Archive of Our Own ^beta

Tired. 

That’s how Seungmin felt as he let his feet carry him further and further away from that suffocating house he was supposed to call a home. He had argued with his father again, once again about how Seungmin needed to do better, be better, fulfil his duty as an Earth Kingdom noble, climb his way into the Upper Ring, not to bring disappointment to his family. 

Seungmin was tired of it. 

And in another one of what his parents would label as an “immature temper tantrum”, Seungmin had stormed off into the market streets of the Middle Ring. As always, the marketplace was complete organised chaos. Stall owners called out bargains that were quickly followed by the haggling of customers, all overlapping with the banging of pots and the shrill voice of a street busker. The aromas of different food carts wafted into the air, intermingling with the smell of sweat and dust to form a dizzying concoction that toed the line between heaven and hell. Throngs of people moved in every direction and kept moving, shoulders constantly bumping against Seungmin as he made his way through the crowd. 

Overwhelming. 

Seungmin pushed through the street and entered the first shop he laid eyes on to seek solace. 

The soft tinkling of a bell welcomed him as he pushed open the door to the empty shop. The shop was quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the market place and for the first time that day Seungmin let himself relax.

“Be with you in a moment!” A clear voice called out to him. 

In his jumbled state of mind he hadn’t even glanced at the shop owner upon entering. Seungmin looked up just in time to catch the end of a dark blue ribbon fluttering in the wind as its owner disappeared into the back room. 

Seungmin stood there, not entirely sure what to do with himself. Judging from the tables this was a food establishment of some sort, should he seat himself down? Or wait until the shop owner comes back to tend to him? 

“Thank you for waiting,” the shop owner emerged from the back room, solving Seungmin’s dilemma for him. The man was tall and dressed in a dark green fitted tunic with an apron tied around his waist. His long ebony hair fell right above his shoulders and was swept up out of his face into a half ponytail. The man looked at him curiously and Seungmin noted a little mole that perched just under his eye. 

“How can I help you?” 

Seungmin didn’t have an answer to that. How could he help him? He had no idea what this shop even sold if it even was a food establishment as he had guessed. 

“I…don’t know.” Seungmin replied very intelligently, mind too tired from the aftermath of adrenaline to think of a better answer. 

“Most people get a cup of tea seeing that this is a tea house.” The man supplied, eyes twinkling in amusement but without a trace of mocking. 

“Oh. Yeah I’ll have a cup of tea.” Seungmin looked down, a little embarrassed that he had barged into this place without so much as glancing at the name. “I apologize, I just kind of wandered in here.” 

“Nothing wrong with wandering,” The man hummed, offering a gentle smile. “You may stumble upon some of life’s blessings on the way. Come, take a seat.” 

The man gestured towards the counter as he turned around to fetch a teapot. Seungmin watched as the ribbon, which he now realised was being used to tie the man’s hair back, floated after his movements. 

Pretty.

“Any preference in type wanderer?” 

“Pardon?” Seungmin blinked back in surprise. 

“Are you partial towards a certain type of tea?” The man tilted his head in question. 

“Oh. No, no preference.” 

The man chuckled as he scooped tea leaves into a teapot, carefully pouring water into it after. He then placed his palm against the body of the small ceramic teapot, seemingly to check the temperature and Seungmin wondered if it was hot. 

“It’ll be ready in three minutes,” the man said as he placed the teapot in front of Seungmin, producing a cup from under the counter. “Careful it’s hot.” 

Seungmin opened his mouth to point out the pot couldn’t all be that hot if the man had only moments before placed his entire palm against it but then decided he had not much right to assume he knew better than him when it came to his job. 

“Thank you.” He chose to say instead, receiving a nod in response. 

“So wanderer, would you be willing to tell me your name?” 

“It’s Seungmin. And you?”

Seungmin left out his last name, sincerely hoping that his given name wouldn’t give away his status, that this man wouldn’t question what the young master of the noble Kim household was doing wandering the rough streets of the common market place. 

“Hyunjin.” 

If the Hyunjin realised who he was, he didn’t show any signs of it, he simply poured the cup of tea for Seungmin. Seungmin wondered if he had some kind of internal timer that told him three minutes was up. 

“Enjoy your cup of tea, Seungmin. You must excuse me, I have some chores to attend to.” 

And with that Hyunjin turned to disappear into the back room, returning shortly with a cloth in hand to begin wiping down a row of tea cups. 

Seungmin took in the place for the first time. The tea house was small, but it felt cozy rather than cramped. Despite there only being two small windows on the door, the place was well lit by warm lamps that lined the walls and little plants decorated the place such that it didn’t feel too bare. 

Tranquil . Seungmin decided. A quiet little pocket amidst the busyness of the marketplace. Seungmin brought the warm cup to his lips and took a sip.

“Woah.” Seungmin breathed. “This is delicious.” 

“Really? I’m glad,” Hyunjin looked up from the cups to flash Seungmin a smile. “It’s my own special blend.” 

“That’s incredible, I’ve never had anything like it.” Seungmin took another sip, appreciating the warmth that spread over his tongue. “Why is this place empty? You should have a full house!” 

“Thank you but you are offering too much praise.” Hyunjin laughed, a bright pretty sound, his eyes forming little crescents at the compliment. “Though to answer your question, I do have quite a few patrons, it just so happens to be my break time.” 

Seungmin’s eyes widened and he thankfully did not choke on his tea. In his rush to escape the crowd he hadn’t even checked to see if the shop was open before stumbling in.

“Oh my goodness I’m terribly sorry for intruding on your time, I’ll finish this quickly and leave-“

“There there calm down,” Hyunjin quickly soothed, patting his shoulder. “You’re not intruding at all, I wouldn’t have made you tea otherwise.” 

“You could have just turned me away.” Seungmin asked in confusion. 

“Well, you looked like you needed a break.” 

Seungmin stiffened slightly as he met the gaze of the shop owner, looking at him with a little too much perceptiveness housed in those dark eyes. Seungmin wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. 

“Thank you.” Seungmin settled on as an answer for the second time today. 

After that, Hyunjin didn’t try to pry nor did he attempt to make any more small talk. The two simply sat in a comfortable silence, with the clinking sounds of cups bumping into each other as Hyunjin cleaned them filling the room. Once he had finished his tea, Seungmin had paid (and insisted on it since Hyunjin tried to reject the money), apologised once again (Hyunjin assured him it was really no problem) and for the third time today, thanked him (Hyunjin received the thanks saying it was his pleasure). 

“Come back whenever you need another break.” Hyunjin said as he bid Seungmin goodbye, another gentle smile gracing his features. 

And with a tinkle of a bell, Seungmin left the peaceful little tea shop, his mind a little too occupied with thoughts of the raven haired man to remember the frustrations that had let him there in the first place.

-

Today’s ribbon was white. 

That’s what Seungmin noted as he observed the shop owner flutter around the little establishment from where he was seated. Unlike the first time he had stumbled into the little teahouse, the tables now seated several patrons and Hyunjin was occupied with refilling teacups while exchanging pleasantries. 

Not that it bothered Seungmin much, he hadn’t expected Hyunjin to drop everything to tend to him every time he came. Which had unknowingly become more often than he intended. 

Seungmin had returned two days after his first visit, this time when the shop was actually open of course. It hadn’t taken him long to decide that he enjoyed the tea and the raven haired man’s company, and thus his feet stepped him through the doors of the teahouse with a tinkle from the bell. Hyunjin had greeted him with the same gentle smile and warm cup of tea. And then that visit turned into two. And then two more. And before Seungmin knew it he was visiting Hyunjin once every two days. 

It wasn’t just that the teashop was calm, Seungmin realised somewhere along his fourth visit, but it was something about Hyunjin himself. The man had a soothing presence which seemed to permeate and engulf the atmosphere of the place that simply put Seungmin’s mind at ease. For the first time in a long time, Seungmin felt like he found an area of his life where he could just...breathe.

And that’s why Seungmin was seated once again at the table closest to the counter on the left of The Clover Teahouse (the name of the shop that Seungmin now knew.). 

Hyunjin was behind the counter, meticulously preparing another pot of tea and Seungmin found himself tearing his eyes away to instead look at the set of scrolls he had brought with him. After all, Seungmin still had expectations of a scholar weighing on his shoulders, meaning that he couldn’t neglect his studies to go gallivanting about the marketplace whenever he desired. 

(He had, of course, checked with Hyunjin if it would be disruptive if he brought his work along with him on his visits and Hyunjin had assured him that it was completely fine.) 

Seungmin sighed as he unfurled another scroll. It wasn’t as if he didn’t enjoy learning about new things, in fact he found it fascinating. What he didn’t enjoy was his parents constantly peering over his shoulder to make sure he was learning more than the other scholars, learning faster, learning better.  

Seungmin had decided he needed to get out. 

A soft clink to his right caused him to look up. 

“Ginger tea.” Hyunjin said as he placed the teapot on the table, out of the way such that Seungmin wouldn’t knock it over accidentally. 

“It helps with focus.” He explained with a wink before swiftly spinning around to head back to the counter, white ribbon trailing after him. 

Seungmin poured a cup and took a large gulp, hoping that it would help his mind focus on the scrolls in front of him and not a certain charming shop keeper. 

-

Seungmin really had to hand it to Hyunjin because he was right. 

He didn’t know what on earth the man had put into that teapot but what he did know was the contents of three out of his four scrolls. Seungmin had no idea how much time had passed or how much tea he had drunk but somehow or another he had become absorbed in reading and before he knew it, he was almost done studying for the day. 

(Seungmin marvelled at how the tiny teapot was able to contain more than it appeared, unaware that Hyunjin had quietly floated over to refill it without him noticing.) 

Seungmin pulled himself out of his reading rhythm for a short break, only to realise that the place was empty and he was left alone with Hyunjin once again. 

“Oh I’m so sorry I lost track of time, now is your break isn’t it?” Seungmin apologised as he began to gather his scrolls. 

“You can stay,” Hyunjin replied, smiling at him from the counter. “Keep me company will you?” 

Hyunjin was wiping down a row of teacups, much like the first time they had met, only this time he had chosen to situated himself on one of the counter seats rather than behind the long table. It was a small gesture but Seungmin’s heart still thumped a beat faster at the effort to close the distance. 

“You’re too nice to me.” Seungmin laughed as he set his scrolls back down.

“Do you not deserve to be treated nicely?” 

“You don’t deserve any of the goodwill we’ve shown you.”

“Being good isn’t enough. You need to be the best to deserve a place in the upper ranks.”

“You were already born a non-bender. You best work hard to show me why you deserve to be part of this household, Seungmin.”

Seungmin pushed those thoughts away.

“I suppose that’s up to you to decide no?”

Hyunjin hummed in response. 

“Well I suppose it’s only right to treat one of my most loyal patrons nicely.” Hyunjin said with a teasing lilt to his voice. “I’ve never had a customer who visits me as often as you.”

“What can I say, I like it here.”

“Well,” Hyunjin looked up from the cup he was drying, meeting Seungmin’s eyes with a playful twinkle. “What I can say is that I like it when you’re here.”

Seungmin felt a warmth creep up his neck that he knew he couldn’t attribute to the tea and he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to focus on the last scroll anymore. 

-

It had been easy for them to fall into a routine after that. Astonishingly easy really. Every alternate day, Seungmin would arrive at the shop and Hyunjin would seat him at the table closest to the counter on the left. Then, Hyunjin would bring him a pot of tea (different every time but always heavenly) and Seungmin would go through his workload for the day while Hyunjin served his other customers. When Hyunjin’s break arrived, Hyunjin would take a seat opposite Seungmin and they would dry teacups and talk, hands bumping ever so often when they put down cups and knees brushing against one another under the table.

Seungmin learnt that Hyunjin lived on the second floor of the tea house and he had moved to Ba Sing Se when he was thirteen with his mother, who had unfortunately, since passed away four years ago. Hyunjin assured Seungmin that he was alright, instead turning the conversation to talk about how she had opened the teahouse and run it all on her own while raising him.

“Your mother sounds like an incredible woman.”

“She was. I think she would have liked you,” Hyunjin said with the fondness of memories in his eyes. “I’m sure she’s happy that I’ve found a friend.”

Seungmin also learnt that Hyunjin was another non-bender, which is why he decided to continue operating the teahouse. 

“Would have been so much easier to find a job as an earth bender, but alas.” Hyunjin shrugged his shoulders. 

In turn, Hyunjin also learnt more about Seungmin. More specifically, that Seungmin was the only heir of the Kim nobles household and that his parents had high expectations for him to climb the ranks in order to earn enough prestige for his family to be promoted to the Upper Ring. Hyunjin, as insightful as he was, had realised that Seungmin belonged to the upper class long before he revealed that fact but his behaviour towards him never changed in the slightest. 

Or to put it more accurately it had, but not because he had found out that Seungmin was from a family of nobles. 

Hyunjin would still greet Seungmin with the same gentle smile as when they first met but now Hyunjin would also laugh at the way Seungmin’s face scrunched up when he was reading a particularly difficult passage, booping his nose and cautioning that if he frowned all the times he would get wrinkles. He would lament to him about how suppliers could never deliver things on time, gush to him about a new blend he had come up with and pout at him when Seungmin had to leave early on days he had administrative duties.

And just like that, their time together in the little teahouse at the corner of the street had become a solace to Seungmin. As he watched Hyunjin sweep the floor, back turned towards him (today’s ribbon was red), it struck Seungmin how incredibly domestic the whole situation was. 

For the sake of his heart, he decided not to dwell on the implications of that. 

“Seungmin, could you help me check if there’s anyone waiting outside?” Hyunjin called over his shoulder.

“There isn’t.” Seungmin replied, peering through the window. 

“Perfect!” Hyunjin exclaimed happily, undoing his apron to fling it across the counter. “I’m closing up early, I want to go see the lights at Firelight Fountain!”

“Oh…” Seungmin felt himself deflate a bit, he had finished his duties for the day and was hoping they could spend more time together. “I guess I’ll help you close up so you can head off then.”

“Let me clarify, I want to go see the lights at Firelight Fountain with you. ”

“...Oh . ”

“You know for someone so smart you can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes.” Hyunjin giggled as he patted Seungmin on the head affectionately. 

So here Seungmin was, standing awkwardly to the side as he waited for Hyunjin to finish locking up the shop. 

“Have you been to Firelight Fountain before?” Hyunjin asked as he flipped the sign from ‘open’ to ‘closed’.

“No,” Seungmin sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t usually have many chances to explore the Middle Ring.”

“Lucky me then,” Hyunjin spun around to face Seungmin, eyes twinkling in amusement. “I get to be the first one to take you there.”

With that Hyunjin grabbed his wrist and the two of them set off into the night. 

-

“I can’t wait for you to see Firelight Fountain, it's gorgeous when it’s all lit up. '' Hyunjin panted as he pulled Seungmin along, footsteps quickening in excitement and red ribbon billowing after him in the wind. Somewhere along the way Hyunjin had moved his hand into Seungmin’s rather than clutching his wrist. Or maybe Seungmin had been the one to fully grasp the other man’s hand. He wasn’t all that certain, a bit too occupied by being swept up in the exhilaration. 

Hyunjin led him through a maze of alleys before they finally burst into an open area. Hyunjin slipped his hand out of Seungmin’s and Seungmin felt a slight pang of disappointment. 

But that didn’t last long as Hyunjin darted in front of him, spreading his arms with a wide smile on his face to present the breath-taking sight before them. 

Seungmin stared. An elegant fountain stood in the middle of the area, illuminated by the circle of lamps surrounding it. Smaller lanterns floated in the fountain itself, gently following the ebb and flow of the ripples, looking like little boats at a harbour. A few of the same small lanterns stood perched on the second level of the fountain, with a larger one right in the middle of the spout, resembling a blooming flower. The water of the fountain flowed down in a sparkling curtain of gold courtesy of the lanterns and the water in the first level of the fountain shimmered as each ripple clung on to the light. The soft glow from the candles basked the fountain in a warm ambience, like glowing embers of a fireplace. 

And then there was Hyunjin, in front of it all, smiling so wide that his eyes formed little crescent moons, spinning around looking absolutely awe struck by the sight. The light from the candles embraced him like an old friend, clinging to him as a soft glow and every time he twirled around, the ribbon in his hair would catch the light and trail after him like a streak of fire. 

Hyunjin spun back to face Seungmin, eyes sparkling brighter than any lantern.

“Pretty right?”

Seungmin had to remind himself to breathe. 

“Beautiful.” 

-

“Thank you for accompanying me to see the lights.” 

The two were walking back, side by side. Seungmin wondered if it would be appropriate to hold Hyunjin’s hand again. 

“Thank you for bringing me.” Seungmin replied. 

They continued their walk in a comfortable silence that Seungmin was too afraid to break with the question burning in his mind. 

Soon enough the teahouse was in view and Seungmin decided he could be a little brave tonight. 

“Hyunjin?” 

Hyunjin hummed and turned to face him, cocking his head slightly as an invitation for him to continue. 

“Was this a date?” 

Hyunjin stopped in his tracks and looked off to the side, blush steadily colouring his cheeks. Seungmin’s heartbeat began to pick up in panic, perhaps he had misread the mood, let his own emotions cloud his judgement. 

“Would you like it to be?” Hyunjin peeked at him shyly though his bangs. 

Seungmin gulped, and willed himself to be a little braver.

“I would.” 

“Good, because I would too.” 

Seungmin let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, the previous panic instantly dissolving to make way for warmth to bloom in his chest. 

Seungmin decided that now would be an appropriate time to hold Hyunjin’s hand. 

The two arrived at the doorstep of The Clover Teahouse far too quickly. Hyunjin joined their other hands together and brought his gaze to meet Seungmin’s, cheeks still dusted with pink. 

“Does this mean we’re dating now?”

Seungmin laced their fingers together. 

“I would like to, if that’s okay with you.” 

Hyunjin smiled at him, letting out a soft laugh. 

“Okay, we’re dating now then.” 

Without thinking much, Seungmin leaned forward to press a gentle kiss on Hyunjin’s cheek, just underneath his little mole. 

Hyunjin stared at him slightly stunned and Seungmin realised belatedly perhaps it was not very appropriate of him to do that on a first date. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me-“

Hyunjin cut him off by quickly pecking his cheek in return. 

“Goodnight Seungmin.” Hyunjin smiled sweetly at him before releasing his hands to turn into his home. 

Seungmin stood there processing what just happened, heart beating fast but not from panic this time.

“Goodnight Hyunjin.” 

-

Blissful. 

That’s how Seungmin felt about being with Hyunjin. After their date of seeing the lights, everything had simply fallen into place, their small, cautious steps of courtship evolving into the sweet, passionate dance of romance. Seungmin would visit the teahouse whenever he could and Hyunjin would no longer greet him with a gentle smile but instead with a look of pure elation that lit up his face. Seungmin would still bring his work to the teahouse but instead of the table nearest to the counter Hyunjin would usher him into the back room of the teashop, insisting it would be a more conducive environment for Seungmin to study in. And so Seungmin would study, a steaming hot pot of tea next to him to keep him company while Hyunjin worked, shuffling out of the back room during his breaks to help Hyunjin with the to-dos of the shop. Then they would close up, sweep the floor, put away the pots and cups, and then if Seungmin was lucky to have a free schedule, retire to Hyunjin’s living quarters on the second level. 

Hyunjin was right about wandering because stumbling into this little teahouse at the corner of the street had been the biggest blessing of his life.

And thinking back to the circumstances which had led him to stumble into The Clover Teahouse, he seriously contemplated where he would be now if not for Hyunjin. If not for Hyunjin offering him a cup of tea that day, Hyunjin giving him a place to rest, Hyunjin listening to him vent about his frustrations, and Hyunjin holding him in his arms and rubbing his back in soothing motions when he broke under the weight of expectations, he wasn’t sure what he would have done.

Probably snapped under the pressure and set the Kim noble grounds on fire. 

But instead here he was, sitting on Hyunjin’s bed waiting for him, studies doing better than ever, mind more at ease in the past few months than his entire twenty-two years of living, and very much not committing arson against his family. (though that didn’t mean their relationship was any less estranged.)

His aura had never been pinker. 

Hyunjin stepped out of his bathroom, changed out of his work clothes and hair falling in a dark curtain across his face, the ebony strands free from the constraints of his pretty ribbons. 

Gosh his lover was beautiful. 

Hyunjin flopped face first down on his bed next to Seungmin, hair forming a fluffy halo around his head. Seungmin reached out to card his hands through the soft locks. Hyunjin leaned into the touch, and lifted his face slightly to peek at Seungmin, one eye glinting with glee and the corner of a smile just visible.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Seungmin returned with a fond smile. 

Hyunjin giggled and flipped himself over, patting the space on the bed as an invitation to Seungmin to lie next to him. And of course, Seungmin obliged because he could never deny Hyunjin many things in life and like instinct, Seungmin’s arms were wrapping around the other man's waist. 

Hyunjin sighed in content when Seungmin pulled him closer, arms also moving to find their place encircling his lover. For an unknown amount of moments, they let themselves melt into the comfort of each other’s embrace.

“I wish I didn’t have to go to the Upper Ring for that stupid conference.” Seungmin mumbled against Hyunjin’s cheek.

“Shouldn’t you be happy you’ve been given the opportunity to attend the conference only the most intellectual of people are invited to?” Hyunjin chuckled as he stroked the nape of his neck. “Not what I would call a ‘stupid’ conference.”

Seungmin grunted noncommittally. Some part of him did indeed take pride that he had been one of the chosen scholars to attend but his heart panged at the thought of having to stay in the Upper Ring, away from Hyunjin and surrounded by the upper echelons of society who’s only concerns was how to be better than the next person. 

“I’ll miss you,” Seungmin murmured quietly. 

“I’ll miss you too,” Hyunjin adjusted himself so he could lean his forehead against Seungmin’s. “But you have noble responsibilities to take care of okay?”

Hyunjin snorted when Seungmin still refused to wipe the pout off his face, leaning forward to capture his lips with his. 

The kiss was slow yet firm and Seungmin allowed himself to get lost in the feeling. Hyunjin kissed him like they had all the time in the world, as if he was trying to pour two weeks worth of affection into the moment. Deeply, adoringly. 

Hyunjin drew back and Seungmin suppressed a whine. 

“Go off and show those uppities who’s the smartest of all the kingdom.” Hyunjin smiled fondly at his lover, features illuminated by the small oil lamp next to his bed. “And remember to think of me now and then.”

Seungmin cupped his face and nuzzled their noses together.

“Always.”

-

Seungmin didn’t understand the charm of the Upper Ring his parents were so fixated on. Admittedly, the architecture was gorgeous, the streets were clean and everywhere he looked was a display of affluence. That however, wasn’t enough to make up for the hours he had to put up in stiff layered robes, plastering a polite smile on his face and engaging in dull conversations of things he really didn’t care much about. 

Currently he was trapped entertaining two middle aged nobles.

“I must say Seungmin you are one of the brightest minds we’ve had the pleasure to invite in years.” The man praised. He was a picture of nobility, lightly coloured robes without a wrinkle and beard neatly trimmed into shape. His wife was no different, long luxurious robe wrapping around her body and a variety of ornaments pinning her hair perfectly in place. Seungmin didn’t have anything against them per se but his shoulders ached from maintaining a posture demanded by decorum all day and his temples throbbed from upholding a demeanour of utmost propriety. 

“Thank you, it’s an honour to be here.” Seungmin managed to offer a sufficiently polite smile.

“And so charming too,” the woman cooed. “The middle ring is no place for you.” 

Seungmin faked a laugh. 

“It’s not too bad, I do find some places there quite lovely.” 

Or some people. Or one person.

“Be careful young man, I have heard that there’s some dissent among the commoners and some other nobles have already faced attacks on their grounds by those ruffians!” 

“Oh goodness! The lower class is so barbaric.”

Seungmin felt his brows twitch in annoyance but controlled his expression to remain neutral. Internally he sighed and stared at his reflection in the cup of tea he was holding.

The tea here didn’t even taste that good.

-

“...and their expensive tea didn’t even taste as good as yours.” Seungmin finished his recount with a pout. Hyunjin laughed and ruffled his hair.

“I’m pretty sure you're just biased, love.”

“I’m serious, you have a magic touch, even when you give me your blends to take home they never turn out as nice as yours.” Seungmin said earnestly. The two weeks had finally sloughed past and though the conference had admittedly been extremely educational, Seungmin was happy to return to his little safe haven, sitting at the counter patiently while Hyunjin closed up shop. 

“It’s all about getting the right temperature,” Hyunjin explained. “Each kind of tea leaf has its own temperature which brings out the best aroma.”

“But still, how can you be so precise for so many different types of tea?”

“Let’s just say I’m pretty sensitive to heat,” Hyunjin winked playfully before making his way towards the door to lock it. 

“Believe me,” he added, back turned towards Seungmin as he turned the key in the lock. “I’ve had my fair share of playing with fire.” 

Seungmin watched as Hyunjin continued to do his last checks around the shop, hand unknowingly reaching into his pocket to fiddle with the smooth leather box.

It was the last day of the conference and the organisers had given the attendees a free day to explore and enjoy the Upper Ring. While Seungmin was sure that the other attendees were grateful for such an opportunity, he himself would have much rather returned home a day earlier.  

But he was a guest here and he had no right to be causing trouble so instead he chose to wander the shops of the Upper Ring in search of something to bring back for Hyunjin. Unlike the Middle Ring, shops here were arranged in neat rows and sellers spoke in polite hushed voices. Something about the atmosphere just seemed to be more...distant. Seungmin scrunched his nose as his eyes swept over yet another display of gaudy accessories that oozed the air of affluence. He wasn't all that keen on buying Hyunjin something expensive for the sake of it, not that he couldn’t afford it but Hyunjin wasn’t one to be won over by a price tag. He wondered if Hyunjin needed something more practical, like a new stove or something. 

Seungmin was just about to call it a day when the sun brought his attention to a glint of red. Seungmin approached the display, which happened to be on a cart by the side of the road, nodding his head in greeting to the eldery man who manned it. Gingerly, he picked up the item which had caught his eye. It was a hairpin. At the top of it perched a vibrant red flower, delicate petals curving out in bloom and golden filaments highlighting the centre, crafted skillfully from glass. The flower set nestled against orbs of gold glass, attached to a slender body made of dark polished wood. 

“Good eye young man,” the seller mused when he noticed Seungmin staring. “It’s called a Firelily, a flower native to the Fire Nation. Beautiful flowers, but they only bloom a few weeks a year. I have been blessed enough to encounter them on my travels.”

Seungmin thought back to the night at Firelit Fountain, of the image of Hyunjin laughing, illuminated by lanterns, red ribbon like a streak of fire that followed him. 

“I’ll get this, please.”

“Okay I’m done! We can head up now!” Hyunjin skipped back joyfully, grabbing Seungmin’s arm along the way to tug him upstairs. As Seungmin let himself be pulled up the stairs, he wondered when exactly this place started feeling like home. 

“I have a surprise for you.” Seungmin stated once they were settled sitting next to each other on Hyunjin’s bed. Curious eyes watched as he pulled the leather box out of his pocket, placing it in Hyunjin’s hands. “Open it.”

Seungmin held his breath as he opened the box. Hyunjin’s eyes widened the moment he saw the hairpin, mouth parting slightly in surprise, staring at it with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

Seungmin felt the coil of panic begin to spread, perhaps he should have gotten a stove.

“Do you like it? I’m sorry if it’s not to your taste, the flower is called a-”

“Firelily.” Hyunjin breathed, picking up the hairpin to stare at it reverently. “Seungmin...how...where did you...this is beautiful.”

Seugmin let out a sigh. “That’s a relief.”

“Wait Seungmin oh my gosh, I can't take this,” Hyunjin tensed up suddenly as if the hairpin had gained much more weight, quickly placing it back in the box. “This...this is something only upper class ladies should wear, I-I mean this is too expensive, someone like me shouldn’t-”

“Hey hey, slow down,” Seungmin immediately grabbing his hand, rubbing soothing circles into his palm. “Look at me for a moment, love.” 

“I didn’t buy it because it was expensive, I bought it because I thought it would look beautiful on you.” Seungmin smiled adoringly at his lover. “And for the record, I think you’ll look much prettier than all those upper class ladies.”

Hyunjin snorted and interlaced their fingers.

“That’s because you’re biased.”

“So what if I am? They’re not the ones I’m in love with.”

Hyunjin let out a full laugh this time. 

“I love it, I really do.” Hyunjin assured.

“That’s a relief, you don’t have to wear it if you’re not comfortable but I still want you to have it.”

Hyunjin nodded and leaned to rest against Seungmin’s shoulder. 

“Thank you. It’s beautiful.” 

The next day when Seungmin walked into the teahouse, Hyunjin wasn’t wearing a ribbon. Instead, half of his hair had been twirled into a bun, secured by a hairpin adorned with a vibrant red flower. Seungmin smiled to himself and warmth blossomed in his chest.

Beautiful.  

-

“It’s a rare sight to see you on the grounds.” 

Seungmin tensed when his father’s voice announced his presence. Today Seungmin was in the library of their house, sorting out the administrative duties the household was in charge of. 

“Though you seem to have shown an improvement in your grades because of that. You’re also throwing less temper tantrums than usual.” 

Seungmin clenched his fists and breathed in deeply. The sooner his father finishes with whatever he wants to say, the sooner he leaves. Confrontation would mean drawing out their interaction. 

Bear with it Seungmin. He thought to himself.

“I have some good news for you.” The voice was in front of him now. Seungmin looked up to meet the cold eyes of his father.

“What is it father?”

“Congratulations. You’re moving to the Upper Ring.” 

Seungmin’s chair clattered behind him as he stood up abruptly. 

“What?!” 

“The noble who organised the conference was very impressed by you and would like to offer you a place in his estate to further your studies.” 

Seungmin felt his blood freeze and panic seeped through his veins. This couldn’t be happening, it was all too sudden. He knew that his family’s plan had always been to move up the ranks into the Upper Ring but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“Father, I am honoured that I’m offered such a chance, but I feel that I would be able to focus on my studies better here.” Seungmin tried to reason, barely keeping the desperation out of his voice. 

“Don’t be ridiculous. There’s nothing here that isn’t better in the Upper Ring.” 

Seungmin could name many things, the first one being a specific person. 

“Wouldn’t it be better for all of us to move to the Upper Ring together when the time arises?”

“Nonsense. Once you’re a valued scholar, there will be no issue for the rest of the household to move there.” 

Seungmin felt his blood boiling and he bit his lip. He felt so angry at his father, for using him for his own gain, degrading him, not sparing a thought for Seungmin who had been working his ass off for this family. He was angry at himself, for being so helpless in this situation where his family was trying to rip him away from the only thing that brought him happiness. 

“When do I leave?” 

“In a month.” 

“A month?!” Seungmin repeated incredulously. “That’s too sudden, at least give me some time to-“

“Seungmin, stop being selfish. I’ve permitted your frivolous behaviour for long enough, it’s time for you to grow out of your immaturity and do what’s best for your future.”

“You have no idea what’s best for me.” Seungmin growled through gritted teeth.

“Neither do you.” 

The two men stood staring each other down in thick silence, tension heavy in the air. 

“And if I refuse?” Seungmin challenged, nails digging into the palm of his hands.

“You don’t have a choice.” His father replied curtly, without a trace of empathy. 

“I will do you some charity though,” his father began as he turned around to leave the room. 

“You can leave whatever sum of money you wish to whichever common whore you’ve been so infatuated with this past year.” 

The man he called his father left the room without so much as a second glance and Seungmin snapped. 

He was absolutely fuming. The pain in his right knuckles alerted him that he had punched the table. The sound of the door slamming behind him told him that he had left the room. And the sensation of his feet pounding against the floor as he ran out of the household grounds where all the indication he got that he was leaving. 

He couldn’t think, all he could do was feel.

Anger.

Helplessness.

Heartbreak. 

He already knew where he was going but the run there still wasn’t enough time for him to reign in his emotions. Seungmin burst through the door of the teahouse, ears ringing and mind in disarray.

“Oh Seungmin I thought today you had-  Seungmin? What’s going on, are you okay?” 

Seungmin’s eyesight finally focused on Hyunjin staring back at him with concern overtaking his features, gently holding his shoulders on either side. 

Seungmin wanted to tell him what happened, wanted to be calm, not to cause his beloved worry. To be able to compose himself and tell Hyunjin that after his work was done he needed to talk to him. 

Instead, Seungmin burst into tears. 

“Shh it’s okay,” Hyunjin quickly pulled him into a hug, soothingly patting his head. “Are you hurt anywhere?” 

Seungmin shook his head against Hyunjin’s shoulder. All he really wanted was to be held in his lover’s arms and stay there for an eternity. 

“I’m going to bring you upstairs okay?” Hyunjin whispered next to his ear. Seungmin felt himself being maneuvered through the shop, up the stairs, and seated on Hyunjin’s bed. He felt dizzy. Hyunjin crouched in front of him, reaching up to wipe away his tears with his sleeve. 

“Love, I need to go downstairs to serve the remaining customers and then close up shop. Will you be okay without me?” 

Seungmin nodded, sobs whittling down to sniffles. 

“I’ll be back soon, yeah?” Hyunjin pressed a kiss to his knuckles before getting up to return downstairs. 

Seungmin took a shuddering breath. What on earth was he doing, showing up at Hyunjin’s doorstep and having a meltdown. 

Pathetic.

Seungmin flopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling, tracing the swaying patterns of wood grain on the boards, as if in between them held the solution to his dilemma. 

Seungmin heard the door creak open again, followed by the sound of soft footsteps padding across the room. He felt the bed dip slightly, announcing Hyunjin’s presence. Taking a deep breath, Seungmin hoisted himself up.

“Here,” Hyunjin handed him a damp towel and a cup of water, which Seungmin gratefully accepted. The coolness of the towel as he wiped away the tear streaks helped clear his mind a bit, though it did nothing to calm the puffiness of his eyes.

“Are you ready to tell me what happened?” Hyunjin asked carefully, taking Seungmin’s hand.

“They want me to move to the Upper Ring.” Seungmin whispered, voice trembling slightly. 

Seungmin felt Hyunjin stiffen next to him as the words and their gravity weighed in the air.

“...when?”

“In a month.”

Seungmin heard Hyunjin inhale deeply, he couldn’t bring himself to face him, couldn’t bring himself to watch as his lover’s heart broke. 

“That’s so soon.” 

“Hyunjin, what should I do? I don’t want to go to the Upper Ring, I don’t want to be trapped putting up a front all day, flattering noblemen who don’t give a shit about me, most of all I-” Seungmin felt the panic seeping into his voice as he felt the prick of tears at the corner of his eyes.

“I don’t want to leave you behind.” He finally choked out. 

Immediately, arms pulled him back into hug and Seungmin let himself be cradled by Hyunjin, softly crying against his chest. Hyunjin felt so warm and safe. 

“What am I supposed to do?” 

“...there’s nothing we can do.” Hyunjin whispered sadly. “All we can do is appreciate the time we have left together.”

“Hyunjin no,” Seungmin pulled back to look at him properly for the first time. Hyunjin had his lips pursed together, trying to keep a calm demeanor, but he couldn’t hide the pain in his eyes. Seungmin could feel him trembling too, and his heart ached for his beloved trying so hard to be strong for him. 

“We can’t just give up, I can try to postpone the day I leave, I’ll talk to my parents, the noble who wants me there, maybe we can fix an arrangement for me to stay here, maybe…maybe they’ll allow me to bring you with me-”

“Seungmin, you know that I love you right?” 

“Of course I do,” Seungmin replied, confused at the question. “I love you too, so so much.”

Hyunjin smiled at that, but the sadness didn’t leave his eyes. Hyunjin shifted to the floor so that he was directly facing Seungmin, leveling his gaze to look at him with an air of seriousness. 

“Seungmin, the time I’ve spent with you has been the happiest moments of my life. Every time I’m with you I feel so blessed, so lucky, so loved…” 

Hyunjin trailed off slightly, staring at Seungmin with eyes full of adoration.

“...but I’ve always known my time with you was limited, I...I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Seungmin, we’re from two completely different worlds, you’re not meant to stay here with someone like me.” Hyunjin finished, smiling sadly up at him.

“...what?” Seungmin managed to choke out. 

“You’re meant for bigger things than this shopkeeper of a shabby little teahouse. You should be in the vast libraries of the Upper Ring, looking handsome in their fancy clothes...marrying a pretty lady that can help you climb the ranks,” Hyunjin continued, even though Seungmin could see how each word that left his mouth chipped off another piece of his heart. “You won't gain anything from staying with a commoner like me.”

“Hyunjin no, I don’t care if you’re not from the upper class, ” Seungmin’s voice was cracking, he moved to cup Hyunjin’s face, looking deep into his eyes, he had to make him understand. “I love you, I love you more than anything else in this life.” 

Hyunjin allowed himself to lean into the touch, nuzzling against Seungmin’s palm, closing his eyes as if he was trying to memorise the feeling of Seungmin’s skin against his. The moment passed far too soon and Hyunjin opened his eyes once again, this time filled with some kind of resolve.

“There’s something I need to show you,” Hyunjin said as he shifted back so Seungmin could look at him properly. 

Seungmin let out a surprised noise of embarrassment when Hyunjin began to unbutton his shirt, immediately averting his gaze to stare at the bedsheets. 

“Hyunjin, what are you-“

“Relax love,” Seungmin could hear the amusement in Hyunjin’s voice as he felt his face steadily heating up. 

“Seungmin, please look at me.” 

Seungmin slowly turned to face Hyunjin, and then his breath stopped. 

Hyunjin had a lithe figure, slender limbs and a thin waist, body toned from years of labour involved with running the shop. But that wasn’t what stole his breath away. 

Interrupting the expanse of milky skin, lay a scar, clawing across his chest, starting from his waist and ending just below his shoulder. 

Not just any scar.

A scar made by fire. 

A scar made by a firebender. 

“Do you understand now Seungmin?” Hyunjin asked, looking at him with sad eyes. “I’m not just a commoner, I’m a war refugee.” 

Hyunjin began pulling his shirt back on, covering up the scar once again. 

“There’s no records of me anywhere in Ba Sing Se, no family registry, proof of birth, nothing. When I die, I cease to exist.” 

“You’re meant to burn much more brightly than this Seungmin. You can’t spend your life with someone who is nothing.” Hyunjin finished, trying to offer Seungmin a smile despite the heartbreak in his eyes.

Seungmin moved to the floor gathering Hyunjin in his arms, and Hyunjin’s arms wrapped around him immediately like second nature, clutching on to Seungmin tightly like he would fall apart if he let go.

“I thank the Spirits that I have been able to love you in my capacity.” Hyunjin whispered against his ear, burying his face into Seungmin’s shoulder. 

“Just promise me,” Seungmin felt wetness seeping through the fabric of his shirt as the man in his arms began to tremble. 

“Promise you’ll remember to think of me now and then.” 

-

Fate was too cruel. 

Over the next few weeks Seungmin would spend every moment he could with Hyunjin. 

Studies be damned, he was going to be doing that for the rest of his life in an excessively extravagant library. 

Packing be damned too, he had a housekeeper for that, as upper class people did.

But the warmth of arms around his waist, the melody of laughter, the comfort of tea brewed carefully with tenderness and love, soon that would be out of his reach. 

Hyunjin tried his best to stay strong for Seungmin, keeping a bright smile, showering him with affection, letting Seungmin coddle him to no end, to focus on appreciating the time they had left together as he would put it. But Seungmin could tell he was hurting too. The cracks were evident in the way Hyunjin began to close up shop a little earlier to spend time more with him, how his entire being would deflate when Seungmin had to return home, in the way his smiles could never reach his eyes. And then finally, he broke, crying in Seungmin’s arms when he could no longer hide how painful it was to have the other half of his soul ripped away from him. Seungmin had held him through the night and when he woke up to the sun streaming through the window, gently caressing the sleeping features of his beloved, his heart ached because he knew he couldn’t have this. 

Touches lingered but never lasted long enough, goodbyes became more painful to say each passing day, and time was far too relentless. 

Much too soon, Seungmin was set to leave in four days. 

Seungmin was lying pressed against Hyunjin’s bed, his lover caging him in at either side, kissing him desperately, trying to pour a lifetime’s feeling of love into the other man. The two separated, panting and hearts beating fast. Where they would normally take their time lounging in each other’s arms, Hyunjin dove in for another kiss, breaking that only to mouth along the slope of Seungmin’s jaw, then to tug the collar of his shirt aside to suck on the skin where his neck curved. Previously, Seungmin never let Hyunjin leave any marks on him, too hard to hide from his parents and too incriminating to be left unquestioned. But tonight was one of the last few times Hyunjin was allowed to love him as his and Seungmin could only wish the marks would last. 

Laying here bathed in moonlight, every sense being flooded with the feeling of Hyunjin, it was easier to forget that this would soon be a luxury he couldn’t afford. 

“Hyunjin…” Seungmin’s breath hitched slightly when Hyunjin moved to mouth at a sensitive spot near his collarbone. 

“Mm?” Hyunjin looked up, letting his arms give way so he lay flush against Seungmin. 

“I love you.” 

“I love you too.” Hyunjin smiled before resting his head against Seungmin’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Perhaps I have been too greedy with your love, the Spirits have decided to take you away much earlier than I had hoped.” 

“You’ve been nothing but selfless in your love.” Seungmin pressed a kiss to the top of his head. 

Hyunjin laughed and snuggled closer. 

“You know there must be some way to make it work.” Seungmin wondered aloud. “I could work really hard, get a lot of money, help you move to the Upper Ring.” 

“You and I both know after carting you off to the Upper Ring the next thing on your parents’ agenda is to marry you off to some high status noble.” Hyunjin hummed against his chest. “Maybe you can hire me as your personal tea maker or something instead.” 

“Then I’d end up having an affair with my personal tea maker.” Seungmin stated a-matter-of-fact-ly. “Maybe then they’d kick me out.”

Hyunjin looked up and the second they made eye contact, they burst out laughing, being able to forget the seriousness of the situation for a moment.

“You know I don’t care who you are, if you're a commoner, a war refugee,” Seungmin began carding his hand through Hyunjin’s hair. “I still want to marry you.”

“I know,” Hyunjin said, smiling sadly. “But you can’t do that, it won’t be good for you.” 

“I can’t imagine how a life with you by my side would be bad.” Seungmin frowned, pouting at his lover. 

Hyunjin shook his head. 

“I’ve got secrets I can’t tell, believe me when I say being with me would be the equivalent of setting your future up in flames.” Hyunjin finished with a finality to his tone.

And maybe he wouldn’t mind doing that, Seungmin thought to himself.

“…Hyunjin?” 

“Mm?” 

“Will you let me see your scar again?” 

Seungmin felt Hyunjin stiffen against him and Seungmin let the words hang in the air as he let him think it over, continuing to thread his hands through the silky strands of hair. 

“Yeah okay.” Hyunjin lifted himself up so he was sitting upright, Seungmin also following his lead. 

“Can you close your eyes for a bit?” Hyunjin bit his lip, eyes fixed on the edge of his shirt to avoid eye contact. 

Seungmin obliged. Eyes closed, the sound of his own heartbeat overlapped with the rustle of clothes. 

“…you can look now.” 

Seungmin opened his eyes. Hyunjin was sitting in front of him, torso bare and eyes darting in between Seungmin and anywhere else. 

Seungmin settled his hands on Hyunjin’s thighs, careful not to touch his bare skin, and allowed his eyes to roam across his body, steadily absorbing the details he couldn’t process the other night. 

Seungmin observed the discolouration the scar caused, painting the skin a shade darker. Up close, he could see how the edges puckered slightly, a reminder of the pain the flesh had once endured. The scar covered a good portion of his torso, and the thought that little Hyunjin must have faced the full brunt of a firebender’s wrath wrenched his heart. 

“It used to look a lot worse.” Hyunjin said. Seungmin looked up, and saw that Hyunjin was intently watching him. 

Seungmin nodded, he wouldn’t push Hyunjin to reveal the story behind it.

“Can I touch you?” 

Hyunjin nodded and Seungmin moved his hands to the smooth skin of his waist just before the scar started, carefully thumbing along the edge of the old wound. The skin there was slightly raised. When Hyunjin didn’t pull away, Seungmin let his fingers ghost along the rest of the scar with light touches, then progressing to gently running his palm against the skin. The scar tissue was rough but still soft to the touch, a good sign. It meant the injury had healed well. 

“Does it still hurt?”

Hyunjin shook his head.

“No, not anymore.” 

“Not...physically at least.” Hyunjin added in a small voice.

Seungmin pressed a kiss to his lips. 

“Thank you for being so strong.” Seungmin said, resting his forehead against his. How he wished he could protect Hyunjin from all the hurts of this world.

“I’m not-” 

Seungmin stopped his protests with another kiss and Hyunjin gave in, letting himself melt into it. Hyunjin was pliant when Seungmin shifted their positions to lay him down on the bed, handling him with so much care like he was made of snow crystals that would shatter when they touched the ground. 

Slowly, Seungmin began to trail kisses up his body. From the curve of his waist, up the flat lines of his stomach, across his chest, below his collarbones, mapping out the darkened skin with firm yet tender kisses. Instinctually, his grip on Hyunjin’s waist tightened when he felt the other man arch into the touch. Pressing a kiss above his heart, Seungmin let his lips linger, feeling the steady pulse of his heartbeat. When Seungmin reached his shoulder, he looked up, coming face to face with Hyunjin watching him, transfixed, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. 

“Sorry,” Hyunjin mumbled, pressing the palms of his hands to his eyes. “It’s just...a lot.”

“There’s nothing you need to be sorry for,” Seungmin whispered, gently moving his hands away. “Please don’t hide from me.”

Seungmin paused to take in the sight of his beloved in his entirety, lying on the sheets, hair fanned out forming a dark halo around his head, eyes still shiny from tears and lips kissed red, his skin flushed from the heat of their passion. At that moment, Seungmin knew he would never find another person as gorgeous as Hyunjin. 

“You’re so beautiful.” Seungmin breathed, gazing into Hyunjin’s eyes with utmost love and adoration. He dipped down to reconnect their mouths and Hyunjin whimpered into the kiss, arms wrapping around his neck to pull him closer.

Closing their eyes, immersed in the feeling of each other, it was easier for them to push away the cruel knowledge that what they had wasn’t theirs to claim.

But tonight, at least tonight. 

Tonight could be theirs. 

-

Seungmin couldn’t sleep, not when the dreaded day was but a singular sleep away. When the sun rose in about seven hours, it would take with it all that Seungmin had built as his life for the past year. And there was no way Seungmin could have any peace of mind knowing that. Deciding that laying on his bed beckoning sleep would be futile, Seungmin heaved himself out of bed, setting off to wander the grounds of the estate he would soon have to leave behind. Padding through the long pristine corridors which he had grown up in, he found himself feeling indifferent to leaving it all behind. He had no emotional attachment to this place, it had never felt like home to him. Home was-

Seungmin shook the thought out of his head.

He couldn’t deal with that tonight. 

Instead, he made his way to the library. Walking through the shelves of books and scrolls, Seungmin recalled how the place used to be his temporary shelter, where as long as he was obedient and studying hard, he would be left alone in the quiet of the room. But that’s all it offered, quietness, not peace. 

Seungmin’s thoughts were interrupted by distant yelling. Seungmin frowned, it was uncharacteristic for such a ruckus to be caused at night, especially since his parents abhor any disturbances to their sleep. Perhaps there had been some issues regarding the packing. Seungmin began making his way out of the library, the room was getting really stuffy and the air tonight was warmer than usual. Suddenly a high pitched scream pierced through the air and Seungmin felt his heart drop to his stomach. Hastening his footsteps, Seungmin ran back to the main house, only for him to stop dead in his tracks once he turned the corner. 

Bright orange flames climbed the walls, greedily consuming the once shiny and polished wood.

Fire.

His house was on fucking fire.

And the flames were spreading fast.

Cursing, Seungmin stumbled backwards the way he came, flight response taking charge of his movements. Just his luck that on the night he had decided to stroll off to the most secluded area of the estate, a fire broke out. 

I have heard that there’s some dissent among the commoners and some other nobles have already faced attacks on their grounds.

The words of the noble he had met during the conference echoed through his mind as Seungmin burst back into the library. Seungmin cursed again. 

First things first, he had to get out of the building, even if the fire didn’t get him there was no guarantee the building wouldn’t collapse. Seungmin ran across the room to the second door of the room. The corridor connected the rooms of the servants to the main estate and ended in a courtyard, home to the huge pond which separated the houses from the stables.

Seungmin yanked the door open only to slam it back closed when thick black smoke began to flood the room. Fear seized the blood in his veins all the way down to his toes. He was trapped. 

Coughing from the smoke that had got in, Seungmin frantically moved as far away as he could from the doors, throwing open a tiny window that he wouldn’t be able to fit through for the literal life of him. Huddled in the corner, Seungmin could only pray someone would put out the fire before he was burned or suffocated to death. 

Seungmin drew his knees towards himself, he was sweating from the heat but the ice cold feeling of fear filled every corner of his body. He didn’t want to die.

Seungmin thought of Hyunjin, thought of the grief he would put his beloved through if by sunrise tomorrow he would be nothing but charred flesh in a pile of ash. He felt a tear run down his cheek. 

I’m sorry Hyunjin, I might be going further away from you than I thought.

Seungmin squeezed his eyes shut and hoped that Hyunjin could forgive him. 

“Seungmin!”

Seungmin jerked up at the sound of the familiar voice. He must be dreaming, he must have inhaled too much smoke and begun hallucinating because there was no conceivable way that Hyunjin was here right now. 

But tonight was a night of the inconceivable because before Seungmin had even fully processed his voice, Hyunjin was bursting through the door. The moment his eyes landed on Seungmin’s balled up figure, he rushed over and engulfed him in a tight hug. 

“Seungmin, thank the Spirits you're alive,” Hyunjin sighed in relief. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Seungmin shook his head stiffly, still frozen in a state of shock. 

“Good.” Hyunjin began pulling Seungmin up. “Come on, I need to get you out of here.”

“Hyunjin, what the hell are you doing here, are you insane?!” Seungmin nearly shrieked when his mind caught up that this was indeed, reality. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is?”

“Word spread fast that there was an attack on the Kim noble estate and I came immediately.” Hyunjin stated as if he hadn’t just run into a flaming house. 

“How could you put yourself in that kind of danger- How did you even find me- What-”

“Seungmin, please there’s no time to explain, let's go .”

Hyunjin yanked him to his feet and dragged him to the second door he had entered through, pulling him through the corridor that was now devoid of flames save for scorch marks. The flames must have died down which explained why Hyunjin had been able to find him. 

“Where to?” Hyunjin asked through pants as they ran past room after room. 

“After we pass through the tea room the last door to the right leads to the courtyard,” Seungmin responded, equally as out of breath. “There's a huge pond there, we should be safe.” 

They turned the corner to the tea room and Hyunjin halted suddenly, thrusting out his arm protectively to keep Seungmin behind him. 

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Kim household's young master.” 

Hyunjin tightening the hold he had on Seungmin’s hand, glaring at the intruder. The man was tall, taller than both of them and also bigger. In his hands he carried a large machete, the steel had lost its shine from its long use but obviously not its sharpness when the man sunk it into the wall in a display of strength. He grinned sinisterly, scratchy beard and crooked teeth doing nothing to distract them from the malice glinting in his eyes. 

“Your blasted parents managed to get out in time, but I thought the fire would be enough to at least do you in,” The man said as he pulled his weapon from the wall, leveling to point it directly at Hyunjin. “But looks like we have a little rat.”

“Don’t come near him.” Hyunjin growled, keeping Seungmin behind him.

“Or what? You gonna bat your eyelashes and cry, pretty boy?” The man sneered mockingly at them.

Seungmin tugged on the back of his shirt. “Hyunjin, please, it’s me he wants.”

“Not a chance in hell.” Hyunjin shot back, keeping a vice grip on Seungmin’s hand. 

“Suit yourself,” The man surged forward, machete raised and eyes filled with bloodlust. 

Hyunjin released his hand and darted forward as well.

“HYUNJIN NO-”

The strangled cry had barely left Seungmin’s throat when Hyunjin thrust his fist forward to shoot a column of fire. 

The man screeched in fear, leaping backwards just in time to avoid being burnt and falling on his back. 

“Hyunjin you, you’re-” Seungmin’s mind was racing, scrambling to make sense of what just happened. 

Hyunjin was a-

“ Firebender .” The man hissed. 

“One step closer and I burn your bones to ash.” Hyunjin snarled, eyes glowing dangerously, arms positioned ready to bend again. 

The man’s hands fumbled around on the floor, trying to find the machete he had dropped and Hyunjin quick as lightning set the wooden handle on fire. 

Seungmin’s eyes darted around the room, when the man had fallen backwards, he had fallen away from the exit, leaving them a clear escape route. 

“Seungmin, go now .”

Somehow, Seungmin managed to push past his shock to dash out of the room, Hyunjin following close after. Once he had confirmed that Seungmin was out safely, Hyunjin turned back, swinging his arms out to summon a wall of fire to close off the entrance.

“Let’s go.” Hyunjin grabbed his hand once again, pulling him away from the burning house without looking back.

-

“Wait here until help arrives, the authorities should be arriving soon.” 

Seungmin nodded silently, still shell shocked at the events of the night. They were hiding in the stables, well away from the burning house and at the other side of the pond which would prevent the fire from reaching them. 

All within a few hours, his house had been set on fire, Hyunjin had appeared in said house that was on fire, they had gotten attacked by a rebel, and Hyunjin was a firebender. 

What the fuck.

“Hey, you’ll be alright,” Hyunjin crouched down to where Seungmin was seated on the floor. “People were already calling for help when I arrived.” 

“I’m just so thankful you’re safe.” Hyunjin smiled, eyes filled with relief as he gave his arm a soft squeeze.

Before Seungmin could say anything Hyunjin had rose up and moved over to one of the ostrich horses. 

“I’m really sorry about this but I’m going to have to steal your ostrich horse.” He said as he began to fasten the saddle on the animal. 

“Wait wait wait, what do you mean? Where are you going?” Seungmin asked, scrambling to his feet.

“I’m fleeing the country, it’s only a matter of time before they figure out that I’m a firebender and once they realise that they’ll arrest me and I’ll be executed.” Hyunjin explained, not pausing in adjusting the harness on the animal. “I can’t stay in Ba Sing Se.”

Seungmin heard his heart pounding as ice seized his veins for the second time that night. “Hyunjin wait you don’t need to go, the only people who saw you firebend are me and the rebel man and that guy is probably dead.” 

“And if he’s alive?” Hyunjin grunted as he pulled the buckle of the saddle tight. “Even if he wasn’t, everyone saw me run into that burning house, if I come back alive it won’t take long for people to put two and two together.” 

“Why?” Seungmin whispered sharply, grabbing Hyunjin by the shirt and turning him to face him, tears threatening to spill over. “Why would you risk everything you’ve built here on the off chance I was still alive in that building?” 

Hyunjin met his gaze. 

“Because I love you.” 

Hyunjin softly pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. “And I don’t regret it by the way.” 

All too soon Hyunjin pulled away, hastening his movements at the sound of distant voices. 

“I need to leave now. I’m sorry Seungmin.” Hyunjin climbed on the ostrich horse with great difficulty. He looked down to offer one last broken smile. “Live well for me okay?”

As he stood watching Hyunjin fumbling with the reins, Seungmin knew if he let him go now, he would never see Hyunjin again. 

“I’m coming with you.” Seungmin swiftly mounted the ostrich horse, reaching around Hyunjin to take the reins. 

“Seungmin no you can’t, you have a good life here!” Hyunjin protested, trying to wrestle the reins back. 

“I’m not leaving you to go through this alone!”

“Seungmin I’ll be fine, get off-”

“Do you know how to ride an ostrich horse?”

“Well, I’ll just learn then!” 

Seungmin heard the voices getting nearer. 

“Not in two seconds you won’t.” 

And with that, Seungmin dug his heels into the hide of their mount and the two of them disappeared into the night. 

-

They had gotten as far as the Agrarian zone by the time adrenaline had worn off and fatigue overtook their bodies. On top of that, Seungmin felt the warning droplets of a storm peppering his skin. They would need to find shelter and find it fast. 

Luck was on their side when a storage shed came into view right before the rain started pouring. The little shed even had an extended roof and watering trough for their ostrich horse to rest and Seungmin recalled reading that many storage units of the Agrarian zone had such features as farmers needed the animals to transport supplies. 

The shed was unsurprisingly full of harvested produce; grains, vegetables, fruits but unfortunately for them, no blankets or fireplace. While Seungmin could tough out a chilly night if need be he was worried that they would fall sick, which would bode ill for the journey both literally and figuratively. 

“We’ll just need to huddle close and hope that’s enough to keep the chill away.” Seungmin sighed as settled down against the wall next to Hyunjin once he had searched the tiny shed. 

Seungmin snuggled against Hyunjin’s side, already feeling the chill of the night pricking goosebumps into his skin. 

“Come here,” Hyunjin whispered softly, pulling Seungmin on to his lap and wrapping his arms around him so they were pressed flush against each other. 

Sitting like this, they fit perfectly together. Resting his chin on Hyunjin’s shoulder, Seungmin closed his eyes as their shared body heat calmed the shivers from the chill. Hyunjin felt so safe. So warm. 

Too warm. 

“Hyunjin are you burning up?” Seungmin frowned, pulling back to feel his forehead, eyes widening when the skin was much too hot to the touch.

“Relax love,” Hyunjin hushed, pressing Seungmin back against him. “I’m just increasing my body temperature.” 

Oh. 

Right. 

“I didn’t know firebenders could do that.” 

“Little trick my father taught me,” Hyunjin explained. “He figured it out when he was deployed to the South Pole.”

Deployed. That meant Hyunjin’s father had been in the Fire Nation Army. 

“Useful.” 

They sat together without a word, the patter of rain against the roof the only thing to fill the silence as everything that had happened sunk into their minds. 

“You told me you were a non-bender, you liar.”

“Better a liar than thrown into prison.”

“You know I wouldn’t have told anyone.”

“It’s not that I didn’t trust you, I never wanted anyone to find out…what I was.” Hyunjin sighed. 

Seungmin could understand that. They fell into a deep silence once more but Seungmin could positively hear the cogs turning in Hyunjin’s brain.

“When I was five,” Hyunjin began. “My father was drafted to join the army to fight in the war. When I was eleven, he came back, but the war had changed him. What the Fire Nation had forced him to do to others never left him and every night he woke up crying, ridden with guilt from lands he had to burn, families he had to break apart…lives he had to take.” 

Hyunjin took a deep breath, trying to find the courage to continue. Seungmin waited, pressing closer to him in assurance. 

“When I was thirteen, the army officials came to our village yet again. They wanted my parents to send me to a school where they would train the next generation of soldiers. My parents didn’t want that, they had seen what scars the war could cause, what inhumanity it brewed. How could they send their only child to death? I would have either died in battle or lost my soul in the massacre. So in the dead of night we ran. But we didn’t run fast enough. Soon the soldiers were chasing after us, because traitors to the Nation are the most dishonourable of criminals. My father stayed to hold them off, and…that was the last time I ever saw him.” 

Hyunjin’s voice tapered off into a whisper, being replaced by shuddering breaths as he resurfaced the painful memory. Seungmin pulled back to wipe his tears away using his sleeve. 

“You don’t have to say any more,” Seungmin said softly as he pushed Hyunjin’s bangs out of his face. 

Hyunjin shook his head. “You deserved to know.” 

“My father was able to hold off most of them, but one had managed to find my mother and I. A-and then she tripped and he was right in front of her and was about to attack and I- I thought maybe I could protect her, no, I had to protect her, so I-“ 

Hyunjin broke off into a sob and Seungmin hugged him tighter, it was all he could do to hold the broken pieces in place. 

“…I blacked out from the pain. When I next woke up we were in a refugee camp. I don’t know how she did it but my mother had got me out of there and travelling merchants had taken pity on her and brought us there. I don’t remember anything else from that night, but that night,” Hyunjin clawed at his chest. “I realised how scary fire can be.” 

“Seungmin, what people like me have done to this world can’t be easily excused, I don’t see how you can still love someone so capable of destruction.”

Seungmin felt his heart break. Hyunjin had been through so much, endured so much pain. Words failed him, what could he who grew up in a comfortable pampered life even offer as comfort? Hyunjin looked so fragile, trembling in his arms as he bared the final piece of his soul to Seungmin. 

Yet in his vulnerability, Seungmin could do nothing but admire his strength. To have gone through much pain but still remain so pure, so loving, so warm. So strong to build a whole new life for himself in a foreign land, so selfless to throw that all away in a heartbeat. 

It was too many feelings to put into words, too much to be said and too little eloquence to express them. So instead Seungmin leaned forward and connected their lips together, hoping that raw emotion was enough to convey how he felt.

“Your warmth,” He whispered against Hyunjin’s lips. “Has saved me more times than I can count. The fire within you has protected me in more ways than you can imagine.” 

Seungmin reconnected them once again and this time Hyunjin reciprocated, bringing his hands to cup Seungmin’s jaw to angle their mouths together. Seungmin shifted to straddle his waist, hooking his feet at the base of Hyunjin’s back as Hyunjin ran his hands through his hair, tangling themselves like red strings of fate not meant to connect but stubbornly knotting themselves together. They separated, panting, taste of heat fresh on their tongues and emotions overflowing in the air around them. 

“It’s not too late you know,” Hyunjin said quietly. “You can still go back, you don’t have to throw your entire life away for me.” 

“Idiot.” Seungmin huffed, bumping their foreheads together. “The only thing I can’t bear to lose in this life is you.” 

Tears began to stream down Hyunjin’s cheeks and Seungmin guided him to bury his face in his shoulder, allowing him some privacy while the knowledge that Seungmin loved him irrevocably in his entirety sunk into the cracks of his heart. That finally , they could have this. Seungmin held him through it, rubbing his back in long calming strokes.

“I won’t ever leave you again.” 

-

Years down the road, people would still talk about the incident in which a rebel faction had set fire to a Noble estate. The master and missus had survived, but nothing was recovered of their only son. Some said that he had died in the fire, either smothered by smoke or scorched to death by the flames. Others hypothesised he had been kidnaped by rebels, never to be returned. Some said he ran away. Of the fire itself people too would gossip. One would hear how the rebels had had a firebender in their ranks, and from another source, that it was the young master himself who ordered the attack. 

The rumours spread far, carried along by talkative merchants from town to town until it became something of a legend. A radical story from the big cities to entertain wide eyed townsfolk. 

But in a little village down south, the couple that lived in the teahouse down the street never needed to pay such rumours any mind.