Take me Away
Title: Take Me Away
Genre: Romance?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Junho/Taecyeon
Summary: Taecyeon will always come to Junho whenever he needs him but it gets to the point where Taecyeon can't take it anymore.
Author's Notes: I abuse my bias :/ Blah ending, BLAH SUMMARY
Disclaimer: I do not own 2PM
"Help," was all taecyeon heard before he was racing out of his house. He didn't even bother to grab a jacket as his feet slammed hard down on the pavement as he ran. One day on the way home he had timed how long it took him but today was the only day he needed to know how long it would take. Luckily for him, it took less than five minutes as he ran at full speed.
He panted as he stood in front of the house, looking for the usual way he entered, which wasn't the front door. Taecyeon quickly hid as the front door opened and he made his way to the back. He climbed the wooden decoration that served as a perfect ladder to a room on the second level. As he got to the window, he tapped on the glass lightly. It took less than two seconds for it to slide open and for hands to reach out and quickly pull him in.
Taecyeon tumbled to the floor, rolling until he hit the bed.
"Shh," a soft voice hissed and he paused, his body still pulled up into a ball.
He didn't move until gentle hands unravelled him. When he opened his eyes, they stayed glued on the figure before him. He reached out but the small body pulled back, flinching slightly.
"Let me see it," Taecyeon growled, hating to sound threatening with the other. The head shake he received made him grab the small figure's wrist and throw them to the bed. "Junho, let me see it."
The small boy moved his arm away from his face slowly, knowing that Taecyeon's face was growing more intense as more light revealed his face.
"Jesus Junho," Taecyeon lightly grazed the younger boy's cheek, running his cold fingertips over the newly created black and pink bruise. His fingers followed down to the slice in Junho's lip, cursing as the small boy hissed in pain. "Why this time?"
"I burnt the rice... I-I had to make sure that I was pleasing him," Junho tried to swallow as he spoke but he choked.
"He beat you because you paid more attention to him instead of the cooking?" The small boy nodded slightly. Taecyeon sighed, falling back on the bed, "Go get it."
Junho nodded and got off the bed. He disappeared into the closet, digging around to find the first aid he kept hidden for his own use. He set the kit down on the bed and stared at it. Taecyeon opened it, pulling out a tube of cream and twisting off the cap. He looked at the small boy before leaning over to apply it to his cheek. Junho breathed through his teeth and groaned painfully. He gripped Taecyeon's leg as the tall boy rubbed the cream into his abused skin.
The tall boy then grabbed the anti-bacterial cream and squeezed it onto Q-Tip and pressed it against junho's lip. "Shh," he whispered, knowing that any noise would attract Junho's step-father's attention.
Junho played with his fingers as Taecyeon threw out the garbage and neatly put away the first aid. He joined the small boy on the bed and stared at him.
"Junho... I'm going to ask you again, please-"
"No, I can't, you know I can't. Thank you for coming Taecyeon and I promise not to call again. I think you should leave now."
Taecyeon didn't know what it was like to be in an abusive relationship. He didn't know how difficult it was for Junho to just simply walk out the door and leave it all behind. He didn't understand how Junho could stay and accept being beaten daily, hourly. As much as the small boy would say that he'd promise never to call, he would whenever he was in trouble, or at least after the trouble. He only called Taecyeon after the damage was done. It made the tall boy fly out in fits of rage when he'd see Junho in a weak state but he felt useless because when he'd ask the younger boy to run away, Junho would show him the most hurt expression that he had ever seen.
Technically, Taecyeon wasn't even allowed to see Junho. He was pulled out of school by his step-father after the death of his mother. It had been very traumatic for the small boy and Taecyeon figured he needed some time but the first visit showed him that it was something else. The step-father had denied Taecyeon a visit, shooing him away rudely when the older man had been so much nicer before. After not being able to contact Junho, he started to realize that something wasn't right. It wasn't until Junho had called him, his voice quiet and soft as he begged Taecyeon to come over. He told the tall boy to come in through the window and Taecyeon's heart beat quickened.
He would never stop coming when Junho called for him and when the small boy wouldn't call at least once a week, Taecyeon would make a visit anyways. Usually Junho was sleeping because during the day, his step-father was at work and the younger boy would take advantage of the time he had to himself.
Every time Taecyeon saw the small boy, a new bruise or cut would be added to the pre-existing ones. If he didn't work out every week, Taecyeon would never be able to hold in his rage. He took it out on the punching bags, beating them hard but controlling himself. He imagined the large bag to be Junho's step-father as he punched it.
“You seem angry today.”
Taecyeon looked up, “Hyung... You have no idea how hard it's getting to control my anger.”
Seulong sat down next to the other boy, “At least you can. I'm lucky to be here. I thought they'd kick me out after that last fight that I had.” The older boy rubbed his hand, remembering back to the initial punch.
“But you didn't have intentions of killing that guy...”
The older boy didn't have to ask, he knew what Taecyeon was getting at. What he didn't know was what the situation was. It wasn't his business and he had no place to ask. He respected Taecyeon's privacy.
“He's really pushing my buttons. I feel so useless. The more I train here the more confident I feel about just beating the shit out of him and running off with-” Taecyeon cut himself off, trying not to say too much.
“Do the smart thing Taec. You know if you even touch the guy, he can press charges. By the sounds of it, he won't be afraid to make shit up either so watch yourself. If you have to run, make sure that he doesn't see you, okay?”
Taecyeon nodded and the older boy patted his shoulder before getting up and leaving him. He paced his room as he got home, contemplating on what to do. Being best friends with Junho, he knew that the smaller boy's nineteenth birthday was coming up and with it only being a few weeks away, Taecyeon started to plan an escape. “Shower, I need to shower,” he said, bringing himself out of his thoughts.
The sound of his phone vibrating on his desk stopped him. He took two seconds to read the text before he bolted out of the house. “Junho,” Taecyeon panted, hanging from the window. The small boy didn't move from his bed as Taecyeon struggled to get into the room. He tumbled to the floor and for the first time he wasn't told to keep quiet. He fell onto his knees as he looked up at the small boy, seeing a new cut in his cheek, stretching over his day-old bruise. “This can't go on.” Taecyeon gripped the small boy's wrist, about to pull him off the bed but Junho ripped his hand back violently.
“No, this is the last time. I called you over here to tell you that I don't need you anymore. Don't come back.”
“What?” Taecyeon raised a brow.
“You heard me,” Junho tried to sound serious but the lack of eye contact had the tall boy second guessing.
“I'm not leaving you alone and I know you're lying.” When the small boy quickly diverted his eyes, Taecyeon gripped his chin tight to make him look into his eyes. “Tell me the truth.” He grew angry when the other boy didn't answer him, “Answer me!”
“He found out,” Junho's voice quivered. “H-he found out that you were here and then he asked me.... How often,” he swallowed like it was painful.
Taecyeon sighed, rubbing his eyes knowing that the smaller boy couldn't lie. He didn't intend on telling Junho about his birthday because he knew the other boy would object and now with his step-father asking about him, he'd never keep it a secret.
“I won't leave you. Don't contact me, I'll come whenever.”
“Taecyeon no!” Junho cried, grabbing the back of the tall boy's shirt as he went to leave.
“Does he know where I live?”
“N-no...”
“Good,” Taecyeon lightly brushed the small boy's hand away before climbing out the window.
It killed Taecyeon to avoid seeing Junho for a few weeks. He almost had to tie himself up and lock the door to make sure that he didn't go running to the younger boy. He tried not to think about how badly Junho could've been beaten while he wasn't making visits although he was still useless. Seulong could see the stress it was causing him and alcohol just made it so much worse. The first week was tough but the second week was filled with planning, careful planning.
Taecyeon paced in his room, making runs in the carpet as he waited for night to fall. It was probably harder to make the kidnapping to be done while the step-father was there but after the abusive man was asleep, Taecyeon would be able to snatch the small boy. He made sure to grab a jacket this time and possibly something sharp as he made his way out the door.
All the lights were off in the house and Taecyeon circled the area. He crawled up the side of the house, trying to be as quiet as possible and he was thankful that there were no dogs in the area. It was dark in the small boy's room as he carefully pushed the window open. He crept in but stopped immediately, hissing as he pressed his hand flat against a shard of glass. It was then that Taecyeon noticed a broken bottle of soju on the floor. He brushed away the pieces as he made a path to Junho's bed. The younger boy was still sleeping, unaware of Taecyeon.
He glanced around the room, seeing nothing of sentimental value because his step-father had probably taken it away to void Junho of all happiness. Taecyeon looped his arm around the small boy's waist, pulling him off the bed. He heard Junho groan softly against his neck as he picked him up. It wasn't until he got to the window that Taecyeon realized that he was stuck. He didn't want to wake Junho up because he knew the small boy would refuse to leave but lucky wasn't on his side when the younger boy woke up anyways. Junho rubbed his eye, his other hand gripping Taecyeon's shirt.
“Taecyeon?” he said softly.
“Mm.”
“This must be a dream,” Junho smiled, startling the tall boy. It was something he hadn't seen in a long time and for a moment, Taecyeon just wanted to stand there and admire it.
“Yes, it's a dream. Since this is a dream, let's escape.”
“Okay,” the smile stayed on the small boy's lips as Taecyeon helped him out the window. “Where are we going Taec-ah?”
Taecyeon blushed slightly at the call of his nickname, not having ever heard it. “My house,” he smiled back. “We have to be really quiet though.” He pressed his finger to his lips and Junho nodded.
“Taec-ah, I'm still really sleepy though.”
“Get on my back, I'll carry you.”
The tall boy pressed his lips in a tight line as warmth pressed against his back. “Taec-ah... I like this dream. This is the first time I ever got to be so close to you. If this wasn't a dream, I wouldn't be able to easily tell you that I love you. You've done so much for me.” The small boy chuckled, “Taec-ah, your heart is beating really fast.”
Taecyeon blushed as the younger boy pressed his hand over his heart. He felt safe once they entered his neighbourhood but Junho was already asleep against his back. He fiddled with the keys before somehow managing to put them into the lock and pushing the door open. Taecyeon dropped the small boy on his bed before reaching over to flick on the table lamp. He paused, his body freezing the way it was as the light flashed onto Junho's face.
He wanted to throw up, he wanted to scream, he wanted to kill that man then hold Junho tightly in his arms. Taecyeon reached out hesitantly before his fingers met with the large fresh cut on Junho's nose. He followed it all the way down to the end of his cheek, pausing when the small boy twitched. The broken bottle of soju, Taecyeon recalled it now. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he moved closer to the bed. He tried to breathe calmly as he slowly rolled up Junho's shirt but he stopped immediately when a large bruise started around the younger boy's belly button and he could only guess that it continued under the waistband of his pants.
Taecyeon trailed his fingers along the ugly mark and the small boy shivered. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he shifted on the bed. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to calm himself. He wasn't even filled with rage but he couldn't tell what emotion he was feeling either. Taecyeon jumped as he felt a hand slide over his own. He opened his eyes, seeing Junho smiling at him with a relaxed expression. Taecyeon bit his lip, as much as it pained him to know that the small boy wouldn't keep that smile, he had to tell the truth.
“Junho... This is not a dream, this is real.”
The younger boy's smile widened, “It's not real or else I wouldn't be here with you.”
“It's real.”
Junho sat up, his smile fading, “Taec-ah... It's not possible. I... I said something like... You didn't run away.”
“What?”
“I told you I loved you.”
The tall boy looked away, “I-I know... Of course I wouldn't run away.”
“Because this isn't real. Only things that I want to happen, happens in dreams. I'm going to sleep now, this just seems really cruel. It's like my subconscious is teasing me.”
“You'd rather wake up to have your step-father beating you? Do you want him to smash another bottle across your face, because I don't. I'm not putting up with him hurting you anymore Junho, that's why you're here.”
“Goodnight Taecyeon,” Junho pushed up into a sitting position before leaning over and kissing the tall boy softly on the lips.
Taecyeon was sure to leave the small boy alone as he sat frozen on the floor. Sleep wasn't even registering in his mind as he stared at the wall. His lips remained untouched, his teeth or tongue not touching them. It wasn't until the bed shifted behind him that he moved and he groaned from his stiff muscles.
“Taecyeon?”
The tall boy turned his body slowly, seeing the shocked look on Junho's face.
“Taecyeon that-”
“Wasn't a dream, like I told you. I wouldn't lie.”
Junho got up slowly before he suddenly jumped from the bed and towards the door. Taecyeon grabbed his feet, making the younger boy tumble to the ground and cry out in pain. “Let me go! I need to go!”
“I told you, I won't let you get beaten by that prick ever again! You're staying with me!”
“He'll know I'm gone! I have to make sure that... He needs me!” Junho squirmed against the tall boy's body. “Ow Taecyeon it hurts!” he cried out as Taecyeon pressed him into the floor. The pressure was aggravating his bruise.
“You're in pain right? Because he hurt you, right? Do you want more of that?!” Taecyeon yelled, feeling guiltier as he leaned against the small boy. “He doesn't need you Junho! He can take care of himself! Let him find someone else! You don't need him either because... You've got me.”
Junho stopped struggling as the tall boy spoke softly. “How can you expect me to look at you after everything I've said? Not that I expected you to but... You haven't even said anything about it.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Tell me that you hate me or you never want to see me again. I doubt you feel the same way...”
“To be honest, I don't know how I feel. I don't hate you,” Taecyeon said, feeling the small boy jerk under him. “Doesn't me telling you that I want to keep you away from that abusive fuck you call a step-father mean something? Hell, I even kidnapped you. Does that not show you how much I care?”
“I want to hear it from your lips,” Junho whispered. “I don't want someone to just protect me and care for me as a friend... I want...”
Taecyeon finally got up, feeling defeated. He didn't know what to say to comfort the small boy. He couldn't say that he loved Junho in the way that the small boy wanted. Sure he loved Junho and was a little overprotective but he had a right to be. Junho was still his best friend. He watched as the younger boy got up from the floor, sitting up and adjusting his clothes. Junho's breath hitched as he touched his nose. “Let me fix that.”
“No,” the small boy's stopped him as he got up, “Don't help me anymore. I appreciate all you did but... It stops today.”
The tall boy knew that Junho wasn't ungrateful even though he just felt like he had just sacrificed himself to rescue Junho.
“I can't accept this kindness from you and ignore my heart. I have to leave.”
For some reason, it pained Taecyeon to see the younger boy get up and head towards the door. He scrambled off the floor and wrapped his arms tight around Junho's small body. “No, I can't let you leave.”
“Let me go Taecyeon.”
“No, I won't. I want you here.”
“I won't go back, I promise.”
“I don't care. I'll lock you up if I have to.”
“But why?” Junho swallowed, trying to will away his tears. He waited so long for Taecyeon to embrace him but right now he wanted to run.
“You're mine Junho.”
“I'm what?”
“I can't explain it but... I don't want you to go anywhere. I don't want you to confide in anyone else. I want you to depend on me, to let me help you, to rescue you. I want to protect you forever.”
“Taecyeon, you sound obsessed...”
“Maybe I am... Can you blame me? I have to see you hurt all the time. I want to rip that jerk's limps off piece by piece until he begs for me to kill him.”
“No!” Junho turned in the tall boy's arms and grabbing him tightly, “Don't go back there! I'm sure you could defend yourself but he could hurt you! In more ways that one!”
“I know... I've already thought about it... Don't worry.”
“Taecyeon,” the small boy looked up at Taecyeon. He moved his lips as if to say something but he was muted as Taecyeon pressed their lips together. Another moment that Junho was craving but it felt wrong. The younger boy whimpered, pushing Taecyeon back. There was a small sound as their lips broke apart and the tall boy stared at him confused. “Why are you kissing me?”
“I-I don't know... The look in your eyes... I just want to... Hold on to you forever.”
“That doesn't explain why you wanted to kiss me,” Junho whispered, leaning close.
“I guess you could say that... I like you.”
“You guess?” the small boy's voice was quieter.
“Yeah... Just a little bit.”
“Do you think... You could like me a little more?”
A smirk made Taecyeon's lips twitch, “I suppose I could see about that.”
“I love you... Taecyeon.”
“I will love you... Junho.”
Genre: Romance?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Junho/Taecyeon
Summary: Taecyeon will always come to Junho whenever he needs him but it gets to the point where Taecyeon can't take it anymore.
Author's Notes: I abuse my bias :/ Blah ending, BLAH SUMMARY
Disclaimer: I do not own 2PM
"Help," was all taecyeon heard before he was racing out of his house. He didn't even bother to grab a jacket as his feet slammed hard down on the pavement as he ran. One day on the way home he had timed how long it took him but today was the only day he needed to know how long it would take. Luckily for him, it took less than five minutes as he ran at full speed.
He panted as he stood in front of the house, looking for the usual way he entered, which wasn't the front door. Taecyeon quickly hid as the front door opened and he made his way to the back. He climbed the wooden decoration that served as a perfect ladder to a room on the second level. As he got to the window, he tapped on the glass lightly. It took less than two seconds for it to slide open and for hands to reach out and quickly pull him in.
Taecyeon tumbled to the floor, rolling until he hit the bed.
"Shh," a soft voice hissed and he paused, his body still pulled up into a ball.
He didn't move until gentle hands unravelled him. When he opened his eyes, they stayed glued on the figure before him. He reached out but the small body pulled back, flinching slightly.
"Let me see it," Taecyeon growled, hating to sound threatening with the other. The head shake he received made him grab the small figure's wrist and throw them to the bed. "Junho, let me see it."
The small boy moved his arm away from his face slowly, knowing that Taecyeon's face was growing more intense as more light revealed his face.
"Jesus Junho," Taecyeon lightly grazed the younger boy's cheek, running his cold fingertips over the newly created black and pink bruise. His fingers followed down to the slice in Junho's lip, cursing as the small boy hissed in pain. "Why this time?"
"I burnt the rice... I-I had to make sure that I was pleasing him," Junho tried to swallow as he spoke but he choked.
"He beat you because you paid more attention to him instead of the cooking?" The small boy nodded slightly. Taecyeon sighed, falling back on the bed, "Go get it."
Junho nodded and got off the bed. He disappeared into the closet, digging around to find the first aid he kept hidden for his own use. He set the kit down on the bed and stared at it. Taecyeon opened it, pulling out a tube of cream and twisting off the cap. He looked at the small boy before leaning over to apply it to his cheek. Junho breathed through his teeth and groaned painfully. He gripped Taecyeon's leg as the tall boy rubbed the cream into his abused skin.
The tall boy then grabbed the anti-bacterial cream and squeezed it onto Q-Tip and pressed it against junho's lip. "Shh," he whispered, knowing that any noise would attract Junho's step-father's attention.
Junho played with his fingers as Taecyeon threw out the garbage and neatly put away the first aid. He joined the small boy on the bed and stared at him.
"Junho... I'm going to ask you again, please-"
"No, I can't, you know I can't. Thank you for coming Taecyeon and I promise not to call again. I think you should leave now."
Taecyeon didn't know what it was like to be in an abusive relationship. He didn't know how difficult it was for Junho to just simply walk out the door and leave it all behind. He didn't understand how Junho could stay and accept being beaten daily, hourly. As much as the small boy would say that he'd promise never to call, he would whenever he was in trouble, or at least after the trouble. He only called Taecyeon after the damage was done. It made the tall boy fly out in fits of rage when he'd see Junho in a weak state but he felt useless because when he'd ask the younger boy to run away, Junho would show him the most hurt expression that he had ever seen.
Technically, Taecyeon wasn't even allowed to see Junho. He was pulled out of school by his step-father after the death of his mother. It had been very traumatic for the small boy and Taecyeon figured he needed some time but the first visit showed him that it was something else. The step-father had denied Taecyeon a visit, shooing him away rudely when the older man had been so much nicer before. After not being able to contact Junho, he started to realize that something wasn't right. It wasn't until Junho had called him, his voice quiet and soft as he begged Taecyeon to come over. He told the tall boy to come in through the window and Taecyeon's heart beat quickened.
He would never stop coming when Junho called for him and when the small boy wouldn't call at least once a week, Taecyeon would make a visit anyways. Usually Junho was sleeping because during the day, his step-father was at work and the younger boy would take advantage of the time he had to himself.
Every time Taecyeon saw the small boy, a new bruise or cut would be added to the pre-existing ones. If he didn't work out every week, Taecyeon would never be able to hold in his rage. He took it out on the punching bags, beating them hard but controlling himself. He imagined the large bag to be Junho's step-father as he punched it.
“You seem angry today.”
Taecyeon looked up, “Hyung... You have no idea how hard it's getting to control my anger.”
Seulong sat down next to the other boy, “At least you can. I'm lucky to be here. I thought they'd kick me out after that last fight that I had.” The older boy rubbed his hand, remembering back to the initial punch.
“But you didn't have intentions of killing that guy...”
The older boy didn't have to ask, he knew what Taecyeon was getting at. What he didn't know was what the situation was. It wasn't his business and he had no place to ask. He respected Taecyeon's privacy.
“He's really pushing my buttons. I feel so useless. The more I train here the more confident I feel about just beating the shit out of him and running off with-” Taecyeon cut himself off, trying not to say too much.
“Do the smart thing Taec. You know if you even touch the guy, he can press charges. By the sounds of it, he won't be afraid to make shit up either so watch yourself. If you have to run, make sure that he doesn't see you, okay?”
Taecyeon nodded and the older boy patted his shoulder before getting up and leaving him. He paced his room as he got home, contemplating on what to do. Being best friends with Junho, he knew that the smaller boy's nineteenth birthday was coming up and with it only being a few weeks away, Taecyeon started to plan an escape. “Shower, I need to shower,” he said, bringing himself out of his thoughts.
The sound of his phone vibrating on his desk stopped him. He took two seconds to read the text before he bolted out of the house. “Junho,” Taecyeon panted, hanging from the window. The small boy didn't move from his bed as Taecyeon struggled to get into the room. He tumbled to the floor and for the first time he wasn't told to keep quiet. He fell onto his knees as he looked up at the small boy, seeing a new cut in his cheek, stretching over his day-old bruise. “This can't go on.” Taecyeon gripped the small boy's wrist, about to pull him off the bed but Junho ripped his hand back violently.
“No, this is the last time. I called you over here to tell you that I don't need you anymore. Don't come back.”
“What?” Taecyeon raised a brow.
“You heard me,” Junho tried to sound serious but the lack of eye contact had the tall boy second guessing.
“I'm not leaving you alone and I know you're lying.” When the small boy quickly diverted his eyes, Taecyeon gripped his chin tight to make him look into his eyes. “Tell me the truth.” He grew angry when the other boy didn't answer him, “Answer me!”
“He found out,” Junho's voice quivered. “H-he found out that you were here and then he asked me.... How often,” he swallowed like it was painful.
Taecyeon sighed, rubbing his eyes knowing that the smaller boy couldn't lie. He didn't intend on telling Junho about his birthday because he knew the other boy would object and now with his step-father asking about him, he'd never keep it a secret.
“I won't leave you. Don't contact me, I'll come whenever.”
“Taecyeon no!” Junho cried, grabbing the back of the tall boy's shirt as he went to leave.
“Does he know where I live?”
“N-no...”
“Good,” Taecyeon lightly brushed the small boy's hand away before climbing out the window.
It killed Taecyeon to avoid seeing Junho for a few weeks. He almost had to tie himself up and lock the door to make sure that he didn't go running to the younger boy. He tried not to think about how badly Junho could've been beaten while he wasn't making visits although he was still useless. Seulong could see the stress it was causing him and alcohol just made it so much worse. The first week was tough but the second week was filled with planning, careful planning.
Taecyeon paced in his room, making runs in the carpet as he waited for night to fall. It was probably harder to make the kidnapping to be done while the step-father was there but after the abusive man was asleep, Taecyeon would be able to snatch the small boy. He made sure to grab a jacket this time and possibly something sharp as he made his way out the door.
All the lights were off in the house and Taecyeon circled the area. He crawled up the side of the house, trying to be as quiet as possible and he was thankful that there were no dogs in the area. It was dark in the small boy's room as he carefully pushed the window open. He crept in but stopped immediately, hissing as he pressed his hand flat against a shard of glass. It was then that Taecyeon noticed a broken bottle of soju on the floor. He brushed away the pieces as he made a path to Junho's bed. The younger boy was still sleeping, unaware of Taecyeon.
He glanced around the room, seeing nothing of sentimental value because his step-father had probably taken it away to void Junho of all happiness. Taecyeon looped his arm around the small boy's waist, pulling him off the bed. He heard Junho groan softly against his neck as he picked him up. It wasn't until he got to the window that Taecyeon realized that he was stuck. He didn't want to wake Junho up because he knew the small boy would refuse to leave but lucky wasn't on his side when the younger boy woke up anyways. Junho rubbed his eye, his other hand gripping Taecyeon's shirt.
“Taecyeon?” he said softly.
“Mm.”
“This must be a dream,” Junho smiled, startling the tall boy. It was something he hadn't seen in a long time and for a moment, Taecyeon just wanted to stand there and admire it.
“Yes, it's a dream. Since this is a dream, let's escape.”
“Okay,” the smile stayed on the small boy's lips as Taecyeon helped him out the window. “Where are we going Taec-ah?”
Taecyeon blushed slightly at the call of his nickname, not having ever heard it. “My house,” he smiled back. “We have to be really quiet though.” He pressed his finger to his lips and Junho nodded.
“Taec-ah, I'm still really sleepy though.”
“Get on my back, I'll carry you.”
The tall boy pressed his lips in a tight line as warmth pressed against his back. “Taec-ah... I like this dream. This is the first time I ever got to be so close to you. If this wasn't a dream, I wouldn't be able to easily tell you that I love you. You've done so much for me.” The small boy chuckled, “Taec-ah, your heart is beating really fast.”
Taecyeon blushed as the younger boy pressed his hand over his heart. He felt safe once they entered his neighbourhood but Junho was already asleep against his back. He fiddled with the keys before somehow managing to put them into the lock and pushing the door open. Taecyeon dropped the small boy on his bed before reaching over to flick on the table lamp. He paused, his body freezing the way it was as the light flashed onto Junho's face.
He wanted to throw up, he wanted to scream, he wanted to kill that man then hold Junho tightly in his arms. Taecyeon reached out hesitantly before his fingers met with the large fresh cut on Junho's nose. He followed it all the way down to the end of his cheek, pausing when the small boy twitched. The broken bottle of soju, Taecyeon recalled it now. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he moved closer to the bed. He tried to breathe calmly as he slowly rolled up Junho's shirt but he stopped immediately when a large bruise started around the younger boy's belly button and he could only guess that it continued under the waistband of his pants.
Taecyeon trailed his fingers along the ugly mark and the small boy shivered. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he shifted on the bed. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to calm himself. He wasn't even filled with rage but he couldn't tell what emotion he was feeling either. Taecyeon jumped as he felt a hand slide over his own. He opened his eyes, seeing Junho smiling at him with a relaxed expression. Taecyeon bit his lip, as much as it pained him to know that the small boy wouldn't keep that smile, he had to tell the truth.
“Junho... This is not a dream, this is real.”
The younger boy's smile widened, “It's not real or else I wouldn't be here with you.”
“It's real.”
Junho sat up, his smile fading, “Taec-ah... It's not possible. I... I said something like... You didn't run away.”
“What?”
“I told you I loved you.”
The tall boy looked away, “I-I know... Of course I wouldn't run away.”
“Because this isn't real. Only things that I want to happen, happens in dreams. I'm going to sleep now, this just seems really cruel. It's like my subconscious is teasing me.”
“You'd rather wake up to have your step-father beating you? Do you want him to smash another bottle across your face, because I don't. I'm not putting up with him hurting you anymore Junho, that's why you're here.”
“Goodnight Taecyeon,” Junho pushed up into a sitting position before leaning over and kissing the tall boy softly on the lips.
Taecyeon was sure to leave the small boy alone as he sat frozen on the floor. Sleep wasn't even registering in his mind as he stared at the wall. His lips remained untouched, his teeth or tongue not touching them. It wasn't until the bed shifted behind him that he moved and he groaned from his stiff muscles.
“Taecyeon?”
The tall boy turned his body slowly, seeing the shocked look on Junho's face.
“Taecyeon that-”
“Wasn't a dream, like I told you. I wouldn't lie.”
Junho got up slowly before he suddenly jumped from the bed and towards the door. Taecyeon grabbed his feet, making the younger boy tumble to the ground and cry out in pain. “Let me go! I need to go!”
“I told you, I won't let you get beaten by that prick ever again! You're staying with me!”
“He'll know I'm gone! I have to make sure that... He needs me!” Junho squirmed against the tall boy's body. “Ow Taecyeon it hurts!” he cried out as Taecyeon pressed him into the floor. The pressure was aggravating his bruise.
“You're in pain right? Because he hurt you, right? Do you want more of that?!” Taecyeon yelled, feeling guiltier as he leaned against the small boy. “He doesn't need you Junho! He can take care of himself! Let him find someone else! You don't need him either because... You've got me.”
Junho stopped struggling as the tall boy spoke softly. “How can you expect me to look at you after everything I've said? Not that I expected you to but... You haven't even said anything about it.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Tell me that you hate me or you never want to see me again. I doubt you feel the same way...”
“To be honest, I don't know how I feel. I don't hate you,” Taecyeon said, feeling the small boy jerk under him. “Doesn't me telling you that I want to keep you away from that abusive fuck you call a step-father mean something? Hell, I even kidnapped you. Does that not show you how much I care?”
“I want to hear it from your lips,” Junho whispered. “I don't want someone to just protect me and care for me as a friend... I want...”
Taecyeon finally got up, feeling defeated. He didn't know what to say to comfort the small boy. He couldn't say that he loved Junho in the way that the small boy wanted. Sure he loved Junho and was a little overprotective but he had a right to be. Junho was still his best friend. He watched as the younger boy got up from the floor, sitting up and adjusting his clothes. Junho's breath hitched as he touched his nose. “Let me fix that.”
“No,” the small boy's stopped him as he got up, “Don't help me anymore. I appreciate all you did but... It stops today.”
The tall boy knew that Junho wasn't ungrateful even though he just felt like he had just sacrificed himself to rescue Junho.
“I can't accept this kindness from you and ignore my heart. I have to leave.”
For some reason, it pained Taecyeon to see the younger boy get up and head towards the door. He scrambled off the floor and wrapped his arms tight around Junho's small body. “No, I can't let you leave.”
“Let me go Taecyeon.”
“No, I won't. I want you here.”
“I won't go back, I promise.”
“I don't care. I'll lock you up if I have to.”
“But why?” Junho swallowed, trying to will away his tears. He waited so long for Taecyeon to embrace him but right now he wanted to run.
“You're mine Junho.”
“I'm what?”
“I can't explain it but... I don't want you to go anywhere. I don't want you to confide in anyone else. I want you to depend on me, to let me help you, to rescue you. I want to protect you forever.”
“Taecyeon, you sound obsessed...”
“Maybe I am... Can you blame me? I have to see you hurt all the time. I want to rip that jerk's limps off piece by piece until he begs for me to kill him.”
“No!” Junho turned in the tall boy's arms and grabbing him tightly, “Don't go back there! I'm sure you could defend yourself but he could hurt you! In more ways that one!”
“I know... I've already thought about it... Don't worry.”
“Taecyeon,” the small boy looked up at Taecyeon. He moved his lips as if to say something but he was muted as Taecyeon pressed their lips together. Another moment that Junho was craving but it felt wrong. The younger boy whimpered, pushing Taecyeon back. There was a small sound as their lips broke apart and the tall boy stared at him confused. “Why are you kissing me?”
“I-I don't know... The look in your eyes... I just want to... Hold on to you forever.”
“That doesn't explain why you wanted to kiss me,” Junho whispered, leaning close.
“I guess you could say that... I like you.”
“You guess?” the small boy's voice was quieter.
“Yeah... Just a little bit.”
“Do you think... You could like me a little more?”
A smirk made Taecyeon's lips twitch, “I suppose I could see about that.”
“I love you... Taecyeon.”
“I will love you... Junho.”