Song Mingi BETTER SIT STRAIGHT MYHHEHEHEHE - Tumblr Posts

away with the wind | iii

Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: A spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Word Count: 4.2K Warnings: not proofread, wrote most of this while my dog was at the emergency vet--also I'm going to start a taglist for this fic!

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The day Cirrus hatched was one you would never forget.

It was your turn to clean out the caverns. Sunmi was going out on another date and promised she'd take the next shift. That was three promises ago, you huff. You had the egg strapped to your back in a makeshift sling, humming a tune while scooping dragon dung into a wheelbarrow. The smell was less than pleasant, but you had grown used to it over time.

As you worked, you couldn’t help but grumble about your sister’s endless string of dates. 

“She better bring me back something nice,” you muttered, tossing another scoop of dung into the wheelbarrow. The egg on your back shifted slightly, and you paused, glancing over your shoulder. 

“What's up buttercup?”

Just as you were about to return to your task, a faint crackling sound reached your ears. You froze, heart pounding, and carefully set down the shovel. You could feel the egg trembling against your back, getting stronger with each second that passed.

“Oh no, not now,” you panicked. “Not now, baby!” 

You unstrapped the sling and scrambled to find a place for it, as the cracks began to spread. In your state of duress, you didn’t notice the small, clawed foot that broke through the shell.

“Come on, not the dung pile,” you muttered, frantically searching for a clean spot. You finally found a patch of straw and gently placed the egg down just as another crack appeared. With one determined push, a curious snout followed. You held your breath, watching in awe as your hatchling blinked open her deep, violet eyes for the first time, meeting your gaze with an intensity that took your breath away.

Cirrus responded with a gentle purr, her tiny wings fluttering as she stretched them for the first time. You could feel the warmth of her body, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, and knew that this was the beginning of an extraordinary partnership. 

“I’ve been waiting for you,” you whispered, your voice filled with love and wonder. 

Seonghwa’s eyes widened in awe as he laid eyes on Cirrus for the first time. Her body was slender and elegant, covered in scales that shimmer with a crystalline violet hue, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. He noticed her tiny horns adorning her head like a crown, and her long and flexible tail ending in a sharp, lance-like tip–a trait that had been honed through generations of selective breeding, reducing drag and improving precision. 

You chuckled at Seonghwa’s reaction, as you dismounted her. From the rook, she tilted her head slightly, studying the newcomers with curiosity. 

“That’s Cirrus,” Sohee said matter-of-factly, bringing Seonghwa out of his daze.

“I know,” he shot back, rolling his eyes. “I’m not blind.”

“You could be. You're old.” 

“I’m not old!” he stammered, crossing his arms defensively. 

“Why are you arguing with a six-year-old?” you asked, approaching the trio. Sohee skipped over, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace, her fledgling chittering happily as it landed on top of your head. You brightened at the sight of Seonghwa’s handler, whose sunny disposition contrasted his employer’s surliness.

“You must be the person who researches all of Seonghwa’s dragons,” you extended a hand. “I’m Y/N L/N. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

“I’m Jeong Yunho, handler for House Park.” 

“I hope he’s paying you well. You know my sister is a lawyer and can help you unionize if you want,” you giggled, earning a glare from Seonghwa. You turn to face him.

“I take it you’re ready to meet some dragons.” 

“Well hello to you too,” Seonghwa snorted, feeling less irritated now that he’s been acknowledged. And for your information, he does pay Yunho well. 

“Before that,” he begins, holding up the scroll from the archive. The atmosphere shifted slightly as you glanced at the piece of parchment, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

“Ajax’s pedigree. “There are some gaps and inconsistencies that I can’t make sense of. I also have something I need to ask of you.”

You nodded, ruffling Sohee’s hair gently. “Go along now, I’ll play with you later.” Sohee pouted but could feel the weight of the heavy atmosphere. She scampered off, leaving the three of you to focus on the matter at hand.

“How can I help?”

“Where did Mingi purchase Ajax?”

Your eyes widened as you swallowed a lump in your throat. You remembered telling Seonghwa that you were with Mingi when he purchased Ajax, but you had left out that significant detail. He noticed your hesitance and exchanged looks with Yunho.

“It’s probably better to talk about this inside,” you glanced around nervously. You sighed, the weight of the memory pressing down on you as you gestured for them to follow you into the manor.

You led them through the brightly lit corridors, the sound of your footsteps echoing off the high ceilings. Portraits of ancestors and dragon memorabilia lined the walls, their presence seeming to follow you as you passed. The manor was a testament to your family’s long history, each artifact and painting telling a story of its own.

Finally, you reached the library, a vast room filled with towering bookshelves that stretched up to the ceiling. You considered it to be your own personal sanctuary, a place where you could lose yourself without the scrutiny of the outside world. 

“I didn’t think it would matter. We were just kids, and I thought it was all behind us, you said as you sat down at the long wooden table. “I was sworn to secrecy but that ended a long time ago.”

You took a deep breath, recalling the events of that fateful trip. “He wanted to be a rider, more than anything. Of course the Choi’s offered to support him–it was only natural because of his House’s vassal status but he didn’t want that. He wanted to forge his own path and prove himself without relying on his family’s influence.”

“Mingi met a recruiter during our time at the academy who said he could secure a dragon for him. The only catch is that he'd have to go to Halazia.”

Halazia was a place of wonder, a city that never slept with its streets alive with neon lights and the constant hum of activity. Extravagant gambling dens lined the streets, each one more luxurious than the last. The scent of fried foods and smoke wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and music that spilled out from the bustling entertainment venues.

But beneath its glittering surface, the city is rumored to harbor a shadowy underworld. Locals claimed this network dealt in forbidden knowledge, rare trades, and illicit dragon trafficking. It was a dangerous place, where secrets were currency and trust was a rare commodity.

Seonghwa listened intently, his eyes never leaving yours. “So, you went along with it?”

You nodded. “I couldn’t let him go alone. We snuck out in the early morning and took the first train out. I told my grandmother that I was going to train with him and took Cirrus to lay low near the station. The recruiter had arranged to meet the contact at a market. The exchange was uneventful, just a pickup point at some stall. I’m pretty sure the woman who had Ajax was posing as a vendor.”

“He was so cute, bundled in a thick cloth.” You smiled wistfully, the memory bittersweet. Seonghwa’s expression softened slightly. “And then what?”

“We caught the afternoon train back without any issue. At the time I believed the Gods had given us their favor and were watching over us on this larger-than-life quest, but now that I think about it–it was suicide,” You eyed the piece of parchment in Seonghwa’s hand. 

You eyed the piece of parchment in his hand, a sense of urgency creeping into your voice. “Let me see the registration.”

Seonghwa unrolled the scroll, your eyes scanned the intricate details of Ajax’s lineage, tracing the elaborate family tree that spanned generations. Names and dates intertwined in a complex web of history and heritage. Right away, you noticed a discrepancy. 

“Look,” you pointed to a section of the scroll. “You can see the same registration number being used for two different dragons. Each dragon that’s bred and sold has a unique identifier that’s specific to their breed. Wait here.”

You disappeared behind one of the dozens of bookshelves, filling the air with the scent of mold and leather as you rifled around for a specific scroll. After a few moments, you re-emerged with the parchment in hand.

“Here’s a copy of one of our registries–the first two letters of each identifier include the breed of the dragon, followed by the location where they were bred. All of our dragons start with ‘D’ and ‘R’ and then ‘AA’ for ‘Aurora’. And since we partner with House Choi in Dune, the breed initials remain the same but the location changes to ‘DN’, indicating an outcross.”

“Here’s Ajax,” you pointed to his registration number, “It starts out correctly with ‘LL’ for ‘Lunar Longhorn. But we’re missing the location of where he was bred. If it were Halazia, I’d assume it’d be ‘HZ’. Instead, it goes straight into the numbers.”

Yunho, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. “It’s like someone tried to piece together a believable history but didn’t have all the facts.”

Seonghwa leaned in closer, his brow furrowing as he examined the scroll. “So how does the Fury breeding come into play?”

You shook your head, a sense of frustration building. “I wouldn’t put it past the recruiter for lying to Mingi. I mean, when you have an aspiring dragon rider who’s willing to do whatever he can to become the best, it’s easy to take advantage of his ambition.”

You paused, recalling the fervor in Mingi’s eyes when he spoke about becoming a rider. “Mingi was so determined, so eager to prove himself. The recruiter must have seen that and fed him the story about the Fury breeding to make the offer more enticing.”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened as he continued to scrutinize the scroll. “But why go through all this trouble? Why fabricate such an elaborate lineage?”

You sighed, the weight of the deception settling in. “Because a dragon with Fury blood would be incredibly valuable. The strength of the Longhorn combined with the agility of the Fury–it would make Ajax a prized possession. Imagine the prestige that would come with owning such a dragon. But if the Fury bloodline is a lie, then everything we’ve been told is suspect.”

Seonghwa recalled his conversation with Hongjoong in the archives. They had discussed the possibility of discrepancies in the records, and the idea of a larger conspiracy had seemed far-fetched at the time. Now, it was becoming a stark reality. The thought of uncovering a web of deceit that spanned generations was daunting, but he couldn’t distract himself from his main priority–the Inferno Cup. 

“This can be dealt with later,” Seonghwa said firmly, his eyes narrowing with determination. “I’m not letting this derail my preparations for the Inferno Cup.”

Stars filled your eyes at his declaration. “So you’re going to buy one of our dragons?” you asked, excitement bubbling in your voice. The prospect of a sale was thrilling, and you could almost see the dollar signs. A very giddy Yunho joined you, his enthusiasm palpable as he eagerly anticipated going through the possible prospects you had picked out for Seonghwa.

You left the library first, a pep in your step as you set off in search of your grandmother to plot with her about selecting the best possible prospects for Seonghwa. The halls of the manor were filled with the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood, a reflection of the earthen wilds that surrounded the estate.

As Seonghwa and Yunho lingered behind, taking in the vast collection of portraits and photographs that adorned the walls, a particular piece caught Yunho’s eye. A small smile graced his lips as he tapped Seonghwa’s shoulder, bringing his attention to the photo.

It was a younger version of you, dressed in your riding attire, hanging off the stirrup of Cirrus’ saddle with your arm outstretched, your smile one of pure joy and pride. The sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the photo, making it almost come alive, capturing a moment of unadulterated happiness.

“She was such a talented rider,” a warm and welcoming voice came from behind, carrying a hint of pride and nostalgia she spoke of you.

A very pregnant woman approached the men, a gentle smile on her lips. She looked lost in memory, her eyes lingering on the photo on the wall. Her presence was calming, her steps slow and deliberate as she moved closer.

“It is our pleasure to welcome you into our home, Lord Park. I’m Sunmi, Y/N’s older sister,” she introduced herself with a deep bow, her movements graceful despite her condition.

Yunho and Seonghwa exchanged glances before the young lord stepped forward, returning the bow with equal respect. “Thank you for having us, Lady Sunmi. The pleasure is ours,” he replied, his voice sincere and warm. “This is my handler, Jeong Yunho.” Yunho bowed.

Sunmi’s smile widened, and she placed a hand on her belly, a protective gesture that spoke volumes about her current state. “I hope that the dragons my grandmother and sister present today are up to your standards, your grace,” she said, her tone both hopeful and confident.

Yunho let out a chuckle, acknowledging the rumors of Seonghwa’s fickleness about dragons. “I’ve heard many tales of Lord Park’s discerning taste,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But I’m sure your family’s dragons will impress even him.”

Seonghwa’s lips curved into a small smile, his gaze softening as he looked at Sunmi. “I have no doubt they will,” he said, his voice gentle. “Your family’s reputation precedes you, Lady Sunmi.”

“You flatter me, your grace. I should let you know that Dreamwoods have not been used on the skyway in quite some time.” She glanced over at your photo on the wall, her eyes softening. “They come with a bit of a learning curve due to their agile nature and need for greater control. It’s much different than piloting an Azure Skycrawler like your Edge.”

The whole of Aurora must know about Edge by now, Seonghwa thought, much thanks to his mother and her overbearing nature. 

Sunmi’s words hung in the air, a gentle reminder of the challenges ahead. “I would be more than happy to show you how to pilot one, but I’m due with this little one any day now,” she added with a smile, looking down at the life growing inside her.

Yunho, ever the playful one, couldn’t resist a tease. “Could Sohee train Seonghwa?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Your sister let out a hearty laugh, the sound filling the room. “Sohee would run you into the ground,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You could ask Y/N to give you pointers. She knows everything there is to know about piloting this specific breed.”

The gears started turning in Seonghwa’s head. As hellbent as he was on exposing Song Mingi for his potential dealings with Halazia’s underworld and Ajax’s falsified pedigree, the thought of standing victorious was a powerful motivator. Especially after learning about Mingi’s ambition to be a top dragon rider. 

“Shall we look at some dragons?” he suggested, folding his hands behind his back, his posture exuding a calm confidence. His eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of excitement and anticipation.

Sunmi nodded, her smile never wavering. “Of course, follow me,” she said, leading the way across the estate to the caverns. 

The trek to the dragon caverns was an adventure in itself, filled with breathtaking scenery and a sense of anticipation. The terrain gradually became more rugged, the path narrowed and twisted, leading through rocky outcrops until the path opened up to reveal a stunning vista surrounded by mountains and greenery. 

“Your grace,” your grandmother bowed deeply upon seeing Seonghwa approach. Her presence was regal and commanding, the years of wisdom and pride etched within the lines of her face. “Welcome to our caverns. We are pleased to be at your service.”

Seonghwa reciprocated the greeting with a respectful bow. “Likewise, Lady Chunja. I’ve heard a great deal about your Dreamwoods and your House,” he said, his voice filled with genuine anticipation and respect. 

“You are too much, your grace!” she laughed, earning a look of disgust from you. 

As they conversed, Seonghwa’s attention was drawn to you, skillfully maneuvering a young dragon. He watched in awe as you guided the dragon with the slightest changes in the rein, your movements fluid and precise. The dragon responded with grace and agility, a perfect blend of power and elegance.

“Y/N has always had a special touch with dragons,” Lady Chunja remarked, her voice filled with pride. “She understands them in a way few others do. It’s a shame her accident’s forced her to retire from racing.”

This was the second time Seonghwa had heard of your accident. The first time had been a brief allusion from your sister, a passing comment that had piqued his curiosity but left many questions unanswered. His mind wandered back to the photograph he had seen earlier, the one of you hanging off the stirrup with a smile of pure joy. 

“I’m sorry, that must have been difficult for her to navigate,” Seonghwa said softly, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Chunja nodded, her expression tinged with a mix of sadness and pride. “Y/N was in a slump for a while, but it didn’t diminish her dedication to dragons,” she replied. “She poured herself into studying their physiology and history, as well as their training. Even when she couldn’t ride herself, it was her way of staying connected to what she loved.”

Just then, your voice broke through their conversation. “Are you two going to keep talking about me behind my back or can I bring down Outlaw? He won’t stop trying to chase his tail and it’s making me dizzy!”

Seonghwa turned to signal for Yunho, who, much to his lord’s dismay, was occupied with the young fledglings. The little dragons were using him as a climbing post, their tiny claws gripping his clothes as they scrambled over him, chirping excitedly. Yunho’s attempts to gently dislodge them were met with playful resistance, and he looked up with a sheepish grin.

Outlaw, a spirited young dragon, was indeed trying to chase his tail, his eyes bright with mischief. You handled him with ease, your movements confident and assured despite his antics. You descended on to the greenery and slid off, handing Seonghwa the reins. 

“You want me to pilot him?” Seonghwa asked, surprised.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never done a test run when scoping out racing prospects? Is this another one of Yunho’s jobs?” you smirked.

“N-No! I’ll do it!” Seonghwa stammered, preventing his pride from taking another hit. He snatched the reins out of your hand and mounted the young dragon, his movements a bit awkward at first but quickly becoming more confident.

Outlaw seemed to sense the change in rider, his playful antics subsiding as he adjusted to Seonghwa’s presence. The young dragon’s muscles tensed, ready for action, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Seonghwa took a deep breath, feeling the powerful creature beneath him.

“Take him out for a loop to get a feel for what it’s like to pilot a Dreamwood!” you called out from your position on the ground. “Be good, Outlaw”! 

The young dragon chittered excitedly, his wings beating rhythmically as he lifted off the ground. Seonghwa guided him through a series of basic maneuvers, feeling the dragon’s muscles respond to his every command. 

However, Seonghwa quickly recalled Sunmi’s warning about the Dreamwood’s need for greater control. Outlaw’s naturally agile nature took over, and he moved with a speed and precision that caught Seonghwa off guard. The dragon darted through the air, weaving effortlessly between invisible obstacles, his movements almost too quick to follow. Seonghwa tightened his grip on the reins, focusing intently on maintaining control.

“He’s a little too excitable,” Yunho commented, watching in amusement. Your grandmother, standing nearby, hummed thoughtfully. As an experienced handle, Yunho was concerned with Outlaw’s energetic display, focusing too much on playing rather than working.

“Let out Starshine,” she said without taking her eyes off the pair. “Don’t saddle her up.” You nodded and went to fetch the next dragon, your steps quickening with anticipation, trusting your grandmother’s gut. 

“How was your flight?” you asked, returning to meet the rider and dragon.

Seonghwa rolled off Outlaw, as if his soul had left his body at the speed the dragon was going. His legs wobbled as he tried to steady himself, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Outlaw wagged his tail and bumped Seonghwa with his snout, encouraging the rider to play more with him. 

“Why are they so fast,” Seonghwa groaned, rubbing his temples as he tried to regain his composure. 

“You said you wanted to beat Mingi,” you shrugged. “Well done, fluffy!” you cooed, ignoring Seonghwa’s complaints while tossing a piece of meat at Outlaw. The dragon caught it effortlessly mid-air, his jaws snapping shut with a satisfying crunch. You shepherd him away from the grounds, patting his side affectionately. 

While catching his breath, Seonghwa couldn’t help but feel a presence approach him. Starshine, now free from her enclosure, floated overhead in a graceful stride, her silver scales and wings spread wide, catching the light and casting a glow across the grounds. Her eyes, large and expressive, locked onto Seonghwa with a gentle, knowing gaze. 

Something in him stirred; a feeling he didn’t have with his other dragons. It was as if Starshine’s calm presence reached out to him, wrapping him in a comforting embrace. The connection he felt went beyond the usual bond between rider and dragon. It was deeper, more profound, as if they were two halves of a whole, perfectly in sync with each other.

Seonghwa reached out a hand, and Starshine responded by lowering her head, allowing him to stroke her snout. In that moment, he knew that she was not just another dragon; she was a true partner, one who would stand by him through any challenge.

“I see you’ve met Starshine,” you grinned, approaching the young dragon. “Hi sweet girl,” you snuggled your face into her side, feeling the cool, smooth texture of her scales against your skin. Starshine let out a soft, contented rumble, her eyes half-closing in pleasure.

“Train me,” Seonghwa said suddenly, his voice firm and determined. He stood tall, his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that took you by surprise. There was a fire in his gaze, a resolve that was hard to ignore.

“Absolutely not,” you deadpanned, your eyes meeting his with a steely resolve. Clearly not amused by his sudden request, you crossed your arms over your chest, unyielding.

“You said the best way to beat Ajax was with a Dreamwood,” Seonghwa continued, undeterred by your refusal. “Look, exposing his dragon’s lineage probably won’t hurt him as much as his ex-fiancée training his rival.”

“He has lots of rivals,” you retorted, unwavering. “You’re not exactly special in that department.”

Starshine shifted beside you, nudging you gently, pleading on Seonghwa’s behalf. “You’re serious?” you groaned. Starshine let out a soft chirp, as if to say, “Yes, very serious.”

“Are you sure?” you repeated, your voice softer this time. She chirped again, nuzzling against you once more, asking you to reconsider your decision to train her rider. Her sweet demeanor and the trust she placed in you were hard to ignore.

Seonghwa’s eyes were filled with determination. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Include the training fee in Starshine’s price. Name your price.”

You sighed, begrudgingly. “It’s not just about training, your grace. Piloting a Dreamwood requires a deep connection and understanding. It’s not something you can master in a few months.”

“I know. But you have. I know you used to be a rider.”

“Used to. It’s in the past,” you turned away, taking in a deep breath to steady yourself. Memories of your days as a rider flooded back, the thrill of the wind in your hair, the sense of freedom as you soared through the skies. But those days were long gone, replaced by the weight of your mistake.

“Y/N, please,” he implored, his voice softening. Starshine, sensing the tension, placed her head against your feet, her violet eyes pleading alongside Seonghwa. The dragon’s gentle presence reminded you of the bond you shared with Cirrus.

Training Seonghwa was more than just a chance to pass on your knowledge and promote the breed on the skyway; it was also an opportunity to strike back at Mingi. The thought of seeing Mingi’s face when he realized his ex-fiancée had trained his rival brought you grim satisfaction.

You studied Seonghwa for a moment, weighing his words. Finally, you nodded. “Alright. We start the day after tomorrow. I also want an hourly rate of 10,000 shillings.”

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