The Masquerade (13/13)

[london9calling]

The Masquerade
Pairing: Xiumin / Luhan, side Kai / D.O.
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Regency inspired AU
Rating: NC-17
Length: Multi chaptered (93,555 words)
Summary: Minseok reluctantly attends the Kim family masquerade ball after three years of being shunned by high society due to a broken engagement. Luhan, the catch of the season, meets who he thinks is his boyfriend in a secluded alcove, greeting him with a passionate kiss. It is unfortunate that Minseok is wearing the same costume as Luhan’s boyfriend…or is it? A Regency Xiuhan story.

Previous Chapters [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

The church was full, despite the rather hasty announcement of the wedding there was an astounding turnout. Those who wrote for the social pages were even invited, The Duchess not daring to let her only son’s marriage be overshadowed by any other event.

Titled individuals, important politicians, businessmen who had made enough money to reside on the outer spheres of high society, titled French noblemen long ago displaced from their homeland, and preening young heiresses filled the church. No one would miss it, lest they offend the Duke of Hayden with their absence.

Baekhyun was already dressed in his wedding suit. It was a handsome, very expensive outfit that had been made for him – tailors paid by Luhan’s parents to create the outfit in a few day’s time. It fit perfectly and Baekhyun grinned at how smart he looked in his outfit.

Chanyeol smiled at his friend “I dare say, you haven’t looked this happy in..well, ever.”

Chanyeol tried to bury the feelings that coursed through him. He had held onto a notion, a dream, that perhaps one day he would marry Baekhyun. Yet, it was not to be. He realized that Baekhyun’s marriage to Luhan was a much better deal, and that it had to happen. Who was he to say anything now? No, Chanyeol would take his infatuation to the grave, standing always beside his best friend until the end of their days.

“Wedded bliss, my friend, wedded bliss.” Baekhyun answered, feeling the kind of satisfaction that can only occur when one’s dreams come true.

***

Minseok had scarcely believed it, but he had to. Heechul after everything, had damn near solved the case for them. Minseok tried to ignore the fact that his reason for doing so was because he wanted to kiss, date and do god knows what else to Jongdae because quite honestly the reason didn’t matter. What mattered is he knew now. Byun Baekhyun was guilty and he could prove it.

“Yes, well, seems your noble idiot of a lover decided marriage was the only route. Until I filled him in on the details of the crime, of course.” Heechul had explained that the wedding was to take place with great haste, they would need to rush back to the city to stop it.

Luhan knew the truth, which meant he would likely not go through with the marriage. Not unless Baekhyun threatened him with something, and Minseok was desperately afraid of that. The man was a murderer after all, there was likely nothing he wouldn’t do to get what he wanted.

Minseok had the code sheet tucked into his pocket. Heechul had snagged it from Baekhyun’s house, a rather clever theft considering they were up against skilled thieves. Heechul had found it when Baekhyun was distracted, not knowing its significance right away. It was the proof he needed to connect Baekhyun to the thefts. It was the same code sheet that Heechul had also snagged from the pocket book he stole from Jaejoong at the club, a slight of hand and a very lucky find indeed. It was enough to tie Jaejoong to the crime, a code sheet he had given to Luhan, telling him to use it to prove the details of the crime, the cipher enabling the Home Office to fully decode the receipts, pointing out the guilty parties. It was the code that the jeweler’s receipts were written in, the receipts that were used to funnel the stolen jewels to Baekhyun’s half-sister.

Minseok did not doubt that any of the remaining stolen jewelry would be found at Baekhyun’s residence, likely Chanyeol’s as well. He just needed to get to the city in time, before Baekhyun ran away, before Baekhyun knew that he was found out.

He was sure Luhan hadn’t cancelled the wedding, not if he was thinking the same thing that Minseok was. Baekhyun would be suspicious if it was cancelled, would likely flee. No, now the only thing to do was get to the church before anything legally binding occurred, because Minseok was now more determined than ever that he would marry Luhan. And damn if that sniveling crook Baekhyun would do it first.

***

Luhan peeked into the church, he noticed Soo Man in the crowd. Thankfully Yunho was nowhere to be seen. Soo Man had told him that they would confront Jaejoong and Yunho at their respective residences during the time the wedding was taking place, catching them by surprise. Baekhyun and Chanyeol, along with Baekhyun’s Father, would be arrested at the church for all the world to see.

Several Home Office Agents were in attendance, discreetly mixed into the crowd, in case Baekhyun tried to flee. Luhan had suspected that his Mother would question the strange guests so he had made up a rather lame excuse of inviting some of the men from his club, people she would likely not know. She had frowned for a moment before rushing off to attend to the latest little detail.

Luhan fiddled with his sleeves. He sighed. A week ago he had thought he would find himself in a church with Minseok, not with Baekhyun. He still regretted agreeing to the marriage with Baekhyun, even if it wouldn’t happen - however at the time he thought it was his only option….

Baekhyun spoke slowly “You will do anything for D’Adderleigh’s freedom, I see. What if I could clear his name?”

“How?” Luhan asked, knowing that Baekhyun’s words were as good as a confession.

“I know the thief. If you marry me I will gladly turn them over to the authorities and clear D’Adderleigh’s name. After the wedding of course.”

Luhan stared at Baekhyun, trying with all his might to understand how he had once considered marrying the man. It sickened him, the thought of it. Yet here he was, facing a choice. Marry Baekhyun to free Minseok or see Minseok in prison. It was, unfortunately, a rather easy choice.

“I will marry you, but you best keep your word.” Luhan narrowed his eyes “And not for a moment convince yourself I love you. I don’t and I never will.”

Baekhyun had shrugged his shoulders “That, Easton, is a rather small problem all things considered. I just want a wedding, I am not asking for love.”

If it wasn’t for Heechul he would be wholly dependent on Baekhyun keeping his word. Now, thanks to Heechul, Soo Man had enough evidence to arrest Baekhyun and the others and end this madness. Luhan would have to remember to tell Heechul he could punch him anytime he felt like it, because he truly was his savior. A great friend indeed.

***

The carriage rolled into the city, slowing immediately as it hit the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.

“What time is it?” Minseok asked. He didn’t have his pocket watch, he had left it at the cottage as he tried to disguise himself in servant’s attire, borrowing Kyungsoo’s outfit.

Jongdae pulled out his pocket watch “A quarter past one o’clock.” He snapped the watch shut, “Please hurry!” He shouted out the window, hoping the driver could hear him.

Heechul had informed them that the wedding would start at two o’clock sharp at XXX church in one of the more exclusive neighborhoods. Reaching the place quickly would be difficult given the rough roads and neighborhoods the carriage would need to traverse in order arrive at the destination.

“This is going to be the wedding of the century.” Heechul rubbed his hands together in anticipation, he loved a good dramatic wedding.

“You don’t mind if we get off before the church?” Sehun had kept suggesting as much, not caring to be a part of the intrigue any longer.

“Sehun, I will hit you if you keep talking.” Tao shook his head in disappointment, shutting Sehun up.

As the carriage lurched forward, picking up speed, the driver seemingly having heard Jongdae’s orders, Minseok stared out the window, taking in the passing sights. The adrenaline coursed through him. He would see Luhan soon and this horrible nightmare would all be over.

***

“You look very handsome, son.” The Duchess finished fixing Luhan’s suit jacket, beaming at her son. “I dare say you have made an excellent choice. Baekhyun is very fine looking in his suit.”

Luhan didn’t like not being able to tell his Mother the truth, because the more she cooed over his wedding to Baekhyun the worse her regret would be once she discovered Baekhyun was a murdering thief. Yet it couldn’t be helped.

The wedding march sounded lightly from the church, signaling that it was time for Luhan to take his place near the altar. His Mother patted his cheeks, a tear in her eye “God bless you son, please make us proud.”

Luhan smiled and nodded, not daring to say anything least he betrayed the reality of the situation.

***

Baekhyun found the Duke to be a rather laborious walker – in that it took him forever to walk down the aisle. Normally Baekhyun would have been annoyed at having to slow his pace, but this time he could accept it. The longer it took him to reach Luhan, standing at the end of the aisle, the more time he had to bask in smiles – and, he noticed glares – of the wedding guests. It was the time for Baekhyun to show to the world that he was in fact now a part of the Hayden family, with their long and proud lineage. It was time for him to stare at those who had talked down to him for his lack of a formal title, or those who had gossiped when Luhan had become engaged to D’Adderleigh instead of him.

It was the best moment of Baekhyun’s life.

When they arrived at the altar, The Duke carefully placed Baekhyun’s hand into Luhan’s grasp, smiling.

“Please live a happy life together.” The Duke said, smiling brightly before he took his seat next to the Duchess in the front row.

Luhan tried to remain calm and composed, knowing full well what was about to happen. Any moment now the trap would be sprung. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the agents signaling to each other. He turned his attention back to Baekhyun, trying to play the part of the attentive groom.

And then the doors of the church were thrown open, a loud noise that echoed through the large church. All eyes were wrenched from the couple at the altar to the noise at the back of the church, everyone straining to see who had dared interrupt the wedding of one of the country’s most elite families. As recognition dawned on the crowd, murmurs and gasps were heard all around.

“Stop this wedding!” Minseok bellowed at the top of his lungs, attempting to stride down the aisle. Heechul was behind him, as was Jongdae, Junmyeon, Kyungsoo, Jongin, Tao, and Sehun. Luhan let Baekhyun’s hand go, forgetting that he was supposed to be pretending, forgetting everything as he took in the sight.

Minseok. His Minseok. The only man he wanted to marry, the only man he would or could ever love had arrived. Nothing else really mattered.

“It is the thief!” Several guests gasped, pointing and moving as far away from the aisle as possible, as though Minseok would hurt them.  As panic ensued Soo Man and the Home Office agents sprang into action.

Minseok was shocked to see two men approach the altar, grabbing Byun Baekhyun. Baekhyun started to struggle, shouting at the top of his lungs “What are you doing?! He is over there! The thief is over there!”

Minseok watched as an older gentleman, one he did not recognize, started to walk up the aisle towards him.

“Good to see you are still well, D’Adderleigh. Home office. We can take it from here.” Soo Man patted Minseok on the back before turning to face the guests.

“Please remain calm. Please stay seated. I am Lee Soo Man, Deputy Director of the Home Office. I apologize for startling you, however there are criminals in you midst. Byun Baekhyun, Park Chanyeol, Baron Overton, you are under arrest for the crimes of murder, theft, and assault.”

The guests were unable to heed Soo Man’s advice, panicking at the announcement. Instead of trying to distance themselves from Minseok they were now attempting to move as far away from the aforementioned criminals as possible.

Minseok watched as Baekhyun’s father was apprehended, struggling much as his son had done.

Baekhyun was kicking and struggling to free himself, shouting “No! It is not me! It is D’Adderleigh!”

Luhan watched as Baekhyun was dragged from the altar, feeling like the world had just been lifted from his shoulders. He dared a glance at his parents, who both stood motionless, too shocked to speak. And then he turned back towards Minseok, who was smiling. He was actually smiling. It was all that Luhan needed, the only thing he needed to see. Stepping down from the altar he moved past the agents and Baekhyun, intending to pull Minseok into an embrace that he would never escape from. Unfortunately that never happened. Instead, Chanyeol made a move.

“You sniveling, disgusting creature!” Chanyeol managed to wrench free from the agent’s grasp. He pushed his way through the crowed, the agents hot on his heels, as he continued to curse, all of his anger and spite directed towards Minseok. “You think you are better than us? Do you think that we can’t do anything to you? Do you think-“

Later, Minseok could swear everything happened in slow motion. He watched in shock as Chanyeol drew a pistol from his suit coat, cocking it, a glint of hatred in his eyes. He pointed it straight at Minseok, pulling the trigger. Minseok braced himself, ready for the bullet to hit, ready for the bullet to tear into him, knowing he wouldn’t be able to avoid it.

And then that blur of movement. He was pushed back, someone leaping in front of him. Time started again, the screams echoing through the church as the agents tackled Chanyeol, subduing him.

Minseok grasped at his body, feeling all over, realizing he hadn’t been hit. And then he noticed. Someone had jumped in front of him, pushing him out of the path of the bullet. Someone else had been shot. Luhan. It was Luhan, lying on the ground, the blood starting to pool around him.

“No!” Minseok screamed at the top of his lungs, crouching down, pulling Luhan close as the pool of blood grew with every passing second.

***

Minseok was covered in blood. In Luhan’s blood. It stained his shirt, his arms, his pants, he had some on his face as well. It didn’t matter. No, he didn’t care that he was covered in blood. The only thing that he cared about was Luhan. Luhan who was lying motionless, Luhan who was hovering in that precarious place between life and death.

Minseok sat by Luhan's bedside, holding his hand, gaining some reassurance from the feeling of Luhan’s pulse. It was weak, very weak, but it was still there. Luhan was still alive.

The doctor had given Luhan a rather grim prognosis. The bullet had torn through his abdomen, causing substantial blood loss. The doctor was able to remove the bullet, sewing up the wound, but could not give an optimistic outlook on Luhan’s long term condition.

“If he makes it through the nigh he might live. Or infection may set in.” The Doctor had stayed, was still there, talking to Luhan’s parents. They were at the Hayden estate, Minseok having argued about moving Luhan so far but having given in when the doctor started to work on Luhan as they made the short commute.

Minseok hadn’t left Luhan’s side since he was shot, not for a moment. He had carried Luhan out of the church himself, not willing to lose any contact with him. He prayed, prayed as he had never before prayed in his life. Please, he begged, let him live. Let him live.

***

Minseok didn’t sleep that night, he couldn’t. What if Luhan woke up? What if, god forbid, Luhan took a turn for the worse? No. He couldn’t sleep.

He wasn’t sure what time it was - the next morning perhaps -when Jongdae arrived. He barely registered the noise of the door opening, barely registered the people that had come and gone through the night.

“Minseok, how is he?” Jongdae asked quietly, nearing the bedside.

“He is alive.” Minseok didn’t recognize his own voice, it was hoarse, rough and low.

“Do you need anything?” Jongdae asked, putting a hand on Minseok’s shoulder as he looked on at Luhan.

“No.”

“I spoke to Lee Soo Man today. Your name is cleared.” Jongdae recounted softly “The perpetrators are all in prison.”

“Good.” Minseok didn’t dare think of what he would do if he saw Chanyeol again. He didn’t think he could stop himself from hitting the man.

“Yunho was not charged, he didn’t have enough evidence to definitely know Jaejoong was guilty, he only suspected it. He has been relieved of his post, however.” Jongdae explained. Jongdae had felt a great amount of disappointment towards his Uncle, a man he had always looked up to. When he found out his Uncle had suspected Jaejoong but covered up any indication or ignored any evidence that would implicate him, Jongdae lost all respect for the man. Yunho had let love blind him, let it color his ability to differentiate right and wrong.

Jongdae stayed for a few minutes, hoping his presence would give his best friend some strength. He slipped out of the room, bidding Minseok goodbye.

He shut the door softly, turning, he almost collided with Heechul. He jumped back in surprise.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Heechul looked at the door “How is he?”

“He is alive.” Jongdae didn’t know what else to say. Heechul had been there, he had seen the amount of blood that Luhan had lost. He had heard the doctor’s prognosis, having returned to the Hayden family mansion with the rest of them.

Heechul sighed “If I was a fighting man the things I would do to Park Chanyeol, that bastard.”

“You and me both.” Jongdae shook his head “To think of the depravity of some people.”

“It is truly sickening, isn’t it?” Heechul agreed. They stood outside the door for a few moments before Heechul, rather uncharacteristically bashful in his words blurted out “I know this is a terrible time, however I would like to ask you if I can officially court you.”

“You are right, this is a terrible time.” Jongdae started walking away, leaving Heechul to watch him go. He stopped suddenly, knowing full well he owed Heechul a lot. Perhaps one date wouldn’t hurt. “Yes, you can. Just please try not to be too forward or grab me a lot.”

“I can’t promise that.” Heechul was smiling suddenly, a broad grin.

“I figured as much.” Jongdae said over his shoulder as he walked away, not bothering to turn around and see how happy Heechul looked.

***

“Tao…” Sehun was not sure how to vocalize what he wanted to communicate. He had no idea how it would sound and he guessed Tao would laugh at him. “I…have been thinking. It was rather impressive, what Jongdae has done and what Minseok has done.”

Tao was lying in bed, next to Sehun. After returning to Sehun’s family home the night before, complete with a scolding from the Earl of Pressley regarding where they had run off to – quickly forgiven when Tao explained that Sehun was engaging in charity work and he had only accompanied him as a servant – they had snuck into Sehun’s bedroom. The morning dawned with the pair a mess of arms and legs, Tao holding his boyfriend close, both men thinking of what had occurred in front of their eyes. Of how precious life could be. Of how easily one could almost lose the one they love.

“Yes, which is another reason you should always treat Minseok with respect.” Tao muttered, pulling Sehun closer. He loved the way Sehun smelled, the way he felt when they pressed their bodies close like this.

“Yes, well. I was thinking that perhaps I could work at the Home Office too. Maybe help out here and there, bring some justice to criminals.” Sehun tensed, waiting for Tao to laugh or ridicule his idea, to tell him there was no way that the bratty Sehun, who had never done anything for anyone in his life, could suddenly change his life around. Tao didn’t laugh.

“My god Sehun, that may just be the best idea you have ever had in your life.” Tao planted a kiss on Sehun’s forehead “However you best believe that I won’t let you do it alone.”

“I figured as much.” Sehun smiled, burying his face into his boyfriends shoulder. He would have to talk to Jongdae when he had the chance, offer his services. Perhaps, just maybe, Oh Sehun could turn out to be a rather useful member of society after all.

***

Kyungsoo brought buckets of water, cloth to keep Luhan’s forehead cool, and food up to Minseok, urging him to eat. He had never seen his employer so distraught, though it was completely warranted. It was then that Kyungsoo realized how deeply Minseok cared for Luhan and how deeply Luhan cared for Minseok in return. Enough to sacrifice their lives for each other.

On one of his return trips down the stairs, carrying a full tub of water that had grown lukewarm, he almost tripped. Almost – because yet again – Jongin was there to catch him.

“Easy, easy.” Jongin took the tub of water from Kyungsoo’s arms, “You have a tendency to get yourself into trouble, you know.”

Kyungsoo nodded. He did, which was why it was a good reason that Jongin was usually there to catch him. They walked to the kitchen in silence, an easy silence any more. When once Kyungsoo had detested the other valet he now relied on him.

“The servants have all gone to church, to pray for the young master.” Jongin explained as they entered the empty kitchen, a place that was usually bustling with activity.

“I pray that he lives.” Kyungsoo stated, knowing full well Jongin was doing the same.

“It was amazing. He took a bullet for the person he loves.” Jongin emptied the tub of water, “It is amazing to see love like that.”

“Yes, it is.” Kyungsoo agreed.

“Kyungsoo, have you ever been in love?” Jongin asked, his attention still focused on emptying the tub.

“I don’t know.” Kyungsoo answered.

“You don’t know? How is that possible?” Jongin finally turned to look at Kyungsoo, curious as to what he had meant with his vague answer.

“It depends on how the other person feels.” Kyungsoo answered, never breaking eye contact with Jongin, not even remotely trying to disguise the meaning behind his words.

“I think the other person finds such an idea very agreeable.” Jongin answered, smiling widely as Kyungsoo’s face turned red.

***

The Duke apologized first. He was very succinct with his words.

“I am sorry we ever doubted you.” He told Minseok, “I would not fault you if you dislike us.”

It had been three days since Luhan had been shot. He was not showing any signs of infection and his pulse was growing stronger. Minseok held onto hope that he would regain consciousness soon. He had not left his bedside for a moment, finally changing his clothing and washing the blood off himself after Kyungsoo insisted on it – bringing him a fresh change of clothes. He had slept fitfully, a few minutes here and there, and only if someone else was in the room to wake him up if anything changed.

In that time he had spent hours in the company of the Duke, who visited his son’s bedside frequently, always with tears in his eyes. The Duchess visited too, though the site of her son, pale and unconscious, often proved too much for her and ended with her fleeing the room.

“I forgive you for doubting me.” Minseok responded, “I would have doubted me at the time if I were you.”

The Duke sighed, “Yet my son never did. He loves you so very much.”

“I love him too.” Minseok said softly, staring down at Luhan. Luhan, who would die for him. Luhan who would do anything for him. Luhan, his Luhan.

“I hope he pulls through this and when he does I can see you two married.” The Duke didn’t say anymore, or mention the topic again. Minseok didn’t bring it up either, because the future was too precarious to discuss at the moment.

***

Minseok. The first thing he saw was Minseok. Was he dreaming?

His eyes fluttered open, his vision hazy as he focused. Someone was holding his hand, someone was next to him. And then it became clearer.

“Luhan?” Minseok leaned over, scarcely believing his eyes. Luhan was awake. He was finally awake. Minseok couldn’t help but start crying.

“Minseok. Are you okay?” Luhan tried to reach out, to pull Minseok towards him, but the pain was too much. He winced, crying out as a burning pain radiated down his side.

“Don’t move! You are still recovering.” Minseok moved towards him instead, being careful to not jolt him and cause further pain.

“How long have I been asleep?” Luhan asked, starting to remember what happened. He had been at the church. Baekhyun was arrested, Chanyeol was there, shouting curses at Minseok. And then he had watched in horror as Chanyeol pulled a gun, pointing it at Minseok. He hadn’t even thought about it as he leapt forward, taking the bullet.

“A week”

“A week?” Luhan flinched as the pain returned.

“I should get the doctor. Please, stay still.” Minseok tried to move away, to open the door, to let the world know the young master was awake. Luhan stopped him, his grasp was weak, but one hand on Minseok’s arm and Minseok didn’t move.

“Please, not now. A minute, wait a minute.” Luhan pleaded. Minseok nodded, complying.

“I want to look at you, just for a minute.” Luhan smiled. A few seconds later he whispered “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” Minseok let the tears flow freely, leaning forward he planted a chaste kiss on Luhan’s mouth. It wasn’t hurried, or passionate, or full of the desire of some of their kisses. Yet somehow it was the best kiss of his life.

***

It was a giggle. Kyungsoo could hear it clearly. Since when did his employer giggle?

“They have been holed up in there all day.” Kyungsoo shook his head, staring at the door.

“It is their honeymoon, leave them be.” Jongin tried to pull Kyungsoo away from the door, yet the other valet remained firm.

“Jongin, a routine is not to be broken. How am I supposed to ensure they both eat and are dressed properly when they no longer leave their bedroom? How am I supposed to feel like I can sufficiently represent one of the proudest professions on earth, the esteemed role of a personal valet, when I can’t even get my master to agree on a breakfast menu?” Kyungsoo sighed heavily.

“Well, I do believe the fact our employers are otherwise engaged gives us plenty of time to do other things. Perhaps?” Jongin wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Kyungsoo took the bait, turning bright red and slapping at his fellow valet.

“Jongin! I am being serious!” Kyungsoo finally turned heel and left, Jongin walking behind him.

Kyungsoo was trying to reconcile his new life, that of a personal valet to a very married person, to the actions of his employer. It was frustrating. After Luhan’s full recovery, Luhan had married Minseok in a private ceremony. No big society wedding, only a handful of people in attendance. The ceremony had taken place three weeks ago.

Minseok had suggested he and Luhan visit the D’Adderleigh estate for their honeymoon, which had surprised Kyungsoo. Other than their time as fugitives hiding in the cottage Minseok hadn’t returned to the place his Father had died for years. Yet something had changed in him during those years, Kyungsoo had to admit it. He was no longer living focused on a bleak and unforgiving past, he was living for a bright future. He was happy.

As soon as they had arrived at the estate the handful of household servants were given time off – Minseok and Luhan deciding they wanted as few people present during their honeymoon as possible. Kyungsoo had glared at his employer, daring Minseok to send him away. Minseok hadn’t, keeping Jongin and Kyungsoo on as the only two servants in the large country house.

“How much do you know about gardening, Jongin?” Kyungsoo remembered something that had bothered him that morning. The hedges in the front were starting to look a bit ragged and the estate’s gardener had been given time off like all of the other servants. Kyungsoo felt extremely uncomfortable at the thought of leaving the hedges to become slightly overgrown.

“Gardening? Nothing. I don’t know anything about gardening.” Jongin answered.

“I see.” Kyungsoo said tersely. “Come look at the state of the hedges with me, I am sure you can manage to trim them if you see how horrible of a condition they are in.”

The two valet’s walked out the front door, an action that Kyungsoo usually could not fathom undertaking. Jongin had pushed him towards it a few times over the last few weeks. “Kyungsoo, no one is here. Minseok and Luhan are not going to mind if you walk through the front door.”

“You mean Master Minseok and Master Luhan?” Kyungsoo had corrected him, however he took the chance and used the front door for the first time in his life.

As the two valets approached the hedges they noticed a lone rider and horse coming up the long gravel drive.

“I wonder who that could be.” Kyungsoo tried to see who it was, but couldn’t tell. As the rider neared he smiled. It was Jongdae.

“Kyungsoo, Jongin. How are you?” Jongdae waved. Jongin walked forward, helping Jongdae to alight the animal by grabbing the reins of his horse.

“Sir, what brings you here?” Kyungsoo was surprised to see Jongdae so far away from the city.

“I was visiting Lord Sehun. The young man seems very well in love with the idea of working for the Home Office and invited me to meet him at the Pressley estate to discuss the matter.”

Kyungsoo wanted to roll his eyes at the thought of Sehun doing anything worthwhile with his life but he held back.

“Are Minseok and Luhan in?” Jongdae stared at the big house.

“Yes, sir, they are. Though I dare say you may have some trouble getting them to emerge from their bedroom.” Kyungsoo blushed as he said the word bedroom, looking away so Jongdae wouldn’t notice. It didn’t work.

“Well, it is their honeymoon.” Jongdae laughed. “Hopefully they will see me if I ask nicely.”

Kyungsoo doubted it, but didn’t want to dissuade the man. He had come all this way, after all.

***

“I hate seeing you dressed.” Luhan whispered playfully, hugging Minseok around the waist. They had made it five feet from their bedroom, yet their minds were very much still inside.

“Please refrain from too much touching in front of me, please.” Jongdae warned when the two entered the large study, Luhan still practically glued to Minseok.

“Jongdae.” Minseok ran over to hug him, Luhan doing the same. They both had a very great amount of affection for the man given the events of the last few months.

“How is Heechul?” Luhan asked as they moved towards the couch near the fireplace, Luhan making sure to pull Minseok down to sit next to him.

“Eager. As always.” Jongdae answered. Heechul had been taking him around town, rather oddly tame dates, of late. Yet at the end of the evening Heechul always made some sort of proposition, which Jongdae always turned down. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Heechul. No, in fact, he was starting to think he may actually like him – or dare he say it, love him. Though he wanted to take things slowly, he needed to be sure.

“Yes, he is the eager sort.” Luhan commented, his hand finding Minseok’s hand .He found it nearly impossible to not be touching his husband in some way shape or form every waking hour of the day. “Kyungsoo mentioned that you were visiting Sehun.”

“Yes, though I think the young man may be far too ambitious for his own good. He has the drive, though I worry he might be a tad bit too reckless to take on a case of any substantial import, at least until he has some more experience.” Jongdae had been promoted to Yunho’s position shortly after Baekhyun’s arrest. He now had his own office, his own men reporting to him and he couldn’t be any happier.

“How is your work?” Minseok inquired.

“Very well, it is going very well.” Jongdae smiled brightly, looking from Minseok to Luhan and back to Minseok.

Minseok tensed, sensing something as his friend continued to stare at him oddly. “What is it?”

“You can see right through me, old boy.” Jongdae sighed “I do have a reason to pay you a visit, and I am afraid that it isn’t just a friendly matter.”

“Is something wrong?” Luhan started to feel a bit nervous. Why was Jongdae there?

“I need your help, assuming you are willing to grant it.”

“Help?” Luhan and Minseok looked at each other and then to Jongdae. Minseok was not sure he liked the sound of Jongdae’s words.

“A certain nobleman has disappeared and the case has hit a standstill. I believe you both know him. Minseok, I think you met him in Normandy. Luhan, he attended the same school as you. One Cho Kyuhyun.”

“He is missing?” Luhan did in fact remember the man. He was a couple of years older than Luhan, but they had been friends when they were younger.

“Yes, he is missing, but the worrisome matter is that he is missing with a very important document, a document that has very large implications for the crown. I would like to ask for you two to help in the investigation when you return to the city, seeing as how you both knew the man.”

Minseok and Luhan didn’t dare speak, instead they stared at Jongdae. Another investigation? Another mystery? Could they bear it?

THE END.

Comments

[london9calling.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much *blushes at your kind comment*

I have read so many Regency novels that this just kind of happened - I actually started the story as a prompt with the idea of something kind of Regency-ish in tone but set in present day. Yeah, that didn't last long haha. My Regency loving mind took over and all of a sudden everyone had titles and cravats :)

Oh, I like that idea of a prequel! I never even thought of that tbh. I did start the sequel, The Crimson Feather. You can find it on my master list if you are interested (and Minseok's time in Normandy plays into the story, so you do get some insight into what he was up to during his time away - at least a little bit any way).

Thank you for your nice comment! I am so happy you liked the story, I had tons of fun writing it!