the wars you bring ✿ for maebis
Title: the wars you bring
Recipient: maebis
Rating: pg-13
Side pairing/s: slight sehun/kai
Word Count: 5,141
Summary: in between his client being a complete brat and facing baekhyun in court…this is the exact opposite of how jongdae thought his first case would go.
What. An. Asshole.
Jongdae’s client is saying something to him but he’s too angry thinking about coming face to face with the opposing counsel in the courtroom just an hour ago.
He couldn’t believe it when he saw the name at first: Byun Baekhyun; he had managed to convince himself that it had to be another Baekhyun.
But it had been him. With perfectly coiffed hair, an impeccable suit and…manicured nails. Manicured nails. For fucks sake.
Jongdae remembers Baekhyun’s nails being worn out from all the biting he used to do, and his hair was always fluffy and soft. He can’t imagine all the hair product Baekhyun must be using to maintain his current hairdo. He looks like some newly manufactured Ken doll just taken out of its packaging.
Jongdae hates it.
The worst part is the way Baekhyun had reacted when he saw him. Or rather, the lack of reaction.
When Jongdae had realized that it really was his Baekhyun, the same Baekhyun he used to know, he had done a double-take and flinched. The judge had to call his name out twice before he remembered he was supposed to be working and this wasn’t some awkward reunion. Baekhyun, on the other hand, hadn’t batted an eyelash, hadn’t so much as blinked and Jongdae isn’t sure that he had even recognized him.
It stings.
Baekhyun had just carried on and Jongdae felt like he just floundered around and he acted very much like the new lawyer he was. He had gone over his strategy with his client, but once Baekhyun started talking, Jongdae’s mind had gone blank. Which was bad enough. His client hadn’t been bothered (he wouldn’t, his client was a complete brat) but Baekhyun had seem amused as he faltered his way through his opening statement.
Jongdae knows Baekhyun’s sarcastic smile but he’s never been on the receiving end of it before. Baekhyun had been so cold and rude and nothing like the Baekhyun he knew before.
“Hey!” Jongdae is pulled out of his angry musing when he hears a loud thump, which he recognizes as the sound of something hitting his desk. “Are you listening to me?”
Jongdae sighs as he rubs his temples. “Yes,” he says wearily. Baekhyun being the opposing counsel is bad enough, but having to defend some bratty actor (personally Jongdae thinks that’s a bit of an overstatement but that’s what all the magazines and tabloids claim he is) slash model is even worse.
Sehun pops his gum, leaning in close. “So did you know that other lawyer or what? Your face looked like mine did when I ran into that model I tripped on the runway once. What was her name? Jessica? I saw her at this party after that incident and she was so mad. God, it was an accident. It’s not my fault that dress was so low.”
“Yes,” Jongdae says tightly. Before he had met Sehun he had been given a huge case file and his client has been sued more times that Jongdae can even count. Jessica Jung’s name had been one of many on the list of people with grievances against Sehun.
Sehun’s face brightens. “So you do know him?”
“Did,” Jongdae says. “Can we get back to your case? I know we had a bad day today, but I think we can-”
“Did.” Sehun looks gleeful. “What happened? Bad break up?”
Jongdae wonders how bad it would look if he dropped his very first client. Really bad, he knows, but in between his client being an insufferable terror and facing Baekhyun in court…this is the exact opposite of how Jongdae thought his first case would go.
“I didn’t go out with him.”
Sehun snorts as he sits back in his chair and absent-mindedly pulls at his ridiculously pink hair. “I’m not blind,” he says. “I saw your reaction and you looked like you just met someone who you ditched after a night of really hot se-”
“We never slept together.” Jongdae wants to hit someone. Like Sehun maybe. Or Baekhyun. Or both of them. “This isn’t professional, Sehun. Let’s get back to your case.”
“Your face is as red as the metaphorical cherry of his that you probably popped.”
What the actual fuck? Now he knows why he was assigned a celebrity as his first client. Sehun is a horrible human being. “That doesn’t even make any sense,” he says. “If it’s metaphorical then…” He stops short because why is he engaging in this ludicrous conversation? “We didn’t sleep together, okay? We were just friends.”
“Just,” Sehun singsongs, feigning a pout. “That sounded bitter. Did that mean you wanted to sleep with him?”
Jongdae sighs again and wonders if he has any more aspirin left because he’s been popping them like candy ever since he took over Sehun’s case.
...
Things Jongdae remembers about Baekhyun:
( 1 )
Meeting him when they were both eight.
Baekhyun’s canines were missing but he still wasn’t afraid of flashing his smile around. Jongdae remembers being amused because one of his own canines was loose, on the verge of falling off.
Baekhyun had offered Jongdae a cookie and what eight-year old was going to refuse a cookie? Jongdae’s tooth came off as soon as he bit into the cookie.
“We match.” Baekhyun had said happily, and Jongdae had been sure that they’d be friends for a long time.
( 2 )
When Jongdae’s mother leaves when he’s twelve, Baekhyun is there. It’s the only time Jongdae remembers Baekhyun being quiet because he knows he doesn’t know what to say.
Jongdae had been hurt because there had been no sign that his mother was unhappy, that she was going to leave them. He had gone to school one day and when he came back, all her things were gone and all that was left was a note.
“I’m sorry.” Baekhyun had sounded too solemn for someone who was only twelve. “I won’t leave you. I promise.”
( 3 )
Jongdae never really gets over it and Baekhyun knows this. Baekhyun never said he wouldn’t leave again but he showed it. He was good at that- at being constant.
When Baekhyun turned seventeen, Jongdae stole a bottle of vodka from his father and they got drunk for the first time.
Jongdae can’t remember everything they talked about, he knows they talked about his mother but the only thing he really remembers from that night, the only thing he keeps with him, is Baekhyun pulling at his sleeve as he says, “I’m going to love you for a long time,” before he passes out on Jongdae’s shoulder.
( 4 )
His smile when he’s happy, his smile when he thinks Jongdae is being dumb, his smile when he accomplishes something he’s proud of, his smile when he was proud of Jongdae accomplishing something, just. His smile.
( 5 )
He was warm. Jongdae thinks this is what hurts the most about the new Baekhyun. He’s cold and dismissive and mean. He feels childish thinking it but it’s true. Baekhyun had always been warm and sincere, and even though Jongdae never got over that feeling of the people he cared about always leaving, he never once doubted that Baekhyun would always be there.
( . . . )
So many things. Baekhyun and him have enough memories to make up a lifetime. Jongdae can't really remember what it was like before Baekhyun and he wishes he didn't know what life was like after him.
...
By the time he figures out that he and Baekhyun aren’t friends anymore, that he can't count on Baekhyun anymore, it’s too late. He’s not sure it can be fixed.
His college roommate had said that it was natural, that friends drift apart.
Jongdae couldn’t make him understand that Baekhyun was more than just a friend. It was just different. So it hurt. And it hurt for a long time. He threw himself into his school work and he made new friends and he buried it with so many new experiences that it stops hurting.
Until he saw Baekhyun at court and then it hurts again.
...
Jongdae does a double-take when Baekhyun drops by to see him. He wishes he would stop being so surprised, or at least physically reacting.
“Hi.” Baekhyun sounds reluctant and it’s another sign of how different everything is now.
“Hello.”
“You look…” Baekhyun looks like he’s struggling to find the right word and Jongdae can’t help rolling his eyes.
“Not so good apparently, since you can’t even muster up a basic ‘you look well,’” Jongdae says. “What do you want? A deal so we can settle this out of court?”
Baekhyun blinks. “My clients want to settle this out of court,” he points out. “Your client is the one who’s being difficult.” His face softens. “Jongdae. You know Sehun is wrong.”
Something in Jongdae twinges when Baekhyun says his name. He says it with such familiarity, as if they haven’t gone nine years without talking to each other. “He isn’t,” Jongdae says obstinately.
“Jongdae-”
“Stop calling me that.”
Baekhyun stares at him. “That’s your name. What else am I supposed to call you?”
“Stop saying it like that,” Jongdae says, crossing his arms. He expects Baekhyun to ask him, ‘Like what?’ and he doesn’t know how to explain it.
“I don’t know any other way to say it,” Baekhyun says instead, meeting Jongdae’s eyes for the first time. “I’m sorry.”
Jongdae freezes because he knows Baekhyun isn’t talking about the case, but he still doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for. This isn’t fair, he thinks. Baekhyun was rude in court but he seems so much more like his old self now when it’s just the two of them.
“Your clients are wasting their time,” he finally says, deciding to just ignore what Baekhyun said. “This restraining order is pointless. Their son is going to be eighteen in a few months and he’ll be free to do what he wants.”
“Yes,” Baekhyun says in a patronizing voice and Jongdae rolls his eyes. “But he’s not eighteen for another six months so until then, his parents want Sehun to stay away from him.”
Jongdae snorts. “What is wrong with you?”
Baekhyun has the audacity to pout at him as if they’re teenagers again back in Baekhyun’s bedroom. “What do you mean? Nothing’s wrong with me. Jongin’s parents don’t think Sehun is a good influence on their son, and he has proven this a number of times. I know you’ve seen his case file.”
“Sehun is a kid,” Jongdae says firmly. “Kids do stupid things all the time. Not all parents like who their children choose to date. Taeyeon’s parents didn’t approve of you at first. I don’t think it’s fair that the Kims get to dictate who Jongin dates just because they’re an influential and powerful family.”
Baekhyun sniffs indignantly. “Taeyeon’s parents just thought I was immature,” he says. “I didn’t wreck hotel rooms or cause scandals and appear in the tabloids for public indecency.”
“In my client’s defence, Jongin was naked too.”
“Yes, but the whole incident was your client’s idea.”
Jongdae stares at him. “You used to be fun. I can’t believe you’re agreeing to keep two kids apart. They really like each other.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes. “Jongdae, come on. You said it, they’re kids. Kids think they’re in love all the time. Jongin’s parents just want to protect him.”
“Protect their assets you mean,” Jongdae says, crossing his arms. “And their reputation.”
Baekhyun is quiet for a few seconds. “That too,” he says finally. “You can’t blame them. Sehun is terrible.” He meets Jongdae’s eyes again and he smiles. “Come on, off the record, what do you really think of him?”
Jongdae knows that Baekhyun is giving him a chance for them to slip back into some semblance of the easiness they used to have when they were younger. He doesn’t think it would be hard to pick up where they left off. But Jongdae is still wary so he pushes away from his desk and stands up. “I’ll see you in court on Tuesday.”
...
“We won, right?”
Jongdae can’t stop the smile from spreading across his face as Sehun and his publicist follow him out of the courtroom. “Not really,” he says, but the laugh he’d been trying to quell escapes anyway. “But the scales are definitely tipped in our favour.”
Sehun beams. “Jongin is great, isn’t he?” It’s the only time he doesn’t sound like the spoiled, overpaid actor that he is. It would be cute- it is cute, Jongdae admits- how Sehun just sounds like a normal teenager when he talks about Jongin.
“That was a little over the top, don’t you think?” Seohyun rolls her eyes, clearly not impressed with Jongin’s antics in court. “I wish you hadn’t blown him that kiss, Sehun, we talked about acting neutral in court. That was over the top too.”
Jongdae thinks Seohyun is the only reason why Sehun hasn’t gone completely wild yet. She’s been working with him for only two months and even though Sehun’s infamy lived on, he hadn’t been sued since she started working for him.
“Definitely over the top,” Jongdae agrees, grinning.
“I had to show him how much the gesture meant to me,” Sehun says, sticking out his lower lip in a ridiculous picture of teenage petulancy. Jongdae is both amused and nauseated.
“Hush. Did you have to slouch so much today? You can’t go out there looking like a slob.” Seohyun fixes his collar and fiddles with his tie, muttering under her breath about how ridiculous it is that the cameras and paparazzi showed up for something as boring as a case over a restraining order. “You want us to get rid of the media out there, Jongdae? Or are you going to brave the circus today?”
Jongdae shakes his head. “I’ll leave in a bit. You two go ahead.”
...
Jongdae has just gotten off the elevator when he sees Baekhyun, who actually lights up like he was waiting for him.
“Your client is ridiculous,” Baekhyun says, falling into step with Jongdae as he walks towards the exit.
“Not as ridiculous as yours,” Jongdae replies. “Well, your clients’ son anyway.”
Their elbows brush against each other as Baekhyun shifts the briefcase in his hand. “I know, right?” He lets out a loud laugh and Jongdae almost stops because he’s missed that sound. Baekhyun’s laugh had always been one of his favourite things.
...
( 6 )
“I don’t think her friends like me,” Baekhyun says, burying his head in his algebra textbook.
“Probably not,” Jongdae agrees, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “They probably think she’s too good for you. Especially because she’s a senior.”
Baekhyun looks up and frowns. “I was hoping for more of a ‘you’re crazy, I’m sure they like you,’” he says sullenly.
“I’m sure they don’t though,” Jongdae laughs before he puts his pen down and reaches out to rest his fingers on the back of Baekhyun’s neck. “Who cares what her friends think? She likes you.”
Baekhyun’s lips curl down in a perfect little moue. “I don’t know. She seems embarrassed to be with me whenever they’re around.” He pauses before he adds, “She asked me why I have to laugh so loud all the time. I don’t have a loud laugh, do I?”
Jongdae snickers but he strokes his thumb along Baekhyun’s neck briefly. “Sorry, but you do,” he says, grinning. “It’s kind of a dumb laugh.”
Baekhyun sits up, dislodging Jongdae’s hand from his neck. “But you like it,” he says, batting his eyelashes.
Jongdae laughs as he shoves Baekhyun’s face away. “I do,” he agrees. “I like your dumb loud laugh.”
...
Jongdae doesn’t know why he agrees to go out with Baekhyun for a drink. Maybe it’s because of what happened at court today, or maybe it’s because Baekhyun had kept bumping his shoulder as he kept badgering him to agree to go out with him.
As he finds himself agreeing, Jongdae thinks about how some things never change because Baekhyun used to do this when they were in high school; he used to do this when they were ten.
[ ( 7 )
“It’s a proven tactic,” Baekhyun says smugly, when Jongdae finally agrees to go watch a movie with him, even though he hates scary movies.
“What,” Jongdae asks, pouting as he drags his feet along the street. “Being annoying?”
“Keep asking for what I want until people agree just to shut me up.” Baekhyun smiles wide, looking proud of himself. “You won’t believe what I manage to get just because people what me to shut up.”]
One drink turns into two. Which turns into three. Jongdae loses count eventually because he’s having fun and Baekhyun is next to him, all bright and loud and happy.
“They’re ridiculous,” Baekhyun laughs, grabbing his glass. “I know kids are a little crazy, but I almost died when Jongin yelled out, ‘But mother, I love him!’ out loud today.”
“And father,” Jongdae says, his laugh blending in with Baekhyun’s. “‘You too, father, I want you to know I love him.’”
Baekhyun laughs even harder and he wipes a hand across his face, brushing the tears from his eyes. “And then Sehun-”
“Blew him that stupid kiss,” Jongdae finishes, collapsing against Baekhyun for support. “It was so hard to keep a straight face. I thought the Kims were going to self-combust.”
“I know.” Baekhyun throws an arm around Jongdae’s shoulders as he leans against him so they’re both holding each other up with their combined strength. “They were furious. I tried my best not to laugh. I was biting my lip so hard, it bled. Look.”
Jongdae doesn’t realize how close their faces are until Baekhyun turns his face suddenly and they end up bumping their noses together.
...
( 8 )
“How can you be so lame?” Baekhyun complains. He flails around in the bed they’re sharing and Jongdae laughs at his temper tantrum. “This is our last summer before college, how can you be going away?”
Jongdae shrugs, staring up at the glow in the dark star stickers he and Baekhyun had stuck on his ceiling when they were nine. “My dad wants to do this,” he says, remembering how his father had helped them with the stickers. He remembers Baekhyun giggling when Jongdae’s father tried to lift him up because he was too ticklish. “He says he wants to spend some time with me before I leave for college. I couldn’t say no.”
“I know,” Baekhyun says sighing before he turns on his side so he’s facing Jongdae. “He’ll be okay, you know? And it’s not like you won’t visit for Christmas and holidays and stuff.”
“I know,” Jongdae says. The stars on his ceiling are pink, but the matching stars on Baekhyun’s ceiling in his room are blue. But they’d traded moons so Jongdae had a blue moon and Baekhyun had a pink one. He’s going to miss his room. And Baekhyun. He can’t believe they’re not going to the same school. “It’s just weird, I guess. I’m always worried about people leaving and now I feel like I’m the one leaving.”
They’re both quiet for awhile.
“Hey.” Baekhyun reaches out and turns Jongdae’s face towards his. “Why do you still think about that? About people leaving you?”
Jongdae makes a face. “I always think about it. You know that.” He flushes when it occurs to him that maybe Baekhyun is trying to tell him that he’s tired of listening to Jongdae talk about this. “Sorry. I don’t mean to keep bringing it up. I know it happened a long time ago.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Baekhyun says quietly. “I just hoped you wouldn’t worry about it so much. I meant it when I said I was going to love you for a long time.”
Jongdae furrows his brow. “You remember that?” He laughs a little. “You were so drunk.”
Baekhyun shrugs. “Drunk people say brave things when they’re drunk.”
Baekhyun’s hand is still on his face and Jongdae is used to Baekhyun touching him, used to touching Baekhyun, but there’s something different behind the pressure of Baekhyun’s fingers tonight.
“You’re not drunk right now,” Jongdae says lightly. There’s something tightening inside him and he’s anxious because he knows something is happening but he isn’t sure what exactly. “Feeling stupidly brave anyway?”
Baekhyun’s eyes flicker over his face. “I don’t need to be brave to tell you I love you,” he says. He tilts his head slightly. “You didn’t need me to, did you? Because I would’ve said it if you did. I just figured you knew.”
Jongdae reaches down until he finds Baekhyun’s free hand. “No, I never needed you to say it,” he says, squeezing Baekhyun’s hand. “You’re a good best friend.”
Baekhyun freezes before he laughs. “Best friend,” he echoes. “I’m trying to work my way into a kiss, you asshole, and you’re here telling me I’m your best friend.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Jongdae demands laughing. “Are we going to stop being best friends because we kissed?”
Baekhyun shoves him away. “Get away from me,” he says, rolling away.
“What about my kiss?” Jongdae whines.
“You’re going to have to wait until you get back from your trip with your dad to get your kiss.” Baekhyun turns back towards him. “Work on your subtlety while you’re away,” he adds, kicking Jongdae in the shins.
...
Baekhyun passes out in the cab before he can tell Jongdae where he lives. Jongdae only figures out his address by sneaking Baekhyun’s wallet out of his back pocket and looking at his driver’s license. It’s only when they arrive at his apartment building that Jongdae realizes that he’s going to have to help Baekhyun into his apartment.
“Still can’t hold your alcohol,” Jongdae grumbles as he drags Baekhyun out of the elevator and towards his apartment.
“So frisky,” Baekhyun mumbles when he feels Jongdae patting him down trying to find his keys. “I normally expect someone to take me out on a date before I let them feel me up. Y’know, a nice dinner, maybe a movie, but I’ll make an exception for you.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he says, his fingers brushing against something in Baekhyun’s pocket.
Baekhyun opens his eyes and he gives Jongdae a sloppy wink. “Are those my keys in my pocket or am I just happy to see you?”
Jongdae has to laugh at that. “You’re on Sehun and Jongin’s level right now.”
“Ouch.” Baekhyun pouts as Jongdae pulls out his keys and dangles them in front of his face before he pushes him aside to unlock his door.
Jongdae manages to find the switch for the lights and helps Baekhyun to the couch before he dumps him on it. He heads into the kitchen to get Baekhyun a glass of water and to look for some aspirin- for Baekhyun and for himself.
“Why aren’t you drunk too?”
“I am,” Jongdae says, handing Baekhyun the water before he drops down on the couch beside him. “I’m just a more capable drunk than you are.”
“Capable Jongdae,” Baekhyun says, absent-mindedly sipping on his water. “You are, aren’t you? Capable, I mean.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow. “Is this some dig at my abilities as a lawyer?”
Baekhyun shakes his head. “No, you’re a good lawyer,” he says, slumping down against him. “You know the other lawyers at your firm all gave up on Sehun after one day in court with him? You stuck it out. I just meant you’re a capable person. You don’t need anyone.”
Jongdae stiffens. “That’s not true.”
Baekhyun turns and buries his face in Jongdae’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean that.” His words come out muffled but Jongdae understands him anyway. “I don’t know why I said it.”
Jongdae wants to push Baekhyun away because he remembers how angry and hurt he was nine years ago, and he’s getting angry that Baekhyun is making it seem like they can just pick up from where they left off. “Asshole,” he says, only it comes out sounding a little fond, which annoys him even more.
“I’m sorry.” Baekhyun’s arm is around him and his fingers dig into Jongdae’s waist. “I’m sorry about what I did.”
Jongdae shakes his head. “You didn’t do anything,” he says, because it’s true.
“I know.” Baekhyun’s fingers press in even harder. “I didn’t…I didn’t know what to do. When you called to say that your mother passed away but you told me you didn’t want me at her funeral, I was hurt and mad. I thought you’d want me there.”
“I didn’t go.”
Baekhyun lets go of him as he sits up and stares at Jongdae wide-eyed. “What?”
Jongdae shrugs. “I told you not to come because I didn’t go. And I knew if you came, you would have made me go, and I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay mad at her for leaving me, for leaving my dad. But I knew you’d tell me I’d regret it if I didn’t go.”
Baekhyun hesitates. “Do you?”
Jongdae is quiet before he nods. “I did,” he says, “I was so mad at myself for not going. And then I got mad that you weren’t there, even though it was my fault you weren’t there. But I was just mad about everything and you were so far away, and it felt like you left me.”
“I didn’t-”
“I know,” Jongdae says, turning towards Baekhyun. “I left. I was selfish, I’m sorry. I know I was the one who stopped calling and answering e-mails. Everything was hard and by the time I got over myself, it had been a month. I felt like such an asshole for what I did to you, I didn’t know how to fix things.”
Baekhyun’s shoulders drop. “We would have been okay, Jongdae,” he says, lowering his fingers towards Jongdae’s hand. “I would’ve understood. I thought you were mad at me for not…being there.”
Jongdae laughs quietly as he hastily swipes at his eyes. “I told you not to come.”
Baekhyun smiles as he rests back against the couch. “I told myself that you were always honest with me. That if you didn’t want me to come, then you meant it. But I started to think that maybe I should’ve gone to you anyway.”
“It’s okay.” Jongdae slips his fingers through Baekhyun’s, curling them together. “Let’s just forget it.”
“Okay,” Baekhyun says softly.
...
Jongdae can’t believe he wins Sehun’s case. Neither can his firm. He knows it’s mostly because of Jongin that he wins, because he’s adamant and keeps insisting that he and Sehun are in love.
It’s completely ridiculous but Sehun is cheerful as he walks out of the courtroom, holding on tightly to Jongin’s hand.
“Keep them out of trouble,” Jongdae tells Seohyun, as he sees Baekhyun waiting for him by the elevator.
“I’m going to ask for a raise,” Seohyun says, grimacing as she follows Sehun and Jongin.
“Congratulations, counsellor,” Baekhyun says grinning, when Jongdae joins him. “You won your first case.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. “It was the most irrelevant case,” he says, smiling when Baekhyun discreetly brushes his fingers against the inside of Jongdae’s wrist. “Are Jongin’s parents mad?”
Baekhyun laughs. “Just a little. I think they were getting tired of Jongin’s random declarations of love. They would’ve settled out of court if they weren’t so haughty.” He reaches out and grabs Jongdae’s tie, pulling him in a little closer. “Let’s go celebrate your first win.”
...
“Admit it,” Baekhyun says, as Jongdae leans in against him. “My romance game was strong before you decided to butt in with your best friend comment.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. He can’t even remember how this topic comes up. “First of all, you have no romance game.”’
“Have?” Baekhyun feigns being offended. “Present tense?”
“Yes,” Jongdae says, nodding. “You think chicken and beer is a good first date?”
“First date!” Baekhyun scoffs. “Excuse me, I never asked you out on a date. This is a celebration.”
“A very shabby one.” Jongdae is pretty sure he can feel the alcohol buzzing happily in his veins because he doesn’t even feel embarrassed about his ‘first date’ blunder.
“You wanna go out on a date?”
Jongdae is mid-laugh when Baekhyun blurts this out so he’s surprised when he realizes what he’s said. He blinks when he sees that Baekhyun doesn’t look like he’s joking. “Are you serious? This is how you’re asking me out?”
...
( 8 )
If Baekhyun had gotten his way nine years ago, if Jongdae hadn’t ruined the moment, he would have kissed Jongdae like he’d been thinking of doing since the start of their senior year.
He had started to think of Jongdae’s mouth a lot. Of the little bows of his smile, the curve of his lips. He used to get distracted when Jongdae talked. He doesn’t know when he figured out that Jongdae probably wouldn’t have a problem with this. He hadn’t seemed to mind Baekhyun’s lingering touches, the light ones or the bordering-on-inappropriate ones.
Baekhyun wanted to kiss Jongdae soft and slow. He wanted to take his time mapping out the inside of his mouth because that’s how he feels whenever he’s with Jongdae- like they have all the time in the world. He wanted to trace the lines of Jongdae’s bones with his fingers, to kiss the little hollow at the base of his throat, to mouth at his collarbones, at the little mole resting right above it.
...
Baekhyun does all of this nine years later instead.
Additional Author's Notes: I know I kind of...swerved away from your prompt a little, OP, but I hope you like this anyway.
Recipient: maebis
Rating: pg-13
Side pairing/s: slight sehun/kai
Word Count: 5,141
Summary: in between his client being a complete brat and facing baekhyun in court…this is the exact opposite of how jongdae thought his first case would go.
What. An. Asshole.
Jongdae’s client is saying something to him but he’s too angry thinking about coming face to face with the opposing counsel in the courtroom just an hour ago.
He couldn’t believe it when he saw the name at first: Byun Baekhyun; he had managed to convince himself that it had to be another Baekhyun.
But it had been him. With perfectly coiffed hair, an impeccable suit and…manicured nails. Manicured nails. For fucks sake.
Jongdae remembers Baekhyun’s nails being worn out from all the biting he used to do, and his hair was always fluffy and soft. He can’t imagine all the hair product Baekhyun must be using to maintain his current hairdo. He looks like some newly manufactured Ken doll just taken out of its packaging.
Jongdae hates it.
The worst part is the way Baekhyun had reacted when he saw him. Or rather, the lack of reaction.
When Jongdae had realized that it really was his Baekhyun, the same Baekhyun he used to know, he had done a double-take and flinched. The judge had to call his name out twice before he remembered he was supposed to be working and this wasn’t some awkward reunion. Baekhyun, on the other hand, hadn’t batted an eyelash, hadn’t so much as blinked and Jongdae isn’t sure that he had even recognized him.
It stings.
Baekhyun had just carried on and Jongdae felt like he just floundered around and he acted very much like the new lawyer he was. He had gone over his strategy with his client, but once Baekhyun started talking, Jongdae’s mind had gone blank. Which was bad enough. His client hadn’t been bothered (he wouldn’t, his client was a complete brat) but Baekhyun had seem amused as he faltered his way through his opening statement.
Jongdae knows Baekhyun’s sarcastic smile but he’s never been on the receiving end of it before. Baekhyun had been so cold and rude and nothing like the Baekhyun he knew before.
“Hey!” Jongdae is pulled out of his angry musing when he hears a loud thump, which he recognizes as the sound of something hitting his desk. “Are you listening to me?”
Jongdae sighs as he rubs his temples. “Yes,” he says wearily. Baekhyun being the opposing counsel is bad enough, but having to defend some bratty actor (personally Jongdae thinks that’s a bit of an overstatement but that’s what all the magazines and tabloids claim he is) slash model is even worse.
Sehun pops his gum, leaning in close. “So did you know that other lawyer or what? Your face looked like mine did when I ran into that model I tripped on the runway once. What was her name? Jessica? I saw her at this party after that incident and she was so mad. God, it was an accident. It’s not my fault that dress was so low.”
“Yes,” Jongdae says tightly. Before he had met Sehun he had been given a huge case file and his client has been sued more times that Jongdae can even count. Jessica Jung’s name had been one of many on the list of people with grievances against Sehun.
Sehun’s face brightens. “So you do know him?”
“Did,” Jongdae says. “Can we get back to your case? I know we had a bad day today, but I think we can-”
“Did.” Sehun looks gleeful. “What happened? Bad break up?”
Jongdae wonders how bad it would look if he dropped his very first client. Really bad, he knows, but in between his client being an insufferable terror and facing Baekhyun in court…this is the exact opposite of how Jongdae thought his first case would go.
“I didn’t go out with him.”
Sehun snorts as he sits back in his chair and absent-mindedly pulls at his ridiculously pink hair. “I’m not blind,” he says. “I saw your reaction and you looked like you just met someone who you ditched after a night of really hot se-”
“We never slept together.” Jongdae wants to hit someone. Like Sehun maybe. Or Baekhyun. Or both of them. “This isn’t professional, Sehun. Let’s get back to your case.”
“Your face is as red as the metaphorical cherry of his that you probably popped.”
What the actual fuck? Now he knows why he was assigned a celebrity as his first client. Sehun is a horrible human being. “That doesn’t even make any sense,” he says. “If it’s metaphorical then…” He stops short because why is he engaging in this ludicrous conversation? “We didn’t sleep together, okay? We were just friends.”
“Just,” Sehun singsongs, feigning a pout. “That sounded bitter. Did that mean you wanted to sleep with him?”
Jongdae sighs again and wonders if he has any more aspirin left because he’s been popping them like candy ever since he took over Sehun’s case.
...
Things Jongdae remembers about Baekhyun:
( 1 )
Meeting him when they were both eight.
Baekhyun’s canines were missing but he still wasn’t afraid of flashing his smile around. Jongdae remembers being amused because one of his own canines was loose, on the verge of falling off.
Baekhyun had offered Jongdae a cookie and what eight-year old was going to refuse a cookie? Jongdae’s tooth came off as soon as he bit into the cookie.
“We match.” Baekhyun had said happily, and Jongdae had been sure that they’d be friends for a long time.
( 2 )
When Jongdae’s mother leaves when he’s twelve, Baekhyun is there. It’s the only time Jongdae remembers Baekhyun being quiet because he knows he doesn’t know what to say.
Jongdae had been hurt because there had been no sign that his mother was unhappy, that she was going to leave them. He had gone to school one day and when he came back, all her things were gone and all that was left was a note.
“I’m sorry.” Baekhyun had sounded too solemn for someone who was only twelve. “I won’t leave you. I promise.”
( 3 )
Jongdae never really gets over it and Baekhyun knows this. Baekhyun never said he wouldn’t leave again but he showed it. He was good at that- at being constant.
When Baekhyun turned seventeen, Jongdae stole a bottle of vodka from his father and they got drunk for the first time.
Jongdae can’t remember everything they talked about, he knows they talked about his mother but the only thing he really remembers from that night, the only thing he keeps with him, is Baekhyun pulling at his sleeve as he says, “I’m going to love you for a long time,” before he passes out on Jongdae’s shoulder.
( 4 )
His smile when he’s happy, his smile when he thinks Jongdae is being dumb, his smile when he accomplishes something he’s proud of, his smile when he was proud of Jongdae accomplishing something, just. His smile.
( 5 )
He was warm. Jongdae thinks this is what hurts the most about the new Baekhyun. He’s cold and dismissive and mean. He feels childish thinking it but it’s true. Baekhyun had always been warm and sincere, and even though Jongdae never got over that feeling of the people he cared about always leaving, he never once doubted that Baekhyun would always be there.
( . . . )
So many things. Baekhyun and him have enough memories to make up a lifetime. Jongdae can't really remember what it was like before Baekhyun and he wishes he didn't know what life was like after him.
...
By the time he figures out that he and Baekhyun aren’t friends anymore, that he can't count on Baekhyun anymore, it’s too late. He’s not sure it can be fixed.
His college roommate had said that it was natural, that friends drift apart.
Jongdae couldn’t make him understand that Baekhyun was more than just a friend. It was just different. So it hurt. And it hurt for a long time. He threw himself into his school work and he made new friends and he buried it with so many new experiences that it stops hurting.
Until he saw Baekhyun at court and then it hurts again.
...
Jongdae does a double-take when Baekhyun drops by to see him. He wishes he would stop being so surprised, or at least physically reacting.
“Hi.” Baekhyun sounds reluctant and it’s another sign of how different everything is now.
“Hello.”
“You look…” Baekhyun looks like he’s struggling to find the right word and Jongdae can’t help rolling his eyes.
“Not so good apparently, since you can’t even muster up a basic ‘you look well,’” Jongdae says. “What do you want? A deal so we can settle this out of court?”
Baekhyun blinks. “My clients want to settle this out of court,” he points out. “Your client is the one who’s being difficult.” His face softens. “Jongdae. You know Sehun is wrong.”
Something in Jongdae twinges when Baekhyun says his name. He says it with such familiarity, as if they haven’t gone nine years without talking to each other. “He isn’t,” Jongdae says obstinately.
“Jongdae-”
“Stop calling me that.”
Baekhyun stares at him. “That’s your name. What else am I supposed to call you?”
“Stop saying it like that,” Jongdae says, crossing his arms. He expects Baekhyun to ask him, ‘Like what?’ and he doesn’t know how to explain it.
“I don’t know any other way to say it,” Baekhyun says instead, meeting Jongdae’s eyes for the first time. “I’m sorry.”
Jongdae freezes because he knows Baekhyun isn’t talking about the case, but he still doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for. This isn’t fair, he thinks. Baekhyun was rude in court but he seems so much more like his old self now when it’s just the two of them.
“Your clients are wasting their time,” he finally says, deciding to just ignore what Baekhyun said. “This restraining order is pointless. Their son is going to be eighteen in a few months and he’ll be free to do what he wants.”
“Yes,” Baekhyun says in a patronizing voice and Jongdae rolls his eyes. “But he’s not eighteen for another six months so until then, his parents want Sehun to stay away from him.”
Jongdae snorts. “What is wrong with you?”
Baekhyun has the audacity to pout at him as if they’re teenagers again back in Baekhyun’s bedroom. “What do you mean? Nothing’s wrong with me. Jongin’s parents don’t think Sehun is a good influence on their son, and he has proven this a number of times. I know you’ve seen his case file.”
“Sehun is a kid,” Jongdae says firmly. “Kids do stupid things all the time. Not all parents like who their children choose to date. Taeyeon’s parents didn’t approve of you at first. I don’t think it’s fair that the Kims get to dictate who Jongin dates just because they’re an influential and powerful family.”
Baekhyun sniffs indignantly. “Taeyeon’s parents just thought I was immature,” he says. “I didn’t wreck hotel rooms or cause scandals and appear in the tabloids for public indecency.”
“In my client’s defence, Jongin was naked too.”
“Yes, but the whole incident was your client’s idea.”
Jongdae stares at him. “You used to be fun. I can’t believe you’re agreeing to keep two kids apart. They really like each other.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes. “Jongdae, come on. You said it, they’re kids. Kids think they’re in love all the time. Jongin’s parents just want to protect him.”
“Protect their assets you mean,” Jongdae says, crossing his arms. “And their reputation.”
Baekhyun is quiet for a few seconds. “That too,” he says finally. “You can’t blame them. Sehun is terrible.” He meets Jongdae’s eyes again and he smiles. “Come on, off the record, what do you really think of him?”
Jongdae knows that Baekhyun is giving him a chance for them to slip back into some semblance of the easiness they used to have when they were younger. He doesn’t think it would be hard to pick up where they left off. But Jongdae is still wary so he pushes away from his desk and stands up. “I’ll see you in court on Tuesday.”
...
“We won, right?”
Jongdae can’t stop the smile from spreading across his face as Sehun and his publicist follow him out of the courtroom. “Not really,” he says, but the laugh he’d been trying to quell escapes anyway. “But the scales are definitely tipped in our favour.”
Sehun beams. “Jongin is great, isn’t he?” It’s the only time he doesn’t sound like the spoiled, overpaid actor that he is. It would be cute- it is cute, Jongdae admits- how Sehun just sounds like a normal teenager when he talks about Jongin.
“That was a little over the top, don’t you think?” Seohyun rolls her eyes, clearly not impressed with Jongin’s antics in court. “I wish you hadn’t blown him that kiss, Sehun, we talked about acting neutral in court. That was over the top too.”
Jongdae thinks Seohyun is the only reason why Sehun hasn’t gone completely wild yet. She’s been working with him for only two months and even though Sehun’s infamy lived on, he hadn’t been sued since she started working for him.
“Definitely over the top,” Jongdae agrees, grinning.
“I had to show him how much the gesture meant to me,” Sehun says, sticking out his lower lip in a ridiculous picture of teenage petulancy. Jongdae is both amused and nauseated.
“Hush. Did you have to slouch so much today? You can’t go out there looking like a slob.” Seohyun fixes his collar and fiddles with his tie, muttering under her breath about how ridiculous it is that the cameras and paparazzi showed up for something as boring as a case over a restraining order. “You want us to get rid of the media out there, Jongdae? Or are you going to brave the circus today?”
Jongdae shakes his head. “I’ll leave in a bit. You two go ahead.”
...
Jongdae has just gotten off the elevator when he sees Baekhyun, who actually lights up like he was waiting for him.
“Your client is ridiculous,” Baekhyun says, falling into step with Jongdae as he walks towards the exit.
“Not as ridiculous as yours,” Jongdae replies. “Well, your clients’ son anyway.”
Their elbows brush against each other as Baekhyun shifts the briefcase in his hand. “I know, right?” He lets out a loud laugh and Jongdae almost stops because he’s missed that sound. Baekhyun’s laugh had always been one of his favourite things.
...
( 6 )
“I don’t think her friends like me,” Baekhyun says, burying his head in his algebra textbook.
“Probably not,” Jongdae agrees, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “They probably think she’s too good for you. Especially because she’s a senior.”
Baekhyun looks up and frowns. “I was hoping for more of a ‘you’re crazy, I’m sure they like you,’” he says sullenly.
“I’m sure they don’t though,” Jongdae laughs before he puts his pen down and reaches out to rest his fingers on the back of Baekhyun’s neck. “Who cares what her friends think? She likes you.”
Baekhyun’s lips curl down in a perfect little moue. “I don’t know. She seems embarrassed to be with me whenever they’re around.” He pauses before he adds, “She asked me why I have to laugh so loud all the time. I don’t have a loud laugh, do I?”
Jongdae snickers but he strokes his thumb along Baekhyun’s neck briefly. “Sorry, but you do,” he says, grinning. “It’s kind of a dumb laugh.”
Baekhyun sits up, dislodging Jongdae’s hand from his neck. “But you like it,” he says, batting his eyelashes.
Jongdae laughs as he shoves Baekhyun’s face away. “I do,” he agrees. “I like your dumb loud laugh.”
...
Jongdae doesn’t know why he agrees to go out with Baekhyun for a drink. Maybe it’s because of what happened at court today, or maybe it’s because Baekhyun had kept bumping his shoulder as he kept badgering him to agree to go out with him.
As he finds himself agreeing, Jongdae thinks about how some things never change because Baekhyun used to do this when they were in high school; he used to do this when they were ten.
[ ( 7 )
“It’s a proven tactic,” Baekhyun says smugly, when Jongdae finally agrees to go watch a movie with him, even though he hates scary movies.
“What,” Jongdae asks, pouting as he drags his feet along the street. “Being annoying?”
“Keep asking for what I want until people agree just to shut me up.” Baekhyun smiles wide, looking proud of himself. “You won’t believe what I manage to get just because people what me to shut up.”]
One drink turns into two. Which turns into three. Jongdae loses count eventually because he’s having fun and Baekhyun is next to him, all bright and loud and happy.
“They’re ridiculous,” Baekhyun laughs, grabbing his glass. “I know kids are a little crazy, but I almost died when Jongin yelled out, ‘But mother, I love him!’ out loud today.”
“And father,” Jongdae says, his laugh blending in with Baekhyun’s. “‘You too, father, I want you to know I love him.’”
Baekhyun laughs even harder and he wipes a hand across his face, brushing the tears from his eyes. “And then Sehun-”
“Blew him that stupid kiss,” Jongdae finishes, collapsing against Baekhyun for support. “It was so hard to keep a straight face. I thought the Kims were going to self-combust.”
“I know.” Baekhyun throws an arm around Jongdae’s shoulders as he leans against him so they’re both holding each other up with their combined strength. “They were furious. I tried my best not to laugh. I was biting my lip so hard, it bled. Look.”
Jongdae doesn’t realize how close their faces are until Baekhyun turns his face suddenly and they end up bumping their noses together.
...
( 8 )
“How can you be so lame?” Baekhyun complains. He flails around in the bed they’re sharing and Jongdae laughs at his temper tantrum. “This is our last summer before college, how can you be going away?”
Jongdae shrugs, staring up at the glow in the dark star stickers he and Baekhyun had stuck on his ceiling when they were nine. “My dad wants to do this,” he says, remembering how his father had helped them with the stickers. He remembers Baekhyun giggling when Jongdae’s father tried to lift him up because he was too ticklish. “He says he wants to spend some time with me before I leave for college. I couldn’t say no.”
“I know,” Baekhyun says sighing before he turns on his side so he’s facing Jongdae. “He’ll be okay, you know? And it’s not like you won’t visit for Christmas and holidays and stuff.”
“I know,” Jongdae says. The stars on his ceiling are pink, but the matching stars on Baekhyun’s ceiling in his room are blue. But they’d traded moons so Jongdae had a blue moon and Baekhyun had a pink one. He’s going to miss his room. And Baekhyun. He can’t believe they’re not going to the same school. “It’s just weird, I guess. I’m always worried about people leaving and now I feel like I’m the one leaving.”
They’re both quiet for awhile.
“Hey.” Baekhyun reaches out and turns Jongdae’s face towards his. “Why do you still think about that? About people leaving you?”
Jongdae makes a face. “I always think about it. You know that.” He flushes when it occurs to him that maybe Baekhyun is trying to tell him that he’s tired of listening to Jongdae talk about this. “Sorry. I don’t mean to keep bringing it up. I know it happened a long time ago.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Baekhyun says quietly. “I just hoped you wouldn’t worry about it so much. I meant it when I said I was going to love you for a long time.”
Jongdae furrows his brow. “You remember that?” He laughs a little. “You were so drunk.”
Baekhyun shrugs. “Drunk people say brave things when they’re drunk.”
Baekhyun’s hand is still on his face and Jongdae is used to Baekhyun touching him, used to touching Baekhyun, but there’s something different behind the pressure of Baekhyun’s fingers tonight.
“You’re not drunk right now,” Jongdae says lightly. There’s something tightening inside him and he’s anxious because he knows something is happening but he isn’t sure what exactly. “Feeling stupidly brave anyway?”
Baekhyun’s eyes flicker over his face. “I don’t need to be brave to tell you I love you,” he says. He tilts his head slightly. “You didn’t need me to, did you? Because I would’ve said it if you did. I just figured you knew.”
Jongdae reaches down until he finds Baekhyun’s free hand. “No, I never needed you to say it,” he says, squeezing Baekhyun’s hand. “You’re a good best friend.”
Baekhyun freezes before he laughs. “Best friend,” he echoes. “I’m trying to work my way into a kiss, you asshole, and you’re here telling me I’m your best friend.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Jongdae demands laughing. “Are we going to stop being best friends because we kissed?”
Baekhyun shoves him away. “Get away from me,” he says, rolling away.
“What about my kiss?” Jongdae whines.
“You’re going to have to wait until you get back from your trip with your dad to get your kiss.” Baekhyun turns back towards him. “Work on your subtlety while you’re away,” he adds, kicking Jongdae in the shins.
...
Baekhyun passes out in the cab before he can tell Jongdae where he lives. Jongdae only figures out his address by sneaking Baekhyun’s wallet out of his back pocket and looking at his driver’s license. It’s only when they arrive at his apartment building that Jongdae realizes that he’s going to have to help Baekhyun into his apartment.
“Still can’t hold your alcohol,” Jongdae grumbles as he drags Baekhyun out of the elevator and towards his apartment.
“So frisky,” Baekhyun mumbles when he feels Jongdae patting him down trying to find his keys. “I normally expect someone to take me out on a date before I let them feel me up. Y’know, a nice dinner, maybe a movie, but I’ll make an exception for you.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he says, his fingers brushing against something in Baekhyun’s pocket.
Baekhyun opens his eyes and he gives Jongdae a sloppy wink. “Are those my keys in my pocket or am I just happy to see you?”
Jongdae has to laugh at that. “You’re on Sehun and Jongin’s level right now.”
“Ouch.” Baekhyun pouts as Jongdae pulls out his keys and dangles them in front of his face before he pushes him aside to unlock his door.
Jongdae manages to find the switch for the lights and helps Baekhyun to the couch before he dumps him on it. He heads into the kitchen to get Baekhyun a glass of water and to look for some aspirin- for Baekhyun and for himself.
“Why aren’t you drunk too?”
“I am,” Jongdae says, handing Baekhyun the water before he drops down on the couch beside him. “I’m just a more capable drunk than you are.”
“Capable Jongdae,” Baekhyun says, absent-mindedly sipping on his water. “You are, aren’t you? Capable, I mean.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow. “Is this some dig at my abilities as a lawyer?”
Baekhyun shakes his head. “No, you’re a good lawyer,” he says, slumping down against him. “You know the other lawyers at your firm all gave up on Sehun after one day in court with him? You stuck it out. I just meant you’re a capable person. You don’t need anyone.”
Jongdae stiffens. “That’s not true.”
Baekhyun turns and buries his face in Jongdae’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean that.” His words come out muffled but Jongdae understands him anyway. “I don’t know why I said it.”
Jongdae wants to push Baekhyun away because he remembers how angry and hurt he was nine years ago, and he’s getting angry that Baekhyun is making it seem like they can just pick up from where they left off. “Asshole,” he says, only it comes out sounding a little fond, which annoys him even more.
“I’m sorry.” Baekhyun’s arm is around him and his fingers dig into Jongdae’s waist. “I’m sorry about what I did.”
Jongdae shakes his head. “You didn’t do anything,” he says, because it’s true.
“I know.” Baekhyun’s fingers press in even harder. “I didn’t…I didn’t know what to do. When you called to say that your mother passed away but you told me you didn’t want me at her funeral, I was hurt and mad. I thought you’d want me there.”
“I didn’t go.”
Baekhyun lets go of him as he sits up and stares at Jongdae wide-eyed. “What?”
Jongdae shrugs. “I told you not to come because I didn’t go. And I knew if you came, you would have made me go, and I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay mad at her for leaving me, for leaving my dad. But I knew you’d tell me I’d regret it if I didn’t go.”
Baekhyun hesitates. “Do you?”
Jongdae is quiet before he nods. “I did,” he says, “I was so mad at myself for not going. And then I got mad that you weren’t there, even though it was my fault you weren’t there. But I was just mad about everything and you were so far away, and it felt like you left me.”
“I didn’t-”
“I know,” Jongdae says, turning towards Baekhyun. “I left. I was selfish, I’m sorry. I know I was the one who stopped calling and answering e-mails. Everything was hard and by the time I got over myself, it had been a month. I felt like such an asshole for what I did to you, I didn’t know how to fix things.”
Baekhyun’s shoulders drop. “We would have been okay, Jongdae,” he says, lowering his fingers towards Jongdae’s hand. “I would’ve understood. I thought you were mad at me for not…being there.”
Jongdae laughs quietly as he hastily swipes at his eyes. “I told you not to come.”
Baekhyun smiles as he rests back against the couch. “I told myself that you were always honest with me. That if you didn’t want me to come, then you meant it. But I started to think that maybe I should’ve gone to you anyway.”
“It’s okay.” Jongdae slips his fingers through Baekhyun’s, curling them together. “Let’s just forget it.”
“Okay,” Baekhyun says softly.
...
Jongdae can’t believe he wins Sehun’s case. Neither can his firm. He knows it’s mostly because of Jongin that he wins, because he’s adamant and keeps insisting that he and Sehun are in love.
It’s completely ridiculous but Sehun is cheerful as he walks out of the courtroom, holding on tightly to Jongin’s hand.
“Keep them out of trouble,” Jongdae tells Seohyun, as he sees Baekhyun waiting for him by the elevator.
“I’m going to ask for a raise,” Seohyun says, grimacing as she follows Sehun and Jongin.
“Congratulations, counsellor,” Baekhyun says grinning, when Jongdae joins him. “You won your first case.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. “It was the most irrelevant case,” he says, smiling when Baekhyun discreetly brushes his fingers against the inside of Jongdae’s wrist. “Are Jongin’s parents mad?”
Baekhyun laughs. “Just a little. I think they were getting tired of Jongin’s random declarations of love. They would’ve settled out of court if they weren’t so haughty.” He reaches out and grabs Jongdae’s tie, pulling him in a little closer. “Let’s go celebrate your first win.”
...
“Admit it,” Baekhyun says, as Jongdae leans in against him. “My romance game was strong before you decided to butt in with your best friend comment.”
Jongdae rolls his eyes. He can’t even remember how this topic comes up. “First of all, you have no romance game.”’
“Have?” Baekhyun feigns being offended. “Present tense?”
“Yes,” Jongdae says, nodding. “You think chicken and beer is a good first date?”
“First date!” Baekhyun scoffs. “Excuse me, I never asked you out on a date. This is a celebration.”
“A very shabby one.” Jongdae is pretty sure he can feel the alcohol buzzing happily in his veins because he doesn’t even feel embarrassed about his ‘first date’ blunder.
“You wanna go out on a date?”
Jongdae is mid-laugh when Baekhyun blurts this out so he’s surprised when he realizes what he’s said. He blinks when he sees that Baekhyun doesn’t look like he’s joking. “Are you serious? This is how you’re asking me out?”
...
( 8 )
If Baekhyun had gotten his way nine years ago, if Jongdae hadn’t ruined the moment, he would have kissed Jongdae like he’d been thinking of doing since the start of their senior year.
He had started to think of Jongdae’s mouth a lot. Of the little bows of his smile, the curve of his lips. He used to get distracted when Jongdae talked. He doesn’t know when he figured out that Jongdae probably wouldn’t have a problem with this. He hadn’t seemed to mind Baekhyun’s lingering touches, the light ones or the bordering-on-inappropriate ones.
Baekhyun wanted to kiss Jongdae soft and slow. He wanted to take his time mapping out the inside of his mouth because that’s how he feels whenever he’s with Jongdae- like they have all the time in the world. He wanted to trace the lines of Jongdae’s bones with his fingers, to kiss the little hollow at the base of his throat, to mouth at his collarbones, at the little mole resting right above it.
...
Baekhyun does all of this nine years later instead.
Additional Author's Notes: I know I kind of...swerved away from your prompt a little, OP, but I hope you like this anyway.