chill - part 1
Title: Chill
Pairings: Junsu/Yoochun, Changmin/Jaejoong/Yunho
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Sequel to Warmth
Genre: Romance, angst, science-fiction-ish
A/N: Trust me, updates will not be near the word "frequent" or "daily." I am posting this to motivate myself to write the rest of the story. GO USA!
Summary: One encounter with reality sends Junsu down an unending path of confusion and agony. Sometimes, warmth is not what one needs in order to survive. Sometimes, what one needs is the bone-chilling truth to take hold of your body and turn everything upside-down. What must you do then to stand back up?
An annoying, unfamiliar tune began to blare obnoxiously throughout the room, rousing anyone in a matter of seconds. Junsu rolled onto his opposite side, pulling the blanket to cover his entire head. The loud, almost screeching tune sounded like it could shatter windows, and it continued to screech during the fifteen seconds Junsu curled tighter into his den of blankets wishing something would just make the damn noise stop.
But no, the tune continued to blare and Junsu grew sufficiently annoyed. His ears began to ring and ache. He rolled back onto his previous side and lifted his leg to kick at the bed beside him. “Honggee. . .” he groaned to the person still snoozing above him. “Honggee, turn off your alarm. . .”
Junsu heard no improvement to his current situation since that obnoxious tune continued to play. The redhead wondered how the person laying right next to the source hasn’t already shot up from his bed and started screaming a string of profanities straight from the holy book. What seriously bad song was Hongki’s alarm squealing so early in the morning anyway?
Junsu knew then what he was getting Hongki for Christmas.
The redhead groaned again before slowly sitting up with his blankets pooling around him in a warm heap. He blinked his eyes open. Instantly he saw the flashing multicolor lights dancing against the ceiling, Hongki’s bed, and the nearby wall. The alarm clock was even equipped with lights? How could Hongki not be awake with all that sitting right next to him?
His friend was still happily snoozing away with one leg hanging off the side of his bed, mouth hanging open, and blonde hair spiking in all directions. Junsu rubbed his eyes before leaning over his friend’s body and slamming his palm against the bright, flashing red button atop the obnoxious alarm device. Light and sound instantly vanished from the room, relieving Junsu’s ears and eyes.
It was then that Hongki made some sort of noise and shifted in his bed. Junsu reached above the alarm to turn on the lamp beside it, letting yellow light fill the room.
There was a distinct snort before Hongki quickly rolled over, collided with Junsu, and landed atop him on the redhead’s bed. Said-redhead let out a huff as the blonde’s weight hit him.
“Honggee, what are you doing?”
“Mphffmm.”
Junsu pushed tiredly against Hongki’s side. “Get off,” he commanded.
Slowly Hongki rolled away and off of Junsu’s stomach. He continued to roll across the floor, allowing the layer of blanket to unwrap from his petite body and become a comfy spread to lie on. Junsu sat up and leaned against his elbows, shaking his head as he looked at his friend trying to go back to sleep.
“Wake up Honggee,” he eventually said. “We’ve got to get to the bus in twenty minutes.”
The blonde rolled onto his side, causing his hair to fall awkwardly in front of his eyes. “I don’t wanna go,” he whined pitifully.
Junsu rolled his eyes before smirking. “So you are going to let me score all of the goals and get all of the glory? Thanks so much Hongki, I didn’t know you were so generous.”
That caused his friend to immediately sit up straight. “Yeah right,” he huffed as his breath blew the blonde hair away from his face. Sudden determined eyes met Junsu’s playful ones. The redhead chuckled before he got to his feet and helped Hongki up as well. The blonde’s bright eyes gleamed with excitement. “Let’s do our best Su!” he exclaimed before skipping to the bathroom, leaving a grinning Junsu to change into his windsuit.
Twenty minutes later, Hongki parked his car in their school’s lot and headed with Junsu toward the bus parked close by. The two teammates checked in with their coach before getting on the bus and picking two seats near the back. They greeted the others sitting around them as the bus slowly began to fill. By six o’clock the entire team was seated inside.
Five minutes later, more than half of them were asleep.
Hongki was obviously nodding off as well, causing Junsu to grin. The blonde’s early energy was suddenly gone; it was like someone flipped off a switch inside his mind. Junsu nudged his friend gently and asked, “Did I mention how annoying your alarm clock is, Honggee?”
“Nope,” the blonde murmured.
“Well, it is annoying,” said Junsu. “And insanely loud too. How can you not wake up when it’s blaring bad music and flashing lights everywhere?”
Hongki’s eyes began to close and his head was drooping forward. “I wonder. . .” he whispered before falling to the side, effectively resting his head upon Junsu’s shoulder.
Junsu sighed. Now he had no one to talk too. Everyone around him was obviously asleep.
He wondered then as to why he was so awake. After finding no answer, he carefully leaned forward so he could grab his bag at his feet and pull out his phone and iPod. As the familiar, bright green device touched his fingers, Junsu felt his heart flutter and his lips stretch into a small smile. The redhead leaned back against his seat with Hongki resting against him.
He checked his phone and saw that there were no messages or missed calls. Junsu felt the familiar worry through the beat of his heart. He felt the concern but also the warmth. He knew he shouldn’t be so troubled by the fact that Yoochun was out roaming the forest since the half-wolf told him himself not to worry, but he could never help it. It came with his love for Yoochun.
Junsu put his phone away knowing that texting Yoochun during his morning “walk” would be unwise. Instead, he pushed the white earbuds into his ears and scrolled through his list of music, selecting a calming song that could help lure him to sleep.
But the moment he closed his eyes and tried to relax he saw Yoochun running through the forest. He watched as his lover sped past the trees and came upon the mountain range. His figure was almost blurred, but clear once he stopped. Junsu’s heart fluttered when the brunette began to turn around. Yet, the moment he turned around someone else was standing there, someone with brilliant orange eyes.
Changmin.
Junsu quickly opened his eyes to rid his vision of his best friend.
For the rest of the three hour trip, he watched the sun rise above the trees and paint beautiful colors across the sky.
-----
It was around nine o’clock when the bus pulled into Lakeside University’s parking lot. Not once did Junsu fall asleep, only listened to his iPod for most of the ride before Hongki was up and chatting away. The blonde’s excitement was back and tripled due to their arrival at the school. As the team exited the bus they were greeted by some of their loyal classmates and fans. Hongki was obviously touched by their devotion and happily took pictures with some of the girls and gave them his autograph. Junsu had to eventually pull him away so they could join their team in the locker-room.
The coach went over a few plays he wanted the team to practice during their half hour session on the field. As the team headed outside, Junsu recalled why he joined the soccer team last spring.
“You’ve got great talent, Junsu. Please consider joining next season. We would love to have you play.”
It was those words from his coach and Yoochun’s comment about him playing soccer sounded really hot that coaxed the redhead into playing. Junsu smirked as he recalled Yoochun’s face and devious eyes. Now that night he would love to relive.
Those thoughts caused him to miss his lover even more. The worry pulsed through his veins, but the warmth of Yoochun always seemed to outweigh it. Junsu paused inside the hallway, letting out a deep breath as he began to relax.
“He’s fine,” he assured to himself. “He promised to be here and he will.”
“Su! I found cotton candy!”
The redhead looked up to see a beaming Hongki waving a stick of pink fluff in his hand. There was evidence that the blonde took a bite because pink crust rested at the corner of his lips and thin wisps of pink caked his chin like a beard. Junsu quickly strode forward and snatched the candy away. “Honggee, you know you can’t have stuff like this before a game.”
“But sugar always helps my game,” Hongki stated; his face was a mask of innocence.
“But it’s still not good for you,” Junsu chided before walking over to a trash can and throwing the candy away. Hongki’s eyes widened in horror. “Hyung!”
“I promise to buy you some after the game,” Junsu quickly assured his friend. “But only if we win.”
Those bright eyes lit up once more with glee and excitement for the challenge that was presented to him. “Okay!” he cried as he grasped Junsu’s wrist and led him to the field. The redhead smiled, relaxing in the comfort of his friend.
Yoochun will be fine, he thought as warm ups began.
-----
The stands surrounding the large field were filled completely with fans and students of Lakeside University dressed in the gold and maroon colors of their school. Barely off in one corner stood the navy blue and silver fans of Junsu’s school. They were waving their signs saying ‘Go Team!’ and ‘WIN!’ fervently above their heads. Some of the students wore T-shirts with numbers painted on the front. Junsu spotted a single female student sporting the number ten. His heart swelled with pride and happiness. That was his number!
The sheer volume of noise echoing across the field cause shivers to tickle all over his body. Junsu jumped lightly off the ground a few times in order to shake off the nerves. A few players down the line bounced Hongki who was practically leaping into the air. The blonde was obviously overjoyed that the game was about to start. Junsu was glad he had such an enthused player on his team.
The whistle blew and each player went to their positions. Junsu stood ready to the far left of the field. Hongki was the center. The whistle sounded once more and suddenly the game started once Hongki kicked the ball behind him, allowing his nearby teammate to dribble forward.
Junsu realized that the rush of adrenaline he felt as he dashed forward was mostly the reason why he joined the soccer team in the first place.
This sport kicked ass.
“Pass, pass!” Junsu shouted to his teammate as he ran. The ball was passed and now Junsu drove forward with a strong intent to score. Up ahead Junsu spotted Hongki. Junsu passed the ball to his friend but it was quickly taken by an opposing player.
And that was how the game proceeded. Play moved back and forth, each team unable to score a single point. By intermission time, Junsu was sweating profusely. He gulped down water before spraying some liquid life against his face. After letting the air cool his heated skin, he dried his face with a towel and quickly scurried over to his duffel bag. He pulled out his cell phone to check for any missed calls or texts.
There was one.
Junsu’s heart raced with a new kind of adrenaline as he opened the text.
-Looking hot there Su. Nice skills-
Heat immediately pooled into his cheeks. After quickly banishing the feeling, he texted back.
-Where are you?-
The coach called for Junsu then, causing the redhead’s heart to drop. He glanced down at his phone, seeing no reply from Yoochun yet. Disappointed, he closed the device and dropped it into his duffel bag. He returned to his team but his eyes were scanning the stands surrounding the field. It was impossible to find Yoochun in this crowd!
But he’s here, Junsu thought. Yoochun was here, watching him like he had promised.
The redhead hoped Yoochun could see the bright smile on his face as he walked back onto the field. He was so happy! Now he was the one bouncing on his feet before play even started. Hongki caught his gaze and the blonde smiled once he saw the excitement clear on Junsu’s face.
The whistle sounded and the game started again.
Six minutes into the second half Hongki scored the first goal of the game. The blonde leaped into Junsu’s arms, the redhead twirling him once in the air before letting him go to be congratulated by the other teammates. The home fans were somewhat quiet but not disturbed by the fact that their team was losing. Those in navy and silver however were screaming themselves hoarse.
Play started again and the nerves were back. They were only in the lead by one; that is not enough to be comfortable. As time slowly dwindled down and sweat was dripping from Junsu’s face as well as his torso, the coach from the opposing team called timeout, allowing the players to return to their respective benches and drink up.
Junsu grabbed one water bottle and dashed for his duffel bag while spraying the water down his throat. He grabbed his phone and flipped it one. There was one new message.
-C-3. I’m in front of your fans-
“Duh!” Junsu practically shouted, mostly to himself. As he shoved his phone back into his bag and returned to his team, his eyes looked straight toward the small group of navy and silver. The light that danced off of their shirts and signs outlined the silhouette of a very familiar figure leaning against the railing.
There he was.
“Yoochun,” Junsu gasped as the glee, happiness, and mushiness of the moment enveloped him.
The brunette obviously saw him because he smiled and waved from his spot in front of the students.
“Su, come on!” exclaimed Hongki who suddenly appeared in front of the redhead. Junsu blinked a few times before registering his friend’s words and nodding wordlessly. He followed the blonde onto the field, his eyes glancing in Yoochun’s direction every step of the way. The brunette was watching him the whole time. Junsu let a huge smile stretch across his face as he turned around and bounced on his feet. A long whistle sounded and suddenly Junsu was sprinting forward, ball against his toes.
His adrenaline was pumping like the blood in his veins.
The redhead weaved through every player who came toward him. He did some of his personal tricks in order to get past the defense and put every ounce of strength into his left foot as he kicked the ball towards the net.
The goalie blocked it and the crowd erupted into loud cheers.
Well damn.
That made his cheerful mood turn sour.
Precious seconds ticked by though, and suddenly Junsu’s team had possession of the ball once more. Junsu called for a pass and the ball was kicked his way. The moment the ball touched his foot however, something solid and somewhat pointed slammed above the top of his left cleat, just under his shinguard, causing sharp pain to shoot up his leg and the ground to come closer to his face.
Junsu rolled at the perfect time to cushion his fall. He rolled up into a sitting position, grasped his leg and did not move.
He knew then that someone had kicked him, really hard too.
Somewhere in the distance a whistle sounded and the loud crowd slowly grew quiet. Junsu bit his lip, hoping that putting the pain somewhere else would lessen the throb in his leg.
It didn’t really work.
“Hyung!” shouted Hongki as he reached the redhead and kneeled beside him. “Hyung, are you okay?”
Junsu wore a tight smile, hoping it would cause the younger player not to panic. “I’m fine,” he said. “Help me up though, would you?”
Hongki nodded instantly and allowed Junsu to wrap his arm around his small shoulders. Before he lifted the redhead however, a player from the opposing team cautiously kneeled beside them with an apology on his lips. “I’m sorry about that man. I was aiming for the ball and missed completely. Do you need some help?”
Junsu was grateful for the sportsmanship of his opponent. He nodded and allowed the other player and Hongki to lift him to his feet. Junsu winced and immediately lifted up on his left foot. Hongki glanced at him worriedly, but the redhead patted the blonde’s shoulder and beckoned them forward. He heard and saw the entire audience clapping as well as all the players. Junsu suddenly wanted to bow to them in appreciation, but he knew that was really possible at the moment.
The redhead was escorted to the bench where he sat down and rested his throbbing leg upon the metal surface. A number of his teammates came up and patted his back. His coach gave him an encouraging grin before sending someone out to substitute Junsu’s place. Junsu sat on the bench with ice resting upon the top of his foot. It was terribly cold but numbed the throbbing to a dull pulse.
His team ended up winning with Hongki’s goal to prove it. The blonde and the rest of the team immediately surrounded Junsu to congratulate him as well as the others. Hongki was literally jumping for joy with the words ‘cotton candy’ leaving his lips like a mantra.
By the time the team was showered and ready to leave the locker-room, the team doctor said nothing was broken and only that Junsu was going to have an insanely bad bruise by tomorrow morning.
The redhead was not looking forward to that.
-----
Junsu was helped out of the university building by Hongki and another teammate since the doctor had no crutches on hand. Taped to his swollen ankle was a cold thermo pad as well as some bandages to keep it all in place. Now his ankle looked ten times as swollen.
“Hyung, thank you for the cotton candy!” exclaimed Hongki as he ate the pink fluff in one hand while the other supported the redhead. “It’s really yummy. Do you want to try some?”
“No thanks Honggee,” said Junsu. “You deserve to eat all of it, don’t you think?”
Curiosity seemed to play across Hongki’s child-like features. “But you helped me a lot during the game so you deserve some too.”
Junsu smiled. “Thanks Honggee, but it’s okay. I don’t want any right now.”
Hongki shrugged and simply gave up on his offering, happily chewing away at the pink fluff and the crippled limped forward. “Oh,” he voiced suddenly. “Hyung.”
Junsu glanced at his friend in question. He noticed Hongki not looking at him though but somewhere in front of them. The redhead then looked forward.
Yoochun was walking toward them, concern glistening against his amazing chocolate eyes but a playful smile upon his lips. Junsu heart fluttered as his own smile spread across his face.
“Your foot looks fat,” commented the brunette as he neared the group. His familiar smirk caused Junsu to suddenly pout like a child.
“Aw, you know I didn’t mean it,” Yoochun practically cooed as he stopped in front of his lover. The pout slowly disappeared and the familiar smile was back on the redhead’s face. Yoochun swiftly replaced Hongki and the other teammate, letting Junsu’s arm wrap around his neck and shoulders. “I’ll take it from here then. Thanks guys,” he said to the two.
Hongki’s smile was bright and full of excitement. Junsu suddenly wondered where all his energy came from. “No problem! See you at school Su!”
Junsu said good-bye to his teammates and nodded to his coach who then realized that Junsu had another ride home. Yoochun’s strong arm then wrapped around his waist, allowing the younger man to lean most of his weight against the half-wolf. “Thanks Yoochun,” he said gratefully.
It looked as if Yoochun turned his head to merely look behind them, but Junsu felt those warm lips meet his cheek. “Let’s get you home, love,” he murmured softly, causing tendrils of warmth to crawl throughout Junsu’s body. The redhead nodded and allowed his lover to lead him to their car parked somewhat behind the bus. Once Junsu was safely and comfortably inside the car, Yoochun made his way to the driver’s side and got in, turning on the engine and pulling out of the lot at a slow pace.
“How’s your leg?” Yoochun asked, causing the redhead to glance at him. He could see the worry shining in the brunette’s eyes. “It isn’t broken, is it?”
Junsu chuckled despite the seriousness of the matter. “Of course not. If I had anything broken I would be riding in an ambulance to a hospital instead of riding in our car back home.”
Yoochun appeared somewhat relieved. “I’m glad you’re not in that ambulance.”
Junsu smiled softly as he reached over and squeezed Yoochun’s hand. “Me too. I hate hospitals.”
The comment made something flicker across Yoochun’s eyes and suddenly Junsu realized what he had just said. Memories began to resurface, memories of his most recent trip to the hospital a few years ago. The redhead absentmindedly pulled his hand away from Yoochun’s to scratch something behind his ear.
Now Yoochun was looking at him worriedly again. Junsu had to fix this.
“How was your morning?” he asked. Divert the subject-it always works. Junsu was unsure if his lover was grateful for this or not, judging from the expression on his face.
“It was uneventful,” Yoochun eventually replied. “I went further into the mountains this time, but I still came back with nothing. There is nothing out there except nothing and I hate it.”
“Don’t bash yourself, Yoochun,” Junsu quickly responded with complete honesty. “I just want you to come back after each run, that’s all.”
“So what you’re saying is that you don’t want me to find them?” the brunette asked carefully.
Slowly, Junsu’s eyes filled with a familiar sadness and wisp of longing. “Not exactly,” he murmured. “But I don’t think they can be found. I don’t think we’ll ever find them.”
Now Yoochun was silent and only the sound of tires rubbing against asphalt reached their ears. Eventually he asked, “Do you want to find them?”
Junsu reached out to take Yoochun’s hand back into his grasp. The half-wolf’s skin was warm and smooth. Junsu traced his fingers along the back of his lover’s palm before pulling it up to kiss his knuckles. Yoochun watched on fondly, glancing back to the road as seldom as possible.
“Of course I do,” Junsu quietly answered, his lips tickling the skin of the brunette’s hand. His eyes did not look up to meet his lover’s though. Yoochun slowly pulled his hand away in order to trail his fingers against Junsu’s cheek. He gently cradled the redhead’s face, guiding those brown eyes to meet his own. Both held a certain kind of sadness, yet both could relate completely with the other.
Junsu smiled for his lover, turning his face so he could kiss the other’s palm. “Thank you for coming Yoochun.”
Yoochun’s smile returned to his face as well. “Anytime Su,” he said with hidden promise. He swiftly took Junsu’s hand and entwined their fingers, resting them upon the console between their seats.
As the time passed, Junsu’s head leaned closer and closer to the window of the car. His eyes felt as if they were drooping and the tiredness from the morning and game began to creep up on him. Yoochun’s thumb stroking the skin of his hand wasn’t helping much either. Before he realized it, Junsu felt himself drifting off into a dream.
He was back in Jaejoong and Yunho’s house. The familiar couches and kitchen area caused his heart to feel light and happy. Junsu hasn’t traveled back to their house since the morning he was cooking breakfast for Yoochun and extra bacon for Changmin.
The fear and sadness did not envelop Junsu like he expected it too, but instead the happiness and comfort of the house hugged him. Junsu watched as his dream continued. Breakfast ended and he was now standing in the living room with four familiar figures.
Junsu’s felt the shock and joy reach his heart the moment he saw all of them.
Changmin was laying in Yunho’s arms upon the couch. The handsome man and his younger lover were laughing as Jaejoong, the dazzling angel, pinched and played mercilessly with Yoochun’s expressionless face. The half-wolf seemed as if he was accepting the torture. Jaejoong was difficult to deny anyway.
Junsu heart began to race as this scene continued to play out. He wanted to reach and pull everyone into his arms. He wanted to hold Changmin and never let him go. He wanted everyone back in his life with Yoochun.
It was as if they realized he was in the room. Suddenly, Jaejoong stopped pinching Yoochun’s cheeks. Yoochun lowered his face. Changmin pulled out of Yunho’s arms while the handsome vampire sat up straight. . .
All four of them turned to look at Junsu, each with a pair of different colored eyes. Junsu was frozen as he looked from yellow to jade to crimson and to orange. . .
Changmin’s eyes were a brilliant, powerful orange.
And then Junsu woke up.
a/n: Hello again everyone! I'm already ready to punch LJ in the face!
……………………………………….comments are like valuable hockey pucks!
Pairings: Junsu/Yoochun, Changmin/Jaejoong/Yunho
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Sequel to Warmth
Genre: Romance, angst, science-fiction-ish
A/N: Trust me, updates will not be near the word "frequent" or "daily." I am posting this to motivate myself to write the rest of the story. GO USA!
Summary: One encounter with reality sends Junsu down an unending path of confusion and agony. Sometimes, warmth is not what one needs in order to survive. Sometimes, what one needs is the bone-chilling truth to take hold of your body and turn everything upside-down. What must you do then to stand back up?
An annoying, unfamiliar tune began to blare obnoxiously throughout the room, rousing anyone in a matter of seconds. Junsu rolled onto his opposite side, pulling the blanket to cover his entire head. The loud, almost screeching tune sounded like it could shatter windows, and it continued to screech during the fifteen seconds Junsu curled tighter into his den of blankets wishing something would just make the damn noise stop.
But no, the tune continued to blare and Junsu grew sufficiently annoyed. His ears began to ring and ache. He rolled back onto his previous side and lifted his leg to kick at the bed beside him. “Honggee. . .” he groaned to the person still snoozing above him. “Honggee, turn off your alarm. . .”
Junsu heard no improvement to his current situation since that obnoxious tune continued to play. The redhead wondered how the person laying right next to the source hasn’t already shot up from his bed and started screaming a string of profanities straight from the holy book. What seriously bad song was Hongki’s alarm squealing so early in the morning anyway?
Junsu knew then what he was getting Hongki for Christmas.
The redhead groaned again before slowly sitting up with his blankets pooling around him in a warm heap. He blinked his eyes open. Instantly he saw the flashing multicolor lights dancing against the ceiling, Hongki’s bed, and the nearby wall. The alarm clock was even equipped with lights? How could Hongki not be awake with all that sitting right next to him?
His friend was still happily snoozing away with one leg hanging off the side of his bed, mouth hanging open, and blonde hair spiking in all directions. Junsu rubbed his eyes before leaning over his friend’s body and slamming his palm against the bright, flashing red button atop the obnoxious alarm device. Light and sound instantly vanished from the room, relieving Junsu’s ears and eyes.
It was then that Hongki made some sort of noise and shifted in his bed. Junsu reached above the alarm to turn on the lamp beside it, letting yellow light fill the room.
There was a distinct snort before Hongki quickly rolled over, collided with Junsu, and landed atop him on the redhead’s bed. Said-redhead let out a huff as the blonde’s weight hit him.
“Honggee, what are you doing?”
“Mphffmm.”
Junsu pushed tiredly against Hongki’s side. “Get off,” he commanded.
Slowly Hongki rolled away and off of Junsu’s stomach. He continued to roll across the floor, allowing the layer of blanket to unwrap from his petite body and become a comfy spread to lie on. Junsu sat up and leaned against his elbows, shaking his head as he looked at his friend trying to go back to sleep.
“Wake up Honggee,” he eventually said. “We’ve got to get to the bus in twenty minutes.”
The blonde rolled onto his side, causing his hair to fall awkwardly in front of his eyes. “I don’t wanna go,” he whined pitifully.
Junsu rolled his eyes before smirking. “So you are going to let me score all of the goals and get all of the glory? Thanks so much Hongki, I didn’t know you were so generous.”
That caused his friend to immediately sit up straight. “Yeah right,” he huffed as his breath blew the blonde hair away from his face. Sudden determined eyes met Junsu’s playful ones. The redhead chuckled before he got to his feet and helped Hongki up as well. The blonde’s bright eyes gleamed with excitement. “Let’s do our best Su!” he exclaimed before skipping to the bathroom, leaving a grinning Junsu to change into his windsuit.
Twenty minutes later, Hongki parked his car in their school’s lot and headed with Junsu toward the bus parked close by. The two teammates checked in with their coach before getting on the bus and picking two seats near the back. They greeted the others sitting around them as the bus slowly began to fill. By six o’clock the entire team was seated inside.
Five minutes later, more than half of them were asleep.
Hongki was obviously nodding off as well, causing Junsu to grin. The blonde’s early energy was suddenly gone; it was like someone flipped off a switch inside his mind. Junsu nudged his friend gently and asked, “Did I mention how annoying your alarm clock is, Honggee?”
“Nope,” the blonde murmured.
“Well, it is annoying,” said Junsu. “And insanely loud too. How can you not wake up when it’s blaring bad music and flashing lights everywhere?”
Hongki’s eyes began to close and his head was drooping forward. “I wonder. . .” he whispered before falling to the side, effectively resting his head upon Junsu’s shoulder.
Junsu sighed. Now he had no one to talk too. Everyone around him was obviously asleep.
He wondered then as to why he was so awake. After finding no answer, he carefully leaned forward so he could grab his bag at his feet and pull out his phone and iPod. As the familiar, bright green device touched his fingers, Junsu felt his heart flutter and his lips stretch into a small smile. The redhead leaned back against his seat with Hongki resting against him.
He checked his phone and saw that there were no messages or missed calls. Junsu felt the familiar worry through the beat of his heart. He felt the concern but also the warmth. He knew he shouldn’t be so troubled by the fact that Yoochun was out roaming the forest since the half-wolf told him himself not to worry, but he could never help it. It came with his love for Yoochun.
Junsu put his phone away knowing that texting Yoochun during his morning “walk” would be unwise. Instead, he pushed the white earbuds into his ears and scrolled through his list of music, selecting a calming song that could help lure him to sleep.
But the moment he closed his eyes and tried to relax he saw Yoochun running through the forest. He watched as his lover sped past the trees and came upon the mountain range. His figure was almost blurred, but clear once he stopped. Junsu’s heart fluttered when the brunette began to turn around. Yet, the moment he turned around someone else was standing there, someone with brilliant orange eyes.
Changmin.
Junsu quickly opened his eyes to rid his vision of his best friend.
For the rest of the three hour trip, he watched the sun rise above the trees and paint beautiful colors across the sky.
-----
It was around nine o’clock when the bus pulled into Lakeside University’s parking lot. Not once did Junsu fall asleep, only listened to his iPod for most of the ride before Hongki was up and chatting away. The blonde’s excitement was back and tripled due to their arrival at the school. As the team exited the bus they were greeted by some of their loyal classmates and fans. Hongki was obviously touched by their devotion and happily took pictures with some of the girls and gave them his autograph. Junsu had to eventually pull him away so they could join their team in the locker-room.
The coach went over a few plays he wanted the team to practice during their half hour session on the field. As the team headed outside, Junsu recalled why he joined the soccer team last spring.
“You’ve got great talent, Junsu. Please consider joining next season. We would love to have you play.”
It was those words from his coach and Yoochun’s comment about him playing soccer sounded really hot that coaxed the redhead into playing. Junsu smirked as he recalled Yoochun’s face and devious eyes. Now that night he would love to relive.
Those thoughts caused him to miss his lover even more. The worry pulsed through his veins, but the warmth of Yoochun always seemed to outweigh it. Junsu paused inside the hallway, letting out a deep breath as he began to relax.
“He’s fine,” he assured to himself. “He promised to be here and he will.”
“Su! I found cotton candy!”
The redhead looked up to see a beaming Hongki waving a stick of pink fluff in his hand. There was evidence that the blonde took a bite because pink crust rested at the corner of his lips and thin wisps of pink caked his chin like a beard. Junsu quickly strode forward and snatched the candy away. “Honggee, you know you can’t have stuff like this before a game.”
“But sugar always helps my game,” Hongki stated; his face was a mask of innocence.
“But it’s still not good for you,” Junsu chided before walking over to a trash can and throwing the candy away. Hongki’s eyes widened in horror. “Hyung!”
“I promise to buy you some after the game,” Junsu quickly assured his friend. “But only if we win.”
Those bright eyes lit up once more with glee and excitement for the challenge that was presented to him. “Okay!” he cried as he grasped Junsu’s wrist and led him to the field. The redhead smiled, relaxing in the comfort of his friend.
Yoochun will be fine, he thought as warm ups began.
-----
The stands surrounding the large field were filled completely with fans and students of Lakeside University dressed in the gold and maroon colors of their school. Barely off in one corner stood the navy blue and silver fans of Junsu’s school. They were waving their signs saying ‘Go Team!’ and ‘WIN!’ fervently above their heads. Some of the students wore T-shirts with numbers painted on the front. Junsu spotted a single female student sporting the number ten. His heart swelled with pride and happiness. That was his number!
The sheer volume of noise echoing across the field cause shivers to tickle all over his body. Junsu jumped lightly off the ground a few times in order to shake off the nerves. A few players down the line bounced Hongki who was practically leaping into the air. The blonde was obviously overjoyed that the game was about to start. Junsu was glad he had such an enthused player on his team.
The whistle blew and each player went to their positions. Junsu stood ready to the far left of the field. Hongki was the center. The whistle sounded once more and suddenly the game started once Hongki kicked the ball behind him, allowing his nearby teammate to dribble forward.
Junsu realized that the rush of adrenaline he felt as he dashed forward was mostly the reason why he joined the soccer team in the first place.
This sport kicked ass.
“Pass, pass!” Junsu shouted to his teammate as he ran. The ball was passed and now Junsu drove forward with a strong intent to score. Up ahead Junsu spotted Hongki. Junsu passed the ball to his friend but it was quickly taken by an opposing player.
And that was how the game proceeded. Play moved back and forth, each team unable to score a single point. By intermission time, Junsu was sweating profusely. He gulped down water before spraying some liquid life against his face. After letting the air cool his heated skin, he dried his face with a towel and quickly scurried over to his duffel bag. He pulled out his cell phone to check for any missed calls or texts.
There was one.
Junsu’s heart raced with a new kind of adrenaline as he opened the text.
-Looking hot there Su. Nice skills-
Heat immediately pooled into his cheeks. After quickly banishing the feeling, he texted back.
-Where are you?-
The coach called for Junsu then, causing the redhead’s heart to drop. He glanced down at his phone, seeing no reply from Yoochun yet. Disappointed, he closed the device and dropped it into his duffel bag. He returned to his team but his eyes were scanning the stands surrounding the field. It was impossible to find Yoochun in this crowd!
But he’s here, Junsu thought. Yoochun was here, watching him like he had promised.
The redhead hoped Yoochun could see the bright smile on his face as he walked back onto the field. He was so happy! Now he was the one bouncing on his feet before play even started. Hongki caught his gaze and the blonde smiled once he saw the excitement clear on Junsu’s face.
The whistle sounded and the game started again.
Six minutes into the second half Hongki scored the first goal of the game. The blonde leaped into Junsu’s arms, the redhead twirling him once in the air before letting him go to be congratulated by the other teammates. The home fans were somewhat quiet but not disturbed by the fact that their team was losing. Those in navy and silver however were screaming themselves hoarse.
Play started again and the nerves were back. They were only in the lead by one; that is not enough to be comfortable. As time slowly dwindled down and sweat was dripping from Junsu’s face as well as his torso, the coach from the opposing team called timeout, allowing the players to return to their respective benches and drink up.
Junsu grabbed one water bottle and dashed for his duffel bag while spraying the water down his throat. He grabbed his phone and flipped it one. There was one new message.
-C-3. I’m in front of your fans-
“Duh!” Junsu practically shouted, mostly to himself. As he shoved his phone back into his bag and returned to his team, his eyes looked straight toward the small group of navy and silver. The light that danced off of their shirts and signs outlined the silhouette of a very familiar figure leaning against the railing.
There he was.
“Yoochun,” Junsu gasped as the glee, happiness, and mushiness of the moment enveloped him.
The brunette obviously saw him because he smiled and waved from his spot in front of the students.
“Su, come on!” exclaimed Hongki who suddenly appeared in front of the redhead. Junsu blinked a few times before registering his friend’s words and nodding wordlessly. He followed the blonde onto the field, his eyes glancing in Yoochun’s direction every step of the way. The brunette was watching him the whole time. Junsu let a huge smile stretch across his face as he turned around and bounced on his feet. A long whistle sounded and suddenly Junsu was sprinting forward, ball against his toes.
His adrenaline was pumping like the blood in his veins.
The redhead weaved through every player who came toward him. He did some of his personal tricks in order to get past the defense and put every ounce of strength into his left foot as he kicked the ball towards the net.
The goalie blocked it and the crowd erupted into loud cheers.
Well damn.
That made his cheerful mood turn sour.
Precious seconds ticked by though, and suddenly Junsu’s team had possession of the ball once more. Junsu called for a pass and the ball was kicked his way. The moment the ball touched his foot however, something solid and somewhat pointed slammed above the top of his left cleat, just under his shinguard, causing sharp pain to shoot up his leg and the ground to come closer to his face.
Junsu rolled at the perfect time to cushion his fall. He rolled up into a sitting position, grasped his leg and did not move.
He knew then that someone had kicked him, really hard too.
Somewhere in the distance a whistle sounded and the loud crowd slowly grew quiet. Junsu bit his lip, hoping that putting the pain somewhere else would lessen the throb in his leg.
It didn’t really work.
“Hyung!” shouted Hongki as he reached the redhead and kneeled beside him. “Hyung, are you okay?”
Junsu wore a tight smile, hoping it would cause the younger player not to panic. “I’m fine,” he said. “Help me up though, would you?”
Hongki nodded instantly and allowed Junsu to wrap his arm around his small shoulders. Before he lifted the redhead however, a player from the opposing team cautiously kneeled beside them with an apology on his lips. “I’m sorry about that man. I was aiming for the ball and missed completely. Do you need some help?”
Junsu was grateful for the sportsmanship of his opponent. He nodded and allowed the other player and Hongki to lift him to his feet. Junsu winced and immediately lifted up on his left foot. Hongki glanced at him worriedly, but the redhead patted the blonde’s shoulder and beckoned them forward. He heard and saw the entire audience clapping as well as all the players. Junsu suddenly wanted to bow to them in appreciation, but he knew that was really possible at the moment.
The redhead was escorted to the bench where he sat down and rested his throbbing leg upon the metal surface. A number of his teammates came up and patted his back. His coach gave him an encouraging grin before sending someone out to substitute Junsu’s place. Junsu sat on the bench with ice resting upon the top of his foot. It was terribly cold but numbed the throbbing to a dull pulse.
His team ended up winning with Hongki’s goal to prove it. The blonde and the rest of the team immediately surrounded Junsu to congratulate him as well as the others. Hongki was literally jumping for joy with the words ‘cotton candy’ leaving his lips like a mantra.
By the time the team was showered and ready to leave the locker-room, the team doctor said nothing was broken and only that Junsu was going to have an insanely bad bruise by tomorrow morning.
The redhead was not looking forward to that.
-----
Junsu was helped out of the university building by Hongki and another teammate since the doctor had no crutches on hand. Taped to his swollen ankle was a cold thermo pad as well as some bandages to keep it all in place. Now his ankle looked ten times as swollen.
“Hyung, thank you for the cotton candy!” exclaimed Hongki as he ate the pink fluff in one hand while the other supported the redhead. “It’s really yummy. Do you want to try some?”
“No thanks Honggee,” said Junsu. “You deserve to eat all of it, don’t you think?”
Curiosity seemed to play across Hongki’s child-like features. “But you helped me a lot during the game so you deserve some too.”
Junsu smiled. “Thanks Honggee, but it’s okay. I don’t want any right now.”
Hongki shrugged and simply gave up on his offering, happily chewing away at the pink fluff and the crippled limped forward. “Oh,” he voiced suddenly. “Hyung.”
Junsu glanced at his friend in question. He noticed Hongki not looking at him though but somewhere in front of them. The redhead then looked forward.
Yoochun was walking toward them, concern glistening against his amazing chocolate eyes but a playful smile upon his lips. Junsu heart fluttered as his own smile spread across his face.
“Your foot looks fat,” commented the brunette as he neared the group. His familiar smirk caused Junsu to suddenly pout like a child.
“Aw, you know I didn’t mean it,” Yoochun practically cooed as he stopped in front of his lover. The pout slowly disappeared and the familiar smile was back on the redhead’s face. Yoochun swiftly replaced Hongki and the other teammate, letting Junsu’s arm wrap around his neck and shoulders. “I’ll take it from here then. Thanks guys,” he said to the two.
Hongki’s smile was bright and full of excitement. Junsu suddenly wondered where all his energy came from. “No problem! See you at school Su!”
Junsu said good-bye to his teammates and nodded to his coach who then realized that Junsu had another ride home. Yoochun’s strong arm then wrapped around his waist, allowing the younger man to lean most of his weight against the half-wolf. “Thanks Yoochun,” he said gratefully.
It looked as if Yoochun turned his head to merely look behind them, but Junsu felt those warm lips meet his cheek. “Let’s get you home, love,” he murmured softly, causing tendrils of warmth to crawl throughout Junsu’s body. The redhead nodded and allowed his lover to lead him to their car parked somewhat behind the bus. Once Junsu was safely and comfortably inside the car, Yoochun made his way to the driver’s side and got in, turning on the engine and pulling out of the lot at a slow pace.
“How’s your leg?” Yoochun asked, causing the redhead to glance at him. He could see the worry shining in the brunette’s eyes. “It isn’t broken, is it?”
Junsu chuckled despite the seriousness of the matter. “Of course not. If I had anything broken I would be riding in an ambulance to a hospital instead of riding in our car back home.”
Yoochun appeared somewhat relieved. “I’m glad you’re not in that ambulance.”
Junsu smiled softly as he reached over and squeezed Yoochun’s hand. “Me too. I hate hospitals.”
The comment made something flicker across Yoochun’s eyes and suddenly Junsu realized what he had just said. Memories began to resurface, memories of his most recent trip to the hospital a few years ago. The redhead absentmindedly pulled his hand away from Yoochun’s to scratch something behind his ear.
Now Yoochun was looking at him worriedly again. Junsu had to fix this.
“How was your morning?” he asked. Divert the subject-it always works. Junsu was unsure if his lover was grateful for this or not, judging from the expression on his face.
“It was uneventful,” Yoochun eventually replied. “I went further into the mountains this time, but I still came back with nothing. There is nothing out there except nothing and I hate it.”
“Don’t bash yourself, Yoochun,” Junsu quickly responded with complete honesty. “I just want you to come back after each run, that’s all.”
“So what you’re saying is that you don’t want me to find them?” the brunette asked carefully.
Slowly, Junsu’s eyes filled with a familiar sadness and wisp of longing. “Not exactly,” he murmured. “But I don’t think they can be found. I don’t think we’ll ever find them.”
Now Yoochun was silent and only the sound of tires rubbing against asphalt reached their ears. Eventually he asked, “Do you want to find them?”
Junsu reached out to take Yoochun’s hand back into his grasp. The half-wolf’s skin was warm and smooth. Junsu traced his fingers along the back of his lover’s palm before pulling it up to kiss his knuckles. Yoochun watched on fondly, glancing back to the road as seldom as possible.
“Of course I do,” Junsu quietly answered, his lips tickling the skin of the brunette’s hand. His eyes did not look up to meet his lover’s though. Yoochun slowly pulled his hand away in order to trail his fingers against Junsu’s cheek. He gently cradled the redhead’s face, guiding those brown eyes to meet his own. Both held a certain kind of sadness, yet both could relate completely with the other.
Junsu smiled for his lover, turning his face so he could kiss the other’s palm. “Thank you for coming Yoochun.”
Yoochun’s smile returned to his face as well. “Anytime Su,” he said with hidden promise. He swiftly took Junsu’s hand and entwined their fingers, resting them upon the console between their seats.
As the time passed, Junsu’s head leaned closer and closer to the window of the car. His eyes felt as if they were drooping and the tiredness from the morning and game began to creep up on him. Yoochun’s thumb stroking the skin of his hand wasn’t helping much either. Before he realized it, Junsu felt himself drifting off into a dream.
He was back in Jaejoong and Yunho’s house. The familiar couches and kitchen area caused his heart to feel light and happy. Junsu hasn’t traveled back to their house since the morning he was cooking breakfast for Yoochun and extra bacon for Changmin.
The fear and sadness did not envelop Junsu like he expected it too, but instead the happiness and comfort of the house hugged him. Junsu watched as his dream continued. Breakfast ended and he was now standing in the living room with four familiar figures.
Junsu’s felt the shock and joy reach his heart the moment he saw all of them.
Changmin was laying in Yunho’s arms upon the couch. The handsome man and his younger lover were laughing as Jaejoong, the dazzling angel, pinched and played mercilessly with Yoochun’s expressionless face. The half-wolf seemed as if he was accepting the torture. Jaejoong was difficult to deny anyway.
Junsu heart began to race as this scene continued to play out. He wanted to reach and pull everyone into his arms. He wanted to hold Changmin and never let him go. He wanted everyone back in his life with Yoochun.
It was as if they realized he was in the room. Suddenly, Jaejoong stopped pinching Yoochun’s cheeks. Yoochun lowered his face. Changmin pulled out of Yunho’s arms while the handsome vampire sat up straight. . .
All four of them turned to look at Junsu, each with a pair of different colored eyes. Junsu was frozen as he looked from yellow to jade to crimson and to orange. . .
Changmin’s eyes were a brilliant, powerful orange.
And then Junsu woke up.
a/n: Hello again everyone! I'm already ready to punch LJ in the face!
……………………………………….comments are like valuable hockey pucks!