#chen au

The box turned into ashes and the spikes were next to burn, they looked like hot red iron before melting away completely leaving you with the sight of a bright object, you took the fireplace poker and tried to get the object before it turned too hot and melted too, and there you saw it a beautiful ring that looked handmade but with much love and care, it had also a beautiful green stone in it’s natural stage, you fell to the floor and cried yourself in repentance, you just wished Jongdae would be able to forgive you when he came back.

Jongdae... he struggled crawling his way to his house’s door, he just collapsed again feeling as if he was chocking not being able to get oxygen in his lungs.

“M-m-other, mother!”

His mother heard him, she couldn’t believe that after almost 6 years he came back, he must of fulfilled his promise, although she didn’t care of what he promised her, she just wanted to embrace him once more.

“Jongade? Chen my baby? is that you?” she came from the back of the house finding her son in the floor rolling unable to verbalise, his hand raised for her to come close.

“My baby! What is wrong? Tell me!” she hugged him with all her force, Jongdae felt at ease again, the love of his mother could heal anything, soon he started breathing again.

“I love you mother”

Jongdae rested in his mother’s bed, his mother couldn’t believe how handsome and strong her son had gotten, he was asleep as she caressed his face peppering him cheeks with kisses, filling her eyes with his sight.

Soon his father arrived and Jongdae woke up from the slam in the door, he stood up dusting his clothes trying to look as decent as possible.

“Father!”

He told them about how he lived these past years, his father was embarrassed that after what he did to him he still was loyal and bore no grudges towards him, he told his parents the encounter with the princess and that today was his wedding and therefore the purpose of his visit.

“Shall we accompany you? We are not fit to be presented to his majesty”

“He knows everything about my past that I am not ashamed of, the shame is that I do not wish to proceed with the wedding as the princess couldn’t keep her promise, my love for her faded as she burned my spines, it wasn’t true love,  she also saw the contents of the box and it was intended for the following day”

“My child you are kind hearted, you forgave me after all I’ve done to you”

“No father, I cannot marry her, please accept me back and I shall make our lives together remarkable for the lost time”

Jongdae’s parents didn’t argue his decision and welcomed him back.

You on the other hand felt a pain in your chest, you felt that this time you did stab Jongdae in his chest and just wished you could make it up to him tonight after the wedding.

The wedding that will never happened after you received a letter from Jongdae:

‘Dear princess,

I apologise but I cannot be your husband today, you didn’t keep your promise and I cannot trust someone that doesn’t keep a promise for less than a day.

I wish you happiness, I will remember the good in you and keep it in my heart.

Remember always to keep your promises in the future, that much advice I can give you.

Kim Jongdae’

Your instincts didn’t lie to you, you deep down inside knew of the outcome, it took 1 promise to break to be away from Jongdae and that is what happened.

You run to your father and told him about what happened and he got upset with you but majorly with your mother, he knew that Jongdae needed to know the truth and he was determined to get Jongdae back.

But in vain, Jongdae was hurt and the king wasn’t a person that used his position into forcing anyone to do anything, Jongdae apologised to his majesty and politely asked him to forget about him and let him redo his life wishing you happiness in your future.

Jongdae started working letting his father rest, he was known in the village as the handyman, he could fix just about anything, he was also a good hunter and in no time he opened a butchery for his father to sell all kind of wild animal’s meat. They made money and they were living a very good life in their new house all the way in the richer side of the village.

As for you things weren’t as brighter, rumours spread about you in the kingdom concerning your sanity, truth to be told you never went back to your cheerful self.

You couldn’t take it anymore and decided to go find Jongdae yourself, you got a horse and simply escaped in the darkness of the night, you knew where Jongdae’s house was situated, he’d told you it was the last house before the deep forest, you galloped and galloped for hours till you found it... what you didn’t know is that Jongdae’s parents had abandoned the house to live in the other side of the village.

It was dark and cold and you couldn’t contain the tears that you were containing, you went down the horse and started sobbing, you were a mess, and just when you thought it wouldn’t get any worst the horse escaped leaving you in the middle of nowhere, you heard wolf howls, no other choice but to break into the house and seek shelter till the morning.

The house was very humble and easily accessible, they had left everything behind, you smelled Chen’s presence in the house and recognised his bed, you didn’t do anything but get under the sheets and hug his pillow, your tears and sobs making you unaware that someone had entered the house.

“What do I owe this royal visit at this unexpected time?”

“Jongdae!” you said pulling your face away from the pillow finding him holding a lantern lighting the room enough to notice that in these past months Jongdae had gotten healthier and very bulky his arms very strong, you didn’t remember his shoulders being as broad.

“My bride-to-be, my loyal bride-to-be, the beautiful princess here? The one who couldn’t keep a promise for a day!”

You got up from bed wiping your tears trying to fix your hair to look decent, you tried hugging him but he stepped back “what do you want?”

“I missed you, I love you”

“You do not love me, don’t fool yourself, all I asked you is to keep your promises and you haven’t, how could I trust you as my wife?”

“You didn’t give me the change to explain to you, that is selfish, still I haven’t forgotten you but you seem to be doing much better, you really do not need me”

“Don’t you dare suggest I used you to get rid of my spines”

“It very much looks like this Jongdae, you... look at you, you live happy, you got your family back, you look like no one in the kingdom, you didn’t suffer what I suffered, everyone spread rumours about me, about how crazy I am because her groom left her on her wedding day”

“You caused this, not me”

“Why are you so bitter towards me? I haven’t done anything wrong, I didn’t promise anything, you said in the letter to promise, but have I? How did you know I promised”

“There were my wishes and yet...”

“Mother convinced me that this is for your own good, she burned the box and I found this” you showed him the ring decorating your finger “Jongdae, how could you forget me me like this?” you steeped a step closer touching his arms as he questioned whether to forgive you or not.

“I loved you in all ways, I accepted you and gave you my everything without questioning anything, I didn’t care about your look or your background, how is it possible that your heart has bitterness towards the one that loves you, hum? Tell me Jongdae” you added cupping his chin with your thumb and your index finger making him lower his face to look at you.

You saw it, he blinked avoiding looking at you, he gulped he was nervous, you still mattered.

“I-I wanted to do that with you, burn the spines together, so you could hold me as they burned becau-”

“Because when they burned you were weak and needed my love, I know Jongdae... I am sorry”

“How did you know?”

“Because it stung my heart too, because I needed you too, I am just as weak without you too”

Jongdae softened his face expression and looked at you like he did before “I really wanted to give you the ring on our first morning... I thought”

“Will you marry me Kim Jongdae? Will I ask your hand in marriage from your parents?”

“Oh princess”

“Do you forgive me Jongdae?”

He lifted you and placed you in bed hovering on top of you his signature smile made an appearance and that was when your pain was all forgotten.

“Do you really love me princess?”

“I made you a promise, I love you more than before becuase I know that I really can’t live without you, it’s you who broke his promise”

“How is so?”

“You said that you loved me and... apparently you didn’t, isn’t that kind of breaking a promise? You broke the commitment of loving me”

“Who said I stopped?”

“Then I loved you more”

“No you don’t, I was hiding my feelings, princess how can you say that?”

“I’m upset you need to make it up to me so”

Jongdae lowered himself and landed his lips on yours, your toes curled immediately, you were afraid of bitting him as you couldn’t get enough of the feeling of his tongue in your, his lips that were on your, you broke the kiss pushing him lightly “Jongdae do you love me?”

“You know what?” he said pulling himself away “I have to go somewhere” now fixing his attire.

“What? Where? Now?”

You got up in panic what was he doing? “Jongade, Jongdae wait!” you took his hand and pressed tightly.

“Come on we need to go”

“Where?”

“Shhh” he said getting out of the house jumping on his horse bringing you in front of him, he wrapped his arms around your waist sending you to heaven, how warm his chest felt in your back, you almost forgot that he didn’t tell you that he loved you, this was enough for you.

You galloped till you got to the other side of the village stopping at a nice cottage, Jongdae went down the horse pulling you down, he walked in front of you knocking the door.

“Chen my boy is that you?”

“Yes mother I’ve got company”

You shyly moved from behind Jongdae showing yourself to his mother.

“Mother this is the woman I love, this is the princess”

His mother brought you into an embrace “thank you princess for bringing our Chen back to us, we owe you our happiness, he is the way he is because of you, but you know how much he loves you don’t you? Don’t you ever doubt that” she said looking at your face as tears formed in her eyes, you looked back at Jongdae now arms crossed over his chest, a beautiful smile decorating his face a proud wink escaping him.

You looked back at his mom and finally you could breath again “I love him too mother, can you please tell your son to marry me?”

“Alright mother we should head back my house to spend the night, I’ll bring the princess back to palace tomorrow”

“What? No ah ah, no spending nights alone with the princess before the wedding”

“Oh gosh coming here was a bad idea, mother be reasonable”

“No! Chen dear, now go to your room I will take the princess to the guest room”

Jongdae huffed in discontent kicking the air as he watched you walk with his mother, but not all was frustrating, the sight of you together with his mother was better than any dream he could of ever had, Jongdae was happy.

You stared at the ceiling for hours, you were way too excited, you were at Jongdae’s family home, you were welcomed by his parents, Jongdae loved you, you couldn’t be happier.

*Soft knock on the door*

You got up from your bed on your tiptoes and opened the door slowly meeting with a dark eyed Jongdae, you saw his chest heaving.

“Yes? CHEN?” you giggled “I like that nickname mother has given you”

He pushed the door open lifting you off the floor slamming you up against the wall attacking your neck with big open mouth kisses “angh Jongdae, stop, I don’t want to upset you mother”

“Upset me then? I knew this was a bad decision, you were beneath me just hours ago”

“Well I still don’t want to upset your mother”

“I love you” he said his voice sounding cracked and low, your legs involuntary wrapped around his waist “we have some unfinished business don’t we princess?” he walked and slowly placed you over the bed, immediately getting rid of his top displaying his strong torso.

“Let me see your back Jongdae”

He sat down in bed displaying his muscly back, there were no scars and it was just smooth skin.

“You are softer than me Jongdae, you are so beautiful, you always were but now you are so out of my league you are a work of art”

“Enough talking princess because this work of art is at your mercy, I just want to feel you again and love you as you love me back”

“Don’t tell me these things Jongdae I’m too weak”

Jongdae pushed your back to the bed and like magic you found yourself completely out of your lower clothing, you were lost in his eyes and his lips, those lips that now you felt in your core, in bliss you lost yourself you couldn’t take it.

“Jongdae I want to see your face”

He was in top of you, you felt his nakedness and his throbbing manhood brushing on your core, he tore your upper garments and buried his face in the valley between your breasts as he got a hold of them. Your legs crossed at his back and your fingers felt the muscly smooth skin of his shoulders, when you caressed his back he lifted his face and looked at you before attacking your neck again.

“Jongdae I can’t see you like that, left me fill my eyes with you, I missed you so much”

“Princess I promise I will love you forever” he said lifting his face as he sank in slowly making you gasp “I promise, and a hedgehog’s promise is sacred”

“Angh~~~ you~~~ are not a hedgehog anymore”

“I will always be your hedgehog”

_______________________

A/N: I hope you liked it, if you did I really recommend you to read the original story by the Grimm bothers.

“He’s back is covered in spines, he will be the mockery of everyone in the kingdom, as if we needed more problems, we are poor enough we don’t need a new problems”

Jongdae’s mother was delighted to at last have a child to love and cherish forever, although his father had other thoughts, he grew with a loving mother but his father didn’t ever speak to him, he avoided him at all costs.

Jongdae was raised in secret, he was never to make an appearance in public, no one ever knew that he even existed and they just assumed his mother had a miscarriage.

One day at the age of 14 his father decided kicking him out, he claimed that he was no longer able to provide for him, although Jongdae was the one doing all the hard work for his father, he cut wood faster and better than anyone, Jongdae’s mother was heartbroken but he had no power over this decision, Jongdae assured her that once he was something to be proud of he will come back and take her with him. His mother kissed him and hugged him despite the spines like she always did, Jongdae always hurt her when she showed affection but he also noticed that his spines would diminish every time she kissed him, the spines went away every time he was loved, that much he knew.

“I love you Chen my baby, don’t ever forget that” her last words as he disappeared into the woods.

And from that moment Jongdae lived his life in the wilderness, he adapted very well and all the animals in the forest were tamed when they were near him, all kind of  predators would fear and respect Jongdae.

He had built a very nice wooden house, it was cosy and did it’s purpose, it kept him warm and dry in the cruel winter nights.

Jongdae would leave every morning before his parents woke up a basket full of whatever he found in the woods, berries, mushrooms, rabbits, he made sure his connection with them would last as long as he could, he also knew how thankful his mother was as he would find knitted clothes for him to wear. The love of his mother is what kept him alive.

Jongdae was a strong heathy man he was gorgeous in every sense, he had beauty little men could brag of, beautiful shaped eyes, thick eyebrows and his lips that naturally curled upwards, he just didn’t know, all his life he thought he was a creature that his father was ashamed of and his mother loved just because he was her son, he thought that he wasn’t appealing to the eye, not only because of the spines that covered his back and neck, but him as a whole was a disgrace to his family that shouldn’t be seen by other people.

His beauty was noticeable but also his spines got bigger and thicker as he wasn’t being loved, how much he missed his mother, how much he needed her…

It was a just a regular day like any other day, he went hunting near the river, what didn’t expect to see was a pack of wolves ready to attack 3 men that looked distinctively well dressed, Jongdae guessed they were from palace.

Without any hesitation he showed himself for the first time to people, only a few spikes showed at the nape of his neck but he needed to save them, when the wolves saw him they bowed and went their way.

“Thank you son! You shall be rewarded, come to palace with me and whatever comes and greets me first shall be yours” said the older male among the 3.

“Bow at the presence of the king peasant!” called one of the other men so Jongdae did without thinking that he would expose himself.

And that is when the king saw it, he regretted his offer as he knew what was his greeting going to be like, he just wished his dog would make his appearance before.

Jongdae walked along side the horses looking extra happy, all he had in mind was that probably the king would be greeted by merchants offerings, he really wanted to surprise his mother by bringing something his father would be proud of, maybe let him enjoy one of his mother’s embraces.

“Father! Father!” you exclaimed throwing yourself at the king “did you bring me flowers?”

“No my dear, I brought something better”

“Something better? What is it?”

“A suitor, Kim Jongdae will be your husband” 

It took Jongdae by surprise, this was nothing like he expected, he never dared thinking that he would be good enough for anyone, he lived his 20 years thinking he was hated and not treatment worthy, and all of a sudden he was presented to the beautiful princess as her groom.

“Your majest-”

“There’s nothing worst than to break a promise, what kind of king would I be if it did” the king cut Jongdae off “he will protect you and cherish you forever my dear” added hugging his beloved daughter.

By now all the kingdom knew about Jongdae’s rare condition, there were whispers in all the palace and Jongdae felt uncomfortable, he heard more than once the maids whispering comments like ‘he is gorgeous but nothing is perfect’ or ‘she could look at his face and avoid his back’ especially when he was granted access to the royal treatment and royal clothes, there was absolutely no one as handsome in the whole kingdom.

Jongdae was confused, he wasn’t allowed to talk to you until your wedding night, but he certainly didn’t want to force you to his condition.

He decided on stealing some minutes that weren’t his by visiting you in your chambers, and whatever you decided on he would grant it, he could just disappear effortless and he would be just a bad memory of the past.

He knocked on your door lightly before he was granted permission to enter, as he closed the door behind him you gasped in surprise of the unexpected visit, you took a robe and covered yourself “you aren’t supposed to be here, the wedding is in 2 days, I don’t want to upset father”

Those were the first ever words he heard from you that were completely directed to him, his stomach flinched at the sound of your voice and suddenly a smile was drawn in his face making his lips look extra exceptional adorning his beautiful face.

“You don’t want to upset his majesty, but I don’t want to upset you either my princess” he said coming closer his eyes blinking slowly while your heart skipped a beat.

“What do you mean?”

“I do not wish for you to do this forced, if you order it now I will disappear from your life and you shall never hear from me ever again, you would get a chance to meet a better match for you with no flaws like the ones I bear”

“I see no flaws, I am not superficial and if father thinks you are the best for me then you are”

“Is your heart speaking or the obedient daughter?”

“They both are” you said walking behind him “because if you didn’t have these, it wouldn’t be fair on the rest of us regular people, have you not seen yourself? Do you not understand that you are above all beauty?”

“Do you see me with loving eyes princess?”

“I see the best in you, I see a man that saved my father the king when he was vulnerable, I see strength and humbleness, I see a handsome man thinking he is not enough when I should really be the one speaking these words, and I am blessed and thankful for your heart”

“Do I have permission to touch your highness?” Jongdae almost whispered as he turned to face you again.

“You will be punished if you don’t” you said stepping forward closer to his face where you did take in all his facial features including those inviting lips that begged to be kissed.

Jongdae took your hands and placed a kiss in each of your palms without breaking eye contact, he noticed his spines retracting and they felt less heavy, this was the loving touch that made them diminish, he wished one day he would be free of them and make his father proud.

But why was he thinking about his family at this moment? This was for him, for him and his beloved princess that showed no remorse in accepting him the way he was.

But your patience run off, you instinctively took his cheeks and and brought him to you, your noses touching as you saw his eyes doubling in size “perhaps is you who thinks I am not up to the standards Jongdae?”

Jongdae pushed himself one last step and finally those lips where on yours, the feeling was overwhelming not soothing, it made you hungry immediately, your hand travelled to the back of his neck and pushed him to you to deepen the kiss, the lips were soft and much bigger than yours where you got lost in them, he tasted sweet and loving, but Jongdae was really afraid to hurt you, he hasn’t thought of a way for you not to get in contact with his back.

The spines were getting really light and even his top felt bigger on him, he was consumed of this feeling of being needed, loved and treasured the way he was.

“Ouch!” you screamed retracting yourself, your hands were bleeding, you looked at them alarmed at the amount of blood.

“Princess I am sorry, how could I do this to you?” exclaimed Jongdae in panic cleaning the blood with a handkerchief.

“Don’t be sorry, it was my greed, I just can’t get enough of you”

Jongdae felt a cold shiver run throw his spine, did he hear correctly? The princess had greed for him? You truly desired him?

“I can’t let this happen to you again”

“Don’t be so upset, I will think that this is like your protector from me, because I am very greedy Jongdae, I love you too much, please accept this greedy princess that is ready to die to have you love her just a tiny bit”

Jongdae was speechless, he couldn’t verbalise his emotions or his response, he just kissed your hands his tears going down his cheeks.

So this was what love felt like.

“Just promise me your love will never change” he managed to say.

“I promise my precious prince”

Just a reminder that there’s nothing worst than breaking a promise.

_____________________________

A/N: this is too cute, ah poor Chen… he does love her…

Your ears only seem to hear one part of that sentence. “My powers?” you whisper.

“I’ll tell you,” Jongdae says, continuing as though you haven’t spoken. He takes a step closer. “Just…” Jongdae hesitates, cocking his head to one side. “Promise not to run.”

You look at him standing in the middle of your living room. Jongdae’s hair is messy, sprinkled with dirt and asphalt from when he saved you. His eyes are serious, open and pleading with you to hear him out.

“I promise.”

“So?” Your voice rises when Jongdae continues to remain silent. “Any day now.”

“I know.” He takes a step forward, then stops. “I’m trying to figure out where to start.” Jongdae’s gaze moves across your kitchen. “You’d better sit down.”

“I’m fine where I am.”

“Suit yourself.” Jongdae crosses to sit instead, pulling out a chair at your table.

It occurs to you that both your roommates are home, yet neither has said a word. Odd. Your gaze moves towards their rooms and Jongdae shifts in his seat. “They won’t come out.“ 

“What? Why not?” An odd thought occurs to you and without meaning to, you shy away. “Can you… read thoughts?” This wouldn’t be the craziest thing to happen all day.

“No.” Jongdae’s lips quirk in a smile. “My comment was merely observational. They won’t come out because they can’t hear us.”

Because that makes more sense. “What?” 

As though sensing your frustration, Jongdae looks you dead in the eyes. “I’m an angel.” He says it simply, as though he were commenting on the weather or an outfit.

The world fades to pinpricks. Words and images filtered through shock as you struggle to make sense of what he just said. “I’m sorry, you’re a what?” 

An angel. They can’t hear us. Promise not to run.

“An angel.” Jongdae taps his fingers on the table. “You know, harps and halos and trumpets blaring. The whole lot.”

“I understand what an angel is.” 

“Do you?”

Truthfully, no. Truthfully you’re freaking out and barely able to comprehend a word he’s said, let alone the implications. You push this aside. 

“What I don’t understand.” You pause, trying to seem as though you have conversations with divine beings every day. “Is why you’re in my kitchen.” 

This, really seems to be the most pressing thing. This better not be a Virgin Mary kind of situation.

“I’m your Guardian.” 

A laugh climbs it’s way free from your throat and you thud heavily into the nearest chair. “My guardian? As in, my guardian angel?”

“No, not your guardian.” He sounds sulky. “Your Guardian. It’s a title, not a noun.”

“Oh, sure.” You give an offhand wave. “Because that makes much more sense.”

“Aish.” Jongdae sighs in frustration, running a hand over his hair. “This isn’t supposed to like this.” His mutter is half-aside. “You aren’t even supposed to see me.”

“If you don’t start explaining…” You leave the threat open-ended.

“Okay, okay.” Jongdae presses his hands together. “Maybe I should start here. Y/N,” he re-states. “You’re half angel.”

Okay, now you know he’s crazy. A pity, since he’s so damn cute.

“Right.” You somehow manage to keep your voice calm. All while looking around the room, trying to decide how you get this crazy dude from your apartment. “I’m part angel and you’re whole angel. Excellent.”

Jongdae’s gaze is almost pitying. “I’m telling the truth, Y/N.”

“Well, of course.” You twist in your seat, searching for your cell phone. Maybe you can call the police without him realizing – you’d just have to stall him long enough. “My dad was human.” You nod. “But my mom was an angel – she didn’t die, I suppose that’s one way of putting it, I –”

You freeze halfway into your purse. Your phone is floating in mid-air before you. Hovering just beyond your reach, as though set on an invisible counter. But there’s nothing beneath it.

You fall back into your chair. Your gaze moves to Jongdae, whose head is cocked knowingly in your direction waiting for you to acknowledge him. Your phone continues to float.

“Okay.” You fold your hands on the table. “I’m listening.”

“I’m not trying to pull your leg.” Jongdae leans forward in earnest. “This isn’t a joke and I’m not crazy.”

“I see that.” You stare down at your phone. After a long moment of silence you look up. “Okay. For argument’s sake, let’s say you’re telling the truth. So what?”

Jongdae’s eyes widen. “So what? I don’t know, what do you want to know?”

“How about this?” You point at your phone. “Can I do that?”

“Maybe. It depends.” Jongdae considers the possibility.

“Depends on what?” 

“On what powers you have.”

Powers. It seems like such a foreign concept still. You know that thing with the bus happened but it happened  so quickly. Was over so fast. It’s hard to imagine yourself as anything other than… well, normal. 

You play with the edge of your phone. “So what you just did was…?”

“Telekinesis.” 

You nod, like this is entirely normal. “Right. And what I did earlier was?”

Jongdae smiles. “The bus. Time control.”

So many questions, it’s impossible to iterate all of them. They flash through you mind like cue cards, each one over before it’s begun. How many powers exist? What do they mean? Why are they only showing up now?

Jongdae watches. “I know it’s overwhelming.”

“How do you keep doing that?” You blurt the words in frustration. “Wait. Were you lying? Can you actually read thoughts?” Because that would be incredibly embarrassing. The number of times you’ve thought Jongdae was cute the past hour alone… You blush.

“No.” Jongdae grins. “I can’t read thoughts, just moods.” At your confusion, he clarifies. “You know – if you’re happy, sad, confused, embarrassed. I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking, but it’s not too hard to guess.”

“Awesome.”

“It does come in handy, I’ll admit.”

A thought occurs to you. “Hey.” You fold your arms over your chest. “Was that you, following me home the other night?”

“Uh.” Jongdae’s guilty expression has returned. “Yes.”

“What the hell?” Your eyes narrow in annoyance. “You made me think I was crazy.”

“Well, you weren’t supposed to see me!” Jongdae’s eyebrows draw together. “I was cloaking and everything. How was I supposed to know you’d be clairvoyant?” His grumble is an aside, not meant for you.

“Clairvoyance?”

“That’s… more difficult to explain.” Jongdae presses the tips of his fingers together. “It’s different in different people. Sometimes it means seeing the future. Sometimes it’s knowing the present. Occasionally it’s flashbacks to the past. Varying degrees of knowledge, really.”

“And you think I have this … whatever this is?”

“Clairvoyance,” Jongdae repeats. “From what I’ve seen, I think you’re similar to me. You can sense people’s intentions. You can see a degree of the present … which means you see through things.” He gives you a long look before continuing. “Meaning, most visual powers won’t work on you.”

It seems with every piece of information you learn, there are five more to understand. “What’s a visual power?” 

“A category. Classification, as opposed to actual. Anything involving trickery of the mind or eyes.” Jongdae sounds like he’s quoting from a textbook. “Mirages, cloaking – those sorts of things.”

“Oh sure.” You’ve never really thought about it.

You almost laugh – never thought of it? You never thought such things were possible, let alone considered how they might be categorized. Your body feels numb and you wonder if you’re in shock. Probably.

It all just seems so ridiculous. So incredibly that you find yourself thinking… maybe it’s possible.

There’s this small part of yourself which whispers that somehow, it makes sense. Some of the words ring true. Like clairvoyance. You were just thinking this earlier - you have an inexplicable ability of uncovering truth.

“O-kay. But why now? I’m twenty one.” Your eyebrows rise. “Not exactly prime protagonist age. Wouldn’t I know by now if I were part angel?”

Jongdae snorts in surprise. “Protagonist age.” He laughs out loud. “That’s a first. But there’s no set age. I’ve seen people as young as ten use powers. Or as old as fifty. I’ve heard it’s sometimes attributed it to emotional maturity, which is the closest indicator I’ve found.” He grins.

“That explains why I’ve been relatively dormant.” 

Jongdae laughs again as you lean back, thinking of what next. You have so many questions. Your gaze lands on the microwave – a small, black timer set into the white face.

Jongdae cocks his head at you. “Why are you worried?”

“Stop doing that.” You glare. “That’s annoying.”

His smile widens. “Sorry, habit.”

“I’m worried.” You ignore his smugness. “Because time control seems like an awfully large power to have.”

Jongdae’s expression softens. “The fact that you think so makes me feel better about you having it.”

A moment passes before you look at him again. His brown eyes are intense, unnerving. “I don’t know what to do with this,” you admit. “What does being half angel … mean?”

Jongdae gives a little half-smile. “I don’t know I’ve ever been asked that.” He sighs. “I’ll get back to you, okay?”

“Fine.” You didn’t really expect there to be an easy answer to that one. “Who are you, then - really? Why are you here? Oh, and for how long?”

“These are the kinds of questions I usually get.” Jongdae smiles. “I’m your Guardian. I mean, your teacher. I help teach your powers, control. As for how long …” Jongdae shrugs. “That part is up to you. Until you’re in control.”

“So I can freeze time?” 

Jongdae nods. 

“What about other parts of time control? Going backwards or forward?”

“I don’t know.” Jongdae seems hesitant. “Such things are not unheard of, though rare. With more time we can find out.”

“But how?” You press on. “I’m looking at my hands and nothing’s happening. I want to freeze time … and look, nothing.”

Jongdae smiles. “It’s a little more complicated. You need time and practice, which I can help with… later.” 

“Why not today?”

“Because you just used your powers for the first time. In about an hour, you’re going to be dead asleep.”

“Why?” You frown. “Does using my powers make me tired?”

“You ask a lot of questions,” Jongdae sighs. “Joan of Arc didn’t ask this many questions.”

“I’m sorry.” You shrug, then pause. Joan of Arc? “Uh, anyways. I just found out that I’m a freaking angel. I think I’m entitled to questions.”

“Half-angel,” Jongdae corrects. “And yes, using your powers depletes your energy.” He rubs at his temples. “This is already more than I wanted to say. Look, it’s just easier to explain when you’re actually using them. Tomorrow.” He looks you up and down. “Can you wait until then? We should both be rested for this.”

Slowly you nod. “But then that’s another thing. You keep saying we. What exactly was your plan before today?” You grin, shaking your head. “Just follow me around until my powers showed up?”

“Basically.” Jongdae shrugs. “That’s what I normally do.”

“Normally?” You pull back to look at him. Squinting for wrinkles. “How old are you?”

You don’t know why but up until now it hadn’t sunk in that Jongdae is an angel. An angel with a harp, a halo, everything. You’d been so distracted about being half angel you hadn’t even stopped to consider that he is a whole one.

Jongdae’s grin widens. “I don’t think that’s relevant to our training.”

“Tell me.” You lean forward. “Please? And while you’re at it, do some fire and brimstone stuff!”

Jongdae cracks up. “What?”

“You know.” You make a wild gesture with your hands. “Fire and brimstone. Angelic things – oh my god, can you fly?”

“Not anymore.”

There’s coldness to his words which makes you pause. His pain is obvious and you lower your gaze to the floor. “I’m very sorry,” you say, aware that you’ve touched on something very personal. Your words somehow seem both too invasive and not enough.

“It’s alright.” Jongdae looks out the window. “It was a long time ago.”

The room falls silent, except for the sounds of your breathing. Which makes you wonder… “Do you breathe?” 

Jongdae lets out a strangled laugh “Yes. I think you’re confusing angel with ghost.”

“Well, up until today I didn’t think either existed.”

“Ah, another non-religious neph.” Jongdae rolls his eyes. “You lot are becoming more and more common. My job used to be so easy.” He sighs, stretching his hands behind his head. “I used to roll in in a robe and bam! They’d believe me. These days I have to work to convince you you’re special. Ridiculous.”

“Neph?” You choose to ignore most of what he’s just said.

“Sort for Nephilim. Half-angel.” Jongdae sounds business-like. “A more formal term.”

“Right. So I’m … Nephilim.” You test the word out.

Jongdae nods.

“My father is my actual father, right?”

Jongdae nods again. “Yes.” He looks down. “Try not to be too hard on him, Y/N. It can be difficult to move on… after.”

After falling in love with an angel. 

It explains some of your Dad’s behavior.  “He still had us though.” Your voice is quiet. “What about Trina? Is she Nephilim?”

Jongdae shakes his head no. “Trina is actually your half-sister. Your dad has had a rather tough time of it. First there’s you know, the whole angel thing… then your sister’s mother actually died in childbirth.”

You stare at him, eyes wide. “You know, for an angel you’re not a very comforting presence.” 

“Guardians are a bit different than other angels,” Jongdae muses.

“How so?” 

Jongdae claps his hands together. “I think that’s all for today.”

“What?” You stare at him in disbelief. “Why?”

Jongdae stands, bending to look down at you. “You just were given a lot to think about. I don’t want to overload you.”

“Overload me!” You stand, pushing your chair back. “Its fine. I have so many questions. Like is there really a heaven? Which angel am I descended from? What color is your robe?” The words tumbling out in one, singular rush.

Jongdae presses his lips together as though he’s trying not to laugh. “I will answer only one of your questions.” He grins, eyes dancing. “Choose wisely.”

“The robe one.”

He laughs. “That was a joke, right?” Jongdae’s eyebrows come together. “It’s sometimes so hard to tell.”

“It was a joke.” You grin, a gesture which quickly fades. “Which angel is my mother?”

“That I don’t know.” Over your noise of protest, Jongdae waves his hands. “I really don’t, Y/N! I could guess once we’ve discovered all your powers. Usually they’re indicative of the angel you’re descended from.”

“Huh?”

Jongdae hesitates. “Take Michael, for example.”

“Archangel Michael, of myth and lore?”

“That’s him.” Jongdae grimaces. “He’s the angel of protection, a warrior angel. Often his children have physical powers. Increased speed, strength, stamina – fire, things like that.”

Fire. “So.” You try to push the thought of fire-wielding Nephilim from your mind. “Clairvoyance isn’t enough to determine who I’m from?”

“It’s not.” Jongdae bends forward to examine you. “But I’ll help you figure it out.” His smile lends weight to yet another dangerous silence.

“Okay.” You shift in your seat. “Well that was my one question, I guess.”

“I guess so.” Jongdae bends to grab his book bag. At your snort he looks up, startled. “What?”

“It’s just you’re an angel.” You giggle, unable to stop yourself. “Carrying a backpack. Going to college.”

Jongdae grins. “I like to learn. What can I say?”

You suddenly remember that note he wrote in Humanities. “Oh, god. You love Humanity… how horribly cheesy!”

Jongdae laughs, tipping his head back far enough for you to see the whites of his teeth. “Sorry.” He chuckles. “I have an awful sense of humor.”

“I like it.” The words escape before you stop yourself. As Jongdae raises his eyebrows, you blush. “I mean, it’s okay.”

“Right.” Jongdae slings his bag over his shoulder. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he grins. As he leaves he gestures at the door, causing it to open. “Try to get some sleep, yeah?” He waits until you nod before exiting into the hall.

You nod, hugging your arms over your chest to keep from following.

“Oh, and Y/N?” Jongdae pops his head around your doorway.

“Yes?”

“My robe is white.” With that, he closes the door and you hear him laughing the rest of the way down the hall.

You frown. For an angel, he’s kind of an ass.  

Name: C/m/n C/m/l/n Birthdate: October 9, 1974 Species: Werewolf Mate: Kim Jongdae Current Age: 42 (stuck at 22) Other relations: - Lay was her fellow nomad for 10 years but he returned back to the pack - Parents: Both Deceased - Pack Members: Tao, Kris, and Luhan - Former Pack:  Sehun, Chen, Lay, Suho, D.O, Kai, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Xiumin

2001

“Are you okay C/m/n?” Lay asked.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” You lied to his face stuffing a picture of Chen in your pocket.

“You don’t look okay” He pestered on.

“Then stop looking at me” You bit back breaking Lay’s temper.

“Just admit C/m/n! Just admit you miss him. Admit that you want him to hold you again so you can be pieced back together. Because I know you C/m/n. Because I know that deep inside you’re still hoping that he’s here, waiting for you. I’m right, and you know it” Hearing these words you clenched your teeth and straightened your leather jacket and stood up straight. Tears glazing in your eyes you seethed back with your angered wolf speaking for you.

“You don’t know me Lay! You think you do but you don’t. What about you huh?! What about you and Joanne. You think that I don’t hear your sobs in the other room? You left your mate just like I did! It’s been 10 goddamn years Xing and you know for a fact that we don’t age. So we have to live with knowing that our mates are hurting somewhere that we used to call home. We had a pack. We ditched them because of Namjoon-ah. We thought we were doing the right thing but in reality we’re just fricken cowards! He’s just one hunter against a pack of 13 wolves for god sake but we jumped to conclusions thinking that what we’re doing is right. I loved him I really did but I don’t wish he was here because I don’t want him to get hurt all over again” You said and stormed out of the hotel door wanting to cool off, leaving both of you in tears not knowing that it would be the last day you two would travel together as nomads.

1992 (Age of 18)

“Eomma i’m going to go outside” your younger version of yourself announced to your mother.

“Just don’t go far okay?”

“Okay” you replied. Walking out of the house something caught your eyes in the forest. It was a boy. He looked like a normal teenager but his scent was the only different thing. He was a werewolf just like you and your family. Feeling attracted to the wolf you walked forward to the fence where it connected with the dense forest.

“Hi..” you whispered but you knew he could hear.

“Hey..” He responded. Knowing that you shouldn’t be talking to him something stirred in you and your heart warmed as you heard his voice.

“Do you need help?” You asked.

“Actually I think I found what I was looking for” He said and cracked a smile. Looking into his eyes you found yourself entranced and your future with him flashed before your eyes. Coming back into reality the urge to jump the fence and hold him was so strong but you fought it and ran inside your house with your wolf speed. Being one of the fastest in your country Chen couldn’t keep up with your pace and she was gone in a flash and the door was slammed in his face. 

Not knowing what to do you ran to your mom and whispered something in her ear that made her drop a plate she was washing and heard in shatter into a million pieces. Rushing to the front door there he stood in all his handsome glory.

“Hi young man, please do come in” Your mom greeted him and he walked in and took off his shoes. your mom setting up the living room you and Chen stood in comfortable silence seeing the fact that both of you are mates.

“I’m sorry I ran away like that. I didn’t know what to do so I called my mom” you whispered shyly and rubbed your foot against your leg.

“It’s okay” He chuckled and you looked up at him and stared into his eyes. Both being entranced in each other your wolves whimpered and begged for them to mark one another. 

“Can I..um- hug you?” You awkwardly asked and he nodded yes. Jumping into his arms you felt whole as he wrapped his arms around your waist tight. Closing your eyes and inhaled his scent felt like drugs. He was your personal dosage of heroine. You were addicted and you never felt like quitting. Watching from the living room your mom smiled and teared up. Having her mate gone C/m/n was all she had but she knew she’d have to let go knowing she would soon join his pack.

-Present Day- 

In the year of 2008 you found your former pack members Luhan, Kris, and Tao. Finding out that they left the pack and created their own small one you decided to join and replaced your old link with their new one. Hearing that Chen still thinks you’re dead was a heartbreak for you but you held yourself together. Being the oldest in the pack they decided to make you Luna (Female version of Alpha) and you were one heck of a leader. But to this day he still visits your “grave” and Lay still kept your secret. Watching from afar and hiding your scent you watched him live his life without you and your heart broke just a little more. 

Hearing news that Chanyeol recently found his mate made you happy seeing that he was like a brother to you and you couldn’t help but feel guilty. As Tao told me when he visited them a couple years back his attitude was cold and he was as mean as I am now since I have left. But pushing that behind you, you were now at your pack house in China and your pack was lounging around watching TV. Not having enough food Kris went to the grocery store but came rushing back saying he felt a bond form. Furrowing your eyebrows in confusion but your thoughts were confirmed when you thought of the newly changed wolf. Y/n.

Discussing with your pack that you had Alpha business to attend you had to sacrifice your own life as a luna for your pack mate. You were going to your old pack. And you were going to see him. You never thought that in your life that you’d see him again. Well where he actually knows you’re there. 

-Skip Travel Part Cause I’m lazy af-

Walking up the trail with a backpack on your back that carried clothes you heard the familiar laughter of your old pack and your heart felt the familiar tug on your heart and the pull that was going towards the house. You actually let the bond run its course and you knew Chen would feel the effects. Going further away from the house you changed your outfit to a more appropriate one and not just basketball shorts and a tank top. 

Changing into skinny black jeans and a white V neck and converse you sat on a root of the tree you were changing by and thought about what your were going to say to him. Blocking the bond once again so he couldn’t find you as you were thinking the sun began to set and you decided to show up at night. 

-2 hours Later-  

It was dark out and you stalled enough. If you were to wait longer you wouldn’t be able to find out what’s wrong with Kris. Unblocking the bond you ran to the pack house and stood in front of the main entrance.

-Chen’s POV-

What was that tug on my heart? It’s impossible. She’s gone. She can’t be here. I thought in my head. Feeling the bond turn on made me and my wolf go insane. Here I am sitting in my room and I can’t keep still, rushing outside to see if the bond would take me to her the bond cut off once again, and it was the most painful experience since the first time she left me and my wolf. Going to the living room where everyone saw me sprint out of Suho gave me a look feeling the old pack bond when Y/n was still with us. 

Sitting on the couch no one knew what was going on till it was dark out. I felt the certain pull again. Standing up straight I ran to the door and tugged it open and I saw her. I smelt her wonderful aroma. My heart melted just seeing her here. I thought she was dead but she was here all along.

-Back to Normal POV-

Seeing him was all I needed to do to feel whole again. Lay was right that one day. I wanted him there with me. I could feel the broken pieces of my heart be molded back into one. After staring at him for a good amount of time I heard Baekhyun in the background asking who was at the door but you just stared at Chen afraid he was going to disappear and it would be just a dream. Stepping forward cautiously you embraced him in a hug and heard him whisper sweet nothings to you.

“I missed you so damn much. Don’t ever. ever. leave me again please” he cracked out.

“Is that C/m/n?!?!?!” You heard Kai yell out and he tackled me and Chen into a big hug. Everyone hearing his announcement you forgot why you were here in the first place and you felt whole once again.

Your plan was to travel as a backpacker, you were young and you knew it’s now or never.

Travelled to Myanmar, Vietnam and finally Thailand, your dream destination, white sandy beaches quietness, and the feeling of loneliness that made you so happy. You were falling in love with the place, so much that you were actually considering in living there forever. For that you needed to find a job, after working in a call centre anything would be better, you thought that your foreign charms would give you a job instantly anywhere.

But you thought wrong.

You started looking for jobs in clothing stores, but nothing, you looked to work as a waitress, also nothing… it was very odd no one wanted to hire you, even in the places were it clearly stated that they were hiring.

Two weeks had passed and you were now really tight on money, you barely could pay the hostel you were staying at, luckily street food was extremely cheap.

You were now so desperate that you decided to try in a bar, not really your thing as you never really enjoyed the ambiance, you thought of it as a temporary thing until you find something else.

You entered and asked if any vacancies available, the owner of the place eyed you obviously liking what he saw, you felt naked and dirty but you had no other choice but to endure it.

“No, we are not interested… but what do you say on taking this conversation to my place?”

Your eyes shut open doubling in size, you thought you heard wrong, maybe he was drunk?

“No thanks, but I would really like to know why you wouldn’t hire me, although I would really like to get going but I am very curios”

“Well sweetheart, this is a touristic place where tourist want to meet locals, and you are far from looking like a Thai”

You shook your head in shock, you never thought about that one, you shrugged and took your leave, disappointed that your looks were really the ones in the way in you finding a job.

You put on your headsets and played a much needed EXO song, EXO-M was your thing, Chen’s and Xiumin’s soothing voices.

You walked for a long time, you stopped in front of a super fancy massage place, the famous Thai massage, you thought that you could really use one of those from all the stress. You entered to a place that looked almost like a palace, dim lighting and a fountain in front of the reception desk. You were greeted by a girl, you explained to her that you needed a full back massage, she took you to a room.

As you undressed yourself tears were forming in your eyes, the girl that was going to give you the massage noticed that you were actually crying but she didn’t comment.

You lay down in the massage bed and asked her if you could play your music, to help you relax more.

“Oh that is EXO, I love EXO they are very nice, they came here many times”

You gave her an uninterested look, and nodded, yeah EXO came to Thailand many times, nothing new about that.

“I personally love Chanyeol, although his skin is not very easy to work with, Suho’s back is perfect, I prefer giving Suho massages than my ultimate love Chanyeol”

You sat back and coughed “what do you mean? EXO were here physically in this place?”

“Oh yes many times, they come here regularly when they have concerts, Sehun and Kai are the ones that get most of the attention, Lay is also a big winner, but he is more shy”

You took the lady’s hands in your own “so you hands touched their bodies? Have you ever touched Chen or Xiumin!?”

The lady looked in panic at you thinking you were  psycho “well no I have only done massages on Chanyeol and Suho” she replied stuttering.

“Have you seen Chen and Xiumin!?”  

“Y-yes I have... but Sehun and Kai were very impressive I have to say”

“Who cares about Sehun and Kai!” you said almost screaming now.

The lady was shellshocked, but then all of a sudden both of you bursted in laughter, she understood your love for Xiuchen.

You lay down back again while she told you how Chen and Xiumin had their hair styled at that time last year during their visit. Your conversation was very interesting and instead of having a relaxing massage you were having what it looked more like fangirling.

When your massage finished you looked sad again remembering your sorrows.

“Well I loved today Hathai, thanks for everything, I guess I need to get going to find a job”

“Well you might be just in luck, we do need someone for the cleaning, as you see the place is very big and we only have two girls”

“But… are you sure they will take me?”

“My dad owns the place, yes ___ you are hired if you want”

“Of course I want Hathai, thanks so much, I really need the money to pay my hostel, I will do anything, and if I get to see Chen and Xiumin I will do it for free”

This day was looking brighter that you thought.

A month had passed, you couldn’t be happier, the job was tough and Hathai the employer was totally different than Hanthai the friend, she was very demanding especially with the cleaning tasks in the VIP section in the basement floor, it was incredibly fancy and you had to be extra careful with cleaning.

Cleaning the chandeliers was one or your almost everyday tasks. As you moved the ladder to go clean the next crystal lamp you heard steps above you, a lot of movement, you could even appreciate some of the workers gasps, you didn’t pay much attention and kept stretching your hands towards the lamp. Footsteps were heard, you knew that there was people going down in the basement where you were, you wished no VIPs were coming as your uniform didn’t look the best. You had pulled up the uniform dress under the hem of your underwear, and your hair was a mess tied in a high bun.

You looked towards the stairs and… EXO was there all nine of them, they were walking towards you, you pulled the dress from under the hem of your underwear quickly, tried to straighten it, you pulled out the bubble that had your hair gathered in a bun and let your hair down ‘what the hell were you doing?’ Shouldn’t you think of going down the ladder first?’

“Nice legs!” said Baekhyun in his distinct annoying tone of voice, this made you lose your balance falling from the ladder luckily in Kai’s arms, you looked up to meet Kai with a beautiful smirky smile.

“Hi there!” he said, your heart was pounding looking around you EXO was there Kai was holding you.

And there he was...

Chen…

Kai put you down winking at you before heading to his designated room along with the others, everyone except Chen who noticed how you looked at him, but he wasn’t his normal cheerful self he was frowning and he looked almost forced to be there, all the guys were giggling away with their masseuses.

Xiumin was tapping on Chen’s back assuring him that he will feel better after the massage. 

You run to your locker to look for your bag, looked for your EXO-M Overdose picture booklet that you carried with you everywhere you went.

You returned running and luckily you saw that they were still in the corridor adjacent to the massage rooms.

“It’s always like this hyung, Jongin and Sehun those little sluts, what is wrong with people? Why do girls run to them as if they were magnets? Even Chanyeol and Baekhyun with all the dirty talk. I am sick of being the last choice of any girl we ever meet, every time I have my eyes on someone they take her without even trying, I am so fed up with this”

You stood in front of them and cleared your throat to draw attention to you, they looked behind and recognised you as the dumb girl that was rescued by Kai. They looked at you head to toe, both the guys that you liked, you loved them both but you had a bigger thing for Chen.

He looked absolutely gorgeous, his hair was in the longer side, parted in the middle dark brown colour, simple and sophisticated that made him look just perfect.

There was silence, your headphones hang from your pocket the volume was so high that it was hearable enough for them to recognise what you were listening to ‘Best Luck’ song from ‘It’s OK, that’s love’ drama OST.

Xiumin looked at Chen and smiled “I think you have a fan here Jongdae-yah!”

You didn’t speak Korean but you could understand some, all the Kpop had paid off and you often liked to look up the lyrics.

You took a step forward and opened the booklet to Chen’s picture and gave him a pen for him to sign, he smiled and signed it for you, you took it back and hugged the booklet, you looked like an idiot but Chen was liking it, you then gave the booklet to Xiumin for him to sign as well so he did.

“Alright ___ you may leave now, not allowed to be here while VIPs are getting their treatment, you may finish when they leave” you heard Hathai speak. 

You pouted and bowed at them and turned around to leave, but then you felt your arm being grabbed back.

“No! I want her! She will give me the massage” exclaimed Chen.

“I apologise Mr. Kim but she is not a masseuse” Hathai said.

“No I don’t care, she is doing it!” he insisted.

“Jongdae-yah! What are you doing? They just told you she is not a masseuse” whispered Xiumin leaning on Chen.

But Chen ignored and pushed you inside the room roughly, his sweet smile was long gone and he looked all menacing and sexy. He locked the door behind him and wiped his bottom lip with his thumb, this was not the Chen you imagined, despite all this, he did turn you on.

“Jongdae-yah! Open the door! What the hell man? Just open the fucking door already” Xiumin now getting angry.

“Hyung leave me alone now” he added getting closer.

This was looking rather shady… but you were up for it.

______________________