Fences [2/3]
Title: Fences [part two of three]
Pairing: Jongkey, 2min
Warning: It's a complicated relationship...
Genre: Sci-Fi, AU
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Minho and Key volunteer their best friends for a beneficial experiement. They should have known it would backfire - it was Onew after all.
Note: It is split into three parts because it is too long.
The machine starting wasn’t as stressful as Key thought it would be.
The soft rumble it made was oddly calming and almost made him forget what a terrible idea this was. This invention was a prototype and had never been tested before and to make things worse, it had been made on whim with little, if any research. To top it all off, it was an invention made by Lee Jinki, a part time scientist known for screwing things up.
If anything, anything, happened to Jonghyun or Taemin he would never be able to forgive himself.
Jinki did seem hesitant before--what if he decided to forgo a needed part in his invention and that ruined their transformation. What if it killed them? Key closed his eyes tightly at the thought, trying to shrug it off as impossible but his guilt empowered it and kept it strong.
This machine is going to kill Jonghyun, Key thought horrified, as his fear brought back the last image of the his pet looking back betrayed as Jinki closed the door on him and Taemin. His last thought, his last memory of Key, would be of this. He would hate him.
The machine jerked, making a loud clank. It brought Key back to reality only for a moment before he fell back into his own dark thoughts.
Despite his worry, he knew Jinki was smart. Jinki would never knowingly send them into danger no matter how threatening Key was. He was responsible but eager to please. It could be possible that, in his haste, he overlooked something.
But he would tell them wouldn’t he? He would at least tell Key, he would never lie to him. Key’s eyes fell on the machine and then slowly slid to Jinki’s analytical and still form. Did Jinki believe omission was the same as lying? Key snapped away and stared back at the machine before shaking his head and closing his eyes.
God, this was going to give him a heart attack.
“Jinki,” He called out strained. “Are you absolutely positive this machine is safe?”
Jinki pursed his lips, thoughtful. “Well, not absolutely sure.” Then in an afterthought, he asked. “Isn’t it a bit late to be thinking about that?”
Key laughed dryly. “Just wanted some reassurance, but thanks, Jinki.”
Jinki’s eyes widened and he stammered for a moment, feeling a bit guilty but Key had already turned his attention elsewhere, never giving him a chance to apologize. He decided not to dwell on the lost chance and focus on making sure the machine did do its job. Key’s anxiety was starting to make him feel a bit nervous.
“Don’t worry, Onew knows what he’s doing. Right?” Minho said confidently. “Right?”
“Sure,” Jinki said, back turned towards them both, because his expression became so anxious that it would have scared them both. He took a deep breath to calm himself and then began going over the finishing procedures on the machine.
“Okay guys, when the machine is finished do not rush in there like maniacs, alright? I know you are worried about your dogs but you have to let them come out on their own.” Jinki said professionally.
“Care to explain?” Key asked, testy.
“They will be like newborns for the first few minutes of their new life and will have to learn how to use their bodies. They won't be able to stand and may hurt themselves if they get excited say, when they see you two after being trapped in a steel box?”
Key scowled and Jinki knew his tone was a bit condescending but he couldn’t have any resistance right now. He knew what was best.
“Just call them out, let them come to you alright?”
“We got it...” Minho said softly, watching eagerly as the machine began to still and quiet.
With every agonizing second that passed, Jinki’s contraption stilled and quieted. With every signal that it had finished its job, Key tensed until it was so visibly obvious that Minho moved over to check on him.
He warily put his hand on Key’s shoulders and squeezed gently. “It’ll be alright, calm down.”
Key’s eyes flicked to Minho and narrowed angrily at his caring tone. He was only making Key feel worse.
“You worry too much, it will be fine. I promise.” Minho said and it was said so confidently that Key almost believed him-he wanted so to believe him. Instead, he just jerked his too stiff body away and moved away from the younger man’s touch.
Thankfully, Minho decided not to follow him.
A low and short beep cut through the air, drawing both of their attention. The machine had stopped.
Jinki went to the other side of the machine and lifted a thin metal sheet from the machine’s frame. With the controls and monitor now visible, Jinki began furiously typing into the keyboard below. Eyes locked on the screen, he watched as his machine gave feedback on the experiment.
While this was happening, Key and Minho stood, uninformed. Minho thought of sneaking behind Jinki and seeing for himself what was going on but he knew the man was fierce when it came to his work. He probably wouldn’t be able to get a step in before Jinki caught on with what he was going to do and sent him back.
Absentmindedly, he looked over to Key. He looked terrible, as if he was about to cry, breakdown and go on a violent rampage all at once. There was nothing he could do for him now.
“Can we see them now, Jinki?” Minho called out suddenly. He saw Key flinch from his peripheral vision.
Jinki’s typing ceased immediately, trance broken as he stared at Minho and Key as if he had forgotten they were here in the first place but then he fell right back into it, typing as quick as he had before albeit calmer. Jinki was entirely too quiet for Minho, especially when his lack of response was making Key panic.
“Onew.” He said again, tone sharp. His lips turned into a dissatisfied frown as Jinki slowly turned away from his machine, looking utterly pathetic.
“Minho, I need to go over the results a few more times.” The scientist paused, licking his lips as his eyes darted to the right to avoid the other’s gaze. “I only need to do a few more tests.”
Minho let out a mix between a groan and a sigh as he went towards his friend only for him to step back and grab the machine like he thought Minho was going to pick it up and take it from him. With annoyance and impatience brewing dangerously within him, he decided to pacify the situation and back up a few steps. Jinki did not relax.
Minho took a seat in one of Jinki’s computer chairs, slouched and gave Jinki a punishing look.
“And do think I thought you had gotten over this.”
Key moved towards him and at first Minho thought he was going to defend Jinki, but his eyes were distant and sorrowful. He had calmed, but wasn’t entirely aware of his surroundings. Sighing, he reluctantly pulled the dazed man to sit beside him. Key sighed contently, sinking into the plush of the seat as he closed his eyes. Minho smiled gently, he needed a rest; it seemed that all that worrying had finally taken a toll on the man. Once Minho was positive Key would be stable, he went back to Jinki.
The man was livid.
“You wouldn’t understand. You never did, neither of you did!” Jinki let out a shuddering gasp, eyes wide, uncertain and angry. “There’s so much I can do-so much. It isn’t fair for you to take this from me!”
Minho didn’t respond, only staring Jinki down as he listened. It was obvious, even though his face was neutral, that he didn’t believe a word of what Jinki was saying.
Undeterred, the scientist continued. “So what if my methods of experimentation are unorthodox? Aren’t I helping people with what I invent? Aren’t I helping?” Jinki shouted, starting to become bothered by Minho’s silence. “It’s only fair that you let me use them for a little while longer because I am helping you!
”
“I thought that after you became a vet, Jinki, you would have a bit more compassion towards living things. That’s why I suggested it to your therapist.” Minho took a moment to glance at Key, he was finally asleep. Thankfully. He would hate to have to explain this to him. He nor Jinki was ready for that.
“You liar,” Jinki hissed, becoming so terribly vicious that, for a moment, Minho felt scared. “You let me work here on purpose. You knew better than anyone that I wasn’t ready for this. You wanted me to relapse. You wanted this.”
“No-“ Minho began but was quickly cut off by Jinki slamming his fist into the wall.
Standing, he put on a brave face as he observed Jinki’s behavior. He was going through a relapse.
Hysteric, Jinki spoke again. “After all that work, all that trouble I went through to make myself better for you and Key and everyone else-“
He inhaled sharply, right hand quickly covering his face. He was quiet for a few moments, shaking occasionally as Minho watched him try to stifle the would-be sobs by biting his palm. Then, slowly, his hand fell away and Jinki was back, angry as ever. His eyes were still glistening with unshed tears and his cheeks were wet with the ones he couldn’t hold back. “You don’t deserve anything I do for you, you terrible, horrible person.”
Minho quirked an eyebrow, thoughtful “Despite what you feel now, we both know that later, when you calm down, you won’t want to test anymore.”
Jinki’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re frustrated because it’s hard, but there are ways you can counter this. I don’t think it was smart to build a “secret lab” in your office but if that’s what keeps you calm…” Minho put his hands up, palm facing Jinki. “Then who am I to stop you.”
Jinki was silent for a long time, staring unsurely at Minho. He didn’t know if he could trust his word but the idea that he wouldn’t get in trouble for this thrilled him. The allure of the thought was exhilarating. Just thinking about how much data and progress he could achieve…
“However,” Minho’s voice cut in. “You may not ever do more than one test on a single subject; you need to know when to stop.”
Gaping, he stuttered back. “But, how will I ever know what is too much if I don’t test to find out.” Incredulously, he added. “Do you want me to guess?”
“Jinki, please explain to me how effective testing a subject until their body shuts down is. What do you gain from this?”
Jinki was silent.
“You told us before you understood doing the exact same to humans was wrong, and I’m sorry, we should have clarified: it is wrong no matter what you experiment on.”
“But Minho-“ Jinki began, but Minho stopped him. Jinki was very good at convincing people; it was probably one of the reasons Key, of all people, believed everything the man said.
“But nothing, you know if Kibum hadn’t been so damn gullible, he would have sent you right back to rehab when he heard you went back to doing your inventions. Do you want to go back?”
The scientist looked down at the floor and mumbled.
“What was that?” Minho asked, feeling all too much like a father scolding his son.
“No.”
“Alright then. Now listen, I’m not gunna take your stuff away, okay?”
“Okay…”
“So that means you have to be good, alright? I’m going to work with you and help to get through this. That okay?” Minho asked softly, walking slowly up to Jinki with his palms still facing him.
“It’s okay…”
“You sure?” Only a few more steps.
“Mhm,” Jinki mumbled quiet and a little upset but no longer about to breakdown. Minho pat the scientist’s back comfortingly while mentally patting his own, the affirmative answers did wonders on Jinki’s mood. However, Minho knew that he had to be gentle; Jinki could change his mood at any moment.
They stood quiet for a while. Jinki brooding while Minho began to think about how he could progress. He doubted the dogs would like being trapped for long and furthermore, he wasn
t sure if Onew had decided to put breathing holes into his creation. Looking down at his withered friend, he decided Onew hadn’t.
He broke away from Onew, quieting what would probably have been a whine of protest and went to Key.
He shook the older man gently, trying not to project his anger. He controlled his fury impressively, even as Key swatted his hand away with such quick force his skin stung and reddened. He had half a mind to do the same but instead caringly shoved Key out of his seat.
Dazed and drowsy, he stood up, frowning as he tried to find someone to blame but Minho had craftily snuck his way back to Onew’s side. They looked so concentrated on the machine that he couldn’t believe any of them knocked him over and let the matter fade away.
Minho, the ever observant, noticed Key’s suspicion and smoothly chose to direct his attention elsewhere. “Are you ready to see them again?”?
Key was quiet, not sure of what that meant. Then his eyes fell onto the machine and all the memories from before his nervous breakdown resurfaced.
“Wait, no. I’m not ready.” Key admitted so quick he surprised himself. “I’m not.”
“We can’t wait any longer. We don’t have time to stall. They need ot be out.”
Key bit his lip, about to object again when Jink furiously began typing on his keyboard. The machine shivered and hummed, the door slowly opening as it did so.
“Minho, I had a thought.” Key blurted, nervous fingers attacking the hem of his shirt. “Let’s not do this, yeah? We can just reverse it and everything will be fine.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’d love a dog?” Minho said, almost afraid of what the fear would do to his answer. Jinki spoke before he could incriminate himself.
“Doing a test twice, especially experimentals, have an exponentially increased chance of failure.” He then moved away from his keyboard and went to the front of the machine. Gripping the door, he began to pull it open, hastily.
“What are you doing?” Key asked warily.
“Door wont open fast enough and I really want you to get out of here.”
Key frowned, taken aback at the sharpness of the usually cheerful man. As the machine opened completely, he went to Jinki concerned “Is something wrong?”
Jinki was going to shake his head no, but this was Key he was talking to. Key had always been on his side. With a quick glance in Minho direction, he faced Key and opened his mouth to speak.
“Nah,” Minho said, focused on the dark in the machine. “He just got a little upset at a problem that came up again when you slept. We took care of it.”
All thoughts of rebellion died in Jinki’s mind as he once again was reminded of his debt. Minho promised he wouldn’t take it away. He had to trust he would stick to his word.
Aware of the tension between the two, Key stared at them both, eyes narrowing.
“Taemin! Jonghyun!” Jinki called defensively, turning away from Key. “Come here, please. Be careful.”
There was movement in the shroud. Then rough, loud noises as the two within began moving. Surprisingly, neither of the two spoke, leaving no obvious sign that everything was alright.
Key approached, wanting to peek inside but handicapped by the swarm of “what-ifs” that were clouding his mind. Why was he suddenly imagining two jellified monsters, sliding out of the machine, gurgling “Love me!”? His lip curled in both disgust and horror. The idea was too possible for Key to just cast aside. He felt sick and immediately wanted to sleep again.
He moved back to his seat, only to be roughly jerked back by Minho. His palm pressed against the middle of his back, stilling him as he tried to spin out of his reach. He finally stopped resisting when he heard Minho chuckle.
“If I knew you were this squeamish, I would have held your hand.” It was a tease but it lacked the familiar friendly tone Minho usually used. It seemed his patience had finally run out.
“I’m not, it’s just...I keep thinking--”
“Key,” Minho interrupted, exasperated. “Just stop, please.”
A clang resounded inside the machine. Key and Minho’s attention were both brought back to it, hopeful and anxious. Soon after though, when no other sound came they reluctantly looked away. This was taking too long. This was taking way too long.
“We can’t go get them?” Key asked.
“No. No you can’t.” Jinki replied, stiff. “I can deduct that not only their legs and arms, but their ears and well as others have been reduced. They will slowly get their senses back later and it's better they stay in there until they do.”
“Jonghyun?” He called. “Jonghyun, come to me.”
Almost instantly, he heard movement. Slap of skin against metal as Jonghyun, assumably, tried to get closer. Key swallowed nervous. Slowly now, the sounds of movement came; careful steps, loud and heavy grew closer then stopped.
Despaired, Key cried. “No, no, its okay Jonghyun. Come out so we can see you.”
A hoarse whine echoed in the dark, followed by a couch and the clearing of a throat. Warily, he got closer and exposed himself to the room’s light.
Key stepped back, watching the being step out clumsily and sit on the floor, head down. Exhaling, he let himself examine the man more.
He had slightly fair skin, smooth and soft looking. His hair was mostly brown but lightened dramatically at his bangs which fell close to his wide, fear filled eyes. They were alert and clear, darting everywhere as Jonghyun took in the new colors he had gained. Overall, he looked alright; healthy. Completely there. Perfect.
Belatedly, he realized that Jonghyun was naked and with his legs spread like that he had a full view of the man’s junk. Embarassed Key turned away and was able to see Minho’s relieved and eager expression as well as Jinki’s strained but proud one.
“I did it.” Jinki murmured generally, fingers twitching with the urge to record the new results. “It worked!”
Jonghyun squirmed a bit at the sudden attention and disinterest of Kibum but didn’t dwell on that long; he became distracted by his new body.
Minho took initiative to go past them all and into the machine. He disappeared for only a moment, returning with a thin man in his arms. He was just as bare as Jonghyun but lean instead of muscled with a simple brown hairstyle which Key thought was strange considering Taemin used to be a small, black dog. He was so relieved, he didn’t even realize the hypocritical shock he had experienced. Jonghyun’s hair definitely did not match with his previous self.
Unlike Jonghyun who was mesmerized by his transformation, Taemin was barely excited. He didn’t seem interested in his new body but Minho, who he smiled and leered continuously at to his dismay.
“It...it work?” Came a hoarse, tiny voice beside Key’s leg. Jonghyun cleared his throat again, instinctually before smacking his lips. His mouth was dry and he was thirsty.
Key knew but couldn’t do anything about it right now. Instead he crouched down, smiled and said, “Yes, Jonghyun. It worked. How do you feel.”
Jonghyun frowned, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Tall. Heavy.”
“Tall and heavy, hm?”
“Yeah,”
Key laughed, pulling Jonghyun into a tight hug. He had never felt so relieved...
Jinki came behind him, probing Jonghyun’s back and feeling his hair. Key felt too glad to want to ruin his wonderful mood, so he let the scientist do what he wanted. There wasn’t any harm in letting him see the end product.
“Key is happy now?” Jonghyun asked suddenly, breaking out of the hug forcefully, making Key wince. “Key loves Jonghyun now?”
Key felt his smile whither a bit. “No, I don’t love you. Jonghyun, I love you like my dog.”
“But Jonghyun is not dog now!” The man whined desperate and was about to continue when he was smothered into another hug. He didn’t understand why he needed another one.
On the other side of the room, Minho was having similar troubles. Taemin was light enough to hold which brought back memeories of how he would carry him as a puppy--but he wasn’t a dog anymore. It wouldn’t be appropriate. It hurt to think about the changes he would have to make.
“Minho, you promise before that when Taemin is human you give chance.” The smaller boy’s grip on Minho for tight as he forced Minho’s and his own forehead together. Angry eyes stared into wide brown ones. “You keep promise?”
“Ahm.” Minho gulped, racking his brain for an excuse. He had just said that to appease Taemin. He hadn’t thought Key would actually go through with the experiment. “Taemin, I, you--”
“But Minho promise!” Taemin shouted, indignant.
Jinki took a step back and watched as the two of his forcefully made couples spoke, hugged and then fell apart as their relationships were once again brought into question. They were so noisy. Sighing, he calmed himself and clapped once.
“Argue back at home, alright? I have a headache, I can’t test and you four are trying my patience.” Jinki closed his eyes tight. “Get out!”
“Jinki--” Key began offended.
“Get. Out!” Jinki shrieked back, almost about to stomp his feet and cry like a child and Key could see it on his face.
Pacifying, Key along with the stumbling Jonghyun took one of the jackets the vets wore and left through the back with Minho and Taemin doing the same.
Jinki collapsed on the ground, groaning loudly.
Finally alone.
No tests though...
Sighing heavily, he laid on the cold tile floor. Not long after, Jaejoong, his senior workmates pet flew in, chirping at his fallen form. His eyes narrowed in annoyance, he just knew that bird was saying some snarky comment that he couldn’t understand.
A devious idea struck and Jinki sat up, smiling. “C’mere Jae, Jinki has something to show you...”
The machine wouldn’t be too loud.
It was too long. It had to be made into another part.
Next.
Pairing: Jongkey, 2min
Warning: It's a complicated relationship...
Genre: Sci-Fi, AU
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Minho and Key volunteer their best friends for a beneficial experiement. They should have known it would backfire - it was Onew after all.
Note: It is split into three parts because it is too long.
The machine starting wasn’t as stressful as Key thought it would be.
The soft rumble it made was oddly calming and almost made him forget what a terrible idea this was. This invention was a prototype and had never been tested before and to make things worse, it had been made on whim with little, if any research. To top it all off, it was an invention made by Lee Jinki, a part time scientist known for screwing things up.
If anything, anything, happened to Jonghyun or Taemin he would never be able to forgive himself.
Jinki did seem hesitant before--what if he decided to forgo a needed part in his invention and that ruined their transformation. What if it killed them? Key closed his eyes tightly at the thought, trying to shrug it off as impossible but his guilt empowered it and kept it strong.
This machine is going to kill Jonghyun, Key thought horrified, as his fear brought back the last image of the his pet looking back betrayed as Jinki closed the door on him and Taemin. His last thought, his last memory of Key, would be of this. He would hate him.
The machine jerked, making a loud clank. It brought Key back to reality only for a moment before he fell back into his own dark thoughts.
Despite his worry, he knew Jinki was smart. Jinki would never knowingly send them into danger no matter how threatening Key was. He was responsible but eager to please. It could be possible that, in his haste, he overlooked something.
But he would tell them wouldn’t he? He would at least tell Key, he would never lie to him. Key’s eyes fell on the machine and then slowly slid to Jinki’s analytical and still form. Did Jinki believe omission was the same as lying? Key snapped away and stared back at the machine before shaking his head and closing his eyes.
God, this was going to give him a heart attack.
“Jinki,” He called out strained. “Are you absolutely positive this machine is safe?”
Jinki pursed his lips, thoughtful. “Well, not absolutely sure.” Then in an afterthought, he asked. “Isn’t it a bit late to be thinking about that?”
Key laughed dryly. “Just wanted some reassurance, but thanks, Jinki.”
Jinki’s eyes widened and he stammered for a moment, feeling a bit guilty but Key had already turned his attention elsewhere, never giving him a chance to apologize. He decided not to dwell on the lost chance and focus on making sure the machine did do its job. Key’s anxiety was starting to make him feel a bit nervous.
“Don’t worry, Onew knows what he’s doing. Right?” Minho said confidently. “Right?”
“Sure,” Jinki said, back turned towards them both, because his expression became so anxious that it would have scared them both. He took a deep breath to calm himself and then began going over the finishing procedures on the machine.
“Okay guys, when the machine is finished do not rush in there like maniacs, alright? I know you are worried about your dogs but you have to let them come out on their own.” Jinki said professionally.
“Care to explain?” Key asked, testy.
“They will be like newborns for the first few minutes of their new life and will have to learn how to use their bodies. They won't be able to stand and may hurt themselves if they get excited say, when they see you two after being trapped in a steel box?”
Key scowled and Jinki knew his tone was a bit condescending but he couldn’t have any resistance right now. He knew what was best.
“Just call them out, let them come to you alright?”
“We got it...” Minho said softly, watching eagerly as the machine began to still and quiet.
With every agonizing second that passed, Jinki’s contraption stilled and quieted. With every signal that it had finished its job, Key tensed until it was so visibly obvious that Minho moved over to check on him.
He warily put his hand on Key’s shoulders and squeezed gently. “It’ll be alright, calm down.”
Key’s eyes flicked to Minho and narrowed angrily at his caring tone. He was only making Key feel worse.
“You worry too much, it will be fine. I promise.” Minho said and it was said so confidently that Key almost believed him-he wanted so to believe him. Instead, he just jerked his too stiff body away and moved away from the younger man’s touch.
Thankfully, Minho decided not to follow him.
A low and short beep cut through the air, drawing both of their attention. The machine had stopped.
Jinki went to the other side of the machine and lifted a thin metal sheet from the machine’s frame. With the controls and monitor now visible, Jinki began furiously typing into the keyboard below. Eyes locked on the screen, he watched as his machine gave feedback on the experiment.
While this was happening, Key and Minho stood, uninformed. Minho thought of sneaking behind Jinki and seeing for himself what was going on but he knew the man was fierce when it came to his work. He probably wouldn’t be able to get a step in before Jinki caught on with what he was going to do and sent him back.
Absentmindedly, he looked over to Key. He looked terrible, as if he was about to cry, breakdown and go on a violent rampage all at once. There was nothing he could do for him now.
“Can we see them now, Jinki?” Minho called out suddenly. He saw Key flinch from his peripheral vision.
Jinki’s typing ceased immediately, trance broken as he stared at Minho and Key as if he had forgotten they were here in the first place but then he fell right back into it, typing as quick as he had before albeit calmer. Jinki was entirely too quiet for Minho, especially when his lack of response was making Key panic.
“Onew.” He said again, tone sharp. His lips turned into a dissatisfied frown as Jinki slowly turned away from his machine, looking utterly pathetic.
“Minho, I need to go over the results a few more times.” The scientist paused, licking his lips as his eyes darted to the right to avoid the other’s gaze. “I only need to do a few more tests.”
Minho let out a mix between a groan and a sigh as he went towards his friend only for him to step back and grab the machine like he thought Minho was going to pick it up and take it from him. With annoyance and impatience brewing dangerously within him, he decided to pacify the situation and back up a few steps. Jinki did not relax.
Minho took a seat in one of Jinki’s computer chairs, slouched and gave Jinki a punishing look.
“And do think I thought you had gotten over this.”
Key moved towards him and at first Minho thought he was going to defend Jinki, but his eyes were distant and sorrowful. He had calmed, but wasn’t entirely aware of his surroundings. Sighing, he reluctantly pulled the dazed man to sit beside him. Key sighed contently, sinking into the plush of the seat as he closed his eyes. Minho smiled gently, he needed a rest; it seemed that all that worrying had finally taken a toll on the man. Once Minho was positive Key would be stable, he went back to Jinki.
The man was livid.
“You wouldn’t understand. You never did, neither of you did!” Jinki let out a shuddering gasp, eyes wide, uncertain and angry. “There’s so much I can do-so much. It isn’t fair for you to take this from me!”
Minho didn’t respond, only staring Jinki down as he listened. It was obvious, even though his face was neutral, that he didn’t believe a word of what Jinki was saying.
Undeterred, the scientist continued. “So what if my methods of experimentation are unorthodox? Aren’t I helping people with what I invent? Aren’t I helping?” Jinki shouted, starting to become bothered by Minho’s silence. “It’s only fair that you let me use them for a little while longer because I am helping you!
”
“I thought that after you became a vet, Jinki, you would have a bit more compassion towards living things. That’s why I suggested it to your therapist.” Minho took a moment to glance at Key, he was finally asleep. Thankfully. He would hate to have to explain this to him. He nor Jinki was ready for that.
“You liar,” Jinki hissed, becoming so terribly vicious that, for a moment, Minho felt scared. “You let me work here on purpose. You knew better than anyone that I wasn’t ready for this. You wanted me to relapse. You wanted this.”
“No-“ Minho began but was quickly cut off by Jinki slamming his fist into the wall.
Standing, he put on a brave face as he observed Jinki’s behavior. He was going through a relapse.
Hysteric, Jinki spoke again. “After all that work, all that trouble I went through to make myself better for you and Key and everyone else-“
He inhaled sharply, right hand quickly covering his face. He was quiet for a few moments, shaking occasionally as Minho watched him try to stifle the would-be sobs by biting his palm. Then, slowly, his hand fell away and Jinki was back, angry as ever. His eyes were still glistening with unshed tears and his cheeks were wet with the ones he couldn’t hold back. “You don’t deserve anything I do for you, you terrible, horrible person.”
Minho quirked an eyebrow, thoughtful “Despite what you feel now, we both know that later, when you calm down, you won’t want to test anymore.”
Jinki’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re frustrated because it’s hard, but there are ways you can counter this. I don’t think it was smart to build a “secret lab” in your office but if that’s what keeps you calm…” Minho put his hands up, palm facing Jinki. “Then who am I to stop you.”
Jinki was silent for a long time, staring unsurely at Minho. He didn’t know if he could trust his word but the idea that he wouldn’t get in trouble for this thrilled him. The allure of the thought was exhilarating. Just thinking about how much data and progress he could achieve…
“However,” Minho’s voice cut in. “You may not ever do more than one test on a single subject; you need to know when to stop.”
Gaping, he stuttered back. “But, how will I ever know what is too much if I don’t test to find out.” Incredulously, he added. “Do you want me to guess?”
“Jinki, please explain to me how effective testing a subject until their body shuts down is. What do you gain from this?”
Jinki was silent.
“You told us before you understood doing the exact same to humans was wrong, and I’m sorry, we should have clarified: it is wrong no matter what you experiment on.”
“But Minho-“ Jinki began, but Minho stopped him. Jinki was very good at convincing people; it was probably one of the reasons Key, of all people, believed everything the man said.
“But nothing, you know if Kibum hadn’t been so damn gullible, he would have sent you right back to rehab when he heard you went back to doing your inventions. Do you want to go back?”
The scientist looked down at the floor and mumbled.
“What was that?” Minho asked, feeling all too much like a father scolding his son.
“No.”
“Alright then. Now listen, I’m not gunna take your stuff away, okay?”
“Okay…”
“So that means you have to be good, alright? I’m going to work with you and help to get through this. That okay?” Minho asked softly, walking slowly up to Jinki with his palms still facing him.
“It’s okay…”
“You sure?” Only a few more steps.
“Mhm,” Jinki mumbled quiet and a little upset but no longer about to breakdown. Minho pat the scientist’s back comfortingly while mentally patting his own, the affirmative answers did wonders on Jinki’s mood. However, Minho knew that he had to be gentle; Jinki could change his mood at any moment.
They stood quiet for a while. Jinki brooding while Minho began to think about how he could progress. He doubted the dogs would like being trapped for long and furthermore, he wasn
t sure if Onew had decided to put breathing holes into his creation. Looking down at his withered friend, he decided Onew hadn’t.
He broke away from Onew, quieting what would probably have been a whine of protest and went to Key.
He shook the older man gently, trying not to project his anger. He controlled his fury impressively, even as Key swatted his hand away with such quick force his skin stung and reddened. He had half a mind to do the same but instead caringly shoved Key out of his seat.
Dazed and drowsy, he stood up, frowning as he tried to find someone to blame but Minho had craftily snuck his way back to Onew’s side. They looked so concentrated on the machine that he couldn’t believe any of them knocked him over and let the matter fade away.
Minho, the ever observant, noticed Key’s suspicion and smoothly chose to direct his attention elsewhere. “Are you ready to see them again?”?
Key was quiet, not sure of what that meant. Then his eyes fell onto the machine and all the memories from before his nervous breakdown resurfaced.
“Wait, no. I’m not ready.” Key admitted so quick he surprised himself. “I’m not.”
“We can’t wait any longer. We don’t have time to stall. They need ot be out.”
Key bit his lip, about to object again when Jink furiously began typing on his keyboard. The machine shivered and hummed, the door slowly opening as it did so.
“Minho, I had a thought.” Key blurted, nervous fingers attacking the hem of his shirt. “Let’s not do this, yeah? We can just reverse it and everything will be fine.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’d love a dog?” Minho said, almost afraid of what the fear would do to his answer. Jinki spoke before he could incriminate himself.
“Doing a test twice, especially experimentals, have an exponentially increased chance of failure.” He then moved away from his keyboard and went to the front of the machine. Gripping the door, he began to pull it open, hastily.
“What are you doing?” Key asked warily.
“Door wont open fast enough and I really want you to get out of here.”
Key frowned, taken aback at the sharpness of the usually cheerful man. As the machine opened completely, he went to Jinki concerned “Is something wrong?”
Jinki was going to shake his head no, but this was Key he was talking to. Key had always been on his side. With a quick glance in Minho direction, he faced Key and opened his mouth to speak.
“Nah,” Minho said, focused on the dark in the machine. “He just got a little upset at a problem that came up again when you slept. We took care of it.”
All thoughts of rebellion died in Jinki’s mind as he once again was reminded of his debt. Minho promised he wouldn’t take it away. He had to trust he would stick to his word.
Aware of the tension between the two, Key stared at them both, eyes narrowing.
“Taemin! Jonghyun!” Jinki called defensively, turning away from Key. “Come here, please. Be careful.”
There was movement in the shroud. Then rough, loud noises as the two within began moving. Surprisingly, neither of the two spoke, leaving no obvious sign that everything was alright.
Key approached, wanting to peek inside but handicapped by the swarm of “what-ifs” that were clouding his mind. Why was he suddenly imagining two jellified monsters, sliding out of the machine, gurgling “Love me!”? His lip curled in both disgust and horror. The idea was too possible for Key to just cast aside. He felt sick and immediately wanted to sleep again.
He moved back to his seat, only to be roughly jerked back by Minho. His palm pressed against the middle of his back, stilling him as he tried to spin out of his reach. He finally stopped resisting when he heard Minho chuckle.
“If I knew you were this squeamish, I would have held your hand.” It was a tease but it lacked the familiar friendly tone Minho usually used. It seemed his patience had finally run out.
“I’m not, it’s just...I keep thinking--”
“Key,” Minho interrupted, exasperated. “Just stop, please.”
A clang resounded inside the machine. Key and Minho’s attention were both brought back to it, hopeful and anxious. Soon after though, when no other sound came they reluctantly looked away. This was taking too long. This was taking way too long.
“We can’t go get them?” Key asked.
“No. No you can’t.” Jinki replied, stiff. “I can deduct that not only their legs and arms, but their ears and well as others have been reduced. They will slowly get their senses back later and it's better they stay in there until they do.”
“Jonghyun?” He called. “Jonghyun, come to me.”
Almost instantly, he heard movement. Slap of skin against metal as Jonghyun, assumably, tried to get closer. Key swallowed nervous. Slowly now, the sounds of movement came; careful steps, loud and heavy grew closer then stopped.
Despaired, Key cried. “No, no, its okay Jonghyun. Come out so we can see you.”
A hoarse whine echoed in the dark, followed by a couch and the clearing of a throat. Warily, he got closer and exposed himself to the room’s light.
Key stepped back, watching the being step out clumsily and sit on the floor, head down. Exhaling, he let himself examine the man more.
He had slightly fair skin, smooth and soft looking. His hair was mostly brown but lightened dramatically at his bangs which fell close to his wide, fear filled eyes. They were alert and clear, darting everywhere as Jonghyun took in the new colors he had gained. Overall, he looked alright; healthy. Completely there. Perfect.
Belatedly, he realized that Jonghyun was naked and with his legs spread like that he had a full view of the man’s junk. Embarassed Key turned away and was able to see Minho’s relieved and eager expression as well as Jinki’s strained but proud one.
“I did it.” Jinki murmured generally, fingers twitching with the urge to record the new results. “It worked!”
Jonghyun squirmed a bit at the sudden attention and disinterest of Kibum but didn’t dwell on that long; he became distracted by his new body.
Minho took initiative to go past them all and into the machine. He disappeared for only a moment, returning with a thin man in his arms. He was just as bare as Jonghyun but lean instead of muscled with a simple brown hairstyle which Key thought was strange considering Taemin used to be a small, black dog. He was so relieved, he didn’t even realize the hypocritical shock he had experienced. Jonghyun’s hair definitely did not match with his previous self.
Unlike Jonghyun who was mesmerized by his transformation, Taemin was barely excited. He didn’t seem interested in his new body but Minho, who he smiled and leered continuously at to his dismay.
“It...it work?” Came a hoarse, tiny voice beside Key’s leg. Jonghyun cleared his throat again, instinctually before smacking his lips. His mouth was dry and he was thirsty.
Key knew but couldn’t do anything about it right now. Instead he crouched down, smiled and said, “Yes, Jonghyun. It worked. How do you feel.”
Jonghyun frowned, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Tall. Heavy.”
“Tall and heavy, hm?”
“Yeah,”
Key laughed, pulling Jonghyun into a tight hug. He had never felt so relieved...
Jinki came behind him, probing Jonghyun’s back and feeling his hair. Key felt too glad to want to ruin his wonderful mood, so he let the scientist do what he wanted. There wasn’t any harm in letting him see the end product.
“Key is happy now?” Jonghyun asked suddenly, breaking out of the hug forcefully, making Key wince. “Key loves Jonghyun now?”
Key felt his smile whither a bit. “No, I don’t love you. Jonghyun, I love you like my dog.”
“But Jonghyun is not dog now!” The man whined desperate and was about to continue when he was smothered into another hug. He didn’t understand why he needed another one.
On the other side of the room, Minho was having similar troubles. Taemin was light enough to hold which brought back memeories of how he would carry him as a puppy--but he wasn’t a dog anymore. It wouldn’t be appropriate. It hurt to think about the changes he would have to make.
“Minho, you promise before that when Taemin is human you give chance.” The smaller boy’s grip on Minho for tight as he forced Minho’s and his own forehead together. Angry eyes stared into wide brown ones. “You keep promise?”
“Ahm.” Minho gulped, racking his brain for an excuse. He had just said that to appease Taemin. He hadn’t thought Key would actually go through with the experiment. “Taemin, I, you--”
“But Minho promise!” Taemin shouted, indignant.
Jinki took a step back and watched as the two of his forcefully made couples spoke, hugged and then fell apart as their relationships were once again brought into question. They were so noisy. Sighing, he calmed himself and clapped once.
“Argue back at home, alright? I have a headache, I can’t test and you four are trying my patience.” Jinki closed his eyes tight. “Get out!”
“Jinki--” Key began offended.
“Get. Out!” Jinki shrieked back, almost about to stomp his feet and cry like a child and Key could see it on his face.
Pacifying, Key along with the stumbling Jonghyun took one of the jackets the vets wore and left through the back with Minho and Taemin doing the same.
Jinki collapsed on the ground, groaning loudly.
Finally alone.
No tests though...
Sighing heavily, he laid on the cold tile floor. Not long after, Jaejoong, his senior workmates pet flew in, chirping at his fallen form. His eyes narrowed in annoyance, he just knew that bird was saying some snarky comment that he couldn’t understand.
A devious idea struck and Jinki sat up, smiling. “C’mere Jae, Jinki has something to show you...”
The machine wouldn’t be too loud.
It was too long. It had to be made into another part.
Next.