Into The Dark Night (10/?)
Title: Into the Dark Night
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 10
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Maybe it was the reality of it all that made him snap out of the trance he hadn’t known he’d been in since his encounter with Kim Heechul, but Hyukjae felt beyond pissed. Donghae really was in danger, people really did want him, and he really could die. Siwon has him now. Who knows what the boss wanted to do with him? What Kangin wanted from him?
Hyukjae punched the wall repeatedly, his fist numb to the pain. It was unlike him to lose his cool, but everything happening to him, everything he was feeling was fucking unlikely so he didn’t give a damn.
So he thrashed and hit and shouted demanding answers-why Siwon’s mission mattered to him, why he was confused, but most of all, why he felt so damn…angry.
Fortunately, he stopped himself before he could land a fatal kick to the red lamppost Donghae so fondly named Minho.
Donghae.
That’s right. Donghae-the only person that made sense right now, yet ironically, he was the source of it all. Ever since he set eyes on Donghae amongst the trees and peace of the forest, nothing seemed to fall into place as he predicted anymore. Donghae was smiles and sun, ice cream on a hot summer day and all the happiness Hyukjae hadn’t felt before.
He was only supposed to track Kim Heechul down, bring him back to the Corporation alive then await further orders. Just like how he’s always done. Just like how his life has always been. But Donghae changed that. He made him see the world differently, appreciate the simple gifts of nature, feel things he never thought he could, want things he never thought he could.
Donghae changed what was constant.
Hyukjae placed a palm over his chest, and he knew. Things were suddenly so clear now; so obvious that for the second time, he wondered how he could’ve been so blind. He held his head high, a new kind of determination in his eyes. He was going to protect Donghae; he was going to make him happy. Hyukjae was going to abandon this life that had abandoned him from the start.
Hyukjae ran fast, calculating within seconds the most possible route Siwon might’ve taken Donghae through. He twitched at the thought, wanting to honestly beat the horse to a pulp for the first time in twenty years.
Hyukjae was in some deep shit now.
- - -
Sungmin didn’t like the feeling he had as he watched Donghae’s retreating back. It didn’t feel right; the sight of Donghae disappearing into the city unsettled him. His eyes started to grow big with worry, but Sungmin snapped himself out of it. It’s not as if Donghae hadn’t done it before. Not as if he wouldn’t see him again.
Stop worrying about that, Sungmin told himself, what you should worry about is how you’re going to tell him when he gets home.
With a grunt, he went back in through their back door and followed Kyuhyun out front. They’d heard voices from outside, that’s why they sent Donghae off. Sungmin’s teeth chattered softly, he’d been extra jumpy these past few weeks, what with the frequent unexpected visitors they’d been dealing with. He swore if it were another Rife, Sungmin was going to hang himself. He practically dragged himself to the front door.
Kyuhyun was already looking through the window, and when he felt Sungmin behind him, he quickly waved him over. Sungmin peeked over Kyuhyun’s shoulder.
There were two humans outside, one they recognized as the city’s chief of police, the other a complete stranger. They spoke in hushed voices, yet their words were laced with venom, almost as if they were competing, gauging one another.
“I haven’t seen you around before.”
“It’s a big city.” Kibum’s eyes flickered to the house. “Now, move it. I told you, I’m meeting a friend.”
The two Lumici gulped, they’d never seen this man before and he certainly wasn’t a friend. It could only mean one thing…
Hangeng frowned, “As I said, I’m here on official business, sir. I am under direct orders from Lord Youngwoon to search all locations within the city.”
Kibum merely raised an eyebrow as if he didn’t give a horse’s shit, and just by that, Hangeng could tell the man was definitely not from here.
He shoved Hangeng lightly, and knocked on the door.
Kyuhyun and Sungmin exchanged looks; of course they wouldn’t open the door. They were humans!
Outside, Hangeng frown deepened; all citizens were supposed to open their doors because of the search party announcement earlier one. It was an agreement they’d arranged with their Lord Yongwoon. Kibum, on the other hand, didn’t look the least bit surprised.
“Open the door. I know you’re in there.” He said, “Or I’ll open it myself.”
They waited, no response.
“You leave me no-oh.” Kibum’s pocket vibrated with his phone and after briefly reading the message, he abruptly turned around and left with a low ‘tsk’.
Kyuhyun had to keep a hand over Sungmin’s mouth to keep him from laughing because he found it strangely funny. Kyuhyun could only roll his eyes.
Meanwhile, Hangeng stared after him. He surely was a strange one. Nonetheless, Hangeng didn’t like the vibe the man gave. It felt disconcerting, and he decided to keep an eye out for that dark-haired man in the future.
He shrugged, and decided to do what he came here to do.
But just as he was about to force the door open, a sudden harp pain in his neck knocked him out and Hangeng fell slack.
Kyuhyun and Sungmin scrambled to the door, and opened it to reveal two other Lumici. One confident and beautiful, even in Lumician context, but his eyes were blank and to Sungmin, full of pain. The other was a small trembling mess behind him, peeking from behind the taller one’s shoulder.
“It’s best he stays like that.” The beautiful one explained, sending a lingering gaze at the unconscious officer.
He looked both Kyuhyun and Sungmin straight in the eye, “Jaejoong said you’d help.”
- - -
Donghae twirled the thin stem in his fingers, staring intently at the flower. He followed promptly behind Siwon, not minding the company. Siwon seemed nice enough, Donghae decided. He didn't think a person could possibly be bad if he knew about such a pretty flower. Besides, he felt he could find answers with him.
Donghae gingerly stroked the yellow petals, smiling toothlessly-he’d never seen one like it around the city, even in the parts of the forest he was able to explore.
Siwon watched Donghae from his peripheral vision as he walked in front of him. He eyed the flower; its petals still a bright yellow. He smirked. This confirmed it.
“It’s called a sunflower.”
Donghae looked up at the tall man. “Huh?”
“Sunflower, Donghae.” Siwon said as he turned around to face him, walking backwards, “That’s its name.”
Donghae’s face broke into such a huge grin, Siwon found himself almost smiling as well. “Sunflower!” He repeated, delighted with the name and held it closer to his heart.
Siwon blinked, taking in the sight of the smiling brunette before shaking his head and chuckling soundlessly. He turned around to walk forward. Surely, this time, he’d found the Solis. Not only had Donghae kept that sunflower alive, an extremely rare specie in their time due to its dependence on sunlight, but his mere presence affirmed it. This guy was definitely what he was looking for, no doubt.
Briefly, Siwon pondered on why it took him unusually long to find his target this time. Donghae seemed like an outgoing guy, not even afraid to wander around with a complete stranger…the thought disturbed Siwon for some reason. He shrugged it off, at least he found him before Eunhyuk found his.
“Siwon,” Donghae called from behind him, “are you sure your friend from far away knows why I’m feeling like this? Are you sure I’m not sick?” It would be a lie if Donghae said the odd dreams, random headaches and sudden unconsciousness didn’t bother him.
“You’re definitely not sick, Donghae.” Siwon smirked, “Just special. My friend would love to meet you.”
Donghae pouted at the word ‘special’, he mumbled under his breath, if I had a dime for every time I heard that…
“Well, I do like meeting new people.” He smiled sweetly, “In fact, I have a friend too! He’s really nice; it’s too bad you didn’t get to meet him. Come to think of it, I didn’t get to tell him I was going out for a while…Kyuhyun and Sungmin hyung too…” Donghae’s eyebrows shot up, “maybe I should go back and-“
“No,” Siwon caught his wrist, “don’t worry. I’ve already talked to them. They said you could go.” The lie slipped off his tongue naturally.
“Oh, really?” Donghae was genuinely surprised. It wasn’t normal for his Sungmin hyung to just let him out of the hideout just like that. “You know Kyuhyun and Sungmin hyung?”
Siwon smiled innocently, “Yes, we’ve met before.” Not exactly a lie. “Quite the opposite, those two.”
This made Donghae smile as well, easily convinced, “Yeah, they sure are something.”
They’d been walking for several hours now; Donghae’s feet were starting to hurt. Soon, what little brightness the sky held would go away, and the forest would be shrouded in darkness. Donghae didn’t like the dark, he was really starting to worry. Every time he asked Siwon if they were near yet, he’d always reply with an almost there, and nothing else. He eyed the tall man’s back, his shoulders straight and pace even, Donghae wondered how he didn’t look the least bit tired.
It reminded him of how Hyukjae always had so much stamina. No matter where Donghae dragged him, he might’ve grumbled a few times but never did he look tired. In fact, Siwon reminded him a little of Hyukjae, just that he wasn’t as quiet. He spoke oddly, a bit formally. He was handsome as well, though not Hyukjae handsome. He was Siwon handsome. He also wore black…Could it be, Siwon is also…?
Donghae shook his head, Relax, Donghae. He told himself, Sungmin hyung’s starting to get to you. Not everyone in black is…like him.
Up front, Siwon observed the suddenly quiet brunette from the corner of his eyes. Donghae had been talking almost nonstop about anything and everything, but mostly about this Hyukjae (Siwon didn’t know why but he felt like twitching every time he heard his name, which was a lot), and after all the chatter, the abrupt silence felt odd. He wondered briefly if it was because it was starting to get dark. Was Donghae afraid of the dark? Maybe. But that would mean they’d have to camp out.
Siwon frowned. In all honesty, he didn’t know why he hadn’t just knocked Donghae out and dragged him back to headquarters on his shoulder. After all, Siwon could go on for at least five more hours It was sensible, faster. But no fun.
Or maybe he just liked having someone to talk to.
His frowned deepened. No, he was here on business and business only. Making up his mind, Siwon turned around, his hand ready to knock Donghae out when he stopped abruptly.
Donghae was a few meters behind him, and Siwon cursed himself for being too lost in his own thoughts to not notice the absence of footsteps behind him. He sat under a tree, his knees tucked to his chest and the sunflower still in his hands. His head lolled to the side as light snores escaped his lips.
Siwon chuckled, “Well this makes things easier.”
Just as he was about to pick Donghae up, a soft rustle of leaves to his right snapped him to attention. He froze and closed his eyes, concentrating on the smallest of sounds.
Another rustle.
“Who’s there?” Siwon’s eyes darted from corner to corner. “Show yourself.”
Fast as lightning, a large figure slammed into him before disappearing again. Siwon tumbled onto the ground, quite shocked that he hadn’t reacted fast enough.
“You’re quick, I’ll give you that.”
A thunderous laugh echoed through the trees, “You Rife always think you’re the best there is, a bunch of hotshots.” The voice was deep, definitely male. “Pathetic.”
Siwon smirked, that’s right, keep talking. “What do you want?” He walked slowly, anticipating where the reply might come from.
“You have something I’ve travelled long and hard to seek. Hand it over.”
Siwon closed his eyes, listening for where the voice came from. There! He threw a knife to the bushes on his right. He heard a low grunt and a growl.
“Do not interfere with my mission.” Siwon bit out.
Shindong hissed at the wound, he’d been able to move out of the way but only enough for the knife to graze only his shoulder. Blood trickled down his harm. Now he’s angry.
“Let’s see about that.”
Siwon’s eyes widened a fraction when Shindong jumped out and they were lost in an array of punches and kicks. How could someone so large be so fast? It was unusual, but Siwon had been taught never to underestimate his opponents.
Smiling slightly, he dodged a roundhouse kick and landed a punch on the side of the plump man’s head.
Hyukjae watched in calculating silence and bated breath as the two fighting men slowly and unconsciously moved away from the tree. His eyes darted from Donghae to Siwon and his tubby friend. He watched their feet.
He breathed in, and breathed out. Hyukjae had been waiting for the exact moment.
One more step to the right…just one more…
In that split second, he sprint from where he’d been watching them to the tree where the brunette lay. Hyukjae scooped Donghae up, feeling content with the familiar scent that wafted his nose, and dashed back into the woods.
It didn’t take long for either Siwon or Shindong to notice-mere seconds actually.
“Shit!”
- -
Hyukjae jumped from branch to branch, his heart pumping. This was it, his first rebellion.
He could hear them fast approaching behind him. Hyukjae cursed. If the circumstances were normal, he’d be able to outrun them no sweat, but he had Donghae. His speed was limited.
Hyukjae pushed on further, his grip tightening on the sleeping brunette. Footsteps loomed behind him, he could feel one of them getting closer and closer. This wasn’t Siwon, Hyukjae was sure. He had always been faster than him and beat him in the annual competitions.
But this guy, this guy was really fast. Hyukjae could hear the thunderous footsteps getting closer and closer.
Out of instinct, he pulled out a smoke screen from one of the many coat pockets and slammed it on the ground.
- -
Shindong coughed, the sudden smoke stunning him. He cursed loudly and looked from left to right, but couldn’t see anything. The smoke was thick, settling in between the leaves and the trees. He couldn’t smell well either.
“Fuck.”
Whoever who took the Solis was fast, Shindong had to admit even he was having a hard time catching up, so they were probably long gone by now.
“Kibum is going to kill me.” He groaned loudly.
- -
They finally reached a clearing, with Siwon and the strange man far back into the woods.
Hyukjae sat down eagerly against a tree, Donghae placed between his legs. He panted softly, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. It’s been a while since he’s been this tired.
Hyukjae’s arms encircled Donghae, one hand across his shoulder and the other on the small of his back. Donghae’s face was buried in his heaving chest, so Hyukjae settled with the brunette’s shoulder, buried his nose in Donghae’s hair and inhaled the smell he didn’t know he’d been craving.
“I did it.” He panted, “I really did it.”
Slowly, Donghae’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked, confused as to where he was. He felt strong arms around him, and looked up.
Bright eyes met dark ones, and for a second, they both forgot how to breathe.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae spoke first, the excitement in his voice and the twinkle in his eye so palpable. “You’re panting. What-“
“Like this.” Hyukjae breathed, “Please, for a while, let’s just stay like this.”
Gently, Donghae sat back down and nodded against his chest, relishing the feeling of seeing his Hyukjae again. So they sat, and embraced and waited, until Hyukjae’s breathing became even and their hearts beat as one. - ♦
- - -
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A/N: Hell Week fast approaching. May the Fish be with me. ;w;
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 10
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Maybe it was the reality of it all that made him snap out of the trance he hadn’t known he’d been in since his encounter with Kim Heechul, but Hyukjae felt beyond pissed. Donghae really was in danger, people really did want him, and he really could die. Siwon has him now. Who knows what the boss wanted to do with him? What Kangin wanted from him?
Hyukjae punched the wall repeatedly, his fist numb to the pain. It was unlike him to lose his cool, but everything happening to him, everything he was feeling was fucking unlikely so he didn’t give a damn.
So he thrashed and hit and shouted demanding answers-why Siwon’s mission mattered to him, why he was confused, but most of all, why he felt so damn…angry.
Fortunately, he stopped himself before he could land a fatal kick to the red lamppost Donghae so fondly named Minho.
Donghae.
That’s right. Donghae-the only person that made sense right now, yet ironically, he was the source of it all. Ever since he set eyes on Donghae amongst the trees and peace of the forest, nothing seemed to fall into place as he predicted anymore. Donghae was smiles and sun, ice cream on a hot summer day and all the happiness Hyukjae hadn’t felt before.
He was only supposed to track Kim Heechul down, bring him back to the Corporation alive then await further orders. Just like how he’s always done. Just like how his life has always been. But Donghae changed that. He made him see the world differently, appreciate the simple gifts of nature, feel things he never thought he could, want things he never thought he could.
Donghae changed what was constant.
Hyukjae placed a palm over his chest, and he knew. Things were suddenly so clear now; so obvious that for the second time, he wondered how he could’ve been so blind. He held his head high, a new kind of determination in his eyes. He was going to protect Donghae; he was going to make him happy. Hyukjae was going to abandon this life that had abandoned him from the start.
Hyukjae ran fast, calculating within seconds the most possible route Siwon might’ve taken Donghae through. He twitched at the thought, wanting to honestly beat the horse to a pulp for the first time in twenty years.
Hyukjae was in some deep shit now.
- - -
Sungmin didn’t like the feeling he had as he watched Donghae’s retreating back. It didn’t feel right; the sight of Donghae disappearing into the city unsettled him. His eyes started to grow big with worry, but Sungmin snapped himself out of it. It’s not as if Donghae hadn’t done it before. Not as if he wouldn’t see him again.
Stop worrying about that, Sungmin told himself, what you should worry about is how you’re going to tell him when he gets home.
With a grunt, he went back in through their back door and followed Kyuhyun out front. They’d heard voices from outside, that’s why they sent Donghae off. Sungmin’s teeth chattered softly, he’d been extra jumpy these past few weeks, what with the frequent unexpected visitors they’d been dealing with. He swore if it were another Rife, Sungmin was going to hang himself. He practically dragged himself to the front door.
Kyuhyun was already looking through the window, and when he felt Sungmin behind him, he quickly waved him over. Sungmin peeked over Kyuhyun’s shoulder.
There were two humans outside, one they recognized as the city’s chief of police, the other a complete stranger. They spoke in hushed voices, yet their words were laced with venom, almost as if they were competing, gauging one another.
“I haven’t seen you around before.”
“It’s a big city.” Kibum’s eyes flickered to the house. “Now, move it. I told you, I’m meeting a friend.”
The two Lumici gulped, they’d never seen this man before and he certainly wasn’t a friend. It could only mean one thing…
Hangeng frowned, “As I said, I’m here on official business, sir. I am under direct orders from Lord Youngwoon to search all locations within the city.”
Kibum merely raised an eyebrow as if he didn’t give a horse’s shit, and just by that, Hangeng could tell the man was definitely not from here.
He shoved Hangeng lightly, and knocked on the door.
Kyuhyun and Sungmin exchanged looks; of course they wouldn’t open the door. They were humans!
Outside, Hangeng frown deepened; all citizens were supposed to open their doors because of the search party announcement earlier one. It was an agreement they’d arranged with their Lord Yongwoon. Kibum, on the other hand, didn’t look the least bit surprised.
“Open the door. I know you’re in there.” He said, “Or I’ll open it myself.”
They waited, no response.
“You leave me no-oh.” Kibum’s pocket vibrated with his phone and after briefly reading the message, he abruptly turned around and left with a low ‘tsk’.
Kyuhyun had to keep a hand over Sungmin’s mouth to keep him from laughing because he found it strangely funny. Kyuhyun could only roll his eyes.
Meanwhile, Hangeng stared after him. He surely was a strange one. Nonetheless, Hangeng didn’t like the vibe the man gave. It felt disconcerting, and he decided to keep an eye out for that dark-haired man in the future.
He shrugged, and decided to do what he came here to do.
But just as he was about to force the door open, a sudden harp pain in his neck knocked him out and Hangeng fell slack.
Kyuhyun and Sungmin scrambled to the door, and opened it to reveal two other Lumici. One confident and beautiful, even in Lumician context, but his eyes were blank and to Sungmin, full of pain. The other was a small trembling mess behind him, peeking from behind the taller one’s shoulder.
“It’s best he stays like that.” The beautiful one explained, sending a lingering gaze at the unconscious officer.
He looked both Kyuhyun and Sungmin straight in the eye, “Jaejoong said you’d help.”
- - -
Donghae twirled the thin stem in his fingers, staring intently at the flower. He followed promptly behind Siwon, not minding the company. Siwon seemed nice enough, Donghae decided. He didn't think a person could possibly be bad if he knew about such a pretty flower. Besides, he felt he could find answers with him.
Donghae gingerly stroked the yellow petals, smiling toothlessly-he’d never seen one like it around the city, even in the parts of the forest he was able to explore.
Siwon watched Donghae from his peripheral vision as he walked in front of him. He eyed the flower; its petals still a bright yellow. He smirked. This confirmed it.
“It’s called a sunflower.”
Donghae looked up at the tall man. “Huh?”
“Sunflower, Donghae.” Siwon said as he turned around to face him, walking backwards, “That’s its name.”
Donghae’s face broke into such a huge grin, Siwon found himself almost smiling as well. “Sunflower!” He repeated, delighted with the name and held it closer to his heart.
Siwon blinked, taking in the sight of the smiling brunette before shaking his head and chuckling soundlessly. He turned around to walk forward. Surely, this time, he’d found the Solis. Not only had Donghae kept that sunflower alive, an extremely rare specie in their time due to its dependence on sunlight, but his mere presence affirmed it. This guy was definitely what he was looking for, no doubt.
Briefly, Siwon pondered on why it took him unusually long to find his target this time. Donghae seemed like an outgoing guy, not even afraid to wander around with a complete stranger…the thought disturbed Siwon for some reason. He shrugged it off, at least he found him before Eunhyuk found his.
“Siwon,” Donghae called from behind him, “are you sure your friend from far away knows why I’m feeling like this? Are you sure I’m not sick?” It would be a lie if Donghae said the odd dreams, random headaches and sudden unconsciousness didn’t bother him.
“You’re definitely not sick, Donghae.” Siwon smirked, “Just special. My friend would love to meet you.”
Donghae pouted at the word ‘special’, he mumbled under his breath, if I had a dime for every time I heard that…
“Well, I do like meeting new people.” He smiled sweetly, “In fact, I have a friend too! He’s really nice; it’s too bad you didn’t get to meet him. Come to think of it, I didn’t get to tell him I was going out for a while…Kyuhyun and Sungmin hyung too…” Donghae’s eyebrows shot up, “maybe I should go back and-“
“No,” Siwon caught his wrist, “don’t worry. I’ve already talked to them. They said you could go.” The lie slipped off his tongue naturally.
“Oh, really?” Donghae was genuinely surprised. It wasn’t normal for his Sungmin hyung to just let him out of the hideout just like that. “You know Kyuhyun and Sungmin hyung?”
Siwon smiled innocently, “Yes, we’ve met before.” Not exactly a lie. “Quite the opposite, those two.”
This made Donghae smile as well, easily convinced, “Yeah, they sure are something.”
They’d been walking for several hours now; Donghae’s feet were starting to hurt. Soon, what little brightness the sky held would go away, and the forest would be shrouded in darkness. Donghae didn’t like the dark, he was really starting to worry. Every time he asked Siwon if they were near yet, he’d always reply with an almost there, and nothing else. He eyed the tall man’s back, his shoulders straight and pace even, Donghae wondered how he didn’t look the least bit tired.
It reminded him of how Hyukjae always had so much stamina. No matter where Donghae dragged him, he might’ve grumbled a few times but never did he look tired. In fact, Siwon reminded him a little of Hyukjae, just that he wasn’t as quiet. He spoke oddly, a bit formally. He was handsome as well, though not Hyukjae handsome. He was Siwon handsome. He also wore black…Could it be, Siwon is also…?
Donghae shook his head, Relax, Donghae. He told himself, Sungmin hyung’s starting to get to you. Not everyone in black is…like him.
Up front, Siwon observed the suddenly quiet brunette from the corner of his eyes. Donghae had been talking almost nonstop about anything and everything, but mostly about this Hyukjae (Siwon didn’t know why but he felt like twitching every time he heard his name, which was a lot), and after all the chatter, the abrupt silence felt odd. He wondered briefly if it was because it was starting to get dark. Was Donghae afraid of the dark? Maybe. But that would mean they’d have to camp out.
Siwon frowned. In all honesty, he didn’t know why he hadn’t just knocked Donghae out and dragged him back to headquarters on his shoulder. After all, Siwon could go on for at least five more hours It was sensible, faster. But no fun.
Or maybe he just liked having someone to talk to.
His frowned deepened. No, he was here on business and business only. Making up his mind, Siwon turned around, his hand ready to knock Donghae out when he stopped abruptly.
Donghae was a few meters behind him, and Siwon cursed himself for being too lost in his own thoughts to not notice the absence of footsteps behind him. He sat under a tree, his knees tucked to his chest and the sunflower still in his hands. His head lolled to the side as light snores escaped his lips.
Siwon chuckled, “Well this makes things easier.”
Just as he was about to pick Donghae up, a soft rustle of leaves to his right snapped him to attention. He froze and closed his eyes, concentrating on the smallest of sounds.
Another rustle.
“Who’s there?” Siwon’s eyes darted from corner to corner. “Show yourself.”
Fast as lightning, a large figure slammed into him before disappearing again. Siwon tumbled onto the ground, quite shocked that he hadn’t reacted fast enough.
“You’re quick, I’ll give you that.”
A thunderous laugh echoed through the trees, “You Rife always think you’re the best there is, a bunch of hotshots.” The voice was deep, definitely male. “Pathetic.”
Siwon smirked, that’s right, keep talking. “What do you want?” He walked slowly, anticipating where the reply might come from.
“You have something I’ve travelled long and hard to seek. Hand it over.”
Siwon closed his eyes, listening for where the voice came from. There! He threw a knife to the bushes on his right. He heard a low grunt and a growl.
“Do not interfere with my mission.” Siwon bit out.
Shindong hissed at the wound, he’d been able to move out of the way but only enough for the knife to graze only his shoulder. Blood trickled down his harm. Now he’s angry.
“Let’s see about that.”
Siwon’s eyes widened a fraction when Shindong jumped out and they were lost in an array of punches and kicks. How could someone so large be so fast? It was unusual, but Siwon had been taught never to underestimate his opponents.
Smiling slightly, he dodged a roundhouse kick and landed a punch on the side of the plump man’s head.
Hyukjae watched in calculating silence and bated breath as the two fighting men slowly and unconsciously moved away from the tree. His eyes darted from Donghae to Siwon and his tubby friend. He watched their feet.
He breathed in, and breathed out. Hyukjae had been waiting for the exact moment.
One more step to the right…just one more…
In that split second, he sprint from where he’d been watching them to the tree where the brunette lay. Hyukjae scooped Donghae up, feeling content with the familiar scent that wafted his nose, and dashed back into the woods.
It didn’t take long for either Siwon or Shindong to notice-mere seconds actually.
“Shit!”
- -
Hyukjae jumped from branch to branch, his heart pumping. This was it, his first rebellion.
He could hear them fast approaching behind him. Hyukjae cursed. If the circumstances were normal, he’d be able to outrun them no sweat, but he had Donghae. His speed was limited.
Hyukjae pushed on further, his grip tightening on the sleeping brunette. Footsteps loomed behind him, he could feel one of them getting closer and closer. This wasn’t Siwon, Hyukjae was sure. He had always been faster than him and beat him in the annual competitions.
But this guy, this guy was really fast. Hyukjae could hear the thunderous footsteps getting closer and closer.
Out of instinct, he pulled out a smoke screen from one of the many coat pockets and slammed it on the ground.
- -
Shindong coughed, the sudden smoke stunning him. He cursed loudly and looked from left to right, but couldn’t see anything. The smoke was thick, settling in between the leaves and the trees. He couldn’t smell well either.
“Fuck.”
Whoever who took the Solis was fast, Shindong had to admit even he was having a hard time catching up, so they were probably long gone by now.
“Kibum is going to kill me.” He groaned loudly.
- -
They finally reached a clearing, with Siwon and the strange man far back into the woods.
Hyukjae sat down eagerly against a tree, Donghae placed between his legs. He panted softly, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. It’s been a while since he’s been this tired.
Hyukjae’s arms encircled Donghae, one hand across his shoulder and the other on the small of his back. Donghae’s face was buried in his heaving chest, so Hyukjae settled with the brunette’s shoulder, buried his nose in Donghae’s hair and inhaled the smell he didn’t know he’d been craving.
“I did it.” He panted, “I really did it.”
Slowly, Donghae’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked, confused as to where he was. He felt strong arms around him, and looked up.
Bright eyes met dark ones, and for a second, they both forgot how to breathe.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae spoke first, the excitement in his voice and the twinkle in his eye so palpable. “You’re panting. What-“
“Like this.” Hyukjae breathed, “Please, for a while, let’s just stay like this.”
Gently, Donghae sat back down and nodded against his chest, relishing the feeling of seeing his Hyukjae again. So they sat, and embraced and waited, until Hyukjae’s breathing became even and their hearts beat as one. - ♦
- - -
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A/N: Hell Week fast approaching. May the Fish be with me. ;w;