Unlock Arc II - Chapter Twelve
Title: Unlock Arc II
Authors:
renichifreak and
yeonah
Chapter: 12/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA, U-KISS, Super Junior and BEAST
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin, SooBum (may be other pairings in the future)
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: YoungSaeng and HyunJoong are played by
renichifreak and KyuJong and JungMin are played by me.
"Still looks the same," JungMin grinned happily as they stepped in through the back door to KyuJong's house. The redhead was secure on HyunJoong's back (he would have never managed a walk like that by himself), looked around at everything. They'd shown up around dinner time. Once KyuJong's mother heard they were planning on stopping by, she'd insisted on them staying for dinner. Not that any of them minded; even Joonie was coming by later, once he fixed up a few things in the underground base.
KyuJong closed the door behind them all, chuckled at how JungMin looked around before slipping out of his shoes. "Umma, we're here," he called, hearing her answer from the kitchen.
YoungSaeng followed behind KyuJong into the house, watching in amusement as JungMin tried to explore the house from his position on HyunJoong's back. Taking his shoes off as the others did the same, he walked inside, smiling slightly as KyuJong's mother came to greet them.
HyunJoong chuckled at JungMin before walking into the den and letting JungMin down, making sure to move slowly that that the redhead wouldn't lose his balance.
Climbing down off HyunJoong's back slowly, JungMin leaned back against the couch, still grinning ear to ear. If he'd been excited to get out of the infirmary a few days ago, he'd been nearly out of his mind with joy upon realizing he was going to go outside, aboveground, and then to KyuJong's house. It had been nearly impossible for him to calm down despite not being able to move very far.
"Dinner will be ready in half an hour dears," KyuJong's mother said, smiling from the kitchen entrance. "Oh, JungMin ah, HyunJoong ah! I see RyeoWook finally let you both out?"
"Not exactly...” JungMin snickered, tugging on HyunJoong's hand to get him to sit down.
Taking a seat as he was tugged down, HyunJoong wrapped his arm around the redhead's waist and yanked, making him fall into his lap. "Umma, can I hide here when Wookie finds out? I am not coming out of that one alive otherwise."
It was good to see JungMin so happy and full of life after so long.
Yelping as he dropped into HyunJoong's lap, JungMin laughed, wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck and squirming to make himself comfortable.
"Until he calms down, yes," KyuJong's mother laughed. "You shouldn't annoy your healers, HyunJoong ah," she teased, leaning against the kitchen doorframe. "HyungJoonie coming by later?"
"He said he would be, and EunAh would hunt him down otherwise," KyuJong chuckled, arms wrapped loosely around YoungSaeng's waist from behind.
"I don't see Joonie skipping out on your cooking, so you have nothing to worry about in that regard," HyunJoong chuckled before poking JungMin lightly. "Comfortable yet?" he teased.
"Nope," JungMin smirked. Wrapping his arms more securely around the older boy, he purposely tossed his weight sideways to knock them both onto their sides on the couch, taking up the entire thing. "Now I am," he grinned, having to hold on to HyunJoong to avoid falling off the couch.
KyuJong laughed. "I think our seat's been taken." He brought YoungSaeng over to sit down on the large chair instead.
Squawking as he was knocked over, HyunJoong shot a teasing glare at the redhead before tickling him in revenge.
Watching the two with a soft look, YoungSaeng sat down in the chair, curling up against KyuJong in an attempt to get comfortable.
Shrieking loudly, JungMin flailed and nearly did fall off the couch, holding on to HyunJoong's shirt with one hand and trying to fend off the attack with the other. "Y-YAH!"
Making sure he had a grip good enough to keep JungMin on the couch, HyunJoong continued with his actions, loving hearing JungMin's laughter flood the house.
JungMin flailed even more, trying to get HyunJoong away half-heartedly and laughing. "H-HyunJoong! Stop! YAH!"
Chuckling at the two of them, KyuJong's stomach suddenly dropped as he noticed JungMin's breathing was getting harsher and shorter, a couple seconds before the loud laughter was broken by painful coughs.
Stopping immediately when he noticed the change in his breathing, HyunJoong hauled him up to sit straight, hand running over his back firmly to ease the coughs. "Just breathe, Min, okay? In and out," he stated quietly, guilt crashing down on him as he waited for the fit to calm back down.
Curled up a little against HyunJoong's chest, JungMin struggled to draw in gasping breaths of air, coughing harshly and body shaking slightly. It was long, tense seconds before the coughs finally eased slowly and he panted against HyunJoong's collar.
When the coughs finally eased, HyunJoong finally let out the breath he had held in, holding JungMin close and running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry Min...I promise to listen next time," he murmured.
YoungSaeng relaxed the harsh grip he had on KyuJong when the fit started, not knowing what to do. "Min, are you okay?" he asked softly, voice full of worry.
Still working on breathing properly, JungMin could only nod his head a little before turning his face more against HyunJoong's collar, shivering. KyuJong could see him trembling a little even though the fit was over.
Biting his lower lip. HyunJoong continued rubbing JungMin's back, using more willpower than he thought he had to keep the tears back. JungMin was still so far from recovering fully, no matter how much he didn't look it.
YoungSaeng began squirming, wanting to go comfort JungMin, but not sure if he should...or could, for that matter.
KyuJong looked down at YoungSaeng beside him, rubbing his arm slowly to keep his boyfriend calm.
Eventually JungMin's breathing eased out properly, but it quickly became obvious he wasn't moving for a while, keeping his face pressed against HyunJoong's collar and arms loosely draped over the older boy's shoulders, eyes closed.
Tilting his head and placing a kiss against the top of JungMin's head, HyunJoong just continued to hold him, needing the contact just as much as his boyfriend. "If you want, we can skip dinner for now and take a nap," HyunJoong murmured, voice quiet.
Swallowing, JungMin slowly shook his head against HyunJoong's shirt, not moving. "Just need a moment," he murmured. Beneath the out-of-breath and slightly slurred quality to his voice was a heavy discouragement.
"...Take as long as you need," YoungSaeng murmured quietly, holding tightly to KyuJong as he watched the couple. "We have time."
"Saeng ah's right, Min. We have all the time in the world," HyunJoong said.
Nodding slightly to that, JungMin fell silent again, not seeming to have the energy it took to keep on talking right then.
KyuJong watched them sadly, kissing YoungSaeng's temple lightly before leaning back in the seat. "The fits seem to be coming less at least," he said quietly, trying to put a positive spin on things.
Smiling back at KyuJong, HyunJoong nodded his head. "He's right, Min. It's been a while since you last had one," he said. While they came less frequently now, every one still scared HyunJoong to death.
JungMin nodded a little again, drawing in a slow breath. He knew they were trying to cheer him up, and that they were right, but he could only keep upbeat about his condition for so long. When he could still feel a weight in his chest when he tried to breathe, a shaking in his legs and arms when he moved them.
But what scared him the most was when something in his head switched off, and he fell in the middle of the hallway, or his chopsticks fell out of his hand, or he spewed complete and total gibberish before regaining control of his words. The fits were less, but the moments where his mind failed him were still the same as before. Would it always be like this?
Swallowing thickly, he finally pulled backed a little to sit up on his own again, giving HyunJoong a brave smile that he couldn't feel. "It's okay, I'm fine. Is it dinner yet?"
HyunJoong bit the inside of his cheek to ground himself when he saw the smile on JungMin's face. He wished he could understand how JungMin felt just so he could help more, but realized the best he could do was be there when it got too hard.
"Probably. Wanna go into the kitchen and see, or should we just stay out here and make the others bring us food?" he asked, grin on his face.
"Let's go," JungMin chuckled, before looking down at his legs. "I think." He carefully tried to get to his feet, praying that his stability would hold right now. He didn't think he could take two different kinds of fits right after the other.
He needed to hold onto the couch tightly to keep himself up, but he got his feet under him and standing, biting on his lower lip and waiting for his legs to stop shaking.
HyunJoong got to his feet as well, waiting for JungMin to get his bearings and balance. While he made sure to stay close, he didn't want to suffocate the redhead, so he let him do as much himself as he could, but was ready to help the moment JungMin needed it.
YoungSaeng got up as well, watching his best friend carefully, making sure that he was okay. Despite not liking contact, he would never let JungMin fall.
Finally straightening, JungMin looked at them all, watching him carefully. YoungSaeng's and HyunJoong's worries were obvious, as was KyuJong's even though he tried to make it seem like he wasn't watching. They knew his body could give out at a moment's notice.
"Let's go then," he said determinedly, beginning to make his way out to the kitchen. Both arms had to be out for balance, one hand against the wall lightly as support. Each time he felt his legs wavering too much, he stopped and waited to regain balance before continuing.
The kitchen door was only a bit away, but like the steps he'd taken in the training room, his legs began to burn after just a few steps. By the time he'd reached the door, he had to work to keep the pain out of his face, stopping and holding on to the doorframe.
"Don't hide it, Min ah," YoungSaeng murmured quietly. "If it hurts, let us know."
He had been clutching KyuJong's hand tightly as JungMin made his way to the kitchen. "We're as worried as we are because we care about you."
JungMin looked back at them with a strained smile. "It's fine." Except that he couldn't bring himself to move again, despite the chairs just being a few more steps. "I just need a moment." He held on to the doorframe, swallowing as he tried to will himself to move. If he stood there for too long, he'd fall for sure.
HyunJoong frowned as he watched JungMin. He wished that he could do what he does with DongHae, but he knew that JungMin would need to concentrate fully on walking.
Finally unable to take it any longer, YoungSaeng let his hand fall from KyuJong's and took a few hesitant steps toward JungMin. After a moment, he placed a slightly trembling hand under JungMin's elbow, offering support.
Staring down at the ground, JungMin jumped slightly when he felt a light touch, looking at YoungSaeng beside him. This was only the second time YoungSaeng had made contact, the first being that hesitant and quick pat in the training room.
Meeting YoungSaeng's gaze, JungMin's eyes were scared, scared that he couldn't do this, that he'd fall, that he'd never be able to walk on his own again.
Searching his best friend's eyes, the redhead drew in a slow breath. He could do this. They could do this. He wanted his friend to be happy again, get past the block in his mind. If he tried, and kept trying, maybe YoungSaeng would as well.
"Stay with me?" he whispered to YoungSaeng, before gathering up his courage and remaining strength to straighten away from the doorframe. His legs shook violently as he took a step forward, expression pained but determined again.
YoungSaeng mentally shrinked back at JungMin's expression, but stopped himself, knowing that JungMin was as scared as he was. Nodding his head at JungMin's request but still unable to stop shaking even slightly, YoungSaeng kept his hand on his elbow, lending him the slightest bit of courage he could offer.
HyunJoong smiled at the two, stepping aside just enough to make it easier for YoungSaeng without crowding him. The two would probably be able to help each other just as much as he and KyuJong could at this point.
KyuJong stayed back with HyunJoong, eyes wide with worry, but feeling hopeful at the contact between the two best friends. YoungSaeng could do this, he told himself firmly, watching his boyfriend stay with JungMin as the redhead carefully moved.
Each step was painful and put him in danger of falling, but JungMin refused to stop again. Each slight shuffle forward brought him closer to the chairs, until finally his hands gripped the back of one tightly, panting a little at the burning in his legs. With YoungSaeng's light touch on his elbow, he managed to lower himself down into the chair.
Once JungMin was seated and secure in said seat, YoungSaeng retracted his hand, along with a deep breath to calm himself, yet stayed at JungMin's side as promised. "Are you okay, Min ah?" he asked as he took the chair beside the redhead, pulling one over for KyuJong as well.
HyunJoong sat beside JungMin as well, reaching up and smoothing out his boyfriend's hair. "You did good, Min." Turning toward YoungSaeng, he grinned as well. "You, too, Saeng ah."
"I'm okay," JungMin nodded with a small smile at YoungSaeng, relieved to finally be sitting down. "Thank you, Saengie."
KyuJong sat down in the chair YoungSaeng pulled over for him, smiling as he squeezed YoungSaeng's arm gently. "Good job, Saeng," he whispered softly, eyes bright.
"You both did very well," his mother smiled at them all as she came over, setting the food down on the table.
Letting out a hesitant smile of sorts, YoungSaeng leaned over, resting against KyuJong and resting his head on his shoulder.
HyunJoong looked up at KyuJong's mother with a smile as she set all the food down, handing out forks rather than chopsticks, thinking it might help for them all to use them and knowing that it would be easier for JungMin rather than attempt the dexterity involved with chopsticks.
JungMin thanked KyuJong's mother with a small smile, picking up his fork once she was sitting down. Wrapping his fingers around the metal, he started to eat carefully, having to take longer than the others to make sure he wasn't going to just drop everything.
KyuJong kissed YoungSaeng temple softly, running his hand along YoungSaeng's arm before straightening so they could eat.
The back door opened. "Sorry we're late!" HyungJoon apologized over and over as he and EunAh came in, shutting the door and kicking off their shoes.
HyunJoong looked up as HyungJoon and EunAh entered the kitchen. "Joonie's late for a meal Umma cooked. Did I mess the apocalypse?" he teased, earning a laugh from EunAh and a quiet snicker from YoungSaeng,
"Sorry, but I was having too much fun watching Nicole turn into a tomato whenever Xander would walk into the room."
"Poor Nicole," KyuJong laughed. "Does Xander hyung have any idea?"
"Nope, I don't know how he's missing it," EunAh laughed quietly.
"That situation sounds familiar," KyuJong mused, looking at his sister with amusement until she turned pink and kicked him under the table.
HyunJoong had to laugh at the two. "EunAh was a bit more Nicole-ish. It was Joonie that was the oblivious nitwit there," he snickered, jumping when he was kicked as well.
"I wasn't," HyungJoon huffed, bright red.
"You were," EunAh and JungMin replied flatly, then looked at each other, grinning. The redhead was feeling better now, even though his legs were still killing him, soaking in the positive energy in the air as he determinedly stabbed at his food with his fork.
YoungSaeng's lips quirked upward at the comment and HyungJoon's face before returning to the food before him. He gave the woman a grateful look when he saw that there was nowhere near as much on his plate as the others since she understood that his appetite was still very small and the amount was much more manageable. He also felt less stress to finish everything, knowing that with this amount, he actually could.
The meal was easy-going, the group talking about anything and everything that came to mind. It was like before, as close as they could get anyways. YoungSaeng didn't speak up at comments he would have targeted instantly two years ago, and JungMin had to pronounce his words carefully to be understood rather than just babble like he used to, but it was the closest they'd come to a normal meal all together.
Finally KyuJong placed his fork down, full. JungMin had finally given up trying to eat his own food, having gotten through over three quarters of it before even the fork became far too annoying to work with. Instead the redhead sniped at HyungJoon, the two striking up a very familiar banter.
HyunJoong had eaten the majority of his food before picking at the remains, watching JungMin and HyungJoon bicker like an old married couple, he and EunAh sharing amused glances every now and then.
YoungSaeng finally set his fork down after finishing his food. Full, YoungSaeng closed his eyes and rested his head on KyuJong's shoulder as he always did, releasing a small sigh of contentment as he allowed the familiarity in the room wash over him.
Smiling, KyuJong kissed the top of YoungSaeng's head and ran his hand along YoungSaeng's arm, watching the other with amusement.
When the banter had escalated to kicking under the table (or trying to in JungMin's case, he couldn't move his legs very well), KyuJong's mother laughed and stood, starting to clean up. "Behave you two, before you break the table."
They both shut up with a sheepish 'yes umma'. When she turned away, HyungJoon stuck out his tongue at JungMin, and bit back a shriek when the redhead shot a potato cube at him.
YoungSaeng let out a quiet laugh as he saw the scandalized look on HyungJoon's face as well as the look of victory on JungMin's. This was definitely something he missed.
KyuJong smiled widely at the laugh, squeezing YoungSaeng's shoulder lightly. JungMin grinned at his best friend as well before settling against HyunJoong beside him, folding and unfolding the napkin beside his plate as he and HyungJoon made faces at each other. RyeoWook had suggested he do small things like origami, or tying knots in a piece of string, to help regain dexterity in his fingers.
"So what should we do next?" HyunJoong asked, playing with JungMin's hair as he watched him fold and unfold the napkin. "I don't know about you guys, but I would rather not go back quite yet."
"Same," KyuJong agreed, nodding. One look at the others said they felt the same way. "We could...play a game, or watch a movie?"
"Movie," HyungJoon perked up. JungMin nodded along at the idea, smiling at the fingers in his hair.
"Movie it is then," HyunJoong chuckled, getting to his feet and offering his hands to JungMin. "Any suggestions of what not to watch?" he asked, looking around the room.
"No horror," YoungSaeng answered, slowly getting to his feet. Suddenly feeling a bit fidgety, something that had been happening more frequently at his lack of movement, he gathered his plate and KyuJong's and padded over to place them in the sink just to move a bit before returning to his boyfriend's side.
KyuJong nodded at that; YoungSaeng used to enjoy horror movies, but it's no surprise that would have changed with the past two years. The hospital had been filled with far too much horror, KyuJong still remembering seeing some of the rooms stained with blood.
"Why don't we watch something with comedy?" he suggested, looking at them as they got up as well. JungMin took HyunJoong's hands and tried to stand, only to discover his legs couldn't hold his weight anymore, falling instantly with a yelp.
Steadying JungMin so he wouldn't fall out of the chair when he fell, HyunJoong crouched down before him. "Hop on, Min. Your chariot awaits," he teased. He truly didn't mind carrying his boyfriend around at all, enjoying the feel of JungMin's body against his own. Even now, the redhead was still so warm. "And I think comedy sounds good."
Pouting and poking HyunJoong's back, JungMin carefully wrapped his arms and non-cooperative legs around the older boy, sulking as he rested his chin against HyunJoong's shoulder.
"Let's go bring the movies down then?" KyuJong smiled at YoungSaeng as they moved out into the living room.
HyunJoong squirmed at the poke as he watched KyuJong and YoungSaeng head upstairs. Making sure that he had a good hold on JungMin, he got up and headed into the living room, HyungJoon and EunAh right behind. "Where to, Min ah?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to curl up or stretch out.
"Chair?" JungMin asked, looking at the large chair beside the couch. The first time they'd been here, and watched a movie together with the others, JungMin had practically jumped into the chair with HyunJoong after one horror moment too many. It had been comfortable, and now he wasn't worried about accidentally zapping HyunJoong. His electricity was still very weak, very easy for HyunJoong to lock down if JungMin wasn't having a good enough day to try doing it himself.
Smiling, HyunJoong nodded and went over to the chair, letting JungMin down carefully before taking a seat as well, arranging themselves until JungMin was resting comfortably in HyunJoong's arms, the elder interlocking their fingers in front of the redhead. Once they were settled, HyunJoong placed a kiss to JungMin's hair, nuzzling him before moving back a bit.
HyungJoon and EunAh settled down on the love seat, leaving the couch for KyuJong and YoungSaeng.
The two came back down a minute later, KyuJong holding a small pile of movies. "Okay, pick one," he smiled, placing them all down. JungMin leaned over a little to peer at them curiously, not moving out of HyunJoong's grasp.
"This was a good one," EunAh said, pointing at one of the movies in the middle of the pile.
Looking at the one EunAh picked, YoungSaeng nodded. "Never seen that one before," he said as he took a seat on the couch.
HyunJoong shook his head. "Me neither. Pop it in."
KyuJong crouched down in front of the TV, turning it on and inserting the DVD. he grabbed the remote and went to sit on the couch with YoungSaeng, one arm around his boyfriend's waist.
JungMin smiled widely as the movie began to play, leaning back against HyunJoong and playing with the older man's fingers.
Authors:
renichifreak and
yeonah
Chapter: 12/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA, U-KISS, Super Junior and BEAST
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin, SooBum (may be other pairings in the future)
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: YoungSaeng and HyunJoong are played by
renichifreak and KyuJong and JungMin are played by me.
"Still looks the same," JungMin grinned happily as they stepped in through the back door to KyuJong's house. The redhead was secure on HyunJoong's back (he would have never managed a walk like that by himself), looked around at everything. They'd shown up around dinner time. Once KyuJong's mother heard they were planning on stopping by, she'd insisted on them staying for dinner. Not that any of them minded; even Joonie was coming by later, once he fixed up a few things in the underground base.
KyuJong closed the door behind them all, chuckled at how JungMin looked around before slipping out of his shoes. "Umma, we're here," he called, hearing her answer from the kitchen.
YoungSaeng followed behind KyuJong into the house, watching in amusement as JungMin tried to explore the house from his position on HyunJoong's back. Taking his shoes off as the others did the same, he walked inside, smiling slightly as KyuJong's mother came to greet them.
HyunJoong chuckled at JungMin before walking into the den and letting JungMin down, making sure to move slowly that that the redhead wouldn't lose his balance.
Climbing down off HyunJoong's back slowly, JungMin leaned back against the couch, still grinning ear to ear. If he'd been excited to get out of the infirmary a few days ago, he'd been nearly out of his mind with joy upon realizing he was going to go outside, aboveground, and then to KyuJong's house. It had been nearly impossible for him to calm down despite not being able to move very far.
"Dinner will be ready in half an hour dears," KyuJong's mother said, smiling from the kitchen entrance. "Oh, JungMin ah, HyunJoong ah! I see RyeoWook finally let you both out?"
"Not exactly...” JungMin snickered, tugging on HyunJoong's hand to get him to sit down.
Taking a seat as he was tugged down, HyunJoong wrapped his arm around the redhead's waist and yanked, making him fall into his lap. "Umma, can I hide here when Wookie finds out? I am not coming out of that one alive otherwise."
It was good to see JungMin so happy and full of life after so long.
Yelping as he dropped into HyunJoong's lap, JungMin laughed, wrapping his arms around HyunJoong's neck and squirming to make himself comfortable.
"Until he calms down, yes," KyuJong's mother laughed. "You shouldn't annoy your healers, HyunJoong ah," she teased, leaning against the kitchen doorframe. "HyungJoonie coming by later?"
"He said he would be, and EunAh would hunt him down otherwise," KyuJong chuckled, arms wrapped loosely around YoungSaeng's waist from behind.
"I don't see Joonie skipping out on your cooking, so you have nothing to worry about in that regard," HyunJoong chuckled before poking JungMin lightly. "Comfortable yet?" he teased.
"Nope," JungMin smirked. Wrapping his arms more securely around the older boy, he purposely tossed his weight sideways to knock them both onto their sides on the couch, taking up the entire thing. "Now I am," he grinned, having to hold on to HyunJoong to avoid falling off the couch.
KyuJong laughed. "I think our seat's been taken." He brought YoungSaeng over to sit down on the large chair instead.
Squawking as he was knocked over, HyunJoong shot a teasing glare at the redhead before tickling him in revenge.
Watching the two with a soft look, YoungSaeng sat down in the chair, curling up against KyuJong in an attempt to get comfortable.
Shrieking loudly, JungMin flailed and nearly did fall off the couch, holding on to HyunJoong's shirt with one hand and trying to fend off the attack with the other. "Y-YAH!"
Making sure he had a grip good enough to keep JungMin on the couch, HyunJoong continued with his actions, loving hearing JungMin's laughter flood the house.
JungMin flailed even more, trying to get HyunJoong away half-heartedly and laughing. "H-HyunJoong! Stop! YAH!"
Chuckling at the two of them, KyuJong's stomach suddenly dropped as he noticed JungMin's breathing was getting harsher and shorter, a couple seconds before the loud laughter was broken by painful coughs.
Stopping immediately when he noticed the change in his breathing, HyunJoong hauled him up to sit straight, hand running over his back firmly to ease the coughs. "Just breathe, Min, okay? In and out," he stated quietly, guilt crashing down on him as he waited for the fit to calm back down.
Curled up a little against HyunJoong's chest, JungMin struggled to draw in gasping breaths of air, coughing harshly and body shaking slightly. It was long, tense seconds before the coughs finally eased slowly and he panted against HyunJoong's collar.
When the coughs finally eased, HyunJoong finally let out the breath he had held in, holding JungMin close and running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry Min...I promise to listen next time," he murmured.
YoungSaeng relaxed the harsh grip he had on KyuJong when the fit started, not knowing what to do. "Min, are you okay?" he asked softly, voice full of worry.
Still working on breathing properly, JungMin could only nod his head a little before turning his face more against HyunJoong's collar, shivering. KyuJong could see him trembling a little even though the fit was over.
Biting his lower lip. HyunJoong continued rubbing JungMin's back, using more willpower than he thought he had to keep the tears back. JungMin was still so far from recovering fully, no matter how much he didn't look it.
YoungSaeng began squirming, wanting to go comfort JungMin, but not sure if he should...or could, for that matter.
KyuJong looked down at YoungSaeng beside him, rubbing his arm slowly to keep his boyfriend calm.
Eventually JungMin's breathing eased out properly, but it quickly became obvious he wasn't moving for a while, keeping his face pressed against HyunJoong's collar and arms loosely draped over the older boy's shoulders, eyes closed.
Tilting his head and placing a kiss against the top of JungMin's head, HyunJoong just continued to hold him, needing the contact just as much as his boyfriend. "If you want, we can skip dinner for now and take a nap," HyunJoong murmured, voice quiet.
Swallowing, JungMin slowly shook his head against HyunJoong's shirt, not moving. "Just need a moment," he murmured. Beneath the out-of-breath and slightly slurred quality to his voice was a heavy discouragement.
"...Take as long as you need," YoungSaeng murmured quietly, holding tightly to KyuJong as he watched the couple. "We have time."
"Saeng ah's right, Min. We have all the time in the world," HyunJoong said.
Nodding slightly to that, JungMin fell silent again, not seeming to have the energy it took to keep on talking right then.
KyuJong watched them sadly, kissing YoungSaeng's temple lightly before leaning back in the seat. "The fits seem to be coming less at least," he said quietly, trying to put a positive spin on things.
Smiling back at KyuJong, HyunJoong nodded his head. "He's right, Min. It's been a while since you last had one," he said. While they came less frequently now, every one still scared HyunJoong to death.
JungMin nodded a little again, drawing in a slow breath. He knew they were trying to cheer him up, and that they were right, but he could only keep upbeat about his condition for so long. When he could still feel a weight in his chest when he tried to breathe, a shaking in his legs and arms when he moved them.
But what scared him the most was when something in his head switched off, and he fell in the middle of the hallway, or his chopsticks fell out of his hand, or he spewed complete and total gibberish before regaining control of his words. The fits were less, but the moments where his mind failed him were still the same as before. Would it always be like this?
Swallowing thickly, he finally pulled backed a little to sit up on his own again, giving HyunJoong a brave smile that he couldn't feel. "It's okay, I'm fine. Is it dinner yet?"
HyunJoong bit the inside of his cheek to ground himself when he saw the smile on JungMin's face. He wished he could understand how JungMin felt just so he could help more, but realized the best he could do was be there when it got too hard.
"Probably. Wanna go into the kitchen and see, or should we just stay out here and make the others bring us food?" he asked, grin on his face.
"Let's go," JungMin chuckled, before looking down at his legs. "I think." He carefully tried to get to his feet, praying that his stability would hold right now. He didn't think he could take two different kinds of fits right after the other.
He needed to hold onto the couch tightly to keep himself up, but he got his feet under him and standing, biting on his lower lip and waiting for his legs to stop shaking.
HyunJoong got to his feet as well, waiting for JungMin to get his bearings and balance. While he made sure to stay close, he didn't want to suffocate the redhead, so he let him do as much himself as he could, but was ready to help the moment JungMin needed it.
YoungSaeng got up as well, watching his best friend carefully, making sure that he was okay. Despite not liking contact, he would never let JungMin fall.
Finally straightening, JungMin looked at them all, watching him carefully. YoungSaeng's and HyunJoong's worries were obvious, as was KyuJong's even though he tried to make it seem like he wasn't watching. They knew his body could give out at a moment's notice.
"Let's go then," he said determinedly, beginning to make his way out to the kitchen. Both arms had to be out for balance, one hand against the wall lightly as support. Each time he felt his legs wavering too much, he stopped and waited to regain balance before continuing.
The kitchen door was only a bit away, but like the steps he'd taken in the training room, his legs began to burn after just a few steps. By the time he'd reached the door, he had to work to keep the pain out of his face, stopping and holding on to the doorframe.
"Don't hide it, Min ah," YoungSaeng murmured quietly. "If it hurts, let us know."
He had been clutching KyuJong's hand tightly as JungMin made his way to the kitchen. "We're as worried as we are because we care about you."
JungMin looked back at them with a strained smile. "It's fine." Except that he couldn't bring himself to move again, despite the chairs just being a few more steps. "I just need a moment." He held on to the doorframe, swallowing as he tried to will himself to move. If he stood there for too long, he'd fall for sure.
HyunJoong frowned as he watched JungMin. He wished that he could do what he does with DongHae, but he knew that JungMin would need to concentrate fully on walking.
Finally unable to take it any longer, YoungSaeng let his hand fall from KyuJong's and took a few hesitant steps toward JungMin. After a moment, he placed a slightly trembling hand under JungMin's elbow, offering support.
Staring down at the ground, JungMin jumped slightly when he felt a light touch, looking at YoungSaeng beside him. This was only the second time YoungSaeng had made contact, the first being that hesitant and quick pat in the training room.
Meeting YoungSaeng's gaze, JungMin's eyes were scared, scared that he couldn't do this, that he'd fall, that he'd never be able to walk on his own again.
Searching his best friend's eyes, the redhead drew in a slow breath. He could do this. They could do this. He wanted his friend to be happy again, get past the block in his mind. If he tried, and kept trying, maybe YoungSaeng would as well.
"Stay with me?" he whispered to YoungSaeng, before gathering up his courage and remaining strength to straighten away from the doorframe. His legs shook violently as he took a step forward, expression pained but determined again.
YoungSaeng mentally shrinked back at JungMin's expression, but stopped himself, knowing that JungMin was as scared as he was. Nodding his head at JungMin's request but still unable to stop shaking even slightly, YoungSaeng kept his hand on his elbow, lending him the slightest bit of courage he could offer.
HyunJoong smiled at the two, stepping aside just enough to make it easier for YoungSaeng without crowding him. The two would probably be able to help each other just as much as he and KyuJong could at this point.
KyuJong stayed back with HyunJoong, eyes wide with worry, but feeling hopeful at the contact between the two best friends. YoungSaeng could do this, he told himself firmly, watching his boyfriend stay with JungMin as the redhead carefully moved.
Each step was painful and put him in danger of falling, but JungMin refused to stop again. Each slight shuffle forward brought him closer to the chairs, until finally his hands gripped the back of one tightly, panting a little at the burning in his legs. With YoungSaeng's light touch on his elbow, he managed to lower himself down into the chair.
Once JungMin was seated and secure in said seat, YoungSaeng retracted his hand, along with a deep breath to calm himself, yet stayed at JungMin's side as promised. "Are you okay, Min ah?" he asked as he took the chair beside the redhead, pulling one over for KyuJong as well.
HyunJoong sat beside JungMin as well, reaching up and smoothing out his boyfriend's hair. "You did good, Min." Turning toward YoungSaeng, he grinned as well. "You, too, Saeng ah."
"I'm okay," JungMin nodded with a small smile at YoungSaeng, relieved to finally be sitting down. "Thank you, Saengie."
KyuJong sat down in the chair YoungSaeng pulled over for him, smiling as he squeezed YoungSaeng's arm gently. "Good job, Saeng," he whispered softly, eyes bright.
"You both did very well," his mother smiled at them all as she came over, setting the food down on the table.
Letting out a hesitant smile of sorts, YoungSaeng leaned over, resting against KyuJong and resting his head on his shoulder.
HyunJoong looked up at KyuJong's mother with a smile as she set all the food down, handing out forks rather than chopsticks, thinking it might help for them all to use them and knowing that it would be easier for JungMin rather than attempt the dexterity involved with chopsticks.
JungMin thanked KyuJong's mother with a small smile, picking up his fork once she was sitting down. Wrapping his fingers around the metal, he started to eat carefully, having to take longer than the others to make sure he wasn't going to just drop everything.
KyuJong kissed YoungSaeng temple softly, running his hand along YoungSaeng's arm before straightening so they could eat.
The back door opened. "Sorry we're late!" HyungJoon apologized over and over as he and EunAh came in, shutting the door and kicking off their shoes.
HyunJoong looked up as HyungJoon and EunAh entered the kitchen. "Joonie's late for a meal Umma cooked. Did I mess the apocalypse?" he teased, earning a laugh from EunAh and a quiet snicker from YoungSaeng,
"Sorry, but I was having too much fun watching Nicole turn into a tomato whenever Xander would walk into the room."
"Poor Nicole," KyuJong laughed. "Does Xander hyung have any idea?"
"Nope, I don't know how he's missing it," EunAh laughed quietly.
"That situation sounds familiar," KyuJong mused, looking at his sister with amusement until she turned pink and kicked him under the table.
HyunJoong had to laugh at the two. "EunAh was a bit more Nicole-ish. It was Joonie that was the oblivious nitwit there," he snickered, jumping when he was kicked as well.
"I wasn't," HyungJoon huffed, bright red.
"You were," EunAh and JungMin replied flatly, then looked at each other, grinning. The redhead was feeling better now, even though his legs were still killing him, soaking in the positive energy in the air as he determinedly stabbed at his food with his fork.
YoungSaeng's lips quirked upward at the comment and HyungJoon's face before returning to the food before him. He gave the woman a grateful look when he saw that there was nowhere near as much on his plate as the others since she understood that his appetite was still very small and the amount was much more manageable. He also felt less stress to finish everything, knowing that with this amount, he actually could.
The meal was easy-going, the group talking about anything and everything that came to mind. It was like before, as close as they could get anyways. YoungSaeng didn't speak up at comments he would have targeted instantly two years ago, and JungMin had to pronounce his words carefully to be understood rather than just babble like he used to, but it was the closest they'd come to a normal meal all together.
Finally KyuJong placed his fork down, full. JungMin had finally given up trying to eat his own food, having gotten through over three quarters of it before even the fork became far too annoying to work with. Instead the redhead sniped at HyungJoon, the two striking up a very familiar banter.
HyunJoong had eaten the majority of his food before picking at the remains, watching JungMin and HyungJoon bicker like an old married couple, he and EunAh sharing amused glances every now and then.
YoungSaeng finally set his fork down after finishing his food. Full, YoungSaeng closed his eyes and rested his head on KyuJong's shoulder as he always did, releasing a small sigh of contentment as he allowed the familiarity in the room wash over him.
Smiling, KyuJong kissed the top of YoungSaeng's head and ran his hand along YoungSaeng's arm, watching the other with amusement.
When the banter had escalated to kicking under the table (or trying to in JungMin's case, he couldn't move his legs very well), KyuJong's mother laughed and stood, starting to clean up. "Behave you two, before you break the table."
They both shut up with a sheepish 'yes umma'. When she turned away, HyungJoon stuck out his tongue at JungMin, and bit back a shriek when the redhead shot a potato cube at him.
YoungSaeng let out a quiet laugh as he saw the scandalized look on HyungJoon's face as well as the look of victory on JungMin's. This was definitely something he missed.
KyuJong smiled widely at the laugh, squeezing YoungSaeng's shoulder lightly. JungMin grinned at his best friend as well before settling against HyunJoong beside him, folding and unfolding the napkin beside his plate as he and HyungJoon made faces at each other. RyeoWook had suggested he do small things like origami, or tying knots in a piece of string, to help regain dexterity in his fingers.
"So what should we do next?" HyunJoong asked, playing with JungMin's hair as he watched him fold and unfold the napkin. "I don't know about you guys, but I would rather not go back quite yet."
"Same," KyuJong agreed, nodding. One look at the others said they felt the same way. "We could...play a game, or watch a movie?"
"Movie," HyungJoon perked up. JungMin nodded along at the idea, smiling at the fingers in his hair.
"Movie it is then," HyunJoong chuckled, getting to his feet and offering his hands to JungMin. "Any suggestions of what not to watch?" he asked, looking around the room.
"No horror," YoungSaeng answered, slowly getting to his feet. Suddenly feeling a bit fidgety, something that had been happening more frequently at his lack of movement, he gathered his plate and KyuJong's and padded over to place them in the sink just to move a bit before returning to his boyfriend's side.
KyuJong nodded at that; YoungSaeng used to enjoy horror movies, but it's no surprise that would have changed with the past two years. The hospital had been filled with far too much horror, KyuJong still remembering seeing some of the rooms stained with blood.
"Why don't we watch something with comedy?" he suggested, looking at them as they got up as well. JungMin took HyunJoong's hands and tried to stand, only to discover his legs couldn't hold his weight anymore, falling instantly with a yelp.
Steadying JungMin so he wouldn't fall out of the chair when he fell, HyunJoong crouched down before him. "Hop on, Min. Your chariot awaits," he teased. He truly didn't mind carrying his boyfriend around at all, enjoying the feel of JungMin's body against his own. Even now, the redhead was still so warm. "And I think comedy sounds good."
Pouting and poking HyunJoong's back, JungMin carefully wrapped his arms and non-cooperative legs around the older boy, sulking as he rested his chin against HyunJoong's shoulder.
"Let's go bring the movies down then?" KyuJong smiled at YoungSaeng as they moved out into the living room.
HyunJoong squirmed at the poke as he watched KyuJong and YoungSaeng head upstairs. Making sure that he had a good hold on JungMin, he got up and headed into the living room, HyungJoon and EunAh right behind. "Where to, Min ah?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to curl up or stretch out.
"Chair?" JungMin asked, looking at the large chair beside the couch. The first time they'd been here, and watched a movie together with the others, JungMin had practically jumped into the chair with HyunJoong after one horror moment too many. It had been comfortable, and now he wasn't worried about accidentally zapping HyunJoong. His electricity was still very weak, very easy for HyunJoong to lock down if JungMin wasn't having a good enough day to try doing it himself.
Smiling, HyunJoong nodded and went over to the chair, letting JungMin down carefully before taking a seat as well, arranging themselves until JungMin was resting comfortably in HyunJoong's arms, the elder interlocking their fingers in front of the redhead. Once they were settled, HyunJoong placed a kiss to JungMin's hair, nuzzling him before moving back a bit.
HyungJoon and EunAh settled down on the love seat, leaving the couch for KyuJong and YoungSaeng.
The two came back down a minute later, KyuJong holding a small pile of movies. "Okay, pick one," he smiled, placing them all down. JungMin leaned over a little to peer at them curiously, not moving out of HyunJoong's grasp.
"This was a good one," EunAh said, pointing at one of the movies in the middle of the pile.
Looking at the one EunAh picked, YoungSaeng nodded. "Never seen that one before," he said as he took a seat on the couch.
HyunJoong shook his head. "Me neither. Pop it in."
KyuJong crouched down in front of the TV, turning it on and inserting the DVD. he grabbed the remote and went to sit on the couch with YoungSaeng, one arm around his boyfriend's waist.
JungMin smiled widely as the movie began to play, leaning back against HyunJoong and playing with the older man's fingers.