Yongguk came to visit Hongjoong in his office later that evening, looking every bit as tired as the sheriff felt. However, they both managed a faint smile at the sight of each other, sharing their exhaustion. Seonghwa merely glanced at the man, having settled down by now.

"Good evening, Sheriff. You did well with the bandits." The low rumble of Yongguk's voice made Hongjoong just the more sleepy and he gestured for the older man to sit opposite of him. Yongguk did, his long coat sweeping behind him elegantly.

"You look ready for departure. Did you receive a telegram?"

Yongguk nodded, leaning back to watch Hongjoong with those dark eyes of his.

"I did. They will send a train to the town down south and I will join them there. I hoped to take Jaebeom with me but there is still no signs of life from him."

Jaebeom was probably not saved by some bandit with a twisted personality, right. They could only hope.

"About that... I was told executing these guys here would be alright too with your permission. Makes things easier. However, I did not know you held such a high position? Do you work for the government?"

When Yongguk had recruited him at that time they had met without disclosing much. Hongjoong just needed work and Yongguk needed someone to take a job. He did not know the full details.

"No, no I'm not. The opposite actually. I have a position in the government but I do not work with them. I support the minorities and people left out by our government. Apparently they take me serious enough to let me give these orders by now."

"Ah, I see. So when you invested..."

"This land's purpose is to build another outpost. You know of the native tribes in the west? They do not have schools. I am trying to make Fort Davis a place where both groups can meet and learn together. I hope to stop the fightings then. It was devastating to hear that it was not natives harboring bad feelings against us but our own people." Yongguk glanced at Seonghwa at that, just getting an unimpressed brow lifted at him.

"I really just assumed you were one of them. I got caught full on by the stereotype, thinking no one else would care. I'm happy to have helped with such grand work." Hongjoong chuckled only to be interrupted by a sudden yawn. Seeing Yunho, Mingi and San sleeping in their cells made him want to sleep too.

"I'll make sure to mention your name. And of course you get my permission to execute them. I trust you to do your job quickly and to your best." Yongguk's eyes were closed off, watching him attentively while Hongjoong searched for the appropriate papers. He found them after a while, handing them over together with a pen.

"Here... Sign here and there, please.", he mumbled as neutrally as possible, avoiding Seonghwa's searching gaze.

Yongguk easily did as he was told, his handwriting like a piece of art with its swirls and curves and Hongjoong felt his hands tremble when he took the papers back after. Yongguk did not comment on it.

"Well then, I'll leave you to your devices and depart at sunrise. Make sure to visit me when you are at home next time. I hope to put up another contract for you to stay here and guard my school."

"Yeah... Thank you, but- I might refuse. Depending on how I feel at home I might not want to return here soon. However, I will discuss it there with you. Have a safe trip." Hongjoong stood up to shake his hand, seeing him off, before he closed the door again. With a heavy sigh he slumped down on his chair.

"Let me out. I want to hold you.", Seonghwa spoke up not even a minute later, making Hongjoong groan. He looked at the bandit with his hurting eyes, telling him to keep it down already.

"Stop with these games. You will not get another chance to slip away."

"So you will shoot me tomorrow? You will truly look into my eyes and do it? How long will you regret, Hongjoong? A year? Maybe ten? For the rest of your life?"

"If you are trying to make me feel guilty it will not work. You made the mistake of saving me. Do not expect the same from me." Hongjoong stretched his arms over his head, arching his back until some bones cracked.

"I am not trying to flee. I'm trying to make you see that you hate this. It will be a mistake for you to make. I'm alright."

Hongjoong opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Slugglishly he got up, going to unlock it.

It was Jongho.

"You made it. I'm glad." Hongjoong opened the door further to let the man in, noticing his fresh set of clothes and the bandages around his upper arm. Still, his smile was the same.

"Right back at you. I see you got some of them, hm? Will you let Wooyoung say bye?"

Of course he would. Hongjoong was no monster.

"Yeah. Come on, sit down. You want something to drink?"

Jongho settled down at the front of his table, leaning back with a content sigh. He chose coffee so Hongjoong made them both a cup. They returned to their conversation after he had settled down with the cups opposite of Jongho.

"Jaebeom and Venus did not make it. Venus took some other bitch down with her and Jaebeom was crushed by a wagon. I had to wait until the water slowed down to leave but I did not see any signs of life anymore. If there is still someone, they are probably hurt too badly to survive."

Hongjoong nodded, filing their names in neatly in a report. He'd need to find their friends and family and mourn them before he left.

"Thanks for returning. I figured everything out by now." He gestured towards the two cells and Jongho seemed not really surprised.

"Park Seonghwa too, huh? Who would have thought. Did you not have everything you needed here? Attention, women, food and a job? Why throw it away?"

"It was never about that and you know it. Not everybody is as stubborn as you and refuses to succumb even when they are crucified." Seonghwa's voice was sharp, cutting through the air icily and Hongjoong hurriedly put his hands up, telling them to keep calm.

"Please, Gentlemen, we are not here to fight. Drink your coffee, Jongho and then get some rest soon. It has been a long day."

After that calm settled again. Hongjoong and Jongho quietly talked about how the future would look from now on. They needed to help Yeosang with Hehetmon and train new people for the positions Yunho and Wooyoung had occupied. Jongho promised to keep an eye on Wooyoung for the time being so that Hongjoong could do his stuff in peace.

Jongho was sad to hear about Hongjoong's upcoming departure and promised to accompany him to the city if he needed him to, so that he did not have to go alone with Yunho and Wooyoung.

Hongjoong thought that Jongho would make a good assistant sheriff. The man was able to keep a cool head.

It was probably around four in the morning when Jongho finally left with tired eyes, making Hongjoong fall back into his struggle to stay awake. Even Seonghwa had fallen asleep by now and Hongjoong took his time to watch them.

San sleeping like a child with his head in Seonghwa's lap. Seonghwa's hand still in his hair where he had been playing with the locks until some time ago. Yunho and Mingi hugged each other close, their desperation obvious even during sleep.

Hongjoong felt numb.

When he stumbled to his feet to slowly walk over to them Seonghwa startled awake again, carefully pushing San in his own corner so he could stand up. He stood at the ready, his shoulders squared when Hongjoong neared. For a second they just looked at each other, waiting.

Then it was Seonghwa who stepped closer first, carefully reaching out to cradle Hongjoong's face in his hands. The distances between the bars were big enough for them to kiss and while it was uncomfortable and cold metal was pressing against Hongjoong's forehead he did not care. It was easy to get lost in Seonghwa's sweet kisses.

Hongjoong pretended not to feel how Seonghwa's hands settled on his hips, pulling him close and slipping under his clothes. He only concentrated on that kiss and nothing more.

When he stepped back after some time that felt like hours, Seonghwa's eyes were heavy on him, making him lick his lips before he quickly looked away.

"Shut up now. I don't want to hear your voice again."

Seonghwa nodded, finally quiet.

-

"Ladies and Gentlemen I am happy to announce our little Fort Davis to be officially cleared from any criminal activity! The responsible ones have been put to trial and we are now looking forward to innovation and advancement. I am happy to have aided on the way and will gladly receive any visitors before I leave!"

The crowd cheered at him and Hongjoong carefully climbed down from his barrel again, receiving the first handshakes. White Rose felt oddly heavy on his hip and he could barely wait to put her away somewhere so he would not have to see her for the time being.

For now it was enough to put on a smile and accept gifts and thanks.

Jongho and Yeosang stayed close to his side for the whole time, being used as his personal bearers of gifts. They were quite content with that job at least.

"When will we hold the festival in honor of the dead?"

Hongjoong turned to some old lady looking up worriedly at him and gently smiled at her, taking her wrinkly hands she offered.

"This evening we will hold a ceremony in their name. There will be a bonfire and a funeral being held. No worries, Mrs Im. If you need my help preparing feel free to ask for it, I will be happy to."

She nodded at him with her watery eyes, going over to her husband to tell him the news too and Hongjoong turned to the next person.

"I can't believe you are leaving already, bro! You were really cool, when I ever manage a big break through and move to the city I will come visit you for sure! Here, I made you an even more stylish hat!" Kunpimook appeared out of thin air, thrusting a gift box into Hongjoong's arms that Hongjoong put on the other ones Jongho was carrying with a laugh.

"Thanks, man. I really appreciate it."

The line went on. Wooyoung's parents looked quite sad but they could understand that it had to be like this and still thanked him for his hard work. Yunho's mom showed her disdain quite openly, just spitting on the ground in front of Hongjoong's feet while he tried to not drop his wobbly smile.

He could not even say sorry.

Seonghwa's fanclub was devastated but instead they now all clinged to Hongjoong, asking him whether his hand was still available for marriage and if he had children waiting for him at home. He told them off politely, instead dodging these questions.

Nobody came for San.

It was a long day and when they finally returned to the city hall to prepare for the bonfire and rituals Jongho complained about his arms hurting when he put down the many gifts on the ground.

Hongjoong just laughed at him, stepping over to his desk to collect the cell keys Seonghwa had left him there. He slipped them on his belt again, turning around to smile brightly at Yeosang.

"Don't do anything stupid. I'll be gone in the morning and I want you to be warned."

"I will relay the message. Let's celebrate for now and be sad about your departure later. Or maybe never because I have a lot of alcohol collected from the people." His grin was wolfish and Hongjoong let himself be pulled outside with a laugh, joining in the merry folks.

They could put up a big fire now and dance and laugh without having to fear being discovered and the real joy on everybody's faces made Hongjoong's heart melt.

He would not have to regret after all.