Always Online - Chapter Four
Title: Always Online
Authors:
yeonah and
mskatness
Chapter: 4/4
Fandoms: U-KISS, cameos by SS501, Super Junior and MBLAQ
Pairing: KeMaru
Rating: PG-14
Warning: AU, Character Death (sorta)
Summary: He was created to be perfectly human in every way…except he wasn’t real.
A/N: Spinoff for our SS501 roleplay, Never Online, focusing on KiBum and Kevin’s story. It’s suggested to read Never Online first, to get an idea of the story context, but not needed.
The following morning came far too fast for either of them. The house was bustling with activity, everyone getting ready for what would be the last time they went to collect a piece of the puzzle.
Everyone was nervous and high-strung on emotions, so no one noticed how Kevin was even quieter than usual, doing as told almost on autopilot and keeping himself busy.
Soon they were ready, and all set up at their stations. Waiting for the go-ahead, Kevin leaned back in his chair and drew in a slow breath, trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn't afford to be distracted during this, even if he'd felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest since returning from Never last night.
"Okay, so we all know the plan then?" HyunJoong said, tapping at his own monitor to load the game. "Don't talk to anyone, don't look at anyone. Just remember you're there to do your work, and I don't think I need to tell anyone to look rushed."
"Yes, mother," YoungSaeng mocked, leaning back in his chair. He gave RyeoWook a reassuring smile before he closed his eyes.
"Good luck," KyuJong whispered before they were loaded into Never.
Kevin landed a bit away from them, resisting the urge to look around for KiBum, who was always there when he logged on. Squaring his shoulders and putting on a stoic expression, he headed towards the rendezvous point, keeping track of what the others were doing on his datapad.
KiBum watched the others log on, not bothering to take approach them in his avatar form since it would just get in the way. He liked being able to spread out along the lines of code like this, feeling the current along his program as he felt each individual person, building within the game. It took a lot to get him to focus when he was like this, but he had a job to do right then. First thing was first though, and he threw out a security field of his own design, one designed to keep people out, but let those inside out without noticing it was there. It was a tricky code, one he was particularly proud of.
Gathering himself around the code of the security building, he poked at the holes and cracks, remarking to himself about how sloppy the thing was put together. Kevin's signature pinged his senses, and for the briefest of seconds he was distracted, wanting more than anything to go to him. That wasn't an option, and he had to ignore the distraction that was Kevin and focus.
Finding an open crack in the security center's defenses, KiBum exploited it, gathering in lines of code and figuratively 'pulling' the code apart line by line until the whole thing dismantled around him. He had made sure to keep the people inside out of harms way, using Kevin's freezing technique to boot them out of the game just before the building disappeared.
Now, it was up to the others, and the clock was ticking. Never's security was in disarray but it wouldn't be long before they honed in on them. His attention went to HyunJoong and KyuJong, popping up a few feet away from them. He knew Kevin was just behind him, but resisted the urge to look for him.
"You better move quick, they're already sending out more security," KiBum said walking up beside HyunJoong, touching his hand to the side of the wall, head tilted to the side. "I can delay them, but not for long."
"I think you've done enough KiBum, but thank you," HyunJoong nodded, giving him a small smirk as he went back to work. "Go let the others know."
"Will do," KiBum saluted before disappearing, reappearing next to JongWoon and YoungSaeng. "Hi! Security's going to be flooding through here soon, so better hurry hurry."
JongWoon was wincing, one hand against his head. "We're hurrying, but if they go much faster our heads are gonna explode," he whispered, looking over at RyeoWook and JungMin who were working. "How much longer do we have, KiBum?"
Kevin, not that far away from them, used all his willpower to not look over his shoulder at where the program had just appeared. They were on a mission now, he had to focus, they were counting on him to make sure they got out safe if there was trouble. Tuning KiBum out the best he could, and ignoring the pang in his chest when the program disappeared again, he glanced around the area quickly. Security was trying to get in, he could feel it, and he shuffled a little closer to the others out of nerves.
"Done," JungMin said, tapping furiously to back out of the code as quick as he could. "Sending messages, let's get out of here. Exiting right out right?"
"Yeah, right out," RyeoWook nodded, looking towards YoungSaeng and JongWoon. His eyes widened at seeing the state they were in. "We have to go," he said, nodding to Kevin. The younger man nodded with wide eyes, hurrying to JongWoon and YoungSaeng's sides to get them to leave. Neither of them were focusing very well, Kevin having to help them with the exit command before getting himself out as well.
Opening his eyes, Kevin unplugged himself and scrambled to his feet as there was a flurry of activity. YoungSaeng was pulled into small server room barely conscious, and JongWoon lasted a minute before passing out and nearly falling out of his chair. Kevin bit back the alarm and listened to what Daniel was telling him to do, carefully start dismantling the setup and returning their stations back to normal. He could tell Daniel was just finding him something easy to do so he wouldn't start panicking.
Finally, the information was out and both YoungSaeng and JongWoon were brought upstairs to get some well-deserved rest. Kevin nodded when he was told to keep an eye on security, settling up his monitor so he could see the framework of the game without logging on. He could see the attacked security building still in chaos.
Now they just waited.
***********
Time for a program was hard to calculate, KiBum flitting in and out of the servers as he waited for KyuJong to finish compiling the data. He hadn't told anyone yet, not even KyuJong about having found a place to hide. The bulk of his program had been moved into the core servers already, and it was rather limiting. He had no way of knowing though if they were going to shut down those servers as well, but there wasn't much else he could do.
Disrupted from his musings, a message from KyuJong told him the man was done and they were getting ready to move. If he had lips right then, he would smile, making his way to the cliffside. It could be the last time he saw Kevin, so instead of ignoring him, he popped up right next to the teen, catching HyunJoong's statement.
"Looks like it's just us for the moment."
"And me," KiBum said, not even looking at Kevin when he landed. "We ready to do this? I'm so excited and nervous at the same time."
"I think we all share that sentiment," KyuJong chuckled softly, lips curling as Kevin jumped at the sudden appearance. The teenager's eyes flitted to KiBum beside him, swallowing thickly before he looked away again. He still didn't know what to think; he wanted to continue to be angry at KiBum, the program had lied to him and tricked him into thinking they had something special, but it was just so exhausting. And this was going to be...the last time he saw KiBum, right?
"You know that we're going to have to leave town right after this," KyuJong said quietly, looking at KiBum sadly.
"Yeah, I'll do what I can on my end until the very end," KiBum said with a smile. "You know I don't regret this right? You don't have to feel sorry for me, honest. I'm proud of what we're doing."
"Still, we're going to miss you KiBum, and we wish we could have helped," HyunJoong said, his lips quirking sadly.
"You're family KiBum, we're never going to forget you," KyuJong whispered, eyes watery again as he stepped closer and pulled KiBum into a tight hug, burying his face in the younger man's shoulder.
"It's okay Appa," KiBum whispered quietly so only KyuJong would hear. "I'll be fine, like you said."
KyuJong's lips curled softly, lifting his head a little to bring his lips closer to KiBum's ear. "We'll be waiting for you," he murmured softly. "All of us."
After a moment KyuJong pulled back from KiBum, smiling at the program with tears staining his cheeks. "Thank you for everything KiBum, none of this would be possible without all your help."
"No crying," KiBum pouted, wiping away the tears. "I'm sure you guys would have done as well without me, and probably got it done quicker if you hadn't have made me the way I am."
"Yeah, but what fun would you be if you were a boring interface," HyunJoong chuckled.
"I would have been doing you a strong injustice," KyuJong shook his head, smiling shakily at KiBum as he cupped the younger man's face lightly.
He looked about to say something else, but four people popped into existence around them at the same time, and there was a loud yelp as a fifth appeared in the same space SungHyun was occupying, making both of them fall over.
More people started to arrive, KiBum trying to stay out of the way but was grabbed in a tight hug by MiMi. He flailed a little until MiMi was dragged off by KuiXian, HyunJoong talking all the while. Someone else had helped Kevin back up to his feet, and taking a deep breath, KiBum shuffled his way over to Kevin's side while HyunJoong and KyuJong talked to the group.
"I'm sorry," KiBum whispered softly, glancing at the teen beside him.
Carefully paying attention to what they were talking about, Kevin's concentration faded as KiBum stopped beside him and spoke in a whisper. A large part of him wanted to just ignore the program and focus back on the task at hand, but even as he tried to do that he knew it was impossible.
He'd never been able to ignore KiBum.
"Why did you lie to me?" he asked, voice barely audible as he kept his gaze on the others as they explained to the new arrivals.
"I didn't mean to... I just kept the truth from you," KiBum replied. "I don't know why I did, probably because I was a little selfish, and just wanted a friend who saw me as a person, and not a program." He turned his head slightly, looking at Kevin's profile. "I found a way to survive the shut down."
That drew a reaction, Kevin biting on the inside of his cheek. "...You did?" He was supposed to be angry right now, but he couldn't stop the wave of relief. Even if KiBum wasn't capable of love, he had never wanted the program to disappear.
"I did, and hopefully I'll be fine," KiBum said, hesitantly reaching out to touch Kevin's arm, glad that everyone else was distracted. "I know you don't think so, but... I do think I fell in love with you Kevin," he said softly. "Cue designed me with the full range of human emotions. I only said that I didn't know what love felt like, because I had never been in love before."
Lips pressing tightly together, Kevin tried to blink back the tears in his eyes. Programs wouldn't be able to feel love, right? They were just lines of code in the end.
But KiBum's words eased some of the ache in his chest, and after a long moment he hesitantly turned his head to look at KiBum beside him, seeing the sincerity there.
"I-"
"Let's get this show on the road then," Daniel was saying, snapping Kevin back to the present. "Good luck."
"Good luck all of you, and I doubt we'll see each other again, so it was a pleasure knowing all of you," HyunJoong said, bowing a little politely. They started disappearing one by one until it was just the five left, HyunJoong turned to the others and took a deep breath. "Alright, time to end this. Kyu, we'll start here, we've got... half hour left at most before we need to go."
"Right," KyuJong nodded, looking at the others. "Let's just get out what we can and leave, we need to be out of town." He tapped at his datapad, setting up as many messages and hacks.
"I'll take the casino districts," Kevin surprised himself by saying, a little more happily than he'd intended. There was a small weight off his chest at least. "Lots of people there right now."
Nodding, KyuJong glanced at KiBum beside him. "On your mark, KiBum."
"Good luck," KiBum smiled, saluting before he disappeared. A small bit of hope coursed through him, that last look Kevin had given him was enough. Kevin didn't hate him entirely anymore. While the others were hitting the local spots, KiBum was riding through the server channels, dumping information into the messaging systems to be sent out immediately. First the North American servers, then Europe, getting it out as quickly as he could.
They were on to them though, his movements being watched and firewalls going up whichever way he wanted to go. Easy enough to get by, but worrying. The game administrators knew what they were doing. Stopping in his tracks, KiBum started to filter through the messages between security centers. They were tracking IP's and closing in on the group, knew where the house was and were going to cut them off; whether they were logged in still or not. Shooting off messages quickly to the others, KiBum landed at a server hub and tried to make as much noise as possible as a distraction.
Kevin was busy causing chaos in the casino district, sending out the messages to every LCD screen and hovering advertisement board he could reach. For the more stubbornly-focused people, he dove straight into the casino framework and haphazardly smacked the messages across the displays of the slot machines and the surface of the gambling tables. That got their attention.
Glancing up from his datapad to see people panicking and disappearing around him as security appeared, the device buzzed in his hand and he looked back down, eyes widening at the message that flashed across it. "Get out!" in large bold letters. KiBum? His finger hovered over the exit command before Kevin stopped.
If he left now, what happened if Never didn't come back up? What if KiBum wasn't able to keep himself safe after all? What if he never got to see him again?
The decision was reached in less than a second, and Kevin instead brought up the jump command, tracing where KiBum was at that moment and pressing execute.
He landed right in front of the other boy. "KiBum!"
Eyes widening, KiBum shook his head. "No, no, get out! They're trying to cut you off! Get out Kevin!" Why was he here? Any second now they'd cut Kevin's connection off and that could kill him. He barely even noticed that he'd tied Kevin's signature to his program.
"I can't just leave you here!" Kevin gripped KiBum's arms, refusing to let go. "I don't want to leave you. I never even got to tell you I love you, I don't care if you're a program, I still love you!"
Something at the bare edges of Kevin's consciousness snapped in half.
The teenager barely had time to register he'd fallen to his knees before everything went dark, his avatar greying out and glitching in and out of sight.
"Kevin?!" KiBum held onto Kevin tightly, knowing already the worst had happened. They'd cut his connection off, and it was only from tying Kevin's signature to his program that he was even half here. It wasn't enough though, Kevin would fade quickly if he wasn't grounded into lines of code. Closing his eyes, KiBum worked quickly, feeding Kevin's signature through the lines of code and attaching the teen to his program. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it would keep Kevin alive. Kevin's avatar stabilized, no longer fuzzing in and out and the color starting to return. "You stupid, stupid," KiBum murmured, clutching Kevin tightly to himself.
It took a few minutes for the color to return to Kevin's avatar completely, the teenager starting to breath slowly again once it had. His fingers slowly curled into the material of KiBum's sleeve before his eyes cracked open a little, blinking unseeingly at the shirt he was pressed up against.
Breathing a little in relief, KiBum brushed the hair out of Kevin's eyes. "Hey, are you okay? You're going to feel a little weird right now, you're attached to my program... it was the best I could do right now, I'm sorry."
It took a moment for Kevin to register what was being said to him, everything as if underwater as he looked up at KiBum blankly. Then he blinked, recognition registering as everything slowly started to come back to him. "What happened?" he whispered, even hearing his own voice as though far away.
"They had a lock on your IP's, and were trying to cut you off from the game," KiBum said quietly, keeping an eye out for anyone coming their way. "Everyone else got out, but... you didn't. The only reason you're still here is because I had your signature tied to my program, like I always do. I'm sorry Kevin, but... you're part of the game now."
Blinking at him, Kevin wasn't sure what to think about that, his head was too fuzzy to concentrate on the idea that he was never going to leave. The full implications of that would have to wait until he could think straight.
"...What now?"
"Uh... now we should get out of here and wait someplace safe," KiBum said. "It's probably going to be a bit before you get used to this, and I'm not sure how long the game is going to stay up. There's so much traffic going on right now. Just hold onto me, we'll figure this out, okay?"
Kevin nodded, arms wrapping securely around KiBum's waist as he buried his face against the other boy's chest. He wasn't letting go, not ever.
Wrapping his arms tight around Kevin's back, KiBum closed his eyes. "You meant it right? When you said you loved me?"
The fuzziness in his head was making it hard to form coherent thoughts, but Kevin nodded before replying. "Present tense...I still do love you," he murmured against KiBum's shirt.
KiBum smiled, pulling back a little to rest his forehead against Kevin's. "Good... cause I meant it too, I love you Kevin," he whispered, pressing his lips against Kevin's as they both disappeared.
****************************************
It was hard to tell how much time passed for them, hiding in the core server. Never was shut down, KiBum told Kevin shortly after arriving, but miraculously the core was untouched. Kevin spent most of the time in a disorientated daze, doubled by the fact they had no avatar forms in the server. He wasn't entirely clear what form they were, and KiBum's explanations made him even dizzier.
They were able to talk though, and they did a lot of that. Only difference was this time it was KiBum who did most of the talking, Kevin pressing him into telling him more about his life as a program since Kevin himself was too out of it to string together long sentences most of the time.
It seemed like they'd spent forever in that state before something changed, the code around them becoming active again. The game was starting up again.
The reboot process was slow, but some time later they were appearing in a clear field where there had used to be a city. Kevin, unused to having legs again, promptly landed on his rear with a yelp.
Chuckling softly, KiBum held out his hand to help Kevin back up. "Careful, it'll be a little bit before you're used to going back and forth like that. It's good to be back though, even if the game's a little... different."
Taking KiBum's hand and carefully standing back up, Kevin looked around. "...Different is right. You sure we're in the right server?" The place was empty of people, it must still be in the process of opening to the public.
"Yup, good ol' 12.7.0.0.1. Just needs some curtains, a bit of paint, and it'll be good as new," KiBum grinned cheekily. "I'm going to send Appa a message, see how long it takes him to respond," he said, tilting his head to the side.
Nodding slightly, Kevin elbowed KiBum at the snarkiness before looking around again. "They really did get rid of the casinos. Or at least the huge ones that were here." He ran one hand through the tall grass beside him.
"They got rid of pretty much everything," KiBum said, looking at him again. "Except...." a smile grew on his lips and took Kevin's hand, the two disappeared and reappeared on top of the cliff. "They left this alone and... wow, would you look at that view?" he said, going to the edge and looking over the blank valley.
Flailing a little and nearly falling over when they reappeared, Kevin looked up at the valley and his lips curled into a wide smile. "You know what, I actually like it much better than the city." He followed KiBum to the edge, pulling him back a little. "Indestructible or not, let's not fall off the cliff, okay?"
"Fine fine, take away my fun," KiBum chuckled, putting his arm around Kevin's waist. "I like it like this too, but I don't think it's going to stay that way for long, look," he said, pointing to where a long gray stripe was forming in the middle of the valley, a couple of small buildings popping up. "They're starting to rebuild."
"Sad, they should just leave it like this," Kevin pouted. "Or at least not have as much of a city as before." He leaned against KiBum as he watched. "I've never actually seen them create things like this before."
"It's kind of neat," KiBum nodded. "Though I'm watching the lines of code being written and think that's the coolest thing ever, so don't take my word for it. It looks like they're keeping it rather small though, kind of like a small town instead of a huge city, and hey, a park!"
Kevin chuckled as he noticed the park KiBum was talking about. "Looks like we'll have some exploring to do. And don't tell me there's no point in exploring, isn't looking at things just as interesting as reading their code?"
"Maybe," KiBum admitted with a mutter, pinching Kevin's side lightly. "Would be nice if they built some of the clubs again, though I'm not sure if they'll be building apartments again. We'll have to build our own little house to live in, how about right here on the cliff?"
"Sounds good to me," Kevin chuckled, swatting at the hand that was trying to pinch him before leaning up to kiss the corner of KiBum's mouth. "You know how to build a house?"
"No, but I'll figure it out," KiBum said, pulling Kevin around to kiss him properly, arms around his waist. "I missed being in avatar form, cause I really missed being able to kiss you."
"I missed being able to kiss you too, and actually see you," Kevin chuckled. His head felt much clearer now that they were back in Never. He'd probably never get used to being in code like that. Leaning in, he caught KiBum's lips in a deep kiss, closing his eyes.
KiBum had to agree with that, he liked seeing Kevin. Returning the kiss, he slowly pulled them down to the ground. For that moment, he was going to enjoy having Kevin physically in his arms again, and make out with him for as long as Kevin would let him.
Situating himself in KiBum's lap, Kevin was all too happy to agree with KiBum's plan, arms wrapped around the program's shoulders as he tilted his head to the side, eyes closed.
He wasn't sure how long they stayed there and just enjoyed each other's company, as well as the fact no one else was around. Kevin only stopped when he felt a strange ping in the back of his mind, realizing it was from KiBum. He was still somewhat connected to KiBum's program, even though they'd taken steps to anchor Kevin to Never itself so he wouldn't be as disorientated.
Pouting a little at the disturbance, KiBum gave Kevin one last small kiss before he pulled back. "That's them, Appa just sent me a message, they're at the park," he said, looking up at Kevin with a smile. "Well? Ready to go tell them the good news?"
Kevin nodded, smiling at him. He'd already decided at some point that he was going to have KyuJong or Daniel pass a message on to his parents for him, that he wasn't really dead but living in the game. He'd cried over not being able to see them again, but there was nothing he could do about it, and they both had access to the game which was more than he could ask for.
"Maybe you should go first? They might freak a little if I pop up out of nowhere," Kevin chuckled.
"Sounds like a plan," KiBum grinned, getting back up to his feet and helping Kevin up. "Give me about thirty seconds, then come in, okay?" he said, kissing Kevin again and again before finally disappearing.
When he reappeared in the midst of the others, he sought out the one face he'd been wanting to see while the game was down. "Appa!" he yelled, throwing himself at KyuJong and wrapping his arms around him.
KyuJong's entire expression lit up in joy, despite nearly being knocked to the ground. "Oh my god, KiBum!" He hugged the program tightly, burying his face in the younger man's hair. "You're okay! You're still here!"
Holding tightly onto the program he considered as close as blood family, he sniffled a little. "I knew you could do it," he whispered in KiBum's ear, lasting two more seconds before he gave up talking through the tears.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine," KiBum grinned, wiggling happy in excitement, hugging KyuJong as tightly as he could. It felt good to be surrounded by the others again. "It worked Appa, they didn't wipe the core structure, just like we thought."
"It's good to see you KiBum," HyunJoong was smiling, reaching forward to give them both a hug.
"Ack! One at a time!" KiBum yelped, flailing a little before he pulled back, putting up his hands to keep everyone away from him. "I have a surprise for you all." He could see Kevin had arrived, the grin growing.
A little disorientated again by the jump, Kevin regained his footing and straightened, smiling a little nervously. "Hyungdeul?" He could see the surprise and shock on their faces, looking from them to KiBum.
".... Kevin?" HyunJoong's jaw dropped. "How...? You... Someone explain please."
"When they cut the connection between him and his body, he was in limbo," KiBum said, smiling softly at Kevin. "Only had a few seconds before he would disappear, so I... tied his signature to my program."
"That's...I didn't even know that was possible," JongWoon gaped at them both, in stun mode for a second. Then he grinned widely and tackled SungHyun in a hug, the teenager squawking as he landed on his rear on the ground.
"Crazy kid, you know how worried we all were," Daniel smiled in relief as SungHyun hugged JongWoon back.
"So you saved SungHyun's life," KyuJong smiled widely at KiBum, wiping at his eyes as he started crying again, hugging the program close.
"Not SungHyun anymore," the teenager shook his head, looking up at them. "It's just Kevin now."
"Kevin... your parents," HyunJoong said, eyes tight in worry. "Your body is still alive out there... you think there's any way to put him back?"
"He doesn't want to," KiBum shook his head, pulling slightly away from KyuJong to look at HyunJoong. "And... I don't want him to. I want him to stay here." Having Kevin with him all the time was the best thing that had ever happened in his short life, and he didn't want to give that up.
"Huh?" HyungJoon looked between his brother and Kevin. "I thought you hated each other?"
Kevin shook his head. "We never really hated each other." Their hyungdeul didn't know the half of what had been going on. "And I don't think I'd be able to leave anyways...I have no connection to my body anymore like you all do, that was broken, so I don't think I could go back."
He knew that was true; somehow, he knew that something was missing, some connection that had always been in the back of his mind gone. It had been strange for a long while, feeling numb and lost, but now he was okay with it.
Kevin stood up once JongWoon got off of him, dusting off his pants before going to stand beside KiBum. "And I don't want to leave him alone."
"Oh...oh," JongWoon blinked repeatedly as Kevin took KiBum's hand lightly.
KiBum wouldn't have to be alone ever again.
KiBum's fingers laced with Kevin's and he smiled brightly at everyone. "Now that I don't really have a purpose in the game anymore, I'd be kind of bored all by myself... or at least that's what he tells me."
"I guess there isn't much we can say then, except we're glad you're both okay, relatively," HyunJoong said, patting KiBum's shoulder. "We were very worried about you."
"Hey now, I'm a survivor," KiBum chuckled. "Appa made sure I wouldn't be undone by something so simple as a shut down."
"I knew if there was a way to do it, you'd find it," KyuJong smiled widely at the younger man. "I'm so proud of you, KiBum, you've grown so much," he hugged the program again, careful not to disturb the hand that was holding onto Kevin's.
When KyuJong pulled back, JongWoon grabbed HyungJoon by the shoulders and steered him in front of KiBum. "Someone else missed you too!" he chirped.
HyungJoon squeaked, scowling at JongWoon over his shoulder before turning to look at KiBum. "Um... yeah... I'm glad you're okay, and stuff," he muttered awkwardly, looking down at his feet.
"Geez hyung, don't be so sentimental," KiBum chuckled, putting his arm around HyungJoon and pulled him into a hug. HyungJoon flailed for half a second before giving up and putting both arms around his brother. "I'm glad you're okay too," he whispered. Now that they weren't so busy with working in game, he'd be able to spend more time with his brother, like he wanted to, and he knew HyungJoon wanted to as well.
A loud voice announced the arrival of HeeChul's group, KiBum taking that opportunity to wiggle out of his brother's arms and return to Kevin's side. Wrapping his arm around the teen's waist, he smiled softly at him. "I think they're happy."
"I think so too," Kevin smiled widely in return, leaning a little against KiBum and watching the greeting and enthusiasm at being back in the game. "Are you happy? Your mission's over."
"I am... it's weird," KiBum said. "I was created with a purpose, to find the pieces and now that it's done... I don't even miss the constant searching. You've been a very effective distraction."
"Glad to be," Kevin grinned, wrapping his arm loosely around KiBum's shoulders. "It doesn't mean you have no purpose you know...it just means you get to figure out what it is along with the rest of us."
"Easy for you to say," KiBum snorted, kissing the side of his head. "I'm glad you're here with me Kevin... even if it does mean you can never go back. I love you, so much."
"I love you too," Kevin murmured softly in return, smiling at the kiss and leaning against him a little. "I'm glad I'm here too...I'm sad I won't be able to go back and see my parents, but they can still see me here, so it's not that bad. And I know they'll still be bugging me to go to school, even if it is an in-game school."
"School? What do you need school for?" KiBum blinked at him. "They're not going to make me go to school too are they? Oh, are you going to tell them about me? Will I have to meet them?" There was a whole new dimension to this relationship he hadn't considered, he was a program he wasn't supposed to have deal with this kind of things.
"Maybe, maybe not," Kevin laughed at KiBum's expression. "And I need school because not everyone can pick up on learning things instantly," he poked one of KiBum's cheeks. "Speaking of learning, want to try dancing again when they get the clubs up?"
KiBum wrinkled his nose at Kevin, poking him in his side and pulling him after the others when they started to walk down the path. "You're not going to relent until I say yes, are you."
"Nope," Kevin chuckled as he followed along beside KiBum. "You need a challenge. Though I'm not sure what's more challenging, learning to dance, or staying on the dance floor long enough to learn how to dance."
"Guess we'll find out," KiBum said, his arm around Kevin's waist. "And we've got a long, long time to do so."
"That we do," Kevin smiled widely, leaning over to kiss KiBum's lips lightly when none of the others were watching.
They had all the time they wanted, here in this magnificent new world and surrounded by their friends.
Authors:
yeonah and
mskatness
Chapter: 4/4
Fandoms: U-KISS, cameos by SS501, Super Junior and MBLAQ
Pairing: KeMaru
Rating: PG-14
Warning: AU, Character Death (sorta)
Summary: He was created to be perfectly human in every way…except he wasn’t real.
A/N: Spinoff for our SS501 roleplay, Never Online, focusing on KiBum and Kevin’s story. It’s suggested to read Never Online first, to get an idea of the story context, but not needed.
The following morning came far too fast for either of them. The house was bustling with activity, everyone getting ready for what would be the last time they went to collect a piece of the puzzle.
Everyone was nervous and high-strung on emotions, so no one noticed how Kevin was even quieter than usual, doing as told almost on autopilot and keeping himself busy.
Soon they were ready, and all set up at their stations. Waiting for the go-ahead, Kevin leaned back in his chair and drew in a slow breath, trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn't afford to be distracted during this, even if he'd felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest since returning from Never last night.
"Okay, so we all know the plan then?" HyunJoong said, tapping at his own monitor to load the game. "Don't talk to anyone, don't look at anyone. Just remember you're there to do your work, and I don't think I need to tell anyone to look rushed."
"Yes, mother," YoungSaeng mocked, leaning back in his chair. He gave RyeoWook a reassuring smile before he closed his eyes.
"Good luck," KyuJong whispered before they were loaded into Never.
Kevin landed a bit away from them, resisting the urge to look around for KiBum, who was always there when he logged on. Squaring his shoulders and putting on a stoic expression, he headed towards the rendezvous point, keeping track of what the others were doing on his datapad.
KiBum watched the others log on, not bothering to take approach them in his avatar form since it would just get in the way. He liked being able to spread out along the lines of code like this, feeling the current along his program as he felt each individual person, building within the game. It took a lot to get him to focus when he was like this, but he had a job to do right then. First thing was first though, and he threw out a security field of his own design, one designed to keep people out, but let those inside out without noticing it was there. It was a tricky code, one he was particularly proud of.
Gathering himself around the code of the security building, he poked at the holes and cracks, remarking to himself about how sloppy the thing was put together. Kevin's signature pinged his senses, and for the briefest of seconds he was distracted, wanting more than anything to go to him. That wasn't an option, and he had to ignore the distraction that was Kevin and focus.
Finding an open crack in the security center's defenses, KiBum exploited it, gathering in lines of code and figuratively 'pulling' the code apart line by line until the whole thing dismantled around him. He had made sure to keep the people inside out of harms way, using Kevin's freezing technique to boot them out of the game just before the building disappeared.
Now, it was up to the others, and the clock was ticking. Never's security was in disarray but it wouldn't be long before they honed in on them. His attention went to HyunJoong and KyuJong, popping up a few feet away from them. He knew Kevin was just behind him, but resisted the urge to look for him.
"You better move quick, they're already sending out more security," KiBum said walking up beside HyunJoong, touching his hand to the side of the wall, head tilted to the side. "I can delay them, but not for long."
"I think you've done enough KiBum, but thank you," HyunJoong nodded, giving him a small smirk as he went back to work. "Go let the others know."
"Will do," KiBum saluted before disappearing, reappearing next to JongWoon and YoungSaeng. "Hi! Security's going to be flooding through here soon, so better hurry hurry."
JongWoon was wincing, one hand against his head. "We're hurrying, but if they go much faster our heads are gonna explode," he whispered, looking over at RyeoWook and JungMin who were working. "How much longer do we have, KiBum?"
Kevin, not that far away from them, used all his willpower to not look over his shoulder at where the program had just appeared. They were on a mission now, he had to focus, they were counting on him to make sure they got out safe if there was trouble. Tuning KiBum out the best he could, and ignoring the pang in his chest when the program disappeared again, he glanced around the area quickly. Security was trying to get in, he could feel it, and he shuffled a little closer to the others out of nerves.
"Done," JungMin said, tapping furiously to back out of the code as quick as he could. "Sending messages, let's get out of here. Exiting right out right?"
"Yeah, right out," RyeoWook nodded, looking towards YoungSaeng and JongWoon. His eyes widened at seeing the state they were in. "We have to go," he said, nodding to Kevin. The younger man nodded with wide eyes, hurrying to JongWoon and YoungSaeng's sides to get them to leave. Neither of them were focusing very well, Kevin having to help them with the exit command before getting himself out as well.
Opening his eyes, Kevin unplugged himself and scrambled to his feet as there was a flurry of activity. YoungSaeng was pulled into small server room barely conscious, and JongWoon lasted a minute before passing out and nearly falling out of his chair. Kevin bit back the alarm and listened to what Daniel was telling him to do, carefully start dismantling the setup and returning their stations back to normal. He could tell Daniel was just finding him something easy to do so he wouldn't start panicking.
Finally, the information was out and both YoungSaeng and JongWoon were brought upstairs to get some well-deserved rest. Kevin nodded when he was told to keep an eye on security, settling up his monitor so he could see the framework of the game without logging on. He could see the attacked security building still in chaos.
Now they just waited.
***********
Time for a program was hard to calculate, KiBum flitting in and out of the servers as he waited for KyuJong to finish compiling the data. He hadn't told anyone yet, not even KyuJong about having found a place to hide. The bulk of his program had been moved into the core servers already, and it was rather limiting. He had no way of knowing though if they were going to shut down those servers as well, but there wasn't much else he could do.
Disrupted from his musings, a message from KyuJong told him the man was done and they were getting ready to move. If he had lips right then, he would smile, making his way to the cliffside. It could be the last time he saw Kevin, so instead of ignoring him, he popped up right next to the teen, catching HyunJoong's statement.
"Looks like it's just us for the moment."
"And me," KiBum said, not even looking at Kevin when he landed. "We ready to do this? I'm so excited and nervous at the same time."
"I think we all share that sentiment," KyuJong chuckled softly, lips curling as Kevin jumped at the sudden appearance. The teenager's eyes flitted to KiBum beside him, swallowing thickly before he looked away again. He still didn't know what to think; he wanted to continue to be angry at KiBum, the program had lied to him and tricked him into thinking they had something special, but it was just so exhausting. And this was going to be...the last time he saw KiBum, right?
"You know that we're going to have to leave town right after this," KyuJong said quietly, looking at KiBum sadly.
"Yeah, I'll do what I can on my end until the very end," KiBum said with a smile. "You know I don't regret this right? You don't have to feel sorry for me, honest. I'm proud of what we're doing."
"Still, we're going to miss you KiBum, and we wish we could have helped," HyunJoong said, his lips quirking sadly.
"You're family KiBum, we're never going to forget you," KyuJong whispered, eyes watery again as he stepped closer and pulled KiBum into a tight hug, burying his face in the younger man's shoulder.
"It's okay Appa," KiBum whispered quietly so only KyuJong would hear. "I'll be fine, like you said."
KyuJong's lips curled softly, lifting his head a little to bring his lips closer to KiBum's ear. "We'll be waiting for you," he murmured softly. "All of us."
After a moment KyuJong pulled back from KiBum, smiling at the program with tears staining his cheeks. "Thank you for everything KiBum, none of this would be possible without all your help."
"No crying," KiBum pouted, wiping away the tears. "I'm sure you guys would have done as well without me, and probably got it done quicker if you hadn't have made me the way I am."
"Yeah, but what fun would you be if you were a boring interface," HyunJoong chuckled.
"I would have been doing you a strong injustice," KyuJong shook his head, smiling shakily at KiBum as he cupped the younger man's face lightly.
He looked about to say something else, but four people popped into existence around them at the same time, and there was a loud yelp as a fifth appeared in the same space SungHyun was occupying, making both of them fall over.
More people started to arrive, KiBum trying to stay out of the way but was grabbed in a tight hug by MiMi. He flailed a little until MiMi was dragged off by KuiXian, HyunJoong talking all the while. Someone else had helped Kevin back up to his feet, and taking a deep breath, KiBum shuffled his way over to Kevin's side while HyunJoong and KyuJong talked to the group.
"I'm sorry," KiBum whispered softly, glancing at the teen beside him.
Carefully paying attention to what they were talking about, Kevin's concentration faded as KiBum stopped beside him and spoke in a whisper. A large part of him wanted to just ignore the program and focus back on the task at hand, but even as he tried to do that he knew it was impossible.
He'd never been able to ignore KiBum.
"Why did you lie to me?" he asked, voice barely audible as he kept his gaze on the others as they explained to the new arrivals.
"I didn't mean to... I just kept the truth from you," KiBum replied. "I don't know why I did, probably because I was a little selfish, and just wanted a friend who saw me as a person, and not a program." He turned his head slightly, looking at Kevin's profile. "I found a way to survive the shut down."
That drew a reaction, Kevin biting on the inside of his cheek. "...You did?" He was supposed to be angry right now, but he couldn't stop the wave of relief. Even if KiBum wasn't capable of love, he had never wanted the program to disappear.
"I did, and hopefully I'll be fine," KiBum said, hesitantly reaching out to touch Kevin's arm, glad that everyone else was distracted. "I know you don't think so, but... I do think I fell in love with you Kevin," he said softly. "Cue designed me with the full range of human emotions. I only said that I didn't know what love felt like, because I had never been in love before."
Lips pressing tightly together, Kevin tried to blink back the tears in his eyes. Programs wouldn't be able to feel love, right? They were just lines of code in the end.
But KiBum's words eased some of the ache in his chest, and after a long moment he hesitantly turned his head to look at KiBum beside him, seeing the sincerity there.
"I-"
"Let's get this show on the road then," Daniel was saying, snapping Kevin back to the present. "Good luck."
"Good luck all of you, and I doubt we'll see each other again, so it was a pleasure knowing all of you," HyunJoong said, bowing a little politely. They started disappearing one by one until it was just the five left, HyunJoong turned to the others and took a deep breath. "Alright, time to end this. Kyu, we'll start here, we've got... half hour left at most before we need to go."
"Right," KyuJong nodded, looking at the others. "Let's just get out what we can and leave, we need to be out of town." He tapped at his datapad, setting up as many messages and hacks.
"I'll take the casino districts," Kevin surprised himself by saying, a little more happily than he'd intended. There was a small weight off his chest at least. "Lots of people there right now."
Nodding, KyuJong glanced at KiBum beside him. "On your mark, KiBum."
"Good luck," KiBum smiled, saluting before he disappeared. A small bit of hope coursed through him, that last look Kevin had given him was enough. Kevin didn't hate him entirely anymore. While the others were hitting the local spots, KiBum was riding through the server channels, dumping information into the messaging systems to be sent out immediately. First the North American servers, then Europe, getting it out as quickly as he could.
They were on to them though, his movements being watched and firewalls going up whichever way he wanted to go. Easy enough to get by, but worrying. The game administrators knew what they were doing. Stopping in his tracks, KiBum started to filter through the messages between security centers. They were tracking IP's and closing in on the group, knew where the house was and were going to cut them off; whether they were logged in still or not. Shooting off messages quickly to the others, KiBum landed at a server hub and tried to make as much noise as possible as a distraction.
Kevin was busy causing chaos in the casino district, sending out the messages to every LCD screen and hovering advertisement board he could reach. For the more stubbornly-focused people, he dove straight into the casino framework and haphazardly smacked the messages across the displays of the slot machines and the surface of the gambling tables. That got their attention.
Glancing up from his datapad to see people panicking and disappearing around him as security appeared, the device buzzed in his hand and he looked back down, eyes widening at the message that flashed across it. "Get out!" in large bold letters. KiBum? His finger hovered over the exit command before Kevin stopped.
If he left now, what happened if Never didn't come back up? What if KiBum wasn't able to keep himself safe after all? What if he never got to see him again?
The decision was reached in less than a second, and Kevin instead brought up the jump command, tracing where KiBum was at that moment and pressing execute.
He landed right in front of the other boy. "KiBum!"
Eyes widening, KiBum shook his head. "No, no, get out! They're trying to cut you off! Get out Kevin!" Why was he here? Any second now they'd cut Kevin's connection off and that could kill him. He barely even noticed that he'd tied Kevin's signature to his program.
"I can't just leave you here!" Kevin gripped KiBum's arms, refusing to let go. "I don't want to leave you. I never even got to tell you I love you, I don't care if you're a program, I still love you!"
Something at the bare edges of Kevin's consciousness snapped in half.
The teenager barely had time to register he'd fallen to his knees before everything went dark, his avatar greying out and glitching in and out of sight.
"Kevin?!" KiBum held onto Kevin tightly, knowing already the worst had happened. They'd cut his connection off, and it was only from tying Kevin's signature to his program that he was even half here. It wasn't enough though, Kevin would fade quickly if he wasn't grounded into lines of code. Closing his eyes, KiBum worked quickly, feeding Kevin's signature through the lines of code and attaching the teen to his program. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it would keep Kevin alive. Kevin's avatar stabilized, no longer fuzzing in and out and the color starting to return. "You stupid, stupid," KiBum murmured, clutching Kevin tightly to himself.
It took a few minutes for the color to return to Kevin's avatar completely, the teenager starting to breath slowly again once it had. His fingers slowly curled into the material of KiBum's sleeve before his eyes cracked open a little, blinking unseeingly at the shirt he was pressed up against.
Breathing a little in relief, KiBum brushed the hair out of Kevin's eyes. "Hey, are you okay? You're going to feel a little weird right now, you're attached to my program... it was the best I could do right now, I'm sorry."
It took a moment for Kevin to register what was being said to him, everything as if underwater as he looked up at KiBum blankly. Then he blinked, recognition registering as everything slowly started to come back to him. "What happened?" he whispered, even hearing his own voice as though far away.
"They had a lock on your IP's, and were trying to cut you off from the game," KiBum said quietly, keeping an eye out for anyone coming their way. "Everyone else got out, but... you didn't. The only reason you're still here is because I had your signature tied to my program, like I always do. I'm sorry Kevin, but... you're part of the game now."
Blinking at him, Kevin wasn't sure what to think about that, his head was too fuzzy to concentrate on the idea that he was never going to leave. The full implications of that would have to wait until he could think straight.
"...What now?"
"Uh... now we should get out of here and wait someplace safe," KiBum said. "It's probably going to be a bit before you get used to this, and I'm not sure how long the game is going to stay up. There's so much traffic going on right now. Just hold onto me, we'll figure this out, okay?"
Kevin nodded, arms wrapping securely around KiBum's waist as he buried his face against the other boy's chest. He wasn't letting go, not ever.
Wrapping his arms tight around Kevin's back, KiBum closed his eyes. "You meant it right? When you said you loved me?"
The fuzziness in his head was making it hard to form coherent thoughts, but Kevin nodded before replying. "Present tense...I still do love you," he murmured against KiBum's shirt.
KiBum smiled, pulling back a little to rest his forehead against Kevin's. "Good... cause I meant it too, I love you Kevin," he whispered, pressing his lips against Kevin's as they both disappeared.
****************************************
It was hard to tell how much time passed for them, hiding in the core server. Never was shut down, KiBum told Kevin shortly after arriving, but miraculously the core was untouched. Kevin spent most of the time in a disorientated daze, doubled by the fact they had no avatar forms in the server. He wasn't entirely clear what form they were, and KiBum's explanations made him even dizzier.
They were able to talk though, and they did a lot of that. Only difference was this time it was KiBum who did most of the talking, Kevin pressing him into telling him more about his life as a program since Kevin himself was too out of it to string together long sentences most of the time.
It seemed like they'd spent forever in that state before something changed, the code around them becoming active again. The game was starting up again.
The reboot process was slow, but some time later they were appearing in a clear field where there had used to be a city. Kevin, unused to having legs again, promptly landed on his rear with a yelp.
Chuckling softly, KiBum held out his hand to help Kevin back up. "Careful, it'll be a little bit before you're used to going back and forth like that. It's good to be back though, even if the game's a little... different."
Taking KiBum's hand and carefully standing back up, Kevin looked around. "...Different is right. You sure we're in the right server?" The place was empty of people, it must still be in the process of opening to the public.
"Yup, good ol' 12.7.0.0.1. Just needs some curtains, a bit of paint, and it'll be good as new," KiBum grinned cheekily. "I'm going to send Appa a message, see how long it takes him to respond," he said, tilting his head to the side.
Nodding slightly, Kevin elbowed KiBum at the snarkiness before looking around again. "They really did get rid of the casinos. Or at least the huge ones that were here." He ran one hand through the tall grass beside him.
"They got rid of pretty much everything," KiBum said, looking at him again. "Except...." a smile grew on his lips and took Kevin's hand, the two disappeared and reappeared on top of the cliff. "They left this alone and... wow, would you look at that view?" he said, going to the edge and looking over the blank valley.
Flailing a little and nearly falling over when they reappeared, Kevin looked up at the valley and his lips curled into a wide smile. "You know what, I actually like it much better than the city." He followed KiBum to the edge, pulling him back a little. "Indestructible or not, let's not fall off the cliff, okay?"
"Fine fine, take away my fun," KiBum chuckled, putting his arm around Kevin's waist. "I like it like this too, but I don't think it's going to stay that way for long, look," he said, pointing to where a long gray stripe was forming in the middle of the valley, a couple of small buildings popping up. "They're starting to rebuild."
"Sad, they should just leave it like this," Kevin pouted. "Or at least not have as much of a city as before." He leaned against KiBum as he watched. "I've never actually seen them create things like this before."
"It's kind of neat," KiBum nodded. "Though I'm watching the lines of code being written and think that's the coolest thing ever, so don't take my word for it. It looks like they're keeping it rather small though, kind of like a small town instead of a huge city, and hey, a park!"
Kevin chuckled as he noticed the park KiBum was talking about. "Looks like we'll have some exploring to do. And don't tell me there's no point in exploring, isn't looking at things just as interesting as reading their code?"
"Maybe," KiBum admitted with a mutter, pinching Kevin's side lightly. "Would be nice if they built some of the clubs again, though I'm not sure if they'll be building apartments again. We'll have to build our own little house to live in, how about right here on the cliff?"
"Sounds good to me," Kevin chuckled, swatting at the hand that was trying to pinch him before leaning up to kiss the corner of KiBum's mouth. "You know how to build a house?"
"No, but I'll figure it out," KiBum said, pulling Kevin around to kiss him properly, arms around his waist. "I missed being in avatar form, cause I really missed being able to kiss you."
"I missed being able to kiss you too, and actually see you," Kevin chuckled. His head felt much clearer now that they were back in Never. He'd probably never get used to being in code like that. Leaning in, he caught KiBum's lips in a deep kiss, closing his eyes.
KiBum had to agree with that, he liked seeing Kevin. Returning the kiss, he slowly pulled them down to the ground. For that moment, he was going to enjoy having Kevin physically in his arms again, and make out with him for as long as Kevin would let him.
Situating himself in KiBum's lap, Kevin was all too happy to agree with KiBum's plan, arms wrapped around the program's shoulders as he tilted his head to the side, eyes closed.
He wasn't sure how long they stayed there and just enjoyed each other's company, as well as the fact no one else was around. Kevin only stopped when he felt a strange ping in the back of his mind, realizing it was from KiBum. He was still somewhat connected to KiBum's program, even though they'd taken steps to anchor Kevin to Never itself so he wouldn't be as disorientated.
Pouting a little at the disturbance, KiBum gave Kevin one last small kiss before he pulled back. "That's them, Appa just sent me a message, they're at the park," he said, looking up at Kevin with a smile. "Well? Ready to go tell them the good news?"
Kevin nodded, smiling at him. He'd already decided at some point that he was going to have KyuJong or Daniel pass a message on to his parents for him, that he wasn't really dead but living in the game. He'd cried over not being able to see them again, but there was nothing he could do about it, and they both had access to the game which was more than he could ask for.
"Maybe you should go first? They might freak a little if I pop up out of nowhere," Kevin chuckled.
"Sounds like a plan," KiBum grinned, getting back up to his feet and helping Kevin up. "Give me about thirty seconds, then come in, okay?" he said, kissing Kevin again and again before finally disappearing.
When he reappeared in the midst of the others, he sought out the one face he'd been wanting to see while the game was down. "Appa!" he yelled, throwing himself at KyuJong and wrapping his arms around him.
KyuJong's entire expression lit up in joy, despite nearly being knocked to the ground. "Oh my god, KiBum!" He hugged the program tightly, burying his face in the younger man's hair. "You're okay! You're still here!"
Holding tightly onto the program he considered as close as blood family, he sniffled a little. "I knew you could do it," he whispered in KiBum's ear, lasting two more seconds before he gave up talking through the tears.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine," KiBum grinned, wiggling happy in excitement, hugging KyuJong as tightly as he could. It felt good to be surrounded by the others again. "It worked Appa, they didn't wipe the core structure, just like we thought."
"It's good to see you KiBum," HyunJoong was smiling, reaching forward to give them both a hug.
"Ack! One at a time!" KiBum yelped, flailing a little before he pulled back, putting up his hands to keep everyone away from him. "I have a surprise for you all." He could see Kevin had arrived, the grin growing.
A little disorientated again by the jump, Kevin regained his footing and straightened, smiling a little nervously. "Hyungdeul?" He could see the surprise and shock on their faces, looking from them to KiBum.
".... Kevin?" HyunJoong's jaw dropped. "How...? You... Someone explain please."
"When they cut the connection between him and his body, he was in limbo," KiBum said, smiling softly at Kevin. "Only had a few seconds before he would disappear, so I... tied his signature to my program."
"That's...I didn't even know that was possible," JongWoon gaped at them both, in stun mode for a second. Then he grinned widely and tackled SungHyun in a hug, the teenager squawking as he landed on his rear on the ground.
"Crazy kid, you know how worried we all were," Daniel smiled in relief as SungHyun hugged JongWoon back.
"So you saved SungHyun's life," KyuJong smiled widely at KiBum, wiping at his eyes as he started crying again, hugging the program close.
"Not SungHyun anymore," the teenager shook his head, looking up at them. "It's just Kevin now."
"Kevin... your parents," HyunJoong said, eyes tight in worry. "Your body is still alive out there... you think there's any way to put him back?"
"He doesn't want to," KiBum shook his head, pulling slightly away from KyuJong to look at HyunJoong. "And... I don't want him to. I want him to stay here." Having Kevin with him all the time was the best thing that had ever happened in his short life, and he didn't want to give that up.
"Huh?" HyungJoon looked between his brother and Kevin. "I thought you hated each other?"
Kevin shook his head. "We never really hated each other." Their hyungdeul didn't know the half of what had been going on. "And I don't think I'd be able to leave anyways...I have no connection to my body anymore like you all do, that was broken, so I don't think I could go back."
He knew that was true; somehow, he knew that something was missing, some connection that had always been in the back of his mind gone. It had been strange for a long while, feeling numb and lost, but now he was okay with it.
Kevin stood up once JongWoon got off of him, dusting off his pants before going to stand beside KiBum. "And I don't want to leave him alone."
"Oh...oh," JongWoon blinked repeatedly as Kevin took KiBum's hand lightly.
KiBum wouldn't have to be alone ever again.
KiBum's fingers laced with Kevin's and he smiled brightly at everyone. "Now that I don't really have a purpose in the game anymore, I'd be kind of bored all by myself... or at least that's what he tells me."
"I guess there isn't much we can say then, except we're glad you're both okay, relatively," HyunJoong said, patting KiBum's shoulder. "We were very worried about you."
"Hey now, I'm a survivor," KiBum chuckled. "Appa made sure I wouldn't be undone by something so simple as a shut down."
"I knew if there was a way to do it, you'd find it," KyuJong smiled widely at the younger man. "I'm so proud of you, KiBum, you've grown so much," he hugged the program again, careful not to disturb the hand that was holding onto Kevin's.
When KyuJong pulled back, JongWoon grabbed HyungJoon by the shoulders and steered him in front of KiBum. "Someone else missed you too!" he chirped.
HyungJoon squeaked, scowling at JongWoon over his shoulder before turning to look at KiBum. "Um... yeah... I'm glad you're okay, and stuff," he muttered awkwardly, looking down at his feet.
"Geez hyung, don't be so sentimental," KiBum chuckled, putting his arm around HyungJoon and pulled him into a hug. HyungJoon flailed for half a second before giving up and putting both arms around his brother. "I'm glad you're okay too," he whispered. Now that they weren't so busy with working in game, he'd be able to spend more time with his brother, like he wanted to, and he knew HyungJoon wanted to as well.
A loud voice announced the arrival of HeeChul's group, KiBum taking that opportunity to wiggle out of his brother's arms and return to Kevin's side. Wrapping his arm around the teen's waist, he smiled softly at him. "I think they're happy."
"I think so too," Kevin smiled widely in return, leaning a little against KiBum and watching the greeting and enthusiasm at being back in the game. "Are you happy? Your mission's over."
"I am... it's weird," KiBum said. "I was created with a purpose, to find the pieces and now that it's done... I don't even miss the constant searching. You've been a very effective distraction."
"Glad to be," Kevin grinned, wrapping his arm loosely around KiBum's shoulders. "It doesn't mean you have no purpose you know...it just means you get to figure out what it is along with the rest of us."
"Easy for you to say," KiBum snorted, kissing the side of his head. "I'm glad you're here with me Kevin... even if it does mean you can never go back. I love you, so much."
"I love you too," Kevin murmured softly in return, smiling at the kiss and leaning against him a little. "I'm glad I'm here too...I'm sad I won't be able to go back and see my parents, but they can still see me here, so it's not that bad. And I know they'll still be bugging me to go to school, even if it is an in-game school."
"School? What do you need school for?" KiBum blinked at him. "They're not going to make me go to school too are they? Oh, are you going to tell them about me? Will I have to meet them?" There was a whole new dimension to this relationship he hadn't considered, he was a program he wasn't supposed to have deal with this kind of things.
"Maybe, maybe not," Kevin laughed at KiBum's expression. "And I need school because not everyone can pick up on learning things instantly," he poked one of KiBum's cheeks. "Speaking of learning, want to try dancing again when they get the clubs up?"
KiBum wrinkled his nose at Kevin, poking him in his side and pulling him after the others when they started to walk down the path. "You're not going to relent until I say yes, are you."
"Nope," Kevin chuckled as he followed along beside KiBum. "You need a challenge. Though I'm not sure what's more challenging, learning to dance, or staying on the dance floor long enough to learn how to dance."
"Guess we'll find out," KiBum said, his arm around Kevin's waist. "And we've got a long, long time to do so."
"That we do," Kevin smiled widely, leaning over to kiss KiBum's lips lightly when none of the others were watching.
They had all the time they wanted, here in this magnificent new world and surrounded by their friends.