Jaejoong paced back and forth in his hotel room, unable to sit still for the nervous energy coursing through him.  Not only because he’d foolishly invited Changmin to actually come visit him, but also because of everything that was running through his mind in regards to the case.  It didn’t help that he really wasn’t supposed to have told anyone else other than Kyuhyun where he was staying but here he was, with his upstairs neighbor and sort of… really good friend?  Were they at relationship status yet?

                Sure they’d kissed a couple times, which of course felt amazing, and Changmin wanted to give them a try, despite the fact that Jaejoong himself was a private investigator thoroughly enmeshed in the case and the dangers therein, as evidenced by that ridiculous break-in the other day.  Fortunately nothing truly bad had come of it, but it simply reinforced the fact that he never should have agreed to go on that trip with Changmin to the Statue of Liberty…

                “Are you going to pace all night?” Changmin asked in a bemused tone, seated on the edge of the bed with his elbows propped on his knees and his chin resting on his folded hands.

                “Maybe,” Jaejoong responded immediately, though he finally stopped walking in circles and turned to face the younger male who looked at him with such trust and adoration.  He really was a terrible person for bringing him into this.  Reluctantly, he finally convinced himself to sit down next to Changmin and look over at him with focused eyes, searching the younger male’s face intently.

                Changmin reached over to grasp the nearest hand resting in Jaejoong’s lap, threading their fingers together.  “You can talk to me, Jae.  You know that, right?”

                “I know…” Jaejoong sighed heavily, letting his shoulders slump though his hand tightened on Changmin’s reflexively.  “It’s just that I’ve already involved you in this more than I should have, Minnie.  It’s irresponsible and reckless and-”

                His rant was ended abruptly when Changmin captured his chin and leaned over to claim his lips in a tender kiss, rendering conversation impossible.  “And you’re human, Jae,” he finally whispered, keeping their lips close together so his breath ghosted over the other male’s cheek.  “Talk to me,” he stated again softly, shifting his hand to cup the smooth cheek instead.

                There was no denying he wanted to.  Oh god how he wanted to share with someone else everything he’d been keeping in, even from Kyuhyun and his former boss.  It was damnably difficult holding on to everything by himself.  Truly, it was.  “Minnie,” he murmured softly, his eyes searching the chocolate orbs before him hopefully.  “I…”

~~~~~~

****Excellent poster done by s3xyangel at Exotic Dreamers Poster Shop.  Go request now!  haha****

Review done by ℰxoxo ↻ Graphics // Story Review Shop by macchiato. ~~  96/110  These guys are excellent.  I would highly recommend them if you're looking for a solid and in-depth review.  Thanks again!

Review of the finished story done by eunhyuksgal at Forbidden Dreamers Poster Shop.  ~  92/100 "...mindblowingly creative plot with strong detailed story-telling. Impressive.

This story has also been entered into The Lion's Den Writing Contest for a Long Story entry.

Submitted to The New Library of recommendation fics.