[Fic] At The Edge Of Everything
Title: At The Edge Of Everything
Rating: R
Pairing: Minseok/Jongin
Length: 3.6k
Author's Note: Happy birthday to Gabriella, my shining beacon of Xiukai light in a Xiukai deprived fandom!
Warnings: fem!exo, bit of violence
Summary: When every fight could be their last, Minseon holds on to what matters the most.
Minseon hits the ground, the air forced out of her body from the impact. Her ass takes the brunt of it, but her shoulders are aching the most; it’s only years of practice that had her lifting her head to keep it from hitting the asphalt. Her ears are ringing and there’s a distracting breeze that’s wafting up her short skirt.
Minseon curses under her breath and pushes back onto her hands so she can flip herself off the road and away from the creature launching itself at her. She barely makes it, cursing when a hit lands on her lower back, shunting her forward. As far as fights go, this one is draining her energy and she knows her partner isn’t doing too much better. From where she’s standing - albeit shakily - Minseon can’t see Jungah, but she can hear her. They’ve always been in tune with each other; Minseon can even distinguish Jungah’s heart beat from a block away. And right now, Jungah’s heart is working over time, thudding against her ribs as she fights. Minseon itches to rush to her side, but she needs to take care of her own battle first.
Just this morning, Minseon was sitting on her balcony with a cup of coffee in her hand and the summer breeze fluttering through her hair. In the kitchen, Jungah was wrestling with the waffle maker, trying to coax it into making just one last batch before they have to retire it. It’s been steadily dying over the last months, not getting hot enough to cook the batter all the way through, but Jungah still tries. “Appliances are like family,” she’d once said while carefully boxing up the old tea kettle that had finally been deemed unuseable. “You treat them with respect and love and they’ll be good to you.”
Now Minseon and Jungah are weaving their way through the downtown business sector, trying to keep these creatures that flooded from the sewers from harming anyone. It’s old hat, this fight. It’s played out so many times and yet Jungah and Minseon still dance to the same tune. Some arrogant jerk decides to harness powers too strong for them to control and, somehow, it always leads to wanting to take over the world. The only thing that separates these magically unhinged megalomaniacs from actually taking over the world is a group of women who have tamed the power and are able to fight back.
Minseon and Jungah are two such women, tapping into the magic of their chosen element to transform into soldiers. There are twelve of them total, spread out over the world to ensure its safety. They’d all been together once, raising and containing the magic as a circle and planning how to use it for good rather than evil. They’d even designed their outfits mostly the same, thinking purely aesthetically instead of practically when they’d opted for heeled boots and tiny skirts. Too much Sailor Moon as kids is what Minseon blames.
Minseon is on the defensive, her arms crossed in front of her as this slimy, dripping creature rains blows down on her. None of them are strong on their own, but with one after the other, she has to back away slowly while trying to come up with a way to take out the creature for good.
There’s a plain silver bracelet on her wrist, the source of the magic that she channels through her body, and it shimmers in the sunlight. Minseon blinks, her irises changing from brown to icy blue as she pulls the cold into herself. Minseon’s element is ice, hard and unforgiving. In an instant, her arms are covered in thick ice, spikes growing outward, and the creature doesn’t have the time to stop before it impales its hands on the next blow.
It gives off a high pitched shriek, ripping itself away and breaking off pieces of the ice with it. The way it curls in on itself shows weakness that Minseon takes full advantage of. She creates an icicle in her hand, her fingers curled around the base as she lunges forward. It slides effortlessly into the dark swirling mass that she presumes is the creature’s face with a slick noise as it sinks in. The creature doesn’t make a sound this time; it simply goes limp, silently crumpling to the ground. Minseon watches as it seems to evaporate into nothing, the icicle falling to the ground after.
She takes off after where she last heard Jungah, but soon runs face first into Jungah’s chest instead because she’s just appeared in front of her.
“Remind me again why we volunteered for this?” Jungah whines.
Minseon looks at Jungah and grimaces. While Minseon is a little scraped up, Jungah is covered in the exploded remains of one of the creatures. It’s in her hair, smeared on her cheeks and chin, even splattered over her arms and legs, the white of her uniform now a gross murky brownish black.
“Because we were chosen,” Minseon reminds Jungah, but not unkindly. They’d all had their doubts. They’d all hesitated when their identical recurring dream all called them to one place to meet for the first time. The magic had chosen them, but it was their choice to either accept or reject it. Ultimately, they’d all accepted.
There’s nothing left for Jungah and Minseon to do out here. A sweep of the area with her magic reveals there are no other creatures in the city. They hadn’t originated here, and she’s going to call the rest of their group when they get home. But first she’s going to get Jungah into a shower.
Minseon’s apartment is small. Some would call it cramped, but Minseon likes to think of it as cozy. There are shelves lining every wall, some of them hiding the posters underneath. The shelves are home to books and sketchpads, figurines from her vacations and framed photographs of family and friends. There’s even a set of shelves in her bedroom for all her stuffed animals, cramped on the wall by the door because her single bed takes up most of the space.
Her kitchen isn’t much better, with racks of spices and utensils, coffee mugs hung on hooks under full cabinets. Minseon likes to shop at yard sales and thrift shops, giving a home to the dishes that don’t match or fit in. There are even several hanging planters in the window with flowers beginning to bloom on the hanging stalks.
So maybe it is cramped, but Minseon wouldn’t trade the view for the world. Her balcony has been taken over by potted plants she cares for like pets, and she’s hung a line for drying laundry that sometimes doubles as a way to keep her neighbors from peeping over. It’s fortunate because Jungah likes to drape herself over the long bench Minseon has on the balcony, naked as the day she was born when she sunbathes.
Minseon never expected Jungah to become a permanent fixture in her life. Jungah was the quiet girl in their group, keeping to herself. It was no surprise when the shadow element took her over, giving her the gift of traveling silently through shadow and darkness. So when everyone began splitting off to chase their enemies and Jungah asked to stay with Minseon for a while, it had come as an unexpected, but not unwelcome, shock..
Minseon can’t imagine her life without Jungah anymore. Jungah fills in all the empty space not only in Minseon’s apartment, but in her life too. Every morning, Minseon wakes with Jungah’s legs wrapped up in her’s, Jungah’s hair tickling along her neck. She always breathes in those moments, treasuring every second she has with this amazing woman because she doesn’t know if they’ll have another.
The threats they face could very well take their lives.
Minseon sighs, her feet pulled onto her patched up couch, the sleeves of her sweater threatening to fall to her wrists as her toes curl in the soft, faded green cushion.
“You alright?”
Minseon looks over at Jungah who is fresh out of the shower, dripping wet even with a towel wrapped around her torso as rivulets of water travel down from her dark hair. There’s an angry scratch along the back of Jungah’s left arm and a scrape on her knee.
“A little bumped and bruised, but I’m okay,” Minseon answers, gesturing Jungah over with a wave of her hand. Jungah moves around the cluttered coffee table to sit next to Minseon, turning so Minseon can reach her arm. The antibacterial ointment is already in Minseon’s possession from taking care of her own scrapes. She’s careful when she runs her fingers down Jungah’s injured arm, pressing as lightly as she can.
Jungah shifts to face Minseon when she’s finished, plucking the tube out of her hand and tossing it on the coffee table. Hands still pruned from the shower cup Minseon’s face and she can feel the warmth of Jungah’s lips on hers before they meet. Kissing Jungah has been one of Minseon’s favorite things since the first time it happened over a year ago. Jungah’s palm moves over the curve of Minseon’s cheek and further until her fingers are slipping through Minseon’s pink hair, pulling it down from her haphazard ponytail.
Jungah teases Minseon with her tongue, letting it slide slow and sure along the seam of Minseon’s lips before slipping inside her mouth. Minseon tugs softly at Jungah’s lower lip with her teeth, head tilting and heart stuttering over its next few beats. Jungah kisses the same way she does everything else - with an artistic grace that leaves Minseon breathless and wanting. Always wanting.
The glass doors to the balcony are open, letting in a warm breeze that tickles along Minseon’s skin, bringing with it the sweet scent of flowers. Jungah pulls Minseon closer, falling back on the arm of the couch as her towel comes undone. Minseon settles between Jungah’s legs, refusing to be parted from Jungah’s lips.
Jungah slips a hand beneath Minseon’s sweater, gliding her fingertips over Minseon’s stomach and ribs, brushing just underneath her right breast with her thumb. Minseon whines softly, kissing Jungah deeper as she shifts forward on her knees. Jungah tips her head back and sighs as Minseon now trails kisses down her neck. She swipes her tongue over the trails of water, hands running underneath Jungah’s thighs and to her hips.
“Hey,” Jungah whispers shakily, her legs spreading further as Minseon teases around Jungah’s nipple with the tip of her tongue. “Did you call the others?”
Minseon hums an affirmative, suctioning her lips around Jungah’s nipple now just to hear her moan. She pulls away slowly and the grip Jungah has on her tightens. “The person responsible was near Junhee. Her and Hana took care of it.”
“So there won’t be anymore sewer monsters climbing out to interrupt us?” Jungah’s tone implies that she’s still upset over the attacks. They’d been in bed when their bracelets warned them of the incoming danger. Jungah had been moments from slipping her hand down Minseon’s panties when it happened.
“Nothing’s dragging me away from you this time,” Minseon promises in a whisper, smiling as she kisses Jungah again. This time, there’s far more passion, heated breaths spilling through parted lips as they pull and tug each other closer. Minseon only pauses for Jungah to lift her sweater over her head, long pink strands of hair falling down to cover Minseon’s bare chest. Jungah helps Minseon raise on wobbly legs, her fingers hooked in her shorts and panties to shimmy them down. They cling to her ankle before falling to the floor.
Jungah brings Minseon down so she’s sitting on Jungah’s thigh. Minseon slides her own thigh up between Jungah’s legs with a knowing smirk. It’s a beautiful thing to watch Jungah rock her hips, unabashedly getting herself off on Minseon’s thigh, leaving a wet line over Minseon’s skin that aids her in going faster. Minseon stares only a little longer, soon indulging in her own pleasure as she allows Jungah to pull her down for a kiss.
With their carefully tended garden as their audience, Jungah and Minseon move together, swallowing soft whines and whimpers. The warm summer breeze feels cool on sweat slick skin, Minseon huffing out harsh breaths against Jungah’s mouth as the fire burns inside her. Jungah’s hands wander, cupping Minseon’s breasts and teasing her nipples until she moves down, palms curving on Minseon’s hips to move her faster.
Minseon takes one of Jungah’s hands, linking their fingers together and holding tight. There’s so much emotion in Jungah’s eyes, so much that she never says, but her body always gives her away. She may not tell Minseon exactly what she’s feeling, but she shows her. She’s always showing her. When Jungah comes, she curves toward Minseon, Minseon’s name on her lips without being said. Minseon can taste it.
Jungah wraps her arms around Minseon, urging her to go faster. There’s a beautiful pink blush spread over her cheeks and her hair is beginning to dry into soft frizzy curls. Minseon moans, her heart pounding and Jungah’s strong grip on her keeping her from melting away. With a whimpered cry and Jungah’s lips to muffle it, Minseon’s climax takes her over.
Jungah drags it out, moving Minseon when she can’t do it herself anymore. She’s trembling, clutching at Jungah until there’s nothing left. They’re both left sweaty and tired, leaning against each other with smiles. Jungah rests her palm on Minseon’s cheek, hair stuck in her fingers. Minseon rests her forehead on Jungah’s, their other hands still loosely clasped.
“We’re going to feel disgusting soon if we don’t shower,” Minseon whispers.
Jungah just smiles, shaking her head. “I used all the hot water.”
Minseon laughs. Of course she did.
Jungah is wearing dangly earrings. Every time she moves her head, the light catches on the silver, glinting in a way that draws Minseon’s attention. They’re sitting at an outdoor restaurant, their meal gone and the ice in their drinks nearly melted. Jungah stirs her’s with her straw, the ice remnants tinkling on the glass. Minseon taps her fingers on the table, letting the cold seep from her and into Jungah’s cup. The water solidifies again, leaving Jungah’s lemonade less watered down. From across the small table, Jungah grins.
It’s a muggy day, which means they have the outside to themselves. All the other customers are inside, enjoying the air conditioning. Once upon a time, Minseon would have been one of them. The moment she accepted her fate, she immediately felt separated, like she couldn’t be one of them anymore. And she’s not, but that’s alright. Jungah isn’t one of them either and Minseon likes it this way.
It’s been a week since the last attack and their scrapes are healed. The scratch on Jungah’s arm is a thin line that will be gone in a few days. Minseon regularly checks in on the others to make sure nothing is going on. She enjoys the quiet - prefers it even - but it’s always calm before a storm. She’s a little wound tight, like she’s just waiting for that familiar hum of magic to vibrate her bracelet and tell her something is wrong.
Minseon flinches, gasping aloud when Jungah flicks water at her. Jungah laughs, head thrown back for a second as Minseon wipes her face. “You have pensive face,” Jungah tells Minseon. “You always worry too much.”
“I worry just enough,” Minseon huffs with a crinkle of her nose.
“It’s cute,” Jungah comments, “but ultimately does nothing but make you miserable.”
Minseon studies Jungah’s face. She knows that Jungah used to have nightmares about the first enemy they’d ever had to face. He’d been brutal and nearly unstoppable. A few of them had almost lost their lives, including Jungah. There’s a scar that runs down parallel to her spine that even Yiyin hadn’t been able to heal completely. Jungah had her own way of coping that included learning how to open up and trust people.
It’s been a long time since Minseon’s been woken by Jungah’s nightmares, and it’s true that Jungah has adopted a carefree, live life one day at a time, attitude. Minseon envies it. It’s just not that easy for Minseon to do the same.
“I know,” Minseon finally sighs. She peers up at the sky, her sunglasses nearly sliding off the back of her head. She catches them and resettles them in her hair, using them to keep the strands out of her face. Jungah has her hair pulled up in a ponytail off her neck. She was smart and Minseon is suffering.
“We should go somewhere,” Jungah says. She peels her tank top from her chest and grimaces when the sweat glues it back on. “Somewhere cooler.”
“Bold words for a woman who complains of frostbite in September,” Minseon laughs.
Jungah leans forward, a bright smile on her beautiful face. “Come on,” she urges. “We can go anywhere. You name it.”
“Antarctica,” Minseon says, ducking when Jungah throws a balled up napkin at her.
“A vacation spot,” Jungah whines. “Someplace warm, but not humid enough to make everything sticky.”
Minseon is about to suggest someplace else that would have Jungah pouting - because she’s so cute when she pouts - but something holds her tongue. She takes in a shaky, frigid breath of air just as a familiar presence rings in her head. “Hana,” Minseon whispers.
When she blinks, she sees the vacant look in Jungah’s eyes. They’ve both received the message. Something is happening and they need to go. Minseon fishes money for their check from her purse before Jungah is taking her by the hand and heading toward the alley a few buildings down. The moment they hit the shadows, Jungah presses Minseon against the brick wall, her eyes black as they melt into the darkness.
Jungah has traveled through the shadows with Minseon several times before, but Minseon will never get used to it. She always feels as if inky tendrils are wrapped around her limbs, lingering for hours after. Jungah told her once that she’s not the only one in the shadows, but she would never divulge more than that. Minseon shudders, the crawling sensation beneath her skin fading only when Jungah slips an arm around her waist, chasing it away.
“Trouble?” Jungah asks, keeping Minseon tucked close to her side.
Minseon doesn’t recognize where they are; it’s dark outside and the only light is from the twin sphere hovering over Baekhee’s palms. There are no sounds of city life, which means they’re probably away from civilization, tucked out of sight. If the enemy is out here, then the distraction of people getting in the way will be absent for once.
“We don’t know,” Hana answers. “I can feel something, but then it will slip away.”
“We’ve been on a wild goose chase for hours,” Chanmi says, stepping out of the shadows. Minseon should have known she was here; Chanmi doesn’t let Baekhee go anywhere without her.
“Why were we called?” Minseon asks. Hana isn’t known to link with their minds unless it’s necessary. She appears shaken, her skin pale, although it could be the light that makes her seem so frail.
“I was hoping Jungah could take a peek in the shadows around the area just to be sure.”
Minseon is reluctant to let Jungah go, but she must. In a moment, Hana is on one side of her and Junhee on the other. Jungah gives Minseon a wink before she’s stepping out of Baekhee’s light. Minseon worries.
“Were you two on a date?” Chanmi prods.
“What makes you think that?” Minseon fires back, nose scrunching.
“Jungah is wearing earrings,” Junhee replies.
“And fishnet stockings under her tiny shorts,” Baekhee adds.
Minseon sighs. “Yes, we were kind of on a date, but it was almost over anyway.”
“Sorry,” Hana mumbles, perching her chin on Minseon’s shoulder.
Minseon rests her head on Hana’s for a moment. “Not your fault.”
Jungah appears in front of them again, worry creasing her face. “There’s nothing.”
“That’s a relief,” Junhee breathes.
“No, you don’t understand,” Minseon begins.
“There are always other things in the shadows,” Jungah explains. “There is nothing here.”
Silence falls over them, each of them looking at the others.
“What do we do?” Baekhee asks in a low voice.
“What can we do?” Hana answers with a sigh. “Unless there’s something out there I can find, there’s nothing we can do yet. We have to wait.”
Waiting. Minseon hates waiting. She hates the nagging worry that will plague her until their enemy shows itself. Worst of all, she’s afraid for Jungah, holding on tight to her as they take the shadows back home. Even as Minseon steps from the corner of her living room, that fear follows right behind.
“Stop that,” Jungah demands, flicking Minseon on the forehead.
Minseon glares at her for the half a second it takes for Jungah to kiss her, pulling Minseon close.
“Don’t fret until there’s something we can fight. Until then, let’s just enjoy right here, right now.”
Jungah has the right idea. Minseon gives her a nod even if she’s not entirely sure she can just turn off her worries. But she’ll try. Jungah helps, backing Minseon to the balcony doors and pressing Minseon against them.
“We have a date to finish,” Jungah breathes, her mouth trailing down Minseon’s neck.
Minseon tips her head back, eyes fluttering closed. She doesn’t point out that they’re supposed to go walking through the park before coming home. This, right here, with Jungah touching her, siphoning her fears just for a little while, is exactly what Minseon needs.
Worry can wait until tomorrow.
Rating: R
Pairing: Minseok/Jongin
Length: 3.6k
Author's Note: Happy birthday to Gabriella, my shining beacon of Xiukai light in a Xiukai deprived fandom!
Warnings: fem!exo, bit of violence
Summary: When every fight could be their last, Minseon holds on to what matters the most.
Minseon hits the ground, the air forced out of her body from the impact. Her ass takes the brunt of it, but her shoulders are aching the most; it’s only years of practice that had her lifting her head to keep it from hitting the asphalt. Her ears are ringing and there’s a distracting breeze that’s wafting up her short skirt.
Minseon curses under her breath and pushes back onto her hands so she can flip herself off the road and away from the creature launching itself at her. She barely makes it, cursing when a hit lands on her lower back, shunting her forward. As far as fights go, this one is draining her energy and she knows her partner isn’t doing too much better. From where she’s standing - albeit shakily - Minseon can’t see Jungah, but she can hear her. They’ve always been in tune with each other; Minseon can even distinguish Jungah’s heart beat from a block away. And right now, Jungah’s heart is working over time, thudding against her ribs as she fights. Minseon itches to rush to her side, but she needs to take care of her own battle first.
Just this morning, Minseon was sitting on her balcony with a cup of coffee in her hand and the summer breeze fluttering through her hair. In the kitchen, Jungah was wrestling with the waffle maker, trying to coax it into making just one last batch before they have to retire it. It’s been steadily dying over the last months, not getting hot enough to cook the batter all the way through, but Jungah still tries. “Appliances are like family,” she’d once said while carefully boxing up the old tea kettle that had finally been deemed unuseable. “You treat them with respect and love and they’ll be good to you.”
Now Minseon and Jungah are weaving their way through the downtown business sector, trying to keep these creatures that flooded from the sewers from harming anyone. It’s old hat, this fight. It’s played out so many times and yet Jungah and Minseon still dance to the same tune. Some arrogant jerk decides to harness powers too strong for them to control and, somehow, it always leads to wanting to take over the world. The only thing that separates these magically unhinged megalomaniacs from actually taking over the world is a group of women who have tamed the power and are able to fight back.
Minseon and Jungah are two such women, tapping into the magic of their chosen element to transform into soldiers. There are twelve of them total, spread out over the world to ensure its safety. They’d all been together once, raising and containing the magic as a circle and planning how to use it for good rather than evil. They’d even designed their outfits mostly the same, thinking purely aesthetically instead of practically when they’d opted for heeled boots and tiny skirts. Too much Sailor Moon as kids is what Minseon blames.
Minseon is on the defensive, her arms crossed in front of her as this slimy, dripping creature rains blows down on her. None of them are strong on their own, but with one after the other, she has to back away slowly while trying to come up with a way to take out the creature for good.
There’s a plain silver bracelet on her wrist, the source of the magic that she channels through her body, and it shimmers in the sunlight. Minseon blinks, her irises changing from brown to icy blue as she pulls the cold into herself. Minseon’s element is ice, hard and unforgiving. In an instant, her arms are covered in thick ice, spikes growing outward, and the creature doesn’t have the time to stop before it impales its hands on the next blow.
It gives off a high pitched shriek, ripping itself away and breaking off pieces of the ice with it. The way it curls in on itself shows weakness that Minseon takes full advantage of. She creates an icicle in her hand, her fingers curled around the base as she lunges forward. It slides effortlessly into the dark swirling mass that she presumes is the creature’s face with a slick noise as it sinks in. The creature doesn’t make a sound this time; it simply goes limp, silently crumpling to the ground. Minseon watches as it seems to evaporate into nothing, the icicle falling to the ground after.
She takes off after where she last heard Jungah, but soon runs face first into Jungah’s chest instead because she’s just appeared in front of her.
“Remind me again why we volunteered for this?” Jungah whines.
Minseon looks at Jungah and grimaces. While Minseon is a little scraped up, Jungah is covered in the exploded remains of one of the creatures. It’s in her hair, smeared on her cheeks and chin, even splattered over her arms and legs, the white of her uniform now a gross murky brownish black.
“Because we were chosen,” Minseon reminds Jungah, but not unkindly. They’d all had their doubts. They’d all hesitated when their identical recurring dream all called them to one place to meet for the first time. The magic had chosen them, but it was their choice to either accept or reject it. Ultimately, they’d all accepted.
There’s nothing left for Jungah and Minseon to do out here. A sweep of the area with her magic reveals there are no other creatures in the city. They hadn’t originated here, and she’s going to call the rest of their group when they get home. But first she’s going to get Jungah into a shower.
Minseon’s apartment is small. Some would call it cramped, but Minseon likes to think of it as cozy. There are shelves lining every wall, some of them hiding the posters underneath. The shelves are home to books and sketchpads, figurines from her vacations and framed photographs of family and friends. There’s even a set of shelves in her bedroom for all her stuffed animals, cramped on the wall by the door because her single bed takes up most of the space.
Her kitchen isn’t much better, with racks of spices and utensils, coffee mugs hung on hooks under full cabinets. Minseon likes to shop at yard sales and thrift shops, giving a home to the dishes that don’t match or fit in. There are even several hanging planters in the window with flowers beginning to bloom on the hanging stalks.
So maybe it is cramped, but Minseon wouldn’t trade the view for the world. Her balcony has been taken over by potted plants she cares for like pets, and she’s hung a line for drying laundry that sometimes doubles as a way to keep her neighbors from peeping over. It’s fortunate because Jungah likes to drape herself over the long bench Minseon has on the balcony, naked as the day she was born when she sunbathes.
Minseon never expected Jungah to become a permanent fixture in her life. Jungah was the quiet girl in their group, keeping to herself. It was no surprise when the shadow element took her over, giving her the gift of traveling silently through shadow and darkness. So when everyone began splitting off to chase their enemies and Jungah asked to stay with Minseon for a while, it had come as an unexpected, but not unwelcome, shock..
Minseon can’t imagine her life without Jungah anymore. Jungah fills in all the empty space not only in Minseon’s apartment, but in her life too. Every morning, Minseon wakes with Jungah’s legs wrapped up in her’s, Jungah’s hair tickling along her neck. She always breathes in those moments, treasuring every second she has with this amazing woman because she doesn’t know if they’ll have another.
The threats they face could very well take their lives.
Minseon sighs, her feet pulled onto her patched up couch, the sleeves of her sweater threatening to fall to her wrists as her toes curl in the soft, faded green cushion.
“You alright?”
Minseon looks over at Jungah who is fresh out of the shower, dripping wet even with a towel wrapped around her torso as rivulets of water travel down from her dark hair. There’s an angry scratch along the back of Jungah’s left arm and a scrape on her knee.
“A little bumped and bruised, but I’m okay,” Minseon answers, gesturing Jungah over with a wave of her hand. Jungah moves around the cluttered coffee table to sit next to Minseon, turning so Minseon can reach her arm. The antibacterial ointment is already in Minseon’s possession from taking care of her own scrapes. She’s careful when she runs her fingers down Jungah’s injured arm, pressing as lightly as she can.
Jungah shifts to face Minseon when she’s finished, plucking the tube out of her hand and tossing it on the coffee table. Hands still pruned from the shower cup Minseon’s face and she can feel the warmth of Jungah’s lips on hers before they meet. Kissing Jungah has been one of Minseon’s favorite things since the first time it happened over a year ago. Jungah’s palm moves over the curve of Minseon’s cheek and further until her fingers are slipping through Minseon’s pink hair, pulling it down from her haphazard ponytail.
Jungah teases Minseon with her tongue, letting it slide slow and sure along the seam of Minseon’s lips before slipping inside her mouth. Minseon tugs softly at Jungah’s lower lip with her teeth, head tilting and heart stuttering over its next few beats. Jungah kisses the same way she does everything else - with an artistic grace that leaves Minseon breathless and wanting. Always wanting.
The glass doors to the balcony are open, letting in a warm breeze that tickles along Minseon’s skin, bringing with it the sweet scent of flowers. Jungah pulls Minseon closer, falling back on the arm of the couch as her towel comes undone. Minseon settles between Jungah’s legs, refusing to be parted from Jungah’s lips.
Jungah slips a hand beneath Minseon’s sweater, gliding her fingertips over Minseon’s stomach and ribs, brushing just underneath her right breast with her thumb. Minseon whines softly, kissing Jungah deeper as she shifts forward on her knees. Jungah tips her head back and sighs as Minseon now trails kisses down her neck. She swipes her tongue over the trails of water, hands running underneath Jungah’s thighs and to her hips.
“Hey,” Jungah whispers shakily, her legs spreading further as Minseon teases around Jungah’s nipple with the tip of her tongue. “Did you call the others?”
Minseon hums an affirmative, suctioning her lips around Jungah’s nipple now just to hear her moan. She pulls away slowly and the grip Jungah has on her tightens. “The person responsible was near Junhee. Her and Hana took care of it.”
“So there won’t be anymore sewer monsters climbing out to interrupt us?” Jungah’s tone implies that she’s still upset over the attacks. They’d been in bed when their bracelets warned them of the incoming danger. Jungah had been moments from slipping her hand down Minseon’s panties when it happened.
“Nothing’s dragging me away from you this time,” Minseon promises in a whisper, smiling as she kisses Jungah again. This time, there’s far more passion, heated breaths spilling through parted lips as they pull and tug each other closer. Minseon only pauses for Jungah to lift her sweater over her head, long pink strands of hair falling down to cover Minseon’s bare chest. Jungah helps Minseon raise on wobbly legs, her fingers hooked in her shorts and panties to shimmy them down. They cling to her ankle before falling to the floor.
Jungah brings Minseon down so she’s sitting on Jungah’s thigh. Minseon slides her own thigh up between Jungah’s legs with a knowing smirk. It’s a beautiful thing to watch Jungah rock her hips, unabashedly getting herself off on Minseon’s thigh, leaving a wet line over Minseon’s skin that aids her in going faster. Minseon stares only a little longer, soon indulging in her own pleasure as she allows Jungah to pull her down for a kiss.
With their carefully tended garden as their audience, Jungah and Minseon move together, swallowing soft whines and whimpers. The warm summer breeze feels cool on sweat slick skin, Minseon huffing out harsh breaths against Jungah’s mouth as the fire burns inside her. Jungah’s hands wander, cupping Minseon’s breasts and teasing her nipples until she moves down, palms curving on Minseon’s hips to move her faster.
Minseon takes one of Jungah’s hands, linking their fingers together and holding tight. There’s so much emotion in Jungah’s eyes, so much that she never says, but her body always gives her away. She may not tell Minseon exactly what she’s feeling, but she shows her. She’s always showing her. When Jungah comes, she curves toward Minseon, Minseon’s name on her lips without being said. Minseon can taste it.
Jungah wraps her arms around Minseon, urging her to go faster. There’s a beautiful pink blush spread over her cheeks and her hair is beginning to dry into soft frizzy curls. Minseon moans, her heart pounding and Jungah’s strong grip on her keeping her from melting away. With a whimpered cry and Jungah’s lips to muffle it, Minseon’s climax takes her over.
Jungah drags it out, moving Minseon when she can’t do it herself anymore. She’s trembling, clutching at Jungah until there’s nothing left. They’re both left sweaty and tired, leaning against each other with smiles. Jungah rests her palm on Minseon’s cheek, hair stuck in her fingers. Minseon rests her forehead on Jungah’s, their other hands still loosely clasped.
“We’re going to feel disgusting soon if we don’t shower,” Minseon whispers.
Jungah just smiles, shaking her head. “I used all the hot water.”
Minseon laughs. Of course she did.
Jungah is wearing dangly earrings. Every time she moves her head, the light catches on the silver, glinting in a way that draws Minseon’s attention. They’re sitting at an outdoor restaurant, their meal gone and the ice in their drinks nearly melted. Jungah stirs her’s with her straw, the ice remnants tinkling on the glass. Minseon taps her fingers on the table, letting the cold seep from her and into Jungah’s cup. The water solidifies again, leaving Jungah’s lemonade less watered down. From across the small table, Jungah grins.
It’s a muggy day, which means they have the outside to themselves. All the other customers are inside, enjoying the air conditioning. Once upon a time, Minseon would have been one of them. The moment she accepted her fate, she immediately felt separated, like she couldn’t be one of them anymore. And she’s not, but that’s alright. Jungah isn’t one of them either and Minseon likes it this way.
It’s been a week since the last attack and their scrapes are healed. The scratch on Jungah’s arm is a thin line that will be gone in a few days. Minseon regularly checks in on the others to make sure nothing is going on. She enjoys the quiet - prefers it even - but it’s always calm before a storm. She’s a little wound tight, like she’s just waiting for that familiar hum of magic to vibrate her bracelet and tell her something is wrong.
Minseon flinches, gasping aloud when Jungah flicks water at her. Jungah laughs, head thrown back for a second as Minseon wipes her face. “You have pensive face,” Jungah tells Minseon. “You always worry too much.”
“I worry just enough,” Minseon huffs with a crinkle of her nose.
“It’s cute,” Jungah comments, “but ultimately does nothing but make you miserable.”
Minseon studies Jungah’s face. She knows that Jungah used to have nightmares about the first enemy they’d ever had to face. He’d been brutal and nearly unstoppable. A few of them had almost lost their lives, including Jungah. There’s a scar that runs down parallel to her spine that even Yiyin hadn’t been able to heal completely. Jungah had her own way of coping that included learning how to open up and trust people.
It’s been a long time since Minseon’s been woken by Jungah’s nightmares, and it’s true that Jungah has adopted a carefree, live life one day at a time, attitude. Minseon envies it. It’s just not that easy for Minseon to do the same.
“I know,” Minseon finally sighs. She peers up at the sky, her sunglasses nearly sliding off the back of her head. She catches them and resettles them in her hair, using them to keep the strands out of her face. Jungah has her hair pulled up in a ponytail off her neck. She was smart and Minseon is suffering.
“We should go somewhere,” Jungah says. She peels her tank top from her chest and grimaces when the sweat glues it back on. “Somewhere cooler.”
“Bold words for a woman who complains of frostbite in September,” Minseon laughs.
Jungah leans forward, a bright smile on her beautiful face. “Come on,” she urges. “We can go anywhere. You name it.”
“Antarctica,” Minseon says, ducking when Jungah throws a balled up napkin at her.
“A vacation spot,” Jungah whines. “Someplace warm, but not humid enough to make everything sticky.”
Minseon is about to suggest someplace else that would have Jungah pouting - because she’s so cute when she pouts - but something holds her tongue. She takes in a shaky, frigid breath of air just as a familiar presence rings in her head. “Hana,” Minseon whispers.
When she blinks, she sees the vacant look in Jungah’s eyes. They’ve both received the message. Something is happening and they need to go. Minseon fishes money for their check from her purse before Jungah is taking her by the hand and heading toward the alley a few buildings down. The moment they hit the shadows, Jungah presses Minseon against the brick wall, her eyes black as they melt into the darkness.
Jungah has traveled through the shadows with Minseon several times before, but Minseon will never get used to it. She always feels as if inky tendrils are wrapped around her limbs, lingering for hours after. Jungah told her once that she’s not the only one in the shadows, but she would never divulge more than that. Minseon shudders, the crawling sensation beneath her skin fading only when Jungah slips an arm around her waist, chasing it away.
“Trouble?” Jungah asks, keeping Minseon tucked close to her side.
Minseon doesn’t recognize where they are; it’s dark outside and the only light is from the twin sphere hovering over Baekhee’s palms. There are no sounds of city life, which means they’re probably away from civilization, tucked out of sight. If the enemy is out here, then the distraction of people getting in the way will be absent for once.
“We don’t know,” Hana answers. “I can feel something, but then it will slip away.”
“We’ve been on a wild goose chase for hours,” Chanmi says, stepping out of the shadows. Minseon should have known she was here; Chanmi doesn’t let Baekhee go anywhere without her.
“Why were we called?” Minseon asks. Hana isn’t known to link with their minds unless it’s necessary. She appears shaken, her skin pale, although it could be the light that makes her seem so frail.
“I was hoping Jungah could take a peek in the shadows around the area just to be sure.”
Minseon is reluctant to let Jungah go, but she must. In a moment, Hana is on one side of her and Junhee on the other. Jungah gives Minseon a wink before she’s stepping out of Baekhee’s light. Minseon worries.
“Were you two on a date?” Chanmi prods.
“What makes you think that?” Minseon fires back, nose scrunching.
“Jungah is wearing earrings,” Junhee replies.
“And fishnet stockings under her tiny shorts,” Baekhee adds.
Minseon sighs. “Yes, we were kind of on a date, but it was almost over anyway.”
“Sorry,” Hana mumbles, perching her chin on Minseon’s shoulder.
Minseon rests her head on Hana’s for a moment. “Not your fault.”
Jungah appears in front of them again, worry creasing her face. “There’s nothing.”
“That’s a relief,” Junhee breathes.
“No, you don’t understand,” Minseon begins.
“There are always other things in the shadows,” Jungah explains. “There is nothing here.”
Silence falls over them, each of them looking at the others.
“What do we do?” Baekhee asks in a low voice.
“What can we do?” Hana answers with a sigh. “Unless there’s something out there I can find, there’s nothing we can do yet. We have to wait.”
Waiting. Minseon hates waiting. She hates the nagging worry that will plague her until their enemy shows itself. Worst of all, she’s afraid for Jungah, holding on tight to her as they take the shadows back home. Even as Minseon steps from the corner of her living room, that fear follows right behind.
“Stop that,” Jungah demands, flicking Minseon on the forehead.
Minseon glares at her for the half a second it takes for Jungah to kiss her, pulling Minseon close.
“Don’t fret until there’s something we can fight. Until then, let’s just enjoy right here, right now.”
Jungah has the right idea. Minseon gives her a nod even if she’s not entirely sure she can just turn off her worries. But she’ll try. Jungah helps, backing Minseon to the balcony doors and pressing Minseon against them.
“We have a date to finish,” Jungah breathes, her mouth trailing down Minseon’s neck.
Minseon tips her head back, eyes fluttering closed. She doesn’t point out that they’re supposed to go walking through the park before coming home. This, right here, with Jungah touching her, siphoning her fears just for a little while, is exactly what Minseon needs.
Worry can wait until tomorrow.