[ Wars were waged over such feelings. Helen of Troy came to Hyunki's mind, even if he would never pretend to be that kind of beautiful, or special. But it was the kind of thing Adder was talking about. ]
Let's cherish it, then. I want to, anyway. Like this garden, we can help it bloom.
[ He made a soft noise. ]
Much as I dislike the idea, we should probably get out of the water. We're going to be turning into prunes soon.
That's kind of a beautiful metaphor, moonlight. [ nicknames were usually rare on adder's end, at least, overly affectionate ones but he could anticipate so many in store for hyunki. but he deserved every bit of the romance, especially what others might consider cliche given he never experienced it before.
as for the water, he pouted but nodded his head. ] We probably should. [ still pouting, he started drifting them over to the bank so they could get out. he made sure to get out first so he could help hyunki up. when they were both back on the back, he flicked his wrist to dry them both off and return their clothes to their hands. adder pulled his on slowly, unable to take his eyes of hyunki. ]
Do you want to see more of this place or do you want to go home?
[ squeezing hyunki's hand, he gave a nod of his head. hearing the trees would be an experience and he wanted to share everything with hyunki. being apart of his world and his abilities meant a lot to him. more than it probably should have already but he wouldn't question it.
not much anyway. ]
I'd love that. I hope - the ones here like me. [ curling into hyunki's body, he let him lead them over to whichever trees he wanted to chat with. ]
The trees topside like you. Because you're good to them. And to me.
[ Hyunki marched the two of them over to a great oak - his favorite, the kind of tree he descended from himself. It was huge, and obviously old, and beautiful. It made Hyunki smile, to come up to it, and he placed Adder's hand on the trunk, following with his own on top. His skin glowed a deeper green as he focused his energy.
And then the floodgates opened, and the tree's voice surged through him - through both of them, greeting them with its deep, unfathomable rumble. ]
You can speak aloud, or just think whatever. They'll hear both.
[ any little bit of magic always pulled every single ounce of adder's attention and focus. he loved to learn things, of course, but more than that he loved magic. he loved how different things could shift and change into something else.
hyunki using magic, though? one of the hottest things he had ever seen. gulping, he hoped to anything the tree couldn't pick up on a rush of desire. ]
Hello there, I've never actually talked to a tree but Hyunki is very fond of all of you and - I hope you enjoy it down here. I know it's different than what you would have topside. If you could help protect Hyunki, I'd be grateful.
[ Hyunki's face broke into a grin as Adder speak to the tree; hearing it reply with its almost gargling tones, approving of the immense garden Adder had made for them, made something warm and happy settle in Hyunki's heart. He did not worry that the trees were unhappy here, but he understood why Adder would. ]
All trees always protect me, as I protect them. One day, I'll show you how I can look exactly like he does.
[ The tree rumbled out a laugh at Hyunki's words, because no, no he could not; he was way too young, way too green. But they both knew that Hyunki, in a tree form, could be pretty impressive all the same. He looked back at Adder. ]
[ talking to a tree, oh what turns and twists his existence took. the actual speaking of the tree surprised him a little, the very same with the laugh. who knew trees could laugh and have a sense of humor?
then again, he had started to fall for a tree. practically a tree anyway. ]
You can look like an actual tree? [ his eyes moved over hyunki with a twitch of his lips. ] No offense, love, but you would be a sapling. [ if hyunki stayed his current height in tree form, of course. ]
Do I like talking to the trees? I do. I like sharing this with you. It makes me feel closer to you.
Okay, mister oak tree, one more question - how do you know what is destined to be is actually destined?
[ Trees were very funny, and it was a shame that only such a small number of people could know this for a fact. But Hyunki would continue to spread this knowledge, and help others witness it, and witness trees in all of their glory.
Hyunki gasped, then chuckled, at Adder's words, reaching out with his free hand to punch his shoulder, very lightly. ]
I'll show you. We'll see what you think, then.
[ Hyunki could keep his current height, if he so wished, but he could also grow tall, tall, very tall. Adder might even be a little impressed.
He smiled a lot softer at Adder's next words, swaying close as he nodded. It made him feel closer to Adder, too, in unexpected ways.
At Adder's question, the tree rumbled, like a deep hum, making Hyunki feel very deeply anchored to the Earth.
It is written. In the stars, in the earth, in the ebb and flow of waves, in the wind and the rain and the sun. The paths are drawn, and you are on one. You are wise. You already know.]
[ now, adder understood where some of the sass on hyunki's end came from. raised from trees! honestly! his lips twitched and he gave a nod of his head. yes, he knew of the current path, a kind of hazy glow of what could be. while he could not divine the future as an oracle could, he did have glimpses of what could come to past. time happened to be not as linear as mortals believed it to be.
pressing more against hyunki, he shut his eyes for a moment, trying to feel as he felt with the trees, with the earth pulsing around them. it buzzed within him, a more settled warmth than what his magic tended to be. ]
I have only recently started to believe in actual fixed destinies. Of being in the specific place at the specific time. Of needing and receiving just what that might be.
[ Hyunki didn't say anything; let Adder have a moment with the Tree, with this part of Nature that he put here, in his world. It was deserved, and he enjoyed listening in, getting to be a witness to it.
Because of him?
The tone was amused, and Hyunki gave the great oak a look, letting out a little derisive noise. He doubted that he was the reason why Adder would start believing in destiny, but he liked that it was possible, maybe. Trees knew a lot. ]
He's much more than he might appear. [ adder teased along with the tree, pressing a faint and quick kiss to hyunki's neck. ] All the elements of the universe are more tightly connected than some may believe. Fire and earth; one balances the other. One can not exist without the other. The can be said for people.
[ something he never reflected on for his life but now couldn't stop thinking about when it came to hyunki. ]
Do you ever wish to be with the other trees topside?
[ Hyunki lets out another noise, pretending to be offended. ]
You are both rude.
[ And yet, he couldn't stop the smile from appearing on his lips. Because Adder was talking about the two of them balancing each other, making sense with and for each other. That was enough for his heart to pick up speed again.
The tree rumbled again.
No. We are dealt our hand. We are not unhappy, here.]
[ with a chuckle, adder pressed another kiss to hyunki's neck, lingering a little more than before. he really couldn't help himself but he would wonder more about having moments around trees given hyunki's connection to them. and what they were able to process.
he really didn't want old trees judging his performance. ]
I find that reassuring. You serve a very important purpose here and the Underworld has become like it's own universe ...existence. Where both life and death can blend and balance against one another.
[ Hyunki had to suppress a shiver at the kiss, eyes fluttering as it shot through his whole body again. Maybe, one day, he would be used to Adder's touch. But he did not want to be.
Trees would judge, though. Trees would always judge.
You will have to ask those above. We do not have the connection with him that they have. They care for him like they do their own flesh. Our blessing would mean little compared to theirs. But if it matters for you to know, you do have it, yes.
Hyunki looked up at Adder, his fingers twitching on top of the other's, the green glow deepening for a moment as he smiled, pleased, but his voice was small when he spoke. ]
The ones topside are a little bit like my parents. It might take more convincing, with them.
[ the deepening green glow caught his attention, mesmerizing him for a few long moments. magic appealed to him greatly and he enjoyed viewing all the shifts and differences it held with everyone else. the core of the universe pulsed through them all, just in various ways.
he nodded his head. ]
Thank you and that makes sense. The trees topside are more bonded with you - connected as I am with what exists down here. [ everything tethered to him in the Underworld and he experienced all the highs and lows. it left him able to judge and monitor when needed. ]
I'll work really hard to earn their respect and acceptance, Hyunki. It matters to you - it'll matter to me.
[ Finally, Hyunki moved his hand, severing the connection with the tree. He instead ran it up Adder's arm turning to him more fully, raising his head to bump their noses together. ]
I do hope that knowing you make me happy would be enough for them to embrace you. They care for everyone in the house already, there is no reason you should be an exception.
[ good thing because adder isn't either, hyunki! he's very much the one person only type of person. ]
I can safely say I've never been threatened by a tree unless you count a dryad. I wouldn't expect anything less, you're special. They need to make sure you're going to be taken care of.
[ Hyunki swallowed around a lump of feelings in his throat, nodding as he slipped his arms around Adder's waist. ]
Okay. Can I do the same? Can I promise you the same? Because I know I'm small, and I'm probably insignificant compared to the things you face, but I want to protect you, too. And I want to make you happy. I want to see you smile, every day. For it to be the very first thing you do when you wake up, because you're thinking of me, and that makes you happy.
[ being in hyunki's arm quieted everything down in his mind and he could breathe much easier than before. a habit he wanted to actually grow accustomed to.
the words, though, nothing could have prepared him for them. ]
The fact you want to - Hyunki, it means everything. You mean everything and you're not insignificant at all. You're - you've changed everything.
[ pressing a little closer, he gave a nod of his head. ] You're already doing that. I fall asleep smiling because of you and wake up smiling because of you.
[ He smiled, looking up to brush his nose against Adder's. He knew what he meant, when he said insignificant. He was no God, no warrior, not even a soldier. He was just a boy, he was just a tree. But he'd give Adder his all, if it meant being able to keep him safe and warm and smiling. ]
I'm so glad I found you, that night. You've changed everything for me, too. In the very best way.
[ He smiled then, too, and didn't keep himself from leaning in completely, kissing Adder with every ounce of his being, with everything he was made of, a proof in no words at all. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Let's cherish it, then. I want to, anyway. Like this garden, we can help it bloom.
[ He made a soft noise. ]
Much as I dislike the idea, we should probably get out of the water. We're going to be turning into prunes soon.
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as for the water, he pouted but nodded his head. ] We probably should. [ still pouting, he started drifting them over to the bank so they could get out. he made sure to get out first so he could help hyunki up. when they were both back on the back, he flicked his wrist to dry them both off and return their clothes to their hands. adder pulled his on slowly, unable to take his eyes of hyunki. ]
Do you want to see more of this place or do you want to go home?
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After getting dressed again, trying very hard not to stare at Adder but failing quite spectacularly, Hyunki grinned, taking Adder's hand. ]
There's more to see! We have to properly greet the Trees. Do you want to hear them talk?
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not much anyway. ]
I'd love that. I hope - the ones here like me. [ curling into hyunki's body, he let him lead them over to whichever trees he wanted to chat with. ]
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[ Hyunki marched the two of them over to a great oak - his favorite, the kind of tree he descended from himself. It was huge, and obviously old, and beautiful. It made Hyunki smile, to come up to it, and he placed Adder's hand on the trunk, following with his own on top. His skin glowed a deeper green as he focused his energy.
And then the floodgates opened, and the tree's voice surged through him - through both of them, greeting them with its deep, unfathomable rumble. ]
You can speak aloud, or just think whatever. They'll hear both.
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hyunki using magic, though? one of the hottest things he had ever seen. gulping, he hoped to anything the tree couldn't pick up on a rush of desire. ]
Hello there, I've never actually talked to a tree but Hyunki is very fond of all of you and - I hope you enjoy it down here. I know it's different than what you would have topside. If you could help protect Hyunki, I'd be grateful.
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All trees always protect me, as I protect them. One day, I'll show you how I can look exactly like he does.
[ The tree rumbled out a laugh at Hyunki's words, because no, no he could not; he was way too young, way too green. But they both knew that Hyunki, in a tree form, could be pretty impressive all the same. He looked back at Adder. ]
Do you like it?
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then again, he had started to fall for a tree. practically a tree anyway. ]
You can look like an actual tree? [ his eyes moved over hyunki with a twitch of his lips. ] No offense, love, but you would be a sapling. [ if hyunki stayed his current height in tree form, of course. ]
Do I like talking to the trees? I do. I like sharing this with you. It makes me feel closer to you.
Okay, mister oak tree, one more question - how do you know what is destined to be is actually destined?
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Hyunki gasped, then chuckled, at Adder's words, reaching out with his free hand to punch his shoulder, very lightly. ]
I'll show you. We'll see what you think, then.
[ Hyunki could keep his current height, if he so wished, but he could also grow tall, tall, very tall. Adder might even be a little impressed.
He smiled a lot softer at Adder's next words, swaying close as he nodded. It made him feel closer to Adder, too, in unexpected ways.
At Adder's question, the tree rumbled, like a deep hum, making Hyunki feel very deeply anchored to the Earth.
It is written. In the stars, in the earth, in the ebb and flow of waves, in the wind and the rain and the sun. The paths are drawn, and you are on one. You are wise. You already know. ]
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pressing more against hyunki, he shut his eyes for a moment, trying to feel as he felt with the trees, with the earth pulsing around them. it buzzed within him, a more settled warmth than what his magic tended to be. ]
I have only recently started to believe in actual fixed destinies. Of being in the specific place at the specific time. Of needing and receiving just what that might be.
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Because of him?
The tone was amused, and Hyunki gave the great oak a look, letting out a little derisive noise. He doubted that he was the reason why Adder would start believing in destiny, but he liked that it was possible, maybe. Trees knew a lot. ]
Be nice.
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[ something he never reflected on for his life but now couldn't stop thinking about when it came to hyunki. ]
Do you ever wish to be with the other trees topside?
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You are both rude.
[ And yet, he couldn't stop the smile from appearing on his lips. Because Adder was talking about the two of them balancing each other, making sense with and for each other. That was enough for his heart to pick up speed again.
The tree rumbled again.
No. We are dealt our hand. We are not unhappy, here. ]
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he really didn't want old trees judging his performance. ]
I find that reassuring. You serve a very important purpose here and the Underworld has become like it's own universe ...existence. Where both life and death can blend and balance against one another.
Do you accept us together?
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Trees would judge, though. Trees would always judge.
You will have to ask those above. We do not have the connection with him that they have. They care for him like they do their own flesh. Our blessing would mean little compared to theirs. But if it matters for you to know, you do have it, yes.
Hyunki looked up at Adder, his fingers twitching on top of the other's, the green glow deepening for a moment as he smiled, pleased, but his voice was small when he spoke. ]
The ones topside are a little bit like my parents. It might take more convincing, with them.
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he nodded his head. ]
Thank you and that makes sense. The trees topside are more bonded with you - connected as I am with what exists down here. [ everything tethered to him in the Underworld and he experienced all the highs and lows. it left him able to judge and monitor when needed. ]
I'll work really hard to earn their respect and acceptance, Hyunki. It matters to you - it'll matter to me.
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I do hope that knowing you make me happy would be enough for them to embrace you. They care for everyone in the house already, there is no reason you should be an exception.
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I kind of have a different bond with you than the rest of the house. That might be all the difference.
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[ HE'S NOT MAKING OUT WITH ANYONE ELSE or falling in love with anyone else. ]
But you're the reason why I'm happy. They know that. I can't promise they won't threaten you a little, though.
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I can safely say I've never been threatened by a tree unless you count a dryad. I wouldn't expect anything less, you're special. They need to make sure you're going to be taken care of.
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[ He slid himself a tiny bit closer, raising an eyebrow. ]
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I swear to always take care of you as long as you're with me. I'll protect you, I promise, and make sure you're happy.
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Okay. Can I do the same? Can I promise you the same? Because I know I'm small, and I'm probably insignificant compared to the things you face, but I want to protect you, too. And I want to make you happy. I want to see you smile, every day. For it to be the very first thing you do when you wake up, because you're thinking of me, and that makes you happy.
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the words, though, nothing could have prepared him for them. ]
The fact you want to - Hyunki, it means everything. You mean everything and you're not insignificant at all. You're - you've changed everything.
[ pressing a little closer, he gave a nod of his head. ] You're already doing that. I fall asleep smiling because of you and wake up smiling because of you.
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I'm so glad I found you, that night. You've changed everything for me, too. In the very best way.
[ He smiled then, too, and didn't keep himself from leaning in completely, kissing Adder with every ounce of his being, with everything he was made of, a proof in no words at all. ]
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