Not a joke, an offhanded comment, or a teasing admonishment.

It was strange, Minseok thought, that in some ways it made his entire day feel off.

He was still awake when he heard his door open, followed by the soft click of boots on the stone floor. Luhan slipped into bed next to him, but didn’t move closer.

“Where were you?” Minseok asked quietly.

“Helping Yixing process new recruits,” Luhan explained, his voice as equally soft.

“This job is harder than I thought,” Minseok admitted, unprompted and not quite sure what sort of response he was looking for, just needing to say what was on his mind to someone who didn’t lecture him first. When Luhan didn’t respond, Minseok talked. “Yifan thinks Junmyeon should receive a harsher punishment. Victoria pointed out seven things I did wrong today. My father put me through a military academy, a half dozen tutors, and talked my ear off since I was young, yet I feel lost. Like I came back for the wrong reasons, even if I know I didn’t want Junmyeon to go to the tribunal and even if I know I need to stop running from shit, it feels...it feels like this was a mistake, that everything I have ever done was a variation of one big fucking mistake.”

Silence hung in the air for a few seconds before Luhan answered him.

“Minseok?”

“Yeah?”

“If you don’t stop psychoanalyzing yourself and everything you do, I’m going to kiss you.”

“What?!” Minseok scooted to the edge of the bed in a panic.

“Night.” Luhan laughed.

Minseok glared into the darkness. A few minutes later he heard soft snoring from the Spirit of Winter. Only then did he dare admit that out of everyone who had spoken to him that day, Luhan’s lack of advice was the most welcome.






❄⧖❄

Minseok watched the parade drills with a polite smile on his face. He had a hard time keeping himself from staring at one of the officers, who led his men and women in a perfectly synchronized display. Minseok wasn’t supposed to be particularly interested in a soldier, he was supposed to be politely interested in the entire Imperial army and the amazing job they did for his family and the empire.

“Damn, I need to get me a soldier,” Victoria whistled next to him. Minseok hid a smile.

When the drills ended, a reception was held with the prince and the top military officers in attendance. Minseok thanked the snow that his father hadn’t figured out Luhan would be in attendance, or he was certain he would never have been allowed to go.

Victoria stayed by his side, smiling and greeting the officers like a proper future empress. To the untrained eye they were the picture of a happy imperial couple, beaming with pride for their army. Minseok was sure that to Luhan he must look foolish, playing the part.

Minseok had hoped for a moment alone with Luhan, a couple minutes even, just some time to speak to him, to kiss him, to be together again. It had been months since they last saw each other and Minseok was growing tired of it.

The moment never came in the packed reception. There were too many eyes, too many ears. The most that they said to each other was during a conversation with a General, who commented on Minseok’s military training.

“He was a great soldier, sir, I was his roommate,” Luhan spoke up. “Though I dare say he is his own worst enemy at times. You have such high standards for yourself, your highness.”

The General looked at Luhan like he was crazy to say such a thing to a Prince.

“You’re right, I am my own worst enemy,” Minseok agreed and the General’s nervous expression relaxed slightly. “You know me too well.”

Luhan smiled. The conversation shifted and there wasn’t another opportunity for even a disguised exchange of familiarity.

When Minseok left the reception he voiced his frustrations to Victoria. “I hate this. I haven’t seen him in months.”

Victoria gave him a sympathetic look, but had no answer for his problem. There wasn’t one.

❄⧖❄






The next four days were a blur. Minseok resolved to keep calm and make decisions as thoroughly as possible, a trying feat given the turmoil of his life. He met with more ambassadors, introduced himself to the galactic senate, and played nice with the courtiers. He shifted his coronation date and heeded Yifan’s advice in matters of imperial security. He managed to successfully answer a faulty accusation his cousin sent his way with aplomb. While every moment wasn’t perfect, far from it, he was doing better. In the evening of his fifth day as Emperor, he paid Junmyeon a visit. He needed to make a final decision, and it needed to be done before his coronation – which was happening the next day.

Luhan trailed after him, rarely leaving his side over the last few days other than when he had to attend to something Yifan and Yixing couldn’t do themselves. Junmyeon was residing in a suite of rooms in the palace, Spirits of Winter standing sentinel outside the door to ensure he didn’t escape.

He hadn’t seen Junmyeon since the day he was taken away, crying and broken. Minseok opened the door to the suite after taking a deep breath. He walked into the room, not arguing when Luhan entered behind him. Junmyeon was seated at a small desk, looking pale and tired but otherwise okay. When he saw Minseok he stood, bowing in deference.

Minseok felt his chest tighten at the sight of his little brother. “Sit,” he ordered. Junmyeon complied at once. Minseok pulled a chair out from the small dining table in the middle of the room, while Luhan opted to stand.

“How has it been?” Junmyeon asked with a shaky voice. “What is going on?”

“Junmyeon.” Minseok paused for a moment, taking in the scared look in Junmyeon’s eyes. “I won’t send you to the tribunal, but you aren’t going to be allowed to stay at the palace.”

Junmyeon nodded, confirming he understood.

“There is a small compound, outside the capital. It is remote, but it is comfortable and the best I can offer. You will be under guard of course, and unable to return. But you won’t be dead.”

“Thank you, thank you.” Junmyeon began to cry, his gratitude evident.

“You shouldn’t have done what you did, but I shouldn’t have put you in the situation where you could do it,” Minseok added. “I bear guilt for this in a way, I was the one who made father so hard and unyielding. I was the one who left you to deal with that.”

Junmyeon looked at the floor, wiping at his eyes with his sleeve.

“You were wrong, Junmyeon, and any guilt I bear is not the same guilt you have to live with. But I’m sorry for my part in it.” Minseok choked back his own emotions.

“At least you will get to be happy now.” Junmyeon looked up. He blinked away his tears. “You two can finally be together.”

Minseok tensed, his mind racing at Junmyeon’s words. He lost his controlled and thoughtful demeanor, his cultivated way of thinking over the last few days, and blurted out, “That isn’t going to happen.”

He didn’t have to see the confused look on Junmyeon’s face to know that Luhan’s reaction must have been strong.

“Goodbye, Junmyeon.” Minseok stood, accepting another bow from his little brother.

He made his way to his quarters right after the meeting, halfway there the sound of Luhan’s boots fell silent.

For the first time in five days he spent the night alone.






❄⧖❄

Months after the military drill, Minseok and Luhan had two nights together. Luhan was on leave and Minseok was able to sneak away from the palace long enough to hole up in a hotel with him. Two nights without servants, without eyes and ears primed to know what the heir to the empire was doing.

And what he was doing was lying on a large bed, naked, with his lover’s head resting on his chest.

They were both sweaty and the room smelled like sex, yet neither man could find enough energy to stumble to the shower.

Minseok ran his fingers through Luhan’s hair absentmindedly. His eyes were closed, his breathing low and even. He was blissed out, happy and sated.

“What if we did this every day?” Luhan smiled into his shoulder.

“I’d probably die early from all the work.” Minseok joked.

Silence. Happy, comfortable silence.

“We won’t ever be happy, will we?” Luhan asked quietly.

“Define happiness.”

“”This.”

“I agree.” Minseok didn’t clarify if he agreed with the definition or with the earlier question. Luhan didn’t press him, he was battling his own exhaustion. In minutes they were asleep.

❄⧖❄






Every coronation of an Emperor of Snow followed a formula, an everlasting goal to outdo the prior ruler’s coronation in any way possible. Minseok’s own father had spent lavishly on a week of celebrations, replete with expensive entertainment and the best food the Empire could produce. Minseok’s grandfather was famed for inviting half the Empire to his coronation, creating a logistical nightmare that earned him vulgar nicknames from the Imperial Traffic and Transport department for years to come. Junmyeon had broken with tradition, but it was understandable given the death of his father. Minseok would follow suit too, going through an understated coronation with little fanfare and less attendees.

The courtiers were there, dressed in their finest garments. The court ministers were in attendance, as were the ambassadors from the largest planets in the Empire. Yifan and the top ranking Spirits of Winter attended in ceremonial dress as guests, while the soldiers under them kept tight security on the event.

Minseok was dressed in the robes of his forefathers, the icy blue silk and silver of Khione. Victoria, much to her chagrin, was made over to look the proper Empress, donning the headdress of her predecessors. Imperial musicians played the ritual music to accompany the ruling couple into the throne room, while the head of the Imperial religion waited to speak the ancient words that would make Minseok an official Emperor of Snow.

It was more pomp and circumstance than Minseok had ever experienced, and it made his stomach and head hurt. He went through the motions he had memorized long ago, answering each ancient hymn with the proper answer. The most notable, and unexpected occurrence of the coronation was when the crown was placed on his head and Minseok stood before the people as an Emperor. Baekhyun whistled while Jongdae yelled, “Sexy!” It was, as written in the chronicles, a most unusual reaction to a coronation.






“Can I change now?” Victoria asked under her breath, a fake smile plastered on her face as she sat beside Minseok at the head of the long feasting table.

“Only if I can,” Minseok replied. The robes were heavy and itchy. He would have ripped them off in annoyance if he hadn’t found a distraction.

Over the last hour, he found he was staring across the table at a certain Spirit of Winter, far more than was polite. Luhan was expressionless, chatting with Yixing and Yifan but otherwise giving off an air of indifference. Minseok wondered what he was thinking about, or how angry he was about the comment Minseok had made to Junmyeon the day before.

Several hours and a few cups of wine later, and Minseok’s inhibitions were slipping away. It was late enough for the feast to end without repercussions. Minseok gladly left the feasting hall and returned to his chambers, parting ways with Victoria as she put Jongdae and Baekhyun in headlocks and dragged them to who knows where.

Minseok waited fifteen minutes before his impatience got the better of him. Luhan was absent, and that was making him worry. It was a cheap thing to do, he realized, as he called for a servant and ordered Luhan to report to him. It was a cheap thing to do, but extremely effective when you were the Emperor.

Luhan arrived ten minutes later. He had changed his outfit, gone were the dress clothes, replaced with a more casual uniform. Minseok had long ago taken off his robes and slipped into a comfortable tunic and pants.

“You needed me?” Luhan asked blandly, seeming stiff and far too formal.

Minseok knew the wine had affected him, but it wasn’t like he was drunk – just less likely to be inhibited by fears of what would happen if he was blatantly honest. “Are you avoiding me?”

Luhan had his arms folded against his chest. He cocked his head to the side but didn’t answer.

“You’re my bodyguard, you can’t just abandon me,” Minseok blurted out.

“I lied about being your bodyguard,” Luhan admitted.

“I know.” Minseok sighed in frustration, taking a seat on the edge of his bed. In a quiet voice he said, “And I lied to Junmyeon about us not being happy together.” Minseok swallowed, his mouth suddenly very dry.

Had he just admitted that? Had he just torn down the hatred that he had been so resolute to uphold for so long? It felt like an old wound had been opened and it stung. He wondered if he was going mad. Luhan had every right to reject him. Minseok dreaded that he had made a terrible mistake. He wasn’t as immune to rejection as he thought.

“Am I being propositioned by an Emperor?” Luhan faked being shocked and bashful. “My, my and a married one at that.”

“I’m sorry,” Minseok rambled. “I’m sorry about what I did back then, I’m sorry I am a jerk and I’m sorry I keep finding ways to be a jerk.”

Luhan pursed his lips, his icy blue eyes never leaving Minseok. “I prefer flowers as a form of apology.”

Minseok stilled, his heart thudding in his chest as he tried to figure out what was happening. It was insane, this reconciliation - if that is what was occurring. Was it? Fear, uneasiness, the promise of perhaps a happiness he hadn’t known in years. His throat was dry, his mouth was dry, and he wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. “I can do that.”

“Also, you know that if we start this again, I’m not letting you walk away this time and I sure as hell am not walking away either.” Luhan’s gaze was piercing. It was as much of a promise as it was a threat. Minseok knew the feeling. This wasn’t just a second chance, it was their final chance.

“Yes.”

It was cliche, Minseok thought, in some weird way. Like one of the space soap operas Baekhyun had subjected him to over the years they spent far too much time just looking at each other. Silent but sharing a question in their eyes. Minseok needed reassurance, needed to know this wasn't a joke. Luhan seemed to be feeling the same. “Do you admit you love me?” Minseok asked softly, hoping he knew the answer.

“I love you.” Luhan let his arms fall to his sides, letting his guard down. “So much it hurts. You owe me more than one bouquet of flowers.” Of course Luhan couldn’t be entirely serious, but that was one of the things Minseok loved about him. And that reality, the reality that the one person he had ever loved had taken him back was mindblowing. Minseok, wasn’t sure what to feel. Happiness, regret it took them so long - excitement at what was to come. It was a lot at once, and Minseok wasn’t sure how to handle it.

One thing he was certain of was that they were too distant, Luhan near the door and Minseok sitting on his bed. Minseok got up, intent on doing what he wasn’t sure. Hugging, kissing, throwing himself at Luhan? He just wanted something.

“Minseok,” Luhan said as the emperor approached him. He held his hands out to block the smaller man. “What are you doing?”

Minseok stopped walking. “I was going to…” he trailed off, not certain what he was going to do.

Luhan smirked. “We can’t do that yet, you haven’t given me flowers.”

“Seriously?” Minseok glared.

“You really are bad tempered, you know,” Luhan teased.

The conflicting emotions became indignation as Minseok began to protest.

“Let’s take it slow, please,” Luhan said softly. When Luhan was being serious, Minseok knew to listen. If humor was his defense mechanism, a serious statement meant his guard was down. He was vulnerable.

And how could Minseok disagree? Luhan was right. They had done the fast and furious physical relationship years ago; this time it should be different, they should tread carefully, they should take their time. “Okay.”

“Good. Because honestly I need at least a year to get used to your moodiness again.” Luhan winked and without another word turned and stalked out of the room.

Minseok sighed and flopped onto his bed.

Luhan had taken him back. They were starting over. Minseok smiled, almost giddy at his new reality. How unbelievable it was, how he would have laughed at the idea a year ago. He felt happy, happier than he had in a long time.






❄⧖❄

Victoria noticed it before Luhan suspected a thing, but that made sense considering she saw him more frequently.

“What are you planning?” she asked over drinks one evening.

“Nothing.” Minseok tried to brush her off.

“Don’t do anything stupid, Minseok,” Victoria warned.

He wasn’t going to. He was going to do something he should have done a long time ago, years ago. How he hadn’t thought of it sooner was beyond him, but then again Luhan did say he could be dense sometimes.

He saw Luhan that winter, but they only had a few minutes to talk.

“I think we can be happy together,” he told his lover.

Luhan kissed him in response but didn’t ask questions. He didn’t ask what Minseok was referring to. He didn’t read too much into the messages Minseok sent him, increasing in frequency in a dangerous way.

In retrospect, he should have asked. It would have saved them both a decade of heartache.

❄⧖❄






Days of frustration. That was how Minseok thought of the ensuing weeks that followed his reconciliation with Luhan. There were umpteenth issues, people, and circumstances that ensured they were never alone together. And then there was Luhan himself, who found a new hobby of teasing Minseok to no end. Fleeting physical contact in the form of Luhan brushing Minseok’s hair out of his eyes as he was immersed in reading the latest imperial petition, surprise physical contact as they walked down the palace corridors, the lightest of touches that were meant to make Minseok want more – Luhan had become a certified tease.

And Minseok hadn’t a clue how to react, because despite their past together this was something new, something entirely different. He knew the way his body reacted, much as it always had to Luhan. But how he himself should act – that was a mystery. Their relationship wasn’t what it had been, it was on shakier ground. Minseok was less sure of himself than he had been back when they first fell in love. There was too much hurt and too much to potentially lose to be reckless. It was unbelievably frustrating.

He settled for what any person with the weight of an empire on their shoulders and a tease for a boyfriend would do. After a meeting with ministers one morning, and with minutes to spare until he had to appear on a projection for the Galactic council, he took Luhan by surprise and shoved him into the nearest unoccupied office.

Luhan staggered inside, and seemed to know exactly what the Emperor had in mind. He flashed a half smile as Minseok slammed his fist on the button to shut the door.

Now that they were alone, Minseok’s resolve suddenly crumbled. He stared at Luhan, fire in his blue eyes, but didn’t make a move.

“If you were planning on ravishing me you are doing a very bad job at it,” Luhan drawled.

“I just wanted to be alone for a minute, since you never come by my room anymore,” Minseok explained, ignoring that he really did push Luhan in there for a kiss or two.

“I told you, I lied about being your bodyguard. No reason for me to stop by.” Luhan shrugged.

“Are we dating?” Minseok asked, his mouth dry.

“I seem to recall you calling it something else in the day,” Luhan chuckled.

“Don’t go there,” Minseok threatened, his cheeks growing warm at the things his teenage-self had whispered to Luhan.

Luhan laughed, taking a step forward and then another. Minseok swallowed and took a step back, moving away as Luhan moved forward, only stopping when his back was flush against the wall.

Luhan grabbed his waist with one hand, and placed the other on his nape. Minseok let out a noise of excitement, a split second vocalization before their lips met. They kissed gently at first, neither parting their lips all the way. Minseok was the one who widened his lips first, swiping his tongue on Luhan’s bottom lip. Luhan parted his lips in turn, and licked into Minseok’s mouth as his hand gripped the Emperor’s waist.

It had been a decade since they had kissed like this, and while it was different it was very familiar. Minseok melted into the kiss, his body reacting like it had years before. Fire pooling in his belly, the feeling that everything was right, this was right, this was what he wanted.

Languid kisses followed, ending only when a knock sounded on the door. It was one of the court ministers, looking for the Emperor. When they parted, both breathing raggedly with far too much color on their cheeks, Minseok whispered, “Thanks.”

Luhan stepped away, but couldn’t hide his smile.






❄⧖❄

Minseok walked under the canopy of frost trees, his heart thudding so loud he was certain every guard, every spirit of winter that stood near the throne room, could hear it. He had practiced quietly in front of the mirror in his room, over and over again, imagining how his father would react. How he would remain calm, how he would see this through.

The throne room was cleared upon his entry. His father had been the one to call the meeting, Minseok was not going to let it go to waste, however. He needed an excuse to see his father and finally say what he had been thinking of for months now – it was time to put his plan into action.

Minseok bowed in deference to the emperor. He looked him in the eyes, determined.

“I have decided to relinquish my titles and my right to the throne.” He felt like he couldn’t breathe during the long silence that came after.

“No,” his father answered with one word.

“It isn’t negotiable, I am relinquishing my right to the throne.” Minseok was proud of himself, proud of how confident he sounded.

His father laughed, a biting, sarcastic laugh. “Do you think it is that easy?”

“Yes. I do.” Minseok had studied up on the laws, on the history of those who walked away. He was following all precedence, and there was nothing his father could officially do to stop him.

“Very well.” It was eerie, the sudden agreement. “We will see if it is this easy for you.”

Minseok tried to swallow the fear that bubbled up in him.

“You are a coward, Minseok. A weakling.”

It continued – the insults, the lecture on all of his flaws. His father unleashed a hatred inside of him that Minseok had never experienced, a frightening, raw and powerful hatred that tore him down completely. When he left the throne room, he felt sick – yet he regretted nothing.

❄⧖❄






“Formal petition to annex Trillian 4P, your highness.” The court minister set the document in front of Minseok, bowing as he backed away.

It was the first time Minseok had to face such a request. He had been Emperor for a month now, and had tackled a variety of problems, personal and professional. He was still learning the ins and outs of governing and his relationship with Luhan had solidified into a few hasty kisses when they had a second to themselves but not much else, a frustrating state of affairs but progress nonetheless. The Empire, jolted by the sudden change in rulers, was starting to adjust to Minseok as well, even though there were growing pains on both sides. Annexation of planets, however, was by far the biggest hurdle he had before him.

It was what the Empire did, and it is what earned them a horrible reputation. They shifted the axis of planets, moving them within the snow line and into the Empire. The effects were disastrous on the planets more times than not, with collapsed economies, civil wars, and widespread death. Minseok had realized the harm annexation did only once he was living in the Outer Belt, away from the propaganda of his homeland.

He hadn’t thought then that he would ever have to make the decision to annex. But now it was before him, with serious repercussions no matter what he did.

“The planet is rich in mercury sources, which as you know is valuable for fuel purposes,” The minister explained. “We could solve our resource issue completely if we annex in the next month.”

“The current rulers are ineffective and not likely to put up a fight,” Yifan informed him. “We are prepared to relocate the 415th division, however if need be. They can deploy in under two days.”

Minseok wasn’t going to approve the annexation, he knew that to do so would go against everything he believed in. Yet he wasn’t sure how to deny it either. To say no would cause a revolt in the ministry and a pointed threat to his leadership, as he would be viewed as someone who was unwilling to put the Empire first.

He stared at the petition, pretending to read it. In reality he was trying to think of a way to flat out deny the request. “I will review the proposal.” It was the only thing he knew to say to buy time. The ministers moved onto other topics, thankfully, but Minseok kept returning to the annexation in his head.






“I think this is the first time we’ve been alone for more than a few minutes in a week,” Minseok bemoaned as he sat at his desk, leaning back in his chair. The last time they were alone for more than a couple minutes had been when Minseok had pulled Luhan into an empty room, which seemed like forever ago. Now he was in his study, the day’s work almost complete. Luhan, characteristically chagrining decorum, was perched on the edge of the desk.

“Well you know if you only asked me to spend the night now and then we would have more time,” Luhan teased, his eyes on the tablet in his hands.

Minseok narrowed his eyes at the Spirit of Winter. “I didn’t know that was an option.”

“Hmmm?” Luhan looked at Minseok. “Oh, well of course it is an option. Aren’t we together now?”

Minseok was about to shoot back with a biting remark when the communicator on his desk buzzed.

“Your Highness, the right minister would like to remind you of the petition regarding Trillian 4P,” the voice of the computerized messenger hummed.

Minseok groaned.

“Trillian 4P?” Luhan quirked an eyebrow. He had been away when Minseok had met with Yifan and the ministers earlier in the day, so he had no idea of the petition. Minseok filled him in, adding in a how he felt about the idea – namely how he wanted to deny it but couldn’t think of way to do so.

“So the problem is a Mercury shortage?” Luhan looked thoughtful. “If you found another source of Mercury, wouldn’t that negate the need to annex Trillian?”

“But what of the next planet, and the one after that?” Minseok slumped in his seat, feeling like the entire matter was hopeless. “If I deny any further annexations, then all hell will break loose. If I don’t deny them, and avoid this one, then there will just be another to take its place.”

“Every annexation starts with a resource shortage,” Luhan reminded him. “If you found someone who could provide you with almost any resource you needed, then the next request and the one after that would all be null and void. What you need is a good supplier.”

“Right. A supplier that has all of the universe’s resources at the tips of their fingers. Very easy to find,” Minseok clucked his tongue.

“Chronos A7, den of thieves, mecca of smugglers, and bastion of anything you can possibly want,” Luhan recited.

“The big guy?” Minseok was ready to balk at the idea, but gave it a few seconds more thought before outright dismissing it. Kyungsoo did have a wide trade network. He had his artificial hand in pretty much every trade there was, chasing profits on anything from rubber to rare metals. And more importantly everything was for sale. If Minseok offered him a good enough price there was a good chance the AI would find him a large supply of Mercury.

“It’s an option.” Luhan jumped down from the desk. “A good option which lets you keep your head and keep everyone happy.”

“It’s a good idea,” Minseok admitted. “Thank you.”

“See, I’m not just a pretty face.” Luhan winked. “Night, your majesty.”

“You’re not going to spend the night?” Minseok asked, alarmed.

“I said it was an option for you to ask, not that I would accept. You still haven’t bought me flowers.” Luhan gave a mock bow and then strolled from the room, whistling a tune.

Minseok would be blessed if he managed to make it through the year without having a heart attack –from being Emperor but more specifically from mending fences with Luhan.






“Is everyone decent?” Minseok asked after a few loud raps on the suite door.

“Are we ever?’ Jongdae called back.

Minseok could hear Baekhyun laughing inside the room, which indicated exactly nothing. Minseok couldn’t tell if he was laughing at Jongdae’s joke or if he was laughing because he was naked on all fours with the Empress. When the door slid open, Minseok really hoped he had been laughing for the prior reason.

“Long time no see.” Jongdae pulled Minseok into a bone crushing hug. “You hardly come by anymore.”

“Is it the brat?!” Victoria called from another room.

“She’s trying to teach Baekhyun how to play chess, if he survives the night it will be a miracle,” Jongdae whispered. He kept his arm slung over Minseok’s shoulder as he guided him into the sitting room.

Victoria was seated at a small table, Baekhyun across from her. In the middle of the table was an ancient looking chess board, black pieces far outnumbering the white. Baekhyun’s hair was a mess, like he had dragged his hand through it two dozen times. He perked up at Minseok’s arrival, seemingly happy at the distraction.

“Minseok! Wanna play chess with your wife?!” Baekhyun was already getting up, holding the chair out for the emperor.

“You little shit,” Victoria narrowed her eyes at Baekhyun. “If you weren’t so talented with those hands of yours… “

“Please don’t talk about your sex life in front of me,” Minseok shut his eyes on instinct.

“Sorry,” Victoria apologized. “But I was referring to his ability to make perfectly formed Cruthol sausages. They are really amazing, you should have them sometime.”

“He is quite good with sausages,” Jongdae agreed. “Knows just the right way to handle them.”

“Why did I come here again?” Minseok sighed, but took the offered seat.

“Because we are your best friends in the entire galaxy,” Jongdae answered cheekily. “And you love us.”

“Right, right.”

Minseok had needed a distraction, which was his real reason for dropping by. He hadn’t seen enough of his friends since they had accompanied him to Khione and he missed spending time with them. They had been inseparable for the last decade, it was only natural that he missed their presence greatly – sausage talk and all.

And Victoria, she was always welcome company. She had good advice, a big heart, and --

“Heard you and Luhan are making out in the hallways.” A really big mouth.

“What?!” Jongdae and Baekhyun said in unison.

“You and the blue eyed douche?! No way!” Jongdae looked scandalized.

Minseok gritted his teeth. “We are working on things. Slowly.”

“Well, um, if it makes you happy then well I guess I am happy for you.” Baekhyun gave the least confident congratulations ever.

“He isn’t bad, and what he was a jerk about he has reason to be.” It was the first time Minseok had ever admitted as much out loud.

“Well, well. Seems like you guys are working on things.” Victoria looked surprised.

“Yeah. I hope he can forgive me.” Minseok meant it.

“Just remember, you aren’t completely at fault, brat.” Victoria moved her rook. “Your move.”

Minseok needed to remind himself of that fact every now and then too, because since he had first realized his mistakes he had a tendency to dismiss that Luhan had made wrong moves too.

It was complicated, and probably would be for an unforeseeable time. Extracting himself from a decade of hard feelings, blame and subsequent guilt, was not going to happen overnight. But they were getting somewhere, slowly but surely, and that fact gave Minseok a reason to feel a sliver of happiness among the endless meetings and immense pressure.







Minseok vetoed the petition to Annex Trillian 4P five minutes after he presented his plan to procure resources from “A universally renowned trade empire run efficiently by a state of the art AI”. He left out the part about how the AI’s planet was the extremely dangerous, extremely hot, and the origin of at least a thousand or more venereal diseases.

The court ministers weren’t expecting an alternative to annexation, as evidence by their halfhearted arguments and general confusion. Minseok waited it out, stealing glances at the spot where Luhan looked proudly on. By the end of the day his plan was ratified, pending of course he could get that trade deal signed.

When Minseok retired to his study that afternoon, he felt a measure of relief and pride at how well everything had gone. His gloating was cut short by Luhan.

“Yifan has suggested I go to Chronos A7 to manage security.”

Minseok had been sitting in silence, eyes closed and smile on his face as he replayed his successful court meeting. With Luhan’s announcement his eyes snapped open. “What?!”

Luhan was sitting across from him, in one of the dark office chairs that faced his desk. He shrugged. “It makes sense. I’ve been there before and believe it or not the big guy actually does like me.”

“You’re leaving?” Minseok felt a pang of something. “But I didn’t approve it.”

“It would be highly unusual for an Emperor to override a Frosthelm when it comes to the Spirits of Winter.”

“It was my idea, so I will send who I want to send.”

“And Yifan will send who he wants to send to from a security and safety standpoint.”

Minseok groaned. “Fine.”

Luhan smirked. “I dare say, you’re going to miss me.”

Minseok didn’t feel like humoring him at the moment, not when he had just discovered that their burgeoning relationship would be cut short for an indefinite period of time. “Nope,” he deadpanned.

“Good. I would hate for you to be missing me while I enjoy the daily strip shows on Chronos. It might make me feel bad.”

Minseok hit his knee on his desk when he launched himself over his desk, intent on throttling Luhan where he sat. The Spirit of Winter scooted his chair back and out of reach, laughing as Minseok slumped into his chair and rubbed his knee, a scowl on his face.







If Minseok had little to no time alone with Luhan to begin with, in the week leading up to the Spirit of Winter’s departure to Chronos there was even less time. In fact he hadn’t had a moment alone with Luhan since the day the decision to pursue the trade deal was announced. Luhan was busy getting ready for his trip and Minseok’s attention was taken up by his responsibilities, his work often stretching late into the night.

Minseok was so distracted by his work that he didn’t realize it was the eve of Luhan’s departure until he happened upon the Spirit of Winter. It was late in the night, Minseok had only just finished reviewing the plans for a new sector of the capital city. He plodded back to his quarters with heavy steps.

Minseok was accustomed to sleeping alone, Luhan hadn’t entered his quarters since the night of the coronation. It was why he didn’t realize someone else was in his bed until he slipped in beside them. The low lighting would have betrayed the sleeping form, but Minseok hadn’t been looking.

He let out a panicked noise when his arm hit something solid, something most definitely human. Luhan stirred from his sleep. He sat up and gave Minseok a curious, half asleep look.

Minseok caught his breath after he realized who it was, but his heart was still beating erratically.

“Hey,” Luhan smiled. His hair was a mess, his eyes only half opened.

“Hey,” Minseok replied dumbly. “You scared me half to death.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Luhan stretched his arms. He was wearing a loose white t-shirt, a simple garment that happened to afford Minseok a killer view of his collar bones peeking out. Minseok swallowed and looked away. “I leave tomorrow,” Luhan said matter-of-factly. He grabbed a pillow and put it on his lap, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“How long will you be gone?” Minseok asked, knowing Luhan didn’t have an answer. Minseok had ended up assigning Luhan the task of not only securing the logistics of the trade deal but negotiating its contents as well. When he realized he wasn’t going to win against Yifan sending Luhan, he decided to go along with the plan and chose someone he trusted for the hard part of the job. He knew Luhan could do it and do it well. He also knew it was going to take a while.

“Not sure yet.” Luhan reached for Minseok’s hand. He threaded his fingers through Minseok’s. “Don’t do anything stupid while I am gone.”

It was so simple, the act of holding hands. They used to do it all the time. Minseok felt like his body was grossly overreacting by how hard his heart was beating from the simplest of physical contact. He wasn’t a horny teenager anymore, for crying out loud. Yet he couldn’t look away from where his smaller hand rested in Luhan’s bigger one. “I won’t,” he answered, distraction in his voice.

“Your palms still sweat when you’re excited,” Luhan said with a smile.

Minseok pulled his hand away, recoiling in embarrassment.

Minseok wiped his palms on the blanket and looked away. Luhan was the only person he had ever met who could make him feel so self-aware...so awkward.

“Why did you keep the ring?” Luhan asked softly.

Minseok brought his hand to the silver chain, where Luhan’s class ring still hung around his neck. “You know why.” They both knew. He was consumed by hatred when they broke up, but there was a part of him that wasn’t willing to let go. That was never willing to let go.

With his mind lost to memories, Minseok didn’t see Luhan reach for him until it was too late. The Spirit of Winter’s years of combat training came in handy. He had Minseok on his lap before the Emperor could so much as verbally protest what was happening.

Minseok was about to do just that, his mouth opening to scold Luhan for flinging him around like a rag doll, when Luhan silenced him in a most effective manner. Minseok was happy to shut up when Luhan’s lips found his own.

Minseok moved into the kiss, adjusting his position for comfort. He broke away for as long as it took to swing one leg over Luhan, straddling the soldier as their lips reconnected.

Minseok licked into Luhan’s mouth, reveling in the feel of Luhan’s hands holding his waist. He rolled his tongue over Luhan’s, earning a choked moan. Warmth and excitement pooled in his stomach as they kissed. They moved with urgency, a decade of waiting negating the need to explore, to take it slow and rediscover.

Luhan nipped at Minseok’s bottom lip as he moved away, pulling a whine from the emperor. The loss of contact was momentary and much needed, it allowed for Luhan to tug Minseok’s tunic over his head and toss it on the floor. Minseok followed Luhan’s lead, divesting Luhan of his t-shirt with a flurry of motion.

Minseok began to suck on Luhan’s neck as he splayed his hands on his chest, his body recalling how to obtain the strongest reaction from the man. It worked. Luhan moaned and leaned his head back to expose more of his neck. Minseok sucked and licked lower, biting at the Spirit of Winter’s collar bone while he caressed Luhan’s right nipple with his other hand. He rubbed the bud between his fingers, his arousal increasing as it hardened.

“Fuck. It has been too long,” Luhan keened. He tensed when Minseok took his nipple in his mouth and sucked.

Minseok was hard, his cock pressed against Luhan’s leg as he sucked on one nipple, then the other. He chased friction with small, teasing movements of his hips. When Luhan dug his nails into Minseok’s back, he couldn’t wait much longer.

“Take your pants off.” Minseok rocked back and stood, shucking off his own bottoms.

“Yes, your majesty.” Luhan mocked being coy, but dragged his loose pajama pants down in a flash.

Minseok took in the sight before him, Luhan hard and completely free of clothing. He was gorgeous. He had always been, since the day Minseok met him. But age had done wonders for him. His thighs were thicker, more muscular. His once scrawny middle was defined. His upper arms, puny when they were first years in academy, weren’t huge, but they were impressive nonetheless.

“Like what you see?” Luhan purred with a smile. “You aren’t half bad yourself.” He scanned Minseok from head to toe, his eyes lingering at his middle. “Didn’t know it could get bigger with age.”

Minseok rolled his eyes and crawled onto the bed, cutting short the cheesy comments in favor of activities more conducive to a long awaited release.

Luhan sat up and reached for him, stopping Minseok from moving forward by placing his hands on his hips. “Lie down.”

Minseok wasn’t going to argue. He complied, lying on his back with eagerness. Luhan was quick to touch, gently running a hand up Minseok’s thigh, teasing his skin as he began to leave marks on his hips. His nips and sucks were almost painful, but Minseok liked it that way. He had always liked it that way.

When Luhan moved his fingers to massage Minseok’s perineum, he thought he would come then and there. The gentlest of touches had him biting back a gasp. Luhan’s fingers moved to his balls, gentle caresses that went higher, morphing into a hand stroking Minseok’s cock in languid movements.

Luhan’s hand was soon joined by his mouth, the soldier licking a stripe up Minseok’s length. He mouthed at the head, turning their fast and furious session into a slow and drawn out form of torture.

Minseok whined, an incoherent string of sounds that conveyed his need without forming actual words.

Luhan understood. “Please, tell me you have lube.”

“Top drawer, in the bathroom,” Minseok muttered, not wanting Luhan to stop touching him but needing more.

Luhan got off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Minseok caught his breath as he heard Luhan rummage around. When he returned a few seconds later with the small bottle, Minseok’s stomach flipped in excitement. He briefly considered if he had been the only one who hadn’t done anything in ten years – since the last time he had slept with Luhan.

“Now for the age old question…” Luhan said quietly as he climbed back onto the bed.

They had never been consistent when they were together. It wasn’t a pride thing, it was based on pleasure, on who felt like doing what at any given moment. Minseok knew some couples were consistent in their positions, but they never had been.

“I want you to fuck me,” Minseok admitted without shame.

“Yes, your majesty.” Luhan clicked the bottle open and poured the clear gel onto two fingers. Minseok watched him, anticipation making his heart beat erratically.

Luhan was gentle. He circled Minseok’s hole a few times before pressing one of his fingers inside, a torturously slow push that was far too considerate for Minseok’s liking.

When Luhan wiggled his finger slowly, Minseok suddenly agreed it was considerate enough. It had been too long. It burned, an old pain he had forgotten returned to him. Luhan let him adjust, taking every movement slow as he began to pump his finger in and out.

Minseok shut his eyes and willed the pain to go away, and in time it did. Luhan helped by distracting him. When he slid a second finger into Minseok’s hole he began to gently lick and suck on his length. It was a heady sensation, the pain of the stretch and the pleasure of Luhan’s mouth on his cock. Before long Minseok was moaning wantonly as he was stretched open, moving down on Luhan’s fingers, needing more.

Luhan obliged, adding another, working Minseok open he took his cock in his mouth. He swallowed the head, causing Minseok to let out a shaky breath.

“Enough.” Minseok finally found the willpower to urge Luhan towards something more, afraid he would come if they continued what they were doing.

Luhan removed his fingers and sat back. His lips were swollen and red, spit glistening on his lower lip. He looked beautiful and Minseok didn’t want to look away.

“I want to ride you.” It was out his mouth before he knew it.

“I would never say no to that.” Luhan opened the lube bottle and coated his dick generously with the substance. He laid down on his back, his cock red and throbbing, precum glistening on the tip.

Minseok licked his lips. Lube trickled onto his thighs, a cool feeling that tempered the heat coursing through him. His breath hitched as he straddled Luhan, carefully lining Luhan’s cock up with his hole. He braced his hands on Luhan’s shoulders and held his breath, sinking down slowly.

It still hurt, it still burned, even if he had been prepared. Yet when he was seated, Luhan balls deep in him, it felt right. It felt good.

Luhan gripped his waist, but didn’t urge him, he waited until Minseok rocked forward, testing the waters.

Luhan moaned, tensing up. Minseok rolled his hips again.

“You’re so tight,” Luhan gasped.

Minseok moved his hips up, then sank back down, proud of the noises that escaped Luhan’s mouth with his actions.

It wasn’t slow after that, neither man wanting to wait. Minseok began to bounce, Luhan thrusting up at the same time. It was a deadly combination, pleasure overwhelmed Minseok as Luhan buried into him again and again.

It didn’t matter that his cock was neglected, he could come from Luhan fucking him. When he leaned forward he confirmed the fact, the angle changing in a way that had Luhan hitting his prostate dead on. Everything was white, heat and need after that. Luhan slammed into him from below, his grip on Minseok’s waist painful. Nails digging into skin as he drove harder and harder. Minseok broke skin on Luhan’s shoulders as he held on, crying out at as it felt like every nerve ending in his body fired at once.

Minseok came with a cry, spilling onto both of their stomachs as he clawed his way through his orgasm. He clenched on Luhan’s dick, it was the sensation the soldier needed to reach his own climax, releasing a minute later with a strangled sob.

“Fuck.” Minseok gasped for breath, his body lax, his muscles quivering as he slowly recovered from the mind blowing orgasm.

He rolled onto his back after a minute, letting Luhan’s dick slip from him. He whined, flopping onto the bed.

“Thank you.” Luhan leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth. He looked thoroughly debauched, leaving Minseok to wonder how wrecked he looked at the moment.

“Thank you,” Minseok returned the sentiment.

Luhan slipped his hand into Minseok’s as they laid side by side, catching their breaths.

“I can’t believe it took us ten years,” Minseok muttered.

“Hmmm,” Luhan responded.

Minseok needed to say it again. “I’m sorry.”

“Me too.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Luhan squeezed his hand. Minseok felt happier than he had in years. Many, many years.

“Luhan?” Minseok asked after a few minutes of silence. “When did you put the ring back?”

When he didn’t get an answer Minseok looked over, only to find Luhan fast asleep, their hands still intertwined.







❄⧖❄

Four hundred and twenty five steps, but only half of them taken. Victoria had told him Luhan was at the palace, and he had searched everywhere for him. The fear his father had instilled in him became reality when he learned the last place anyone had seen Luhan was the throne room. He had been called in for an audience with the emperor.

Two hundred and twelve steps taken and Luhan was standing in front of him, the canopy of frost trees overhead.

“Did you talk to my father?” Minseok asked, dreading the answer.

“Yes.” Luhan sighed, a sad sound.

“Then you know what I did.” Minseok hated the way Luhan didn’t betray any emotion. He hated the way he just stared, like he could care less how Minseok was tearing up inside. “It makes sense. I don’t want this, I don’t want to be emperor.”

“Minseok, you shouldn’t have done that.” Luhan was so unemotional he might as well have been talking to one of the trees. “You don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?” Minseok could feel rage starting to build. Fear was leaving him, replaced with anger.

“This –us, it was never going to last. Minseok, it was fun but you need to think. We knew it was never going to work out.”

He could care less that they had a small audience of guards, courtiers, and random servants that passed by. “What did he threaten you with?! Why are you saying this?!”

“He didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. To stay away from you, that you are too good for me, that I don’t deserve you.” Luhan was so calm, it was scary. “Now stop being stupid. Don’t throw your life away for nothing.”

“You aren’t nothing!” Minseok clenched his fists. “We love each other, we can be together now.”

“I never loved you.”

It was worse than the blaster shot he received when he made an egregious mistake during live fire drills at the academy. It was worse than any pain he had experienced in his life. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do.”

Part of him wanted to make a scene, to drag Luhan away and tell him to stop pretending, to kiss the lies away. But part of him wanted to punch Luhan, to yell and scream at him. To bring up every time they had ever fought – to blame him for making Minseok feel guilty so many times. For knowing their situation, knowing who Minseok was, but making everything a game of how Minseok failed him, couldn’t give him anything. Because now he could and now it didn’t matter. Now Luhan was the one to deliver disappointment, severing their relationship for good because Minseok’s father told him to.

Minseok reached for his safety net. He tore the necklace off and threw it, not caring where it landed. Not caring what happened to the ring he had treasured for years.

“I hate you.” It was the last thing Minseok said to Luhan, until ten years later, when they met on a dusty and dry planet.

❄⧖❄






Days became weeks and then months, a blur of endless work. Minseok was getting better at governing as each week passed. He learned how to placate the court but still get things done. He learned how intergalactic politics worked, when to become involved and when to step away. He learned when to say yes and when to say no. His tactics weren’t perfect, but he made a lot of progress.

Being busy was a godsend, because he didn’t have time to miss Luhan when he was buried in petitions, meetings with visiting ambassadors, and daily status reports. Every few days he would receive a message from Luhan, a to the point update of progress on Chronos A7, always accompanied by at least one cheesy line. He would smile, and grant himself a minute to miss Luhan, before burying himself in his work yet again.

Luhan had been gone for four months when Minseok’s life changed in a big way.

Victoria was the catalyst, but in reality it was more like Baekhyun, Jongdae, and Victoria.

Minseok still paid his wife and friends visits as much as he could manage too, which was becoming less and less frequent as his workload increased. One evening he arrived unannounced at their suite of rooms to find the trio in an uproar. Jongdae was blabbering on about a topic Minseok couldn’t decipher, Baekhyun looked like he had just won the lottery, and Victoria looked downright depressed.

“I’m pregnant,” Victoria announced, talking over Jongdae.

“We’re going to be dads!” Baekhyun beamed at Minseok’s wife.

“No, you’re not,” Victoria practically yelled. “If you had been listening to what I have been trying to tell you, you would know that.”

“What?” Jongdae looked confused.

“I’m the Empress. Minseok is going to be a dad, whether he is the father or not.” Victoria was on the verge of tears.

Minseok thought he was going to be sick. How he had never considered this happening seemed so foolish in retrospect. When he looked from Jongdae to Baekhyun, his heart hurt even more. He had never seen his friends look so sad.






Life after Victoria’s pregnancy was discovered became more chaotic, in part because Minseok was battling his own depression at the news. It couldn’t be kept a secret, not when the Emperor and Empress were required, by law to consort the Imperial Physician at regular intervals. A pregnancy was always announced, there was no way around it.

Congratulations poured in to Minseok and Victoria. They acted happy to those who didn’t understand the situation, but in private both became more subdued. Jongdae and Baekhyun were far worse, more than once they followed Minseok around and pouted, looking away whenever he dared to speak to them.

And then there was the matter of Luhan, who Minseok didn’t notify about the pregnancy because he was certain the Spirit of Winter would have found out alongside everyone else. Luhan didn’t mention it and Minseok didn’t either. Luhan’s cheesy messages continued, and Minseok continued to send equally cheesy and short replies. It wasn’t like Luhan didn’t understand Minseok was married, or that he would assume Minseok was actually the father. Still, it was another potential obstacle for them.

At night Minseok would collapse into bed, exhausted. Inevitably the reality of what he was doing would weigh on his mind for the few minutes before he fell asleep, the image of his best friends’ heartbreak replaying in his mind.






The paper covered Minseok’s tablet, forcing him to stop reading the daily briefing his minister of defense had sent him. He squinted, eyes readjusting to read the small print.

“I have an idea.” Victoria stood next to Minseok, her hand slipping away from the flier she had put in front of him.

“An orphanage?” Minseok looked up from the paper.

“How would you feel if I tragically died during childbirth but in actuality ran off with your two friends and our baby to smuggle goods? You adopt an orphan, pretend it is our baby, marry Luhan, blah blah we all have a happy time and there are rainbows somewhere.”

“I’d feel great,” Minseok answered. “Never better.”

Victoria smiled. “Good. Me too.”






“I don’t think we ever went shopping together. Ever.” Yifan looked uncomfortable in the large jewelry store. He adjusted and readjusted his mask, pulling his hat down to cover his eyes more.

“Stop fidgeting, you’re only drawing attention to yourself.” Yixing reprimanded, un-phased by showing up in the market district of the capital without hiding his face first. He reasoned no one knew what he looked like, unlike the Frosthelm or the Emperor.

“I don’t understand why you don’t just have the merchants come to the palace,” Yifan grumbled.

“I can’t buy a ring before my wife is dead,” Minseok said nonchalantly as he surveyed the engagement rings in the store. “Might raise some red flags.”

“Right,” Yifan sighed.

He had debated where he should buy a ring, if it was even a good idea. Part of him wanted to wait until Luhan was back and talk to him about it, eschewing a romantic surprise gesture in favor of a mature conversation about their future.

But then Yixing had a few too many Tiveldian Ales one night and let it slip to Minseok, “You think he is kidding he wants flowers? Fuck. He is the most romantic unromantic person I know. Like a teenager really.” Yixing howled with laughter.

Minseok found Yixing’s words compatible with old memories. Of cheesy things Luhan did and said back in their academy days. Like giving Minseok his class ring, twice.

Minseok scanned the selection of rings, none unique enough.

“Minseok, what about this?” Yixing called the emperor over to where he was leaning against a glass case.

Minseok looked to where Yixing was tapping his finger against the glass, pointing at a silver ring set with diamonds.

Minseok loved the setting, but the stone…

“I wish the stone was a better color,” Minseok muttered.

“You could always change it for another stone.”

Another stone. Minseok considered the option and an idea came upon him. “Yeah, I guess I could.” He knew exactly what he was going to do.






The day Luhan returned to Khione the snow was particularly heavy, a blizzard bearing down on the capital city and causing a white out. Minseok had known Luhan would return soon, via his mission status messages, but didn’t know exactly when until Sehun informed him over the communicator on his desk.

“Your boy toy is back,” were Sehun’s exact words. Minseok had learned how sassy the minister could be and would have scolded him any other time, but not now. He could forgive him this once.

It was highly uncouth for an Emperor of Snow to meet a returning soldier at the space docks but Minseok could care less. He dared anyone to challenge his excuse. “It is only right to welcome back the soldier who solved a most dire problem for the Empire.”

No one argued.

When Luhan stepped off the transport ship he saluted. Minseok saluted back. To the untrained eye it would appear that Minseok’s excuse was not an excuse at all, the emperor was truly there to welcome home one of the Empire’s best soldiers.

To two people, however it was more than apparent it was a ruse. A wink, a cheeky smile, and a very subtle grab of a hand told the true story.






Luhan turned the picture to the left, then the right. He studied it for a very long time, which made Minseok nervous.

“What?” he asked in a panic.

“I see ten fingers and ten toes.” Luhan nodded approvingly. “He is cute too, not as cute as you but hey we all have a weakness.”

Minseok sighed and rolled his eyes.

“So, did you buy me flowers? A ring? Where’s my engagement present?” Luhan set the picture of the baby down on the table.

“I bought you a ring.” Minseok felt shy all of a sudden.

Luhan raised his eyebrows. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“You are the worst at proposals. I mean seriously you hand me a picture of a baby and then tell me you bought a ring?”

Minseok opened his mouth to protest, but was silenced with a kiss. Luhan was a pro at cheap plays.






The Empress of Snow gave birth during an unusually calm period of time on Khione. The snows hadn’t fallen in weeks, an oddity that no one could remember having occurred in centuries. Minseok waited outside the delivery room, watching as his two friends (and soon to be fathers) paced nervously in front of the door. They collided with each other a few times, muttering apologies and continuing their course.

“They are making me dizzy,” Luhan whispered from his spot next to Minseok.

“Me too,” Minseok admitted.

Victoria didn’t cry during childbirth, she swore. Words Minseok had never even heard of, but guessed came from some of the darker corners of the outer belt. Her swears filled the hallway for a good hour before they fell silent.

Jongdae and Baekhyun stopped pacing at the silence, giving each other wide eyed looks of panic before rushing into the birthing room. When Victoria began swearing loudly again, and Minseok heard the cries of an infant, he knew everything would be okay.

“Should we say hello to our baby?” Minseok asked, grabbing Luhan’s hand. His palm brushed past the ring on Luhan’s finger, the icy blue stone covered for a second. Minseok had a matching one, put on that morning when they knew today would be the day. He had wondered if Luhan would know where the stone came from, but he didn’t say anything. Luhan’s class ring, sans the unique stone, sat in a drawer in Minseok’s room. He liked the stone better where it was now, on both of their fingers.

“Yeah.” Luhan led the way to the room next to Victoria’s, where the orphan they had adopted waited. He was perfect, absolutely perfect. Of course he wasn’t a newborn, and they would never convince anyone that he was. But he was less than a month old, with the most brilliant blue eyes. Minseok secretly hoped they wouldn’t change, that they would stay that color forever.

He had paid the court physician an obscene amount of money for his compliance, which was aided by Yifan having a talk with the man as well. The money likely had less to do with his promise to keep the baby swap a secret than Yifan’s threats did. For such a big and kind man, Yifan could be very intimidating when he wanted to be.

The baby was in a white bassinet, sleeping, when they entered the room. They crept over to peek at the infant, unable to hide their smiles.

“Congrats on becoming a father,” Luhan whispered.

“You too.”







Jongdae was better with the baby than Victoria or Baekhyun. Their daughter, which they named Luna, never so much as whimpered when Jongdae held her.

“She knows a good thing when she sees it,” Jongdae announced as he cradled the baby.

“Or a boring thing,” Baekhyun shot back. Jongdae rolled his eyes and continued to coo at their child.

Baekhyun finished loading up The Cucumber, having a new assortment of goods to store in the cargo hold. “Who knew a kid needed this many diapers, seriously.”

“Keep it up, and you’ll be on diaper duty for the next week,” Victoria sing songed as she threw another bundle of diapers on the cargo hold.

“Sorry, ma’am!” Baekhyun mocked a salute.

Sometimes Minseok wondered how his wife put up with his friends, but she seemed happy. Happier than he had ever seen her. It was strange, the way love worked. The way a perfect match didn’t seem like a perfect match from the outside looking in.

“At my funeral please tell everyone my last words were I came, I saw, I conquered and then I was strangled by my own bra or some inexplicable reason,” Victoria said over her shoulder. “Seems better that way.”

“I will.” Minseok laughed.

When the cargo was loaded in, the goodbyes began. Minseok felt his chest tighten. He was saying goodbye to his closest friends and the friend he had kept for the longest period of time.

“Don’t you dare cry!” Baekhyun wagged a finger in Minseok’s face.

“He won’t cry for you,” Victoria tsked. “He’ll cry for me though.”

Minseok had a feeling The Cucumber would see enough excitement in the coming months to last a lifetime.

“Take care.” Luhan sounded gruff as he said goodbye and Minseok noticed the hesitant farewells from Jongdae and Baekhyun. Victoria, on the other hand, pulled Luhan into a tight hug.

“Take care of him.”

“I will,” Luhan promised.

“And be happy. You both need to be happy.”

Minseok approached Baekhyun, his heart hurting when his goofy friend began to wipe tears.

“We’ll come see you now and then. Remember babies don’t like heavy metal and they need to eat a lot and sleep and stuff.” Baekhyun turned away, sniffling. “I love you, bro. A lot”

Minseok pulled Baekhyun into a hug, patting his back with gusto. “Remember to pay attention when you’re driving, and don’t corrupt your kid too fast.”

“I won’t,” Baekhyun sobbed.

After Baekhyun was done wiping his snot on Minseok’s shirt, it was time to say goodbye to Jongdae. He handed the baby to Victoria and subsequently wrapped himself around Minseok. “Be careful. Don’t let emperor stuff make you crazy. I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Minseok responded, patting Jongdae’s back. They were both crying.

“I’ll watch out for Baekhyun,” Jongdae promised.

“Please do.”

Jongdae carried Luna into The Cucumber with Baekhyun walking behind him. They were both crying. Minseok hated to say goodbye but he knew it was time.

“You brat.” Victoria hugged him the tightest of all. Minseok would miss her dearly, even if he had spent so much time away from her already.

“Take care of those two for me,” Minseok whispered.

“We’ll be back now and then,” Victoria promised.

When they broke their hug, they smiled at each other through the tears.

“I’m proud of you, brat. You’ve grown up to be a good man.”

“I had help.” Minseok blinked away his tears.

“Keep Luhan in line.” Victoria looked past Minseok to Luhan. “And you keep Minseok in line.”

“Aye aye,” Luhan answered.

“Be happy, you deserve it.” Victoria gave him one last hug before leaving.

Minseok and Luhan stood at the docking bay until The Cucumber was disengaged and they had to leave for safety reasons.

They held hands as they strolled the space dock. It was deserted, orders from the Emperor – being the accomplice in your dead wife’s getaway required as much.

“They’ll be back,” Luhan tried to be reassuring.

“I know. They’ll want money eventually,” Minseok joked.

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Luhan broke the sad atmosphere. “So what am I when we get married? Co-emperor? Emperor, the better looking?”

Minseok sent him a death glare. “Why am I marrying you again?”

“Because you love me. And you think I’m awesome. And you love my stupid jokes. And I never gave you shit for cutting up my class ring.”

Minseok had to give him that.

“But how did you get my ring back?” Luhan asked, swinging their hands together as they walked. “You left the palace after we fought. I didn’t think you picked it up after you threw it.”

“I had a little help from a friend,” Minseok answered cryptically.






❄⧖❄

Minseok had one rucksack containing everything he wanted to keep from the first nineteen years of his life. He had the necessities, a tablet, some medicine, a book. He had a memento of his long gone mother and a stupid trinket Victoria had given them when they were young. He had some clothes and an extra blaster. Nineteen years of his life in one bag.

Victoria was the only person to see him off.

“I’m sorry, for making a mess for you.” Minseok had apologized to her many times, and he meant it. His actions hurt her as well. She had gone from being a future empress to being an unwanted daughter-in-law, stuck with being known as the wife of a deserter and a coward.

“Shut up, brat.” Victoria pushed his forehead playfully. “I’ll be fine. Plus now I have way more time to practice that tantric se-“

“Please don’t tell me.” Minseok held his hands up.

Victoria laughed. She grew serious suddenly, tears were in her eyes. “Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t get shot. Don’t piss anyone off if they are bigger than you. And don’t, I repeat, don’t sleep with a Maristor.”

“A what?” Minseok tilted his head to the side.

“Spikes, tentacles, death poison mating ritual. Just stay away, okay?”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

Victoria pulled him into a long hug. “Be good, brat or I’ll never forgive you.”

“You too.” Minseok had tears of his own prickling the corners of his eyes. “I’ll be fine though, really.”

“You better be.” Victoria murmured.

Minseok left Khione without a title, without a purpose, without a place in his long and proud lineage. He left with anger, hatred, and a desire to run away.

When Minseok was halfway across the quadrant, after shelling out the cheapest fare for the outer belt he could find, he discovered that Victoria had put something in his rucksack. A small note was attached, written in his wife’s messy handwriting. “Found this in your room, what the hell brat, this has to be worth something. And don’t read too much into this, because you will. And because, brat, you’ll get it eventually.”

A clunky class ring fell out of the note, an icy blue stone set in the middle.

❄⧖❄


End.

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