[Fic] Before You Go - Chapter 19
Title: Before You Go
Pairing(s): Jaemin, Yoosu
Length: Chaptered 19/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: (gang) violence, language, abduction
Genre: AU, drama, angst
Summary: Jaejoong and his cousin have been swept up into the world of violence and gangs. The struggle and fight for his sanity is complicated greatly by the addition of a certain Shim Changmin into the mix. Will he be able to protect those he loves as well as save himself?
A/N: thank you for your patience!! <3 <3 been sick and preparing to move so didn't have time to write TT and this seems to be another filler chapter TT! sorriee ~~
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 - part 1 - part 2 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 |
********
Jaejoong didn’t want to get out of bed. He didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to even open his eyes for that matter. The darkness behind his eyes was familiar and safe, a small yet much needed barrier between himself and the world existing on the other side.
The past few days had been much too long and suffocating, the empty nothingness around him was stale. He hardly moved and lethargy seeped into his body like a disease, weakening him rather than helping him recover. Unable to sleep due to the thoughts and agony plaguing him, healing was the last thing on his mind. He couldn’t care less.
Had he been more himself he wouldn’t have wasted a single moment. He would already have Changmin back in his arms. Mr. Shim may even be dead at his feet. But no… He couldn’t do that. Changmin wasn’t his to hold on to anymore. He questioned himself if he ever had been, and continued to stubbornly deny the answer his weary brain produced every time.
He felt useless and pathetic, huddled away like the coward he was. He had never realized how difficult it was to escape depression and listlessness, the insurmountable wall in front of him daring him to claw his way out. Yet he didn’t want to.
He was content to stay where he was. Content to pretend the world outside didn’t exist so that he could be alone with just memories and daydreams. He was unable to face the reality of his despicable dead-end life and the reality of having lost Changmin. However, the faded images swirling in his mind were so emotionally charged they took all his energy and left him drained and unstable.
There was nothing to it. He was ready to just waste away like this and leave everything behind. It was so simple, and he was sure the pain would start to numb and subside any day now. But his phone wouldn’t stop ringing, nor would the banging on the front door - the sound echoed through the cold apartment, hollow thuds that echoed his empty chest.
Jaejoong groaned, burying his face a little deeper into his pillow, blankets pulled over his head to keep him wrapped in a dark little world all of his own. A world that only consisted of his aching heart and stinging eyes.
He tried to block out the noises, clinging to his memories of Changmin, embracing them lovingly as they were the only things that meant anything. But he wasn’t going to move, and there was no way they could make him. No one could give him warmth or reason, and the motives that drove him before now were not part of him. Not anymore.
The knocking, the ringing, it shattered his fragilely constructed walls and grated on his frayed nerves. Why wouldn’t they leave him in peace? Everything went perfectly smooth without him there, so why did they need him now?
It took him a moment to realize the banging had stopped, making the shrill cry of the phone that much louder. He should take the battery out, or just trash the whole device. The crash of a door slamming open echoed through the place, but Jaejoong just remained where he was. If they were really so desperate and insistent, they could do all the work and come to him.
Someone was shouting in the far room coupled with loud footsteps moving about. It was only a matter of seconds before his bedroom door was flung open, a noisy body rushing into the room. His blanket was yanked roughly away from his body and as both light and cool air hit him Jaejoong curled around himself with a moan.
But hands were taking hold of him, grasping his shoulder and rolling him onto his back. Jaejoong’s eyes slid open despite himself. He was met with Junsu’s distraught face, wide worried eyes that almost instantly melted into anger as they met Jaejoong’s empty dead look.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Junsu shook his shoulders slightly for emphasis. Jaejoong didn’t like the rough touch, nor did he like Junsu looking at him like that. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been trying to reach you? How worried I was? I thought I’d find you dead in here! You-you bastard!”
Junsu was gripping him too tightly and Jaejoong weakly tried to squirm away from his hands. Surprisingly Junsu let him go, but then again maybe it was due to the coat of red that now stained his fingers. Junsu’s eyes widened, then hands were coming at him again, yanking at the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and away to leave Jaejoong shivering below him.
Jaejoong tried to pull the blankets about him again. He really didn’t want to see anyone right now, didn’t want to have to talk or move, but Junsu was holding on to him again, although this time his touch was more gentle.
“Hyung…stop moving, you’re making it worse.”
Jaejoong looked up at his cousin, the worried caring expression there inevitably melting his resolve to shove the other away coldly. He didn’t say a word as he let Junsu move him around, unwrapping the old bandages on his shoulder and chest.
The wounds weren’t healing so well as Jaejoong hadn’t paid them any attention, not to mention he’d been denied medical attention after Mr. Shim had left that day. Not that he had the money for it in the first place.
Junsu muttered something about water and first aid, and then he was scuttling out of the room. Jaejoong remained where Junsu had left him, sprawled on the bed bonelessly. He’d just let Junsu take care of him until the other was satisfied and left him alone again. He could give him that much at least.
The phone started ringing again and Jaejoong turned listless eyes to where the sound came from. A faint glow indicated the device was on the floor next to a pile of clothing. If it wasn’t Junsu calling, then who was it? He didn’t think the gang would be calling him out already; he was pretty much useless in his current state. But they probably didn’t care.
Junsu came back into the room bearing cotton swabs and bandages, his eyes fell on the phone still ringing on floor. Jaejoong could tell thoughts similar to his own were going through Junsu’s mind, the nervous apprehension on his face was clear.
Then his cousin was picking it up, brows drawing as he looked at the number. He looked at Jaejoong, expression a mix of confusion and what seemed to be suspicion. Jaejoong stared back at him silently, waiting for him to speak as he himself didn’t care less whoever wanted to talk to him now.
“Why is he calling you?”
The demanding tone to Junsu’s voice surprised Jaejoong slightly. Junsu’s jaw was set, his shoulders stiffening as he glared at the flashing phone in his hands. He looked about ready to smash it against the wall.
“Who?” Jaejoong didn’t make a move to change his position though the air was unfriendly and cold against his bare skin. His shoulder was aching as blood seeped sluggishly from his yet unhealed wound.
Junsu raised his head at Jaejoong’s voice, eyes falling to his exposed shoulder as Jaejoong couldn’t suppress a wince of pain. He wondered if Junsu would understand why he didn’t want pain killers or medication. The pain was actually welcome.
But his cousin was moving to sit beside him, quickly rejecting the call and tossing the phone aside. He then set to work cleaning and redressing Jaejoong’s wound, mouth set in a firm line, refusing to meet Jaejoong’s eyes the whole time.
By the time Junsu finally seemed satisfied with his work and gently pulled the blankets up around Jaejoong’s body, Jaejoong was already certain who the mysterious phone caller had been. Junsu’s reaction was obvious in his childish anger; Jaejoong just wondered how the man got his number and why he’d be calling him at all.
Silence stretched between them as Junsu continued to sit quietly by Jaejoong’s side, fingers absently twisting and untwisting an unused bandage. Jaejoong stared blatantly at him, waiting for him to spill the words that were clearly racing around just behind his eyes.
Junsu’s gaze flickered to meet Jaejoong’s, then jumped away. Jaejoong sighed, a sound that meant for him to just say it, whatever it was.
“You already knew about him, didn’t you?” It was more of a statement than a question, and the steady quietness of his tone was far from the anger or anxiety he had expected. The words were loaded with so many implications, barely held at bay accusation and betrayal.
Although he wasn’t entirely sure what it all meant, Junsu was too easy to read. Jaejoong smiled faintly. “No, Su. I didn't.”
It was amazing how such simple words could clear the dark clouds shadowing his cousin’s innocent face. Jaejoong wasn’t even sure what was going through the man’s head, had no idea when or where it had come from, but it was evident the other was completely taken with Yoochun. Among other things.
He wanted to find out why, ask Junsu what his relationship with the other man was, who he was, since in his innocence and ignorance Junsu was easily endangered or inclined to make rash decisions. He trusted people too easily. The ringing of the phone, however, cut him off before he could start.
This time he reached for it, Junsu tensing up next to him. The number flashing on the screen was unknown to him, but the huff of breath leaving Junsu as the other leaned over to see too was enough to let him know who it was.
He connected the call, bringing it up to his ear as his eyes met Junsu’s.
“Hello?”
“Jaejoong? Is that you?” The deep rather husky voice that filled his ear was not yet familiar to him, but he relied on Junsu’s facial reactions to guide him.
“You’re Yoochun?” He questioned in turn, finding Junsu’s tight-lipped expression amusing despite himself. What was going on between them, anyway?
“I know you don’t even know who I am, or why I’m doing this.” A pause, “but I need your help. And I need you to trust me.”
Jaejoong blinked, admittedly confused. Help? He couldn’t be serious. “You work for Jung.” He blurted. It was the only information he had on the man, as he couldn’t remember a thing between Yoochun helping them escape and seeing him with Junsu in the hospital. He couldn’t remember if the man had actually helped them or not. Changmin had trusted him. The reminder of Changmin sent a pang through his chest.
Junsu opened his mouth to talk but Jaejoong stared at him, waiting for Yoochun’s explanation. The line was silent for a moment before the man spoke again.
“No, I killed Jung.” Yoochun’s voice was low. “Now I need your help to take down Kim… and Shim while we’re at it.”
Jaejoong frowned slightly. This didn’t make any sense. “Who are you?”
He didn’t like being ignorant of details or information like this, especially since Yoochun had to mention Shim. It was all he could do to keep his suspicion in check. This man must be trying to monopolize and take over groups to gain power. Dangerous and greedy.
Jaejoong choked back his temper which was threatening to flare up. Had he used Changmin as well to get to Shim? And he would dare try to get to Kim through Junsu…?
The longer the man paused, the more time Jaejoong had to think of all the various possibilities and the unknown dangers this man possessed. Jaejoong thought he glimpsed a scheme more complicated than he could know, and he didn’t like that it involved the people he cared about. His hand tightened around his phone, gripping it tightly.
But he could hear Yoochun bite back a sigh. Then he was speaking quietly, “I’m working for the government, secret police if you will.” The confession was so simple and direct it cut through all of Jaejoong’s racing thoughts like a knife.
He took a few moments to consider the words and let the meaning of them sink in. The doubts and questions, the loose ends, they could be explained so easily with that simple reason. They even made Junsu’s hurt expression of earlier only too clear and obvious.
Jaejoong realized that Junsu must have assumed that Jaejoong had gone to Jung’s camp on purpose. It would have made sense, too, that Jaejoong was already carrying out the mission to rat out the secret police. That Jaejoong was already doing the job before Junsu could even attempt it, once again keeping Junsu safe and out of the way. Whether Junsu wanted it or not.
He met Junsu’s eyes, the other was watching him quietly, trying to evaluate his expression. But was Yoochun telling the truth? Jaejoong doubted it, though Junsu seemed to believe it. This Yoochun had successfully seduced him from what he could tell. He turned his eyes away, not liking the fact that Junsu had kept his relations with Yoochun a secret, especially since Junsu already seemed far too emotionally invested.
“What if I don’t believe you?” Jaejoong kept his voice level and as devoid of emotion as he could. He wouldn’t let this guy use them, stop it now before it got out of hand.
“Would you give me a chance to prove it to you?” Yoochun queried, his voice respectively calm and steady.
Jaejoong considered the offer. Supposing he really was the agent, “What’s stopping you from arresting me… and Junsu? Use me to get the Boss and then take the lot. It’s all in your favor.”
Junsu looked anxious, one hand reached out to hold Jaejoong’s. Jaejoong looked at him questioningly, not understanding why the other was shaking his head like that. “Don’t be stupid, Junsu. You honestly think he-”
Junsu’s fingers pressed hastily to his lips prevented him from finishing. Junsu shook his head more forcefully.
“Junsu’s with you right now?” Yoochun’s voice sounded oddly strained. Jaejoong didn’t know what was going on, but he didn’t like this Yoochun guy, even more for the way Junsu was acting because of him.
He talked around the fingers covering his mouth, nudging Junsu’s hand away with his wrist. “What’s it to you if he is? Why don’t you tell me why you called, the real reason.”
Junsu’s hand was distracting, fluttering in front of his face in unintelligible gestures and signs. Jaejoong reached with his free hand to seize the offending hand, wrapping it in warm fingers. He didn’t let go.
“I want to get out just as badly as you do.” Yoochun’s voice filled his ear. “I want to live a normal life…with someone I love, and not have to worry about dangerous men from a dirty world that shouldn't exist. But to do that, I need to get rid of them. And I can do that. But I need your help. Please. I won’t let anything happen to you. Or Junsu. Or Changmin.”
Jaejoong was silent. It was only too easy to give empty words and promises. Yoochun though him a fool? “I need something more substantial than just your word.” Jaejoong demanded. “If you really are who you say, you can provide that, can’t you?”
“Yes.” Yoochun responded. “Whatever it takes to gain your trust.”
“I want to find Changmin.” The words left his mouth before he’d even formed the thought. It was too late to take them back and he bit his lip as Junsu looked at him sharply.
“There’s no way to get to him without going through Shim. You know that, right?”
Jaejoong’s heart sank slightly. Of course he’d suspected as much, but talking to Yoochun had stirred the slightest bit of hope to life inside of him. He couldn’t smother it again and it steadily grew larger, tightening his chest with pure desire.
It didn’t matter if Yoochun was playing them, he had kept Changmin alive until now, and Jaejoong would do whatever he asked if it would get him to Changmin. Then they could disappear before anyone else came to separate or hurt them.
“I’ll do anything.” Jaejoong meant every word. Anything and everything was worth it.
Yoochun seemed to consider his words. They lay heavily in the air. Junsu’s hand tightened around his own, a comforting sweet gesture, yet Jaejoong knew Junsu had no idea what he was going through or what Changmin meant to him.
“I will text you the address. All you need to do is get taken to see Shim. He already found out who you are and I’m sure he’d be more than willing to strike a deal with you. And you should do just that. I’ll let you know why when we meet. Can I see you today? We don’t have time to waste.”
Jaejoong’s heart had sped slightly with the words. He pulled his hand away from Junsu’s, struggling to push himself up off the bed. “Give me the address now.”
“You shouldn’t get up.” Junsu tried to push him back down, whining, “hyung-”
But Jaejoong resolutely sat up, dragging his legs over to put his feet on the floor. He disconnected the call, looking at it impatiently in wait of the text. Junsu continued to try and keep him in bed, but Jaejoong was already standing on unsteady feet. He didn’t know where he’d gotten the sudden energy, but he would get to his destination on will power alone if he had too.
The jingle of an incoming message sent a rush of excitement through him. He checked the address, choosing to ignore the polite request to meet and talk. Already moving towards the door, he grabbed the nearest shirt and awkwardly tried to pull it over his head with one arm.
Fingers took hold of the fabric and he paused, ready to tell his cousin off for treating him like an invalid. But the face turned to him was set determinedly, and Junsu’s eyes lifted to meet his as he gently guided Jaejoong’s arm through the sleeve.
“Let me go with you at least? You don't always have to do things alone.”
Warmth bloomed in his chest at the words. The way Junsu carefully smoothed his shirt down suddenly seemed so endearing and welcome. He swept the smaller man into his arms with a small smile.
He hadn’t realized that all this fussing was Junsu taking care of him, not trying to stop him. He hadn’t recognized it at first since until now it had only been Jaejoong doing the caring and protecting.
“Thanks, Su.” He let his breath whisper through Junsu’s hair. The younger probably didn’t know how much strength he had given him in that single moment. But still Junsu had no idea what was out there, what Jaejoong had shielded him from all these years. “Don’t worry about me, okay?”
Junsu nodded against his shoulder and released him reluctantly as Jaejoong felt the press of time and pulled away from his warmth first. Jaejoong noticed the ghost of a pout. He allowed it when Junsu chose to slip his arm through Jaejoong’s, guiding them to the door.
**********
Chapter 20 ~
ah~ sorry not much happened, again ToT ~gota build it back up to more action keke :B
Pairing(s): Jaemin, Yoosu
Length: Chaptered 19/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: (gang) violence, language, abduction
Genre: AU, drama, angst
Summary: Jaejoong and his cousin have been swept up into the world of violence and gangs. The struggle and fight for his sanity is complicated greatly by the addition of a certain Shim Changmin into the mix. Will he be able to protect those he loves as well as save himself?
A/N: thank you for your patience!! <3 <3 been sick and preparing to move so didn't have time to write TT and this seems to be another filler chapter TT! sorriee ~~
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 - part 1 - part 2 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 |
********
Jaejoong didn’t want to get out of bed. He didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to even open his eyes for that matter. The darkness behind his eyes was familiar and safe, a small yet much needed barrier between himself and the world existing on the other side.
The past few days had been much too long and suffocating, the empty nothingness around him was stale. He hardly moved and lethargy seeped into his body like a disease, weakening him rather than helping him recover. Unable to sleep due to the thoughts and agony plaguing him, healing was the last thing on his mind. He couldn’t care less.
Had he been more himself he wouldn’t have wasted a single moment. He would already have Changmin back in his arms. Mr. Shim may even be dead at his feet. But no… He couldn’t do that. Changmin wasn’t his to hold on to anymore. He questioned himself if he ever had been, and continued to stubbornly deny the answer his weary brain produced every time.
He felt useless and pathetic, huddled away like the coward he was. He had never realized how difficult it was to escape depression and listlessness, the insurmountable wall in front of him daring him to claw his way out. Yet he didn’t want to.
He was content to stay where he was. Content to pretend the world outside didn’t exist so that he could be alone with just memories and daydreams. He was unable to face the reality of his despicable dead-end life and the reality of having lost Changmin. However, the faded images swirling in his mind were so emotionally charged they took all his energy and left him drained and unstable.
There was nothing to it. He was ready to just waste away like this and leave everything behind. It was so simple, and he was sure the pain would start to numb and subside any day now. But his phone wouldn’t stop ringing, nor would the banging on the front door - the sound echoed through the cold apartment, hollow thuds that echoed his empty chest.
Jaejoong groaned, burying his face a little deeper into his pillow, blankets pulled over his head to keep him wrapped in a dark little world all of his own. A world that only consisted of his aching heart and stinging eyes.
He tried to block out the noises, clinging to his memories of Changmin, embracing them lovingly as they were the only things that meant anything. But he wasn’t going to move, and there was no way they could make him. No one could give him warmth or reason, and the motives that drove him before now were not part of him. Not anymore.
The knocking, the ringing, it shattered his fragilely constructed walls and grated on his frayed nerves. Why wouldn’t they leave him in peace? Everything went perfectly smooth without him there, so why did they need him now?
It took him a moment to realize the banging had stopped, making the shrill cry of the phone that much louder. He should take the battery out, or just trash the whole device. The crash of a door slamming open echoed through the place, but Jaejoong just remained where he was. If they were really so desperate and insistent, they could do all the work and come to him.
Someone was shouting in the far room coupled with loud footsteps moving about. It was only a matter of seconds before his bedroom door was flung open, a noisy body rushing into the room. His blanket was yanked roughly away from his body and as both light and cool air hit him Jaejoong curled around himself with a moan.
But hands were taking hold of him, grasping his shoulder and rolling him onto his back. Jaejoong’s eyes slid open despite himself. He was met with Junsu’s distraught face, wide worried eyes that almost instantly melted into anger as they met Jaejoong’s empty dead look.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Junsu shook his shoulders slightly for emphasis. Jaejoong didn’t like the rough touch, nor did he like Junsu looking at him like that. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been trying to reach you? How worried I was? I thought I’d find you dead in here! You-you bastard!”
Junsu was gripping him too tightly and Jaejoong weakly tried to squirm away from his hands. Surprisingly Junsu let him go, but then again maybe it was due to the coat of red that now stained his fingers. Junsu’s eyes widened, then hands were coming at him again, yanking at the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and away to leave Jaejoong shivering below him.
Jaejoong tried to pull the blankets about him again. He really didn’t want to see anyone right now, didn’t want to have to talk or move, but Junsu was holding on to him again, although this time his touch was more gentle.
“Hyung…stop moving, you’re making it worse.”
Jaejoong looked up at his cousin, the worried caring expression there inevitably melting his resolve to shove the other away coldly. He didn’t say a word as he let Junsu move him around, unwrapping the old bandages on his shoulder and chest.
The wounds weren’t healing so well as Jaejoong hadn’t paid them any attention, not to mention he’d been denied medical attention after Mr. Shim had left that day. Not that he had the money for it in the first place.
Junsu muttered something about water and first aid, and then he was scuttling out of the room. Jaejoong remained where Junsu had left him, sprawled on the bed bonelessly. He’d just let Junsu take care of him until the other was satisfied and left him alone again. He could give him that much at least.
The phone started ringing again and Jaejoong turned listless eyes to where the sound came from. A faint glow indicated the device was on the floor next to a pile of clothing. If it wasn’t Junsu calling, then who was it? He didn’t think the gang would be calling him out already; he was pretty much useless in his current state. But they probably didn’t care.
Junsu came back into the room bearing cotton swabs and bandages, his eyes fell on the phone still ringing on floor. Jaejoong could tell thoughts similar to his own were going through Junsu’s mind, the nervous apprehension on his face was clear.
Then his cousin was picking it up, brows drawing as he looked at the number. He looked at Jaejoong, expression a mix of confusion and what seemed to be suspicion. Jaejoong stared back at him silently, waiting for him to speak as he himself didn’t care less whoever wanted to talk to him now.
“Why is he calling you?”
The demanding tone to Junsu’s voice surprised Jaejoong slightly. Junsu’s jaw was set, his shoulders stiffening as he glared at the flashing phone in his hands. He looked about ready to smash it against the wall.
“Who?” Jaejoong didn’t make a move to change his position though the air was unfriendly and cold against his bare skin. His shoulder was aching as blood seeped sluggishly from his yet unhealed wound.
Junsu raised his head at Jaejoong’s voice, eyes falling to his exposed shoulder as Jaejoong couldn’t suppress a wince of pain. He wondered if Junsu would understand why he didn’t want pain killers or medication. The pain was actually welcome.
But his cousin was moving to sit beside him, quickly rejecting the call and tossing the phone aside. He then set to work cleaning and redressing Jaejoong’s wound, mouth set in a firm line, refusing to meet Jaejoong’s eyes the whole time.
By the time Junsu finally seemed satisfied with his work and gently pulled the blankets up around Jaejoong’s body, Jaejoong was already certain who the mysterious phone caller had been. Junsu’s reaction was obvious in his childish anger; Jaejoong just wondered how the man got his number and why he’d be calling him at all.
Silence stretched between them as Junsu continued to sit quietly by Jaejoong’s side, fingers absently twisting and untwisting an unused bandage. Jaejoong stared blatantly at him, waiting for him to spill the words that were clearly racing around just behind his eyes.
Junsu’s gaze flickered to meet Jaejoong’s, then jumped away. Jaejoong sighed, a sound that meant for him to just say it, whatever it was.
“You already knew about him, didn’t you?” It was more of a statement than a question, and the steady quietness of his tone was far from the anger or anxiety he had expected. The words were loaded with so many implications, barely held at bay accusation and betrayal.
Although he wasn’t entirely sure what it all meant, Junsu was too easy to read. Jaejoong smiled faintly. “No, Su. I didn't.”
It was amazing how such simple words could clear the dark clouds shadowing his cousin’s innocent face. Jaejoong wasn’t even sure what was going through the man’s head, had no idea when or where it had come from, but it was evident the other was completely taken with Yoochun. Among other things.
He wanted to find out why, ask Junsu what his relationship with the other man was, who he was, since in his innocence and ignorance Junsu was easily endangered or inclined to make rash decisions. He trusted people too easily. The ringing of the phone, however, cut him off before he could start.
This time he reached for it, Junsu tensing up next to him. The number flashing on the screen was unknown to him, but the huff of breath leaving Junsu as the other leaned over to see too was enough to let him know who it was.
He connected the call, bringing it up to his ear as his eyes met Junsu’s.
“Hello?”
“Jaejoong? Is that you?” The deep rather husky voice that filled his ear was not yet familiar to him, but he relied on Junsu’s facial reactions to guide him.
“You’re Yoochun?” He questioned in turn, finding Junsu’s tight-lipped expression amusing despite himself. What was going on between them, anyway?
“I know you don’t even know who I am, or why I’m doing this.” A pause, “but I need your help. And I need you to trust me.”
Jaejoong blinked, admittedly confused. Help? He couldn’t be serious. “You work for Jung.” He blurted. It was the only information he had on the man, as he couldn’t remember a thing between Yoochun helping them escape and seeing him with Junsu in the hospital. He couldn’t remember if the man had actually helped them or not. Changmin had trusted him. The reminder of Changmin sent a pang through his chest.
Junsu opened his mouth to talk but Jaejoong stared at him, waiting for Yoochun’s explanation. The line was silent for a moment before the man spoke again.
“No, I killed Jung.” Yoochun’s voice was low. “Now I need your help to take down Kim… and Shim while we’re at it.”
Jaejoong frowned slightly. This didn’t make any sense. “Who are you?”
He didn’t like being ignorant of details or information like this, especially since Yoochun had to mention Shim. It was all he could do to keep his suspicion in check. This man must be trying to monopolize and take over groups to gain power. Dangerous and greedy.
Jaejoong choked back his temper which was threatening to flare up. Had he used Changmin as well to get to Shim? And he would dare try to get to Kim through Junsu…?
The longer the man paused, the more time Jaejoong had to think of all the various possibilities and the unknown dangers this man possessed. Jaejoong thought he glimpsed a scheme more complicated than he could know, and he didn’t like that it involved the people he cared about. His hand tightened around his phone, gripping it tightly.
But he could hear Yoochun bite back a sigh. Then he was speaking quietly, “I’m working for the government, secret police if you will.” The confession was so simple and direct it cut through all of Jaejoong’s racing thoughts like a knife.
He took a few moments to consider the words and let the meaning of them sink in. The doubts and questions, the loose ends, they could be explained so easily with that simple reason. They even made Junsu’s hurt expression of earlier only too clear and obvious.
Jaejoong realized that Junsu must have assumed that Jaejoong had gone to Jung’s camp on purpose. It would have made sense, too, that Jaejoong was already carrying out the mission to rat out the secret police. That Jaejoong was already doing the job before Junsu could even attempt it, once again keeping Junsu safe and out of the way. Whether Junsu wanted it or not.
He met Junsu’s eyes, the other was watching him quietly, trying to evaluate his expression. But was Yoochun telling the truth? Jaejoong doubted it, though Junsu seemed to believe it. This Yoochun had successfully seduced him from what he could tell. He turned his eyes away, not liking the fact that Junsu had kept his relations with Yoochun a secret, especially since Junsu already seemed far too emotionally invested.
“What if I don’t believe you?” Jaejoong kept his voice level and as devoid of emotion as he could. He wouldn’t let this guy use them, stop it now before it got out of hand.
“Would you give me a chance to prove it to you?” Yoochun queried, his voice respectively calm and steady.
Jaejoong considered the offer. Supposing he really was the agent, “What’s stopping you from arresting me… and Junsu? Use me to get the Boss and then take the lot. It’s all in your favor.”
Junsu looked anxious, one hand reached out to hold Jaejoong’s. Jaejoong looked at him questioningly, not understanding why the other was shaking his head like that. “Don’t be stupid, Junsu. You honestly think he-”
Junsu’s fingers pressed hastily to his lips prevented him from finishing. Junsu shook his head more forcefully.
“Junsu’s with you right now?” Yoochun’s voice sounded oddly strained. Jaejoong didn’t know what was going on, but he didn’t like this Yoochun guy, even more for the way Junsu was acting because of him.
He talked around the fingers covering his mouth, nudging Junsu’s hand away with his wrist. “What’s it to you if he is? Why don’t you tell me why you called, the real reason.”
Junsu’s hand was distracting, fluttering in front of his face in unintelligible gestures and signs. Jaejoong reached with his free hand to seize the offending hand, wrapping it in warm fingers. He didn’t let go.
“I want to get out just as badly as you do.” Yoochun’s voice filled his ear. “I want to live a normal life…with someone I love, and not have to worry about dangerous men from a dirty world that shouldn't exist. But to do that, I need to get rid of them. And I can do that. But I need your help. Please. I won’t let anything happen to you. Or Junsu. Or Changmin.”
Jaejoong was silent. It was only too easy to give empty words and promises. Yoochun though him a fool? “I need something more substantial than just your word.” Jaejoong demanded. “If you really are who you say, you can provide that, can’t you?”
“Yes.” Yoochun responded. “Whatever it takes to gain your trust.”
“I want to find Changmin.” The words left his mouth before he’d even formed the thought. It was too late to take them back and he bit his lip as Junsu looked at him sharply.
“There’s no way to get to him without going through Shim. You know that, right?”
Jaejoong’s heart sank slightly. Of course he’d suspected as much, but talking to Yoochun had stirred the slightest bit of hope to life inside of him. He couldn’t smother it again and it steadily grew larger, tightening his chest with pure desire.
It didn’t matter if Yoochun was playing them, he had kept Changmin alive until now, and Jaejoong would do whatever he asked if it would get him to Changmin. Then they could disappear before anyone else came to separate or hurt them.
“I’ll do anything.” Jaejoong meant every word. Anything and everything was worth it.
Yoochun seemed to consider his words. They lay heavily in the air. Junsu’s hand tightened around his own, a comforting sweet gesture, yet Jaejoong knew Junsu had no idea what he was going through or what Changmin meant to him.
“I will text you the address. All you need to do is get taken to see Shim. He already found out who you are and I’m sure he’d be more than willing to strike a deal with you. And you should do just that. I’ll let you know why when we meet. Can I see you today? We don’t have time to waste.”
Jaejoong’s heart had sped slightly with the words. He pulled his hand away from Junsu’s, struggling to push himself up off the bed. “Give me the address now.”
“You shouldn’t get up.” Junsu tried to push him back down, whining, “hyung-”
But Jaejoong resolutely sat up, dragging his legs over to put his feet on the floor. He disconnected the call, looking at it impatiently in wait of the text. Junsu continued to try and keep him in bed, but Jaejoong was already standing on unsteady feet. He didn’t know where he’d gotten the sudden energy, but he would get to his destination on will power alone if he had too.
The jingle of an incoming message sent a rush of excitement through him. He checked the address, choosing to ignore the polite request to meet and talk. Already moving towards the door, he grabbed the nearest shirt and awkwardly tried to pull it over his head with one arm.
Fingers took hold of the fabric and he paused, ready to tell his cousin off for treating him like an invalid. But the face turned to him was set determinedly, and Junsu’s eyes lifted to meet his as he gently guided Jaejoong’s arm through the sleeve.
“Let me go with you at least? You don't always have to do things alone.”
Warmth bloomed in his chest at the words. The way Junsu carefully smoothed his shirt down suddenly seemed so endearing and welcome. He swept the smaller man into his arms with a small smile.
He hadn’t realized that all this fussing was Junsu taking care of him, not trying to stop him. He hadn’t recognized it at first since until now it had only been Jaejoong doing the caring and protecting.
“Thanks, Su.” He let his breath whisper through Junsu’s hair. The younger probably didn’t know how much strength he had given him in that single moment. But still Junsu had no idea what was out there, what Jaejoong had shielded him from all these years. “Don’t worry about me, okay?”
Junsu nodded against his shoulder and released him reluctantly as Jaejoong felt the press of time and pulled away from his warmth first. Jaejoong noticed the ghost of a pout. He allowed it when Junsu chose to slip his arm through Jaejoong’s, guiding them to the door.
**********
Chapter 20 ~
ah~ sorry not much happened, again ToT ~gota build it back up to more action keke :B