[fic] The Day the World Ended - Chapter Five (KangTeuk)
Title: The Day the World Ended
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Mostly focused on KangTeuk and HyukSu, but other pairings will most likely abound. I'm just that bias.
Summary: What would you do if the world came to an end?
Warning: AU, end-of-the-world type scenario, un-beta'd, tense manipulating, and horrible ploting skills went in to the creation of this fic.
Notes: I started writing this four years ago, but never finished it. As usual, I know nothing about the medical field, so let's just pretend that I know what I'm talking about ^^
They were older men, seasoned and army trained. "This street's ours kid," the gruffier of the trio frowned at Kangin's crossed arms and Eeteuk's hard expression. "It's not like the two of you can lay claim to ten buildings."
"Who said it's just the two of us?" It wasn't a bluff. There was only three of them and his family watched from the windows, safe and well defended. "We got here first. If you need shelter before the storm, we can accommodate you. But the buildings in this area have already been claimed. There are plenty of places around here that are still untaken. I'm sure we can point them out to you, if you want."
The argument went back and forth without conclusion, though Eeteuk somehow convinced them to leave them alone. "For how long, I don't know." He watched the retreating backs of the older men as they trudged angrily out of view. "I have a feeling they'll be back."
"And we'll be ready." Kangin assured Eeteuk, arm around the smaller boy's shoulder.
***
The dorm was quiet. Quieter than it should have been with fourteen boys inhabiting the same place. The steady beat of rain against the window panes was the only sound echoing off the walls as the bundle of boys in the center of the living room watched with trepidation at the door leading to one of the smaller bedrooms. This time the huddle was more for reasurance than for warmth against the storm raging outside.
Simultaneously, the all jumped to their feet when the door opened though the only one that moved forward was Heechul. An unlikely leader, but he was calm in the face of everything they stood to lose and was the only one who could take care of what was left of their family.
Jangil carefully wiped his hands on a small washcloth, moving into a hallway with Heechul. The others seemed torn between following them and running into the room that Jangil had just come out of. A silent consensus was reached and they all sat back down, huddled again against the storm that raged inside of each of their hearts.
"He's exerted too much of his strength." Jangil spoke in quiet tones. "It's pure exhaustion."
"Sounds like the idiot to pull something like this," Heechul snorted, crossing his arms. Jangil thought at first it was harsh of him to say something like that, but he knew it was a ruse to cover up how worried Heechul had been. "He'll be okay then?"
"He'll be fine. Though..." Jangil paused, thinking his words through. "If he wakes up and finds Jungsu..."
"We'll deal with that when it comes to it." Heechul dismissed with a wave of his hand. They had all been there when Kangin collapsed beside the bleeding body of their band leader. Thank god Jangil had been there to reassure them it was nothing serious or the boys would have gone berserk losing two people they relied heavily on in one day. "It's not like we can hide the truth from him."
Jangil nodded. "The storm doesn't look like it'll let up for a while. Is it okay if I stay here until it does?"
"Of course." Heechul led the other man farther down the hall. "We don't use most of the bedrooms in the dorm anyway, so you can have this one. It has the spare blankets."
"Thank you." Jangil bowed gratefully. Heechul returned the bow and left the other man to his own devices. The others looked at him expectantly as he crawled back into their gathered warmth.
"He's fine." There was a noticeable sigh of relief from all of them. For now Heechul added silently, eyes drifting to the small room.
***
Sometimes Heechul really hated Kangin. "Yah! Youngoon! I'm gonna fucking kill you, you son of a bitch!"
"I'd like to see you try, asswipe." A pillow flies first, and then a hairbrush followed almost as an afterthought. Both objects were flung back along with a towel and someone's pack of markers that hit the back of Heechul's chair and scattered around the room. One after another, objects flew from one side of the room to the other until they had thrown every object that was throwable and some things weren't. Finally they took to being physical, locked in some sort of wrestling match on the floor that Kangin would have won if he wasn't Korea's #1 Nice Guy.
The others seemed to ignore them or made a bet or two. Not on who would win, of course. They all knew that one. But on what the fight had been about. It was usually over something really petty. Kangin laughed the wrong way at Heechul's jokes or Heechul preened himself right into Kangin's bad mood. Kangin using Heechul's hair straightener even though half the time Kangin didn't have much hair to straighten. The concept of giving in wasn't something that either of them understood well. They fought because if they didn't they'd end up just hating each other.
As usual, they ended up in a large pile of limbs where Heechul said the usual "You're so fucked up." To which Kangin responds childishly "Takes one to know one."
***
Kangin woke with a start, sitting up fast enough to give himself a headache as blood rushed too fast. He knew instantly where he was though the facts didn't add up until he glanced around the room and focused on the body in the neighboring bed. "Jungsu..." The name came out in a rush, worry and panic flooding his senses and he scrambled out of his bed.
"He's fine, so calm down." Kangin tripped up on the sheets and fell solidly to the ground, a heated glare sent Heechul's way. The other ignored it, coming to stand at the foot of Eeteuk's bed. "Jangil says it's some sort of healing coma. Whatever that means." Heechul glanced over at Kangin who crawled swiftly to Eeteuk's side and despite the haste to get over there, his hand was anything but rushed, delicately lifting Eeteuk's hand into his own, gently caressing the back of Eeteuk's hand with a thumb. "Hopeless." Heechul snorted, crossing his arms, though relief was the only real emotion he was feeling.
"What happened?" Kangin wasn't referring to himself.
"After you beat those old men to death?" Heechul questioned, remembering the satisfaction of hearing Kangin's fists pummel the men who had dared to try and hurt their family. They'd been after their street for a while, the supplies and the living space prime in a world where shelter and food was money in and of itself. Who knew that they would take their petty squabble to this sort of hight? In many ways their ignorance and surprise at the attack showed how young they were, too immature and way too sheltered. It was stupid to think that being shot wouldn't have happened sooner or later. "Or after you collapsed like a baby?"
Kangin glared and Heechul chuckled. A natural sort of banter that was colored grey with the pale figure lying motionless in piles of blankets meant to keep the cold of the storms away. "You know what I mean."
"Thankfully Jangil got there in time. Said the shot had caught Jungsu in the shoulder, went clean through. The blood loss was severe especially since giving a transfusion is pretty much out of the question right now. It was touch and go for a while, but he pulled through, somehow." Heechul shrugged. "He hasn't woken up yet. Jangil doesn't expect him conscious any time soon. And even then..." Heechul sighed heavily. "He was pretty much dead for a few minutes. We almost..." He stopped short, correcting himself. "We could still lose him."
***
A jealous Eeteuk wasn't something that you see very often, but Kangin has seen enough of him to know that it wasn't something that he liked to see. For one, Eeteuk reverted to his old self; that silent, brooding type that made Kangin want to do mean things to. Second of all, he wouldn't acknowledge Kangin's present at all. And that alone was enough to drive Kangin insane. He hated being ignored, especially by his best friend. It happened on more than one occasion and not always off camera. The first time he knew that it happened when the camera was rolling was during one of those horrible driving shows that had temper flaring more often than not and most especially in Eeteuk's direction. Kangin had been called in to coach one of the other guest, and not Eeteuk like usual. He was happy to be on the show at all. It was entertaining to watch bad drivers and even more so to be able to yell at them. But she had been one of the better drivers and respond better to positive encouragement.
He knew exactly when Eeteuk started to brood. He usually made it a point to stand or sit next to Kangin, but this time he had at least one person separating them at all times. His comments were annoyed and his expression more so. It was bad enough that the PDs had commented on it, though Eeteuk ignored their pleadings and instead stayed quiet on set, devoid of comments as they watched the others try their best. Kangin had tried to help out, stepping in when Eeteuk needed help in direction, but it didn't help at all. Eeteuk started being petty, pointing out the differences of how Kangin directed the girl against the way that he directed Eeteuk.
At some point, when no one was looking, Kangin grabbed Eeteuk by the hand and squeezed. The elder looked over at him, eyes narrowed but softening when he saw the apology in Kangin's expression. He squeezed back and turned his attention back to the taping, though their hands stayed connected.
***
The moment Eeteuk awoke from his healing slumber, he noticed one thing: his body ached everywhere. He didn't think anything could feel so painful as the hurt that pulsed at his shoulder and spread throughout his body, numbing him to all other feeling except the incredible warmth that held his hand.
He mustered the strength to turn his head, lips curling unconsciously when he realized who was at his side. Kangin lay in his own slumber, head cradled in his arms as he clenched at Eeteuk's hand like a lifeline. He looked pained in his sleep and it broke his heart when he heard the other whimper slightly, so uncharacteristic of the man he'd grown to know better than himself.
"Youngwoon," Eeteuk called out, unable to squeeze to wake the other but hoping that his voice, rough with disuse, would be able to reach the other. "Youngwoon." He tried again, his hand twitching a bit.
The other stirred slightly, expression scrunching up in annoyance. Kangin had never been one that liked to get up. It took a bit, but with a few tries, Kangin's eyes opened fully. There was a brief moment where Kangin's eyes met Eeteuk's that Eeteuk was sure that Kangin thought he was dreaming, but then tears were already springing up and the hand holding his squeezed painfully. "Jungsu..." The tears that sprug into his eyes were ignored, pride giving way to relief and pure happiness that Eeteuk was alive and awake.
"You've turned into a softy." Eeteuk's voice was soft, still laced with the pain of his wound. He wished desperately to be able to brush the tears away from Kangin's face, but his other hand sat immobile, unable to move for the pain that laced up his shoulder. "I couldn't have been out that long."
"Longer than you should have." Kangin said, looking as if it took all of his willpower not to pounce on the bed and hug Eeteuk to death, which would likely to happen since the wound wasn't quite healed all the way through. "God, don't ever do that to me again."
"I don't plan to." Eeteuk chuckled and then coughed, his throat closing up against what felt like months--and probably was--of mucus. Kangin rushed to get some water and helped Eeteuk sip it. "How are the kids?" he asked as soon as he could speak without hacking. "Well?"
"The same." There was reluctance in Kangin's voice and Eeteuk was almost sure he knew why. He had done the same when Kangin had disappeared that terrible month so many eons ago. How could you live and take care of others when one half of yourself was gone?
"Youngwoon..." Eeteuk squeezed Kangin's hand. "It's okay. I'm okay."
The tears started dropping again. "I almost lost you. I could have lost you. I..." The words fell out like a flood. "God, Jungsu, if I ever lost you like that I would...I would..."
"I know." The look they shared conveyed more than words.
"Hey, Hyu--" The moment broken, Eeteuk glanced around Kangin to the door. Donghae looked dumbfound, eyes wide as he held the doorknob.
"Donghae." Eeteuk's soft, pain filled voice popped Donghae out of his stupor and the boy let out a squeal of joy.
"Guys! He's awake!" The loud shout could have woke the neighborhood had there been anyone else but them and in seconds Eeteuk's little bedroom had piles of boys vying for his attention. Despite the tears of joy and the laughter, one thing remained. And that was Kangin's hand clutching his for dear life.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Mostly focused on KangTeuk and HyukSu, but other pairings will most likely abound. I'm just that bias.
Summary: What would you do if the world came to an end?
Warning: AU, end-of-the-world type scenario, un-beta'd, tense manipulating, and horrible ploting skills went in to the creation of this fic.
Notes: I started writing this four years ago, but never finished it. As usual, I know nothing about the medical field, so let's just pretend that I know what I'm talking about ^^
They were older men, seasoned and army trained. "This street's ours kid," the gruffier of the trio frowned at Kangin's crossed arms and Eeteuk's hard expression. "It's not like the two of you can lay claim to ten buildings."
"Who said it's just the two of us?" It wasn't a bluff. There was only three of them and his family watched from the windows, safe and well defended. "We got here first. If you need shelter before the storm, we can accommodate you. But the buildings in this area have already been claimed. There are plenty of places around here that are still untaken. I'm sure we can point them out to you, if you want."
The argument went back and forth without conclusion, though Eeteuk somehow convinced them to leave them alone. "For how long, I don't know." He watched the retreating backs of the older men as they trudged angrily out of view. "I have a feeling they'll be back."
"And we'll be ready." Kangin assured Eeteuk, arm around the smaller boy's shoulder.
***
The dorm was quiet. Quieter than it should have been with fourteen boys inhabiting the same place. The steady beat of rain against the window panes was the only sound echoing off the walls as the bundle of boys in the center of the living room watched with trepidation at the door leading to one of the smaller bedrooms. This time the huddle was more for reasurance than for warmth against the storm raging outside.
Simultaneously, the all jumped to their feet when the door opened though the only one that moved forward was Heechul. An unlikely leader, but he was calm in the face of everything they stood to lose and was the only one who could take care of what was left of their family.
Jangil carefully wiped his hands on a small washcloth, moving into a hallway with Heechul. The others seemed torn between following them and running into the room that Jangil had just come out of. A silent consensus was reached and they all sat back down, huddled again against the storm that raged inside of each of their hearts.
"He's exerted too much of his strength." Jangil spoke in quiet tones. "It's pure exhaustion."
"Sounds like the idiot to pull something like this," Heechul snorted, crossing his arms. Jangil thought at first it was harsh of him to say something like that, but he knew it was a ruse to cover up how worried Heechul had been. "He'll be okay then?"
"He'll be fine. Though..." Jangil paused, thinking his words through. "If he wakes up and finds Jungsu..."
"We'll deal with that when it comes to it." Heechul dismissed with a wave of his hand. They had all been there when Kangin collapsed beside the bleeding body of their band leader. Thank god Jangil had been there to reassure them it was nothing serious or the boys would have gone berserk losing two people they relied heavily on in one day. "It's not like we can hide the truth from him."
Jangil nodded. "The storm doesn't look like it'll let up for a while. Is it okay if I stay here until it does?"
"Of course." Heechul led the other man farther down the hall. "We don't use most of the bedrooms in the dorm anyway, so you can have this one. It has the spare blankets."
"Thank you." Jangil bowed gratefully. Heechul returned the bow and left the other man to his own devices. The others looked at him expectantly as he crawled back into their gathered warmth.
"He's fine." There was a noticeable sigh of relief from all of them. For now Heechul added silently, eyes drifting to the small room.
***
Sometimes Heechul really hated Kangin. "Yah! Youngoon! I'm gonna fucking kill you, you son of a bitch!"
"I'd like to see you try, asswipe." A pillow flies first, and then a hairbrush followed almost as an afterthought. Both objects were flung back along with a towel and someone's pack of markers that hit the back of Heechul's chair and scattered around the room. One after another, objects flew from one side of the room to the other until they had thrown every object that was throwable and some things weren't. Finally they took to being physical, locked in some sort of wrestling match on the floor that Kangin would have won if he wasn't Korea's #1 Nice Guy.
The others seemed to ignore them or made a bet or two. Not on who would win, of course. They all knew that one. But on what the fight had been about. It was usually over something really petty. Kangin laughed the wrong way at Heechul's jokes or Heechul preened himself right into Kangin's bad mood. Kangin using Heechul's hair straightener even though half the time Kangin didn't have much hair to straighten. The concept of giving in wasn't something that either of them understood well. They fought because if they didn't they'd end up just hating each other.
As usual, they ended up in a large pile of limbs where Heechul said the usual "You're so fucked up." To which Kangin responds childishly "Takes one to know one."
***
Kangin woke with a start, sitting up fast enough to give himself a headache as blood rushed too fast. He knew instantly where he was though the facts didn't add up until he glanced around the room and focused on the body in the neighboring bed. "Jungsu..." The name came out in a rush, worry and panic flooding his senses and he scrambled out of his bed.
"He's fine, so calm down." Kangin tripped up on the sheets and fell solidly to the ground, a heated glare sent Heechul's way. The other ignored it, coming to stand at the foot of Eeteuk's bed. "Jangil says it's some sort of healing coma. Whatever that means." Heechul glanced over at Kangin who crawled swiftly to Eeteuk's side and despite the haste to get over there, his hand was anything but rushed, delicately lifting Eeteuk's hand into his own, gently caressing the back of Eeteuk's hand with a thumb. "Hopeless." Heechul snorted, crossing his arms, though relief was the only real emotion he was feeling.
"What happened?" Kangin wasn't referring to himself.
"After you beat those old men to death?" Heechul questioned, remembering the satisfaction of hearing Kangin's fists pummel the men who had dared to try and hurt their family. They'd been after their street for a while, the supplies and the living space prime in a world where shelter and food was money in and of itself. Who knew that they would take their petty squabble to this sort of hight? In many ways their ignorance and surprise at the attack showed how young they were, too immature and way too sheltered. It was stupid to think that being shot wouldn't have happened sooner or later. "Or after you collapsed like a baby?"
Kangin glared and Heechul chuckled. A natural sort of banter that was colored grey with the pale figure lying motionless in piles of blankets meant to keep the cold of the storms away. "You know what I mean."
"Thankfully Jangil got there in time. Said the shot had caught Jungsu in the shoulder, went clean through. The blood loss was severe especially since giving a transfusion is pretty much out of the question right now. It was touch and go for a while, but he pulled through, somehow." Heechul shrugged. "He hasn't woken up yet. Jangil doesn't expect him conscious any time soon. And even then..." Heechul sighed heavily. "He was pretty much dead for a few minutes. We almost..." He stopped short, correcting himself. "We could still lose him."
***
A jealous Eeteuk wasn't something that you see very often, but Kangin has seen enough of him to know that it wasn't something that he liked to see. For one, Eeteuk reverted to his old self; that silent, brooding type that made Kangin want to do mean things to. Second of all, he wouldn't acknowledge Kangin's present at all. And that alone was enough to drive Kangin insane. He hated being ignored, especially by his best friend. It happened on more than one occasion and not always off camera. The first time he knew that it happened when the camera was rolling was during one of those horrible driving shows that had temper flaring more often than not and most especially in Eeteuk's direction. Kangin had been called in to coach one of the other guest, and not Eeteuk like usual. He was happy to be on the show at all. It was entertaining to watch bad drivers and even more so to be able to yell at them. But she had been one of the better drivers and respond better to positive encouragement.
He knew exactly when Eeteuk started to brood. He usually made it a point to stand or sit next to Kangin, but this time he had at least one person separating them at all times. His comments were annoyed and his expression more so. It was bad enough that the PDs had commented on it, though Eeteuk ignored their pleadings and instead stayed quiet on set, devoid of comments as they watched the others try their best. Kangin had tried to help out, stepping in when Eeteuk needed help in direction, but it didn't help at all. Eeteuk started being petty, pointing out the differences of how Kangin directed the girl against the way that he directed Eeteuk.
At some point, when no one was looking, Kangin grabbed Eeteuk by the hand and squeezed. The elder looked over at him, eyes narrowed but softening when he saw the apology in Kangin's expression. He squeezed back and turned his attention back to the taping, though their hands stayed connected.
***
The moment Eeteuk awoke from his healing slumber, he noticed one thing: his body ached everywhere. He didn't think anything could feel so painful as the hurt that pulsed at his shoulder and spread throughout his body, numbing him to all other feeling except the incredible warmth that held his hand.
He mustered the strength to turn his head, lips curling unconsciously when he realized who was at his side. Kangin lay in his own slumber, head cradled in his arms as he clenched at Eeteuk's hand like a lifeline. He looked pained in his sleep and it broke his heart when he heard the other whimper slightly, so uncharacteristic of the man he'd grown to know better than himself.
"Youngwoon," Eeteuk called out, unable to squeeze to wake the other but hoping that his voice, rough with disuse, would be able to reach the other. "Youngwoon." He tried again, his hand twitching a bit.
The other stirred slightly, expression scrunching up in annoyance. Kangin had never been one that liked to get up. It took a bit, but with a few tries, Kangin's eyes opened fully. There was a brief moment where Kangin's eyes met Eeteuk's that Eeteuk was sure that Kangin thought he was dreaming, but then tears were already springing up and the hand holding his squeezed painfully. "Jungsu..." The tears that sprug into his eyes were ignored, pride giving way to relief and pure happiness that Eeteuk was alive and awake.
"You've turned into a softy." Eeteuk's voice was soft, still laced with the pain of his wound. He wished desperately to be able to brush the tears away from Kangin's face, but his other hand sat immobile, unable to move for the pain that laced up his shoulder. "I couldn't have been out that long."
"Longer than you should have." Kangin said, looking as if it took all of his willpower not to pounce on the bed and hug Eeteuk to death, which would likely to happen since the wound wasn't quite healed all the way through. "God, don't ever do that to me again."
"I don't plan to." Eeteuk chuckled and then coughed, his throat closing up against what felt like months--and probably was--of mucus. Kangin rushed to get some water and helped Eeteuk sip it. "How are the kids?" he asked as soon as he could speak without hacking. "Well?"
"The same." There was reluctance in Kangin's voice and Eeteuk was almost sure he knew why. He had done the same when Kangin had disappeared that terrible month so many eons ago. How could you live and take care of others when one half of yourself was gone?
"Youngwoon..." Eeteuk squeezed Kangin's hand. "It's okay. I'm okay."
The tears started dropping again. "I almost lost you. I could have lost you. I..." The words fell out like a flood. "God, Jungsu, if I ever lost you like that I would...I would..."
"I know." The look they shared conveyed more than words.
"Hey, Hyu--" The moment broken, Eeteuk glanced around Kangin to the door. Donghae looked dumbfound, eyes wide as he held the doorknob.
"Donghae." Eeteuk's soft, pain filled voice popped Donghae out of his stupor and the boy let out a squeal of joy.
"Guys! He's awake!" The loud shout could have woke the neighborhood had there been anyone else but them and in seconds Eeteuk's little bedroom had piles of boys vying for his attention. Despite the tears of joy and the laughter, one thing remained. And that was Kangin's hand clutching his for dear life.