Title: Stick It To Me Babe
Pairing: Jongkey
Genre: AU, Humor, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG - 13 (Language, sexual situations, and alcohol consumption)
Disclaimer(s): I own nothing.
Summary: Kibum has a secret; a secret who smiles a million words that can't be spoken, a secret who laughs with heart breaking innocence, and a secret who can give Kibum's boyfriend a purpose.
A/N: Beta'd by the lovely
coatofmanos ! <3
Ch. 1,
Ch. 2,
Ch. 3,
Ch. 4 “He's adorable!”
My mother is all gushing words and excited squeals as she watches Taemin methodically prepare his bright orange futon. I explained Taemin's situation to her the other day over the phone, but I knew there wouldn't be an issue. My mother's one of the most accepting, understanding women in the world, which probably spoke for my lack of discipline. She welcomed Taemin with a wide, shining smile that spoke books on her feelings without invading his personal space with physical contact. As for Kibum, he didn't have an excuse to avoid my mom's patented bear hug, which she enveloped him in as soon as he had his shoes off.
Since it's Taemin's quiet time, Kibum decided it would be best if he could just set up his own space to relax in while we talked in the kitchen. Taemin's handling the strange new place surprisingly well, he doesn't whine much when we tell him we're going to the other room. Actually, he looks a little relieved. - the trip must really be putting a strain on him. I hope this all works out in the end.
“What an angelic boy,” my mom continues, lowering her voice as not to disturb the teen.
“That's what I've been saying,” I say with a grin, one arm placed snugly around Kibum's waist as we lean against the kitchen counter.
My mom shakes her head as she turns to focus her attention on us. “Really, what a doll.” Her eyes shine brightly and I realize just how much I've missed her. “So, what have you been up to, baby boy?”
I shrug. “I've just been taking classes like a good kid, of course,” I tease, poking my tongue out at her.
She laughs and the wrinkles around the edges of his lips and eyes are the only give away of her age.
“Actually.” I clear my throat. “I'm going to start working.”
At this, my mother and Kibum both start. Two open mouthed faces are turned on me, demanding an explanation. Aside from a few singing gigs back in high school, I haven't worked a day in my life, instead settling for skating by with the help of others. If their reaction isn't enough of a give-away, getting a job is probably one of the least expected ideas to come from me.
“I'm going to have to enroll a year extra,” I explain, forcing myself to not tell them it's just a joke to avoid all of this drama, “I … I want to become a special education teacher, so I'll need to take extra classes and the financial aid won't cover anything longer than my four years. I have to support myself for the extra classes, but I know if I work hard enough I can earn the money.”
My mother falls back into a chair, completely dumbstruck by my words. Beside me, Kibum is boring holes into the side of my head with his stare. I knew this would happen, I knew it. This is why I avoided the subject for as long as possible.
Before my mother has a chance to speak, Kibum is out of my hold and standing directly in front of me. “What are you thinking, Jonghyun?” His voice is steely, his eyes just as cold. “You've barely managed your classes so far. You think you can balance work and specialized classes? This isn't something you can decide on a whim, this is a serious decision that will affect your future.”
“I know,” I say, face set in determination, “I'm ready to work my ass off for this. It's not something I want to do on a whim.”
“Then why do you want to do it?” Kibum demands, hands balled into fists at his side. By now I know what that look in his eyes is, the emotion I could never read before - uncertainty, fear.
My gaze shoots to Taemin, resting peacefully on the floor with his favorite picture book, and then back to Kibum. “For them. All of the kids like Taemin, I want to understand them and help them live normal lives.”
“They can't live normal lives.” This isn't Kibum's normal blunt honesty, these words are sharp and held jagged edges that are meant cut. His fists are shaking at his side now and his eyes are hooded by his bangs but I know they're staring directly into mine.
“Boys, let’s save this for later…” My mother trails off, anxiety clearly written in her features.
I ignore her warning. “Listen to me, Kibum - “
“No, you listen to me, Kim Jonghyun.” I almost step back at the pure venom in Kibum's voice. “You think you know what you're doing, but you don't. It's not a matter of 'connecting' with them. Flashing your charming smile and saying you 'get them' isn't going to fix what's wrong with them.”
“But Taemin…” My eyebrows are scrunched together and I'm trying my hardest to figure out what the hell is wrong with Kibum.
“Exactly, just look at Taemin,” Kibum falters and he chokes back the emotions swelling in his throat, “He's seventeen years old and can't form even a single word, so how the hell is he going to live a 'normal life?'”
“Taemin communicates just fine without using words. And since when did you decide he doesn't have a chance of making it on his own? You know how many success stories there are for autistic children, if they just get the proper education.”
“Just because you read a few books on the subject doesn't mean you know anything about autistic kids.”
“And what makes you such an expert?”
“Other than the fact I've lived with an autistic brother my whole fucking life? Oh, I don't know Jonghyun. I mean, really, how many autistic adults do you see walking around that aren't immediately pegged as crazy? Get a fucking clue.”
I don't realize it, but are voices are quickly rising in volume.
“I should get a fucking clue? What about you? You keep Taemin hidden away from the world and you don't let him experience anything a normal teenage boy would. All because you are too afraid of what everyone else will think!”
“I can't believe you just said that. What the fuck do you know?”
“Boys!” My mother cuts in sternly.
We both freeze. Standing in the doorway is a sobbing Taemin, tear soaked face hidden partly by the tortoise he's clutching to his chest. Neither Kibum or I need to be told to forget our argument. Kibum rushes forward, taking his brother in his arms, while I'm quick to recover Taemin's favorite banana milk from the fridge. When I walk to their side to hand the drink the Taemin, Kibum stiffly accepts it before shuffling the distraught angel back into the living room.
My mother reaches a small hand out, but I shrug away from it. “Jonghyun…”
I grab my cell phone off the kitchen table where I discarded it earlier and shove it in my pocket. “I'll be back in a while,” I say, stalking to the front door and shutting the door firmly behind me.
-----
I forgot how crisp the air in my neighborhood gets during autumn. All I can do is take in deep, long lungfuls of the sweet air. Truthfully, it perplexes me that the air can be so nice in a city so polluted, but I'm not complaining. My feet move on their own accord down the familiar side streets to the grocer's on the corner.
If Kibum had said all the same things to me a couple months back, I probably would have listened. I've never stuck to anything for very long, especially anything that requires work. This is different though, I'm sure, because now I have the motivation and … and the support. I scuff the toe of my shoe against the pavement. If Kibum's at my side I know I can do it and that's what makes this different from all the times before. My band in junior high, my short lived career as a lyricist, my dream of becoming a singer, I did all those on my own.
“Jonghyun!” The cheerful owner of the grocer greets as I push my way inside.
I shoot her a small smile with my eyes. “Long time no see,” I say with a nod in her direction.
“My have you grown handsome!”
I busy myself by perusing down the aisles, trying to pick out something good for dinner. Something healthy for Kibum, something sweet for Taemin, and preferably something with an easy clean up for my mother. I try to remember the last time I even attempted to make dinner for my mom. That's a never; I always counted on my older sister. Well damn. She's in for a surprise today.
Arms full, I return to the cheerful owner at her cash register, placing all the ingredients I need for dinner on the counter.
“So, have you settled down yet?” She asks, winking at him while beginning to scan the items, “Your mother tells me you're becoming a school teacher?”
“You know me, I don't settle down,” I say with a cheeky smile, “But yeah, I'm going to be a teacher.”
Lips in a small 'o' shape, she nods her head. “Ah. Have you found a special someone yet?” There's a familiar twinkle in her eye that I've missed, that neighborhood gossip look.
I chuckle. “Yeah, there's someone special, but I don't know how long they'll be able to deal with me.”
Bagging all my purchases, the grocer owner and long time friend to my mother slides the bags across the counter for me. “Whoever they are, they're lucky. You're such a strong, smart young man.”
I take the bags and hand her the money to pay for it. She takes it and waves me away. “Get back to your mother now and be a good son to her.”
I duck my head and then exit.
-----
“You ... made dinner.” My mom walks into the kitchen while rubbing her eyes, peering at the sizzling pans on the stove top.
I flash my pearly whites at her from over my shoulder while stirring the frying vegetables in one of the pans. “How was your nap?” I ask, having to shout over the radio.
She uses her hip to bump me away, taking the pan and spatula from my hand. “Good.” She glances sideways into the living room, “Where did Kibum and the angel go off to?”
“Shopping,” I say simply, eyes flitting towards the empty room also. To say the least, Kibum's still pissed at me, staying civil for Taemin's sake alone.
My mom places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Don't worry, he'll come around,” she says reassuringly, expertly avoiding burning the vegetables at the same time, “It's just hard for him to take in.”
I scrub a palm over my face. “I hope so.” I can't help the loud yawn that breaks through my words.
Motioning with her head, my mom shoos me out of the kitchen. “Go take a nap, you need it.”
“But, I was suppose to make dinner for you - “
“I love you, but cooking is not one your strong points,” my mother says delicately, “Listen to your mother and go sleep.”
I let out a huff, but follow her orders anyway. Who am I to defy my own mother? Especially when I can hardly keep my eyes open …
I end up falling asleep on the couch, some old drama running on the TV while my feet hang haphazardly off the edge. It's another half hour before dinner's finished and Kibum walks in just in time. I wake up to the sound of shopping bags dropping onto the floor and when I open my eyes Kibum is rubbing at his left arm. Considering he was only out for two hours he sure bought a lot.
A sharp squeal warns me to the oncoming assault before Taemin dives into my side. He nuzzles his face against my chest while wrapping his arms around my waist. I let out a sleepy laugh and cuddle him back.
Some of the ice in Kibum's gaze melts as he stands in front of us, arms akimbo. “Really, Tae, you're such a traitor!” He exclaims while throwing his arms into the air, “I thought you liked shopping with me?”
Taemin's reply is muffled against my shirt, but it's obviously one of protest. I laugh, but I have to be careful I don't knock Taemin off the narrow couch in the process.
“Did you make him try things on?” I ask, because honestly I can't think of anything else that would turn Taemin from his brother.
Kibum's expression locks up again and he turns to rifle through one of the shopping bags. “I didn't make him,” he says stiffly.
My face falls and I slump into the back of the couch.
“Come and get dinner, kids,” My mother calls from the dining room.
I have to tug Taemin along to the table, because apparently shopping took a toll on him. As soon as his eyes land on his plate, though, he's the picture of contentment as he hastily pushes his hair out of his face and starts in on the meal. My mother smiles warmly at him, but I also don't miss the worried look she shoots me and Kibum. Everything takes time …
-----
When I find Kibum later, it's after singing Taemin to sleep. The teen had insisted upon listening to my voice before bed, so I gave in and started singing random English melodies. I have a particular one stuck in my head still, but I quiet my humming as I slide open the door to the balcony and step outside. Kibum is facing away from me, arms crossed and leaning against the railing as he looks out over the bright lights of night time Seoul. I know he won't acknowledge my presence first, so I take the chance to get him in my hold to stop him from running away.
When my arms lock snugly around his torso, Kibum tries to push me off, but I can tell he's not trying very hard. I place my chin on his shoulder and begin rocking my feet, and in turn swaying his body along with mine, to the slow beat of the song in my head.
“If you're tossing and turning and just can't find any sleep, I'll sing a song beside you,” I croon softly, shutting my eyes to focus solely on the words and the feel of Kibum against me, “And if you ever forget how much you mean to me, everyday I'll remind you.”
Kibum sniffs. “You're pronunciation is horrible.”
I laugh and pull him closer to me and he doesn't resist. It's chilly outside and I know he's cold standing in just his PJ bottoms and a loose t-shirt. “You can count on me like 1, 2, 3, I'll be there. And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4, 3, 2, and you'll be there.”
“Stop it, you hopeless sap,” Kibum croaks.
I spin him around so that my arms are cushioning his back against the railing. I take in his misty eyes and have to smile. “Who's the hopeless sap?”
Kibum looks away, blinking rapidly to clear his eyes. “Jerk,” he counters, but it doesn't hold any of them contempt he wants.
I use one of my hands to grasp his chin and pull his face to mine. The kiss is soft and sweet, straight from a romance movie. When we break apart our foreheads remain touching.
“I didn't change my mind about anything.”
“I figured. You're too stubborn for your own good sometimes.”
“So, will you back me up?”
“Whenever you need me, baby, I'll be here for you.”
“Good.” I back away from Kibum, but keep my hand wrapped around his, “Now how about we go inside instead of freezing our asses off out here?”
Kibum swats my arm. “Really! Kim Jonghyun, you - “
I press my finger against his lips. “Shh! You'll wake Tae.” And to ensure he can't say anything else, I capture his mouth in my own again.
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Next A/N:
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This is the song Jonghyun was singing.
-If anyone is wondering why the argument between Jonghyun and Kibum is so sudden, it's because the topic is such a sensitive one for Kibum. Jonghyun has a short temper, so it doesn't help the matter. I hope it came across well.
-Also, I have decided this will end with the next chapter. I love this fic to death, but I'm starting to lose interest so i really don't want to drag it on if that means I won't be giving my readers my 100%. I promise, the next chapter won't be rushed or anything, either. It should wrap everything up nicely. (Or so I'm hoping.)
Long author note is long. Sorry!
Edit: I'm sorry about the spot issue! I'm such a huge flake - this is why I should have never been introduced to Twitter, it distracts me!