Chapter Text
The sky is blue, so much blue with dark and red, yellowish leaves as trees and bushes singing autumn. The air is quite warm that day with occasional chirping by the birds and wind carries music from places enjoying the day, thin white smokes rolling up from warm houses and the people breathing conversations and laughter. Children running about and adults goes by their day without worries, maybe this is what peace brings in people, as certain people witness their surrounding.
"This weather makes me lazy," the person yawned, sharp fangs on display without care even though in plain sight with humans sitting in the same tea shop, some looking at them curiously and some warily, "and sleepy."
"Aren't you always sleepy, Heechul?" Leeteuk chuckled as he about to take another sip from his warm tea.
"Why you chose this place to meet up, anyway? These people might already get used to see us, but don't you think they still see us like some circus?" Heechul scoffed, "they really need to stop that, it's not like we're so different with them."
"Their sense of racism exists even amongst them, what's more with us? But it's better than being hunted down and killed just because we're different. I'm hopeful we can have better future where we can coexist together without discrimination and hatred, socializing is important to educate and repetition to instill it..."
"Your positivity really is a breath of fresh air, that future better happen because in the end we all living creatures, we should stand equally, both sides should respect each other," Heechul hmph-ed, lying down to better see the sky. Turning his head to see the head of gumiho clan sipping tea peacefully with straight back, as if he's posing, "you just love the attention, didn't you?"
Leeteuk coughed a bit for the tea goes down the wrong pipe at the statement, "I am not."
That makes Heechul howler a laugh, "you definitely did, oh dear, you're such an attention seeker."
"I am not," Leeteuk hissed, but his ears rather red from embarrassment, "also, why are you displaying your fox ears, Heechul?"
The aforementioned ears flutters, Heechul grinned, "Why not give them a show if they're already watching us like a circus? I never said I didn't like the attention, unless if they're malicious."
"You're a show off," Leeteuk huffed, then he perks up, "oh here they come."
"Who-" his words cut off because he feel a sharp pain from his ears being pulled strongly, "ouch! Ow, what the- who did that?!" He yelled and sitting up in anger, only to soften when he sees the culprits, tiny kids more precisely, "whose brats are you?"
The twins, a boy and a girl, laughs loudly and tackle him together with glee, ringing cheery in the beautiful air. Then fall a bigger shadow over Heechul who's now lying on the tatami with an armful of excited kids, "they're my children, nasty gumiho."
"Oh Taeyong! Should've known these mischievous brats are yours."
"They're not brats, I'll have you know the ones in your arms are the crown Prince and a princess," Taeyong huffed, sitting down to join at their table and greets Leeteuk with a smile.
"Still brats to me," he snorted, making noises when the twins jumping and snuggling him with too much excitement. Dramatically and jokingly he yelped, "ow my stomach! You kneed it!"
"Jisungie-ah, Eunjie-ah," Taeyong calls gently, and immediately the twins stop teasing Heechul and come rushing to sit on each side of Taeyong's, a hand over their mouths to hide their giggles.
"Oh, they listen well, better than you."
"Please, hush, don't talk nonsense with my children around," he roll his eyes, a tint of red on his cheeks.
"What's nonsense about it? Unless you're thinking of different things," Heechul snickers, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Heechul, no!" He sputtered, "not in front of children."
"They don't understand anyway."
"Alright stop," Leeteuk intervened, also feeling embarrassed on Taeyong's behalf, "having a walk, Taeyong-shi?"
"Yes, I took the chance to visit my place before meeting you all," he smiled, motioning the shop owner to order and ask his twins, "do you want some snacks sweetie?"
"Like uncle Leeteuk's!" The both of them yelled, giggling with glee because they said it together.
"Oh my, they're so cute," Leeteuk put a hand on his chest out of fondness, big smile on his face.
"They're only two years old right? They look like they're four years old, though," Heechul chimed in, moving about his tail and pleasantly getting excited responses from the twins who's trying to chase after it.
"They grow up so fast, oh my god! I almost lose my mind with how fast it is," he bemoaned, "thankfully, being who I am now means I got hands helping me with them. Although that doesn't mean I don't get the distaste from people who don't like us, but Jaehyun listen to me anyway, so they're away from my life now."
"There are people like that, huh, it's not like we did anything to them and yet, they just want to hate us, almost make me want them punished with death for being so hateful without reason," Heechul whined.
"We both hurt each other in past, human and us, that's true. But we should leave it in the past now that we have the chance to be better together and coexist, killing them would only harm that chance. And it's not like only humans who's trying to deal with their fear and hatred, us too, our creatures even put effort to stop 'consuming' humans, so humans should also put effort in welcoming us," Leeteuk added.
"I heard that the creatures who needs to consume human are now having an agreement with consenting humans now? How's that work?" Taeyong asked just in time with their teas and snacks to arrive at the table and the twins immediately eating them, getting distracted from listening to the adult conversation which they don't even understand.
"We told Jaehyun that it's essential for some of us to consume humans, so he implemented it could only happen between two or more consenting parties. It's almost like a matchmaking between humans and the dark lurkers, which is compatible and which humans willing to help, giving blood or their life energy. Of course with written rules to benefit both involving parties, it's forbidden to take too much to the point of compromising the human's life, so overall it's a pretty good arrangement. Then again, there's always those people who didn't abide by laws and rules, so we need more helping hands to reinforce unwanted accidents to keep it safe," Leeteuk explained.
"I suggested that these events happen not without another party who would make sure that the consuming won't go against the rules. But it had to be dark lurkers to be the third party to keep it safe, because human couldn't possibly do much when these dark lurkers experiencing blood lust or decided to do harm, right?" Heechul added.
"That does sound valid, it'll bring more safety on the humans and also possibly bigger chance of them willing to help," Taeyong agreed.
"For us, it does, since we make sure these third parties would be trusted dark lurkers who will withhold dignity and respect the agreed rules. But that's not how the humans would see it, as far as it goes, we're all the same to them, aren't we? That's why we're still trying to find a solution to this," Leeteuk sighed, "well, it's not without reasons that they fear us."
The twins still munching the colorful tiny cakes happily, Taeyong staring at Leeteuk and Heechul, until suddenly he got an idea, "make a gathering."
"What?" Heechul asked.
"In the palace, the people there are scared of me at first, except the ones who know me before hand. But they slowly understand and accept me after meeting few times more, people need time to understand and feel secure enough to do without prejudice. So make a gathering with all involving parties, let them meet a few times before they're given the chance to agree to the arrangement, I think that will work."
Both Leeteuk and Heechul blinked, thinking until the older of the two said, "that's brilliant, how didn't we think of that?"
"I know, I'm smart," Taeyong said smugly with a grin.
"As much as I'm surprised that you have enough brain capacity, I want to slap you now," Heechul rolled his eyes.
"Rude!" Taeyong said together with the twins, causing them all to laugh.
"It seems the twins have more manners than you, Heechul," Leeteuk laughed.
"Unbelievable."
"I'll put in your opinion in the next meeting with Jaehyun, Taeyong, thank you," the older gumiho said.
"I'm glad I could help."
There's silence for a moment, for each of them took a sip of their tea, fingers picking on the desserts, a certain question hanging. Until finally Leeteuk decided to say it, "about what was asked of me, Taeyong, to be honest it was for my own curiosity too, to know what Jaehyun really is. Even Heechul thought he was a pure human, that was why he marked him to make it easier for the two of you to encounter and bond. But it seems, the mark Heechul placed upon him awakening his ancestor blood and activated it, although it was only to it's fullest in the time of war or extreme situations. I've been trying to seek answer and threaded his family line carefully, and found out his great great grandmother was a witch, a powerful one, but to think it would still residing in him after being diluted with humans blood for some generations? I am more than impressed, perhaps Heechul's mark helped it to tune in and get stronger. Which means, your children will inherit it too, mixed with your own pure blood werewolf line."
Taeyong stays quiet, unsure what that means for his children. It does answer why his children are so strong and special, when he was just a werewolf. It was Jaehyun's blood. He thought it over, as a werewolf he has strong physic and fast healing, while Jaehyun's blood carries strong magic. If, his children have all those, they'll be strong and powerful beyond belief. But wouldn't that put them in danger? What if there's another prophecy about his children and that will endanger all of them? His family? Is Taeyong ready to protect them and go through all those pain again?
"Taeyong."
He gasped out the dark turmoils inside his mind, looking to Leeteuk and Heechul in anxiety. Then, there are two hands holding his, warm and firm, accompanying. Heechul is smiling to him so gently, "you're not alone Taeyong, you have many people with you now and we will keep each other safe, don't worry."
"Knowing you, i know you'll raise your children lovingly and they'll grow into wonderful people who are benevolent to others. Do not worry and ease your fear, Taeyong, we will be with you in every step of the way," Leeteuk said softly with his most calming voice.
He stares at their eyes, finding no lies in them and only warmth and understanding. Slowly Taeyong calming down, noticing the little hands on his thighs and his beautiful twins looking up to him, trying to imitate their uncles. That makes him chuckle, he squeezed the hands in his hold before he lets go to embrace his twins tightly. He's happy, so happy, and he will do anything to keep his family together, to keep this happiness intact, "thank you."
"I love you!" Jisung said to him with a grin.
"I love you too!" Eunji squeaked out with giggles as she round her arms over Taeyong's head.
"By the way," Heechul starts, to lighten up the mood, "being who you are now, can you have a walk freely like this? I thought the palace was rather strict."
"Ah, the people don't know how I look like anyway, and I'm wearing ordinary male gown when I'm out so it's okay, the twins too. Besides, it's an agreement between me and Jaehyun that I'm allowed out whenever I want to visit my family."
"He really can't go against you, huh?" Heechul snickers, "whipped."
"And how's your family? Are they fine?" Leeteuk asked.
"They're fine, thank you for asking. I had told them that they don't need to continue working if they want, but they rather do it than not at all, although Jaehyun make sure they wouldn't be subjected to unwanted requests by the patrons. So yeah, they're doing really good."
"That's good. Hopefully things will only get better from now on."
"We all hope so," Taeyong smiled, caressing his twins' head who's looking to him in return with mirroring smiles.
It's good.
After the war, the dark lurkers go back into their hiding, the only difference is that this time everybody knows they are real, they exist. The people are terrified, after witnessing what these creatures are capable of, but when the palace informed them of the union, most are assured and minority was split into disagreement and disgust. With time, the kingdom start to rebuild the capital again, people running about to fix their homes, facilities and social construct. Like an old forest which could no longer breathe and grow, fire brings new life and growth, just the same with people who stand together and learn to be with peace after the grief. The palace becomes busy and bustling, every single person have with them their own tasks to do.
The king was getting better in his private palace, recuperating his scars from the war and although some people didn't quite agree with how things came to be, they rejoiced for their king is alive. By the time the king comes back to his duties and fully healed, came the news of the former sickly king's death, to which the current king placed the queen mother away to a palace in another region, following the removal of the current king's first wife, the queen. The queen mother had long lost her ambition, added with the recent events, she went away without resistance. It was a different story with the king's first wife, who vehemently refused to step down and be placed into the 'exiled palace'. Her removal happened not long before Taeyong's delivery, months before the death of the former king.
"You're mistaken if you think I would go quietly just because you ordered me to go, your majesty," Cheungcha said not without a grimace on her face, threat in her voice uncaring of being impolite towards the king.
"So you would go against your king's direct order?" Jaehyun had challenged.
"The people wouldn't agree to have their king wed a filthy lowlife of a gisaeng, no matter you've made it clear that it is with a reason to protect the kingdom, what's more make her the new queen? I think they would rather risk their life than let that happen."
"I think differently, Cheungcha, with your agreement or not, many voted that this union is far more important than keeping you," he hid a smile, certain and content with how things came to be.
"Because the people only know your lover as someone from that side, not about her being a gisaeng, if they know they would surely refuse such idea."
"They don't have to know," Jaehyun shrugged, giving the soon former queen a mocking smile, "what matters is that the palace already know about her nature and still voted the same to make her my new queen, your words holds nothing."
"You can't just-"
"Oh, but I can, Cheungcha. You see," the king took a closer step towards the woman, "had you not do anything which displeased me, I would have made matters pretty for you, but unfortunately, you have displeased me." The woman makes a confused expression despite recognition which blooms in her eyes, "I know what you did to my lover, Cheungcha. You really think I wouldn't hear of it?"
Trembles wake upon the former queen's body, red taking color either from rage or shame, "I did nothing."
"But you did push things forward to happen, as much as I know how my wives are capable of evils, I think they're not quite brave to do what they did to my lover, and I know you are capable of persuading. You're very good at it, I might applaud you for that, but not in this case. If you think about it carefully, I'm still making it easier for you rather than banishing you unsightly as a punishment. You should be thankful all I did is removing you from the capital palace and not tarnishing your family name, or is that what you want, to be rid of from here?"
Cheungcha didn't answer nor can she deny. With a satisfied smile the king added, "I think not. Very well, Cheungcha."
And that was how the former queen was removed from the main palace, having her dignity thrown off yet still holds the same privileges as the other consorts in their new, faraway palace. Banquet being held to welcome the new queen not long after, for it was rushed to happen before the delivery of the king's children. The time frame was still too short, but it was better than announcing the birth of the new prince or princess out of wedlock, only helped with the palace's reasoning that the king's lover was already been wed secretly months before, to settle the people.
Taeyong was mostly quiet through it all, not even present at the new queen's banquet and instead stayed in his room with only his trusted maid servant and the gumiho to accompany his last moments before the birth. After the war, the gumiho disappeared to God knows where for a certain time, only to come back bearing news that the dark lurkers would be much more welcoming the idea of children from the two of them for a union stronger than only their marriage. Jokingly he said, "strangely, most of them didn't know that there's already two on the way, so I supposed you can make a lot more to appease them."
To which Taeyong begrudgingly replied with, "if this is what I have to go through every time I'm bearing his children, I think not."
Truthfully the comment left Jaehyun feeling a bit disappointed, but knowing how hard it was on his lover, he agreed for the best of Taeyong. Even more so when he had to wait outside his chamber while Taeyong screaming his lungs out in pain due to delivery. His heart trembled in fear and mind terrorized for the worst thing could happen was barely minutes away in that moment, everything could go wrong, the sharp smell of blood penetrating not only his nose but also his soul and he can only pray that Taeyong make it through.
Many maid servants hovering in front of the door because they weren't allowed in by the gumiho who's right now inside the room with Taeyong, until he tell them otherwise. It was grueling for all of them since Taeyong screamed as if he's being butchered, but the one who felt it the most, the one who was on the brink of insanity due to fear, was the king who paced restlessly in the hallways of his chamber. But then, after a long antagonizing moment, a piercing cry heard, Jaehyun lifted up his head for a moment of relief before he heard Heechul shouted, 'one more!'
And when the second cry heard, noise heightens, Jaehyun felt his knees weaken and he fell from the burst of relief and thankfulness. He knows Taeyong is alright, he knows that his lover was still alive because at that time, he could feel it in their bond so strongly than ever. Immediately the maid servants rushed in to help with the washing and cleaning, with it Jaehyun too, comes in. The smell of blood was almost unbearable and worry start to seep into his bones again, but when he sees Taeyong, he breathed.
Taeyong, who's so dear to Jaehyun, oh so loved, was lying comfortably in his king bed, golden pillows around him and silk blanket warmly over him. He looks exhausted, face pale with red spots and fine veins littering his skin from the tell tale of how hard it was. But he's alright, he's breathing and he's smiling languidly, gums peeking out when he sees Jaehyun coming closer.
"Hi," he whispered tiredly.
"Hi love," Jaehyun replied, chest tight and heart so full he hurries to catch Taeyong's hands into his own, holding closely. He sees his lover's face and smile, his now queen, his everything. Then he watches from the side how his babies are being clothed carefully by the maid servants, "you did it, love. You're so amazing."
"It's a boy and a girl, a pair," Taeyong grinned, squeezing the king's hand weakly, "I'm happy."
"Happy can't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now, I'm over the moon," Jaehyun laughed, teary eyed and wet in the corner of his eyes.
"That's an interesting expression, the moon huh?" Taeyong giggled, eyes closing for exhaustion demands his body to rest.
"You're my moon, my love, my life," he kissed the slightly cold hands, lingering to pour everything of his into the skin.
Blinking slowly, Taeyong smiled again, "and you are, my sun."
The news of the birth of the new prince and new princess was welcomed joyously by everyone, humans and dark lurkers, since they strengthens the kingdom and the union between two worlds. The parties being held for weeks, people dancing and singing, some dark lurkers sneaking in to join while most celebrate in their hidden homes, and some humans made food offerings as a sign of respect to them.
It was the happiest moment in all Jaehyun's life, never did he believe he could attain such happiness years ago. And he learnt, that all his hardships, pain, blood and tears from the past, was to lead him to this moment. He thanks himself for never giving up.
Taeyong too, was happy, to see his children growing up healthy, strong and beautiful. And although the palace life is restraining and stressful, he learns to appreciate it because the love of the king's gives him many leeway to feel freedom. He could visit his mother and sisters too, although discreetly, introducing his babies to the only family he has, there's nothing more he could ask for. The gumiho, Heechul, for the most part keep disappearing from their life, but when he did come to visit, he would say it was because he was there to help their children to control their powers. Which obviously not true since the little prince and princess are still too young to even use their powers, so they're mostly like human kids with the exception of their slightly faster growth. They thinks the gumiho just missed them, that's all.
There are times, when both Jaehyun and Taeyong fears for the future knowing what their children are capable of, if there was a continuation of the prophecy. They didn't stop hoping for the safety and happiness of their children, and when anxiety and fear visits them like such, they would share a smile and strengthening gaze, reminding each other that they are not alone to cross the bridge when the time comes. They'll be ready.
It was when the little prince and little princess having their second birthday, did Taeyong give Jaehyun a teasing smile and said, "what do you think about giving them siblings?"
It felt like his brain had a short circuit for a moment, Jaehyun was unsure if he heard Taeyong right, "you want to...?"
"You know, I'm very happy to have them, to have our children that I can't help wanting to have more. So I'm asking you, do you want to?" He grins, carefree and so, so bright in his happiness that Jaehyun feels his heart melts at the sight.
Oh how can he be so lucky to have Taeyong as his love, his forever? "It was hard on you, wasn't it? Are you sure?"
"I know, I'm not going to lie that it didn't scare me a bit, whether I can go through it again. But that was before, now, now I just want to have a bigger family with you, Jaehyun," Taeyong whispered his name to his lips, kissing him softly before his golden eyes glinting warmly and back to deep amber.
"Anything you want, love. I'm here to give you everything you want," Jaehyun answered with another kiss, deeper and affectionate, "I love you."
"And I love you more, my king," he chuckled when Jaehyun bite his lips playfully, not agreeing to his statement.
"No, I, love you more."
"Wanna bet?" They giggles, kissing and breathing each other, eyes closed to bask in the intimacy.
"Not to burst your bubble, but just want to tell you guys that wolves offspring isn't like humans."
The both of them screamed like banshee in surprise, turning away to find the gumiho Heechul grinning to them from his perch on a nearby tree. "In gods name, Heechul! Stop startling us like that!" Jaehyun grumbles.
Taeyong too, want to protest, but there's another more pressing matter he would like to question, "what do you mean by that?"
"Well," the gumiho twirling in the air to stall time and keep them on edge, grinning mischievously, "most humans give birth to one baby right? That's not the case with wolves, two or three is the least of it, or... a litter!"
"Oh no," Jaehyun let out with fear, opposite to Taeyong who could only widen his eyes in disbelief. But then again, that was why he gave birth to a twin, wasn't it?
"With how fast the pregnancy is and that quantity, the king won't even need help from consorts to fill the palace of the princes and princess," Heechul guffaw, then eyes catch sight of the twins who are running up to him from their birthday foods, playing with his fluffy tail with their dirty tiny hands.
"Well, that's just, maybe no more pregnancy then-"
"He better not have any consort," Taeyong cuts in with serious eyes, yet lips smiling to the king, "if he wants to stay alive that is."
"Love, I even sent away all my consorts, you really think I'll take another when you're the only one who can make me feel this way?" Jaehyun deadpanned, got surprised when Taeyong suddenly yanked at his collar a little bit.
"You'd better," he whispered to the plump lips before kissing it sweetly, "and how did I make you feel?"
Jaehyun giggles, happiness bubbling up in his chest, "in love, Taeyong."
"I love you too," Taeyong kissed him again, turning around to stare at his family, his twins who are braiding Heechul's long hair, and his king. His husband, "whatever will be, will be."
And that was the start of the kingdom to have strong, powerful kings and princes, and intelligent princesses for the many generations later.