[FIC] More Than a Connection, ONE-SHOT
Title: More Than a Twisted Connection
Pairing: EunHae (some SiMin to go by)
Rating: Overall R
Genre: Incest!AU (somewhat), Drama, Romance, Comedy
Summary: An old flame is really persistent, plus two siblings with somewhat mutual affection for each other have their relationship on the rocks. In short, Donghae has it hard.
(Part of the Family Relations!AU (read this first) with its sequel, Two-Three Ratio of Circumstance)
--
The incessant tapping of her foot didn’t even calm her. It only made her more impatient than she already was; watchful to any figure that could appear at the corner. His figure. How long had she been waiting? Long enough to know that she didn’t like this feeling nagging her after their conversation at the phone was done hours ago.
We need to talk. Hyukjae said they needed to talk. She thought there was nothing to talk about. No, not about their relationship if that was Hyukjae trying to entail. Maybe that stupid college party last night she missed to attend had something to do with it; something happened with Hyukjae’s acting. Hyukjae didn’t like loud parties she knew that.
“Hey.”
She immediately reached for him, happy, delighted and instinctively pulled him for a kiss. Like they always do every time they meet. However Hyukjae’s lips didn’t fit with hers all of a sudden. Even his face and gestures wasn’t as inviting. And that wasn’t supposed to be.
“I don’t want to make this more difficult for you.” Hyukjae began, mouth inching away and hands holding her back. “I can’t continue us. Let’s break up.”
“What.” She was spluttering, like something thick got inside her throat. “What, why? Was it because there’s something I did? Hyukjae, I can change. I’m sorry.”
And now there was distance between them; Hyukjae standing away from her with expression serious, all handsome and pristine she knew of him. She couldn’t tell if he was in pain just like her. Oh, how her heart ached to just touch him, just a kiss.
“No, I can’t do this anymore. Don’t apologize.” He said again and his hands found their way on her arms, stopping her from coming any closer. “There’s someone else.”
Her face darkened immediately at that. And with no control or thought, she raised her hand and his head snapped back with an echoing sound. Hyukjae’s eyes were shut tight, as if allowing himself to be punished like this. Getting what he deserved. All swollen left cheek, his gaze found her eyes fiery and hand red.
“Listen, Lee Hyukjae. Our relationship isn’t done when I say so.” Hyoyeon made an about-face, chin up and beautiful blonde hair falling behind her shoulders. “No one can have you because I have you, got that? I’m not going to listen to you. But I’ll give you a time off to think about what you did.”
And then, she walked away. Her pride and feelings intact. She would never ever going to acknowledge they were through. What in the world would others say if they found out Lee Hyukjae dumped princess Kim Hyoyeon first? No, no. She had the reputation to keep and that was taming the playboy. She, an underclassman, of all people.
By all means she’d do anything to have Hyukjae begging her to take him in again. Competition was no problem. It never was for her.
--
That forsaken locker again, stuck and being unreasonable in the morning that had Donghae groaning in irritation as he try to pry it open. If he didn’t get his textbook in the next five minutes he’d be running late for next class and his professor would once again make him sit at the farthest. This would make the educational session in vain because one, he couldn’t hear with the other’s obnoxious chit-chattering overpowering the teacher. And two, he wouldn’t see because he had poor eyesight like that. He needed to make this work.
“Lee Donghae?”
He thought it was just only his imagination and paid no mind, until hand two hands appeared right in front of his nose and pried open his locker without much any effort. Well, that was unfair.
He finally saw the person. It was Kim Hyoyeon, looking quite cheerful for reasons he didn’t know, smiling and confident like everyone said she was. “Hi, Lee Donghae.”
“Can I, uh, help you?”
Hyoyeon leaned against the metal surface, getting comfortable. Donghae was, well, itching to run to his next class now that his textbook was under one arm. “You’re a dancer, right? Are you thinking of joining the upcoming competition? Everyone’s a rave about it and I heard you’re really good.”
Ah, that. He would if he didn’t have deadlines to chase after. He could, maybe, if Sungmin and Siwon would help him finish his projects on time. He could never get them on time. “Thanks, I guess? But I dunno. So many, uh, stuff to do first.”
She was smirking next. “Do you think Lee Hyukjae would join?”
He stiffened at the mention of his name; heart racing immediately and he willed his stupid beating muscle to stop being so unpredictable like that. “I’m not sure? Should he?”
Her laugh sounded sinister for him and he didn’t realize quickly that she was already leaning so close. All fingers on his arm and eyes lidded. “Of course he should. Everyone in school knows his one heck of a dancer. Didn’t you?” She whispered next. “And you’re his step-brother. You should know better than anyone here.”
Donghae looked he was ready to pop his eyes out. “Y-you know that?” Because he made sure to not actually broadcast it around campus. Not when, despite being siblings and behaving as siblings should, there were more things happening inside their home. For the both of them. To which Donghae needed to fix because you don’t actually do sensual things with your now step-brother on a regular basis. He and Hyukjae should really talk about their thing. Whatever it was.
But it seemed like their secret was out. And he needed to behave three-times convincing, calm, and unaffected than usual.
“Hyoyeon!” The voice had started him and the fingers on his arm immediately withdrew. He watched speechless as Hyoyeon - sneering all the way - walked fast and gone until Hyukjae was within radius. With the way his brow knitted together and lips upside down, upset written all over his face, Hyukjae looked like he had a fork up his-Donghae didn’t even go there. “What did that woman tell you?”
“She, uh, asked if you’re joining the competition?” Donghae supplied what he knew, only to get a more frowning Hyukjae. He seemed so uptight and grumpy these days. At home and now at school. “Said that you’re really good in dancing. How come I never see you dance?”
“You never asked for it.”
“Woah the tone there. Are you okay? Donghae had almost almost reached for him if it weren’t the realization they were in public. But couldn’t siblings show affection too? Instead he stood closer, inspecting at the uncomfortable look on Hyukjae and wanting to erase it. He never liked people in pain.
“I just-I’m fine. Just had little sleep last night.” Hyukjae cradled his head, probably aiding his pounding head. And when Donghae didn’t make any signs of moving from his place, had Hyukjae drooping his head on his shoulder. If anyone passed by their direction, Donghae looked like he was supporting a man with bad hangover. Like a good friend. Yes, this was a better picture than him reaching to touch Hyukjae’s face on instinct. This was what brothers should do.
Still this felt all sorts of right and comfortable, until Hyukjae reminded him one teensy-weensy important thing.
“Donghae, you better start running or you’ll be late for class.”
“Oh, shit!”
Donghae began shuffling and running like a headless chicken, missing the smile Hyukjae sent him before he turned a corner. Remarkably the teacher came in two-minutes later than him. Score.
--
It was only when lunch period that he got to hang out with Sungmin and Siwon for a good hour and a half. The duo of epic proportion. While Sungmin was the chatter box and the apparent adventure-bringer with all the shenanigans they unfortunately subject themselves to, (“We need more spice in our lives!! How about we-“ and then Siwon and Donghae would shout a shrill, “No! Not again!”) Siwon was the quiet and mature type. Always looking after the group; eyes on Sungmin who had clumsy-tendencies. More often than not, Siwon gave in to what Sungmin wanted.
Donghae wondered idly why weren’t they together like that when Siwon practically looked like he was so so ready to absorb Sungmin? He ought to ask some day, but not today. Today was listening to a rambling Sungmin and his latest gossips.
“What did I tell you about gossiping?” Siwon had that parent-look, but Sungmin was unfazed. Sitting even closer like he was already on Siwon’s lap to reach and speak to Donghae who sat the farthest on their table.
“But you wouldn’t believe what I’m about to tell!” Sungmin argued and Siwon let him. “They used to be really good together but Hyoyeon and Hyukjae seemed to be in no speaking terms anymore.”
He fidgeted at that, almost dropping his spoon. They were together? Donghae contemplated as to why he never knew things about Hyukjae. This was the second time around today, for pete’s sake. First dancing and now old girlfriends? Oh, wait. He shouldn’t care. Why should he? He was just a step-brother.
“Did Hyukjae tell you he was seeing Hyoyeon before?” Sungmin asked, so curious. And got a head-shake in response. “Well, probably because it didn’t matter anymore, I guess.”
Donghae felt lighter at that and cursed himself to stop being so affected and focus on eating lunch salad instead.
“But I heard Hyoyeon had it really bad. I’m not even sure what that means though.” Then Sungmin inched even closer, excitement dancing in his eyes. “And you, sir, are going to find out!” Donghae was visibly taken aback, if the drop of mushroom from his mouth told any indication. “You’re second-degree information since you guys are brothers! Go find out more!”
“Sungmin…” Siwon laid a concerned hand on Sungmin’s head. “Stop that, okay? This doesn’t concern us and neither Donghae does. It’s his brother’s. Go there and finish your food.”
Sungmin pouted, not amused but followed anyway. Like a little kid. But the tongue that stuck out for Siwon was unmissed. Definitely a kid.
Thank goodness for Siwon and his perfect parenting-moments. Donghae wasn’t sure how to even begin with anything with this sudden turn of events. He only wanted to fix what was between him and Hyukjae, learn more about him, he also added. The thought of old girlfriends didn’t sit in him well if someone asked him about it. It was supposed to be just him and Hyukjae and no one else.
Donghae stopped right there, heart pounding inside his ears. What in the world did he just think about?
--
The days after that had been a whirlwind of Hyoyeon always creeping up behind Donghae. Occasionally she’d appear in most times unexpected. During class transition and dismissal. And whenever there was Hyoyeon, there was Hyukjae nearby.
Upset was understatement. Hyukjae looked down-right angry when Hyoyeon hugged Donghae from behind and squealed so loudly had students watching them curiously. There were hushed whispers from bystanders. Donghae could hear that. He wanted nothing more than stand up straight and be Hyoyeon-free. He just didn’t like getting this kind of attention.
He didn’t even like the look Hyukjae was sending. It was if his piercing gaze was to mentally shot an arrow right through him. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, he knew that. He wasn’t even reciprocating this flamboyant display of affection. He didn’t even like it one bit. What was there be angry for?
Unless Hyukjae was jealous? Jealous because Hyoyeon’s interest had been on him now instead of Hyukjae?
He had all rights to, Donghae supposed. They used to be together after all. Though he didn’t understand how relationships worked because, well, he never had one, he could at least understand the rationality that came with it.
He caught Hyukjae leaving early again, passing through the gate and turning, without much a let-know that he was going home alone again. Donghae cursed inside. At home Hyukjae kept to himself - requesting to skip dinner and sleeping early, earning him a worried look from their mom - and now at school too because of this? He needed to get to the bottom of this. Hyukjae’s coldness was just unreasonable.
But first, emergency meeting stat with Siwon and Sungmin. He needed a good amount of alcohol because he was seriously put out.
--
Some friends you are, blowing me off, Donghae messaged while he was on his way through the door, laughing to himself. Of all the days those two could be so impulsive; it just had to be today. He then followed a, We were supposed to go out drinking tonight!
Well, if Sungmin didn’t decide to be a superman after 4pm we wouldn’t be here. He got a reply, following with, You should’ve seen him jump and fall like splat. Good thing there’s a clinic nearby. He isn’t hurt. And, oh, he said you’re an ass if you’re laughing at him right now.
He sent a satisfying, Then I’m king of ass right now. I'm guffawing.
How he felt good saying that. At least he was assured that Sungmin was okay. He didn’t even want to know exactly what had happened with Sungmin. He could only assume crazy stunts.
The house was quiet when got inside and he guessed that Hyukjae’s up his room, cooping up. Not wanting to see anyone, Donghae supposed. Two could play that game. He could stay inside his room and not see anyone - someone important - for all he cared.
He read the note that said snacks were in the fridge. And Donghae should feed his big brother food because mother was worried because she knew something was up with Hyukjae when he behaved like that. Groaning, he took the plate that had fruits on them and begrudgingly went upstairs. Donghae had to remember that despite all that, they were siblings. And looking out for each other was a top priority.
Besides, he’d just leave the plate right there. Not like he was actually going to see him.
“Hey, mom got you fruits. I’ll leave it here by the table so you cou-
The door opened with a disgruntled Hyukjae, eyes a slit towards the plate and said nothing. They were just standing there, no conversation. Donghae took this opportunity to take note that the dark circles under Hyukjae’s eyes were noticeably big. He wasn’t kidding when he said that he wasn’t getting any sleep.
“Why do you look like that?” Donghae finally asked, concern and worry getting ahead of him. Because, really, Hyukjae looked like he had been ran over by a truck twice.
“What did she tell you?” Hyukjae asked in return, evasive. Didn’t even answer the question. “Why do you let her come so close to you? I don’t like it.” His eyes were glaring; the same expression he had at school earlier.
That was the last straw.
“Are you jealous, Hyukjae?” Donghae snapped, his anger slowly simmering to a boil. “Because no matter what angle I looked from you are. And you’re treating me horribly because of it. Do you think I want her hanging off with me? Huh? You look like you want to hurt me.” The last sentence was something he wasn’t prepared to say but got out so offhandedly that he wanted to take it back. It had Hyukjae’s eyes widening in response.
He yelped in surprise at the tug of arm - strong and sudden - and he was thrown on the bed before he realized that the door was closed with a loud bang at the same time he oof-ed. He cringed when he heard the plate fell but there were no signs of breaking or shattering. Just an echoing clanking. Which was good, his still-working mind supplied. His mother wouldn’t like knowing he just broke a good piece of plate when she got home.
His mind supplied next that he was vertical and had a man on all fours atop of him. That, and he was currently and alarmingly aroused.
His wrists were up above his head, held still by an iron grip and stared flabbergasted at Hyukjae who had an unreadable expression. How he wished he could understand what was going through his head because he wasn’t sure about anything anymore right now.
“What are you-!!”
The kiss was desperate, urgent and completely knocked the air out of him. Donghae knew he’d thrash in retaliation, whimpering but found himself in acquiesced at the comforting hand that cradled his face to make the kiss even more fitting, deepening. The tongue that probed his insides made him gasp. Hyukjae was owning his mouth more ways than he could imagine.
He heard what seemed like the main door closing and the call of their mother downstairs. “I’m home!”
It didn’t make Hyukjae stop. Instead he got even bolder with his hand now trailing south from Donghae’s face to his straining appendage below. Mouth still in fused with the man under him, kissing so passionately and greedily like he was food himself. Hyukjae couldn't get enough of him.
“We need to-“
A languid tongue-lapping.
“-to stop-“
A demanding mouth found one quiver lip and suckled on it.
“-stop now, Hyukja-“
And then he felt a hand cupped and rubbed the front of his pants and Donghae finally let out a moan. He felt powerless and weak to protest, with a touch of Hyukjae who knew just how to undo him.
“Kids? Where are you? I’ve got food here! I’m coming right up! Hyukjae, I got your favorite cheer-up cake!” The call from their mother was a loud warning for him to sit up and run and do something that didn’t involve like almost-making out appearances.
The steps were getting closer and closer and…
Hyukjae sensed his evident panic, gave him one last squeeze before effortlessly hauling him up, not even giving a chance to Donghae to get his bearings back before pushing him inside the bathroom to close it. With only seconds to spare, the door finally opened.
“Oh, there you are. I passed by Hae’s room and he isn’t there. Is he home yet?” Donghae heard her asked, alongside with the drumming inside his ear and shaking hands. He should really calm the shit down. He believed that Hyukjae knew what he was doing and going to say. Pray tell that Hyukjae didn’t look as flushed as he did.
“He’s here, just using my bathroom. Taking a bath.” Hyukjae replied, remarkably casual. Donghae made a victory party inside his head. He thought of reaching for the toilet to make it flush for bonus convincing factor.
“Alright then, let’s have dinner together. And, son, you alright? You look kind of red. Are you sick?”
Donghae, when hearing that, almost faltered his hold against the door.
The conversation was a blur next and heard their voices began to fade and the door closing softly. He let out a loud sigh of relief, slinking down the tiled floor like all of his insides were magically turned to puddle-goo.
He caught sight of the massive tent on his pants and concluded that yes, a cold and harsh bath would do him good right about now.
--
They didn’t speak the next day and the day after that. But he did notice that Hyukjae grew to somewhat disturbingly quiet in and out home. He also stopped glaring when he was at school every time Hyoyeon came around. Donghae made efforts too, of course. He inched away in every possible way when he was being clung and held. At least both of them were doing something for each other.
But Hyukjae’s depression had him at the edge. He couldn’t take it anymore and ran help to the nearest person who knew the former best.
Their mother.
“That boy,“ His mother fussed as she folded laundry. “I knew it was one of those days when he dreams of his father. And let me share that those dreams are unpleasant.” She took the basket with her and Donghae followed, very quiet and attentive. He really wanted to know. “Knowing Hyukjae, he wouldn’t want me telling stories however.”
Donghae faltered at that. No, no! Tell meeee!
“But I know something’s up. Let me give you a head’s up: wait for the evening. And when you hear someone walking along the hallway, you’d bet that’s him looking for someone to snuggle up. He used to do that with me when he was kid, to make those dreams go away. Now, I want you to be the one to do with him, okay?”
He ought to be a help somewhat. Hyukjae seemed to get worse each day and that really tugged his heart.
--
What surprised him next was Hyukjae cornering Hyoyeon at one of those empty areas at the building’s side during free period and three just happened to pass by, on their way to the library.
He wanted them privacy but apparently Sungmin wanted something else.
“No, no! We’re not-!” Donghae protested in whispers, getting himself yanked down together with a mumbling Siwon by the bushes. “This is totally inappropriate!”
“We’re not eavesdropping, per se,” Sungmin argued. “We’re just hanging out here where wind drifts their conversation to our ears. Could you really blame physics and the law of sounds?”
“Sungmin.” Siwon started darkly.
“Shush! It’s starting!” Sungmin shoved a hand on Siwon’s face to make him stop whatever he was about to say.
The marathon his heart was doing was killing him, and so was this confrontation he wasn’t prepared to witness. And yet he couldn’t help and be curious because he didn’t understand why Hyukjae was so adamant in knowing what he and Hyoyeon interacted about. They never really got around in talking with all the kissing and touching to distract them.
“Will you stop bothering Donghae? Whatever you’re doing is not working.” Hyukjae began.
“Oh? The fact that you came to me already says something. You feeling jealous, my Hyukjae? You feel that I’m so far away because I’m flirting with another man?” Hyoyeon feigned cute innocence, circling Hyukjae with a hand pressed to his chest. Donghae’s nose flared at that. “I won’t stop until you realize that you still want me.”
“I don’t anymore.”
“Hmm, really? Even after this?” She tiptoed and kissed Hyukjae on the mouth, simple and lingering. Donghae’s pulsed triple at the smile he saw gracing her lips and want nothing more than to wipe that off.
Suddenly Hyukjae took her shoulders and pushed her against the wall, boxing her. For a moment there he thought making out was ensued until he heard Hyukjae spoke in low, angry voice.
“I’ve got a lot to deal with these days and you’re not one of them. I want you to stop bothering me and stop bothering my brother, you hear me? Didn’t you understand me the first time? I have someone else now. I like someone else. Do I need to draw a diagram?”
“Who, then? Hyoyeon challenged, voice cracking. “Who in this campus has your heart, huh? Do I know this girl?”
“She’s not… it’s none of your concern.”
Donghae wanted to hold onto something, anything before he got himself lost with these waves and waves of too much information. The third time he didn’t know anything about Hyukjae and it felt like crap.
“Hah. Embarrassed? I feel sorry for the girl.”
Hyukjae finally released his grip, coming away from the wall. “I’m warning you, stay away. Or else I’ll let the campus know that one thing you do every time we’re about to make sex. Something about putting on this medica-”
That seemed to immobilize Hyoyeon immediately; all blood rushing towards her face and screaming, “H-how dare you, Lee Hyukjae!! You swore to never tell!!”
He started walking away, leaving her for good. “Yeah, I swore. And I want you to swear to stay back.” Before he really left the already trembling in anger Hyoyeon, he said in finality, “And the reason why I’m not telling you is because you do not deserve to know. And she’s not a she, just so you know.”
The conversation ended with Hyoyeon cursing at him. Loudly and profanely.
--
It was as obvious as the rising sun that Hyukjae avoided him throughout today. Even when they passed by each other by mere chance because Hyukjae was on his way to his next class and Donghae wanted to make a quick trip to the comfort room, not a even a simple nod of acknowledge was exchanged. He thought that it was alright. Maybe Hyukjae wanted to be alone to think through things.
He might as well anticipate the impending homework he was about to cram tonight. A ten-page essay to write and he wasn’t exactly best in creative writing at all. Or writing in general. That, and he was easily distracted with the game consoles at one side and his bed the other. This would be one hell of night, he thought miserably.
The night wore on and he made little to no progression at all. He could only stare the blinking cursor like it taunted him.
Damn Siwon and Sungmin for having an overnight to help each other tonight, he pouted. Right about now, which was already past twelve midnight, they were probably gaming and laughing behind his back.
The knock on his door got him out from his mental cursing and a soft, “Donghae? You awake?” called him.
It was Hyukjae and his muffled voice against the wood. “Yeah, I am. Come right in.” The door opened with a creak and Hyukjae entered with his usual sweats and black wife-beater on. “What’s up? Couldn’t sleep?” He asked.
Hyukjae made into his bed and just sat there, looking very much exhausted. “Yeah.”
“Do you need someone to be with you? You can stay here while I work. I’ll probably be up all night anyway so you can have my bed instead.”
The offer was really genuine; he really wanted Hyukjae to get some rest. When he remembered what their mother told him about those dreams had Donghae really worried. And interested. But worried more for the older one.
Hyukjae made himself flat, breathing controlled and for a long moment of silence Donghae thought he finally fell asleep…
“Come here,” was a command that made him looked up from his computer. A patting hand on the mattress told him where. “Could you?” Eyes were as soft as his voice and Donghae couldn’t really stop himself resisting the request.
“You okay?” He asked as he sat; the bed dipping with his weight. And when he was close to reach, Hyukjae settled his head on his lap, snuggled and warm.
“I needed this.” Hyukjae breathed at ease, like it was a first in many weeks to finally feel secure. “I needed body warmth for the last few days.” His face found Donghae's stomach and nudged at it.
“Glad to be your human heater.” Donghae kidded, but inwardly debated if he should or should not rake his hand through Hyukjae’s hair. They seemed so soft from where he looked.
He hadn’t needed to worry about it later, because Hyukjae took his hands and held it close to his lips and kissing each finger tips, each knuckle and each pad. “You’re more than that.” He said, slowly facing up to meet him eye-to-eye. “Kiss me.”
His head screamed a No, you’re brothers! Fucking establish that right now! and his heart giggled a Go on, you know you want to. Donghae wasn’t sure which to listen to and it pretty much said in the confusion on his face.
“Kiss me, Donghae.” Hyukjae repeated, as if to outweigh all the contradictions happening inside Donghae’s head. To sway Donghae to him.
“We’re brothers.” Donghae whispered, couldn’t help the sad tone that came out with.
“We’re brothers and more.” Hyukjae smiled, all gummy and perfect and Donghae couldn’t help shake his head. “That’s allowable, isn’t it?”
“You’re twisted.” Donghae breathed, leaning down.
“And so are you.” Hyukjae smirked, his chin up.
The kiss they shared didn’t feel all that twisted. It felt just right and real. Their fingers twined easily and their bodies pressed so closely that had made Hyukjae finally sleep in peace.
--
Fin.
--
A/N: Okay I’m totally blaming you guys for coercing me to add ANOTHER sequel for Family Relations. Your comments and cakes are just so overwhelming that made me so happy and giddy that I just had to write a new one.
This be the longest of the three, by far the sweetest? And the drama-est? If the fluff in the end would be considered diabetically sweet. Well, I claim all cavities you’d be having then. And, okay, where’s smut? I’ll try to find it under my shoes.
I apologize to any Hyoyeon stan here. Don’t worry, I don’t hate her. I actually respect her. And I put her in there because she has so much in common with the two in terms of dancing. I found it appropriate? Jessica was supposed to be make appearance as the shy girl who’s after Donghae, but well, I’d be dragging the story longer than it already is.
So! There it is, the last installment. I didn’t make this chapter-y, wanted to make it more of a stand-alone one-shot. But then I realized the readers would be so confused if they skipped the first one and wouldn’t get so much loving if they missed the second. And honestly, I still have loads of interesting scenarios for this AU but I feel like I’m staying too much in here. Gotta get out and do something new! I’ve yet to continue my other pending fics, like, QMi! And introduce a new SiMin too!
Anyway, thanks everyone for tuning in.
And, as you know it, comments and cakes are well-appreciated. Love me, bbs. And I’ll love you back tenderly.
(By the way, if you guys see errors, don’t hesitate to point it out. I’m once again in zombie-fied mode so I’m not actually sure what I’m writing there anymore. Haha.)
- Setsu