⁝ ya dwelling.

@✿ moon sejoon Food had left Aecha’s thoughts, focused entirely upon the beauty in front of her and the path she had just opened up for the two of them. Even with the way the Ton would judge them, Aecha knew there was no single person in the entirety of the wide world that she would want to stay besides but Sejoon. For her she would take punishments and beatings, brands and cramped sleeping positions. For her she would trade her everything, all to keep her safe.

Though with the truths Sejoon had laid bare, the chance of ever needing to trade anything for her life seemed less than likely. And yet Aecha knew she would do it without hesitation. It had proved itself to her time and time again as she had let Sejoon lead her on with her plans. Each trap she had fallen for she should have seen coming, but next to Sejoon she would blindly walk into each and every one.
She fell for them.
Juts like she fell for the genius setting them.

Her thoughts crashed together into a jumbled mess when she spotted the tears forming in the corners of Sejoon’s eyes. The smile on her lips softened, her own eyes blinking rapidly as she leaned closer, squeezing the hand that had so swiftly found hers. “Sejoon-ah.” Her name left her lips in a sigh of love and admiration. How could she not love her?

“Why are you thanking me?” she chuckled. Her thumb slowly moved along the side of Sejoon’s index, trailing the skin as if she wanted to make a map. With time she was sure she would be able, finding the small knocks and divots where her body would fit perfectly against hers. And as Sejoon laid out her wishes and promises, it was Aecha’s turn to blink back tears, albeit slightly more successfully. “Yah, you corny thing.” She let out a laugh, hearty and bumbling to the point she could not stop it. “I promise you my sword, my lips and my body. May I be so lucky to hold and protect you for all days to come. No matter what challenge or adversary would try to stand in our way.”

She had never been as good with emotions or words, but seeing Sejoon like this was doing something to her. It made her feel protective and possessive in ways she had never before. It made her want to just wrap the woman up with warm blankets while hugging her, ensuring the world could not harm a perfect hair on her perfect head. That perfectly imperfect head that had turned out to belong to a walking contradiction. And Aecha loved her. That was the one thing she knew for certain.

Their lips came together, passionate and slow. Aecha’s heart began beating faster as things began truly sinking in. It felt as if she had ran a marathon, yet with an unexplainable surge of energy like no other. “Are you still hungry?” she asked as they parted, her voice still breathy from the exhilaration. “‘Cause right now I just want to hold you tightly for as long I can before you leave.”

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon's heart swells with warmth as she listens to Aecha's enthusiastic acceptance of her proposal. The love and joy reflected in her partner's eyes fill her with an overwhelming sense of happiness, knowing that they will embark on this journey together, hand in hand.

Aecha's playful banter and affectionate touches only serve to deepen Sejoon's love for her, reinforcing the bond between them. She savors every moment they share, committing each detail to memory, knowing that their love will only grow stronger with time.

As Aecha expresses her unwavering commitment to stand by Sejoon's side, regardless of the challenges they may face, Sejoon's heart swells with gratitude and admiration. She is overcome with emotion, feeling blessed to have such a devoted partner by her side.

When Sejoon finally musters the courage to ask for Aecha's hand in marriage, her nerves flutter with anticipation, unsure of how her proposal will be received. But as Aecha's joyful affirmation rings out, Sejoon's heart soars with relief and happiness, knowing that their love will now be bound together in marriage.

Tears of joy well up in Sejoon's eyes as she reaches out to take Aecha's hand in hers, her heart overflowing with love for the woman who has captured her heart. "Thank you, Aecha," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. "I promise to cherish you for all eternity, to love you with every fiber of my being, and to stand by your side through thick and thin." Already imagining them being married to each other, living together happily.

With a radiant smile, Sejoon leans in to capture Aecha's lips in a tender kiss, sealing their commitment to each other with a promise of forever. As they bask in the glow of their love, Sejoon knows that their future together will be filled with happiness, laughter, and endless love.

@✿ moon sejoon “So at least three days then?” she asked, slight concern in her voice. It was not like they hadn’t been parted for a measure of time like that before, but it felt worse knowing the distance that would be put between them. Not that she didn’t trust Sejoon either. The woman knew how to keep herself safe, and her skill with her halberd was enough to ensure Aecha didn’t have to worry.
And yet she did.

“Perhaps I could compare to a horse in other ways then,” Aecha chuckled confidently, arching one brow as if testing Sejoon. She kissed her hungrily in turn, loving the chance at being close to her partner again. It felt far too long. And it would be far longer with her leaving for her hometown. Part of her wanted to accompany her, but knew she could not due to her obligations in Hanseong.

It was hard to pull her attention away from Sejoon’s body. She knew every scar and imperfection on her beautiful skin. And yet she could not get enough of it, her fingers gently brushing along her exposed midriff. But those were pleasures for later.

“I do enjoy your enthusiasm though, Sejoon-ah,” she admitted with a humorous chuckle. Giving her a last kiss before their meal, she ensured to teasingly bite at her bottom lip to indicate that she had no plans of letting the enthusiasm go wasted. Though if she was going to do anything after the day she had she would need sustenance. And Sejoon’s cooking smelled like heaven in a pot.

She dug in after a short thank you, humming quietly with every spoonfull stew she could get. “Yes?” The spoon was halfway up to as she glanced up, her eyes finding Sejoon’s from under her bangs. Her whole back eased as she sat back, head tilted with a small smile as she listened. “Sejoon-ah… No matter if you return rich or poor, sick or healthy. I swore I would protect you and stand by your side no matter what. Even if I struggle to imagine you with handmaidens and all that.”

The image was quite funny in her mind, though not impossible to picture. Sejoon had features that made her look regal. Aecha had always thought so. Made it easier to get riled along on whatever schemes she came up with. “Oh. That is… That is true.” She had forgotten about the confines that came with such prestigious titles. Without a family to pester her about marriage, she was free to choose exactly for herself. A luxury Sejoon could not afford if she took up her rightful place as part of that family again.

But to her delight, it seemed Sejoon was stubborn even in the face of her parents. A smile lured itself to Aecha’s lips, her eyes crinkling with joy at Sejoon’s words. No one would ever mean as much to her as Sejoon did, and her defiance in the face of societal- and familial pressure was all the proof Aecha had needed.
At least until she heard what came next.
"Aecha, when I come back... Let's get married."

For a moment Aecha sat there without words, surprise and confusion and joy battling across her expression as she tried to let the statement sink in. Married. Sejoon wanted to tie the knot with her, to form a bond beyond what they already had. Joy was slowly winning way over the other two on her face, a smile finding its way back as she finally drew a deep breath.
“Yes! Yes a hundred times over, yes!”

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon felt the other's lips crashing over hers once again before she looked at Aecha, "It might take me a day to travel back to Wonju." She said as she recalled how she hopped onto a hay carriage that was about to travel in Hanseong. "I never travelled back when I got here in Hanseong." Then she kissed her again.

She saw Aecha removing her durumagi, indicating something fun will come after. She smirked, "I didn't mean to compare you to a horse," She chuckled and cups her face as she looked at the other, "Because you're more majestic and magnificent, love." Then she kissed her once again. Sejoon removed her jeogori, revealing her bandaged undergarments as well as her scars from her past battles were present, the scar of the arrows were still there.

Then she realized the other needs to eat first before Sejoon chuckles and puts back her jeogori, she doesn't even bother tying it back as they start to eat the delicious meal that Sejoon made for them. "Ah, love?" She called Aecha while they are eating a meal.

"If I come back from Wonju and became a marchioness, don't be surprised, alright?" She told, "I will have handmaidens and a lady-in-waiting, it's a practice among us noblewomen." She explained as she gets another batch of soup from the pot. "And I might tell my family that I had someone already so that they wouldn't marry me off to someone I don't know."

Sejoon smiles at her, "I will stay true, because you're the only one I could give a damn, love." She looked down, knowing that her family would still prefer Saena over her. Only Aecha is the only one who can accept her no matter what trouble she's in. Then she holds her hand and smiles at her, "Aecha, when I come back... Let's get married."

@✿ moon sejoon "Suppose?" Aecha scoffed, playing along with her amusing humor. "What am I then? Dumber than a deer on thin ice?" Two could play her game, though Sejoon was undoubtfully better with words then Aecha would ever be. It was part of why she loved her. The way she could so effortlessly summon forth charm and the right words for any situation was exciting. She herself got by on grunts and intimidation. Not exactly eloquent, but she made due.

A small sigh of relief passed Aecha's lips at the prospect of her girlfriend staying. To spend a night with her in her arms was beyond what she could ask for, a treasure greater than any haul the two could have pulled off.
"How long is it that you'll be gone on this trip of yours?" Would she see her again soon or would it be a full moon before her love would be back with her? Of course she could take care of herself, but her mind always wandered to thoughts of what the two could create together if they really tried. Perhaps if she worked enough she could provide a little for the both of them.

Sejoon's continued jest about the horse made Aecha roll her eyes with a bright smile. "He is neither majestic nor charming. Yet I don't want to give up on him just yet. Feels mean to just get a new one," she hummed, carefully undoing her durumagi. It was starting to get warm near the stove. "That and the cost of course. A horse is expensive."

Her lips felt as soft as ever, the same excitement taking over Aecha's heart as they met hers in a passionate kiss. Her fingers gripped tightly onto Sejoon's clothing, holding the woman close until she had to break back for some air.
"Maybe we should eat some of that delicious smelling food you made before we head to bed? I don't want the day to be over just yet."

@❃ ya aecha As Aecha expressed her unwavering support and understanding, Sejoon felt a surge of gratitude and relief wash over her. It was a rare and precious gift to be accepted and loved for exactly who she was, without judgment or reservation. With each word Aecha spoke, Sejoon's heart swelled with affection for the woman who had stood by her side through thick and thin.

"You're right," Sejoon conceded with a soft chuckle, her eyes reflecting a mixture of amusement and appreciation. "I suppose I am pretty smart, aren't I?" A hint of self-deprecating humor laced her words, a testament to the deep bond of camaraderie and understanding that existed between them.

Aecha's offer to spend the night filled Sejoon with warmth and longing, igniting a flicker of hope within her heart. Despite the weight of her past and the uncertainties of the future, the prospect of spending precious moments in Aecha's embrace brought a sense of peace and contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time.

"That sounds wonderful," Sejoon replied, her voice tinged with emotion as she reached out to grasp Aecha's hand in hers. "I've missed you too, more than you'll ever know." The tenderness in her gaze spoke volumes, conveying the depth of her affection and gratitude for the woman who had become her anchor in a sea of turmoil.

"And as for the horse," she continued with a soft smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I'm sure he'd be delighted to have me back. After all, who could resist the charms of such a magnificent steed?" The playful glint in her eyes belied the weight of her words, a silent acknowledgment of the enduring bond that existed between her and the loyal companion who had faithfully carried her through countless adventures.

With a sense of anticipation and longing, Sejoon allowed herself to be drawn into Aecha's embrace, savoring the warmth and comfort of her presence. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle embrace of her beloved, Sejoon felt a glimmer of hope flicker within her heart, lighting the way forward on the path to redemption and renewal.

Sejoon kisses her lips passionately as she wanted to spend the night with her before she departs at dawn to go back home.

@✿ moon sejoon "Moon it is," Aecha agreed with a nod. For whatever last name she held, Sejoon was the woman she loved just the way she was. Her name had little to do with that directly. It might have informed her actions in the past and her need for a fake name, but it was Sejoon's own actions that had made her the woman Aecha adored. It was Sejoon herself that had cast her spell on her, and it was her Aecha would return to time after time.

"What is there to understand?" she asked back, blinking a bit at having her hair adjusted. "You are you. Yangban or not. It was you I spent the days watching over in the tent, not some Lady. It was you I sold my sword for to get away from the battlefield." Seejon, her light. Her trickster.

Twins?
Aecha stared blankly away, trying to imagine seeing double. That would have been useful back in their crimefilled days. Then again, that was not thoughts she should have had about a woman's dead sister.
"Hey!" Aecha narrowed her eyes at Sejoon. "You're smart too. Don't put yourself down just because your sister was smart too."

But beyond that she remained quiet, listening intently as Sejoon explained. It seems there was much more to her woman than what she had first seen, but it only made her love her more. Yet another trick she had foolishly fallen for.
"I understand. Will you.... will you at least spend the night before you leave? I've missed you," Aecha sheepishly admitted. "And you can take Horse when you go. Unless you already have transportation, I'm sure the old boy would enjoy having you back too."

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at Aecha's response, relief washing over her in waves as she basked in the warmth of her partner's acceptance. It was a weight lifted off her shoulders, knowing that Aecha still saw her for who she truly was, despite the secrets she had kept hidden for so long.

"Moon Sejoon it is," she confirmed with a smile, the sound of her name spoken aloud by Aecha sending a shiver down her spine. It felt freeing, liberating even, to finally be able to shed the facade she had built up over the years and embrace her true identity.

Her heart swelled with affection as Aecha pulled her in for a kiss, the warmth of her lips against hers sending sparks flying through her veins. It was a tender moment, a silent affirmation of the love they shared and the bond that bound them together.

As they parted, Sejoon couldn't help but beam at Aecha's words, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the woman who had stood by her side through thick and thin.

"Thank you, Aecha," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from Aecha's face. "For understanding, for accepting me, for being the light in my darkest days. I don't know what I would do without you."

Sejoon sighed and looked at her, "There is a reason why I left home, it all happened when my sister died." She opens up to her, making no room to cover up who she was towards her. "When I was born, I was not the only one who came into the world at that time... I have a twin, her name was Saena."

"We're pretty much quite opposite, Saena was bright and smart while I'm an impulsive and not-so-smart girl, but there's one thing that no one could differentiate." Sejoon smiled, "We loved each other as sisters." Then she continued. "But, my mother and father were more favored of Saena that I was, she's kind and diligent, as well as the second one before me, I usually slack off and make troubles."

Then she holds her hand gently, "I'll tell you more when I get back, love. I had to go back home, in Wonju."

With Aecha by her side, Sejoon felt like she could conquer the world, her fears and doubts fading away in the presence of her unwavering love. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, hand in hand, hearts intertwined as one.

@✿ moon sejoon The knitting of Aecha's brows only tightened when Sejoon cupped her cheek, sounding almost scared when she spoke. It was a side of her she had never seen before, or at least one she could not remember having ever witnessed. What could possibly be so big that it would make her act like this?

She remained quiet, trying her best to be the rock Sejoon had described her as; steadfast and strong. Nothing she could say would ever make her waver from her side, that Aecha was sure of.

"Mh, I remember."
Was it something about the family? Were they trying to chase her down? Were they-
The myriad of questions stopped, leaving only silence in Aecha's mind after Sejoon's confession. Yangban. She blinked slowly, expression not changing at first.

It was fair enough that any family could be awful. Class did not denote anything about who a parent was, but to think what Sejoon had ran from were riches and luxury felt strange. It would however explain how she was so good at spending whatever money they had gotten their hands on in the past.

"So... Moon Sejoon then? Not Gong?"
It was the only question Aecha could think to ask. All that really had changed in her mind was the name. And in ways she liked Moon as part of it. Made it ring with rhyme, bringing more delight to her ears than the woman's name already did.

Snapping herself out of her thoughts to look at her partner, she could see the worry and hesitation in her eyes. It must have taken a lot out of her to keep the secret, and even more to come out about the truth. But as soon as those perfect lips went still from explaining, Aecha pulled her in for a kiss.

"Moon. Gong. Whatever name you have, I know the truth already," Aecha admitted as she parted back, a bright smile upon her lips. "You ran from an awful home. Ran from hardship of family to live your life the way you wanted. On your terms. That's the Sejoon I know. The brave and cunning fighter, always with plans three steps ahead of everyone else." She let out a small laugh at the memory of how she had been trapped once by those plans too. "If anything, you're just making me more sure that I put in the extra work. Got to make sure my duchess has a happy life," she added, wiggling her brow a little in jest.

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon's gaze softened as she watched the concern flicker across Aecha's face, her heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. She had never been one to burden others with her problems, preferring to keep her past shrouded in secrecy. But as she looked into Aecha's eyes, she knew that she couldn't keep hiding the truth any longer.

"No, no one's chasing me," Sejoon reassured her, her voice gentle as she reached out to cup Aecha's cheek in her hand. "It's just... there's something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago."

Her words trailed off into a hesitant pause, the weight of her confession heavy on her tongue as she struggled to find the right words. She had always prided herself on her ability to deceive others, but with Aecha, she found herself wanting to be honest, to lay bare the truth of her past.

"You know the time I told you that I ran away from my family," Sejoon admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she met Aecha's gaze with a mixture of fear and vulnerability. "I never told you what kind of family but... I came from a yangban clan, the Moon, house of the shining moon."

She let out a shaky breath, steeling herself for Aecha's reaction as she prepared to reveal the full extent of her deception. She had spent so long hiding her true identity, afraid of how Aecha would react if she knew the truth. But now, as she stood on the precipice of confession, she knew that she couldn't keep lying to the woman she loved.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Sejoon continued, her voice wavering with emotion as she laid bare the secrets she had kept hidden for so long. "I was afraid of what you would think, afraid that you would see me differently if you knew where I came from. But I can't keep lying to you, Aecha. You deserve to know the truth, no matter how hard it is for me to say."

@✿ moon sejoon The words Sejoon spoke were enough to make Aecha hesitate for a moment, cheeks flushed but the smile never leaving her face. “Woah, where did all that come from?” She had always been better with words than herself, so to hear her describe her in such a way was not surprising, but it did make her feel quite loved.

It was almost funny to think this was where they had ended. Once upon a time Sejoon would have smirked at her as Aecha was pinned to a tree, trapped by one of Sejoon’s many tricks. Now she was wrapped int the woman’s gentle embrace, surrounded by the smell of cooking stew and fresh veggies.

Life could not get much better than this, she was sure of it.

“Mh?” Her attention turned back to her partner, the smile still as bright on her lips. But the expression faltered, turning confused at the sudden shift in her tone. “What? Is someone chasing you? What happened? I’ll beat them up,” she hurriedly blurted out, leaving little filter between her thoughts and . If anyone was out to harm her they would have to go through Aecha first.

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon's heart swelled with warmth at Aecha's words, her chest tight with emotion as she gazed into the eyes of the woman she loved. She knew she had been blessed to find someone as kind, as brave, and as fiercely loyal as Aecha, and she cherished every moment they spent together, grateful for the love and happiness they shared.

"I'm glad you think so," Sejoon replied, her voice soft with sincerity as she reached out to gently squeeze Aecha's hand. "You've been my rock, Aecha. Through all the ups and downs, you've been there for me, and I can't imagine my life without you."

As Aecha turned her attention to the simmering jjigae, Sejoon felt a pang of guilt tug at her heart. She knew she couldn't keep her true identity hidden from Aecha forever, yet the thought of revealing the truth filled her with apprehension. How would Aecha react when she learned the truth about Sejoon's lineage? Would she still love her, or would she turn away in disgust?

She had not been honest to her ever since their first meeting, she only know that she ran away from home but the whole part of it she never know. Sejoon wanted to keep that from Aecha, her biggest fear was to lose her. She's the only person she could rely on at this point.

But Sejoon knew she couldn't keep lying to Aecha, not if she wanted their relationship to continue to flourish and grow. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her courage and prepared to reveal the truth, albeit in a way that would hopefully soften the blow.

"Aecha," Sejoon began, her voice hesitant as she searched for the right words. "There's something I need to tell you. Something important."

And as she braced herself for Aecha's reaction, Sejoon knew that no matter what happened next, she would face it with honesty and integrity, for the love they shared was worth more to her than anything in the world.

@✿ moon sejoon Aecha’s eyes lit up much akin to a dog getting treats when she heard Sejoon’s whispered compliment. Her lips quirked up in a bright smile, her whole almost seeming lighter even after the heavy work day. “You think?” she asked, still as excited. Success! It had worked! Thank you random men trying to be charming at work!

“You better be. As much as I loved your stunt at the gala, I was worried with how pained you seemed,” she added, leaving the accusing finger in the air for a second longer before lowering her hand. No need overdoing it with how much she had already fuzzed about those wounds in the past.

The little laugh from Sejoon filled Aecha’s heart, giving her a small energy boost she was sorely in need of after the long day. It seemed having given her that spare key she got forged had been a great idea. Getting home to this was something she could very easily see herself getting used to. Sejoon was everything she needed, a realisation she had not fully come to until she had been home from war for months.

To think she’d ever kiss this woman, much less enjoy it as much as she did would have baffled her less than a year ago. Now she wondered instead why she had never seen it before. Sejoon had always been a beautifully charismatic woman. Then again, maybe that was why Aecha was so under her spell.

“You’re the best thing to happen to me too, Sejoon-ah,” Aecha agreed happily. “Even with the bad.” Her smile did not falter. Even the bad memories were good when she knew where it had all led. “I’ll gladly keep stealing your love for myself for as long as I can, but-“ She turned her attention to the the jjigae simmering away on the fire. “This smells heavenly. I’m so hungry I could have eaten the horse.”

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon's breath caught in as Aecha's lips brushed against her injured finger, a soft gasp escaping her lips at the unexpected tenderness of the gesture. Her heart swelled with emotion at the sight of the woman she loved, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she drank in the warmth of Aecha's touch.

"Thank you," Sejoon whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she met Aecha's gaze, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the woman standing before her. "That's very sweet of you."

As Aecha admonished her to take better care of her wound, a playful grin tugged at the corners of Sejoon's lips, her eyes dancing with mischief as she met the other woman's gaze.

"I promise I'll be more careful," she replied, her voice laced with amusement as she leaned in to press a soft kiss against Aecha's cheek. "I wouldn't want to disappoint you, after all."

The banter between them flowed easily, a testament to the deep bond that had formed between them over the years. Despite the trials and tribulations they had faced, their love had only grown stronger with time, a beacon of hope in the darkness that surrounded them.

And as Aecha pulled her closer, her words filled with playful teasing and affection, Sejoon couldn't help but laugh, the sound a joyous melody in the quiet of the evening. With a tender smile, she returned Aecha's kiss, her heart soaring on wings of love as she savored the sweetness of the moment.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sejoon murmured, her voice soft and full of love as she gazed into Aecha's eyes. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me, Aecha. I'm just grateful that fate brought us together."

Then she realizes that fate also can be tricky, she almost frown about it as she had to go back home as well. Her real home.

@✿ moon sejoon Metal slid gently against wood as the sword slipped back in its sheath with practiced perfection. Aecha did not even have to look, her eyes solely on the woman before her and the small cut she held up. Her mind wandered to something she had once seen while working, wondering how Sejoon would react to an action like that.

With her eyes still focused on the cut, Aecha gently grabbed the other woman’s wrist, lifting her hand towards her face and pressing her lips gently to the pad of the finger that held the cut. It was the kind of romantic gesture she had only heard tales of, and yet with Sejoon she wanted to try if only to see her reaction.

She still held her hand as she peeked over the top of her fingers, eyes curiously scanning the woman’s beautiful features. Hopefully it would be seen as charming and not too out of character. “There. Hopefully it will heal better.” Leaning a little back, she pointed one accusatory finger at her partner, the usually cocky grin back on her lips. “And no stressing yourself up this time so you rip open the cut over and over again.”

The two had come a long way from where they had started. Aecha didn’t even know what she would classify their relationship as at the start of it all. Friends? Colleagues? Adversaries with a common goal? She knew for certain that Sejoon had easily lit an infernal rage within her in the past, remembering the way she had double crossed her after a successful heist. The marks still carried on her skin to this day. But like that rage, she had also lit something else within her.

She had been uncertain of her own feelings, even when she had sold her sword to get Sejoon home from the battlefield. Even after the countless nights spend sleeping in the uncomfortable corner of the medical tent where they tended to her wounds she had pondered it. Not until the starlit night of the gala had she been certain, but one thing was very sure now:
She loved the woman standing before her.

“Dinner sounds great,” she agreed, her voice a light huff of relief as she unbuckled her swordbelt, setting it aside on the ground. To think she’d ever come home from work to such lovely smelling food. “You know, Sejoon-ah-“ Aecha began, grabbing her partner’s hips and pulling her a little closer. “You could have made a man real happy as a wife.” There was a glint of mischief in her eye as she leaned close enough to capture her lips in a short but loving kiss. “Guess I’m a better thief than I thought, having managed to snatch you from fate itself.”

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon turned at the sound of the door, her heart skipping a beat as she caught sight of Aecha standing in the doorway, her sword held aloft in a defensive stance. Despite the tension in the air, Sejoon couldn't help but smile at the sight of her lover, her heart swelling with affection at the unexpected reunion.

"Aecha," Sejoon breathed, relief flooding her senses as she took in the sight of the woman she loved standing before her. "I'm sorry for surprising you like this. I let myself in with the spare key you gave me."

As Aecha lowered her sword and stepped closer, concern etched upon her features, Sejoon's smile faltered slightly at the sight of the cloth pressed to her finger. With a pang of guilt, she realized that she had been so preoccupied with preparing the meal that she hadn't noticed the small injury she had sustained in the process.

"I'm fine, don't worry," Sejoon assured her, her voice gentle and reassuring as she held up her injured finger for Aecha to see. "Just a little cut while I was chopping vegetables. Nothing serious."

As Aecha stepped forward, concern etched upon her features, Sejoon couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the woman standing before her. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of their lives, Aecha was a constant source of strength and support, her presence a beacon of light in the darkness.

"I'm preparing a meal for us," Sejoon explained, gesturing towards the steaming pot of jjigae simmering on the stove. "I thought it would be nice to have dinner together, just the two of us."

And as Sejoon reached out to take Aecha's hand in hers, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their love and their determination to carve out a future filled with hope and happiness.

@✿ moon sejoon [h] The crowds had finally started thinning out with the setting of the sun as Aecha made her way back home from work. A dull pain throbbed in her head, evidence of her lack of sleep and long working hours. The mix would sometimes make her feel fuzzy, but rarely happened until she was headed home like now.

She was keenly aware of the few stares she got from people she wandered past, though for once it was the sword she openly carried at her waist and not her marked skin. The dark men’s jeogori she wore covered most of it, even the very evident ones on her forearm. No, everyone’s eyes were on the sword. Aeche chuckled to herself. Folks these days thought everything was about to lead up until a brawl or worse. It was laughable.

The door creaked loudly as she pushed it open, flooding the little hallway with the warm light of the setting sun. Yet something felt off. Aecha’s eyes narrowed as she stepped inside, slowly drawing her sword from its hilt. With the tip perfectly held out to strike, she pushed the door shut with her foot. She kept the sword raised as she took careful steps, ready to strike at a moments notice.

But as she stepped closer to the corner that hid the kitchen from the door, her nose caught scent of warm jjigae. Her stomach let out an inconvenient grumble just as she stood out from behind the corner, sword raised towards the woman before her And just as fast as she had turned the corner and raised her sword, as fast it fell, replaced with a look of surprise on Aecha’s face.

“Sejoon-ah? What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
A million questions whirled in her head, but those were the few that made it past her lips before the sword gently clattered against the floor. She had not expected to see the woman so soon again, but the surprise was enough to give her mood and energy a boost.

She stepped forward, about to embrace the woman when she noticed the cloth pressed to her finger. “Hey, you okay? What happened?”

@❃ ya aecha The bustling streets of Hanseong bustled with activity as Sejoon made her way through the crowded thoroughfares, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension at the thought of seeing her lover, Aecha, once more. It had been weeks since their last rendezvous, and Sejoon found herself longing for the comfort and solace of Aecha's embrace.

As she approached the humble dwelling where Aecha made her home, Sejoon's steps faltered for a moment, her mind awash with doubts and insecurities. She had never told Aecha the truth about her origins, about the prestigious Moon family to which she belonged. And as she stood before the door, a wave of guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf her in its icy embrace.

But with a determined shake of her head, Sejoon pushed aside her doubts and fears, her love for Aecha outweighing any reservations she might have had. With a steady hand, she knocked on the door, her heart racing with anticipation as she waited for Aecha to answer.

Moments later, the door swung open to reveal the inside of Aecha's home, her eyes looking around to find her. "Aecha? Love?," she exclaimed, her voice longing for warmth and affection. "I guess she's not here yet...?"

Sejoon brought down the ingredients she need to make a perfect stew and grilled the meat in a pot. "Good thing, she's not here yet, I should surprise her with," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "her favorite Jjigae!"

She went to the kitchen to prepare the proper ingredients for the stew, as well as preparing the cold noodles for it since Sejoon loves cold noodles. She remembered the time where she and Saena have different taste in foods, Sejoon likes cold noodles while Saena likes it hot, however, Saena doesn't like spicy foods but Sejoon does. Oh the joy she had to remember. But in the middle of her reminiscing, she accidentally cuts her finger.

"Ay ssi--" She starts jumping up and down before she quickly gets a clean cloth to wrap around her finger. "I shouldn't be reminded of that..." She sighs and looks down.

[post deleted by owner]

@❃ gong sejoon The smile alone was enough to bring a sense of relief to Aecha’s soul. Despite her sleepless nights and aches, at least her friend was healing. “I’d lie if I said that cheeky grin on your face doesn’t sooth my worries,” she chuckled as she tied the horse outside. It felt like ages ago that she had first met Sejoon. Back then that smile seemed to be on her lips more than it was not. To have it back was in and of itself a blessing.

After giving her horse a light rub on the muzzle to comfort the old steed, she turned to follow her friend inside. The place had become a home away from home of sorts. It was the one place she spent if she was not at work or at home. Posting herself up by the door, she turned to her usual habit, tapping the back of her left hand resting on her hip. “So… How are the injuries healing up?”

@❃ ya aecha After days of recovering and focusing herself in her physical healing, Sejoon has gotten a bit better and can stand up on her own. Seojoon made sure she doesn't lift things much and regulate her bandage on his sister's wounds. Sejoon worries she might not be an agile runner because of her injuries.

But now, she can only walk and jog. Sejoon was sitting in front of their door, pondering on what to do after she has completely recovered from her wounds. Then she sees a silhouette of a horse and when it gets closer, it was Aecha. Just seeing her personally made Sejoon smile.

"Hey," She greeted with a sly smirk while looking at her coming down from the horse. "I'm doing fine, just trying to survive." Then she beckoned her to come inside, "Come in, Seojoon went to the marketplace to buy some cabbages." She walked inside their house.

@❃ gong sejoon [ February 10th, 1869 ]

The back and forth had quickly slipped into routine. Aecha would get up in the mornings after the little slivers of sleep she managed to force in after her work and the morning sun. She would get dressed as best she could and stumble out to her yet unnamed horse, all to get to Sejoon’s place as early as she could. It had been more often in the beginning, checking in that her and her brother had what they needed. And as Sejoon slowly got better and on her feet again, the visits would come with less regularity. The two of them clearly knew how to take care of each other, and her interference might become a nuisance if she kept it up.

But she couldn’t help but take the trip every now and then. Part of her longed for the moment she’d find the house empty, hearing something about Sejoon being out doing her usual stuff. The thought alone brought a smile to the lone swordswoman’s lips as her horse trotted along the now familiar path. The flowers were a welcome sight guiding her along the way to the Gong residence.

She dismounted the horse a bit away, leading him by the reins up towards the front of the home.
“Sejoon-ah? You feeling okay today?” Aecha’s voice carried despite her grogginess, as she tied the horse near the fenceposts nearby. “How are the wounds doing?”

@❃ gong sejoon A still calmness slowly spread through Aecha's body as she saw Sejoon moving more, seeming to have finally regained her consciousness. She let a deep sigh of relief pass her tense lips, feeling the returning heaviness to her eyelids fight her as she hung her head a little. At least she had completed the one request Sejoon had asked of her.

With the certainty that her brother would be able to care for her, Aecha prepared herself to make a quiet exit, not noticing the man having gotten up and approached her. Mid tightening her goreum, she head his voice break the quiet, softer than expected and carrying a message that she had not been expecting.

"S-stay?" she stammered in surprise, eyes blinking away the tiredness as best she could. "I-" Aecha swallowed hard, her left hand going back to that familiar spot on her belt for some comfort. "I guess I could stay for the night." Turning down a meal would be rude either way. "You have my gratitude."

@❃ ya aecha "Aecha... Where is she?" Sejoon asked softly to her brother who seemed a bit confused, then he realized quickly of what his sister said. "Ah, she is by the door." He spoke, "Is... she your friend?" Seojoon asked, the older woman craned her neck to the direction where Aecha is and looked back at her brother. "Do me a favor, Seojoon-ah... Prepare a meal for her... and a place to rest for a while." She said softly.

Seojoon tilted his head at the confusion, "Okay noona." Despite the confusion, he eagerly obliged and walked towards Aecha. "Uh... Miss Aecha..." He called her, "Can y-you stay for a while? I will prepare a meal and make a bed for you to stay." He said and he went to their kitchen and he starts to prepare some meal. Sejoon observes Aecha as her brother talks to her.

@❃ gong sejoon Aecha hurried out to the back of the home, the single goal fighting for dominance in her mind against the worries. Her tired hands trembled as she attempted to tie the bucket to the attached rope of the well, its rough texture burning like the pain of her small wounds against her palms. This had become quite the long day and she had yet to give in to her need for sleep.

The splash of the bucket into the water below echoed up at her, breaking her mind out of the loop of thoughts that kept running through it. With the rope securely twirled around her hands, Aecha began pulling, doing her best to get the bucket out as quickly as possible. Sejoon’s brother seemed to know more of what he was doing than her, so perhaps he would stand a better chance at helping her back to her feet than she could.

“Here, water.”
She dropped the bucket down next to his side, feeling herself wobble from the uneven weight of her own body. She should have slept back at her place, but had not been so lucky. And with Sejoon’s condition being what it was, she did not believe she would be afforded the luck now either.

Not knowing what to do, she pulled back towards the entrance of the home, standing there quietly by the halberd observing. Her brother was carefully taking care of her sweat, and cleaned the wounds, replacing the bandages that needed changing, all with better precision than she had offered Sejoon back home. It was good she had someone to take care of her when she was in this state.
And despite her own debating on leaving the two to themselves, she could not stop her own momentary gasp as she heard the familiar voice from the other side of the room.

@❃ ya aecha "We have a well, just behind our home." The younger man said as he continues to dab clean cloth to wipe away some blood and sweat on her. He cannot lose the only family he had, "Please wake up, noona..." He whispered as he looked at her state.

After a few hours, her fever starts to go down and her bandages has been replaced once again. Slowly, Sejoon woke up once again, she looked around and already knew she was in their home. She looked at the right and Seojoon was there, holding her hand tightly, "Seojoon-ah..." She uttered and he's eyes widen and sighs in relief. "Noona... I thought I... I thought I lost you." He spoke and Sejoon grinned a bit. "It takes... more than a war to put me down." She said softly.

@❃ gong sejoon He did not have to ask twice. Aecha hurried over to the unused bandages, pushing aside what else was there to find some cloth as well. “I’m guessing you have a well outside?” she asked as she walked back, placing the items next to the man. “Please don’t tell me I have to run to a river.” Not that she wouldn’t. She had already gotten here, there was no way she would back down at this point.

Glancing around, she spotted a bucket that looked like it was used to carry water. “Point me the right way, I’ll have your water in a moment,” she grunted, hurrying over to pick up the bucket and prepare to run. “We’re not letting her slip away.”

@❃ ya aecha Seojoon checked his sister's forehead and knows already what this means, "She's having a fever, I need a clean cloth and a bowl of water." He said as he placed his sister on a bed carefully. Sejoon also struggles to breathe as she felt feverish while still unconscious.

"I need new bandages, we have one by the table over there." He pointed where the unused bandages were placed as he took care of his sister, trying his best to make Sejoon alive as possible.

@❃ gong sejoon Aecha’s focus had entirely been on Sejoon’s face, searching for any sign of recognition or consciousness within the small movements of her eyes, that she had not noticed the figure stepping out and rushing towards them until he was at her side. It did however not even take a second to realize just who this was. With the fervour Sejoon had fought to get home, Aecha had thought the boy would be younger, but he seemed to be a man in is prime, which made her pause fully in her track.

She made no effort to fight him as he picked Sejoon’s unconscious body out of her arms, but she also made no effort to follow. Should she have? She had done the one thing Sejoon asked and now she felt lost standing amidst the wildflowers in an unfamiliar place. Though the pain she felt doing so, Aecha turned towards the horse, readying herself to swing back up in the saddle and leave when her eyes landed on-

The halberd.
Strapped safely to the side of the saddle, so horribly lonesome away from its owner. It was rare to ever see Sejoon without it. Much akin to herself and her-
Aecha shook her head, wrestling her hands away from the empty spot on her hip. Without a second thought, she undid the latches holding the halberd up and grabbing it, hurrying after the man and his sister. She had begged to not be left behind. The best she could do was to return the favour.

“How can I help?” she asked, worry still clear in her voice as she gently placed the halberd by the doorway. Her feet carried her over to the man, her left hand grabbing at her belt for comfort, quickly followed by her right, two fingers tapping a stressed rhythm against the back of her hand. It was a poor facsimile of the actual thing, but gave her some clarity of mine nonetheless.

@❃ ya aecha Sejoon was still unconscious as they made it back to her dwelling, but one seemed to noticed their arrival. Sejoon's brother, he was writing his whereabouts about her older sister when she sees the two women coming into their home. His eyes widen as he saw what his sister's state is and he rushed out of the house to pick her up.

"Noona!" He yelled out with worry in his eyes as he sees his sister's injured state, "No, what did the war had done to you, Noona..." He muttered as he tried not to cry in front of Sejoon and Aecha. "Let's get her inside, please." He begged as he carefully carries Sejoon.