When Jeonghan was born, it was as if the sun and stars had joined in the kingdom’s celebration. The festivities lasted a whole month and nothing was spared, for the birth of the King and Queen’s one and only son was truly a blessing from the gods.

When Seungcheol was born, the sun and stars were no where to be seen. Perhaps they were too busy with the new prince to bother with the son of a lowly and a drunkard long gone… But that was okay. Seungcheol didn’t need the sun and the stars, nor did he need the extravagant gifts and the month long festivities in his honor. No, he had his mother, and despite her reputation, she was truly all he needed. She was beautiful and kind and the world was just too cruel to her. It was too cruel to them, really, but he was raised to be strong and was constantly reminded that no matter how cruel the world can be, just kill it with kindness.

Two souls so different, so unlikely to meet, yet destined for each other someway, somehow.

-

“Bedroom, doll.” The slurred speech of yet another man entering their home had Seungcheol’s ears burning at the injustice of the world. He clenched his jaw before returning his attentions to the pot of porridge simmering away over the fire. His mother spoke in hushed tones, trying to keep the drunk man’s attention on her and not on the ten year old boy hidden in the shadows of their cottage, eyes flitting between him and Seungcheol as she guided him to the small bedroom strictly used for business and business only.

Till this day, Seungcheol’s never been inside. His mother forbade it.

Despite her efforts to distract the man from her son’s presence, it was all done in vain, for the man’s eyes wandered to the corner where Seungcheol sat hunched over the burning embers.

“Who the is this?” Seungcheol tensed as the silence in the room rang loud and clear. His mother’s whispers soon grew rushed as he turned around slowly, watching his mother tug the man to the direction of the bedroom, eyes widening in fear. “Please, I-… He’s no one. Come now, let me-“ Seungcheol’s mother let out a pained yelp as the man shoved her aside, causing her to fall against their small dining table.

Everything was small in their home. It was small, but they made do.

Seungcheol immediately got to his feet, rushing to his mother to help her up, though no sound left his lips, his mother’s words playing over and over in his head.

Do not make a sound, my son. Be quiet. Be safe.

“It’s rude not to properly welcome a guest. Didn’t your of a mother ever teach you any manners?” The man continued, grasping on to Seungcheol’s arm, tugging at it roughly. Seungcheol pressed his lips together tightly, though the anger in his eyes was evident as he stared up at the man with a look so fierce it enraged him even more.

“You dare look at me that way.” The large man growled, moving his hand from Seungcheol’s arm to grasp his neck, hoisting him up so his feet no longer touch the floor. Seungcheol let out a pained yelp as the man’s fingers dug into the skin of his neck. He could smell the alcohol in the man’s breath, see the hatred in his eyes as he struggled to free himself from the iron grip the monster had on his neck. He tried to fight him off, kicking and flailing as the man brought him to the streets.

“You’re just a street urchin. A nobody. Do you think so highly of yourself that you have the gall to look at me that way? Who do you think you are?!” The man roared as he shook Seungcheol in a fit of rage. Seungcheol began seeing spots, his lungs burning for air. He could see his mother being held back by two of the man’s goons, hissing like a cat and screaming for someone to help.

Nobody would help though. They were too far down the social hierarchy for anyone to bother.

What was the death of a and her son, in the end?

“Who do you think you are?!” The man repeated, eyes hazy from drink and unfocused with rage. Seungcheol gasped for breath before opening his mouth and looking the man dead in the eye.

“I am Choi Seungcheol.” He gasped out, scratching at the man’s hand. “And I’m not afraid of you.”

The man let out a mighty roar and Seungcheol shut his eyes, anticipating the impact of the man’s fist against his head, only to hear the quick snap of a whip and feel the solid ground beneath him. He took in a lungful of air, wheezing and hacking as he rolled onto his back, vision hazy from lack of oxygen.

“Seungcheol?! Seungcheol!”

He wanted to tell his mother he was okay. He wanted to tell her he didn’t feel anything.

But the next thing he knew, he was being enveloped into darkness.

-

Jeonghan didn’t understand what was happening. His mother had told him that his father had brought him home a present, but for some odd reason, he had been told that couldn’t see it till it was fully healed. Had his father brought him an injured stag? Perhaps he had brought home a swan whose wings had been clipped by poachers. Either way, Jeonghan’s been buzzing with excitement for days.

“When will I be able to meet it?” He had asked his mother, who only turned to her husband with a strange look in her eyes before patting Jeonghan on the head gently. “Soon, my darling. When the time is right, you shall meet him.”

It’s been weeks now since Jeonghan’s present took residence in their hospital wing and just when Jeonghan felt he’d never get to meet his present, his father had summoned him.

“Be gentle, my son. He’s been through a lot.” The King had warned him before leading young Jeonghan into a small room. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of herbs and medicines, the light streaming in from a large window by the small cot in the corner. He furrowed his brows in confusion before taking small hesitant steps towards it. Jeonghan peered at the figure resting on the bed, only to find a boy just about his age, eyes closed and chest moving up and down slowly.

“Who is he?” He asked quietly, careful to not wake the sleeping boy.

“His name is Seungcheol.”

Jeonghan moved closer, seating himself down on the chair by the bed, eyes running over the boy’s face in pure wonder.

“Seungcheol…” He repeated, the name tumbling off of his tongue like a whispered prayer. He turned back to his father before smiling up at him brightly.

“Can I keep him?”

-

It almost felt like a different lifetime when she thought about it. So different… so far away, like a nightmare that she tried to keep hidden in the furthest corners of her mind.

“You promise me that you are well? Cheol’s been telling me about your cough.” Jeonghan’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts as he rested a hand on the older woman’s shoulder, concern evident on the prince’ face. Hana couldn’t help but smile as she once again shook her head, patting Jeonghan’s hand gently. “My son’s a worrier. It’s nothing a cup of tea and a good night’s rest can’t fix.”

Things have changed drastically since that fateful day. The King had apparently been doing rounds in the village, only to stumble upon the ruckus made just outside of their home. He had been moved by Seungcheol’s bravery and immediately had both him and his mother taken to the palace so he may be presented to Jeonghan as a gift. That was so many years ago… So many years ago that Jeonghan couldn’t even remember a time when Seungcheol wasn’t a part of his life. “We’re both worried about you. You know you’re more than welcome to live in the palace if you wish it.” Jeonghan said as he finished his cup of tea. They were both waiting for Seungcheol in the cottage the King and Queen has so generously given her (despite Jeonghan’s insistence at keeping her in the palace with them). Hana let out a content sigh before humming in disagreement. “I was never meant for such a life. Not like Seungcheol.”

Jeonghan couldn’t help but smile at that. It was true… It seemed as if the palace life was meant for Seungcheol. They had been inseperable since day one and despite Seungcheol constantly reminding Jeonghan that he was not built for such a lavish lifestyle, he seemed to fit right in.

-

“Hannie, I don’t want to go!” Seungcheol whined as Jeonghan watched their tailor poke and prod at Seungcheol with needles, attempting to get the fit of his robes just right for that night’s ball. Jeonghan frowned as he helped adjust the crimson red sash hanging from Seungcheol’s shoulder.

“Cheol, you have to go! We’re turning 13, we have to celebrate it!”

“No, you have to celebrate it. This is your birthday party, not mine.” Seungcheol reminded him, running a nervous hand through his hair. It was the first time they were celebrating their birthday together. Seungcheol had been too nervous to tell Jeonghan his birthday, not wanting to abuse the King and Queen’s hospitality any further. But when Jeonghan found out that not only did Seungcheol never have a birthday party, but also that theyshared a birthday, he made sure that things definitely were to change. Jeonghan rolled his eyes before dismissing the tailor once everything was finished. Seungcheol let out a huff as he looked at himself in the mirror. He almost couldn’t recognize himself… It was a far cry from the thin 10 year old they had found on the streets, barely breathing and beaten black and blue.

“You look good.” Jeonghan said after a while, watching Seungcheol consider his reflection.

“I don’t look anything like me.” He muttered, shaking his head with a sigh. Jeonghan crossed his arms over his chest before tugging at Seungcheol’s hand to get his attention.

“You look every bit like yourself! It’s not the clothes you wear that make you you, Cheol! You aren’t defined by your circumstances or your wealth or whatever it is that you think defines you. It’s what’s on the inside-“ Jeonghan poked at Seungcheol’s chest roughly before narrowing his eyes. “-that counts.”

Seungcheol was silent for a while, eyes wide in surprise as Jeonghan looked up at him with a frown.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.” Seungcheol finally said, raising his hands in surrender as Jeonghan’s expression softened. “You’ve been spending too much time with my mother…” He finally said, stepping off of the fitting block so he could stand before Jeonghan properly.

“She makes good cookies. Besides, it gets boring when you’re off studying.” Jeonghan said with a shrug before resting his hands on his hips. “So will you come or not?”

Seungcheol pursed his lips before letting out a defeated sigh and nodding his head. Jeonghan beamed before locking his arm with his, tugging Seungcheol out of his room and towards the great hall where his (their) birthday party was being held.

“You’ll have so much fun, I promise!”

And against Seungcheol’s better judgement, he did end up having fun. The most fun in his life, actually. Everyone fell in love with him, his natural charm had many nobles eating out of the palm of his hands. They loved him so much so that they had mistaken him for a noble himself.

When the King and Queen brought not one, but two cakes out, Seungcheol couldn’t help but tear up. He looked at Jeonghan with watery eyes and a tight throat, mouth open yet at a loss for words.

Jeonghan shot him a small, reassuring smile before clenching his hand in support.

“Happy birthday, Cheol.”

“Happy birthday, Han.”

The sun and stars were smiling down at the both of them this time.

-

Jeonghan smiled at the memory, his long fingers playing with the rim of his teacup. Hana observed the young prince before reaching out to rest a hand on Jeonghan’s. “You look like you have quite a number of thoughts running through that brain of yours.” Hana said with a knowing smile as Jeonghan chuckled in response.

“He’s been so busy.”

“Being head of the guard can do that to a person.” Hana replied, eyes twinkling in pride as Jeonghan nodded in return. A silence descended upon them as Jeonghan let out a sigh.

“I miss him sometimes.” He admits, only to feel bad after the words leave his lips.

-

“Is it difficult?”

“Hm… It’s definitely a challenge.”

“Then stop doing it.”

“We’ve talked about this, Hannie, you know I can’t.” Jeonghan pouted as Seungcheol rolled to his side, the shade of the tree shielding them from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Seungcheol chuckled before poking his side to get his attention. Jeonghan grunted before sitting up with a frown.

“You don’t need to be a knight, you know. You can just… just…” Jeonghan struggled to find words as he picked at the blades of grass beneath him. Seungcheol sat up as well before letting out a sigh and turning to look at the view before them. The palace gardens had always been his favorite hideaways. It was quiet, peaceful, and away from the hustle and bustle of everything.

“I told you, Jeonghan, I do need to be a knight. I need to be able to repay the crown for the kindness it showed my mother and I.” Seungcheol explained for the nth time, looking at Jeonghan with a patience so irritatingly tender Jeonghan wanted to hit him.

“And I told you that you need not repay us!” Jeonghan exclaimed, turning to Seungcheol with a frown. “You were destined to be here, Seungcheol! It was a sign from the stars that led my father to you! There is no debt to repay! Just… just you finally being put where you belong.” Jeonghan wrung his hands nervously because in reality, he was scared. He was scared because he knew Seungcheol would make a great knight. A brilliant one, even. But great knights get sent to battle, and battles get men killed and… Jeonghan didn’t even want to think about that.

“That’s not what I am, Jeonghan.” Seungcheol said quietly as Jeonghan looked back up at him with glassy eyes.

“What you are?” Jeonghan repeated, his voice just above a whisper. “What you are is mine.” He finally said before pressing his lips against Seungcheol’s in a timid kiss.

-

“You know he’s doing this for you.” Hana said after another silence. Jeonghan let out a breath. “He’s doing this for the kingdom.” Hana scoffed before shaking her head. “He’s doing this to protect you, Jeonghan. It’s always been about you.” Hana stood up from her place by the window before walking over to the door, pulling it open to reveal a surprised Seungcheol, hand raised as if he were about to knock.

“How did you know I was here?” Seungcheol asked with a pout, letting himself in, but not before pressing a kiss against his mother’s crown.

“Mother’s intuition.” Hana replied as she watched Seungcheol immediately move towards Jeonghan, pulling his lover in for a warm embrace and a gentle kiss. “How are you today, my love?” Seungcheol asked with a smile so bright that Jeonghan was left breathless. “No need to worry, I’ve been taking care of him in your absence.” Hana said, noting that Jeonghan was still too much in awe to reply. Seungcheol turned to his mother and grinned before tucking Jeonghan’s hand in the crook of his arm. “I knew I could count on you, mother. He can get lonely sometimes.” Seungcheol teased, causing Jeonghan to nudge him in mock offense. “You just neglect me too often.” Jeonghan retorted, though the smile on his face made it clear it was all said in jest.

"Long day?"

"Not anymore." Seungcheol pressed another kiss on Jeonghan's forehead before turning to his mother.

“Alright you two, go on now or else I’ll find myself with a headache.” Hana said as she ushered the two out of her cottage, though a good natured smile was playing on her lips. Seungcheol let out a hearty laugh as him and Jeonghan were led out.

“I’ll see you soon, mother!” He called out, waving gaily at his mother before walking back to the palace with Jeonghan on his arm, the prince smiling up adoringly at Seungcheol with so much love it made Hana’s heart clench.

She looked up at the sky and smiled, thanking the sun and stars for blessing her son with such happiness.

-

“When did you first know?”

Seungcheol glanced down at Jeonghan, his body curled against his side, Jeonghan’s long black hair fanning out beneath against the pillow like a halo. “Know what?” He asked softly, not wanting to disturb the sweet silence that enveloped them both. Jeonghan shifted till his chin rested against Seungcheol’s bare chest, looking up at him with curious eyes.

“When did you first know that you loved me?”

Seungcheol raised a brow at the question before pursing his lips in thought and resting his head against their headboard, running a hand through Jeonghan’s hair idly. Jeonghan moved to straddle his lover, the sheets pooling at his waist as he waited patiently for the answer.

“I don’t… I don’t know.” Seungcheol said honestly, grasping at Jeonghan’s hips.

“I think I’ve always been in love with you.” Jeonghan scoffed at the line, but Seungcheol’s smile remained. “No I’m serious.” Jeonghan tilted his head before prompting Seungcheol to continue.

“It’s like… like a flame, my love for you. When I first met you, it was a soft glowing ember. So young, so new, but the warmth was still there. Then it only grew, from an ember, it kindled into a flame, like a candle against the dark of night, still young, but enough to light up a room.” Seungcheol’s eyes grew gentle as he moved his hands to Jeonghan’s lacing their fingers together.

“From a flame, it grew to become a roaring hearth, a burning love that I can’t control. And it only gets stronger, day after day, my love for you burns like the sun and stars in the sky.” He pulled Jeonghan down towards him, their faces inches away from each other.

Jeonghan felt his heart swell, tears welling in his eyes at the happiness and love he felt for the man before him.

“I was meant for you,” Seungcheol said before pressing his lips against Jeonghan’s.

“My sun and stars…”