DAMAGED •• YunJae•• DB5K

Chapter Twenty Two

The next time Yunho awoke his mind was clear but his body was a temple of aches and pains. He could tell he was pressed up against a very familiar warm body...Jae's body. Yunho kept his eyes closed as he eavesdropped on Changmin and his sister trying to figure out what exactly was going on.

"So what is your mom going to tell them?"

"I don't know. I don't know if she is going to get a chance to say anything dad is taking over."

"They won't be happy that Jae is here."

"No, not at all, from the little I could gather from their conversation they are going to just ignore his presence as best they can."

"The fact that I...people have to be suspicious after that."

"I still can't believe you did that on live televison."

"No matter what has passed between us...no matter what...he shouldn't have kept this from me."

"They all say it was Yunho's idea..."

"I know that, but still Jae should have known better. We were once...it doesn't matter he should have just known better."

"Look at them...look at how peacefully they sleep even if their bodies are torn and battered? Has their love prevailed after all? Have they reunited?"

"Heechul said they are just friends, but I honestly don't know."

"My brother made it pretty obvious how he felt."

"He was trapped in the past."

"Changmin, I don't think he was trapped there...I think he escaped to there."

"I think he had a concussion and to assume all is forgiven is to diminish all the pain he suffered through. Nobody can ever understand the pain he went through."

"Except you?"

"I come the closest to understanding but even I don't know the full extent of what he suffered and how it changed him, and all of that was before he took a bullet meant for me."

"Changmin, I know one thing when Yunho does wake up and when he is himself he won't blame you. I know that much of my brother."

"I know that too, but it doesn't make it any less true."

"I have to go check on mom. She hasn't slept at all. She just stayed awake on the whole plane ride here staring out the window. Changmin, be kind to yourself and be strong. No matter what he has decided he deserves our understanding..."

"Go check on your mom."

Yunho listened as the door shut behind his sister and he opened his eyes. He found his head leaning up against Jae's chest. He noticed that he was under the covers while Jae was lying on the top of them. Yunho moaned as he pulled away from Jae's chest to lie on his back causing the other man to awaken immediately.

"Yunho, are you alright?" Jae said half asleep as he bolted up in the bed and stared down at Yunho full of concern. Yunho heart broke as he looked up into Jae's battered face.

"Hyung?" Changmin was up and out of his chair and standing beside the bed instantly.

"Jae, Changmin...just give me a minute and don't call for anybody." Yunho managed to get out. His voice sounded so hoarse and his throat hurt but he was grateful for his clear speech.

"Do you need something to drink?" Jae asked leaning over him eerily perceptive.

"He can't have any water. He just had surgery." Changmin corrected Jae quickly.