Waking up the following morning was distinctly unpleasant with a crick in his neck and paper lines on his face from crashing on the desk staring at the picture he’d fallen asleep in viewing.  “Ugh…” he groaned, frowning at the rumpled state of his clothes and dragging his stiff body out of the highly uncomfortable chair.  “Pabo,” he chided himself, smacking his head lightly with his fist while he shuffled to the kitchen.

                A disdainful glance at the microwave clock showed it was ungodly early, just after four in the morning, and there was frankly little point in trying to go back to sleep.  He’d only wake up more tired than he already felt, if that was even possible.  Downing a glass of water, he set the cup in the sink and trudged to the bathroom for a much needed shower, hoping the water would help wash away some of his self-inflicted misery.  Stupid alcohol…stupid Kyuhyun for convincing him to go out…stupid him for listening and then actually falling asleep on his desk…

                Feeling like a slightly less battered zombie, Jaejoong came out of the shower sopping wet with only a towel about his waist and proceeded to go about his morning routine.  Coffee was first on the agenda though he nearly busted his on the wet tiled floor from not drying off enough.  “Yah!” he yelped, feet sliding unceremoniously out from under him, threatening an impromptu split until he hastily caught himself on one of the kitchen chairs with a terrible sound against the floor, halting his fall but not before he swore he pulled something.  Grumbling under his breath, he carefully made his way back to the safety of the wet footprint carpet.  He glared at his own mess before he sighed and shook his head, sending droplets everywhere from the ends of his black hair, inciting further annoyance.  Obviously, clothes were next.

                He hated mornings like the one he had just spent recovering from.  It always threw off the rest of his day and the only thing that allowed him to actually regain a modicum of focus was viewing the profiles of the companies he was set to investigate today.  Well, he’d start today but there was no way he was going to be able to hit all of them; not without looking suspicious and that was something he wanted to avoid at all cost.  Even then, he’d only just settled in to review them before a knock at the door had his eye twitching.

                “Jaejoong?” the quiet voice floated through the barrier and he tilted his head in inquiry.  That didn’t belong to any of his neighbors…

                Fully dressed in his work clothes but hair still slightly damp from where he’d refused to actually dry it, Jaejoong limped to the door with narrowed eyes.  It was still way too early for most normal people so who the hell was bothering him at this hour?  Jaejoong blinked in surprise when he saw who it was through the peephole and opened the door with a considerably more schooled expression, withholding judgment tentatively.  “Morning Changmin,” he greeted as civilly as possible, baffled as to why his upstairs neighbor was standing in front of his door.

                “Morning,” the taller male smiled in awkward greeting, giving a small wave as he shifted in place, carefully looking over the other male.  He seemed remarkably well put together for it being not even five in the morning.  Hell, he didn’t even have bed hair…

                “Can I help you?” he asked guardedly, not used to entertaining anybody at such an hour.

                “Um…sorry.  I was just making sure you were okay.  I thought I heard something fall and then it got quiet…” he explained uncertainly, glancing behind him as if looking for something.

                “Huh?” Jaejoong squinted in confusion until he realized what the other was talking about.  “Oh.  Yeah…” he responded in embarrassment, scratching his head and looking away with a slight flush over his cheeks.  “Rough morning,” he explained with a shake of his head.  His expression turned confused when he remembered what time it actually was and he glanced back at Changmin.  “Why on earth are you even up at this hour?” he had to ask.  He’d fallen asleep on his desk, which explained his untimely waking but as for the other…

                Changmin laughed at the question and ducked his head in embarrassment.  “I’m not much of a sleeper in general,” he shrugged.  “Wish I could,” he sighed with real longing.

                Jaejoong couldn’t help but chuckle.  He knew the sentiment.  “Fair enough,” he agreed with a slow nod, a smile playing on his lips.  “Sorry to have worried you,” he continued, glancing up at the taller male again, feeling calmer for the exchange.

                “Not at all,” Changmin bowed slightly, flashing him another charming grin.  “Just had to check up on my favorite downstairs neighbor is all,” he laughed with a wink.

                For a moment, Jaejoong wasn’t sure if he was merely kidding or if there was something more behind the statement.  Because it was easier, he defaulted to the former and glanced meaningfully over his shoulder towards his desk.  “Thanks for the concern all the same, but even with the rest of the world asleep, work calls my name,” he explained with mock sadness.  From the return nod, it appeared that Changmin understood the feeling as well, though he had no idea what it was that he did exactly.  They hadn’t really brought up their professions in conversation; at least not directly.

                “Hey Jaejoong,” he began hesitantly, looking shy in the entranceway all of a sudden.

                “Neh?” he asked, one hand resting on the door handle.

                “I know you’re busy and it’s still really early but I was just wondering…if you hadn’t eaten yet…would you like to get a bite to eat this morning?” he asked quickly, the words rushing out of his mouth.

                “For breakfast?” Jaejoong asked, mentally face palming himself at the question.  Of course for breakfast.  What other meal would one get before the sun rose?

                “Well, yeah,” Changmin agreed, not laughing at him as the other half-expected him to.  “You shouldn’t really work on an empty stomach and I know this diner not that far from here,” he added, gesturing down the hall as if he could point at it from where he stood.

                Jaejoong had to laugh as he shifted to rest his head lightly against the door, simply looking up at his guest in amusement.  He really did have work to do but the only thing he’d managed to stomach so far was coffee.  He’d had less for breakfast before but in point of fact, it was early and it would be some time before he would head in to see Kyuhyun.  Normally, he wouldn’t have anyone to share the morning with but Changmin was easy to be around and it wasn’t difficult to dredge up a smile when in his company.  After his distasteful evening, he found he much preferred the presence of his upstairs neighbor.

                With a reluctant sigh and a real smile, Jaejoong nodded at last.  “Alright.  Looks like you’ve convinced me.  Just give me five minutes, neh?” he asked, patting his still damp hair with a wince.

                “Of course,” Changmin beamed happily.  “I’ll just run upstairs to get my stuff and be right back,” he waved, hurrying down the hall as Jaejoong closed the door behind him.

                “What are you doing, Jae?” he asked himself with a shake of his head.  It wasn’t like him to accept the odd invitation to whatever.  Then again, it wasn’t every day that he had a piss poor night and a rather disappointing wakeup either.  Speaking of which…  He retrieved his pants from last and removed the card the dancer had given him, looking it over with narrowed eyes and a slight frown on his face.  Jung Yunho.  Why did that name feel like it should be familiar?  Never mind.  He’d worry about it later.  Hastily, he set it down on the desktop and hurried to get ready.

                It took slightly more than five minutes…closer to fifteen actually, to his embarrassment, but Changmin was patiently waiting for him outside his apartment, back resting against the wall with a gentle smile on his face.  “Ready?” he asked as if it really only had been the five minutes Jaejoong had promised.

                “Neh,” he answered easily, making sure he locked the door behind him and patting his person for his keys and wallet.

                Sunny’s Diner was a cute little hole-in-the-wall establishment that wasn’t nearly large enough for a sizable clientele but according to Changmin, it had some of the best food in the area for breakfast and lunch; she apparently wasn’t open for dinner.  The owner, a tiny bubbly woman whose smile lit up the inside, greeted them as they stepped in.

               “Good morning and welcome to Sunny’s Diner!  Please have a seat anywhere,” she gestured from behind the counter as she was hurriedly preparing what appeared to be a tray of coffees for the gentleman waiting nearby.  A cute pink and white bandana wrapped over the top of her head hid most of the hay colored strands from sight, but she had a couple strays curling around her pinchable cheeks when she turned enough that they could see.

                “Is here alright?” Changmin gestured at one of the empty seats against the wall, a small two person table just large enough for patrons to have room for a couple dishes, their drinks and little else.

                “Sure,” Jaejoong smiled, still looking around at the charming establishment.  It was lit up with soft lighting and as per the name, there were pictures of suns, the morning and afternoon sky and sun ornaments adorning most of the interior.  It was bright enough to give the appearance of day even though it was still quite dark outside; she certainly took the sun theme and ran with it though.

                “Here.  She keeps the menus at the table and they do breakfast and lunch all day,” Changmin explained, offering the simple but fairly extensive laminated layout to his companion.  “Their tea is better than their coffee and I can vouch for the number 3 and 7 for breakfast.”

                Jaejoong didn’t even try to hide his smile as he peered over the top of his menu.  “And what about lunch?”

                “Eh.  Breakfast is better,” the other winked without skipping a beat.  “Morning Soonkyu,” he greeted when the tiny owner approached them, far too awake for this time of the day.

                “Morning…” she scrunched her face up as she pointed at the first speaker, obviously thinking hard.  “Chang…min?” she tried, giggling happily when he nodded in agreement.  “I see you’ve brought a friend today.”

                “Neh.  Soonkyu.  Meet Jaejoong.  Jaejoong.  Soonkyu,” he gestured between the two happily.

                “You’ve only been here a couple times, eh?” Jaejoong teased, causing his companion to duck his head in embarrassment.  “Nice to meet you Soonkyu,” he greeted with a wave and an accompanying smile.

                “You too,” she chirped, looking between them expectantly.  “So, can I get you started with a drink?  Tea for you,” she pointed at Changmin who shrugged and nodded.  “And for you Jaejoong?”

                Again, Jaejoong glanced at Changmin who pretended not to notice as he closely regarded his menu with increased interest.  “I’ll try the tea as well,” he stated after a moment, turning his attention back to his menu, glancing up carefully to see Changmin doing the same to him.  “Uh huh.”

                “What?” he laughed, sitting upright and setting the menu aside.  “I’m a er for good food,” he shrugged his hands to either side in helpless admittance.

                “I’m beginning to notice,” Jaejoong pointed, humming under his breath as he settled down to make his selection.

                Changmin was as good as his word and when they finished the rather fine meal that tasted better than it looked, Jaejoong was reluctant to leave.  He was comfortable in the younger male’s presence, though there was something about him that kept him from relaxing all of his guards completely.  He couldn’t put his finger on it, and right now, he wasn’t inclined to do anything more than enjoy the company and another cup of tea.

                Taking another sip of the warm brew, he followed Soonkyu with his eyes as she bustled to another table to take the group of three’s order sans notepad.  “Does she handle everything by herself?” he couldn’t help but ask with a glance at his companion.

                “Not quite,” Changmin chuckled, glancing at his watch to see what time it was.  “She’s got another waitress that comes in right around the 6am rush.  Ah.  I think that’s her.”

                Jaejoong shifted in his seat to get a better look at the newcomer and blinked, sure he was seeing things.  “Are they all pocket-sized?” he asked as the waitress rushed past them for the back, smiling with a cute face and straight reddish brown hair she had yet to pull back or hide under anything.  This one was just taller than Soonkyu, maybe, and slightly younger, though just as bubbly.

                “That’s Sunyoung, though I’ve heard the owner call her Luna a time or two,” Changmin nodded, swiveling in his seat to follow her progress too.  “Soonkyu opens for the early early birds, like us,” he added in amusement, “and the rest of the day is shared with Sunyoung.  I think.  I haven’t actually come near closing time.”  He snatched a menu to confirm the hours.  “Yeah.  They’re open until three in the afternoon,” he tapped on the time and showed it to Jaejoong specifically.

                “How many does she have in the back?” Jaejoong wondered idly, watching the cooks shifting around behind the open windowed wall.

                “No idea, but they’re phenomenal,” Changmin grinned, looking at them too.

                “You boys care for anything else?” Soonkyu returned with another smile, one hand on her hip while she looked between the two, head tilted slightly to the side.

                “I think we’re good,” Jaejoong answered tentatively, holding to the last of his tea so she wouldn’t try to refill it.

                “Alright then.  Will that be one ticket or two?” she held up her corresponding fingers, waiting for their answer.

                “Just the one,” Changmin answered.

                “Two please,” Jaejoong stated right on top of him.  Soonkyu seemed briefly confused, until Jaejoong continued, “Maybe next time, but two please,” he reiterated before his companion could argue.

                “Alright,” she chirped, wandering off to divvy their orders up.

                “Jaejoong,” Changmin chided with a raised brow.  “Now I feel bad because I managed to drag you out here and you won’t even let me pay for breakfast.”

                “Like I said.  Maybe next time,” Jaejoong chuckled, swallowing the last of his tea.

                “So I can look forward to this happening again?” Changmin inquired with a cheeky grin.

                Lowering the cup, Jaejoong glanced at him over the lip and carefully set it down, folding his arms in front of him on the table top.  “I’ll think about it,” he responded with a twinkle in his eye.

                “Here you go,” Soonkyu offered, laying down two receipts in front of them on the bill tray.  “Take your time,” she encouraged, ready to give them a minute before Jaejoong offered his card and Changmin paid in cash.

                “Thank you,” he stated, placing extra enough for a hefty tip with no intention of getting change back.  “It was good as always.”

                “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she gave him a winning smile and bowing in gratitude before she turned her attention back to Jaejoong.  “I’ll be right back with your card, sir.”

                “Do you usually pay in cash?” Jaejoong asked in amazement, admitting he rarely had enough on him to pay for much of anything unless he had his cards.

                “Neh.  I guess I’m just a bit old fashioned that way,” Changmin laughed softly with raised hands in an open shrug.

                “Apparently,” Jaejoong agreed, thanking Soonkyu when she returned with his card and the copy to sign before he left her a decent tip as well and stood up to leave.  The establishment had filled up around them while they finished up and he could see why she would need a helper now; especially as there was a line at the door waiting to be seated and one at the counter waiting to place orders.  “From the looks of it, she could stand to hire another helper out front,” he whistled appreciatively.

                “Seriously,” Changmin agreed, clapping his companion on the shoulder.  “I don’t suppose you could vouch for anyone?” he teased, earning an eye roll from Jaejoong.

                “Do I look like the type who just knows pocket-sized bubbly waitresses able to function alarmingly well at five in the morning?” he asked with a serious gaze as the taller male held the door open for him courteously.

                “Damn.  And here I thought I had you pegged,” Changmin grumbled, smacking his fist into his open palm in fake disappointment.

                “Pabo,” Jaejoong laughed with a shake of his head.

                “Hey!  I resent that comment,” Changmin snorted in offense.

                “Uh huh,” Jaejoong nodded, giving his companion a sidelong glance.  “Anyway.  Thank you for getting me out of the apartment,” he responded sincerely, brushing his bangs back out of his face reflexively.

                “My pleasure,” Changmin answered easily, stretching tall and walking comfortably beside him.  “I’m glad you came.”

                Jaejoong just watched him for a moment longer and then agreed.  “Me too.”

                The ride back to the apartment complex was comfortable and they exchanged small talk more than anything else.  When they got back, Changmin escorted him to his door and bowed politely in greeting, being perfectly cordial and respectful.  Jaejoong had to admit that he felt much better after having had breakfast and sharing the younger male’s company.  He had not expected that, but he was in a considerably restored frame of mind to settle down and really get to work on digging through the three companies he was going to be checking out more in depth asap.

                Grabbing a drink of water from the kitchen, he slid into his chair behind his desk and pulled out the hastily stored folder containing the information he was looking for.  “Alright.  So what do we have again?”  Carefully, he laid the three profiles out on his desk so he could see all of them and the associated owners that went along with it.  Kyuhyun had said that he was leaning towards the Azgard Cartel and the Ddangkoma Foundation but he hadn’t written out the American Freight and Ferry Company yet either.  A cursory examination of their files hadn’t revealed anything immediately and even a quick scan of the establishments with an approved tour had done nothing to give him any leads yet.  He hadn’t expected it to be easy though and in that regard, he had yet to be disappointed.

                Under his breath, he murmured softly, “Azgard Cartel.  Led by one Sven Klausen, owner of Klausen Glassworks, one of the leading producers in the Western Hemisphere in glassware and figurines.  On request, they do special orders as well, of any size and variety.  Most notably, they were commissioned to specially create the glass chandeliers for all of the Ddangkoma Casinos in the east coast.  Go figure,” he shook his head.  Leave it to the big fish to have ties with each other.  He was pretty clean on the surface but he knew better and would have to dig a bit deeper to figure out what he had his fingers in beneath the surface.  Those at the office suspected drugs but that was something the fat cats were always under suspicion about.  For the moment, he set his profile aside and picked up the Ddangkoma Foundation.

                “Relatively recent, it was established in 2008 by one Kim Jongwoon, also occasionally known as Yesung.  Okay.  Sure,” he shrugged again, the material familiar.  “Owns a chain of restaurants by the name of Mr. Kim’s Cuisine known for potentially dangerous and often rare cuisine; blowfish sushi and shark fin soup among them.  In 2010 he went under an investigation for serving illegal dishes prepared with endangered species…”  Once more, Jaejoong’s lip curled in disgust and he narrowed his eyes.  “The Ddangkoma Casinos established in 2009 were practically an overnight success and he has amassed a small fortune in a relatively short amount of time.  There are rumors of an underground drug production line that has yet to be proven.”  So far, he didn’t like any of them, but this one he definitely had qualms with…

                “And here is Mr. Daryl Benson,” he commented, tapping his fingers lightly on the fairly nondescript image in front of him, belonging to the third profile.  The owner of The American Freight and Ferry Company was unimposing with nothing exceptionally noteworthy about him other than his position.  “He doesn’t actually have an industry other than shipping but for the right price, he will ship anything anywhere.  I wonder how much emphasis he puts on the ‘anything’ part,” Jaejoong mused with a focused frown.  There were a lot of possible implications for that and a fair few of them weren’t exactly pleasant.  “You know, with the nature of your business, you’ve got a hell of a lot to lose if those restrictions had been passed.  All you do is ferry stuff everywhere…”  His suspicion grew when he went over that kernel of information again.

                Taking a sip of water, he set the profile down and regarded the addresses that he had for each of them.  “I guess I’ve got my work cut out for me then don’t I?”  He set the cup down and leaned forward again, gaze turning hard as he stared at the three images in front of him, memorizing the features of the men before him.  “Which one of you was it?  Which one of you lying dirty bastards had my parents murdered?” he growled behind clenched teeth, letting anger sink in and form a ball in the pit of his stomach.  It helped him focus if he didn’t let it overwhelm him.

                When he finally made it to the police headquarters downtown, he was still holding to that simmering ball of anger, documents held close in a locked briefcase, as he stepped into Kyuhyun’s office without knocking, startling the younger officer who was apparently focused on something on his computer.  “Jae.  Joong,” he added quickly, seeing the rather intent expression on the other male’s face.  “How are you?” he asked neutrally, not sure what he was dealing with just yet.  Between last night and this morning, he wasn’t exactly sure how the newcomer was going to act.

                “Morning Kyuhyun,” Jaejoong nodded his head and pulled up a seat across from the younger male, setting the briefcase down on the surface between them.  “We’ve got work to do.  That’s how I am,” he stated simply, flipping the case open and retrieving what he’d pulled together so far.

                A slow smile made its way across Kyuhyun’s face and he rubbed his hands together in glee.  He knew that look and it reminded him of a predator on the hunt.  “Let’s get to it then,” he nodded, closing out the window he was looking at and shifting his attention to the work at hand.

(a/n: And I'm back!  Sorry for the delay.  I have since finished the other fic I was focusing on and should hopefully be able to resume focusing on the other four that I'm currently juggling.  I had honestly intended for more story progression in this one but the Changmin and Jaejoong interaction ran out a bit longer than intended, not that I'm complaining.  hehe  But now you have a general idea of the three companies he's looking into and we should be delving into them a bit sooner.  Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the update!  ^_^)