The Crimson Feather (12/12)

[london9calling]

Part [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Kyungsoo was on his fourth round of cleaning the small bedroom. He hadn’t wanted to sleep at the brothel but Minseok had said it wouldn’t be safe to return to the house yet. The twins were even sleeping at the place, albeit in the upper chambers, so Kyungsoo didn’t feel like he had leverage to complain of his own one night stay at the place.

Still, a good dozen rounds of scrubbing were in order before Kyungsoo was about to sleep in the room. Who knew what unsavory things had happened in the place?

He ignored the click of the door. He knew it was Jongin.

“Kyungsoo, can we talk?”

Kyungsoo heard the bed springs as Jongin sat down. He finally looked up from where he had been scrubbing the floor. “About what?”

“About almost dying. About you dressing up as the Prince Regent tomorrow and risking your life. About us.”

Kyungsoo sighed. “I am not sure what there is to talk about.” He sat back on his legs, wringing out the rag in his hand. He had reluctantly agreed to help with Minseok and Jongdae’s plan after much begging. He was to impersonate the Prince Regent at the gala the next day, helping to lure the criminals out and catch them red handed.

“Don’t close me off now.” Jongin looked hurt by Kyungsoo’s response.

Kyungsoo didn’t want to close him off. When they had been back in the caverns that was the last thing he had wanted to do. At the time the only thing on his mind was how he had never been able to tell Jongin how he really felt about him, that he had never given the valet a consistent chance at building some sort of relationship.

Yet now, now he was feeling like clamming up again. He knew it was his personality, to not want to talk about things unless he absolutely had to (or he reached his breaking point).

“Fine. I will do the talking.” Jongin dragged a hand through his hair. “I love you Kyungsoo. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone else in the entire world. I get sad when I see you sad. I am happy when you are happy. When something makes you angry I want to get rid of it forever. I am worried about tomorrow, because I can’t imagine losing you. Kyungsoo, I love you.”

Kyungsoo fiddled with the rag. “I…” he knew he need to say it. It was the truth after all. And Jongin was right to be worried. “I love you too.”

The smile on Jongin’s face was beautiful. He moved quickly. Kyungsoo could only squeak as he was swept up in Jongin’s arms, a kiss planted on his lips.

“Really?” Jongin looked at the man in his arms, a hopeful expression on his face.

“Yes,” Kyungsoo still felt shy about the whole thing, he was sure he was blushing.

When Jongin walked to the bed and laid Kyungsoo down on the mattress the valet panicked. “This bed is dirty!” Kyungsoo struggled to sit up but Jongin had swiftly caged him in with his arms.

“These are clean sheets, I saw you make the bed earlier.” Jongin stared down at Kyungsoo.

“But what about the mattress! What about thejkphm” Kyungsoo’s words were muffled as Jongin kissed him. It was different than the other kisses they had shared. He felt Jongin’s mouth part, his tongue sweep against Kyungsoo’s bottom lip.

Kyungsoo felt like his mind was blank as he parted his own lips, no longer caring about the cleanliness of the bed or what he was doing – only how amazing it felt to finally have Jongin on top of him, kissing him senseless.

Their mouths slotted together, Jongin’s tongue gently lapping, tracing, and exploring Kyungsoo’s mouth. Kyungsoo twined his arms around Jongin’s neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. He could feel Jongin’s body flush with his own, the feeling of muscle and warmth. It was a heady sensation.

When Kyungsoo moaned into the kiss Jongin’s hand made a trail down Kyungsoo’s chest, to his waist. He traced a finger along the waist of Kyungsoo’s trousers.

When they finally parted, both needing air, Jongin looked slightly worried. “Is this alright? Is it too fast?”

Kyungsoo didn’t want to seem too eager but in all honesty he was eager. Very eager. The thought of seeing Jongin naked had entered his mind and he wasn’t about to back away now, not when that image could be reality within minutes.

Jongin gasped in surprise as Kyungsoo tugged at his shirt. “Take your shirt off,” he mouthed against Jongin's neck. He was too embarrassed to look him in the eyes, suddenly feeling like he was being too needy, too wanting. As Jongin sat back and peeled off his shirt Kyungsoo turned his head, staring at the wall. He could feel the tightness in his trousers as his erection sprang to life.

“Kyungsoo, you can look.”

Kyungsoo swallowed hard, then turned his head. Jongin’s chest and toned stomach were beautiful. “You…”

Jongin smirked. “I?”

“Why did this take so long?” Kyungsoo was regretting every time he had moved away from Jongin’s kisses, away from his touches.

“Looks like we need to make up for lost time.” Jongin whispered as he leaned in. He smoothed his hands up Kyungsoo’s torso, pushing his shirt up. Kyungsoo moaned under him. “You are beautiful.”

Kyungsoo couldn’t find the ability to speak as Jongin leaned closer, taking one of his nipples in his mouth. The sensation was maddening. The nibbling and licking making his cock twitch. He couldn’t wait much longer, he knew it.

“Sit up.” Jongin ordered. Kyungsoo readily complied and was divested of his shirt. He didn’t have to be asked to take his pants off, he shucked them off, squirming against the mattress. Jongin watched with wide eyes.

“You too.” Kyungsoo was still embarrassed, but his growing desire was starting to overwhelm him.

Jongin didn’t speak as he slipped out of his trousers, his hard cock springing free. Precum was smeared on the tip. Kyungsoo wondered what it tasted like, what it would feel like to take Jongin in his mouth.

He said it in a low voice, feeling self-conscious. “Can I taste it?”

Jongin let out a low moan at the suggestion. He leaned back against where the bed met the wall, leaving himself open to Kyungsoo.

Kyungsoo wasn’t sure exactly how to do it, but he knew he wanted to so he moved. He licked a stripe up the underside of Jongin’s cock first, feeling a wave of passion hit him as Jongin moaned in response. Testing he took the head into his mouth, careful not to drag his teeth. When he felt Jongin’s hand twine through his hair Kyungsoo took more of his cock into his mouth.

Jongin’s moans were louder as Kyungsoo began to move up and down, testing, moving his tongue as he took in more and then moved away.

“I –“ Jongin gasp, “won’t last long like this.” He gently pushed at Kyungsoo, wanting him to move away.

Kyungsoo let Jongin’s dick go with a pop. Sitting back on his knees he looked at Jongin, slightly worried. “Did it not feel good?”

Jongin shook his head. “It felt too good.”

Kyungsoo was relieved. It had been his first time doing it, any of it.

“I want to make you feel good.” Jongin reached out for Kyungsoo, crashing their lips together. Kyungsoo let himself be lowered to the mattress. Jongin took it slow, moving his hand lower and lower until it was on Kyungsoo’s cock. He caressed the length before moving to Kyungsoo’s balls.

“I need to stretch you.” Jongin sighed against Kyungsoo’s mouth. When Kyungsoo felt a finger against his hole he gasped.

“I need to get the oil.” Jongin was gone for a second as he moved to the far end of the room, finding something in the small table there. An hour ago Kyungsoo would have taken one look at the thing and decided it was diseased, now he didn’t care what it was as long as it ended with Jongin thrusting into him.

Jongin slathered the oil on two fingers. He leaned back in and began planting kisses up Kyungsoo’s neck, across his cheeks.

When the first finger slipped inside Kyungsoo tensed. It was a different sensation, something he wasn’t used to. It was painful, foreign. When Jongin began moving his finger back and forth the pain started to subside. Once Jongin added his second finger Kyungsoo started to relax and enjoy the sensation.

“So tight.” Jongin moaned against Kyungsoo’s collar bone.

Jongin worked him open for a few more minutes before he removed his fingers, Kyungsoo immediately whining at the loss of contact. He watched as Jongin squirted some of the slick on his cock and positioned himself in between Kyungsoo’s legs.

It was a mind numbing moment of waiting, of desire, of anticipation, before Jongin pushed in. Kyungsoo fisted the bed sheets under him as he was filled. When Jongin began to move he thought he would come then and there.

“I love you.” Jongin whispered again and again, in between kisses and licks and nibbles. Kyungsoo returned the words, in between moans and gasps.

When Jongin reached forward and took Kyungsoo’s cock in his hand, fisting it in time to his thrusts, Kyungsoo saw stars. His body was on fire, every thrust, ever flick of Jongin’s wrist driving him towards madness. It wasn’t long before he came, shuddering and spilling into Jongin’s hand.

Jongin didn’t take long to follow, falling forward and moaning as he came inside Kyungsoo.

Jongin fell back onto the mattress, slipping out slowly as he let out another low moan. He reached for Kyungsoo, pulling him into his arms.

“I love you, Jongin.” Kyungsoo felt confident saying it. His body was spent, his mind hazy, but he knew how he felt.

“I love you too.” Jongin planted a soft kiss on Kyungsoo’s brow, holding him close as they drifted off to sleep.

***

Kyungsoo tugged at the waistcoat. He felt like a jester. A very well dressed jester. No, that wasn’t right – to call looking like the Prince Regent a jester. He closed his eyes, scrunching up his nose. How had he ever let Minseok talk him into this?

“Kyungsoo, it shall only be for a couple of hours and it is for the good of the entire country,” Minseok had pleaded. Kyungsoo had declined, holding firm. But then there was Jongin looking ever so disappointed at his refusal. Jongin and his pout were hard to resist.

Even harder to resist was the way Jongin fawned over him. “I am worried for you, Kyungsoo. Please stay safe or I don’t know what I shall do with myself.” Jongin and his declarations of love – verbal and nonverbal were impossible to resist. He blushed thinking about what had happened the night before.

Kyungsoo let a sigh escape his lips. He waited in the ornate carriage just as he had been instructed. Minseok and Jongdae had told him he would make a belated appearance at the gala, just in time to step inside the sumptuous event and find all hell breaking lose.

“Do not, I repeat, do not drink anything handed to you.” Jongdae had reiterated the point again and again.

“I fail to see how anyone would mistake me for the Prince Regent,” Kyungsoo had protested more than once.

“You are the right height. Some padding and a hood should make you more than passable.”

Kyungsoo patted his stomach, his hand landing on the layers of padding that Jongin had helped wrap around him. The regent was quite a bit healthier than he was.

“Ready?” The carriage door opened, Kyungsoo jumping in fright. Jongdae poked his head in.

“As I will ever be,” Kyungsoo muttered, alighting the carriage as carefully as he could with the added weight and awkward attire.

***

Minseok watched from the alcove. The gala was in full swing, the place packed with wealthy politicians, titled men and women, and every person that Siwon had reported was part of the plot to overthrow the monarchy. Kyuhyun held a glass of wine, passing from conversation to conversation. Changmin, the reason the gala was being held in the first place, stood near the front of the room receiving congratulations for his election to the House of Commons. Lee Donghae and Lee Hyukjae made the rounds of the gala together, appearing completely at ease.

“They really have no idea, do they?” Luhan sidled up to Minseok. They had both kept out of sight of those attending the gala. It was fortuitous that the owner of the place knew when to cooperate. After Lee Soo Man had gotten involved the man had gladly shown the home office agents where to stay out of sight while still watching the goings on in the main ballroom.

“No, it appears not.” Minseok was still worried. Kyungsoo would appear soon. What if harm was to come to him? He would never forgive himself.

The plan was for Kyungsoo to enter the gala long enough for the suspects to spring into action – which Jongdae estimated would be fairly soon after the “regent” arrived. Once they denounced the regent and produced the letter copes that Minho and Taemin had replaced the night before they would be arrested.

“Jongdae went to fetch Kyungsoo now.” Minseok kept his eyes trained on the doorway to the ballroom.

Luhan slipped his hand into his husband’s, offering up a reassuring squeeze. Both men fell into an uneasy silence, waiting, and watching.

***

Kyungsoo stumbled once and almost fell. He was not used to wearing such formal shoes much less trousers. Thankfully he was able to right himself before his identity was revealed.

He tensed as he was introduced to the room as the Prince Regent. He went through the actions instructed by Jongdae. Wave the others to stand. Don’t say anything. Walk into the place like you own it.

“Your highness, thank you for attending.”

Kyungsoo peeked out from under the hooded coat. It was Changmin. Kyungsoo nodded. The adrenaline coursing through him as he faced one of the suspects.

“Those gathered, please give a warm welcome to the man who will be king.” Changmin spoke with a flourish. “Those gathered please pay witness to – “

The sudden pause had Kyungsoo unintentionally taking a step backward out of fear.

“Now!” Kyungsoo heard Jongdae shout, then he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. Kyungsoo fell to the ground, his hood slipping back as a shower of paper was tossed into the air, the fake letter copies falling all around him.

***

“He shot him!” Minseok watched in horror as Changmin had produced a small pistol and fired, everything happening so quickly it as a blur. Jongdae shouted, the agents came pouring in, and Kyungsoo fell to the ground. Changmin was tackled to the ground, the pistol dropping onto the ballroom floor.

“Oh god, no!” Luhan rushed out from the hiding spot, rushing the valet alongside Minseok.

“Kyungsoo! Kyungsoo!” Minseok knelt next to the valet.

“Sir?”

Minseok watched in amazement as Kyungsoo struggled to sit up.

“You were shot! Stay still!” Minseok ordered, pushing him back towards the ground.

“No, I don’t think it got through the padding.” Kyungsoo had felt a pain but he was certain he would feel a lot worse if he had just received a bullet to the stomach.

Minseok began pushing up the valet’s waist coat, scarcely able to believe his eyes as he uncovered the padding. The bullet had become stuck, never actually hitting Kyungsoo.

“Oh thank heavens!” Minseok clutched his valet to him, nearly smothering the man in a tight embrace.

Luhan smirked as he took in the sight of his husband and his husband’s most loyal servant, holding each other in the middle of such chaos.

“I would almost think you favor me, sir,” Kyungsoo muttered.

Minseok didn’t answer, he was happy so very happy Kyungsoo was uninjured. When he felt a hard shove he toppled over, his place in Kyungsoo’s arms replaced in an instant by Jongin.

He smiled as he watched the valet’s engage in a lip lock, completely ignoring everything around them.

***

They were all gathered in Jongdae’s office. Sehun was there, pursing his lips as he glanced at Tao every chance he got. Tao kept his eyes fixed on Jongdae. Heechul muttered inappropriate comments now and then, earning tsks from his boyfriend. Minseok and Luhan sat next to each other, holding hands without a care for what anyone around them thought. Jongin and Kyungsoo stayed near the door, looking slightly uncomfortable for being called to a meeting in Jongdae’s office.

“The case of the Crimson Feather is officially closed.” Jongdae announced, feeling happy for the first time in a long time.

“Changmin has confessed to the murder of Angelique. The maid found out about the Club after following him to the cavern, looking for her mistress. She was unaware that Victoria had already left town with Kyuhyun. Changmin killed her to silence her.”

“Kyuhyun has confessed to killing Mathew Page for threatening to blackmail the club once he learned of its existence. He has also confessed to setting the Page house on fire to silence Mrs. Page and planning the accident that injured Junmyeon.”

“I fail to understand how you are so damn good at getting people to confess.” Heechul tilted his head to the side, looking Jongdae up and down. “On second thought I completely understand how you are so good at it.”

Jongdae ignored him. “They shall be tried posthaste for their crimes, including soliciting the kidnapping of the twins. Their accomplices, including Marie and the Comte shall stand trial as well. I have taken the death penalty off the table in order for their cooperation.”

“So it wasn’t your magnificent beauty that go them to talk? What a shame, old boy,” Heechul drawled.

“So it is over,” Sehun said quietly.

“Yes, it is over. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” Jongdae’s eyes hovered on Sehun for a moment longer than the others.

Minseok saw the tears threatening to fall from Sehun’s eyes. Jongdae must have as well. He cleared his throat. “The Prince Regent is immeasurably grateful as well. He would like to bestow an award on all of us, Junmyeon, Taemin, and Minho included.”

“An award, sir?” Kyungsoo squeaked from the back of the room.

“Yes, for so valiantly uncovering the plot and saving his life.”

“I am not sure if that is befitting a valet, sir.” Kyungsoo protested.

“Do you dare argue with the future king of this country?” Jongdae asked, chuckling when Kyungsoo took back his protests.

A few minutes later Jongdae told them all to go home. Minseok stayed back, watching as his friend finally looked at ease. It had been so long since he had seen Jongdae’s shoulders free of tension, his expression easy going.

“D’Adderleigh, go, you have children who are probably driving their nanny half crazy.” Jongdae slung an arm around his best friend’s shoulder.

“I have a question, something I don’t think was answered.” Minseok had considered it after all was said and done, realizing it had never been explained. Jongdae raised his eyebrows, curious what he had failed to piece together.

“The crimson feather, what did it mean?”

Jongdae smiled sadly. “Kyuhyun said it was the first thing Changmin ever gave him, a single red feather.”

“And they chose that as the symbol of the club?” Minseok found it curious.

“Yes. It was the symbol of their love if you will, of their bond.”

Minseok suddenly understood. So they had been lovers. To think that Victoria had been trapped in a love triangle that she never was truly a part of. Kyuhyun had strung her along as cover after receiving the letter just as Changmin had every time he showed interest in her. It made Minseok sad to think about it. In many ways she had been used as well. And now she was to be deported back to France, her brother likely to spend the rest of his life in prison in England. She was but one of the many sad intersecting tales of this case. A case that was now thankfully over.

***

The Comte was afraid to breath out of his nose. The one whiff of revolting stench that he had unfortunately sucked in made his stomach churn.

“Welcome to your new home.” The jailer laughed as he opened the iron door, shoving the row of prisoners into the small filthy cell.

Kris fell to his knees, his chained hands scraping against the roughly hewn stone floor. He heard curses from Kyuhyun, Siwon, Donghae, Hyukjae, and Changmin as they landed next to him.

“What do we have here?” The voice was gruff, scary. As the cell door clanked and locked behind them Kris looked up to see two haggard figures leaning against the far end of the cell.

“Chanyeol, they look to be upper class.” The smallest of the pair smiled at the new prisoners.

“Why Baekhyun, I think you are correct.” The tall man folded his arms and stared down at the new comers.

Kris glared at the two prisoners.

“Welcome to paradise, old boys.” Baekhyun laughed, spreading his arms out. “May you enjoy your stay.”



EPILOGUE

Minseok reclined on the brocade sofa, his eyelids drooping as the summer sun streamed in, making the sitting room delightfully warm. He was almost asleep when he felt gentle rubbing on his arm. Trying to shrug it off he grunted in annoyance. Then the hand went to his chest and snaked lower.

“Luhan, I am trying to sleep!” Minseok snapped his eyes open and glared at his husband.

Luhan hovered over him, a mischievous expression on his face. “Then sleep.”

Minseok pushed Luhan gently, sitting up he sighed at his husband. “How is Sehun doing?”

“Better, I think.” Luhan plopped down on the sofa. He had just spent a few hours visiting the man. “He seems happier here than in the city.”

It had been two months since the case was closed. Almost immediately Minseok and Luhan had packed up their townhouse and retired to the D’Adderleigh estate in the countryside. A few weeks later Sehun had moved to his family’s estate that bordered Minseok’s, swearing off city life for the time being.

“Perhaps he will change after all.” Minseok hoped that Sehun would, one day, discover the common sense that he was lacking. Until that happened it was probably a good idea for him to lay low in the countryside instead of getting in trouble in the city.

“Perhaps.” Luhan grabbed Minseok’s hand. With a tug he brought them both to their feet. “Now come on, Lisbeth has the twins outside for drawing class. It is time to go look upon their masterpieces.”

Minseok smiled at the thought. Lisbeth had been more than happy to accompany them to the countryside, promising to stay in their employ as long as they would have her. Minseok had to admit she was a wonderful nanny and great teacher. She had created a schedule of lessons for Lilly and Theo that Minseok found very well rounded.

“Where did Junmyeon get off to?” Minseok asked as Luhan dragged him from the sitting room. Junmyeon had come with them to the countryside, explaining that he thought the fresh air would help him in his recovery. He had been healing well and could now walk with the aid of a cane.

“The last I spotted of him he was sitting on a horse with Yixing behind him. There were kisses and things, I didn’t look for long.” Luhan made a disgusted look with his face.

Minseok chuckled. It hadn’t been long after they arrived in the country that his estate manager Yixing had made it apparent that he wanted to spend every free moment he had with the young nobleman. Junmyeon in turn seemed completely smitten with the estate manager. They were an unlikely pairing but seemed so happy that Minseok couldn’t help but be happy for them.

“We should go out the back entrance and sneak up on the twins!” Luhan giggled as he dragged Minseok down a long hallway that accessed the servant’s entry.

“Sometimes I wonder if you aren’t the child, Luhan.” Minseok teased.

“I will have you know that I-“Luhan stopped in his tracks. Minseok almost collided with his husband’s back at the sudden stop. Peeking over Luhan’s shoulder he stilled. If Minseok didn’t know any better he would think they had walked in on a proposal. Jongin was down on one knee holding Kyungsoo’s hand.

“Sirs!” Kyungsoo struggled to push Jongin away, pulling his outstretched hand back.

“Please, continue.” Luhan backed away, taking Minseok with him. “And congratulations on your engagement!”

Minseok added his own words of congratulations as they ran towards the front exit, leaving the two valets to speak words of endearment to each other. It would be a marvelous thing if they married. They were crazy about each other and Minseok was quite certain Kyungsoo would never find another person as perfect for his personality as Jongin was.

As they started the walk along the gravel drive Luhan swung their intertwined hands back and forth. “We will have a lot of weddings to attend to this year.”

“It would seem so.” Minseok wondered how Jongdae was doing with his own wedding planning. He had announced his engagement to Heechul a couple of weeks earlier.

“I feel very sorry for all of them though.” Luhan sounded sad.

“Why?” Minseok cocked an eyebrow at his husband.

“They can’t win as compared to our love story.” Luhan stopped walking. He stilled Minseok by wrapping his arms around his middle.

“Love is not a contest.” Minseok clucked his tongue.

“That is a shame because we would win.” Luhan silenced any further protests from Minseok with a deep kiss.

Minseok melted into Luhan’s embrace, enjoying the sensation of Luhan’s tongue caressing his own. Damn his husband was a good kisser.

“Eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww.”

The couple broke their lip lock at the sound but stayed put in each other’s arms. Minseok looked over to see Lily and Theo toddling towards them, small sketch pads in their hands. Their nanny walked behind them, grinning at the children’s antics. “Eeeew daddy! Papa!” They pointed at the couple, scrunching up their faces.

“Looks like not everyone is amazed by our romance.” Minseok whispered to Luhan.

“Well there are always bound to be a few people who won’t appreciate it.” Luhan winked.

Breaking their embrace the two men walked over to the children, scooping them up into their arms. Minseok started the walk back to the house, his son in his arms, his husband and his daughter next to him. He never had felt so happy in his life. And an entire lifetime of happiness awaited him. He was ready for it.

END.

Comments

[trieze0713.livejournal.com]

Took me 3 days to finish the prequel and this one... in the middle of family gathering, Christmas celebration, even fell asleep still holding my mobile while reading at midnight LMAO Christmas holiday is a busy holiday :p

Anyway... I really enjoyed reading them... I guess I should re-read them more slowly once again as I was too eager to finish and found out the ending in the first place :D Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more of something like this? heheh Happy holiday!

[london9calling.livejournal.com]

Wow that you managed to fit reading this in between all of the business! Thank you so much for reading :D

I really appreciate the sweet comment! We will see if I continue this AU, I have been writing it for the better part of this year and am about to get a lot busier with personal stuff so I can't promise anything :( Thanks again and Happy Holidays <3