Chapter 121
"I knew it was a brother!" Heather said when little Levi was brought downstairs by Renesmee with a big smile.
Heather ran to Renesmee's side grabbing at her skirt to get her attention so she could see her new little brother. Those that had bet Amber and Kevin were having a boy, however, couldn't even enjoy their victory because someone in the room had correctly guessed little Levi's birth down to the day earning the entire pot.
"You can all give me your shares when we get back," Jacob said as he waited his turn to see his newest grandson.
"I can't believe you guessed the exact DAY this kid was going to be born," Nathan muttered a little to himself.
"Call it a hunch," Jacob smiled.
"You were in on that whole bet?" Renesmee asked, surprised.
"Of course I was," Jacob said. "And now we're $200 richer because I guessed Levi's birth date right and won the whole pot. Not half bad I'd say."
Renesmee just sighed heavily but said nothing further on the matter. Levi Jr. went to his grandpa Levi first to be held and the man nearly wouldn't let the boy go. Heather went to him having been following Renesmee around the room to each and every person that was holding Levi so she could keep looking.
"Looks like you were right, mien Liebling," Levi chuckled and patted Heather's head while she giggled victoriously. "He looks like Amber."
"He really does," Renesmee agreed with a big smile.
Levi Jr. was passed around from family member to family member to be cooed and adored while Amber stayed upstairs to take a much deserved nap. Kevin stayed upstairs with her and, when she'd woken up later that evening, Kevin had brought their unity candle into their bedroom with matches at the ready to be lit when needed. When Kevin say her wake up, he went ahead and lit the tapers while Amber got herself onto her elbow in the bed. They smiled at one another while Kevin handed Amber her taper and the two lit the unity candle together. Once their candle was lit, they blew out the tapers and Kevin put them back away while their unity candle burned, glowing in the lower light between the curls and design of the wax.
"Was this what you had in mind when you were planning our anniversary?" Amber asked with a gentle smile.
"It's better than anything I could have come up with," Kevin smiled. "Save for the hours and hours of labor."
Amber huffed a small laugh, "Yes, the pain you must have felt."
"I know, I know," Kevin smiled and held her hand. He brought that hand to his lips and kissed it. "Happy anniversary."
"Happy anniversary," Amber said before the two shared a loving kiss.
"We need to make the arrangements for the Bris," Levi said off handedly later that evening.
"Oh, yes," Anna said. "We can go to Rabi Kowalski tomorrow and he'll help with the arrangements."
"What's a Bris?" Jacob asked.
"It's the circumcision ceremony," Anna said.
"That's the thing where you.." JJ didn't finished and just made scissor movements with two of his fingers.
"It's where you remove the foreskin, yes," Renesmee nodded. Everyone in the room couldn't stop the sudden shiver they all felt. "If it's any consolation, he won't remember any of it."
"I don't know if that's really relevant," Jacob sighed. "Kevin knows about this already, right?"
"He already knows," Levi confirmed. "Don't worry; Rabi will know someone that will get it done quickly."
"And what's the rush?" Nathan asked.
"The Bris needs to be performed on the 8th day after his birth," Anna said.
"At least he's got time," Nathan said.
After he'd been passed from family member to family member for everyone to see, Renesmee finally brought Levi back upstairs returning him to Amber. "Kyle," Kevin said once Renesmee had left, "I don't suppose there's some numbing medicine you can recommend is there?"
"I know of a numbing gel I can get for you," Kyle said. "I can't guarantee it'll help worth a damn considering what we're numbing but it's worth a shot. You'd just need to make sure you leave it on long enough to take effect and clean it off completely before the procedure gets performed."
"Please tell me we're allowed to do that," Kevin asked Amber.
"I don't see why not," Amber said. "I'm not aware of a reason we can't use a numbing agent if one is available."
"I'll get that for you before the Bris," Kyle said. "Day eight is when it's performed, right?" Amber nodded.
"I appreciate it," Amber said. "I know this is uncomfortable for you."
"It's for religious reasons, so I understand," Kyle said. "From my understanding of its effects, I find circumcision to be completely unnecessary in the long run unless it's for religious reasons."
"It's performed as Man taking the necessary steps to be closer to perfection," Amber said. "And if I remember correctly, it also had a lot to do with cleanliness."
"As your husband and I can both attest, it's not that hard to keep it clean," Kyle said with a small chuckle, "but there are no long term negative effects that I'm aware of. There's a risk of infection, but that's easily avoidable so long as you follow proper post-surgery cleanliness and care guidelines. That guy that does this will know all that and make sure you're aware of it. Just be patient with the lot of us. We don't really practice circumcision, so this is extremely out of our element."
"I know," Amber said and patted Kevin's knee. Eventually, Kyle left as well. Anna and Levi took Heather to spend the night with them so Amber could relax and once it was just the two of them, Kevin held Levi while Amber cuddled up to him.
"Am I allowed to ask if we can opt out of a Bris?" Kevin said.
"Not if we're raising him Jewish," Amber said. "I promise, Kevin. It'll all be alright. I've been to a several Bris ceremonies over the years and the procedure's always over in under ten minutes."
"I just feel bad," Kevin said. "I know he won't remember any of it, but any tampering in that area is never pleasant. Take it from a man."
"He'll be okay," Amber said. "Once it's over, he'll cry for a bit and by the time it's not hurting anymore, he'll be okay."
"I know," Kevin said. "How does the ceremony go?"
"We give Levi to a Kvatter pair, usually a husband and wife, and they bring Levi to the messenger who will hold him while the Mohel performs the Bris. Once it's done, a prayer is sung over the wine and the Mohel will dip a clean cloth into that wine for Levi to suck on while more prayers are sung. After all the prayers, you'll announce our son's name. It's a very fast ceremony. They prayers to bless our son will take longer than the procedure most likely. Especially if we have a Mohel that's experienced. I'll push for one."
"Yeah, I would hope so," Kevin said and petted Levi's head. He was asleep at the moment and his brown hair had dried so it was much softer now. "Am I allowed to hold his hand while the Mohel does it?"
"Of course," Amber smiled. "We'll all be there the whole time. Once it's all over, we can swaddle him and comfort him."
"Then that's what I'll do," Kevin said.
The following day, Anna and Levi went to the Synagogue and relayed the happy news that they had a grandson and they worked with him to begin the preparations for the Bris. The entire thing happened very quickly and the 25th, eight days after Levi Jacob was born, arrived in no time. Amber made sure that she didn't feed Levi in the morning and the Bris was scheduled to occur early to ensure he didn't go hungry for too long. Only immediate family was present, so it was a rather small affair which made Kevin feel a lot better. Having a huge crowd during the Bris would have made the ceremony more difficult for Kevin to get through. Kyle had given them the numbing gel and they made the Mohel aware so he could clean appropriately before he began.
"Don't worry, sir," the Mohel said to Kevin once Levi was situated on his grandfather's lap who'd been chosen as Levi Jacob's messenger. "I've done this many, many times. I'll have it over before you know it."
"I appreciate it," Kevin said.
Having previously been reassured he could do so, Kevin held his son's hand the whole time. Levi had a little pacifier in his mouth as well so he had something to suck on. Kyle highly recommended it since it would assist with soothing. Levi Jacob cried through the whole procedure and it was a different cry than either Amber or Kevin had ever heard. Kyle opened his mind briefly to find out of the gel had worked and, while it helped a little, it didn't completely negate the pain. The Mohel worked swiftly and had the procedure completed in just three minutes. Once over, he applied another gel meant to sooth the area as well as assist with healing, got Levi Jacob in some cloth and wrapped him securely and then presented him to everyone in attendance.
A prayer was recited over the wine first, then the Mohel dipped a clean cloth in the wine and gave it to Levi to suck on while they said the remaining prayers. That seemed to help quite a bit as Levi Jacob calmed considerably after he started sucking on the cloth. Kevin continued holding the baby's hand through the prayer and when all the prayers were recited, Kevin was able to announce the boy's name officially: Levi Jacob Black. As promised, the whole thing was over in about 7 minutes altogether and the prayers really were much longer than the actual procedure.
"It's okay, Levi," Kevin said to the baby as soon as he was finally handed back over to him, "the worst is over."
After everything was said and done, they all returned to Amber's and Kevin's house for a big dinner while either Amber or Kevin were always holding the baby. Heather would often sit next to Amber so she could look at her little brother but Amber made a point to ensure Heather didn't get too handsy. Levi was sleeping and she wanted to keep it that way. It would only help at this point.
"I don't suppose that gel worked did it?" Kevin asked Kyle while they had their drinks outside.
"It helped," Kyle reassured. "It didn't completely prevent any pain, but it hurt less than it would have otherwise. Just make sure you follow that Mohel's instructions exactly so Levi doesn't get an infection."
"We will," Kevin sighed. "That was very weird. I felt so bad for him."
"He'll be okay," Kyle said. "That'll heal pretty quick and once it's healed, that won't bother him at all."
"Alright," Kevin said. "If Amber and I do have another child, I hope it's another girl."
"Me too," Kyle said and gently nudged Kevin's arm. Kevin smiled and nudged his little brother back.
"Speaking of," Kevin said, "How's Caleb been?"
"He's a baby," Kyle answered and Kevin laughed a little.
"Yes, so I've heard."
"He's doing good. He's squirmy and sleeps most of the time which is good. No trouble with breastfeeding which is better. Already gained two pounds; little porker."
"He's supposed to gain weight, Kyle," Kevin laughed. "Don't be so hard on the kid."
"So is the disposition for all the Pups of the pack I'm afraid. We all grow like weeds but worse."
"No kidding," Kevin smiled. "Have your in-laws come to terms with his middle name?"
"Afton and Dimitri are disappointed, but they're doing their best to get over it," Kyle said. "I had suggested perhaps Caleb Jacob just for the arguing but I was overruled."
"Probably should name the kids after more grandparents than just our dad."
"I suppose that's fair."
It was a few days before Amber was back to her normal self, but once she was she went right back to business as usual. She started taking Levi with her to work as well as Heather but the commotion quickly became more than she could handle. Heather would be in the candle room with Amber coloring while she worked only to decide she was bored and then go up front to help grandma, but not knowing how the register worked or any number of things. At one point, Anna needed to take Heather aside to scold her because the little girl had accidently broken a bride's candle and they would need to redo it before the end of the day given the young woman's wedding was the following day. Amber asked Anna to take Heather home while she stayed at the shop to finish the bride's new candle and made sure to have it to the woman right after she and her fiancé had completed their rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Once she'd done that, she called Kevin to come and get her and waited about twenty minutes before he arrived.
"Is everything alright with the bride?" Kevin asked once Amber was in her car.
"Everything's fine," Amber said in exhaustion and exasperation. "I was surprised how calm and understanding she was but I could tell she was ready to cry when that candle broke."
"I'd be remise if I didn't say Heather feels really bad," Kevin said. "She's been sad all afternoon."
"I know she feels bad," Amber said and rubbed her face. "I don't know if I can take her into the shop with me anymore. We need to think of something else."
"She starts kindergarten next year," Kevin said.
"Yes, Kevin, next year," Amber said. "Maybe one of your aunts would be alright acting as a babysitter?"
"I'll check with mom," Kevin said but then remembered something. "What about the synagogue? They have a daycare center don't they?"
"It's only in the morning," Amber said. "We need someone that can look after Amber all day. At least until she starts school. Any pre-school she could attend would still only be half a day. I know Embry would gladly help, but he has a business of his own to run."
"Otherwise he'd be her babysitter in a heartbeat," Kevin agreed. "Don't worry. I'll call mom tonight and see what we can work out. Hell, maybe Aunt Caevia can look after Heather. Or one of her daughters for that matter. It'll just be an issue of getting them here."
"That's a big ask considering for any normal person the drive here is 2 hours on a good day," Amber sighed and rubbed her face again. "What if we hired a nanny?"
"Maybe," Kevin said, but she noticed his hesitation with the prospect. "Do you want me to look into it?"
"I guess it's worth checking, but we'll exhaust our options first," Amber said.
When the two of them returned home, Heather went right to Amber giving her a big hug saying she was sorry over and over again. Amber patted her head reassuring that everything was fine now before retreating upstairs to Levi's room so she could feed him. Anna stayed a little while longer offering her own suggestions for childcare until it was Heather's bedtime. Kevin took over Heather's routine that night starting with a bath, getting her dried off and dressed for bed, making her brush her teeth and finally getting her tucked in. When she asked, Kevin reassured Heather once again that Amber wasn't mad at her and kissed her goodnight after she was cozy under her blankets. He left the door slightly ajar just as she liked with her closet light on with the door to the closet mostly closed. By the time Kevin came to his and Amber's bedroom, she was in bed with Levi still in her arms.
"Heather's in bed?"
"Yeah, she's in bed," Kevin said. "Is Levi staying in bed with us tonight?"
"No, I'll put him to bed in a minute. He's still a little grumpy from it taking so long for us to get home."
"Honestly, he probably just wants his crib."
"Probably," Amber agreed. She stood up from bed and gave Kevin a quick kiss before leaving to room. By the time she returned, Kevin was already on the phone with Renesmee.
Thankfully, they found a more than willing babysitter in Rosalie. She and Kevin spoke about it briefly that night and by early next morning, Rosalie was there ready and willing to look after Heather for the day while Amber took Levi with her to work. The first day was a little rough since Heather was convinced the arrangements were made because she was still in trouble, but Rosalie did wonders to get her used to the new arrangement and vastly preferring it to going to work with Amber. The fact that Rosalie went ahead and got Heather started on some schooling she'd have to go through when she reached kindergarten didn't hurt either.
That summer in Korea was unbearable. At least by JJ's standards it was. The windows were always open and everything they ate was ice cold. When Eun Mi told JJ she was making cold soup for dinner, he thought she was insane as he'd never heard of such a thing. But when she made the mushroom broth she usually made but put in the freezer for a few hours with cold noodles, cucumbers and some kimchi, it was surprisingly refreshing.
"Do they not have cold soups in America, JJ?" Yon asked when they were all having dinner together.
"I'm sure there must be but I've never heard of any," JJ said. "If there are, they would be Southern recipes. Where I live, it very rarely gets really hot."
Jae Sun sat in JJ's lap while they ate dinner together. He was starting to learn how to use chopsticks, but he was still really clumsy with them. Most times, either Eun Mi or JJ would get the food for him and feed it to him. By now, the boy was lifting his bowl to his face and gulping down the cold broth though getting a good portion of it all over his clothes.
"You keep that up, Jae Sun, and your shirt will have had more than you," JJ joked and tried to help get Jae Sun cleaned up.
"He's learning," Tae Woon said briefly. Then he said something to Jae Sun in Korean. He tried to answer, but his vocabulary was still vastly limited in both English and Korean and Tae Woon just chuckled.
Yon and Tae Woon stayed long enough for a game of poker but left before the sun had gone down. Once they were alone, JJ, Eun Mi and Jae Sun all sat outside on the porch drinking some cold Tea Eun Mi had made that morning and ate some Chapssal-Tteok that she'd been keeping in the fridge. There was a small breeze now and then, but it did little to cool them down.
"Tomorrow, I'm buying a giant fan," JJ grumbled. He'd practically thrown off his shirt and was just in his pants with no shoes. Eun Mi, though tempted to do the same, stayed in her light summer dress while Jae Sun had gotten himself down to just his cloth diaper.
"The bigger and stronger the better," Eun Mi agreed.
"Did it ever used to get this hot where you used to live?"
"Sure, but it's been a really long time," Eun Mi said. "The climate really isn't that much different."
"It never gets this hot in Washington," JJ said. "I've never wanted to go back to base so badly. The buildings have air conditioning."
"I suppose unless they're from Louisiana Americans aren't used to this kind of weather," Eun Mi said.
"I think even in Louisiana they've got the good sense to have fully functioning air conditioning," JJ said. "Fuck, I may just fork over the money to get an AC unit installed for the house."
"JJ," Eun Mi said. "Language." JJ sighed and rubbed his face. "It seems a bit silly to install an AC unit when it's not even our house. I'd check with Yon and Tae Woon first."
"No need," JJ said. "I wasn't planning on telling you this way, but I worked something out with Yon and Tae Woon. The house is ours. I gave them a down payment and I'll be paying an inflated price until I have the house paid off. That'll be done before we leave."
"You bought the house?" Eun Mi asked, completely stunned.
"I know how much you love this house and I know you would love to visit whenever we're able to. This way, whenever you want to visit, we can just come here instead of wasting money on a hotel in Seoul. We'd have to rent a car and drive all the way out here anyway, so may as well only rent the car and just come back here. I know Yon and Tae Woon would gladly let us stay with them, but I figured a place of our own would be better."
JJ had hoped to make this revelation a Christmas present of sorts, but the look on Eun Mi's face made telling her early well worth in. She went into JJ's arms, wrapping her arms around him and getting in his lap with a big smile. Seeing his parents hugging, Jae Sun decided he wanted attention and got into Eun Mi's lap so he could hug JJ too. JJ smiled and hugged them both, not even caring that the hug was making the heat even worse. Eventually the sun went down and it cooled a little, but not enough for JJ's liking. They ended up taking a cold bath in an effort to get clean but also cool down. Since there was more of a breeze, they left the windows open for the night.
Later that evening, a presence entered the house. It hopped in through the open window in the family room and started to wander around. The presence walked through the house sniffing and checking for food, finding and eating a few bugs here and there until it reached Jae Sun's room. Jae Sun was sound asleep and the presence searched the room but found nothing. It approached Jae Sun and started licking his ear and cheek. Jae Sun squirmed briefly but did not rouse any further. The presence soon left the room and moved on the Eun Mi's and JJ's room going straight to Eun Mi to lick her face. The licking startled her awake, but she calmed when she realized it was just Popo.
"Silly cat," Eun Mi said quietly. The cat meowed and it was far too loud, so Eun Mi rushed to pick up the cat and leave the bedroom. Thankfully, JJ didn't wake up and she was able to get the cat back outside. "You can't just sneak into the house, Popo. If JJ saw you he'd be extremely upset."
Popo meowed again and, once again, it was far too loud. Eun Mi tried to shush the cat and realized the only way the cat would be quiet is if she got him some food. Popo started rubbing up against and between Eun Mi's legs purring all the while and she just sighed in exasperation. This cat seemed to know exactly how to butter her up. She ran inside to get some shoes on and then came back outside so she could walk with Popo into the brush to catch him something.
"I'm beginning to think you're just lazy," Eun Mi muttered and Popo meowed again. Eventually, Eun Mi caught another bird for Popo and presented it to him. He gladly accepted the prey and gulped it down. Since Popo had his dinner, Eun Mi made the walk back to the house and was about to step inside when she realized Popo was following her. "No, Popo," Eun Mi scolded. "You stay outside."
Eun Mi gently pushed her foot against Popo to make sure he stayed outside and closed the door behind her. She took a moment to get out of her shoes and put them back at the door. Just as she turned around to return to her room, she heard a plop of feet on the floor and immediately she knew who it was. She looked right at the cat that had once again let himself into the house.
"Popo!" Eun Mi scolded in a harsh whisper and going to the cat. She picked him up prepared to toss him back outside but noticed immediately that he was purring again. "You silly cat," Eun Mi muttered affectionately and started petting Popo's cheek and chin.
"Eun Mi," JJ's voice came and it made her jump a little. She didn't turn around hoping she might be able to hide the cat. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything's fine," Eun Mi said.
"What the hell's that noise?" JJ asked having noticed the loud purring.
"Nothing, JJ, just something outside."
"Eun Mi," JJ said firmly. She went to the door and put Popo on the porch outside and then immediately closed the door. "Eun Mi, why was a cat in the house?"
"Don't worry, JJ, I think he's just appreciative," Eun Mi said. "I saved the little guy from a weasel a few months ago and I'm sure he just remembers it."
"Fine I guess, but don't-" JJ was interrupted when Popo had once again hopped onto the window sill and let himself into the house.
"Popo!" Eun Mi scolded when he jumped in.
"God damn it, Eun Mi, you haven't been feeding him or something have you? And please tell me 'Popo' is how you say Cat in Korean."
With a heavy sigh, Eun Mi said, "Yes, JJ, I've fed him a few times. Popo's what Jae Sun started calling him."
"You mean you named it?" JJ said, raising his voice a little.
"Oh, just calm down," Eun Mi said and went back to the door prepared to put Popo back outside.
"Damn it, now we have to close all the windows," JJ muttered and he went to the porch window and then to the kitchen window to do just that. "Once I get that AC installed, we can leave the windows closed indefinitely."
"Honestly, JJ, stop being so mean. It's just a cat."
"Eun Mi, I don't want a cat in the house. It probably has fleas and shit," JJ said. "And stop feeding it. That's why it keeps coming back." He jumped when he heard Popo start meowing from outside. "Jesus Christ, is that the cat?"
"Yes, JJ, he's a loud cat."
"No kidding. I think they can hear the little bastard in China. If he wakes all the neighbors, I'm blaming you."
"I'm sure the neighbors are fine, JJ," Eun Mi rolled her eyes. "Let's just get to bed before we wake Jae Sun."
Finally, JJ and Eun Mi went back to their bedroom and tried going back to sleep. He eventually did, but then something felt extremely odd. He felt a pressure on his chest. Nothing overwhelming, but he could tell it was there. What really took him by surprise is whatever was on his chest seemed to be rumbling. It sounded like a motor and as soon as JJ realized there was something on his chest he opened his eyes. What he saw was a cat on his chest curled up like it was sleeping.
"Eun Mi!" JJ yelled and quickly sat up, forcing the cat off his chest and making him land in JJ's lap. Popo got back on his feet and ran to the bedroom door just as Eun Mi woke up from JJ yelling. "The fucking cat got into the house again!"
"JJ, stop yelling. You'll wake Jae Sun," Eun Mi said and got up from bed to follow after the cat. Unfortunately, JJ's yelling had indeed woken Jae Sun and he was already out of bed coming to the hallway to investigate. He noticed the cat immediately.
"Popo!" Jae Sun smiled and started to chase after the cat. Eventually Popo found a spot in the house to stop and Jae Sun caught up with the cat, plopping on his butt and started petting Popo's back. Eun Mi made it to Jae Sun and made sure he wasn't petting too hard rather than stopping Jae Sun.
"Eun Mi, get the cat out of the house!" JJ said. "I don't want Jae Sun petting that stupid thing. I'm not kidding; it might have parasites or something."
"Dada," Jae Sun said and then pointed at the cat, "Popo!"
"Yeah, yeah, Popo, now can it please be put outside?"
"Calm down, I'll get him outside. You get the rest of the windows closed."
While Eun Mi got Popo outside, JJ went around the house and closed all the windows grumbling irritably under his breath all the while. The closed windows made the house extremely stuffy and even warmer, but JJ insisted they stay closed. Rather than argue, Eun Mi let it go and waited until JJ had left for the day before opening the windows again. Just as she had, Popo hopped in through one of the windows and Eun Mi just sighed.
"Popo!" Jae Sun smiled as soon as he saw the cat and started petting him. Popo could be heard purring and the sound made Jae Sun giggle. Though Eun Mi was loathe to admit it, she was concerned of the high likelihood that Popo might have fleas, so she made Jae Sun stop petting the cat and took Popo to their bathroom filling the tub with water and a vinegar solution that her mother had taught her to make when she'd gotten lice years and years ago. She added a little dish soap to the mixture hoping to make the concoction more effective.
Popo was unhappy with the bath, meowing the entire time and trying to get out of the tub the moment Eun Mi let go of him. She tried to keep a hold of his scruff so he'd stay calm and it helped a little, but the cat never stopped meowing. She scrubbed the cat as gently as possible and was relieved the mixture seemed to be working wonders. Fleas and the eggs filled the water and it seemed to kill all the bugs, but that gratification didn't last long as Eun Mi knew she'd have to clean the tub thoroughly. Once Popo was completely clean, Eun Mi dried him off as best she could and let Popo shake off the rest so she could focus on cleaning the tub.
In order to avoid JJ finding out Popo had been in the house, Eun Mi made sure she put the cat outside before she started dinner and got Popo some dinner in the form of whatever small animal was unlucky enough to be caught in Eun Mi's grasp. She started getting larger prey since it occupied the cat's attention for longer and for a few days JJ was none the wiser. It took some time, but eventually JJ was able to obtain an AC unit that he installed himself, though it required Eun Mi's assistance seeing as the instructions were all in Korean. Once it was installed, JJ got it turned on and the house was livable within another two hours.
"That's so much better," JJ said when he and Eun Mi went down for bed for the night.
"It feels like winter in here," Eun Mi said.
"Exactly," JJ smiled and happily pulled the covers over him so he could keep warm under the covers. "Just the way I like it."
"You're insane, JJ. You know that?" Eun Mi teased with a smile.
"You love me for it, though," JJ smiled back. Now that it was a reasonable temperature in their bedroom, JJ wrapped his arms around Eun Mi and held her close. Eun Mi was appreciative for the additional warmth and snuggled up to JJ's chest. The two of them neared falling asleep when a loud meow began sounding from outside. "Stupid cat," JJ grumbled.
"He's outside, JJ. I have all the windows closed," Eun Mi said.
"Good," JJ answered.
"I don't know why you're so mean to the poor thing. He's a sweet little cat."
"I hate cats," JJ said.
"Yes, so you've said," Eun Mi sighed and then gently rubbed her hand against JJ's chest. "He's still a good cat and Jae Sun really likes him."
"And whose fault is that exactly?"
"Oh, shut up," Eun Mi said, swatting JJ's chest gently while staying snuggled up to him. The meowing continued and JJ was content to ignore it until he heard the back door slide open and that got him out of bed immediately.
"God damn it," JJ said and left their bedroom. Just as he was wondering how a cat managed to open the door, he heard his son yell, "Popo!" It was then that JJ saw that the cat was let into the house. "Jae Sun," JJ said, trying not to yell.
"Dada!" Jae Sun smiled and pointed at the cat. "Popo!"
"Yes, Jae Sun, Popo," JJ sighed. "Jae Sun, you can't let the cat into the house. Popo stays outside."
Jae Sun shook his head gently and pointed at the cat again, "Popo inside. Cat inside."
"Yes, I see that," JJ said. Eun Mi emerged and went to the cat and picked him up. The cat began purring immediately and Eun Mi was compelled to start scratching Popo's cheek and chin. "You're just enabling the damn thing."
"Stop being so sour," Eun Mi said. "Popo's a sweet cat."
"Eun Mi, would you please put the hair ball outside?"
"Just a moment," Eun Mi said as she held the cat. After a few minutes, she finally put Popo outside and closed the door. "I'm amazed he still likes after all the flea baths."
"The what?"
"When you mentioned fleas, I realized he would need a bath so I've been giving him flea baths here and there. They've been doing him wonders."
"You mean you've been bathing a flea ridden cat in our tub?!"
"Calm down, JJ; I clean the tub after every bath." After that, a meow sounded outside the door and it only served to make JJ all the more upset.
"God damn it," JJ said and went to the door. He opened it and started yelling at the cat, shoving Popo with his foot. "Scram!" he said and Popo finally left. Once he was gone, JJ came back inside and closed the door.
"Popo?" Jae Sun asked.
"No more Popo," JJ said. "I'm serious Eun Mi. I don't want the cat in the house and I definitely don't want you giving the damn cat a bath in our tub! Stop feeding it, stop bathing it and for the love of God stop petting it! You're only giving it incentive to keep coming back. And don't let Jae Sun pet that stupid thing either. What happens if it bites Jae Sun? I'll tell you right now a bite from a cat doesn't go away comfortably."
"JJ, I've been handling that cat for weeks now and he's been nothing but affectionate. I can give you firsthand experience that Popo couldn't hurt a fly if he tried."
"That's his problem," JJ said.
"Dada," Jae Sun said and went to JJ's leg. "Popo."
"Jae Sun, enough," JJ said with irritation but kept his tone as gentle as possible, "No more Popo." JJ leaned down and took Jae Sun into his arms. "Come on, squirt. You need to go back to bed. And don't let the cat in anymore. You hear me?"
JJ went to Jae Sun's room to tuck him back into bed while Eun Mi just sighed and rubbed her face a little. She couldn't help but glance out the window just the check if Popo was outside and lo and behold, JJ had not scared the little cat away. Instead, he was on the railing of their porch licking his paw. Eun Mi smiled.
"Stubborn," she said to herself and went back to hers and JJ's bedroom. The following day when JJ arrived on base, he found out he'd be sent to the parallel again in the next week, so he relayed the update to Eun Mi that night during dinner. It was one of the few dinners in which Yon and Tae Woon weren't available so it was just the three of them.
"You'll write to me as soon as you get there?" Eun Mi asked after JJ told her he'd be going to the parallel.
"Yeah, I'll write," JJ said. "I should be gone just for the month again. If it goes the same as it did last I was there then I'll be fine."
"Dada go?" Jae Sun asked.
"Just for a little while and then I'll be home," JJ reassured Jae Sun and hugged him. Jae Sun moved from Eun Mi's lap to JJ's and stayed with him the remainder of dinner. "And Eun Mi?"
"Yes?"
"Do not let that cat in the house. Okay?"
"I won't let the cat in the house," Eun Mi answered with an exasperated sigh.
"Thank you," JJ said and smiled at her appreciatively.
Later in the week when it was the day JJ would be sent to the parallel, Eun Mi and Jae Sun said their goodbyes, JJ made sure he had their wedding picture and family picture, and he kissed them both good bye promising to write once he arrived and promising he'd be home in a month. Yon and Tae Woon had said their good lucks and goodbyes the day before. Eun Mi stayed outside with Jae Sun in her arms waving to JJ as he drove away, only going back inside once the car was no longer in view. It was a few hours before Yon came over with the intent of making more Makgeolli both for celebrating JJ's return once he was home and also to give to the farmers. She'd made Makgeolli a while ago, but that was out. She and Eun Mi had been bringing them water which, while still appreciated with their snacks, wasn't quite the same as some cold farmer's liquor. While Eun Mi and Yon were outside getting the rice prepared to dry, Popo made his daily appearance.
"I see the cat came back," Yon giggled.
"Popo!" Jae Sun said with a big smile and went to pet the cat.
"Has JJ calmed down about the cat at all?"
"No," Eun Mi said. "I've been expressly forbidden from letting Popo into the house."
"Oh dear," Yon giggled, "what will JJ say if he finds out you let the cat in when he's at work?"
"He's not allergic so what he doesn't know won't hurt him," Eun Mi said. "Besides, JJ's just being a sourpuss."
"Of all the things to defy your husband on, you choose a cat," Yon said.
"I like cats," Eun Mi said. "Especially this one. He's such a big softy and he's so affectionate." As if to prove her point, Popo was rubbing against Jae Sun while the little boy petting the cat and he purred and purred to his heart's content. "I don't have the heart to leave the little guy out in the cold."
"Or the blistering heat?"
"Exactly," Eun Mi said.
"I don't know what the poor thing's going to do when you go back to Washington," Yon said. "He'll think you've abandoned him."
"I wonder if we could bring him with."
"Eun Mi," Yon said, now getting a little stern, "now you listen to me. It's one thing to let a cat into your home under your husband's nose. It's another thing entirely to bring the cat overseas with you behind your husband's back. The later may cost money that, I'll remind you, JJ is the sole retriever of. Unless you intend to try and keep that a secret from him but I can guarantee you that he will find out and the more you push this, the more upset he'll be. You need to be more respectful."
"I am respectful!" Eun Mi said defensively. Yon gave her a critical look, glanced at the cat and then back at Eun Mi. "I am," she repeated. "Just because I saved a cat and happen to like that cat very much does not mean I don't respect JJ."
"It's the fact that you're letting that cat into the house and even plotting to take it home that's disrespectful, dear. Especially given that he's specifically requested you not to. Albeit brasher than he really needs to, but still."
"I wouldn't bring Popo to America without talking to JJ first," Eun Mi defended. "I just need to convince him that having a cat isn't so bad."
"That's a tall order from a man that seems to despise them so, Eun Mi."
"I'm sure I could convince him eventually. I just need to start now."
"Alright," Yon said with a gentle sigh. "Don't say I didn't warn you JJ would be upset."
"I can't imagine he'd get any more upset than he's displayed thus far."
"You underestimate how adamantly against taking the cat home JJ will likely be," Yon said but then she shrugged. "Of course, men have been convinced to do things they don't like before. It just takes a loving wife's gentle tone and touch. Though if he agrees to this, you had better reward him gloriously. Men tend to bend more readily to your will when you prove there's something in it for them when they do."
"You make it sound like I'm trying to manipulate him," Eun Mi whined. The smile Yon gave Eun Mi conveyed the that it was indeed rather obvious. Eun Mi's shoulders slumped. "Shut up."
Yon started laughing and the two returned their focus dominantly on the rice while Jae Sun played with the cat. Eun Mi kept a very close eye on the two just to be safe, but Popo really was just a big push over. Eun Mi started to wonder if the cat really could hurt even a fly. Since JJ was out of the house, Eun Mi turned off the AC and kept the windows open to let in fresh air which meant that Popo came and left the house as he pleased. She started keeping chicken meat in the fridge to feed to Popo but would generally prefer to just help him hunt wildlife. Popo started getting in the habit of sleeping on the end of Eun Mi's bed and, again since JJ was gone, Jae Sun always slept with Eun Mi in her room. So the boy grew very accustomed to having Popo around.
Eun Mi continued to give Popo periodic baths just to be sure he didn't have any fleas and started using a home remedy that Mr. Jin had suggested to keep the fleas off Popo. Then Mr. Jin started giving Eun Mi remedies to treat and get rid of parasites to improve Popo's health and within days of giving the cat his daily treatment, he seemed to be in better health than before. By the time it was nearing JJ's return, she'd grown rather attached to Popo and was determined to get JJ to agree to let her keep the cat and take him home.
The day JJ was due to return home, Eun Mi did everything in her power to make the house as clean as possible. She ensured all the windows were closed and got the AC turned on to cool down the house considerably seeing as the only cooling that the house had been getting was the natural breeze. The Makgeolli was finished and in the fridge ready for dinner that night, Yon and Tae Woon came over for dinner and they put together a nice spread of food. Popo started meowing from outside, so Eun Mi put a little chicken dinner together and put that in a bowl outside for Popo to eat and that kept him amused for a little while.
"I don't know what's possessing you to think JJ will agree to let you keep that cat," Yon said when Eun Mi came back inside from feeding the cat.
"You let me worry about that," Eun Mi said. "I'll bring it up later. During dinner, I just want us to focus on welcoming him home."
"I won't say a word," Yon promised. By the time dinner was ready, it was still another hour before JJ finally returned home and when he did, Jae Sun was the first to greet him.
"Dada!" Jae Sun cheered and left Eun Mi's lap to go to JJ. JJ was quick to get out of his shoes, into some slippers and then picked Jae Sun up into a big hug.
"That's what I needed," JJ said and kissed Jae Sun's cheek. "I missed you too, kid."
"Now that you're home, we can break out the Makgeolli," Yon said and went to retrieve the rice liquor. Eun Mi left to table to welcome JJ home with a hug and kiss.
"How was everything?" Eun Mi asked.
"As good as it can be when walking on egg shells," JJ said and joined her and Tae Woon at the table. Yon returned with the liquor and poured everyone their share.
"Welcome home, Sergeant," Yon said. "It is still Sergeant?"
"I'm afraid so," JJ joked and they all drank. "So how was everything while I was gone?"
"Lonely," Eun Mi said, "but Yon kept me busy." Yon threw a look at Eun Mi but said nothing otherwise.
"You're telling me Jae Sun doesn't keep you busy? Or has he started helping out around here?" JJ asked his last question while looking right at Jae Sun.
"I hold..um.. 주전자," (jujeonja) Jae Sun answered proudly after a brief moment of trying to remember the word.
"What?" JJ asked.
"He said 'Kettle'," Eun Mi said. "He's trying to say he's been holding the kettle of tea we give to the farmers."
"Yes, he's getting so strong!" Yon praised. "He can hold that tea kettle all by himself!" Granted, Jae Sun was holding the kettle with Eun Mi always keeping two phantom hands on the pot at all times but she wasn't about to steal Jae Sun's thunder. He looked so proud of himself.
"Is that so?" JJ asked. "Sounds like you can start helping your mother around the house." JJ started tickling Jae Sun so the boy would started laughing.
"He helps," Eun Mi smiled and petted Jae Sun's head. "He holds the ladle over the broth when we make Tae Woon's poached egg."
"The boy quick learner," Tae Woon said and also patted Jae Sun's head.
"In that case, it might be time to start teaching you to play poker," JJ said.
After dinner, JJ got to work on just that: getting Jae Sun acquainted with the game and its rules. He was patient with the boy but didn't let him just have a win. If Jae Sun wanted to win a game of poker against JJ then he'd have to earn it. While they all played cards, JJ and Tae Woon jumped from a loud sound from the window sounding like something had hit the glass. Eun Mi saw that it had been Popo trying to jump into the house through the window like he usually would, but JJ's back had been at the window and the sound put him on high alert.
"What the hell was that?" JJ asked but he was already on his feet approaching the back door ready to address whatever caused the noise. Eun Mi got to her feet and incepted JJ.
"It's just the cat, JJ. I'll take care of it," Eun Mi said and went right outside before JJ could say anything.
"Popo!" Jae Sun cheered and followed after Eun Mi.
"I suppose I should warn you," Yon said once Eun Mi and Jae Sun were outside, "Eun Mi's gotten rather attached to that cat. He's been coming and going from the house as he pleases more or less and she's been treating him with anti-flea remedies and other things. She's planned to ask you if she can keep him."
"God damn it," JJ pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I know you said 'no' and I know how you feel about cats, but that little thing really is a sweet little thing. I think if you gave the little guy a chance, you might find you like him too."
"What part of 'no' is unclear exactly?"
Yon held up her hands defensively a moment, "Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just warning you so you can behave calmly. You have been a bit of a grump in this whole thing."
"A grump?! Why does not wanting a strange wild animal in my house make me a grump?!"
"Now, now, JJ, there's no need to yell," Yon sighed. "I did tell her to be sensitive to how you feel about this, but I'll warn you to do the same. You may bring home the money, but I want you to remember who maintains your house, makes you a hot home cooked dinner every day and raises your son. For all she does for you, I would say that letting Eun Mi have a cat is not so unreasonable."
"What's so unreasonable about not wanting a cat?" JJ argued. "I already bought this house for her. I'd say that's far better than a stupid cat."
"And she is very, very appreciative for you buying this house," Yon was quick to defend. "But sometimes, a woman's desires are not so complicated or expensive."
"You seem to be under the impression that having a pet it free," JJ groaned and rubbed his face. "It's like having another kid. Hell, if she wants another kid, I'll give her another kid but not a God damn cat! At least a kid will help out around the house and get a job when it's old enough. What's a cat going to do? Lay around doing nothing and biting the hand that feeds it: that's what a cat's going to do."
"You have my word, JJ, that silly cat wouldn't bite anyone," Yon said. "I've seen Jae Sun get rough with that poor cat and I'll tell you it has the patience of a saint. Jae Sun's pulled on what's left of his tail, lain on him, rubbed too hard and little Popo never so much as hisses."
"Bullshit," JJ said. Eun Mi and Jae Sun chose that time to come back inside. "Tae Woon, Yon, can I ask a favor? Would you take Jae Sun outside for a bit? I just need to talk to Eun Mi alone for a bit."
"Sure," Yon said and then looked at Jae Sun. She spoke to the boy in Korean and he understood her just fine thinking nothing of the situation. Once they left the house, JJ turned his attention to Eun Mi.
"Before you get upset-"
"Eun Mi, I'm already upset," JJ said and then sighed. "I'll just get to the point: the answer is no. If you've gotten attached to that cat despite me requesting that you not then that's your own fault. If I wanted a leech in my house, I'd ask Suerro to stay with us. At least that leech would contribute."
"JJ, it's a cat," Eun Mi said. "And, yes, I would like very much to keep him as a pet. Pets are not required to contribute more than companionship. Your Uncle Nathan has a dog that does much the same."
"Eun Mi, Cindy is a well-trained Pit Bull that could reasonably defend the house if needed," JJ said. "Seriously, have you seen that dog bite into a chunk of wood? That dog could break bones. I highly doubt that cat could break a twig. Besides, we're only going to be here until I retire and after that we'll only come here to visit. Why bother getting attached at all?"
"I was hoping that we could take him home with-"
"Nope," JJ interrupted. "Out of the question; is not happening. We are not going through whatever logistical bullshit hoops that would be required to get that fleabag into the United States."
"I can't believe it would be that many hoops," Eun Mi said. "Certainly not as many as I went through."
"Eun Mi, you're worth the work to make an American citizen. Well worth it. The cat? Not worth it in the slightest. I don't care how comparatively simple it is. The cat's not coming home with us and, seeing as this bears repeating, I do NOT want that cat in my house." Eun Mi didn't answer in words. Instead, she just put her hands on her hips standing as tall as her 4'11" stature would allow trying to look unaffected. "Don't you give me that."
"I'm giving you 'that'," Eun Mi said. "I'm not making you promise me, but I would like the opportunity to at least look into what it would take."
"You can 'look' all you damn want, but it's not happening. The answer's still no."
"Fine," Eun Mi said, "In that case, when you go to Seoul tomorrow I would like to join you and I would like to speak with someone in Admin and see what they say about bringing a foreign animal into the states."
"Speak all you like," JJ said. "Answer's still 'no'."
"Yes, JJ, you've said that already," Eun Mi answered.
"Damn it, Eun Mi, why are you being so stubborn about this? Why is not having a cat so unreasonable a request?"
"I'm merely enquiring at this point, JJ," Eun Mi said and then went to the kitchen to begin cleaning the discarded dishes. After a few minutes of silence, JJ nearly growled.
"I'm going outside," JJ said as he grabbed his glass and filled it to the brim with the chilled rice liquor. "And that cat had better not be outside when I go out there."
"JJ, Popo likes to sit on the failing so you'll probably see him there."
"Fine, then I'll get rid of him," JJ said and went outside.
Just as Eun Mi predicted, Popo was on the railing of their porch licking his back. "Fucking cat," JJ muttered. He didn't bother making the cat go away. Instead he went to one of the chairs outside and sat down trying to relax. This wasn't exactly what he wanted to come home to. He gulped down his rice liquor and reclined back in the lawn chair content to just ignore the cat, but it had other plans. He heard the loud plop of feet landing on the porch and then he heard the cat's loud obnoxious meow forcing him to open his eyes and look at the cat. Popo stared up at JJ with what was left of his tail high in the air before turning around and walking away to the other side of the porch. He watched Popo sniff a few things and get into position to jump again. He jumped to the sill but hit his head against the window falling back onto his feet on the floor. JJ chuckled under his breath at the cat's expense but was still rather harsh.
"Stupid cat," JJ grumbled and drank more of his liquor. Popo seemed eager to pretend the mishap didn't happen and began licking his paws and then rubbing his face with that freshly cleaned paw.
JJ stayed outside for about an hour ignoring the cat that wouldn't leave his porch until he heard Yon and Tae Woon outside their house approaching the front door. A few minutes later, Jae Sun got the door to the back porch open looking for the cat and eagerly approached when he saw Popo.
"Popo!" Jae Sun said.
"Jae Sun, don't touch the cat," JJ said as he stood from the lawn chair and went to grab Jae Sun into his arms. As he did, Popo let himself into the house through the open patio door and it took everything in JJ not to start swearing.
Inside, Eun Mi saw Popo enter the house and he went straight to her leg rubbing against her and purring affectionately. She smiled a little and grabbed some food she had set aside just for Popo and hand fed it to him. Once he'd finished the food in her hand, he started rubbing his head against her hand continuing to purr.
"Based on JJ ordering Jae Sun not to touch the cat I take it he's not thrilled with your request?" Yon asked Eun Mi.
"He's made, but he's promised to take me into Seoul tomorrow so I can consult admin about what it would take to bring Popo to America with us. He's made a point to be clear that I can look into the matter all I want but the answer is still no."
"Why bother looking then?" Tae Woon asked. "All this effort for a cat seems a bit silly."
"I don't feel right about leaving him here," Eun Mi protested. She picked up Popo and held the cat in her arms, petting his ear and neck and cheek while he continued purring like a car engine. "I think he must have been separated from his mother a little too young or something. He's still just a kitten."
"I'm sure he could learn to take care of himself if he really had to, Eun Mi," Tae Woon said. JJ stepped back into the house with Jae Sun in tow and was about to close the door but he noticed Eun Mi holding the cat.
"Eun Mi," JJ said, "put the cat outside please." His tone was firm, but he didn't raise his voice. Eun Mi breathed out a little and went to the door to put Popo outside. She scratched his chin a moment longer after putting him down on the railing of the porch and then finally returned inside. JJ closed the door and then glanced at the clock seeing that it was getting late. "Thanks for taking Jae Sun for a bit."
"It's always a pleasure," Yon smiled and went over to JJ so she could say goodnight to Jae Sun. She cooed to him in Korean as she placed several little kisses on his cheek and then she and Tae Woon left for the night.
"Eun Mi, can you start a bath?"
Eun Mi nodded and got to work putting a bath together for the three of them. They showered and then soaked in the tub together for a while watching Jae Sun play with the water and a toy that he'd been given a while back. Eun Mi and JJ didn't really talk much but Eun Mi kept her attention on Jae Sun so he wouldn't notice the silence. After their bath and after they tried off, Eun Mi brought Jae Sun to his room and got him comfortably tucked in for the night while JJ went straight to their bedroom. His head was a little foggy from the rice liquor. He drank too much of it and he was still feeling its effects. After she'd tucked in Jae Sun, Eun Mi entered the room leaving the door slightly slid open in case Jae Sun cried and went to the bed. She laid on her back once on the bed but she didn't say anything. She'd not bothered putting on her nightgown so she was still naked under the covers. He was reminded in an instant how much he'd missed her, so he turned to his side and wrapped his arms around her to bring her against his chest.
"I missed you," JJ said once his lips were at her ear. He heard Eun Mi sigh from the feel of his breath against her skin and he started to gently suck on the lobe of her ear. She trembled in his arms but he had a feeling she was trying to resist him. "I'm sorry I yelled at you," JJ said. "I get it: you helped that cat when he needed it so now he likes you. But can you try to get it from my point of view?"
"I realize you don't care for cats," Eun Mi said, "but just because a cat bit you once doesn't mean all cats are mean. I've been bitten by cats I don't know how many times, but I still like them."
"To be fair, Eun Mi, you were trying to cook them," JJ muttered.
"I always let them go for the record," Eun Mi said in the same tone and slightly defensive. "If my comrades had known, they'd have been furious, but sometimes we'd have to start looking for food and it got to a point where cats and dogs were all the meat that was available. I'd cook whatever they handed to me, but if I found one, I'd always let them go. I always felt so bad for them."
"Yes, I dare say they'd have been pretty upset," JJ said. "Hell, 'ol Lee got his panties in a knot over wasting salt on my back for shit's sake."
"It was the kimchi salt," Eun Mi said. "Of course he was upset."
"Could've been the salt for cleaning the General's feet. Still hurt like a mother fucker," JJ said.
"That was the general idea," Eun Mi said and looked up at JJ who was still face to face with her. "Can you at least empathize with the fact that I feel responsible for that cat?"
"He's a cat, Eun Mi. Not a child. That cat's perfectly capable of taking care of itself."
"Somehow, I suspect he might be lost if he were on his own."
"Well, that's his problem," JJ said and laid onto his back again staring at the ceiling in frustration.
"JJ," Eun Mi said and rolled over so she was resting her hands and chin on his chest, "have a heart. Popo's a sweet little cat and Jae Sun loves him."
"I blame you for that," JJ grumbled.
"That's alright," Eun Mi said. "At least let me look into what's required to take Popo to America with us."
"I already told you it's fine, but my answer's still no," JJ said. "I don't care if bringing that cat into Washington is as easy as punting him like a football over the ocean. We aren't taking him home."
"So long as you at least let me look into the matter," Eun Mi said, for good measure, kissed his chest.
"I know what you're doing," JJ said as Eun Mi continued to plant kisses all over JJ's chest and neck, "and it's not going to work."
"What's not going to work?" she asked between kisses, getting closer to his ear.
"You're trying to butter me up so I'll let you keep that cat," JJ said.
"No I'm not," Eun Mi defended and kissed his ear. "I'm just telling you thank you for appeasing me and welcoming you home. Jae Sun and I missed you when you were away. Especially me." She rolled the remainder of the way onto JJ so she was straddling his hips and started kissing his chest again. "I'm always lonely when you're away."
"Now I know you're just trying to butter me up," JJ said.
As her answer, Eun Mi stopped kissing JJ's chest and sat up. The moonlight peaked through their window making her gently tanned skin glow. Even after her pregnancy and after breastfeeding, her breasts were still very dainty. They'd grown slightly fuller but they still fit easily in his hands. Her hips had widened as well. Her hair was long, black and silky shining from the moonlight. Her eyes were sweet and filled with longing as she looked down at him. Her lips were their natural slightly pink hue and she was so warm. His briefs were the only thing separating them at this point but he could feel that inviting heat as she straddled him. She gently licked her lips and then bit that bottom for just a moment. For a brief moment, he'd forgotten what they'd even been talking about.
"Are you saying you didn't miss me?" Eun Mi asked in her sweetest voice. Eun Mi was definitely trying to seduce him. He knew better. The issue that arose was the mere fact that it was working.
"You know better than that," JJ said as his hands started to trail up her legs to her hips up her midriff and then finally to her breasts. She sighed and closed her eyes when his thumbs brushed over her nipples tenderly. Her hair came forward draping them in the strands. She reached around and pulled her hair to one side so JJ's view of her wasn't compromised. "I always miss you when I'm gone. Especially at night when I have to sleep and it's just me on a cot surrounded by a bunch of other soldiers. That's when I miss you the most." Eun Mi nodded gently and looked at him with those same piercing black eyes.
"That's always when I miss you most too: when it's night time and you're not there to hold me. When you're away, Jae Sun will sleep in bed with me and he keeps me company, but I always miss how you engulf me; how when you hold me at night it's as though I'm in a cocoon." Eun Mi's hands began to trail over JJ's chest and arms until she started touching his stomach. "Or the way you touch me when it's just the two of us." Her hands trailed further until she reached the band of his briefs. "Like the way you're touching me now. I love how it feels."
JJ moaned her name a little just before her hands delved in the remainder of the way so she could take hold of his erection. JJ took his hands from her breasts and brought them down to her hips so he could grip them passionately as he groaned. She used a pair of phantom hands to place on the floor to keep herself balanced upright so she could keep her physical hands focused entirely on JJ. She stroked and massaged him tenderly and affectionately.
When he had enough sense to do so, JJ trailed one hand between them so he could touch Eun Mi to check her readiness. She sighed with pleasure but was able to keep herself upright continuing to touch JJ. He quickly found Eun Mi was wet and ready and once he had the confirmation, he took over by adjusting himself in one swift movement until he was inside her. Once he'd entered her, Eun Mi put her hands on JJ's chest while her ghostly hands remained in their previous place to keep her upright.
After a moment of just enjoying being inside her, JJ turned them over so Eun Mi was beneath him and started to kiss her, beginning his rhythm. Using another hand, Eun Mi extended it to the door so she could slide it closed. JJ glanced over his shoulder when he heard the door, but he returned his full attention to Eun Mi as soon as he realized it was just her closing the door for them. She kept that hand on the door just in case but was soon overtaken by JJ's steady movements. She did her best to keep her voice down, but she couldn't help moaning JJ's name as he made love to her. The longer and harder he started to go, the more difficult it became to keep her voice down.
Soon, she shoved JJ onto his back so she could be on top and took over. She would move her hips swiftly for a moment only to slow down considerably for another moment with her visible hands in her hair so JJ could just stare at her while she moved on top of him. JJ's hands went back up to her breasts and he rubbed his thumbs over her nipples occasionally pinching them eliciting a moan from her. She would always move her hips just a little faster when he did that but he always made sure that he didn't pinch too hard. He could feel her getting closer and closer and he finally tired of her slow pace. So he grabbed a hold of Eun Mi and brought her down to his chest so he could take back control. Once he was holding her close, his hands went down the her hips and he guided her up and down in a rapid motion that left her wrapping her arms around his neck in desperation for what was coming. The pleasure kept building and building until they'd both reached their mutual climaxes. Eun Mi kept her mouth against JJ's neck so she could stifle her moan while JJ gripped into her flesh near painfully as they came. The two of them stayed that way for several seconds as they basked in the afterglow and when the waves had passed more or less, Eun Mi started gently kissing JJ's neck and chin. JJ started kissing Eun Mi's cheek and brushing his hands up and down her back gently.
"Welcome home, JJ," Eun Mi whispered to him.
"It's good to be home," he said and laid his head back on his pillow ready to fall asleep in Eun Mi's embrace.
The following morning – true to his word – Eun Mi and Jae Sun joined JJ when he made the trip back to the base near Seoul. He reminded her that this was simply an enquiry and that they WERE NOT under any circumstances bringing the cat back to Washington with them. JJ had agreed he'd tolerate the cat coming into the house but only when he wasn't home. Eun Mi agreed, accepting her latest victory. Assuming the process for bringing Popo into the country wasn't too difficult, she had a feeling that she could convince JJ to let her take the cat home with some gentle encouragement. She'd have to start with making JJ comfortable with the cat being in the house when he was home first. Once that was accomplished, she'd work on getting him to agree to bringing the cat home. Once they arrived on base, JJ dropped her off at the admin office.
"I know there's an entertainment center on base," JJ said. "The city's nearby too so if you want you can do some shopping."
"I can get a few things for Popo," Eun Mi said.
"Eun Mi," JJ said firmly.
"I'm only teasing," Eun Mi smiled at him.
JJ stared at her suspiciously a moment and then sighed a little, "You'd better. Do you want me to pick you up here when it's time to leave?"
"That'll be fine," Eun Mi said. "Five o'clock right?"
"Yeah," JJ said. He leaned over to kiss her and then kissed Jae Sun's head. "You keep your mother in line; you hear me kid? No cat!"
"But Popo," Jae Sun said with pleading eyes.
"No Popo," JJ said and rubbed the boy's head. "I love you. I'll see you this afternoon."
"I love you too," Eun Mi said and looked at Jae Sun. "Say 'I love you, daddy'."
"Love you," Jae Sun managed and made JJ smile.
"Love you too, kid," JJ said before Eun Mi finally left the car and JJ drove away to pack closer to the right building. She stepped inside and there was a South Korean soldier at the entrance.
"Name?" he asked in Korean.
"Eun Mi Dauer," she answered and elaborated, "I'm Sergeant Dauer's wife."
"Can you spell the name?" Eun Mi spelled the last name for him and the man took it down for reference. "And what is it you need assistance with Mrs. Dauer?"
"I wish to enquire about bringing a cat that we've adopted here in Korea with us when we return to the states." The soldier looked at her strangely.
"A cat?" he asked, thinking he must have misunderstood her.
"Yes, a cat."
"Popo!" Jae Sun cheered and the soldier smiled a little.
"I take it Popo is the animal's name?"
"Yes," Eun Mi said. "Is there a standard protocol for such a thing?"
"I can't say as I'm aware of one but I can see if someone is available to talk," he answered and stood from his seat. "Stay here please." The soldier called for someone in the other room and another South Korean troop came to the desk to stay there while the other left to find someone. What took Eun Mi by surprise was she knew the man.
"Jun?" Eun Mi asked.
"Eun Mi? My God, it's been ages!" Jun approached and even hugged her then looked at the little boy. "You must be Jae Sun. I don't get to see JJ very often but he's bragged an awful lot about you whenever we get to talk."
"Jae Sun, say 'hello Jun'," Eun Mi said to Jae Sun.
"Hello," Jae Sun said in a tiny voice.
"He's so big already! How old is he? 2 years? Or I guess in America he'd be considered one, right?'
"Yeah, in 'America' time he's one. He'll be 2 come Christmas."
"Yes, I heard about that," Jun chuckled. "Poor kid. Wouldn't be so bad if you lived here, but in America Christmas is a big deal."
"I'm not too worried. When we visited for Christmas, JJ's family threw Jae Sun a big birthday party that afternoon. He slept through a lot of it, but he won't for his next birthday."
"Any plans for another?"
"Not yet," Eun Mi said. "We'll likely start trying for another baby once we return to Washington."
"That's a good idea," Jun said. "JJ was really beat up over not being able to be with you when you were pregnant. He was so sure he wouldn't be there for Jae Sun's birth."
"He made it just in time," Eun Mi smiled. "He returned home Christmas morning and I delivered Christmas evening."
"Just barely made it," Jun chuckled. "So what brings you in?"
"I'm trying to find out what requirements there are to bringing a cat into the US from Korea."
Jun was silent a moment. "You convinced JJ to let you have a cat? What black magic did you use to make that happen?"
"I haven't convinced him yet," Eun Mi said. I'm working on it. I've gotten him to agree to let the cat in the house when he's here on base but that's about all I've convinced him of so far. I'm still working on him."
"Mrs. Dauer," the troop from earlier said and walked over. "I've been advised the only thing you're really required to do on your part is ensure the cat has seen a vet, gotten some shots and you'd be responsible for transport for that cat."
"That's all?"
"That's all. We actually have a vet on base. I don't know if he's as familiar with cats as he is with dogs, but you can ask."
"Can you tell me where he's located on base?"
The soldier showed her on a map where the vet was located, so she thanked him and received authorization to go visit him. When they were outside, she put Jae Sun down so he could walk with her rather than her carrying him but she held his tiny hand the whole time. There was housing on base and some wives out and about with their own kids talking amongst themselves. Some of the women were Korean while others were Americans. Several glanced Eun Mi's way when they saw Jae Sun and couldn't resist commenting on how cute he was. When she reached the medical center where she was directed, she eventually found her way to the vet's office. A young Korean woman was at the front desk working on some filings when Eun Mi came up.
"Can I help you?"
"I hope so. I recently adopted a cat and I was told that I needed to ensure the cat had his shots before we could bring him to America with us when my husband retires."
"Correct, he would need some preventative shots so he's healthy," the young woman answered. "How old is the cat and how long have you had it?"
"I think he's only a few months old, but I'm not sure. He's definitely still a kitten. I rescued him when a weasel attacked him."
"So he's an outdoor cat?" Eun Mi nodded in answer. "He may need some medicine to make sure he doesn't have any parasites. If you like, I can add you to the doctor's schedule and you can bring the cat in for an exam. We can likely give him all his shots and get him started on a medication same day."
"That would be wonderful," Eun Mi said. "How much is the exam and treatments?"
"It is.." she said and trailed off as she grabbed some paperwork to look through it. "$20 for the appointment and $15 for the shots. If he needs to give you medicine, it'll be another $10. So I'd recommend having $45 with you."
"Alright," Eun Mi said, admittedly hesitant. "I'll need to speak with my husband on this. Can I come back and schedule an appointment later?"
"Absolutely. Just let me know when you're available and I'll get you penciled in."
"Thank you," Eun Mi said.
"You're welcome," she said and looked at Jae Sun. "You have a good day, okay sweetie?"
Jae Sun bowed his head to the woman politely just as he'd been taught and they left the office together. Eun Mi went into the city's shopping district to buy dolsot bowls and some food all the while trying to determine how she was going to convince JJ to allow her to bring Popo in to the vet for the shots and medicine he would need. If she asked him tonight he would certainly say no. She considered the possibility of earning the money on her own but she wasn't entirely sure how. While they were out, there were a number of food vendors that were selling lunch and snacks. After he pointed at them and pleaded as best his language skills would permit, she bought him a bag of beet jelly candies, but he was only permitted to eat one. Thankfully, it took him tens of minutes to finish eating the one she'd given him since it was so chewy. The teeth he did have weren't very effective, so he was mostly sucking on the candy.
By the time they returned to the base, it was afternoon and they still had a few hours to kill, so Eun Mi asked around until she found a playground and encouraged Jae Sun to play, keeping a close eye on him the entire time. A few of the children noticed Eun Mi had beet candy and she quickly became the bell of the playground assuming their parents allowed her to give them a piece of candy. Jae Sun tried to get one more candy out of Eun Mi, but he was hyper enough after the first one he'd eaten so she told him no and made him return to playing. She did discover one of the women at the playground knew the recipe for making the beet candies and was kind enough to write it down for her. Seeing that the recipe was quite literally only 4 ingredients did make Eun Mi feel a little better about eventually caving and letting Jae Sun have one more candy that he proceeded to chew and suck on whilst hiding away under one of the jungle gyms. When it was five o'clock, Eun Mi took Jae Sun from under the gym and they went back to the admin building where JJ was already waiting for them.
"There you are," he said when he saw them. "So how did your day go?"
"I found out we would just need to give Popo a few shots and then we could bring him to Washington with us."
"Answer's still no, but good to know," JJ said.
"I also bought two dolsot bowls. I thought I could make you dolsot-bibimbap tonight."
"That's the rice dish with all those side dishes on top and the chili paste right?"
"Yeah, that one," Eun Mi said. "But with this, I can toast the bottom of the rice before serving so there's some nurungji too."
"Sounds like just what I need," JJ said and helped Eun mi into the car before getting in the driver's seat. "What's in that clear bag?" he asked when he saw the candies.
"They're beet candies. One of the wives at the playground actually knew the recipe and wrote it down for me. We'd gotten these in town, but it turns out they're really simple."
"Beets as in that bright red root beets?" he asked, looking at her strangely.
"Jae Sun's had two and he likes them."
"Let me try one," he said, holding out a hand while keeping the other on the wheel. He bit into the one Eun Mi gave him and he was surprised it didn't taste like beet. Just sweet and a little tangy with the nuttiness from the sesame seeds. "Huh," he said after he finished chewing. "Takes forever to chew, but that's not half bad."
"Mama," Jae Sun said, trying to weasel one more candy out of her.
"저녁 식사 후에 하나 더 가질 수 있습니다," (jeonyeog sigsa hue hana deo gajil su issseubnida / You can have one more after dinner) Eun Mi said firmly and Jae Sun pouted.
"What's he pouting for?"
"He wants another candy, but I said he could have one more after dinner."
"Assuming he even wants more after dinner," JJ said. "I'm shocked he could even eat those things."
"He mostly sucked on it," Eun Mi said.
"I'll have to try that next time I have one," JJ said.
They made the trip back and Popo was circling the house meowing when they got back. Eun Mi caught a rabbit for Popo so he had something to eat while JJ went inside with Jae Sun. She got to work on dinner doing several things at once to get it all done as swiftly as possible while JJ kept Jae Sun amused on the floor paying with some toys. By the time they all sat down for dinner, they started to hear Popo from outside.
"JJ," Eun Mi said.
"What?" JJ asked with an exasperated sigh, knowing what she was likely about to ask.
"Would it be alright if I went ahead and just let Popo in? We can put him back outside before we go to bed." He groaned a moment, looked at Eun Mi and, eventually, relented.
"Alright, alright, fine. Let the damn fleabag in."
Eun Mi smiled and kissed JJ's cheek before going to the door and letting Popo into the house. Once inside, Popo was wandering around the house until he found a spot he decided he liked. Once he'd settled down, Jae Sun went over to Popo and started petting him making the cat purr.
"I don't suppose we have more of that rice booze do we? I could use some right about now," JJ asked.
"I'll get you a glass." Eun Mi retrieved the tin glass they used for Makgeolli and poured some for JJ to have with dinner. He watched as Jae Sun kept petting the cat and soon the cat ended up knocking Jae Sun on his butt after Popo rubbed up against him. "He really is a very sweet cat."
"Dumb cat," JJ muttered stubbornly and took a swig of his drink.
Eun Mi smiled at him and rested her head against his shoulder while they watched Jae Sun play with the cat. She found a piece of twine she usually used for cooking and tried enticing the cat with the string. Popo start pawing at it but stayed on his back while he pawed at the string lazily. Eun Mi kept another set of hands around Jae Sun to protect him just in case Popo's claws get anywhere near him. She giggled a little at how lazy the cat really was. It just made it more obvious that Popo was meant for a life of house cat luxury.
"My answer's still no," JJ said.
"I know," Eun Mi said and kissed his shoulder.