[ 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. ]
[ destiny, fates, luck - they were all pretty words to try and describe what could be. a longing for hope, perhaps, or an explanation for the state of things. but adder had never really believed in fate until the moment hyunki appeared in his life, changing everything all around.
he never wanted to go back to how things were pre-hyunki.
the kiss moved him even more than the words and he returned it, deeply, passionate and with every single ounce of awakening emotion within him.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 01:00 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 01:13 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 05:20 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 09:27 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 07:32 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-21 08:30 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 12:16 am (UTC)[ 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?
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 12:24 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 01:46 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 12:08 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 05:21 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 05:56 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 07:09 pm (UTC)I kind of have a different bond with you than the rest of the house. That might be all the difference.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-22 08:09 pm (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-23 02:07 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-23 02:22 am (UTC)[ He slid himself a tiny bit closer, raising an eyebrow. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-09-24 12:53 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-24 01:01 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-24 01:42 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-09-24 09:22 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-09-24 06:28 pm (UTC)he never wanted to go back to how things were pre-hyunki.
the kiss moved him even more than the words and he returned it, deeply, passionate and with every single ounce of awakening emotion within him.
he could love. what a beautiful turn of fate. ]