The new beginning
Title: The new beginning ch6
Author: wire_dancer
Rating: R
Pairing: 2min
Summary: Can you start a new life when the word hope is long forgotten? Can you start to feel again when you think you are dead inside. And what if the only person you fervently wish was different seems to be the same as everyone else?
It’s like the tale of the sea, breathing and calming and very overwhelming at times, the touch that never fails to send chills down Taemin’s spine, and he is there, lost in the maze of his own factitious fears and newly found, he is freed from all the worries, he is freed from them with the actual brush of dry lips on his own hungry ones, freed with just a small hushed whisper. And it’s so simple how their laced fingers fit together, how their lips are so perfect when just millimeters apart and white clouds of their breath mingle and melt into the pale winter sky, and it’s so right how warm the body by his side is, how gentle those hands that stroke his cold, red cheeks are and it’s not even one bit embarrassing how good those hands felt when Minho touched him down there, because that’s how it should be, that’s the place those hands belong to. There are no actual words that can describe the way Taemin feels, no words to describe how Minho’s heart is beating fast and nervous and alive, and every word the older boy says is so unnecessary and empty, and they don’t even need that pathetic exchange of “I love you”s, because what is there to confirm anyway, when Taemin’s hands are so urgent around Minho’s neck, when his lips are so hot and dry and needy, and Minho is melting under his touch and it feels like he had just broken something he should’ve broken a long time ago.
With just that they can move further and them getting even closer is just a matter of time, and Taemin wonders as his fingers lazily trace the contours of Minho’s face, down his long neck, lingering touch of his burning cold fingers on the skin is placing little trail of fire here and there, he wonders, if it’s even possible for the two of them to get closer at all. In a way, he wants to stay like that, warm and comfortable and familiar, but there’s more to it, his fervent desire to get closer, to create a bond that will never break and he knows he should just wait a little longer and even though it’s not an easy task, he is willing, always willing to wait. Minho is still there and the tiny feeble thread that connects them is growing visibly strong with every touch of the full lips, with every breath they share and Taemin wants nothing more than to place his head on the older boy’s chest listening to the steady heartbeat, pumping pulse somewhere deep within Minho’s body, knowing that he is the one this steady rhythm belongs to.
Later on, when Minho runs fast to the car to fetch some breakfast for them, Taemin watches the older boy’s tall figure, wrapped in the shimmering sunlight and his gaze shifts onto the tossing waters with white foamy waves scattering and rising from the depth, his hand touches the cold gray sand, that is sipping trough his fingers and it’s so unbelievable how peaceful everything is and in his eyes the bleak pale sky turns all bright and colorful and gleaming.
When Minho is back, he once again presses his body to the taller boy’s form soaking in the tender warmth he is giving and taking the cup with hot coffee gratefully, his eyelashes flutter and he is sipping it, careful not to burn the sensitive inside of his mouth and he sighs with content when two strong arms wrap around his waist pulling him a little closer and the familiar soft breath tickles the skin of his nape just a tiny little bit. For a while they just sit there, Taemin sipping the hot liquid and Minho rubbing small circles over the boy’s clothed tummy and his eyes watching the boys profile from the side, fogged with the steam of his burning hot coffee, Minho then says something and his voice is cracking all desperate and timid and Taemin just wants to turn and take a look at the older’s face, wants to meet his eyes and press his ear to Minho’s chest to capture the sound of his rapid heartbeat, but he can’t, because Minho’s hands are holding him close and tight, his head is resting on Taemin’s shoulders, nose buried into the softness of his hair as Taemin hears him say
-I’m sorry, don’t look back Tae, just for a minute, please, I beg you, don’t look back, I need to…I need to tell you something. I’m …I’m actually always afraid. I don’t even know if I am supposed to say that, but now…now that I actually touched you, you actually let me touch you, I just can’t keep it all bottled up, I want you to know me even more, to know you more. To me you are a blessing, you are more than I’ve even dreamt of having, but to you, Tae, honestly, I was so horrible to you, yet you forgave me, accepted me wholeheartedly without any complaint, without asking for anything in return. I still can’t forgive myself for everything I‘ve done, the way I treated you, the way I was trying to break you, how…how could I? To you, to the most amazing person I did something like that, but you forgave me so easily, you became someone I literary can’t imagine my life without, you are there for me when I need you the most, but even more, I still want to share more with you, every moment, be it a happy or a sad thing, I only want you, I only need you by my side. You won’t believe it, but every night, when I go to bed, it’s difficult for me to fall asleep, so hard to make myself close my eyes as I’m afraid, I’m so afraid of waking up. What if I open my eyes and all of that, you, me, us were just a dream, just a fleeting moment my mind created on its own to escape the everyday reality and harshness? What if all those moments we shared were just a fog, just an echo of my agonizing mind, sea’s foam and nothingness? Because, honestly, Tae, is it even possible that you are real? So I ask you to sleep over, night after night I ask you to stay with me, so that in the morning I could wake up and find you there, by my side, sleeping and breathing and so very real, and I would touch you, and you wouldn’t believe how my heart would be beating, so fast and so scared, and only the warmth of your skin would calm me down. God, Tae, I’m not even sure I should say that. It’s stupid and pathetic and…
His voice goes all husky and small and Taemin then can’t take it any longer, turning back abruptly, his arms already finding their way to cup Minho’s face gently, and the younger boy’s heart just screams and he is falling, falling as his hyung’s eyes are so sad and loving and dear, and the lower lip caught in between his teeth and Minho looks so vulnerable, and it’s for him, for Taemin, for he’s the only one who ever sees the older boy like that, stripped of his shell, all raw and displayed, not the glorious soccer player, the star of their school, but simply Minho, simply Taemin’s Minho. And it is the Minho Taemin loves the most. No, corrects himself the boy, his forehead pressing to Minho’s, while his long fingers run through the older boy’s hair lovingly, no, he corrects himself, he loves any Minho. He loves him in the morning, when he’s just woken up and Minho is there, watching him, touching him, he loves him in the afternoon, at school, when the older boy leaves to fetch them lunch and buy a bottle of banana milk just for him, for Taemin, he loves him in the evening, when Minho comes to the store and waits for him in the far corner of the shop, his fingers running through the pages of a thick magazine, his eyes fixed on the younger male, he loves him at night, in Minho’s room, listening to the older boy’s steady breathing, as his own heart constricts in secret longing, he just simply foolishly loves him. So Taemin says, and his voice is so calm and collected that even the sea seems overwhelming and violent, he utters tentatively, his tongue rolling awkwardly in his mouth, reaching the roof as the words pour like summer drizzle from his lips
-Minho - voice reaching Minho’s ears invading the space around both of them, and obediently, how else if not, the older boy lifts his head up from Taemin’s shoulder, peering at the boy’s eyes and the expression Taemin sees makes him a little proud, sadistically proud of how deep he affects the older male, but at the same time it breaks his heart altogether as Minho is lost and confused and probably feels the same way Taemin does and there’s nothing more Taemin wishes other than to sweep off that lone expression, and with his cold fingertips he rubs the older boy’s cheeks, moves his face close, so their noses are practically brushing and breathing gets caught up at the close proximity, when he says- don’t be like that, just don’t, it pains me so much to see you like this, so insecure, because, when you are sad, me too, I’m also sad. And you don’t want that, right? You say I give you a lot, but isn’t it always you who gives so much? Everything, everything I am now is because of you, only you, you make me feel like no one else, just a word from you and I feel so important, so cherished, only you can make me feel like that, practically fearless, if it’s not for you, I’d still be this walking image of a person, but now, now I know I’m not worthless, no, because such amazing person like you could never love someone worthless. I’m probably pretty amazing myself, right?
-You are, you are Tae, the most amazing person - Minho whispers and cups Taemin’s cheeks exasperatedly, and their fingers are already interwined without them noticing any of it, Taemin’s voice getting all tender and soft and yet so confident
-You know I went through a hard time, but despite all that, if I was given another chance to change it, I’d still choose to go through all of it, even though it would be painful, but if in the end I’d meet you, I’d still do it
Minho’s now breathing somewhere into Taemin’s collarbone and chanting, holding the boy tighter
-Don’t say that, don’t say…again like that, something like that, I won’t allow it, never allow you to get hurt again like that. You may think I’m annoying, you are a boy and you don’t really need protection Tae, you are strong, stronger, much stronger than me, but I’d still protect you, and you, you too, protect me too. I need you Tae, I really do.
-I will, I will protect you hyung. - All smiley, rows of white teeth and pink lips and eyes as small crescents, Taemin just hugs Minho tighter, the one he wants to protect, the one he wants to be protected by, and yet again, as if lost in a labyrinth, as if it’s the last time, as if the world is going to break, Taemin just kisses Minho and the flame that earlier rested in his hand, rolls from the tip of Minho’s tongue down Taemin’s throat, making him warm, making him burning and breathless and thirsty.
The day is getting older and the sun is hanging high in the sky, right above their heads, sending its pale reflection onto the water that is crushing the shore, the seagulls crying somewhere behind the rocks, while they move, tangling, hands full of hair, eyes closed and fluttering, eyelashes brushing the cheekbones and lips touching, until they can’t breathe, until it’s not enough air and they are suffocating, Taemin leaning on Minho completely, two strong arms holding his weight, securely ensuring, supporting and when they can’t anymore, when their lips hurt and their breath is torn and haggard, they just watch the gray water all demure yet changing and the clear line of the horizon far, far away, painted with a thin brush and smudged with the tip of the painter’s finger. Somewhere along the line their food is gone, and the thermos with coffee is empty and the boys have got enough of that sea for today, so Minho stands up from his comfortable place and stretches his body before offering his hand to lift up his Taemin, his…and Taemin grabs his hand giggling, both of his palms taking hold of Minho’s wrist and laughing, laughing while being lifted, from the ground and then higher, Minho’s hands already travelling onto his waist, and Taemin’s flying, high into the chatoyant brilliant sky. And, honestly, Minho’s the only one letting Taemin fly.
With the basket in his hand and the blanket rolled and tucked under his arm safely, Minho takes hold of Taemin’s smaller palm and they make their way to the car and only inside, when the heater is on, they notice how cold they actually were, never minding that though, too preoccupied with different, much more pressing and urgent matters. When the older starts the car and they are driving, Taemin impatiently jumps in his seat, seemingly unable to stay in one position for too long, tugging Minho’s sleeve and clinging tighter to his arm that is holding the steering wheel, and it’s a little dangerous even, but Minho just chuckles and leans to kiss the boy’s cold nose, still a little red from the cold.
-Where are we going hyung? - Taemin tries to find out, biting his lower lip to suppress the giggling and the pout forms unvoluntary on his lips, when instead of replying, Minho just smiles mysteriously and hums a little just to tease the boy, and the whole ride, the simple ride in Minho’s old car along the winding country road is imbued with general unspoken happiness and joy.
They take a stop in the town, and it’s no big, but being the sea resort it’s still filled with local attractions and Minho still remembers it from the time two years ago, when his parents took him there and he was overjoyed with every little thing: the sea and the sun and the air surrounding the town, his fugacious memories of that time leading him there again, this time with his most important person by his side, to enjoy it even more, to create the memories the two of them can share, even if it’s only for a few days.
The memories are quite a funny thing, and Minho recalls a huge gaming center, where he hang out all the time, when he wasn’t on the beach, the sign above the entrance says “Arcade” and the welcoming lights invite the two boys inside the huge transparent rotated doors and Taemin excitedly clutches Minho’s hand and the older boy notices the pair of brown eyes gleaming with interest and poorly hidden ebullience, so rarely seen on his face, but fitting the exquisite features so much. Taemin’s face is created for joy, those lips are specifically made to smile, and his shining eyes look the best when shut to happy little crescents.
They enter the arcade and immediately get overwhelmed by the blinding neon lights and loud music reverberating in their eardrums, the sound of children laughing and when Minho casts a glance at Taemin he understands he’s made a right choice by bringing the boy here, as the tug on his hand grows more impatient and the older chuckles slightly and can’t help but sneak his arm around the boy’s waist, pulling him in the direction of the game machines, their bright colorful lights blinding yet attractive. Taemin can’t say he is an experienced player and competing with Minho doesn’t help considering the older boy’s undying winning streak and an immense will to be a winner all the time, still, after yet another lost match Minho feels Taemin’s playful hitting on his chest, and he just says that the game is over, and covers the boy’s eyes with his huge, slightly sweaty palms, leading him to another hall, the one Taemin haven’t seen yet. When his eyes are uncovered and Taemin sees where he is, he darts a frightened, unsure glance at Minho, and his voice drowns in the loud music, but Minho can still discern the movements of the lips, and the small whisper the boy lets out
-I can’t
And Minho just hugs him, rubbing his hands soothingly on the fragile back, Taemin’s fingers clutching Minho’s shirt and the boy’s eyes are scared
-I can’t, Minho, not that
Minho places the small kiss on his forehead and cheeks and his hands are gripping Taemin’s fragile form and the boy is trembling slightly, his eyes locked with Minho’s brown orbs
-I seriously can’t do it, even if you ask. It’s been so long, so long, I can’t
-You definitely can, I’m still there, aren’t I? I won’t go anywhere, I’ll watch, I’ll protect you, I promised
His thumb gently brushes Taemin’s collarbones and long black eyelashes along his eyelids and the transparent skin and Taemin hugs him tighter, going on tiptoes and lowering his head, breathing somewhere into Minho’s neck, under his chin, little goosebumps finding their way down Minho’s spine and when Taemin finally looks up, Minho gives the boy a reassuring smile and Taemin’s susurrous voice invades the older boy’s ears
-Do I need to? - still uncertain, still scared
-It’d be so wonderful if you do. I want to see, please
Taemin then nods timidly, finally letting go of Minho’s shirt and turns his look to the machine emitting loud catchy music and the bright neon sign above it beautifully says: “Dancing Queen”.
Author: wire_dancer
Rating: R
Pairing: 2min
Summary: Can you start a new life when the word hope is long forgotten? Can you start to feel again when you think you are dead inside. And what if the only person you fervently wish was different seems to be the same as everyone else?
It’s like the tale of the sea, breathing and calming and very overwhelming at times, the touch that never fails to send chills down Taemin’s spine, and he is there, lost in the maze of his own factitious fears and newly found, he is freed from all the worries, he is freed from them with the actual brush of dry lips on his own hungry ones, freed with just a small hushed whisper. And it’s so simple how their laced fingers fit together, how their lips are so perfect when just millimeters apart and white clouds of their breath mingle and melt into the pale winter sky, and it’s so right how warm the body by his side is, how gentle those hands that stroke his cold, red cheeks are and it’s not even one bit embarrassing how good those hands felt when Minho touched him down there, because that’s how it should be, that’s the place those hands belong to. There are no actual words that can describe the way Taemin feels, no words to describe how Minho’s heart is beating fast and nervous and alive, and every word the older boy says is so unnecessary and empty, and they don’t even need that pathetic exchange of “I love you”s, because what is there to confirm anyway, when Taemin’s hands are so urgent around Minho’s neck, when his lips are so hot and dry and needy, and Minho is melting under his touch and it feels like he had just broken something he should’ve broken a long time ago.
With just that they can move further and them getting even closer is just a matter of time, and Taemin wonders as his fingers lazily trace the contours of Minho’s face, down his long neck, lingering touch of his burning cold fingers on the skin is placing little trail of fire here and there, he wonders, if it’s even possible for the two of them to get closer at all. In a way, he wants to stay like that, warm and comfortable and familiar, but there’s more to it, his fervent desire to get closer, to create a bond that will never break and he knows he should just wait a little longer and even though it’s not an easy task, he is willing, always willing to wait. Minho is still there and the tiny feeble thread that connects them is growing visibly strong with every touch of the full lips, with every breath they share and Taemin wants nothing more than to place his head on the older boy’s chest listening to the steady heartbeat, pumping pulse somewhere deep within Minho’s body, knowing that he is the one this steady rhythm belongs to.
Later on, when Minho runs fast to the car to fetch some breakfast for them, Taemin watches the older boy’s tall figure, wrapped in the shimmering sunlight and his gaze shifts onto the tossing waters with white foamy waves scattering and rising from the depth, his hand touches the cold gray sand, that is sipping trough his fingers and it’s so unbelievable how peaceful everything is and in his eyes the bleak pale sky turns all bright and colorful and gleaming.
When Minho is back, he once again presses his body to the taller boy’s form soaking in the tender warmth he is giving and taking the cup with hot coffee gratefully, his eyelashes flutter and he is sipping it, careful not to burn the sensitive inside of his mouth and he sighs with content when two strong arms wrap around his waist pulling him a little closer and the familiar soft breath tickles the skin of his nape just a tiny little bit. For a while they just sit there, Taemin sipping the hot liquid and Minho rubbing small circles over the boy’s clothed tummy and his eyes watching the boys profile from the side, fogged with the steam of his burning hot coffee, Minho then says something and his voice is cracking all desperate and timid and Taemin just wants to turn and take a look at the older’s face, wants to meet his eyes and press his ear to Minho’s chest to capture the sound of his rapid heartbeat, but he can’t, because Minho’s hands are holding him close and tight, his head is resting on Taemin’s shoulders, nose buried into the softness of his hair as Taemin hears him say
-I’m sorry, don’t look back Tae, just for a minute, please, I beg you, don’t look back, I need to…I need to tell you something. I’m …I’m actually always afraid. I don’t even know if I am supposed to say that, but now…now that I actually touched you, you actually let me touch you, I just can’t keep it all bottled up, I want you to know me even more, to know you more. To me you are a blessing, you are more than I’ve even dreamt of having, but to you, Tae, honestly, I was so horrible to you, yet you forgave me, accepted me wholeheartedly without any complaint, without asking for anything in return. I still can’t forgive myself for everything I‘ve done, the way I treated you, the way I was trying to break you, how…how could I? To you, to the most amazing person I did something like that, but you forgave me so easily, you became someone I literary can’t imagine my life without, you are there for me when I need you the most, but even more, I still want to share more with you, every moment, be it a happy or a sad thing, I only want you, I only need you by my side. You won’t believe it, but every night, when I go to bed, it’s difficult for me to fall asleep, so hard to make myself close my eyes as I’m afraid, I’m so afraid of waking up. What if I open my eyes and all of that, you, me, us were just a dream, just a fleeting moment my mind created on its own to escape the everyday reality and harshness? What if all those moments we shared were just a fog, just an echo of my agonizing mind, sea’s foam and nothingness? Because, honestly, Tae, is it even possible that you are real? So I ask you to sleep over, night after night I ask you to stay with me, so that in the morning I could wake up and find you there, by my side, sleeping and breathing and so very real, and I would touch you, and you wouldn’t believe how my heart would be beating, so fast and so scared, and only the warmth of your skin would calm me down. God, Tae, I’m not even sure I should say that. It’s stupid and pathetic and…
His voice goes all husky and small and Taemin then can’t take it any longer, turning back abruptly, his arms already finding their way to cup Minho’s face gently, and the younger boy’s heart just screams and he is falling, falling as his hyung’s eyes are so sad and loving and dear, and the lower lip caught in between his teeth and Minho looks so vulnerable, and it’s for him, for Taemin, for he’s the only one who ever sees the older boy like that, stripped of his shell, all raw and displayed, not the glorious soccer player, the star of their school, but simply Minho, simply Taemin’s Minho. And it is the Minho Taemin loves the most. No, corrects himself the boy, his forehead pressing to Minho’s, while his long fingers run through the older boy’s hair lovingly, no, he corrects himself, he loves any Minho. He loves him in the morning, when he’s just woken up and Minho is there, watching him, touching him, he loves him in the afternoon, at school, when the older boy leaves to fetch them lunch and buy a bottle of banana milk just for him, for Taemin, he loves him in the evening, when Minho comes to the store and waits for him in the far corner of the shop, his fingers running through the pages of a thick magazine, his eyes fixed on the younger male, he loves him at night, in Minho’s room, listening to the older boy’s steady breathing, as his own heart constricts in secret longing, he just simply foolishly loves him. So Taemin says, and his voice is so calm and collected that even the sea seems overwhelming and violent, he utters tentatively, his tongue rolling awkwardly in his mouth, reaching the roof as the words pour like summer drizzle from his lips
-Minho - voice reaching Minho’s ears invading the space around both of them, and obediently, how else if not, the older boy lifts his head up from Taemin’s shoulder, peering at the boy’s eyes and the expression Taemin sees makes him a little proud, sadistically proud of how deep he affects the older male, but at the same time it breaks his heart altogether as Minho is lost and confused and probably feels the same way Taemin does and there’s nothing more Taemin wishes other than to sweep off that lone expression, and with his cold fingertips he rubs the older boy’s cheeks, moves his face close, so their noses are practically brushing and breathing gets caught up at the close proximity, when he says- don’t be like that, just don’t, it pains me so much to see you like this, so insecure, because, when you are sad, me too, I’m also sad. And you don’t want that, right? You say I give you a lot, but isn’t it always you who gives so much? Everything, everything I am now is because of you, only you, you make me feel like no one else, just a word from you and I feel so important, so cherished, only you can make me feel like that, practically fearless, if it’s not for you, I’d still be this walking image of a person, but now, now I know I’m not worthless, no, because such amazing person like you could never love someone worthless. I’m probably pretty amazing myself, right?
-You are, you are Tae, the most amazing person - Minho whispers and cups Taemin’s cheeks exasperatedly, and their fingers are already interwined without them noticing any of it, Taemin’s voice getting all tender and soft and yet so confident
-You know I went through a hard time, but despite all that, if I was given another chance to change it, I’d still choose to go through all of it, even though it would be painful, but if in the end I’d meet you, I’d still do it
Minho’s now breathing somewhere into Taemin’s collarbone and chanting, holding the boy tighter
-Don’t say that, don’t say…again like that, something like that, I won’t allow it, never allow you to get hurt again like that. You may think I’m annoying, you are a boy and you don’t really need protection Tae, you are strong, stronger, much stronger than me, but I’d still protect you, and you, you too, protect me too. I need you Tae, I really do.
-I will, I will protect you hyung. - All smiley, rows of white teeth and pink lips and eyes as small crescents, Taemin just hugs Minho tighter, the one he wants to protect, the one he wants to be protected by, and yet again, as if lost in a labyrinth, as if it’s the last time, as if the world is going to break, Taemin just kisses Minho and the flame that earlier rested in his hand, rolls from the tip of Minho’s tongue down Taemin’s throat, making him warm, making him burning and breathless and thirsty.
The day is getting older and the sun is hanging high in the sky, right above their heads, sending its pale reflection onto the water that is crushing the shore, the seagulls crying somewhere behind the rocks, while they move, tangling, hands full of hair, eyes closed and fluttering, eyelashes brushing the cheekbones and lips touching, until they can’t breathe, until it’s not enough air and they are suffocating, Taemin leaning on Minho completely, two strong arms holding his weight, securely ensuring, supporting and when they can’t anymore, when their lips hurt and their breath is torn and haggard, they just watch the gray water all demure yet changing and the clear line of the horizon far, far away, painted with a thin brush and smudged with the tip of the painter’s finger. Somewhere along the line their food is gone, and the thermos with coffee is empty and the boys have got enough of that sea for today, so Minho stands up from his comfortable place and stretches his body before offering his hand to lift up his Taemin, his…and Taemin grabs his hand giggling, both of his palms taking hold of Minho’s wrist and laughing, laughing while being lifted, from the ground and then higher, Minho’s hands already travelling onto his waist, and Taemin’s flying, high into the chatoyant brilliant sky. And, honestly, Minho’s the only one letting Taemin fly.
With the basket in his hand and the blanket rolled and tucked under his arm safely, Minho takes hold of Taemin’s smaller palm and they make their way to the car and only inside, when the heater is on, they notice how cold they actually were, never minding that though, too preoccupied with different, much more pressing and urgent matters. When the older starts the car and they are driving, Taemin impatiently jumps in his seat, seemingly unable to stay in one position for too long, tugging Minho’s sleeve and clinging tighter to his arm that is holding the steering wheel, and it’s a little dangerous even, but Minho just chuckles and leans to kiss the boy’s cold nose, still a little red from the cold.
-Where are we going hyung? - Taemin tries to find out, biting his lower lip to suppress the giggling and the pout forms unvoluntary on his lips, when instead of replying, Minho just smiles mysteriously and hums a little just to tease the boy, and the whole ride, the simple ride in Minho’s old car along the winding country road is imbued with general unspoken happiness and joy.
They take a stop in the town, and it’s no big, but being the sea resort it’s still filled with local attractions and Minho still remembers it from the time two years ago, when his parents took him there and he was overjoyed with every little thing: the sea and the sun and the air surrounding the town, his fugacious memories of that time leading him there again, this time with his most important person by his side, to enjoy it even more, to create the memories the two of them can share, even if it’s only for a few days.
The memories are quite a funny thing, and Minho recalls a huge gaming center, where he hang out all the time, when he wasn’t on the beach, the sign above the entrance says “Arcade” and the welcoming lights invite the two boys inside the huge transparent rotated doors and Taemin excitedly clutches Minho’s hand and the older boy notices the pair of brown eyes gleaming with interest and poorly hidden ebullience, so rarely seen on his face, but fitting the exquisite features so much. Taemin’s face is created for joy, those lips are specifically made to smile, and his shining eyes look the best when shut to happy little crescents.
They enter the arcade and immediately get overwhelmed by the blinding neon lights and loud music reverberating in their eardrums, the sound of children laughing and when Minho casts a glance at Taemin he understands he’s made a right choice by bringing the boy here, as the tug on his hand grows more impatient and the older chuckles slightly and can’t help but sneak his arm around the boy’s waist, pulling him in the direction of the game machines, their bright colorful lights blinding yet attractive. Taemin can’t say he is an experienced player and competing with Minho doesn’t help considering the older boy’s undying winning streak and an immense will to be a winner all the time, still, after yet another lost match Minho feels Taemin’s playful hitting on his chest, and he just says that the game is over, and covers the boy’s eyes with his huge, slightly sweaty palms, leading him to another hall, the one Taemin haven’t seen yet. When his eyes are uncovered and Taemin sees where he is, he darts a frightened, unsure glance at Minho, and his voice drowns in the loud music, but Minho can still discern the movements of the lips, and the small whisper the boy lets out
-I can’t
And Minho just hugs him, rubbing his hands soothingly on the fragile back, Taemin’s fingers clutching Minho’s shirt and the boy’s eyes are scared
-I can’t, Minho, not that
Minho places the small kiss on his forehead and cheeks and his hands are gripping Taemin’s fragile form and the boy is trembling slightly, his eyes locked with Minho’s brown orbs
-I seriously can’t do it, even if you ask. It’s been so long, so long, I can’t
-You definitely can, I’m still there, aren’t I? I won’t go anywhere, I’ll watch, I’ll protect you, I promised
His thumb gently brushes Taemin’s collarbones and long black eyelashes along his eyelids and the transparent skin and Taemin hugs him tighter, going on tiptoes and lowering his head, breathing somewhere into Minho’s neck, under his chin, little goosebumps finding their way down Minho’s spine and when Taemin finally looks up, Minho gives the boy a reassuring smile and Taemin’s susurrous voice invades the older boy’s ears
-Do I need to? - still uncertain, still scared
-It’d be so wonderful if you do. I want to see, please
Taemin then nods timidly, finally letting go of Minho’s shirt and turns his look to the machine emitting loud catchy music and the bright neon sign above it beautifully says: “Dancing Queen”.