He was helping his youngest and only son with his galactic college level studies when he heard the news on the background vid: they’d lost contact with the outpost in the Vylorian Quadrant. Gunwoo froze for a moment, his thoughts fracturing at what that could mean.

                “Father?” Chaejin asked, his perfectly angelic face marred by uncertainty and white wings shifting to mirror his feelings.

                “Sorry,” Gunwoo forced himself to laugh, shaking his head. He forced all the dark thoughts out of his mind as he focused instead on the young man in front of him. At just over thirty four pulsar years, he was essentially the equivalent of a young adult on Earth. Ironically, he was also considerably younger than his next older siblings, the twins Joy and Eunji who were sixteen pulsar years his senior, and their eldest sister, Sunhwa who was seventy one and engaged. Hyosung had wanted a boy so badly so they’d kept trying. It had just taken a while…

                And Gunwoo was happy. Or content at the very least. He had been for the seventy two years he’d been back in the Angel Empire. As agreed, he had no title but his children did: the Princesses and Prince of the Angel Empire. Emperor Yunho was still leading well with Empress Boa at his side, though he knew they would be happy enough when they could go into a retirement of sorts.

                “What does this one mean?” Chaejin asked, pulling him from his musings again as his son pointed at a piece of text on the screen with a long pale finger.

                Gunwoo’s eyes returned to the younger angel and chuckled when he brushed too long brown bangs out of his face. “Let’s see,” he encouraged, drawing the tablet towards him to see better. He was working on advanced diplomacy courses as well as learning the ins and outs of Demon etiquette. While he had some time before he would have to think about getting married, his sister Sunhwa was set to marry the Demon Prince Jongup in the following year.

                It had taken a lot of negotiating and discussions and meetings, but the Angel and Demon Empires were finally on the precipice of actually burying the hatchet as it were. Admittedly, he had some mixed feelings about it being his kids that were the ones being married off, but it couldn’t be helped with them all being girls at first. It was enough of a start for the moment, and having had all those conversations and meetings, he was more than prepared to help Chaejin navigate his own studies in a similar field.

                At long last, Chaejin finished his work and turned off the tablet happily. “Thanks, father,” he grinned, innocent sweetness personified as he leaned back carefully and took a relieved breath.

                Gunwoo’s smile this time was natural and easy. “Anytime, son,” he promised, running one hand over the smooth brown hair comfortingly. He hoped Chaejin would be able to choose who he wanted to marry in the future. There was so much goodness in him.

                His moment of satisfaction waned quickly though when Hyosung appeared in the doorway, her face carefully neutral. “Oh. There you are,” she smiled quickly, noticing their son at the desk beside his father.

                Chaejin nodded and turned to look at his mother. “I needed some help with my studies,” he shrugged, picking up the tablet to show her as proof.

                “I’m sure,” Hyosung grinned, her almond shaped eyes nearly closing in her mirth. “It’s almost dinnertime though. Why don’t you go wash up and we’ll meet you in the dining room,” she encouraged, stepping aside with a gesture towards the door, an obvious dismissal if there was one.

                “Yes, mother,” Chaejin agreed, though he glanced between both his parents before getting up with all the grace of an energetic young man: too much energy and too little fluidity.

                As soon as he was through the doors though, Hyosung stepped close, her visage showing concern. “Are you all right?” she asked, biting her painted bottom lip lightly.

                “Yeah,” Gunwoo sighed, not really sure himself. His slouching shoulders seemed to indicate as much and Hyosung moved closer to hug him gently, cradling his head to her bosom.

                “I know the news said we’d lost contact but I didn’t know if you’d heard anything else,” she murmured, obviously hopeful for his sake.

                Gunwoo shook his head and wrapped his arms tighter around her waist. He was grateful she was concerned about him over this, even though it meant acknowledging the man he had loved first. “I’m hoping that ‘lost contact’ just means that the signal went down or there was some kind of solar flare that knocked it out for now. Not… something worse,” he admitted without looking up.

                Hyosung’s fingers combed through his hair and she whispered, “Have you had a chance to call your father?” Gunwoo shook his head mutely and she sighed. “I’m sure he’d have more information. Why don’t you ring him?” she offered, pushing his shoulders enough to create space so they could look at each other.

                “I’m afraid of what he might say,” Gunwoo admitted almost childishly, dropping his gaze.

                “I know,” his wife soothed, framing his face with her hands as she leaned close to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. “But you’ll worry yourself sick until you know more anyway.” Her face shifted to press her forehead to his, keeping close.

                Looking up into her dark eyes, Gunwoo felt bad for her. While not perfect, no angel was, Hyosung had been a devoted wife and partner to him. Far more than he deserved, all things considered. And he did care for her, but it was in moments like this that he knew his feelings were not enough. Nor could they ever be. Not really. Seventy pulsar years was hardly enough time to make him forget the one person that had truly loved him. And he in turn…

                “You’re right,” was all he said as he kept his other thoughts to himself. He imagined she knew or at least could guess, but she never pried. It was easier for both of them if she didn’t. Even if their life was a lie, it was a beautiful one most of the time.

                “Do you want me to go?” she asked, catching his chin between her fingers deftly.

                “No,” he shook his head, wrapping his fingers around hers in quiet gratitude. “Stay,” he murmured instead, pulling her down to sit beside him on the comfortable mostly backless sofa.

                “Okay,” Hyosung smiled, threading a strand of wavy walnut colored hair behind her ear. Settled in place, she interlaced their fingers and then held to his hand with both of hers, offering what silent comfort she could.

                It only made Gunwoo feel guilty. But with his free hand, he activated his communicator at his ear and dialed in his father’s contact, watching the holo screen carefully. It barely made it through one full cycle before the connection stabilized and he saw his father’s stoic face appear on the other side, now marred by a hint of concern.

                “Gunwoo,” he greeted in a strangely level tone.

                “Father,” the former Prince nodded in greeting and took a breath, almost like he was waiting. They both knew why he was calling.

                “The Vylorian Quadrant outpost has gone silent,” he confirmed with a bare bones approach.

                “Do we know why?” Gunwoo asked, biting his lip once before forcing himself to relax. That was hardly a suitable behavior for him.

                Emperor Yunho shook his head with a look of regret. “I don’t. Captain Chanyeol hasn’t been able to confirm the nature of the silence yet either.”

                “Do we know anything?” Gunwoo gestured, clearly at a loss. Hyosung’s hands tightened on his in silent reassurance.

                “Not yet. The Captain has promised me he is looking into it. For now, I fear that all we can do is wait to hear more,” Yunho sighed, clearly not satisfied but unable to will more to happen just yet.

                “Have they sent a patrol to investigate?” he couldn’t help but ask.

                “Almost the moment they realized we’d lost communication and couldn’t figure out why,” the Emperor confirmed. “For now, try not to think about it too much. I will be the first to let you know when we hear something back,” he promised, expression sincere and open.

                “Of course,” Gunwoo sighed, his lips and not at all satisfied. “Thanks, father,” he remembered to add with a gentle nudge from his wife.

                “I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, son,” Yunho shrugged with genuine regret.

                “Me too,” Gunwoo sighed, waving once before he cut the connection. “I suppose you heard?” he wondered with a side glance at his wife.

                “I did,” she confirmed, leaning close to kiss his shoulder and then rest her head against it, offering what silent comfort she could.

                “Do the kids know?” he wondered, not sure how much they’d actually managed to keep from them regarding his past.

                Hyosung laughed once and then explained, “Sunhwa probably has an idea. Too sharp, that one,” she chuckled with real pride. “But the twins and Chaejin will likely have no idea. Your connection to the Vylorian Quadrant isn’t widely known,” she reminded him comfortingly.

                “I see,” he sighed, nodding slowly. “Well. I guess we should probably join them then, shouldn’t we?” he offered, gesturing towards the door with his free hand. “Before one of them comes looking for us.”

                “They know better than to try to find us when we’re alone,” she snorted, her smile at least a little mischievous. It was just enough to make him laugh too. While they weren’t in love exactly, that wasn’t to say that they didn’t enjoy each other’s company from time to time. Much to their children’s chagrin on occasion. “But you’re right. We should join them for dinner,” his wife agreed, patting his hand and then moving to stand up, gently pulling at him in the process.

                Gunwoo was both grateful and irritated by the obvious effort to keep things normal. His world felt like it was at least partially falling apart and he had to pretend like it wasn’t for the sake of appearances and what he didn’t know. At least he was good at that. He’d had years of practice after all.

                Dinner was strangely like what he’d experienced back on Earth. He hadn’t really paid much attention to the similarities before, but it always gave him a sense of nostalgia for the days past. Those he’d met during that time were long since gone, but their memories lived on in him and in the pictures Kibum had made sure to send before he too had passed away. Living with the Discoverer had extended his lifespan more than anticipated, but he was still only human. Now, instead of having humans chatter about their day around him, he had his children.

                The twins were the most animated, almost constantly squabbling about something, but usually in jest. At least they weren’t identical. He’d have been in trouble if Joy and Eunji looked exactly alike. As it was, they liked to make mischief quite enough already. Sunhwa, with her mother’s eyes, was speaking with Hyosung, the light frown on her face indicating it was probably about the Demons. She was worried, and not without reason, but unlike in years past, she at least had been able to get to know her soon to be husband.

                Gunwoo wasn’t positive how he felt about the next Demon Prince. Donghae wasn’t quite the Emperor yet as Jiyong had declined to step down. Something about relinquishing the reins when his rival did. He and Emperor Yunho had a strange relationship, but given what they’d been through, he couldn’t blame them. Unorthodox, yes, but admirable. The Emperor’s grandson was a bit harder to puzzle out. Strangely affable for a demon, and a tad on the short side, Jongup was also bizarrely difficult to read sometimes. It was nigh on impossible to guess what he was thinking some days and Gunwoo wasn’t sure if the easy smile he usually wore was just as act or actually who he was. It bothered him but he had no doubt that Sunhwa would be able to handle herself, whatever may come. She’d had some of the best training and teachers in the galaxy after all.

                And then there was Chaejin, just looking at him as if he was a puzzle to solve. Like most angels, he was beautiful, but really, Gunwoo wasn’t sure how he and Hyosung had managed to sire a child just so angelic, in appearance and nature. It would be interesting to see how he might change the Angel Empire in the future. Conjuring a smile, he nodded at his son and was nearly blinded by the beatific grin he got in response. Interesting indeed.

                He was fortunate that Hyosung guided most of the conversation and held their kids’ attention. Gunwoo really only had to field a normal question or two, and then they were done for the evening. This was the only meal they all shared together regularly, but after, Sunhwa departed to her sleeping quarters on the demon side of the NADT (Neutrum Angelus Demonicus Terrum) Prime, the galactic station built specifically to promote cohabitation of Angels and Demons. Gunwoo and his family, along with the Demons Jessica, Donhae and their family were the main families that started the cohabitation, but others soon followed. The artificial Angel and Demon Wonshik and Taekwoon could be found around here somewhere, as was Victoria, who often seemed ersely proud of making herself into a perpetual reminder of what could happen when Angels and Demons fought.

                The twins would leave soon after for their shared apartment further down the sector. Fortunately, the space station was well designed and generally sound proof under most circumstances. The only child that still lived with them was Chaejin, and that was mostly a matter of choice. He could live in an apartment if he wished, but he did not. Gunwoo thought he loved his mother too much for that, but sometimes he wondered if it wasn’t more for his sake. Once again, he could feel his son looking at him, still puzzling.

                “What’s up, Chaejin?” he chuckled, eyes crinkling as he looked at the younger angel.

                Chaejin’s face scrunched up into thought and he glanced at Hyosung who was returning from clearing away the table, an old fashioned habit of hers, but due in no small part because they hadn’t been given helpers quite like they would have if they were the Heirs apparent. It didn’t seem as if he knew how to start so he just shrugged and began, “Something’s bothering you about the news.”

                Gunwoo and Hyosung exchanged surprised glances, but the latter smiled in amusement, even if it was a bit sad. “I knew you were a quick study like your sister,” she teased, wandering close to tweak his ear just a touch. He flinched with a laugh and nodded. “Perhaps it’s time, Woo,” she murmured, placing her hand on Chaejin’s back gently while she looked at her husband.

                The Former Prince took a deep breath and nodded slowly, glancing between his confused son and his always supportive wife. “I suppose it’s better you learn from us than from hearsay later. Nothing remains secret forever,” he chuckled bitterly. Oh how true that statement was. Painfully so.

                “What secret?” Chaejin couldn’t help but ask, looking between his parents in confusion.

                When neither answered, Hyosung made a gentle urging motion towards Gunwoo and he laughed through his nose. She wasn’t going to handle this for him. That was fair. He swallowed and took a breath before he tried to frame his thoughts to answer best. “The Vylorian Quadrant is important to me because someone who has been stationed there for the last seventy years,” he explained, his lips quickly. “You know how your general history lessons tell you that I was retrieved by the Royal Guard and brought back to the Empire after running away?”

                “Yes,” Chaejin nodded in understanding, not entirely sure where this was going.

                “Well, it’s only part of the truth,” Gunwoo shrugged. “The angel in the Vylorian Quadrant is my former standard guard. He was the one that found me and… saved me,” he added a bit slowly, not sure just how much he should say. The specifics of his time away were not general knowledge and only a few knew all of what had happened while he was gone.

                For a moment, Chaejin’s face was thoughtful. Something didn’t sit right though so he asked, “If he saved you, then why is he in the Vylorian Quadrant? Why wouldn’t he get to be your guard again?”

                Gunwoo winced and gave Hyosung an apologetic smile. She simply nodded in understanding and squeezed Chaejin’s shoulder with her hand. “Well. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but suffice to say that he was my first love.” The Royal Angel shrugged helplessly and found the ache in his chest had never really gone away over having to let him go. “This was before your mother and I were married. I was young and stupid at the time, and had a knack for not thinking things through clearly. Thank goodness you got your mother’s brains,” he tried to joke, attempting to turn the awkward topic into something less harsh.

                “Oh…” Chaejin hummed quietly, mulling over what he’d been told. It was clear he wasn’t quite done with his thoughts yet. “I still don’t know why he was banished though. Loving someone isn’t a crime,” he murmured, though he glanced at his mother uncertainly and his face fell. “Do you love mom?” he couldn’t help but ask, reaching up to grab her hand with his.

                That hurt. Both angels winced at the question. “Yes,” Gunwoo confirmed, knowing it was not a lie, but not the truth it could have been. “Just in a different way.” Hyosung’s expression was sad but grateful all the same. It had taken them a long time to get to where they were actually comfortable with each other like they should be. Theirs was not a life of passion, but it was good. “And as for why he was banished… in saving me… in loving me… he did things an angel should not do. Or a demon for that matter,” he added with a wave of his hand. “But because of who I was and who he was, and what we’d both done, certain punishments were given. I lost my title and almost my wings. A-” he started to say before Hyosung shook her head slightly. He had almost said ‘Again,’ but that too was not common knowledge. In part, it was a safeguard for the Kirin, though it was also a shame the Angel Empire did not want to be known widely. “And he was banished,” he finished quietly.

                The room was almost painfully quiet for a long moment after that. Neither Gunwoo nor Hyosung tried to speak as they let their son sort through what he’d heard for himself. “Thank you for telling me, father,” Chaejin eventually responded with a partial bow.

                “You asked so you deserved to know,” Gunwoo admitted, threading his fingers together in front of him.

                “And you knew too?” he asked Hyosung, looking up at her with uncertain eyes.

                “Of course,” she promised him, leaning close to press a kiss to the crown of his head. “I lost my title, like your father, but I gained you and your sisters,” she murmured honestly, caressing his head tenderly.

                “And kept the peace of the Empire,” Chaejin sighed, leaning forward to hug his mother.

                “Yes. And that,” she agreed, holding tight. Gunwoo’s heart clenched at the sight and he could only feel pride at his son’s deduction and reaction. He did not shy away from the truth that might be and, if this was any indication, he accepted what he could not change. Both were good qualities in a leader, though he was still so young.

                Slowly, Chaejin stood up and stepped away from his mother. “So what happens next?” he asked, looking between the two uncertainly.

                “I’m not sure,” Gunwoo admitted with a shrug. “We’re waiting to hear more information.”

                “But for now, life goes on as it always did,” Hyosung promised him with a reassuring smile.

                “I understand,” Chaejin nodded in acceptance, though his thoughts were clouded all over his face. “Good night, mother. Father,” he bowed, meeting Gunwoo’s gaze before grabbing Hyosung’s hand once and giving a light squeeze. And then he was leaving, white wings swaying with each step, before he stepped out the sliding automatic door.

                “That… went better than expected,” Gunwoo admitted, though his innards were still wound tight.

                “He’ll make a good Emperor one day,” Hyosung echoed his thoughts from earlier. Quietly, she closed the distance between them and took a seat at his side before grasping his hand in hers. “Thank you,” she murmured softly, bringing the back of his hand to her lips.

                “For what?” Gunwoo laughed once, not sure what he was being thanked for.

                “Saying you loved me,” she answered, meeting his eyes with hers.

                “I do,” he confirmed, bringing her hand to his lips in a reciprocal gesture. “Not like I should. Not like you deserve. But I do.”

                Hyosung just nodded in quiet understanding and leaned her head against his shoulder. As with most things in their life, it wasn’t what it could be, but… it was enough.

 

                For three days, Gunwoo forced himself to go through the motions of normal life. Inside, he was tension and panic and worry. Outside, he was anything but. Fortunately, or not, depending on how one looked at it, the news came in the afternoon on the third day. Gunwoo was just leaving a cursory meeting with resident Angel and Demon heads on the station, checking in to make sure things were running smoothly, when he got notice of a message waiting for him. Waving the group off, the former Heir hurried at a relatively quick pace to the privacy of his personal bedroom and accessed it.

                His father’s face popped up and Gunwoo felt his gut clench. “Son,” he began, expression betraying nothing yet. “We just received word from the scouting party that Commander Chanyeol sent out a few days ago. It looks like the outpost in the Vylorian Quadrant was… wiped out,” he finished regretfully. “We’re not sure what hit them but they didn’t find any survivors.” The figure in the holovid took a deep breath and shook his head. “I’m sorry, son.”

                Numbness settled in and Gunwoo couldn’t even respond, much less move. Wiped out? No survivors? It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be true. There was no way that was all of it. And even as he waited futilely for more information, none was forthcoming. Gunwoo’s heart shattered in that moment and he was left with nothing but emptiness in its wake.