Unlock - Chapter Forty-Two
Title: Unlock
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Chapter: 42/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin (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. Updates every Wednesday <3
Grinning wider, JungMin headed out of the building and down the path towards the front gates. The sky had darkened a little, clouds moving in, but it wasn't raining yet. JungMin looked up at the clouds with a pout, tugging his sleeves down a little more before looking back at HyunJoong as they reached the gates.
"Which way is this park?"
HyunJoong looked around before pointing to the left. "It's that way," he said before beginning to walk in that direction.
"Okay!" JungMin followed along beside him. "It's gonna be a while before I get used to the area, and then we'll just graduate. Hopefully. What do you want to do when you graduate?" he asked, tilting his head slightly at the older boy.
At the question, HyunJoong paused to think. "As much as I love swimming, I've kinda always wanted to be either an actor or a singer. What about you?"
JungMin shrugged. "Acting would be cool I guess, but probably not for me," he grinned sheepishly. While he loved people and being up on stage, it wasn't safe. "I dunno, kind of just figured I'd see what's around. Maybe I'll work in a club or something."
He hadn't thought he'd even be in a position to graduate, let alone think of an actual career, so he hadn't given it much thought.
"I think you would be a phenomenal actor, actually," HyunJoong replied, hooking his hands behind his neck as they walked. "I'm sure that we can control that power of yours one day soon," he added with a reassuring smile.
The redhead's lips quirked slightly at that. As much as he didn't think it possible to ever control the electricity in his veins, HyunJoong constantly stating it was possible was making him wonder if he could.
"Maybe." He tilted his head up as he walked, looking at the clouds gathering overhead. "Right now I'll just focus on not blasting doorknobs out of doors," he chuckled.
"And if you could, I would appreciate not having supercharged zippers fly at my head, thanks," HyunJoong chuckled. Looking over at JungMin, he hesitated before reaching down and taking JungMin's gloved hand, lacing their fingers together, not minding the feel of leather at all.
About to say something about the zippers, JungMin nearly jumped right off the ground at the hand holding his own. He blinked owlishly at HyunJoong for a moment, before his lips quivered and he had to look away to hide both the blush and the silly grin that was taking over his face, fingers curling around HyunJoong's after a moment.
After a moment he pointed with his free hand. "Is that it?"
Blinking and looking over, sure his face was red, HyunJoong nodded his head when he saw the park. Walking a bit faster, he tugged on JungMin's hand to bring him over.
Laughing, JungMin sped up to match HyunJoong's pace. He was pleased to see there were only two other people in the park area, a couple underneath the trees away from the playground area. Looking around, he brightened to see there were plenty of areas without grass to cover the ground. "This is perfect," he grinned widely.
HyunJoong smiled at JungMin's enthusiasm. He had apparently chosen a good enough place to allow JungMin to do what he had to. "Any spot strike your fancy?" he asked.
"Uh..." JungMin looked around, before seeing a large bare patch of ground far enough away from anything that could be a hazard, or from the couple. "Over there!" And he proceeded to drag HyunJoong in that direction. "I can't remember the last time I went to a park."
Laughing as he was all but dragged along, HyunJoong sped up a bit, nodding. "Same here, actually."
"Then it would be nice to come back, when it doesn't look like the sky's gonna open on us," JungMin grinned, heading for the bare patch of earth. When they reached it he sat down, checking around to make sure the spot was okay. "Okay, this is good." He reluctantly let go of HyunJoong's hand so he could pull off one glove. His hands were already starting to shoot off sparks from the amount of electricity he had contained right now.
When JungMin released his hand, HyunJoong sighed and took a seat, watching as he slipped a glove off. "So what're you planning on doing?" he asked, resting his chin against his knees that he had brought up to his chest.
"Getting rid of a bit of charge," JungMin shrugged, pressing his bare hand into the earth. Sparks scattered across the ground, not making it far from his hand before dying as they were soaked into the earth. "Mother Nature's better at dealing with it than me," he grinned at HyunJoong sheepishly. "I just can't do this often, cause it's hard to walk back sometimes."
Nodding his head, HyunJoong just watched JungMin release the excess energy into the ground, fascinated. With every new discovery, HyunJoong just found himself gravitating more and more toward the redhead.
JungMin watched the electricity leave his hand, before looking up at the sky. "Do you think it would hurt if I was struck by lightning?" he asked randomly, glancing at HyunJoong.
"I'm sure the shock would be painful, as well as the overcharge of electricity in your body," HyunJoong replied after a moment of thought. "If it starts to rain, though, I'll lock down your power the best I can, because I'd rather not find out if it hurts you."
The redhead's lips quivered at that. "I'm really hoping it doesn't rain, and it's not me I'm worried about in that case." He could take a charge; HyunJoong couldn't. "Lightning used to hit the hospital all the time, massive power outages. And it always hit close to my house. I think if I was outside when it started to thunder, I'd be hit for sure."
"Not you?" HyunJoong asked before understanding what he meant. "I'll be fine, Min," he reassured, smiling back at the younger.
JungMin grinned a little in return, but it wasn't clear if he believed the other boy or not. After a moment he pulled his hand away from the ground. "There we go, that should be enough."
He bounced back to his feet, then promptly lost his balance and fell onto his rear with a shriek. "Or too much."
Shaking his head, HyunJoong got to his feet and held both hands out to JungMin, offering to help him up. "Grab hold, dummy," he stated, smiling to show that he was only teasing.
Pouting, JungMin tugged on his glove before reaching up to take HyunJoong's hands. "I am not a dummy," he sniffed at him. Getting up, he swayed a little before regaining his balance. "Okay, just a little dizzy. Are we heading back now?"
HyunJoong smiled and ruffled JungMin's hair as soon as he was on his feet. "I know you're not, but that doesn't mean that I'm not gonna tease you." He rested a hand on JungMin's back to keep him steady. "Going back might be a good idea."
"Okay, let's go then," JungMin smiled, sticking his tongue out when his hair was messed up. Turning, he headed back in the direction of the park entrance, hand falling into HyunJoong's again after a moment.
Faltering slightly when JungMin took his hand, HyunJoong felt himself smile as they headed back to campus.
They were about halfway there when HyunJoong stopped, feeling something wet land against his cheek. Blinking, he looked up, only to get hit by another raindrop.
"Oh crap..."
JungMin flinched when something wet hit his head, immediately setting off sparks even though he had less of a charge. He felt his heart leap into his throat.
A second raindrop drew a panicked shriek from him as he let go of HyunJoong's hand in favor of diving into the bus shelter they had just passed.
Eyes widening as JungMin ran into the bus shelter, HyunJoong looked up as the sky opened up. It was pointless to cover his head, but he ran toward the shelter, water dripping as he made it under. He was careful to keep a distance between himself and JungMin until he dried off more.
"You okay, Min?" he asked, carefully shaking out his hair.
Nodding, the redhead watched the rain start pouring outside the bus shelter with wide eyes. "Great," he whined, dropping down onto the bench and sulking as he watched. Now he was stuck until it cleared up. Wiping off water from his cheek, with his sleeve, he winced when he saw the sparks along the material.
HyunJoong watched JungMin before sighing. He knew that he really couldn't get closer to JungMin since he was so wet from the rain, and God, did he hate it. He could always lock JungMin's powers, but at the moment, he wasn't too sure if it would help, and he wouldn't do it without permission anyway.
Watching glumly as the rain come down harder, rebounding off the ground, JungMin felt his eyes burn a little before he blinked it back, drawing in a breath. He turned his head to give HyunJoong a pained smile. "Sorry. I don't know when it's gonna ease up, and you'll get soaked if you run back."
"I'm not leaving," HyunJoong said firmly, eyes focused in front of him. "I'm not just gonna leave you here by yourself, so you're more or less stuck with me until it lets up."
"Suit yourself," JungMin sighed, bringing one leg up onto the bench and resting his cheek against his knee. "It could keep raining all night you know." It had been a long, long time since he'd been stuck outside overnight, and it wasn't exactly a good memory.
"I know," HyunJoong replied casually, taking a seat on the ground and making himself comfortable.
JungMin turned his head to look at the older boy, not speaking. The only sound was the rain, and the occasional car driving by.
"You're going to catch sick again," he murmured.
HyunJoong shrugged his shoulders. "I'll get sick if I leave, too," he explained. It was coming down hard and with the cold, he decided to take his chances where he was.
Shrinking a little, JungMin shook his head and looked back outside the bus shelter for a long minute before closing his eyes. There wasn't anything that could be done. "What now then?" he mumbled, not sure what to do. There wasn't that much he could do.
"Well, we can wait it out, or I can try to lock your power and we can both make a run for it," HyunJoong answered after thinking about it for a minute. Both options were somewhat risky as he could already feel the chill seeping in, but there were few options with JungMin's dangerous ability. The one thing he knew was that he wasn't leaving JungMin by himself.
JungMin opened his eyes, looking uneasy at that. "We'll both be soaked like that. Would you be able to hold my power down that long?" He'd have to get back into his room and dried off before HyunJoong could release his electricity...and if the lock wavered while they were heading back...
"That's the thing. I believe I can, but I can't make any promises," HyunJoong said. "We're a bit over halfway, so just to get back to campus is maybe five minutes or so, plus you drying off."
The redhead swallowed thickly. "I don't know," he said quietly. He looked out at the rain. "I don't think you understand just what could happen," he shook his head. "'Maybe' isn't good enough when I can kill you."
"Would an umbrella do any good at all?" HyunJoong asked, settling back against the wall of the bus stop. "Because we can always call someone to meet us."
Chewing on his lower lip, JungMin thought about that. "It be...maybe easier for you to hold my power locked?" he asked slowly. "If my power was unlocked, I'd just fry whoever's under the umbrella with me, but...it might work?"
Sighing, HyunJoong closed his eyes. "We'll rest here and see what happens. I don't want to scare you any more than you already are, so let's just wait and hope it stops long enough for us to get back."
JungMin nodded slowly. "Okay," he murmured, turning his head to watch the older boy. "You should really go back to the school, if it stops pouring like crazy," he said quietly. "I can wait, personal heating system remember?"
"I don't care," HyunJoong huffed, curling up a bit more to conserve heat. "I said I'm not leaving you alone, and I meant it."
The younger boy stared at him for a long moment, trying to figure him out. Finally he swallowed, looking down at his gloves. "Are you dry yet? If you are, I can try to keep you warm..."
Looking over at JungMin, HyunJoong smiled awkwardly. "Not completely, but if you don't mind, I can use my power." He hesitated before continuing. "I like practicing like this," he murmured quietly, somewhat embarrassed.
Blinking, JungMin flushed a little. He wouldn't deny liking it too. "Well, if it gets you off the ground," he mumbled, patting the bench beside him.
Taking a moment to activate his gift and another to be thankful for the rest he had, HyunJoong slowly got to his feet and took a seat beside JungMin on the bench. Feeling the heat radiate from the redhead, he sighed and moved even closer, enjoying the feeling of the cold draining from his body.
JungMin made sure he couldn't electrocute HyunJoong before shuffling closer as well, chewing on his lower lip. After a moment he wrapped his arms around HyunJoong's shoulders, bringing the older boy against him. "This better? You're an ice cube."
All but melting into the hold, HyunJoong nodded. "Much better," he replied, closing his eyes again and enjoying the warm feeling, though it wasn't entirely from the body heat.
Smile widening, JungMin perched his chin on HyunJoong's shoulder and kept him close, warming up the older boy the best he could. "Hopefully you're dry before you run out of energy, I can keep you warm better with my electricity, and you're not passing out on me."
HyunJoong relaxed against JungMin's chest, chuckling at his words. "I have no plans of passing out any time soon, and I should be dry soon enough."
"That's good." JungMin ran his hand along HyunJoong's back. "I really hope we're not out here all night, that really wouldn't be fun...your bed's more comfortable," he sniffed.
Turning to look over his shoulder, HyunJoong smirked. "I have to agree with you there," he replied, eyes flicking down to JungMin's mouth before turning back around, red faced.
Blinking owlishly as he caught the gaze, JungMin turned slightly pink when HyunJoong looked away again. He ducked his head a little, just focusing on warming the older boy up.
After a minute of looking up at him quickly then down again, he hesitantly leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against HyunJoong's jaw.
Breath catching as he felt JungMin kiss his jaw, HyunJoong hesitated before looking back at JungMin. Shifting for comfort on both their parts, he met the younger's gaze before leaning forward, bringing their lips together.
JungMin leaned into the kiss immediately, arms wrapped around HyunJoong's body. Ever since the first kiss, it was like an addiction he couldn't get enough of, made worse by the fact he was banned from contact the vast majority of his life. The feeling of HyunJoong pressed close with them locked at the lips was indescribable. Tilting his head to deepen the kiss, his gloved fingers curled into HyunJoong's shirt to grip it tightly.
Letting a quiet sound escape, HyunJoong leaned in a bit more, turning fully in JungMin's lap. His body pressed JungMin lightly against the back of the bench while his balance was kept by a hand flat against the wall of the shelter. Parting his lips, HyunJoong quickly ran his tongue over JungMin's lip before nibbling lightly, asking for more.
Shivering at the nips, JungMin parted his lips as well to let HyunJoong in without hesitation. One hand came up to twine into the older boy's hair, eyes closing as his tongue found HyunJoong's. When it did, a low moan slipped from his throat, the rain and the dilemma it posed forgotten in favor of HyunJoong. He eased himself into a more comfortable position, the kiss increasing in intensity.
Shivering for a reason entirely unrelated to the cold, HyunJoong wrapped his tongue around JungMin's enticingly, moaning at the hand in his hair. Bringing his free hand up, he rested it against JungMin's chest as he deepened the kiss.
A light whine escaped JungMin at that, pressing into the hand and into the kiss. Breaking away slightly to breathe, he returned immediately, tugging on locks of HyunJoong's hair as he squirmed a little against him. Unfortunately they were already as close as they could be on such a small bench, any more and they'd both fall off.
Taking a breath in the bare moment JungMin pulled away, it was effectively stolen upon his return. HyunJoong was unable to stop the loud moan as JungMin began squirming, brushing against him and driving him crazy. "M-Min..." he managed between kisses.
The whisper of his name made it even harder for JungMin to breathe, the kisses insistent and intense as he tried to feel as much of the older boy as possible. Finally though the need to breathe became too great to ignore and the redhead broke the kiss, panting against HyunJoong's lips as he slowly opened his eyes to meet the older boy's.
"You taste really good," he got out once he could breathe a little easier, his mind not entirely caught up yet.
A small sound fell from HyunJoong's lips as he felt the insistence in the kiss, trying to press as close to JungMin as possible. Once JungMin pulled away to breathe, HyunJoong drew in a lungful of air, shivering as he felt JungMin's breath against his lips.
"Believe me, I doubt I've tasted better in my life," he chuckled breathlessly.
Grinning a little at that, JungMin rested his forehead against HyunJoong's and closed his eyes, just enjoying the contact. He would be happy spending every second of his life like this, just kissing and holding HyunJoong and being held in return. And he was determined not to think about when he would have to let go, not wanting to ruin the amazing moment.
Finally opening his eyes, he smiled at HyunJoong before looking over his shoulder slightly, and blinking. The rain had slowed to a faint drizzle, more of a dreary mist than anything.
Following JungMin's gaze but remaining close, enjoying the feeling of warmth, HyunJoong noticed that the downpour had stopped for the most part. "Looks like we should be able to head back soon, huh?" HyunJoong mused.
JungMin nodded, lips quivering slightly. "Hopefully it'll stop soon," he murmured, being looking at HyunJoong. "You warming up?" He rubbed the older boy's arms lightly.
"To a degree," HyunJoong responded with a smile. "I don't feel like a popsicle anymore, and I think I'm dry now."
"Always good," JungMin smiled widely, before looking down. "You should probably unlock my power now, before you use up all your energy," he murmured, peeking up at him. "Or else we won't have any chance to 'practice' when there's an actual bed involved."
Smiling at the insinuation, HyunJoong kissed JungMin a final time before moving out of his lap and shutting off his power. "Done and done."
Smile widening further at the kiss, JungMin rested his elbows on his knees and looked at the rain outside. "Maybe one day I can finally get rid of these," he said, looking down at his gloves. And the thick sweaters in the summer. Though he wasn't so confident about showing his neck, and he wasn't sure he ever would be.
"I suppose when we get back, we should get cracking then," HyunJoong said, taking JungMin's hand as he had earlier. It was something that HyunJoong found himself looking forward to.
JungMin blinked, then grinned as he looked down at their hands, wiggling his fingers a little before clasping HyunJoong's hand tightly. "Yeah."
After a moment he hesitantly leaned over slightly to rest his head against HyunJoong's shoulder.
Blinking when JungMin laid his head on his shoulder, HyunJoong smiled softly before reaching up with his free hand to run through the red locks. It was cold, and he wouldn't be surprised if he got sick again, but the warmth from the teen beside him reminded him that it was all worth it.
Smiling happily at the hand in his hair, JungMin closed his eyes for a while, just enjoying the contact.
When he opened them again a bit later, he noticed the rain had stopped for the moment. "We should go back now before it starts raining again," he murmured.
Nodding his head, HyunJoong waited for JungMin to move a bit before getting to his feet, helping the redhead up as well.
"Ready to make a break for it?"
"Yeah." JungMin stood up, hesitantly going to the entrance to the bus shelter, poking his head out. Yes, it had stopped raining. "Let's go!" He hurried out, keeping his grip on HyunJoong's hand as he headed back towards the school.
Staggering at first, HyunJoong caught himself and ran alongside JungMin as they ran toward the school.
They had only just entered the dorm building when the rain started again. Falling to the ground, HyunJoong laid sprawled out, breathing hard and laughing.
Panting as he looked outside the door to see the rain pour down in torrents, JungMin laughed as well, heart pounding as he looked down at HyunJoong. "What are you doing down there, you're in better shape than me and I'm not that winded." He nudged the older boy with his foot.
"Shut up," HyunJoong stated with a pout as he held his hands up asking for help.
Holding out his hands, JungMin helped HyunJoong up, smiling widely. "My room, or yours?" He asked, starting down the hallway.
"Mine would be quieter, but it's really up to you," HyunJoong replied, nudging JungMin lightly.
"Yours then," JungMin grinned, heading in that direction. "I want to try that idea you had...about being able to control the smaller amounts of electricity. You don't happen to have a light bulb hanging around, do you?"
HyunJoong paused to think before moving to catch up. "Yeah. I had to buy some when the last bulb blew," he explained. "And I think that this could definitely work."
JungMin bounced a little. "Great! Let's give it a shot then." He wasn't as confident as HyunJoong that it would work, his confidence shot by the years of unsuccessful attempts to gain control, but he was willing to give it a try.
Hearing the hesitation in JungMin's voice even though hidden by his normal bounciness, HyunJoong squeezed JungMin's hand tightly. "You're not alone this time, you know, and we're a stubborn bunch, especially me."
Blinking, JungMin ducked his head a little and smiled faintly. "...Thanks." He was never sure what to say to the repeated confirmations that he wasn't going to have to deal with this alone anymore, struck speechless for one of the few times in his life. So he said the only thing he could, and thanked HyunJoong.
They reached the older boy's room, the redhead shifting from foot to foot as he waited for HyunJoong to open the door.
Unlocking the door, HyunJoong pushed it opened and stepped aside to let JungMin enter. Walking in himself, he closed the door and removed his shoes as well as his jacket. "Take a seat wherever," he grinned, moving to drop onto his own bed.
Getting his own coat and shoes off, JungMin looked around with his lips pursed. "I like it right...here." And with that he dropped down onto HyunJoong's bed beside him, sprawled out on his stomach with his face buried in the comforter.
Laughing as he felt himself bounce up a bit, HyunJoong grinned and poked the redhead. "Well, I'm glad that my bed's so comfortable to you."
"Very comfortable." JungMin twitched at the poke, rolling over onto his back to blink up at the older boy. "So, should we start?" He didn't want to move though, happy where he was.
"We can start whenever you want," HyunJoong told him, tugging him into a seated position.
JungMin whined when he was pulled up, pouting at HyunJoong. "Well we might as well start now, since I'm sitting all proper now," he huffed, blowing his bangs out of his face before getting to his feet. "Where's the light bulb?"
"Oh yeah." Getting back up, HyunJoong padded over to the closet and opened the door. Reaching up onto the higher shelf, he felt around before pulling down a small box.
Returning to the bed, HyunJoong smiled and shoved JungMin back down onto the bed before joining him and handing him the light bulb.
Shrieking as he was shoved back down, bouncing a little, JungMin grinned at the light bulb and reached out to take it. He rolled it between his gloves for a moment before carefully removing one and holding the light bulb's base. Instantly the bulb flicked on, the light as bright as usual. Brow furrowing at it, JungMin tried to pull the electricity out of his fingers without success.
Watching JungMin try to dull the bulb without success, HyunJoong locked JungMin's power before releasing a bit, allowing the redhead to work with that for the time being.
Blinking in surprise, JungMin gave HyunJoong a small smile as he focused on the light bulb again. The light was dimmer than before since he was working with only a small amount of his electricity, but it still didn't like being told what to do, rebelling against him as he tried to pull it out of his fingers.
For the longest time, it looked like nothing was changing. JungMin gave a frustrated growl, eyes narrowing at it as he gave a hard yank.
The light bulb flickered slightly before turning back on.
HyunJoong smiled when he noticed the flicker. Moving to sit behind JungMin, HyunJoong slowly began rubbing JungMin's shoulders, careful to only touch the sweater. "Relax. You're too tense," he murmured into JungMin's ear. "Take a moment to collect yourself before trying again."
JungMin couldn't help the soft noise that escaped him at the hands on his shoulders, closing his eyes. The light puff of breath against his ear sent shivers down his spine, before he opened his eyes again, nodding a little.
Drawing in a few slow breaths to calm down, JungMin turned his attention to the light bulb again, focusing on it. He'd felt it, for a split second, the tingle of electricity leaving his fingertips before shooting right back.
Trying to find that again, he pulled slowly on the electricity, trying to get it out of his hands. The light bulb flickered and he lost concentration again, an annoyed whine coming from him as the light went back on.
"You can do it, Min. You nearly had it," HyunJoong said, continuing to keep his voice quiet and soothing. A small twinge was felt in his temple due to JungMin using his power against HyunJoong's, feeling the electricity that JungMin was trying to control fighting to free the rest of his power as well. Luckily, he had enough energy to fight it back without a backlash.
Nodding, JungMin drew in another breath and closed his eyes, trying to see if not looking at the light bulb would help; the flickering distracted him and put him right back at square one.
It was hard, like canoeing upstream without a paddle. Every time he felt like he was making some ground, he was right back where he started. Or worse. It was always like that.
No...he could do this. If the others could figure out how to work with their powers, and call them gifts instead, he could do the same.
He tried to pull it in with each slow breath he took, drawing in both air and electricity at the same time. Maybe one day he could fall asleep next to HyunJoong without worrying about being a killer.
JungMin was so focused on that image, trying to regulate his breathing with his eyes shut, that he didn't notice as the light in the bulb slowly started to darken, further and further until it was off completely.
Seeing the light go out, HyunJoong smiled brightly. He knew that JungMin would be able to do it.
"Min ah...open your eyes, but keep focused. There's something that you need to see."
"How am I supposed to do that?" JungMin murmured, trying to keep his concentration. Even just talking was a strain, he wasn't sure how he'd fair opening his eyes.
After a moment though and a chance to gather his focus properly, he slowly opened his eyes. When he saw the light bulb in his hand, completely dead, he stared at it uncomprehendingly for a moment before it clicked and his eyes widened in shock. His concentration had snapped and the light came back on, but he wasn't paying attention to that, looking up at HyunJoong with wide eyes.
"That was me, right? That wasn't you?"
HyunJoong shook his head, smile nearly splitting his face. "I can't control your power, just the amount coming out right now, and you would be able to feel if I cut it off at all," HyunJoong told him.
JungMin blinked at him, staring. "So...I turned it off," he clarified.
After a moment, the shock morphed into a wide grin, and he dropped the light bulb onto the comforter in favor of crashing into HyunJoong and nearly knocking him onto his back, hugging him tightly and burying his face in the older boy's shirt.
HyunJoong nodded, smile still on his face. "Yes you did," he stated before he was all but bowled over by the hug. Wrapping his arms around JungMin, HyunJoong ran his hands over his back, glad to see him so happy.
"Told ya you could do it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to JungMin's hair. While his power wasn't completely locked down, there wasn't enough energy coming out to truly hurt him, so he wasn't afraid of the contact in the least.
Burrowing his face into HyunJoong's shirt and breathing in deeply, JungMin couldn't help the silly grin as he closed his eyes. Even if it had only been with a fraction of his power, maybe the same amount he had when he was ten, he could control it. Maybe he could control the rest of it too.
Holding on to HyunJoong for a long moment, he finally sat up straight again, new determination in his eyes. "I can," he nodded, looking less like the world had beaten him down as he picked up the light bulb again. It flickered on in between his fingers, and he settled against HyunJoong's chest as he focused on it.
Shifting to wrap his arms around JungMin's waist, HyunJoong settled against the headboard, his chin resting on JungMin's shoulder. He was so happy to see the determination in JungMin's eyes. They all had so much faith in him and now that JungMin had seen that he could in fact control it, even if a little, maybe he would also have faith in himself for a change.
Practice continued on for a while longer, JungMin doing his best to pull the electricity out of his hands for longer periods of time. His concentration was easily broken, anything from the flicker of the light bulb to HyunJoong shifting slightly behind him (or even not moving at all, the light breath against his ear was distraction enough) causing the light to return.
Finally he had to call it quits when he started to feel the effects of the practice, something that had never happened before. His fingers trembled slightly as he set the light bulb down and rested back against HyunJoong with a soft sigh. Despite the slight dizziness, the silly smile hadn't left his lips.
When JungMin relaxed against him, HyunJoong lifted a hand and ran it calmly through his hair. "You all right, Min ah?" he asked, voice quiet.
"Never been better," JungMin murmured, smiling as he tilted his head to look up at HyunJoong. "Thanks," he squeezed the older boy's knee lightly.
"Maybe we should get some rest," HyunJoong murmured into his ear. He was sure that JungMin was tired from focusing so much, and HyunJoong could feel the ill effects of the cold...again. Luckily, it was nothing like the last time he had fallen ill.
Nodding at the idea, JungMin rested his head back against HyunJoong's shoulder and pouted. "I don't feel like moving though...” After a moment he picked up the light bulb and leaned over far enough to place it on the nightstand, finding his glove and pulling it back on.
HyunJoong smiled at him. "You don't have to. We're both too tired to move much." Shifting to lay them both down, HyunJoong placed an arm firmly around JungMin's waist. "There. Now there's even less of a chance, so we'll be fine."
Laughing quietly, JungMin shifted to face him properly. "Is it safe like this?" he asked, playing with HyunJoong's shirt. "You're going to have to let go of my power eventually."
"It'll be fine," HyunJoong smiled. He would take a few shocks if that was what it would cost to remain like this. "Go to sleep, Min. Everything'll be fine."
"You sure?" JungMin secured his own arm around HyunJoong's torso after a moment, resting against the older boy. His eyes were trying to close; he hadn't expected practicing to take so much out of him, now he understood why the others were constantly passing out after practicing.
Brushing his lips over JungMin's forehead, HyunJoong nodded. "I'm sure. You'll be so out you won't even move."
"That would be a first," JungMin chuckled, burying his face against HyunJoong's collar. Where HyunJoong's lips had touched tingled. "I wondered what this would feel like," he mumbled before drifting off, a strange feeling of contentment settled over him.
Smiling as he watched JungMin fall asleep, HyunJoong decided that no matter how tired he was, he could always sleep later.
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Chapter: 42/?
Fandom: SS501, cameos by KARA
Pairings: KyuSaeng, HyunMin (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. Updates every Wednesday <3
Grinning wider, JungMin headed out of the building and down the path towards the front gates. The sky had darkened a little, clouds moving in, but it wasn't raining yet. JungMin looked up at the clouds with a pout, tugging his sleeves down a little more before looking back at HyunJoong as they reached the gates.
"Which way is this park?"
HyunJoong looked around before pointing to the left. "It's that way," he said before beginning to walk in that direction.
"Okay!" JungMin followed along beside him. "It's gonna be a while before I get used to the area, and then we'll just graduate. Hopefully. What do you want to do when you graduate?" he asked, tilting his head slightly at the older boy.
At the question, HyunJoong paused to think. "As much as I love swimming, I've kinda always wanted to be either an actor or a singer. What about you?"
JungMin shrugged. "Acting would be cool I guess, but probably not for me," he grinned sheepishly. While he loved people and being up on stage, it wasn't safe. "I dunno, kind of just figured I'd see what's around. Maybe I'll work in a club or something."
He hadn't thought he'd even be in a position to graduate, let alone think of an actual career, so he hadn't given it much thought.
"I think you would be a phenomenal actor, actually," HyunJoong replied, hooking his hands behind his neck as they walked. "I'm sure that we can control that power of yours one day soon," he added with a reassuring smile.
The redhead's lips quirked slightly at that. As much as he didn't think it possible to ever control the electricity in his veins, HyunJoong constantly stating it was possible was making him wonder if he could.
"Maybe." He tilted his head up as he walked, looking at the clouds gathering overhead. "Right now I'll just focus on not blasting doorknobs out of doors," he chuckled.
"And if you could, I would appreciate not having supercharged zippers fly at my head, thanks," HyunJoong chuckled. Looking over at JungMin, he hesitated before reaching down and taking JungMin's gloved hand, lacing their fingers together, not minding the feel of leather at all.
About to say something about the zippers, JungMin nearly jumped right off the ground at the hand holding his own. He blinked owlishly at HyunJoong for a moment, before his lips quivered and he had to look away to hide both the blush and the silly grin that was taking over his face, fingers curling around HyunJoong's after a moment.
After a moment he pointed with his free hand. "Is that it?"
Blinking and looking over, sure his face was red, HyunJoong nodded his head when he saw the park. Walking a bit faster, he tugged on JungMin's hand to bring him over.
Laughing, JungMin sped up to match HyunJoong's pace. He was pleased to see there were only two other people in the park area, a couple underneath the trees away from the playground area. Looking around, he brightened to see there were plenty of areas without grass to cover the ground. "This is perfect," he grinned widely.
HyunJoong smiled at JungMin's enthusiasm. He had apparently chosen a good enough place to allow JungMin to do what he had to. "Any spot strike your fancy?" he asked.
"Uh..." JungMin looked around, before seeing a large bare patch of ground far enough away from anything that could be a hazard, or from the couple. "Over there!" And he proceeded to drag HyunJoong in that direction. "I can't remember the last time I went to a park."
Laughing as he was all but dragged along, HyunJoong sped up a bit, nodding. "Same here, actually."
"Then it would be nice to come back, when it doesn't look like the sky's gonna open on us," JungMin grinned, heading for the bare patch of earth. When they reached it he sat down, checking around to make sure the spot was okay. "Okay, this is good." He reluctantly let go of HyunJoong's hand so he could pull off one glove. His hands were already starting to shoot off sparks from the amount of electricity he had contained right now.
When JungMin released his hand, HyunJoong sighed and took a seat, watching as he slipped a glove off. "So what're you planning on doing?" he asked, resting his chin against his knees that he had brought up to his chest.
"Getting rid of a bit of charge," JungMin shrugged, pressing his bare hand into the earth. Sparks scattered across the ground, not making it far from his hand before dying as they were soaked into the earth. "Mother Nature's better at dealing with it than me," he grinned at HyunJoong sheepishly. "I just can't do this often, cause it's hard to walk back sometimes."
Nodding his head, HyunJoong just watched JungMin release the excess energy into the ground, fascinated. With every new discovery, HyunJoong just found himself gravitating more and more toward the redhead.
JungMin watched the electricity leave his hand, before looking up at the sky. "Do you think it would hurt if I was struck by lightning?" he asked randomly, glancing at HyunJoong.
"I'm sure the shock would be painful, as well as the overcharge of electricity in your body," HyunJoong replied after a moment of thought. "If it starts to rain, though, I'll lock down your power the best I can, because I'd rather not find out if it hurts you."
The redhead's lips quivered at that. "I'm really hoping it doesn't rain, and it's not me I'm worried about in that case." He could take a charge; HyunJoong couldn't. "Lightning used to hit the hospital all the time, massive power outages. And it always hit close to my house. I think if I was outside when it started to thunder, I'd be hit for sure."
"Not you?" HyunJoong asked before understanding what he meant. "I'll be fine, Min," he reassured, smiling back at the younger.
JungMin grinned a little in return, but it wasn't clear if he believed the other boy or not. After a moment he pulled his hand away from the ground. "There we go, that should be enough."
He bounced back to his feet, then promptly lost his balance and fell onto his rear with a shriek. "Or too much."
Shaking his head, HyunJoong got to his feet and held both hands out to JungMin, offering to help him up. "Grab hold, dummy," he stated, smiling to show that he was only teasing.
Pouting, JungMin tugged on his glove before reaching up to take HyunJoong's hands. "I am not a dummy," he sniffed at him. Getting up, he swayed a little before regaining his balance. "Okay, just a little dizzy. Are we heading back now?"
HyunJoong smiled and ruffled JungMin's hair as soon as he was on his feet. "I know you're not, but that doesn't mean that I'm not gonna tease you." He rested a hand on JungMin's back to keep him steady. "Going back might be a good idea."
"Okay, let's go then," JungMin smiled, sticking his tongue out when his hair was messed up. Turning, he headed back in the direction of the park entrance, hand falling into HyunJoong's again after a moment.
Faltering slightly when JungMin took his hand, HyunJoong felt himself smile as they headed back to campus.
They were about halfway there when HyunJoong stopped, feeling something wet land against his cheek. Blinking, he looked up, only to get hit by another raindrop.
"Oh crap..."
JungMin flinched when something wet hit his head, immediately setting off sparks even though he had less of a charge. He felt his heart leap into his throat.
A second raindrop drew a panicked shriek from him as he let go of HyunJoong's hand in favor of diving into the bus shelter they had just passed.
Eyes widening as JungMin ran into the bus shelter, HyunJoong looked up as the sky opened up. It was pointless to cover his head, but he ran toward the shelter, water dripping as he made it under. He was careful to keep a distance between himself and JungMin until he dried off more.
"You okay, Min?" he asked, carefully shaking out his hair.
Nodding, the redhead watched the rain start pouring outside the bus shelter with wide eyes. "Great," he whined, dropping down onto the bench and sulking as he watched. Now he was stuck until it cleared up. Wiping off water from his cheek, with his sleeve, he winced when he saw the sparks along the material.
HyunJoong watched JungMin before sighing. He knew that he really couldn't get closer to JungMin since he was so wet from the rain, and God, did he hate it. He could always lock JungMin's powers, but at the moment, he wasn't too sure if it would help, and he wouldn't do it without permission anyway.
Watching glumly as the rain come down harder, rebounding off the ground, JungMin felt his eyes burn a little before he blinked it back, drawing in a breath. He turned his head to give HyunJoong a pained smile. "Sorry. I don't know when it's gonna ease up, and you'll get soaked if you run back."
"I'm not leaving," HyunJoong said firmly, eyes focused in front of him. "I'm not just gonna leave you here by yourself, so you're more or less stuck with me until it lets up."
"Suit yourself," JungMin sighed, bringing one leg up onto the bench and resting his cheek against his knee. "It could keep raining all night you know." It had been a long, long time since he'd been stuck outside overnight, and it wasn't exactly a good memory.
"I know," HyunJoong replied casually, taking a seat on the ground and making himself comfortable.
JungMin turned his head to look at the older boy, not speaking. The only sound was the rain, and the occasional car driving by.
"You're going to catch sick again," he murmured.
HyunJoong shrugged his shoulders. "I'll get sick if I leave, too," he explained. It was coming down hard and with the cold, he decided to take his chances where he was.
Shrinking a little, JungMin shook his head and looked back outside the bus shelter for a long minute before closing his eyes. There wasn't anything that could be done. "What now then?" he mumbled, not sure what to do. There wasn't that much he could do.
"Well, we can wait it out, or I can try to lock your power and we can both make a run for it," HyunJoong answered after thinking about it for a minute. Both options were somewhat risky as he could already feel the chill seeping in, but there were few options with JungMin's dangerous ability. The one thing he knew was that he wasn't leaving JungMin by himself.
JungMin opened his eyes, looking uneasy at that. "We'll both be soaked like that. Would you be able to hold my power down that long?" He'd have to get back into his room and dried off before HyunJoong could release his electricity...and if the lock wavered while they were heading back...
"That's the thing. I believe I can, but I can't make any promises," HyunJoong said. "We're a bit over halfway, so just to get back to campus is maybe five minutes or so, plus you drying off."
The redhead swallowed thickly. "I don't know," he said quietly. He looked out at the rain. "I don't think you understand just what could happen," he shook his head. "'Maybe' isn't good enough when I can kill you."
"Would an umbrella do any good at all?" HyunJoong asked, settling back against the wall of the bus stop. "Because we can always call someone to meet us."
Chewing on his lower lip, JungMin thought about that. "It be...maybe easier for you to hold my power locked?" he asked slowly. "If my power was unlocked, I'd just fry whoever's under the umbrella with me, but...it might work?"
Sighing, HyunJoong closed his eyes. "We'll rest here and see what happens. I don't want to scare you any more than you already are, so let's just wait and hope it stops long enough for us to get back."
JungMin nodded slowly. "Okay," he murmured, turning his head to watch the older boy. "You should really go back to the school, if it stops pouring like crazy," he said quietly. "I can wait, personal heating system remember?"
"I don't care," HyunJoong huffed, curling up a bit more to conserve heat. "I said I'm not leaving you alone, and I meant it."
The younger boy stared at him for a long moment, trying to figure him out. Finally he swallowed, looking down at his gloves. "Are you dry yet? If you are, I can try to keep you warm..."
Looking over at JungMin, HyunJoong smiled awkwardly. "Not completely, but if you don't mind, I can use my power." He hesitated before continuing. "I like practicing like this," he murmured quietly, somewhat embarrassed.
Blinking, JungMin flushed a little. He wouldn't deny liking it too. "Well, if it gets you off the ground," he mumbled, patting the bench beside him.
Taking a moment to activate his gift and another to be thankful for the rest he had, HyunJoong slowly got to his feet and took a seat beside JungMin on the bench. Feeling the heat radiate from the redhead, he sighed and moved even closer, enjoying the feeling of the cold draining from his body.
JungMin made sure he couldn't electrocute HyunJoong before shuffling closer as well, chewing on his lower lip. After a moment he wrapped his arms around HyunJoong's shoulders, bringing the older boy against him. "This better? You're an ice cube."
All but melting into the hold, HyunJoong nodded. "Much better," he replied, closing his eyes again and enjoying the warm feeling, though it wasn't entirely from the body heat.
Smile widening, JungMin perched his chin on HyunJoong's shoulder and kept him close, warming up the older boy the best he could. "Hopefully you're dry before you run out of energy, I can keep you warm better with my electricity, and you're not passing out on me."
HyunJoong relaxed against JungMin's chest, chuckling at his words. "I have no plans of passing out any time soon, and I should be dry soon enough."
"That's good." JungMin ran his hand along HyunJoong's back. "I really hope we're not out here all night, that really wouldn't be fun...your bed's more comfortable," he sniffed.
Turning to look over his shoulder, HyunJoong smirked. "I have to agree with you there," he replied, eyes flicking down to JungMin's mouth before turning back around, red faced.
Blinking owlishly as he caught the gaze, JungMin turned slightly pink when HyunJoong looked away again. He ducked his head a little, just focusing on warming the older boy up.
After a minute of looking up at him quickly then down again, he hesitantly leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against HyunJoong's jaw.
Breath catching as he felt JungMin kiss his jaw, HyunJoong hesitated before looking back at JungMin. Shifting for comfort on both their parts, he met the younger's gaze before leaning forward, bringing their lips together.
JungMin leaned into the kiss immediately, arms wrapped around HyunJoong's body. Ever since the first kiss, it was like an addiction he couldn't get enough of, made worse by the fact he was banned from contact the vast majority of his life. The feeling of HyunJoong pressed close with them locked at the lips was indescribable. Tilting his head to deepen the kiss, his gloved fingers curled into HyunJoong's shirt to grip it tightly.
Letting a quiet sound escape, HyunJoong leaned in a bit more, turning fully in JungMin's lap. His body pressed JungMin lightly against the back of the bench while his balance was kept by a hand flat against the wall of the shelter. Parting his lips, HyunJoong quickly ran his tongue over JungMin's lip before nibbling lightly, asking for more.
Shivering at the nips, JungMin parted his lips as well to let HyunJoong in without hesitation. One hand came up to twine into the older boy's hair, eyes closing as his tongue found HyunJoong's. When it did, a low moan slipped from his throat, the rain and the dilemma it posed forgotten in favor of HyunJoong. He eased himself into a more comfortable position, the kiss increasing in intensity.
Shivering for a reason entirely unrelated to the cold, HyunJoong wrapped his tongue around JungMin's enticingly, moaning at the hand in his hair. Bringing his free hand up, he rested it against JungMin's chest as he deepened the kiss.
A light whine escaped JungMin at that, pressing into the hand and into the kiss. Breaking away slightly to breathe, he returned immediately, tugging on locks of HyunJoong's hair as he squirmed a little against him. Unfortunately they were already as close as they could be on such a small bench, any more and they'd both fall off.
Taking a breath in the bare moment JungMin pulled away, it was effectively stolen upon his return. HyunJoong was unable to stop the loud moan as JungMin began squirming, brushing against him and driving him crazy. "M-Min..." he managed between kisses.
The whisper of his name made it even harder for JungMin to breathe, the kisses insistent and intense as he tried to feel as much of the older boy as possible. Finally though the need to breathe became too great to ignore and the redhead broke the kiss, panting against HyunJoong's lips as he slowly opened his eyes to meet the older boy's.
"You taste really good," he got out once he could breathe a little easier, his mind not entirely caught up yet.
A small sound fell from HyunJoong's lips as he felt the insistence in the kiss, trying to press as close to JungMin as possible. Once JungMin pulled away to breathe, HyunJoong drew in a lungful of air, shivering as he felt JungMin's breath against his lips.
"Believe me, I doubt I've tasted better in my life," he chuckled breathlessly.
Grinning a little at that, JungMin rested his forehead against HyunJoong's and closed his eyes, just enjoying the contact. He would be happy spending every second of his life like this, just kissing and holding HyunJoong and being held in return. And he was determined not to think about when he would have to let go, not wanting to ruin the amazing moment.
Finally opening his eyes, he smiled at HyunJoong before looking over his shoulder slightly, and blinking. The rain had slowed to a faint drizzle, more of a dreary mist than anything.
Following JungMin's gaze but remaining close, enjoying the feeling of warmth, HyunJoong noticed that the downpour had stopped for the most part. "Looks like we should be able to head back soon, huh?" HyunJoong mused.
JungMin nodded, lips quivering slightly. "Hopefully it'll stop soon," he murmured, being looking at HyunJoong. "You warming up?" He rubbed the older boy's arms lightly.
"To a degree," HyunJoong responded with a smile. "I don't feel like a popsicle anymore, and I think I'm dry now."
"Always good," JungMin smiled widely, before looking down. "You should probably unlock my power now, before you use up all your energy," he murmured, peeking up at him. "Or else we won't have any chance to 'practice' when there's an actual bed involved."
Smiling at the insinuation, HyunJoong kissed JungMin a final time before moving out of his lap and shutting off his power. "Done and done."
Smile widening further at the kiss, JungMin rested his elbows on his knees and looked at the rain outside. "Maybe one day I can finally get rid of these," he said, looking down at his gloves. And the thick sweaters in the summer. Though he wasn't so confident about showing his neck, and he wasn't sure he ever would be.
"I suppose when we get back, we should get cracking then," HyunJoong said, taking JungMin's hand as he had earlier. It was something that HyunJoong found himself looking forward to.
JungMin blinked, then grinned as he looked down at their hands, wiggling his fingers a little before clasping HyunJoong's hand tightly. "Yeah."
After a moment he hesitantly leaned over slightly to rest his head against HyunJoong's shoulder.
Blinking when JungMin laid his head on his shoulder, HyunJoong smiled softly before reaching up with his free hand to run through the red locks. It was cold, and he wouldn't be surprised if he got sick again, but the warmth from the teen beside him reminded him that it was all worth it.
Smiling happily at the hand in his hair, JungMin closed his eyes for a while, just enjoying the contact.
When he opened them again a bit later, he noticed the rain had stopped for the moment. "We should go back now before it starts raining again," he murmured.
Nodding his head, HyunJoong waited for JungMin to move a bit before getting to his feet, helping the redhead up as well.
"Ready to make a break for it?"
"Yeah." JungMin stood up, hesitantly going to the entrance to the bus shelter, poking his head out. Yes, it had stopped raining. "Let's go!" He hurried out, keeping his grip on HyunJoong's hand as he headed back towards the school.
Staggering at first, HyunJoong caught himself and ran alongside JungMin as they ran toward the school.
They had only just entered the dorm building when the rain started again. Falling to the ground, HyunJoong laid sprawled out, breathing hard and laughing.
Panting as he looked outside the door to see the rain pour down in torrents, JungMin laughed as well, heart pounding as he looked down at HyunJoong. "What are you doing down there, you're in better shape than me and I'm not that winded." He nudged the older boy with his foot.
"Shut up," HyunJoong stated with a pout as he held his hands up asking for help.
Holding out his hands, JungMin helped HyunJoong up, smiling widely. "My room, or yours?" He asked, starting down the hallway.
"Mine would be quieter, but it's really up to you," HyunJoong replied, nudging JungMin lightly.
"Yours then," JungMin grinned, heading in that direction. "I want to try that idea you had...about being able to control the smaller amounts of electricity. You don't happen to have a light bulb hanging around, do you?"
HyunJoong paused to think before moving to catch up. "Yeah. I had to buy some when the last bulb blew," he explained. "And I think that this could definitely work."
JungMin bounced a little. "Great! Let's give it a shot then." He wasn't as confident as HyunJoong that it would work, his confidence shot by the years of unsuccessful attempts to gain control, but he was willing to give it a try.
Hearing the hesitation in JungMin's voice even though hidden by his normal bounciness, HyunJoong squeezed JungMin's hand tightly. "You're not alone this time, you know, and we're a stubborn bunch, especially me."
Blinking, JungMin ducked his head a little and smiled faintly. "...Thanks." He was never sure what to say to the repeated confirmations that he wasn't going to have to deal with this alone anymore, struck speechless for one of the few times in his life. So he said the only thing he could, and thanked HyunJoong.
They reached the older boy's room, the redhead shifting from foot to foot as he waited for HyunJoong to open the door.
Unlocking the door, HyunJoong pushed it opened and stepped aside to let JungMin enter. Walking in himself, he closed the door and removed his shoes as well as his jacket. "Take a seat wherever," he grinned, moving to drop onto his own bed.
Getting his own coat and shoes off, JungMin looked around with his lips pursed. "I like it right...here." And with that he dropped down onto HyunJoong's bed beside him, sprawled out on his stomach with his face buried in the comforter.
Laughing as he felt himself bounce up a bit, HyunJoong grinned and poked the redhead. "Well, I'm glad that my bed's so comfortable to you."
"Very comfortable." JungMin twitched at the poke, rolling over onto his back to blink up at the older boy. "So, should we start?" He didn't want to move though, happy where he was.
"We can start whenever you want," HyunJoong told him, tugging him into a seated position.
JungMin whined when he was pulled up, pouting at HyunJoong. "Well we might as well start now, since I'm sitting all proper now," he huffed, blowing his bangs out of his face before getting to his feet. "Where's the light bulb?"
"Oh yeah." Getting back up, HyunJoong padded over to the closet and opened the door. Reaching up onto the higher shelf, he felt around before pulling down a small box.
Returning to the bed, HyunJoong smiled and shoved JungMin back down onto the bed before joining him and handing him the light bulb.
Shrieking as he was shoved back down, bouncing a little, JungMin grinned at the light bulb and reached out to take it. He rolled it between his gloves for a moment before carefully removing one and holding the light bulb's base. Instantly the bulb flicked on, the light as bright as usual. Brow furrowing at it, JungMin tried to pull the electricity out of his fingers without success.
Watching JungMin try to dull the bulb without success, HyunJoong locked JungMin's power before releasing a bit, allowing the redhead to work with that for the time being.
Blinking in surprise, JungMin gave HyunJoong a small smile as he focused on the light bulb again. The light was dimmer than before since he was working with only a small amount of his electricity, but it still didn't like being told what to do, rebelling against him as he tried to pull it out of his fingers.
For the longest time, it looked like nothing was changing. JungMin gave a frustrated growl, eyes narrowing at it as he gave a hard yank.
The light bulb flickered slightly before turning back on.
HyunJoong smiled when he noticed the flicker. Moving to sit behind JungMin, HyunJoong slowly began rubbing JungMin's shoulders, careful to only touch the sweater. "Relax. You're too tense," he murmured into JungMin's ear. "Take a moment to collect yourself before trying again."
JungMin couldn't help the soft noise that escaped him at the hands on his shoulders, closing his eyes. The light puff of breath against his ear sent shivers down his spine, before he opened his eyes again, nodding a little.
Drawing in a few slow breaths to calm down, JungMin turned his attention to the light bulb again, focusing on it. He'd felt it, for a split second, the tingle of electricity leaving his fingertips before shooting right back.
Trying to find that again, he pulled slowly on the electricity, trying to get it out of his hands. The light bulb flickered and he lost concentration again, an annoyed whine coming from him as the light went back on.
"You can do it, Min. You nearly had it," HyunJoong said, continuing to keep his voice quiet and soothing. A small twinge was felt in his temple due to JungMin using his power against HyunJoong's, feeling the electricity that JungMin was trying to control fighting to free the rest of his power as well. Luckily, he had enough energy to fight it back without a backlash.
Nodding, JungMin drew in another breath and closed his eyes, trying to see if not looking at the light bulb would help; the flickering distracted him and put him right back at square one.
It was hard, like canoeing upstream without a paddle. Every time he felt like he was making some ground, he was right back where he started. Or worse. It was always like that.
No...he could do this. If the others could figure out how to work with their powers, and call them gifts instead, he could do the same.
He tried to pull it in with each slow breath he took, drawing in both air and electricity at the same time. Maybe one day he could fall asleep next to HyunJoong without worrying about being a killer.
JungMin was so focused on that image, trying to regulate his breathing with his eyes shut, that he didn't notice as the light in the bulb slowly started to darken, further and further until it was off completely.
Seeing the light go out, HyunJoong smiled brightly. He knew that JungMin would be able to do it.
"Min ah...open your eyes, but keep focused. There's something that you need to see."
"How am I supposed to do that?" JungMin murmured, trying to keep his concentration. Even just talking was a strain, he wasn't sure how he'd fair opening his eyes.
After a moment though and a chance to gather his focus properly, he slowly opened his eyes. When he saw the light bulb in his hand, completely dead, he stared at it uncomprehendingly for a moment before it clicked and his eyes widened in shock. His concentration had snapped and the light came back on, but he wasn't paying attention to that, looking up at HyunJoong with wide eyes.
"That was me, right? That wasn't you?"
HyunJoong shook his head, smile nearly splitting his face. "I can't control your power, just the amount coming out right now, and you would be able to feel if I cut it off at all," HyunJoong told him.
JungMin blinked at him, staring. "So...I turned it off," he clarified.
After a moment, the shock morphed into a wide grin, and he dropped the light bulb onto the comforter in favor of crashing into HyunJoong and nearly knocking him onto his back, hugging him tightly and burying his face in the older boy's shirt.
HyunJoong nodded, smile still on his face. "Yes you did," he stated before he was all but bowled over by the hug. Wrapping his arms around JungMin, HyunJoong ran his hands over his back, glad to see him so happy.
"Told ya you could do it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to JungMin's hair. While his power wasn't completely locked down, there wasn't enough energy coming out to truly hurt him, so he wasn't afraid of the contact in the least.
Burrowing his face into HyunJoong's shirt and breathing in deeply, JungMin couldn't help the silly grin as he closed his eyes. Even if it had only been with a fraction of his power, maybe the same amount he had when he was ten, he could control it. Maybe he could control the rest of it too.
Holding on to HyunJoong for a long moment, he finally sat up straight again, new determination in his eyes. "I can," he nodded, looking less like the world had beaten him down as he picked up the light bulb again. It flickered on in between his fingers, and he settled against HyunJoong's chest as he focused on it.
Shifting to wrap his arms around JungMin's waist, HyunJoong settled against the headboard, his chin resting on JungMin's shoulder. He was so happy to see the determination in JungMin's eyes. They all had so much faith in him and now that JungMin had seen that he could in fact control it, even if a little, maybe he would also have faith in himself for a change.
Practice continued on for a while longer, JungMin doing his best to pull the electricity out of his hands for longer periods of time. His concentration was easily broken, anything from the flicker of the light bulb to HyunJoong shifting slightly behind him (or even not moving at all, the light breath against his ear was distraction enough) causing the light to return.
Finally he had to call it quits when he started to feel the effects of the practice, something that had never happened before. His fingers trembled slightly as he set the light bulb down and rested back against HyunJoong with a soft sigh. Despite the slight dizziness, the silly smile hadn't left his lips.
When JungMin relaxed against him, HyunJoong lifted a hand and ran it calmly through his hair. "You all right, Min ah?" he asked, voice quiet.
"Never been better," JungMin murmured, smiling as he tilted his head to look up at HyunJoong. "Thanks," he squeezed the older boy's knee lightly.
"Maybe we should get some rest," HyunJoong murmured into his ear. He was sure that JungMin was tired from focusing so much, and HyunJoong could feel the ill effects of the cold...again. Luckily, it was nothing like the last time he had fallen ill.
Nodding at the idea, JungMin rested his head back against HyunJoong's shoulder and pouted. "I don't feel like moving though...” After a moment he picked up the light bulb and leaned over far enough to place it on the nightstand, finding his glove and pulling it back on.
HyunJoong smiled at him. "You don't have to. We're both too tired to move much." Shifting to lay them both down, HyunJoong placed an arm firmly around JungMin's waist. "There. Now there's even less of a chance, so we'll be fine."
Laughing quietly, JungMin shifted to face him properly. "Is it safe like this?" he asked, playing with HyunJoong's shirt. "You're going to have to let go of my power eventually."
"It'll be fine," HyunJoong smiled. He would take a few shocks if that was what it would cost to remain like this. "Go to sleep, Min. Everything'll be fine."
"You sure?" JungMin secured his own arm around HyunJoong's torso after a moment, resting against the older boy. His eyes were trying to close; he hadn't expected practicing to take so much out of him, now he understood why the others were constantly passing out after practicing.
Brushing his lips over JungMin's forehead, HyunJoong nodded. "I'm sure. You'll be so out you won't even move."
"That would be a first," JungMin chuckled, burying his face against HyunJoong's collar. Where HyunJoong's lips had touched tingled. "I wondered what this would feel like," he mumbled before drifting off, a strange feeling of contentment settled over him.
Smiling as he watched JungMin fall asleep, HyunJoong decided that no matter how tired he was, he could always sleep later.