The Crimson Feather (8/12)

[london9calling]

Part [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Sehun tugged at the handle with all of his strength. He didn’t dare look behind him, knowing what he would see. Siwon was walking down the hall, quickly approaching. If Siwon had been involved in the murder of Mathew Page who knew what he was capable of.

The footsteps grew closer, Sehun considering his ability to turn and fight. If the man didn’t have a weapon perhaps he would have a chance in a round of sheer physical strength. Perhaps – yet that would be a worst case scenario- a worst case scenario that was quickly becoming the only viable option. The door was clearly locked, each tug of the handle reaffirming the fact.

He had no choice. Turning around quickly Sehun braced himself against the locked door, watching as Siwon stalked towards him. He didn’t seem to have a gun or a knife, perhaps he could fight his way out, perhaps-

The door lurched forward, nearly knocking Sehun off of his feet. He managed to steady himself by catching his hand on the wall. The door collided with his back, pushing him forward a few feet.

“What in the devil?”

Sehun didn’t have time to think, he had to run. Pushing past the two men who stood in the now open doorway he raced through the crowded tavern, only vaguely recognizing them as two of the men at the luncheon from earlier that day. He pushed several patrons aside as he rushed towards the door, each stride one step closer to possible freedom from danger. He could hear someone running after him – probably Siwon – but he didn’t look back. Throwing the door open he braced himself against the cool night air. Looking left then right, he dashed towards the left, towards what he hoped would be freedom from the man who was chasing him.

Rounding the corner of the building next to the drinking house Sehun ran into the dark and unknown alleyway. If he ducked through the twisting and turning narrow alleyways perhaps he could lose him, perhaps he could escape the dangerous fate that awaited him if he was caught.

Turning a corner, than another, Sehun heard the footsteps closing in. He tried to increase his speed, his feet pounding on the cobblestones as he felt the breath leave his body as he increased his physical exertions. Still the footsteps were closing in. Still…

Sehun gasp, his back hitting something hard as a hand closed over his mouth, pulling him into the shadows.

***

Yixing didn’t realize Junmyeon was awake until the man was nearly half out of bed, his leg swung over the side of the bed as his face contorted with the pain such simple motions evoked from his broken body.

“Do you need help, sir?” Yixing sprang up from where he had been sleeping, a simple trundle bed on the floor.

“Water.” Junmyeon’s voice was raspy. He collapsed back into the bed, wincing as his leg didn’t move the way he wanted it to. Yixing gently maneuvered Junmyeon’ s leg back onto the bed, finding himself feeling his own ounce of pain as the injured man choked back a cry at the way his body was jostled.

“Please, don’t try to get up. If you need anything let me know.” Yixing pulled the blanked back up over Junmyeon, hoping the stubborn young man would listen. A nod was the only answer Yixing received, but for now it was good enough.

Grabbing the pitcher on the side table Yixing poured Junmyeon a glass of water. He held the cup aloft as he tilted it towards man’s lips. Junmyeon drank greedily, sucking down the water before letting his head hit the pillow hard.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Junmyeon asked.

Yixing returned the cup to the side table, then turned to Junmyeon. “The carriage you were riding in crashed. Do you remember anything about the accident?”

“No.” Junmyeon stared up at the ceiling.

“You were badly injured, though the surgeon believes you will make a full recovery.” Yixing sat on the edge of the bed, readjusting the blankets slightly. Junmyeon was still so pale, so fragile looking. He wished he could cure him then and there, take the pain away. It wouldn’t be a quick recovery for Junmyeon, the surgeon had made that clear. “You are at the Viscount D’Adderleigh and the Earl of Easton’s townhouse. The surgeon doesn’t want us to move you yet, sir.”

“Why are you here?”

Yixing stiffened for a moment, the question seemingly offensive in some ways. Junmyeon must have noticed his reaction, quickly blurting out, “I did not mean your presence is unwanted! I was simply curious.”

Yixing cleared his throat. “I am used to caring for people, sir.”

“Thank you, Yixing.” Junmyeon added, “And please don’t call me sir or my lord or anything of the sort.”

Yixing recalled hearing the same thing from the man only a few days prior – yet at the time Junmyeon had bolted out of a teahouse, leaving him with a very poor perception of what his childhood friend had become. Junmyeon had all but panicked at the thought Yixing was close to him during the episode at the tea house. What revulsion he must feel realizing that the estate manager was now playing nurse had Yixing wanting very much to call Kyungsoo into the room and be done with the entire situation.

“If you would like another person caring for you I can call Kyungsoo or-“

“No!” Junmyeon attempted to sit up, once again wincing in pain.

“Please lay still!” Yixing scolded him, pressing the blanket back down around Junmyeon.

“I – if you could stay that would be very agreeable.”

“I can stay.” Yixing found Junmyeon to be a puzzle he had yet to solve, a man he once knew very well, a man who was now very little more than a stranger.

“Did the doctor leave laudanum?” Junmyeon inquired, reaching his hand down towards his injured leg. Yixing fetched the tincture, giving Junmyeon a capful. The medicine seemed to relax the man, Junmyeon no longer fidgeting or attempting to sit up.

A few moments of silence passed, Junmyeon staring at the ceiling as Yixing sat on the edge of the bed, sneaking peeks at him now and then to ensure he was alright.

“Yixing, may I confide in you?”

“Yes.” Yixing turned slightly so he was facing Junmyeon, peering down at the man, he recognized the troubled expression on his face. It wasn’t a pained expression as much as it was a worried one.

Junmyeon exhaled sharply, shutting his eyes he began speaking. “I am afraid my father has done something that may have terrible consequences for many people.”

Yixing didn’t respond to Junmyeon’s statement. He was there to listen. When he didn’t respond Junmyeon continued. “I fear he is supporting someone who is involved in dastardly actions. Yet a part of me doesn’t want to tell anyone what I suspect.” Junmyeon sighed, falling silent.

“You love him, he is your father. Is that not a natural reaction?” Yixing spoke, let his thoughts be known, feeling as though Junmyeon was waiting for him to say something.

“Is it?” Junmyeon turned his head, looking at Yixing with a curious gaze. “Yet isn’t the correct course of action to tell others of my suspicions.”

“Are you considering not telling anyone? If I am understanding your words correctly, you are carrying guilt at your considerations. I don’t believe you would actually not tell anyone, especially if you thought it would help others if you spoke of your suspicions.”

“Why do you possess such faith in me?” Junmyeon queried.

Yixing was not sure if he should share the memory that pushed itself to the forefront of his mind at Junmyeon’s question. It was so long ago - what if the other man no longer remembered it. Throwing caution to the wind he answered, “You gave me reason to, a long time ago.”

“Gave you reason?” Junmyeon’s curious gaze seemed to confirm what Yixing suspected, he had no memory of the time long ago, when they were children running around the D’Adderleigh estate – or at least if he did he wasn’t associating the memory the same way Yixing was.

Yixing let out a nervous laugh, nodding. “Do you recall the summer it rained nonstop? I believe we were nine years old.”

“A little.” Junmyeon’s lids were beginning to droop, the effects of the medication clearly kicking in.

“Sleep, I shall tell you another time.” Yixing had no more than spoken the words before a light snoring was heard, Junmyeon’s chest lightly rising and falling as he drifted off.

***

Jongdae threw the bundle towards Heechul. “You said you were hungry.”

Heechul lifted the bundled vegetables, scowling at Jongdae. “You didn’t even have your cook unwrap them?”

“I forgot.” Jongdae sat down on the red velvet sofa, keeping a good distance from Heechul. “I have had many things to occupy my mind of late other than the food you push at me.”

“Fair enough, old boy.” Heechul set the bundled celery on the side table, tenting his hands he leaned in towards his boyfriend. “I know that you have had more than enough to occupy your mind, are you well? I worry about your welfare.” His gaze was all honesty, worry, and consideration.

Jongdae expected many things from Kim Heechul. Constant propositions. Daily innuendos. Surprise visits to his office. Even some jealous rants now and then. Every once in in a while Kim Heechul surprised him, displaying an equal dose of affection and concern that reminded Jongdae exactly why he had fallen for the older man to begin with.

“I am frustrated.” Jongdae hated the fact that his current top case was maintaining the same lack of clarity as the days passed, the complicated nature of the mounting crimes growing faster than his ability to piece together the few clues that were available. “What happened to Junmyeon…I feel responsible, I should have solved this before anyone was injured.”

“I am worried for you.” Heechul moved closer, lifting his arm to rest on the back of the sofa. “Old boy, if someone dares hurt you I will-“

“Critique their fashion sense until they are run out of the country by a terrifying mob of matrons?” Jongdae finished his sentence, snickering at his own joke.

“You are quite witty.” Heechul rolled his eyes, but couldn’t hide his smile. “May I be serious, or is that so uncharacteristic of me it isn’t possible?”

“By all means, be serious.” Jongdae waited for it. Heechul was never great at expressing his emotions – well, aside from hinting at his feelings through a series of lustful and sarcastic remarks.

“To think, I am not even intoxicated and I have such things to say.” Heechul dragged his free hand through his hair, Jongdae noticing that he did indeed appear a tad bit awkward. Heechul and awkward were two words that were not often associated with each other. “What happened to Junmyeon today – if that were to happen to you...”

“It will not.” Jongdae couldn’t say so for certain – Junmyeon was clearly targeted, what would stop the same person from targeting him? Nothing, considering the fact he had yet to identify the culprit. Yet he wouldn’t say as much to Heechul, he didn’t want him filled with an uncharacteristic set of worries about his safety.

“You don’t know that.”

Jongdae stared into Heechul’s eyes. “I knew the risks when I accepted my position with the Home Office.”

“I don’t want to lose you. Dare I admit that you have affected me more than any other?”

Jongdae swallowed, hard. Heechul – witty and fun and sarcastic Heechul – was making as serious of a love confession as he probably ever had. Because he was afraid of losing him. It wasn’t a matter for words to sort out. Jongdae leaned into the older man, cupping Heechul’s cheeks with his hands he planted a chaste kiss on his lips.

Breaking the kiss for a moment Jongdae searched the older man’s face, memorizing the chestnut eyes, the wide lips, the way he looked so on edge it was maddening. “Have I ever told you I love you?”

Heechul took the initiative, his hands finding Jongdae’s waist he leaned forward, relishing in the way that Jongdae allowed himself to be lowered down onto the sofa.

Jongdae usually protested, teased, resisted. He didn’t want to resist now, not with uncertainty flooding his future. Not when he knew how much Heechul meant to him and vice versa. It wasn’t a time to play around, it wasn’t a time to say no when Heechul’s hand found his trouser buttons, snaking along his stomach as their mouths slotted together. There was no longer a playful reason to be staid and reserved, there was no longer a reason-

A loud pounding on the front door of Jongdae’s apartment had Heechul returning to his usual self. “The moment I was prepared to finally see you naked a demon arrives! My lord, how you test me!”

Jongdae ignored Heechul’s outburst, focusing on the footsteps of the servant who was at present rushing towards the nonstop thudding resounding from the entry way. Could something have happened? Or worse, could someone be there to inflict pain upon him – perhaps the same person who sabotaged Junmyeon’s carriage. The sudden thought of an attack had Jongdae pushing at Heechul, urging him to stand. “Please, hide.”

“Hide?” Heechul appeared completely put out by the suggestion.

“I am not certain this visitor comes bearing good will.” Jongdae stood and made his way towards the parlor door, glancing back at Heechul once more he passed through the doorway, making his way to the entryway.

“Sir!” It was Tao, still dressed in the livery of Sehun’s family. “Sehun has gone missing.”

“Missing?” Jongdae felt a measure of relief that Tao was the visitor, however his relief quickly turned to concern when Tao spoke. Giving the serving girl who answered the door permission to leave, Jongdae waited for Tao to explain his panicked visit.

“He didn’t return home tonight.” Tao appeared frazzled as he spoke. “He said he would be engaged with the investigation this evening. This isn’t like him, to still be out.”

Siwon. He must have gone after Siwon. Jongdae paled, barely noticing the fact that Heechul had emerged from the parlor. “I will contact my agents.”

“Please do.” Tao grabbed at Jongdae’s arm, pleading, clearly afraid for what had become of Sehun.

***

Sehun struggled, attempting to free himself from the strong grasp that was keeping him pinned against the stone building. As he rebelled against the force that was restraining him he caught a glimpse of a shadow passing across the light cast from the gas street lamp – a flurry of footsteps retreating with the shadow.

“Shhhh.” A voice, the person holding him spoke. It was vaguely familiar, the inflections and the accent. “Be still.”

The Comte Labeaux. Sehun recognized the voice at that moment- it was the Comte, holding him still within the shadows, his intentions completely unknown.

***

“He was certainly easy to find for someone who has gone missing.” Heechul drawled, waving his hand towards Sehun, who was walking up the sidewalk with lazy strides.

“Sehun!” Jongdae rushed forward, Tao next to him.

“Jongdae? Tao?” Sehun appeared confused. “What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t come home! Where were you?” Tao folded his arms, narrowing his eyes at his boyfriend.

“I was investigating Siwon.” Sehun explained, adding. “How did you even find me here at this time of night?”

Jongdae sighed loudly. “If I couldn’t find you at this time of night I would be doing a worse job than I already am. Now what did you find out?”

“It better be good, old boy, you interrupted the happiest moment of my life.” Heechul did not look happy, he was practically boring holes in Sehun with his eyes.

“Nothing, other than some vague connection with a drinking establishment.” Sehun reported, holding back the majority of what he had learned. He hoped Jongdae wouldn’t notice he wasn’t telling him everything.

“Hm. Well we can talk about it in the morning, get home before Tao kills you.” Jongdae spoke like the servant wasn’t standing two feet from him.

“Yes, and we shall get back to what we were doing.” Heechul grabbed Jongdae’s arm and tugged him away, leaving Sehun alone with Tao.

“I am tired now.” Jongdae protested, Heechul launching into a slew of expletives as the couple walked off into the night. Sehun watched them go, knowing Tao was staring at him, watching him suspiciously.

“There is something you aren’t telling Jongdae.” Of course Tao could pick up on Sehun’s deception, he knew the man too well.

“No, I told him everything.” He lied, stalking off towards the first place he thought he would be able to hail a hackney carriage.

“Stop lying, Sehun.” Tao jogged to catch up.

“I am not lying!” Sehun spat, leaving Tao to stop in his tracks.

“You are acting different these days.” Tao mumbled, Sehun having heard every word but pretending he didn’t. He kept his fists clenched as he walked, his body tense. He expected Tao to start walking again, perhaps to argue more. He didn’t. When Sehun glanced backwards, chancing a look, he found that Tao still had his feet firmly planted, a pained expression on his face as he watched Sehun., the eerie light of the gas street lighting illuminating his figure.

“Tao, aren’t you coming?” Sehun called over his shoulder. When he didn’t receive a response he looked back to see that Tao was walking away, in a different direction. Choking back a feeling of anguish at the way his relationship with Tao was slowly disintegrating, Sehun gritted his teeth and walked on. He had to keep doing what he was doing, it was for all of them, and it was for his country.

***

Minseok couldn’t hide his smile at seeing Junmyeon sitting up in bed, the color returning to his cheeks. The man still looked weak, but nowhere near as deathly ill as he had the day before.

“Minseok, Easton.” Junmyeon smiled weakly at his friends, preparing himself to tell them what he knew. “Sorry for all of the trouble.”

“Sorry for the trouble?” Luhan chuckled, “You do realize you almost died, don’t you?”

Junmyeon nodded. “Yes, but I didn’t mean to be camped out in your house for the indefinite future.”

“What is wrong with our house, old boy?” Minseok teased.

“Nothing, though I dare say it is becoming a bit crowded.” Junmyeon was tense, slightly afraid what would happen when he told the couple about his father’s apparent involvement with Changmin’s election. “I need to tell you both something.”

“What is it?” Luhan sidled up to his husband, placing a hand on Minseok’s shoulder he waited for Junmyeon to reveal what was bothering him.

“My father…” Junmyeon swallowed before continuing. “He funded part of Changmin’s campaign for the House of Commons. I don’t know what it means at this point, but I am afraid that somehow he is involved in this mess.”

“Hm. Somehow I doubt your father knows of any ill intentions on Changmin’s part or he wouldn’t be involved.” Minseok spoke calmly.

“I dare hope you are right.” Junmyeon felt an intense amount of relief at having finally told someone what was weighing on his mind.

“Thank you for letting us know, we shall pass on the word to Jongdae. For now, focus on getting some rest and recovering.”

“I will. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being such wonderful friends.” Junmyeon wasn’t sure if it was the amount of laudanum he had taken earlier to dull the pain, but he was starting to tear up.

“You are far too emotional, old boy, you may make me cry.” Minseok smiled, patting Junmyeon’s hand. “Now sleep, and do not ever again say you are a burden.”

Junmyeon nodded, feeling an immense amount of relief as he watched his friends leave.

***

Kyungsoo held the newspaper aloft, scanning the pages. He was taking one of his very rare breaks from his work, spending a few minute speed reading his way through the pages in an attempt to gauge the latest news of the day. As a professional valet and all around servant, he often found it beneficial to know what was going on in the world or at a very minimum the city around him.

“Anything interesting?”

Kyungsoo sighed as the hands snaked around his waist, a head coming to rest on his shoulder. “Nothing exceptionally exciting, no.”

“No?” Jongin began peppering kisses down Kyungsoo’s neck.

“Stop it! The Sirs may walk in at any moment.” Kyungsoo struggled, trying to free himself. Ever since Jongin had so boldly kissed him a few days prior he had been incorrigible when it came to showing affection. Thankfully he waited until it was just the two of them alone in the kitchen, but the very open displays still had Kyungsoo feeling embarrassed and nervous that Minseok or Luhan or god forbid Lisbeth would walk in on them.

“We would hear them coming.” Jongin half whined, tightening his hold on Kyungsoo’s waist.

Kyungsoo groaned, allowing Jongin to keep his hands in place for now. Perhaps if he gave the man a minute or so of close contact he would be sated for a while. Returning his gaze to the paper, Kyungsoo found himself staring at an article detailing the upcoming election for a seat in the House of Commons, Shim Changmin mentioned as the very likely winner of the election.

“Jongin, what was the date on those fliers? The one that came in that strange package?” Kyungsoo asked.

“I am not sure that I saw.” Jongin answered.

The sound of footsteps on the kitchen stairs had Kyungsoo elbowing Jongin’s stomach, the younger valet groaning as he doubled over. Kyungsoo plastered a smile on his face at the sight of Minseok and Luhan walking down the stairs. “Sirs, what was the date that was on those fliers? The ones that came in that package.”

“Four days from today.” Minseok recounted, only casting a cursory glance at Jongin, who was currently holding his stomach and nodding in greeting.

“I am not certain if this is related, but I believe that is the same date Shim Changmin is set to be elected to the house.” Kyungsoo pushed the paper towards his employer, watching as Minseok read the article, Luhan hovering over his shoulder to read.

“I can’t believe we didn’t connect this.” Minseok’s mouth was agape.

“We need to tell Jongdae at once.” Luhan looked equally as excited at the development.

“Yes, we best tell him immediately.” Minseok agreed, folding the paper as he turned back towards the stairway.

***

“The Comte Labeaux and his lovely sister, what a pleasant surprise.” Changmin was sitting at his desk, pen in hand, when Kris and Victoria were seen into his study.

Victoria curtsied, Kris bowing slightly as they took a seat in the deep red upholstered chairs that sat opposite Changmin’s desk.

“Victoria was hoping you would join us for a turn about the park.” Kris seemed intensely disinterested with the entire thing, even though he was the one asking.

“The park?” Changmin raised an eyebrow, looking at Victoria with affection he spoke. “I am sorry, my dear, but I am very busy with preparations for the election.”

“What a shame.” Victoria, fan in hand, waved the painted contraption lazily as she pouted. “I would very much like it if you could spare an hour to accompany us.”

Changmin leaned back in his chair. He sighed, looking at the paper in front of him to Victoria and back to the paper. “I have always had a devil of a time denying you anything.”

“So you will go?” Victoria couldn’t hide her excitement.

“Yes, but please give me a moment to change my jacket.” Changmin was up and halfway to the door before he turned. “Ah, please, wait for me in the entryway.”

“Of course.” Victoria and Kris stood, watching as Changmin left.

“Watch the door.” The Comte said in hushed tones, Victoria reaching the door as quickly as she could without tripping over her skirt.

The Comte rounded the desk, pulling open the top drawer. Rummaging around he did not find what he was looking for, moving onto the smaller drawers he began riffling through the contents.

“Please, hurry.” Victoria hissed, never looking away from the door.

He found it in the third drawer from the top, wrapped within brown paper. Grabbing the bundle he slipped it into his jacket pocket, closing the drawer as quietly as he could, he walked towards the door.

“Did you find it?” Victoria asked.

“Yes, now let us go have a lovely turn about the park, shall we?” Kris tapped his walking stick on the parquet floor, holding the door open for his sister.

***

Luhan and Minseok were hesitant to take a carriage to Jongdae’s office, the memory of Junmyeon’s accident fresh in their minds. “A long walk shan’t kill us.” Luhan grabbed at Minseok’s hand as they neared the front door.

A loud retching was heard from upstairs, the two men pausing at the noise. “Are the children sick?” Minseok wondered aloud, removing his hand from Luhan’s he rushed up the steps. A measure of fear seized him, childhood illnesses were not something to take lightly. When he made it to the top of the stairs he could tell the noise was coming from the nursery.

Pushing the door open he found the twins gathered around their nanny. When they saw Minseok they turned their eyes to him. “Daddy! Lisbeth is sick.” Theo toddled towards his father, Luhan reaching entering the room as Minseok scooped his son up in his arms.

“Lisbeth!” Luhan rushed towards the nanny, who was doubled over, sitting on her knees with a pool of vomit in front of her.

“Young master.” The nanny’s voice sounded hoarse.

Luhan kneeled next to the woman, placing a hand on her forehead he frowned. “You are burning up.”

Minseok was worried, for the nanny and the children. If Lisbeth was sick she could very well have infected the children – and if not, it was still extremely worrisome that the woman was with fever. “Please, Luhan, help her to her room.”

Minseok managed to pick Lilly up with his free arm. “We need to go see owl man, little ones.” Minseok carried the heavy load down two flights of stairs, only setting the twins down once they were in the kitchen.

Kyungsoo eyed the arrival of the children suspiciously. “Dare I ask why the tiny humans are in the kitchen, sir?”

“Lisbeth is sick.” Minseok reported, stopping Theo from toddling dangerously close to the cooking pots. “She vomited in the nursery.”

“Oh heavens.” Kyungsoo exhaled sharply before calling out. “Jongin, Jongin!” The younger valet was there in a flash, entering through the back service door.

“Lisbeth is ill, she vomited in the nursery. Can you clean it up, please?” Kyungsoo asked, his eyes trained on the tiny bundles of terror that were currently engaged in finding anything and everything to tug at and knock over.

“I shall stay with the children today.” Minseok stated, trying his best to corral the youngsters towards the chairs, in the hopes he could get them to sit down.

“No sir, Jongin and I can handle it. You need to see Jongdae.” Kyungsoo did not sound enthused about the prospect of watching the children, but Minseok knew he would do so and be a diligent caregiver.

“I hate to leave you with both of them and a sick nanny.” Minseok was feeling guilty, knowing how stressed Kyungsoo had been with all of the sudden additions to the household. Three floors above them Junmyeon lay injured, Yixing watching over him, now Lisbeth was taken ill, not to mention the two hyper children who needed to be cared for. It was a lot for two servants to handle. For probably the only time in his life Minseok regretted not employing a larger staff.

“Tis what you pay me for, sir. Now go.” Kyungsoo tried to shoe Minseok out of the room while keeping a watchful eye on the kids.

Minseok thanked Kyungsoo once again, bidding the children farewell he left the kitchen to find Luhan waiting for him near the bottom of the stairs. “Is she okay?”

“She has a high fever. I asked Jongin to fetch the doctor when he has a moment. We should stay with the children.”

“Kyungsoo said he can handle it.” Minseok couldn’t hide the note of worry in his voice. He felt an acute sense of guilt at leaving, staring back at the house more than once as he and Luhan started the long walk to Jongdae’s office.

***

Jongin saw the doctor out, shutting the door he heard another bout of crying coming from the kitchen. It had been a hectic last hour. Junmyeon’s mother had called to see her son, the doctor had arrived to check in on Lisbeth (thankfully he reported that her fever was already beginning to break) and Kyungsoo had been at wits ends trying to keep the children entertained.

“How is she?” Yixing was walking down the stairs, towels in hand. Jongin found it curious that the estate manager was so diligent when it came to the care of Junmyeon, but in many ways he was just grateful for the extra help around the house – not having to rush up three flights of stairs to tend to Junmyeon in between caring for the rest of the house was a godsend.

Jongin reported on the nanny’s condition before asking after Junmyeon.

“He is sleeping, I just gave him another dose of laudanum.” Yixing flinched as a particularly loud wail came from the kitchen.

“Please excuse me.” Jongin walked down to the kitchen to find Kyungsoo holding Lilly, who was crying, while attempting to push more cheese towards Theo. The sound of Yixing trudging down the stairs with his load of towels had Lilly pausing her sobbing for a moment, interested in who may be coming. When she saw it was only Yixing she began crying again.

“I have no idea how that woman does this every day.” Kyungsoo looked half dead from only an hour with the children, Jongin could agree with his statement completely – Lisbeth must be some sort of super human.

“They need to be tired out.” Yixing set the bundle of towels near the large washbasin that was tucked into the corner of the room.

“Pardon?” Jongin wasn’t sure that he had heard Yixing correctly.

“They need to be tired out. Children need to have their energy worn down when they are fussy like that.” Yixing looked at Kyungsoo sympathetically. “Are there no green spaces nearby where you can take them to play?”

Jongin could tell Kyungsoo was considering the idea.

“I don’t think one of us could handle both the children alone, especially at a park.” Jongin doubted two of them could fully handle them to be honest, but it would be a lot safer than one of them, that is for sure.

“What if you both went? I can watch the house for an hour. Junmyeon is sleeping and I can see to Lisbeth if she needs anything.”

“Are you sure?” Kyungsoo seemed uncomfortable with the idea. Jongin knew that Kyungsoo didn’t like leaving his work to others, especially a task as big as overseeing the entire household for a period of time. “What if there are visitors? What if-“

“I can handle it. Really.” Yixing assured the valet. “If there are visitors I am more than capable of making tea, believe it or not.”

“Oh.” Kyungsoo looked completely torn, Jongin took the initiative. “Kyungsoo and I will take them to the park near the house, we shall return within the hour.”

Kyungsoo narrowed his eyes at Jongin. “Kyungsoo, if they don’t stop fussing I don’t think you will last another hour.” Jongin pointed out, the older man finally agreeing.

***

Kyungsoo insisted they walk hand in hand, not trusting the children to toddle ahead of them. When Lilly complained of being tired, Jongin picked her up, leaving Kyungsoo to repeat the action when Theo started to whine. The nearest park was not that long of a walk, a small place in comparison to some of the city’s larger green spaces, it did provide room enough for the children to play around to their hearts content – and hopefully wear themselves out quickly.

The park was not overly crowded at that time of day. The place did not have a riding path, so it did not attract the upwardly mobile citizens out to see and be seen. There was no lake or river or pond, so the artists that could be found in other places, sketching the water scenes as they sat on the grass, were nonexistent. No, the small space served only a few real purposes- a place for children to run, and a place for lawn games to be played by those who did not have a lawn of their own. This if course, precluded the upper class, leaving only upper middle class adults playing games of croquet while nannies of the more well-heeled households watched as their charges ran about.

“Lilly, Theo, let’s run!” Jongin bent over, hands on his thighs as he smiled brightly at the children. “Do you want to play tag?”

“Tag?” Theo asked.

Kyungsoo leaned against the trunk of one of the tall maples, watching as Jongin enthusiastically taught the children how to play the game. Jongin was good with the children, much better than he was. But then again, Jongin was good with a lot of things. Kyungsoo knew he didn’t tell him that enough, compliment the younger valet for his work or his willingness to always be there, even when Kyungsoo was in the middle of a meltdown.

In the last six months Jongin had been amazing, always doing whatever Kyungsoo asked of him. It made the older man feel a tad bit guilty that he wasn’t better to him, always shooing him away when he was being affectionate, always scolding him when he wasn’t insanely proper in front of their employers. Kyungsoo made up his mind, he would tell Jongin later just how much he was grateful to him, before he forgot all about it and found himself dealing with the same pains of regret a few months down the line.

The children seemed to be growing tired, their movements less hurried as they chased Jongin, giggling and nearly tripping as they reached out to tag him.

“We should rest for a moment.” Jongin fell onto the grass, laughing as the children tackled him. After a playful minute of wrestling they sat together in a row, panting from all of the running around. Kyungsoo joined them, standing slightly behind Jongin, afraid if he sat he would have a nasty grass stain to scrub from his uniform.

“I dare say Yixing had the right idea.” Jongin said through heavy breaths, reaching over he ruffled Theo’s hair.

“Yes, it would appear so.” Kyungsoo found his heart swelling at the sight of Jongin, face flushed from running from the children, a trickle of sweat running down his brown, hair mussy from play. He was handsome, far too handsome, and Kyungsoo didn’t appreciate that fact enough either.

He was so engrossed in looking at Jongin he didn’t notice Lilly stand up at first. When she started toddling forward, Kyungsoo made a move to catch her. He stopped when the girl cried out, pointing her tiny hand forward. “Mama! Mama!”

Kyungsoo looked at the place the girl was pointing, paling as he noticed the same man who delivered the package the day prior standing at least fifteen yards away from them. Next to him was a blonde woman, lightly touching his arm as they conversed.

“Mama!” Theo cried out, rushing to join his sister.

Jongin gave Kyungsoo a concerned look before chasing after the children, Kyungsoo hot on his heels.

***

“I hope Kyungsoo and Jongin are managing.” Minseok’s mind was still stuck back at home, where a sick nanny, an injured friend, and two very stressed valets were currently residing – not to mention a beleaguered estate manager and a very hyper pair of twins.

“I am sure they are fine, Minseok. We shall be back within another couple hours.” Luhan tried to reassure his husband.

Minseok nodded, pushing open the door to Jongdae’s office. The man who usually manned the desk near the front of the offices wasn’t there, likely sent on some errand. Not having someone to see them in was not a problem, however, as they were technically employed by the Home Office the same as Jongdae – they just didn’t have an office to call their own.

Minseok was hallway through the doorway when he froze.

“GET OUT!” Heechul roared.

“Oh my lord, I am blind.” Luhan pulled Minseok out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

“I never want to see that again.” Minseok blinked rapidly, trying to forget.

“Why did we let our best friends date, please remind me.” Luhan groaned, shutting his eyes tightly as he willed his mind to expel the terrible thing he had walked in on.

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