[fic] Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi – SJM – The Path Untraveled – Chapter 5/9

[rabenhorst]

Title: The Path Untraveled
Author: fonulyn
Rating: NC17? (overall)
Pairing: Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi
Other characters: side!Han Geng/Heechul, Ryeowook, Sungmin, Siwon, a lot of brief mentions of others (suju and shinee, mainly)
Warnings: (overall) blood and violence, hunting etc.
Wordcount: 3964 words for this part (~37k overall)
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: For as long as Kyuhyun can remember life has been the same in their village. Yet when their monotonous life is disrupted, when another pack settles on their territory, Kyuhyun can’t help but be drawn to them. Drawn to one of them especially. (wolf shapeshifters!au)
Comments: So we’ve now passed the halfway point :3
Previously; Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

For the next couple of days, all that really happens is a lot of arguing. A large majority of Siwon’s pack is confused and doesn’t really know what to think about the odd, new situation. There’s also a small, very vocal group of those who want the prisoners to be killed instantly, after all they can be seen a threat with the way they refused to leave and didn’t go through any of the formalities they usually should have. Then there are also the ones who sympathize. Ryeowook insists they can’t let their prisoners starve, until he gets the permission to give them portions big enough to survive on three times a day. Amber and Henry somehow take a liking to Donghae, and end up hanging out near the prisoners more often than not. They also tag-team into talking Sungmin over, and the tiny pack is moved in one of the bigger storage buildings so that they actually have a roof over their heads. Anyone and everyone knows their prisoners aren’t really prisoners, though. They could break free from their accommodation if they wished, anytime. Yet they stay put, and no one knows why. The general consensus seems to be that it’s because of their alpha’s condition, the mysterious wounds that somehow don’t seem to be healing at all. That’s what sets Ryeowook in motion. “Please, Sungmin, I have to go see if there’s anything I can do to help,” he says, not for the first time, even though all of the replies before have been a stern no. “I know you say we don’t know him and we’re not responsible for him, but are you really going to just stand by and watch while he dies? It’s not fair, Sungmin! He did nothing to hurt us, he deserves help. And I won’t wa–” “Fine,” Sungmin interrupts, a clear frown on his face. He agrees, but he doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like any of it. Neither will their alpha, and that is what he voices out loud. “Siwon won’t like this. Take someone with you. Maybe–” “I’ll go,” Kyuhyun volunteers before he even realizes it himself. When both his friends turn to look at him questioningly he gives a small shrug, smiling in what he hopes is a very trustworthy way. It really doesn’t seem to work so he tries the next possible route. “They trust me, it can’t hurt.” Sungmin gives him a stern look. “Are you going to do something stupid?” “When would I ever?” Kyuhyun blinks. That settles everything though and they only pause at Ryeowook’s home so he can grab some supplies he has ready, before already heading to the prisoners’ accommodations. “I can’t lie,” Ryeowook laughs a little nervously as they approach, “I’m a little nervous.” He’s stubborn enough to keep his chin up and the tight little smile on his lips, but the nervousness is practically radiating off him so it’s more than just a little of it. “You’re there to help them,” Kyuhyun says, “why would you be nervous? They won’t turn you down.” He reaches over and pats his friend’s shoulder in what he hopes is a comforting way. It seems to work, at least some of the tension melts off of Ryeowook. Yet some of it remains, and the explanation comes a second later as Ryeowook tilts his head to look at Kyuhyun. “Did you already forget I was the one who shot them?” he asks. “They wouldn’t have been captured if it wasn’t for me.” “Exactly.” Kyuhyun stops, grabs his friend’s elbow and looks him straight in the eye. “They would’ve been killed. And they know that. You don’t have anything to fear.” Finally Ryeowook calms down visibly, the tense lines of his body relaxing and his breathing turning deeper. There’s still wariness there, he’s ready to react to any possible situation thrown at them. That’s how it should be, that’s what makes sense. And Kyuhyun is surprised when he realizes he’s completely off-guard himself, as if he’d be walking into a house full of friends. While he isn’t even sure they are his friends. Anymore, at least. They’re welcomed with silence, and Kyuhyun takes his time before he finally clears his throat and decides that this is enough awkwardness. “Ryeowook is our healer. Would you let him take a look at your wounds?” he addresses Han Geng, but politely keeps his eyes downturned. He’s not here to cause any more troubles. Heechul seems to be against the thought as his immediate reaction is to stand up and move until he’s standing in front of Han Geng, as if shielding him. Irritation flashes on his face, along with something fierce, and he’s probably just about to send them on their way when Han Geng’s voice sounds, silent but firm. “Let them close. It can’t get any worse.” Immediately Heechul deflates, all fight gone from him and he nods as he steps aside. He sits down right by Han Geng’s head though, obviously not willing to budge. Thankfully Ryeowook has a way to calm people down if he wants to, and he keeps talking in low hushed voices as he kneels beside the injured man. It’s obvious the softest skins and rugs have been given to him, and Ryeowook makes a mental note of bringing some more supplies to the little bunch. Kyuhyun has no interest in healing, has never had, but he promised to stay so he doesn’t move. Not before there’s a palm on his shoulder, and the familiar friendly smile directed right at him. Zhou Mi doesn’t say anything but only nods towards one of the dim corners, and Kyuhyun follows him without a second thought. They sit side by side in what most likely is Zhou Mi’s bed, and at first they just share the surprisingly comfortable silence, save for the soft tune Zhou Mi is humming under his breath. Eventually the others apparently get over the lingering tension and start chatting, Donghae being the most vocal out of the bunch. Ryeowook is chanting something lowly as he examines the wounds across Han Geng’s ribs, all the while being carefully monitored by Heechul’s watchful eye. “Thank you,” Zhou Mi says finally, at length, “He hasn’t been getting better. We’re all worried.” “Don’t thank me,” Kyuhyun answers automatically. “Ryeowook insisted he’d get to help you. He’s not the healer for nothing.” He shifts a little bit, though, and if he ends up sitting slightly closer to Zhou Mi’s side than before then it’s no one’s business. He can practically feel the hum of Zhou Mi’s reply, and for some reason it makes him feel oddly content. “We’re trying to convince our alpha that you’d be let free. Inside the village at least.” Zhou Mi’s face lightens up at that. “Do you think he’ll agree? It feels like it’s been ages since I got to walk outside. I know it’s just been days but it feels so much longer! And I haven’t been running in even longer,” he sighs. That is a feeling Kyuhyun can imagine, can absolutely sympathize with, but he doesn’t want to lie about this and give false hope. “I don’t know. Some of us still want to execute you. They’re afraid. And Siwon doesn’t want the arguing to get worse.” “Afraid?” Zhou Mi snorts. “As if we could do anything to you. As if we would.” He makes sure to stress the last word and Kyuhyun just wants to sigh since he knows. He knows that there’s no threat. Yet it’s surprisingly hard to convince the rest of their camp of it. Fear is a strange thing, and it’s not easy for some to let go of it even though the newcomers haven’t given any indication that they’d be here to harm anyone. There’s nothing Kyuhyun can do about it though so he just shrugs, averting his eyes to watch the others. It’s surprisingly comfortable in the room now, even Heechul has let his guard lower, less hostile and more curious. He’s even addressing Ryeowook with questions every now and then, his inquiries always met with patient answers. For some reason it warms Kyuhyun’s heart to see that, to feel the oppressive mood dissipate. “Zhou Mi, come here,” Heechul calls after a while. He’s signalling that they need help, and Ryeowook offers him an encouraging smile. As if he needs it, Zhou Mi seems to be foolish enough to trust anyone and everyone until proven otherwise. Quickly he gets up and closer, following the given instructions. Kyuhyun remains seated on his place, lost deep in thought, and it’s only when Donghae speaks that he realizes the other man is sitting right next to him. “Can I ask you something?” he tilts his head, looking at Kyuhyun from large, curious eyes, and goes on as soon as he receives a nod as an answer. “Have you seen the shadow people?” Shadow people? Kyuhyun’s eyes widen. Those are something only children’s stories, only folklore talks about. Shifters like they are, but ones whose secondary form is the one of a large birdlike reptile. He’s never seen one, he’s always assumed they’re not real to begin with. Yet the way Donghae asks about it… “Are they real?” Donghae laughs. “They are! My uncle always told me about them.” When he mentions his uncle a sad expression drifts over his features, and Kyuhyun immediately assumes that he was lost to the fiery battles back home. He doesn’t ask, and Donghae doesn’t elaborate. Instead he sticks to the original topic. “They’re supposed to live somewhere around here. I mean, I’m not sure how close. Heechul says I would get lost inside a village already,” he laughs, “so it’s not like I know where exactly we are. But the heading is right, I’ve heard they’re somewhere close to the mountains.” Slowly, Kyuhyun nods. That makes sense, actually. The mountains are not far from here, but they’re sacred, they’re taboo, and no one is allowed to go there. Not even for a good reason. It’s always been like that, as long as Kyuhyun remembers, and he has lived in this village for practically all his life. He’s always been here. Unlike Sungmin, for example, who was born in a regular human town and moved here only in his late teens. It’s not like he’s seen anything, not really, but there is something definitely creepy about the mountains. “We’re not… We don’t go to the mountains,” he finally admits. Donghae nods, sagely. He seems to be thinking about the new information, slotting everything he knows around it. It seems to make sense to him, too, and when he opens his mouth Kyuhyun half expects him to suggest they’d go check the place out. Instead, Donghae does a complete topic change. “Zhou Mi says you’re good people. Maybe you could let us go out for a run sometime?” The words make Kyuhyun snort. “How does he know we’re good people? He’s too trusting.” Donghae laughs. “He is. But he knows.” “How?” Kyuhyun can’t deny, he’s curious. Besides he doesn’t think anyone is paying them any mind, with the way everyone else is gathered around Han Geng and Ryeowook, incredibly curious. Donghae shrugs, but he doesn’t hesitate when he answers. “He senses emotions. If you’d harbour secret desires to kill him he’d know it.” “He senses emotions?” Kyuhyun knows he’s not making himself sound especially intelligent, but who could blame him. It’s not like any of this is old news to him. Although it does explain a lot, about the way Zhou Mi has been acting, how he seemed to know Kyuhyun on some level from the moment they met. “How is that even possible? Does he read my thoughts?” Again, Donghae bursts into raucous laughter. “No. He can’t read your mind. He can’t even know what causes the emotions or anything, he just senses how you feel. And it’s such a pain in the ass sometimes! Although useful, too, I gotta admit. He’s the only one I’ve known who can do that, but there are more, I’ve heard!” It doesn’t seem like Donghae minds too much, considering the way he’s grinning and completely at ease. Or maybe he’s just had enough time to get used to the thought that his emotions are never going to be completely his around his packmate. The thought makes Kyuhyun restless. How many inappropriate thoughts has he managed to radiate in Zhou Mi’s presence by now? How much has he given away? He feels strangely violated, even though he has absolutely no reason to assume that Zhou Mi would ever use his powers against him. Donghae launches into an elaborate story of something concerning the shadow people but Kyuhyun isn’t properly listening anymore. He barely says a word before Ryeowook finally tells him it’s time for them to leave, and even then just follows him outside blindly. This is something he’ll need to process properly. From then on, Ryeowook is welcome to visit their prisoners whenever he so wishes. He’s not met with wariness but welcomed with open arms, and he gradually learns to trust the newcomers enough to go inside alone. Sometimes Kyuhyun still accompanies him, sometimes Henry goes with him, sometimes even Sungmin, but most of the times he pops in and out of the storage on his own. When Kyuhyun asks about it, Ryeowook just smiles and shrugs, but he’s obviously doing something right as Han Geng’s condition seems to finally be improving. Slowly, yet it’s much more than can be said about all these weeks before now. It makes the small pack considerably happier and more at ease, and somehow that manages to make Siwon’s pack look at them with a little less disdain. Some people still want to kill them, or at least chase them away, but even they’re wavering in their opinion the more time passes. As soon as Han Geng is in a passable condition, he and Siwon have an official meeting. It’s long overdue, everyone knows that, but Siwon hadn’t wanted to force it upon Han Geng when the man was unable to even stand properly on his own. No one else is present, and what is said behind the closed doors remains a mystery. When they emerge, Han Geng says nothing. He immediately retreats to the storage building his pack is still occupying. Siwon gathers all of his own at the bonfire. It’s eerily quiet, as everyone knows there shall be news on the resolution reached. Children are shuffling, too restless to stay completely still, but none of them makes a sound. Patiently, they wait. Siwon doesn’t make them wait for long. He clears his throat, looks around the small crowd gathered around him, and speaks up slowly. “They are staying with us.” There’s a collective gasp of surprise but no one protests, not with a single word. After a meaningful pause, Siwon goes on. “Not forever, but for now. They are completely free to go anywhere within the bounds of the village. They may go further only one at a time, and only when accompanied by one of us. Clear?” There are a few nods, a few agreeing murmurs, and in general most seem to accept the decision without as much as blinking. The random questions that follow are all ignored as Siwon simply turns around and walks back into his house. There’s going to be time for questions later, and right now he only needed to clarify the situation to everyone. He is not surprised when there’s a soft rap of knuckles against the wall a moment later, Sungmin ducking inside the next second. He sits back, waits until Sungmin has settled on the floor next to him, both leaning back against the sturdy wall. “I know him,” he begins, slowly. “Han Geng. From years back.” That is news to Sungmin, and he takes a while to process the information. “He’s the one you mentioned before? Who stayed with your family for a while?” “Yes,” Siwon nods. “I… we were kids, I don’t remember much of him. But I remember that my father trusted him, trusted his family.” He closes his eyes, dips his head back and lets out a long breath. “I can’t throw that away.” Sungmin knows that Siwon is the one in control, he’s the one who makes the decisions, and that it’s no one else’s business to interfere. Yet he smiles, even though Siwon can’t see it, and reaches out to place a warm hand on Siwon’s arm. “You’re doing the right thing,” he murmurs, “they’re good people.” Siwon only huffs. But he does nothing to cover the hint of a smile tugging on his lips. Heechul sighs almost inaudibly as he snuggles closer and presses his nose into Han Geng’s neck. He inhales deeply, allowing the familiar scent to wash over him and make him slowly relax. It’s warm even if they have nothing to cover them, as they’d been given one of the small, empty houses now. It’s essentially a tree, only carved hollow to make a small hut. “What happened there?” He asks after a moment of silence, aware of how the question instantly makes the other man tense. “We talked,” Han Geng answers shortly. At first it seems he isn’t going to elaborate on it further, but Heechul knows when to be patient. He knows when to wait and that is exactly what he does. Gently, he brushes his fingertips over smooth uncovered skin, all the way from Han Geng’s collar bone to his waist. It’s almost like marking his territory, showing that this is his and he would never let go of it. He is right. Some time passes, but then Han Geng speaks up again in a low voice. “We’ll stay here.” He tilts his head to meet Heechul’s gaze with his own in the darkness. Even if it’s almost pitch black for human senses, there is still plenty of light for them to see. “There won’t be a fight over the territory but we will live in their houses, share their food, hunt with them…” “We will merge with them until we’re a part of them?” Heechul asks, sitting up quickly. The disapproval is clear in his expression, in the deep frown between his eyes. He isn’t exactly known for hiding his opinion or his emotions, and he is the only person in the pack who would get away with straight out yelling at their leader. “Are you serious!? You’ll submit to that alpha and let us into his hands without knowing what will happen? We will be stuck here for good!” “Stop it Heechul.” Han Geng winces as he steadies himself on one elbow, straightening a bit to get closer to the other man’s level. “Listen to me first.” Heechul looks utterly displeased but not a word slips past his lips as he just looks expectantly at the other male. “Yes, he will be the one in charge, but no, we won’t merge into their pack. We’re like… visitors on their grounds. We’re free to leave when we please and we don’t need to follow him on any idiotic suicide missions. Use common sense. We just need to make sure we’re polite guests and treat him as the big boss of this territory.” For a moment still, Heechul simply keeps on staring at Han Geng sternly, weighing the options and trying to decide what he thinks of it, and at the same time trying to hold back his impulsive nature. Finally he sighs, nodding slowly. “Alright. I suppose you’re right.” Han Geng offers him a soft smile, reaching out. “You know I am.” Heechul doesn’t comment on that but instead sinks right back into those waiting arms. It’s already been silent for long enough that they seemed to have fallen asleep, before Heechul breaks it, unable to sustain his curiosity. “You know him from before?” The alphas had talked for quite a while, and everything pointed to them knowing each other from before. But Heechul is positive he had stuck by the other male their whole adulthood and he can’t remember, for the life of him, where he’s seen this Siwon before. “Yes. I.” Han Geng pauses for a second only to go on unprompted. “When I was away?” When he had been young, he had been sent away and only after years he had returned to his father’s pack. It had been educating, had morphed him into the man he was now. It had forced him to grow up, face his fears, and had turned an almost shy boy to a respected alpha. “I met him and a few of his pack then. He’s a good guy.” Playfully Heechul plants a small punch on the other man’s shoulder, grumbling lowly at that. “I would tell you you’re insane if I didn’t know you better.” He does trust the other male’s judgement, that’s no issue. He simply doesn’t like the whole situation and how one moment they’d been running north and the next were practically a part of a larger pack. The silence stretches on for a while, before he goes on and startles the other man from his half-asleep state. “Zhou Mi said so too. He trusts this Siwon person for whatever stupid reason.” That catches Han Geng’s curiosity and the sleep is gone in an instant, his eyes snapping open. “Has he been around him enough?” They both know Zhou Mi is emphatic and can sense emotions much more than any regular person, but he needs to be close enough to the person to sense anything even remotely reliably, and emotions are so often mixed that it is hard to say what they are directed at. Heechul sounds almost offended by the question though, snorting at it. “Yes. He’s never been wrong and you know it. Not about general impressions.” Besides there had been way too many times in the past their friend had gotten them into embarrassing situations, just by sensing too much and not keeping his mouth shut. “…and the fact that he wants to stay here has nothing to do with it?” Han Geng grins in the darkness. Heechul answers with a matching grin of his own. “You noticed?” “How could I not?” Han Geng laughs, amusement clear in his voice. “That splotchy wolf boy has been hanging around us ever since we came into the village. Don’t think I missed how he sneaked Zhou Mi snacks and treats when he thought no one was looking.” Heechul is still grinning, even more widely than before. “I think they’re kind of cute,” he admits. That earns him a questioningly raised eyebrow. “You think they’re kind of cute?” “They remind me of us when we were pups,” comes the explanation without missing a heartbeat. “…you were never that nice to me.” “Hm true,” Heechul cackles, before going on in a sing-song voice. “I kind of pity the wolf boy though. He has no idea what he’s getting himself into.” This time it’s time for a disapprovingly raised eyebrow and distantly Heechul thinks Han Geng is getting pretty damn expressive with them. “Now you sound like there’s something wrong with Zhou Mi.” “That’s because there is.” “What?” Heechul sighs in deep, as if he shouldn’t even be explaining something that is clear as day. “He has this amazing talent to make everyone around him do exactly as he wishes. The poor boy is whipped and he doesn’t even know it yet!” He concludes triumphantly, looking at the other man expectantly. Han Geng purses his lips thoughtfully. “Fair enough.” In the darkness Heechul smiles. No matter what he says, no matter how he acts, he always just wants the best for his pack. He can see how much Zhou Mi enjoys the company of his new friend and he hopes, hopes with all his might, that he won’t need to see Zhou Mi get his heart broken. Since if he does, Heechul will have some bones to break in return.

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