warmth - part 9
Title: Warmth
Pairings: Junsu/Yoochun, Changmin/Jaejoong/Yunho
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Somewhat vulgar language, weak graphic images
Genre: Romance, angst, science-fiction-ish
A/N: I miss my Pretty Tree.
Summary: One trip to the Old Forest sends Junsu and Changmin into another world full of mistakened myths and new realizations. A vampire's goal in life is to live for eternity and feed from the warmth of a human. If that is so, what is a werewolf's goal?
Previous: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8
. : : . : : . : : .
Time seemed to flow quicker than usual during the next few months. Going to college, working at the record shop, and hanging out with Jaejoong and Yunho seemed to happen every week for both Junsu and Changmin. They enjoyed their lives now, more than they did before. Meeting Jaejoong and Yunho has proven to a definite life-changing experience for the two and they couldn’t be more grateful.
Junsu felt extremely grateful to see that his close has finally opened up to someone new, someone who he now holds dear to his heart. Junsu was happy for Changmin. The brunette’s smile was always plastered on his face nowadays now that he has Jaejoong and Yunho in his life. Junsu sometimes wonders if either of three will take their relationship to the next level since their adoration for each other is more than obvious.
The redhead has never talked with Changmin about that though; the subject seems too sensitive and it could create awkwardness between the three. Junsu didn’t want to destroy their relationship. He couldn’t bring himself to do such a thing.
“Excuse me sir, can I ask you something?”
Junsu turned his head and smiled at the young woman beside him. “Yes, how may I help you?” he asked politely.
The woman, probably in her early twenties, fiddled with the strap of her purse while she replied, “Do you know where I can find a certain movie? I’m not very good at it…”
Politeness shined in Junsu’s smile as he nodded. “Of course. Any particular movie you are looking for?”
“Man…Hesing?”
Junsu tilted his head in thought. “Do you mean Van Helsing?”
The woman nodded as her cheeks flushed red. “M-my English is horrible, I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” Junsu reassured her. “That’s why I’m here to help. Let me look it up on the computer and see if we have it.”
The woman nodded again and Junsu left for the front counter. As he made his way behind the counter, the bell chimed causing the redhead to look up and greet the newest customer, “Wel-” he stopped short as a smile crossed his face. “Hyung!”
Jaejoong gave a very cute peace sign and a blinding smile. “Hello Susu! I’ve come by again for another visit, hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not hyung. Give me a minute though, I’m helping a customer.” Jaejoong nodded, and so Junsu settled his hand upon the computer mouse, pulling up the store files as he clicked away. The woman he was helping was slowly nearing the counter. When Junsu glanced up at her, he saw that her eyes were fixed onto the beautiful being standing not but three feet from her presence. Jaejoong gave her one of his best smiles and said, “Hello there.”
Junsu was surprised the woman didn’t faint like everyone else. He saw her figure shaken though and it was hard to hold back a chuckle.
A few more clicks. “Ah, we do have it!”he exclaimed. Swiftly, Junsu left the counter and navigated his way down the small isles of the record store. He searched for a few moments before pulling a dvd from the shelf and showing it to the lady customer. “This is it, correct?”
The woman nodded, but her eyes were barely on the dvd-they were locked onto Jaejoong’s face. Junsu hid his amusement and shook his head. He walked back to the counter and checked out the dvd for the woman. She gave a small “thank you” before leaving the shop, eyes never leaving Jaejoong’s form.
Junsu sighed but smiled in Jaejoong’s direction. “You have a horrible effect at stealing people’s attention, hyung. I’m jealous.”
Jaejoong shrugged. “I can’t help how I look.”
“So you do recognize your own…intensity?”
Jaejoong smiled. “Of course.”
Junsu shook his head again. “Unbelievable…” he muttered, the corners of his lips threatening to turn up into another smile.
The redhead noticed his guest looking around the now-empty shop. A sudden alarm spread across his face as he turned back to Junsu and asked, “Where’s Minnie?”
“He’s still at school,” Junsu answered. “He’s taking some AP test that requires you to stay later than usual. I told him to take the day off of work since his brain will be fried by the time he gets here. Of course he said no, so he should be here in a little bit.”
The angel nodded in understanding. “A test, huh?” he murmured. “Poor Minnie. I bet he’ll be hungry after all that.”
Junsu chuckled, “Of course he will.” Then he noticed something missing. “Where’s Yunho-hyung?”
Jaejoong’s answer came not but one second after Junsu finished saying the last word of his question. “He’s cleaning.”
The redhead couldn’t deny the scary mischievousness glowing within Jaejoong’s crystal dark eyes. “C-cleaning?” he dared to inquire. Maybe he should stand directly behind the computer so he could receive fewer injuries. Jaejoong looked happily dangerous…if such an expression or feeling exists.
“Cleaning,” Jaejoong intensified the one word. “It’s his punishment for calling me a woman.”
‘Uh oh’ Junsu thought. “He called you a…woman?”
Jaejoong’s eyes narrowed dangerously but his blinding smile never left his face. “What an idiot,” he murmured.
In fear of loosing his life, Junsu asked no more.
. : : . : : . : : .
Changmin shivered as another strong gust of wind shook his body. “Damn November weather!” he cursed, annoyed and frustrated. “I’m fucking starving.”
The sun had gone down hours ago. Apparently, that stupid AP test lasted longer than he expected-much longer than he expected. Never before has he taken such a long-ass test. Changmin has decided to never take another test like that again. Why the hell did he have to choose AP anyway? Wasn’t he in college already?”
School is such a pain.
Another gust of freezing winter bashed against Changmin’s body. The brunette cursed loudly as he pulled his jacket closer to his shivering skin. He was practically running down the sidewalks toward the record shop. Cars drove by, the bright headlights blinding his vision from time to time. Changmin couldn’t deny that he was happy that it was not snowing yet because if it was, he would be beyond pissed.
Changmin turned a corner and sped the last few yards down the sidewalk. He eyes searched for the familiar lights of the record shop.
He found none. Changmin wanted to scream in frustration when he stopped in front of the closed, dark record shop. Apparently Junsu closed early.
“Dammit!” the brunette cursed. He quickly pulled out his cell phone, ready to call his friend.
“Excuse me little one, are you lost?”
Changmin’s head snapped up. ‘Little one?’ his mind processed angrily. ‘Did someone just call me little?’ His frustrated now leaking off his shoulders in angry waves, Changmin twirled around, intending to snap at whoever just called him little.
His body froze however, the moment his eyes landed on the woman standing there.
‘The fuck?!’ Changmin thought as he tried to move his body. It wouldn’t listen to him. He wanted to open his mouth and shout at this woman, but not even his lips would part. Was he even breathing? What the hell was going on? Changmin could do nothing but stare at the woman standing a few feet away from him. She was dressed in tight leather shorts, a long-sleeved, tight red shirt and impossibly thin high-heeled boots reaching up to her pale knees. Changmin was shocked. Was she freezing?!
The woman smiled playfully, but Changmin suddenly felt nothing but alarm. His mind was screaming at him to run but he couldn’t.
“At a loss for words?” she asked, her voice perfectly crisp and clear like the sharp, cold wind blowing around them. “Is my beauty that shocking?”
Changmin couldn’t deny that she was insanely beautiful, but he felt nothing towards her but absolute fear. The brunette was afraid; he couldn’t believe how scared he was. One look at this woman and he wanted to flee, flee far away.
The woman slowly approached Changmin, her long, pale legs sauntering provocatively. “That’s alright,” she said as she stopped in front of Changmin. “You don’t have to speak. I understand your feelings.”
‘Like hell you don’t!’ Changmin screamed his thoughts. ‘Get away from me!’
A single finger began to stroke the soft skin upon Changmin’s chin. Changmin felt as if he should shiver but he couldn’t even do that. The woman slowly let her finger graze across his chin as her eyes fixed themselves onto Changmin’s. The brunette just wished she would look away and stop touching him.
“Such a beauty for being something so fragile,” the woman spoke thoughtfully. “It’s such a shame. Those two sure are lucky to have something as pretty as you.”
‘Two?’ Changmin thought. ‘What the hell was she talking about? Fragile? Beauty? Was this chick on drugs?!’
She continued to stroke Changmin’s chin, and then his jaw and cheeks. Her finger trailed up to the sensitive skin under his eye as she purred, “So delicate. Maybe I should take you all to myself...”
Her perfectly shaped fingernail suddenly cut into the soft skin; Changmin felt that he winced but his body still did not move. What the hell was going on?
The woman’s eyes seemed to hollow out as she pulled back her finger. She brought her finger to her nose and let it trail under her nostrils. “Amazing…” she whispered. “You smell delicious…”
‘What?’
Changmin’s fear intensified as the woman stared at him differently than before. Her face neared Changmin’s as she whispered, “Mind if I have a taste?”
The moment her eyes left Changmin’s, the brunette’s body was drained of all energy and he felt his knees buckle. Hands suddenly held him up though as his head rolled forward. The woman was holding him against her body-her cold body. His head rested lifelessly upon the crook of her neck.
Alarms were blaring throughout Changmin’s mind. He had to get away, get away get away get away-
The moment he felt something prick his neck, the cold body vanished from his presence. Changmin fell forward, unfocused and weak. His body was once again caught, but this time by a different set of arms.
“Changmin!”
That voice sounded so familiar. Changmin didn’t have the strength to even lift his head and look at this newcomer.
“Changmin, listen to me. Don’t fall asleep. You have to stay awake!”
Stay awake? Changmin couldn’t even lift a finger. He felt his body being lowered to the cold ground moments later. A hand was cradling his head before he felt the other’s presence disappear completely.
“Well well, if it isn’t Yunho,” a woman’s voice sneered. Changmin’s eyes fluttered but he could not open them. “Come to save your little treat?”
“Leave now Yee Jung, or I swear I’ll kill you,” the man’s voice all but hissed. Changmin felt his chest tighten. That voice sounded so frozen and deadly…it couldn’t be Yunho. There was no way. Changmin wanted to open his eyes and see the truth, but his eyelids barely moved. He was so tired…
The woman laughed. “No need to get feisty. I only wanted to see who was the one occupying yours and Jaejoong’s attention all this time. I would like to complement you, he’s a nice catch.”
Changmin didn’t hear Yunho say another word, but after a few moments he heard the distinct sound of high heels against granite. Not but two seconds later, his body was being lifted again and his head cradled carefully against a strong chest. Changmin let out a shaky, long breath.
“Yunho…” he whispered weakly, eyes still unable to reveal themselves to the dark world.
Yunho was kneeling upon the ground, using his knee to hold Changmin’s body upwards. “Changmin, don’t fall asleep,” he ordered firmly. Changmin sensed panic in the usual calm voice. “Open your eyes and look at me.”
“Can’t…” the brunette whimpered as he shivered from the cold. “…tired…”
Changmin barely felt the gentle hand tilting his face upwards. Could he feel Yunho’s breath now? It felt nice and comforting…warm. He could fall asleep with this feeling forever.
“Please Changmin.” Yunho’s voice was oddly filled with desperation. “Look at me.”
It was hard to focus. Changmin felt so weak, drained and safe that he didn’t want to open his eyes and face reality. But this was Yunho pleading for him, and knowing that, Changmin felt his heart flutter. With whatever strength he had left, he slowly focused on lifting his eyelids. It was dark and blurry, but Yunho’s face eventually materialized. First, Changmin saw that unique jawline and then those thin yet full lips. The sensitive skin looked soft to the touch. There was his nose curving up to the structure of his thin eyebrows. Changmin looked below those eyebrows…
And saw two unfamiliar, crystal clear crimson eyes.
The strength left him in that single moment and an odd tingling spread throughout Changmin’s body. Suddenly feeling warm and secure, his eyelids slipped shut once again, allowing him to succumb to the warmth that was now his darkness.
. : : . : : . : : .
Junsu swore he heard Jaejoong snarl after the angel slammed his cell phone shut and threw it across the couch. “He still won’t answer,” he sneered, eyes blazing with worry and panic. “Where the hell could he be?”
This was so unusual-Jaejoong unsure of what to do. Seeing someone so perfect crumble into pieces made Junsu’s worry heighten. He even felt his fingers beginning to shake.
“We should go look for him,” Jaejoong suddenly announced. “He should’ve been home hours ago, something must’ve happened.”
“Hyung,” Junsu whispered, looking at the angel warily.
Jaejoong got to his feet. “I’ll go look for him. I’ll start by the school and then head towards the shop. You stay here incase he shows up.”
“Do you know where our school is?” Junsu asked.
“I’ll find it, no problem.”
Junsu wouldn’t have doubted it. As Jaejoong swiftly went to the front door and grabbed his shoes, the angel’s head snapped up suddenly. The redhead watched as his friend dropped his shoes and wrenched open the door, revealing Yunho standing in the doorway, cradling an unconscious or slumbering Changmin in his arms.
This scene looked all too familiar.
“Changmin!” both Junsu and Jaejoong exclaimed. Junsu rushed to the front door as Yunho stepped inside. “What happened?” Jaejoong demanded as he followed Yunho to the couch. The handsome man said nothing as he gently settled Changmin’s body upon the soft cushions. Junsu slowly knelt beside his friend and looked up at Yunho for an answer as well.
Yunho stared at Changmin as he spoke, “I found him near the record shop. He fainted.”
“Fainted?” Junsu repeated. “But Min hasn’t been ill at all since the summer, and he’s been eating regularly. What could have caused him to faint?”
Yunho shook his head. “I’m not sure.”
Unbeknownst to the redhead, Jaejoong shared a long look with Yunho. The angel’s eyes widened when he saw the knowing look that crossed the handsome man’s face. Slowly, he knelt beside the couch nearest to Changmin’s head and let his fingers trail across the youngest’s forehead. Junsu once again recognized the sad expression which Jaejoong sports whenever Changmin encountered a danger. Junsu never thought he could see so much sadness in one look.
“Don’t worry Jaejoong-hyung,” said Junsu after a few moments. He laid a comforting hand upon the angel’s shoulder and smiled softly for him. “We’ll let Min rest for the night and he’ll be up and running in the morning. He’s not the type of person to be beaten down by fainting spells anyway.”
Junsu was surprised to hear Jaejoong chuckle. The angel looked at Junsu in disbelief as he asked, “Shouldn’t it be the other way around? It should be us comforting you Susu, you are Minnie’s best friend after all.”
“I’m not his only best friend now,” the redhead replied with sincerity. That caused both Jaejoong and Yunho smile with earnest and Junsu was relieved to see that. The redhead excused himself, saying he was going to get a comforter and pillow for Changmin, leaving the two remaining at the brunette’s side.
Jaejoong turned his attention to Yunho who slowly knelt down to his eye-level. He watched as the other man reached out to take Changmin’s hand within his own grasp, gentle but firm. Jaejoong looked sadly at the small gesture of affection.
“It was Yee Jung,” Yunho whispered. He glanced up to watch Jaejoong’s sad expression turn into one of shock and anger. “I think she trailed Changmin from school because that was the way I took to find him. She had him under her spell.”
A look of horror crossed Jaejoong’s face and the angel couldn’t help but return his attention back to Changmin still slumbering upon the couch. “Were you able to ward it off?” he asked.
“Yes,” Yunho answered firmly. “Both of them.”
Jaejoong once again began stroking the skin covering Changmin’s face as he whispered, “Yee Jung is targeting him Yunho…”
Yunho lifted his other hand and placed it upon Jaejoong’s shoulder. It was the only comfort he could give since Junsu had now returned carrying a comforter and several blankets. Underneath all of them was a single pillow. With the help of Yunho and Jaejoong, they settled Changmin comfortably upon the couch.
“You two are welcome to stay if you would like,” Junsu felt that he should offer, knowing the situation.
Jaejoong shook his head regretfully. “Thank you for the offer Susu, but we can’t. We’ll be back soon to see Minnie, I promise.”
Junsu nodded in understanding, feeling somewhat sad that the two had to leave. He watched as Jaejoong brushed Changmin’s bangs away from his face and Yunho gently squeeze the brunette’s hand before the two of them headed for the front door. Yunho still had his shoes on, so once Jaejoong had his upon his feet, Junsu opened the door for them. “Drive safely,” he said as stepped outside.
“Take care of Minnie for us,” Jaejoong replied, and again that deep expression of sadness formed upon his face. “He’s always getting into trouble nowadays…”
Junsu couldn’t deny that fact.
“Take care of yourself too Junsu,” said Yunho sincerely. Junsu nodded. He watched as his two friends walked off before quietly closing the door in front of him. Slowly, he turned around, glancing toward Changmin’s figure upon the couch.
“He’s getting into too much trouble…” Junsu heard himself mumble. Changmin has had nothing but bad luck since the night they went into the Old Forest together. Danger now resembled an obedient dog always following him around. Junsu couldn’t deny that he felt uneasy about all of this.
Saying that he was worried about what was to come would be an understatement.
next: part 10
…………………………comments are like valuable hockey pucks!
Pairings: Junsu/Yoochun, Changmin/Jaejoong/Yunho
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Somewhat vulgar language, weak graphic images
Genre: Romance, angst, science-fiction-ish
A/N: I miss my Pretty Tree.
Summary: One trip to the Old Forest sends Junsu and Changmin into another world full of mistakened myths and new realizations. A vampire's goal in life is to live for eternity and feed from the warmth of a human. If that is so, what is a werewolf's goal?
Previous: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8
. : : . : : . : : .
Time seemed to flow quicker than usual during the next few months. Going to college, working at the record shop, and hanging out with Jaejoong and Yunho seemed to happen every week for both Junsu and Changmin. They enjoyed their lives now, more than they did before. Meeting Jaejoong and Yunho has proven to a definite life-changing experience for the two and they couldn’t be more grateful.
Junsu felt extremely grateful to see that his close has finally opened up to someone new, someone who he now holds dear to his heart. Junsu was happy for Changmin. The brunette’s smile was always plastered on his face nowadays now that he has Jaejoong and Yunho in his life. Junsu sometimes wonders if either of three will take their relationship to the next level since their adoration for each other is more than obvious.
The redhead has never talked with Changmin about that though; the subject seems too sensitive and it could create awkwardness between the three. Junsu didn’t want to destroy their relationship. He couldn’t bring himself to do such a thing.
“Excuse me sir, can I ask you something?”
Junsu turned his head and smiled at the young woman beside him. “Yes, how may I help you?” he asked politely.
The woman, probably in her early twenties, fiddled with the strap of her purse while she replied, “Do you know where I can find a certain movie? I’m not very good at it…”
Politeness shined in Junsu’s smile as he nodded. “Of course. Any particular movie you are looking for?”
“Man…Hesing?”
Junsu tilted his head in thought. “Do you mean Van Helsing?”
The woman nodded as her cheeks flushed red. “M-my English is horrible, I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” Junsu reassured her. “That’s why I’m here to help. Let me look it up on the computer and see if we have it.”
The woman nodded again and Junsu left for the front counter. As he made his way behind the counter, the bell chimed causing the redhead to look up and greet the newest customer, “Wel-” he stopped short as a smile crossed his face. “Hyung!”
Jaejoong gave a very cute peace sign and a blinding smile. “Hello Susu! I’ve come by again for another visit, hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not hyung. Give me a minute though, I’m helping a customer.” Jaejoong nodded, and so Junsu settled his hand upon the computer mouse, pulling up the store files as he clicked away. The woman he was helping was slowly nearing the counter. When Junsu glanced up at her, he saw that her eyes were fixed onto the beautiful being standing not but three feet from her presence. Jaejoong gave her one of his best smiles and said, “Hello there.”
Junsu was surprised the woman didn’t faint like everyone else. He saw her figure shaken though and it was hard to hold back a chuckle.
A few more clicks. “Ah, we do have it!”he exclaimed. Swiftly, Junsu left the counter and navigated his way down the small isles of the record store. He searched for a few moments before pulling a dvd from the shelf and showing it to the lady customer. “This is it, correct?”
The woman nodded, but her eyes were barely on the dvd-they were locked onto Jaejoong’s face. Junsu hid his amusement and shook his head. He walked back to the counter and checked out the dvd for the woman. She gave a small “thank you” before leaving the shop, eyes never leaving Jaejoong’s form.
Junsu sighed but smiled in Jaejoong’s direction. “You have a horrible effect at stealing people’s attention, hyung. I’m jealous.”
Jaejoong shrugged. “I can’t help how I look.”
“So you do recognize your own…intensity?”
Jaejoong smiled. “Of course.”
Junsu shook his head again. “Unbelievable…” he muttered, the corners of his lips threatening to turn up into another smile.
The redhead noticed his guest looking around the now-empty shop. A sudden alarm spread across his face as he turned back to Junsu and asked, “Where’s Minnie?”
“He’s still at school,” Junsu answered. “He’s taking some AP test that requires you to stay later than usual. I told him to take the day off of work since his brain will be fried by the time he gets here. Of course he said no, so he should be here in a little bit.”
The angel nodded in understanding. “A test, huh?” he murmured. “Poor Minnie. I bet he’ll be hungry after all that.”
Junsu chuckled, “Of course he will.” Then he noticed something missing. “Where’s Yunho-hyung?”
Jaejoong’s answer came not but one second after Junsu finished saying the last word of his question. “He’s cleaning.”
The redhead couldn’t deny the scary mischievousness glowing within Jaejoong’s crystal dark eyes. “C-cleaning?” he dared to inquire. Maybe he should stand directly behind the computer so he could receive fewer injuries. Jaejoong looked happily dangerous…if such an expression or feeling exists.
“Cleaning,” Jaejoong intensified the one word. “It’s his punishment for calling me a woman.”
‘Uh oh’ Junsu thought. “He called you a…woman?”
Jaejoong’s eyes narrowed dangerously but his blinding smile never left his face. “What an idiot,” he murmured.
In fear of loosing his life, Junsu asked no more.
. : : . : : . : : .
Changmin shivered as another strong gust of wind shook his body. “Damn November weather!” he cursed, annoyed and frustrated. “I’m fucking starving.”
The sun had gone down hours ago. Apparently, that stupid AP test lasted longer than he expected-much longer than he expected. Never before has he taken such a long-ass test. Changmin has decided to never take another test like that again. Why the hell did he have to choose AP anyway? Wasn’t he in college already?”
School is such a pain.
Another gust of freezing winter bashed against Changmin’s body. The brunette cursed loudly as he pulled his jacket closer to his shivering skin. He was practically running down the sidewalks toward the record shop. Cars drove by, the bright headlights blinding his vision from time to time. Changmin couldn’t deny that he was happy that it was not snowing yet because if it was, he would be beyond pissed.
Changmin turned a corner and sped the last few yards down the sidewalk. He eyes searched for the familiar lights of the record shop.
He found none. Changmin wanted to scream in frustration when he stopped in front of the closed, dark record shop. Apparently Junsu closed early.
“Dammit!” the brunette cursed. He quickly pulled out his cell phone, ready to call his friend.
“Excuse me little one, are you lost?”
Changmin’s head snapped up. ‘Little one?’ his mind processed angrily. ‘Did someone just call me little?’ His frustrated now leaking off his shoulders in angry waves, Changmin twirled around, intending to snap at whoever just called him little.
His body froze however, the moment his eyes landed on the woman standing there.
‘The fuck?!’ Changmin thought as he tried to move his body. It wouldn’t listen to him. He wanted to open his mouth and shout at this woman, but not even his lips would part. Was he even breathing? What the hell was going on? Changmin could do nothing but stare at the woman standing a few feet away from him. She was dressed in tight leather shorts, a long-sleeved, tight red shirt and impossibly thin high-heeled boots reaching up to her pale knees. Changmin was shocked. Was she freezing?!
The woman smiled playfully, but Changmin suddenly felt nothing but alarm. His mind was screaming at him to run but he couldn’t.
“At a loss for words?” she asked, her voice perfectly crisp and clear like the sharp, cold wind blowing around them. “Is my beauty that shocking?”
Changmin couldn’t deny that she was insanely beautiful, but he felt nothing towards her but absolute fear. The brunette was afraid; he couldn’t believe how scared he was. One look at this woman and he wanted to flee, flee far away.
The woman slowly approached Changmin, her long, pale legs sauntering provocatively. “That’s alright,” she said as she stopped in front of Changmin. “You don’t have to speak. I understand your feelings.”
‘Like hell you don’t!’ Changmin screamed his thoughts. ‘Get away from me!’
A single finger began to stroke the soft skin upon Changmin’s chin. Changmin felt as if he should shiver but he couldn’t even do that. The woman slowly let her finger graze across his chin as her eyes fixed themselves onto Changmin’s. The brunette just wished she would look away and stop touching him.
“Such a beauty for being something so fragile,” the woman spoke thoughtfully. “It’s such a shame. Those two sure are lucky to have something as pretty as you.”
‘Two?’ Changmin thought. ‘What the hell was she talking about? Fragile? Beauty? Was this chick on drugs?!’
She continued to stroke Changmin’s chin, and then his jaw and cheeks. Her finger trailed up to the sensitive skin under his eye as she purred, “So delicate. Maybe I should take you all to myself...”
Her perfectly shaped fingernail suddenly cut into the soft skin; Changmin felt that he winced but his body still did not move. What the hell was going on?
The woman’s eyes seemed to hollow out as she pulled back her finger. She brought her finger to her nose and let it trail under her nostrils. “Amazing…” she whispered. “You smell delicious…”
‘What?’
Changmin’s fear intensified as the woman stared at him differently than before. Her face neared Changmin’s as she whispered, “Mind if I have a taste?”
The moment her eyes left Changmin’s, the brunette’s body was drained of all energy and he felt his knees buckle. Hands suddenly held him up though as his head rolled forward. The woman was holding him against her body-her cold body. His head rested lifelessly upon the crook of her neck.
Alarms were blaring throughout Changmin’s mind. He had to get away, get away get away get away-
The moment he felt something prick his neck, the cold body vanished from his presence. Changmin fell forward, unfocused and weak. His body was once again caught, but this time by a different set of arms.
“Changmin!”
That voice sounded so familiar. Changmin didn’t have the strength to even lift his head and look at this newcomer.
“Changmin, listen to me. Don’t fall asleep. You have to stay awake!”
Stay awake? Changmin couldn’t even lift a finger. He felt his body being lowered to the cold ground moments later. A hand was cradling his head before he felt the other’s presence disappear completely.
“Well well, if it isn’t Yunho,” a woman’s voice sneered. Changmin’s eyes fluttered but he could not open them. “Come to save your little treat?”
“Leave now Yee Jung, or I swear I’ll kill you,” the man’s voice all but hissed. Changmin felt his chest tighten. That voice sounded so frozen and deadly…it couldn’t be Yunho. There was no way. Changmin wanted to open his eyes and see the truth, but his eyelids barely moved. He was so tired…
The woman laughed. “No need to get feisty. I only wanted to see who was the one occupying yours and Jaejoong’s attention all this time. I would like to complement you, he’s a nice catch.”
Changmin didn’t hear Yunho say another word, but after a few moments he heard the distinct sound of high heels against granite. Not but two seconds later, his body was being lifted again and his head cradled carefully against a strong chest. Changmin let out a shaky, long breath.
“Yunho…” he whispered weakly, eyes still unable to reveal themselves to the dark world.
Yunho was kneeling upon the ground, using his knee to hold Changmin’s body upwards. “Changmin, don’t fall asleep,” he ordered firmly. Changmin sensed panic in the usual calm voice. “Open your eyes and look at me.”
“Can’t…” the brunette whimpered as he shivered from the cold. “…tired…”
Changmin barely felt the gentle hand tilting his face upwards. Could he feel Yunho’s breath now? It felt nice and comforting…warm. He could fall asleep with this feeling forever.
“Please Changmin.” Yunho’s voice was oddly filled with desperation. “Look at me.”
It was hard to focus. Changmin felt so weak, drained and safe that he didn’t want to open his eyes and face reality. But this was Yunho pleading for him, and knowing that, Changmin felt his heart flutter. With whatever strength he had left, he slowly focused on lifting his eyelids. It was dark and blurry, but Yunho’s face eventually materialized. First, Changmin saw that unique jawline and then those thin yet full lips. The sensitive skin looked soft to the touch. There was his nose curving up to the structure of his thin eyebrows. Changmin looked below those eyebrows…
And saw two unfamiliar, crystal clear crimson eyes.
The strength left him in that single moment and an odd tingling spread throughout Changmin’s body. Suddenly feeling warm and secure, his eyelids slipped shut once again, allowing him to succumb to the warmth that was now his darkness.
. : : . : : . : : .
Junsu swore he heard Jaejoong snarl after the angel slammed his cell phone shut and threw it across the couch. “He still won’t answer,” he sneered, eyes blazing with worry and panic. “Where the hell could he be?”
This was so unusual-Jaejoong unsure of what to do. Seeing someone so perfect crumble into pieces made Junsu’s worry heighten. He even felt his fingers beginning to shake.
“We should go look for him,” Jaejoong suddenly announced. “He should’ve been home hours ago, something must’ve happened.”
“Hyung,” Junsu whispered, looking at the angel warily.
Jaejoong got to his feet. “I’ll go look for him. I’ll start by the school and then head towards the shop. You stay here incase he shows up.”
“Do you know where our school is?” Junsu asked.
“I’ll find it, no problem.”
Junsu wouldn’t have doubted it. As Jaejoong swiftly went to the front door and grabbed his shoes, the angel’s head snapped up suddenly. The redhead watched as his friend dropped his shoes and wrenched open the door, revealing Yunho standing in the doorway, cradling an unconscious or slumbering Changmin in his arms.
This scene looked all too familiar.
“Changmin!” both Junsu and Jaejoong exclaimed. Junsu rushed to the front door as Yunho stepped inside. “What happened?” Jaejoong demanded as he followed Yunho to the couch. The handsome man said nothing as he gently settled Changmin’s body upon the soft cushions. Junsu slowly knelt beside his friend and looked up at Yunho for an answer as well.
Yunho stared at Changmin as he spoke, “I found him near the record shop. He fainted.”
“Fainted?” Junsu repeated. “But Min hasn’t been ill at all since the summer, and he’s been eating regularly. What could have caused him to faint?”
Yunho shook his head. “I’m not sure.”
Unbeknownst to the redhead, Jaejoong shared a long look with Yunho. The angel’s eyes widened when he saw the knowing look that crossed the handsome man’s face. Slowly, he knelt beside the couch nearest to Changmin’s head and let his fingers trail across the youngest’s forehead. Junsu once again recognized the sad expression which Jaejoong sports whenever Changmin encountered a danger. Junsu never thought he could see so much sadness in one look.
“Don’t worry Jaejoong-hyung,” said Junsu after a few moments. He laid a comforting hand upon the angel’s shoulder and smiled softly for him. “We’ll let Min rest for the night and he’ll be up and running in the morning. He’s not the type of person to be beaten down by fainting spells anyway.”
Junsu was surprised to hear Jaejoong chuckle. The angel looked at Junsu in disbelief as he asked, “Shouldn’t it be the other way around? It should be us comforting you Susu, you are Minnie’s best friend after all.”
“I’m not his only best friend now,” the redhead replied with sincerity. That caused both Jaejoong and Yunho smile with earnest and Junsu was relieved to see that. The redhead excused himself, saying he was going to get a comforter and pillow for Changmin, leaving the two remaining at the brunette’s side.
Jaejoong turned his attention to Yunho who slowly knelt down to his eye-level. He watched as the other man reached out to take Changmin’s hand within his own grasp, gentle but firm. Jaejoong looked sadly at the small gesture of affection.
“It was Yee Jung,” Yunho whispered. He glanced up to watch Jaejoong’s sad expression turn into one of shock and anger. “I think she trailed Changmin from school because that was the way I took to find him. She had him under her spell.”
A look of horror crossed Jaejoong’s face and the angel couldn’t help but return his attention back to Changmin still slumbering upon the couch. “Were you able to ward it off?” he asked.
“Yes,” Yunho answered firmly. “Both of them.”
Jaejoong once again began stroking the skin covering Changmin’s face as he whispered, “Yee Jung is targeting him Yunho…”
Yunho lifted his other hand and placed it upon Jaejoong’s shoulder. It was the only comfort he could give since Junsu had now returned carrying a comforter and several blankets. Underneath all of them was a single pillow. With the help of Yunho and Jaejoong, they settled Changmin comfortably upon the couch.
“You two are welcome to stay if you would like,” Junsu felt that he should offer, knowing the situation.
Jaejoong shook his head regretfully. “Thank you for the offer Susu, but we can’t. We’ll be back soon to see Minnie, I promise.”
Junsu nodded in understanding, feeling somewhat sad that the two had to leave. He watched as Jaejoong brushed Changmin’s bangs away from his face and Yunho gently squeeze the brunette’s hand before the two of them headed for the front door. Yunho still had his shoes on, so once Jaejoong had his upon his feet, Junsu opened the door for them. “Drive safely,” he said as stepped outside.
“Take care of Minnie for us,” Jaejoong replied, and again that deep expression of sadness formed upon his face. “He’s always getting into trouble nowadays…”
Junsu couldn’t deny that fact.
“Take care of yourself too Junsu,” said Yunho sincerely. Junsu nodded. He watched as his two friends walked off before quietly closing the door in front of him. Slowly, he turned around, glancing toward Changmin’s figure upon the couch.
“He’s getting into too much trouble…” Junsu heard himself mumble. Changmin has had nothing but bad luck since the night they went into the Old Forest together. Danger now resembled an obedient dog always following him around. Junsu couldn’t deny that he felt uneasy about all of this.
Saying that he was worried about what was to come would be an understatement.
next: part 10
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