Disclaimer: A fictional story using the members of Super Junior in whatever ways my crazy imagination decides. No ownership whatsoever.

Chapter Four

Ryeowook blinked. And then he blinked again.

What did Kyuhyun just say?

Heat crept into his cheeks. Kyuhyun couldn't have possibly have meant that the way Ryeowook was earnestly hoping he was, right? But the clear possessiveness of those words made Ryeowook's body tingle.

Kyuhyun was having his own troubles.

The words had come out of his mouth before he had even realized they had formed. Cursing, he tried to find a way out of the situation his words had created. It wasn't because he regretted his words. He only regretted the timing. He had meant to subtly seduce Ryeowook, not shout out blunt statements that made him sound like a domineering chauvinist.

Catching the dazed look on Ryeowook's face, Kyuhyun groaned in dismay. Ryeowook looked like he had seen a ghost.

Glaring at Henry who was still smiling deviously, Kyuhyun checked his desire to punish the little urchin. Though Ryeowook didn't have any romantic feelings towards Henry, Kyuhyun had noticed the reverse wasn't necessarily true.

He had caught the adoring looks Henry shot at Ryeowook. Henry spent more time with Ryeowook than with any other member in Super Junior. With Super Junior M an established and popular group now, Kyuhyun highly doubted it was because Henry was still unsure of himself. No, it was clear that Henry looked to Ryeowook as more than an older brother figure.

Henry made sure to be the one standing, walking, or sitting next to Ryeowook. It aggravated Kyuhyun to no end.

At some point, the brat must have realized his affection for Ryeowook for when Henry was Ryeowook, he had started rubbing it in Kyuhyun's face. Ryeowook, of course, was oblivious to it all. There was an unspoken agreement to keep it that way.

Tonight had been no different. Not for one moment did Kyuhyun think that Henry's request for a massage was for the limbo contest. How could he when the other had the nerve to shoot him a wink while receiving the massage from Ryeowook?

Henry should be glad that the only thing that was crumbled tonight was the beer can Kyuhyun had been holding at the time.

Glaring one last time at Henry, he steered Ryeowook away before Henry could open up his mouth and say anything else. Kyuhyun promised to himself that he would deal with Henry later.

By this time, the other members had slowly drifted from the room one by one. Only maybe five other members were left and they looked to be playing a card game.

"Can you let me go now?"

Blinking, Kyuhyun realized that he was still holding Ryeowook tightly against him. Looking down at Ryeowook's face, he saw that it was an interesting shade of red. Chuckling, he released the smaller boy and took a step back.

Already, his arms missed Ryeowook's body, so he crossed them in poor attempt to appease them.

Ryeowook took his time straightening his sweater that had ridden up when Kyuhyun had grabbed him. Reaching up, he smoothed his hair down then fidgeted with his earrings. Basically, he wanted to delay looking at Kyuhyun for as long as possible.

When he could delay no longer, he chanced a look up and was surprised to see Kyuhyun studying him intently.

Confused, Ryeowook reached up to touch his face thinking the problem lay there.

"Is there something on my face?"

Kyuhyun continued to stare, and Ryeowook felt his face begin to heat again. His eyes locked with Kyuhyun's, and it was then he spotted a flicker of longing in those brown depths. Strange, why would Kyuhyun's eyes hold such an emotion while looking at him?

"Kyuhyun?" Ryeowook questioned. His confusion turned to worry when the other boy continued to stand there silently.

The taller boy blinked, and Ryeowook noticed that the emotion he had seen in them before had disappeared.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about something."

Ryeowook nodded his head in easy agreement, not willing to push the issue even though his curiosity was touched.

Turning around, Ryeowook realized that most of the other members had gone. Left behind were empty cups, wrinkled streamers, and discarded plates. It was a mess.

"So, I guess you must have lost a bet and got stuck with cleaning?" Ryeowook asked.

Snorting, Kyuhyun shot Ryeowook a hurt look.

"Maybe I volunteered! I can be responsible, you know."

Ryeowook rolled his eyes. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Ahh, Ryeowook. You wound me! Is this what you think of me?" Kyuhyun implored, slinging a casual arm over Ryeowook's shoulder.

Feeling mischievous, Ryeowook answered with an affirmative.

"Sure is. You're the lazy magnae who somehow teases all the hyungs and gets away with it! And somehow, I always end up bailing you out of all the trouble you get into. Just like tonight!"

Ryeowook shook his head to show his confusion. "I don't know how you do it, but I can never say no to you."

A look of surprise appeared on Kyuhyun's face.

"Really?" Kyuhyun spoke, delight coloring his voice.

"Yes, I-" Ryeowook's voice stopped working the moment he realized what the implications of his words were.

"Wait! I didn't mean it like that!"

Laughing, Kyuhyun grabbed a nearby plastic bag and handed it to Ryeowook.

"I'll have to keep that in mind. Hmm, I wonder what I should ask for next."

Looking warily at the other magnae, Ryeowook began gathering up the dirty cups and plates and dumping them into the plastic bag. Kyuhyun had grabbed his own plastic bag and was starting to clean as well.

Ryeowook couldn't believe the words that had come out of his mouth. What would possess him to say such things?

Kyuhyun, of course. No matter how absentminded he was when he had said those words, they dripped with the honest truth. It was a scary thought, only because Ryeowook felt like he was in danger of losing himself. If Kyuhyun asked him to stay with him forever, Ryeowook would do so without a thought to anything else.

Would he survive if Kyuhyun came up to him one day and told him he loved another? If he did survive, it would be without his heart. That belonged solely to Kyuhyun. The urge to confess was getting stronger every day.

But was he willing to endanger their friendship to ask for more?

Picking up another cup, Ryeowook realized his hand was shaking. Glancing over, Ryeowook took in the sight of Kyuhyun's bent form picking up stray streamers off the floor. His eyes followed the contour of Kyuhyun's broad shoulders down to the tapered waist. His eyes took in the long legs that were covered in simple khaki pants. He felt attraction flare in his body.

When Kyuhyun turned his face, Ryeowook felt his breath catch. He loved that face. He loved those intelligent eyes, that strong nose, and those soft lips. Could he live without seeing that face? Ryeowook didn't think so.

Turning away from Kyuhyun, he went back to cleaning.

Right now, as a member of Super Junior, there was no obstruction to being with Kyuhyun. But what about after? Ryeowook shook his head. He didn't want to think about it. All he could do was make the most of his time with Kyuhyun now.

It's enough to be his friend, Ryeowook thought to himself. Picking up another cup, Ryeowook placed it into the plastic bag. It has to be enough, Ryeowook repeated.

000

Finally, the two magnaes succeeded in picking up all the larger pieces of trash. They would leave the vacuuming to the hotel cleaning staff. Stacking the trash in the corner, the two stretched tiredly.

Yawning, Ryeowook slumped tiredly into a chair. Exhaustion from both the party and concert had finally kicked in. Looking over, he saw Kyuhyun in a similar state.

Feeling the gaze, Kyuhyun turned his head to look at Ryeowook.

"Ready for bed?" Kyuhyun asked lips quirked.

Even in his state of exhaustion, Ryeowook felt his body react to Kyuhyun's words.

"What?" Ryeowook squeaked out.

Smirking, Kyuhyun stood up and stalked over to Ryeowook.

With every step Kyuhyun took, Ryeowook felt his heart skip a beat. At this rate, his heart was going to fail on him.

Finally, Kyuhyun stood in front of Ryeowook.

"Well?"

Ryeowook moistened his dry lips. He missed the darkening of Kyuhyun's eyes because of the innocent action.

"What was the question again?"

Kyuhyun crouched down and Ryeowook suddenly found himself eye level with the other magnae.

"I asked," Kyuhyun breathed, leaning ever closer to Ryeowook's face, "if you were ready for bed."

Ryeowook could only stare. What was an appropriate answer? Sure am, Kyuhyun, as long as it's your bed! Wait, no! That's wrong.

Clearing his throat, Ryeowook tried to put some distance between them, but seeing as he was sitting in a chair with a high back, it was kind of hard.

"Yes?" The word was said as a question rather than an affirmation.

Staring a bit longer, Kyuhyun finally smiled and moved away. "Alright then, let's go."

Shakily, Ryeowook got up from the chair. It was a wonder he could stand at all. His legs felt like jelly. That darn Kyuhyun. Didn't he know the effect he had on him? Sighing, Ryeowook shook his head. What was he thinking? Of course Kyuhyun didn't. Isn't that why the situation was so hopeless? God, he really needed some sleep if he was having conversations with himself.

Taking a step forward, Ryeowook was surprised to feel his right leg shake before it buckled completely. He would have fallen if it hadn't been for the arms that caught him.

"Are you okay?" Kyuhyun exclaimed.

Hesitantly, Ryeowook put weight on his leg again and was relieved when no pain was felt. Looking up, he gave Kyuhyun a reassuring smile.

"I'm okay. It just buckled from under me. I must be more tired than I thought. I'm fine now."

Frowning, Kyuhyun stared doubtfully at Ryeowook's leg.

Suddenly, Kyuhyun turned around and crouched down.

Baffled, Ryeowook stared. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like? Get on, I'll carry you up."

Blushing, Ryeowook shook his head frantically.

"I'm fine! Honestly, I can walk."

"Get on, Ryeowook."

"But Kyuhyun!"

"Get on."

"Really, I'm fine. See, I'm standing -"

"Ryeowook get on or I'm carrying you bridal style to your room." Kyuhyun stated tone completely serious.

Mortified, Ryeowook shot Kyuhyun a panicked look. "You wouldn't dare."

Looking over his shoulder, Kyuhyun gave Ryeowook a challenging stare. "Wouldn't I?"

Hell yes he would. In fact, Kyuhyun hoped Ryeowook would continue to argue. That way, he could carry Ryeowook as he truly wanted to.

The sound of shuffling was heard before Kyuhyun felt Ryeowook settle onto his back. Smirking, Kyuhyun patiently waited for Ryeowook to place his arms around his neck.

Oh well, Kyuhyun thought. I'll just carry him bridal style next time.

Realizing that Kyuhyun was completely serious, Ryeowook gave in like he always did. At least Kyuhyun was facing away from him so he didn't see just how embarrassed he was.

He did his best to not think about what exactly he was doing. What was he doing? He was pressing his whole front body to Kyuhyun's body. That's what he was doing. How the hell was he going to survive through this?

Gingerly, he draped his arms loosely around Kyuhyun's shoulder before he pressed his upper body to Kyuhyun's back. Oh god.

"Umm… I'm ready?"

When Kyuhyun stood, Ryeowook automatically tightened his hold. Pressure on both his legs made him realize that Kyuhyun was touching his thighs. His heart was beating so loud Ryeowook wondered if Kyuhyun could hear it.

The ease in Kyuhyun's steps walked made Ryeowook wonder just how much the younger magnae had been working out. Wasn't he heavy? But Kyuhyun was showing no signs of strained breathing or discomfort.

The hell with it. Who knew when the next opportunity would come to be this close to Kyuhyun - to be carried by Kyuhyun, the love of his life. He was so tired of worrying. Letting out a yawn, he naturally laid his head down on Kyuhyun's broad shoulder. Kyuhyun's hair felt soft as silk as they brushed over his face. He could get used to do this.

Kyuhyun was enjoying himself immensely. He'd have to think of other reasonable excuses to convince Ryeowook to allow Kyuhyun to carry him. Concentrating, he could just make out the vanilla smell of the lotion the other used. He wondered if Ryeowook would notice if they just went to his room.

The elevator ride up was long with people getting on and off the elevator. Kyuhyun tried to stay focused on keeping still, because slowly but surely, he felt Ryeowook get limper and limper. The eternal magnae was so tired he was falling asleep.

Finally, the elevator stopped on the twenty-second floor. Getting off, Kyuhyun walked slowly towards Ryeowook's room. As he passed a hallway mirror, he stopped as he caught sight of Ryeowook's sleeping face. For a moment it mesmerized him. That's what I want to wake up to, Kyuhyun thought. Every morning for the rest of my life.

Making a decision, he breezed past Ryeowook's hotel door and went straight to his own.

A/N: Thanks for reading.