Work Text:
Younghoon was a city boy to the core. So he wasn’t sure what, exactly, possessed him to agree to buy a “fixer upper” farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. Until his husband got out of the car and happily squealed when he saw all the fruit trees lining the drive.
”Isn’t it cute?” Haknyeon tugged on Younghoon’s sleeve, pointing to the dilapidated house.
”That wasn’t the word I was going to use…” Younghoon began.
”But we can make it exactly how we want it! You always said you wanted a study with a skylight,” Haknyeon leaned into him and smiled.
”A skylight, not a hole in the roof,” Younghoon sighed.
“Do you really not like it?” Haknyeon gave him a look. The look that Younghoon could never say no to.
”I’d like it better if it was actually livable, but if it makes you happy then I’m happy,” he kissed him.
“I’ll have it fixed up in no time to exactly how you want it,” Haknyeon smiled into the kiss.
”I didn’t think nature spirits were gifted at home improvement,” Younghoon replied.
”We do better when we’re in nature if that’s what you’re suggesting,” he said. Younghoon hadn’t been sure what to believe when his then boyfriend admitted he wasn’t human, but rather a nature spirit. He’d come to the city to find a mate and met Younghoon. Things like growing an entire garden in their bedroom and producing a picnic lunch out of thin air helped him believe Haknyeon’s story. “And Eric will help. I told him he could use the pond whenever he wanted if he did.”
Eric was one of Younghoon’s coworkers who also happened to be a water spirit. And a rather boisterous one at that.
”As long as I don’t have to see him naked,” Younghoon sighed.
”The only naked one you’ll ever see is me, darling,” Haknyeon reassured him.
”I don’t suppose you can have it done by tonight?” Younghoon asked.
”Let me worry about that. Why don’t you go explore the grounds. We’ve got 25 acres. I was thinking we could get chickens and pigs along with all the fruit trees. Maybe some goats? You like goat cheese, right?” Haknyeon kept going as he led them to the house.
”I never thought of becoming a cheesemonger,” Younghoon laughed a little.
”You also never thought you’d marry a nature spirit,” Haknyeon kissed him again. “Off you go. I’m sure Eric will be here soon.”
Younghoon smiled as Haknyeon shooed him off. Over the next few hours he walked the land, exploring the pastures and pond. The pond looked a little murky for Younghoon’s liking, but it was probably perfect for a water spirit. Eric had been the one to introduce them so Younghoon didn’t mind letting him use their pond. It seemed like a small favor for introducing one to their husband. He’d work from home instead of going into the office every day. Haknyeon had done a good job of convincing him he wouldn’t miss the commute and his employer had agreed to letting him work remotely with no pushback. Though Younghoon did find himself wondering where they’d go to get things like toilet paper.
As the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, Younghoon headed back to the house. He was stunned to see a perfect country cottage in front of him, exactly as Haknyeon originally described it to him, nothing like the hazard they’d driven up to that morning. Haknyeon was beaming proudly at him from the front step.
”You like it?” He asked.
”It’s done?” Younghoon ran his hand down the outer wall, feeling the wood under his hand.
”There were a few furnishings we couldn’t whip up, but that’s an excuse to go into town and see what they’ve got,” Haknyeon told him.
“I’m gonna hit the pond,” Eric said. “You two have fun breaking it in.”
”Gross,” Younghoon made a face. Eric giggled as he walked down the hill.
”Actually, I thought it would be better if we made love under the stars,” Haknyeon said, wrapping his arms around Younghoon’s waist.
”After Eric leaves,” Younghoon said.
”If we must,” Haknyeon rubbed their noses together.
”You might be an exhibitionist, but I’m not,” Younghoon replied.
”I made dinner,” Haknyeon changed the subject.
”I’d ask how, but I’m sure it’s some of your nature spirit magic,” Younghoon said as Haknyeon led him through the rebuilt house.
“Old fashioned cooking this time,” Haknyeon said. The rustic table was set for two with a lavish dinner and wine. Another thing Younghoon learned about nature spirits - they loved to eat.
“You look beautiful,” Younghoon mused as they sat down.
“You flatter me,” Haknyeon replied, but Younghoon didn’t miss the light blush on his cheeks. City life was hard for a being meant to be in nature 24/7. They made due with parks and weekend trips to the mountains, but Haknyeon needed to be in nature full time to truly thrive.
“Never,” Younghoon smiled at him.
“Do you think you’ll like it out here? In nature?” Haknyeon asked. Younghoon leaned over and placed his hand on top of Haknyeon’s.
“I think if you’re happy, I’m happy,” he replied. Haknyeon intertwined their fingers.
“Really?” he questioned.
“If the love of my life needs fruit trees and chickens and goat cheese then fruit trees and chickens and goat cheese he shall have,” Younghoon smiled.
“I love you too,” Haknyeon replied.
“And I believe you said something about making love under the stars?” Younghoon grinned.
“I did,” he said.
“Think Eric has left yet?”
The couple spread a blanket over the grass in the backyard even though it was ideal for nature spirits to do it straight on the ground. Younghoon appreciated the small barrier between the grass and his backside.
“No, really, I think this is the most beautiful I’ve seen you,” he observed between heated kisses on sweat slick skin.
“It’s where I’m supposed to be. You would’ve wifed me up instantly if you’d met me in my natural habitat. Though most nature spirits don’t wear clothes,” Haknyeon grinned.
“Thank you for thinking I’m that shallow,” Younghoon teased, fingers intertwined in hair.
“Always,” his husband replied, leaning down to kiss him. “I love you.”
“I love you more,” Younghoon smiled into the kiss. In that moment, he loved nothing more in the world.