[008/ILC] To Be Ordinary
Title: To Be Ordinary
ILC/Pairing Assigner: kendayawind & shadowcrawler12
Rating: PG-13
Genre: romance/supernatural(ish)
Length: one-shot
Pairing: Minwook
Challenge: Initial Line Challenge
Disclaimer: I don't own them, SME does. Plot belongs to me.
Summary: To be ordinary was his dream; unfortunately, not all dreams come true. He really believed so until he met him, then his life took a turn. Maybe things could change, after all.
Warning: Un-beta'd
He walked briskly through the wet pavement, relieved that aside from a few scratches beneath his clothes, no one would know he was near death the night before.
At this very moment, striding amongst a group of men who had not a single care for your well-being - a group of men who wouldn't spare an ounce of grievance for your death - was only causing Sungmin more angst, but he had no other choice. This was his life, his everything.
“When the clouds gather will be the moment we raid the town,” one of the more scar-struck men at the front of the pack informed; his tone dry and his eyes hardening glares onto every man standing beside him. When his eyes fell on Sungmin, he lifted a dirtied brow. “What are you doing here?” He pointed out.
The other men turned to Sungmin; it was quite embarrassing. “I'm on a mission.”
“We don't need you-”
“You do,” Sungmin interrupted, raking his fingers through his hair with a plastered smirk, “you know you do.”
A bigger man standing beside the leader leaned over, whispering into the leaders ear. “Who is he?”
“A Shaman,” the leader grumbled before turning on his heel, “unimportant.”
-
“Ryeowook, pack your things! Get your parents! We need to leave!”
The boy named Ryeowook swung around in his desk chair, his white lab coat hugging loosely around his torso. “Hyung, what's wrong?”
“The pack attacked the townspeople. It's absolutely chaotic out there. I'm preparing the car and Donghae's gathering the rest of our families. I'll meet you outside in fifteen, alright? Don't be late!”
“Eunhyuk hyung-”
“No protests, Ryeowook!”
Before the younger boy could get another word in, Eunhyuk was out the back door and sneaking his way into the grounds where the cars were located. Ryeowook bit his bottom lip, standing from his seat and heading towards his parents room.
“Father! Mother!” He shouted, knocking on the door, “Eunhyuk hyung said the pack is raiding our town, we have to leave!”
His parents pulled the door open; the scars that time left on them had been cruel, leaving them powdered hair and drooping expressions. “What?” His father croaked.
Ryeowook smiled, sweeping his fathers few strands of white hair out of his eyes. “It's okay, I'm here. I'll make sure we get away.”
His mother shook, her lips parted in fear. Ryeowook frowned, pulling her into his bony arms. “Mother, don't worry. We'll be gone before they can get-”
“Is this a clinic?! Hello? Is anyone here?!”
Steps could be heard advancing towards them on the wooden floor. The boy tried to usher his parents back into their room, to close the door, but they wouldn't budge. Ryeowook's eyes widened as Sungmin found him and paced towards him.
“You're a healer?” Sungmin asked, hope forming in both his eyes and voice.
The younger boy nodded carelessly, pulling back when he felt Sungmin's strong but soft hand wrap around his wrist. “I need your help,” Sungmin insisted, pulling him forward again.
Ryeowook's father stepped out, holding his son by the shoulders. “Please don't take our son,” he pleaded. The tears brimming his eyes, his wrinkled face and whitened beard somewhat broke through Sungmin's moral-less defense.
“I won't kill him,” Sungmin reassured.
The boys mother then followed the example of her husband. “We only have Ryeowook. Please, I beg you, don't take him from us.”
Ryeowook grimaced at the words, feeling the pain - both physical and emotional - that his parents must have been going through.
“I promise I won't hurt him. I need his help; my pack mate, my good friend, he's hurt. I need someone to save him, quickly,” Sungmin explained. The parents would have none of it and Sungmin's patience was growing short.
“I'll just be a few minutes,” Ryeowook then forced a smile, turning to his parents and holding both of their hands. “I'll be right back. We save anyone who needs help, right? I can't just leave his friend alone.”
His parents blinked at him quizically.
Ryeowook reached out a swept a few stray tears from the crinkle in his father's eyes. “I'll be back.”
“Come along then,” Sungmin urged, taking Ryeowook's hand and leading him out of the torn down building.
Fires were found everywhere; children were shouting and crying on the streets, houses were abandoned and broken into, adults were wandering the roads lost and panicking. “What have you done to our town?” Ryeowook frowned, snatching his hand back.
Sungmin lowered his eyes to the ground before plastering on a weak smile. “It's how we survive.”
“Off of destroying other people's homes? From depriving people of their safety, their shelter, their mothers, fathers, siblings and children?” Ryeowook scoffed.
“We only take your valuables,” Sungmin replied. He knew it wasn't a proper explanation.
Ryeowook narrowed his eyes. “I can assure you that houses don't catch on fire or tear down by themselves. Not in this town, at least.”
“And why not?” Sungmin grinned playfully. There was a sudden ache on his abdomen; he could literally feel the blood spilling out of his stomach. A wound must have opened up.
The way Sungmin's face grew pale - or paler, rather - caught Ryeowook's unwanted attention. “Are you alright?” He asked, reaching out with a hand.
Sungmin slapped his hand away. “I'm fine.”
“You don't look it,” Ryeowook countered.
“I said I'm fine,” Sungmin growled.
Ryeowook sighed. “I heard them say that you're a shaman,” he muttered, “why can't you heal your friend by yourself?”
“I manipulate nature for battle, not for restoration,” Sungmin coughed. He was forced to hold a hand over his stomach, adding pressure to the pain, to maintain his composure.
“I'm just a healer,” Ryeowook furrowed his brows, “I don't have any supernatural powers. I'm just human.”
Sungmin laughed. “Who told you packs like us are any better than humans at healing just because we can cast a few spells here and there?”
“Aren't you?” Ryeowook asked.
Sungmin's laughter died down, his face dragging into a solemnly blank expression. “No, we're not.”
Ryeowook believed him.
-
Sungmin furrowed his brows, leaning over Ryeowook's back to get a good look at his friends face. “Will Siwon be okay?” He asked.
“H-he will be fine,” Ryeowook stuttered. Their bodies were close - far too close for comfort - and Ryeowook could feel Sungmin's breath against his ear, he could feel Sungmin's warmth from his strong chest, it even seemed a bit too warm.
“That's good,” Sungmin nodded.
Ryeowook quickly collected his utensils and stood from the side of the broken bed. “I have some antibiotics and bandages,” he said, pulling them out of his bag and handing them to Sungmin. “He'll need a change for his wound over his forehead every two hours, the gash on his arm should be fine; just make sure he's taking the medicine I fed him just now twice a day and he should recover in three days time.”
“Such a hassle,” Sungmin groaned - more of pain than annoyance.
Ryeowook narrowed his eyes. “Then leave him to die.”
“If only I could,” Sungmin laughed. He finally tore his eyes away from Siwon and, for the first time, took a good look at Ryeowook. “Your parents - you guys looked flustered.”
“Yeah, it happens when you're informed that your town is being attacked and your good friends are waiting -” Ryeowook paused, his eyes widening, “oh no... Eunhyuk hyung is waiting for me!”
Sungmin rose a brow. “Where do you think you're going?”
“I have to go! Eunhyuk hyung told me he wanted me at his car in fifteen minutes but it's been well over an hour now! My parents, they're probably worried sick.” Yes, Ryeowook meant that in a literal way. His parents had always gotten ill easily, which was why he decided to become a doctor.
“But Siwon-”
“You can take care of him, you're both big boys.”
Sungmin felt a bit offended by the tone Ryeowook was giving him. “Oh, believe me - we're more than just big boys.”
Ryeowook decided to ignore his reply. “Then you two should be fine.” At that, he gave Sungmin the rest of the items that he would need and sprinted for the door. Not long after he left, Sungmin heard a rather loud shriek.
“Figures,” he mumbled. Rolling his eyes, Sungmin threw the items onto the bed, beside Siwon, as he ran for the door. Just as he stepped out, he saw Ryeowook surrounded by a group of men - unfortunately, not his men. “What are you guys doing to him?”
The mongrels drew their attention from Ryeowook to Sungmin. “What does it matter to you?”
“He's mine,” Sungmin replied matter of factly, “I brought him here. Go get your own.”
“We specialize in taking other people's things,” another man laughed, as if he had told the best joke in the universe. Sungmin merely scoffed. “List the conditions.”
Sungmin shook his head. “There are none. He's mine, that's not going to change.”
Ryeowook shot Sungmin a look - one less of pleading, but of confusion and frustration.
“Don't look at me like that,” Sungmin spat. “Hand him over. Or do I have to speak with your leader?”
The men ignored him, standing there and staring at him as if he were some kind of monument. “This kids a good one, let's negotiate Sungmin.”
This was the first time Ryeowook heard Sungmin's name that evening, and he couldn't really put that name to his face.
“No compromises. I said he's mine.”
Ryeowook thinks the look on Sungmin's face is much more intimidating than his words; his eyes were narrowed, staring at the men from an arrogant angle, and he bit down on his jaw harshly. The boy could feel the atmosphere tensing, literally, and roots sprouted from the grounds and wrapped themselves around the legs of the men.
“H-hey!” A man shouted as he fell to the ground. More roots appeared and wove their way around his body, engulfing him like a wave and burying him into the dirt. Muffled screams could be heard as blood rushed to the surface of the dirt.
Sungmin smirked. “Who's next?”
“Give him back!” Another man grounded out; his voice shaking and his expression striving to remain firm. “Now!”
“I said no compromises, didn't I?” Sungmin blinked, painfully slow, while twirling his fingers into small circles in the air. More screams bubbled their way from the dirt, dispersing into the air. “Let him go.”
Ryeowook has never been this afraid before in his entire life.
“Let him go,” the most solid structured man of the group instructed.
“But-”
The man tore his companions hand off of Ryeowook's arm and pushed Ryeowook forward. “There, you have your boy back. Now let ours go.”
Sungmin signaled for Ryeowook to come to his side. Though very unwilling - both his legs and arms stiffened from the scene he had just witnessed - Ryeowook forced himself to comply. As the boy reached his side, Sungmin lowered his eyes to the pile of dirt briefly before smiling mockingly at the two men. “Sure thing.”
The ground disheveled itself and the man was revealed, the roots slowly unbinding him. The man coughed several times, each time accompanied by more blood, and Sungmin crossed his arms over his chest.
“You bastard,” the large framed man growled, leaning over and inspecting his companion, “he won't live.”
Sungmin smiled. “No, I suppose he won't.”
Ryeowook bit down on his lip, hoping hard that his body would disobey the voice in his head - his conscience - just this once. Why should he save people who were intent on destroying his home, killing his people, raping their women and stealing their valuables?
But he couldn't, he knew he wouldn't, because he wasn't raised to be heartless - he was born to be a healer, one who brought life amongst the lost hopes and injured.
“Let me take a look at him.”
Sungmin held Ryeowook back, grasping him by the forearm and preventing him from taking another step. “No.”
“Let go,” was Ryeowook's simple but strong reply, the irritation in his voice startling.
Taken aback, Sungmin found himself unable to ignore the order and released the boy. Something inside him shook; his heartbeat accelerating and his breaths growing uneven. Only now did he realize how beautiful this boy beside him was, only now did he realize the sun was still hovering in the skies - though a red orange color - the color of battle and conflict.
And it was probably another hour later of battling the same bloody color from the limp body in the mount of dirt before Ryeowook finally fought back a smile, the man sleeping soundly but alive, and he realized he was no longer just an hour late, but over two hours overdue and Eunhyuk was most likely going to kill him. If the pack didn't get to him first.
-
By the time Ryeowook reached his clinic, there was no one inside. He panicked, tore his clinic upside down in search of his parents, but they were no where to be found.
He ran outside, towards the field with the cars, but there was no sign of Eunhyuk or Donghae either.
“Where could they have gone?!” he cried to himself.
Sungmin had the answer, but he liked watching Ryeowook acting flustered from afar. Well, that was only half the reason he decided to slump against a gate and gasp for air - clutching his bleeding abdomen and choking on his own breath. But the other half of his reason wasn't important, just like himself.
Just like his father had said: he was unimportant, he always would be.
-
“Hey.”
Ryeowook glanced up from his trembling hands and stared into a familiar face. He sat here for hours - three at most - worrying, wondering, agonizing over what could have happened to his parents and his friends. Sungmin was the last person he wanted to see, and he made that obvious.
“Don't look at me like that,” Sungmin grimaced.
The blood was starting to seep through his clothes, the smell of iron immediately alerting Ryeowook. “Did you get hurt? Is that what you're here for?”
“No,” Sungmin replied easily. “Your parents, I know where they are.”
Ryeowook wished he could make himself appear to care more about his parents whereabouts - which he did - than the injured man before him. It was obvious that Sungmin had lost a lot of blood, along with his deteriorating health and strength, but the only thing he showed was that damned mock in his eyes and the sluggish lopsided smirk.
“C'mon, I'll take you to them.”
“Why should I believe you?” Ryeowook asked.
Sungmin paused in his steps, each step growing heavier as his mind began to spin. “Just come with me before it's too late.”
“Too late?”
“C'mon, just trust me.”
But Ryeowook couldn't move - he couldn't find the strength to stand. Sungmin needed help, he was obviously dying due to the loss of blood, he might even be infected somewhere. “Let me tend to your wound first.”
“No.”
“I'm not going anywhere until you-”
In a matter of seconds Sungmin had his roots around Ryeowook's ankles, his eyes threatening the younger boy with words he didn't - or couldn't - speak. “No compromises.”
“Humans live off of compromising,” Ryeowook challenged, unrelenting.
Sungmin laughed. “I'm not human.”
“You are,” Ryeowook replied softly, “you're just as human as any of us. You said it yourself; just because you can cast a few spells here and there doesn't make you any better than us.”
“No,” Sungmin agreed, “it makes me worse.”
Ryeowook didn't understand, but he felt the roots tightening around his legs. “Stop it.”
“Not unless you agree to come with me.”
Ryeowook stared into Sungmin's eyes, watching the boys face grow an impossible color of white. If it was possible, he would have been transparent by now. “No compromises.”
Sungmin sighed, his shoulders falling as the roots released Ryeowook, and felt his knees buckle beneath him. Ryeowook sprinted to his side just as he fell and caught him, holding him tightly in his arms and helping him to a chair.
“This would have been a lot simpler if you just listened to me,” Ryeowook shook his head.
The sensation of Ryeowook's warm fingers tending to the cut on his abdomen sent bats flying in his stomach - he would have thought butterflies, if only he didn't feel the immense need to purge everything he had in his stomach, if he had anything in there at all.
“Yup, definitely infected,” Ryeowook pursed his lips.
Sungmin wished he could die; right here, looking right in Ryeowook's eyes.
-
Eunhyuk angrily bit on his bottom lip, watching the stranger pace back and forth before him. He glanced at the elderly waiting for them on the car and raked his fingers through his hair agitatedly. “You promised Ryeowook would be coming,” he gritted through his teeth, “it's been hours and there's not a single shadow.”
“Sungmin told me to wait here, he doesn't lie. I'm just doing as he asked.”
The urge to punch the man became unbearable, but Donghae held Eunhyuk back. They didn't need all the villagers around them to see a fight occurring when they were just reassured escape from the chaos. “Is there any way you can contact this Sungmin guy?”
“No.”
“Well, we can't just wait here! What if Ryeowook gets hurt?!” Eunhyuk growled. Donghae wrapped his arms around his shoulders, holding him still.
The man sighed. “He won't. Sungmin will protect him.”
“Who is Sungmin? Who are you?” Donghae asked.
“Sungmin is the pack leaders illegitimate son. I'm Yesung, the legitimate one.”
The boys eyes widened at the words, throwing each other wary glances. “Then why the hell are we hanging out here with you, when you're one of them? And Ryeowook, he's with the other one of you that's also one of them. Oh gosh... Ryeowook's as good as go-”
Donghae slapped a hand over Eunhyuk's big mouth. “The elders will hear you!”
“Doesn't matter!” Eunhyuk replied, prying Donghae's hand away. “What matters is that Ryeowook is in trouble!”
Yesung chuckled. “He'll be fine. Sungmin's taking care of him.”
“You two are the pack leader's son, why should we believe you?” Donghae asked.
After a slight shrug, Yesung turned to them with a sincere smile - a scary but honest one - before leaning back against a tree and slouching against it. “Because we hate our father, just as much as he hates us.”
-
“My father always hated me because I was born a Shaman, from a mistress of affairs none the less,” Sungmin laughed stiffly, “and he hated my half-brother because he protected me ever since we were children. His attempts at ridding himself of me were futile, because Yesung hyung always brought me back.”
Ryeowook nodded understandingly, wondering just how much emotional pain it took to rid Sungmin of his physical pain entirely.
“We hated him for bringing us up with his pack,” Sungmin continued, “we hate doing this.”
For now, Ryeowook thinks he can believe Sungmin's words because he's weak - emotionally and physically struggling for release - and doesn't have the strength to produce lies like a machine. “So, you bond together to save people from the towns you raid?”
“Somewhat,” Sungmin barked a laugh, “we can't save many, but as many as we can is just as good, I guess.”
“It's amazing,” Ryeowook said, offering an encouraging smile as he tacked on the last wrapping of the bandage. “You should stay put for another ten minutes or so, for safety measures. You don't have much health left to waste away.”
Sungmin thinks that Ryeowook is gorgeous - the way that the light shines over him, his lips cresting into a smile, his eyes gentle but filled with emotions - and there's not much Sungmin can do but admire it, wishing that someday, somehow, they can meet again after all this is over with.
“Where are they?”
“They're on the mountain,” Sungmin replies, letting his lids drop and darkness to consume him. Just one more minute, he promises himself. “My brothers watching over them.”
“Why don't you stay here and I'll just-”
Sungmin laughed. “What? Get caught by some other of my father's men? No. That won't work, Ryeowook.”
No one has ever said his name like that before. Sungmin's voice was easy on the ears, it sent shivers crawling all over his skin and the heat that was once in the pit of his stomach rushed up to his cheeks. Ryeowook concluded that it was a good feeling, a good way for them to start anew.
“They can't wait much longer,” Sungmin grunted, pulling himself out of the seat, “let's go.”
As much as Ryeowook wanted to protest, he knew they had to. A lot of people were waiting for them, and their lives were on the line - their lives depended on him.
-
Donghae nudged Eunhyuk on the shoulder. “There he is!”
“Ryeowook!” Eunhyuk shouted, alarming everyone in ear-shot. The boys parents quickly climbed out of the cars and rushed to their son for an embrace, holding him tightly in their weak arms.
Sungmin walked to Yesung's side, his older brother noticing the bandages on his bare chest under the jacket and holding him by the shoulder for support. “Siwon's okay?” he asked, hoping their friend in common was safe.
“He's fine now,” Sungmin smiled childishly - brightly - at his older brother.
Ryeowook caught the smile and he thinks that what he just saw must have been the real Sungmin, the true boy that lived in the shell of a tough man.
Their eyes met briefly but Sungmin forced himself to look away, afraid that he would lash out of his brothers arms and ask - no, beg - for Ryeowook to stay with him. Whatever magic Ryeowook had used on him, maybe voodoo of sorts, had definitely affected him because Sungmin found himself entranced, mesmerized, by the younger boy like a bee was attracted to honey.
Yesung laughed and Sungmin knew why, so he simply kicked his brother in the calf.
The brothers watched as the others boarded their cars after a quick thanking session and waved to them as they left. Sungmin continued watching Ryeowook's car, unexpectedly finding Ryeowook staring straight at him - turning to face the back - and Sungmin had to suppress the urge to run after him, to call out to him.
“I've never seen you like this before,” Sungmin subtly hears Yesung say, "so attached."
But Sungmin still has his eyes on Ryeowook as the younger boy mouths some words to him. He sends his roots after the car, under the ground, following the boy endlessly.
“Aside from you?” Sungmin joked back.
Yesung shrugs. “It's like you cut your umbilical cord off from me and glued it onto that boy you came with.”
The hint of jealousy in his voice was evident - it must have been a big brother type of thing, like what Eunhyuk had for Ryeowook.
“Maybe,” Sungmin chuckled. “But we'll meet again, we'll meet again soon.”
“How do you know?” Yesung asked.
Sungmin pulled himself out of his brothers arms and started back towards the town that was still burning its way down. “He told me so,” was his soft reply and Yesung smirked, knowing his brother too well for four simple words to satisfy his desire to know.
Yesung threw an arm over Sungmin's shoulder, the brothers walking side by side down the rocky roads of the mountain.“What else did he say?”
“It's futile running away, so he'll be back. He said we'll meet again and start fresh - when I'm not the pack leaders son and he's not a doctor - we'll meet as Lee Sungmin and Kim Ryeowook. Simple boys with simple goals.”
Yesung nods, understanding what Sungmin means.
All they ever wanted was to be ordinary. If Sungmin could have Ryeowook, then maybe he could find the strength to try.
Yes, Sungmin thinks, smiling to himself as his heart fills with happiness, if I had Ryeowook, I could try.
-
Two years later, they meet again in a new city - furnished with new lives as different people; Sungmin having stopped his Shaman practices for over a year and Ryeowook becoming the new city's best medical provider.
But Ryeowook had the same smile, the same gentleness in his eyes.
And Sungmin had the same air of confidence, the same determination in his smirk.
It was then that they knew running away was truly futile, because they were fated to meet and meet they did. Falling in love was only a part of the process, falling into each others dream - becoming each others goal - was the real deal.
With Ryeowook by his side, Sungmin discovers that ordinary is just as good as he imagined it to be. He's been disowned by his own father but he's been sheltered by his brother, adopted by love, and accepted by Ryeowook.
This is all he needs.
Ryeowook thinks so, too, because Sungmin is a changed man that hasn't changed much at all and he's grateful; grateful that he can have a man with a heart this big, a man with so much love waiting to be given and wanting to accepted.
Yes, Sungmin grins to himself in bed one night, Ryeowook tangled in his arms loosely, this is all I need; all I need is to be ordinary, all I need is Ryeowook.
And the night passes, as does day by day, until they can't seem to tell which words belong to whose mouths because their lips are lost in each others caresses and their bodies find rhythm sweeter than music.
They realize that this was what they've been seeking all along and relish in it - in their moments - because love is rare in their eyes, and hearts like theirs are even more so. So Sungmin uses his all to protect Ryeowook, and Ryeowook gives his all to keep Sungmin nearby.
Because nothing's more important than what they have now - this ordinary life - and neither would allow for it to slip through the creases of their fingers like it had two years ago.
This would be their last attempt at happiness, their everlasting endeavor.
And Sungmin will not lose - he never does. This happiness is his to take, and he'll take it. Even if it costs him his life. The roots of his heart have settled in Ryeowook's chest, these binds will never unravel. His happiness has finally arrived and he's not letting go.
No, this was only a beginning; a beginning with no ending. For eternity.
-----
A/N: Read Nyx's version of Minwook ILC (seriously, amazingly cute! so, do it!) here!
Finally got my internet back!! I almost had to ask Nyx to post this for me T.T but internet technician came in this morning and activated my internet (have I mentioned I hate moving? -_-;). I'll be updating all my other stuff (Chaptered story) soon. Sorry for the wait >.<
Irrelevant, but I got a puppy! Haha. Just needed to share. She's a Chinese Crested and absolutely lots of LOVE. I know Cresties are ugly, but she's so ugly she's cute!!
ILC/Pairing Assigner: kendayawind & shadowcrawler12
Rating: PG-13
Genre: romance/supernatural(ish)
Length: one-shot
Pairing: Minwook
Challenge: Initial Line Challenge
Disclaimer: I don't own them, SME does. Plot belongs to me.
Summary: To be ordinary was his dream; unfortunately, not all dreams come true. He really believed so until he met him, then his life took a turn. Maybe things could change, after all.
Warning: Un-beta'd
He walked briskly through the wet pavement, relieved that aside from a few scratches beneath his clothes, no one would know he was near death the night before.
At this very moment, striding amongst a group of men who had not a single care for your well-being - a group of men who wouldn't spare an ounce of grievance for your death - was only causing Sungmin more angst, but he had no other choice. This was his life, his everything.
“When the clouds gather will be the moment we raid the town,” one of the more scar-struck men at the front of the pack informed; his tone dry and his eyes hardening glares onto every man standing beside him. When his eyes fell on Sungmin, he lifted a dirtied brow. “What are you doing here?” He pointed out.
The other men turned to Sungmin; it was quite embarrassing. “I'm on a mission.”
“We don't need you-”
“You do,” Sungmin interrupted, raking his fingers through his hair with a plastered smirk, “you know you do.”
A bigger man standing beside the leader leaned over, whispering into the leaders ear. “Who is he?”
“A Shaman,” the leader grumbled before turning on his heel, “unimportant.”
-
“Ryeowook, pack your things! Get your parents! We need to leave!”
The boy named Ryeowook swung around in his desk chair, his white lab coat hugging loosely around his torso. “Hyung, what's wrong?”
“The pack attacked the townspeople. It's absolutely chaotic out there. I'm preparing the car and Donghae's gathering the rest of our families. I'll meet you outside in fifteen, alright? Don't be late!”
“Eunhyuk hyung-”
“No protests, Ryeowook!”
Before the younger boy could get another word in, Eunhyuk was out the back door and sneaking his way into the grounds where the cars were located. Ryeowook bit his bottom lip, standing from his seat and heading towards his parents room.
“Father! Mother!” He shouted, knocking on the door, “Eunhyuk hyung said the pack is raiding our town, we have to leave!”
His parents pulled the door open; the scars that time left on them had been cruel, leaving them powdered hair and drooping expressions. “What?” His father croaked.
Ryeowook smiled, sweeping his fathers few strands of white hair out of his eyes. “It's okay, I'm here. I'll make sure we get away.”
His mother shook, her lips parted in fear. Ryeowook frowned, pulling her into his bony arms. “Mother, don't worry. We'll be gone before they can get-”
“Is this a clinic?! Hello? Is anyone here?!”
Steps could be heard advancing towards them on the wooden floor. The boy tried to usher his parents back into their room, to close the door, but they wouldn't budge. Ryeowook's eyes widened as Sungmin found him and paced towards him.
“You're a healer?” Sungmin asked, hope forming in both his eyes and voice.
The younger boy nodded carelessly, pulling back when he felt Sungmin's strong but soft hand wrap around his wrist. “I need your help,” Sungmin insisted, pulling him forward again.
Ryeowook's father stepped out, holding his son by the shoulders. “Please don't take our son,” he pleaded. The tears brimming his eyes, his wrinkled face and whitened beard somewhat broke through Sungmin's moral-less defense.
“I won't kill him,” Sungmin reassured.
The boys mother then followed the example of her husband. “We only have Ryeowook. Please, I beg you, don't take him from us.”
Ryeowook grimaced at the words, feeling the pain - both physical and emotional - that his parents must have been going through.
“I promise I won't hurt him. I need his help; my pack mate, my good friend, he's hurt. I need someone to save him, quickly,” Sungmin explained. The parents would have none of it and Sungmin's patience was growing short.
“I'll just be a few minutes,” Ryeowook then forced a smile, turning to his parents and holding both of their hands. “I'll be right back. We save anyone who needs help, right? I can't just leave his friend alone.”
His parents blinked at him quizically.
Ryeowook reached out a swept a few stray tears from the crinkle in his father's eyes. “I'll be back.”
“Come along then,” Sungmin urged, taking Ryeowook's hand and leading him out of the torn down building.
Fires were found everywhere; children were shouting and crying on the streets, houses were abandoned and broken into, adults were wandering the roads lost and panicking. “What have you done to our town?” Ryeowook frowned, snatching his hand back.
Sungmin lowered his eyes to the ground before plastering on a weak smile. “It's how we survive.”
“Off of destroying other people's homes? From depriving people of their safety, their shelter, their mothers, fathers, siblings and children?” Ryeowook scoffed.
“We only take your valuables,” Sungmin replied. He knew it wasn't a proper explanation.
Ryeowook narrowed his eyes. “I can assure you that houses don't catch on fire or tear down by themselves. Not in this town, at least.”
“And why not?” Sungmin grinned playfully. There was a sudden ache on his abdomen; he could literally feel the blood spilling out of his stomach. A wound must have opened up.
The way Sungmin's face grew pale - or paler, rather - caught Ryeowook's unwanted attention. “Are you alright?” He asked, reaching out with a hand.
Sungmin slapped his hand away. “I'm fine.”
“You don't look it,” Ryeowook countered.
“I said I'm fine,” Sungmin growled.
Ryeowook sighed. “I heard them say that you're a shaman,” he muttered, “why can't you heal your friend by yourself?”
“I manipulate nature for battle, not for restoration,” Sungmin coughed. He was forced to hold a hand over his stomach, adding pressure to the pain, to maintain his composure.
“I'm just a healer,” Ryeowook furrowed his brows, “I don't have any supernatural powers. I'm just human.”
Sungmin laughed. “Who told you packs like us are any better than humans at healing just because we can cast a few spells here and there?”
“Aren't you?” Ryeowook asked.
Sungmin's laughter died down, his face dragging into a solemnly blank expression. “No, we're not.”
Ryeowook believed him.
-
Sungmin furrowed his brows, leaning over Ryeowook's back to get a good look at his friends face. “Will Siwon be okay?” He asked.
“H-he will be fine,” Ryeowook stuttered. Their bodies were close - far too close for comfort - and Ryeowook could feel Sungmin's breath against his ear, he could feel Sungmin's warmth from his strong chest, it even seemed a bit too warm.
“That's good,” Sungmin nodded.
Ryeowook quickly collected his utensils and stood from the side of the broken bed. “I have some antibiotics and bandages,” he said, pulling them out of his bag and handing them to Sungmin. “He'll need a change for his wound over his forehead every two hours, the gash on his arm should be fine; just make sure he's taking the medicine I fed him just now twice a day and he should recover in three days time.”
“Such a hassle,” Sungmin groaned - more of pain than annoyance.
Ryeowook narrowed his eyes. “Then leave him to die.”
“If only I could,” Sungmin laughed. He finally tore his eyes away from Siwon and, for the first time, took a good look at Ryeowook. “Your parents - you guys looked flustered.”
“Yeah, it happens when you're informed that your town is being attacked and your good friends are waiting -” Ryeowook paused, his eyes widening, “oh no... Eunhyuk hyung is waiting for me!”
Sungmin rose a brow. “Where do you think you're going?”
“I have to go! Eunhyuk hyung told me he wanted me at his car in fifteen minutes but it's been well over an hour now! My parents, they're probably worried sick.” Yes, Ryeowook meant that in a literal way. His parents had always gotten ill easily, which was why he decided to become a doctor.
“But Siwon-”
“You can take care of him, you're both big boys.”
Sungmin felt a bit offended by the tone Ryeowook was giving him. “Oh, believe me - we're more than just big boys.”
Ryeowook decided to ignore his reply. “Then you two should be fine.” At that, he gave Sungmin the rest of the items that he would need and sprinted for the door. Not long after he left, Sungmin heard a rather loud shriek.
“Figures,” he mumbled. Rolling his eyes, Sungmin threw the items onto the bed, beside Siwon, as he ran for the door. Just as he stepped out, he saw Ryeowook surrounded by a group of men - unfortunately, not his men. “What are you guys doing to him?”
The mongrels drew their attention from Ryeowook to Sungmin. “What does it matter to you?”
“He's mine,” Sungmin replied matter of factly, “I brought him here. Go get your own.”
“We specialize in taking other people's things,” another man laughed, as if he had told the best joke in the universe. Sungmin merely scoffed. “List the conditions.”
Sungmin shook his head. “There are none. He's mine, that's not going to change.”
Ryeowook shot Sungmin a look - one less of pleading, but of confusion and frustration.
“Don't look at me like that,” Sungmin spat. “Hand him over. Or do I have to speak with your leader?”
The men ignored him, standing there and staring at him as if he were some kind of monument. “This kids a good one, let's negotiate Sungmin.”
This was the first time Ryeowook heard Sungmin's name that evening, and he couldn't really put that name to his face.
“No compromises. I said he's mine.”
Ryeowook thinks the look on Sungmin's face is much more intimidating than his words; his eyes were narrowed, staring at the men from an arrogant angle, and he bit down on his jaw harshly. The boy could feel the atmosphere tensing, literally, and roots sprouted from the grounds and wrapped themselves around the legs of the men.
“H-hey!” A man shouted as he fell to the ground. More roots appeared and wove their way around his body, engulfing him like a wave and burying him into the dirt. Muffled screams could be heard as blood rushed to the surface of the dirt.
Sungmin smirked. “Who's next?”
“Give him back!” Another man grounded out; his voice shaking and his expression striving to remain firm. “Now!”
“I said no compromises, didn't I?” Sungmin blinked, painfully slow, while twirling his fingers into small circles in the air. More screams bubbled their way from the dirt, dispersing into the air. “Let him go.”
Ryeowook has never been this afraid before in his entire life.
“Let him go,” the most solid structured man of the group instructed.
“But-”
The man tore his companions hand off of Ryeowook's arm and pushed Ryeowook forward. “There, you have your boy back. Now let ours go.”
Sungmin signaled for Ryeowook to come to his side. Though very unwilling - both his legs and arms stiffened from the scene he had just witnessed - Ryeowook forced himself to comply. As the boy reached his side, Sungmin lowered his eyes to the pile of dirt briefly before smiling mockingly at the two men. “Sure thing.”
The ground disheveled itself and the man was revealed, the roots slowly unbinding him. The man coughed several times, each time accompanied by more blood, and Sungmin crossed his arms over his chest.
“You bastard,” the large framed man growled, leaning over and inspecting his companion, “he won't live.”
Sungmin smiled. “No, I suppose he won't.”
Ryeowook bit down on his lip, hoping hard that his body would disobey the voice in his head - his conscience - just this once. Why should he save people who were intent on destroying his home, killing his people, raping their women and stealing their valuables?
But he couldn't, he knew he wouldn't, because he wasn't raised to be heartless - he was born to be a healer, one who brought life amongst the lost hopes and injured.
“Let me take a look at him.”
Sungmin held Ryeowook back, grasping him by the forearm and preventing him from taking another step. “No.”
“Let go,” was Ryeowook's simple but strong reply, the irritation in his voice startling.
Taken aback, Sungmin found himself unable to ignore the order and released the boy. Something inside him shook; his heartbeat accelerating and his breaths growing uneven. Only now did he realize how beautiful this boy beside him was, only now did he realize the sun was still hovering in the skies - though a red orange color - the color of battle and conflict.
And it was probably another hour later of battling the same bloody color from the limp body in the mount of dirt before Ryeowook finally fought back a smile, the man sleeping soundly but alive, and he realized he was no longer just an hour late, but over two hours overdue and Eunhyuk was most likely going to kill him. If the pack didn't get to him first.
-
By the time Ryeowook reached his clinic, there was no one inside. He panicked, tore his clinic upside down in search of his parents, but they were no where to be found.
He ran outside, towards the field with the cars, but there was no sign of Eunhyuk or Donghae either.
“Where could they have gone?!” he cried to himself.
Sungmin had the answer, but he liked watching Ryeowook acting flustered from afar. Well, that was only half the reason he decided to slump against a gate and gasp for air - clutching his bleeding abdomen and choking on his own breath. But the other half of his reason wasn't important, just like himself.
Just like his father had said: he was unimportant, he always would be.
-
“Hey.”
Ryeowook glanced up from his trembling hands and stared into a familiar face. He sat here for hours - three at most - worrying, wondering, agonizing over what could have happened to his parents and his friends. Sungmin was the last person he wanted to see, and he made that obvious.
“Don't look at me like that,” Sungmin grimaced.
The blood was starting to seep through his clothes, the smell of iron immediately alerting Ryeowook. “Did you get hurt? Is that what you're here for?”
“No,” Sungmin replied easily. “Your parents, I know where they are.”
Ryeowook wished he could make himself appear to care more about his parents whereabouts - which he did - than the injured man before him. It was obvious that Sungmin had lost a lot of blood, along with his deteriorating health and strength, but the only thing he showed was that damned mock in his eyes and the sluggish lopsided smirk.
“C'mon, I'll take you to them.”
“Why should I believe you?” Ryeowook asked.
Sungmin paused in his steps, each step growing heavier as his mind began to spin. “Just come with me before it's too late.”
“Too late?”
“C'mon, just trust me.”
But Ryeowook couldn't move - he couldn't find the strength to stand. Sungmin needed help, he was obviously dying due to the loss of blood, he might even be infected somewhere. “Let me tend to your wound first.”
“No.”
“I'm not going anywhere until you-”
In a matter of seconds Sungmin had his roots around Ryeowook's ankles, his eyes threatening the younger boy with words he didn't - or couldn't - speak. “No compromises.”
“Humans live off of compromising,” Ryeowook challenged, unrelenting.
Sungmin laughed. “I'm not human.”
“You are,” Ryeowook replied softly, “you're just as human as any of us. You said it yourself; just because you can cast a few spells here and there doesn't make you any better than us.”
“No,” Sungmin agreed, “it makes me worse.”
Ryeowook didn't understand, but he felt the roots tightening around his legs. “Stop it.”
“Not unless you agree to come with me.”
Ryeowook stared into Sungmin's eyes, watching the boys face grow an impossible color of white. If it was possible, he would have been transparent by now. “No compromises.”
Sungmin sighed, his shoulders falling as the roots released Ryeowook, and felt his knees buckle beneath him. Ryeowook sprinted to his side just as he fell and caught him, holding him tightly in his arms and helping him to a chair.
“This would have been a lot simpler if you just listened to me,” Ryeowook shook his head.
The sensation of Ryeowook's warm fingers tending to the cut on his abdomen sent bats flying in his stomach - he would have thought butterflies, if only he didn't feel the immense need to purge everything he had in his stomach, if he had anything in there at all.
“Yup, definitely infected,” Ryeowook pursed his lips.
Sungmin wished he could die; right here, looking right in Ryeowook's eyes.
-
Eunhyuk angrily bit on his bottom lip, watching the stranger pace back and forth before him. He glanced at the elderly waiting for them on the car and raked his fingers through his hair agitatedly. “You promised Ryeowook would be coming,” he gritted through his teeth, “it's been hours and there's not a single shadow.”
“Sungmin told me to wait here, he doesn't lie. I'm just doing as he asked.”
The urge to punch the man became unbearable, but Donghae held Eunhyuk back. They didn't need all the villagers around them to see a fight occurring when they were just reassured escape from the chaos. “Is there any way you can contact this Sungmin guy?”
“No.”
“Well, we can't just wait here! What if Ryeowook gets hurt?!” Eunhyuk growled. Donghae wrapped his arms around his shoulders, holding him still.
The man sighed. “He won't. Sungmin will protect him.”
“Who is Sungmin? Who are you?” Donghae asked.
“Sungmin is the pack leaders illegitimate son. I'm Yesung, the legitimate one.”
The boys eyes widened at the words, throwing each other wary glances. “Then why the hell are we hanging out here with you, when you're one of them? And Ryeowook, he's with the other one of you that's also one of them. Oh gosh... Ryeowook's as good as go-”
Donghae slapped a hand over Eunhyuk's big mouth. “The elders will hear you!”
“Doesn't matter!” Eunhyuk replied, prying Donghae's hand away. “What matters is that Ryeowook is in trouble!”
Yesung chuckled. “He'll be fine. Sungmin's taking care of him.”
“You two are the pack leader's son, why should we believe you?” Donghae asked.
After a slight shrug, Yesung turned to them with a sincere smile - a scary but honest one - before leaning back against a tree and slouching against it. “Because we hate our father, just as much as he hates us.”
-
“My father always hated me because I was born a Shaman, from a mistress of affairs none the less,” Sungmin laughed stiffly, “and he hated my half-brother because he protected me ever since we were children. His attempts at ridding himself of me were futile, because Yesung hyung always brought me back.”
Ryeowook nodded understandingly, wondering just how much emotional pain it took to rid Sungmin of his physical pain entirely.
“We hated him for bringing us up with his pack,” Sungmin continued, “we hate doing this.”
For now, Ryeowook thinks he can believe Sungmin's words because he's weak - emotionally and physically struggling for release - and doesn't have the strength to produce lies like a machine. “So, you bond together to save people from the towns you raid?”
“Somewhat,” Sungmin barked a laugh, “we can't save many, but as many as we can is just as good, I guess.”
“It's amazing,” Ryeowook said, offering an encouraging smile as he tacked on the last wrapping of the bandage. “You should stay put for another ten minutes or so, for safety measures. You don't have much health left to waste away.”
Sungmin thinks that Ryeowook is gorgeous - the way that the light shines over him, his lips cresting into a smile, his eyes gentle but filled with emotions - and there's not much Sungmin can do but admire it, wishing that someday, somehow, they can meet again after all this is over with.
“Where are they?”
“They're on the mountain,” Sungmin replies, letting his lids drop and darkness to consume him. Just one more minute, he promises himself. “My brothers watching over them.”
“Why don't you stay here and I'll just-”
Sungmin laughed. “What? Get caught by some other of my father's men? No. That won't work, Ryeowook.”
No one has ever said his name like that before. Sungmin's voice was easy on the ears, it sent shivers crawling all over his skin and the heat that was once in the pit of his stomach rushed up to his cheeks. Ryeowook concluded that it was a good feeling, a good way for them to start anew.
“They can't wait much longer,” Sungmin grunted, pulling himself out of the seat, “let's go.”
As much as Ryeowook wanted to protest, he knew they had to. A lot of people were waiting for them, and their lives were on the line - their lives depended on him.
-
Donghae nudged Eunhyuk on the shoulder. “There he is!”
“Ryeowook!” Eunhyuk shouted, alarming everyone in ear-shot. The boys parents quickly climbed out of the cars and rushed to their son for an embrace, holding him tightly in their weak arms.
Sungmin walked to Yesung's side, his older brother noticing the bandages on his bare chest under the jacket and holding him by the shoulder for support. “Siwon's okay?” he asked, hoping their friend in common was safe.
“He's fine now,” Sungmin smiled childishly - brightly - at his older brother.
Ryeowook caught the smile and he thinks that what he just saw must have been the real Sungmin, the true boy that lived in the shell of a tough man.
Their eyes met briefly but Sungmin forced himself to look away, afraid that he would lash out of his brothers arms and ask - no, beg - for Ryeowook to stay with him. Whatever magic Ryeowook had used on him, maybe voodoo of sorts, had definitely affected him because Sungmin found himself entranced, mesmerized, by the younger boy like a bee was attracted to honey.
Yesung laughed and Sungmin knew why, so he simply kicked his brother in the calf.
The brothers watched as the others boarded their cars after a quick thanking session and waved to them as they left. Sungmin continued watching Ryeowook's car, unexpectedly finding Ryeowook staring straight at him - turning to face the back - and Sungmin had to suppress the urge to run after him, to call out to him.
“I've never seen you like this before,” Sungmin subtly hears Yesung say, "so attached."
But Sungmin still has his eyes on Ryeowook as the younger boy mouths some words to him. He sends his roots after the car, under the ground, following the boy endlessly.
“Aside from you?” Sungmin joked back.
Yesung shrugs. “It's like you cut your umbilical cord off from me and glued it onto that boy you came with.”
The hint of jealousy in his voice was evident - it must have been a big brother type of thing, like what Eunhyuk had for Ryeowook.
“Maybe,” Sungmin chuckled. “But we'll meet again, we'll meet again soon.”
“How do you know?” Yesung asked.
Sungmin pulled himself out of his brothers arms and started back towards the town that was still burning its way down. “He told me so,” was his soft reply and Yesung smirked, knowing his brother too well for four simple words to satisfy his desire to know.
Yesung threw an arm over Sungmin's shoulder, the brothers walking side by side down the rocky roads of the mountain.“What else did he say?”
“It's futile running away, so he'll be back. He said we'll meet again and start fresh - when I'm not the pack leaders son and he's not a doctor - we'll meet as Lee Sungmin and Kim Ryeowook. Simple boys with simple goals.”
Yesung nods, understanding what Sungmin means.
All they ever wanted was to be ordinary. If Sungmin could have Ryeowook, then maybe he could find the strength to try.
Yes, Sungmin thinks, smiling to himself as his heart fills with happiness, if I had Ryeowook, I could try.
-
Two years later, they meet again in a new city - furnished with new lives as different people; Sungmin having stopped his Shaman practices for over a year and Ryeowook becoming the new city's best medical provider.
But Ryeowook had the same smile, the same gentleness in his eyes.
And Sungmin had the same air of confidence, the same determination in his smirk.
It was then that they knew running away was truly futile, because they were fated to meet and meet they did. Falling in love was only a part of the process, falling into each others dream - becoming each others goal - was the real deal.
With Ryeowook by his side, Sungmin discovers that ordinary is just as good as he imagined it to be. He's been disowned by his own father but he's been sheltered by his brother, adopted by love, and accepted by Ryeowook.
This is all he needs.
Ryeowook thinks so, too, because Sungmin is a changed man that hasn't changed much at all and he's grateful; grateful that he can have a man with a heart this big, a man with so much love waiting to be given and wanting to accepted.
Yes, Sungmin grins to himself in bed one night, Ryeowook tangled in his arms loosely, this is all I need; all I need is to be ordinary, all I need is Ryeowook.
And the night passes, as does day by day, until they can't seem to tell which words belong to whose mouths because their lips are lost in each others caresses and their bodies find rhythm sweeter than music.
They realize that this was what they've been seeking all along and relish in it - in their moments - because love is rare in their eyes, and hearts like theirs are even more so. So Sungmin uses his all to protect Ryeowook, and Ryeowook gives his all to keep Sungmin nearby.
Because nothing's more important than what they have now - this ordinary life - and neither would allow for it to slip through the creases of their fingers like it had two years ago.
This would be their last attempt at happiness, their everlasting endeavor.
And Sungmin will not lose - he never does. This happiness is his to take, and he'll take it. Even if it costs him his life. The roots of his heart have settled in Ryeowook's chest, these binds will never unravel. His happiness has finally arrived and he's not letting go.
No, this was only a beginning; a beginning with no ending. For eternity.
-----
A/N: Read Nyx's version of Minwook ILC (seriously, amazingly cute! so, do it!) here!
Finally got my internet back!! I almost had to ask Nyx to post this for me T.T but internet technician came in this morning and activated my internet (have I mentioned I hate moving? -_-;). I'll be updating all my other stuff (Chaptered story) soon. Sorry for the wait >.<
Irrelevant, but I got a puppy! Haha. Just needed to share. She's a Chinese Crested and absolutely lots of LOVE. I know Cresties are ugly, but she's so ugly she's cute!!