Life in Purgatory ch 36
Title: Life in Purgatory
Chapter: 36/40
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.
Despite all the answers they had received, Zhou Mi still wanted to do more research. There had to be more information out there that could be helpful. Instead of following his advice to everyone else, he had decided to go to the library alone while JungMin was at work. Everyone else seemed to be too busy anyway.
No one else was around at the downtown library, the librarian someone other than KiSeop who was probably still recovering. Sitting down with a stack of books, Zhou Mi was completely focused on his reading.
A chill breeze blew in from one of the windows, cracked open to let fresh air into the library. It rustled through the pages of the book in front of Zhou Mi, the sun disappeared behind the clouds outside and casting shadows into the room.
A soft breath of warm air ghosted over Zhou Mi's ear.
Zhou Mi blinked slightly, stopping the pages from flipping and glanced over his shoulder towards the window. Seeing nothing, he returned to looking down at the book, pulling it into his arms as he leaned back in the chair.
For another minute there was nothing. Then the breeze blew by again, a little strong considering the window was only slightly ajar, plucking at Zhou Mi's sleeves. With it came the feeling of fingers, brushing over Zhou Mi's hair.
Frowning, Zhou Mi closed the book and set it down on the table before getting to his feet. Going over to the window, he closed it and latched it shut before returning to his seat. It was still far too cold to be leaving a window open.
As soon as Zhou Mi sat down, the unusual wind blew past him again, flipping over the pages of his book and getting colder. The window remained latched shut.
A bad feeling came over Zhou Mi, and he closed all the books on the table and got to his feet slowly. "No, no, no, go away," he mumbled, grabbing his coat. "You're not real."
"Am I?" whispered a deep voice in Zhou Mi's ear.
"No, you're not," Zhou Mi said, pulling on his coat and hurrying towards the stairs. "Over stressed imagination is giving me hallucinations, that's all!"
"Hallucinations are just diseases of the mind," the voice followed Zhou Mi towards the stairs, like from a speaker attached to his shoulder. "Can you run away from your own mind?"
"Yes, I can drown you out," Zhou Mi said under his breath, going down the stairs as quickly as he could and starting towards the front doors.
"You can't drown out your own insecurities. Your own fears," the voice laughed at him. "they will fester and grow until they consume you."
"No, go away," Zhou Mi called over his shoulder as he reached the doors and pushed on them. They didn't budge. "Someone let me out!"
"No one can hear you. No one's going to help you. So defenseless, like a lamb for the slaughter. Is this still all in your mind?"
"Yes, it is," Zhou Mi nodded, closing his eyes and rattling the locked doors. "I'm not defenseless, I'm not."
"But you don't believe yourself, do you?" The voice was getting closer, lips brushing against Zhou Mi's ear. "The human mind is such a powerful weapon, wouldn't you agree? You know you're trapped, you know you're just waiting for the inevitable. The question is, when?"
Zhou Mi couldn't reply, just keeping his eyes closed tightly and his hands on the door. It wasn't real, it couldn't be. This wasn't his dream.
Fingers lightly caressed the back of Zhou Mi's neck. "I could end you right now...so easily. But where's the fun in that? I want to see you break, watch you lose your mind. Run home, little rabbit...home might not be there when you get back." The door clicked unlocked.
Pushing through the door, Zhou Mi didn't look back, keeping his head down as he hurried home. This wasn't the first time this had happened, and it probably wouldn't be the last.
****************************************
Sometimes, JongWoon was thankful that HyunJoong slept like a log no matter what was going on around him. It made surprising him a lot easier, and since HyunJoong obviously wasn't expecting anything for Christmas, JongWoon wanted it to be even more of a surprise.
Sneaking out of bed and using an extra pillow in his place so HyunJoong wouldn't wake up from the lack of company, JongWoon crept around the apartment placing the gifts he'd gotten under the tree. He didn't have a very deep wallet, but he always went that little over-budget at Christmas time. Especially now that for the first time in a few years, he was celebrating it with someone other than his parents.
Keeping in mind HyunJoong's phobia when it came to over-decorating (planning Easter and Halloween were going to be headaches, he could tell already), JongWoon didn't go all-out as he usually did. But he did put a batch of cinnamon rolls in the oven to cook, and make the entire apartment smell like cinnamon.
Once they were done he set them out on the counter to cool before sneaking back into the bedroom, removing the extra pillow and climbing back into bed as carefully as he could.
Of course, HyunJoong had slept through all JongWoon had been doing, only budging when JongWoon came back to bed to roll over and wrap an arm around his waist, still fast asleep.
Once he'd judged HyunJoong had slept long enough (it was useless to wake him up before a certain time, it was like having a zombie as a boyfriend), JongWoon started placing kisses all along HyunJoong's face and neck. "HyunJoong," he whispered, trying to wake the other man up gently.
"Hmmrph," HyunJoong half leaned into the kisses and half pulled away, still very much asleep.
Okay, the gentle approach wasn't going to work. Not that JongWoon had thought it would, but it was always worth a try. Throughout their relationship so far he'd managed to only roll his boyfriend out of bed once, and that had been when he'd slept through all three alarm clocks and was going to be late for work.
"Hyun," JongWoon said more insistently, rolling HyunJoong onto his back and straddling his waist. "C'mon, up, up," he took both HyunJoong's arms and started waving them around.
"Hm?" One of HyunJoong's eyes cracked open and he pouted. "What... too early... sleep."
"Merry Christmas!" JongWoon beamed down at HyunJoong, still holding onto his arms. "And it's not early, it's ten-thirty, time to get up!"
Both of HyunJoong's eyes opened and he gave JongWoon a blank sleepy stare before he rolled over onto his side. "Sleep."
Bracing himself before he could be rolled right off the younger man, JongWoon started attacking HyunJoong's side with insistent pokes instead. "No sleep, sleep time's over."
HyunJoong barely twitched at the pokes, turning his head to look up at JongWoon. "Why, Christmas is for sleeping in."
"But I did let you sleep in, I was up ages ago," JongWoon blinked down at HyunJoong.
"That's because you're weird," HyunJoong said, getting himself comfortable. "I'm awake now, what do you want."
"I want you to get out of bed and follow me," JongWoon grinned, climbing out of bed.
"But why?" HyunJoong grumbled, slowly sitting up. Swinging his legs off the bed, he yawned and rubbed his hand through his hair. "Do I have to get dressed?"
"No, it's not like your window has a view of anything but a brick wall." Bouncing slightly, JongWoon went to the bedroom door and disappeared out into the rest of the apartment.
"Good, didn't feel like it," HyunJoong said, getting to his feet and wandering out after JongWoon. "So what is it you dragged me out of bed to see."
"Santa visited while you were sleeping like a log," JongWoon beamed, sitting down on the floor beside the christmas tree.
HyunJoong blinked at the tree, and the presents. "You're such a child sometimes," he said, shaking his head. "Are those all yours?"
"No, they're yours, slowpoke," JongWoon threw a couch pillow at his boyfriend.
Letting the pillow hit him in the chest, HyunJoong sat down in a chair and leaned back. "Why did you get me so many presents?"
"Because it's Christmas babo, and I love you," JongWoon grinned widely at the younger man, jumping to his feet. "Presents first, or breakfast?"
"Presents, otherwise you'll rush me through food," HyunJoong said, holding out his hand for a present.
"Presents it is," JongWoon beamed. Saving the large, bulky present at the back for last, he picked up some of the smaller ones and brought them to HyunJoong.
"You'll get your present after breakfast," HyunJoong said, giving JongWoon a wink as he accepted the presents.
"Is that why you're staying naked?" JongWoon laughed, dropping down onto the couch and bouncing happily.
"Possibly, I'm also very lazy," HyunJoong said, tearing into the paper. "Good thing I'm not shy about how I look."
"And I don't exactly mind you staying naked either..." JongWoon rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
The presents were different manhwa books, JongWoon having noticed the half-finished collections gathering dust in one bottom drawer.
"Huh... it's been a long time since I've had time to read these," HyunJoong said, opening one of the books and leaning back. He was engrossed within seconds.
JongWoon chuckled, watching his boyfriend read. Well, so far his guesses as to what HyunJoong would like for Christmas were paying off.
After watching for a minute, he reached out with one foot and nudged HyunJoong's leg. "There's more presents you know."
"Hm?" HyunJoong looked up from the book to JongWoon, blinking a couple of times. "Oh, right, sorry," he chuckled, setting down the books and moving on to the next present. This time, he just looked over the gifts with a rueful smile until all the gifts were opened. "Well, now I feel silly that I didn't get you much."
"That's not the point of Christmas, silly," JongWoon stood, going to his boyfriend's side and leaning down to kiss him. "I hope you like it," he smiled at HyunJoong widely.
"I do, thank you," HyunJoong said, putting an arm around JongWoon's neck and pulling him down into his lap. "You don't have to get me gifts though, waking up next to you is the best gift I could ever get."
"Even when I'm trying to wake you up?" JongWoon settled in HyunJoong's lap, resting his arms against the younger man's shoulders.
"Well..." HyunJoong tilted his head to the side in thought. "I'm not happy about being woken up, but I'd rather it be you than anyone else."
JongWoon pouted. "I'm sorry. I hope fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast makes up for it?"
"More than makes up for it," HyunJoong chuckled, leaning in to give him a kiss. "Merry Christmas, JongWoon."
Returning the kiss, JongWoon closed his eyes and savored the moment. "Merry Christmas HyunJoong," he murmured in return.
"So, breakfast first, or my present to you?" HyunJoong asked quietly, ducking his head to kiss a path down JongWoon's neck.
Chuckling breathlessly, JongWoon cracked his eyes open to look down at HyunJoong. "Maybe...breakfast first...or else it'll get cold."
"Can't have that," HyunJoong said, though his hands were running up and down JongWoon's bare back. "You better get up then, or I'm not going to let you."
"But you're being distracting," JongWoon pouted, though he managed to regain his senses enough to climb out of HyunJoong's lap. "Am I going to lose you to manhwa after?"
"Depends on if you keep my attention or not," HyunJoong said, his eyes going up and down JongWoon's form. "Don't get dressed, that will help."
"I'll keep that in mind," JongWoon flushed, glad he'd only put on a pair of boxers. He hurried into the kitchen to get their breakfast ready, checking to make sure the cinnamon rolls were cool enough for the icing. Once they were all iced he brought the plate to the table, placing it down. "What do you want to drink?"
"It's probably too early for beer huh?" HyunJoong chuckled. "I'll just have a water."
"Okay," JongWoon smiled at him and got them both glasses of water. Bringing them back to the table, he dropped down across from HyunJoong and picked up a cinnamon roll. "What do you want to do today?" he asked, shredding off pieces to eat.
"It's Christmas, so... nothing?" HyunJoong said, taking a big bite of one. "You have anything in mind?"
"As long as I'm spending the day with you, I don't care what we do," JongWoon chuckled. "I do have a nice dinner planned though."
"Sounds good to me, I love your cooking," HyunJoong said. "What about family?"
"We could go see my parents today or tomorrow," the older man nodded. "What about your family, wanna go see them?"
"Not particularly," HyunJoong said, looking down at the table. "Would you introduce me as your boyfriend?"
"I'd like to," JongWoon blinked, tilting his head to the side. "Why? You don't want me to?"
"No, I was just asking, that's all," HyunJoong said, looking up to give him a small smile. "They support you then?"
"Yeah, I've always been open about liking guys," JongWoon chuckled, popping another piece of cinnamon roll into his mouth and chewing slowly. "Took them a bit at first, but they support me. Do...your parents...?"
"Let's put it this way... when I brought YoungSaeng home for dinner, we ended up eating at some food stall," HyunJoong said. "Haven't heard from them since."
"...Oh..." JongWoon's eyes saddened, biting his lower lip. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. There was nothing else he could say to that without reopening old wounds.
"Nothing to be sorry about," HyunJoong shrugged. "Their choice. But it's good to hear your parents are so supportive."
"They are, and I'm sure they'll love you, they already do," JongWoon smiled softly at him.
"Even though I attacked one of their waiters?" HyunJoong asked with a rueful smile. "But if you want to go see them today, I think that would be fine. I'd have to get dressed of course."
"Yes, my mom might beat you out the door with a broom if you show up naked," JongWoon flushed. He finished off his cinnamon roll, dusting his hands off.
"Can't have that," HyunJoong chuckled, glancing towards the window. "Hopefully it won't be as... overwhelming out there this time."
"I hope so," JongWoon pouted, following his gaze to the window before standing and picking up the empty plate to bring back into the kitchen. "If it's too much, I can call my parents and tell them we'll visit tomorrow."
"Well, with it being Christmas and all, people are probably at home with their families," HyunJoong said.
"Yeah, so it might not be that bad outside right now..." Placing the plate to wash later, JongWoon returned and wrapped his arms around HyunJoong from behind, resting his chin on top of the younger man's head.
Finishing off the cinnamon roll, HyunJoong lifted up his arms to go around JongWoon's neck behind him. "You want your present now?"
"Mhm," JongWoon smiled, kissing HyunJoong's hair and shifting around so HyunJoong could stand up.
Getting to his feet, HyunJoong put an arm around JongWoon's waist, pulling him close. "You have a nice Christmas so far?" he asked, peppering kisses to JongWoon's shoulder and neck, nudging him backwards towards the bedroom.
"More than nice," JongWoon chuckled, walking backwards slowly and wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck. He tried to get a few kisses of his own in without blocking what HyunJoong was doing. "You?"
"Very nice," HyunJoong murmured against JongWoon's skin. Getting through the doorway, he lifted JongWoon up slightly by the waist so he could lay him down on the bed, crawling up after him. "And I think it's about to get even better."
Smile widening, JongWoon made himself comfortable on the bed and waited for HyunJoong to be level with him. "Merry Christmas," he grinned, wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck and pulling him down into a deep kiss.
HyunJoong didn't reply, he didn't need to. This was the best Christmas he'd had in a long time, and it was just starting.
Chapter: 36/40
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.
Despite all the answers they had received, Zhou Mi still wanted to do more research. There had to be more information out there that could be helpful. Instead of following his advice to everyone else, he had decided to go to the library alone while JungMin was at work. Everyone else seemed to be too busy anyway.
No one else was around at the downtown library, the librarian someone other than KiSeop who was probably still recovering. Sitting down with a stack of books, Zhou Mi was completely focused on his reading.
A chill breeze blew in from one of the windows, cracked open to let fresh air into the library. It rustled through the pages of the book in front of Zhou Mi, the sun disappeared behind the clouds outside and casting shadows into the room.
A soft breath of warm air ghosted over Zhou Mi's ear.
Zhou Mi blinked slightly, stopping the pages from flipping and glanced over his shoulder towards the window. Seeing nothing, he returned to looking down at the book, pulling it into his arms as he leaned back in the chair.
For another minute there was nothing. Then the breeze blew by again, a little strong considering the window was only slightly ajar, plucking at Zhou Mi's sleeves. With it came the feeling of fingers, brushing over Zhou Mi's hair.
Frowning, Zhou Mi closed the book and set it down on the table before getting to his feet. Going over to the window, he closed it and latched it shut before returning to his seat. It was still far too cold to be leaving a window open.
As soon as Zhou Mi sat down, the unusual wind blew past him again, flipping over the pages of his book and getting colder. The window remained latched shut.
A bad feeling came over Zhou Mi, and he closed all the books on the table and got to his feet slowly. "No, no, no, go away," he mumbled, grabbing his coat. "You're not real."
"Am I?" whispered a deep voice in Zhou Mi's ear.
"No, you're not," Zhou Mi said, pulling on his coat and hurrying towards the stairs. "Over stressed imagination is giving me hallucinations, that's all!"
"Hallucinations are just diseases of the mind," the voice followed Zhou Mi towards the stairs, like from a speaker attached to his shoulder. "Can you run away from your own mind?"
"Yes, I can drown you out," Zhou Mi said under his breath, going down the stairs as quickly as he could and starting towards the front doors.
"You can't drown out your own insecurities. Your own fears," the voice laughed at him. "they will fester and grow until they consume you."
"No, go away," Zhou Mi called over his shoulder as he reached the doors and pushed on them. They didn't budge. "Someone let me out!"
"No one can hear you. No one's going to help you. So defenseless, like a lamb for the slaughter. Is this still all in your mind?"
"Yes, it is," Zhou Mi nodded, closing his eyes and rattling the locked doors. "I'm not defenseless, I'm not."
"But you don't believe yourself, do you?" The voice was getting closer, lips brushing against Zhou Mi's ear. "The human mind is such a powerful weapon, wouldn't you agree? You know you're trapped, you know you're just waiting for the inevitable. The question is, when?"
Zhou Mi couldn't reply, just keeping his eyes closed tightly and his hands on the door. It wasn't real, it couldn't be. This wasn't his dream.
Fingers lightly caressed the back of Zhou Mi's neck. "I could end you right now...so easily. But where's the fun in that? I want to see you break, watch you lose your mind. Run home, little rabbit...home might not be there when you get back." The door clicked unlocked.
Pushing through the door, Zhou Mi didn't look back, keeping his head down as he hurried home. This wasn't the first time this had happened, and it probably wouldn't be the last.
****************************************
Sometimes, JongWoon was thankful that HyunJoong slept like a log no matter what was going on around him. It made surprising him a lot easier, and since HyunJoong obviously wasn't expecting anything for Christmas, JongWoon wanted it to be even more of a surprise.
Sneaking out of bed and using an extra pillow in his place so HyunJoong wouldn't wake up from the lack of company, JongWoon crept around the apartment placing the gifts he'd gotten under the tree. He didn't have a very deep wallet, but he always went that little over-budget at Christmas time. Especially now that for the first time in a few years, he was celebrating it with someone other than his parents.
Keeping in mind HyunJoong's phobia when it came to over-decorating (planning Easter and Halloween were going to be headaches, he could tell already), JongWoon didn't go all-out as he usually did. But he did put a batch of cinnamon rolls in the oven to cook, and make the entire apartment smell like cinnamon.
Once they were done he set them out on the counter to cool before sneaking back into the bedroom, removing the extra pillow and climbing back into bed as carefully as he could.
Of course, HyunJoong had slept through all JongWoon had been doing, only budging when JongWoon came back to bed to roll over and wrap an arm around his waist, still fast asleep.
Once he'd judged HyunJoong had slept long enough (it was useless to wake him up before a certain time, it was like having a zombie as a boyfriend), JongWoon started placing kisses all along HyunJoong's face and neck. "HyunJoong," he whispered, trying to wake the other man up gently.
"Hmmrph," HyunJoong half leaned into the kisses and half pulled away, still very much asleep.
Okay, the gentle approach wasn't going to work. Not that JongWoon had thought it would, but it was always worth a try. Throughout their relationship so far he'd managed to only roll his boyfriend out of bed once, and that had been when he'd slept through all three alarm clocks and was going to be late for work.
"Hyun," JongWoon said more insistently, rolling HyunJoong onto his back and straddling his waist. "C'mon, up, up," he took both HyunJoong's arms and started waving them around.
"Hm?" One of HyunJoong's eyes cracked open and he pouted. "What... too early... sleep."
"Merry Christmas!" JongWoon beamed down at HyunJoong, still holding onto his arms. "And it's not early, it's ten-thirty, time to get up!"
Both of HyunJoong's eyes opened and he gave JongWoon a blank sleepy stare before he rolled over onto his side. "Sleep."
Bracing himself before he could be rolled right off the younger man, JongWoon started attacking HyunJoong's side with insistent pokes instead. "No sleep, sleep time's over."
HyunJoong barely twitched at the pokes, turning his head to look up at JongWoon. "Why, Christmas is for sleeping in."
"But I did let you sleep in, I was up ages ago," JongWoon blinked down at HyunJoong.
"That's because you're weird," HyunJoong said, getting himself comfortable. "I'm awake now, what do you want."
"I want you to get out of bed and follow me," JongWoon grinned, climbing out of bed.
"But why?" HyunJoong grumbled, slowly sitting up. Swinging his legs off the bed, he yawned and rubbed his hand through his hair. "Do I have to get dressed?"
"No, it's not like your window has a view of anything but a brick wall." Bouncing slightly, JongWoon went to the bedroom door and disappeared out into the rest of the apartment.
"Good, didn't feel like it," HyunJoong said, getting to his feet and wandering out after JongWoon. "So what is it you dragged me out of bed to see."
"Santa visited while you were sleeping like a log," JongWoon beamed, sitting down on the floor beside the christmas tree.
HyunJoong blinked at the tree, and the presents. "You're such a child sometimes," he said, shaking his head. "Are those all yours?"
"No, they're yours, slowpoke," JongWoon threw a couch pillow at his boyfriend.
Letting the pillow hit him in the chest, HyunJoong sat down in a chair and leaned back. "Why did you get me so many presents?"
"Because it's Christmas babo, and I love you," JongWoon grinned widely at the younger man, jumping to his feet. "Presents first, or breakfast?"
"Presents, otherwise you'll rush me through food," HyunJoong said, holding out his hand for a present.
"Presents it is," JongWoon beamed. Saving the large, bulky present at the back for last, he picked up some of the smaller ones and brought them to HyunJoong.
"You'll get your present after breakfast," HyunJoong said, giving JongWoon a wink as he accepted the presents.
"Is that why you're staying naked?" JongWoon laughed, dropping down onto the couch and bouncing happily.
"Possibly, I'm also very lazy," HyunJoong said, tearing into the paper. "Good thing I'm not shy about how I look."
"And I don't exactly mind you staying naked either..." JongWoon rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
The presents were different manhwa books, JongWoon having noticed the half-finished collections gathering dust in one bottom drawer.
"Huh... it's been a long time since I've had time to read these," HyunJoong said, opening one of the books and leaning back. He was engrossed within seconds.
JongWoon chuckled, watching his boyfriend read. Well, so far his guesses as to what HyunJoong would like for Christmas were paying off.
After watching for a minute, he reached out with one foot and nudged HyunJoong's leg. "There's more presents you know."
"Hm?" HyunJoong looked up from the book to JongWoon, blinking a couple of times. "Oh, right, sorry," he chuckled, setting down the books and moving on to the next present. This time, he just looked over the gifts with a rueful smile until all the gifts were opened. "Well, now I feel silly that I didn't get you much."
"That's not the point of Christmas, silly," JongWoon stood, going to his boyfriend's side and leaning down to kiss him. "I hope you like it," he smiled at HyunJoong widely.
"I do, thank you," HyunJoong said, putting an arm around JongWoon's neck and pulling him down into his lap. "You don't have to get me gifts though, waking up next to you is the best gift I could ever get."
"Even when I'm trying to wake you up?" JongWoon settled in HyunJoong's lap, resting his arms against the younger man's shoulders.
"Well..." HyunJoong tilted his head to the side in thought. "I'm not happy about being woken up, but I'd rather it be you than anyone else."
JongWoon pouted. "I'm sorry. I hope fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast makes up for it?"
"More than makes up for it," HyunJoong chuckled, leaning in to give him a kiss. "Merry Christmas, JongWoon."
Returning the kiss, JongWoon closed his eyes and savored the moment. "Merry Christmas HyunJoong," he murmured in return.
"So, breakfast first, or my present to you?" HyunJoong asked quietly, ducking his head to kiss a path down JongWoon's neck.
Chuckling breathlessly, JongWoon cracked his eyes open to look down at HyunJoong. "Maybe...breakfast first...or else it'll get cold."
"Can't have that," HyunJoong said, though his hands were running up and down JongWoon's bare back. "You better get up then, or I'm not going to let you."
"But you're being distracting," JongWoon pouted, though he managed to regain his senses enough to climb out of HyunJoong's lap. "Am I going to lose you to manhwa after?"
"Depends on if you keep my attention or not," HyunJoong said, his eyes going up and down JongWoon's form. "Don't get dressed, that will help."
"I'll keep that in mind," JongWoon flushed, glad he'd only put on a pair of boxers. He hurried into the kitchen to get their breakfast ready, checking to make sure the cinnamon rolls were cool enough for the icing. Once they were all iced he brought the plate to the table, placing it down. "What do you want to drink?"
"It's probably too early for beer huh?" HyunJoong chuckled. "I'll just have a water."
"Okay," JongWoon smiled at him and got them both glasses of water. Bringing them back to the table, he dropped down across from HyunJoong and picked up a cinnamon roll. "What do you want to do today?" he asked, shredding off pieces to eat.
"It's Christmas, so... nothing?" HyunJoong said, taking a big bite of one. "You have anything in mind?"
"As long as I'm spending the day with you, I don't care what we do," JongWoon chuckled. "I do have a nice dinner planned though."
"Sounds good to me, I love your cooking," HyunJoong said. "What about family?"
"We could go see my parents today or tomorrow," the older man nodded. "What about your family, wanna go see them?"
"Not particularly," HyunJoong said, looking down at the table. "Would you introduce me as your boyfriend?"
"I'd like to," JongWoon blinked, tilting his head to the side. "Why? You don't want me to?"
"No, I was just asking, that's all," HyunJoong said, looking up to give him a small smile. "They support you then?"
"Yeah, I've always been open about liking guys," JongWoon chuckled, popping another piece of cinnamon roll into his mouth and chewing slowly. "Took them a bit at first, but they support me. Do...your parents...?"
"Let's put it this way... when I brought YoungSaeng home for dinner, we ended up eating at some food stall," HyunJoong said. "Haven't heard from them since."
"...Oh..." JongWoon's eyes saddened, biting his lower lip. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. There was nothing else he could say to that without reopening old wounds.
"Nothing to be sorry about," HyunJoong shrugged. "Their choice. But it's good to hear your parents are so supportive."
"They are, and I'm sure they'll love you, they already do," JongWoon smiled softly at him.
"Even though I attacked one of their waiters?" HyunJoong asked with a rueful smile. "But if you want to go see them today, I think that would be fine. I'd have to get dressed of course."
"Yes, my mom might beat you out the door with a broom if you show up naked," JongWoon flushed. He finished off his cinnamon roll, dusting his hands off.
"Can't have that," HyunJoong chuckled, glancing towards the window. "Hopefully it won't be as... overwhelming out there this time."
"I hope so," JongWoon pouted, following his gaze to the window before standing and picking up the empty plate to bring back into the kitchen. "If it's too much, I can call my parents and tell them we'll visit tomorrow."
"Well, with it being Christmas and all, people are probably at home with their families," HyunJoong said.
"Yeah, so it might not be that bad outside right now..." Placing the plate to wash later, JongWoon returned and wrapped his arms around HyunJoong from behind, resting his chin on top of the younger man's head.
Finishing off the cinnamon roll, HyunJoong lifted up his arms to go around JongWoon's neck behind him. "You want your present now?"
"Mhm," JongWoon smiled, kissing HyunJoong's hair and shifting around so HyunJoong could stand up.
Getting to his feet, HyunJoong put an arm around JongWoon's waist, pulling him close. "You have a nice Christmas so far?" he asked, peppering kisses to JongWoon's shoulder and neck, nudging him backwards towards the bedroom.
"More than nice," JongWoon chuckled, walking backwards slowly and wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck. He tried to get a few kisses of his own in without blocking what HyunJoong was doing. "You?"
"Very nice," HyunJoong murmured against JongWoon's skin. Getting through the doorway, he lifted JongWoon up slightly by the waist so he could lay him down on the bed, crawling up after him. "And I think it's about to get even better."
Smile widening, JongWoon made himself comfortable on the bed and waited for HyunJoong to be level with him. "Merry Christmas," he grinned, wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck and pulling him down into a deep kiss.
HyunJoong didn't reply, he didn't need to. This was the best Christmas he'd had in a long time, and it was just starting.