Proteus ch. 68
Title: Proteus
Chapter: 68/70
Pairing: HyunJoong/KyuJong, HyungJoon/JungMin, YoungSaeng/YeSung, Qmi
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Life aboard a cargo ship was supposed to be boring and routine, and it was until a routine shipment turned the crews life upside down.
A/N: RP with yeonah.
"I don't see what the harm is," YoungSaeng shrugged, looking from gecko to gecko. "You need to get this settled before we go to Federation space."
"But he's going to kill us," Zhou Mi whined, clinging tightly to KyuHyun.
"What exactly did you two do to have HeeChul of all people after you?" Xander asked, spinning around in circles slowly in his chair.
"Uh....we cheated him out of a lot of money at one point," KyuHyun patted Zhou Mi's shoulder. RyeoWook was on his other side, looking confused but worried. "We were kinda desperate at the time, and everyone knows he's loaded. Didn't think he'd catch the dent in his money pile."
"Well, that would piss him off," JungMin snorted. "But you're still not getting out of it, you don't want to be watching your backs for him for the rest of your lives."
"And you don't want to be endangering RyeoWook with this right?" YoungSaeng asked. At that, Zhou Mi's eyes widened and he shook his head vigorously. "Alright then, we'll get this settled. So what can we offer HeeChul that he'll leave you two alone?"
"Other than a human?" KyuJong chuckled, giving HyunJoong a glance out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, let's avoid offering humans," HyunJoong said wryly. "What does HeeChul like, beside money?"
"Anything that makes him feel important," JungMin smirked, swinging his legs back and forth slowly. "He likes playing King of the Castle."
"What about one of those ships the Valis is gonna dispose of?" JongWoon perked up. "YunHo could get us another one, right?"
"I'm sure he could," YoungSaeng nodded, crossing his arms as he thought. "That might not be enough. If he wants to be important, then what would be more important than sitting in on the faction talks? He pretty much runs this section of neutral space between Federation and faction territory."
"Faction talks?" JungMin hummed a little at that. "He'd like that...he practically considers himself a faction leader in his own right. With that as incentive, we'd be able to get you both off the hook easy."
"We'll just have to make sure we don't forget about him," YoungSaeng chuckled. "How long until we reach the trading post?"
"It's a day out of our way, but we should be there tomorrow afternoon," KyuJong said, getting up and stretching his arms out. "I'll get us pointed that way." Giving HyunJoong's shoulder a squeeze he headed out of the mess hall.
"What if he doesn't go for that? What if he just insists on keeping us?" Zhou Mi said, looking at JungMin and YoungSaeng. "You won't let him keep us right? I've heard what he does to people that steal from him."
"We won't let him keep you," JungMin grinned. "We'll be going to meet him with you, so relax. He tried to keep the Captain, but that didn't work out well for him."
"He probably still hasn't forgiven you both for that either, so be careful," HyunJoong chuckled after watching KyuJong leave.
"We'll be fine," YoungSaeng smiled, glancing at JungMin. "Despite what people seem to think, and what HeeChul's reputation is, he is all bark, and no bite. And if he does try anything, I know exactly how to calm him down."
"Besides tying him up in a corner?" JungMin chuckled, resting back in his chair and closing his eyes. "Okay, so we got that all figured out. And after that...it's on to the border?"
"Yes, on to the border," YoungSaeng nodded, putting an arm around JongWoon's waist.
"How long are you guys going to be in Fed space?" HyungJoon asked. "A few weeks? Month? Months?"
"No idea, but with the amount of time it'll take to convince the government...and then formalities and and such...I'd say a month, if not more," JongWoon shook his head sadly. "It'll be a while."
"Oh..." HyungJoon pouted a little, sulking in his chair. "It's going to be weird not having you on board. All of you."
"We'll miss it, that goes without saying," YoungSaeng nodded. "But it won't be forever, as long as we have a place here, we'll be back."
"You'll always have a place here," HyunJoong smiled fondly, looking between them. "All of you." KyuHyun's lips quirked into a smile at that, tail wrapping around Zhou Mi's.
"We'll be back then," JongWoon nodded, leaning against YoungSaeng. "Want me to pass a message on to KiBum, Joon?"
"Nah, I'll get a hold of him later, he can worry about me for a while," HyungJoon said, chuckling a little. "Besides, he'd make you guys take him with you and I don't think I'm ready for him out here yet."
"Wait until it's a little more stable, yeah," JongWoon chuckled. "He'd like it out here though. It's...less stifling." He was happy being away from the Federation.
"Now I really want to meet him," JungMin looked at HyungJoon.
HyungJoon wrinkled his nose at JungMin at that. "Why? You'll just get us confused like everyone else, and he's a brat."
"You think you could handle two HyungJoons?" YoungSaeng laughed, looking at JungMin with a smile.
"I wouldn't get you confused," JungMin grinned at HyungJoon. "Saeng could shift into you right now and I would be able to tell who's who." He looked at YoungSaeng. "They look the same, but I think it's safe to say that's the end of the similarities." He knew from HyungJoon's memories that KiBum didn't act like his brother.
YoungSaeng tilted his head to the side, eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?" he asked, looking between them. The flush on HyungJoon's cheeks gave it away though and he smiled. "Ah, I see. When did this happen?"
"A few days ago," JungMin grinned widely.
"Did what happen?" JongWoon looked at YoungSaeng in confusion then, reading into his thoughts, his eyes widened. "Oh. Wow," he looked at them in amazement.
Zhou Mi looked around at the four, absolute confusion reading on his face. "What are you talking about? What happened? Something about his brother?"
"Let's just say I don't think they'll be having that many screaming matches anymore," YoungSaeng said, his lips quirked a little.
"Yeah well, shows what you know," HyungJoon huffed, crossing his arms. "We argued again just before we got here."
"It must have not been a very explosive argument, or we would have all heard it," HyunJoong chuckled, just as confused as the others.
"We're not that bad," JungMin pouted, sulking.
"Yes you are," KyuHyun snorted, and ducked behind RyeoWook when JungMin glared at him.
"You're both very loud," YoungSaeng said, smiling broadly at the two. "In the fighting, and the making up as well."
"At least we won't have to hear that anymore," Zhou Mi shuddered a little. "When we come back, we're going to a quieter hallway."
"As if you're not loud yourselves," JungMin snorting, eyeing them. "All three of you." RyeoWook had turned bright red.
"I didn't need to hear that!" JongWoon buried his face in YoungSaeng's shoulder
Patting JongWoon's shoulder, YoungSaeng laughed. "Guess it's a good thing we did move out of that hall then hm? Because I'm sure you didn't want to find out the other way."
"Very glad we moved," JongWoon nodded hard, not looking up.
"So what are we doing now?" JungMin asked, looking around at them but mostly at HyungJoon. "If we still got a while to go before reaching HeeChul."
Chewing on his lip, HyungJoon looked up at JungMin. He wanted to spend time with JongWoon since they were only getting a few more days together. He tilted his head to the side, wondering if that would be okay with JungMin. He thought the two shifters would want to spend time together too.
Listening to HyungJoon's thoughts, JungMin's lips curled into a smile and he nodded slightly. It was fine with him, and HyungJoon was right, he did want to spend some time with YoungSaeng. Standing up, he stretched. "Hey Saeng, let's go find something to do."
Arms around JongWoon's waist, YoungSaeng looked up at JungMin, blinking a little. He had thought the two were going to scurry back to their room at the first opportunity. Smiling a little, he pressed a kiss to JongWoon's forehead, seeing as HyungJoon was giving his friend a lopsided grin. "You two have fun," he murmured in the other's ear before getting up. "Alright, you have anything in mind? All we usually do is beat each other up."
"We don't have to beat each other up," JungMin snorted, starting towards the door. "Though that's fun too. Come on, let's just walk or something." He waved at HyungJoon before stepping out of the room, waiting for YoungSaeng.
Shutting the door behind them, YoungSaeng started to walk down the corridor. "So what shall we do? We've never really 'hung out' as the humans say."
"Not really, not their version of hanging out anyways," JungMin chuckled, hands in his pockets. "And I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly...interested in our old version of hanging out anymore."
"What, sparring?" YoungSaeng looked over at him with a smile. "Me either. It's just too much of a reminder right now."
"I meant more having sex every hour, but that too," JungMin chuckled. "You gonna be okay going back to the Federation?"
"Oh... I had forgotten about that," YoungSaeng laughed, but he shook his head. "No, I don't think I'll be okay. Especially with what I have to do. I probably wouldn't have volunteered to go at all if JongWoon wasn't going."
"The others aren't going to take well to this whole idea," JungMin shook his head as well. "You might have to deck them a few times. But at least you'll be back here after."
"Yeah... are you going to be okay without me, Min?" YoungSaeng stopped in the hall, looking up at JungMin in concern.
"Yeah, I'll survive," JungMin nodded. "Not to say I won't want to put someone's head through the wall when I get to translating, but I'll be fine."
"Do try to keep that temper in check," YoungSaeng smiled, patting JungMin's arm before continuing on. "You don't want to break down the whole talks because of your temper."
"I know, I'll be good," JungMin pouted. "Same goes for you, and don't even pretend you can't be as bad as me if you're in the mood. Or worse. Has JongWoon seen you on a temper tantrum yet?"
YoungSaeng returned the pout, his nose in the air. "I don't know what you're talking about, I do not throw temper tantrums."
"Yes you do, very extravagant ones if I remember," JungMin smirked, following beside him. "Kinda puts me to shame."
"Do not," YoungSaeng huffed, glaring at him. "And it would be to your benefit if you just go ahead and keep that to yourself."
"I won't need to, JongWoon will find out eventually," JungMin chirped happily, bouncing along beside the older man. "If he hasn't already gone through those particular memories and found what happened when one of the others accidentally chopped up your hair."
"That was not a temper tantrum," YoungSaeng bristled, swatting at JungMin's arm. "That was justified anger, and don't even tell me you had nothing to do with that either."
"That was so a temper tantrum," JungMin danced out of the way. "Including the sulking and pouting after."
"My hair was cut off, horseface," YoungSaeng scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sure you would have had the same reaction considering how much you preen in front of a mirror when you think no one's looking."
"I do not preen, I just like having color in me. You people with colors in your skin have all the luck." JungMin pouted at YoungSaeng.
"You're still hung up on that," YoungSaeng shook his head. "I thought with how much HyungJoon was puffing up your ego you'd be over that by now."
"I still wish I was a little more colorful," JungMin sniffed. "At least it doesn't bother him. And I have a very healthy ego, thank you very much."
"Having color isn't that interesting," YoungSaeng rolled his eyes. "Yes, you have a healthy ego.. healthy as a horse," he grinned, skipping out of the way.
"Yah! Take that back!" JungMin swiped out and missed. "I am not a horse, you otter!"
"Are too a horse, horseface," YoungSaeng stuck his tongue out at him. "And I'd rather be an otter than a horse!" YoungSaeng took off, disappearing around a corner.
"Get back here you water rat!" JungMin ran after him, nearly bowling over SungMin at the corner.
HyungJoon could hear the shouts back and forth from the shifters as he and JongWoon walked. "Sounds like they're having fun," he chuckled. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Don't know, anything," JongWoon shrugged, though he was laughing at their boyfriends as well. "We can just talk if you want. Since we're not going to be hanging out again for a while."
HyungJoon pouted at that, looking at JongWoon. "I'm gonna miss you so much JongWoon... who's going to get into mischief with me?"
"JungMin?" JongWoon smiled sadly, wrapping one arm loosely around HyungJoon's shoulders. "We'll be back before you know it, won't even know we were gone."
"JungMin's not really the type to have that kind of fun," HyungJoon said, his arm going around JongWoon's waist. "I kind of wish I was going with you, but JungMin would miss me too much."
"Yeah, especially with the bond," JongWoon chuckled softly. "You both decided to do it? And it worked out?"
"Yeah, we decided to do it together... and it worked amazingly," HyungJoon couldn't help the grin. "The things they went through.. I'm amazed they're still able to laugh."
"Yeah, it's all sorts of inspiring," JongWoon smiled sadly. "We really didn't know anything about what it was like, did we? But...I want to protect him from ever having to go through that again."
"Me too," HyungJoon nodded. "We made the right decision in not turning them back over to the Federation, and you did a good thing in letting your curiosity get the better of you and opening up that container. Where would we be if you hadn't of done that?"
"Probably back in Federation space delivering cargo, completely oblivious to what's going on out here," JongWoon frowned lightly, before chuckling. "First time I'm glad I didn't listen to the Captain."
"Me too, and at least I didn't have to lock you in your room for it," HyungJoon said, putting his arm around JongWoon's shoulder. "So what do you want to do, watch a movie? We haven't done that in ages."
"I'd like that," JongWoon chuckled. "Just...hang out. I'm really going to miss you too, Joon. I've never known a better friend."
"I'm gonna miss you too," HyungJoon said, giving him a smile as he steered them towards his and JungMin's room. "And I'm the best friend you're ever going to have, and don't you forget that."
"I won't," JongWoon laughed, leaning lightly against him. "You better not forget it either."
"Not possible," HyungJoon said determinedly. "You and I went through way too much together, and I'm really glad that we were able to stay friends through some of it."
"We'll always be friends," JongWoon grinned as they stepped into HyungJoon's and JungMin's room. "That's never going to change. If we could get through this, we can get through anything!"
"Right!" HyungJoon nodded, closing the door. "We really can get through anything. We've proven it. To ourselves, and to everyone else."
****************************
They arrived at the dingy little outpost the following morning, HyunJoong watching the surrounding ships as KyuJong had to nosedive for a spot again. "You're getting even better at this," he chuckled, unbuckling himself when it was safe.
"He is?" JongWoon would have ended up on the floor, again, if it weren't for YoungSaeng.
"It would probably help if you at least tried to stay in your seat," YoungSaeng said, patting JongWoon's shoulder. "I'm surprised you didn't give yourself brain damage before."
"He's got a hard head," HyungJoon laughed. For once he hadn't been hovering behind KyuJong's chair, preferring to sit with JungMin. "Who's going? We weren't allowed off the ship last time."
"I think the same rule applies now," YoungSaeng said, unbuckling his belt and getting to his feet. "Geckos, RyeoWook, and... Xander I think should be enough for this trip," YoungSaeng said, looking to JungMin. "Thoughts?"
"Sounds good to me," JungMin got up as well. "Should RyeoWook even be going along? HeeChul still wants his human."
"Well he's not getting him," KyuHyun sniffed haughtily, tail slashing at the air behind him before he turned to leave the bridge and meet with Zhou Mi and RyeoWook.
"RyeoWook will be fine," HyunJoong chuckled.
"He has Valis connections, it will give us credibility if we're going to convince HeeChul that he's going to be a part of the faction talks," YoungSaeng said. "Hopefully this won't take long, and just in case... be ready to go pretty quickly."
"Will do," KyuJong nodded. "Be careful."
"Come on Min, let's go say hi to HeeChul," YoungSaeng followed the gecko and RyeoWook from the bridge, pulling out his com device to call Xander.
"Joy," JungMin snorted. Giving HyungJoon a light kiss followed by a teasing pinch, he bounced out of his seat and quickly followed YoungSaeng out of the bridge. "He's not gonna be happy to see us. Even less happy to see you after that stunt last time," he grinned, sticking beside YoungSaeng.
"He'll forgive me, he always does," YoungSaeng gave him a cheeky smile. "Though I probably should have warned JongWoon about that."
"Warn JongWoon? What, did you give the failboat a heart attack with all the mental images?" JungMin snorted, eyeing YoungSaeng in amusement.
"If I did, he didn't say anything, though I'm not sure if he's gone through those particular memories," YoungSaeng sighed, pouting a little. "And I mean warn him that it would be possible for HeeChul wanting me to smooth things over for what I did in the way I usually do."
"Ah," JungMin frowned. "Would you do it? Dangling a faction seat over his head should be enough to keep greedy guts occupied."
"No, I wouldn't do it, and I really do hope that will be enough for him," YoungSaeng said as they started down the stairs. "What if it's not though Min?"
"Then we kick his ass and leave," JungMin shrugged. "If you don't want to do it, you don't have to do it. It's his own fault if he wants to pass up such an opportunity cause he's not getting laid."
YoungSaeng laughed, nudging JungMin with his shoulder. "I think kicking his ass would defeat the purpose of doing this, but thanks. I don't think JongWoon would be very happy with me if I did, cause he would know pretty quick."
"He would, and hey, HeeChul needs to be told 'no' every once in a while, he gets too stuck-up otherwise." JungMin nudged YoungSaeng back. "The geckos can't say we didn't try either way."
"Right," YoungSaeng agreed. They made it to the airlock, the others waiting for them. Xander was sniffing at RyeoWook's hair, though Zhou Mi was tugging on the flesheater's arm to get him away. "We ready to go?"
"All ready," KyuHyun nodded, glancing behind him when RyeoWook shuffled there to get away from Xander. JungMin stepped past them to push the airlock open, stepping out into the dimly-lit docking bay. It was exactly like last time, if not a few more people than usual milling around. Everyone was talking, probably about the recent ceasefire and the emergence of the Shinbi. Stepping further out, he saw few people were paying them attention. He nodded over his should to YoungSaeng before continuing on, RyeoWook sticking beside KyuHyun and Zhou Mi as they walked.
YoungSaeng kept to the back with Xander, making sure not only that the flesheater didn't wander off on his own, but also so he could watch out for any of HeeChul's men. He saw a couple, but even they looked to be distracted with whatever gossip was circulating around the promenade.
Knowing HeeChul would likely be back at the gambling house, they headed there first, YoungSaeng hiding a smile when he saw the same guard outside the door. He let them in without any fuss, and YoungSaeng quickly glanced around. "You see him Min?" he asked quietly over the taller man's shoulder while they hovered in the doorway.
JungMin skimmed the room quickly, then nodded towards the back. "The usual spot, at least he looks in a decent mood." He stepped farther into the room, heading towards HeeChul's table.
The alien glanced up as they approached, slitted eyes landing on them. HeeChul smirked and snapped his fingers; instantly their small group was surrounded. "Well well, I was wondering when you'd show your faces. I have a few bones to pick with you both."
"And we with you, though not sure who it is you're referring to," YoungSaeng said, not giving the goons surrounding them a look. "There's no need for the muscle HeeChul, we just want to talk, and you'll be interested in what we have to say."
"Oh? I remember last time you wanted to talk, Saengie...you still owe me payment for that information," HeeChul's lips were curled dangerously as he leaned forward. "Though I might forgive you, considering you brought me my little thieves." JungMin saw RyeoWook's hands find KyuHyun's and Zhou Mi's beside him.
"Funnily enough, they are why we're here," YoungSaeng replied, shooing someone from a chair and taking a seat, absolutely relaxed. "I'm sorry HeeChul, but you can't have them. I want you to forgive them for the money they've stolen, and in return we'll give you something worth far more."
"So demanding, as always." HeeChul leaned back, examining his nails. "You waltz in here, ask for my information, then not only do you not pay my fee, but you humiliate me at the same time. These little blue rats have made off with more money than your ship's worth. And you want me to let all of you go when you so willingly come back here? I'm not sure even a human is going to cut it this time. And as far as human offerings go, the one human in your company is a little too twig-like for my tastes."
"HeeChul, you're not stupid, I know you're not stupid," YoungSaeng said, smiling softly. "And you know very well that I am not stupid. You think I would have come here if I didn't believe that we had something that would make you very happy? No, the human isn't for you either, he's a very important contact with Valis that we aren't ready to give up just yet."
Leaning forward, his rested his arms on the table and looked at HeeChul. "You know what's happened out there, with Sylar and the Federation. You know the factions are now cooperating with each other. What we're offering, is two things. One being a nice shiny new Federation ship to cover my debt to you for the information, and two being a seat at the faction talks as reimbursement for the money the geckos stole."
JungMin could tell they had HeeChul's attention then; the alien stopped focusing on his nails and leaned forward again, slitted eyes narrowed at YoungSaeng. "...A seat at the faction, huh? How do I know you can deliver, Saengie? That's a big promise to be mouthing off."
"Well, like I said, RyeoWook is pretty high up in Valis, and we are on very personal terms with YunHo, the Valis boss," YoungSaeng said, making circular patterns on the table in front of him. "I'm sure you're also aware that the Shinbi have become involved in this, and well... we are Shinbi."
HeeChul examined YoungSaeng for a moment, analyzing his expression, before motioning with one hand towards the large purple alien standing beside him. The room was cleared out within seconds, leaving just their group, HeeChul, and a few guards who continued to watch them.
"I forgot how much of a minx you are, YoungSaeng," HeeChul smirked, tapping his manicured nails against his chin. "So...let me recap. I give the blue rats a clean slate and let you all walk out of here, and in return, I get a new ship and a seat at the faction talks. Battleship?"
"Fighter, that may be the only thing that has survived," YoungSaeng said. "There weren't that many battleships in Sylar territory, but we can talk to YunHo and see what he has salvaged. Don't be greedy HeeChul."
"Hey, it's negotiating," HeeChul sniffed, eyeing the other man with a smirk. "All right, it's a deal. If there's a battleship, I want it. And you know what will happen if that seat at the talks doesn't happen, Saengie yah. There's nowhere in this galaxy you can hide from me."
YoungSaeng inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Of course, I'm a man of my word HeeChul, always have been. You'll get your seat, and your ship. So we have a deal? You don't come after the geckos, their debt is erased?"
"Their debt is cleared, erased from my mind. Hm...yours on the other hand..." HeeChul pursed his lips in thought. "The fighter, or battleship, would cover for the cost of that information nicely. There is still the matter of you humiliating me in front of all my men. You know me well enough to know I don't take kindly to slights, Saengie."
YoungSaeng sighed inwardly. Of course HeeChul would press his luck and try to get more out of him. "No, and I apologize for that, but I have nothing left to give you unless you want a flesh eater," he said, glancing at Xander who wrinkled his nose at that. "He's a little crazy though."
"No thanks, I have no interest in flesh eaters for more than keeping my men on their toes, something I can do nicely by myself." HeeChul waved the suggestion away. "Aw...that's a pity. Sure you don't have any way you could...sweeten the deal?"
Lips pursed, YoungSaeng glanced at JungMin. He had really hoped it wouldn't come to this, that HeeChul would just accept the deal. "I'm afraid that's no longer an option HeeChul. I'm happily off the market now."
"You, off the market?" HeeChul seemed more amused than put out by that. "Well well, I didn't think it was possible. Now I'm curious who the unlucky guy is."
"Human," YoungSaeng smiled, relieved that the matter hadn't been pressed too far. "And for someone who was so interested a moment ago in sweetening the deal, you have no room to talk about him being unlucky."
"Yes, I suppose I should be jealous, but when I said 'unlucky' I was talking more about the sharp-edged personality rather than the body it's in," HeeChul snickered, leaning back. "He must be quite the catch. All right, I'll let you off the hook for now, but if you ever get bored with humans, you know where to find me Saengie~."
"Don't hold your breath," YoungSaeng smiled, getting to his feet. "I'd love to stay and chat HeeChul, but we're on a schedule. Always a pleasure, I'm sure we'll see each other again."
"I expect regular visits," HeeChul smirked, waving one hand lightly in their direction. The guards around the group backed off. "Keep that pretty head on your shoulders until then."
"I plan to," YoungSaeng bowed slightly. "And just so you know HeeChul, with this new accord, I'm sure you'll get your human soon enough."
A sly smile curled the alien's lips. "I'll be looking forward to it."
JungMin nudged the others lightly to move them back towards the door, the group leaving the room. That had gone better than they'd expected. The recent events seemed to have put HeeChul in a good mood.
Chapter: 68/70
Pairing: HyunJoong/KyuJong, HyungJoon/JungMin, YoungSaeng/YeSung, Qmi
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Life aboard a cargo ship was supposed to be boring and routine, and it was until a routine shipment turned the crews life upside down.
A/N: RP with yeonah.
"I don't see what the harm is," YoungSaeng shrugged, looking from gecko to gecko. "You need to get this settled before we go to Federation space."
"But he's going to kill us," Zhou Mi whined, clinging tightly to KyuHyun.
"What exactly did you two do to have HeeChul of all people after you?" Xander asked, spinning around in circles slowly in his chair.
"Uh....we cheated him out of a lot of money at one point," KyuHyun patted Zhou Mi's shoulder. RyeoWook was on his other side, looking confused but worried. "We were kinda desperate at the time, and everyone knows he's loaded. Didn't think he'd catch the dent in his money pile."
"Well, that would piss him off," JungMin snorted. "But you're still not getting out of it, you don't want to be watching your backs for him for the rest of your lives."
"And you don't want to be endangering RyeoWook with this right?" YoungSaeng asked. At that, Zhou Mi's eyes widened and he shook his head vigorously. "Alright then, we'll get this settled. So what can we offer HeeChul that he'll leave you two alone?"
"Other than a human?" KyuJong chuckled, giving HyunJoong a glance out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, let's avoid offering humans," HyunJoong said wryly. "What does HeeChul like, beside money?"
"Anything that makes him feel important," JungMin smirked, swinging his legs back and forth slowly. "He likes playing King of the Castle."
"What about one of those ships the Valis is gonna dispose of?" JongWoon perked up. "YunHo could get us another one, right?"
"I'm sure he could," YoungSaeng nodded, crossing his arms as he thought. "That might not be enough. If he wants to be important, then what would be more important than sitting in on the faction talks? He pretty much runs this section of neutral space between Federation and faction territory."
"Faction talks?" JungMin hummed a little at that. "He'd like that...he practically considers himself a faction leader in his own right. With that as incentive, we'd be able to get you both off the hook easy."
"We'll just have to make sure we don't forget about him," YoungSaeng chuckled. "How long until we reach the trading post?"
"It's a day out of our way, but we should be there tomorrow afternoon," KyuJong said, getting up and stretching his arms out. "I'll get us pointed that way." Giving HyunJoong's shoulder a squeeze he headed out of the mess hall.
"What if he doesn't go for that? What if he just insists on keeping us?" Zhou Mi said, looking at JungMin and YoungSaeng. "You won't let him keep us right? I've heard what he does to people that steal from him."
"We won't let him keep you," JungMin grinned. "We'll be going to meet him with you, so relax. He tried to keep the Captain, but that didn't work out well for him."
"He probably still hasn't forgiven you both for that either, so be careful," HyunJoong chuckled after watching KyuJong leave.
"We'll be fine," YoungSaeng smiled, glancing at JungMin. "Despite what people seem to think, and what HeeChul's reputation is, he is all bark, and no bite. And if he does try anything, I know exactly how to calm him down."
"Besides tying him up in a corner?" JungMin chuckled, resting back in his chair and closing his eyes. "Okay, so we got that all figured out. And after that...it's on to the border?"
"Yes, on to the border," YoungSaeng nodded, putting an arm around JongWoon's waist.
"How long are you guys going to be in Fed space?" HyungJoon asked. "A few weeks? Month? Months?"
"No idea, but with the amount of time it'll take to convince the government...and then formalities and and such...I'd say a month, if not more," JongWoon shook his head sadly. "It'll be a while."
"Oh..." HyungJoon pouted a little, sulking in his chair. "It's going to be weird not having you on board. All of you."
"We'll miss it, that goes without saying," YoungSaeng nodded. "But it won't be forever, as long as we have a place here, we'll be back."
"You'll always have a place here," HyunJoong smiled fondly, looking between them. "All of you." KyuHyun's lips quirked into a smile at that, tail wrapping around Zhou Mi's.
"We'll be back then," JongWoon nodded, leaning against YoungSaeng. "Want me to pass a message on to KiBum, Joon?"
"Nah, I'll get a hold of him later, he can worry about me for a while," HyungJoon said, chuckling a little. "Besides, he'd make you guys take him with you and I don't think I'm ready for him out here yet."
"Wait until it's a little more stable, yeah," JongWoon chuckled. "He'd like it out here though. It's...less stifling." He was happy being away from the Federation.
"Now I really want to meet him," JungMin looked at HyungJoon.
HyungJoon wrinkled his nose at JungMin at that. "Why? You'll just get us confused like everyone else, and he's a brat."
"You think you could handle two HyungJoons?" YoungSaeng laughed, looking at JungMin with a smile.
"I wouldn't get you confused," JungMin grinned at HyungJoon. "Saeng could shift into you right now and I would be able to tell who's who." He looked at YoungSaeng. "They look the same, but I think it's safe to say that's the end of the similarities." He knew from HyungJoon's memories that KiBum didn't act like his brother.
YoungSaeng tilted his head to the side, eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?" he asked, looking between them. The flush on HyungJoon's cheeks gave it away though and he smiled. "Ah, I see. When did this happen?"
"A few days ago," JungMin grinned widely.
"Did what happen?" JongWoon looked at YoungSaeng in confusion then, reading into his thoughts, his eyes widened. "Oh. Wow," he looked at them in amazement.
Zhou Mi looked around at the four, absolute confusion reading on his face. "What are you talking about? What happened? Something about his brother?"
"Let's just say I don't think they'll be having that many screaming matches anymore," YoungSaeng said, his lips quirked a little.
"Yeah well, shows what you know," HyungJoon huffed, crossing his arms. "We argued again just before we got here."
"It must have not been a very explosive argument, or we would have all heard it," HyunJoong chuckled, just as confused as the others.
"We're not that bad," JungMin pouted, sulking.
"Yes you are," KyuHyun snorted, and ducked behind RyeoWook when JungMin glared at him.
"You're both very loud," YoungSaeng said, smiling broadly at the two. "In the fighting, and the making up as well."
"At least we won't have to hear that anymore," Zhou Mi shuddered a little. "When we come back, we're going to a quieter hallway."
"As if you're not loud yourselves," JungMin snorting, eyeing them. "All three of you." RyeoWook had turned bright red.
"I didn't need to hear that!" JongWoon buried his face in YoungSaeng's shoulder
Patting JongWoon's shoulder, YoungSaeng laughed. "Guess it's a good thing we did move out of that hall then hm? Because I'm sure you didn't want to find out the other way."
"Very glad we moved," JongWoon nodded hard, not looking up.
"So what are we doing now?" JungMin asked, looking around at them but mostly at HyungJoon. "If we still got a while to go before reaching HeeChul."
Chewing on his lip, HyungJoon looked up at JungMin. He wanted to spend time with JongWoon since they were only getting a few more days together. He tilted his head to the side, wondering if that would be okay with JungMin. He thought the two shifters would want to spend time together too.
Listening to HyungJoon's thoughts, JungMin's lips curled into a smile and he nodded slightly. It was fine with him, and HyungJoon was right, he did want to spend some time with YoungSaeng. Standing up, he stretched. "Hey Saeng, let's go find something to do."
Arms around JongWoon's waist, YoungSaeng looked up at JungMin, blinking a little. He had thought the two were going to scurry back to their room at the first opportunity. Smiling a little, he pressed a kiss to JongWoon's forehead, seeing as HyungJoon was giving his friend a lopsided grin. "You two have fun," he murmured in the other's ear before getting up. "Alright, you have anything in mind? All we usually do is beat each other up."
"We don't have to beat each other up," JungMin snorted, starting towards the door. "Though that's fun too. Come on, let's just walk or something." He waved at HyungJoon before stepping out of the room, waiting for YoungSaeng.
Shutting the door behind them, YoungSaeng started to walk down the corridor. "So what shall we do? We've never really 'hung out' as the humans say."
"Not really, not their version of hanging out anyways," JungMin chuckled, hands in his pockets. "And I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly...interested in our old version of hanging out anymore."
"What, sparring?" YoungSaeng looked over at him with a smile. "Me either. It's just too much of a reminder right now."
"I meant more having sex every hour, but that too," JungMin chuckled. "You gonna be okay going back to the Federation?"
"Oh... I had forgotten about that," YoungSaeng laughed, but he shook his head. "No, I don't think I'll be okay. Especially with what I have to do. I probably wouldn't have volunteered to go at all if JongWoon wasn't going."
"The others aren't going to take well to this whole idea," JungMin shook his head as well. "You might have to deck them a few times. But at least you'll be back here after."
"Yeah... are you going to be okay without me, Min?" YoungSaeng stopped in the hall, looking up at JungMin in concern.
"Yeah, I'll survive," JungMin nodded. "Not to say I won't want to put someone's head through the wall when I get to translating, but I'll be fine."
"Do try to keep that temper in check," YoungSaeng smiled, patting JungMin's arm before continuing on. "You don't want to break down the whole talks because of your temper."
"I know, I'll be good," JungMin pouted. "Same goes for you, and don't even pretend you can't be as bad as me if you're in the mood. Or worse. Has JongWoon seen you on a temper tantrum yet?"
YoungSaeng returned the pout, his nose in the air. "I don't know what you're talking about, I do not throw temper tantrums."
"Yes you do, very extravagant ones if I remember," JungMin smirked, following beside him. "Kinda puts me to shame."
"Do not," YoungSaeng huffed, glaring at him. "And it would be to your benefit if you just go ahead and keep that to yourself."
"I won't need to, JongWoon will find out eventually," JungMin chirped happily, bouncing along beside the older man. "If he hasn't already gone through those particular memories and found what happened when one of the others accidentally chopped up your hair."
"That was not a temper tantrum," YoungSaeng bristled, swatting at JungMin's arm. "That was justified anger, and don't even tell me you had nothing to do with that either."
"That was so a temper tantrum," JungMin danced out of the way. "Including the sulking and pouting after."
"My hair was cut off, horseface," YoungSaeng scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sure you would have had the same reaction considering how much you preen in front of a mirror when you think no one's looking."
"I do not preen, I just like having color in me. You people with colors in your skin have all the luck." JungMin pouted at YoungSaeng.
"You're still hung up on that," YoungSaeng shook his head. "I thought with how much HyungJoon was puffing up your ego you'd be over that by now."
"I still wish I was a little more colorful," JungMin sniffed. "At least it doesn't bother him. And I have a very healthy ego, thank you very much."
"Having color isn't that interesting," YoungSaeng rolled his eyes. "Yes, you have a healthy ego.. healthy as a horse," he grinned, skipping out of the way.
"Yah! Take that back!" JungMin swiped out and missed. "I am not a horse, you otter!"
"Are too a horse, horseface," YoungSaeng stuck his tongue out at him. "And I'd rather be an otter than a horse!" YoungSaeng took off, disappearing around a corner.
"Get back here you water rat!" JungMin ran after him, nearly bowling over SungMin at the corner.
HyungJoon could hear the shouts back and forth from the shifters as he and JongWoon walked. "Sounds like they're having fun," he chuckled. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Don't know, anything," JongWoon shrugged, though he was laughing at their boyfriends as well. "We can just talk if you want. Since we're not going to be hanging out again for a while."
HyungJoon pouted at that, looking at JongWoon. "I'm gonna miss you so much JongWoon... who's going to get into mischief with me?"
"JungMin?" JongWoon smiled sadly, wrapping one arm loosely around HyungJoon's shoulders. "We'll be back before you know it, won't even know we were gone."
"JungMin's not really the type to have that kind of fun," HyungJoon said, his arm going around JongWoon's waist. "I kind of wish I was going with you, but JungMin would miss me too much."
"Yeah, especially with the bond," JongWoon chuckled softly. "You both decided to do it? And it worked out?"
"Yeah, we decided to do it together... and it worked amazingly," HyungJoon couldn't help the grin. "The things they went through.. I'm amazed they're still able to laugh."
"Yeah, it's all sorts of inspiring," JongWoon smiled sadly. "We really didn't know anything about what it was like, did we? But...I want to protect him from ever having to go through that again."
"Me too," HyungJoon nodded. "We made the right decision in not turning them back over to the Federation, and you did a good thing in letting your curiosity get the better of you and opening up that container. Where would we be if you hadn't of done that?"
"Probably back in Federation space delivering cargo, completely oblivious to what's going on out here," JongWoon frowned lightly, before chuckling. "First time I'm glad I didn't listen to the Captain."
"Me too, and at least I didn't have to lock you in your room for it," HyungJoon said, putting his arm around JongWoon's shoulder. "So what do you want to do, watch a movie? We haven't done that in ages."
"I'd like that," JongWoon chuckled. "Just...hang out. I'm really going to miss you too, Joon. I've never known a better friend."
"I'm gonna miss you too," HyungJoon said, giving him a smile as he steered them towards his and JungMin's room. "And I'm the best friend you're ever going to have, and don't you forget that."
"I won't," JongWoon laughed, leaning lightly against him. "You better not forget it either."
"Not possible," HyungJoon said determinedly. "You and I went through way too much together, and I'm really glad that we were able to stay friends through some of it."
"We'll always be friends," JongWoon grinned as they stepped into HyungJoon's and JungMin's room. "That's never going to change. If we could get through this, we can get through anything!"
"Right!" HyungJoon nodded, closing the door. "We really can get through anything. We've proven it. To ourselves, and to everyone else."
****************************
They arrived at the dingy little outpost the following morning, HyunJoong watching the surrounding ships as KyuJong had to nosedive for a spot again. "You're getting even better at this," he chuckled, unbuckling himself when it was safe.
"He is?" JongWoon would have ended up on the floor, again, if it weren't for YoungSaeng.
"It would probably help if you at least tried to stay in your seat," YoungSaeng said, patting JongWoon's shoulder. "I'm surprised you didn't give yourself brain damage before."
"He's got a hard head," HyungJoon laughed. For once he hadn't been hovering behind KyuJong's chair, preferring to sit with JungMin. "Who's going? We weren't allowed off the ship last time."
"I think the same rule applies now," YoungSaeng said, unbuckling his belt and getting to his feet. "Geckos, RyeoWook, and... Xander I think should be enough for this trip," YoungSaeng said, looking to JungMin. "Thoughts?"
"Sounds good to me," JungMin got up as well. "Should RyeoWook even be going along? HeeChul still wants his human."
"Well he's not getting him," KyuHyun sniffed haughtily, tail slashing at the air behind him before he turned to leave the bridge and meet with Zhou Mi and RyeoWook.
"RyeoWook will be fine," HyunJoong chuckled.
"He has Valis connections, it will give us credibility if we're going to convince HeeChul that he's going to be a part of the faction talks," YoungSaeng said. "Hopefully this won't take long, and just in case... be ready to go pretty quickly."
"Will do," KyuJong nodded. "Be careful."
"Come on Min, let's go say hi to HeeChul," YoungSaeng followed the gecko and RyeoWook from the bridge, pulling out his com device to call Xander.
"Joy," JungMin snorted. Giving HyungJoon a light kiss followed by a teasing pinch, he bounced out of his seat and quickly followed YoungSaeng out of the bridge. "He's not gonna be happy to see us. Even less happy to see you after that stunt last time," he grinned, sticking beside YoungSaeng.
"He'll forgive me, he always does," YoungSaeng gave him a cheeky smile. "Though I probably should have warned JongWoon about that."
"Warn JongWoon? What, did you give the failboat a heart attack with all the mental images?" JungMin snorted, eyeing YoungSaeng in amusement.
"If I did, he didn't say anything, though I'm not sure if he's gone through those particular memories," YoungSaeng sighed, pouting a little. "And I mean warn him that it would be possible for HeeChul wanting me to smooth things over for what I did in the way I usually do."
"Ah," JungMin frowned. "Would you do it? Dangling a faction seat over his head should be enough to keep greedy guts occupied."
"No, I wouldn't do it, and I really do hope that will be enough for him," YoungSaeng said as they started down the stairs. "What if it's not though Min?"
"Then we kick his ass and leave," JungMin shrugged. "If you don't want to do it, you don't have to do it. It's his own fault if he wants to pass up such an opportunity cause he's not getting laid."
YoungSaeng laughed, nudging JungMin with his shoulder. "I think kicking his ass would defeat the purpose of doing this, but thanks. I don't think JongWoon would be very happy with me if I did, cause he would know pretty quick."
"He would, and hey, HeeChul needs to be told 'no' every once in a while, he gets too stuck-up otherwise." JungMin nudged YoungSaeng back. "The geckos can't say we didn't try either way."
"Right," YoungSaeng agreed. They made it to the airlock, the others waiting for them. Xander was sniffing at RyeoWook's hair, though Zhou Mi was tugging on the flesheater's arm to get him away. "We ready to go?"
"All ready," KyuHyun nodded, glancing behind him when RyeoWook shuffled there to get away from Xander. JungMin stepped past them to push the airlock open, stepping out into the dimly-lit docking bay. It was exactly like last time, if not a few more people than usual milling around. Everyone was talking, probably about the recent ceasefire and the emergence of the Shinbi. Stepping further out, he saw few people were paying them attention. He nodded over his should to YoungSaeng before continuing on, RyeoWook sticking beside KyuHyun and Zhou Mi as they walked.
YoungSaeng kept to the back with Xander, making sure not only that the flesheater didn't wander off on his own, but also so he could watch out for any of HeeChul's men. He saw a couple, but even they looked to be distracted with whatever gossip was circulating around the promenade.
Knowing HeeChul would likely be back at the gambling house, they headed there first, YoungSaeng hiding a smile when he saw the same guard outside the door. He let them in without any fuss, and YoungSaeng quickly glanced around. "You see him Min?" he asked quietly over the taller man's shoulder while they hovered in the doorway.
JungMin skimmed the room quickly, then nodded towards the back. "The usual spot, at least he looks in a decent mood." He stepped farther into the room, heading towards HeeChul's table.
The alien glanced up as they approached, slitted eyes landing on them. HeeChul smirked and snapped his fingers; instantly their small group was surrounded. "Well well, I was wondering when you'd show your faces. I have a few bones to pick with you both."
"And we with you, though not sure who it is you're referring to," YoungSaeng said, not giving the goons surrounding them a look. "There's no need for the muscle HeeChul, we just want to talk, and you'll be interested in what we have to say."
"Oh? I remember last time you wanted to talk, Saengie...you still owe me payment for that information," HeeChul's lips were curled dangerously as he leaned forward. "Though I might forgive you, considering you brought me my little thieves." JungMin saw RyeoWook's hands find KyuHyun's and Zhou Mi's beside him.
"Funnily enough, they are why we're here," YoungSaeng replied, shooing someone from a chair and taking a seat, absolutely relaxed. "I'm sorry HeeChul, but you can't have them. I want you to forgive them for the money they've stolen, and in return we'll give you something worth far more."
"So demanding, as always." HeeChul leaned back, examining his nails. "You waltz in here, ask for my information, then not only do you not pay my fee, but you humiliate me at the same time. These little blue rats have made off with more money than your ship's worth. And you want me to let all of you go when you so willingly come back here? I'm not sure even a human is going to cut it this time. And as far as human offerings go, the one human in your company is a little too twig-like for my tastes."
"HeeChul, you're not stupid, I know you're not stupid," YoungSaeng said, smiling softly. "And you know very well that I am not stupid. You think I would have come here if I didn't believe that we had something that would make you very happy? No, the human isn't for you either, he's a very important contact with Valis that we aren't ready to give up just yet."
Leaning forward, his rested his arms on the table and looked at HeeChul. "You know what's happened out there, with Sylar and the Federation. You know the factions are now cooperating with each other. What we're offering, is two things. One being a nice shiny new Federation ship to cover my debt to you for the information, and two being a seat at the faction talks as reimbursement for the money the geckos stole."
JungMin could tell they had HeeChul's attention then; the alien stopped focusing on his nails and leaned forward again, slitted eyes narrowed at YoungSaeng. "...A seat at the faction, huh? How do I know you can deliver, Saengie? That's a big promise to be mouthing off."
"Well, like I said, RyeoWook is pretty high up in Valis, and we are on very personal terms with YunHo, the Valis boss," YoungSaeng said, making circular patterns on the table in front of him. "I'm sure you're also aware that the Shinbi have become involved in this, and well... we are Shinbi."
HeeChul examined YoungSaeng for a moment, analyzing his expression, before motioning with one hand towards the large purple alien standing beside him. The room was cleared out within seconds, leaving just their group, HeeChul, and a few guards who continued to watch them.
"I forgot how much of a minx you are, YoungSaeng," HeeChul smirked, tapping his manicured nails against his chin. "So...let me recap. I give the blue rats a clean slate and let you all walk out of here, and in return, I get a new ship and a seat at the faction talks. Battleship?"
"Fighter, that may be the only thing that has survived," YoungSaeng said. "There weren't that many battleships in Sylar territory, but we can talk to YunHo and see what he has salvaged. Don't be greedy HeeChul."
"Hey, it's negotiating," HeeChul sniffed, eyeing the other man with a smirk. "All right, it's a deal. If there's a battleship, I want it. And you know what will happen if that seat at the talks doesn't happen, Saengie yah. There's nowhere in this galaxy you can hide from me."
YoungSaeng inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Of course, I'm a man of my word HeeChul, always have been. You'll get your seat, and your ship. So we have a deal? You don't come after the geckos, their debt is erased?"
"Their debt is cleared, erased from my mind. Hm...yours on the other hand..." HeeChul pursed his lips in thought. "The fighter, or battleship, would cover for the cost of that information nicely. There is still the matter of you humiliating me in front of all my men. You know me well enough to know I don't take kindly to slights, Saengie."
YoungSaeng sighed inwardly. Of course HeeChul would press his luck and try to get more out of him. "No, and I apologize for that, but I have nothing left to give you unless you want a flesh eater," he said, glancing at Xander who wrinkled his nose at that. "He's a little crazy though."
"No thanks, I have no interest in flesh eaters for more than keeping my men on their toes, something I can do nicely by myself." HeeChul waved the suggestion away. "Aw...that's a pity. Sure you don't have any way you could...sweeten the deal?"
Lips pursed, YoungSaeng glanced at JungMin. He had really hoped it wouldn't come to this, that HeeChul would just accept the deal. "I'm afraid that's no longer an option HeeChul. I'm happily off the market now."
"You, off the market?" HeeChul seemed more amused than put out by that. "Well well, I didn't think it was possible. Now I'm curious who the unlucky guy is."
"Human," YoungSaeng smiled, relieved that the matter hadn't been pressed too far. "And for someone who was so interested a moment ago in sweetening the deal, you have no room to talk about him being unlucky."
"Yes, I suppose I should be jealous, but when I said 'unlucky' I was talking more about the sharp-edged personality rather than the body it's in," HeeChul snickered, leaning back. "He must be quite the catch. All right, I'll let you off the hook for now, but if you ever get bored with humans, you know where to find me Saengie~."
"Don't hold your breath," YoungSaeng smiled, getting to his feet. "I'd love to stay and chat HeeChul, but we're on a schedule. Always a pleasure, I'm sure we'll see each other again."
"I expect regular visits," HeeChul smirked, waving one hand lightly in their direction. The guards around the group backed off. "Keep that pretty head on your shoulders until then."
"I plan to," YoungSaeng bowed slightly. "And just so you know HeeChul, with this new accord, I'm sure you'll get your human soon enough."
A sly smile curled the alien's lips. "I'll be looking forward to it."
JungMin nudged the others lightly to move them back towards the door, the group leaving the room. That had gone better than they'd expected. The recent events seemed to have put HeeChul in a good mood.