A Dance With You
Title: A Dance With You
Pairing: HanHae
Rating: PG-13 for suggestiveness (?)
Summary: Accepting a dance, taking a chance.
A/N: Yes yes yes, HanHae is fine melodyprower11 Nope, no one's hurt! XD
Hangeng dances.
His arms, like silk as they slip off air molecules. His feet, like a gentle tapping symphony as he danced in leaps across the stretch of room. His body like feather as he follows the lead of the soft music. His charisma tells the story of a passionate soul full of love for dancing. His believe in perfection holds a promise of a better tomorrow for himself. His childhood… His childhood formulates an obstacle in his pursuit of his dreams.
He, who dreams… of being able to dance like a butterfly fluttering among the flowers, lively and carefree, is the perfect demo for a beautiful tragic serenade.
But not everything was going bad for him. He has friends, 14 others who live together with him under one roof. Friends whom he’d known for many years, friends whom he’d gone through thick and thin together, friends who… are quite opposite of who he is but they all share the same thing. They have suffered enough hardships to be where and who they are today. Among them, no one is lesser than the other, which creates a sense of peace and the possibility for Hangeng to even want to befriend them.
***
Donghae peeps through the slight creak the door made as it was left slightly ajar. His eyes gleaming as he followed every path the dancer’s feet mapped across the shiny studio floor. Unable to take his eyes off of the graceful man, he nearly gasped out loud in surprise when the man suddenly stopped and made his way to the door, pushing it the rest of the way open.
Hands clasping to his own mouth, the young inquisitive man found a pair of cool unfeeling eyes staring into his wide and shocked ones.
“How many times must I tell you to not do that?” The voice was soft but Donghae felt shivers ran down his spine at the icy chill in the other’s tone.
Swallowing nervously and looking downwards, he answered shakily at the intimidating towering presence of the dancer. “I just wanted to watch you dance.”
Something flashed in those eyes, and they softened. Stepping aside from the doorway of the room, what the other said next caught Donghae off guard. “Come in.”
The two words had him blinking and frozen for a good few seconds. It was the first time the other was inviting Donghae to watch him dance. Music started playing again, and that was when he got his feet to move. He found a seat at the corner of the room on the floor and as if Donghae was non existent, the dancer started dancing again.
“Never do that again.”
“Okay.”
***
Hangeng never likes it whenever Donghae does this. It’s not even understandable why the other was so frightened of him. His nervous stance never seems to falter whenever Hangeng talks to him. His eyes never met his whenever Hangeng is near him. Yet, Hangeng is the only one Donghae always turns to whenever series of what happened when he was young reached out to him at night. The gruel scene of blood and lifeless bodies around him, desperate screams echoed an eerie reminder of what happened, and his parents… killed before his very eyes. Donghae always had counted himself lucky to have survived the lunatic’s massacre, but everyone knows how much he’s suffering from the events of nightmares and just how much he misses his parents…
Hangeng was the only one Donghae could sleep so soundly against through stormy nights. Hangeng was the only one whose presence, even if it’s just mere presence, could offer Donghae comfort.
“Hangeng hyung.”
Hangeng stirred and mumbled before slowly opening his eyes. “Donghae?” He muttered when a familiar figure loomed over him. The silhouette that Hangeng knew too well to not be able to identify, he moved a little in his bed to make space and threw his blankets open, a nonverbal cue for the younger man to join him.
No words were exchanged as Donghae climbed into Hangeng’s bed. The elder tucked the covers around their bodies, wrapping them snugly together and brought Donghae tight against his chest.
Donghae made himself comfortable. He laid his head on the other’s shoulder, one of his hands rested lightly on Hangeng’s sharp hip, one leg lightly over the other’s leg, and he relaxed. Neither was closing their eyes yet, just staring up at the white ceiling and into the darkness.
Hangeng is rubbing his hand over Donghae’s arm slowly, warming the skin there and making the goose pimples retreat. It was so quiet that Hangeng could hear his own heart beating. “Donghae ah,” He continued when the other said nothing. “I have this strangest request.” Pausing to ensure the other was still awake, he used a hand to tilt Donghae’s face upwards to look at him. Eyes met briefly before Donghae darted his gaze again, and Hangeng felt regret. “Will you dance with me?”
The question had Donghae’s gaze snapping back to Hangeng’s but the connection soon broke again, even faster than the previous. “N-now?”
Hangeng smiled against the head that was laid back down onto his shoulder. “No, not now, I just wanted to dance with someone whom I know well. I-It’s not always fun to dance solo… But you don’t have to agree to it, I-I could ask Teukie hyung o-or anyone.”
Donghae felt his heart hammering at the chance. Dancing with Hangeng… What will their version of dancing together be like? Will they be waltzing with Hangeng’s arm around his waist or will it be hip hop style? Will their bodies be close together, so close that their breaths mingled? Will Hangeng use that opportunity to kiss-
“It’s okay, I’ll… I’ll ask Teukie hyung tomorrow then. Let’s sleep-“ Hangeng started adjusting the covers blindly in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. Donghae must have found him weird asking a question like that. Guys don’t dance with guys. Well, definitely not the way he’s thinking about.
“I’ll do it.”
“What?” He had been positive Donghae was going to reject him.
“I’ll dance with you.”
***
Neither said anything about dancing the next day. Everything went on as usual as though Hangeng’s invitation was never mentioned. They hang out with the rest, laugh and talk like any other day as some lay sprawled on the cool tiles of the living room, some slumped themselves on the couch, others gathered around the self proclaimed professional gamer, Kyuhyun, as he click away furiously on his PSP.
“Yes!”
That was an exclamation coming from someone the other 14 boys wouldn’t get curious about. Kyuhyun have won another game and responding to the victory shout from the young man would only earn them a smirk and a waggle of the thick brows. Everyone would rather call a pass for that.
“Why are we spending our night like this?” Hyukjae asked as he pushed Donghae from his lap, ignoring the yelp from the other man, and sat up on the couch. “We should be out there having fun, visit the pubs, dance in the clubs, and so much more. We should just get out from under this roof of ours and enjoy while the night is still young.” He whined and threw a disgusted look at Heechul, who immediately responded to his remarks.
“And order a glass of strawberry milk from the bar in a club?”
The teasing question sent the whole room of grown man into fits of laughter. Shindong laughed so hard he rolled from the couch and bumped his head against Sungmin’s foot where he was laying supine on the floor, clutching his stomach, and laughing just as hard. They didn’t laugh for no reason, it’s because it actually did happen once, about a few years ago, when the group decided to celebrate the gummy smiled man’s 20th birthday at a renowned club in town. Hyukjae had not wanted to break his vow of not taking any alcohol and ordered a glass of strawberry milk instead.
“That was years ago, for goodness sake.” Hyukjae rolled his eyes and slump back onto the couch.
“But… An order of a coke wouldn’t have been more comical right?” Shindong tried to straighten his face for a moment but failed and ended up laughing even harder at the memory. He could still remember clearly the ridiculous look on the bartender’s face when he received the order from the clueless man who just turned 20.
“All right, it’s enough. I think we’ve laughed enough that night.” Leeteuk said lightly when seeing that Hyukjae was puffing his cheeks and pouting at the constant reminder of his own blunder.
Hangeng got up from the floor next to Kyuhyun and walked over. He chuckled and ruffled Hyukjae’s hair. “Why don’t we go down to that club again?” He stopped when the lanky man snap his head to stare up at him. Fearing that he’d offended Hyukjae, Hangeng corrected himself quickly. “I mean, where would you like to go then?” He tried to smile as the other just stared blankly.
Then suddenly, the eyes lit up and lips stretched, showing pink gums and white teeth. “Let’s go to the club then!”
“Aish, you have to take that long to answer?” Yesung groaned and pulled Ryeowook with him. “Come on, wookie. Let’s get changed.”
“Let’s all get changed!” Shindong announced as everyone started moving from their spot.
“Wait! Let me beat this score first!”
***
It was dark except for the lights that were spinning above his head. The music was deafening and he could feel the vibration of the bass thumping against his heart. He looked up above and was fascinated by the décor of the club. There weren’t just spot lights spinning above. There were long and thick different coloured neon sticks lining the whole ceiling of the club in designed patterns and somehow, instead of the usual bright and lively vibe that neon usually gave, it actually felt soothing.
“Careful!”
Someone caught Donghae’s arm and yanked, just in time to dodge a man who’s drunk enough to not see clearly, stumbling and running into him. With Donghae out of the way, the man fell onto the floor instead. The next minute he knew, he was up against a firm solid chest. He looked up, eyes met and again, Donghae quickly averted his gaze.
“We have to really watch where we’re going here.” Hangeng kept his hold on the other’s arm and lead the two of them, following the group as they moved towards the bar.
“Coke on the rocks please.” Hyukajae ordered confidently which had Kangin staring back with both brows raised. “What?” The younger man asked innocently.
“Nothing.” Kangin muttered. He turned back to the bartender and ordered his drink, trying hard not to laugh. It wasn’t that ordering ‘coke on the rocks’ was wrong, but really, ‘coke’ would have been just fine.
“This is so exciting!” Ryeowook swayed his body to the music and beamed.
“Have fun guys, but please have mercy on the alcohol too!” Leeteuk strained his voice against the loud music and made sure he got all 14 nods of the head before he smiled. “Especially Henry!” Ignoring the other’s protests, he continued. “What are you waiting for? Let’s partyyyyyy!” A chorus of cheers answered in approval as the guys bounced off to the dance floor. Some remained at the bar though. Heechul prefers to stick his butt to the chair and look out for ‘targets’, well, that’s what he said.
***
Donghae was suddenly unsure of what to do. It wasn’t that it was his first visit to a club, but he just couldn’t seem to work his feet to move to anywhere except stand, watching as the rest stalk to the dance floor, just in time for the start of the next number playing over the stereo. It wasn’t pounding and fast paced like the previous one, rather, it carried a touch of soft pop and R&B. Ah, Donghae’s favourite.
“Will you dance with me?”
Hangeng held out his hand like a perfect gentleman asking for a dance. He was gazing smilingly at Donghae, who blushed and lowered his head. Donghae hesitantly reached out but was met halfway as Hangeng gripped his hand in a hold, firm but not painfully tight.
The taller man guided them to the huge dance floor. Everyone was just swaying to the soothing beat, moving their bodies to each tapping rhythm of the bass.
Donghae felt his breath hitch at the closeness between their bodies because of the huge crowd. He was literally plastered to the other’s chest and there didn’t seem to be anything he could do about it. His heart raced, his eyes grew heavy. He felt his legs turn jelly when Hangeng wraps his arms around Donghae’s waist to bring him closer.
Donghae breathed, his breathing, rapid and shallow. Eyes fixated to the naked expanse of skin the dancer’s shirt wasn’t covering. Donghae saw the bop of the other’s larynx and followed the movement. He had just the slightest urge to lick down the length of that graceful neck.
The smaller man soon found himself in a daze as they continued swaying to the seemingly endless song. More people were filling in onto the dance floor and both men were brought even closer together. Donghae’s hands were between their bodies, resting against the calm thumping of heartbeat. He could feel Hangeng’s breath against his temple, a soft whisper of air that played with the hair there. Fluttering his eyes close, Donghae laid his forehead gently on the other’s shoulder and felt Hangeng’s arms wrap tighter around him. The faint waft of cologne invaded his senses and Donghae smiled. It’s still the same. Hangeng still smelled the same, of comfort and warmth.
Neither of them spoke. There’s just Hangeng holding Donghae, and Donghae against Hangeng. Both were comfortable with the silence between them as they let the music lull their souls into a calming peace that both wished for it to never dissipate.
***
Hangeng looked down at the head on his shoulder, looked up, and looked down again. He wonders what Donghae is thinking. Could he be feeling dread to be so close to him? They weren’t talking, Donghae’s not looking at him, Hangeng couldn’t figure exactly what the younger man is thinking. Donghae’s hand was over his heart and he had to will himself to stay calm or the other man will know that he’s excited by this intimate closeness between them.
He cleared his throat. “Donghae?” Frowning just a little when said person did not respond, Hangeng tried again. “Donghae ah?” Patting lightly at the base of the other’s spine where Hangeng’s hands are at, but still, the younger man is not responding. Hangeng raised a brow in confusion.
Then, just when he least expected it, Donghae lifted his head. Hangeng drew back and widened his eyes as Donghae met his gaze, held it, and finally, Hangeng saw what was hidden from him for so long.
I can’t look you in the eye. I can’t because I’m afraid my eyes will tell you what my heart is afraid to say…
“Donghae…”
Hangeng was stopped by Donghae’s finger as he pressed it to his lips, shushing him. “Shh…” Donghae’s eyes were so bright and it spoke of so much more, that little words were needed right now. The smaller man moved his gaze over Hangeng’s face as if it was the first time he really looked at it. Then they landed on his lips, an act that was too obvious to the taller man.
Hangeng opened his mouth slightly and licked his suddenly dry bottom lip. His heart pounded and he swallowed thickly. Donghae returned his gaze to Hangeng’s, not averting this time. “Can we go somewhere?”
The dancer widened his eyes at the sudden question. “W-where do you want to go?”
Donghae’s eyes drooped a little. “Anywhere, I just don’t want to stay here.”
Blinking, Hangeng nodded hesitantly. “All right.”
“Let’s go.” Donghae muttered and pulled Hangeng’s hand from around his waist and held them in his hands, pulling both of them out of the club.
***
The pair passed by a confused Henry, “Where are they going?” His eyes were wide with curiosity as they stared up into Heechul’s twinkling ones. “They’re going to relieve an ache, sweetie.” Bursting into a sputter of swears and curses when Leeteuk approached and smacked him right on the head.
“Don’t listen to him, Henry. They’re just going to settle some… stuff that’d been buried inside them for too long.” Knowing the maknae wouldn’t rest until he got what he asked for, Leeteuk sighed and explained, in a way more appropriate for the younger’s ears. He turned to glare at Heechul.
“What?” The slender man shrugged and returned to his drink.
Leeteuk ignored the man and followed the shadows of his two dongsaengs until they disappear out of the club.
***
Donghae brought him to a skating rink.
“Skating?” Hangeng asked as Donghae disappeared to a corner and flicked the controls. A sound startled the elder before lights flicker and came on. The center of the rink was lighted up by a circle of light and Hangeng looked around him.
“Donghae?” He went over to the younger man who was busy putting on the skates.
“What are you waiting for?” The chill in the rink was making their skin flush red and Hangeng had to smile as he saw a blush painting the other’s cheeks. “Put them on.” Donghae said excitedly as he threw Hangeng a pair of skates.
Obeying, Hangeng sat and started struggling with the laces, earning a youthful laugh from the smaller man. “Here, let me.” Donghae knelt down and swatted the dancer’s hands off lightly before tugging on the knots. Helping him to wear the skates even, the taller man blushed at the fact that even at his age he needed someone to help him with that.
“There, we’re done.” Donghae grinned and got up. He pulled Hangeng with him and the two men wobbled to the rink, careful not to fall in the skates and finally made it.
Standing in a center of the light, Donghae drew a deep breath and released it on a contented sigh.
“Wait,” Hangeng’s voice had Donghae turning his attention to him. “Isn’t this place closed already?” He widened his eyes at the knowledge. “Holy fishes in heaven, Donghae, did you just break in to someone else’s property?” The taller man lightly hit the smaller man on his arm and demanded.
“Ouch, hyung, I didn’t break in, we walked in, remember?” Donghae ended the last word on a sing song note that had Hangeng rolling his eyes at him.
“What if I couldn’t skate?” Hangeng bit back in reply.
“I know you can.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m just smart like that.” Donghae grinned goofily and Hangeng rolled his eyes again.
“Whatever, I’m leaving, bye.” Hangeng turned to exit the rink when Donghae caught his arm.
“Hyung- Hannie,” Donghae used the endearment in his name and knew the other man would not be able to reject his offer. “Just this once?”
Hesitantly, Hangeng turned, met the eager eyes of the other, and sighed. “Just this once, Donghae.” When the younger man’s face lit up at his approval, Hangeng smiled, “Just this once.”
“You’re the best!” Donghae gushed and skated off.
A soft music started playing in the background as Hangeng stood on his spot. He wonders where it came from but the thought was cut off when Donghae shouted over to him. “Hyung! Come join me!”
Hangeng skated over and both men met.
“We could have a little fun, hyung.” Donghae waggled his brows and Hangeng was suspicious. “Oh come on, don’t always gimme that look as if I’m up to something.” Donghae was frowning and pouting and Hangeng had just the slightest urge to kiss that pout away. He chuckled. “Aren’t you?”
“No, of course not!” Donghae defended. “I mean, we could really just have fun. You know, without the others here…” He trailed off and darted his gaze guiltily.
“O-kay,” Hangeng nodded his head. “I get it. Let’s just have fun, shall we?” He laughed and the other followed him in the awkward laugh. “Donghae ah, let’s race. Ready, set, go!” Hangeng zipped off on his count and the other man let out a whine. “Not fair hyung!”
They laughed and skated alongside each other. It had been quite a while since Hangeng last skated with a partner but it was easy with Donghae. Somehow, they were skating in time and rhythm with the soft music over their heads.
The two men skated seriously for a short while, but it didn’t last. Soon, Donghae was feeling mischievous enough to lightly push Hangeng, causing him to almost lose his balance. “Hey!” The smaller man laughed at the response but it was cut off when Hangeng pushed him back, hard.
Donghae swung his arms as he fought to regain his balance, got his feet firm and stabled himself. “Why, you!” He chased after the dancer who was triumphantly zipping off at high speed and Donghae had to move so fast his muscles cramp up, to catch up with him. The taller man let out a cry when Donghae caught him in his arms. Face plastering to the other’s back, Donghae wrap his arms around Hangeng’s waist and spin them around. He laughed at the other’s loss of control over his movement and suddenly released him. Hangeng lost his balance and fell on the cool ice on a thud.
“Ouch, Donghae, ouch!” Hangeng grimaced. He heard laughter and found himself laughing along as the other pulled him to his feet.
Donghae was still laughing when Hangeng suddenly spoke, recovering from his own laughter. “That was fun.” He smiled as Donghae wiped tears from his eyes. “Painful,” The dancer rolled his eyes before pausing to nod. “But fun.”
Donghae chuckled at the memory. “It was.”
Both men smiled but it faded and they just stood motionless, looking into each other’s eyes.
It was Donghae who slowly leant forward, closer and closer, stopping when he got too close. Mouth hovering beneath the other’s chin, he waited. After a few seconds, tentatively, closing the distance, Donghae lightly touched his lips to Hangeng’s chin. Withdrawing his lips but not moving his head away, the smaller man waited again. He breathed against the skin of the other man’s jaw and listened, to the beating of the heart. Hangeng’s heart was a chaotic rhythm and Donghae smiled at the effect of the little kiss he just gave.
The smaller man brought his hands up and rested them on Hangeng’s chest, placing one of his hands over his heart. He blew lightly on his neck and felt Hangeng shiver beneath him. The other man swallowed, Donghae saw the movement and he whispered. “Kiss me, Hangeng.”
The taller man felt something melted in him at the chance the other is offering to him. He cupped Donghae’s face and brought his lips onto his. It started off slow and sweet. Lips pressed to lips. Hangeng slowly coaxed Donghae’s lips open by licking the seam. The smaller man moaned and clutched at the fabric under his hands tightly.
Hangeng deepened their kiss, tongue mapping the intimate regions of the other’s mouth. His arms wrapped tightly around Donghae’s waist, bringing him flush against his chest. Then, it slowly subsided as the two men found their breaths. Hearts were racing, lips red and swollen.
The dancer rested his forehead against Donghae’s, his arms still around him while the other was releasing and clutching the fabric of his shirt all at the same time. He leaned lower to kiss the tip of the nose. “Thanks for the dance.”
Donghae smiled and looked up at the other, meeting his gaze and Hangeng saw what he never seen before. “Hannie, there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you.”
Hangeng chose to kiss Donghae on his forehead instead of listening. He whispered the same words the younger wanted to say into his hair and felt a smile against his chest and a squeeze around his waist in reply. Right in the chilly rink, with the light on them, they finally found each other.
The dancer found himself returning a smile of his own. This, he could definitely get used to.
END--