Fic: Photographic Memories CH 1
Once the flood gates have been opened there's no way to close them. Why did I ever start writing? YooMin is like a drug, try it once and you're hooked, if you don't get enough of it you suffer withdrawals. It's a terrible existence.
Title: Photographic Memories
Pairings: Yoochun/Changmin
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slight Angst
Genre: Drama, Romance
A/N: I can already tell this will be too long for a One-Shot therefore I'm breaking it up into parts. I apologize for any confusion that may arise while reading. It should all make sense in the end.
Summary: Changmin's a Photographer who most want to save.
Changmin takes photographs for a living.
It started as a hobby; in college he hated everything else and when he decided against medicine his parents stopped paying his tuition.
"Photography is not a real job, Changmin."
When he bought them their first house they never talked about it again.
"I'm having a party this weekend, you have to go," Jaejoong, the prettiest boy Changmin has ever known in his life says on the set of his photo shoot one day. Jaejoong's a manager of talent, or what people perceive talent to be. "Take pictures, have a few drinks. It'll be fun," he smiles playfully.
Changmin hands his camera over to an assistant he doesn't remember the name of and looks down at the frames. Jaejoong's actress has dead eyes. "Is this an invitation or a job offer?" he asks casually and frowns; he can't make her look beautiful if she's unwilling to try. "I'm quite expensive," he jokes but his eyes are serious, unhappy with his subject's lack of confidence.
"Don't be a jerk, it's an invitation," Jaejoong responds and pulls out a cigarette. "You'll take pictures anyway, I'm just asking for the copies," he grins and looks over at the beautiful girl standing unhappily under the warm lights of the studio. "I'll tell her to put some effort into it," he says and Changmin nods.
His first job was taking pictures at a studio, he was in high school and hardly made any money but he fell in love with the idea of capturing moments of someone's life they could remember forever. Children were the worst but they were his favorite, so innocent, so beautiful, unaware of their future plans, what their parents wanted for them, what society expected. They were his angels.
When Changmin doesn't have anything planned he walks three blocks to the park. It's sunny but cold and he when he breaths he can see streams of opaque life escape his dry lips. He pulls the expensive scarf tighter around his neck and stuffs his hands into his jacket pockets, his camera bounces gently against his chest with the beat of his heart.
The park is full with life, mothers chasing their children, laughing and playing in the sandbox. Couples walk by holding hands, holding each other to escape the cold. Changmin sits at a bench, camera to his eye and takes a picture of a homeless man sleeping under a tree, a little boy walks up to him and stares before his mother rushes over and grabs him, pulling him away protectively and scolds him. He keeps watching until they round a flock of trees and can't see them anymore, but not before capturing the pure innocence of his confusion.
He doesn't know how many pictures he's taken, the old couple having a picnic, the teenagers chasing each other with branches before striking back and screaming in pain. He captures sandcastles and the merriment of the infants who stomp over them in glee, their mothers and fathers laughing happily with them. A pretty girl with hazel eyes approaches him with a gentle smile and asks if he can take a picture of her and her friends, he nods and sets his camera down and tries not to instruct them as they fold into each other's arms and smile. It takes a couple tries but he finally captures the perfect memory.
"Thank you," she squeaks happily when he hands the camera back.
"You're welcome," he nods and watches as they giggle and leave; the pretty girl turns back around and looks at him with a breathtaking smile one last time before they disappear.
As it starts to get late Changmin slides on his gloves and stretches. He thinks he's taken enough pictures and stands, holding tightly to his camera. A woman walking her dog apologizes when her dog pees beside him, she offers to pay for a new pair but he refuses, they're designer and much more expensive than he's willing to admit to anyone.
The wind starts picking up and it’s refreshing as it brushes his cheeks. He starts walking home when he sees a man walking his dog, on his arm there's a girl and she's laughing. He smiles with her and laughs and Changmin thinks he's got the best smile he's seen a long time. When they kiss Changmin turns on his camera and takes a picture.
Jaejoong's party is full of music and drinking. People dance in the middle of the living room and Changmin observes them from a wall, taking random photos. All his friends crowd around to get in and at the blink of his flash most of their eyes are closed in drunken stupor.
"I invited you to have fun," Jaejoong saddle's up beside him, drink in his hand, his eyes are red in intoxication and his cheeks are flushed. He looks handsome in his black clothing and his eyeliner's starting to run from the corners of his eyes.
"I am having fun," Changmin smiles and takes a picture of the girl throwing up in a vase by the fireplace. "Nice friends," he comments and looks down at the image. It's revolting, he wants to find out her name and address and mail the picture to her in reminder of her debauchery.
Jaejoong watches him, runs his eyes over his body and his fingers drum unsteadily around the glass in his hands. "You're very good looking," he hums as he examines the hollow of his neck and Changmin looks into his eyes as Jaejoong brushes his fingers along his cheek and tucks his hair behind his ear. "Too bad you're so fucking serious," he grins a little and finishes his drink.
Changmin looks away and sees two men making out in the dark corner and takes another picture. "Not all the time," he states plainly and Jaejoong chuckles deeply beside him. He grabs Changmin's hand and pulls him away from the wall.
"Come, I want you to meet my friends," he says and sets the empty glass on a table before walking away.
Junsu is a handsome guy with sparkling eyes and a contagious laugh. He is probably the only other sober person at the party.
"How do you know Jaejoong?" he asks over the loud music and smacks Jaejoong's butt when he passes by. "That's the last one!" he yells at him when Jaejoong twist opens another beer.
He blows him a kiss and flips him off as a tall good looking male sweeps him towards the dance floor.
Junsu's eyes crinkle and he laughs. "He's special," he grins and Changmin brings the camera up and takes a quick picture, much to Junsu's surprised protest.
"I'm a photographer," Changmin answers and smiles at the result. "I've done a lot of photo shoots for his actresses," he says and moves around to find comfort on the ultra soft leather couch and settles against the corner with a sigh.
Junsu takes a drink and nods. "He talks about you," he says and his eyes shift to him, "he says you're very quiet," he adds and cups the glass between his legs. "Jaejoong's a bit of a slut," and he laughs so loud at himself Changmin crack's a grin, "but he's also the most caring person I've ever met. And I think he sees something in you that makes him sad."
It doesn’t surprise Changmin to hear it; there have been lots of people in his past who feel like they need to save him. But Changmin isn't a lost soul, he was never abused and came from a loving home and had close friends, he never understands why people look at him like that.
"I don't need saving," Changmin says and takes a drink from Junsu's glass. "I'm young and I don't fuck around. I take my job seriously and I have lots and lots of money," he grins and it reaches his eyes, "I don't know why people think that," he lets his smile fall for a moment and Junsu tilts his head, looking at him carefully.
"Jaejoong is right," he says and his smile is gentle and absurdly sweet, "You are very cute," and when he tries to take the camera, Changmin's fingers clench tightly around it and he pulls it away easily, "very cute and very sad."
"Don't touch my camera," he warns and snaps another quick photo into his eyes.
Junsu cackles and stands up, setting his empty glass aside. "Let's dance," he drags Changmin to his feet and pulls him towards Jaejoong who's wrapped around the same good looking male like a starfish.
It's almost two in the morning when Changmin looks at the clock. He tries not to trip over the passed out guests in the living room and groans when someone grabs his crotch while he's picking up empty glasses.
"You don't have to clean," Jaejoong rocks unsteadily on his feet, completely smashed, his eyes almost crossed.
Changmin shrugs and moves away from the groping hand of the sleeping girl. He steadies Jaejoong against his left side and they walk slowly to the kitchen. It's a disaster, empty glasses everywhere, pink margarita still in the blender and an impressive assortment of empty bottles litter the counter tops. He thinks there's some throw up that missed the trash can as he deposits Jaejoong against the counter.
"You can stay here," he offers with a drunken slur and covers his mouth suddenly like he's going to throw up.
Changmin turns him around quickly towards the sink before he messes himself.
"I'm ok," he burps and it reeks of his night of corruption; "I'm ok."
Changmin nods and throws some bottles away. "Thank you, but I'm sober. I can drive home." He watches as Jaejoong stumbles clumsily to the table and flops his head in his hands.
"Did you have fun?" he asks and looks at him with one eye open.
"I did. Thanks for inviting me," he smiles nicely and looks up as Junsu appears from the hallway his arm wrapped around the same good looking male who was introduced to him as Yunho.
"Ok, its time for you to go to sleep," Junsu announces and Jaejoong turns his head, smiling beautifully at Yunho who detaches himself from Junsu and with manly strength hauls Jaejoong into his arms. As they leave Jaejoong stops him.
"Wait!" he cries and orders Yunho to take him back to Changmin.
"Thanks for coming," he grins for him and Changmin understands why people gravitate towards him, even drunk and stupid, Jaejoong is still the prettiest man he's ever met. "Drive safely," he says and kisses him on the mouth.
Changmin feels his body stiffen and he doesn't kiss him back but he smiles when Jaejoong pulls away and tries not to blush when he feels Junsu's eyes on him.
"Ok, now let's go to bed and have lots and lots of sex," he exclaims and wraps his arms wildly around Yunho's neck.
"It was nice meeting you," Yunho says with a grin and departs, Jaejoong attacking his neck with enthusiastic kisses.
Junsu and Changmin watch them disappear and try not to acknowledge the loud moan from the staircase.
"You heading home?" Junsu asks after a few minutes and Changmin nods.
"It's late," he says and the two of them walk from the kitchen into the downstairs bedroom where Changmin tucked his camera safely away.
Junsu walks him to the car and they stand together as the cold air circles around them, "It was really nice meeting you, Changmin. I hope to see you again," he smiles and it’s real and charismatic.
"Do you need a ride home?" Changmin asks as he starts getting into his car.
Junsu shakes his head and laughs, "I live here unfortunately," he laughs again and Changmin laughs with him.
"I've heard earplugs work the best," Changmin suggested with a grin.
"Believe me, I've got a whole stash in my night stand," he admits and waves as Changmin starts the car and leaves.
When Changmin was young his dog died in a terrible accident. He took pictures of the crime scene and kept them until his mother found them and burned them, she made him watch. During the funeral in his back yard he took pictures of his sisters crying, of his mother placing the dog collar on the little plot they made for him, of his father trying to look sad for him. He still has those pictures in an album somewhere in the basement.
"I understand your frustration but please understand mine," Changmin rubs the bridge of his nose restlessly. "If she doesn't cooperate she's not only wasting her time but she's wasting my time as well. The longer it takes for her to settle down long enough to take this photograph, the more money I will be charging your company," he expresses and doesn't mind the angered look on the manager's face.
"She's a fucking star," he bites back angrily and Changmin takes a deep breath.
"Again," he bows respectfully and takes the camera from the assistant on his left, "I do not have all the time in the world for her to figure out how to do her job. I am merely taking the photos and by the look of the editor of the magazine I am shooting for, they seem to be displeased with her behavior as well," he insists and walks past him towards the elaborate set design where people are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, the star's manager catches up with him.
"I will speak with her," he concedes.
"Thank you," Changmin responds and takes a seat, watching as he makes his way towards the fucking star.
Four hours later while packing his equipment, Junsu calls.
"Meet us for dinner," he invites cheerfully and Changmin memorizes the name of the restaurant and leaves.
There's music playing as Changmin scans the restaurant for his friends and finds them tucked at a corner table, drinks almost empty.
"I see you've started without me," Changmin grins and takes a seat beside Junsu. "I've never been here," he looks around and sees an unoccupied piano on a stage. "Are we expecting a show?" he asks and waves the waiter over to their table.
He notices the grin that splays coyly over Jaejoong's lips and wonders if he's been netted into a spider's web.
"Just a friend's performance," Jaejoong grins and glares when someone's foot connects loudly with his shin.
Changmin smiles when Junsu rolls his eyes and glances once more in the direction of the piano.
Over dinner their pleasant conversation shifts.
"We need to find you someone," Jaejoong says as he takes a sip from his wine, "or at least get you laid."
Changmin chokes on his steak and Junsu helpfully slaps his back while Jaejoong laughs quite pleased with himself. He reaches a shaky hand for his glass of water and drinks eagerly, clearing his torn throat. He thinks perhaps there's a piece of meat still lodged in it.
"Jaejoong is under the impression that finding you someone will soften you up a little," Yunho turns his face to look at Jaejoong who innocently smiles as he glances over at the empty stage. "I feel it is important to tell you this was in no way, our," he encompasses Junsu in his words, "decision."
Junsu nods and smiles apologetically at Changmin, who is clearing his throat in attempts to breathe again, "we're not particularly fond of the plan but Jaejoong can be quite persuasive when he wants to be," Junsu says and moves his chair over just a little bit in the event Changmin decides to use physical force in retaliation.
The lights dim before Changmin has time to respond and a spot light shines on the empty stage just a few feet away from them.
"Fantastic," Jaejoong clinks his glass with Yunho's, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, "right on time."
Changmin looks over curiously and sees a young man, who looks older than him but not by a lot, walk on stage. He sets his fork down and feels a sense of recognition poke at his mind, as if he's seen him before; the graceful footsteps, the cream of his skin, his eyes that glitter against the spot light. When he smiles Changmin remembers him. The man walking his dog with the pretty girl, the picture he took when they kissed.
When he sits behind the piano, his eyes are down and Changmin appreciates the sweep of his lashes, the ghost of a smile, the curl of his hair that falls elegantly just above his shoulders. He wishes he had his camera to capture the brief moment where Changmin sees him take a discreet breath, squeeze his eyes shut and starts to play.
The music that emits from the piano is beautiful and powerfully emotional and Changmin notes the way his eyes close when the keys are soft, breathing through his mouth as he leans his head back to engulf himself in the ethereal melody. He catches the concentrated glint of his eyes when he pounds rough, aggressive notes that consume him and build tension in his shoulders and appreciates the way he bites at his lip every 30 seconds in anticipation for the notes to follow.
When he's finished there are beads of sweat that prickle his hairline and he breathes like the very air is gone from his chest. His eyes smile at the applause and before he bows he clasps his hands behind him humbly and bends at the waist, dark ribbons of hair hiding the excitement Changmin can feel from his seat.
"Thank you," he addresses the audience graciously as he rises and walks off stage. The lights return to full illumination and Changmin picks up his fork again.
"That was very good," Junsu sighs and takes a drink from his glass. "He gets better every time I see him."
Jaejoong nods and kicks Changmin who jerks and looks at him curiously. "What did you think, Changmin?" he asks positively strumming with enthusiasm.
"I enjoyed it very much," he answers honestly and turns back to his plate.
"Good, you can tell him so yourself," he grins and Yunho touches his arm as Changmin feels his stomach drop to his knees.
"You should really calm down," he whispers and Changmin sets his utensils down, he's somehow lost his appetite.
It's not necessarily the idea of being fixed up that bothers him; it's more the unavoidable interaction of trying to be nonchalant about it. It seems to him that all his friends have attempted to find the missing link in his life. He never stops them or refuses but it's always the same, they meet, the go out and Changmin realizes it won't go anywhere and eventually makes the inevitable phone call to thank them and tell them it won't work.
"I appreciate your efforts," Changmin finally finds it in himself to smile and Jaejoong quirks a small grin before looking away to see the nameless performer walking towards their table.
He walks with satisfaction and laughs deeply when Jaejoong stands up and praises him.
"Sit," he offers the empty chair coincidently beside Changmin. "This is Changmin," he introduces almost immediately and Changmin hopes the sweep of embarrassment can't be seen.
He looks at him calculatingly, "Yoochun," he says and Changmin feels an unfamiliar flutter of his heart when he smiles beautifully for him.
It was Changmin's tenth birthday when he met his best friend. He always laughed when Changmin begged him to pose for pictures but would eventually compromise when enticed with promises of ice cream. Sometimes he would ask him to hang upside from a tree branch or pretend to sleep in the grass, surrounded by dandelions. When the other school kids laughed and made Changmin cry he would punch them in the face or kick them in the stomach, whispering encouraging words of future success. He was the best friend anyone could ask for.
The last picture he took of him was on a white sand beach. Their families vacationed together and the sun was bright against the cloudless blue sky, he was laughing at something Changmin said right before capturing the memory.
He died two days later when a man in a mask entered the corner liquor store with a gun. He was picking up rolls of film for Changmin.
Changmin keeps the picture in a frame on his night stand.
Changmin is getting on a plane to Vienna; a famous vocalist has seen his work and personally asks him to take photographs of her children and offers him an obscene amount of money he's unwilling to refuse. As he boards the plane his phone vibrates against his leg and he pulls it out, smiling when he read Yoochun's name.
"What do you want? I'm a very busy and important man," he says and ignores the stunned look the flight attendant gives him as she guides him to his seat. Yoochun's laugh is throaty and rich in his ear and Changmin grins to himself setting his laptop and carry on bag on the empty seat beside him.
"You turn me on when you say things like that," he growls and Changmin laughs. "On a serious note though, Yunho's birthday is coming up and Jaejoong is throwing him a black and white party thing. I need a date," he says, the sound of piano keys ringing in the background followed by a loud bark.
"I've been told those singles ads in the paper are pretty good," he jokes and find himself accepting a glass of champagne from the pretty flight attendant. "Or you can try online, although it could be risky."
"It's cute that you think you're funny," Yoochun deadpans, "but seriously, Changmin."
"Is this an offer?" Changmin asks curiously and notices that he's starting to feel a little lightheaded. He looks at the drink in question and sets it aside as the warmth creeps under his skin.
Yoochun breaths into the phone, silent for a moment before playing a few notes on the piano that sound lovely. "We'll make everyone jealous," he finally answers and his voice is low and tremendously charming that Changmin can feel his chest tighten just a little bit.
He takes a few moments to breath. "I'll consider your offer," he answers just as the pilot's voice statically sounds over the intercom. "I need to go," he tells Yoochun quickly, "but I'll let you know. I have 10 hours to think about it." He hangs up before Yoochun can respond and turns off his phone just in case.
[CH 2]
Title: Photographic Memories
Pairings: Yoochun/Changmin
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slight Angst
Genre: Drama, Romance
A/N: I can already tell this will be too long for a One-Shot therefore I'm breaking it up into parts. I apologize for any confusion that may arise while reading. It should all make sense in the end.
Summary: Changmin's a Photographer who most want to save.
Changmin takes photographs for a living.
It started as a hobby; in college he hated everything else and when he decided against medicine his parents stopped paying his tuition.
"Photography is not a real job, Changmin."
When he bought them their first house they never talked about it again.
"I'm having a party this weekend, you have to go," Jaejoong, the prettiest boy Changmin has ever known in his life says on the set of his photo shoot one day. Jaejoong's a manager of talent, or what people perceive talent to be. "Take pictures, have a few drinks. It'll be fun," he smiles playfully.
Changmin hands his camera over to an assistant he doesn't remember the name of and looks down at the frames. Jaejoong's actress has dead eyes. "Is this an invitation or a job offer?" he asks casually and frowns; he can't make her look beautiful if she's unwilling to try. "I'm quite expensive," he jokes but his eyes are serious, unhappy with his subject's lack of confidence.
"Don't be a jerk, it's an invitation," Jaejoong responds and pulls out a cigarette. "You'll take pictures anyway, I'm just asking for the copies," he grins and looks over at the beautiful girl standing unhappily under the warm lights of the studio. "I'll tell her to put some effort into it," he says and Changmin nods.
His first job was taking pictures at a studio, he was in high school and hardly made any money but he fell in love with the idea of capturing moments of someone's life they could remember forever. Children were the worst but they were his favorite, so innocent, so beautiful, unaware of their future plans, what their parents wanted for them, what society expected. They were his angels.
When Changmin doesn't have anything planned he walks three blocks to the park. It's sunny but cold and he when he breaths he can see streams of opaque life escape his dry lips. He pulls the expensive scarf tighter around his neck and stuffs his hands into his jacket pockets, his camera bounces gently against his chest with the beat of his heart.
The park is full with life, mothers chasing their children, laughing and playing in the sandbox. Couples walk by holding hands, holding each other to escape the cold. Changmin sits at a bench, camera to his eye and takes a picture of a homeless man sleeping under a tree, a little boy walks up to him and stares before his mother rushes over and grabs him, pulling him away protectively and scolds him. He keeps watching until they round a flock of trees and can't see them anymore, but not before capturing the pure innocence of his confusion.
He doesn't know how many pictures he's taken, the old couple having a picnic, the teenagers chasing each other with branches before striking back and screaming in pain. He captures sandcastles and the merriment of the infants who stomp over them in glee, their mothers and fathers laughing happily with them. A pretty girl with hazel eyes approaches him with a gentle smile and asks if he can take a picture of her and her friends, he nods and sets his camera down and tries not to instruct them as they fold into each other's arms and smile. It takes a couple tries but he finally captures the perfect memory.
"Thank you," she squeaks happily when he hands the camera back.
"You're welcome," he nods and watches as they giggle and leave; the pretty girl turns back around and looks at him with a breathtaking smile one last time before they disappear.
As it starts to get late Changmin slides on his gloves and stretches. He thinks he's taken enough pictures and stands, holding tightly to his camera. A woman walking her dog apologizes when her dog pees beside him, she offers to pay for a new pair but he refuses, they're designer and much more expensive than he's willing to admit to anyone.
The wind starts picking up and it’s refreshing as it brushes his cheeks. He starts walking home when he sees a man walking his dog, on his arm there's a girl and she's laughing. He smiles with her and laughs and Changmin thinks he's got the best smile he's seen a long time. When they kiss Changmin turns on his camera and takes a picture.
Jaejoong's party is full of music and drinking. People dance in the middle of the living room and Changmin observes them from a wall, taking random photos. All his friends crowd around to get in and at the blink of his flash most of their eyes are closed in drunken stupor.
"I invited you to have fun," Jaejoong saddle's up beside him, drink in his hand, his eyes are red in intoxication and his cheeks are flushed. He looks handsome in his black clothing and his eyeliner's starting to run from the corners of his eyes.
"I am having fun," Changmin smiles and takes a picture of the girl throwing up in a vase by the fireplace. "Nice friends," he comments and looks down at the image. It's revolting, he wants to find out her name and address and mail the picture to her in reminder of her debauchery.
Jaejoong watches him, runs his eyes over his body and his fingers drum unsteadily around the glass in his hands. "You're very good looking," he hums as he examines the hollow of his neck and Changmin looks into his eyes as Jaejoong brushes his fingers along his cheek and tucks his hair behind his ear. "Too bad you're so fucking serious," he grins a little and finishes his drink.
Changmin looks away and sees two men making out in the dark corner and takes another picture. "Not all the time," he states plainly and Jaejoong chuckles deeply beside him. He grabs Changmin's hand and pulls him away from the wall.
"Come, I want you to meet my friends," he says and sets the empty glass on a table before walking away.
Junsu is a handsome guy with sparkling eyes and a contagious laugh. He is probably the only other sober person at the party.
"How do you know Jaejoong?" he asks over the loud music and smacks Jaejoong's butt when he passes by. "That's the last one!" he yells at him when Jaejoong twist opens another beer.
He blows him a kiss and flips him off as a tall good looking male sweeps him towards the dance floor.
Junsu's eyes crinkle and he laughs. "He's special," he grins and Changmin brings the camera up and takes a quick picture, much to Junsu's surprised protest.
"I'm a photographer," Changmin answers and smiles at the result. "I've done a lot of photo shoots for his actresses," he says and moves around to find comfort on the ultra soft leather couch and settles against the corner with a sigh.
Junsu takes a drink and nods. "He talks about you," he says and his eyes shift to him, "he says you're very quiet," he adds and cups the glass between his legs. "Jaejoong's a bit of a slut," and he laughs so loud at himself Changmin crack's a grin, "but he's also the most caring person I've ever met. And I think he sees something in you that makes him sad."
It doesn’t surprise Changmin to hear it; there have been lots of people in his past who feel like they need to save him. But Changmin isn't a lost soul, he was never abused and came from a loving home and had close friends, he never understands why people look at him like that.
"I don't need saving," Changmin says and takes a drink from Junsu's glass. "I'm young and I don't fuck around. I take my job seriously and I have lots and lots of money," he grins and it reaches his eyes, "I don't know why people think that," he lets his smile fall for a moment and Junsu tilts his head, looking at him carefully.
"Jaejoong is right," he says and his smile is gentle and absurdly sweet, "You are very cute," and when he tries to take the camera, Changmin's fingers clench tightly around it and he pulls it away easily, "very cute and very sad."
"Don't touch my camera," he warns and snaps another quick photo into his eyes.
Junsu cackles and stands up, setting his empty glass aside. "Let's dance," he drags Changmin to his feet and pulls him towards Jaejoong who's wrapped around the same good looking male like a starfish.
It's almost two in the morning when Changmin looks at the clock. He tries not to trip over the passed out guests in the living room and groans when someone grabs his crotch while he's picking up empty glasses.
"You don't have to clean," Jaejoong rocks unsteadily on his feet, completely smashed, his eyes almost crossed.
Changmin shrugs and moves away from the groping hand of the sleeping girl. He steadies Jaejoong against his left side and they walk slowly to the kitchen. It's a disaster, empty glasses everywhere, pink margarita still in the blender and an impressive assortment of empty bottles litter the counter tops. He thinks there's some throw up that missed the trash can as he deposits Jaejoong against the counter.
"You can stay here," he offers with a drunken slur and covers his mouth suddenly like he's going to throw up.
Changmin turns him around quickly towards the sink before he messes himself.
"I'm ok," he burps and it reeks of his night of corruption; "I'm ok."
Changmin nods and throws some bottles away. "Thank you, but I'm sober. I can drive home." He watches as Jaejoong stumbles clumsily to the table and flops his head in his hands.
"Did you have fun?" he asks and looks at him with one eye open.
"I did. Thanks for inviting me," he smiles nicely and looks up as Junsu appears from the hallway his arm wrapped around the same good looking male who was introduced to him as Yunho.
"Ok, its time for you to go to sleep," Junsu announces and Jaejoong turns his head, smiling beautifully at Yunho who detaches himself from Junsu and with manly strength hauls Jaejoong into his arms. As they leave Jaejoong stops him.
"Wait!" he cries and orders Yunho to take him back to Changmin.
"Thanks for coming," he grins for him and Changmin understands why people gravitate towards him, even drunk and stupid, Jaejoong is still the prettiest man he's ever met. "Drive safely," he says and kisses him on the mouth.
Changmin feels his body stiffen and he doesn't kiss him back but he smiles when Jaejoong pulls away and tries not to blush when he feels Junsu's eyes on him.
"Ok, now let's go to bed and have lots and lots of sex," he exclaims and wraps his arms wildly around Yunho's neck.
"It was nice meeting you," Yunho says with a grin and departs, Jaejoong attacking his neck with enthusiastic kisses.
Junsu and Changmin watch them disappear and try not to acknowledge the loud moan from the staircase.
"You heading home?" Junsu asks after a few minutes and Changmin nods.
"It's late," he says and the two of them walk from the kitchen into the downstairs bedroom where Changmin tucked his camera safely away.
Junsu walks him to the car and they stand together as the cold air circles around them, "It was really nice meeting you, Changmin. I hope to see you again," he smiles and it’s real and charismatic.
"Do you need a ride home?" Changmin asks as he starts getting into his car.
Junsu shakes his head and laughs, "I live here unfortunately," he laughs again and Changmin laughs with him.
"I've heard earplugs work the best," Changmin suggested with a grin.
"Believe me, I've got a whole stash in my night stand," he admits and waves as Changmin starts the car and leaves.
When Changmin was young his dog died in a terrible accident. He took pictures of the crime scene and kept them until his mother found them and burned them, she made him watch. During the funeral in his back yard he took pictures of his sisters crying, of his mother placing the dog collar on the little plot they made for him, of his father trying to look sad for him. He still has those pictures in an album somewhere in the basement.
"I understand your frustration but please understand mine," Changmin rubs the bridge of his nose restlessly. "If she doesn't cooperate she's not only wasting her time but she's wasting my time as well. The longer it takes for her to settle down long enough to take this photograph, the more money I will be charging your company," he expresses and doesn't mind the angered look on the manager's face.
"She's a fucking star," he bites back angrily and Changmin takes a deep breath.
"Again," he bows respectfully and takes the camera from the assistant on his left, "I do not have all the time in the world for her to figure out how to do her job. I am merely taking the photos and by the look of the editor of the magazine I am shooting for, they seem to be displeased with her behavior as well," he insists and walks past him towards the elaborate set design where people are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, the star's manager catches up with him.
"I will speak with her," he concedes.
"Thank you," Changmin responds and takes a seat, watching as he makes his way towards the fucking star.
Four hours later while packing his equipment, Junsu calls.
"Meet us for dinner," he invites cheerfully and Changmin memorizes the name of the restaurant and leaves.
There's music playing as Changmin scans the restaurant for his friends and finds them tucked at a corner table, drinks almost empty.
"I see you've started without me," Changmin grins and takes a seat beside Junsu. "I've never been here," he looks around and sees an unoccupied piano on a stage. "Are we expecting a show?" he asks and waves the waiter over to their table.
He notices the grin that splays coyly over Jaejoong's lips and wonders if he's been netted into a spider's web.
"Just a friend's performance," Jaejoong grins and glares when someone's foot connects loudly with his shin.
Changmin smiles when Junsu rolls his eyes and glances once more in the direction of the piano.
Over dinner their pleasant conversation shifts.
"We need to find you someone," Jaejoong says as he takes a sip from his wine, "or at least get you laid."
Changmin chokes on his steak and Junsu helpfully slaps his back while Jaejoong laughs quite pleased with himself. He reaches a shaky hand for his glass of water and drinks eagerly, clearing his torn throat. He thinks perhaps there's a piece of meat still lodged in it.
"Jaejoong is under the impression that finding you someone will soften you up a little," Yunho turns his face to look at Jaejoong who innocently smiles as he glances over at the empty stage. "I feel it is important to tell you this was in no way, our," he encompasses Junsu in his words, "decision."
Junsu nods and smiles apologetically at Changmin, who is clearing his throat in attempts to breathe again, "we're not particularly fond of the plan but Jaejoong can be quite persuasive when he wants to be," Junsu says and moves his chair over just a little bit in the event Changmin decides to use physical force in retaliation.
The lights dim before Changmin has time to respond and a spot light shines on the empty stage just a few feet away from them.
"Fantastic," Jaejoong clinks his glass with Yunho's, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, "right on time."
Changmin looks over curiously and sees a young man, who looks older than him but not by a lot, walk on stage. He sets his fork down and feels a sense of recognition poke at his mind, as if he's seen him before; the graceful footsteps, the cream of his skin, his eyes that glitter against the spot light. When he smiles Changmin remembers him. The man walking his dog with the pretty girl, the picture he took when they kissed.
When he sits behind the piano, his eyes are down and Changmin appreciates the sweep of his lashes, the ghost of a smile, the curl of his hair that falls elegantly just above his shoulders. He wishes he had his camera to capture the brief moment where Changmin sees him take a discreet breath, squeeze his eyes shut and starts to play.
The music that emits from the piano is beautiful and powerfully emotional and Changmin notes the way his eyes close when the keys are soft, breathing through his mouth as he leans his head back to engulf himself in the ethereal melody. He catches the concentrated glint of his eyes when he pounds rough, aggressive notes that consume him and build tension in his shoulders and appreciates the way he bites at his lip every 30 seconds in anticipation for the notes to follow.
When he's finished there are beads of sweat that prickle his hairline and he breathes like the very air is gone from his chest. His eyes smile at the applause and before he bows he clasps his hands behind him humbly and bends at the waist, dark ribbons of hair hiding the excitement Changmin can feel from his seat.
"Thank you," he addresses the audience graciously as he rises and walks off stage. The lights return to full illumination and Changmin picks up his fork again.
"That was very good," Junsu sighs and takes a drink from his glass. "He gets better every time I see him."
Jaejoong nods and kicks Changmin who jerks and looks at him curiously. "What did you think, Changmin?" he asks positively strumming with enthusiasm.
"I enjoyed it very much," he answers honestly and turns back to his plate.
"Good, you can tell him so yourself," he grins and Yunho touches his arm as Changmin feels his stomach drop to his knees.
"You should really calm down," he whispers and Changmin sets his utensils down, he's somehow lost his appetite.
It's not necessarily the idea of being fixed up that bothers him; it's more the unavoidable interaction of trying to be nonchalant about it. It seems to him that all his friends have attempted to find the missing link in his life. He never stops them or refuses but it's always the same, they meet, the go out and Changmin realizes it won't go anywhere and eventually makes the inevitable phone call to thank them and tell them it won't work.
"I appreciate your efforts," Changmin finally finds it in himself to smile and Jaejoong quirks a small grin before looking away to see the nameless performer walking towards their table.
He walks with satisfaction and laughs deeply when Jaejoong stands up and praises him.
"Sit," he offers the empty chair coincidently beside Changmin. "This is Changmin," he introduces almost immediately and Changmin hopes the sweep of embarrassment can't be seen.
He looks at him calculatingly, "Yoochun," he says and Changmin feels an unfamiliar flutter of his heart when he smiles beautifully for him.
It was Changmin's tenth birthday when he met his best friend. He always laughed when Changmin begged him to pose for pictures but would eventually compromise when enticed with promises of ice cream. Sometimes he would ask him to hang upside from a tree branch or pretend to sleep in the grass, surrounded by dandelions. When the other school kids laughed and made Changmin cry he would punch them in the face or kick them in the stomach, whispering encouraging words of future success. He was the best friend anyone could ask for.
The last picture he took of him was on a white sand beach. Their families vacationed together and the sun was bright against the cloudless blue sky, he was laughing at something Changmin said right before capturing the memory.
He died two days later when a man in a mask entered the corner liquor store with a gun. He was picking up rolls of film for Changmin.
Changmin keeps the picture in a frame on his night stand.
Changmin is getting on a plane to Vienna; a famous vocalist has seen his work and personally asks him to take photographs of her children and offers him an obscene amount of money he's unwilling to refuse. As he boards the plane his phone vibrates against his leg and he pulls it out, smiling when he read Yoochun's name.
"What do you want? I'm a very busy and important man," he says and ignores the stunned look the flight attendant gives him as she guides him to his seat. Yoochun's laugh is throaty and rich in his ear and Changmin grins to himself setting his laptop and carry on bag on the empty seat beside him.
"You turn me on when you say things like that," he growls and Changmin laughs. "On a serious note though, Yunho's birthday is coming up and Jaejoong is throwing him a black and white party thing. I need a date," he says, the sound of piano keys ringing in the background followed by a loud bark.
"I've been told those singles ads in the paper are pretty good," he jokes and find himself accepting a glass of champagne from the pretty flight attendant. "Or you can try online, although it could be risky."
"It's cute that you think you're funny," Yoochun deadpans, "but seriously, Changmin."
"Is this an offer?" Changmin asks curiously and notices that he's starting to feel a little lightheaded. He looks at the drink in question and sets it aside as the warmth creeps under his skin.
Yoochun breaths into the phone, silent for a moment before playing a few notes on the piano that sound lovely. "We'll make everyone jealous," he finally answers and his voice is low and tremendously charming that Changmin can feel his chest tighten just a little bit.
He takes a few moments to breath. "I'll consider your offer," he answers just as the pilot's voice statically sounds over the intercom. "I need to go," he tells Yoochun quickly, "but I'll let you know. I have 10 hours to think about it." He hangs up before Yoochun can respond and turns off his phone just in case.
[CH 2]