Swan Boyfriend: Hansal Part Two (complete)

I find myself surrounded by a gaggle of gaping kids, all of them circled around me, watching with wide eyes. Rinatte and Wibke showed their friends the origami crowns I made them, so now all the kids are begging for their own origami treasure. 

“See what you get for being nice?” Hansal teases me while the girls sit in his lap.

I shoot a look at him and point. “Then let’s see you fold a paper star.” 

“I have enough kids to deal with,” he smirks. “You go ahead and fold every piece of paper in this whole place for the rest.”

I roll my eyes and suppress a smile that’s building. “You’re just jealous I’m good with my hands.”

Hansal glances away, his dark eyes darting off before looking back down at the girls. “You know, you should be more tactful around the children. You wouldn’t want them going around repeating your crude manners.”

“I think you like my crude manners,” I sniff. I hold out an origami flower towards him. “Or maybe you just think I’m cute.” 

Hansal’s lips part slightly, and his fingertips brush against mine as he takes the paper flower. In the same moment, Lancelot and Emberlie return, carting the big tray of cupcakes the kids will decorate and eat during the show. All the kids hurry away, leaving Hansal and myself alone on the bleachers.

“Will you be free after the show?” Hansal asks.

I glance over at him. “Hey, I don’t know how you swans do it, but I am not some easy bird you can throw barbed banter at and expect something sweet later.”

Hansal frowns in my direction. “No. Nothing of that nature.” He looks down at the paper flower in his hand. “Perhaps just a drink or coffee in the mess tent.”

“So you really are coming on to me?” I perk up and stiffen my shoulders. “What makes you think you can win me over?”

Hansal’s smile spreads across his face, cutting like a gemstone’s facets, only to make him shine brighter. “The way you look at me.”

I am nothing but pudding inside. How can he do that so easily?

Hansal moves down the row of bleachers to sit beside me. “For weeks now, the Maidens have been telling me about this cute but annoying crow I had to see to believe.” He tilts his head towards me and I can see the scars on his face again. The sharp, dark blemishes run down his forehead and along the side of his nose. They cut along his eyebrow, then slice along his cheek and down to his shoulder. One scar seems to tug at the edge of his mouth, and it gives his smile a tight appearance. I glance away for a moment, thinking he may not enjoy the lingering looks.

“You had some pretty harsh things to say at the pond,” I grumble. “Whoever this Pan is and whatever he did, I can assure you I am not that disgusting.”

Hansal’s smile softens, becoming almost sad. “I am sorry for that. I really wish I could take back those words. I got nervous because I did like you, and because I liked you, I put my walls up, so I lashed out. No excuse, I suppose.”

I sigh and tilt my chin up. I watch as all the little ones make their cupcakes, smearing the frosting and licking the sugary confection from their hands. “So you raise Rinatte and Wibke alone?”

“Hmm?” Hansal seems surprised by the change of conversation. “My mother helps, as do my sisters. But for the most part, they are my responsibility, my children.”

I glance at him. “Why take them in when Lancelot and Emberlie are perfect parents?”

Hansal sighs deeply, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “They were so small when I first saw them. They were abandoned and sickly, and all they did was cry. Usually, they wouldn’t survive out of their nests when they’re like that. Emberlie told me their parents were killed by hunters.” He takes in a deep breath. “Around the time Lancelot called me to help, I was still searching for my sister. She had been taken long ago, and my other sister refused to come home until she was found. I saw those two little girls, and I just-” He clams up, closing his eyes. A few glistening tears cling to his pale eyelashes.

I cautiously reach out and touch Hansal’s hand. “My parents were killed too. Edgar brought me here. I get why you’d wanna take them under your wing.”

Hansal chuckles, wiping his face. “I see what you did there.” he smiles at me. “Do you go to that pond often?”

“Looking at swans makes me happy,” I answer him shyly. “They’re one of the few things I think are perfect in this world.”

“Is that so?” Hansal chuckles. “Well then, maybe you’ll find me down at the pond more often.”

“You would risk that with all the maidens there?” I scoff. “After what happened today?” I turn and give him a look, our fingers inching closer together.

“Maybe the risk is worth it,” he chuckles. “Who knows what will happen or what I will find there?”

I swallow back a nervous lump in my throat. “Well, who am I to tell you how to live your life?” I slip my hand over his and slowly curl my fingers around his. “Whatever you want to do, just do it.”

Hansal chuckles. “Fine. Maybe I will, then.”

After I say goodbye to Edgar and fly off, I have a quick job to do for Robin, picking up some artifact and delivering it to him. The trip takes a few days, but all the while, I catch myself thinking what Hansal could be up to. Beautiful, tall Hansal with his soft white hair and gorgeous smile. I get nervous thinking about him, wondering if someone can tell and is chuckling over it. 

After the delivery is made, I am already missing Hansal. Perhaps it’s been too long now. I consider going to the lake, but then I grow nervous and wonder what I would do if he isn’t there. He said he would go, but if he intends for us to meet there and I just never show, he could get impatient and stop coming. I don’t think I could take it if I couldn’t find him there.

It does me no good to keep thinking this way, so I decide to go back to the pond, even if just to look at swans that aren’t Hansal. I take my usual perch and settle in. I look over the pond - seeing there aren’t many swans around. I sigh, realizing I may be right after all, when I hear the peeping of Cygnets. I follow the sound and see two small and gray fluffy girls splash into the water, hurriedly swimming away as a large swan chases them.

Hansal floats behind Rinette and Wibke, then easily swims around them and catches them. The girls peep in irritation as Hansal plucks them from the water and onto his back, laughing in his victory. He glances up, and we see one another.

I fly down, coming to perch on a stone at the water’s edge. Hansal swims up, and we’re both silent for a long moment.

“It’s about time you showed up,” Hansal teases. 

“Yeah,” I murmur. “I had a job, and-”

Hansal shakes his head. “I only just got here today myself,” he laughs. “The first few days, my sisters had the girls, and they insisted on coming with me, so I had to wait.”

I sigh with relief. “Oh, good.”

Hansal laughs. “What? Think I would grow impatient waiting on you?” 

I fidget and ruffle my feathers. “What did you think?” I scoff. “Weren’t you worried the same thing would happen?”

Hansal chuckles. “Not really. I just kept reminding myself of how you look at me.”

My feathers bristle. “You’re not playing games here, are you?”

Hansal eases up out of the water, taking human form as I shift as well. Behind him, Rinatte and Wibke swim out excitedly.

“If I was playing, you would know,” Hansal grins, then drops his voice to a whisper. “Tonight, if you’re so inclined, meet me here at the pond. There is something I would like to show you.”

My heart hammers fast, and I swallow the lump in my throat. “Okay,” I whisper, breathless and excited.

Hansal smiles, then places a soft kiss on my cheek. “Once I get the girls down for bedtime, I’ll be able to come. Hopefully they’ll behave for me tonight.”

I can’t quite catch a good enough breath, but I let out a laugh. “You only just cursed yourself there,” I tease. “They’re going to be absolute hell for you tonight.”

“Perhaps,” Hansal smirks. “But I think it will be worth it in the end.”

I consider myself a man of many words. Ever since I was young, I was always talking. I started to talk even more when I began to read from the library in Scarebrooke. Yet now I am struck speechless. I cannot believe that this creature, this man, is looking at me like he really wants me.

“So what do you say?” Hansal asks, resting on the stone. 

I nod, catching my breath again. 

Hansal sinks back into the water, returning to his swan form and swimming to join his daughters. “I will see you later, then.”

I nod again, still unable to form words or at least feel confident enough to say them. I quietly slip away, shifting into a crow and flying back towards home. I live near the antique shop that Robin operates - he gave me a tree in the back that opens into a large room filled with all my books and belongings. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have been on plenty of dates. I’ve dated many men and women in the past. But this particular date makes me nervous. Genuinely nervous, and not the ‘Ha-ha, me too’ kind you tell your date you are.

I rummage through my things, trying to find something I can wear that will be presentable enough for Hansal, Prince of the Swans. I am just a crow, nothing like a duke or earl or anything. I just… am.

I return to the pond that evening, and find it empty. It’s the first time I have ever seen the water without at least one swan on it. I settle in my tree, nervously waiting for Hansal to arrive. I see the light of the moon shiver and, looking up, I spot the silhouette of a swan against the silvery glow. The swan floats down, touching the surface of the lake. For a moment, he is still, but as he lifts his wings he steps across the water, placing his feet on the shore. His feathers fall down his back and along his arms, and his hair is swept to one side. 

I touch down to the ground, standing in the shadow of the tree as Hansal turns towards me. I step out and push my black hair away from my face. “So, did the girls behave?”

“Better than usual,” Hansal chuckles. He strides towards me, his long legs making the journey a quick one. “I may have bribed them.” He extends his hand to me, his fingertips and palms pitch black, the skin turning to pure white above his wrist.

I gingerly take his hand, and his fingers lace with mine. “Is that your usual parenting tactic?” I try to sound nonplussed, but the warble in my voice gives me away.

“It is a very rare occasion,” he chuckles. “Usually before big holidays and their birthday. They’re going to be fine tacticians when they are older.” He gives my hand a slight tug, leading me away from my shadowy hiding spot.

“You said you wanted to show me something.” My throat feels thick, and I hate how my voice sounds. “What was it?”

“A surprise,” he says with a smirk. 

Hansal guides me towards the pile of rocks beside the pond. They are huge, and climb upwards into the hill that leads into the dark forest. Hansal gently knocks on one of the stones, and it shifts. It swings open like a door, revealing a lit passageway underground.

Hansal keeps hold of my hand, leading me down the stairwell. There are lights floating along the ceiling, creating a sort of warm honey glow all around us. The light makes Hansal’s skin look perfectly golden.

“My mother created this place back when Pan was causing chaos in our home. She sent my sister and I down here while I healed from my injuries. I also used it when the girls were babies and cried most of the night,” he chuckles. 

We step down into a massive room, which is entirely taken up on one side by water from the pond. I can see the moonlight rippling along the surface, all the way down to the muddy bottom.

“Oh, my god,” I whisper in awe.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Hansal looks at me with a soft smile on his face while I continue to gawk. “Do you like it?”

“Of course I do,” I gasp.

Hansal turns his body more towards me, and I am reminded of the size difference between us. He stands well over a foot above me. I’ve never been a tall man, and I’ve always had people call me petite and short, but Hansal drives that fact home.

“I should warn you,” Hansal murmurs softly. “swans mate for life.”

My heart skips a beat. “And why are you telling me this?”

Hansal’s fingertips brush against my cheek and then tuck my hair behind my ear. “Because I intend to bring you to that point with me. But only if you want to.” His thumb brushes against my bottom lip, and I capture his wrist in my hand.

“Can you even marry a crow?” I scoff.

Hansal’s look of shock melts into a beautiful smile. “As long as I have an heir, I can marry who I see fit. I have two perfectly capable heirs, as well as my sisters.”

I keep hold of his wrist, wanting to keep him at bay. “So you can choose just any old crow you see on the side of the road and decide they’re going to be your mate for life?”

“Not just any old crow,” Hansal smirks.

I let go of him, and his hand slips around my waist. “I can understand if this gives you pause,” Hansal replies. “After all, not many people take kindly to the words ‘for life’.”

I frown a bit. “You think I can’t handle it?”

Hansal’s brows arch just a little.

I grit my teeth and smirk at him. “I’m letting you know I can. So if you’re serious about this and you think you can take me, then I am warning you now, there is nothing you can do to scare me.”

Hansal laughs. “This isn’t a challenge, Woland.”

“Sounds like one to me.” I move in close to him and poke his broad chest. “A lifelong one, by the way you put it.”

Hansal dips down towards me. “Then let the games begin,” he whispers to me.

I close my eyes as he kisses me. His lips are warm, and his hand moves from my waist and up my back. I place my palms against his chest, tilting my head back and up to keep my lips firmly planted against his.

We continue to meet each evening in his secret nook. There, we grow closer as we exchange stories. Sometimes we share meals. I often teach him origami and show him the many different things I can make.

One evening as we start to kiss, we fall onto the sofa, our bodies heated and tangled. I can barely pull myself away from him. I know the desire is growing and mounting, but then Hansal quickly ends it. He pushes me away and I nearly slip from the sofa.

“Sorry, I-” Hansal pants, his lips plump and face flushed as I am sure mine is. “Sorry,” he whispers, pushing his hair from his face. “We can’t go further.”

I lick my lips, still tasting him. “Is there something wrong?” I ask.

“I have to be certain,” Hansal whispers. “I cannot-” His body trembles as he wraps his arms around himself. “I know you wouldn’t do anything to me, but I cannot risk it again.”

I furrow my brow. “Again?” I ask.

Hansal looks up at me, his eyes shining in the honey light. “Back when Pan first came to the palace,” he whispers, “I was-” He shuts his mouth and huddles into a ball. I had only seen Hansal standing tall and proud. I never would have imagined he would seem so tiny. I move close to him, putting my arm around his shoulders.

“Tell me or don’t,” I whisper, “that’s up to you. But I am still here no matter what you decide to say next.”

Hansal sniffles, rubbing his eyes then looks at me. “Pan came into our lives so fast. My father had died and we were all still in mourning. Pan came in, charming and smart, and he made himself at home so easily. He seduced me,” he whimpers. “He was my first.” The tears roll down his cheeks as his voice breaks. “I thought…” he shuts his mouth. “God, I sound so stupid.”

“No,” I urge him. “You’re not. I know Pan. I work for his son, Robin. I know all about how wicked he is.”

Hansal glances back at me and the look in his eyes causes me to ache. “He took advantage of me and my mother. By the time my mother discovered she was pregnant, he was gone. He only came back to claim his child - or one of them.”

I rub his back and he gently places his hand back in mine. “I won’t force you to do anything, not until you’re certain,” I reassure him. “We will make love, when forever doesn’t seem long enough, and there aren’t enough nights to make it.”

“You mean that, don’t you?” Hansal whimpers.

I kiss his cheek softly, capturing a tear on my lips. “Of course.”

Hansal leans in, pressing his lips against mine. “You don’t think I’m disgusting?”

I moan softly as I place my arms around him. “Why would I ever think that?”

Hansal’s fingers run through my hair. “I let Pan so easily move me.” He kisses down my neck. “I’m used.”

“Now you sound stupid,” I pant. I push him back gently. “He’s the one at fault for what happened. Not you. He did those things, he manipulated you. It’s what he does best.” I cup his face between my palms. “You’re not used. You are far from disgusting. You’re beautiful in your flaws, and to me, you’re a whole world.”

Hansal kisses me again, much more intensely than before. His lips part mine and I feel his tongue press into my mouth. He pulls back, moaning as he lifts his body. 

“You’re driving me crazy, too,” I pant.

“I want to,” Hansal whispers. “So badly, my whole body aches.” He glances aside. “But I know we should wait.”

“It’s okay. Just keep kissing me like that.” I take his hand and kiss the inside of his palm. “I love you, so I ache the same way.”

Hansal’s eyes brighten, and he looks up at me with a strange yet beautiful expression. It is only then I realize the words I have spoken. I meant them, but I didn’t mean to say them.

I stiffen and strengthen my resolve. “Yeah,” I huff. “I love you. I love you and you’re just going to have to… I don’t know, deal with it.”

Hansal beams. “Come home with me.”

I am already in this deep. I cannot run away now, the game matters too much.

Hansal takes me home, and I meet his unabashedly gorgeous mother. His sisters, Sossy and Ophelia, instantly ask me a million questions. Rinatte and Wibke show me their room, all their toys, and happily ask me when I am going to marry their father.

“He’s been so happy lately!” Wibke whispers to me.

“He talks about you all the time,” Rinatte says like they are telling secrets.

After supper in the palace, the Queen takes the girls and I am left alone with Hansal. We go to his room, where dessert and drinks are waiting for us. We sit down at the table, where moonlight and candlelight create an atmosphere I will never forget.

“Mother has the girls for the night, but I suspect we shall see them in the morning.” Hansal sips his drink. “It feels like there isn’t enough time.”

My heart shudders and bubbles rise up from my gut. “You think so?”

Hansal stands from the table and walks over to me. He kneels down by my chair and lays his head in my lap. “I love you too, Woland.”

I lift his head up, pulling him towards me and kissing him. Hansal scoops me up from my chair and carries me over to his bed. He undresses me and lays me bare on the cool sheets. He takes black ribbon and ties my hands to the headboard. He then places another ribbon around my neck in a bow.

“There,” he whispers. “Are you okay? Are you comfortable?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I murmur. “As long as you feel safe.”

“Knowing you’d even agree to this for my sake, I’m overwhelmed.” Hansal kisses down my body, across my fluttering stomach and on each thigh. He smirks as my cock slaps against his cheek. He chuckles, softly taking it into his palm.

“My, my, you certainly are big where it counts, my love.” His strong fingers wrap around me, pumping me as precome dribbles from the tip. 

I chew on my bottom lip, enjoying how the silky ribbon tugs at my wrists. I let out a pleasured gasp as Hansal’s tongue swirls around the tip. “I told you,” I moan.

Hansal flashes a smile at me before taking my shaft onto his tongue. He bows his head down, sucking me and coaxing a wild cry from my throat. His strong hands massage my thighs, kneading them before he pulls his head up.

“Why’d you stop?” I gulp down a big breath. “Too much for you?”

Hansal sits up, crawling on top of me and kissing me hungrily. “I need to get ready,” he whispers.

“Ah-” I swoon. “So that’s how it’s going to be.” I watch Hansal take a decorative vial from the nightstand. He uncorks it and tips it over my tip. A cool, slick fluid dribbles down, and he rubs it across his fingers. He then takes his coated fingers and strokes his cock before moving his fingers behind himself.

Hansal straddles my lap, rubbing his long cock against mine. I mostly watch his face, seeing nerves bubble up over his desire.

“It’s okay,” I whisper to him. “Leave me tied up all night if it makes you comfortable. I promise, I won’t leave you.”

Hansal’s gaze softens and he moves up. My cock slides between his cheeks and his hand guides me into place. I whimper and sigh as Hansal takes me inside. He’s warm and tight, stretching to take me.

Hansal places his hands on my chest and leans forward. His cock rubs against my belly as mine moves inside him. Hansal’s face is sweet and delicate as he rides me, thrusting his hips so he goes back against me.

After a moment, he stops and takes hold of the ribbon holding my hands. He tugs it, undoing the ribbon and letting my hands go free.

“What are you doing?” I gasp.

“Touch me,” Hansal shudders, moving faster now. “Please.”

I reach out, touching his face and running my hands down his chest. Hansal takes hold of my hands, using them as balance as he rides me.

“Woland, I’m going to come!” He cries out. “Oh god, Woland. I’m coming.” He leans forward, his seed spilling on my belly like pearls. His fingers tighten with mine. I then flex, pushing up deep inside him. I don’t have time to give him a warning, I release deep inside him and then feel it dribble along my shaft. Hansal kisses me, falling onto my chest as my arms wrap around him. 

The night isn’t long enough. We make love again and again, unable to stay satisfied for very long. Each time I am inside him, I feel a sense of completeness. Hansal allows me more and more control each time, but I always allow him to do what’s comfortable for him.

Come morning, I wake tangled in the sheets with Hansal beside me. I kiss him and he moans softly. “I’m so sore,” he groans. 

I chuckle. “I can barely feel my legs.”

Hansal smiles, kissing me again. “We’ll get a bath later and take care of that.” He somehow stands up and puts on a robe. “Here.” He offers me one as well. “You may want to put this on before we get visitors.”

“The girls?” I ask.

“Yup, the girls.” He gasps softly as I sit up to get the robe on. He reaches out, and I shudder as the ribbon around my throat pulls away. “You did look cute with it.”

We both settle back into bed, snuggling together until the door creaks. I then see two sets of eyes at the foot of the bed. “Can we join you?”

“It is far too early for you young ladies to be up,” Hansal fusses. “But come here.”

Rinatte and Wibke climb onto the bed and Hansal pulls an extra blanket on top of them. Wibke then turns and looks at me. “Are you staying forever?” she asks.

“I think so.” I put my arm around her as she cuddles up to me. “Is that alright with the two of you?”

“Please?” both girls clamor.

Soon, they’re both asleep, Wibke cuddled with me, and Rinatte cuddled with Hansal. I fix the blanket back over Wibke and tuck her hair away from her face.

“What would you like to be called then?” Hansal coos to me. “Dad? Maybe Papa?”

Tears prickle at my eyes. “They don’t have to call me anything.”

Hansal smiles. “They will be yours too. I mean, just as much as I am yours.” He reaches out over the girls and wipes a tear from my face. “This is still for life. Can you handle it?”

I kiss his palm. “Yeah. I can.” I smirk up at him. “You’ve got no chance.”