As the sun fell slowly behind the horizon, Yunho leaned against the doorway of Jaejoong’s sterile and cool hospital room and watched as little Moonbin clung desperately to his mother’s side with tears falling down his pale cheeks. The sight was beyond heartbreaking. Hours had passed since Junsu had offered up the plausible explanation behind Jaejoong’s current unconscious state and though his vitals remained strong, and his corrected treatment was progressing well, the man with the haunted past still lingered in a lonely sleep as his beloved child suffered needlessly with worry and fear beside him. Seungwoon, Kate, Junsu, and Jihye each tried their very best to reassure the young child with loving hugs and gentle words but it was if, even at such a young age, the child instinctually knew the severity of his mother’s condition and could hardly bear it. Yunho’s heart ached for the child and for his son, whose face had been constantly marred with heartbreak and worry for his dearest friend and brother, as the little one squeezed himself into Jaejoong’s hospital bed between the security railing and Moonbin and hugged him tightly.

“Mama will be ok, brother...” reassured Seungwoon gently as he lovingly Moonbin’s hair with a delicate touch as if his sweet and heartbroken little bother was made of a fine glass that would shatter at any moment. “He will be ok.”

“Mama...” cried Moonbin meekly, burying his face in Jaejoong’s shoulder, as he tightened his arm around the man’s chest and sobbed harshly.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room; even Junsu, who seemed to be maintaining a stoic and well put together visage, couldn’t help but show his tormented emotions.

“Dr. Jung...” came a soft plea from behind him.

“Y...yes...” questioned Yunho as he quickly dashed away the tears falling silently from his own eyes with his thumb and turned around to notice a nurse, dressed in light pink scrubs with her hair pulled in a bun, looking up at him. “What is it?”

“We just received a call from hospital security,” she informed as she handed over the message the nurses stationed had received moments ago. “Dr. Shim has arrived.”

“Thank you...” nodded Yunho as he took the proffered slip of paper and glanced down at it.

“Inform Dr. Shim that I will meet him in the fifth-floor conference room shortly,” stated Yunho gently.

“Yes, doctor.” she nodded before turning around and walking away silently.

“What’s wrong?” came Junsu’s questioning voice a split second later. He had noticed Yunho speaking to the nurse and worried that it may be about Jaejoong’s condition.

“Nothing,” replied Yunho as he looked up at Junsu’s worried face. “Dr. Shim is finally here. I’m going to go meet with him now.”

“Can I come?” questioned Junsu.

“I think it would be best if you stayed here with Moonbin,” advised Yunho reassuringly. “He needs all the support he can get right now, and you leaving wouldn’t be conducive to the stability he needs.”

“Don’t worry,” added Yunho as he reached up and reassured the worried man with a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. “I won’t be gone too long.”

“Alright...” sighed Junsu softly.

The long walk to the conference room on the other end of the floor seemed far longer than any walk Yunho had ever taken in his life. His curiosity about Jaejoong’s previous life nearly had his mind balancing on a razor-sharp edge, while his heart practically shrunk into the depths within him, afraid of what he would learn. From the moment he had met Jaejoong, Yunho had immediately felt a connection the beautiful man and the more and more he learned about him, the more his heart desperately clung to the illusion of Jaejoong’s everlasting cheerful smile hoping that the beautiful image was the true Jaejoong. After his talk with Junsu, however, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling about the man. Now, concern, love, care, worry, fear, and even pity seeped into his heart. His feelings had changed, his heart had changed the moment he saw beautiful brunette lying unconscious on the floor, blood everywhere, and there was no turning back. His heart ached for the man, far more than he had ever thought it would, and he knew that there would be no way he could ever be just friends with Jaejoong. Not now, not anymore.

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Yunho turned the doorknob to the conference room slowly and pushed the door open to find a young man, dressed in a stylish black Armani suit with a deep lavender tie and gold-rimmed reading glasses, standing up from a leather-bound office chair. With one last deep sigh, Yunho plastered a smile on his face, stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

“Dr. Shim, I presume.” prompted Yunho as he offered his hand.

“And, you must be Dr. Jung.” acknowledge the tall clinical psychologist as he accepted Yunho’s hand with a firm shake.

“Yunho, if you please,” replied Yunho.

“Very well, Yunho.” nodded Dr. Shim. “You may call me Changmin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” replied Yunho politely before releasing the man’s hand.

“As it is mine.” smiled Changmin.

“Please, have a seat. You must be quite tired after your long journey.” prompted Yunho as he motioned to the chair that Changmin had previously occupied.

As the two doctors took their seats at the small conference table, Yunho couldn’t help but notice the aura of superiority that the psychologist seemed to radiate. It was almost intimidating.

“What is Mr. Kim’s current condition?” questioned Changmin professionally as he reached down and plucked his briefcase from the floor beside his chair.

“He is currently stable,” replied Yunho as he watched the man open his briefcase and retrieve a thick folder. “His vitals are within normal levels. Blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, breathing, kidney output, and blood work; all normal.”

“Has his conscious state changed since I was contacted earlier today?” questioned Changmin as he opened the patient file before him and scanned the top document. “Has he awakened yet?”

“Not at this time,” replied Yunho. “He is currently still unconscious.”

“Understood.” nodded Changmin as he flipped a page.

After a few quiet moments of reading, Changmin turned his attention back to Yunho.

“Yunho...” he sighed before looking over the rim of his glasses at Yunho’s face. “I’m not sure what kind of help I can offer you at this time. My specialty is psychology, not general medicine. I can only diagnose and treat conditions with conscious patients.”

“I was hoping...” replied Yunho. “That perhaps you could shed some light on Jaejoong’s current condition. Junsu, ah,  Mr. Kim Junsu I mean, has relayed some relative information that did shed some light on his current medical condition but what I am more interested in, is what was the precursor to the incident, to begin with.”

“In other words...” prompted Changmin. “You would like more details on Jaejoong past history and my current diagnosis of his mental state.”

Yunho nodded succinctly.

“Well, Yunho, as you are well aware...” ventured Changmin knowingly, once again assessing the young surgeon before him over the rim of his glasses with his eyes. “That under Doctor/Patient Confidentiality guidelines, I’m not allowed to release that kind of information to just anyone.”

Before Yunho could sound a protest, Changmin halted his words with a wave of his hand.

“However...” he admonished. “Since, according to his current medical file, you have been assigned as his attending during this situation, I would be happy to answer any questions you have. As long as they are conducive to his currently required medical treatment, kept confidential, and will not be used for any other reason.”

“Is that acceptable to you, Yunho?” questioned Changmin.

“Yes.” nodded Yunho reassuringly.

“Very well then, what is it that you wish to know?” prompted Changmin.

“Mr. Kim Junsu has indicated that the patient suffers from a form of PTSD, though he is very reluctant to offer up any more details on the matter, save for what he calls the ‘cliff-notes’ version,” informed Yunho. “If you could, please, I would like to know more about his condition, what it stems from, and what current treatments he’s been going under as a result of said condition.”

“Junsu’s assessment of Jaejoong’s condition, while very primitive, is relatively correct as it currently stands,” answered Changmin. “Jaejoong’s current condition is that of a patient that suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but that is only a small piece in the larger puzzle.”

“Please, elaborate if you would.” prompted Yunho as he sunk back into his chair and watched the young psychologist intently.

“Jaejoong, for three years and eight months, was subject to mental, physical, emotional, financial, and ual abuse by a previous romantic partner.” started Changmin with a sigh. “Though the beginning of the relationship was quite normal, it quickly escalated into an unhealthy, and nearly lethal, abusive situation where Jaejoong was subjugated from his friend and family; his entire life dictated to him down to what he ate, where he went, what he did, and even what he was allowed to think and feel; he was beaten regularly, subjected to verbal and emotional abuse daily, and was ually assaulted numerous times a week.”

“When Jaejoong was first brought to me for the treatment...” he continued, sounding almost fatigued by the very words he was to utter with a deep sigh. “Jaejoong was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, in which he saw nothing wrong in the way his lover had been treating him, thinking that it was a completely normal relationship. He had been beaten, conditioned, brain-washed, and abused so emphatically that the only way his mind could cope with the abuse inflicted upon him was to accept it without question. For lack of better clarification, he basically loved the very chains that bound him, which led him to believe that the relationship he had with his abuser was completely normal and the physical and ual abuse he was subjected to was what he deserved.”

“Dear God...” whispered Yunho despairingly.

“I urged Jaejoong to leave his partner, and tried to explain to him the dangers such a relationship could hold, but he refused. Saying that there was nothing wrong with his life and he was happy.” continued Changmin. “Sometime later, Jaejoong had managed to coerce his lover into allowing him a little more freedom, and during that short amount of time, Jaejoong became friends with a young woman who worked at a nearby bakery. They immediately became close, and it wasn’t long before she began to notice the physical signs left behind on Jaejoong’s body from his lover. She urged Jaejoong to leave him, afraid for his very life, but, again, Jaejoong refused.”

“For several months, she became Jaejoong’s only lifeline from the outside world and slowly began to convince him that the life he had with his partner was dangerous and unhealthy.” he continued. “Somehow, during that time, she and Jaejoong ended up sleeping together and his son was conceived. Though I am still unsure, exactly, what drove Jaejoong into her arms...considering that he feels no ual attraction to those of the opposite , it happened consensually. And, although the pregnancy was not planned...it became a wakeup call for Jaejoong.”

“How so?” prompted Yunho, as his heart sank deeper and deeper within him.

“He slowly began to realize that the relationship he had with the girl, though a little unorthodox, was the way a relationship was supposed to be like. Loving. Kind. Supportive. Healthy.” answered Changmin. “And with her by his side, he began to understand what his life was really about. That he wasn’t in a loving relationship, but that of a caustic and detrimental one. He finally saw himself for what he truly was: a victim.”

“When his lover was finally arrested and indicted for corporate espionage and three counts of premeditated murder, Jaejoong found his way out.” supplied Changmin with a nearly proud smirk. “His friend was able to convince Jaejoong to leave, and even in her heavily impregnated state, she helped him run away to a safe place.”

“While the trial was ongoing, Jaejoong began to come out of his shell and accepted the fact that his unnatural love for the man that had abused him for years was wrong.” continued Changmin. “And began to seek help. When the man was convicted and sent to prison, Jaejoong was finally free.”

“After the birth of his son, and the unfortunate death of the mother that occurred quickly thereafter, Jaejoong’s life was once again in a sense of upheaval. He was now not only trying to overcome the effects of his abusive relationship but was now responsible for another life, an innocent life. That realization drove Jaejoong to better his surroundings, to seek treatment religiously for his condition, and strive to not only become a more normal human being but an excellent and loving father.” explained Changmin. “These events led to the dissolution of his Stockholm Syndrome and it slowly evolved into PTSD. Now, he is relatively fine in comparison to the very beginning of his treatment. He is still plagued by random bouts of depression, panic attacks that seemingly come out of nowhere, and random flashback episodes, but, for the most part, he has become well-rounded and better equipped to handle the day today.”

“I see...” nodded Yunho understandingly.

“From your report...” prompted Changmin as he glanced down at the papers before him. “It seems that, initially, Jaejoong’s blood work and vitals were all over the place. Were you able to ascertain the cause?”

“Malnutrition,” answered Yunho. “It seems, according to Mr. Kim Junsu, that Jaejoong has been having issues with his prescription medication where it has been affecting his appetite detrimentally.”

“Yes, that is one of the side effects of his treatment that I have been trying to manage.” nodded Changmin.

“Well...” answered Yunho, sounding far more condescending than he had originally planned, as he glanced at the man in near contempt. “it seems that whatever you’re doing to alleviate the problem, it isn’t working.”

“Yes...” agreed Changmin. “Am I safe to assume that he was unusually tired as well?”

“Once again, according to Mr. Kim Junsu, Jaejoong has been sacrificing his sleep because of a new project he’s working on...” answered Yunho. “And as I’m sure, you’re aware: Malnutrition and sleep deprivation can directly affect PTSD symptoms.”

“Understood.” nodded Changmin as he scribbled something on the document before him.

After a few moments of quiet contemplation, Yunho couldn’t help but let out a nearly frustrated sigh.

“Something on your mind?” questioned Changmin.

“Lots,” answered Yunho with an almost flabbergasted chuckle.

“Tell me, Yunho,” replied Changmin knowingly.

“Well...” he nearly stammered. “Now that I have more information about Jaejoong’s past, several aspects of my experiences with him are making a bit more sense.”

“Meaning...?” questioned Changmin.

“I became friends with Jaejoong just recently,” admitted Yunho willingly. “Because our children had become close friends. Jaejoong had offered to watch my son for the day, while I had to work, and I agreed to it without question –for the sake of my son who was so obviously enamored with both Jaejoong and Moonbin.”

“But...last night...” sighed Yunho. “When I came to pick up my son...”

“Go on...” urged Changmin, noticing immediately that Yunho was hesitating, as he leaned towards him and studied his face resolutely.

“He...attacked me? No... That doesn’t sound right...lashed out at me would be a better description.” informed Yunho with a deep sigh.

“Was he acting strangely in any way before he knew you were there?” questioned Changmin immediately. “Did you startle him?”

“Yes...” answered Yunho with a deep sigh. “I hadn’t known about his condition and when I saw him crouched on the floor like that... I was... worried.”

“And when I tried to help him...” muttered Yunho as he reached up and rubbed his forehead in distress.

“He swung at you...didn’t he?” questioned Changmin.

“Yeah.” he nodded in reply.

“Flashback.” nodded Changmin confidently. “It’s not uncommon for PTSD sufferers to lash out when locked in the throes of a flashback. They don’t know you are there, they only see the one that hurt them. So, don’t take it personally. Did you happen to notice, or make note of, by chance, how long it took for Jaejoong to recognize you again?”

“About twenty seconds or so?” answered Yunho questioningly “Is that significant?”

“Very,” answered Changmin as he turned and quickly scribbled something else on the document in front of him. “It usually takes Jaejoong several minutes to come back to reality when situations like that occur and he’s confronted by the real world or regular people. The fact that you were able to bring him back to the here and now so quickly means that he must feel a strong connection to you. That, you’re someone special to him.”

“You even beat Moonbin’s record of thirty-five seconds.” scoffed Changmin under his breath.

“What does that mean exactly?” questioned Yunho curiously.

“It means...that for whatever reason...” replied Changmin, turning back to look at Yunho’s face with a smile. “Jaejoong has associated you with safety, and safety to those with PTSD is never just arbitrary. You must have done something, said something, or invoked some kind of feeling in Jaejoong that allows him to easily associate you as someone that will protect him.”

“But...” stammered Yunho. “I have done nothing that...”

“Maybe, maybe not,” interjected Changmin. “But, if what happened between the two of you last night is any indicator that my theory is correct, then you must have...somehow.”

“Moonbin...” he added. “Has the same effect, so to speak. If Jaejoong is suddenly hit with a flashback, and his son can get to him in time or is near him, its...it’s like his inner protective father instincts kick in and push through the haze. His love for his son is very strong and because of it, he’s able to bring himself out of his PTSD episodes relatively quickly. I assume that when you encountered Jaejoong’s episodic self, Moonbin wasn’t close?”

“He was asleep on the couch,” answered Yunho.

“I see...” nodded Changmin, as he scribbled something down on the piece of paper again.

“Changmin...?” questioned Yunho hesitantly a few quiet moments later. “I...I know it may be inappropriate to ask but...but as Jaejoong’s attending and...For the sake of Moonbin, I must...”

“Is Moonbin safe in Jaejoong’s care?” responded Changmin knowingly. “The answer is yes.”

“After extensive study, and vetting by not only myself, the courts, and child well fair, Jaejoong has been cleared of any suspicion that he may be a risk to the child’s mental or physical health.” offered Changmin. “I speak to Jaejoong, on a daily basis, his editor looks after him regularly, a social worker checks in on them and Jaejoong has a strong support staff, like Junsu, there to help him if for any reason he needs it. So, there’s no reason to worry for either of them or for your son while he is ever in Jaejoong’s care.”

“Situations like last night...” prompted Yunho hesitantly. “Do they happen often?”

“No.” responded Changmin curtly. “It has been nearly eight months since the last time he suffered from a flashback. To tell you the truth, he has been getting incrementally better and better as time has gone by and the length of time between incidences has grown longer and longer.  I do not doubt that, in time, and as long as Jaejoong continues his current line of therapy and treatment, he will return to being a fully-functioning member of society with no major hindrances to his daily life.”

“What about Moonbin?” questioned Yunho. “Has he been affected by any of this, at all?”

“Not so much as in a detrimental way,” responded Changmin. “To Moonbin, his ‘mother’ is just...sad sometimes and he knows that it’s not because of him. He has accepted his ‘Mama’ the way he is and perfectly comfortable and happy in the situation –though, as any child would, he worries for him.”

“Why does he call Jaejoong ‘Mama’?” asked Yunho curiously.

“The child never knew his mother, his biological mother,” answered Changmin. “She died while he was a newborn. Jaejoong’s face is the first face he remembers seeing and therefore associates the word, or title, of mother, with Jaejoong. It’s actually not uncommon, especially with children his age who don’t really know the difference.”

“I see.” nodded Yunho.

“Is there anything...any advice you can give me...as Jaejoong’s friend?” questioned Yunho worriedly. “Anything that I might need to be aware of, warning signs and the like, ways to help him or stave off another episode like this?”

“So, even after learning all of this...” prompted Changmin curiously. “You still intend to be a part of Jaejoong’s life?”

“Yes...” nodded Yunho confidently. “If he will have me.”

“Good.” smiled Changmin happily. “As for what you can do for Jaejoong, just be who you are to him. A friend. Someone he likes and can trust. Someone he feels comfortable and safe around. Be there when he needs you and make him understand that you are here to stay. Be supportive, helpful, and make him understand that, even though you know where he came from, it will never dissuade you from caring about him.”

“Stability, understanding, and love, Yunho.” smiled Changmin. “That’s all he really needs.”

“I understand.” nodded Yunho reassuringly as he stood from his chair. “I better get back. Will you be checking on him tonight?”

“No.” replied Changmin as he gathered his notes back into his briefcase. “I won’t be able to ascertain if any temporary or lasting damage, if any, has occurred until after Jaejoong wakes up. I would, however, like to speak with Moonbin before he returns home for the night –just to reassure the child.”

“Very well.” nodded Yunho appreciatively as he watched Changmin close his briefcase and stand. “If you will follow me, I’ll take you to see them right now.”

As they made their way back to Jaejoong’s hospital room, though his heartfelt burdened by the truth of Jaejoong’s past, Yunho couldn’t help but smile. Somehow and in some way, he had become someone special in Jaejoong’s life and that thought made his heart soar with unbelievable happiness. He swore then and there, that he would do everything in his power to make Jaejoong happy; in every way, he could.

A/N: Totally on a roll this week! I hope you all enjoy this latest update! Please don't forget to comment and check out my other stories as well:  my adventure epic:  Of Wolves and Dragonkin, my OT5 reunion fic: The Lady N,  my vampire story: Midnight Winds, and my newest mini-fic Two Drink Minimum!