warmth - part 16
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: Go Red Wings!
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 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / Part 13 / Part 14 / Part 15
. : : . : : . : : .
Jaejoong was an insane driver.
And that was just coming from Junsu; who knew what Changmin thought about the angel’s “driving” skills.
As the redhead gripped onto the edge of his seat for life and for comfort, his eyes caught the blurry images of headlights, startled figures, and several buildings. His ears were promising as well; he could hear the loud horns of displeased drivers as Jaejoong swerved from lane to lane, running red lights and just begging for the police to follow him. Changmin’s eyes were wide and his lips sealed in a tight line. He did not want to disturb Jaejoong’s concentration or whatever it was.
Jaejoong’s dark eyes were locked onto the street ahead of him, his fingers held the steering wheel in a death grip, and his body sat up impossibly straightaway from his seat. Changmin sat beside him in the passenger’s seat and he swore those dark eyes never blinked once. He wasn’t even fazed by the havoc he was creating along the streets.
Junsu was too afraid to speak. He was beyond scared and feared for his life. To die in a car accident was not how he wanted to go. Hell, with everything about vampires being real, Junsu liked the idea of dying because of some mythical reason, not a usual cause.
What messed up thoughts.
Changmin released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding when the car blurred past the entrance to the forest. Blurry trees under the cover of late sunset zoomed past the windows. The youngest didn’t realize Jaejoong had already turned onto the dirt path until the car came to a smooth halt in front of the dark house.
The dark part was not comforting.
“You two stay here,” said Jaejoong in an icy, crisp tone; the cold voice of an angel. “And don’t breath a word, please. “The statement left no room for argument. Changmin and Junsu watched as Jaejoong quietly opened the door and closed it without a sound. Junsu wondered idly if his hearing had gone bad again, but judging by Changmin’s bewildered expression, he hadn’t.
Jaejoong’s figure vanished into the darkness of early night. A sudden fear began to build within Junsu’s chest. Suddenly, the back seat of the car was lonely and frightening. He gently grasped Changmin’s elbow for comfort; the youngest didn’t mind. He too was glad for the touch.
They waited in eerie silence. The occasional crackle from the unused engine startled them, and the crickets proved to be taunting.
Changmin jumped in his seat when the lights to the house flashed on, and Jaejoong’s figure was standing in the doorway. The brunette growled in frustration and rubbed his arms, ashamed from being frightened so easily. Junsu grinned at him and got out of the car when Jaejoong ushered them inside.
The two friends curried to the front door as Jaejoong stepped through.
“Yunho!” the brunette exclaimed and rushed forward.
True to his word, there was Yunho standing in the middle of the front hall, arms wide to accept his young lover into a familiar embrace. Junsu watched with affection as Yunho cradled Changmin’s body against his own, whispering comforting words into the youngest’s ear as to calm him. He felt a hand on his own shoulder and turned to see a relieved Jaejoong offering him a small smile. Junsu was grateful for the expression.
“Where have you been?” Changmin asked when he pulled away. His eyes locked onto those dark ones and demanded answers. “We’ve been worried sick.”
Yunho appeared to be sad by the fact. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I had a run in with an unexpected enemy whilst in the forest.”
“Who?” Jaejoong asked gently as he stepped up to touch Yunho’s elbow.
Yunho stared directly at Junsu, startling the redhead and puzzling him. “Yoochun,” the handsome vampire replied, his tone guarded and concerned.
Junsu’s eyes widened. “Yoochun?” he repeated. “He was out in the forest? Why?”
Changmin turned to see the sudden worry cross his best friend’s face in an alarming rate. The redhead stepped closer to the trio, looking at Yunho with his own demanding eyes. Changmin glanced to see his older lover’s face. It was obvious Yunho was struggling with what to say.
Jaejoong squeezed Yunho’s elbow, concern and eagerness for knowledge glittering against his black eyes. “What happened Yunho?” he asked gently.
Yunho glanced at three sets of eyes, landing on Junsu’s last before speaking. “It was the first day of my hunt. I was a good eighty miles from here, near the mountains when I was attacked. It was Yee Jung’s children.”
“Her children?” Changmin asked, puzzled by the logic.
Jaejoong explained. “Our kind can poison humans with their venom, creating creatures that only drink their maker’s blood to keep them in their control for life. We call them children. I could never bestow such horrors onto another creature, nonetheless think of it. What Yee Jung is doing is unforgivable.”
“She has children only for the purpose of her own greed,” said Yunho, absolute fury laced with every word. His eyes were icy stones filled with nothing but the hatred of that woman. Changmin and Junsu were startled to see such malice within Yunho’s expression.
“Why is it…bad to create children?” Changmin asked hesitantly.
Yunho gave him a steely gaze, but did not answer. Jaejoong stroked Changmin’s cheek delicately and said, “Humans have actions that they label as sins or crimes. For those of my kind, using your venom to poison creatures is sacrilege. It is beyond wrong and sin. You poison that creature to live an existence only to lust for their maker’s blood. Imagine if their maker was no longer alive. They would go mad with the bloodlust. No creature on Earth could suffice their thirst, and they would kill their “siblings” first before eventually killing themselves. It is a horrible fate that I cannot even fathom.”
Junsu couldn’t even begin to imagine or comprehend such horror. It goes to show how little he understands the life Yunho and Jaejoong live. It shows how much of an outsider he really was.
And yet, if Jaejoong allows him to know such things…it shows how much Junsu belongs.
Suddenly, the angel began to sniff he air and a flash of alarm crossed his face. “How could I miss this?” he gasped as he suddenly pulled Yunho’s arm closer to him and roughly unbuttoned the sleeve. Changmin’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re hurt!” he gasped.
Yunho’s eyes softened, but he did appear to be in any pain. “It was that bastard. He caught me off guard.”
“How could you be caught off guard?” Jaejoong demanded as he checked over the long gashes marring Yunho’s skin.
“I was eating.”
The two humans were puzzled by the answer, but Jaejoong lifted his eyes to lock onto Yunho’s face. “What?” he exclaimed softly; disbelief covered his face. “Are you sure it was him?”
At that, Yunho looked away. “It had to be,” he answered roughly. “After I was attacked, I looked up and saw him there and no one else.”
“Was there blood on him?” Jaejoong demanded. The angel was in distress and this baffled the two humans standing in the room.
Yunho remained silent, causing Jaejoong to repeat his question. “No,” the handsome vampire finally answered; he sounded angry and disappointed as his realization. “There was no blood on him.”
“Then Yoochun couldn’t have possibly attacked you,” the angel simplified, ending the matter.
“Yoochun?” Junsu exclaimed-the matter was definitely not settled. “You’re blaming Yoochun for attacking you?”
“Junsu, I’m not sure if he attacked me or not-”
“What are you saying?” the redhead suddenly raised his voice, causing the three others to stare at him in surprise. “It can’t be him! Why would Yoochun be out in the forest with you? There can be no reason!”
“There are reasons SuSu,” said Jaejoong as he stepped away from Yunho to approach his frantic friend. He reached out to touch Junsu’s arm but the redhead dodged him; his eyes were still locked onto Yunho.
“Why would Yoochun be out there with you?” he questioned, directing it towards Yunho. “Tell me.”
“Junsu calm down,” said Changmin. The brunette left Yunho’s side and grasped his friend’s arm, forcing the redhead to look him in the eyes. “Calm down,” he repeated. “Your stress is not helping Yunho explain anything any easier.”
Junsu let out heavy breaths. Slowly, he regained his shaking composure despite the worry for Yoochun still raging throughout his mind.
“Yoochun was out there because of you Junsu.”
Everyone looked to Yunho who had spoken.
The handsome vampire looked directly at Junsu. “He was tracking down Yee Jung. He wanted to kill her so you could be safe.”
Junsu’s eyes widened. “What?” he murmured, disbelief and shock coursing through him.
“After I was attacked, the both of us caught one of her children nearby. We followed him for days, hoping to be led to where Yee Jung was. But the path led us too close to the mountains and I could go no further. I feared for your safety, yours, Changmin’s, and Jaejoong’s.”
The last name said caused Yunho to share a long look with his lover. Jaejoong stepped up to Yunho, touched his unmarred arm and whispered, “We were fine Yunnie…I was protecting them.”
Yunho lifted a hand so he could caress that beautiful face. His eyes were filled with care and concern. “You were hungry,” he said simply, and the answer affected Jaejoong. “Even as I speak now, you are hungry. I had to come back for everyone’s sake, especially yours.”
Jaejoong’s eyes softened immensely as a playful grin crossed his face. “I’m not that hungry to cause you to come skipping back so you could rescue me from it.”
A small smile formed on Yunho’s handsome face. “Oh well,” he murmured before kissing the tip of Jaejoong’s nose. His eyes then landed on his younger lover’s face as he said, “Have you been well Changmin?”
The youngest nodded. “We’ve been fine.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Junsu seemed to have his thoughts occupied on one thing. “Yunho,” he murmured. “What about Yoochun? Where is he?”
Jaejoong pulled away from his lover to look at Junsu. The poor guy was in obvious distress and worry; Jaejoong wished to never see such an expression on his friend’s face any longer. He glanced to Yunho and waited for his answer.
Now Yunho seemed worried, and the expression did not suit the vampire. “I had to turn back once we reached the mountains.” His tone became quiet yet firm. “He continued on with the tracking. I don’t know how far he’s gotten.”
Junsu’s heart clenched with fear. “Then we have to go find him!”
“You are going nowhere,” Jaejoong said firmly. “The mountains are two days drive for humans, four days there and back. You would be dealing with vampires and be in constant danger. I will not let you go.”
“That is not your decision to make!” Junsu exclaimed, desperate fury laced with his voice.
“I made a promise and I will keep to it,” the angel finished, his voice ordering that there would be no more argument.
Changmin was at a loss as to what to do. Defend Junsu and argue with his lover to let them go find Yoochun, or to stay on his lover’s side and protect Junsu from the danger of his desperate suggestion. He remained silent, letting everything just play out without his word in it.
He was there to hold Junsu though as his friend buried his face into his shoulder and hid his teary eyes from view. Changmin held Junsu, absorbing the pain he wished for his friend to never have. His brown eyes sought out his lovers who watched the pair in silence, both with guilty and sorrowful looks upon their faces.
“Is there a way to find Yoochun?” Changmin asked softly.
Jaejoong looked up at Yunho. The handsome vampire appeared torn and frustrated. “He is an important person in Junsu’s life Yunho,” the angel reminded him.
Yunho sighed, silently conceding defeat. His dislike for Yoochun was plenty obvious, but his care for Junsu was much deeper than that. The vampire’s eye locked with Junsu’s whose face was no longer hidden against Changmin's shoulder.
Those eyes could force anyone to the redhead’s will.
“We could track him down and bring him back,” Yunho began as he thought things over. “We us together it would be more formidable against Yee Jung and her children. Changmin and Junsu could remain here as we…advance with things.”
“We’ll have to find Yoochun first,” said Jaejoong. “I can start right now-”
“No,” Yunho interjected instantly.
Jaejoong smacked his lover’s shoulder and somewhat glared at him. “Stop being a stubborn, overprotective bloodsucker and let me go on my own. I’m hungry anyway.”
“Jaejoong, this is not a playful matter-”
“I know that Yunnie,” the angel replied as he flashed him one of his blinding smiles. “Trust me, I know.”
“Jae,” whispered Changmin. His lover swiftly reached his side, allowing the brunette to pull him into his arms. “You will be careful…”
The angel smiled as he not only wrapped an arm around Changmin’s shoulders but Junsu’s waist as well. “Of course Minnie,” he whispered. He then looked into Junsu’s moistened eyes. “I promise I will find him SuSu, don’t you worry.”
Junsu felt his throat tighten as more tears threatened to surface. He held them back though and squeezed his friend’s delicate waist in a tight embrace beside Changmin. “Thank you hyung,” he said graciously.
Jaejoong smile was blinding as he pulled away from the two. He gave Changmin the sweetest kiss the human could ever imagine before turning his attention to Yunho. The other vampire looked stiff, uneasy, and impossibly worried. Jaejoong reached up and cradled that stone-like face between his gentle hands, his mind understanding what Yunho was thinking of…all the possibilities that could happen or not happen. But still, he smiled for Yunho and placed an equally sweet kiss, both reassuring and loving, on those thin lips.
“Don’t worry about me either old man,” he said with glee and care. “I will be fine. Keep those two in check until I get back.”
Despite all the reassurances, Yunho couldn’t help but worry. “Jae, they attacked me whilst I fed…they could do the same to you.”
Jaejoong smirked. “Then I’ll just have to watch my back more closely.”
“If you’re not back in four days, I’m coming after you.”
“You know you cannot leave SuSu and Minnie unprotected.”
Yunho’s eyes narrowed in frustration. “Jae,” he half-growled, half-whimpered. Jaejoong’s playful complexion dissolved into a serious deep glint across his eyes. He allowed Yunho to practically crush him to his chest. He let his lover hold him. He felt those lips on his neck.
With one final kiss, Jaejoong stepped away from Yunho, smiled that brilliant smile one last time before he turned and swiftly opened the front door, stepping out into the night and becoming one with it.
Three hearts clenched at once.
. : : . : : . : : .
The trees were reducing by the hundreds as he journeyed through the forest. Rocks sunk in solid dirt littered the earth and a thin blanket of snow covered the soil and froze the grass. Yoochun could begin to see the thin, tiny icicles hanging from the surface of the wooden branches.
He took in a large gulp of air, refilling his tired lungs and also catching that vampire’s scent again.
He surged forward, following the trail at a mad pace.
Junsu was within every thought.
. : : . : : . : : .
The week had passed and by the third day since Jaejoong left them, Yunho’s worry had grew tenfold. Changmin was always there to comfort him, but Junsu kept himself at bay. He sat in the guestroom most of the time, seated in a chair near the large window. His eyes hardly left the great surroundings of the forest outside. His heart wished desperately for Yoochun’s return.
As he sat there, Junsu thought over the last few months…of everything he had come to learn and to love. Yoochun will always be the most important part of his life now; he can never deny it. He was impossibly entangled with him…whatever he was.
Junsu wanted to know, but at the same time he feared it. He feared losing Yoochun and never being able to see him again.
Or hear his voice.
Junsu missed Yoochun’s voice.
“Su, there’s lunch on the table if you want it,” said Changmin from the doorway. The redhead glanced up at his friend, a solemn look upon his face. “Will he come back, Min?” he asked quietly, almost…fearfully.
Changmin hated seeing his friend in such distress. “I am confident in Jaejoong, Su,” he said truthfully. He stepped up and placed a comforting hand upon his friend’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you to not worry, but I can tell you to have faith in him. He will find Yoochun and bring him back. Jaejoong is both stubborn and determined, not even Yoochun stands a chance.”
Junsu let out a soft chuckle. “He is amusing, isn’t he?” he whispered.
Changmin smiled. “He is. Now come have some lunch or you will lose that duck butt of yours.”
“I do not have a duck buck,” Junsu growled playfully as he got up and began to chase his friend throughout that house. The pair ran past Yunho who watched the scene with amusement and relief. When the two youngsters had finally settled down and sat around the kitchen table, a familiar scent caught the vampire’s attention.
Yunho sniffed the air again, drawing Changmin and Junsu’s attention to his face. Three long seconds passed as Yunho calculated the scent and an unfamiliar snarl ripped from his throat. The two humans jumped as Yunho sped away from the table and suddenly out of the house.
It could only mean one thing.
Jaejoong was back.
Changmin got to his feet along with Junsu and both dashed to the front door which was still flinging back and forth upon its hinges. They stepped out onto the porch, searching the forest. No one, not even Yunho could be seen.
“Where did he go?” Changmin asked.
“I don’t kno-hyung!”
The youngest turned his attention to the left and saw some distance away three figures emerging from the depths of the forest. The two humans ran from the porch toward the group, but suddenly Yunho appeared in front of them. “Get back inside!” he all but growled, shaking Changmin and Junsu to their very cores.
“Don’t yell at him!” snarled a familiar voice.
It was pure bliss to Junsu’s ears.
“Yoochun!” he cried. He made to move past Yunho, but the vampire grabbed his arm and began leading him back towards the house, dragging Changmin along in a similar way. The grip was gone as quick as it came, and suddenly Yunho was being thrown back while still holding Changmin in his grasp. Jaejoong suddenly appeared by his lover’s sides and Yoochun was standing in front of Junsu, his back all too familiar in the redhead’s eyes.
Yet again, the four were in a similar predicament except that Changmin was an addition to the group and Junsu could hear once again. Yoochun was planted firmly in front of Junsu, blocking him from the vampire’s view while the two vampires placed themselves beside and in front of Changmin.
Suddenly, the two humans felt utterly weak and useless, like puppies always to be guarded. Changmin gently pushed his way in front of Yunho and gasped when he saw Yoochun for the second time. “You’re cut all over!”
Junsu’s eyes widened. Quickly, he stepped in front of Yoochun and felt his chest tighten at what he saw. Slashes, cuts and bruises layered any visible skin upon Yoochun’s body. Junsu’s eyes narrowed in on the cuts marring the brunette’s face. “What happened?” he asked, his fingers itching to reach up and sooth the pain from the other’s body.
“No time to talk now,” said Jaejoong as he approached the two just in time to steady Yoochun as the latter fell to the side. Junsu immediately took position on his other side and let one arm be thrown around his shoulders. Jaejoong took the other arm around his shoulders. “Be careful SuSu, he can’t use his left leg.”
Jaejoong’s caution caused deep worry to develop within Junsu. His eyes sought out Yoochun’s but the brunette would not look at him. Those chocolate eyes were always following Yunho. The other vampire was now leading them back to the house with Changmin following his every step.
When they reached the house, Junsu and Jaejoong lay Yoochun upon the couch, but the later refused to lie down completely. He sat up, stiff and alert despite the many wounds inflicting pain upon his body. The gash near his neck was dry with blood, and torn skin hung on loose ends. Junsu couldn’t even imagine how Yoochun could stay conscious with so much pain.
“Minnie, can you go get the med kit from the bathroom?” asked Jaejoong as he carried out a bowl of water and set it on the living room table. He already had a towel upon his shoulder and a washcloth within his fingers. Yunho stood ever-so-closely near the couch. Changmin left and returned not but seconds later with a small white medical kit in hand. Junsu sat right beside Yoochun as his vampire friend set to work.
The angel looked directly into Yoochun’s eyes. “This might hurt a little,” he warned gently, soaked washcloth in hand. Yoochun huffed and looked away. Jaejoong took that as an okay to start and he did so, starting by washing the large wound upon the brunette’s neck. Both Changmin and Junsu winced along with Yoochun as the wounded took the beating of getting all healed up.
Yunho seemed amused by the pain, but it went unnoticed by the humans. Jaejoong would scold him later for it.
“So,” said Jaejoong as he began to place disinfectant ointment around the neck wound. “I think it is a good time to explain what had happened, Yoochun.”
Junsu gave Yoochun a long look and the latter noticed it. He sighed and winced again when his wounds stung. “I was tracking that vampire into near the mountains, at the edge of the forest. I was led straight to two more of them, and then they turned right around and attacked me. This is how I ended up.” He gestured to his injured body; still he would not look at Junsu. “I ran back the way I had come. They followed me.”
“You led them here?” Yunho growled.
Yoochun glared up at the vampire. “When they get here we can defeat them, kill all but one and learn from that one where that bitch is hiding. That is my plan.”
“Did you ever consider what danger you are putting us in?”
“I did, every step I took to get back here.”
“I found him about 40 miles from the house. I was on my way back actually and luckily caught his scent.” Jaejoong pulled the bloody washcloth away so he could rinse it as best he could within the large bowl. He gave Yoochun a playful grin and said, “At first I thought you were a bear that I could feast on.”
Junsu shivered while Changmin shook his head in disbelief. “What the hell Jae,” he murmured, unsure of what to make of his lover at the moment.
“I wouldn’t even let you take a bite,” said Yoochun with much confidence. Yunho huffed while Jaejoong’s grin shifted into a small smile.
“I wouldn’t doubt that.”
And so, the cleaning of Yoochun’s wounds was a tedious task but was completed nonetheless, leaving a severely bandaged Yoochun resting upon the couch of two vampires in the forest of East Gate.
Who would’ve thunk it.
next: part 17
………………………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: Go Red Wings!
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 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / Part 13 / Part 14 / Part 15
. : : . : : . : : .
Jaejoong was an insane driver.
And that was just coming from Junsu; who knew what Changmin thought about the angel’s “driving” skills.
As the redhead gripped onto the edge of his seat for life and for comfort, his eyes caught the blurry images of headlights, startled figures, and several buildings. His ears were promising as well; he could hear the loud horns of displeased drivers as Jaejoong swerved from lane to lane, running red lights and just begging for the police to follow him. Changmin’s eyes were wide and his lips sealed in a tight line. He did not want to disturb Jaejoong’s concentration or whatever it was.
Jaejoong’s dark eyes were locked onto the street ahead of him, his fingers held the steering wheel in a death grip, and his body sat up impossibly straightaway from his seat. Changmin sat beside him in the passenger’s seat and he swore those dark eyes never blinked once. He wasn’t even fazed by the havoc he was creating along the streets.
Junsu was too afraid to speak. He was beyond scared and feared for his life. To die in a car accident was not how he wanted to go. Hell, with everything about vampires being real, Junsu liked the idea of dying because of some mythical reason, not a usual cause.
What messed up thoughts.
Changmin released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding when the car blurred past the entrance to the forest. Blurry trees under the cover of late sunset zoomed past the windows. The youngest didn’t realize Jaejoong had already turned onto the dirt path until the car came to a smooth halt in front of the dark house.
The dark part was not comforting.
“You two stay here,” said Jaejoong in an icy, crisp tone; the cold voice of an angel. “And don’t breath a word, please. “The statement left no room for argument. Changmin and Junsu watched as Jaejoong quietly opened the door and closed it without a sound. Junsu wondered idly if his hearing had gone bad again, but judging by Changmin’s bewildered expression, he hadn’t.
Jaejoong’s figure vanished into the darkness of early night. A sudden fear began to build within Junsu’s chest. Suddenly, the back seat of the car was lonely and frightening. He gently grasped Changmin’s elbow for comfort; the youngest didn’t mind. He too was glad for the touch.
They waited in eerie silence. The occasional crackle from the unused engine startled them, and the crickets proved to be taunting.
Changmin jumped in his seat when the lights to the house flashed on, and Jaejoong’s figure was standing in the doorway. The brunette growled in frustration and rubbed his arms, ashamed from being frightened so easily. Junsu grinned at him and got out of the car when Jaejoong ushered them inside.
The two friends curried to the front door as Jaejoong stepped through.
“Yunho!” the brunette exclaimed and rushed forward.
True to his word, there was Yunho standing in the middle of the front hall, arms wide to accept his young lover into a familiar embrace. Junsu watched with affection as Yunho cradled Changmin’s body against his own, whispering comforting words into the youngest’s ear as to calm him. He felt a hand on his own shoulder and turned to see a relieved Jaejoong offering him a small smile. Junsu was grateful for the expression.
“Where have you been?” Changmin asked when he pulled away. His eyes locked onto those dark ones and demanded answers. “We’ve been worried sick.”
Yunho appeared to be sad by the fact. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I had a run in with an unexpected enemy whilst in the forest.”
“Who?” Jaejoong asked gently as he stepped up to touch Yunho’s elbow.
Yunho stared directly at Junsu, startling the redhead and puzzling him. “Yoochun,” the handsome vampire replied, his tone guarded and concerned.
Junsu’s eyes widened. “Yoochun?” he repeated. “He was out in the forest? Why?”
Changmin turned to see the sudden worry cross his best friend’s face in an alarming rate. The redhead stepped closer to the trio, looking at Yunho with his own demanding eyes. Changmin glanced to see his older lover’s face. It was obvious Yunho was struggling with what to say.
Jaejoong squeezed Yunho’s elbow, concern and eagerness for knowledge glittering against his black eyes. “What happened Yunho?” he asked gently.
Yunho glanced at three sets of eyes, landing on Junsu’s last before speaking. “It was the first day of my hunt. I was a good eighty miles from here, near the mountains when I was attacked. It was Yee Jung’s children.”
“Her children?” Changmin asked, puzzled by the logic.
Jaejoong explained. “Our kind can poison humans with their venom, creating creatures that only drink their maker’s blood to keep them in their control for life. We call them children. I could never bestow such horrors onto another creature, nonetheless think of it. What Yee Jung is doing is unforgivable.”
“She has children only for the purpose of her own greed,” said Yunho, absolute fury laced with every word. His eyes were icy stones filled with nothing but the hatred of that woman. Changmin and Junsu were startled to see such malice within Yunho’s expression.
“Why is it…bad to create children?” Changmin asked hesitantly.
Yunho gave him a steely gaze, but did not answer. Jaejoong stroked Changmin’s cheek delicately and said, “Humans have actions that they label as sins or crimes. For those of my kind, using your venom to poison creatures is sacrilege. It is beyond wrong and sin. You poison that creature to live an existence only to lust for their maker’s blood. Imagine if their maker was no longer alive. They would go mad with the bloodlust. No creature on Earth could suffice their thirst, and they would kill their “siblings” first before eventually killing themselves. It is a horrible fate that I cannot even fathom.”
Junsu couldn’t even begin to imagine or comprehend such horror. It goes to show how little he understands the life Yunho and Jaejoong live. It shows how much of an outsider he really was.
And yet, if Jaejoong allows him to know such things…it shows how much Junsu belongs.
Suddenly, the angel began to sniff he air and a flash of alarm crossed his face. “How could I miss this?” he gasped as he suddenly pulled Yunho’s arm closer to him and roughly unbuttoned the sleeve. Changmin’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re hurt!” he gasped.
Yunho’s eyes softened, but he did appear to be in any pain. “It was that bastard. He caught me off guard.”
“How could you be caught off guard?” Jaejoong demanded as he checked over the long gashes marring Yunho’s skin.
“I was eating.”
The two humans were puzzled by the answer, but Jaejoong lifted his eyes to lock onto Yunho’s face. “What?” he exclaimed softly; disbelief covered his face. “Are you sure it was him?”
At that, Yunho looked away. “It had to be,” he answered roughly. “After I was attacked, I looked up and saw him there and no one else.”
“Was there blood on him?” Jaejoong demanded. The angel was in distress and this baffled the two humans standing in the room.
Yunho remained silent, causing Jaejoong to repeat his question. “No,” the handsome vampire finally answered; he sounded angry and disappointed as his realization. “There was no blood on him.”
“Then Yoochun couldn’t have possibly attacked you,” the angel simplified, ending the matter.
“Yoochun?” Junsu exclaimed-the matter was definitely not settled. “You’re blaming Yoochun for attacking you?”
“Junsu, I’m not sure if he attacked me or not-”
“What are you saying?” the redhead suddenly raised his voice, causing the three others to stare at him in surprise. “It can’t be him! Why would Yoochun be out in the forest with you? There can be no reason!”
“There are reasons SuSu,” said Jaejoong as he stepped away from Yunho to approach his frantic friend. He reached out to touch Junsu’s arm but the redhead dodged him; his eyes were still locked onto Yunho.
“Why would Yoochun be out there with you?” he questioned, directing it towards Yunho. “Tell me.”
“Junsu calm down,” said Changmin. The brunette left Yunho’s side and grasped his friend’s arm, forcing the redhead to look him in the eyes. “Calm down,” he repeated. “Your stress is not helping Yunho explain anything any easier.”
Junsu let out heavy breaths. Slowly, he regained his shaking composure despite the worry for Yoochun still raging throughout his mind.
“Yoochun was out there because of you Junsu.”
Everyone looked to Yunho who had spoken.
The handsome vampire looked directly at Junsu. “He was tracking down Yee Jung. He wanted to kill her so you could be safe.”
Junsu’s eyes widened. “What?” he murmured, disbelief and shock coursing through him.
“After I was attacked, the both of us caught one of her children nearby. We followed him for days, hoping to be led to where Yee Jung was. But the path led us too close to the mountains and I could go no further. I feared for your safety, yours, Changmin’s, and Jaejoong’s.”
The last name said caused Yunho to share a long look with his lover. Jaejoong stepped up to Yunho, touched his unmarred arm and whispered, “We were fine Yunnie…I was protecting them.”
Yunho lifted a hand so he could caress that beautiful face. His eyes were filled with care and concern. “You were hungry,” he said simply, and the answer affected Jaejoong. “Even as I speak now, you are hungry. I had to come back for everyone’s sake, especially yours.”
Jaejoong’s eyes softened immensely as a playful grin crossed his face. “I’m not that hungry to cause you to come skipping back so you could rescue me from it.”
A small smile formed on Yunho’s handsome face. “Oh well,” he murmured before kissing the tip of Jaejoong’s nose. His eyes then landed on his younger lover’s face as he said, “Have you been well Changmin?”
The youngest nodded. “We’ve been fine.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Junsu seemed to have his thoughts occupied on one thing. “Yunho,” he murmured. “What about Yoochun? Where is he?”
Jaejoong pulled away from his lover to look at Junsu. The poor guy was in obvious distress and worry; Jaejoong wished to never see such an expression on his friend’s face any longer. He glanced to Yunho and waited for his answer.
Now Yunho seemed worried, and the expression did not suit the vampire. “I had to turn back once we reached the mountains.” His tone became quiet yet firm. “He continued on with the tracking. I don’t know how far he’s gotten.”
Junsu’s heart clenched with fear. “Then we have to go find him!”
“You are going nowhere,” Jaejoong said firmly. “The mountains are two days drive for humans, four days there and back. You would be dealing with vampires and be in constant danger. I will not let you go.”
“That is not your decision to make!” Junsu exclaimed, desperate fury laced with his voice.
“I made a promise and I will keep to it,” the angel finished, his voice ordering that there would be no more argument.
Changmin was at a loss as to what to do. Defend Junsu and argue with his lover to let them go find Yoochun, or to stay on his lover’s side and protect Junsu from the danger of his desperate suggestion. He remained silent, letting everything just play out without his word in it.
He was there to hold Junsu though as his friend buried his face into his shoulder and hid his teary eyes from view. Changmin held Junsu, absorbing the pain he wished for his friend to never have. His brown eyes sought out his lovers who watched the pair in silence, both with guilty and sorrowful looks upon their faces.
“Is there a way to find Yoochun?” Changmin asked softly.
Jaejoong looked up at Yunho. The handsome vampire appeared torn and frustrated. “He is an important person in Junsu’s life Yunho,” the angel reminded him.
Yunho sighed, silently conceding defeat. His dislike for Yoochun was plenty obvious, but his care for Junsu was much deeper than that. The vampire’s eye locked with Junsu’s whose face was no longer hidden against Changmin's shoulder.
Those eyes could force anyone to the redhead’s will.
“We could track him down and bring him back,” Yunho began as he thought things over. “We us together it would be more formidable against Yee Jung and her children. Changmin and Junsu could remain here as we…advance with things.”
“We’ll have to find Yoochun first,” said Jaejoong. “I can start right now-”
“No,” Yunho interjected instantly.
Jaejoong smacked his lover’s shoulder and somewhat glared at him. “Stop being a stubborn, overprotective bloodsucker and let me go on my own. I’m hungry anyway.”
“Jaejoong, this is not a playful matter-”
“I know that Yunnie,” the angel replied as he flashed him one of his blinding smiles. “Trust me, I know.”
“Jae,” whispered Changmin. His lover swiftly reached his side, allowing the brunette to pull him into his arms. “You will be careful…”
The angel smiled as he not only wrapped an arm around Changmin’s shoulders but Junsu’s waist as well. “Of course Minnie,” he whispered. He then looked into Junsu’s moistened eyes. “I promise I will find him SuSu, don’t you worry.”
Junsu felt his throat tighten as more tears threatened to surface. He held them back though and squeezed his friend’s delicate waist in a tight embrace beside Changmin. “Thank you hyung,” he said graciously.
Jaejoong smile was blinding as he pulled away from the two. He gave Changmin the sweetest kiss the human could ever imagine before turning his attention to Yunho. The other vampire looked stiff, uneasy, and impossibly worried. Jaejoong reached up and cradled that stone-like face between his gentle hands, his mind understanding what Yunho was thinking of…all the possibilities that could happen or not happen. But still, he smiled for Yunho and placed an equally sweet kiss, both reassuring and loving, on those thin lips.
“Don’t worry about me either old man,” he said with glee and care. “I will be fine. Keep those two in check until I get back.”
Despite all the reassurances, Yunho couldn’t help but worry. “Jae, they attacked me whilst I fed…they could do the same to you.”
Jaejoong smirked. “Then I’ll just have to watch my back more closely.”
“If you’re not back in four days, I’m coming after you.”
“You know you cannot leave SuSu and Minnie unprotected.”
Yunho’s eyes narrowed in frustration. “Jae,” he half-growled, half-whimpered. Jaejoong’s playful complexion dissolved into a serious deep glint across his eyes. He allowed Yunho to practically crush him to his chest. He let his lover hold him. He felt those lips on his neck.
With one final kiss, Jaejoong stepped away from Yunho, smiled that brilliant smile one last time before he turned and swiftly opened the front door, stepping out into the night and becoming one with it.
Three hearts clenched at once.
. : : . : : . : : .
The trees were reducing by the hundreds as he journeyed through the forest. Rocks sunk in solid dirt littered the earth and a thin blanket of snow covered the soil and froze the grass. Yoochun could begin to see the thin, tiny icicles hanging from the surface of the wooden branches.
He took in a large gulp of air, refilling his tired lungs and also catching that vampire’s scent again.
He surged forward, following the trail at a mad pace.
Junsu was within every thought.
. : : . : : . : : .
The week had passed and by the third day since Jaejoong left them, Yunho’s worry had grew tenfold. Changmin was always there to comfort him, but Junsu kept himself at bay. He sat in the guestroom most of the time, seated in a chair near the large window. His eyes hardly left the great surroundings of the forest outside. His heart wished desperately for Yoochun’s return.
As he sat there, Junsu thought over the last few months…of everything he had come to learn and to love. Yoochun will always be the most important part of his life now; he can never deny it. He was impossibly entangled with him…whatever he was.
Junsu wanted to know, but at the same time he feared it. He feared losing Yoochun and never being able to see him again.
Or hear his voice.
Junsu missed Yoochun’s voice.
“Su, there’s lunch on the table if you want it,” said Changmin from the doorway. The redhead glanced up at his friend, a solemn look upon his face. “Will he come back, Min?” he asked quietly, almost…fearfully.
Changmin hated seeing his friend in such distress. “I am confident in Jaejoong, Su,” he said truthfully. He stepped up and placed a comforting hand upon his friend’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you to not worry, but I can tell you to have faith in him. He will find Yoochun and bring him back. Jaejoong is both stubborn and determined, not even Yoochun stands a chance.”
Junsu let out a soft chuckle. “He is amusing, isn’t he?” he whispered.
Changmin smiled. “He is. Now come have some lunch or you will lose that duck butt of yours.”
“I do not have a duck buck,” Junsu growled playfully as he got up and began to chase his friend throughout that house. The pair ran past Yunho who watched the scene with amusement and relief. When the two youngsters had finally settled down and sat around the kitchen table, a familiar scent caught the vampire’s attention.
Yunho sniffed the air again, drawing Changmin and Junsu’s attention to his face. Three long seconds passed as Yunho calculated the scent and an unfamiliar snarl ripped from his throat. The two humans jumped as Yunho sped away from the table and suddenly out of the house.
It could only mean one thing.
Jaejoong was back.
Changmin got to his feet along with Junsu and both dashed to the front door which was still flinging back and forth upon its hinges. They stepped out onto the porch, searching the forest. No one, not even Yunho could be seen.
“Where did he go?” Changmin asked.
“I don’t kno-hyung!”
The youngest turned his attention to the left and saw some distance away three figures emerging from the depths of the forest. The two humans ran from the porch toward the group, but suddenly Yunho appeared in front of them. “Get back inside!” he all but growled, shaking Changmin and Junsu to their very cores.
“Don’t yell at him!” snarled a familiar voice.
It was pure bliss to Junsu’s ears.
“Yoochun!” he cried. He made to move past Yunho, but the vampire grabbed his arm and began leading him back towards the house, dragging Changmin along in a similar way. The grip was gone as quick as it came, and suddenly Yunho was being thrown back while still holding Changmin in his grasp. Jaejoong suddenly appeared by his lover’s sides and Yoochun was standing in front of Junsu, his back all too familiar in the redhead’s eyes.
Yet again, the four were in a similar predicament except that Changmin was an addition to the group and Junsu could hear once again. Yoochun was planted firmly in front of Junsu, blocking him from the vampire’s view while the two vampires placed themselves beside and in front of Changmin.
Suddenly, the two humans felt utterly weak and useless, like puppies always to be guarded. Changmin gently pushed his way in front of Yunho and gasped when he saw Yoochun for the second time. “You’re cut all over!”
Junsu’s eyes widened. Quickly, he stepped in front of Yoochun and felt his chest tighten at what he saw. Slashes, cuts and bruises layered any visible skin upon Yoochun’s body. Junsu’s eyes narrowed in on the cuts marring the brunette’s face. “What happened?” he asked, his fingers itching to reach up and sooth the pain from the other’s body.
“No time to talk now,” said Jaejoong as he approached the two just in time to steady Yoochun as the latter fell to the side. Junsu immediately took position on his other side and let one arm be thrown around his shoulders. Jaejoong took the other arm around his shoulders. “Be careful SuSu, he can’t use his left leg.”
Jaejoong’s caution caused deep worry to develop within Junsu. His eyes sought out Yoochun’s but the brunette would not look at him. Those chocolate eyes were always following Yunho. The other vampire was now leading them back to the house with Changmin following his every step.
When they reached the house, Junsu and Jaejoong lay Yoochun upon the couch, but the later refused to lie down completely. He sat up, stiff and alert despite the many wounds inflicting pain upon his body. The gash near his neck was dry with blood, and torn skin hung on loose ends. Junsu couldn’t even imagine how Yoochun could stay conscious with so much pain.
“Minnie, can you go get the med kit from the bathroom?” asked Jaejoong as he carried out a bowl of water and set it on the living room table. He already had a towel upon his shoulder and a washcloth within his fingers. Yunho stood ever-so-closely near the couch. Changmin left and returned not but seconds later with a small white medical kit in hand. Junsu sat right beside Yoochun as his vampire friend set to work.
The angel looked directly into Yoochun’s eyes. “This might hurt a little,” he warned gently, soaked washcloth in hand. Yoochun huffed and looked away. Jaejoong took that as an okay to start and he did so, starting by washing the large wound upon the brunette’s neck. Both Changmin and Junsu winced along with Yoochun as the wounded took the beating of getting all healed up.
Yunho seemed amused by the pain, but it went unnoticed by the humans. Jaejoong would scold him later for it.
“So,” said Jaejoong as he began to place disinfectant ointment around the neck wound. “I think it is a good time to explain what had happened, Yoochun.”
Junsu gave Yoochun a long look and the latter noticed it. He sighed and winced again when his wounds stung. “I was tracking that vampire into near the mountains, at the edge of the forest. I was led straight to two more of them, and then they turned right around and attacked me. This is how I ended up.” He gestured to his injured body; still he would not look at Junsu. “I ran back the way I had come. They followed me.”
“You led them here?” Yunho growled.
Yoochun glared up at the vampire. “When they get here we can defeat them, kill all but one and learn from that one where that bitch is hiding. That is my plan.”
“Did you ever consider what danger you are putting us in?”
“I did, every step I took to get back here.”
“I found him about 40 miles from the house. I was on my way back actually and luckily caught his scent.” Jaejoong pulled the bloody washcloth away so he could rinse it as best he could within the large bowl. He gave Yoochun a playful grin and said, “At first I thought you were a bear that I could feast on.”
Junsu shivered while Changmin shook his head in disbelief. “What the hell Jae,” he murmured, unsure of what to make of his lover at the moment.
“I wouldn’t even let you take a bite,” said Yoochun with much confidence. Yunho huffed while Jaejoong’s grin shifted into a small smile.
“I wouldn’t doubt that.”
And so, the cleaning of Yoochun’s wounds was a tedious task but was completed nonetheless, leaving a severely bandaged Yoochun resting upon the couch of two vampires in the forest of East Gate.
Who would’ve thunk it.
next: part 17
………………………comments are like valuable hockey pucks!