I'll be Home for Christmas
Title: I’ll be Home for Christmas
Pairing: Yesung/Ryeowook/Henry
Wordcount: 2233
Rating: PG
Summary: AU? Everything is different with their relationship, but Henry didn’t think Christmas applied to that rule.
Notes: For seeeno. Happy Holidays from the States! I hope you have a wonderful time despite the set-backs. I wish there was more I could do for you to show you how much your friendship means to me, but for now this is all I’ve got.
Ryeowook is quiet the entire drive to the airport. He twists his hands in his lap and stares anxiously out the window. Jongwoon glances at him every now and then, tearing his eyes from the icy road, hoping to catch Ryeowook’s eye and give him a reassuring smile. Ryeowook doesn’t look up, though, forehead leaning gloomily against the window. As he descends the exit ramp for the airport, Jongwoon loosens one hand’s hold on the steering wheel and blindly gropes for Ryeowook’s hand. It’s cold and shaky in his grasp so he gives it a squeeze. Ryeowook’s fingers return the action half-heartedly.
“Why so quiet?” Jongwoon finally asks. “I thought you’d be bouncing off the walls.”
Ryeowook doesn’t respond at first, he takes a slow breath and sits up straight. “It’s been two months. What if he changed?”
Jongwoon can’t stop the bark of laughter that escapes his lips. “Is that what you’re worried about? Ryeowook, this is Henry we’re talking about, remember?”
“But two months is a long time. What if he found someone else?” Ryeowook mumbles, turning back to the window. “Someone without so many strings attached.”
“Stop being stupid,” Jongwoon chides. He pulls the car into a parking space in the airport’s garage and cuts the engine. “Henry loves you.”
It takes a bit of coaxing to get Ryeowook out of the car, but they make their way into the building. Henry’s plane lands as they find a spot near the baggage claim to wait, just past eight o’clock at night. There are families being reunited as flight after flight enters the baggage claim and they quickly whisk away with luggage and children out the doors and into the cold February air. Jongwoon’s phone vibrates in his pocket. He checks it without Ryeowook noticing and smiles. He replies quickly and slips the phone back into his pocket before wrapping an arm around Ryeowook’s waist. He stands, dragging Ryeowook with him, and heads to the terminal where the flights are let out. They stand behind a yellow line, a security guard warning them not to proceed further and watch as another herd of passengers descend a flight of stairs. In the crowd of people, Jongwoon spots Henry. His head is ducked as he checks a message on his phone, but the tilt of a smile is visible on his lips. Jongwoon squeezes Ryeowook’s middle again and Ryeowook is trembling beside him.
“Henry!” Ryeowook calls when he can’t stand to wait another second. Henry’s head shoots up and he picks up his pace, darting between people to hurry to their side. When he reaches them, he drops his carry-on bag with a thump and scoops Ryeowook up in his arms, lifting him up off his heels. Ryeowook buries his face in Henry’s neck and hugs him back just as tightly.
“Jongwoon said you missed me,” Henry teases lightly, rocking them back and forth. Over Ryeowook’s head, he grins at Jongwoon and mouths a greeting. Jongwoon smiles back silently and reaches out to give Henry’s arm a squeeze.
“I missed you,” Ryeowook agrees instantly. He refuses to remove his face from the crook of Henry’s neck and they both know that means he’s started to cry. Henry rubs his back roughly and pushes him back.
“Let’s get my luggage before we start crying. Ten bucks they left my bags in Vancouver. Can’t believe I almost missed my flight. Two hours is not a long enough lay-over, you know?” Henry jokes as he pulls Ryeowook to the baggage conveyers by the hand. Jongwoon hangs a few paces back, carrying Henry’s forgotten carry-on bag.
Thankfully, the luggage was not left in Vancouver and they make their way out to the car within minutes. The entire way through the parking lot, Henry chirps happily about how his Christmas was, about his family and the friends from high school he got the chance to meet up with. Jongwoon can’t help but think it’s like he’s never left, just as chipper and loud as always. He also notices that the two month leave had done nothing to destroy Henry’s Korean skills; if anything, they’ve gotten better. Jongwoon sighs because that ruins his best teasing-fodder. He unlocks the car, pops the trunk and heaves Henry’s heavy suitcases in before hurrying around to escape the cold. When he shuts the door he notices the passenger seat is empty. He swings around and sees Ryeowook and Henry buckled up in the backseat, fingers tangled together over the middle seat.
“Since when am I your chauffeur?” he grumbles, turning back front and starting the car.
“Always!” Ryeowook exclaims. Jongwoon catches his eye in the mirror and he’s pleased to see such a wide grin stretching his cheeks.
They discuss everything that has happened, the abridged version, on the drive back to the apartment. Ryeowook talks excitedly about the new song he’s been composing and Jongwoon mentions that he has a gig coming up in a few weeks.
“Need a violin for any of your songs, Jongwoon?” Henry asks. “Or did you get too big for me to join you on stage.”
“I’ll have to see if I can pencil you in for an audition. There are a lot of talented violinists, you know.” Jongwoon’s seat lurches forward with the playful kick Henry gives it.
Once they finally reach the apartment, Jongwoon makes sure Henry carries his own luggage up, claiming that he was getting too old for these sorts of things while Henry is still young and wiry. They make it up the few flights to their door and Ryeowook unlocks it excitedly. He darts inside and flips the light on and waits for Henry to lumber through the door.
“What’s this?” Henry laughs when he reaches the living room.
The entire room is still decorated for Christmas. Lights are hanging above the window and cast a yellow glow around the room. Garlands are strung around doorways and Henry spots mistletoe slyly hidden among them. There is a wreath over the television and a nativity scene on a bookshelf. The focal point of the room, however, is the huge tree that stands proudly in the corner. It’s decorated with colored lights and delicate ornaments and tinsel. On the top is a silver star that twinkles in every color of the bulbs below it. Henry takes a step closer and examines the ornaments, a mishmash of balls and turtles and handmade things from Jongwoon and Ryeowook’s childhoods. It’s then that he looks at the foot of the tree and sees the small pile of unopened packages.
“What is all this?” he asks again, turning to face Ryeowook and Jongwoon, who are leaning against one another with content smiles.
“Christmas!” Ryeowook grins, trying and failing to weasel out of Jongwoon’s grip and into Henry’s arms. Henry takes a step closer and hugs him between them.
“Christmas was, like, a month ago,” Henry replies, confused.
“We can’t have Christmas without you,” Jongwoon explains, leaning forward to peck Henry on the lips.
Henry cracks another grin. “You guys are insane.”
“No, we’re hungry!” Ryeowook says. “Let’s eat already.”
They have a simple dinner, mostly things Ryeowook just has to pop back in the oven for a few minutes to heat up, but Jongwoon opens a bottle of wine and they sip on it for hours, just sitting at the table catching up and brushing knees and fingertips beneath the obnoxious Santa and reindeer patterned tablecloth. Around eleven, Henry is the first to yawn. He’s warm and fed and the long flight is starting to take effect on him.
“You should go to sleep,” Jongwoon advises. “It’s been a long day for you.”
Henry hums in agreement and makes to stand but Ryeowook grabs his wrist. “You can’t go to sleep yet,” he pouts. “Presents!”
“Come on, Ryeowook,” Jongwoon says, standing as well. “We can do presents in the morning.” He takes Ryeowook by the elbow and tries to drag him off to their bedroom. Ryeowook stays stubbornly in his seat, clutching the bottom of the chair and silently cursing his small body for being so easy for the other two to manhandle.
“It’s okay, hyung,” Henry relents. “I can stay up a bit longer.”
Ryeowook cheers and rushes to the living room, chattering about how he’s waited so long for this and been so good to stay out of them so hurry up, you guys! Jongwoon glares at Henry where they are still standing in the kitchen.
“You spoil him,” he accuses.
“You’ve had two months to change that,” Henry smiles, slipping his fingers between Jongwoon’s. He drags him off to the fake tree and pushes him onto the floor before hurrying to his luggage. He unzips the suitcase and digs through the messy pile of clothes stuffed inside. He pulls out three slightly crumpled packages wrapped in green paper and returns to the tree. Ryeowook already has a present in his lap and he’s bouncing up and down.
“This one is from me!” Ryeowook shoves the present at Henry before he can even get comfortable against the wall.
Henry takes it and hands Jongwoon and Ryeowook his presents to them and sits back to watch them open the paper. Ryeowook opens his first, unwrapping the present delicately, easing each piece of tape off so as not to rip the paper. Inside is a small box, which he opens to reveal a silver bracelet. Upon closer inspection, Ryeowook finds that among the chain links are miniature treble clefts. He grins at the sentiment and beauty of the subtle jewelry and slips it on his wrist.
“We’ll probably have to get it refitted,” Henry comments. “The people at the store didn’t believe me when I said how thin your wrists are.”
Ryeowook laughs and leans over to hug him and press an innocent kiss to his lips. When they settle back into their spots, Jongwoon begins to open his gift. Unlike Ryeowook, he tears the paper off hastily, a childish gleam in his eye at the thought of getting something. He opens a box to reveal a beanie hat. It’s made of a thick, warm material and Ryeowook groans.
“Don’t encourage him, Henry! Do you know how much black he owns?” Jongwoon gives an indigent little Hey! but Ryeowook waves him off. “And how on earth did you manage to find one with skull patterns?”
“I thought his old one was getting gross,” Henry shrugs.
(Hey!)
“Open yours now, Henry.” Ryeowook scoots closer, hands balled up under his chin.
Henry picks Ryeowook’s present up and quickly tears off the paper, revealing a notebook. It’s bound in a dark red leather with Henry printed across the front in an elegant gold scrawl. He flips the page open to find the pages are blank sheet music.
“Because you filled up your other one,” Ryeowook says quietly, suddenly nervous that Henry didn’t like his gift.
“Thank you,” Henry smiles, catching Ryeowook’s lips in another kiss. “I needed one.”
Jongwoon breaks their kiss by tossing a package at Henry’s head. He smiles mischievously while tearing into the present from Ryeowook labeled for him. He comes up with a couple pairs of earrings, stars and crosses and the ever-present turtle as Henry reveals a flat-brimmed baseball hat. It’s colorful and gaudy and Ryeowook groans when Henry perches it on his head happily, tag dangling in his face.
“I hate you two,” Ryeowook moans. “You have such ugly hats.”
“Open another!” Henry exclaims, pushing the last present for Ryeowook into his hands.
Ryeowook opens the last of his presents, a book he’s been wanting to read for months and crawls onto Jongwoon’s lap for a hug and kiss.
“Oh,” Henry says through a yawn. “My mom sent this, too.” He nudges another, larger package. Jongwoon and Ryeowook open it together and find a plethora of socks and a couple sweaters.
“Really?” Jongwoon snorts.
Ryeowook digs a little farther and finds some chocolate and other treats. “Call her tomorrow and tell her thanks.” Henry promises he will and scoots closer to the pair, nuzzling into Jongwoon’s sleeve while dragging a hand up and down Ryeowook’s back. Ryeowook almost purrs, snuggling deeper into Jongwoon’s hold.
“Come on,” Jongwoon says after a few minutes. “Bed.” He hauls Ryeowook up, grumbling when Ryeowook insists on being carried. Henry is quick to volunteer, scooping Ryeowook up with ease and darting down the hall to their bedroom. Jongwoon grumbles again, very put-upon, as he’s left to clean up the mess of paper littering their living room and turn off all the lights. When he finally stumbles into their dark bedroom, Henry and Ryeowook are already changed and snuggled under the thick blankets. Jongwoon hurries to put his pajamas on and join them. He lifts the blanket on Ryeowook’s side to slide in but Ryeowook elbows him in the throat.
“Henry’s in the middle tonight!” he insists, pushing Jongwoon until he complies and goes around to the other side. He slides in behind Henry and wraps his arms tightly around his waist, pressing his face into the messy tangle of hair. He fumbles for Ryeowook’s hand on the other side of Henry and laces their fingers together.
“Merry Christmas,” Ryeowook mouths against his neck.
“Good night, Henry,” Jongwoon yawns. “Welcome home.”
Henry nestles down in their embrace and allows a pleased sigh to escape his lips. “Glad to be home.”
Pairing: Yesung/Ryeowook/Henry
Wordcount: 2233
Rating: PG
Summary: AU? Everything is different with their relationship, but Henry didn’t think Christmas applied to that rule.
Notes: For seeeno. Happy Holidays from the States! I hope you have a wonderful time despite the set-backs. I wish there was more I could do for you to show you how much your friendship means to me, but for now this is all I’ve got.
Ryeowook is quiet the entire drive to the airport. He twists his hands in his lap and stares anxiously out the window. Jongwoon glances at him every now and then, tearing his eyes from the icy road, hoping to catch Ryeowook’s eye and give him a reassuring smile. Ryeowook doesn’t look up, though, forehead leaning gloomily against the window. As he descends the exit ramp for the airport, Jongwoon loosens one hand’s hold on the steering wheel and blindly gropes for Ryeowook’s hand. It’s cold and shaky in his grasp so he gives it a squeeze. Ryeowook’s fingers return the action half-heartedly.
“Why so quiet?” Jongwoon finally asks. “I thought you’d be bouncing off the walls.”
Ryeowook doesn’t respond at first, he takes a slow breath and sits up straight. “It’s been two months. What if he changed?”
Jongwoon can’t stop the bark of laughter that escapes his lips. “Is that what you’re worried about? Ryeowook, this is Henry we’re talking about, remember?”
“But two months is a long time. What if he found someone else?” Ryeowook mumbles, turning back to the window. “Someone without so many strings attached.”
“Stop being stupid,” Jongwoon chides. He pulls the car into a parking space in the airport’s garage and cuts the engine. “Henry loves you.”
It takes a bit of coaxing to get Ryeowook out of the car, but they make their way into the building. Henry’s plane lands as they find a spot near the baggage claim to wait, just past eight o’clock at night. There are families being reunited as flight after flight enters the baggage claim and they quickly whisk away with luggage and children out the doors and into the cold February air. Jongwoon’s phone vibrates in his pocket. He checks it without Ryeowook noticing and smiles. He replies quickly and slips the phone back into his pocket before wrapping an arm around Ryeowook’s waist. He stands, dragging Ryeowook with him, and heads to the terminal where the flights are let out. They stand behind a yellow line, a security guard warning them not to proceed further and watch as another herd of passengers descend a flight of stairs. In the crowd of people, Jongwoon spots Henry. His head is ducked as he checks a message on his phone, but the tilt of a smile is visible on his lips. Jongwoon squeezes Ryeowook’s middle again and Ryeowook is trembling beside him.
“Henry!” Ryeowook calls when he can’t stand to wait another second. Henry’s head shoots up and he picks up his pace, darting between people to hurry to their side. When he reaches them, he drops his carry-on bag with a thump and scoops Ryeowook up in his arms, lifting him up off his heels. Ryeowook buries his face in Henry’s neck and hugs him back just as tightly.
“Jongwoon said you missed me,” Henry teases lightly, rocking them back and forth. Over Ryeowook’s head, he grins at Jongwoon and mouths a greeting. Jongwoon smiles back silently and reaches out to give Henry’s arm a squeeze.
“I missed you,” Ryeowook agrees instantly. He refuses to remove his face from the crook of Henry’s neck and they both know that means he’s started to cry. Henry rubs his back roughly and pushes him back.
“Let’s get my luggage before we start crying. Ten bucks they left my bags in Vancouver. Can’t believe I almost missed my flight. Two hours is not a long enough lay-over, you know?” Henry jokes as he pulls Ryeowook to the baggage conveyers by the hand. Jongwoon hangs a few paces back, carrying Henry’s forgotten carry-on bag.
Thankfully, the luggage was not left in Vancouver and they make their way out to the car within minutes. The entire way through the parking lot, Henry chirps happily about how his Christmas was, about his family and the friends from high school he got the chance to meet up with. Jongwoon can’t help but think it’s like he’s never left, just as chipper and loud as always. He also notices that the two month leave had done nothing to destroy Henry’s Korean skills; if anything, they’ve gotten better. Jongwoon sighs because that ruins his best teasing-fodder. He unlocks the car, pops the trunk and heaves Henry’s heavy suitcases in before hurrying around to escape the cold. When he shuts the door he notices the passenger seat is empty. He swings around and sees Ryeowook and Henry buckled up in the backseat, fingers tangled together over the middle seat.
“Since when am I your chauffeur?” he grumbles, turning back front and starting the car.
“Always!” Ryeowook exclaims. Jongwoon catches his eye in the mirror and he’s pleased to see such a wide grin stretching his cheeks.
They discuss everything that has happened, the abridged version, on the drive back to the apartment. Ryeowook talks excitedly about the new song he’s been composing and Jongwoon mentions that he has a gig coming up in a few weeks.
“Need a violin for any of your songs, Jongwoon?” Henry asks. “Or did you get too big for me to join you on stage.”
“I’ll have to see if I can pencil you in for an audition. There are a lot of talented violinists, you know.” Jongwoon’s seat lurches forward with the playful kick Henry gives it.
Once they finally reach the apartment, Jongwoon makes sure Henry carries his own luggage up, claiming that he was getting too old for these sorts of things while Henry is still young and wiry. They make it up the few flights to their door and Ryeowook unlocks it excitedly. He darts inside and flips the light on and waits for Henry to lumber through the door.
“What’s this?” Henry laughs when he reaches the living room.
The entire room is still decorated for Christmas. Lights are hanging above the window and cast a yellow glow around the room. Garlands are strung around doorways and Henry spots mistletoe slyly hidden among them. There is a wreath over the television and a nativity scene on a bookshelf. The focal point of the room, however, is the huge tree that stands proudly in the corner. It’s decorated with colored lights and delicate ornaments and tinsel. On the top is a silver star that twinkles in every color of the bulbs below it. Henry takes a step closer and examines the ornaments, a mishmash of balls and turtles and handmade things from Jongwoon and Ryeowook’s childhoods. It’s then that he looks at the foot of the tree and sees the small pile of unopened packages.
“What is all this?” he asks again, turning to face Ryeowook and Jongwoon, who are leaning against one another with content smiles.
“Christmas!” Ryeowook grins, trying and failing to weasel out of Jongwoon’s grip and into Henry’s arms. Henry takes a step closer and hugs him between them.
“Christmas was, like, a month ago,” Henry replies, confused.
“We can’t have Christmas without you,” Jongwoon explains, leaning forward to peck Henry on the lips.
Henry cracks another grin. “You guys are insane.”
“No, we’re hungry!” Ryeowook says. “Let’s eat already.”
They have a simple dinner, mostly things Ryeowook just has to pop back in the oven for a few minutes to heat up, but Jongwoon opens a bottle of wine and they sip on it for hours, just sitting at the table catching up and brushing knees and fingertips beneath the obnoxious Santa and reindeer patterned tablecloth. Around eleven, Henry is the first to yawn. He’s warm and fed and the long flight is starting to take effect on him.
“You should go to sleep,” Jongwoon advises. “It’s been a long day for you.”
Henry hums in agreement and makes to stand but Ryeowook grabs his wrist. “You can’t go to sleep yet,” he pouts. “Presents!”
“Come on, Ryeowook,” Jongwoon says, standing as well. “We can do presents in the morning.” He takes Ryeowook by the elbow and tries to drag him off to their bedroom. Ryeowook stays stubbornly in his seat, clutching the bottom of the chair and silently cursing his small body for being so easy for the other two to manhandle.
“It’s okay, hyung,” Henry relents. “I can stay up a bit longer.”
Ryeowook cheers and rushes to the living room, chattering about how he’s waited so long for this and been so good to stay out of them so hurry up, you guys! Jongwoon glares at Henry where they are still standing in the kitchen.
“You spoil him,” he accuses.
“You’ve had two months to change that,” Henry smiles, slipping his fingers between Jongwoon’s. He drags him off to the fake tree and pushes him onto the floor before hurrying to his luggage. He unzips the suitcase and digs through the messy pile of clothes stuffed inside. He pulls out three slightly crumpled packages wrapped in green paper and returns to the tree. Ryeowook already has a present in his lap and he’s bouncing up and down.
“This one is from me!” Ryeowook shoves the present at Henry before he can even get comfortable against the wall.
Henry takes it and hands Jongwoon and Ryeowook his presents to them and sits back to watch them open the paper. Ryeowook opens his first, unwrapping the present delicately, easing each piece of tape off so as not to rip the paper. Inside is a small box, which he opens to reveal a silver bracelet. Upon closer inspection, Ryeowook finds that among the chain links are miniature treble clefts. He grins at the sentiment and beauty of the subtle jewelry and slips it on his wrist.
“We’ll probably have to get it refitted,” Henry comments. “The people at the store didn’t believe me when I said how thin your wrists are.”
Ryeowook laughs and leans over to hug him and press an innocent kiss to his lips. When they settle back into their spots, Jongwoon begins to open his gift. Unlike Ryeowook, he tears the paper off hastily, a childish gleam in his eye at the thought of getting something. He opens a box to reveal a beanie hat. It’s made of a thick, warm material and Ryeowook groans.
“Don’t encourage him, Henry! Do you know how much black he owns?” Jongwoon gives an indigent little Hey! but Ryeowook waves him off. “And how on earth did you manage to find one with skull patterns?”
“I thought his old one was getting gross,” Henry shrugs.
(Hey!)
“Open yours now, Henry.” Ryeowook scoots closer, hands balled up under his chin.
Henry picks Ryeowook’s present up and quickly tears off the paper, revealing a notebook. It’s bound in a dark red leather with Henry printed across the front in an elegant gold scrawl. He flips the page open to find the pages are blank sheet music.
“Because you filled up your other one,” Ryeowook says quietly, suddenly nervous that Henry didn’t like his gift.
“Thank you,” Henry smiles, catching Ryeowook’s lips in another kiss. “I needed one.”
Jongwoon breaks their kiss by tossing a package at Henry’s head. He smiles mischievously while tearing into the present from Ryeowook labeled for him. He comes up with a couple pairs of earrings, stars and crosses and the ever-present turtle as Henry reveals a flat-brimmed baseball hat. It’s colorful and gaudy and Ryeowook groans when Henry perches it on his head happily, tag dangling in his face.
“I hate you two,” Ryeowook moans. “You have such ugly hats.”
“Open another!” Henry exclaims, pushing the last present for Ryeowook into his hands.
Ryeowook opens the last of his presents, a book he’s been wanting to read for months and crawls onto Jongwoon’s lap for a hug and kiss.
“Oh,” Henry says through a yawn. “My mom sent this, too.” He nudges another, larger package. Jongwoon and Ryeowook open it together and find a plethora of socks and a couple sweaters.
“Really?” Jongwoon snorts.
Ryeowook digs a little farther and finds some chocolate and other treats. “Call her tomorrow and tell her thanks.” Henry promises he will and scoots closer to the pair, nuzzling into Jongwoon’s sleeve while dragging a hand up and down Ryeowook’s back. Ryeowook almost purrs, snuggling deeper into Jongwoon’s hold.
“Come on,” Jongwoon says after a few minutes. “Bed.” He hauls Ryeowook up, grumbling when Ryeowook insists on being carried. Henry is quick to volunteer, scooping Ryeowook up with ease and darting down the hall to their bedroom. Jongwoon grumbles again, very put-upon, as he’s left to clean up the mess of paper littering their living room and turn off all the lights. When he finally stumbles into their dark bedroom, Henry and Ryeowook are already changed and snuggled under the thick blankets. Jongwoon hurries to put his pajamas on and join them. He lifts the blanket on Ryeowook’s side to slide in but Ryeowook elbows him in the throat.
“Henry’s in the middle tonight!” he insists, pushing Jongwoon until he complies and goes around to the other side. He slides in behind Henry and wraps his arms tightly around his waist, pressing his face into the messy tangle of hair. He fumbles for Ryeowook’s hand on the other side of Henry and laces their fingers together.
“Merry Christmas,” Ryeowook mouths against his neck.
“Good night, Henry,” Jongwoon yawns. “Welcome home.”
Henry nestles down in their embrace and allows a pleased sigh to escape his lips. “Glad to be home.”