Stray Cardboard Boxes (4/?)
Title: Stray Cardboard Boxes (4/?)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairings: KyuHan. ShiHan.
Warnings: None.
Summary: Based on the manga, “Tramps Like Us.” It was one night of clumsiness that cost Geng a scuffed shoe and an accidental meeting with a runaway Kyuhyun. Generous and rather stupid, he takes the unconscious male in to tend to his wounds, and somewhere along the lines makes him his pet as well. It wasn't his fault that the younger reminded him of his own dog back at China.
Stray Cardboard Boxes
4
A week had passed without much of an incident. Things were beginning to look normal for Geng, at least as normal as possible. Someone who had a human for a pet and was looking forward to return home for said human pet was anything, but normal.
But for Geng it was normal and Kyuhyun was so far the best thing in his life since he had gotten to Seoul.
His job wasn't half bad either.
“There you are, Geng.” The tender yet deep voice that was directed him caused him to turn around, seeing Siwon instantly.
He broke into a smile once more, giving a polite bow to the younger male.
“Ah, Siwon. Good to see you.” Geng said with a hint of smile on his lips.
His job wasn't half bad because things were looking up. He was getting familiar with all his co-workers, especially a certain trio, and then of course there was Siwon. The man would always make the effort to drop by from where he worked.
He blinked, noticing that the taller man wasn't alone, but instead had something large in his hands.
“Ah, yes. This is for you actually.” The handsome man grinned, an embarrassing flush on his normally calm features. The look made Geng melt on the inside.
He took the large stuffed bear that was given to him, staring at it in amusement and wonder.
“Since you're new, I'm not sure you know, but today is a company holiday. The higher-ups have a thing for Disney, especially Winnie the Pooh. So just to brighten things up on a dull workday, they decided to make a holiday out of it. Co-workers give them as presents, so I thought you might like it.”
The younger man was smiling now, the flush still in place as he looked warmly at Geng.
“I know it's kind of silly and childish, but it reminded me of you.”
It was his turn to blush, keeping his gaze on Siwon as he smiled. “Thank you Siwon-Ah. Although I'm sorry for not getting you one.” The older man said with a small frown as he clutched the bear to his chest, staring at the large, soft orange object.
Geng wasn't sure how an orange bear with no pants and a round butt could remind Siwon of him, but the male figured it was the thought that counts after all.
“It's no problem really. I just hope you like it. Well, anyways..I got to go. See you around, Geng.” Flashing one more million dollar smile at the Chinese male, he turned and left.
He stood there, hugging the soft bear to his chest, a dreamy look apparent on his gentle features.
_
The man narrowed his eyes as he watched the display with two other pairs of eyes. Hiding behind the cubicle wall, he cursed, and looked back to his two other companions.
“Outdone again, but that's fine I guess. I mean, ours is special, right?” Sungmin asked, mostly to himself as he stared at his own Pooh bear in hand. His was yellow with a pink shirt on it, an Easter limited edition.
“It doesn't matter. Geng's bound to get tons of bears by the end of today anyways.” Donghae said with a shrug, looking at his own bear in a fish costume.
Ryeowook nodded silently, still scared to face Geng after the incident. He had his own bear in one hand and a new collared shirt for the male. The bear was the classic edition, brown in color instead of orange.
“Well, whatever. We'll just give our bears to him.” The pink leader said with an evil glint in his eye as he gazed at the bear in his hands before breaking out into a sweet smile.
“Geng! We have something for you too!” Smile still in place, Sungmin waltzed over to the unsuspecting Chinese male. “Here!”
Holding the yellow bear out, he bowed, a happy expression on his features.
“And before I forget, here's our mandatory company kiss!”
Before Geng could register anything in his brain, he felt a soft lips on his cheeks. He blinked, blushing at the large smile on Sungmin's face. “It's kiss or be kissed when you receive a bear! Company policy.”
Of course that part was a lie, but it wasn't like Geng knew.
Holding two bears, the Chinese male nodded numbly, not catching Donghae slinking towards him.
The grinning man beamed at Geng who stared back blankly.
“Donghae..”
“Hyung!” The happy man yelled as he shoved his bear towards the man, giving the poor man a big kiss on the cheek before waltzing after Sungmin who had disappeared behind another cubicle.
The last one was Ryeowook and both co-workers had hidden themselves behind cubicles to see the petite man's progress.
Said companion was making his slow way to Geng. The Chinese male having seen Ryeowook gave the man a warm smile. “Ryeowook-Ah, don't tell me that's for me?”
Sungmin pouted softly. “He likes Ryeowook the best.” Donghae elbowed him to be quiet.
The younger man blushed and nodded shyly. “A bear and a new shirt because I..I accidentally ripped yours up.” Ryeowook said, stuttering softly as he lowered his head in embarrassment.
The cute display made Geng smile, the man accepting the bear. “I'm sorry I didn't know today was a company holiday. I'll make it up to all of you somehow. I really appreciated. I didn't think I was going to get anything ever really..So I'm really grateful.”
Ryeowook frowned and shook his head. “No way, you're our co-worker and friend. Plus, you can hang out with us anytime you like!” Feeling that he said too much, Ryeowook blushed, and looked away.
“I guess you're right. I'm really grateful for all of you and thank you for the shirt too.”
Watching the blush get redder on the petite man's face, Geng chuckled softly and leaned forward, planting a kiss on the man's cheek.
“Kiss or be kissed, right?”
He really didn't know why Ryeowook had to run away like that. His breath didn't smell, did it?
The slender male sighed softly, staring at the bears in his arms. He had Siwon's large one in one arm and the three medium sized bears all swished together in the other arm.
“Ryeowook! You have to tell me how you did it! Don't hold out on us!” Sungmin yelled as he chased the poor man around the twenty-fourth floor, Donghae following behind.
_
When Kyuhyun opened the door, he did not expect a mess of Pooh bears to be shoved into his face as the Chinese man attempted to get into his own apartment.
“What's with the bears?” The snarky man asked, picking up Siwon's large bear. He looked to Geng, poking the bear's eyes out repetitively.
“Company holiday or something. Co-workers gave them to me and stop poking it's eyes out. Siwon gave that to me.”
The younger man blinked and stared blankly at Geng, stretching the bear out in a tortuous manner.
“Hey! Stop that!”
“No. I want one too. Buy me one.” He continued stretching the bear out, giving Geng a threatening look to which the male sighed, rolling his eyes.
“Fine. You can have one of these if you like.” Picking up the three bears, he held them out to his pet, who merely shook his head. “No. I want you to buy me one. Buy me one now or your bear gets it.”
_
It had taken a twenty minute walk to the nearest department store in which Kyuhyun happily picked out a Pooh Bear that he wanted, to which Geng was forced to purchase.
The Chinese man frowned softly as he plopped down onto the sofa. He picked up the remote and turned on the tv, flipping through the channels before stopping at some sitcom.
Taking his newly bought bear with him, the snarky male flopped down next to Geng. Sighing contently, he laid his head on the Chinese male's lap, a smirk evident on his pale features as he stared at his bear.
“Get your head off my lap.” He frowned and looked down at the male. Kyuhyun shook his head, eying Geng closely as he played with his bear. “No. I'm your dog, so pet me.” He blinked, looking down at the male before glancing over to the soft brown curls on his head. Well, he always did wanted to give it a try, pet Kyuhyun that is.
Complying silently, he brought a hand up and gave the head a stroke. He gingerly fingered the curls, idly rubbing the head in a relaxing manner. Much to his surprise, Geng found it strangely relaxing. More relaxing than taking a nap or shower.
Kyuhyun was secretly enjoying the fingers nestled in his locks as he turned the bear over, burying his face into the round bottom, smirking secretly. He bet Siwon would love to have his head on Geng's lap while the male played with his hair. Too bad that wasn't going to happen any time soon.
_
He smacked the hand that had reached for the sausage.
“What did I say about sneaking food? Dinner's almost ready, so be patient.” Geng grumbled as he shot a look at Kyuhyun. The younger in return stuck his tongue out childishly before slinking back to the corner where he had been waiting patiently.
Geng stopped in the midst of cooking as he heard the telephone rang. Sighing softly, he turned off the stove and shot Kyuhyun a look, warning him about the sausages. He was almost done anyways, he just needed to mix the sausages in with the noodles.
Walking out of the kitchen, he reached for the phone by the nightstand.
“Hello?”
The Chinese man blinked, hearing the familiar voice of his mother.
“Mama!” It had been awhile since he had talked to his mother. The last time was when he had moved into the apartment and that was practically two months ago. He had been busy here and there, first with the apartment, then the job, and such.
“How has my boy been? I'm hoping you're eating and taking care of yourself.” Came the soft reply from his beloved mother. He loved hearing his mother's voice, it gave a sense of comfort and familiarity to him, it reminded him of home.
“Yes, mama. I've been doing fine actually. How are things back at home? Everything is fine, right?” He asked, immediately switching over to worried mode. Han Mama laughed softly at her son's worried tone.
“Everything is fine Geng. I'm just calling to ask how things are in Korea. Have you made any friends? That Heechul is such a sweetheart, taking care of you when you got here. I must send my regards to him, and oh! Before I forget, I'm here to tell you that I'm coming over soon to visit you, along with little Henry. You remember Henry, right? He used to look up to you when he was little.”
Geng chuckled softly, feeling at ease by just speaking with his mother. “I remember, mama, and I'll look forward to your visit, along with Henry.” Kyuhyun poked his head out from his hiding spot, watching Geng talk on the phone. He caught the laugh and smile; eyes narrowed as he watched from his hiding spot. It better not have been Siwon.
“And it's not just a visit. I'm here to see if you got yourself a nice young man taking care of you, Geng.” He paused and blinked, praying that he had misheard his mother. “Um..What?”
The woman sighed in exasperation. “You heard me, dear. When I come over with Henry, I better see a nice young man taking care of you. No buts or excuses. Now I must end this hear. See you soon, Geng. Remember, Mama loves you.”
“What was that all about?” Kyuhyun asked, sneaking his way over to the older man. A sharp look in his eyes as he directed them at Geng. “My mother. She's coming to visit and she's expecting a guy to be here, taking care of me!” He groaned softly and clutched his head, feeling an oncoming headache. Sinking down to the carpet floor, he cursed softly at his situation.
“I need a man, fast.” Murmured Geng as he thought to himself, ignoring the fact that Kyuhyun was very much male and very much by his side literally. Although he didn't see Kyuhyun as a man., the Chinese male didn't even see Kyuhyun as a lovable dog most of the time.
Said snarky male was crouched next to Geng, staring at the older male intently. He blinked and looked to the side before speaking. “Why don't you...Ask Siwon? Or one of your co-workers? They seem to like you enough. They gave you all those bears after all.” He looked to his master, watching the look of realization hit him hard.
A bright smile present, he nodded, and looked to Kyuhyun. “That's...not a bad idea! Thank you, Kyuhyun. I'll think of a way to ask Siwon. Oh, I almost forgot about dinner! Wait, right here. You'll get dessert tonight.”
The Chinese man grinned and patted the crouching male before getting up to finish dinner. He didn't catch the dark look on his pet's face.
“You didn't even consider me.”
_
Work was hectic today for Geng and the office. They had a load of projects and requests due by the end of this week. The Chinese man was reduced to his small cubicle, only coming out for coffee and restroom breaks.
He wanted to get everything done before asking Siwon. It was an important question and a huge favor to ask of the man and Geng wasn't sure if Siwon was willing to go through it with him.
Spinning his chair around, he glanced outside, taking a peek at what the rest of his co-workers were doing. From a distance he was able to spot Sungmin, Donghae, and Ryeowook give the ropes to the one of the two transfers.
He wondered where the other transfer was.
_
The pink ringleader grinned as he crossed his arms, looking at their newly acquired team member. “So what part turns you on?” Donghae was by his side, grinning ear to ear at their new friend. Ryeowook merely stayed silent, secretly hoping that he wouldn't be the dead last from now on.
The brown haired young man flashed a gummy smile at the trio, cheeks red as he scratched his head sheepishly. “His legs. I heard rumors in my department about a foreign guy with long, long legs. I didn't believe them, but he's...really really hot.” He said, feeling breathless as he lowered his gaze in embarrassment.
“Well, you're in! We'll show you the ropes.” Donghae said, throwing a wink to their new friend.
“That's four against one. I'd like to see Siwon beat that.” Sungmin smirked, feeling victorious with their new addition.
_
Geng was back to work, mulling over the request and demands. The only difference between the two was that the request were due much later and the demands were wanted on the spot. Muffling a yawn, he stretched his back, sighing tiredly back into his chair.
“Excuse me, are you Geng?”
Geng whirled around in his chair, catching sight of an unfamiliar male at his cubicle.
“Um...Yes and you are?” He asked, smiling politely at the younger man. The male gave him a mysterious smile and bowed. “Kim Kibum. A pleasure to meet you, Geng.” Hearing the name, Geng stood up, bowing back as well. “You must be one of the transfers.”
The man smiled, pushing his thin rectangular black framed glasses up slightly. “You could say that. Anyways, I'll leave you to your work. It was nice seeing you again.” Smiling once more, he took his leave. Geng watched the male leave, feeling a little better.
Wait, what did Kibum mean by that?
_
“Ah, Sungmin, Donghae, Ryeowook! I have something for you three.” Geng called out as he walked towards the trio. He was in brighter moods due to the fact that it was lunch time, meaning just a few more hours until he could go home.
“Yes, Geng?” Sungmin smiled sweetly at the older, tilting his head to the side cutely. He wanted to change his image into a manlier one, but using a cute tactic against Geng just seemed to work. At least for Ryeowook it did.
The Chinese man smiled kindly as he opened the bag and handed a bento box to the younger, doing the same with Donghae and Ryeowook. Their new addition had been called away to handle a minor problem back on his floor.
“It's a thank you for the bears you gave me. It's not much, but I heard that the Chinese fried rice was popular here, so I thought you three would like to try some of mines. Anyways, I gotta go. See you later.”
Watching the male's ass walk away from them, Sungmin sighed contently and opened his box. He smiled dreamily, liking the cute design that Geng had made out of the fried rice. He glanced over to Donghae's and Ryeowook's, glaring at the petite man's box.
“How come yours is bigger than mines?”
Ryeowook coward in fear while Donghae ate away his lunch happily.
_
He was hidden in a corner, clutching the last box of fried rice to himself. This was going to be the difficult part; giving Siwon his gift and asking him for a favor. Geng took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he exhaled slowly.
“There you are, Geng.” He jumped, startled by the all too familiar voice that was directed at him.
“Ah, Siwon! I was looking for you too.” The older man said, holding the box out towards the younger. “This is for you. It's a small thank you present for the bear.”
The younger man smiled as he accepted the gift. “You didn't have to, but thank you. At least now I'll have lunch.” He joked, looking to Geng tenderly. “And I get to try your cooking too.”
“I hope you like it...And I'm sorry to ask you this, but I need a favor from you. If it's okay with you that is! I'm kind of in a bind here and I would like it...if you pretended to be my boyfriend...My mother is coming to town in a few weeks or so...and she's expecting me to have someone already. I know it sounds really lame and-”
“Sure, I would be happy to help, be your pretend boyfriend that is.” His tone was tender and warm as he fixed an equally warm smile at the taller male, causing him to blush a lovely red.
Siwon smiled, looking to the male. “I'll be looking forward to it.”
_
“Kyuhyun-Ah, I'm home.” Geng called out as he opened the door, taking a step inside. He frowned softly at the silence. Figuring that the younger must have gotten tired, he shrugged and went into his room. It was pretty late after all, the time being ten. He had even told the snarky male that there was a chance that he was late, giving him some money to buy food to eat since the younger didn't eat leftovers.
He threw his keys to nightstand, trekking over to the bathroom for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Done with brushing his teeth, Geng turned off the bathroom lights and tucked himself into bed, drifting off to sleep in a matter of seconds.
The curly haired male frowned at the sight of the sleeping male. He was a little too late. “I don't care if you're sleeping. Since I'm wearing this, I'm just going to go right in.” Kyuhyun murmured to himself as he watched the sleeping man on the bed.
Wearing the red collar, he wore no shirt, but simple gray sweats instead. Holding the bear that Geng had bought him, Kyuhyun crawled his way into the covers. Hugging the bear close, he shifted closer to the older male, falling asleep as well.
_
“Yah! Hannie! Did you get raped by your dog!?”
Geng groaned into his pillow, shifting over to the block his ears from hearing the disturbingly real voice in the room. He rolled over to the side, sleepy eyes making out Heechul's form hovering over him. “What the hell are you doing here, Heechul?” Geng murmured, sleep still in his tone as he blinked tiredly.
“I let myself in of course! And what is dog boy doing in your bed?”
Blinking, he frowned and sat up. “What do you mean by that?” He turned his gaze over, seeing the sleeping form of his pet. The half naked male had one arm around the bear as he slept, collar still in tact.
“And you made him wear a collar too. Naughty, naughty Hannie! Did you guys finally do it? I'm telling Siwon on you!” Teased the feminine man as he crossed his arms, smirking softly.
Geng yawned and shook his head. “Mm..Too early for this and no, of course not. What time is it?”
“Time for you to get up and serve me tea.” The older retorted, hand on his hip as he pointed at the Chinese man.
“Don't wanna. Today's my day off and you make me get up early just to serve your ass some tea?” He yawned again and shook his head once more, drowsy and groggy.
If he had been more awake, he would have kicked Kyuhyun off the bed, but fortunately for the youngest Geng was still asleep on the inside. “And you do know that you have a half naked hormonal man in your bed who's wearing a dog collar, right?”
He shrugged and rubbed his eyes. “Just like waking up every morning in the life of Kim Heechul, right?” Geng retorted, rolling his eyes.
Hearing all the commotion, Kyuhyun frowned softly in his sleep, shifting closer to Geng. He muttered under his breath, rubbing his eyes before opening them slowly. “Mm..Geng..Why is their an old hag hovering on your side of the bed?”
“Oh no you didn't..” Geng groaned, flopping over onto his stomach. He buried his face onto the pillow, tuning out Heechul's shriek.
“Old hag!? Why you little brat! I'll get you neutered! Yah! Geng, get your fat ass up and help me! Your dog is being disrespectful!”
He clutched onto his pillow, ignoring the shakes from his friend.
Geng just wanted to sleep, really.
“It's too early to see something so vile in the morning. Come back later.”
He closed his eyes shut and counted to ten.
_
A/N: : D And this is the end of chapter four! I don't think much happened in this chapter. :/ Comments are loved either way. xD;