A/N - I love the hints of MinWookTuek in this chapter... they are so cute!

Chapter 2

The reunion was the same as usual. Yesung was showing his new game to Kibum, Hangen and Donghae whilst Siwon and Kyuhyun were helping Ryeowook cook the evening meal in the kitchen. The meal Ryeowook had planned was extra special as the missing members would be returning from the cold and a month away from his cooking. The saucepan of sauce spat as he stirred it and as Ryeowook looked down to check if he was hit he noticed he was wearing the apron again. He smiled. It really was a good present!

Just as he set the last dish onto the table there was the sound of the front door opening, coats ruffling and people filling into the hallway. Everyone in the kitchen looked up as they heard Yesung shouting greetings. Walking into the hallway Ryeowook was greeted by a sight that lifted his heart with joy. Everyone was together again. The missing members were there in their coats, hats and scarves and before long they were all greeting each other and hugging. The smile on Ryeowook's face was genuine when he saw Leeteuk beckon him into his arms. He half ran half waddled over and laughed as he was encased by red duffle coat covered arms. Leeteuk leaned back, took Ryeowook's face into his hands and ruffled his hair. "Did you miss me?" He cooed. "Of course hyung!" Ryeowook giggled. "Hey now! Don't you forget me Wookie!" Ryeowook turned round to see Sungmin with his arms open in his favourite pink jacket and white scarf with patching mittens'. He grinned and moved forward to hug Sungmin. "Hey there Wookie!" he heard Kangin say from behind Sungmin. He ruffled his hair. "Boy have I missed you're cooking! We were fed by Eunhyuk most nights!" He then laughed his deep laugh as Eunhyuk protested behind him. "Hey, where's Heechul?" He heard Hangen shout from near the front door. Ryeowook released himself from Sungmin and looked around. He was indeed missing. "Oh he said there was something he needed to get on the way back. He said he'd head here after so he should be back soon" Leeteuk answered. Then looking down on Ryeowook, "well then Wookie. What's that I smell?" Ryeowook grinned back at him. "I tried to make everyone's favourite!" With a smile of triumph he lead the way into the kitchen and stood in the door way. The members made sounds of surprise and delight when they looked into the dining room. Looking down the spread on the table did indeed look impressive and it had taken him a while to prepare, with help. With all the members seated Ryeowook busied himself with getting drinks for everyone. He had just set down a glass of Hite next to Kangin when he felt someone grab his wrist. He looked down to see Leeteuk looking up at him. "Sit down Ryeowook hunny. We are all okay now so please enjoy yourself and stop fussing!" Ryeowook smiled but looked over at the empty chair where Heechul should be sat. The knot of nervousness tightened in his stomach. "No hyung really I'm fine. I ate loads while I was cooking and I'm really not hungry." He smiled and moved away before Leeteuk could protest more. "Ya Wookie! Go and look down the street and see if you can see him. He might need a hand with his bag anyway. He shouldn't be this late" Shindong said looking up from his food. Still chewing and with rice down his chin. Leeteuk tutted and Ryeowook went to protest before Sungmin added, "yeah he did have the biggest suitcase. It's going to take at least two to get it up those steps!" So without the option to refuse and bring attention to it Ryeowook headed through the door. He stopped and turned his head back to the dining room once Kangin said "hey, doesn't Wookie look like the perfect little wife in that apron on, waiting by the door!" He heard the other members laugh and giggled himself.

Because of all the noise he didn't hear the front door click and slide open in front of him. He sensed something and turning his head still smiling he looked straight into the eyes of Heechul. His smile dropped and his eyes filled with surprise.

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The walk from the bus stop was taking twice as long as usual. His feet weighted by snow each step became a struggle as he dragged his feet. I really didn't wear the right shoes for an arctic walk. God I'm cold. He tightened his gingham scarf but it only made him shiver more. The falling snow had made it wet and cold. He dug his hand into his coat pocket and wrapped his hand around the small square box within it. Feeling relief that it was still there he removed his hand to rub it with the other. Gloves next time I think. He mused to himself. Heechul turned the corner and walked onto the road of the apartment building. He smiled as he saw all the lights were on. It looked warm and comforting, plus there should be food! He battled through the thick snow and reached the steps. He carefully climbed them, with each step he had to guess the location of the stone beneath as the thick snow covered them. He finally got to the large green door. He grabbed the brass door knob and shudder, it was freezing! He turned it and quickly got inside. Once in the porch he removed his coat and scarf quickly. He rummaged into his pocket to find the small white box once again. After hanging them up he knelt to undo his shoes, slipping them off with his socks he went for the door into the house. Quickly looking into the mirror he saw he was completely drenched. His hair which usually sat on his shoulders neat and shiny was completely messy. It dripped large water droplets down his back and his usually brushed back fringe and bangs where weighted and over his eyes. He shook his head so one eye was visible. His nose and chin were still dripping. His yellow t-shirt was wet and darker around his neckline where he scarf had sat. Because of the water weighing it down the neck line was lower than usual and his collar bone and the top of his chest were visible. His appearance meant little at the moment. He had to get in and warm up. He moved towards the door and turned the handle, slowly pushing the door open.

The sound of laughter met his ears and he looked up to see Ryeowook stood in the hallway. He was facing the side and laughing. Heechul stood there, either not able to move or not wanting to move. He stood and stared at the boy in front of him completely transfixed and expressionless. It was only a few seconds but he saw it as if in slow motion. Ryeowook had sensed him and was turning his head, he blinked still smiling and then his eyes met Heechul's. The smile instantly fell from his face and his eyes widened with shock. He took a few moments to fully take in Heechul's state before his stammered "h-h-hyung? Wha-what happened?!" A completely bemused look came over Ryeowook's face until he seemed to snap out of it with an idea. He raised his hands signalling Heechul to stay still. "Wait, I'll go get some towels!" and with that he had run upstairs. Heechul followed him with his eyes until he had turned the corner into the bathroom. He heard cupboards opening and then Ryeowook appeared again. This time with two white fluffy towels in his hands. He ran back down the stairs and towards Heechul. As soon as he reached him the threw a towel around his shoulders and began to rub them. The whole time Heechul just stared at him, his face still expressionless. "How did you get so wet?!" Ryeowook asked, not looking at his face. He could feel his eyes on him. "Is it still snowing? Oh my, your freezing, you need to change. Common upstairs". With that he grabbed Heechul's wrist and pulled him towards the stairs. They climbed the stairs in silence which continued until they got to Heechul's room. Ryeowook pushed the door open and left Heechul standing in the centre of the room and told him to take his shirt off. Turning around he riffled through his wardrobe looking for another t-shirt. Once he had one in his hand he turned back to Heechul. He had done as he was told and removed his t-shirt. Ryeowook moved towards him with the new pink t-shirt in hand. He didn't know where to look. He knew Heechul's eyes were still on him so he just kept his head lowered and looked at his chest. As he got closer he could see the goose bumps on his exposed skin, Ryeowook gulped as he felt his face flush. He moved an inch nearer and held out the t-shirt, still not raising his head. Heechul went to take it but caught Ryeowook's wrist instead. Ryeowook raised his head in shock when he felt the cool fingers wrap around his wrist. In one movement Heechul pulled him towards him. Pulling the arm he held behind him he wrapped both of his arms around Ryeowook's ridged body. He buried his face into the boys neck and inhaled his sent. It was a mixture of fruity shampoo, cologne and cooking. He closed his eyes and squeezed tighter.

Ryeowook stood stone still in shock, his arms by his side looking up at the ceiling. Slowly regaining his senses he moved his hands up to rest on Heechul's chest and pushed with all his might. They both stumbled apart and Ryeowook looked into Heechul's eyes for the first time since they had come upstairs. He was angry, he knew Heechul saw it in his eyes because he stepped forward with an apologetic look on his face. "Wookie I…" But Ryeowook cut him off. "Put the t-shirt on, there is food down stairs and everyone is waiting to greet you." He walked past him and went towards the door.

Before he could resist he felt and arm come from behind him, swing him around and push him into the wall near the door. Heechul dropped the t-shirt and box in his hands and grabbed Ryeowook's wrists with one hand, holding them against the wall above his head and with the other he grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at him. He searched his eyes for a moment, saying nothing. Ryeowook only stood in shock staring at Heechul. "Why wouldn't you look at me?" Heechul asked. Ryeowook went to look away but Heechul again grabbed his chin forcing him to look into his eyes. "It's not that I just… I feel…" Ryeowook tried to answer but Heechul was to impatient for his stammering. "You feel what? Disgusted? Ashamed? So what now? Are you going to ignore me forever!? Are you going to continue to make this awkward!?" Heechul was getting more and more angry, Ryeowook had again lowered his head until, in a raised voice he said "EMBARRISED!" He snapped his head up to look at Heechul's face again. Heechul let go of his hands and they fell again to his sides. Heechul placed a hand on the wall and leant into Ryeowook. "I-I was embarrassed! I'm not like you! No one has ever…" He lowered his head again. "No one's ever touched me before" He mumbled. Looking up again he said with confidence the things he had been wanting to say. "And I didn't know what it meant! Or why you did it! You really confused me… I-I I'm sorry I…" He lowered his head again as he felt tears stinging the edges of his eyes. Heechul was taken aback. He just stared at the parting on top of Ryeowook's head. "Wookie" he said softly. "I'm sorry, it was only meant to be a bit of fun. I…" But before he could finish Ryeowook's head had snapped up. Tears forming in the corners of his eyes he gritted his teeth. He glared at Heechul, pushed him away and stormed out. He went to call after him but heard his door slam. Heechul stood there and sighed. Dam, I've really done it this time. He looked up at the door Ryeowook had just gone through and felt a huge pang of regret. I bet he's crying now. "Aish.." he cursed. He went over to pick up the towel and t-shirt. Seeing the little white box on the floor he threw down his towel in rage. So God dam stupid! He sat on the edge of his bed and put his head in his hands.

It was nearing midnight and the house was once again quiet. The only light left on was in the dining room as four members sat around the oak table talking and drinking. Leeteuk was sat at the end of the table, leaning forward with his elbow resting on the table he sat with his head placed on his hands and smiling at the talking Hangen to his right. Next to him was Heechul. He was slumped back in his chair with a bottle of rice wine in front of him and a glass in his hand. Opposite Hangen sat Siwon, laughing at the tale Hangen told. Hangen had finished his story and there was a moment of silence before Leeteuk turned to Siwon. "So, how was it without us? No fights I hope?" He smiled at the younger member. "No of course not hyung. It's in fact been very quiet". He took a sip of wine. "Yeah especially with Ryeowook being so quiet…" Added Hangen. Both Heechul and Leeteuk looked at him. The worry on Leeteuk's face was evident. "Quiet?" He turned to look at Siwon. "Why?" "That's what we wanted to know. He just seemed really withdrawn" Answered Siwon.

"Yeah but it was more than that…" Hangen again added. They all turned to look at him. Leeteuk gestured for him to continue. "Well it was obvious he missed you guys. Especially you hyung with all the attention you give him!" He smiled and looked at Leeteuk but sobered again when he continued to speak. "But there was something more, he was definitely thinking about something. Something that really worried him. He would space out for hours! He kept mostly to himself. It was so unlike him!" He sighed and took a swig of wine.

Heechul began to feel more and more uncomfortable. It must have been what happened. Had he really caused Ryeowook to act like that? God what turmoil has he been going through? Oh fuck. It effected him that badly? And then a thought struck though his mind. What if it wasn't just mucking about for him? He said I was his first so… oh God what have I said?! He put a hand to his head and pinched the bridge oh his nose as he thought of more ways he had probably hurt Ryeowook through his ignorance.

Leeteuk noticed Heechul's sudden distress but was unable to ask as to why because Siwon had turned to him. "Hyung both me and Hangen have asked him but he won't tell us. Maybe if you tried…?" But he was cut off as Leeteuk raised a hand to silence him. "You know as well as I do Ryeowook's personality" he lent forward to fill his cup. "He would never say anything that would cause us worry. I'm sure that as soon as you mentioned it he made an effort to improve" he looked at the two of them and they nodded. "Ryeowook will come to me for advice if things get bad enough. With him you just have to wait. He won't want things uncomfortable for long." He emptied his cup in one mouth full and set it down. "Anyway manager hyung says he will pop round tomorrow with some news. It's already late so shall we go to bed?" He posed it as a question but they all knew he was telling them it was time to turn in. The other three nodded and as Leeteuk rose from his chair and headed for the door both Hangen and Siwon were close behind him. Heechul moved his chair back and emptied his glass. He sighed as he set it down. I hope Leeteuk's right and he will want to clear this up. I need to talk to him but… I already know he won't listen. He rose from his chair and walked to the door. He flicked the light switch and made his way up stairs in the dark. He walked past the door Ryeowook and Sungmin shared and paused for a moment. He heard a click behind him as Leeteuk came from his own room and closed door behind him. "Worried Heechul-ah?" He asked with a smile on his face. Heechul looked back. "No… I just think that Sungmin has a pink shirt of mine in his room. But I'll wait till morning. Night" With that he turned and headed to his own room at the end of the corridor. "Yeah… night" he heard Leeteuk say quietly behind him.