Whispered Lullaby: Chapter 2
i. story by: hydraheiress
ii. pairing: yunjae, yoosumin (kind of)
iii. genre: romance, drama, fluff, humor, highschool, fantasy
iv. length: 2/18
v. rating: nc-17
vi: warnings: hinted incest, mention of drug overdose, character death, sexual content
vii. summary: To Jaejoong, Appa Yunho was his everything. But what if circumstances one day will force his father to leave his side?
viii. chapters: [1] |
chapter two
"Appa you're late!" Little Jae whined as he stomped his foot on the floor, lips curved into the cutest pout with his arms crossed against his chest.
Yunho heartily laughed at such cuteness. "Hey little guy. Miss me?"
Jaejoong whipped his head to the side and pretended to be upset. "Hmph!" He was but only six years old and yet he already has the tendency to act like a drama queen. But the young child liked to act this way for the reason that his appa fawns all over him when he appeared upset. And to Jaejoong, having Yunho's attention all to himself was always what completes his day. He was a pretty greedy little kid when it comes to his father's affections.
"Aww, is my Joongie mad?" Yunho cooed as he knelt in front of the small boy. He held his cheeks and gently turned his head to face him. "What does appa have to do to be forgiven huh?"
Jaejoong was still pouting cutely, halfheartedly glaring at him under dark fringes. He wasn't mad really, maybe just a bit annoyed. He helped umma cook his appa's favorite food and he'd been waiting for an hour. His umma gave up waiting but Jaejoong was persistent. "You said you'd come home early tonight because we're gonna eat together."
Yunho grimaced at the accusing and dissapointed tone. "I'm sorry baby. Appa got holed up in work." He sighed and looked at the boy seriously in the eye. "I promise it won't happen again. Please forgive appa hmm?" He pleaded then purposely let his lower lip jut out into a pout with his brows drooping to the side. He resembled a kicked puppy.
It only took less than a minute before Jaejoong broke into a fit of giggles at such a display. "Kyaaa! Appa is so cute!" He squealed and gushed as he threw his arms around his neck and snuggled close, sniffing him.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Yunho chuckled by his ear as he hoisted the young boy up by the back of thighs.
"Mhm!" Jaejoong replied passionately and pulled back to look at his father's face as the older male began walking towards the direction of the dining room. "I helped umma in cooking your favorite!"
"Omo! Really?"
Jaejoong vigorously nodded. "So you should a lot Appa, ne?"
Yunho gave his chubby cheeks a deep kiss before smothering him affectionately in his embrace. "Of course! I'll eat everything my baby Joongie made. It's gonna be so yummy! Appa can't hardly wait!"
Pure bliss filled his young heart at Yunho's words and he was sure that he was never going to love anyone else as much as he loved his appa. "Yay!! Appa, made Joongie so happy!" Jaejoong exclaimed and rewarded his father a quick kiss.
Then remembering something, Jaejoong shifted in Yunho's arms. "Oh, appa. I'll prepare the table. You can put me down now." He said with a cheeky grin, excited to do what he had planned for Yunho ever since that late afternoon.
"Oh okay." Yunho complied and placed the little boy down. Once his feet touched the floor, Jaejoong jogged to the table and pulled up a chair for Yunho to sit on. "Appa come sit."
Yunho followed his son's instructions, feeling touched and amused at the same time. Judging by the twinkle in his eyes, he could tell that something was up. He chose to be quiet, letting Jaejoong do as he pleased.
"Appa, I'll go get your food ne? Wait here."
"Alright baby." Yunho chuckled as he watched the little boy disappear through the kitchen entrance. For some time he waited, until Jaejoong showed up again. And Yunho's eyes widened considerably at what he saw next.
Jaejoong was wearing the most blinding bright smile, coupled with a very fluffy looking pink apron wrapped around his front. He also had pink mittens covering his hands while he carried the small casserole that had Yunho's dinner.
The ribbon clip on his hair was also hard not to miss.
"Joongie ah..." Yunho breathed, caught in between wanting to squish his son to infinity because of the cuteness overload or... well, squish his son to infinity because of the cuteness overload. "What... what is this?"
"Appa." Jaejoong placed the food container on the table then wrapped his arms tight around what he could reach of his father's waist. "Seonsaengnim said that when appa is tired, umma should be there to take care of you and love you but..." He chewed on his bottom lip and hugged him tighter as if somehow he could feel the exhaustion that Yunho undoubtedly feels everytime he came home after a long day's work. "I know umma doesn't really do anything for appa. So I'll do it instead ok?" He looked up at him with wide imploring eyes. "I'll be appa's wife from now on."
Yunho stared in silence. He felt at a loss of words. But soon enough his heart melted at the endearing sight of his son. Jaejoong must've realized the lack of affection his wife had for him. Everynight that he arrives, there were no welcome home greeting or concerned words from Ara. She doesn't bother asking questions like "How was your work? Do you need a massage?" Or even the simpliest inquiry of "Have you eaten?" She was always so ice cold to him. It was better back when they were just friends. She was at least nice.
Yunho lovingly smiled and patted Jaejoong's head. "You really want to be appa's wifey Joongie?"
"Me want that so much!" Jaejoong excitedly exclaimed, eyes shining with unabashed love for his father. He stood on tiptoes then cupped Yunho's face before giving him several light smacks on the mouth. "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!" He giggled and pulled away from the hug. "Yay! I'll get the rest of Appa's food!" He jogged away, leaving Yunho's lips tingling and his heart encased in such pleasant warmth.
"My baby." He softly uttered, hearing Jaejoong's happy singing of "Joongie is appa's wife. Lalalala" coming from the kitchen. Guess what Youngwong said was right. Jaejoong was indeed strongly fixated at him. He knew that he should discourage his little boy to act the way he was acting, or tell him that he couldn't possibly take the role of his wife, but as one flash of Jaejoong's crestfallen expression raced through his thoughts, he knew he didn't have the heart to tell him off. It wasn't like he minded Jaejoong' behavior anyway. "One day he'll grow up and saying or doing such things would be embarrassing for him." He dotingly smiled. "I might as well enjoy his affections while he's still young."
**
"Appa, you came!" Jaejoong squealed and hurriedly hopped onto his father's strong arms the second he was able to exit their classroom door. He threw his arms around his neck like he always does and snuggled tight.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss my baby's birthday for the world!" Yunho cheerily said as he pecked him on the cheek. Ara was waiting by the passengers seat of their car, gaze fixed on them. Yunho turned and caught her staring. He sighed. There was that look in her eyes again that really gives him a bad feeling. It was almost like, watching them, her husband and son, pained her in a way that he couldn't understand. "So, where do you want to go today huh?"
"Amusement Park! Amusement Park! Amusement Park!" Jaejoong chanted happily, arms animatedly moving in front of Yunho's face, remembering quite well the promise his father made that he was going to bring him to that place on his birthday. "Appa, I want to ride the rollercoaster and the Ferris Wheel! I want ice cream. Buy me ice cream appa? And cake! And pizza! Spaghetti! Teobukki! Kimbibap! And and and..." His eyebrows knitted together as if he was thinking of something else to add to the long list of his plans for that day. He really was the perfect picture of cute.
"Woah, slow down there Joongie." Yunho laughed and poked the overly excited child's nose affectionately. "Appa will do everything for my baby. So you don't have to ask. Appa, will make sure that Joongie has the best birthday ever."
"Woooohh!" Jaejoong cheered in barely repressed energy. "Appa is the best!"
**
The time they spent at the amusement park was indeed a time well spent. Yunho was always there by his side, going with him to rides that he wanted to try. Minus the rollercoaster however due to the tenant saying that Jaejoong was too young to ride one. He pouted and glared for a few minutes until finally, he smiled, courtesy of Yunho carrying him on his back and giving him a piggy back ride. And just like that, he forgot that he was mad about not being able to ride the rollercoaster. Yunho made true to his word and Jaejoong's smile until they went home didn't disappear.
And it also turned out that Yunho prepared a birthday party for him. Jaejoong's eyes had positively widened once they stepped into the yard, his eyes shining in so much happiness after seeing the kids in their neighborhood singing him his birthday song with smiles and gifts present in their hands. Plus, he saw all the food. Now, he understood why his appa said that they were only going to eat once they were home. He specifically had his party catered.
"Uwaaaaa!" Jaejoong was beyond amazed. In less than a second, he glomped his appa like there was no tomorrow.
Soon after, the party began and Jaejoong was all smiles and cheery laughter as he participated in the games with kids his age. Yunho was the cameraman, recording everything about the party and most especially his son. Food and beverages were abundant as the guests wished the young celebrant a happy birthday and ate to their heart's content.
Then the time of opening of the presents came.
"Appa! Kamsa!" Jaejoong exclaimed in amazement, eyes widening as he opened the gift that his father bought for him. He had been eyeing that huge box from earlier and throughout the games. He kept wondering who it was from. He was so excited to open it and now, it turned out that it came from none other than his father. Yunho's gift was a teddy bear that was as big as Jaejoong that had the nametag "Yunniebear" on it's chest.
"I know you love cuddling with appa a lot, so even if appa is not around and is at work, just think that when you're hugging Yunniebear, you're also hugging me ne?" Yunho said beside him, his arms around his shoulders as he kissed the mop of his hair. "When you hug Yunniebear. Appa will feel it too baby."
He looked up at him with contemplative eyes. "Really?"
"Of course." Yunho said with a smile. "Appa wouldn't lie about that."
Jaejoong stared at the teddy in front of him. He didn't know where such feeling was coming from but suddenly, he felt tears prickle his eyelids. He looked up at Yunho with sudden glassy eyes.
Looking at his father's face, he quickly understood why he felt like crying. He wanted to always be with his appa 24/7 but he also knew, young as he might that appa was working hard for him.
Yet still, the times that he was at home and his appa was at his job, he longed to always hug him, to feel his warmth, and now, knowing that his appa thought of a gift that would make it seem like they could always be together; he was very happy, touched to the point that he was moved to tears thinking that Appa wanted to be always with him too.
He placed the teddy bear down and threw his arms around his father, face buried on his chest. "Saranghe appa!"
Yunho's gaze softened, arms circling around Jaejoong's frame as he pulled him closer against his chest.
"Appa will always love you too Joongie."
Jaejoong hugged him tighter, fully intent of staying there. But their moment was abruptly interrupted when Yunho's phone rang. "Oh, appa needs to take this call baby." he said and pulled back to fish the phone from his pocket.
"Appa... you're not gonna leave me are you?" Jaejoong tentatively asked while worrying his bottom lip. He didn't like it when his father gets a call. He always had to go do something for work.
Yunho smiled. "Of course not baby. You have appa all to yourself today remember?" He winked playfully while placing the device by his ear to answer the call as Jaejoong clung to his shirt, arms circling around his waist as if afraid that if he didn't hold him tight enough, he would walk away.
"Yobosaeyo?" Yunho greeted the caller on the other line.
Jaejoong stared up at him with wide pleading eyes.
"Ne Yoochun ah?" He looked down at Jaejoong and smiled, fingers raking through his dark soft strands. "Yeah I'm home. Told you it's Joongie's birthday today remember?"
Words that he couldn't clearly hear reached his ears. But Jaejoong was quick to realize that with the way his father's torso tightened, his whole body for that matter, that whatever it was he was being told was anything but good.
"Appa?" Jaejoong asked, worriedly tugging at his shirt to get his attention, but Yunho didn't seem to hear a word.
"I'm on my way!"
Flipping his phone shut, Yunho faced Jaejoong as words of apologies fell from his lips. "I'm sorry. Appa has to go."
"Waaaeeee?" Jaejoong held him tighter as he furiously shook his head. "No, no! You promised we'll be together the whole day!" Tears prickled his eyes and the sight was enough to tear Yunho's heart into shreds.
He didn't want to go... but Youngwoong.
With a heavy heart, he firmly pried the boy's arms off his body. Jaejoong struggled as he kept on clinging to him. His eyes were screwed such as tears began to roll down the side of his cheeks, saying no over and over again.
"Joongie look at me." Yunho softly coaxed but when when Jaejoong ignored it, he raised his voice. "Look at me!"
Jaejoong's eyes fluttered open as he continued to spill tears. "Appa you promised! You promised!"
"Appa is very sorry baby, but something came up. Appa will be back as soon as possible."
Jaejoong's lips quivered. "But it's my birthday!"
"I know." Helplessness was evident in Yunho's tone. "But this is important. Appa has to go. I won't take long okay? I'll be right back." He wiped the small boy's face with his thumb and kissed his tears away. "You understand right? Please don't cry anymore baby. It hurts appa to see his baby Joongie cry."
The gentle, loving act somewhat calmed the crying boy down. Eventually, he sobs subsided as he relished in the closeness of his father. His heart still ached. But he also knew at the back of his mind that his appa wouldn't leave his side unless it was very important.
Jaejoong sniffed and opened his eyes. When his gaze flooded with Yunho's sad expression, he instantly felt bad for making his appa sad like that. "Appa mianhe." He finally said after a moment. He cupped Yunho's cheek and lovingly caressed the soft skin before giving him a quick peck. "Don't take long okay? I will wait for you."
"I won't. Don't worry." Yunho replied and kissed his forehead before he stood up and went to Ara.
Jaejoong watched them converse. His umma was frowning. He hoped that she could make his appa stay but soon she nodded her head and looked his way. Yunho turned around. Jaejoong wanted to run to him but held his ground. Appa will be back quickly. He said so himself. He picked his teddy bear on the floor and smothered it in his arms, hoping Yunho could feel the hug as his eyes darted back on his appa's figure who was now walking to the car.
"Appa." He sullenly murmured, gaze shifting to Ara for a second who was walking over to him. He looked back to Yunho, their eyes meeting. He was smiling that smile that always melts his heart. "Appa's so handsome." He hugged the teddy bear tighter and when Yunho touched his arm as if he felt Jaejoong's embrace, the boy's lips finally parted into a happy smile. "Appa can feel me..."
Yunho waved at him, blowing him a kiss and said the three words 'I love you' that he alwayas longs to hear from him everyday. Out of nowhere, a strange feeling suddenly blossomed in his chest. Jaejoong flushed as he stare, for the first time feeling heat rise up in his cheeks. For some reason, he felt so ridiculously giddy.
"Yunniebear." He said to the teddy in his arms. "You're gonna be mine and appa's baby from now on ne?" He smothered the toy in a big hug, hiding his reddish face in the soft fabric as he giggled cutely like a boy experiencing his first crush, the face of his father and everything about him the only thing thing occupying his thoughts.
"Come home quick appa. Joongie wifey misses you already."
Next
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A/N:Whew. Can't believe I'm actually able to finish this chapter today. Anyway, I'm halfway done with the next chapter to Female Highschool Undercover and Project Yunho. I'm kinda having a writer's block with Thin Line Between Line and Hate T_T Sorry. I'm still revising Tied Fates chapter seven but I'll be posting it maybe in the next few hours. This didn't undergo any beta-reading so there might be several mistakes here and there. No need to point out spelling or grammar errors if you comment. I'll get back to cleaning this chapter once I'm done. Comments are very much appreciated and loved. I also apologize for the lameness. I have to admit this was a pain to write. I don't know how to make a father and son YunJae scene that isn't awkward ;_; So please bear with the crappyness.