Rushing through his morning chores, a young, shirtless Jongin panted in the doorway, grinning like a fool.  “I’m done!  Can I go out now?” he asked, looking between his parents quickly as he dabbed at the sweat on his forehead distractedly.

                His mother frowned and looked up from where she was snapping fresh peas into a bowl.  “Would ya put yer shirt on?” she sighed, shaking her head with a pointed look at his father.

                “Yes, momma,” he nodded quickly, rushing inside to grab a clean one as he threw it over his head with haste.  “Can I?”

                “What’s yer rush?” his father chuckled, stoking the morning fire while he inspected the stone foundation of the hearth.

                Jongin shrugged as he bounced on the balls of his feet.  “I just really wanna go huntin,” he explained, looking out the window expectantly.

                “Are yer friends goin with ya?” his mother asked distractedly.

                “Momma!  I’m ten and two now and I can handle myself,” he reminded her with a nervous glance at his father.  “Ma’am,” he added in belated respect.

                “Just be careful,” she sighed, laughing at his excitement.

                “Yes momma!” he grinned, snatching his worn, used sword and better cared for hunting bow and arrows before he bolted out the door without giving them a chance to find something else for him to do.  Clearing the open space between him and the woods in record time, Jongin found himself surrounded by trees as he looked around expectantly, biting his bottom lip.

                As quietly as possible, he stalked through the woods, not really hunting for game at all.  His smile widened when he heard something rustling ahead of him and he crept forward, fully intent upon surprising whatever, or whoever, it was.

                He yelped when he felt a weight press against him from behind as long arms trapped him in a careful embrace.  “Gotcha!” the masculine voice laughed into his ear, clearly delighted with himself.

                “Yixing!” he laughed, peering over his shoulder with an annoyed smile.

                Yixing released him with a chuckle and took a step back, smiling warmly at the younger male.  “Welcome back, my little prince.”

~~~~~~~

The amazing poster was done by s3xyangel at Forbidden Dreamers Poster Shop.  Seriously, if you need a poster, go request one.  She's awesome!  :3

Reviewed by Rhapsodos at the Love Reading Review Shop.  ~  43/50  "My final thoughts. Greaaat Storrry!!!  Loved it~ ^^"

******  In regards to this story, you do need to understand that it is taking place in a medieval setting where young men and women were considered full adults by the time they were fourteen years old, if not sooner, which means that they drank, established families and had considerably shorter lifespans than we do in more modern times.  Please do keep that in mind as you're reading.

Submitted to A Freedom Writing Contest.

Submitted to The New Library of recommendation fics.