A dreamy sigh escaped Seonghwa's lips. He shuddered under the hands trailing up his sides, bunching his shirt along to caress over his chest. Cold lips pressed to his nape, kissing the mark on his skin that was ablaze with the magic fuelling it.

When hard nails scratched over Seonghwa's nipples, his torso lurched, instinctively pressing towards the sensation. His sigh turned into a strangled moan and his body fell back against Hongjoong. His many layers of robes cushioned Seonghwa's lean shape and held him upright when the necromancer's lips ghosted up to his ear.

"Don't," Seonghwa sighed, not pushing him away. A hand explored south, caressing Seonghwa's fluttering stomach and toward his middle. They grazed lazily over his current place of interest and Seonghwa squirmed.

"I have to go down to the village." Seonghwa turned his head to gaze at Hongjoong and earned a wry smirk back. Hollow eye sockets studied him, but Seonghwa found them so pretty.

"You can leave anytime," Hongjoong suggested, not letting go of his embrace. He caressed Seonghwa idly, making him shudder and tremble as he so desperately wanted to stay.

So weak to this, Seonghwa almost gave in. Wanted to move his plans to a different date so he could indulge in the heat of their bodies and the draw pulling him to Hongjoong's unique charm.

But this was important. Seonghwa needed to see Jongho before he left. If he ignored this, trouble might brew.

Even if Hongjoong assured Seonghwa he would protect him no matter what. Would unleash his magic if anyone would come for them. Seonghwa wanted no more fighting. Neither side deserved to get hurt.

Thus, he wound himself against the sweet lure of his lover. He finally managed to twist around, facing him so Hongjoong would stop teasing him and his hands rested on the small of Seonghwa's back. His mischievous grin was so handsome and San and Mingi snickering behind his back reflected his thoughts.

Seonghwa ran his hands down the outline of Hongjoong's chest and settled them on his waist. He leaned in for a kiss, calming their yearnful bodies.

Later. They would have time once their lives weren't threatened.

Their lips melted into one and they were as warm as before their fallout. They didn't haunt each other anymore, no longer nervous about each other. When their opposing sides became one to share temperatures and the tingling touch of their skins, Seonghwa knew he wanted to stay here. Not to become a sacrifice. Not as his last resort.

They figured things out. Seonghwa went back to the village, and he buried the finally peaceful body of his mother. He said goodbye in the graveyard, that was no longer haunted by hissing spirits. After packing every belonging left to him from his home, he made his way back up to the mountain and returned to the tomb. While he was gone, Hongjoong freshened up the bed for him and lit some fires to keep him warm.

It took Seonghwa two days to regain his wits. He was mostly by himself, gathering his thoughts and repeating that long conversation during sleepless hours. He cried about losing his parents and he clutched his hands to his fluttering heart when he understood Hongjoong was still very important to him. That this didn't have to be the end.

They pieced Seonghwa's life back together. Hongjoong kept his distance to leave Seonghwa some room and very soon, Seonghwa asked Yunho to find Hongjoong for him so they could spend time together.

A dreamy sigh stifled between their lips. Hongjoong's tongue warmed under Seonghwa's and, though parting was so difficult, Seonghwa finally did it. He breathed against Hongjoong's lips for a yearnful moment, then he stepped back.

They still wanted each other. Still wanted to be in each other's arms.

Seonghwa chose him and now he just needed to make sure the village wouldn't drive them apart. He cared for Hongjoong and wanted peace for both of them.

"I will be back," Seonghwa muttered to him, already craving for the time when they could hold each other. They didn't have such a moment again since then. Now that he worked things out, he wanted to make more time for them. Get to know their bodies and innermost thoughts. Who Hongjoong was beneath all his layers.

"I will wait for you," Hongjoong hummed back. He nudged their foreheads together in a soft promise.

Seonghwa snickered with his relief. Despite what happened between them, Hongjoong wasn't mad at him or his parents. He accepted Seonghwa back and Seonghwa did the same.

"Can't wait," Seonghwa pledged as he finally retreated. Hongjoong's hands fell from him and he turned to attend his potions once more. Glad he wouldn't be lonely when Yunho and Yeosang immediately rushed to perch on the table, Seonghwa tugged his coat around his figure. It was warm out, so he didn't need a scarf, but he donned his collar again. While it felt most freeing to release it around Hongjoong and let the magic binding them together relish its rewards, the villagers would be worried seeing him without it. First his mother's passing, then his disappearance, and now the lack of the collar.

No, Seonghwa wanted to present himself to them like before. Like nothing ever changed. So they had no reason to doubt him and his words. Or to come for the sinister being dwelling in the mountain.

A fresh spring breeze accompanied his path down to the village. Seonghwa halted at his parents' graves to decorate them with fresh flowers and greet them. Then, he entered his village.

Since he was often gone these days and only two more nights passed, no one found his appearance odd. But to Seonghwa, it felt like he had gone through a lifetime of change ever since he first met Hongjoong.

A cautious glance around the people confirmed Seonghwa's thoughts. The smiles returned to their faces as their bodies were invigorated by an energy drained from them for so long. No coughs shook their bodies, and the few children of the village chased after early birds and butterflies. Even those who lost limbs moved with a surprised vigour, overcoming the pain of this sinister winter.

Seonghwa was so relieved to see them prancing around. More people met outside to relish the sun on their features and they laughed with one another, daring to be happy after long hours of anguish and fear.

Hopefully, it would stay like this for a long time.

Seonghwa offered the people at the well to help them, but they brushed him off with kind smiles.

"You did enough, Seonghwa. Let us relish this strength while we have it," a man waved him away, hauling up the bucket with a hand missing two fingers. Proud, Seonghwa grinned back.

"Of course. May your health linger for a long time." Walking past, Seonghwa was satisfied with the life returning to the village. As the shadows of their agony lifted, everyone was twice as giddy to get some work done and enjoy themselves. They would forget about their wounds. About the curse that haunted them. Seonghwa made sure of that.

He found Jongho thanks to Wooyoung's ever-so-gay voice chirping across the village. The two met with the mayor on the veranda of the mayor's home and discussed with big grins on their faces. When Seonghwa joined in, Jongho's eyes widened with urgency to ask him how things went. Undoubtedly, he felt the magic linger even when the curse was broken.

"Seonghwa!" Wooyoung greeted him, beckoning him over with a huge grin on his foxy features. He hooked their arms around each other as soon as Seonghwa was near.

"Look! Jongho's medication helped everyone and they are feeling better now!"

Seonghwa hugged Wooyoung back, looking forward to see him gain the lost weight back and become healthy soon.

"All thanks to you and our friend here," Seonghwa replied as he held out his hand for Jongho to shake. "Thank you so much for your cooperation. The village will recover finally."

Wooyoung boasted to his father about how no one else could have done it and they came right on time. In the meantime, Jongho pulled Seonghwa aside to talk in private.

"What happened?" Jongho whispered to him, still urgent. He was troubled this was a temporary fix, or another deal took the place of killing the necromancer.

But Seonghwa's smile was reassuring as he handed the blade back to him.

"I didn't know the entire truth about him. About myself. He broke the spell for my sake, so I no longer wish to take his life. He wants peace. Not to hurt."

Jongho looked shaken by the confession. He studied Seonghwa carefully, trying to detect if he was controlled by magic.

But Seonghwa's smile remained reassuring. Jongho contemplated with pursed lips.

"Necromancy is inherently malevolent and against all laws of life and creation. But if this necromancer were so bad, he would have owned this village long ago."

Seonghwa nodded along as Jongho peered up at the building, at Wooyoung's bright grin as he snickered with his father.

After a long moment, he nodded. This was for the best.

"I see the rapid change your mission has achieved and won't concern my king with it any longer. Still, I will put in a word to move this village from the cursed ground, so no more dangers come upon these people. Other beings feed off of strong magical energies."

"I will protect them," Seonghwa whispered. "Do what must be done for your king to see over this, but also consider that I can harness the necromancer's power."

Jongho looked so curious to ask him what he had done and what the details of this relationship were, but he maintained his professional mask.

"I will discuss it with the people involved. So long as this village stays healthy, our work here is done. I hope you know what you are doing and that you are safe with this sacrifice."

His worry was kind, but Seonghwa was surer than ever. He saw the future with Hongjoong; trusted their relationship after overcoming such a hurdle.

The scent of fresh food wafted around the buildings. For so long, no one could take care of cooking and the harvest. Seonghwa's nose was tickled with hunger, and Jongho also exhaled.

"Let us pretend this was your doing. Earn the respect since you were the one who found the source. The necromancer shall remain unbothered and he also won't bother the people anymore," Seonghwa suggested. Settling on mutual peace for both sides. Of course, Jongho had trouble just accepting this outcome. Was wary of the dark magic lingering so close by.

But Seonghwa's gaze was steadfast. He knew so much more than Jongho did, and there was no other reason to fear.

Jongho gave in. He slipped the knife into his belt to give it back to the mayor. Though he would need to lie and earn praise for something he hadn't been able to do, he correctly diagnosed everyone. Just taking care of the evil, that would be their secret.

"As you wish."

With a bright grin, Seonghwa offered him his hand, and they sealed their deal. Jongho's firm grip wished him all the luck in the world.

"Thank you, Jongho. It was a delight to have met you. Thank you for heeding our call and for burdening the hope of our people."

"Likewise. Take care, Seonghwa." This time, Jongho's smile was genuine. He was happy for Seonghwa's joy and for the peace of this village.

When they tugged apart, Seonghwa glanced towards the mountains. Soon, after greeting everyone else, he would return. What would Hongjoong be doing right now? Was he waiting? Did he already prepare for today's spells and reading or herb-preparing activities?

Or was he yearning as much as Seonghwa did, wanting to push all else aside to indulge in each other?

Seonghwa already missed him.

"I will. I found happiness in an unlikely place."

With a snicker, Jongho respected his decision. They emerged from their spot between the houses to step out into the warm spring sun once more. With the wind in his hair, Seonghwa accompanied him to catch up with the mayor and put Jongho in his spot as the one saving the village.

Seonghwa was even. He had been their curse, and he had undone it. Now, all that remained was to return to his necromancer and be with him, so the warmth would spread inside that cold tomb as well.