rabenhorst | [fic] Minho/Key – SHINee – Never Say Goodbye

Crossposts: http://rabenhorst.livejournal.com/96658.html

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[fic] Minho/Key – SHINee – Never Say Goodbye – Chapter 5/7

Title: Never Say Goodbye
Author:

fonulyn
Rating: NC17 (overall)
Warnings: mentions of violence (nothing very graphic) and prostitution. also I quite possibly made up half of the stuff when it comes to the police force so some factual inaccuracy.
Pairing: Minho/Key (plus ninjaing!Qmi)
Characters: Minho, Key, Ryeowook, Jonghyun, Kyuhyun, Sungmin, Onew, Donghae, Heechul
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: It's been over two years since Minho lost Kibum, lost him without knowing why. He never expected to see him again. He definitely never expected to see him again like this. (aka Minho is a policeman and his job brings him much closer to his past than he ever thought possible.)
Comments: haha after some comments on the last part demanded a speedy update I figured I could throw in a new chapter already. hopefully it’s what you wanted ;) now we get a bit more insight on how Kibum sees things, on how his life is!

Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

If there’s one thing Kibum enjoys, it’s the nights he gets to go to the club with Ryeowook to listen to him sing. Sometimes, they team up for the performance, but Kibum isn’t that much of a singer and he prefers to leave it for Ryeowook who has both, talent and experience. Ryeowook keeps telling him he’d just need a little practice, but Kibum has never planned on staying here for good so he keeps declining.

The mood is nothing short of magical as Kibum lingers beside the small stage, watching how Ryeowook focuses on starting another song. Ryeowook’s eyes are closed and he’s swaying lightly, following the melody to join the piano with his voice. When he does, it makes the whole audience stop for a second, before they get back to whatever they were doing.

It might be a little silly but Kibum can’t help but feel pride of his friend. He wasn’t even supposed to make friends within the gang. Useful contacts, yes, as much as humanly possible, but no friends. Ryeowook is the only exception in the rule he has allowed himself.

While Ryeowook performs Kibum is allowed to have some time for himself. Ever since that night at the alley, weeks ago now, most of his time has been spent thinking about Minho. It’s like seeing him again triggered something and he can’t get him out of his mind, to the point of distraction.

He was already doing so well, too.

It’s not easy to throw your whole life aside and pretend to be someone you’re not, especially in a mission like this. What made it even harder for him was that he needed months to adjust, to get used to the ever present ache in his chest. Then, nights like this helped.

After the show they head back and Kibum gets ready for an early night. Jinki, his contact who is in a critical part in the same organization, has told him to lay low for a while not to rise any suspicions and thus he has nothing planned, except catching up on sleep. He’s not all that certain he can find the rest he needs, not with the way his mind is running, but he has to try.

He is already in bed when there’s a soft knock at his door. His heartbeat picks up and he wonders if it’s Minho – who he’s seeing dangerously often as it is – or if it’s maybe Jinki to discuss the next step they’ll take. Silently he slips out of bed and crosses the floor, hoping that the door won’t creak too much when he opens it an inch.

“Hey.” He is instantly greeted by a smile, and Ryeowook raises the bottle he has with him. “You looked a little down so I figured you could use some company?”

Kibum doesn’t even hesitate before opening the door wider, gesturing for the other man to come inside. “You and your bottle are always welcome.” He bows theatrically, both of them grinning as Kibum closes the door.

The empty bottle of booze is discarded to the floor as soon as they’re done with it, and soon after the two of them end up under the covers. It’s somehow comforting, to share a bed with someone who doesn’t expect anything of it, except for chatting and sleeping. Ryeowook makes them both laugh explaining about an encounter at the club, when someone figured that he was easy to hit on and take home. Neither of them has ever heard such lame pick-up lines.

The laughter dies down to low chuckles, and they stay silent, staring at the ceiling. Ryeowook shifts, turning on his side to look down at Kibum. “Hey, Key,” he begins slowly. “Remember that time at the club when that tall guy came bothering you?”

Instantly Kibum is slightly wary. “Yes..?”

“It’s just that,” Ryeowook says. He hesitates, then sighs a bit before smiling again. “I’ve seen him around here recently. Many times. And I wanted to ask if he’s… is he bothering you?”

Relief washes over Kibum so strongly he can’t help but laugh, the consumed alcohol making his head feel a little cotton-y and pleasantly hazy. “No. Thanks Wook, but it’s no problem at all.” The smile he gives his friend is honest, even if the words that follow couldn’t be further away from the truth. “He’s just another customer.”

“He seemed to recognize you from somewhere, though?” Ryeowook purses his lips thoughtfully. He flips his hair out of his eyes, huffing as he has to tuck a strand behind his ear to keep it there.

“No,” Kibum says. “He was mistaken. He thought I was someone else.”

“Oh.” Ryeowook nods. He sinks back on the bed again, shuffles under the covers until he’s comfortable right there next to Kibum. They’re so close they’re sharing body warmth, just an inch away from actually cuddling. It’s so relaxing Kibum is already drifting off when Ryeowook speaks up again. “Just, if he is bothering you, or starts bothering you, you have to tell me. We’ll sort it out.”

This is exactly why Kibum couldn’t resist forming this friendship. He was completely sold the first night in when Ryeowook came into his room asking him if he needed help with anything. From then on, he’s been one of the few things that have helped Kibum stay sane during the long months spent undercover.

Kibum smiles. “Thank you.”

There is truth to Ryeowook’s words though: Minho visits the premises almost daily, to the point of already getting noticed. Which is why Kibum brings it up once, in his ever-tactful way. “Minho you’ve got to stop running here every day like a dog in heat. People are starting to notice.”

“So what?” Minho looks up from the notebook in his hands, obviously not concerned. He is slouching in the single chair in Kibum’s room, in the exact same spot he claimed already over an hour ago when he suddenly appeared on one of his daily visits. Kibum had been in the shower when he arrived, but the doorman already knows Minho so well he lets him in anyway.

Which, if one asks Kibum, already shows how severe the problem is. Anger bubbles up instantly at Minho’s nonchalance, and with three long steps Kibum is standing in front of him to snatch the notepad away. “Would you please focus on this? Do you have any idea how much work has been put into this whole operation? You can’t just waltz in and destroy everything.”

“Relax,” Minho says. He tries to reach for the notepad again but it’s being held out of his reach so he gives in with a deep sigh. “C’mon. I’m sure I’m not the only regular you have. There must be some who come back for more.”

“Yes!” Kibum raises his voice but then quickly hushes again, aware of where they are. “Yes, there are. But no one comes back almost every single day. No one can be that horny.”

“I can.” The words are still so infuriatingly casual Kibum wants to hit something. Minho doesn’t seem to mind though and instead quickly uses the moment to grab the booklet back. He scribbles something further into it, to accompany his notes from before. “Look, I’ve managed to get acquainted with quite a few guys on the sales-side. It has to be an advantage, right?”

“What about when they realize you come back to buy drugs and to fuck your favourite whore every day, but that you never actually seem to be under the influence? In any way.” Kibum huffs. Minho grabs his wrist to pull him closer but he bats him away, irritated. “They’ll sniff out that it’s a trap. Or, even worse, they’ll think you’re buying from them to sell it forward and that’d make you competition.”

Finally Minho wins their impromptu tug-o-war and manages to get a proper hold of Kibum to yank him closer. It ends up in Kibum sitting sideways on his lap, looking like he’s ready to claw someone’s eyes out right now. Probably Minho’s. “Are you saying I need to start using the stuff I buy?” He asks, although he knows very well that’s not the point.

Kibum gives him the stare. “You are infuriating.” He struggles to get up again, but gives in after the second time he’s pulled back. “No, I’m saying you need to stop coming here so often. Look, I survived two years alone I can survive two days every now and then, okay?”

It’s like nothing has changed between them, and yet everything has. All their interaction, all the dramatic arguing, all of it is like a front for the pretended normalcy they both cling on to helplessly. They know there are explosives right below the surface. One can’t just wipe away two years worth of scars within a heartbeat. Yet right now, it’s the only thing that keeps them rooted, the only way they know how to act.

Somewhere deep inside Kibum keeps hoping that this is what they’ll once get back to. If they get through this, if they ever get their lives back, he’s determined to fight for this. As long as Minho lets him.

There is no answer to the question though and Kibum groans, finally forcing himself free so he can get upright. He grabs Minho’s arm then, pulling him up from the chair. “Now scram, I’ve got a… an appointment.” It’s code for a customer and they both know it, but Kibum still refuses to say it out loud. Instead he looks up at Minho, stubbornly pointing him at the door.

Minho lets out a breath so soft it’s barely audible. “Do you really need to?” He steps closer until he’s crowding Kibum’s personal space and reaches out to tug a strand of hair off his face. He lets his fingertips linger on Kibum’s cheek, follows the trail of his touch with his gaze. “Can’t you cancel it?”

“Minho,” Kibum sighs. He presses his forehead against Minho’s neck, partly to avoid his eyes and partly because he knows Minho enjoys it, as much as he does. “I have to.”

“I’ll be back,” Minho says, decidedly. He doesn’t say when and although Kibum keeps hoping he’ll try to visit less frequently now, he knows it’s not very likely.

There is no huge drama, this time. Minho steals a quick, heartfelt kiss, before he leaves. Then the door simply falls shut with a low thud and Kibum is alone in his room. He spends a good moment staring at the wall, trying to get some order in his chaotic thoughts. A part – the selfish part – of him is glad to have Minho back in his life, but another, far bigger part wishes he would’ve stayed out of this.

On the other side of the door, Minho closes his eyes and leans against it, trying to get a hold of himself. He knows he must go, fast, since if he’ll ever come face to face with any of the customers he can’t be held liable for his actions. The mere image of another man touching what should be his… it makes him ready to snap.

Minho knows he has no right to that, though. So he takes a deep breath, holding it in as he rolls his shoulders and works the tense muscles loose. Finally he releases all air from his lungs in one go and hurries out of the building in long, urgent steps.

During the following two weeks, Minho does his best to stick to the deal. He doesn’t visit Kibum every night, once even manages to let three days pass in between his visits. He’s marginally proud of himself after that. Thus far, his frequent visits haven’t brought any disastrous consequences upon them. Quite the contrary, he feels he’s getting more into the whole circle, already known well enough to be let into the back to collect his goods.

But not to the room at the very back, the one with the luxurious divan and the paintings that each could buy a house on a beach. Still, he feels like he’s making progress, and not even Kibum’s crabby and uncooperative attitude can spoil it. He knows – or at least suspects – that Kibum is only being difficult because he forced his way into the mission. Plus, of course, a little bit just on principle.

Then there’s the fact that he suddenly has Kibum back in his life. It makes him incredibly giddy, to the point that Jonghyun starts rolling his eyes at him mockingly, always ready to quip a dirty remark or allusion whenever the situation calls for it, and more.

In a way, it feels like living a dream and Minho is deathly afraid of waking up. In his world, waking up equals the end of the mission. For now they’ve worked out their fragile truce, a way to exist together in the situation and try to get the job done. After that’s gone, Minho has no idea where they stand. Yet he doesn’t dwell on it, doesn’t think about it. For him life has always been that simple. Focus on the present.

As much as he hates the secrecy, hates what Kibum has to do for his cover, hates the operation for throwing his life upside down, it’s still a million times better than the past two years.

Every time Minho feels he can’t get through the day, he swears to himself; whatever will happen, he will not stand by and watch as he loses Kibum again.

It takes some time still before Minho gets to meet the other half of this operation, the one Kibum works with. Technically, he has met Jinki before. That was when Ryeowook brought him here for the first time, when he desperately tried to book a night with Kibum through the official route. When he still knew the man as Onew.

When Jinki steps into the room he gives Minho a disapproving glance, pointedly ignoring him as he exchanges a few whispered words with Kibum. Minho sits still on the edge of the bed, feeling like he’s being evaluated and he has no idea if he’s going to pass the test or not. He fidgets, barely noticeably though, and tries to focus on inhaling slowly.

Finally Jinki turns around, carefully taking a seat in the only chair in the room. He still looks tense, clearly disapproving, but he doesn’t say anything about that or order Minho to leave. “Listen,” Jinki says. “I haven’t spoken to anyone yet but I will let our superiors know that you’re now involved in the mission. It’s vital they know everyone that’s on our side here. You will promise me, right now, that you won’t tell any of this to anyone, not your friends, family, colleagues…”

“I swear,” Minho answers quickly. “I won’t endanger the operation.”

Jinki looks at him for a moment, his eyes clear. “You already have.”

Suddenly there’s a dip in the mattress as a weight settles down beside him, and before Minho can say anything there’s a hand resting on his forearm. Kibum’s fingers are cool, his touch soothing, but he doesn’t look at Minho as he speaks, directing his words to Jinki. “We have to work with what we’ve got. I didn’t want to include him either, but…” he trails off, pauses for a second. “He got into the backroom. He knows Shinji.”

“He what?” Jinki’s eyes widen and for the first time, he actually looks impressed. He gives Minho a disbelieving glance, before nodding, slowly. “Alright. So you’re a valued customer or what?”

“…something like that,” Minho clears his throat, uncomfortable. It’s hard to explain but he tries nevertheless. After that first time he got into the backroom, helping the man – Shinji, he later learned – carry his friend there, he somehow became one of the people trusted inside. He isn’t even certain why, but he suspects it has something to do with the fact that he was seen inside with the boss, and now everyone assumes he’s got clearance.

It sounds stupid. It is stupid. But it’s a chance they can’t afford to let slip by.

Jinki is silent for a good while after, processing all the new information. “So,” he says finally, “it could be a trap. Maybe they already are onto us and you’ll be the first one to suffer. But.” He sighs. “It’s the best shot we’ve got right now. We’ve been at this for so long and everything we did backfired.” He doesn’t elaborate further and Minho doesn’t ask.

“Before this operation,” Kibum explains as he pointedly avoids Minho’s eyes. ‘The SF has been trying to get the drugs trafficking under control for years. They were getting pretty damn desperate. So, we’re kind of their last choice.” He chews on his lower lip and instinctively Minho places an arm around his shoulders. Surprisingly enough, Kibum doesn’t resist and instead lets himself be pulled against Minho’s side.

Obviously Jinki doesn’t mind, as he pays them no attention. “Alright, we’ll work from here. But from now on you’re both under my command. I say jump, you ask how high.”

Minho only nods.

---
(2869 words)

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so yaay we get progress! \o/

I’m craving strawberries so bad but we have none this is torture D:

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I've been watching this series like a hawk but I'm ashamed to say that this is my first comment, ooops >.< I'll be honest and admit that initially, I only read it for Ryeowook (he's my bias!) but the plot and the depth of your characters turned me into a faithful reader... and possibly a SHINee fan! Hehe

As always, your writing always leaves me at the edge of my seat and this chapter is no exception. AAAAAH!!! I'm excited to see where things are going!

The part where Kibum and Ryeowook shared a bed had me squealing ^___^

Loving this series!!!!!!!!

Awh your comment made me so happy! ;-; Ryeowook is such a darling, he's my bias in SJ too and I don't get to write him even nearly enough! So when I was planning this I just... wanted him to be in it, haha. So I'm really glad that he pulled you in, too :D And yay for new fans, haha! ♥

Thank you, so much! :D Only two more chapters to go, although I need to admit that I was kind of considering writing some kind of a follow-up in the future XD Let's see though, might or might not happen :) (ah, I blather)

Oh, and there shall be more Kibum+Ryeowook interaction still ;)

♥

My only complaint about the update is that it was so short.

"No one can be that horny.”
“I can." HA. I love your dialogue.

You do really great things with this pairing. MinKey is such a romantically dramatic and conflicted couple, and you play it up well, especially in the context of this au. You get ALL the strawberries. <3

My fics are always short :( I'm working on it, haha.

Thank you, so much! Your comments always make me smile so much :D AND YAY STRAWBERRIES!

♥

I'll have to admit that while I did enjoy the Minkey and the Ryeowook in this chapter, what sold it for me completely was Jinki! I love how he seems to be layered, and I have to admit that my favourite line in this whole chapter was "I say jump, you ask how high." Perfect, imo, especially for someone who is in charge of the entire operation :DDD

I would've loved to give Jinki even more screen time but I was a bit overwhelmed by the fic and didn't want to make it even longer :( but I totally loved including him! people don't give him enough credit so often, but instead flatten him into an one-dimensional goofball or something.

thank you, for reading and for your comment! :D

DO YOU KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS?!

And it's got even better with an update :D Which I've read but whatever xD
Minho, you're a twat, but I understand your motives. You are still a twat though.
Eeeee, I want a Wookie to be my friend. And I don't mean Chewbacca :D

Why are you so good? It's still so suspenseful even though I know what happens. There's still so much atmosphere~
Am jealous :(

actually I didn't even realize it's friday ahah how sad is my life XD

yesss you've already read it but it doesn't matter~ now you can work on the side-story 8D yaay~

I want a wook too ;--; right now ;-;♥

no don't be, I'm not that good XD but thank you~

oh you'll realise when you start working again, believe me xD the weekends just aren't long enough.
aha i've been working for three weeks and already i feel exhausted.

BUT IT'S FRIDAY FRIDAY GOTTA GET DOWN ON FRIDAAAAAY

my brain is being a fail though this evening. and i'm looking for somewhere to live xD that might be slightly more important than hanchul... but only slightly.

woooooookieeeee

you are tho :( don't doubt yourself~

YEEP! Frustration level lowered this time around! I LOVE how despite the tension of the situation they're in, Minho & Key still subconsciously act as if they're still an item. Which technically, they are not. Sooo, I'm so glad that you got all that subtle touches and gazes floating around this chapter to satisfy MY needs. Heehee. Now I sound like a dog in heat myself. lol. Minho, you're not alone! ><

As always, on the edge of me seat for more!!

XDXD

ahhh good! it's not good for your health if there's too much frustration all the time. might make you sick from stress! ahah yes minho isn't alone XD there are more of us!

thank you so much! :D two more chappies to go ;D

/KEYBOARD SMASH

SPAWTTTTTTTTT

<3

:OOOOOOOOOOO

THANK GOODNESS JINKI IS NOT REALLY A BAD PERSON!!!!

"--No one can be that horny."
"I can."
Shameless Minho is shameless.

It’s like nothing has changed between them, and yet everything has. All their interaction, all the dramatic arguing, all of it is like a front for the pretended normalcy they both cling on to helplessly. They know there are explosives right below the surface. One can’t just wipe away two years worth of scars within a heartbeat. Yet right now, it’s the only thing that keeps them rooted, the only way they know how to act.
THIS WHOLE PARAGRAPH IS SO BEAUTIFUL ;_;

and their tug-o-war(or tug-o-kibum, i should say) was so adorable~
I love how you're putting these small moments here and there, they're so sweet and precious. MinKey is love <3

"I say jump, you ask how high.”
I AM STEALING THIS FROM YOU, 'KAY? :3

oh, and in the future, i am going to start a strawberry farm and you are going to get an 'all-you-can-eat' free pass

<3333333333333333

Edited 2012-08-04 00:08 (UTC)

Jinki is the sweetest he could never be all baddie ;--; at least not now, haha!

yes Minho is shameless. but then again, who wouldn't be if they had Kibummie right there with them 8D he does wondrous things to Minho. and the two of them just can't resist one another~

haha I think I stole the line from some movie or a game or something? not entirely sure XD but go on ahead!

anjskdfng strawberrieeeeessss I hope you know I'll eat until I'm sick, hahaha!

thank you, sweets~♥

wow, look at me quote your reply~ :3

Jinki is the sweetest he could never be all baddie ;--; at least not now, haha!
whut? ...he's gonna turn evil in the near chapters? D:

and the two of them just can't resist one another~
neither can i. i can't resist you either ~~shame on you for making me this way~~

haha I think I stole the line from some movie or a game or something? not entirely sure XD but go on ahead!
COPYRIGHT BE DAMNED~

I hope you know I'll eat until I'm sick
it's all for you, baby~~

<3

i will give you all the strawberries in the world because of this story.
i'm pretty wrapped up in it, i gotta say.

STRAWBERRIES! 8D seriously the best way to bribe me.

thank you! I'm glad to hear that :D

yay, another update from you this week... :)
the mission getting more dangerous, hope minho and key could face it together...

we'll see what happens to them! :) only two more parts to go!

♥

molla molla molla didnt know what to write here.. dont have any clever comment to put in here, but hey... Minho can get horny everyday~ anytime he wants~ lalala~

ahaha no need to be clever, no worries XD idk I think anyone would be desperate for Key /coughs Minho is no exception.

I knew Jinki wasn't a bad guy! Hum... in reality, I just hoped so! lol
Minho really did some work on himself there... being able to go so Kibum can receive his customer?! Love can make you do anything, right? You can see it's a heartbreak for him but his will to have Kibum back is so strong!! Love MinKey!

Yeah, you explained Kibum's feelings a little. and in a way, it's better not to give it a more important part because it would be too dramatic! It would make me cry I think!! My Bummie selling his beautiful body is already so hard on me!!

Lovely chapter, with Minkey interactions!! <3

Jinki is a sweetie :D irl and in fics lmao. can't make him all bad.

it's a tough situation for them :( poor bbs. and for now, they're just trying to get through it, I think the time for sorting out their feelings and traumas is gonna be later, a lot later. BUT THEY'RE TOGETHER.

there'll be a bit more explanation later on but I hope it won't make you cry too much!

thank you so much :D ♥

yay, happy dance on the new update! oh my gOSH, minho is equally precious and frustrating with his kibum advances. he needs to take some major classes on being subtle and how not to ruin a 2 year sting operation but, you know, that's life. and i really loooove the ryeowook/kibum friendship dynamic you put in here, it was a nice breath of fresh air between the action and tenseness of minho and kibum's relationship, along with the operation. although it does make me worry about the state of their friendship through the advancement of the story and if he would turn against kibum if he had to and 8( i'm scaring myself omg.

anyway, as per usual, fantastic!! seriously, i fall deeper into this dark hole of lust for your story every single time a new chapter comes out!

Minho is a bull-head. he just sees what he wants and goes for it. no thinking needed XD aw and I loved the thought of Wook and Key being friends so I just had to include it! haha I just wanted Ryeowook to be in the fic, negl, completely selfish and shameless! we'll see what happens to the two of them ;3

thank you, so much! I'm so happy to hear you like :D ♥

i'm happy they're seeing each other frequently now, though i'm still worried about their safety. i think Minho will take anything for as long as he gets to be with Kibum. aw... it's so romantic. (*sigh*) i hope thing work out as planned. i hope no one gets hurt. - hmm... somehow, Ryewook's character worries me. i feel like there's more to him that what we're lead to believe.

i'll wait for the next part patiently. take care!

that's what I think, too :) Minho takes anything as long as he gets to be close to Kibum now. he'll worry about the future later. and we will see what happens to them! :D and to Ryeowook.

thank you for reading and commenting again, sweets! :D

The other day, Mia recommended for me to read your latest fic and asdfghhjjkk this is really good! I read all 5 chapters today XD I loved how you developed Key and Ryeowook's friendship, as well as Minho with his coworkers - it made everything more 3D and real and yeah :D And the MinKey *clutches heart* ;; Minho's persistence is to be admired, doing whatever you gotta do to get your man back ;o; In the beginning, they were all cat-and-mouse like, but I'm glad they're reunited now and can work on the mission together ^.^v

btw I want to mention that I loved your SBB entry <3

ah I'll have to thank Mia for bringing you here! :D although her opinion might be clouded, she's too nice to me XD awh but I'm really really glad that you're enjoying this! :D I've never been good with long fics since I somehow tend to kill them, haha, so this is one of the first ones I've managed to actually finish. along with the SBB fic :) (I'm glad you liked it, too! :D)

I adore Ryeowook so I wanted to have him in a fic for once, and I love writing these nonsense friendship moments so it's all pretty self-indulgent, haha. and yes, Minho is determined! he'll go through anything to get his way.

I'm sorry if I'm really incoherent, am kind of tired. but thank you so much for reading, and for commenting! :)

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[fic] Minho/Key – SHINee – Never Say Goodbye – Chapter 5/7

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