Life in Purgatory ch 35

[saengiephile]

Title: Life in Purgatory
Chapter: 35/40
Rating: R
Pairing: KyuJong/YoungSaeng, HyunJoong/JongWoon, JungMin/Zhou Mi, Kevin/KiBum, HeeChul/SiWon
Crossover: Super Junior, DBSK
Genre: Angst, AU,
Summary: Society is crumbling; salvation walks the earth once more.



Making the decision to take the following day off for themselves, KyuJong and YoungSaeng easily slept through their usual wake-up times.  It was good luck that it wasn't one of the nights were YoungSaeng was caught by nightmares, the two sleeping uninterrupted until noise from the connected apartments finally woke YoungSaeng up.

Cracking one eye open blearily, YoungSaeng whined softly at the light and draped himself over KyuJong, burying his nose in the younger man's shoulder and closing his eyes in a bid to go back to sleep.

"Not going to work," KyuJong murmured softly, his arms tightening around YoungSaeng's back and kissing the top of his head. "They're really loud in the morning, and it's just going to get worse."

"I don't care, I don't want to move so you're not going anywhere either," YoungSaeng mumbled sleepily, fumbling with his free hand.  Finding the edge of the covers that had fallen around their waists, he tugged them up over their heads before settling in again.

"I didn't say anything about going anywhere," KyuJong chuckled, running his hand lightly up and down the small of YoungSaeng's back. "I want to wake up like this every morning."

"To noisy neighbors arguing?"  YoungSaeng kissed along KyuJong's shoulder and neck softly without opening his eyes.

"No," KyuJong snorted. "To you, right up against me, and not having to be anywhere in particular. That and the kisses are very nice."

"So I take it you don't want me to stop," the older man chuckled, tucking his nose under KyuJong's jaw.  "I like waking up like this too.  Besides the neighbors."

"I'll pout horribly if you do stop," KyuJong said, tilting his head slightly. "If you keep it up, I may not let you leave this bed."

"So, which will it be then?" YoungSaeng murmured, hand tracing idly along KyuJong's chest.  "Decisions, decisions.  Though it's not like we have to be anywhere today."

"Not a very hard decision then," KyuJong said, tightening his grip slightly on YoungSaeng to roll them both over. "The only decision I want to make today is where I'm going to kiss you first," he murmured, leaning down to brush his lips over YoungSaeng's. "There, decision made."

Smiling, YoungSaeng cracked his eyes open to look up at KyuJong.  With the change in position the blanket over their heads had fallen off, and he could look up at KyuJong's face.  He loved seeing the younger man in the morning, hair messed up and face a little puffier than usual, with that adorably sleepy smile.  "You sure know how to wake someone up in a good mood," he chuckled, tucking his fingers under KyuJong's chin to draw him back down into another kiss.

Returning the kiss, KyuJong ran his fingers down YoungSaeng's chest to rest at his hip before pulling back to look down at him with a smile. "I guess that's part of being Kindness," he said softly, looking over YoungSaeng's features, admiring every bit of the man's handsome face. "Maybe it helps that when I wake up with you next to me, it's already the best day ever."

"Cheesy," YoungSaeng teased, wrapping one arm loosely around KyuJong's neck and resting his other hand against his boyfriend's chest.  "You're always so cheesy, especially after just waking up.  I like it."

"So the truth is being cheesy?" KyuJong teased, leaning down to press a kiss to YoungSaeng's chest. "You know what you are when you first wake up? Sexy," he said, looking up at him as he placed more kisses along YoungSaeng's chest and down his sternum.

Eyelashes fluttering, YoungSaeng ran his fingers through KyuJong's hair.  "You say that all the time though," he chuckled, looking down at the younger man.

"Because it's true," KyuJong said, continuing to work his way down to YoungSaeng's belly, running his palms over the flat skin. "I claim this land in the name of KyuLand," he said, pressing a kiss right above YoungSaeng's belly button.

"...And you're silly in the mornings too," YoungSaeng chuckled, shivering at the kiss before propping himself up on his elbows.  "Oh wait, you're always silly.  So am I a part of KyuLand now?"

"Oh no, see the ruler of KyuLand has decided that the wild and untamed land of Saeng should remain free," KyuJong said with a smile. "Because nothing that beautiful should ever be owned."

Blinking repeatedly at the younger man, YoungSaeng's lips curled into a wide smile after a moment.  "How is it even when you're being silly you always know just what to say?" he sat up more, pulling KyuJong up into a kiss.

"Hard not to when I'm around you," KyuJong replied against YoungSaeng's mouth as he gently tugged the man into his lap. "I never thought it possible to love someone as much as I love you."

"Neither did I," YoungSaeng shook his head, wrapping his arms around KyuJong's neck as he settled in the other man's lap.  "And I will never love someone as much as I love you."  Kissing KyuJong's cheek and jawline, YoungSaeng wrinkled his nose slightly.  "Listen to me, you're gonna turn me into a sap."

"It's a cute look for you," KyuJong chuckled, dropping his head down to mouth along YoungSaeng's neck. His hands settled on the man's hips, thumbs stroking lightly at his sides.

Making a soft noise at the mouth against his neck, YoungSaeng kissed along the bits of skin he could reach, hands running up and down KyuJong's back slowly.  "Maybe you're just biased."

"I probably am," KyuJong conceded, nuzzling his nose against YoungSaeng's ear and nipping lightly at the ear lobe. "I hope that's not too much of a problem," he murmured, kissing along his jaw and pulling back so he could kiss YoungSaeng's lips again.

Mumbling something inaudible against KyuJong's mouth, YoungSaeng happily returned the deep kiss.  He tipped himself forward until they fell back onto the bed, sprawled out on top of the younger man with his eyes closed as he kissed him unhurriedly.

KyuJong wasn't complaining, happily continuing the slow but passionate kiss. Being with YoungSaeng was like finally being alive after all those years before where he was alone. Every touch and kiss felt like magic, and sometimes he was sure there was electricity sparking off their bodies when they rolled around in the sheets. Maybe it was just that they were opposites, but every time they slept together was the best sex he ever had, and he knew YoungSaeng felt the same way when they finally collapsed against each other, sweaty and breathless.

It also helped that they were in tune enough with each other that they knew what the other wanted, and that made it all the better. After a long and somewhat heated kiss, KyuJong rolled them over again, leaning over YoungSaeng with darkened eyes and a small curl to his puffy lips. "Saeng... I think it's... my turn," he whispered, eyes wandering over YoungSaeng's frame.

Resting his head back against the sheets, YoungSaeng took in the look in KyuJong's eyes.  His own lips curled into a smile as he twined his fingers into the younger man's hair.  "Your turn?" he murmured, lifting one leg to brush against KyuJong's.  "Think you can handle it?"

"Yeah... I know I can," KyuJong replied softly, running his hand down YoungSaeng's thigh to lift his leg up slightly and wrap it around his waist. Lowering himself down, he caught YoungSaeng in another passionate kiss, pressing their lips firmly together.

Being with YoungSaeng was nothing ever short of exciting, and passionate, no matter what it was they were doing. He loved watching YoungSaeng's face, the facial expressions, hearing the soft sounds the other man made. He loved feeling YoungSaeng against him, the press of fingers into his shoulders, the way YoungSaeng's back arched up against him as his body shuddered. What he loved most of all though, was afterward, his head pressed against YoungSaeng's chest as he listened to the man's heartbeat slowing down, the damp skin cooling. This was the part he didn't ever want to give up.

Breathing slowly in and out, YoungSaeng ran his hand slowly up and down KyuJong's back as they both rested.  It was a few minutes before he said anything, just enjoying the moment and listening to KyuJong's steady breathing.  It was just as he thought, all those times sleeping with HyunJoong were just ghosts in comparison to how he felt with KyuJong.

"I don't ever want this to end," he murmured softly.

"And it won't," KyuJong said, looking up at him with a small smile. "I'm not going to ever give this up, I love you too much."

"I love you too," YoungSaeng returned the smile, twining his fingers into KyuJong's hair as he relaxed.  "Though now I really don't want to go anywhere...I think we're going to need showers though, and all that exercise made me hungry."

"Me too, and you're right, we need a shower," KyuJong nodded, kissing YoungSaeng's chest lightly again before shifted to sit up, scrubbing a hand through his hair. "What were we doing today anyway? I don't think JongWoon and HyunJoong want us stopping by again to see how they're doing."

"Yeah, they probably want the day to themselves to recover," YoungSaeng sat up as well, leaning in to kiss KyuJong.  "We can do anything that strikes your fancy.  Go out...or stay home and cuddle all day, it all sounds good to me."

"Hmm... well I think a nice day inside sounds good, maybe we can go out for dinner tonight? It occurs to me that we haven't had a real date yet," KyuJong said, stretching his arms out to the side.

"What, camping out on your couch and only half-watching whatever movie is playing doesn't count?" YoungSaeng chuckled, leaning back and pushing the blankets off of himself to stand.  "A dinner date sounds fantastic."  He hadn't gone on a date in a long time.

"Well, I mean a proper date," KyuJong chuckled, sliding over to the side of the bed to put his feet down on the floor. "Nothing fancy though, I don't want to have to dressed up."

"I've never seen you all dressed up fancy," YoungSaeng grinned, running his fingers over the line of the other man's shoulder.  "But you look hot no matter what you're wearing.  Or not wearing in this case."

"I could say the same," KyuJong said, resting his hands on YoungSaeng's hips. "If you keep talking like that, we're not going to make it to the shower in the next hour."

"What, it was just an innocent comment," YoungSaeng teased, taking KyuJong's hands and stepping back to pull him to his feet.  "Come on, shower time."

"There is nothing innocent about you," KyuJong snorted, slowly getting up when he was pulled and following YoungSaeng towards the bathroom like a puppy.

"Be careful what you say to your hyung," YoungSaeng sang, pulling KyuJong into the bathroom and closing the door with his foot, pressing KyuJong against it.

"What did I say?" KyuJong blinked a little with a coy smile. "Am I wrong?"

"I didn't say you were, but talking like that is gonna get you into trouble," YoungSaeng grinned, leaning in to kiss KyuJong's neck.  "Then we really won't be going anywhere soon."

"I don't see how that's a bad thing," KyuJong murmured, eyes closing and putting an arm around YoungSaeng's waist. "I'm getting a bit cold though, I think a warm shower would be better."

"So should we continue this in the shower then?" YoungSaeng chuckled, pulling KyuJong away from the door and towards the shower without stopping the kisses.

"Probably, the floor's too cold," KyuJong said, pushing the shower curtain aside and fumbling with the nozzles with one hand but not getting out of reach of YoungSaeng's kisses. When the water was warm enough, he helped YoungSaeng into the stall and closed the curtain, immediately pushing YoungSaeng up against the shower wall to kiss him.

Making a muffled noise, YoungSaeng wrapped his arms around KyuJong and crushed the younger man's body against his own, returning the heated kiss.  "Much better," he mumbled against KyuJong's lips.

"I thought so," KyuJong chuckled, running his hand up and down YoungSaeng's side lightly. "It's amazing," he said, pulling back to look down at YoungSaeng. "It's amazing how you can always look so hot, especially right now, with all this water running down your body."

"What happened to being cheesy," YoungSaeng chuckled, brushing wet bangs out of KyuJong's face.  "And I'm not the only one who always looks hot."  He trailed his fingers along KyuJong's skin, following a water path.

"You're biased," KyuJong said, looking down at YoungSaeng's hand. "I'm having difficulty thinking, let alone try to be cheesy, with you doing that."

"Maybe that's the point," YoungSaeng chuckled, tapping his fingers against KyuJong's belly.  "You're so cute when you get all flustered."

Raising an eyebrow at that KyuJong laughed lightly as he leaned in to brush his lips over YoungSaeng's. "I don't know how to take that, but I think you're cuter any time."

"I guess we'll have to agree to disagree," YoungSaeng returned the kiss, smiling into it.  After a moment he leaned back and picked up the shampoo, squirting some onto his hand and reaching up to work it into KyuJong's hair.  "Eyes closed."

"You don't have to do that," KyuJong protested, but closed his eyes anyway. "Can you even reach the top of my head?"

"Yah, I'm not that short," YoungSaeng huffed, freeing one hand to pinch KyuJong's side before returning to his task.  "And I want to pamper you a little."

"You pamper me enough already, with your smile," KyuJong said, lips curling upwards and wincing ahead of any retaliation.

"Oh quit being cheesy for five minutes and let me spoil you, okay?"  YoungSaeng leaned in to kiss KyuJong's lips, scrubbing gently at his hair.  After a minute he steered KyuJong under the water.  "Now rinse."

"But I can't help it!" KyuJong said, tilting his head back to let the water run through his hair. Once he had finished rinsing, he wiped his face and opened his eyes to look down at YoungSaeng again. "And I thought you liked it when I'm cheesy."

"I do," YoungSaeng smiled up at him, wrapping his arm around KyuJong's neck and drawing him down to touch their noses lightly.  "But it's my turn to be cheesy and spoil you now."

"I didn't agree to that," KyuJong murmured, leaning in to give him a light kiss. "But if you insist, I'll just have to smile and bear it."

"What, you don't like being spoiled?"  YoungSaeng chuckled into the kiss.

"I'd rather be the one spoiling you," KyuJong said, pulling YoungSaeng even closer. "Can we at least trade off? It's your turn to get your hair washed."

"I suppose so," YoungSaeng sighed loudly, though he smiled softly at KyuJong.  "This wanting to take care of someone else...it's new for me.  Even with HyunJoong, I kind of...always went along with the idea he didn't need anything of me, that he already had everything," he shook his head, looking down.  "I was so focused on myself I never even bothered to care about anyone else.  You changed that in me, Kyu."

KyuJong blinked a little at the admission, watching YoungSaeng with concerned eyes that softened as he listened. "There's nothing wrong with being concerned about yourself," he said, bringing a hand up to touch YoungSaeng's cheek lightly. "It's something that I've had to come to terms with since I met you as well, that it's not so bad to take a little bit of time out from helping others, to do something for yourself once in a while."

"And you of all people deserve to do something for yourself once in a while," YoungSaeng chuckled softly, looking back up at him.  "I have a lot to make up for though.  And I can start by taking good care of my boyfriend," he held the hand against his cheek, leaning into it.

"This is definitely going to take some getting used to," KyuJong said, shaking his head slightly. "I don't know what I did to get so lucky to have you."

"I'm the one who's lucky," YoungSaeng grinned, letting go of KyuJong's hand to wrap both arms around the younger man, hugging him tightly.  "I love you Kyu," he murmured.

"I love you too Saeng," KyuJong said, holding YoungSaeng close and burying his nose in the man's wet hair. "And that is never going to change."

"Never," YoungSaeng whispered, breathing in deeply.  He just held KyuJong against him for a long minute before pulling back slightly, leaning up to kiss him.

KyuJong returned the kiss lightly, not taking it any further than that before he pulled back a little. "How about we finish up this shower, then go and get some breakfast?" he said. "We'll make today an entire date day, how does that sound?"

"That sounds fantastic," YoungSaeng smiled at him, nodding.  He held up the shampoo bottle.  "Did you still want to do this?"

"Of course, that's the best part," KyuJong chuckled, taking the shampoo bottle and pouring a bit out into his hand. "Well, second best. The best part will be washing you. I'm really looking forward to that."

"Careful, or we really won't be finishing the shower," YoungSaeng stuck his tongue out at the younger man before closing his eyes.

"I'll be careful," KyuJong rolled his eyes, starting to work the shampoo into YoungSaeng's hair. "You going to tell yourself to be careful as well? You can get distracted just as easily."

"I can tell myself that, but I make no promises," YoungSaeng chuckled, humming softly at the hands in his hair.

"Guess I'll just have to keep a close eye on you then," KyuJong said, working the shampoo into a lather before pulling his hands back and pulling YoungSaeng into the water. "Okay, rinse."

Ducking his head, YoungSaeng waited until the shampoo was all rinsed out before straightening again, wiping the water off his face and opening his eyes to smile at KyuJong.  "Your turn again?"

"Guess so," KyuJong nodded, picking up the bar of soap to hand to him. "You going to be good?"

"Yes yes," YoungSaeng chuckled, kissing KyuJong again before taking the bar of soap.

Maybe it took a few more minutes than it should have, but they managed to finish the shower without any incidents.  Stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around his waist, YoungSaeng picked up another towel and wrapped it around his boyfriend.  "Kyu burrito."

"And this burrito tastes good," KyuJong winked, huddling down in the blanket to get warm before starting to dry off.

"I know it does," YoungSaeng chuckled, helping KyuJong dry off a bit before starting to dry himself off.

After finishing drying off, KyuJong dressed quickly and waited for YoungSaeng to finish. "I was thinking we could go to this great little place not too far away and have breakfast, and then after breakfast we could go down to the river. Later tonight we could go to a bar that has live music, maybe stop and get some delicious vendor food."

"Sounds like you have today all planned out," YoungSaeng chuckled, smiling as he hung the towel to dry and dressed.  "That sounds great, a day just to ourselves.  And it's not too cold outside."

"Was there anything you wanted to do? We don't have to do just what I want to, I just thought it would be kind of nice," KyuJong said, brushing his wet hair.

"I like your ideas," YoungSaeng said, wrapping his arms around KyuJong from behind and watching as he brushed out his hair.

"You just saying that to keep on my good side?" KyuJong chuckled, glancing over his shoulder as he set down the brush.

"No, I really do like your ideas," YoungSaeng stuck his tongue out at the younger man.  "And I'm pampering you today, remember?  Oh, I have a camera somewhere, we should take pictures."

"Oh, I'd enjoy taking pictures of you," KyuJong said, giving YoungSaeng a quick peck on the nose. "Maybe we can take more pictures when we get home later, in private?"

"We'll keep those pictures for ourselves, right?" YoungSaeng chuckled, wrinkling his nose at the kiss and stealing the brush away so he could fix his own hair.

"Of course," KyuJong laughed. "I don't know though, I'm sure we could make some money if we set up a website..." he said, quickly hurrying from the bathroom before he was hit with a hairbrush.

"Yah! Not funny!"  YoungSaeng made a swipe for the younger man and missed.  Grumbling, he finished with his hair and followed KyuJong out, arms folded in front of his chest.

"Was just a joke, I wouldn't do anything like that," KyuJong said, waiting for him in the bedroom and sitting on the bed. "Besides, I don't even know how to set up a website."

"Doesn't mean you couldn't find out how if you wanted too."  YoungSaeng climbed up onto KyuJong's lap and pushed his shoulders hard, forcing the younger man onto his back before attacking his sides.

KyuJong had opened his mouth to retort, but with the fingers tickling his sides, all he let out was a very undignified squeal. "Saeeeng!" he whined, half laughing as he bucked his hips in an effort to get YoungSaeng off of him, pushing feebly at the older man with his arms.

"Nope, you're in trouble for that so don't even think about it."  YoungSaeng wouldn't be budged, unrelenting.

"But... Saeng! Stop!" KyuJong gasped for air, laughing so hard tears were forming in his eyes. "I'm sorry! I... I... wouldn't... promise!"

"Better," YoungSaeng smirked, stopping the attack.  He folded his arms across his chest as he looked down at KyuJong, expression like the cat who caught the canary.

Panting a little, KyuJong's arms flopped limply to the side as he looked up at YoungSaeng with a pitiful expression. "I was just joking," he pouted.

"I know, I wasn't letting you get away with it though, not when it's so fun otherwise," YoungSaeng grinned down at him, tipping himself forward to rest his elbows on either side of KyuJong's head and kiss him softly.

"Fun for you, maybe," KyuJong grumbled into the kiss, his arms snaking around YoungSaeng's waist. "It's to see you smile though, I love your smile."

"And I love your laugh, so we're even," YoungSaeng chuckled, kissing him again before pinching KyuJong's side lightly, straightening and rolling off of him.  "Though now I'm even hungrier, so, breakfast?"

"Breakfast it is," KyuJong nodded, sitting up and getting to his feet. "I think today is going to be a great day," he said, taking YoungSaeng's hand to lead him from the room to get their coats and shoes on.

"Yeah," YoungSaeng smiled softly, following after KyuJong and watching how their hands swung back and forth slowly.  And it was all thanks to this wonderful man he would share the rest of his life with.

The day was good, just as KyuJong thought it would be. After a nice simple breakfast at a place not too far away, the two went for a walk by the river, enjoying the solitude. No one wanted to be near the cold water in the middle of winter, but it was perfect for them. The air wasn't as cold as it should have been, but there was still the crispness to the air that you only got during the winter months. Afterwards they got some hot chocolate to warm themselves up at a coffee shop before just wandering through the streets, going into different shops.

They didn't have much money, but KyuJong still wanted to buy something for his boyfriend, Christmas was coming up in a few days after all and he still had no idea what to get YoungSaeng. He got a few ideas and made mental notes to come to back to some of the shops later, especially to the jewelry store where YoungSaeng had fallen in love with a necklace. Skulls weren't exactly KyuJong's taste, but YoungSaeng did (something apparently he had shared with HyunJoong, but KyuJong tried to not let that bother him).

It was well after sundown when they finally decided to head home. After a nice dinner and listening to some music at a club, they weren't in any hurry to go home, but were meandering their way there. Despite it being just a few days till Christmas, and the sun had been down for a couple of hours, the air seemed to get warmer and thicker and KyuJong could feel a storm coming on.

"We should probably hurry and get home," KyuJong said, hearing a rumble of thunder that sounded too close for comfort.

Blinking and looking up at the sky, YoungSaeng nodded, swinging their hands back and forth lightly.  "Yeah...guess the weathermen were right after all.  Thunderstorms in winter."  It was too dark to see the clouds overhead, and he hoped it wouldn't start raining on them.  The few other people on the streets were disappearing at the threat of a thunderstorm.

"Guess so," KyuJong nodded, jumping slightly at a flash of lightning. "We've got a few blocks to go yet, maybe we should just get a cab?"

"Maybe, I'm not looking forward to being drenched.  I don't see any cabs though," YoungSaeng glanced up and down the street.  The street was empty of traffic.

"That's weird," KyuJong frowned, looking around as well. Even the shops that had been open and full of people not long ago were closed and dark. "Something... weird is going on," he said, pulling YoungSaeng closer. They were completely alone on the street by that point, and the storm was getting closer. "Come on, we need to hurry," he said, starting out a fast walk down the street.

YoungSaeng didn't argue, walking faster to keep up with KyuJong's long strides.  The next time the thunder sounded, it was right overhead, but no rain fell.  Something was starting to feel very, very wrong.  "KyuJong...This feels...familiar..."

"Familiar?" KyuJong glanced over at him, frowning slightly. "What do you mean?"

A loud clap of thunder overhead shook the ground underneath them, windows in buildings rattled beside them. Up ahead, someone was walking down the middle of the street towards them. Behind the figure, the street lights had gone out, and KyuJong watched that as soon as the figure passed another set of street lights, the bulbs burst, raining glass down onto the street below.

Fear struck at YoungSaeng's heart as he realized just how this was familiar.  It was his nightmare.

"Run!"  He turned and pulled KyuJong back the way they'd come, not caring where they were going as long as it was away from that man.

Arm nearly being pulled out of his socket, KyuJong yelped when he was spun around and tripped over his own feet, barely catching himself as he tried to keep up. "Wait, Saeng, hold on!" he said, trying to get YoungSaeng to slow down. "What's going on?"

"Don't stop!" YoungSaeng cried out, eyes wide as he looked at KyuJong.  "It's them, it's the horsemen, we have to go now!"

"Oh.. shit." Was all KyuJong said, not needing any more explanation right then. Holding YoungSaeng's hand tightly, he ran faster, pulling YoungSaeng along down the street. Could they outrun this?

A little ways ahead of them was a cross street, KyuJong deciding to turn there to head to a more populated area of the city. There had to be someone out there who could help them right? A few steps away from the corner, it felt like something grabbed the back of his coat and yanked hard, pulling him down to the pavement. Letting go of YoungSaeng's hand, his head struck the cold, slick ground and he saw stars.

"Kyu!"  Skidding to a stop, YoungSaeng fell to his knees beside his fallen boyfriend, pulling KyuJong into his lap.  "Shit, shit, Kyu, are you okay?!"

"Ow.." KyuJong winced, lifting a trembling hand to touch the back of his head. Looking at his fingers, he swallowed thickly at the blood he saw. "Saeng... get out of here," he whispered, struggling to sit up. "I can't... run anymore."

Mind blanking out at the sight of the blood dripping down KyuJong's fingers, YoungSaeng stopped shaking.  KyuJong was hurt.  The one who didn't have the nightmare really did get hurt.

"No, I can't leave you here!  Come on, we have to go!"  YoungSaeng slung KyuJong's arm over his shoulders and tried desperately to get the younger man standing.

Hissing in pain, KyuJong didn't have the energy to protest, but he didn't really have the energy to stand either, his legs feeling like jelly. "Saeng... I can't..." he started, cut off when a hand from behind closed around his neck and pulled him back again. Spun around, he was kicked hard in the back, tumbling down again to the pavement. His cheek pressed roughly into the pavement, he looked up at his attacker out of the corner of his eye, seeing little more than a dark shadow.

Knocked back by the sudden attack, YoungSaeng shook from head to toe.  "Get away from him!" he yelled, getting between KyuJong and the horseman.  He didn't recognize this one, but it didn't matter, they were all dangerous.  The urge to run was overwhelmed by the need to protect his boyfriend, his better half, and YoungSaeng lashed out with a closed fist.

"Tch." The man snorted, and KyuJong had got himself propped up enough to stare in disbelief as it seemed like the man moved back in the blink of an eye before YoungSaeng's fist came close enough to hit him. "Foolish little mortals want to fight me? Idiots. You're all pathetic you know that?" the man sneered, his dark eyes going between them. "We're winning."

"No, you're not," KyuJong said hoarsely, slowly rising to his feet.

"Oh I think we are," the man laughed. "I can smell the fear on you and it smells wonderful. Accept it, you will lose."

"Not to you," YoungSaeng had regained his balance, stepping back to KyuJong and keeping slightly in front of him.  "You're the pathetic one.  Taking over someone else's body to do your dirty work for you?"  He had no idea what he was saying, but he was furious at this man for hurting KyuJong, and he'd be damned if he was just going to roll over and play dead.  "That's the coward's way out, because you know you can't face us yourself!"

The man laughed, shaking his head. "Oh poor little mortal, you think you're so brave right now? You think I'll be cowed by your words? This body was so willing, so eager, he begged me to take him, how could I refuse?" he said, chuckling darkly as he took a slow step forward, a knife appearing in his hand. "Just like how you'll be begging me to end you quickly."

The knife made YoungSaeng's throat close, but his expression was set.  Reaching behind him to find KyuJong's hand, he felt the fear in his heart melt away.  "No.  I will never beg to scum like you," he said lowly.  "And you are not going to haunt us anymore."  He knew his words were true as soon as he spoke them, a sense of power swelling up inside him.

"Right, you can't hurt us anymore," KyuJong said, his fingers tightening around YoungSaeng's. They weren't going to get hurt, they weren't going to let this creature bully them, not anymore.

"And what are you going to do about it?" the man retorted. "Run away again? You always run away from me," he hissed, lunging towards YoungSaeng with the knife raised.

YoungSaeng stepped forward to meet the attack, open hand lashing out.

The knife didn't even touch him.  Slapped away by an invisible force pushing ahead of YoungSaeng's hand, it was wretched out of the horseman's grasp and sent flying into the darkness.

Breathing in and out deeply, YoungSaeng's eyes met the horseman's, lips curled dangerously.  "Maybe you're the one who should run."

Snatching his hand back, the man hissed in pain, clutching the hand to his chest as he took a step back. "Think your little parlor tricks will stop us? This isn't over," the man said, taking another step back and disappearing.

The moment he disappeared, the streets came alive again with people and cars, KyuJong yelping when a car honked behind them since they were standing in the middle of the street. Pulling on YoungSaeng's hand, he got them off the street and back onto the sidewalk. "What the hell..." he panted, looking at YoungSaeng with wide eyes.

Staggering as he was pulled out of the street, YoungSaeng's heart restarted in his chest, panting as well as he returned the wide-eyed look.  "...Let's go home," he whispered, but not before pulling KyuJong into a tight hug.  "Your head, is your head okay?"

Reaching up, KyuJong touched the spot where his head had been split open, finding nothing. Not even a scar. "I'm.. fine," he said, checking his hand when he pulled it back; no blood. "We just... yeah... home, please," he nodded, turning back to the street to hail a cab. Even if it was only a few blocks away, he was still reeling enough that he didn't want to walk. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..."  YoungSaeng was shaken up by what had happened, but physically okay.  He checked the hand that would have hit the blade (in reflection it had been a stupid idea to try hitting the blade with his hand) if a force hadn't slapped the knife away.  There was no mark on his hand.  "That was my nightmare...everything up until you fell, it was all in my nightmare."

Putting an arm around YoungSaeng's shoulder, KyuJong pulled him in close and hugged him tightly. "It's over now," he whispered, still hailing a cab. When a cab pulled up, he helped YoungSaeng in first before climbing in after him. He told the driver the address and leaned back in the seat, not letting go of YoungSaeng. "We should call Mi when we get back... tell him what happened. I don't... really understand what happened myself, but we... awakened didn't we?"

"I don't know...it feels different."  Like something had clicked into place inside him.  YoungSaeng held onto KyuJong's hand, taking comfort in the sudden strength it brought him.  "We shouldn't bother Mi tonight...not on his day off, we can..." looking up at the back of the cab driver's head, YoungSaeng trailed off without even noticing, grip on KyuJong's hand tightening.

"What?" KyuJong blinked, looking at YoungSaeng worriedly. "What's wrong?"

YoungSaeng had to blink repeatedly to make sure he wasn't imagining what he was seeing.  "...Do you see that, Kyu?" he murmured, eyes following the shifting green aura around the driver.

"See what?" KyuJong turned to look where YoungSaeng was, at the back of the driver's head and he blinked, moving back away from it. "What... what is that? Is that the... what HyunJoong and JongWoon were talking about?" he whispered.

"I think so," YoungSaeng closed his eyes to block the aura from his vision.  This was a little too much all at once.  "I just want to go back home."

"We'll be there soon," KyuJong said, pulling YoungSaeng in closer and kissing the side of his head. This was too much for them all at once, they needed time to process what had just happened. Luckily it was a short drive, and before long the cab was pulling up in front of the building. Paying the driver while trying to avoid looking at him, KyuJong scooted out first and helped YoungSaeng out and led him into the building. Keeping his head down, he didn't even want to see if there were others with that same aura around them, making a quick beeline to the stairs and up it.

It wasn't until they were both inside the safety of their apartment that KyuJong finally started to relax, shutting and locking the door behind them, he just held YoungSaeng in a tight embrace in the entryway. "We're safe now."

YoungSaeng held onto KyuJong just as tightly, nose buried in the younger man's shoulder.  "I was so scared Kyu...you got hurt, just like they thought would happen, I can't lose you," he sniffled a little.

"You're not going to lose me, promise," KyuJong whispered, kissing the side of his head and pressing his nose into the man's hair. "I'm fine, because of you I'm okay. It was your strength that helped me."

"I could say the same," YoungSaeng murmured, eyes closed and just soaking in the comfort from KyuJong.  Even just holding onto him like this felt different from before, like a healing balm that kept him from breaking down over what had just happened to them.  "You kept me from being scared of him.  Are you sure your head's okay?"

"Yes, I'm sure, do you want to look to make sure?" KyuJong said, running a hand up and down YoungSaeng's back. "I've got a little bit of a headache, but I think that was from the car honking at us than anything."

"Yeah..."  Nodding slowly, YoungSaeng drew in a deep breath and pulled KyuJong towards the couch.  Once they were sitting down, he got KyuJong to turn his head so he could check where there had been blood before.  "What...happened, there?  The street was empty, then it was suddenly full again."

"I don't know," KyuJong said, keeping his head still. "But I guess it makes sense that they can do stuff like that... I mean, you said all the lights were going out in the subway, but then they all came back on. KiBum and Kevin said I didn't see Famine in the restaurant. Hey... it was the same horseman that attacked Kevin and KiBum, I wonder if it was the same one that attacked us that attacked you in the subway."

"Maybe...I didn't get a look at him or anything when he appeared in the subway though, he just laughed in my ear."  Satisfied there was no injury, but still confused, YoungSaeng wrapped his arms around KyuJong's waist and rested his head on his boyfriend's back.  "I'm not sure what to make of any of this...I'm just glad you're okay."

"Me too, and I'm glad you're okay," KyuJong said, glancing over his shoulder to look back at him, resting his hands on top of YoungSaeng's. "But we can beat them, I know we can. I'm not scared anymore."

"No...neither am I," YoungSaeng closed his eyes.  "As long as we're together, they can't touch us."  If the horseman tried coming after them again, they'd be ready.

"Exactly," KyuJong nodded, shifting around so he could put his arms around YoungSaeng and leaned them back against the couch. "I love you Saeng," he whispered, resting his cheek against the side of his boyfriend's head. "I'm sorry our date night was ruined."

"I love you too Kyu," YoungSaeng relaxed against the younger man.  "And it wasn't ruined...I had an amazing time today, I can't remember ever enjoying a day so much."

"Me either," KyuJong smiled softly. "You're an amazing man Saeng, I'm so glad we found each other."

"I am too."  YoungSaeng lifted his head a little to kiss KyuJong lightly.  "I know how we can finish the night properly."  He slipped his camera out of his pocket, flicking it on and settling himself comfortably burrowed against KyuJong's side.

"I think I might enjoy this idea," KyuJong chuckled, helping hold up the camera to take a picture of them. Turning it around to look at the image, he smiled widely at the result. "Hey, we look kind of cute together, don't we."

"Cute, hot, same thing," YoungSaeng chuckled, smiling at the picture as well.  Stealing the camera back, he snapped a shot of KyuJong's face.

"Yah!" KyuJong's eyes widened at the picture he wasn't ready for. "You have to warn me if you're going to do that, and I thought I would be taking pictures of you," he said, trying to take the camera away.

"It's my camera, I'd rather have your pictures all over it," YoungSaeng laughed, leaning back and holding the camera out of reach while taking another picture.

"And I'd rather have pictures of you," KyuJong said, lunging forward to make a grab for the camera.

YoungSaeng shrieked when his legs were pinned down, trying to hold the camera out of KyuJong's reach and not fall off the couch.  "Not happening!"

"Is too!" KyuJong laughed, straddling YoungSaeng's waist and leaning over to reach YoungSaeng's hands to pull the camera out of them. "Ha!" he chirped triumphantly, holding the camera up to take a picture of YoungSaeng underneath him.

The older man gave an undignified whine at the camera flash.  "Kyu~!  Give it back!"  He pushed up against KyuJong, trying to reach the camera.

"Nope," KyuJong grinned, leaning back a little more and taking another picture. "Maybe if I can get a kiss, I'll think about it."

"It's really not fair that you're younger and taller than me," YoungSaeng grumped, making another swipe for the camera and missing.  "Oh fine," he wrapped his arms around KyuJong's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss instead.

Returning the kiss happily, KyuJong lifted the camera up to take a picture of them kissing before dropping it on the floor in favor of deepening the kiss even further.

Forgetting all about the camera, YoungSaeng parted his lips in reply and pulled KyuJong back down onto the couch.  This was the perfect end to the day.