Gun makes it a point to avoid talking about his kiss with Daniel, no matter how insistent the younger is about bringing it up. After all the pestering, messages, and written notes shoved and thrown into the elder's face, all it takes is for the elder to glare heatedly at the younger for him to eventually get the message and drop the conversation.
Of course that meant making Daniel pout for the rest of the week.
"What's this rumour I hear about Daniel and I being involved together?" Goo calls as he slides up next to Gun who had been walking towards James' office and grimacing at his phone. Both Daniel and other people were hounding him through his phone, maybe he should just throw the device into the Han River.
"Just some theories fans have made up" Gun waves off, not in the mood to indulge the blonde with his stupid talks.
"If it's made up by the fans, why did one of the Big Deal members come up to me and give me the shovel talk?" Goo continues to question and this time Gun glances at him with a raised brow. "What? It's true! They were all like 'Don't you dare break Doctor Dan's heart or else we'll break your face' and whatnot. If it weren't for the fact that it was just a B-list fighter I might have shat my pants in fear" Goo snickers but his questions were genuine.
With a sigh, Gun gives in.
"The CC seems to think that you're romantically involved with Daniel because of how passionately you fought for him when you went against No.1. That's all, everything else is just a conspiracy and fans throwing inaccurate things together" The Founder explains and the blonde could only blink blankly before snorting.
"Seriously? All I did was fight for both his and the CC's honour, it wasn't that dramatic" Goo remarks and Gun snorts.
"Oh no, your fight was about as dramatic as it was bloody. By the way, the only reason Jichang didn't arrest your ass after that match was that he hated No.1 about as much as you and the rest of the world did and wanted his own revenge against the guy for hurting Daniel" Gun opens James' door without knocking and they both enter.
The redhead could only look up briefly in annoyance before going back to his paperwork.
"Okay but…people don't seriously believe that what the Doc and I have is…intimate, right? I mean I wouldn't be opposed since the guy is really pretty and super nice, treats me gently even though I'm a killing machine but…I don't exactly like him like that" Why was Goo getting so embarrassed and worked up over this?
Gun merely shrugs.
"Judging by the things I've unwillingly witnessed online for the past couple of weeks I'd say that yes, they do think the two of you are intimate. Just leave it be, it'll die out eventually" There was no point agonising over something the online world was currently obsessed with, especially when the storm will pass by and they'll all find something else to be infatuated with.
The words don't seem to ease Goo in the slightest.
"How are you so calm over this? Shouldn't you be pissed that everyone thinks I'm with your man?" Goo questions and Gun grows tense, his body turning to James who looks up in amusement.
"Don't give me that look Jong Gun, there isn't anything that goes on in the CC that I don't know about" The redhead calls back, a smirk on his lips as Gun groans, going to slump on one of his designated comfy chair in the office.
"Of course, you know" Gun grumbles before looking at a wall. "Also, we're not together anymore…actually we weren't ever dating or anything" Gun informs and this does catch both Goo and James off guard.
"Wait, backtrack a bit. You two aren't dating?" James questions, his eyes growing wide which has Gun questioning how the man knew anything about him and Daniel only to remember that is James.
"Wait, you were being serious back then when you said all the two of you were doing was fucking?" Goo gapes and Gun nods stiffly, Goo can only throw his hands into the air. "I thought you were lying or trying to cover your relationship and what was left of your dignity when I caught the two of you! You were dead serious?! No wonder Daniel had been so upset and stormed out!" The blonde shouts and Gun winces.
It hadn't been his best moment.
"Well, it's true. What we had was mutual stress relief with no feelings involved" Gun crosses his arms and James snorts.
"Yeah, how well did that work out for the two of you?" James scoffs and Gun could only slump in his chair dramatically.
"Well, I guess that's why I've decided to come talk to the two of you about this…Which I'm feeling like this is the wrong thing to do right now" The Founder mutters and both Goo and James look at each other in alarm before immediately heading to their own designated chairs that face Gun.
"Alright, spill" Goo fires and Gun reluctantly explains.
From start to finish, from the first time the two shared a gym to the kiss from the previous night. All the not-dates, intimate moments and shared emotions which include the feelings of possessiveness and jealousy. The minute Gun had finished sharing his two friends could only sit and absorb the information in silence.
"Wow, that's more complicated than I initially thought it was going to be but what I can conclude right now is how much of an idiot you are" Goo states with a firm nod.
"HAH? Why am I the idiot in this?!" Gun shouts, peeved by the assessment.
"Because you are! He likes you and you like him!" Goo stresses out the 'likes' to emphasise his point. "He's made a point of accepting his feelings and clearly from what you've told us he's made several attempts to make whatever the two of you had a real thing but it's because of you that it hasn't worked out! You're killing the poor kid, Gun" The blonde shakes his head in heavy disapproval.
"Goo's words are correct, why are you so adamant about preventing this from happening? Clearly, you like Doctor Park as much as he likes you so wouldn't it be good for this relationship to exist?" James reasons before his face softens. "You've been less tense, more at ease and enjoying your life a lot more ever since Doctor Park came to work with us, he's a good influence on you, you should take this opportunity to be with him" The redhead reasons and Gun frowns.
He had expected the two of them to call him out for his stupidity as well as tell him how horrible the relationship would be. How impossible it would be for Daniel and Gun or all people to be together. Instead, it was the opposite.
"Because we shouldn't be together, there are several reasons and factors that should be pulling us away from each other. Like the fact that I'm his boss and he's an employee, the power imbalance in both work and life, the fact that I'm dangerous and could hurt him or that there are people who would exploit Daniel if they found out he was with me. Daniel…at the end of the day wouldn't be safe with me and if he truly knew the extent of it he wouldn't be happy with me either and eventually, he'll just leave" Gun rants, explaining his perspective. "I'd rather cut this off now than pursue anything and get hurt even more later on" He mumbles the last bit.
The other two Founders could only look at each other in worry before turning back to their third.
"I know you just want him to be safe and happy but what about your happiness? Your life should matter just as much as him" Goo points out but Gun could only shake his head.
"Why are you supporting this all of a sudden? Weren't you adamant about putting us to a stop when you first found out?" Gun directs at his best friend who turns sheepish.
"Honestly I was more mad about having to clean up your…bodily fluids off my window than anything else. I got angry and overreacted but I also wanted to make sure that what the two of you had wasn't just some fling " The blonde replied evenly and Gun could only keep quiet in return.
"Gun, I understand that there are issues with this but at the end of the day…do you want to hurt Daniel? Intentionally or unintentionally?" James inquires and Gun gapes before shaking his head.
"Obviously not" He grunts out the reply.
"Would you be able to stand it if Daniel decided to be involved with someone else?" James presses on and Gun takes a moment to think through his response.
Perhaps once upon a time, he would have been able to reply without missing a beat. Yes, he wouldn't have cared if Daniel was with someone else, especially if that person was able to give the Doctor everything that Gun himself couldn't provide. If it made the younger man happy, happier than he could have been with Gun. Yet now, thinking back to Daniel flirting with members of the CC, with Big Deal, Hostel, Burn Knuckles, God Dogs, Public and every other individual. Daniel standing close to Vin Jin, their lips merely inches apart as they stare forlornly into each other's eyes.
It rubbed Gun in all the wrong ways. It makes him burn with irritation.
No. Gun wouldn't be able to stand by and watch it all play out.
"No…" Gun answers reluctantly but James remains patient before he voices his last question.
"Do you love him?"
These four words were enough to send Gun's mind sprawling. Love? Gun barely understood the concept in the first place, barely knew love from his parents, much less able to express his own 'love' for others around him. It was easy to hate, to have that all-consuming anger for people that annoyed him, that he thought were less than dirt.
It was easy to understand that most of society was beneath him in terms of power, money and strength. Gun knows that the majority of the time when faced with individuals or groups they mainly fall into two categories, people he hates and people he tolerates. Very rarely does he like someone, he likes Eli because the guy was his best student. He likes Olly because of how unsettling and crazy he could get when he fought. He likes Jake because of his charisma, his morals and his understanding of his brotherhood. He likes Goo and James because they understand him, they are similar to Gun in ways other people aren't. People would probably believe that Gun only tolerated them because they were equally strong and they had to work together, they were wrong.
These two men who were currently sitting in front of him, taking the time out of their day to listen to his concerns were his friends.
His best friends, a bond that was created through shared blood and sweat.
Although he'd rather be caught dead than admit something so embarrassing.
Daniel though, Gun used to believe the Doctor fell into the tolerate category. Initially, the kid was a pain in his ass with attitude and beliefs that go beyond his short frame. His open irritation and unapologetic personality made him somewhat interesting and his pretty face didn't hurt either. Then Gun saw his potential as a fighter, he had wanted to nurture it and once he finished he would toss the boy away like the toy he was. Except he got attached.
That toy that he wanted to play around with now became something that he wanted to see grow, want to see succeed. And then of course he thought that it would all fall to shit the second he suggested an intimate relationship but against all odds the Doctor had accepted.
Then suddenly, in the span of several months, basically what was half a year, Gun found himself accepting the younger man into his life. Doctor Park became Daniel. There wasn't a day where Gun didn't look forward to seeing the man in passing, that pulling urge in his gut to be near the younger, to speak to him, to see him, to touch him. Gun who hated unnecessary touching allowed Daniel to get away with his clingy attachment.
Gun found himself reprimanding the younger less and less, allowing him to go beyond the firm boundaries he had set for himself and others. What was worse was the fact that Gun didn't care that Daniel was breaking all these unvoiced rules, instead, he craved it. So whilst he knew Daniel tried making him jealous on numerous accounts and it pissed Gun off to no end he found himself thrilled by the prospect.
Daniel was trying to make him jealous because he wanted Gun to act, to claim the Doctor as his.
And by the Gods when Daniel gets injured, with those men during that one night, in his fight with Ryuhei, his match with Hudson and especially his one-sided confrontation with No.1, every single time Gun finds his heart palpitating in worry. Constant, unconditional worry. The need to wrap the smaller man in his arms and hide him from the world so that Daniel could stay safe forever despite knowing and having trained him to take care of himself.
If Gun could take one instant and spend the rest of his life in that moment without any backlash or consequence it would be to spend it with Daniel. Laying in each other's arms in a shared bed, absorbing each other's warmth as the Doctor talked and Gun listened, interjecting softly with light noises at the right moments to exhibit that he was listening.
Daniel Park was Gun's inner peace. The only individual to calm him down and make him relax to that certain point.
So did Gun love him?
Gun knows his answer but as he goes to open his mouth to respond, nothing comes out. As much as he wanted to shout the answer from across the rooftops or make it an announcement on live air, he found himself choking up.
Screaming and crying. Jealousy. Anger. Blood. Pain. Loneliness. So much God damn loneliness…
Memories flash through Gun's mind and he could only clench his eyes shut before slumping back on his chair with an audible huff.
"I can't" Was Gun to say and that alone was difficult, knocking the air from his chest as he stared at the floor.
James grows quiet, his brows drawing together in concern but it was something that Gun couldn't take it. He didn't need pity, he didn't need worry.
"The way I see it, it's not a matter of you not being able to love" Goo speaks out, voice clear as he addresses the issue. "No, you're already, undisputedly, utterly and hopelessly in love with Daniel Park. The problem is that you can't accept it" Of course the blonde had to take the conversation seriously and start sprouting wise words.
"What about it?" Gun had wanted to sneer the words out but found that he lacked the usual fight.
"Nothing, I just hope that whatever you decide to do about this…I hope it doesn't end up hurting the both of you any more than this already has" Goo stands up from his spot, reaching out to grab the man's shoulder and squeezing his shoulder tightly. "You're our best mate, we don't want Doctor Park or you to be hurt, we care about you"
Gun knows that Goo has no reason to lie. James had no reason to go along with the words. Yet it was still hard to accept.
Was it wrong that this was the first time Gun had ever heard anyone express that they cared about him?
Loads of people want to kill him, hope that he dies or suffers a terrible fate. So it was hard to accept Goo's words as truth and yet, it made him feel horribly warm because deep down…Gun reciprocated the feeling.
.
.
.
Daniel was allowed to help out but only to the smallest degree. When fight nights were on he was tasked with standing back and allowing Collin and Jay to do their work along with the other employees to assist. Daniel wasn't allowed to handle any of the bigger cases or do any heavy lifting, if anything the Doctor was directed to take a seat in the corner and interject only at occasional and critical moments.
That's if anybody noticed or 'heard' him which was rarely due to how loud and busy the medical area was when it was filled with patients and fighters that needed patching up. Furthermore the majority of the time Daniel wouldn't need to step in anyways since both Jay and Collin were more than capable of taking care of the injured. Moreover, most of the employees had also stepped up in his absence, taking opportunities left and right to practise some of the basic procedures that Daniel had taught them in passing.
…
Well, there was this one incident where Daniel did have to step in. When an unconscious fighter had been knocked out was reeled in from the arena, hooked up to monitors and they were assessing his condition. Nurse Hong and Doctor Yu had been busy with another patient when the unconscious guy started coding right then and there. From what Daniel could tell due to the monitors he was experiencing ventricular fibrillation and whilst the employees were trying to do chest compressions and thinking about bringing out the defib the silent Doctor had simply gotten up and walked over calmly, shooing the people away with a frown to give him some space. Forming his hand into a fist, raising it about six inches above the middle of his chest thankfully wasn't covered by any shirt he performs a precordial thump. Delivering a short yet sharp thump to the chest which immediately restarted the patient's heart.
The workers had looked at Daniel in silent shock and awe before Jay ushered him back to his seat so the nurse could take over the patient.
So despite the boredom of sitting by himself with no one to converse with, Daniel found himself achingly proud of the young students who had started out as volunteers. He was sure to tell all of them that if they decided to choose a medical school he would be honoured to be a reference for them. He hoped some of them would, certain employees like Mira had the talent and hard-earned skills to pursue a career in the medical field.
A bottle of water with a straw attached to it was placed in front of Daniel's face and as the silent Doctor traced the hand up to the body and face that it was attached to he couldn't stop the smile from creeping up his face.
"You should drink water" Mira urges and Daniel nods, accepting the item and sipping at it gingerly. He makes a gesture of thanks and the female student merely smiles softly in return before coming to sit next to him.
The next fight, a match between some Big Deal member and a Hostel Uncle was currently underway and both Jay and Collin were watching it intently. Did Daniel also look like that when he watched? His face set in a firm look as his eyes concentrated on the movements of the fighters, keeping track of any injuries that would take place. Was he also that serious?
"You know, when you got injured we thought that the rest of us would be thrown into the deep end again" Mira suddenly voices and Daniel turns to her with a raised brow, which causes her to laugh. "I just mean…I've been around for a while, I guess that's something you know already but I've been volunteering since I was in my first year of high school. And nearing the end of my third year here, I've witnessed a lot of Doctors and medical practitioners come and go" She starts to explain and Daniel nods along with the words.
Mira takes a moment to pause, collecting her thoughts before she continues to speak.
"You know, when I first started we had this old guy, his name was Doctor Lim and he took his job very seriously but most of his knowledge and skills were outdated and he hated having incompetent people around. So because of this he never took the time to teach any of us anything, more or less he spent most of his time screaming obscenities and insults at us volunteers. I spent the first three months here utterly blind and confused, I had to teach myself the majority of first aid through an online course and YouTube videos before I finally felt confident enough to clean and bandage a gash that was the size of my pointer finger" She chuckles at the memory but Daniel didn't feel the same amusement.
Daniel quickly jots something down for Mira to read.
'That sounds horrible'
Mira yet again only shoots him a soft yet amused look.
"He wasn't even the worst of the lot, there were others who didn't even talk to us, others who spent more time psychologically abusing us or others who were downright nasty, we didn't have a good support system and every time we complained to the Founders their default response was to keep the hire until they found another individual to take the position. I don't think James or the other two ever thought about setting any guidelines or boundaries with the medical hires not because they couldn't but because they were already going through a Doctor crisis. The reputation of the CC preceded them and it was hard to get anyone to come in and work in a place like this, to begin with," Mira sucked in another breath, her eyes closed as she leans her head back against the wall.
"Of course, they weren't all bad, there were a fair few who were kind. Who did take the time to teach us small things here and there but those kinds were far too soft in a place like the CC. Most of the time they were harassed by fighters and at other times they would be caught in the crossfire of animosity between gangs and crews so they were just as quick to leave"
Daniel didn't have a hard time imagining it. For as much as he loved the CC and all its interesting people there were a plethora of tough moments. Instances where he wanted to give up and give in simply because of all the attitude he was given by certain individuals, how alone he felt because he had been the only one capable and with the credentials to perform certain operations and procedures. Of course, it hadn't been the volunteer's fault, the fact that they even stuck around to help despite their shitty conditions was a miracle in itself. The harassment, verbal assault and emotionally as well as physically taxing tasks made the job all the harder.
It was no wonder that the suicide rates of people in the medical fields were so high, the job was tough and half the time there was a lack of support. The same could be applied to all the volunteers of the past in the CC.
It also makes Daniel question why Mira endured it all for so long despite everything she had gone through. The question must have been plainly written on his face and she eventually answers.
"It's not as bad anymore. There are boundaries and rules now when it comes to all the negatives and It's all because of you, Daniel" She speaks confidently and Daniel could only tilt his head and point at himself in confusion.
He didn't quite understand what she meant by that statement.
"The reason I was talking about my past at the CC is because every time one medical practitioner left it sent those of us that remained into chaos. Without a proper Doctor, the majority of us found ourselves lost or nervous since the majority of them either hadn't taught us anything and spent their time breaking our spirits and confidence or didn't stay long enough to make a lasting impression. An example of that chaos was the first time we met, it was when Warren Chae's heart stopped. You think that after working here for almost three years I didn't know how to give chest compressions?" Mira points out and Daniel recalls that moment.
He witnessed the volunteers scatter onto the arena, panicked and stressed when Warren hadn't been breathing. Usually, when this occurs with a group of interns working as a team in a hospital someone would come out on top as the leader, giving out orders and making sure everything would go according to plan. Daniel had assumed something similar would happen with the volunteers but it hadn't and it had forced him to jump the rails in order to intervene.
"I know how to give chest compressions and so do the majority of the other volunteers but during that day…we all didn't react appropriately. The last Doctor who had only left a week prior used to do the majority of the work, barely let us touch anything without snapping at us and that had been going on for the last 4 months so it wasn't a surprise when most of us were fumbling all over the place the minute he was gone" Mira then gestures to Daniel. "I thought the same exact thing was going to happen when you were gone. That all of us were going to go back to running around like headless chickens but we didn't"
The smile on the brunette's lips was genuine as she spoke. Her gaze was unwavering as they pierced Daniel and she reached out to grasp his hand.
"You prepared us for times like this, all the times you made us watch and listen to you when you worked. Every moment when you voiced every action you would take when taking care of any injury. The times when you asked for our input when you spoke to the Founders about getting us to take courses online to help us understand and learn different procedures and the moment you made us employees instead of volunteers once you believed we knew enough to work without you having to watch out every move. That time you left us to go and fight Hudson, you didn't even think twice before leaving us to work alone without you because you had faith in us to do things correctly" Mira squeezed his hand gently, her smile was a brilliant sight to see and Daniel found it easy to see why Zack loved her so much.
"From the start you had been training us, ensuring that we were learning and what was even better was the fact that not once did you think we were below you despite the clear difference between our status and education. You might have thought that we were an inconvenience to you but rather than insult us you taught us to be better. There are more moments than I can count of you verbally affirming us, telling us that you had faith in us and I want you to know that for some of us who had been here for a long time, it meant a lot" Mira's lips press firmly together and she blink a little more rapidly to try and get rid of the glossiness of her eyes before speaking again. "To me, it meant so much" she adds and Daniel's heart constricts tightly in his chest.
Taking his hand back, he writes a short note.
'I know how it feels to be treated as less than. All of you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect'
Daniel understands, even before coming to the CC, that people who volunteered in places like this weren't doing it for just the sake of doing it. This sort of job wasn't chosen out of having fun and whilst there were enjoyable moments it isn't consistent. There were more dangers in the CC than there were positives.
Most of the volunteers that come and go are the ones who want to get close to the Fighters, who want first-class seats to see all the action and drama go down. Of course, the front-row seats of the glory diminish when you get injured or threatened by said fighters which is one of the main reasons they leave. People like Mira stay, the reason they stay isn't for the seats or the benefits or even the money or lack of money. They stay to make a difference within their community.
Sometimes the most rewarding part of a job or volunteer work isn't the money you make but the change that can come about. Daniel found that it was far more rewarding to be thanked, to be acknowledged for his work and to have a lasting impact than to have monetary gain.
"I guess that's one of the main reasons you're so different from your predecessors. You treated us, the fighters, the fans and other employees of the CC with a kindness that's hard to maintain. You gave us nothing short of what we deserved whilst still maintaining that balance of firmness. You were everything the CC needed and more and I don't think we thank you enough for all that you've done so…thank you, Daniel. Thank you for everything and I hope that we can continue to work together for as long as we can" Mira admits and this time Daniel could feel his own eyes burn.
Daniel receives a lot of 'thank you' and 'Thank's Doc' but he had never come across one this heartfelt so he finds himself denying the majority of it.
'Nurse Hong, Doctor Yu and all of you have a hand in this it wasn't just me'
He tries to remain humble but Mira doesn't have it.
"It might be a group effort but at the end of the day the person to start it all was you, that's something no one, not even you, can deny" Mira grins.
If Daniel could record this whole conversation and send it to his uncle or mother he would have. This was the exact reason why he wanted to stay at the CC even after the whole injury fiasco. Daniel made a change in the positive direction for the CC and he wanted to continue guiding it even after everything.
As the match comes to an end Mira stands to go and work, leaving Daniel with one last smile before joining Jay's side in patching the patient up. As Daniel watches them work he finds himself with nothing to critique anyone on and now he comprehends that it was apparently because of him they were all so at ease and competent.
The sense of pride he feels doesn't fade, not even as Gun takes him home that night hours after his conversation with Mira.
.
.
.
It takes a total of six whole weeks of having a wired jaw before Daniel finds his injury fully healed. Six entire weeks of wires, being unable to communicate or eat properly, irritating Doctor appointments and having to sit out at both work and other activities he couldn't participate in.
Of those six weeks, there were the particular oral hygiene techniques he had to use to ensure his teeth and wires were properly cleaned, the first couple of weeks of tenderness and swelling around his jaw, the muscle spasms and wire irritations. It had been a long and tedious journey but now he was finally free.
The first breath of air he was able to properly suck in after weeks felt overwhelmingly good, he still had the arch bars in his teeth which would constrict his jaw opening and leave him in discomfort for a while but he could finally open his mouth. He was still on his liquid diet but this time he was allowed soft foods.
"You're still required to come in for regular check-ups and you still need to keep physical and excessive activity to a minimum. At least for the first couple of weeks. Your jaw will be sore for a while, and you'll face a lot of fatigue during the rest of the healing process but eventually, there will be a gradual increase back to normal activity" The Doctor explains and Daniel listens intently.
Seonhui sat next to her son, her hand clasped in his as she squeezed tightly with each word that was being spoken.
"You've made a fine recovery thus far but just because the hardest part is done doesn't mean that the road to recovery is over" The man continued his talk but Daniel was far too pleased with the feeling over an open mouth.
Yes, it was sore and yes it felt weird to be able to move his jaw again but it was all positive. He was a step closer to being his regular self again.
Once they were out of the room, Seonhui couldn't help but shed a few more tears of relief before coddling her son. Jinyoung takes them both home and Daniel spends the rest of the day getting used to the movement in his jaw.
When the next day came, Daniel was excited to show off to Gun who would pick him up for work. Gun knew that he would be taking his wires out soon; he just hadn't known specifically what day.
"Alright, the agenda of the day is work, more work, lunch and then more work. Yep, I love being an adult" Gun jokes with a deadpan expression once Daniel hops into the car. The man had made it his mission to fill in their unusual silence with his own talking ever since Daniel became incapable of talking. "The weather's pretty good today so maybe we should eat outside, absorb in the vitamin D or something" Gun hums as he drives the car.
Daniel gives his obligatory nods here and there, humming at certain sentences and statements to show that he is listening when in reality he's vibrating with excitement.
The moment they reach the CC, heading in the direction of Daniel's office. Gun was still talking, something that the man was surprisingly good since at Daniel 'couldn't' speak despite being known as the silent type and Daniel continued listening intently.
"And after all that arguing and screaming at Goo which mind you, had been going on for hours, almost half a day at this point, James reveals that he was the one to spill coffee all over the dress shirt that I had gotten dry cleaned. That fucker decided that it would be funny to stay silent until the very last minute" Gun shakes his head at the memory. "Goo had been so offended that James had done this that he didn't speak to the redhead for three hours…then of course Goo caved because he likes James' company too much to give it up" Gun shakes his head, bemused by his Co-Founders actions.
The small smile that played on Gun's lips very much charmed Daniel, in fact, it probably charmed Daniel way too much as soon enough he was moving forward and pressing a kiss to the man's lips.
Gun freezes only momentarily before giving in and pressing back. Daniel pulls back, smiling brightly at Gun's baffled expression.
"What the hell was that for? You shouldn't just randomly kiss me" Gun scolds but he isn't mad.
Daniel merely grins before replying.
"I couldn't help it, you're just so cute" Daniel comments.
"I am not cute" Gun snaps back quickly only to frown when he notices that something's off. "Wait…" Gun's eyes widened in shock.
"Took you a second, didn't it?" Daniel states and Gun immediately wraps his arms around Daniel and lifts him off the floor.
"You're talking! You can speak!" He shouts in surprise before frowning and dropping the smaller man. "Wait, when did you get your wires taken off and why didn't you tell me? I could have taken you to your appointment" Gun questions and Daniel grins.
"It was only yesterday, Uncle Jinyoung and my mum insisted on taking me themselves" Daniel explains and Gun nods before he continues frowning. Reaching out he gently grasps Daniel's face, pulling him in closer to inspect the metal that was still in the Doctors mouth.
"You still have those metal things in" Gun hums and Daniel nods.
"Yeah, the arches are there for a little while longer but at least I can open my jaw and speak" Daniel replies but the frown on Gun's face still persists.
"I thought once you got your wires out everything would go back to normal" He mumbled and Daniel could only chuckle.
"Gun, healing takes a long time" Daniel reminds and finally the man lets go.
"Can you eat solid food?" The Founder questions and Daniel makes a 'so-so' gesture.
"Liquids and soft foods for the time being" The younger answers and the scowl on the elder's face seems to grow deeper.
"Tch, fine. I guess we'll just have to go out for ice cream then after dinner tonight"
Daniel was caught off guard by the words but he felt a pleasant warmth grow in his heart. Reaching up he pokes his pointer finger between the man's brows which causes Gun's glare to disappear.
"I'd love that, thank you Gun" Once more Daniel surges upwards but rather than place a firm kiss on Gun's lips he nips at the edge instead.
"Daniel…" Gun sighs.
"Hey, I know you like like me, just accept it" Daniel chuckles and Gun could only shake his head in exasperation.
"Still, you shouldn't-" "Kiss you, I know. But every time I do you reciprocate. If you want me to stop, push me away or slap me or something" Daniel responds and Gun could only let out another aggravated sigh.
"You know I can't do that" Gun huffs as Daniel takes a step away and darts into his office.
"I'll see you for lunch!" He calls.
.
.
.
"We need to celebrate your recovery Doc" Jake grins as he wipes the sweat off his forehead with a towel. "The fact that you can speak again is a miracle, a miracle for the Miracle Doctor. How ironic" The Big Deal leader grins and Daniel rolls his eyes from where he was sitting on the floor watching the people in the gym.
"I thought we got over that nickname," Daniel scoffs before shaking his head. "And no celebration. There's no miracle involved with this, no god or deity came down and gave me back my functions for my jaw, it was all thanks to the Doctors and modern medicine and practices that I was able to recover" He waves off.
"Awe come on Doc, I think being able to speak again is something worth celebrating" Samuel chimes in as he finishes a set he was doing and thanks Jerry for spotting him.
"If people celebrated every time someone recovered from an injury or sickness then it wouldn't be special anymore, would it? I mean, come on, imagine how ridiculous it would be if I threw a party every time someone's broken arm was healed or if a patient recovered from a cold" Daniel reasons when a pair of arms wrap around his neck from behind.
"I'd be so thrilled if people did that, it would give me the incentive to get sick or injured even more" Olly hums as he rubs his face all over the Doctor's neck and side like a cat. Daniel merely flicks the Big Daddy's forehead at the words.
"Do not injure yourself anymore frequently" Daniel scolds and Olly pouts but nods. "Also stop treating me like your personal pillow, off" He orders but Olly merely let's go and slides down so that his head is in Daniel's lap instead.
"No" The man mutters stubbornly.
"Olly, stop bothering the Doctor" Warren calls out but Olly doesn't budge.
"We could host the celebration at our Hostel" Eli offers, his gaze fixed on Olly with a glare. "Olly, off" He adds like an owner talking to his misbehaving pet.
A soft whine was let out.
Huh, maybe Olly was sort of a pet.
"You know what, that's not a bad Idea. I'm pretty sure Big Deal can help with the catering" Jake hums as he pulls out his phone.
"Public can bring the drinks," Hudson suddenly offers, pointing at Channing to get onto the task.
"We don't need to do all of this, honestly" Daniel pipes up, trying to unravel Olly's hands from him as Eli and Warren start trying to drag the attached man away from the Doctor.
"Doc, you don't need to do anything. Just show up tonight" Eli informs before finally getting a good grasp on Olly and throwing him over his shoulder. The tattooed man lets out a yelp.
"I can't do tonight anyways…I've got this thing" Daniel hesitates in telling the group what he was doing.
"Thing?" Numerous people voice out, turning to Daniel.
The Doctor could only lower his own eyes to the floor, playing with a stray thread on his pants.
"I mean…I was promised ice cream tonight so…I can't go" He mumbles out the words much to the confusion of many people.
"Ice cream? If you want ice cream then we can bring some to the party. Oh yeah Doc, if you want to invite your friends feel free to do so. I know you're close to some of the other employees and those from J High. I'm sure the Burn Knuckles will accept our invite to come" Jake hums, probably already messaging Vasco as they spoke.
"It's a Wednesday night, we really shouldn't be doing this" Daniel tries again when it's someone else who speaks up.
"Wait, you're getting ice cream tonight and making it a big deal…are you getting it with someone special?" It's Channing who spoke and yet again everyone pauses.
"That's an interesting point, who's taking you to get ice cream?" Samuel inquires and Daniel coughs into his fist.
"No one" He squeaks out, a terrible response.
Olly crackles from his position on Eli's shoulders. Daniel really regrets confessing his problems to Olly of all people.
"OOOH Danny's got a date with a Founder!" He giggles and Daniel shoots the man a dirty look.
"One of these days you're going to wake up with a missing tongue" Daniel hisses the threat, it might have been slightly aggressive but he didn't care.
"So it is a Founder" Hudson muses yet he was less than impressed.
"God damn Goo, lucky bastard" Someone mutters in the background.
"Just bring them to the party" Eli sighs and Daniel snaps his head up in shock.
"You want me to bring a Founder to…to your home where you want to host my recovery party?" Daniel gapes.
Eli shrugs.
"I guess so, I'm sure Sally won't mind and I guess…if you're dating one of them they can't be all that bad…I think" Eli huffs and there were a few doubtful looks from several people in the room.
"I…" People thought that he was together with Goo, how would they react if he brought Gun instead? It would only cause chaos. The reasonable thing for Daniel to do was reject and stop the entire idea but everyone looked so enthralled by the idea of a celebration that he didn't have the heart to tell them no.
"I…I think it would be rude to only invite one of them…Can I extend the invite to all three?" He asks, almost jokingly and ridiculously Eli hums in deep thought before turning to look at Warren who shrugs.
"We'll ask Sally," Both men say but Olly is quick to chime in yet again.
"But Sally's nice, she'll probably agree so long as none of them make a mess or decide to pick a fight…or taunt someone else into picking a fight with them" Olly giggles and Daniel wants nothing more than to chuck something solid and hard at the man.
Instead, he lets out a defeated sigh and pulls out his phone, opening messages to inform all three busy Founders of what he had gotten them into.
.
.
.
"I can't believe she said yes" Goo barks out before falling back and laughing hysterically. "I also can't believe people are going to willingly spend time with us outside of work" He adds.
"Well it's not like they want to spend time with us, they want to spend time with Doctor Park" James was quick to point out from his seat at the front of the car. "They'll most likely ignore us for the night which is fine, I'm only coming along because of how interesting it's going to be" The redhead smirks.
Gun, from the driver's seat, merely lets out a dissatisfied grunt.
"I don't know why the hell I'm even going, also why am I always the designated driver when we go out?" Gun questions, the scowl was prominent in his voice even if Daniel couldn't see it from where he was sitting.
"Because you don't drink" Both Goo and James reply simultaneously.
"Also because you're being a sour puss" Goo adds.
"And you never seem to have any fun at these sorts of parties anyways" James nods in agreement as he scrolls through his socials on his phone.
"And you're lame"
"And you're the best driver out of us"
"And you suck"
"Goo if you say one more stupid thing I'm going to pull over and kick you out of my goddamn car" Gun grits out and Daniel stifles a laugh. "And you, I can't believe you pulled us into this mess because you didn't know how to say no" He scolds, making sure that his gaze was being met through the rearview mirror.
"Well, you could have said no to coming" Daniel points out.
"And let you, our precious little cutie, go to a party with dozens of gangs by yourself? Yeah no" Goo slides closer to Daniel, pulling him over into a tight hug. "Absolutely not, who knows which one of those heathens would make a move on you" Goo coos and Daniel snorts.
"As If I'd let them" He grumbles.
"Honestly you do have a hard time saying no, Daniel" James calls him out and Daniel could only squawk in indignation.
"Well besides focusing on me, you three promise to behave, right? No fighting and no picking fights" Daniel lectures and the three huff out their agreements.
"We don't want any trouble, we're only coming along because it's your 'recovery' party. We'll mingle and stay out of trouble" James promises and Goo gives another gentle squeeze.
"Scouts honour" Goo adds.
"You have never been a scout," Gun points out.
When the four arrived out the front of Hostel's base there were already several people lurking outside and probably even more inside.
"I swear to god if my car gets broken into or damaged whilst we're here I will kill everyone" Gun grumbles under his breath as he parks and they all exit the vehicle.
Goo heads around to the trunk to grab some things and James follows to help out. Daniel approaches the elder, hesitant since the man seems genuinely annoyed by the whole impromptu party.
"I'm sorry for dragging you around, you didn't need to come" Daniel hums out quietly so that the other two Founders couldn't overhear them. "It's just, the moment they all started hassling me to invite Goo because they still thought we were dating I caved and said I would invite all of you…nonetheless, I don't think the crews are even expecting the three of you to show up so If you want there's still time for you to leave" Daniel offers up the excuses and Gun's tense shoulders immediately fall.
"I'm not pissed you know" Gun starts his explanation. "Besides, we're already here and you don't have a proper ride home. Your family would kill me if they find out I just left you in the middle of gang territory" The Founder huffs and Daniel's mood falters even further.
Right. Gun was here to make sure that Daniel was safe just like the other two Founders. The difference was that the man has personally met the Doctor's uncle and mother and their combined wrath would push anyone to do anything, including taking care of Daniel.
"Right," Daniel nods as they start heading to the door.
Gun's answer had been a reasonable one, unfortunately it hadn't been the one that he was hoping for. Then again, Daniel couldn't be mad at the man for taking responsibility, not when he had been acting and doing not well-thought-out things.
As they enter through the doorway the four of them receive wide-eyed and confused glances from many of the people that were hovering outside. The whispers would start up soon seeing as the literal Founders were attending the party.
Daniel had been to the Hostel Hotel once before but he had only gotten the chance to explore the kitchen and dining area, the whole building was huge with several floors and even more rooms. Despite hearing the loud music and having witnessed the many cars that were parked out front they don't come into contact with many people on the ground floor.
"Ah! Doctor Park!" A voice calls and Daniel turns to catch sight of Derrick who has rounded the corner of a room. "You finally made it!" The Hostel Uncle greets them only to do a double take at the sight of the three tall men that stood behind Daniel.
Goo flashes a peace sign and signature grin, James smiles and Gun grunts.
"O-Oh…Eli did say that you were thinking about inviting the Founders but we didn't actually think…you know what, never mind. I'm glad to see that you three could make it" Derrick stammers out, caught off guard by their presence but knowing well enough not to make it a big deal.
"Well, it was exceptionally kind of Sally to allow us to come" James replies before looking around the room. "Although we were under the impression that this was a party of sorts and although we can hear the music we haven't really seen the people. Do you mind directing us to the right place" The words were measured and polite but the air of authority and power doesn't disappear.
"O-Of course sir, the party is being held on the top floor and the rooftop. It's a bit of a maze if you haven't been in the building before. Follow me" Derrick was quick to turn around and lead them, only a hint of a stutter giving away how nervous he felt about having his literal bosses in his home.
With each step forward, Daniel felt more convinced that it was a horrible idea to invite the three men yet apparently James and Goo didn't think so. The two took to conversing with the reluctant Derrick about both the party and the building and the Uncle replied just as calmly in return.
Only Gun doesn't speak but that wasn't out of the ordinary when it came to social situations.
"Well here we are, you can put your items next to the food spread over there" Derrick hums as he points to the long table of food and drinks.
The top floor was filled with loads of people, most were familiar to Daniel as individuals and groups that he's been medically involved with through the CC. Most greet Daniel easily but just like Derrick the sight of the Founders baffled them and would send them scattering in the opposite direction.
Well, most would scatter, some were braver.
"Daniel!" Vasco calls, bounding over with Jace and a few of the other Burn Knuckle members in tow. "I'm so happy to see you here!" The leader grinned and Jace could only sigh.
"It wouldn't be much of a recovery party if the person who recovered from their injuries wasn't here" The second in command mentions.
"Oh yeah," Vasco mumbled but Daniel could only chuckle.
"I still don't think this is a good reason for throwing a party. Birthdays, anniversaries and memorials sure but for recovering from an injury?" He couldn't help but voice.
"Maybe they were all just looking for an excuse to party" Jace reasons.
"On a Wednesday night? Don't you guys have school tomorrow?" Daniel raises a brow and a guilty look flashes through Vasco's face.
"We do, but tonight is just one night. I promise I'll do my homework in the morning" Vasco states when Jace lets out a squawk.
"Vasco! You told me that you already finished everything! That was the main reason why I let you drag us all out here" Jace frowns and the leader could only sweat nervously.
"If you told me a few hours ago that I'd have to watch and listen to THE Vasco get scolded for not doing his homework I would have laughed in your face. Maybe this party can be entertaining" Gun snorts from beside the Doctor.
Heads turn to Gun and immediately Vasco is pulling Daniel away. Did they not see Gun before they approached him?!
"What's he doing here?" Vasco hisses.
"What a nice way to greet your boss outside of work" Gun grins sharply.
"We can hardly even call you our boss when we're at work" Jace scoffs and at this Gun narrows his eyes dangerously from behind his shades.
"Watch your tone" Gun growls yet before Vasco or Daniel could speak up someone else was barging into the conversation.
"Oh lighten up bossman, you're here to have fun not bring down the mood" An arm slings itself around Gun's shoulder and the only one who could be brave enough to initiate physical contact with Gun was Olly Wang.
The Big Daddy was grinning from ear to ear, unbothered by the look that Gun was shooting the man.
"Damn Danny, I can't believe you somehow convinced the Founders to come. James and Goo were by the food table earlier and scared the crap out of poor Jerry who had just gone by to grab another plate of food. It was hilarious" Olly snickers before letting go of Gun who looked ready to snap at the man, and moved towards Daniel. "Now if you gentlemen will excuse us I'm going to steal little Danny here and properly introduce him to my crew members" Olly explains, dragging Daniel away.
Gun clicks his tongue in irritation and Daniel casts him a worried look. Noticing this, Gun waves him off.
"Go have fun, I'll be around" And with that the elder glares once more at the Burn Knuckle members before sauntering off.
"God he's such a diva" Olly snorts before directing Daniel to a couple of people. He already knew who Justin and Chuck were, the two greeted the Doctor amicably before turning back to their card game against other gang members, James Gong and Jasmine were known to Daniel's record of people.
James seemed a little wild but Jasmine kept him calm and focused through her words and actions, she greeted Daniel pleasantly enough before turning back to urge James to eat.
After Hostel A's initial members, there were a couple of others that Olly thought to introduce to Daniel and eventually, it extended over to Hostel B members and then other people that he knew. Olly seemed to know everyone and although he might not necessarily be friends they all seemed to tolerate the man.
"Daniel!"
The Doctor looks up from his conversation with Amy and Natalie to see Sinu Han of all people waving at him from a distance. Courteously ending the conversation with the two sweet girls, Daniel along with Olly who was glued to his side make their way to where most of the Big Deal members were situated. Sure a few of them mingled with several other gangs but most clustered around each other.
Yeonhui held a drink in one hand whereas his remaining hand was situated around Yeonhui's waist, the two looked at ease and comfortable with each other, it was a relationship of love that Daniel slightly envied.
"Sinu, it's been a while" Daniel greets and it had been. The last time Daniel had seen the man had been near the start of his career at the CC and seeing as Sinu didn't lead Big Deal anymore it was no wonder that he hadn't been around the building.
"It has, how have you been? I heard about your injury and everything through the stream and the guys but I'm glad to see that you've gotten better" Sinu remarks and Daniel smiles.
"I've been well enough, sticking around despite everything" He informs and the ex-leader could only whistle.
"Staying is just another way of showcasing your bravery and determination. I always knew you were different from the other Doctors at the CC, you've certainly stuck around for a lot longer than most" Sinu compliments.
They exchange some more pleasantries, Yeonhui chiming every so often with a kind smile and even the other Burn Knuckle members add their bits and pieces to the conversation. Olly stuck silently by Daniel, playing with the edge of Daniel's shirt to distract himself from their conversation whilst not trying to interject himself into the mix. Not much longer into the conversation someone else slides up besides Daniel's other side.
"Hey, Handsome" A warm pair of lips was pressed against the top of Daniel's head and Daniel could only laugh heartily at Jake's greeting.
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" Daniel responds only to hearing gagging noises.
"God you two can be insufferable when you're together" Samuel gripes, showing up with a plate of food. Despite his words, he looked amused at the two and their typical behaviour.
Samuel raises the plate to Olly, offering him some and the Big Daddy grins before grabbing something and shoving it into his mouth.
"Just because Doctor Park enjoys my company and kisses and not yours doesn't mean you need to be jealous, Sammy" Jake calls back, gulping down whatever was ever in his plastic cup.
"The Doctor most definitely prefers my kisses" Samuel fires back without waiting. "Especially the dirty ones" he adds seductively and Daniel could only sigh as Jake snorts.
"Is there something the three of you would like to explain here because I'm feeling out of the loop" Sinu voices most of their confusion but it's Jason who reaches out to grasp his ex-boss shoulder and shakes his head no.
"We're not dating," Jake explains.
Sinu and Yeonhui don't look convinced, especially with how they are flirting and touching Daniel.
"It'd be a bit of a problem if Daniel was dating either of your boys, Sinu. Especially since he's with moi" Olly gestures to himself with a grin, putting on a French accent with the last word.
Daniel hip-bumps him, frowning at the words as Olly corrects himself.
"Okay, so it's not with me and it's honestly a crime that it isn't with me" Olly pouts.
"That being said, I saw Gun and Goo talking together and I'm pretty sure that James was conversing with a surprised Sally. When you said that you were inviting them I didn't think you were serious" Jake mentions and the thought of James talking to Sally of all people was a pretty amusing image.
"They're not all that bad, everyone made it seem like those three were from the pits of hell" Daniel defends and most people shrug and mumble under their breaths at the apparent blasphemy he was announcing. "I'm serious, all three of them are quite nice and agreeable when you're not trying to antagonise them" The Doctor argues.
"They're nice to you" Samuel points out. "Because you're their Doctor and they need you to stay so they have to be nice. Also, it's hard for people to not be anything other than pleasant with you seeing as you're all smiles, sunshine and rainbows" he snorts out and Daniel frowns.
"Am not" He fires back and most could only raise a brow.
Yet as he considered the words Daniel could comprehend where they were coming from.
"Or maybe it's because you're seeing them through rose-tinted glasses" Olly snickers.
Before Daniel could reject the idea the sight of a person caught him off guard. Coming through the door was an individual who Daniel didn't think he would ever have seen outside of the CC grounds but there he was in his cleanly pressed suit and fellow bodyguards.
"What the hell are they doing here?" Jake hisses and heads turn.
Eugene wasn't just here with Mandeok and Yuseong, it seemed like the whole cavalry of Workers were present as they followed their leader into the room. All affiliates from first to fourth spread throughout the room, their presence and numbers suffocating whatever easy joy the other gangs had been feeling.
It was stifling.
People gave the group a wide berth, steering clear and hissing whispers to one another. Vivi and Neko were conversing with each other, Xiaolong and Ryuhei following and casting watchful gazes on them as the rest of their men tread closely from behind them. Eugene on the other hand had his gaze fixed on Daniel and soon enough the short chairman was standing in front of the Doctor.
"Doctor Park, I'm glad to see you're doing all better" Eugene greets and Daniel can't help but feel the pressure of the conversation.
"Thank you, Chairman" Daniel nods, holding the man's heavy gaze as he speaks. "It has been a while since you or the other Worker affiliates have graced us with your presence at the CC. You haven't pulled out…have you?" He mentions.
Eugene shakes his head.
"We haven't, we've just taken a bit of an extended break. After everything that has happened, we figured that space should be a given" Eugene replies easily, the same charmingly deceptive smile on his lips.
The apparent friendly words and looks did nothing to ease Daniel's slowly growing anxiety.
"I see" Daniel hums but it's Olly who cuts in.
"Cut the bullshit, If that was the purpose then you wouldn't have come here with the rest of your groupies, especially coming uninvited to a party for someone that you nearly killed. You wanna start a war or something?" Olly sneers, the easygoing and usually grinning child was gone and its place was the Big Daddy of Hostel A.
"A war? Hardly" Eugene snorts out. "Even if I were trying to, it's not as if any of you people would be able to win against us seeing how horribly you all performed against one of my men" The smile turns sharp and in an instant the Chairman's gaze turns condescending.
There were numerous cries and calls of anger at the words. A couple of people roar out their protests whereas others grit their teeth.
"No.1 may have caused us some trouble but last I checked he's not really in commission right now, isn't he?" Jake pipes up, arms crossed as he stays firm in his place. "As for your other men, I'm pretty sure I remember your guards being crushed and that blonde clown over there not doing shit in the tournament" He adds with a nasty smile and this time there were a few chuckles of amusement.
Jake was right. No.1 was nowhere to be seen and after his fight with Goo where he probably sustained several life-threatening injuries there would be no way for him to come back so soon. Moreover, the other members of Workers have never really come out on top in the CC. Sure there were loads of them but in reality, they only had a few members who were on the same level as the other crew heads.
"Besides, even if you were trying to start a war, do you think the Founders would let you?" Another voice questions and heads turn to see Johan of all people appear.
A few members of his God Dogs were scattered around the area and behind the leader was none other than Zack and Mira, the two probably having just arrived at the party. Johan was also calm as he approached the group, coming to stand by Jake's side as he watched Eugene with a watchful gaze.
Eugene's face contorts into an ugly expression before smoothing out again into another fake smile.
"I guess you're right, those three do love interfering with my plans" He laughed lightly but there was no amusement. "Anyways my affiliates and myself are not here to fight or start a war. We are genuinely here to wish Doctor Park well and congratulate him on his recovery as well as apologise for what happened"
Eugene turns back to Daniel and the Doctor pulls back in shock as the Chairman puts on a regretful look.
"Daniel Park, I apologise on behalf of my crew and its members for what happened to you. You were never meant to get injured or hurt, it was an accident, and I understand that this may sound like excuses but it's not meant to be. Again, we are sorry" The Chairman bows slightly much to the shock of everyone.
Vivi and Neko reluctantly follow suit and so do the other members.
The courteous display only lasted for mere seconds but it was enough to stun Daniel. The Doctor knew that at the end of the day, the things that Eugene had spoken were true. He knows that he was never meant to be the one who was severely injured, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Eugene was sorry about what happened to Daniel but not because he felt guilty, it was because of the public's condemnation of Workers. Ever since the last match between No.1 and Goo the people of Korea and the world had come to hate the group.
The online hate was enough proof of that.
To make amends and probably reintroduce Workers back into the CC after their long hiatus was probably the reason they were apologising to Daniel in the first place.
Furthermore, the man specified that it was Daniel they didn't mean to harm. It was hard to say that the man hadn't intended for No.1 to severely injure someone else like Olly or Eli who had also been in the ring that night. Still, it wouldn't do Daniel or anyone else who was present any well if he denied the offered apology.
So, sucking in a breath and putting on a professional mask that he usually does when he is on the job or trying to cover his emotions he smiles and nods.
"Of course, it was all just a bad situation" Daniel responds easily, much to the shock of others. "I don't hold anything against you or Workers, I've decided to be the type of person to not hold grudges. I accept your apology and I hope that we can still work together well. I've fixed up way too many of your people to hate them or your group" He reasons, holding out a hand.
Eugene's eyes widen only a fraction but he easily accepts the hand with his own.
"You have always been a reasonable and level-headed Doctor, no wonder you have been able to achieve such high standing in such a short amount of time" Eugene nods.
Daniel shrugs. "I'm just doing and saying what's right" He hums.
Suddenly the grasp on Eugene's hand tightens and he pulls Daniel in with hidden strength, making him stumble forward slightly. A lascivious smile appears on the man's face and others tense at the action, ready to intervene if something was to go down.
"And it is with that attitude that it's no wonder that you've been able to charm so many people around you. I can understand what he sees in you" Eugene purrs out and perhaps this wasn't part of his apology plan since even Neko and Vivi looked physically shocked by the words and actions. Whatever the case was, Eugene was going off script, a man that always seemed to be poised and had plans for his plans was acting of his own accord.
Maybe that was why even more fear seemed to pierce Daniel's heart.
Eugene's hand was beginning to feel dangerous and his presence was suffocating, even more so than before. His strong grip was unrelenting and the only way Daniel felt that he could escape was if he ripped himself away yet that display would only exhibit his own weakness towards the Chairman. Instead, his saviour comes in a different form, another hand wraps around Eugene's wrist and pulls the Chairman away.
"Come now genie boy, can't you tell that your presence is making everyone uncomfortable? Then again your ugly mug would put anyone off" Goo grins, his blonde hair amid this uncomfortable darkness was like a beacon of hope. His smile was like a lighthouse shining through the fog of the raging ocean.
He steps in between Eugene and Daniel, his tall and broad-shouldered body was a sturdy wall, one that meant complete business even with the grin on his face.
"Goo" Eugene nods in greeting, blinking several times as if he wasn't sure if the Founder was standing in front of him. "What are you doing here?" He questions.
"I was invited to the party, duh" Goo answers easily but apparently to the Chairman it hadn't been one that he was expecting. It was as if the man was asking why Goo in particular was currently in front of him, defending Daniel rather than someone else. "Something I can say but I don't think you or your group could relate to" He eyes the group.
Some turn away, intimidated by the blonde and rightfully so. They were there to witness what God did to their strongest, who's to say that they wouldn't do the same to them? Even Xiaolong grimaces and Ryohei winces.
"He's right you know, at the end of the day none of you were formally invited" Now that voice belongs to Eli, Warren and Sally stood by his side. Sally nervously looks between her leader and Workers.
"Hmm, we only heard in passing that there was a celebration for Doctor Park and that it was an open party. Of course, if you find our presence distasteful we could leave, it's just such a shame since we made the effort to come here and showcase our support" Eugene explains yet he isn't looking at Eli, he is looking at Sally who was the real owner of the venue.
"U-Um" Sally was put on the spot as eyes turned to her. "Listen, I don't have a problem with everyone being here so long as no one causes trouble or a mess. If we should ask anyone about feeling uncomfortable it should be Daniel"
Again people turn to Daniel.
"Seeing as we just made up and exchanged apologies I don't see why not" Daniel speaks carefully. "I agree with Sally, as long as there isn't any mess or trouble I don't see why you all can't be here" he nods and Eugene grins.
The Chairman steps towards Daniel again, intent on making his gratitude known through another hand grab but Goo doesn't back down or falter as he steps in front of the shorter man's way.
"Now, Eugene, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Your problems with Daniel may be forgiven but ours still stands. I still recall you mentioning that you believed me to be the weakest Founder before I packed up your strongest. Is there anything you'd like to say to me before I act on my retribution?" Goo questions before the atmosphere turns cold. "You should put your money where your mouth is, if you think I'm so weak you should fight me yourself and face the consequences. See to it personally how beneath you I am" Goo leers.
The smile was nothing more but a snarl, Goo was pissed. His shoulders and hackles were raised as he glared at the Chairman, ready to pounce and potentially kill.
Mandeok and Yuseong were quick to approach but even they held hesitance in their stance and eyes. If shit were to come crashing down, Goo would come out on top.
Daniel always thought that it was surprising when Gun showcased his claws against his opponents, intimidating them and reducing them to nothing more than trembling cowards. Seeing the same happen with happy-go-lucky Goo, even after his fight with No.1, was disorientating.
"I underestimated you" Eugene announces, a bite in his voice. "But I won't apologise for my opinions and thoughts. If that was your strength then the abilities of your Co-Founders could still be better. You proved nothing that night. Are you going to hurt me for my freedom of speech?" It was as if the Chairman had sent his people to their deaths with his antagonising words.
"Big words, Chairman. Be careful" James calls out, he and Gun had also approached the group, probably appearing when Goo had intervened. James was holding a drink whereas Gun had a plate of food. The two were disappointed with Eugene's words, it was clear through their expressions but they didn't say anymore.
People were getting ready for a fight, the one thing that Daniel and Sally had specifically requested to not happen that night. It was irritating. Knowing that he was going to regret his next actions, Daniel reached out quickly to wrap himself around Goo's arm.
"Joon Goo, that's enough. He's egging you on, you know better than to fall for a trick like that" Daniel coos, tugging the blonde backwards.
Goo snaps his head towards Daniel in surprise only to be met with Daniel's pleading, doe eyes.
"We're supposed to be celebrating me, you're here for me and you promised me you wouldn't start anything. I'd be so disappointed if you broke your promise" Daniel says, disgusted that he would resort to such an act to get everyone to calm down.
Goo was still stupefied by the act before eventually, he broke out into a grin, this time one that met his eyes and was laced with his usual demeanour.
"Of course, how could I forget?" Goo nods before grasping Daniel's chin and pulling him into a quick kiss on the lips. "How silly of me, I would never want to upset my sweetheart" he adds before wrapping an arm around Daniel's waist.
"Well go on, have your fun. I'll let your words go today since everyone is entitled to their opinions no matter how wrong they are. You're very lucky that Danny here is so kind" With that Goo pulled Daniel along towards where the other two Founders were and they were heading to the rooftop.
Daniel could only turn back to cast the group a concerned look before following along with Goo.
The moment that the Founders had left the gazes of the group of people, their calm and collected facade fell. Goo's smile drops and he lets out a scoff as he kicks at a chair.
"I should skin that little gremlin alive for what he said" Goo hisses, still mindful that there were plenty of people around as he lowers his voice and turns to the other two Founders. "I mean, did you hear him? He didn't even apologise, tch I should cut out his tongue" Goo continues with his threats.
"Goo, not here" James scolds. "You have every right to be angry but you shouldn't let it get the best of you. If it hadn't been for Daniel and you really did start a fight in public then the goal of the CC would have been rendered useless. You know as well as everyone else that Eugene was merely trying to provoke you" The redhead reasons and Goo's anger subsides.
"At the cost of his and his crew's safety apparently, even for Eugene that was risky" Gun murmurs before handing Goo the plate of food he was holding. "Here, eat. Food always calms you down" He mentions and Goo accepts the plate despite still sulking.
Goo then turns to Daniel who has been watching and listening silently.
"Doc, are you okay? I know Eugene was also trying to rile you up since he's a snake but I hope that nothing he said offended or hurt you" Goo asks and Daniel shakes his head.
"I'm fine, nothing I couldn't have dealt with or that I haven't heard before" Daniel replies before smiling gently at the upset man. "Thank you for stepping in, it was very kind of you to do so" he mentions and suddenly a goofy smile appears on the elder's face.
"Awe shucks Doc, of course, I had to step in, I didn't do all that much anyways so no need to thank me. Although I will say that your way of trying to 'calm' me down did shock me, you laid your charm on me quite strongly didn't you?" Goo chuckles and Daniel sighs.
"I know that people already think we're dating but after that display people are going to be on my case even more" Daniel groans as Goo barks out a laugh.
"I wouldn't mind making the allegations true, you know? Especially with lips as soft as yours, I'm sad I only gave you a small peck. I could kiss you for days" Goo teases and Daniel grows even more flustered, burning at the words even though he knew the man was just making fun of him.
"S-shut up" Daniel had nothing else to say to defend himself and Goo's crackling grew even louder, drawing the attention of even more people to them.
James smiles in amusement, holding a hand to his lips to stifle the sounds that threaten to come out, Gun on the other hand…
"I need to use the bathroom" Gun announces before turning on his heel and walking away briskly.
"Is he okay?" Daniel questions, noticing that something was most definitely wrong for the elder to just up and leave like that with a flimsy excuse of using the bathroom.
"He's probably going through menopause" Goo shrugs yet there was a grin on his lips as he speaks. "You should probably go and check on him," He urges.
Daniel sends a hesitant look towards the blonde but it is James who speaks up.
"If Gun is upset then the one who can best comfort him is probably you, if either Goo or I went after him he'd probably throw a hissy fit" James explains and Daniel understood the logic.
"Alright" With a nod, Daniel follows after Gun, missing the mischievous smile the two Founders send to one another as he leaves.
Wherever Gun had gone it was beyond the threshold of the rooftop and top floor, it takes Daniel asking one of the uncles for directions to the bathroom before Daniel eventually stumbles upon a quiet, more secluded room on the ground floor.
This bathroom was for public use and open to the partygoers, hoping that the Founder was inside the Doctor tentatively reaching out to knock on the door.
"Occupied" A voice growls out and Daniel lets out a sigh of relief.
That was definitely Gun.
"Jong Gun, it's me. Let me in" Daniel calls softly, announcing his presence.
A moment goes by but the door doesn't budge. Daniel frowns before letting out a sigh. There was no reason that Gun would let him in furthermore if the man was upset then he'd probably want some alone time.
"Alright, if you want to talk or if you need me I'll be back on the rooftop. I'm here for you Gun" Daniel states clearly before stepping away, focused on heading back to the party that was apparently dedicated to him when the sound of a door opening was heard.
In an instant, Daniel felt himself being pulled backward and suddenly he was in the reasonably sized bathroom and Gun was locking the door.
"Gun?" was the only thing Daniel could say before warm lips were on his. Staring wide-eyed the younger barely processes the fact that Gun was willingly kissing him, taking the first step since his injury.
Gun pulls back, allowing the both of them to gasp for air and speak.
"Fuck" The elder swears before he leans his forehead on Daniel's shoulder, his larger body overshadowing the Doctors body and keeping him trapped against the sink. "Fuck, I hate this" Gun continues and Daniel feels his heart stutter.
"Gun? Jong Gun? What's wrong?" Daniel coos as he raises his hands to press on the larger man's shoulder, wanting to put some distance between them so that he could see the man's face and read what was wrong. "Come on man, you have to tell me or else I won't have a clue what's going on. Why'd you kiss me? I thought you said you didn't want to do this anymore, it isn't fair if you do this to me, what am I supposed to think?" Daniel rambles.
Gun sucks in another breath before backing up just a couple of inches. He pulls off his shades and tosses them onto the counter, looking at the younger man with an indescribably desperate and hurt look.
"I've tried so badly to hold myself back, to stop this from happening and yet here I am cornering you in the bathroom and forcing myself onto you despite continuously telling you no. I'm the literal definition of a hypocritical scumbag" Gun barks out humorously, shaking his head before grinding down on his jaw.
"Hey now, I was caught off guard but I didn't necessarily hate the kiss. If anything, this is the type of thing I've been wanting for ages. Something genuine" Daniel hums before sliding his hands from the man's shoulder up to his face. "Now come on, explain it to me in clearer terms" he encourages.
Cupping Gun's face in his delicate hands, his thumb traces the Founder's cheeks. The featherlight touches cause Gun to close his eyes, his breathing steadies out and soon he's speaking again.
"I thought I would be fine if we weren't anything, that it would be fine if you were with someone else. I always see you hanging around with other people, you're always hanging off some fighter or they're hanging off you but the moment Goo kissed you, even if it was a part of some stupid act…It's like that stupid cafeteria incident from a while ago…shit" Gun scrunches his eyes shut before admitting something that was so obvious. "Fucking hell, I'm a jealous piece of shit and I hate it when other people touch you in ways that only I should. I should be the one holding you close, wrapping my arms around your waist and leaving marks across your skin. It should be me, not any of those fuckers out there" He curses and Daniel's heart swells.
This was it. This was the acceptance that he had been seeking from Gun. Yet now that Gun was spilling everything, about how much he wanted Daniel and how possessive he was, it didn't feel right. It felt as if Gun was being forced to admit it all, his discomfort was plain to see.
Gun being upset also made Daniel feel shitty.
"Gun, I'm here and I want you just as much" Daniel reveals despite knowing that it had been his truth for so long now. "Even after everything, even with all those people out there. The only one I want is you. They can be charming and seductive, they can be kind and the type of people I want as a partner but you, you're all of that and more" He confesses as Gun opens his eyes.
The dark pool of obsidian had never been so heavy and filled with emotion before. What was usually a pool of endless black holes was now compacted with want and need.
"I'll hurt you" Gun huffs.
"I know" Daniel snorts, letting a hand slide into the man's hair. He brushes his fingers through the hair, causing it to fall in dishevelled strands around Gun's forehead.
"You'll probably be pissed with me all the time. It'll be hard to be happy with me" Gun points out, as if he was pointing out every flaw he had to discourage Daniel from him.
"I think my happiness is for me to decide just as it is yours" Daniel smiles, couldn't help but smile the same content smile he always did when he was around Gun.
"It'll be hard. I'll probably make you cry a lot" A fearful look flashes through Gun's face. A man who doesn't know fear was showing that emotion? It was unthinkable.
"It'll be okay," Daniel hums.
"Daniel please, this is only going to end in chaos with the both of us hurt beyond repair" Gun was trying to spare Daniel from the misery of a relationship with him. Of being trapped in something that could possibly kill both him and his spirit.
"You're imagining all the worst-case scenarios but you haven't even given yourself the chance to imagine the best. We can be happy together, Jong Gun. Have you ever thought of that?" Daniel reasons and a surprised expression blooms onto Gun's face.
Daniel barely stifles his laugh and Gun soon glares at him.
"Sorry, but you didn't think about it?"
"Shut up" Gun grumbles.
"But I'm being serious, Gun. You can make me happy and I hope that I can also make you just as happy. Won't you give it a chance?" Daniel croons out softly, taking in the sight of how soft the usually angry or nonchalant man could be.
The answer comes in the form of another heated yet gentle kiss, the restraint around Gun's body breaks as he leans in and devours Daniel with even more energy than before. This time rather than jealousy it was filled with heavy desire. Daniel moans into Gun's mouth, allowing Gun's tongue to dominate him as he becomes pliant, his hands clawing at the Founder's hair and back.