Author's Note: Hi, I'm new here! Just finished my first (and second) read of Yona and I'm obsessed, so of course had to write 15K+ words about it. This story takes place sometime after the current arc (on Ch 237 now), assuming everyone and everything turns out fine (yes, everything is FINE)! Current events aren't really mentioned, just some references to Ch 225 ;) Hope you enjoy this sweet/silly little fic as much as I did!

On the whole, Hak was not an unsuspecting man. After all, an unsuspecting bodyguard would get his princess killed. An unsuspecting general would lead his people to ruin. An unsuspecting captain would let an enemy fool him.

Alright, so there were those times Princess Yona had been kidnapped, and he couldn't even think about the flood yet — but on the whole. He was proud of the head on his shoulders.

Mundok had pounded the sense into it plenty of times, hadn't he?

"It's good to have you here, Hak. Sit down, won't you? And stop gaping at that painting as if you haven't seen it a thousand times."

Hak smiled despite himself. He was known to keep his guard up, but here in his grandfather's familiar office, he couldn't help but feel at ease. So much had changed since the last time he'd been here. So much, yet some things would always stay the same.

"It's good to be here, Grandpa."

Mundok beamed at him, taking a seat behind his desk. "It's been too long." He held up a bottle, pouring drinks at Hak's nod. "It certainly is a surprise, having you all here to help celebrate the New Year."

"Sorry about that." Hak grimaced, remembering the scene they'd caused upon arrival. The country's princess and her entourage of legendary dragon warriors was bound to cause quite the stir in Fuuga.

"Tae-u invited her highness," he explained. "She was so happy, I couldn't deny her."

"Certainly, you shouldn't deny that exceptional girl a thing." Mundok handed him a cup. "And we have General Joon-Gi's daughter as well. It's a full house."

Hak coughed on his first sip. "Ah, yes. Tae-u invited her too. He knew it was too far for her to make it back to the Water Tribe by the holiday."

"Quite generous, that boy," Mundok mused. "The king had better watch out, or he'll have competition over Lady Lili's hand."

Hak was too tired to even try to understand the old man's meaning. "The king is back in Kuuto," he said instead. It felt good to have put some distance between them and the capital, and all the problems they'd left behind.

"He's recovered, I take it?" Mundok asked. "Tae-u said he was in bad health."

"Somewhat," Hak hedged. Tae-u was always a perceptive one, but it didn't bode well for Suwon's secret. "Our friend Yun is helping take care of him. Things have stabilized since the attack from Kai, but it'll be some time before the palace is rebuilt."

"Hmm." Mundok ran a hand over his beard, as he always did when he was deep in thought. "Well, it is good to have something to celebrate." He lifted his cup to Hak. "The fighting is over for now, and the Wind Tribe has our general home. Tonight, we are at peace."

Hak nodded. "I can drink to that. Everyone must be glad to have Tae-u and the others back safely."

"I was talking about you." A wry smile played at Mundok's lips. "I know, I know. You've 'left the Wind Tribe,'" he added, at Hak's look. "Hmph. I'm proud of all your decisions, and you know that. But you'll always be General Hak to me."

"Thanks, Grandpa." Hak hid himself in his drink, more touched than he wanted to show.

The last time he'd been in this office, he'd renounced his title. He'd renounced his name, his home and his people. He'd traded everything for the princess, and he'd do it again. But just for now, it felt nice to talk with his old man.

He glanced back to find Mundok watching him, a strange expression on his face.

"Hak," he started, and something in his voice sent a warning shiver down Hak's spine. "Could you forgive me for something?"

Hak frowned. Mundok wasn't usually so serious. "There's nothing to forgive."

"There's something I should have told you long ago." Mundok hid his face behind a hand. "Please don't be angry with me."

Hak bristled at the suggestion. "I'd never — "

"Back when the late King Il made you Princess Yona's bodyguard, his true intention was to one day make you his heir."

The silence stretched between them, while Hak forgot and finally remembered how to breathe again. No, he was not an unsuspecting man. But he could admit, to himself at least, that his grandpa had taken him completely by surprise.

"I don't understand."

Mundock sighed. "Let me rephrase. The king hoped you and Princess Yona would wed."

"Wed." Hak's drink fell from his hand and clattered to the floor, forgotten.

"Yes, dummy." Mundock reached across the desk and took Hak's face in his hands, exasperation deepening the crinkles around his eyes. "King Il wanted you to marry Princess Yona. Do you understand now, boy?"

"No way." Hak sucked in a breath. "I'm not even of noble blood. I'm just some nobody orphan, he can't have meant — "

"You're my son." Mundok shook him. "Your blood doesn't matter. King Il admired your heart, your honesty, conviction and above all, your devotion to the princess." Finally, he released Hak's face, sitting back with a huff. "He believed you could rule beside the princess one day. I still believe it, for what it's worth."

"I wasn't devoted to the princess at fifteen." With his mind so blank, it was the only thing Hak could think to say.

"You absolutely were." Mundok crossed his arms. The old man was never above little squabbles. "Why do you think the king trusted you above all others? He knew you'd take care of her, and look. You have. She's only alive because of you."

Hak suppressed the blush rising to his cheeks. "It was my duty to protect her."

"Duty!" Mundok let out a bark of laughter. "It had nothing to do with duty. You love the princess, don't you?"

Hak froze, meeting the old man's good eye. "Yes," he admitted. He couldn't lie about that. Not now.

"Hmph." Mundok nodded. "So you can see why I wish I'd told you long ago. We thought it was for the best, King Il and I. He fancied himself a matchmaker, you see. But somehow I feel I've caused you grief. If you had known…"

"It wouldn't have changed anything." Hak rescued his discarded cup from the ground, helping himself to a fresh pour. He swallowed it in one gulp before he could speak again, then poured another. "The princess was in love with her cousin back then. Her father's wishes didn't matter."

"But is she in love with him now?" Mundock wondered. "I've heard what they're saying. That she's engaged to King Suwon. Is it true?"

"No." Hak pounded a fist on the desk, his blood boiling at the thought. The force sent his fresh drink flying. "No," he repeated, softer, unclenching his hand. He didn't need to be angry at Suwon anymore. "She would never marry the man who killed her father."

Mundok hummed. "Not to mention, she's in love with you."

"Yes," Hak murmured, before he could stop himself. "But. I mean — "

"Ha, ha! I knew it." Mundok grinned. He found a fresh cup for Hak, pouring them both another. "I knew it was only a matter of time."

Hak took a careful sip, his ears burning.

"Shall we plan a wedding while you're here, then?" Mundok asked, casual as anything.

Hak choked, spitting out half his drink. "A wedding?" He gasped. "For who?"

"Have you gotten even more stupid, boy?" Mundok gave him a withering look. "King Il wanted you and Princess Yona to be married. You're in love and travel around the country alone together for goodness' sake. Now that things have settled down, you should make it official in the eyes of the gods." He raised a brow. "Unless you've already made it official in a tent somewhere under the stars?"

Forget the gods, Mundok would skin Hak alive if he really believed he'd done that. "We're not alone, trust me." Hak rolled his eyes. "There's no privacy with those dragons around."

Mundok threw his head back, laughing at him again. "Good! That I am relieved to hear. Still, it's high time to marry her." He pointed a crooked old finger at Hak, the same one he always used to scold him with. "No reason to wait. Especially with those rumors of her engagement to King Suwon flying around."

"I'm sure her highness would have something to say about it," Hak muttered. He still couldn't believe this conversation was happening.

Mundok hummed. "Well. Have you asked her?"

"Of course not." Hak huffed, indignant. "I could never ask my liege — "

"Ah." Mundok stopped him with a knowing smile. "Perhaps now that you know the truth about King Il's intentions, you could."

Hak paused, considering the old man. He'd always had grand plans for Hak's life.

"She won't be queen," he said, but his voice felt too quiet and too small. "And I won't be king. You must know that."

"You don't know that." Mundok's words were sharp, but his expression softened. "Besides, if you think that's what matters to me, you're even more stupid than I thought. I want you to be happy, Hak. Anyone can see how happy you are with her."

Hak took a deep breath, settling himself. "Thank you. I know you care, old man."

Mundok watched as Hak poured them another drink. He gave him but a moment's reprieve before speaking again. "So you'll ask her, won't you?" His usually hard voice turned beseeching. "I'm getting old, and I want to see your babies. Don't make me wait!"

Hak sputtered, and yet another cup of soju went spilling to the ground. Damn him.

"Don't you think we're a little young?" Hak sighed, pushing the bottle away.

"Not at all." Mundok sipped serenely from his own cup. "It's high time for you to be married, and her at least engaged. Now that she's back in the public eye, we'll see conflict among the country's noblemen if they find out she's unattached. They'll fight for her hand. Will you?"

Hak stared at the ground, his head spinning. They'd been fighting just to survive for so long. He'd been so focused on taking things one day at a time, he hadn't considered what might happen next.

Besides, he'd never really let himself believe he could have a happy future with the princess. Such a thing wasn't meant for him.

Except according to Mundok, maybe it was.

"Take it from an old man, you'll regret it if you don't at least ask." Mundok said, as if he could read his thoughts. "It's just a question, Hak."

"I'll take it under consideration," Hak grumbled. Then he stood, brushing off stray drops of spilled liquid. It was no use to fight this fight with him. "I'll let you get to bed, unless you have any other family secrets to share?"

"Oh, I'll save those for another night," Mundok teased. "Promise you'll think about it!" He called, even as Hak left the room.

"Yeah, yeah," Hak sighed. He already knew he'd be thinking about it all night.

It was no surprise that sleep never came for Hak. How could it, with everything Mundok had revealed? Maybe he'd never sleep again.

King Il, you really would have trusted me with the princess? After hours of tossing and turning, he still couldn't believe the thought. You would have given me your blessing to marry her? You'd have made me your heir?

It was ridiculous. No — it was totally unbelievable. As if he'd deserve that. He'd long abandoned his bed by the time dawn finally spilled into his room. He busied himself with a few chores, but with the impending holiday there was almost nothing left to do.

Eventually he made his way outside into the crisp morning air, a bundle of laundry under his arm. He needed something to keep his hands and his mind busy, so he could finally stop thinking about the —

"Hak!"

Princess Yona's voice stopped him in his tracks. There truly was no peace for him, was there? He turned to see her bright red hair flying behind her as she jogged to catch up with him.

"Where are you going?" She was just a little bit breathless as she asked, her cheeks a little pink, and it made Hak a lot weak in the knees.

"Laundry." He gestured to the bundle, congratulating himself on getting out a single word. Just the sight of her was enough to sap any thought from his head.

"Oh, let me help." She offered up her hands to take some of the load, but he refused.

"You don't need to bother yourself, Princess."

Somehow he managed to start his feet again, tearing his gaze away from her thoughtful eyes. This early in the morning they were so dark and so big, he was at risk of falling into them.

"I want to help," she insisted, matching his stride as he walked down the path to the river. "Everyone here has been so kind. Let me do anything I can to repay them, okay?"

"Okay." He hid his smile. She was so cute it should be a crime.

"Did you have a good talk with Mundok last night?" She asked, after they'd been walking for a while.

Hak twitched, Mundok's voice suddenly loud in his ears. I want to see your babies!

"Uh. Yes?" She couldn't have overheard them, right? He'd die if she had. For a moment he felt like he might melt into the earth and die right then anyway.

"I saw you go into his office together," she added, and Hak felt himself relax. If she'd heard, there was no way she could be so casual. "It must have been nice to catch up with him after so long, right?"

"Sure." Hak kept his tone light, though Mundok was still yelling in his ears. You're in love! Make it official in the eyes of the gods!

"It feels wonderful to be back here." The princess surprised him then — but when did she ever not — wrapping her tiny arms around his free one. She leaned into his side, and Hak forgot how to breathe. "The palace was so quiet and empty, but Fuuga is so full of life," she said. "Even though we weren't here very long before, this feels much more like home now. Don't you think?"

The morning air was cold, but Hak felt warm all over. He bent his arm at the elbow to give her a better grip, letting himself enjoy the way her body fit against his. "Anywhere I'm with you is home, Princess."

She squeezed his arm. "Maybe that's what I love about this place." Her voice went a little quiet and faraway.

"Hmm?" Hak risked a glance at her face. Her cheeks were beautifully pink.

"It feels like you," she said, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Hak ducked his head, but nothing would hide the blush on his neck. He was so hopeless.

It's just a question, Hak. You'll regret it if you don't ask.

"Mundok…" Hak muttered under his breath. Would he ever get his nagging out of his head?

The princess tugged a little on his arm. "What was that?"

"N-nothing, don't worry about it." Ugh, he was stammering. Why couldn't he just be normal?

"Actually." He stopped short, and the princess stopped beside him. She looked up at him with those big, dark eyes, and he knew he had to ask her. He had to know.

"There's something I wanted to talk with you about."

"Okay?" She frowned. "Aren't we talking?"

"Come over here."

He slipped the arm she was holding down to catch her hand in his, then steered them toward a flat rock next to the river. He wasn't aware of dropping the laundry, but somehow it was discarded by the path.

"Why are you being so serious all of a sudden?" The princess allowed him to position her on the rock even as she asked, and he sat himself on the grass beside her. She was so small that even like that, her face was only a few inches above his. It felt better than towering over her, at least. He wanted to defer to her on this.

"Forgive me, but this is important."

She watched him, brows raised in equal curiosity and concern.

"Princess," he started, but somehow the rest of the words stuck in his throat. He coughed, floundering. "What do you think about…the future?"

He knew it was the wrong question as soon as it left his mouth.

"Hmm." The princess seemed to relax at least, her expression smoothing. "I hope one day Kokha will be at peace." Her eyes went distant in thought. "That the people won't have to worry about invasions or famine or girls being stolen from their families. I'm sure there will always be problems," she added, "but if most of our people are happy, I would be very happy."

Hak nodded. That was all well and good, but definitely missing the point.

"I meant," he started again. He was sweating. All the battles he'd fought in, and somehow he'd never been this nervous. "What do you think about the future, for us?"

"Oh!" She smiled, relaxing even more. "Well, I thought we could escort Lady Lili back to the Water Tribe after the holiday. That way we can check on the situation there with the nadai." She put a finger to her mouth in thought, not noticing as Hak hung his head.

"And then we could visit General Geun-tae and make sure he's recovering well, and see if they need anything in the Earth Tribe," she went on. "But by then Kai might have invaded again, so who knows. And of course," she paused, and Hak felt a brief spark of hope. "I'd like to see Yun again soon. I really miss him."

"Yes, of course. I miss him too, but —" Hak ran a hand through his hair, trying and failing to calm himself. "I meant." He took her hand, waiting until she met his eyes. "What do you think about the future for us?" He gestured between her chest and his.

"Oh." She blushed. "Us?"

"Mhm," he agreed. The princess was so adorable when she was embarrassed, it gave him the courage to barrel on. "For me and you. Have you ever thought about it?"

She puffed out her lower lip, which had the unfortunate side effect of making him want to kiss her. He fidgeted, waiting for her response. Resisting that urge was a special talent of his, after all.

"Well," she started. The look she gave him was peculiar. "The only thing I know is that…" She kept her words slow, watching him. "You and I will be together. Right?"

Hak let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Right," he agreed, nodding.

The princess nodded too, and something seemed to release in her. "As long as you stay by my side I can do anything," she said. "I don't want you to leave again like when we were separated at the palace. That was horrible. And when you were lost in that flood, I…" She shuddered. "You'll stay, right?"

Hak squeezed her hand. "Yes, of course." He wondered how she ever doubted it. He'd only said so a hundred times. "That's what I want, too. You know that."

"Oh, good." She sat back a little, smiling again in apparent relief. "Is that all you were asking?"

"Not exactly. Princess…" He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "What do you think about getting married?"

"Married?" She hummed. She rolled the question over with mild surprise, like he'd just asked her what she wanted for dinner.

Hak cringed, Mundok's voice still ringing in his ears. You don't just blurt it out like that, idiot! With a setup like that, what was she supposed to say?

"I guess when I was younger I always thought I'd get married one day," she started, and Hak realized she still didn't understand. "But —"

"Princess." He rose to his knees, taking both her hands in his and squeezing them on her lap. These hands give me strength, he reminded himself. "Would you ever…" He let out a shuddering breath, and stared at the ground. "Could you ever consider…" My strength. He finally met her eyes. "What would you think about the idea of marrying me?"

She blinked, her face blank. "Marrying you?"

So she heard him, at least. "Someday, I mean." Hak rushed to get the words out, but each one felt like it was stumbling into the next. "It doesn't have to be any time soon of course, just, whenever you're ready, I thought maybe…"

"Are you joking?" The princess peered down at him, her eyebrows drawn. "You'd better not be, Hak. Be honest."

"I would never —" He stopped, remembering with sudden clarity the many times he had indeed joked that no one would ever want to marry you, and worse, I mean I'd take you — just kidding.

Hak swallowed. "I'm being serious."

She looked even more dubious at that. He took one of her hands in his and gently placed it on his chest, right over the lapis lazuli pendant she'd given him. Right over his heart. He covered her hand with his.

"I swear." He leaned in close, and let his other hand drift up to cup her cheek. "I know I'm messing this up, so you don't have to answer now. I just wondered what you might think about the idea. That's all."

The princess looked up at him through heavy lashes, the dappled sunlight radiating in her eyes. Wildly he wished he could always live in this moment, while they were still so full of hope and promise.

She leaned her face into his hand. "Hak, I…"

"Yona! Hak!"

"Hey Yona!"

The princess jumped back at the sounds of their friends' voices coming down the path, and Hak sighed. The only thing he'd keep from this moment was the hopeless longing. But what did he expect?

She stood, dropping her hand from his chest and averting her eyes. Hak stood too, schooling his expression as all the dragons appeared from around the bend. Zeno was laughing and waving, Sinha quiet and calm as ever. Gija and Jaeha took note of how close Hak and the princess were standing, and exchanged a knowing look.

"Doing a lot of 'laundry' here, I see!" Jaeha laughed.

Lady Lili barreled her way between all of them and rushed into the princess, nearly toppling her over with a hug.

"Come on!" She grinned, blissfully unaware of the tension she was cutting. "There's a huge welcome breakfast waiting for us. Come eat!"

The princess turned back to Hak, even as Lili pulled her away.

"I'm sorry," she said, her eyes wide. "We'll talk about this later okay? I promise."

"Okay."

He watched as Lady Lili dragged her back up the path. She looked back at him again, her face twisted in something like sadness, or maybe regret.

Jaeha threw an arm around him, told him a joke, laughed and then walked ahead, all without Hak hearing a thing.

"It's not just a question, Mundok." He stared at the ground, waiting as the others left him behind. "I'm a damn fool."

A/N: Know the fandom isn't too active these days so if you see this and liked it, please let me know! It would be awesome to hear from you. Also big shout out to the Yona Pod gals for doing the lord's work and spreading so much YOTD love :)