Take Me Home (2/?)
Title: Take Me Home (2/?)
Author: enigmaxempress
Pairing: Yunho/Changmin
Rating: NC-17 (eventually?)
Warnings: None.
Summary: Changmin is much too busy to be taking home strays, but God does he want to.
Yunho nods in acknowledgement and what looks like blatant relief but still hesitates over the threshold. Changmin does his best to give him a blank, unassuming face, though it’s obvious that Yunho is skittish enough to attempt to bolt at any minute so maybe whatever effort Changmin makes not to appear like some psycho getting ready to pounce is a moot point. They come within inches of each other as Yunho passes him to get inside and it’s close enough for Changmin to notice the goosebumps on his skin and the telltale shiver. It’s cold out and the Yunho doesn’t even have a scarf or gloves on him. He must be freezing.
He gestures for the younger man to follow him into the kitchen, waving him onto a stool before holding up two packets. “Chocolate or tea?” he asks. He doesn’t bother to offer coffee since Changmin doesn’t believe in decaf and he can already tell that sleep will be hard enough to find tonight.
Yunho’s ears burn bright red and Changmin can already guess what he’s about to say even before the words come out of his mouth. “I- um, you don’t really -”
“Chocolate or tea?” Changmins presses insistently, ignoring Yunho’s protests.
“Um, chocolate.” Yunho answers with obvious reluctance. Then he adds quickly, “Please.”
Changmin nods, taking out the thermos of hot water he’d filled this morning. The water is no longer piping hot as it had been, but he figures the faster Yunho can get something warm into his system, the better. He fills a mug and stirs the chocolate powdered mix with a bit of sugar before gently setting it down in front of the boy. Yunho looks up at him hesitantly and Changmin merely returns the look with an arched brow. Changmin watches as Yunho wraps both hands around the mug, warming his fingers before bringing it to his lips. His eyes close at the first sip and Changmin has to try hard not to focus on the pout of his mouth as he takes another tentative drink. Only when the awkward silence has stretched longer than even Changmin can handle and he is satisfied that Yunho had finished almost half of his drink does he start with the questions.
“I’m Changmin, by the way,” Changmin says by way of introducing himself after belatedly realizing the kid probably didn’t even know his name.
With a tiny, sheepish smile, Yunho says, “You already know my name.”
Changmin nods. “So what happened with your friend, Yunho? The one you were going to stay with?”
The color in Yunho’s ears that had subsided in the few moments he’d wallowed in his hot chocolate comes back with a vengeance, this time encompassing his face and neck, as well as his ears. “He was, um, unavailable.”
“Huh.” Changmin says noncommittally. “Did you know that before or after you followed me home?”
Changmin hadn’t thought it was possible, but Yunho turns even redder at the question. The young man stands abruptly, the stool screeching noisily across the tile. “I’m sorry. I should go. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Wait.” Changmin says before Yunho can bolt for the front door. “I didn’t mean anything by that. Sit back down.”
“Why?” Yunho says, not turning around. The question is loaded full of wariness and suspicion, and Changmin knows he needs to tread lightly.
“Why?” Changmin repeats the word as if pondering his answer. “Because we both know that the minute you walk out my door your only options are either a park bench or the bus stop. Neither of those places are safe, not to mention its cold out and you aren’t wearing anything besides that sweater.”
Changmin’s words hit a visible chord, if Yunho’s heavy sigh and the sudden slump of his shoulders is any indication. Slowly, he turns to face Changmin. “This place… how do I know it’s safe?”
Changmin allows himself a moment to feel insulted at the insinuation that he might be harboring any criminal intent, but then he supposes he should be glad that Yunho isn’t half as naïve as he looks. Changmin shrugs. “You don’t. But it is warm and my couch is considerably more comfortable than anything you can find outside.”
“I have some money. It’s not much but I can -”
Changmin cuts him off with a sharp wave of his hand and a scowl. “I don’t want your money, okay? I admit it’s not like me to offer my couch to a complete stranger. But if you think I’m some psycho who’s trying to lure you into my apartment just to hack off your body parts, then trust me, it’s mutual.” Yunho looks up then, startled. “I’m inviting you into my home, a complete stranger. How do I know you won’t smother me in my sleep? Or steal my money? Or my things?”
Yunho sputters. “I would never-!”
“I don’t know that,” Changmin says, cutting him off again. “But I do know that you saw something in me while I was in that diner. Then again at the bus stop. Call it some misguided sense of trust, but it was enough for you to follow me home.” He looks at Yunho, waits a heartbeat, and then adds pensively, “It’s the same for me, I think. At least it was enough for me to let you in the door.”
“You don’t even know me,” Yunho says quietly, looking away from Changmin’s penetrating gaze.
Changmin shrugs. “It’s shady as hell but it doesn’t change the fact that you need a place to stay and I have the space available. It’s yours if you want it.” The air feels thick between them as Changmin waits for Yunho’s reply; it takes a moment and then two before he answers.
“Thank you.” Is all he says, eyes downcast and shoulders tensed.
Changmin’s only reply is a murmured “you’re welcome” and just like that the discussion is over.
Silently they move into the living room, leaving Yunho’s half empty mug of hot chocolate in the sink. Changmin offers the use of his bathroom and a few other necessities like a spare tooth brush, towel and a change of clothes. He watches - half amused - as his unexpected guest inches hesitantly inside. Shaking his head and turning his back in what he hopes is a show of trust, Changmin heads to the hall closet for some extra blankets and a pillow. He uses the minutes alone to really think about what he’s doing.
To say it had been a surprise to find Yunho on his doorstep would be an apt description of only half of what he feels at the moment. If he were really being honest with himself he’d include an odd mix satisfaction and pride in himself. He may also feel a little bit glad to see Yunho again - though that’s one feeling he isn’t too keen on examining very closely. There’s also apprehension, though not much, a shiver of - fear? Thrill, maybe? - at having a complete stranger about to spend the night on his couch. Changmin is no fool; he doesn’t expect to find Yunho here in the morning when he wakes up, and the young man could very well slit his throat while he sleeps, or steal everything he could haul out the door.
Except, along with everything else he’s feeling - the surprise, the apprehension, the sliver of gladness - there’s just something about Yunho that sits right with him. Changmin can’t quite explain it. It doesn’t have the prickly heat or electricity of attraction and lust. Instead it’s a feeling of something warm and thick, sitting in his chest like a blanket of complacency that glosses over every other concern. It’s not a feeling he’s familiar with but he’s already in too far to back out now. Yunho is staying - for the night at least - and Changmin is okay with that.
When Yunho comes out of the bathroom, Changmin is just walking out of the kitchen with hands still damp from dishwashing and turning the lights off in his wake. Only the hall light is left on, as well as a small lamp in one corner of the living room. Changmin doesn’t know what he looks like in this light, but Yunho looks almost… fragile. The clothes he’d lent him are a surprisingly good fit and Changmin isn’t beyond appreciating the lean lines of Yunho’s body. It’s the look in his eyes, however, that gives Changmin pause. There’s something about his transient tenant’s gaze that is splintered - almost broken - and Changmin can’t help but stare. Against his better judgment his mind is racing, thinking up all kinds of sordid thoughts and unfortunate misdeeds that might have put that look in Yunho’s eyes.
“All set?” Changmin asks by way of circumventing the awkward silence he knows is just waiting to settle over them. Yunho can only nod before Changmin is barreling on again. “Well, here it is.” Changmin gestures towards the couch with its extra pillows and blankets. “It isn’t much but…”
Yunho picks up where he trailed off. “It’s more than enough. And you’re right, Changmin -hyung- ” Yuno hesitates at the honorific, just a slight heat of his cheeks as he continues. “It’s a lot better than sleeping outside.”
This admission that he is right is what flusters Changmin the most so far during their whole encounter. It’s somehow humbling and embarrassing at the same time. “Yeah, well - good night.” Changmin says gruffly, unable to respond in any other way. He turns away towards his bedroom, very aware of the sudden heat suffusing his own cheeks and not wanting Yunho to see it.
“Thank you,” He hears Yunho say quietly just before he closes the door to his bedroom.
And because Changmin vocal chords seem to have disconnected themselves from his brain, he sends a silent you’re welcome Yunho’s way instead.
A/N: Short chapter is short. Also, it has been a VERY long while. School’s been really kicking my ass lately and will continue to do so for the rest of the year. Though to be honest the writing fever for both vaguelynormal and I has considerably cooled. We’ll both be on hiatus indefinitely. I am, however, on summer break so you can expect sporadic updates from me every now and then :D I will try to finish all my chaptered fics before I officially bow out of the fandom though, so I’ll still be around for a while. This fic in particular will probably be 4 or 5 parts in total. I didn’t have a whole lot planned out for this fic in the beginning anyway and I don’t really know where I want it to go. My days of long!fic are over so I’ll probably make this one short and sweet, nothing overly complicated. I’m feeling complacent these days and not totally angsty (must be the summer weather :D) so not too much drama in the future :D
Thank you to all those who still read and check the comm. We haven’t been around for a while what with RL getting in the way and looking like it wants to permanently settle. Still comments are always loved and appreciated so feel free to leave one ;)
Author: enigmaxempress
Pairing: Yunho/Changmin
Rating: NC-17 (eventually?)
Warnings: None.
Summary: Changmin is much too busy to be taking home strays, but God does he want to.
Yunho nods in acknowledgement and what looks like blatant relief but still hesitates over the threshold. Changmin does his best to give him a blank, unassuming face, though it’s obvious that Yunho is skittish enough to attempt to bolt at any minute so maybe whatever effort Changmin makes not to appear like some psycho getting ready to pounce is a moot point. They come within inches of each other as Yunho passes him to get inside and it’s close enough for Changmin to notice the goosebumps on his skin and the telltale shiver. It’s cold out and the Yunho doesn’t even have a scarf or gloves on him. He must be freezing.
He gestures for the younger man to follow him into the kitchen, waving him onto a stool before holding up two packets. “Chocolate or tea?” he asks. He doesn’t bother to offer coffee since Changmin doesn’t believe in decaf and he can already tell that sleep will be hard enough to find tonight.
Yunho’s ears burn bright red and Changmin can already guess what he’s about to say even before the words come out of his mouth. “I- um, you don’t really -”
“Chocolate or tea?” Changmins presses insistently, ignoring Yunho’s protests.
“Um, chocolate.” Yunho answers with obvious reluctance. Then he adds quickly, “Please.”
Changmin nods, taking out the thermos of hot water he’d filled this morning. The water is no longer piping hot as it had been, but he figures the faster Yunho can get something warm into his system, the better. He fills a mug and stirs the chocolate powdered mix with a bit of sugar before gently setting it down in front of the boy. Yunho looks up at him hesitantly and Changmin merely returns the look with an arched brow. Changmin watches as Yunho wraps both hands around the mug, warming his fingers before bringing it to his lips. His eyes close at the first sip and Changmin has to try hard not to focus on the pout of his mouth as he takes another tentative drink. Only when the awkward silence has stretched longer than even Changmin can handle and he is satisfied that Yunho had finished almost half of his drink does he start with the questions.
“I’m Changmin, by the way,” Changmin says by way of introducing himself after belatedly realizing the kid probably didn’t even know his name.
With a tiny, sheepish smile, Yunho says, “You already know my name.”
Changmin nods. “So what happened with your friend, Yunho? The one you were going to stay with?”
The color in Yunho’s ears that had subsided in the few moments he’d wallowed in his hot chocolate comes back with a vengeance, this time encompassing his face and neck, as well as his ears. “He was, um, unavailable.”
“Huh.” Changmin says noncommittally. “Did you know that before or after you followed me home?”
Changmin hadn’t thought it was possible, but Yunho turns even redder at the question. The young man stands abruptly, the stool screeching noisily across the tile. “I’m sorry. I should go. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Wait.” Changmin says before Yunho can bolt for the front door. “I didn’t mean anything by that. Sit back down.”
“Why?” Yunho says, not turning around. The question is loaded full of wariness and suspicion, and Changmin knows he needs to tread lightly.
“Why?” Changmin repeats the word as if pondering his answer. “Because we both know that the minute you walk out my door your only options are either a park bench or the bus stop. Neither of those places are safe, not to mention its cold out and you aren’t wearing anything besides that sweater.”
Changmin’s words hit a visible chord, if Yunho’s heavy sigh and the sudden slump of his shoulders is any indication. Slowly, he turns to face Changmin. “This place… how do I know it’s safe?”
Changmin allows himself a moment to feel insulted at the insinuation that he might be harboring any criminal intent, but then he supposes he should be glad that Yunho isn’t half as naïve as he looks. Changmin shrugs. “You don’t. But it is warm and my couch is considerably more comfortable than anything you can find outside.”
“I have some money. It’s not much but I can -”
Changmin cuts him off with a sharp wave of his hand and a scowl. “I don’t want your money, okay? I admit it’s not like me to offer my couch to a complete stranger. But if you think I’m some psycho who’s trying to lure you into my apartment just to hack off your body parts, then trust me, it’s mutual.” Yunho looks up then, startled. “I’m inviting you into my home, a complete stranger. How do I know you won’t smother me in my sleep? Or steal my money? Or my things?”
Yunho sputters. “I would never-!”
“I don’t know that,” Changmin says, cutting him off again. “But I do know that you saw something in me while I was in that diner. Then again at the bus stop. Call it some misguided sense of trust, but it was enough for you to follow me home.” He looks at Yunho, waits a heartbeat, and then adds pensively, “It’s the same for me, I think. At least it was enough for me to let you in the door.”
“You don’t even know me,” Yunho says quietly, looking away from Changmin’s penetrating gaze.
Changmin shrugs. “It’s shady as hell but it doesn’t change the fact that you need a place to stay and I have the space available. It’s yours if you want it.” The air feels thick between them as Changmin waits for Yunho’s reply; it takes a moment and then two before he answers.
“Thank you.” Is all he says, eyes downcast and shoulders tensed.
Changmin’s only reply is a murmured “you’re welcome” and just like that the discussion is over.
Silently they move into the living room, leaving Yunho’s half empty mug of hot chocolate in the sink. Changmin offers the use of his bathroom and a few other necessities like a spare tooth brush, towel and a change of clothes. He watches - half amused - as his unexpected guest inches hesitantly inside. Shaking his head and turning his back in what he hopes is a show of trust, Changmin heads to the hall closet for some extra blankets and a pillow. He uses the minutes alone to really think about what he’s doing.
To say it had been a surprise to find Yunho on his doorstep would be an apt description of only half of what he feels at the moment. If he were really being honest with himself he’d include an odd mix satisfaction and pride in himself. He may also feel a little bit glad to see Yunho again - though that’s one feeling he isn’t too keen on examining very closely. There’s also apprehension, though not much, a shiver of - fear? Thrill, maybe? - at having a complete stranger about to spend the night on his couch. Changmin is no fool; he doesn’t expect to find Yunho here in the morning when he wakes up, and the young man could very well slit his throat while he sleeps, or steal everything he could haul out the door.
Except, along with everything else he’s feeling - the surprise, the apprehension, the sliver of gladness - there’s just something about Yunho that sits right with him. Changmin can’t quite explain it. It doesn’t have the prickly heat or electricity of attraction and lust. Instead it’s a feeling of something warm and thick, sitting in his chest like a blanket of complacency that glosses over every other concern. It’s not a feeling he’s familiar with but he’s already in too far to back out now. Yunho is staying - for the night at least - and Changmin is okay with that.
When Yunho comes out of the bathroom, Changmin is just walking out of the kitchen with hands still damp from dishwashing and turning the lights off in his wake. Only the hall light is left on, as well as a small lamp in one corner of the living room. Changmin doesn’t know what he looks like in this light, but Yunho looks almost… fragile. The clothes he’d lent him are a surprisingly good fit and Changmin isn’t beyond appreciating the lean lines of Yunho’s body. It’s the look in his eyes, however, that gives Changmin pause. There’s something about his transient tenant’s gaze that is splintered - almost broken - and Changmin can’t help but stare. Against his better judgment his mind is racing, thinking up all kinds of sordid thoughts and unfortunate misdeeds that might have put that look in Yunho’s eyes.
“All set?” Changmin asks by way of circumventing the awkward silence he knows is just waiting to settle over them. Yunho can only nod before Changmin is barreling on again. “Well, here it is.” Changmin gestures towards the couch with its extra pillows and blankets. “It isn’t much but…”
Yunho picks up where he trailed off. “It’s more than enough. And you’re right, Changmin -hyung- ” Yuno hesitates at the honorific, just a slight heat of his cheeks as he continues. “It’s a lot better than sleeping outside.”
This admission that he is right is what flusters Changmin the most so far during their whole encounter. It’s somehow humbling and embarrassing at the same time. “Yeah, well - good night.” Changmin says gruffly, unable to respond in any other way. He turns away towards his bedroom, very aware of the sudden heat suffusing his own cheeks and not wanting Yunho to see it.
“Thank you,” He hears Yunho say quietly just before he closes the door to his bedroom.
And because Changmin vocal chords seem to have disconnected themselves from his brain, he sends a silent you’re welcome Yunho’s way instead.
A/N: Short chapter is short. Also, it has been a VERY long while. School’s been really kicking my ass lately and will continue to do so for the rest of the year. Though to be honest the writing fever for both vaguelynormal and I has considerably cooled. We’ll both be on hiatus indefinitely. I am, however, on summer break so you can expect sporadic updates from me every now and then :D I will try to finish all my chaptered fics before I officially bow out of the fandom though, so I’ll still be around for a while. This fic in particular will probably be 4 or 5 parts in total. I didn’t have a whole lot planned out for this fic in the beginning anyway and I don’t really know where I want it to go. My days of long!fic are over so I’ll probably make this one short and sweet, nothing overly complicated. I’m feeling complacent these days and not totally angsty (must be the summer weather :D) so not too much drama in the future :D
Thank you to all those who still read and check the comm. We haven’t been around for a while what with RL getting in the way and looking like it wants to permanently settle. Still comments are always loved and appreciated so feel free to leave one ;)