[ And as they planned, they go on a date. Kwang is not exactly nervous about it - nervous isn't the word. Anticipatory, maybe, fits better? Because - because he can tell that Junsu's been trying to keep things normal while a lot is going on in his head. And Kwang just wants him to know that everything is fine, wants him to be sure that Kwang is here for him, and wants to be.
They head into the city; both of them with fake papers for the checkpoint, Kwang all smiles for the militia as they walk through. It's always a little nerve-wracking, but once they're through, Kwang throws an arm over Junsu's shoulders, leaning in close. ]
Maybe next time I should just fly us into the city instead.
[ Not that easy but he'd be willing to try, if he had a way to protect Junsu from the heat. ]
[ junsu's been thinking about this since they talked about it. he'd wanted a date since learning about kwang and ten, wanting to feel like he had someone special, too, and here he is.
on a date.
with kwang, of all people. he's so happy. it makes it easier to forget that kwang has ten and that he'll always be a little less in kwang's eyes for it. it's not fair, comparing like that, but he can't help it. he's too scared not to, self-preservation coming first even when it's a matter of his own feelings. because he likes kwang. a lot.
he puts an arm around kwang's lower back when he puts one around his shoulder, smiling. ]
Maybe... books first? [ he likes the idea of having coffee after, discussing each other's choices, maybe ending up reading next to each other for a bit, comfortable. but if kwang wants to get coffee first, he'll do that happily, too. it's clear from his answer he's flexible.
[ Kwang doesn't compare. There's no competition, in his eyes; it isn't how his heart works. He just feels what he feels, for Ten, for Junsu, for Rook. It feels like different streams of feeling that don't cross over. He can love Ten, and he can love Junsu, and he can learn to trust Rook. Junsu's no lesser than Ten, in Kwang's eyes, but of course, he has no idea that this is something he should say.
He can only just be himself, and show Junsu how much he does care.
With a nod, he points towards a side street. The city, these days, is not much more than a few blocks wide, most of it concentrated where downtown used to strive, now surviving more than anything else. But Kwang knows of a small bookstore still tucked in between two other stores on the next street over. ] Books first. Tell me, what makes you such an avid reader?
[ The question is completely earnest, as is his smile when he answers Junsu's. ]
Technically. But I'd need to find a spell for you to be able to withstand the heat. When my wings are out, I... run hot.
[ dates are for flirting right?? so he's going to flirt. but they're also about learning about each other, so he'll answer kwang's questions truthfully. even if it's stuff he doesn't usually talk about much.
it's not that he doesn't want to. people usually don't ask. ]
When I was kid, books were how I escaped. They would take me all sorts of places, and when I read them I could be a hero.
[ he shrugs, trying to downplay how important that had been to him, how much of his identity is based on wanting to be like the heroes of his fantasy and science fiction books, with magic powers and bonds stronger than anything. ]
It stuck. I'll read anything, as long as it's fiction.
[ Kwang laughs right back, his fingers playing with the collar of Junsu's jacket. ]
Thanks, babe, but I mean - literally. My blood turns to fire, when the wings are out, and it increases my body temperature very significantly.
[ It's no joke. Kwang definitely doesn't want to burn anyone, least of all Junsu.
They emerge onto the right street as Junsu talks, and Kwang bites the inside of his lip for a moment, wondering if he should push with it, or not. ]
Did you need to escape? [ There are so many times Kwang wishes he had this ability, to lose himself into a book like this. It sounds magical, in ways he can't imagine. ] I don't think you need to be anyone special, to be a hero. It's your own story, and you're writing it every day. You can be whatever you want to be.
[ He points to the little bookstore, a few yards down. ] It's over there.
[ if possible. he's just saying — that part of kwang doesn't scare him. quite the opposite. the stronger he is, the more incredible he is in junsu's eyes.
he doesn't answer about his need to escape, because kwang points out the store and his excitement triples. he hasn't been to a bookstore since before the war. he misses how they smell. he misses the quiet hush between the rows.
pulling away from kwang, he grabs his hand and starts tugging him, moving faster, as close to walking before it turns into a jog. he laughs, too, excited and carefree, pushing the door open as they step inside. ]
Oh, wow. [ he's actually a little moved. it's nothing like the bookstores of before, but it's... it's something. there are shelves and books and a stifled quiet and it smells like paper, ink, binding glue. ]
[ Put some oven mitts on you and some safety goggles, and stay a little ways back, but he can show you if you want to see. And he happily will, despite the toll it takes on his body.
Kwang follows Junsu's lead happily to the store, jogging along and just taking in Junsu, looking so happy and carefree and beautiful, taking Kwang's breath away. And his breath keeps on being taken away when they step in and Junsu is awed, and Kwang is awed by it, too. ]
I wish I could take you somewhere bigger, but this is still a start.
[ He's whispering right into Junsu's ear as he stands behind him, rubbing his hands over Junsu's arms. ] But is this? Good?
[ he's not even sure somewhere bigger exists, and this is already so much more than he expected. he can forget how precious books have become, how much he missed them and the stories they contained while he was locked away.
he nods, at first not sure he can speak before he turns around and kisses kwang's cheek, finding his hand again. ]
It's perfect.
[ he starts to wander, touching, looking. his fingers trail over titles and book covers, some damaged but still valued. it makes him think so much about the small cell he was in, how many hours he spent wishing he had a book to read, and how many nights he spent lying awake thinking he might never get to read one again at all. ]
They didn't let us have books, back in jail. You were lucky if you got to see the sun.
[ but here he is. not only free, but in a bookstore. not only in a bookstore, but on a date with a lovely, lovely person that makes the world feel safer. he looks to kwang, like he didn't just say something he hasn't shared before. ]
[ Kwang beams at that kiss, at the look on Junsu's face, how happy he seems to be here, and follows along, noting some titles on the books spines, books he's been wanting to read and never had a chance, or classics he'd read.
Some classics he possibly helped write, but he doesn't really need to mention that.
Because then, Junsu says something that he's never said before, and Kwang stops for a moment, his eyes fixed on Junsu, the back of his head. It was so casual, and Kwang's heart twists, in part at the obvious trust there, but also in pain, just for the fact that Junsu was in prison for a while.
Kwang knows how it feels. He swallows hard around the nerves, and decides that he'll file this for later; he doesn't want to ruin Junsu's moment. ]
Oh, I'm a big fan of period fiction. I guess... it takes me back, in some ways. I also like magical realism a lot, even if a lot of these books have been banned during the war. They're hard to find, these days.
[ a soft gasp, because junsu just rememebred what kwang had said. ]
I want the one you told me about. A thousand years of solitude, right?
[ he's looking at a book, but puts it down, smiling at kwang. ]
That's what I want to read.
[ something kwang likes. if they can find it, of course, but junsu has hope. people protect books. pass stories around in secret. he's sure it's somewhere, and he'll find it one day. he wants back toward kwang, putting a hand on the small of his back. ]
If you want a book, I'll buy it for you. My treat.
[ With fingers at the small of Junsu's back, under his jacket, Kwang nods. ]
That'd be the one. I can't really tell if this store has any kind of organizational system, so we might have to spend a while in here...
[ The hardship. In between the smell of old books and that of Junsu's, Kwang is feeling safe, and calm, content and cozy. Like he's stepped into a dream the moment they walked through the door. In between the shelves, they're tucked away, away from any prying eyes, the aisles dark to protect the books, the air a little dusty.
It's sort of perfect. He leans closer without thought. ]
I have had a desire to re-read The Portrait of Dorian Gray...
[ junsu stays right where he is, almost wanting to beckon kwang even closer. hoping to do so with the way he looks at him, the way his hand comes to rest at his chest. hidden between shelves filled with books, it's like the rest of the store isn't there.
it's nice. junsu has had a lot on his mind, lately. that weight is barely there at all, only kwang's pretty hair in the light, his hand at the small of his back. ]
[ It matters more, to him, that Junsu finds the book(s) he wants. This is why they're here, from him, more than for Kwang. Kwang wanted to be able to witness this - Junsu happy, content, feeling like he belongs. Because he does. He belongs here, and in the house, and with Kwang, and with anyone else he wants, too.
But before all that, Kwang lips quirk into a smile as he leans in, closer and closer still, crowding Junsu against the shelves as he kisses him, not really chastely at all. ]
[ junsu bumps against the shelf and barely thinks to worry about knocking it over or disturbing a pile of books, because kwang is looking at him with a smile and he knows what's coming and he really, really wants it.
to be kissed by kwang among rows of books, in the middle of a store, where anyone might walk by.
and because he's so pleased with this date so far and unsure how to say as much. kissing works. kissing is good. he can up kwang's face and let the other hand curl into his shirt and pull him closer, pressing into the kiss, taste kwang, to say how much he's loving every minute of this. ]
[ It's not really not a kiss fit for public consumption. This is the kind of kiss they might share when they're on the verge of getting naked, which is obviously something they can't do, but it has the opportunity to convey just that - desire and happiness and comfort all at once. It's deep and wanting and Kwang holds onto the shelf by Junsu's head, letting out the smallest noise before he pulls back, looking a little dazed. ]
Much as I'd love to let myself carried away, we don't want a lifetime ban from this place now, do we?
[ junsu laughs, flushed and pleased, shaking his head as he bites his lip. he stares at kwang's, too, reddened from kissing him moments ago. god, he wants to kiss him again. who cares that they're in public...
but it's actually dangerous, given kwang's magical nature and the fact that they live in a house filled with magic. better not to draw attention to themselves. ]
Tease. Is this a preview of what I have to look forward to later?
[ Kwang moves his hand to brush his fingers along Junsu's cheek, his eyes saying a lot more than what he's quite ready to say out loud just yet.
But they definitely don't want to draw negative attention to themselves, that's most definitely true. Shame, because Kwang also wants to kiss Junsu again, deeper, harder, with more feeling. ]
Oh, you better believe it. [ Despite the words and what they're talking about, Kwang's tone is very soft. He pulls away, reluctantly. ]
[ junsu looks so happy. his smile is small, but his eyes say it all as he takes kwang's hand, squeezing it. he wants to hold it all day, but as they go through rows and rows of books trying to make some sense of where the book they want might be, he's forced to let go.
he stays close instead, often shoulder to shoulder, sometimes pointing out stuff he's read and liked and recommends, other times asking kwang his opinion or listening to his own suggestion.
they don't find the book, but after a while junsu has a couple to buy, and he looks over at kwang, holding out his hand. ]
[ He's not going to argue, though. He hands over the books, all used and tired and smelling just perfect. He doesn't mind if Junsu wants to pay for them, and if it makes him happy. He's not going to get into an argument with him about money.
Not when they're having such a good time. ]
I'll get you your coffee later. And - what do you prefer? Danish? Cinnamon bun? Almond croissant? What's your poison?
[ junsu's really happy about the lack of arguing. he takes the books and tucks them against his chest, smiling soft and pleased. ]
Biscotti? [ he likes those. he'll let kwang buy, this way the date was really a them thing, both of them equally treating the other. junsu finds he likes that a lot. the sense of balance, of being the same.
he starts weaseling his way between the rows to head back to the front cash, quickly paying for the books and handing kwang his bag with a brilliant smile. ]
[ Kwang follows as Junsu walks through the shop and then waits as he pays, only able to grin back when the other hands him the bag, looking so happy it's impossible not to beam right back at him.
If it made him that happy to pay, too, Kwang was definitely not going to complain about it. He knew all about how treating others could bring such pleasure. Wrapping his hand around Junsu's when he hands him the bag, Kwang pulls him closer, for another quick, soft kiss, heedless of the shopkeeper. ]
[ he's as unbothered by the public display as can be. it's not dramatic enough to draw too much attention, and how could he not like a kiss from kwang, how could he not be happy after he let him buy him books?
now kwang owns something that junsu gifted him. it's like he's making a place in his life beyond his own presence. he likes that. ]
[ Kwang likes it, too. Likes having something that Junsu got for him, that he can keep and cherish. Maybe he's going to have to find a way to give him something he can keep, too, and already some ideas are floating around in his head about it.
He's going to have to do some research.
Grinning, he nods, taking Junsu's hand in his own as they start walking out of the shop again. ]
Coffee. And - we can come back here, anytime. I do hope they never go out of business, it'd be a terrible loss.
[ Kwang looks around the coffee shop when they make their way inside. It's warm and cozy, a little vintage. Music from much before the war is playing as they weave their way around to find a table in a corner.
He puts the bag down on the table as he gives the shop another look, spotting the large pastries display by the counter with a grin. ]
No, never. I don't come into town too often, actually. Sit, I'll go order.
[ He does, getting them a couple extra pastries along with Junsu's biscotti, and coffees, bringing it all back on a tray, hands steady. When he's done, he settles across from Junsu, leaning over the table a bit. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
date times
They head into the city; both of them with fake papers for the checkpoint, Kwang all smiles for the militia as they walk through. It's always a little nerve-wracking, but once they're through, Kwang throws an arm over Junsu's shoulders, leaning in close. ]
Maybe next time I should just fly us into the city instead.
[ Not that easy but he'd be willing to try, if he had a way to protect Junsu from the heat. ]
Coffee or books, first?
DATE TIMES!!!!!!
on a date.
with kwang, of all people. he's so happy. it makes it easier to forget that kwang has ten and that he'll always be a little less in kwang's eyes for it. it's not fair, comparing like that, but he can't help it. he's too scared not to, self-preservation coming first even when it's a matter of his own feelings. because he likes kwang. a lot.
he puts an arm around kwang's lower back when he puts one around his shoulder, smiling. ]
Maybe... books first? [ he likes the idea of having coffee after, discussing each other's choices, maybe ending up reading next to each other for a bit, comfortable. but if kwang wants to get coffee first, he'll do that happily, too. it's clear from his answer he's flexible.
though he has to ask. ]
You could really fly us?
screams internally
He can only just be himself, and show Junsu how much he does care.
With a nod, he points towards a side street. The city, these days, is not much more than a few blocks wide, most of it concentrated where downtown used to strive, now surviving more than anything else. But Kwang knows of a small bookstore still tucked in between two other stores on the next street over. ] Books first. Tell me, what makes you such an avid reader?
[ The question is completely earnest, as is his smile when he answers Junsu's. ]
Technically. But I'd need to find a spell for you to be able to withstand the heat. When my wings are out, I... run hot.
[ An understatement. ]
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You're already hot as it is, darling.
[ dates are for flirting right?? so he's going to flirt. but they're also about learning about each other, so he'll answer kwang's questions truthfully. even if it's stuff he doesn't usually talk about much.
it's not that he doesn't want to. people usually don't ask. ]
When I was kid, books were how I escaped. They would take me all sorts of places, and when I read them I could be a hero.
[ he shrugs, trying to downplay how important that had been to him, how much of his identity is based on wanting to be like the heroes of his fantasy and science fiction books, with magic powers and bonds stronger than anything. ]
It stuck. I'll read anything, as long as it's fiction.
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Thanks, babe, but I mean - literally. My blood turns to fire, when the wings are out, and it increases my body temperature very significantly.
[ It's no joke. Kwang definitely doesn't want to burn anyone, least of all Junsu.
They emerge onto the right street as Junsu talks, and Kwang bites the inside of his lip for a moment, wondering if he should push with it, or not. ]
Did you need to escape? [ There are so many times Kwang wishes he had this ability, to lose himself into a book like this. It sounds magical, in ways he can't imagine. ] I don't think you need to be anyone special, to be a hero. It's your own story, and you're writing it every day. You can be whatever you want to be.
[ He points to the little bookstore, a few yards down. ] It's over there.
no subject
[ if possible. he's just saying — that part of kwang doesn't scare him. quite the opposite. the stronger he is, the more incredible he is in junsu's eyes.
he doesn't answer about his need to escape, because kwang points out the store and his excitement triples. he hasn't been to a bookstore since before the war. he misses how they smell. he misses the quiet hush between the rows.
pulling away from kwang, he grabs his hand and starts tugging him, moving faster, as close to walking before it turns into a jog. he laughs, too, excited and carefree, pushing the door open as they step inside. ]
Oh, wow. [ he's actually a little moved. it's nothing like the bookstores of before, but it's... it's something. there are shelves and books and a stifled quiet and it smells like paper, ink, binding glue. ]
no subject
[ Put some oven mitts on you and some safety goggles, and stay a little ways back, but he can show you if you want to see. And he happily will, despite the toll it takes on his body.
Kwang follows Junsu's lead happily to the store, jogging along and just taking in Junsu, looking so happy and carefree and beautiful, taking Kwang's breath away. And his breath keeps on being taken away when they step in and Junsu is awed, and Kwang is awed by it, too. ]
I wish I could take you somewhere bigger, but this is still a start.
[ He's whispering right into Junsu's ear as he stands behind him, rubbing his hands over Junsu's arms. ] But is this? Good?
no subject
he nods, at first not sure he can speak before he turns around and kisses kwang's cheek, finding his hand again. ]
It's perfect.
[ he starts to wander, touching, looking. his fingers trail over titles and book covers, some damaged but still valued. it makes him think so much about the small cell he was in, how many hours he spent wishing he had a book to read, and how many nights he spent lying awake thinking he might never get to read one again at all. ]
They didn't let us have books, back in jail. You were lucky if you got to see the sun.
[ but here he is. not only free, but in a bookstore. not only in a bookstore, but on a date with a lovely, lovely person that makes the world feel safer. he looks to kwang, like he didn't just say something he hasn't shared before. ]
What do you like to read, babe?
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Some classics he possibly helped write, but he doesn't really need to mention that.
Because then, Junsu says something that he's never said before, and Kwang stops for a moment, his eyes fixed on Junsu, the back of his head. It was so casual, and Kwang's heart twists, in part at the obvious trust there, but also in pain, just for the fact that Junsu was in prison for a while.
Kwang knows how it feels. He swallows hard around the nerves, and decides that he'll file this for later; he doesn't want to ruin Junsu's moment. ]
Oh, I'm a big fan of period fiction. I guess... it takes me back, in some ways. I also like magical realism a lot, even if a lot of these books have been banned during the war. They're hard to find, these days.
no subject
I want the one you told me about. A thousand years of solitude, right?
[ he's looking at a book, but puts it down, smiling at kwang. ]
That's what I want to read.
[ something kwang likes. if they can find it, of course, but junsu has hope. people protect books. pass stories around in secret. he's sure it's somewhere, and he'll find it one day. he wants back toward kwang, putting a hand on the small of his back. ]
If you want a book, I'll buy it for you. My treat.
no subject
That'd be the one. I can't really tell if this store has any kind of organizational system, so we might have to spend a while in here...
[ The hardship. In between the smell of old books and that of Junsu's, Kwang is feeling safe, and calm, content and cozy. Like he's stepped into a dream the moment they walked through the door. In between the shelves, they're tucked away, away from any prying eyes, the aisles dark to protect the books, the air a little dusty.
It's sort of perfect. He leans closer without thought. ]
I have had a desire to re-read The Portrait of Dorian Gray...
no subject
it's nice. junsu has had a lot on his mind, lately. that weight is barely there at all, only kwang's pretty hair in the light, his hand at the small of his back. ]
Should I help you look for it?
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[ It matters more, to him, that Junsu finds the book(s) he wants. This is why they're here, from him, more than for Kwang. Kwang wanted to be able to witness this - Junsu happy, content, feeling like he belongs. Because he does. He belongs here, and in the house, and with Kwang, and with anyone else he wants, too.
But before all that, Kwang lips quirk into a smile as he leans in, closer and closer still, crowding Junsu against the shelves as he kisses him, not really chastely at all. ]
no subject
to be kissed by kwang among rows of books, in the middle of a store, where anyone might walk by.
and because he's so pleased with this date so far and unsure how to say as much. kissing works. kissing is good. he can up kwang's face and let the other hand curl into his shirt and pull him closer, pressing into the kiss, taste kwang, to say how much he's loving every minute of this. ]
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Much as I'd love to let myself carried away, we don't want a lifetime ban from this place now, do we?
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but it's actually dangerous, given kwang's magical nature and the fact that they live in a house filled with magic. better not to draw attention to themselves. ]
Tease. Is this a preview of what I have to look forward to later?
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But they definitely don't want to draw negative attention to themselves, that's most definitely true. Shame, because Kwang also wants to kiss Junsu again, deeper, harder, with more feeling. ]
Oh, you better believe it. [ Despite the words and what they're talking about, Kwang's tone is very soft. He pulls away, reluctantly. ]
Let's find you this book, yeah?
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he stays close instead, often shoulder to shoulder, sometimes pointing out stuff he's read and liked and recommends, other times asking kwang his opinion or listening to his own suggestion.
they don't find the book, but after a while junsu has a couple to buy, and he looks over at kwang, holding out his hand. ]
Give me those so I can get them for you.
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[ He's not going to argue, though. He hands over the books, all used and tired and smelling just perfect. He doesn't mind if Junsu wants to pay for them, and if it makes him happy. He's not going to get into an argument with him about money.
Not when they're having such a good time. ]
I'll get you your coffee later. And - what do you prefer? Danish? Cinnamon bun? Almond croissant? What's your poison?
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Biscotti? [ he likes those. he'll let kwang buy, this way the date was really a them thing, both of them equally treating the other. junsu finds he likes that a lot. the sense of balance, of being the same.
he starts weaseling his way between the rows to head back to the front cash, quickly paying for the books and handing kwang his bag with a brilliant smile. ]
Here you go! For you.
no subject
[ Kwang follows as Junsu walks through the shop and then waits as he pays, only able to grin back when the other hands him the bag, looking so happy it's impossible not to beam right back at him.
If it made him that happy to pay, too, Kwang was definitely not going to complain about it. He knew all about how treating others could bring such pleasure. Wrapping his hand around Junsu's when he hands him the bag, Kwang pulls him closer, for another quick, soft kiss, heedless of the shopkeeper. ]
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
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[ he's as unbothered by the public display as can be. it's not dramatic enough to draw too much attention, and how could he not like a kiss from kwang, how could he not be happy after he let him buy him books?
now kwang owns something that junsu gifted him. it's like he's making a place in his life beyond his own presence. he likes that. ]
Coffee now?
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He's going to have to do some research.
Grinning, he nods, taking Junsu's hand in his own as they start walking out of the shop again. ]
Coffee. And - we can come back here, anytime. I do hope they never go out of business, it'd be a terrible loss.
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[ easy peasy solution!
he holds junsu's hand tightly as they make their way to the coffee place, throwing curious glances kwang's way. ]
Have you come to this coffee place before?
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He puts the bag down on the table as he gives the shop another look, spotting the large pastries display by the counter with a grin. ]
No, never. I don't come into town too often, actually. Sit, I'll go order.
[ He does, getting them a couple extra pastries along with Junsu's biscotti, and coffees, bringing it all back on a tray, hands steady. When he's done, he settles across from Junsu, leaning over the table a bit. ]
Can I ask you something? It may be personal.
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