Letters From The Sky (JoongNine AU)

Chapter 6

Joong

My eyes felt so heavy to be opened. This always happened after an intensive week of filming. My energy was depleted after major action scenes were shot continuously. Usually, to minimize the cost and optimize the usage, sets were set up, rent or used in a range of days. If it was a regular shoot, long shooting period was alright, but for action scene, the tiredness would be felt after it ended. After a week of daily shooting, I was almost out of my mind, with the random, inconsistent sleep hours. But, I really wanted to go and see Nine first, at least for a while, before I went back home for a much needed rest.

Thinking back, after my bold confession; which  was quiet embarrassing considering his friend was there; I didn't want Nine to take this as just a joke or heat of the moment. Because, I knew, if I didn't crash his room at that time, my schedule would be full for a week after that , and I would be much too tired to really make a move on him afterwards. I never imagined to find an almost as tired and listless Nine upon reaching his workplace. To be honest, it was a gamble of luck, because not only that I didn't have his number, I also could only pray that he was still at work, considering Doctor's working hours was divided by shift as well.

"Joong...", I heard a distant voice calling me. Then, I felt a hand softly combing my hair, and again, calling my name for the second time. I managed to open my eyes slowly. I looked around a little disoriented, of the unfamiliar surrounding and dimmed light, until my eyes landed on the sweet face that looked at me calmly. Oh, yes, I was supposed to wait for the rain to slow down, but it seemed my tired body was not able to stay awake anymore, and I fell asleep on the small sofa. I sat up, and rubbed my eyes immediately, shook my head to clear some more traces of sleepiness. I smiled at Nine and a little embarrass of the situation.

"Has the rain stopped? What time is it? Sorry, I fell asleep..." I said while looking at the darkness outside from the glass sliding door that lead to a small space outside. I couldn't make out whether the rain had stopped or not, but nevertheless, I should really get going from Nine's house. He must be restless and uncomfortable, to have a sudden guest that he was not familiar with, invading his space. That must be the reason that he was still not asleep, and thus had to wake me up eventually.

"It's already way past midnight, almost close to one".

"Oh...I should go...", I said and stood up from the sofa to move ahead. But, Nine stopped me short by holding my wrist tight.

"No, not asking you to go. Looked, it is still raining, and you're dead tired. I wake you up, to ask you to sleep, on the bed. The sofa is too small for you, your back must be hurting now, scrunched up liked that".

My eyes almost widened, my heart was jumping, my mind couldn't think straight. Is this a dream? Sleeping on the bed? With Nine? I mean, yeah, of course not "sleeping" as in anything other than the exact literal meaning, but still, last week I was rejected as not even a friend, and now I was offered a warm bed to sleep on? I was speechless and looked so dumb for a moment. Nine eyes did not waver while looking at me, instead, it looked glossy, almost liked he was in tears. His hold on my wrist was still as tight. I decided not to ask, or to argue, and just nodded. He smiled, and my God, the beats of my heart were rising to almost reached it's peak.

Nine

I couldn't release my hold on his wrist and just pulled him to follow me inside the bedroom. My bed was just enough to cater for two persons. Although the movement would be a bit tight, considering Joong had a tall built, but as long as we were not kicking each other, then it was more comfortable than the sofa outside.

"Ah, Nine, I haven't taken a shower yet, ermm, because I was supposed to leave, so...I'm afraid the smell might disturb you..."

"It's alright Joong. It is late to take a shower now, my hot shower is broken too. So, the water will be too cold, not good for your sore body... but....unless you're the one who feel the discomfort, then do so... take a shower first, or, let just sleep". My face felt heated, this conversation really made me feel a tingling running up my skin, hmm, unconsciously imagining something unsuitable for this moment. Cut it off, Nine!.

Joong just smiled and moved to jump and lay on the bed. His smile couldn't be contained. I timidly, slowly moved near and laid carefully on the bed, turning to the side, until only my back was facing him. This felt different than when we were just teens. It was innocent and lovely. Now, everything felt too charge and somewhat, a little intimidating. Oh God, when would I get some sleep if it was liked this. Lucky, tomorrow was my off day after working overnight and a full day shifts.

"Nine, I don't bite you know. And also, a gentleman. So, please, move a bit to this side, you're going to fall from the bed, sleeping at the edge liked that. Your body is stiff too...", Joong said cheekily. Even when I couldn't see his face, I could sense the teasing in his voice. I remained static. Ignoring his teasing and request.

Before I even lasted 5 minutes, I could feel his hands circling my waist, pulling me away from the edge and closer to him. My surprise caused me to yelp and immediately turned my head to look at him, "You said you're a gentleman! What is this?!".

"This is what a gentleman would do, saving you from rolling to the floor later on when you fall asleep unguarded at the edge of the bed".

"That is such a lousy excuse, Joong, unhand me!", I said while tapping his laced hands in front of my waist. Joong just laughed and loosened his hold. I tried to move again, but was stopped with his words, "Either you stay closer to this side, or else, I'll hold you for the whole night, choose...".

"I started to regret my decision, Joong. Don't tempt me to be the bad guy..."

"Hmm, I don't mind a little rough handling, let see who will lose the battle early..."

I knew it was a stubborn, petty move, but I still wiggled myself to my side of the bed, which truly, really would cause me to fall, liked he said; but my pride won't let me back down. My choice was limited. I couldn't ask him to go back in the rain, I couldn't let him sleep on the small sofa too, and that had left my just-enough-space-bed as a solution; which wouldn't be a problem, if only the other person stayed static and not being so well-built; which he wasn't, in both accounts.

"Don't say I didn't warn you..." and after the words, I could feel his tight hold on my waist again as he snuggled closer to find the most comfortable fit in the side position.

"Joong...." my voice was strained.

"Shhhhh...enough for tonight. Too tired. Let just sleep, okay?". I could hear his half pleading, half sleepy voice. After a few minutes of no movement, I could feel the weight of his sleeping body behind me, and his warm breaths fanning the back of my neck. I just savoured this moment with every part of my being. This was something that I missed for such a long time; to be hold by someone, and feeling the warmth that he exuded. 

I moved my hands and put it over his, and finally slept with a contented smile on my face.